lime doodle

there she goes day 3

2012-02-23T13:00:00.000Z

This is my second post today, so please scroll down for my CASE study card :)

So lets kick off with a new set from Melyssa who has created the most darling Easter stamp set!

Egg-stra Special isa 3x4 set that includes a total of 9 stamps and will sell for $7.00.

I just fell in love with this little girl with her egg basket!

As a child my hair was a bright auburn red and I always gravitated towards natural hues and greens but obviously there is some left over desire to have worn bright colours!

Would you like to win the new Egg-stra Special stamp sets? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps!

he Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday February 25th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

case study challenge 79

2012-02-23T05:01:00.000Z

Where did the time go? It's our last week with our amazing CASE study muse Karola. I have so enjoyed CASEing Karola despite our different styles. She is one talented artist and I see so much within her creations to inspire me. Here's this weeks card of Karola's

I was inspired by the movement of elements across the page and translated that into a burst of stamped circular images across a die cut. I combined the dots evident in Karola's piece with an element I spotted Maile Belles use here (4th card) - the stamped coloured background sandwiched between some nice clean white.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink botanical silhouettes, green thumb, background basics circles, birthday basics, Lil' Inker Designs flags and tags; Inks - Versacolor pinecone. Martha Stewart sweet pea, bamboo, Versamark; Card - Papertrey Ink plum pudding; Dies - Papertrey Ink fillable frames 7, Pealrs; Adhesive stones, Flower

Here's a close up of the action.

Stop by these fabulous girls for more inspiration :)

Amy Wanford

Christina MacLaren
ClareBuswell
Debby Hughes - me!
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa):Owner
Jean Martin
Julie Lacey - taking a break
Maureen Plut
Teneale Williams
TeresaKline

there she goes day 2

2012-02-22T13:00:00.000Z

Carrying on with There She Goes sneak peeks and we move on to another fabulous set designed by Torico.

Every Child is a 4x6 set that includes a total of 14 stamps and will sell for $15.00.

The sentiments in this set ring so true! As children we happily draw, colour and splatter paint about to our hearts content; at what age do we suddenly feel we "don't have a creative side"? I thought this little girl splattering some paint around was just perfect and long may every child grow up to be able to do the same.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes every child; Paper - My Mind's Eye lime twist life of the party; Dies - Papertrey Ink pinking shears; Promarkers

Would you like to win the new Every Child stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs thatare participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on theircreations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will berandomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a randomnumber generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog HopChallenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more youcomment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps!

The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday February25th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

there she goes day 1

2012-02-21T13:00:00.000Z

Yey it's There She Goes sneak peek time! We have two new sets for you to see today, so let's get started!

We have all had a loss for words…but have you ever had a loss for numbers?Torico’s new illustrated set brings the numbers to the forefront. With two setsof numbers to color, paper piece, or be creative with ink, Numbered days is theset for you to send those birthday and anniversary wishes.

Numbered Days is a 4x6 set that includes a total of 37 stamps andwill sell for $15.00.

The idea from this card came from the movie Up! I positioned the stamps as if the number 8 was being lifted out of the sentiment by the attached balloon. On hindsight maybe I should have added some of those little dashes to show movement.

I stamped the number eight, sentiment and balloon before die cutting with a circle. Then I stamped the balloon again on a spare bit of card and coloured and cut out, sticking the lower part to the circle and the upper part was attached to the card with dimensional adhesive.

Our next set today is also designed by the wonderful Torico.

Friendbots, Lovebots, Nursebots, and now Birthdaybots. Torcio has been hardat work to bring us another fabulous bot! Is this bot ever cute. What afabulous way to send out birthday wishes to your little bot.

Birthdaybotis a 3x4 set that includes a total of 4 stamps and will sell for $7.00.

So for this set my starting point was to stamp, colour and cut out this cutie little bot with his present. Then I layered him over a die cut tag and strip of patterned paper on a grey card base. Hopefully boyish but still cute. I used part of a larger sentiment across the tag.

Here's a question. What colour should a robots face be? Hmmm, I went with a pale skin colour with slightly rosie cheeks because I thought it made him look even more cute!

Would you like to win the new Numbered Days and Birthdaybot stamp set?Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that areparticipating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on theircreations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will berandomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a randomnumber generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog HopChallenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more youcomment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog HopChallenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday February 25th with thewinner being announced during the release party chat.

there she goes 144

2012-02-20T12:34:00.000Z

It's challenge time at There She Goes and this week Jessie challenged us to make a card or project using an animal theme.

Now the children went back to school this morning after our week's half term break and I am still a little shell shocked after a fun but busy week. Sooooo I needed a little help this morning getting started and turned to the amazing Chupa for inspiration! Chupa is still managing to knock out fabulous cards despite moving house this weekend. How does the girl do it! I loved Chupa's design on this card here and used the layout in it's entirity just swopping out colours and stamps. It felt good to get inky while still trying to find my own mojo. Thanks Chupa!

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes zoo-pendous, sentimental birthday, Hero Arts designer woodgrain; Inks Versafine onyx black, Distress Inks broken china, peeled paing; Card - Stampin' Up lucky limeade, tempting turquoise; Paper - My Mind's Eye lime twist life of the party; Dies - Lil' Inker Designs rainbows and clouds, Papertrey Ink medium scallop, My Favourite Things fresh cut grass

Please excuse the rather odd lighting, you wouldn't believe how dull the day is here today - I struggled to even get a focused picture, so this is as good as it gets I'm afraid.

So do you fancy joining us this week?

To be eligible for the giveaway, create a card or project using an animal theme and then come back to the TSG Blog to add your name and a link to your project in the InLinkz that is located at the bottom of this challenge post. This challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (February 27th). The winner will get a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

By participating in this challenge, you may also find yourself in the Trendsetting Spotlight that shines on the TSG Blog every Thursday. We will be on the lookout to find challenge cards that stand out and show Trendsetting qualities. TSG stamps are not required to participate in the challenges but are appreciated :)

You do not need to have a blog to be able to participate in the TSG Challenges! You can simply add the URL link from your project after it has been uploaded to your online craft gallery. If you upload your card to an online craft gallery, please use the keyword TSG144 so we can check out your beautiful work!

friend

2012-02-18T12:59:00.000Z

Wow, things have been quiet around here. The blog that is, not my house - three noisy munchkins running riot and keeping me on my toes!

I did manage to steal 5 minutes today to make a quick tag. I let the patterned paper do all the work here and just added a layered flower and little banner sentiment.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes world's best: Inks - Versacolor old rose, Versafine smoky gray; Card - Papertrey Ink rustick white; Paper - My Mind's Eye be happy; Dies - There She Goes world's best, Papertrey Ink tag sale 3; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink soft stone; Twine - The Twinery

I really have to dash today, lots to do! Have a great weekend.

for your inspiration 24

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000Z

Are you ready for another challenge photo from For Your Inspiration? I hope so because here it is!

What stuck me in this photo was the dominant tree in the foreground along with the horizontal line of the water. Here's my card :)

Supplies: Stamps - Penny Black fantasy, Papertrey Ink polka dot basics, birthday basics, Hero Arts big eyes; Inks - Amuse grass, Versacolor seashell, pinecone, Versamark; Card - Stampin' Up lucky limeade, blushing bride; Dies - Spellbinders circles, scalloped circles, Lil' Inker Designs flags and tags; Paper - Echo Park victoria garden; Brad - Stampin' Up in color printed designer brad; White embossing powder

I stamped the tree in a fresh green and then added small dots of pink to represent spring flowers - they don't show up very well in the photo unfortunately. The banner created the horizontal line I was after and then I dressed up the corner with a few die cuts.

Please stop by the rest of the Design Team for more inspiration. it is with great sadness that we wish farewell to Keva and Peggy after this challenge. We will miss you girls.

Debbie

Debby - that's me!

Keva

Michelle

Peggy
Rochelle
Sara
Steph
Vicki

case study challenge 78

2012-02-16T05:01:00.001Z

It's CASE study time! Are you having fun CASEing our muse Karola? I certainly am and we have another stunner for you this week.

From Karola's inspiration I went with a square card and flower over layered die cuts. I did start out with a similar colour scheme but during the making of the card the hue of the colours got stronger :)

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink mat stack 4, simple sunflower; Inks - Martha Stewart meyer lemon, Versacolor pinecone; Card - Stampin' Up early espresso, bashful blue; Dies - Spellbinders squares, Papertrey Ink tag sale 5; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink pure poppy; Twine - Stampin' Up

I do love this sunflower stamp, perhaps not very seasonal but it just makes me feel happy and that's good any time of year!

This week CASE study is sponsored by It's My ThoughtsExactly with a choice of two stamp sets from the store.

Pop by the rest of the team for more inspiration :)

Amy Wanford

Christina MacLaren
ClareBuswell
Debby Hughes - me!

Iwona Palamountain (Chupa):Owner
Jean Martin

Julie Lacey - taking a break
Maureen Plut
Teneale Williams
TeresaKline

papertrey ink day 5

2012-02-09T13:39:00.001Z

I'm flying in with another Papertrey Ink post! Day 5 of the anniversary celebrations is to use Pinterest inspiration for a card.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink happy trails, Inks - Versacolor cement, Versafine smoky gray; Card - Papertrey Ink rustic white, soft stone; Paper - My Mind's Eye follow your heart be amazing; Dies - Papertrey Ink double ended banner, fillable frames 7

I used the photo Ashley Cannon Newell found. Here's the original source.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Eleonora on Pinterest

I was taken by the vertical stripes of soft, sea washed colours with the pop of a little blue. I cut strips of patterned paper with the smaller double ended banner die and staggered and overlapped them slightly leaving the ends loose to curl up. The notch in the banner reminded me of the sloping roof in the picture. Finally I mounted a panel over the top with layered stamping.

Well that's me for today! We are on count down to our half term break, so things may be a little quiet around here for a day or two while I enjoy having my three munchkins with me.

papertrey ink day 4

2012-02-09T10:14:00.003Z

I'm still playing along with Papertrey Ink's anniversary festivities! This card is for day 4 - to use one of the colour schemes suggested by the design team. I chose Maile's to work with mainly because I love using grey at the moment! I was inspired by the kite scenes in the new paper pad which fell into my shopping cart the other day - My Mind's Eye follow your heart be amazing.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink modern wood mats, everyday button bits; Inks - Amuse bermuda, Versafine onyx black; Card - Papertrey Ink spring moss, terracota tile; Paper - My Mind's Eye follow your heart be amazing; Dies - Papertrey Ink small scallop, cloud

Here's Maile's colour scheme.

I replaced canyon clay with terracota tile and didn't manage to squeeze in any kraft, but overall I don't think I did too bad sticking to the colours.

Well that's me for today. I wonder what day 5 of the festivities entails!

case study challenge 77

2012-02-09T05:01:00.000Z

Did you enjoy the inspiration from our new CASE study muse last week? Despite our different styles, I am finding so much to CASE in Karola's cards. Here's my card for this week.

Supplies: Stamps - Lil' Inker Designs flags and tags; Inks - Versafine onyx black; Paper - Echo Park victoria gardens; Buttons - Papertrey Ink spring mix; Brads - Stampin' Up glimmer basics; Dies - Lil' Inker Designs of the heart, Papertrey Ink simple circles border

And here's Karola's card for this week.

I was inspired by the background circles with buttons. The shape reminded me of a Papertrey Ink die I have - simple circles border. I cut a white mat for a white card and added a white die cut border and a sentiment stamped in black. Then I added some colour with circles of patterned paper from one of my current favourite collections. I've used these papers so much that I'm down to the last scraps of some of the papers in the pad. Time for some shopping I think! In between the circles I interspersed buttons and glimmer brads. A sweet little popped up heart finished it off.

Please pop by the rest of the girls in the DT to see how Karola's card inspired them.

Amy Wanford - coming soon

Christina MacLaren
ClareBuswell
Debby Hughes - me!

Iwona Palamountain (Chupa):Owner
Jean Martin

Julie Lacey - taking a break
Maureen Plut
Teneale Williams - taking a week off
TeresaKline

bite me!

2012-02-08T16:00:00.000Z

How about a bit of fun? I made this card for a fan of the twilight series; my crafty friend Michelle. She opened the card today, so I am allowed to share now :)

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes hauntingly delightful, Hero Arts envelope pattern; Inks - Versafine onyx black, Versamark; Card - Stampin' Up old olive, basic black, real red; Stampin' Up rhinestones; Cricut home accents cartridge cut to size 2; Embossing folder - Lifestyle Crafts dainty; Glitter; Stampin' Up word window punch

That sentiment just kills me! Also it's nice to make use of a Halloween set for a different purpose.

I'm also popping this card over to Casual Friday's movie theme challenge.

papertrey ink day 2 part 2

2012-02-06T14:08:00.000Z

This is another card for day 2 of Papertrey Ink's anniversary celebrations. I am loving the images in the free download! So for this card I chose the cassette from Erin Lincoln. I am really looking forward to seeing what Erin designs for PTI in the coming year. For today I paired the cassette with grunge me and signature greetings and came up with this card.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink free download, grunge me, signature greetings; Ink - Versacolor canary, Versafine onyx black

I don't know what the kids are wearing in your part of the world, but there is a real fluorescent thing going on here, so I chose the brightest yellow ink I could for the background splatters.

papertrey ink day 2

2012-02-06T13:29:00.002Z

The anniversary celebrations at Papertrey Ink are continuing today with a challenge to use one of the images from a generous download of wonderful PTI images. I'm going to keep this post short and sweet as I'd want to go and play with some of the other images!

Supplies: Image - Papertrey Ink download; Card - Papertrey Ink lemon tart; Paper - Papertrey Ink 2009 bitty dots basics; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink lemon tart; Button - Papertrey Ink spring mix; Die - Papertrey Ink edgers

These sweet chicks are by Lisa Johnson and just make me smile and think of spring.

tsg142 good luck

2012-02-06T05:01:00.000Z

This week at There She Goes the challenge is to use negative die cuts on a project. I LOVE this technique and when I think of it I also immediately think of my fab CAS buddy Cristina - she does negative die cuts so well!

Supplies: Die - There She Goes World's Best; Stamps - Papertrey Ink teacher's apple; Ink - Colorbox moss green; Adhesive rhinestone; Font - Carolingia

I used the itty bitty die from the World's Best die collection. It's sort of a tear shape. I had so many ideas for this die with geometric patterns or used a raindrops. However, I don't have an umbrella stamp, so decided to go with a simplistic shamrock for a good luck card instead. Amazingly I couldn't find a good luck stamp either (there are some serious gaps in my stamp collection!) so I downloaded a suitable font and printed one from the computer.

So that's me for today. I hope you had a good weekend. I must admit that I joined the ranks of those just a bit under the weather. I've loved that we've had a milder winter this year, but boy those bugs could do with a cold snap to kill them off!

papertrey ink day 1

2012-02-05T23:45:00.000Z

Papertrey Ink are celebrating their 5th anniversary this month! The challenge today was to pick one of the team members favourite projects to use as your own inspiration. It will come as no surprise to you that I chose the fabulous Maile Belles. This lady can do no wrong; from her clean and simple projects to her wonderful stamp designs. I picked out three of Maile's stamp sets

modern basics
background basics circles
gracious vases

and here's what I came up with.

I had to resort to lights to photograph this as it's dark here now. In fact I really should be in bed considering I've been a bit under the weather. Anyway, in real life the pink is a really vibrant magenta which doesn't come across that well in this photo. If I get the chance tomorrow then I will take a picture using natural light.

Here's is the inspiration picture from Maile, it's from this post if you want a closer look.

Hopefully you can see that I took the background stamped panel, pop of rich colour just above a sentiment which overlaps the background.

lil' inker designs bonus goodies

2012-02-03T05:01:00.000Z

Today we take another look at the new bonus goodies Lil' Inker Designs released at the end of last month. Hopefully you've arrived here from Laura's blog and if not why not pop over there next. So let's get to it and look at Hamster Cupid;

Cutie or what?! I decided to paper piece the main image and then use my copics to shade the paper and add my red accents. Oh and I am just loving all the fonts that Laura is choosing!

Supplies: Stamps - hamster cupid; Inks Memento tuxedo black; Card - Stampin' Up real red; Dies - Papertrey Ink mat stack 5; Paper - Basic Grey basics kraft paper pad; Markers; Stickles star dust glitter glue; Embossing folder - Lifestyle Crafts dainty

I added a touch of glitter to his wings although please note that Stickles glitter glue and copics are not a good mix LOL!

Now it's time to pop by the lovely Jen!

for your inspiration 23

2012-02-02T07:00:00.000Z

Here's the photo for the current For Your Inspiration challenge.

Hmm, now I must admit to finding this one a bit tricky but hey that's what a challenge is all about isn't it?!

I used the little kitty from kennykdownloads (our sponsor this challenge) and coloured him in tones of grey to match the building.

Supplies: Stamps - kennykdownloads kitty, Paper Smooches party posse; Card - Stampin' Up basic grey, tempting turquoise; Twine - Divine Twine; Dies - Spellbinders circles, My Favourite Things say what; Stampin' Up rhinestones

Those concentric shapes were catching my eye and after puzzling over them for a bit I created concentric circles of card to make a negative die cut frame for the little kitty. I used more grey and some blue for the sky. OK actually it was turquoise but I felt it needed a bit of brightening! Phew, I think it was OK in the end.

Fancy some more inspiration? Pop by these lovely ladies:

Debbie

Debby - that's me!

Keva

Michelle
Peggy
Rochelle
Sara
Steph
Vicki

case study challenge 76

2012-02-02T05:01:00.000Z

The start of a new month means a new muse for CASE study. For February we have the amazing Karola Witczak joining us. Karola has a wonderful detailed style which should be quite daunting for my CAS style, but you know what, there is so much inspiration packed into Karola's designs that I actually found it surprisingly easy! So here's this week's inspiration card from Karola.

And here's my card. I picked out the green and blue colour palette and focused in on a theme of butterflies.

Stamps - Hero Arts antique engravings, Papertrey Ink modern basics, birthday basics; Inks - Versafine onyx black, Versacolor split pea, seafoam; Card - Papertrey Ink vellum

I used Papertrey Ink's Modern Basics set to create a base for my butterfly (Hero Arts Antique Engravings). I stamped the butterfly twice, once on to the base and once onto a piece of vellum. I cut the vellum butterfly out and then glued it just along the body, bending the wings up to give dimension. I used Papertrey Ink vellum which has enough weight to keep the wings in place.

Well that's me for today but for more inspiration pop by these talented ladies:

Amy Wanford

Christina MacLaren
ClareBuswell
Debby Hughes - me!
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa):Owner
Jean Martin

Julie Lacey - taking a break
Maureen Plut
Teneale Williams
TeresaKline

squeal!

2012-02-01T22:35:00.000Z

Doesn't that sentiment just kill you! Love it! Perfect for this little guy. This is my entry for this week's Tuesday Trigger at Moxie Fab. Here's the inspiration photo.

I picked out the chocolate brown, pinks and taupe colours and the layering. Here's the full view of my card.

Supplies: Stamps - Paper Smooches party posse; Inks - Versafine onyx black; Card - soft stone; Paper - Echo Park victoria gardens, Crate Paper; Die - Lil' Inker Designs flags and tags; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink sweet blush; Markers; Clear embossing powder

The brown layer is actually on the inside of the card with the card front being cut away at the level of the pink patterned paper. Now here's my confession. No white card on this one. Some "white space" yes, but no actual white. I must admit to struggling a bit with this! It doesn't feel like a truly "me" card but this little guy was so cute I couldn't not share.

lil' inker designs bonus goodies

2012-02-01T05:01:00.000Z

Yey, today I get to share a little inspiration for the bonus goodies that were released by Lil' Inker Designs at the end of January. Hopefully you've arrived here from Laura's blog and if not why not pop over there next.

Today I'm looking at the new Of the Heart Die and Stamp Set.

I love, love, love these little hearts! The dies have Lil' Inker Designs trademark perforated edges and are just the cutest! In addition Laura has picked a fab font and sentiments to match the dies. Here is my card which was inspired by the amazing Julie Ebersole - I love everything this lady makes!

Supplies: Stamps - Lil' Inker Designs heart dies and stamp set; Card - Stampin' Up basic gray, real red; Inks - Versamark; Dies - Lil' Inker Designs heart dies; Embossing folder - Lifestyle Crafts dainty; White embossing powder

Now it's time to hop over and see what Emily's been making.

tsg141 - big hugs

2012-01-30T05:01:00.000Z

It's There She Goes challenge time and the challenge this week is to be inspired by this lovely picture.

I love this photo. So fresh and full of the feeling of spring. Shame outside my window isn't complying though! I pulled out the colours from the photo and then used one of the images from Scootin' By Accessories to accent a panel on this little card.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes scootin' by accessories, sentimental birthday, Hero Arts envelope pattern; Inks - Memento tuxedo black, Versamark; Card - Stampin' Up blushing bride, Bazzill; Twine - The Twinery; Stampin' Up rhinestones; Promarkers; Clear embossing powder

There are some really great images in Scootin By Accessories which can be used not only in the scooter basket but also as stand alone images. There's this little bunch of flowers, a balloon, graduation cap, banner, presents, books. I can see so many uses for this little set for accents on cards and tags and at only $10 they are a really bargain.

Fancy having a go at this challenge? Create a card or project using the photo as inspiration and then go to the TSG Blog to add your name and a link to your project in the InLinkz that is located at the bottom of the challenge post. This challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (February 6th). The winner will get a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

there she goes sneak peek day 3

2012-01-26T13:00:00.000Z

This is my second post of the day, please scroll down for my CASE study card :)

So today we scoot along to the third day of There She Goes sneak peeks!

Scootin' By is a 4x8 set that includes a total of 15 stamps and will sell for $18.00. Scootin' By Accessories is a 4x4 set that includes a total of 14 stamps and will sell for $10.00.

Melyssa Connolly has created a fun set based on her character "Leah" along with fab scooter images and cracking sentiments. The accessories set is packed with all sorts of great images which can be used with the main set or as stand alone images.

I googled scooters to give myself some colour ideas before starting this card. It seems that red is a very popular scooter colour LOL! So I chose to add pops of red with paper piecing and then lightly coloured the rest of the image with my markers.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes scootin' by; Card - Stampin' Up lucky limeade; Paper - My Mind's Eye lime twist out of the blue; Markers

I bordered the sentiment with strips of patterned paper and mounted the main panel onto a green card base to add more colour.

Would you like to win the new Scootin' By and Scootin' By Accessories stamp sets? Visit the Trendsetter's blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter's blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the "it" blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter's Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning the new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenge will be open until 5pm EST Saturday January 28th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

case study challenge 75

2012-01-26T05:01:00.000Z

Take a look at this "white with a splash" lovely!

Does this CAS beauty get you inspired? Then join us at CASE study this week! This card belongs to our amazing muse for January Jen Rzasa. I've loved CASEing Jen this month and can't quite believe time has flown by so quickly and this is our last week with Jen :(

I don't think you need to look far to see how I was inspired by Jen's card! The horizontal lines reminded me of a favourite recipe of mine (PTI happy trails pencils) and I mixed in a rainbow of colours taken from Jen's twine. Finally I added a black sentiment with a mix of fonts.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink happy trails; Inks Versacolor orchid, Colorbox cranberry, Martha Stewart meyer lemon, Versacolor cyan, Versafine onyx black

So do you fancy joining us at CASE this week? Here's some more inspiration to get you started:

Amy Wanford
Christina MacLaren
ClareBuswell
Debby Hughes - me!
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa):Owner
Jean Martin
Julie Lacey - taking a break
Maureen Plut
Teneale Williams
TeresaKline

there she goes sneak peek day 2

2012-01-25T13:00:00.000Z

Here we go with day 2 of the sneak peeks for There She Goes! Today we are sharing a VERY versatile set called Perk Up.

This set has so many great images - cups, mugs, sweet treats. I can really see myself turning to this set again and again. Now for me one of the images I just had to use. For those of you living in the UK let me just say Marks & Spencers doughnuts - the ones with the pink icing and sprinkles! Enough said!

Supplies: There She Goes perk up; Markers; Cocktail stick; Square punch; Glitter

I coloured the doughnuts with markers before piling on the pink glitter. Maybe not as tasty as the real thing but cute nevertheless! And how fun is that sentiment. I added it to a cocktail stick with which I pierced my stack of calories!

Would you like to win the new Perk Up stamp set? Visit the Trendsetter's blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter's blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the "it" blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter's Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning the new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenge will be open until 5pm EST Saturday January 28th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

there she goes sneak peek day 1

2012-01-24T13:00:00.000Z

Hi there. Today marks the start of January's sneak peeks for There She Goes. And do we have some fun in store this month! Just take a little look:

This cutie set is the next in the "bot" range by Torico. We've had friendbots and lovebots and now we have nursebot!

I wanted to go a bit graphic with this one, so repeat stamped the pill image across the card front, shaded and coloured the pills with my markers, making one a different colour and popped up.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes nurse bot; Markers; Dies - Papertrey Ink skater dude

Nursebot is a 4x4 set that includes a total of 11 stamps and will sell for $10.00

Would you like to win the new Nursebot stamp set? Visit the Trendsetter's blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter's blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the "it" blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter's Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning the new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenge will be open until 5pm EST Saturday January 28th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

keep in touch

2012-01-23T22:52:00.000Z

This is just a quick post to show you a little card for Moxie Fab's map to your heart challenge.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink happy trails; Ink - Versafine onyx black; Die - Papertrey Ink happy trails

I'd almost forgotten I'd made this card and am just squeezing it in before the challenge dead line. Just don't ask which map I cut in to!

clean and simple day 10

2012-01-23T13:50:00.000Z

Well life got in the way a little during last week, so my participation in Clean and Simple Card Making was curtailed. However, I'm dropping in today to share a card set I made for day 10. Be prepared for a heavy photo post!

The basic design.

Supplies: Stamps - Stampin' Up charming, Papertrey Ink birthday basics, Lil' Inker Designs rainbow & cloud sentiments; Inks - Versafine onyx black, Versacolor peony, celadon, split pea; Ribbon - Stampin' Up rich razzleberry; Twine - The Twinery caribbean; Rhinestones - Stampin' Up; Dies - My Favourite Things dog tag

The different colourways.

The set of cards.

Packaging.

For the packaging I would've like to use a clear box like Amber did here. However, I don't seem to be able to find any in the UK. If anyone knows of anywhere please let me know. Thank you!

for your inspiration 22

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000Z

Aren't the colours in this weeks For Your Inspiration Challenge stunning!

I took a smidge of the green and a splash of the orange and came up with this card.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink background basics vines, Waltzingmouse Stamps say it with style; Inks Versanark, Versafine onyx black; Card - Stampin' Up sahara sand; Prima flower; White embossing powder; Dies - Papertrey Ink angled labels

It's always worth having an apologies card on hand, especially with my memory just of late! I white embossed the vine image onto sahara sand card and then used my markers to fill in the open leaves. I placed my sentiment on an angled labels die cut and added a Prima flower for colour.

There will be some Design Team changes coming up next month and Steph is looking for a couple more designers to add to the group. If you are interested, email Steph (onecraftychica@gmail.com) with your contact information, your blog address, and three of your best projects. Applications should be in by 31st January and will be notified by 4th February with the new term starting March 1st.

lil' inker designs sneak peek day 4

2012-01-19T05:02:00.000Z

Today I get to share the second set being released this month as a collaboration between Lil' Inker Designs and 2 Cute Ink - Sweet Bee. Hopefully as part of the new release blog hop for Lil' Inker Designs you've come from Alicia's blog and if so you are right on track. If not, pop over and see Laura so you can find out all the details

I used the little flower scene from the set on my card today. I had seen this photograph as part of
Lucy Abrams inspiration week - day 1. The shape of the alcove reminded me of Papertrey Inks mat stack 3 die.

So I took the flowers and created my own little alcove scene then I mounted my "alcove" onto a soft stone card base and added a twist of twine and a jewel to finish it off.

Supplies: Stamps Lil' Inker Designs sweet bee; Inks - Memento tuxedo black, Versamark: Card - Papertrey Ink soft stone, kraft; Promarkers: White Embossing Powder; Twine - The Twinery marasschino; Stampin' Up rhinestones; Dies - Papertrey Ink mat stack 3

Now it's time to hop on over to Sarah's blog. Have fun!

Don't forget to pop by Laura's blog tomorrow to find out about Bonus Goodies Friday!

case study challenge 74

2012-01-19T05:01:00.000Z

Are you ready? Ready for another fabulous creation from Jen Rzasa! Yep it's CASE study time and this week we have this colourful and graphic card for inspiration from our muse.

It might not be immediately obvious where I went with my card today. You see when I looked at Jen's card I immediately thought of Papertrey Ink's modern basics. I wanted to try a technique of patting distress inks onto an acrylic block, spritzing with water and then putting the stamp to the ink before pressing on card. So I got my modern basics stamp and did the above imagining a blue/green graphic pattern going up the left of my white panel. However, I must have spritzed a bit too much resulting in a wet splody pattern. Oops! I put my attempt to one side .... then looked at it again .... and brought it back. I actually quite liked that splodgy pattern! So I took it one step further and splattered some blue ink drops too. Before stamping a black flourish.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink modern basics, fancy flourishes; Waltzingmouse Stamps say it with style; Inks - Distress Inks peeled paint, broken china, Versafine onyx black; Card - Stampin' Up basic black; Dies - Papertrey Ink angled labels; Stampin' Up rhinestones

I kept the sentiment offset to one side similar to Jen's but just popped it up on a label to help it stand out from the background.

This week CASE study is sponsored by My Creative Classroom, an online arts and crafts learning center. They are offering a free seat to a class of their choice.

Pop by the rest of the team for more inspiration.

Amy Wanford
Christina MacLaren
ClareBuswell
Debby Hughes - me!
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa):Owner
Jean Martin Julie Lacey
Maureen Plut
Teneale Williams
TeresaKline

clean and simple day 7

2012-01-18T13:08:00.000Z

This is my second post today, please scroll down to see my Lil' Inker Designs new release blog hop card.

I'm playing catch up with this weeks Clean & Simple Card Making. This card is for day 7 (Tuesday) - plain white cards. I love white; to me it symbolises clean and crisp so it's no surprise that I use white card A LOT! In fact I used a white card base for many of my cards for the early part of this online course - day 1, day 2, day 4 (owl card), day 5 and an almost totally white card for day 6. Today, I went cutesy with a new Paper Smooches set that popped through my letterbox recently.

Supplies: Stamps - Paper Smooches party posse; Inks - Versafine onyx black; Card - Stampin' Up pumpkin pie, real red; Clear embossing powder; Twine; Markers

I created layers of white, offset the main panel and rounded the corner all to add interest without taking away from the colour popping off the white base.

That's me for today. My visitors have gone and the house looks like a bomb site, so I'd better get to it!

lil' inker designs sneak peek day 3

2012-01-18T05:01:00.000Z

Hopefully as part of the new release blog hop for Lil' Inker Designs you've come from Alicia's blog and if so you are right on track. If not, pop over and see Laura so you can find out all the details.

So today I get to share the next installment of the collaboration between Lil' Inker Designs and 2 Cute Ink. Cute is just the word too - have a look at this Cute Cat stamp set!

I really enjoyed colouring this little guy! Can't you just image him handing this bunch of flowers to his girlfriend?

Supplies: Stamps - Lil' Inker Designs cutie cat; Inks - Memento tuxedo black, Versafine onyx black; Markers - Promarkers, Flex markers, Copics; Dies - Lil' Inker Designs flags & tags; Stampin' Up rhinestones

I cut a large flag die cut using Lil' Inker Designs new Flags and Tags set before stamping him in Memento ink. Then I set to with my markers. I added a little twine bow and a few bits of sparkle to bling it up a little.

Although the challenge is now closed, I used this sketch from Lucy Abrams sketch week, sketch 5.

Now it's time to hop over to Sarah's blog. Have fun! Oh and don't forget about Bonus Goodies Friday when Lil' Inker Designs will bereleasing a set of adorable items with a Valentine's Day theme that you won't want to miss!

lil' inker designs sneak peek day 2

2012-01-17T05:01:00.000Z

Hopefully as part of the new release blog hop for Lil' Inker Designs you've come from Teresa's blog and if so you are right on track. If not, pop over and see Laura so you can find out all the details.

So lets have a look at the great things coming this month. We start with Flags and Tags stamp and die sets. Just take a look at the graphics - such fun!

I really love the cute tag die with it's matching stamps and the font is fabulous as always.

Supplies: Stamps - Lil' Inker Designs flags & tags, Inks - Amuse bermuda, Versacolor pinecone; Card - Papertrey Ink rustic white, soft stone; Paper - My Mind's Eye lost & found two; Dies - Lil' Inker Designs flags & tags

I was really pleased how this card came together - yey, a guy card I like! I cut 3 double ended banners from patterned paper and staggered their placement on a soft stone layer. Then I popped up the tag and added a couple of co-ordinating buttons. Be prepared to see much more of these stamps and dies because I likey!

Oh and stay tuned for Bonus Goodies Friday. Lil' Inker Designs will be releasing a set of adorable items with a Valentine's Day theme that you won't want to miss!

Now it's time to hop over to Ariana's blog. Have fun!

clean and simple day 6

2012-01-16T14:41:00.001Z

My time with my visitors is going really well, but while they popped out on a little dog walk I took the opportunity to make a card for day 6 of Clean and Simple Card Making. The theme today is simple embellishments.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink modern wood mats, Waltzingmouse Stamps teeny trees; Inks - Versacolor pinecone, cement; Card - Papertery Ink soft stone; Die - Memory Box meadow leaf; Button

Onto a white panel I used a leaf die cut in a neutrals palette with a button and overlaid onto a circular woodgrain stamp.

Short and sweet today but I'm glad I got chance to take part :)

clean and simple day 5

2012-01-13T19:42:00.000Z

Supplies: Stamps - Hero Arts formula fun, Papertrey Ink tag its #6; Inks - Versafine onyx black, Versafine smoky gray, Versacolor cement; Card - Stampin' Up sahara sand; Twine - The Twinery maraschino; Dies - Spellbinders circles; Clear embossing powder; Stampin' Up clips assortment

I'm sharing this card today as part of Clean Simple Card making day 5 - techniques. I'm hoping this card shows the technique of heat embossing, in particular, using clear embossing powder to give a subtle effect. Here I stamped Hero Arts formula fun onto sahara sand card and clear embossed. I thought it created a understated effect for quite a busy background.

I'm also going to pop this card over to Moxie Fabs embossing and debossing challenge.

Have a great weekend!

clean and simple day 4

2012-01-12T20:10:00.001Z

My visitors are arriving today. The beds are made, the house is cleaned yet they aren't here yet, so I had time to play. Yey! Today's Clean and Simple Card Making class was looking at using our stamps in more than one way - three stamps one way. I didn't have time to do three cards, but I managed two. I took Hero Arts new "big eyes" owl stamp. I used the whole stamp on the card and just a portion of the print background for my flower on the notecard.

Supplies: Stamps - Hero Arts big eyes, designer woodgrain, Papertrey Ink polka dot basics II, signature greetings; Inks - Stampin' Up pale plum, rich razzleberry, Versafine onyx black, Versamark, Versacolor sky gray; Card - Stampin' Up rich razzleberry, blushing bride, pool party; Clear embossing powder, White embossing powder; Dies - Papertrey Ink flower die, scallop die; Promarkers; Flower from a broken headband; Stampin' Up printed brad

Here's the card. I stamped "big eyes" in Versafine ink and clear embossed before sponging with two colours of ink.

And the notecard. I Versamarked "big eyes" onto rich razzleberry card and white embossed before die cutting a flower from his tummy area.

That's it for me now as my visitors have arrived :)

case study challenge 73

2012-01-12T05:01:00.000Z

Thursday means it's time for another CASE study card from our muse this month Jen Rzasa. I am bowled over by everything that Jen makes - just look at this weeks inspiration. Gorgeous!

I really love this card, so kept many of the features in my CASE. I often use the negative space of a die cut so that element of Jen's card was a given for me to use. I also put the sentiment on a banner strip. In fact apart from the orientation I kept pretty much everything!

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink happy trails; Inks - Versacolor old rose, Versafine onyx black; Paper - Echo Park victoria gardens; Dies - Papertrey Ink cloud, happy trails, double ended banner

In real life this card is a little more vibrant with the colours popping from the white, it just doesn't seem to have come across very well today.

Fancy some more inspiration? Pop by this talented bunch who all have something to show you.

Amy Wanford

Christina MacLaren
ClareBuswell
Debby Hughes - me!
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa):Owner
Jean Martin
Julie Lacey (on a break)
Maureen Plut
Teneale Williams
TeresaKline

clean and simple day 3

2012-01-11T12:42:00.000Z

Supplies: Stamps - Hero Arts dots and flowers, Papertrey Ink everyday classics; Inks Versacolor celadon, Versafine onyx black; Card - Stampin' Up pool party; Dies - Papertrey ink happy trails, double ended banner; Stampin' Up rhinestones

This is my instalment for day 3 of Clean and Simple Card Making - to use tone on tone die cuts. The class also talks about using things around us to spark creativity and for this card I used day two of Lucy Abrams inspiration week with this picture.

Three days on the trot I've managed to join in with this class and I'm loving it! However, things are likely to go a bit quiet now for a while as I have visitors arriving tomorrow. I do have some Design Team posts scheduled but I will probably have to hold off on more Clean and Simple Card Making for a few days :(

next week

2012-01-10T22:39:00.000Z

Next week there's going to be some Lil' Inker going on around here! Please drop in to see some sneak peeks.

clean and simple day 2

2012-01-10T19:37:00.005Z

Popping in with my entry for day 2 of Clean & Simple card making - a one layer card. This card was a continuation of my card yesterday mixed with some inspiration from a fabulous CAS card maker, Laurie Willison.

Supplies: Stamps - Hero Arts designer woodgrain, Papertrey Ink heart prints, round & round; Inks - Verscolor sky gray, Colorbox cranberry, Versafine onyx black

It's dark here now, so I had a go with using my lights to photograph my card. It's a work in progress as I do prefer natural light but at least I have a photograph to share.

I'm going to pop this over to A Passion For Papertrey's Valentine's challenge.

Hopefully see you tomorrow if I can fit day 3 into my schedule!

clean and simple day 1 part 2

2012-01-09T15:56:00.000Z

Popping in with another card for the Clean & Simple card making class. This is for another sketch. We are buying a male friend tickets to a wine tasting event and I thought this CAS design would suit the bill perfectly.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes bon appetit, warmest wishes, Hero Arts designer woodgrain; Inks - Versafine onyx black, Versacolor sky gray, Colorbox cranberry; Card - Stampin' Up real red, basic black; Dies - Spellbinders circles

I masked a 3cm strip from the card front before stamping the woodgrain background stamp. Then added the cardstock strips and stamped die cut circle.

clean and simple day 1

2012-01-09T11:55:00.003Z

A card class dedicated to Clean & Simple stamping? Wild horses wouldn't have stopped me taking part! So today is Day 1 of a two week class entitled Clean & Simple card making. They have some amazing designers running the class and guesting too and I am so looking forward to the next two weeks. I aim to play along when I can, although I have visitors coming on Thursday for a week, so that will probably put paid to things for a while, but I hope to catch up afterwards.

I will keep these posts brief as my aim is to take part as much as possible and so I aim to post pictures as soon as I can without being too wordy. So here we go with my card for Day 1.

Supplies: Stamps - Hero Arts designer woodgrain, Papertrey Ink wishing you; Inks - Versacolor sky gray, Versafine onyx black; Card - Stampin' Up real red; Dies - Spellbinders hearts; Twine - The Twinery marasschino

I must admit to struggling with my photography just recently. I am taking advice when I can and trying to get the pictures which I see others achieve where the card just pops off the page. Maybe a photography class should be on my to do list this year too!

This card is based on a sketch by the amazing Maile Belles. I die cut a heart from the woodgrain panel and added a die cut red heart beneath.

I'm also going to pop this card over to Moxie Fab for their die cutting challenge.

Hopefully I will manage a Day 2 post tomorrow.

40 and fabulous

2012-01-06T22:29:00.000Z

I love making cards for challenges, but just recently, probably along with the rest of the world during this busy season, I haven't had much time. However, one of my New Year's resolutions is to try and fit in just a smidgen of time every now and then to indulge myself. Soooo, while needing to make a 40th birthday card, I've managed to combine a couple of challenges with a CASE of Maile Belles I've been meaning to try and came up with this card.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink big birthday wishes, modern wood mats; Inks - Versafine onyx black, Versacolor seashell; Card - Papertrey Ink soft stone; Dies - Papertrey Ink mat stack 5, double ended banners; Embossing Folder - Papertrey Ink; Stampin' Up rhinestones

Last year I loved the sketches by Lucy Abrams and despite having a new born baby (many congrats on Lily's arrival!) Lucy has found time to put together a new set of sketches this year. This card is for sketch 1.

The second challenge I used was another favourite of mine - Moxie Fab's Tuesday Trigger. Here's the inspiration photo.

I think the number theme was obviously an inspiration but I also thought the quilting around the numbers reminded me of the wood grain in Papertrey Ink's modern wood mats. Here's a closer look.

Phew, that's me for today. Have a great weekend!

there she goes dollar find friday

2012-01-06T05:01:00.000Z

It's my turn today to host the Dollar Find Friday post over on the There She Goes blog. I thought it would be fun to share it here too.

While wondering what project to do for today's post I browsed the stationary department of the local supermarket and came across some sticky notes. I've seen some great sticky note projects recently so thought I'd have a go myself and at 27p a pack they were a bargain!

I love to make fun party invites and I thought that I could incorporate these sticky notes into a play on words invitation.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes zoo-pendous; Inks - Memento tuxedo black; Card - Stampin' Up basic gray; Paper - Echo Park victoria gardens; Dies - Spellbinders squares, Papertrey Ink small scallop; Markers - Flex, Copic & Promarkers; Tesco sticky notes

I computer generated a punny speech bubble to pair up with the ostrich from one of my favourite sets, zoo-pendous.

Then I printed a party invite onto the first sticky note.

My thinking was the sticky note could be adhered to the family calendar/fridge door while leaving a cute sticky note pad to keep on using.

Edited to add: to get the party invite on the sticky note - create a text box in a word document with all the details, print it out, then stick the note over the top, put the paper back in the printer and reprint. You can then take the printed sticky note and pop it back on the note pad. Hope that helps!

Well here's to the start of the weekend! Have a good one!

for your inspiration 21

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000Z

This is my second post of the day, so please scroll down to see my CASE study card.

Are you ready for a new photo instalment from For Your Inspiration? How about this for amazing architecture!

This challenge is sponsored by the Wax Fruit Company who are offering a prize of a $15 store credit! I chose to work with their "birdhouse row" digi as the shapes of the houses reminded me of the arches of the cathedral.

Supplies: Stamps - Wax Fruit Company birdhouse row, Waltzingmouse Stamps teeny trees; Inks - Versacolor pinecone; Card - Stampin' Up rose red; Twine - The Twinery cappuccino; Button - Papertrey Ink spring mix; Dies - Speelbinders labels 14; Promarkers

I tried to pick out some of the pink/peach hues for my colour palette.

I actually really liked this card but wondered if it was too plain, so I did another one using deeper colours, a bit more layering and some patterned paper.

Supplies: Stamps - Wax fruit Company birdhouse row, Waltzingmouse Stamps teeny trees; Inks - Versacolor pinecone; Card - Stampin' Up cherry cobbler, Papertrey Ink rustic white, enchanted evening; Paper - Echo Park winter park; Dies Papertrey Ink scallop die

Which one do you prefer?

Here's the design team list so you can stock up on New Year inspiration! I hope you find time to join us this week.

Debbie

Debby - that's me!

Keva

Michelle
Peggy
Rochelle
Sara
Steph
Vicki

case study challenge 72

2012-01-05T05:01:00.000Z

The dawning of the first Thursday of the month means a new muse at CASE study. I am delighted that for January we have the wonderful Jen Rzasa joining us! I was doing a happy dance when I saw this weeks inspiration card.

CAS black and white with a pop of colour and I'm a happy girl! I got this Hero Arts big eyes owl for Christmas and was wanting to ink him up. I used Versafine onyx black and then heat embossed with clear powder. I thought the black and white suited the newspaper print design and I added just a pop of colour in the leaves and a scallop trim.

Decked out in winter white I thought he could be a snowy owl!

The start of the New Year brings all sorts of changes at CASE study. It is with tears in my eyes that we say goodbye to Cristina and Andrea. I have loved being on the DT with these girls and they will be sadly missed. However, there are always two sides to every coin and I would like you to give a big CASE study welcome to Christina MacLaren of Seaglass & Sentiments!

AmyWanford
Christina MacLaren
ClareBuswell
DebbyHughes - me!
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa):Owner
JeanMartin
JulieLacey
Maureen Plut
TenealeWilliams
TeresaKline

Jen Rzasa (January Muse)

there she goes - wednesday trends

2012-01-04T05:00:00.000Z

It's my turn today to write the Wednesday Trends post over at There She Goes. Here's a little look at the project I created - pop by the TSG blog if you want to hear me ramble on about clean and simple stamping!

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes world's best, sentimental birthday; Inks - Versacolor sage, cement, seafoam, Versafine smoky gray; Card - Stampin' Up basic gray, pear pizzazz; Dies - There She Goes world's best, Sizzix branch with leaves

wishing you

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000Z

A New Year usually means a New Start. And I aim to fully embrace this tradition. Well at least for the first few days! My New Year's resolutions are varied but as regards this ~~slightly compulsive~~ totally addictive hobby of mine, I aim to try and make a dint in my accumulation of stash. When I first started this hobby I bought everything that caught my eye in their pretty packages. Then as I found my own style, I realised that in the main I use stamps, inks, dies and cardstock. Yet I have still have shelves bulging with pretty packages of flowers, chipboard and other embellishments. And I'm proud to say I've already started on my stash busting! The chipboard heart from last weeks blog hop had been lurking in a dark corner for ages! So while I'm on a roll I made today's card using a glittered die cut border which came as part of a collection pack I think from Crate Paper, some ribbon which has been collecting dust and I pulled out my Spellbinders ovals dies which haven't seen the light of day in a while.

Supplies: Stamps There She Goes wishing you, holly jolly; Inks - Versacolor seafoaam, lagoon blue, split pea, Versafine onyx black; Card - Stampin' Up island indigo, pool party; Dies - Spellbinders ovals, labels 14; Ribbon - Caspain grass green; Die cut border - Crate Paper?, Stampin' Up rhinestones

I paired these older items with some newer ones to keep things fresh and voila - a small but significant step in the right direction. I gave this card to our friends who we stayed with to bring in the New Year.

So why not join in with this week's challenge over at There She Goes and tell us what your New Year's resolutions are.

case study challenge 71

2011-12-29T05:01:00.000Z

I hope you found time over the holidays to join in with our 2 week CASE study challenge. I am so loving Amy's designs as our muse this month. To send us out with a bang for the end of the year we have this wonderful creation to whet your creative appetite.

I concentrated on the mat layer, blue ribbon across and circular focal point with button and pop of red. Of course I kept it all very clean and simple.

Supplies: Stamps - Waltzingmouse Stamps big bloom poinsettia, teeny trees; Ink - Versafine onyx black, Colorbox cranberry; Dies - Memory Box woven circle, Spellbinders circles; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink spring rain; Button

Now I've just got to persuade one of the children to write a Christmas thank you inside and then get this card posted.

there she goes sneak peek day 2

2011-12-28T13:00:00.000Z

Today I get to share another new set from There She Goes. Entitled "Little Moment" this 6x8 set includes a total of 12 stamps for $24.

Torico has designed a delightful set capturing those special family moments which send us all warm inside. I chose to focus on one of the sentiments in this CAS card.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes little moments, Paper - Echo Park victoria garden; Chipboard heart - Heidi Swapp; Dies - Papertrey Ink angled labels

I stamped the sentiment onto a die cut label and sort of looped it through a chipboard heart. The heart, sentiment label and white card mat are all mounted with dimensional adhesive to give interest to this CAS design.

Would you like to win the new Little Moments stamp set? Here is what you need to do - visit the Trendsetter's blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter's blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the 'it' blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter's Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5PM Eastern Time Saturday 31st December with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

there she goes sneak peek day 1

2011-12-27T13:00:00.000Z

So did you have a lovely Christmas? I truly hope so. We had a wonderful time with a small family gathering at our house.

So now that Christmas is over it's time to start looking at something other than festive crafting. I was delighted when I saw "Lovebots" from There She Goes - a cute little set with valentine's in mind.

Torico has created an adorable 4x4 set that includes a total of 7 stamps for $10.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes lovebots; Card - Stampin' Up real red; Dies - Papertrey Ink pinking shears; Twine - The Twinery; Promarkers

I kept it simple - I'm still loving CAS and in fact aim to embrace this style as much as ever in the New Year.

Would you like to win the new Lovebots stamp set? Here is what you need to do - visit the Trendsetter's blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter's blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the 'it' blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter's Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5PM Eastern Time Saturday 31st December with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Pop back tomorrow when I have another new set from There She Goes to share.

I love you

2011-12-22T05:01:00.000Z

This week Lil' Inker Designs are sponsoring the Play Date Cafe challenge. I couldn't resist playing along - the inspiration board is just so .... inspiring!

I wanted to use Lil' Inker Designs Cocoa Bear but not in a Christmas way. So I stamped Cocoa Bear but masked out his cup of Cocoa and then added in a stamped heart instead.

Supplies: Stamps - Lil' Inker Designs cocoa bear, rainbow and cloud sentiments, Papertrey Ink hear prints; Ink - Memento tuxedo black, Versafine onyx black; Colorbox cranberry; Card - Stampin' Up lucky limeade, Papertrey Ink soft stone; Paper - Stampin' Up designer paper patterns stack in color 2011-2013

Copics; Promarkers; Flexmarkers; Dies - Papertrey Ink scallop; Ribbon

Short but sweet today as the big day is approaching at a rapid rate. Family arrive this evening, so my crafty space won't be seeing any action for a while. As this is probably my last post before Christmas, I'd like to wish you all the very best for a wonderful Christmas and a fabulous New Year!

birthday cupcake

2011-12-20T19:37:00.000Z

My daughter's best friend has a birthday tomorrow and this is the card she requested for her. My little girl has CAS taste just like her Mum!

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink birthday by the numbers; Inks - Colorbox cranberry, Versacolor turquoise, seafoam, Martha Stewart meyer lemon, Versafine onyx black; Card - Stampin' Up taken with teal

The theme was determined by the baking set, cook book and accessories we've got for her. Hopefully this card hits the mark - still cute but getting more and more grown up each quickly passing year.

one last one!

2011-12-19T19:11:00.000Z

Squeezing in one last Christmas card before the big day! I must admit that I've turned to There She Goes' Holly Jolly set again and again. I love the combination of solid images and cute fonts. For this card I strung a snowflake from a branch from their Zoo-pendous set. I set the image inside a simple aperture outlined in a pop of red.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes zoopendous, holly jolly; Inks - Memento tuxedo black, Versacolor lagoon blue, seafoam; Card - Stampin' Up real red, Papertrey Ink soft stone; Stampin' Up rhinestones

I stamped the larger of the solid snowflake stamps in a lighter blue and then centred the smaller one on top in a darker hue. A smidgen of bling finished it off.

I'm dashing off tonight. I'm just sitting down to intoduce my daughter to the BBC's adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. I hope she loves it as much as I do!

cut, stick, tie, repeat!

2011-12-17T05:00:00.000Z

I bet I'm not the only one following these steps - cut, stick, tie, repeat! Parcel by parcel I'm slowly getting everything wrapped. A nice piece of wrapping paper, a bit of ribbon and a cute tag. Here's some of the tags I've been using.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes holly jolly; Inks Versafine onyx black, Versacolor seafoam, Embossing powder; Dies Papertrey Ink fillable frames 9, winter penguin; Twine - The Twinery marashchino; Promarkers, Stampin' Up rhinestones; glitter card; eyelets

When I first saw the Holly Jolly set by There She Goes I was really smitten by some of the smaller images. I cut a bunch of tags, stamped the cute images and coloured them in, then stamped and embossed the blue snowflake and sentiment. I finished the tags off with a smidge of glitter card, some die cut snowflakes, bling and twine.

Here's some close ups. Oh and the set also includes a really useful To:/From: stamp for the back.

Well I need to get back to my wrapping station! Have a great weekend.

lil' inker designs sneak peek day 5

2011-12-16T05:01:00.000Z

Today is the last day of sneak peeks for Lil' Inker Designs latest release. I hope you've found your way from Teresa's blog but if not please start back at the beginning with Laura to find out all the details.

So we finish the week with another cutie - Cocoa Bear

Seriously just look at that face! Could there be any thing cuter!

Supplies: Stamps - Lil' Inker Designs cocoa bear; Inks - Tim Holtz distress ink broken china; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink melon berry; Twine - Divine Twine; Dies - Papertrey Ink double ended banner; Snowflake punch; Signo Uniball white gel pen; Copics; Flexmarkers

I coloured Cocoa Bear with my markers and then masked him off before pulling some broken china distress ink in from the sides.Then I dotted the sky with white gel pen and added touches of flock and glitter here and there.

Now it's time to hop along to Jen's blog. Have fun!

for your inspiration 20

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000Z

This is my second post today - please scroll down to see my CASE study card.

This photo is absolutely stunning! I say it every week, but Steph keeps finding the most amazing pictures to get our creativity fired up at For Your Inspiration.

As I said in my last post, a friend asked me to make a 50th birthday card for a man. I didn't want to give her just one to choose from so I created this card too. My card was inspired by the colours and the silhouetted horizon of this stunning photo but the layout was inspired by this card of Jessica Witty's.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink big birthday wishes; Inks - Versafine onyx black; Card - Stampin' Up tempting turquoise, island indigo, basic black; Dies - Papertrey Ink angled labels, by the numbers; Impression plate - Papertrey Ink numbers

Here's the detail shot:

Here's the DT list for more inspiration:

Debbie

Debby - that's me!

Keva
Michelle
Peggy
Rochelle
Sara
Steph
Vicki

case study challenge 70

2011-12-15T05:01:00.000Z

So how's your Christmas preparations going? It's certainly a crazy time of year! I'm doing OK but equally will be happier when the to do list is a bit shorter. I love the feeling on Christmas Eve when it's simply to late to do anything else. What's done is done and what's not we will manage without. With everyone being so busy, we are giving you a bit more time for our CASE study challenge today. This challenge will run for two weeks - from today until 28th December. Here's the beauty from our muse Amy:

Now this card had me stumped for a while. Don't get me wrong - I love it, but I just wasn't sure what to select as key elements. There is so many gorgeous details to choose from I just wasn't sure how to do it justice. In the end I went with background stamping, ribbon and a circular element.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink big birthday wishes, Hero Arts designer woodgrain; Inks - Versamark, Versacolor pinecone; Card - Papertrye Ink soft stone, Stampin' Up pumpkin pie, bashful blue, early espresso; Dies - Papertrey Ink by the numbers, Spellbinders circles; Embossing - Cuttlebug swiss dots; Ribbon - Stampin' Up; Button

A friend asked me to make a 50th card for a man, so I picked out a woodgrain background stamp and some masculine colours and got to work. I clear embossed the woodgrain onto the soft stone cardstock and dry embossed the blue card to try and add texture and interest without adding girly touches.

Fancy some more inspiration? Take a look at what the rest of the DT got up to:

Chupa (owner)

Amy

Andrea
Clare
Cristina
Debby - that's me!
Jean
Julie
Maureen
Teneale
Teresa

lil' inker designs sneak peek day 3

2011-12-14T05:01:00.000Z

Hopefully as part of the new release blog hop you've come from Teresa's blog and if so you are right on track. If not, pop over to Laura's blog so you can find out all the details. She's giving away the entire release to one lucky participant and two $10 store credits as well!

Well yesterday we introduced you to "Arctic Friends" and today we have "Snow Mouse".

I loved colouring this little guy in! Actually he's not that little and nicely fills the card front. I chose for him to be a little brown mouse with some icy blue hues thrown in.

Supplies: Stamps - Lil' Inker Designs snow mouse; Paper - Bo Bunny snowfall collection; Dies - Papertrey Ink angled labels; Copics, Flexmarkers; Twine - The Twinery cappuccino; Stampin' Up thinestones

I added some bling and lots of touches of glitter, which of course doesn't show up very well in pictures!

Now it's time to finish today's hop at the Lil' Inker Store.

lil' inker designs sneak peek day 2

2011-12-13T05:01:00.000Z

Hopefully as part of the new release blog hop you've come from Laura's blog and if so you are right on track. If not, pop over and see Laura so you can find out all the details. I believe she's giving away the entire release to one lucky participant and two $10 store credits as well!

So lets get to it! Today starts the first release of a collaboration between Lil' Inker Designs and 2 Cute Ink.

We have three new sets to show you over the next few days and we start off with this cutie!

What's not to love about these two pals enjoying an icy treat! I coloured the guys with a mixture of copics and flexmarkers and then masked them off before finishing the scene by bringing some broken china distress ink in from the edges.

Supplies: Stamps - Lil' Inker Designs arctic friends; Ink - Tim Holtz distress ink broken china; Card - Stampin' Up real red; Paper - My Mind's Eye lime twist life of the party; Dies - Papertrey Ink scallop; Twine - The Twinery; Copics; Flexmarkers

I finished the card by matting my image on a strip of patterned paper and scallop edge with a flourish of twine.

Now it's time to move on to Jen's blog. Have fun!

case study challenge 69

2011-12-08T05:01:00.000Z

Well it's Thursday and that means CASE study time! We continue on with our muse Amy Sheffer with this beauty for inspiration.

Now anyone who pops by here regularly knows I love my white card! I zoned in on the centre die cut with pop of colour at the top and sentiment on a separate die cut across the bottom and here's what I came up with.

Supplies: Stamps - Lil' Inker Designs holly jolly; Ink - Versafine onyx black; Card - Stampin' Up real red; Dies - Papertrey Ink mat stack 1, Spellbinders layered poinsettia; Stampin' Up rhinestones; Twine - The Twinery maraschino

A cute little tag. I die cut two tags, die cut a poinsettia from one and sandwiched a red poinsettia die cut between the two tags. I hope that makes sense! I also tried this tag with the sentiment stamped directly on the tag.

This next photo hopefully shows you how everything was sandwiched together.

I used these tags on my presents to my niece. Don't you just love brown paper packages all tied up with string!

Additional Supplies: Die - Papertrey Ink winter penguin; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink

The second tag I added to a money envelope. My neice has just started University and cash is always welcome!

Additional Supplies: Card - Stampin' Up crumb cake; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink

Well, that was quiet a few photos!

Just to add that the CASE study challenge this week is sponsored. Crop Stop online Store are giving away a $15 Gift Certificate to one winner!

If you fancy some more inspiration, here's the list for the other DT girls.

Chupa (owner)

Amy
Andrea
Clare
Cristina
Debby - that's me!
Jean
Julie
Maureen
Teneale
Teresa

little gifts

2011-12-07T19:59:00.000Z

Popping by today to show you a couple of quick and easy treat bags I made for a couple of the helpers at one of the children's clubs.

My crafty friend, Michelle, gave me this idea and it's great as those little treat bags are easy to cut out and then a simple embellishment with a few treats tied up with ribbon and they are good to go!

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes hohoho; Memento tuxedo black; Card - Stampin' Up real red, lucky limeade; Dies - Papertrey Ink favor it box 1, Spellbinders circles, scalloped circles; Copics

Rudolph from There She Goes Hohoho set is just adorable and great fun to colour. The perfect size to add to the front of these little bags.

Well, short and sweet from me tonight. It's that time of year where every moment counts towards the to do list!

lil' inker designs news

2011-12-05T20:16:00.001Z

Well there's some exciting times coming over at Lil' Inker Designs! Here's a word from Laura herself:

INTRODUCING our brand new collaborative line....

2 Cute Ink is the first artist created line to be featured at Lil’ Inker Designs and we are so excited! Artist Heidi Schwoerer, of 2 Cute Rubber Stamps, will now exclusively release her designs here at Lil’ Inker!

We’ll be releasing some of Heidi’s existing images as well as brand new, never released, irresistibly adorable images! All stamps sets will be available in our customary, but fabulous, clear stamp format and will feature sentiments designed by Laura and Ariana of Lil’ Inker Designs with ag designs done in a perfectly fun coordinating font!

I'm so excited! And to get the party started there will be 3 sets released in December. We kick off on 12th December with our New Release Hop. One lucky participant will win the Grand Prize of the entire release and there will also be two $10 store credits too!

for your inspiration 19

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000Z

This is my second post today, so please scroll down for my CASE study card.

Well, as the first Thursday of December it's time for an awesome photograph from For Your Inspiration! Seriously, look at this beauty!

The colours are what really struck me about this photo, that and the horizontal lines. Here's my take.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink tiny tags; Inks - versafine onyx black; Card - Stampin' Up elegant eggplant; Dies - Memory Box country landscape, Papertrey Ink tiny tags; Twine - The Twinery pink sorbet; Glamour Dust crystal

My card base is a rich elegant eggplant reminiscent of the purple sky and the pink twine reflects the colour as the sky approaches the city. My buildings are of a more country nature, but I can't seem to put down my Memory Box country landscape die!

This week we welcome a new design team member; Rochelle Washington! Please pop by and say hello to Rochelle, she is wonderfully talented. Here's the DT list as it now stands:

Debbie

Debby - that's me!
Keva
Michelle
Peggy
Rochelle
Sara
Steph
Vicki

case study challenge 68

2011-12-01T05:01:00.000Z

Wohoo! CASE study time again! December? How did that happen!! Well with the start of the month we have a new muse at CASE study and we have none other than Amy Sheffer! Amy has a detailed elegant style which you are just going to love. To get us started, here's this weeks card from Amy.

I chose to keep Amy's design while converting the card to a seasonal one. I loved the pop of orange ribbon on Amy's card to chose to include that along with the circular focal point. I used my Memory Box country landscape die - proving to be one of my favourites this season, along with another firm favourite; a sentiment from There She Goes holly jolly set. I paired these with some patterned papers in muted colours.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes holly jolly; Card - Papertrey Ink soft stone; Paper - Echo Park victoria gardens; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink harvest gold; Button - Papertrey Ink; Dies - Memory Box country landscape, Spellbinders scallops, circles

Here's my usual shot to show some of the details.

We have some DT news we have the lovely Maureen Plut joining us as a new DT member! Please pop by and give her a huge CASE study welcome! Here's the DT as it now stands.

Chupa (owner)

Amy
Andrea
Clare
Cristina
Debby - that's me!
Jean
Julie
Maureen - newest teamie!
Teneale
Teresa

no peeking!

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000Z

When I saw the inspiration for this weeks challenge from There She Goes I just had to play along! A lovely neutral pallette with pops of teal and aqua - yummy! I pulled out some matching cardstock and cut some presents from There She Goes warmest wishes and paired them with a sentiment from holly jolly.

Supplies - There She Goes warmest wishes, holly jolly; Card - Stampin' Up pool party, island indigo, Papertrey Ink soft stone

Here's a little close up of those sweet presents. I did try adding glitter but to honest I preferred them all simple and popping off the neutral base.

Why don't you play along with our challenge this week.

there she goes sneak peek day 3

2011-11-24T13:00:00.000Z

This is my second post for today - please scroll down for my CASE study card.

Well today is our final day of peeks for There She Goes November release and we are finishing on a wonderful set.

Torico has designed a warm and cheery set featuring stitched images and filled with hearts, stars and snowflakes.
Warmest Wishes is a 4x4 set that includes a total of 23 stamps and six dies and will sell for $31.50.

My project today combines Warmest Wishes with a set previewed on day 1 of peeks - Wishing You.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes warmest wishes, wishing you; Paper - Bo Bunny snowfall; Twine - The Twinery maraschino; Copics - R24 R29; Flexies - O719 O919; Brad

The images in Warmest Wishes are so cute with their stitched detail. I coloured three stockings to hang on my twine - one for each of my littlies!

Would you like to win the new stamp set? Visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday November 26th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

case study challenge 67

2011-11-24T05:01:00.000Z

Have you been enjoying our muse over at CASE study this month? I can't get enough of Kryssi's amazing cards and can't believe this is our last week with her. To send us off in style, here's this weeks card with lovely layered stamping. The eye catching card strip down one side and one rounded corner really pack this card with interest.

And here's my card. I kept so much of the original - rounded corner, cardstock strip and layered stamping but just switched out my stamps to create a masculine card for a change.

Supplies: Stamps - PTi pond life, modern wood mats, Waltzingmouse Stamps say it with style; Inks - Versacolor umber, sand beige, pinecone, evergreen; Card - Stampin' Up soft suede

Well that's me for today but for more inspiration call by the rest of the Design Team.

Chupa (owner)

Amy

Andrea
Clare
Cristina
Debby - that's me!
Jean
Julie

Teneale

Teresa

there she goes sneak peek day 2

2011-11-23T13:00:00.000Z

It's day two of There She Goes sneak peeks and today we are showcasing Holly Jolly.

Melyssa Connolly has captured the beauty of snowflakes in this set which also includes a die!
Holly Jolly is a 6x8 set that includes a total of 35 stamps and one die and will sell for $31.50.

So lets get to my project for today. I loved the snowflakes in the set and created a night sky with jewel encrusted flakes. For me this set is extra special as I absolutely adore the funky font used! I finished my panel with a florish of twine and mounted it with dimensionals on to a sahara sand card base.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes holly jolly, Hero Arts designer woodgrain; Inks - Papertrey Ink fresh snow; Card - Stampin Up sahara sand; Twine - The Twinery maraschino

Here's a close up of that lovely font.

Would you like to win this new stamp set? Visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday November 26th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

there she goes sneak peek day 1

2011-11-22T13:00:00.000Z

Yey, it's that time of the month - There She Goes sneak peek time! Today we have three mini sets being showcased. Let me start by giving you all the details.

First up we have Hohoho. A wonderful mini set designed by Torico to create your winter wonderland scene. This is the perfect set to create holiday tags, cards and gift boxes.
Hohoho is a 3x4 mini-set that includes a total of 9 stamps and will sell for $7.

Next up is Holiday Ribbons. A fabulous set illusstrated by Melyssa Connolly to add snowmen, reindeer and angels to the tails of your ribbon of the World's Best Die and stamp set.
Holiday Ribbons is a 2x3 mini-set that includes a total of 9 stamps and will setll for $4.

Finally we have Wishing You. Jessica has illustrated a beautiful set of timeless sentiments so that you'll never be at a loss for words.
Wishing You is a 3x4 mini-set that includes a total of 6 stamps and will sell for $7.

Phew, I bet you'd like to see a project now!! My card today features Hohoho - I couldn't resist creating a little winter scene with these cuties!

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes hohoho, Card - Stampin' Up old olive; Paper - My Mind's Eye lime twist life of the party; Dies - Spellbinders squares, Papertrey Ink angled labels; Button - Papertrey Ink; Copics 0 T0 T1 Y21 Y32 E55 E57 544 R24 R29 R20 YG23; Letraset flexies G367 O719

I coloured the images with a combination of Copics and Flex markers and then added a line of stickles as snow to ground the scene. Then unusually for me I pulled out some patterened papers and layered them up as a background.

Would you like to win the new stamp sets? Visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday November 26th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

birthday dino

2011-11-21T21:48:00.000Z

It's been ages since I broke out my Cricut create a critter cartridge! A friend needed a dinosaur card and I thought this guy just fit the bill perfectly.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink birthday bash sentiments; Inks - Versafine onyx black; Card - Papertrey Ink summer sunrise, Stampin' Up poppy parade, island indigo, lucky limeade, pool party; Dies - Papertrey Ink banners, Spellbinders create a flake 1; Twine - The Twinery peapod; Cricut - create a critter 2.5"

I used some bright happy colours for dino and his party hat and then computer generated a speech bubble before stamping a birthday sentiment from Papertrey Ink's birthday bash sentiments. Then I needed something to ground the little guy and I remembered a fabulous card by Jen Carter I saw recently. I loved how Jen looped twine to make her grass.

Please call by tomorrow as we start the There She Goes sneak peeks!

happy birthday robots

2011-11-19T15:00:00.000Z

Well hello! Hope you are having a great weekend. I'm popping in today to share a sweet robot card using There She Goes friendbots set.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes friendbots, Papertrey Ink tiny treats birthday; Inks - Versacolor seafoam, camellia, lime, Versafine onxy black; Card - Stampin' Up real red, lucky limeade, pool party; Paper - Papertrey Ink 2008 bitty box basics; Dies - There She Goes world's best

I just love a solid stamp image and these guys are just too cute!

Short but sweet I'm afraid today. Things to do, presents to buy, kids everywhere! Love it!

lil' inker designs

2011-11-18T05:00:00.000Z

Wohoo, finally my Lil' Inker Designs dies and stamps arrived and I had the chance to play with them! You would not believe how jealous I was of the other DT girls as their parcels arrived and mine didn't. However, I'm thankful that eventually I did get happy mail and was able to play with these beauties!

To start of with I'm going to show you my favourite project of the three I've put together. A simple little tag, but oh it makes me so happy. Clean, simple and a punch of colour - just up my street.

Supplies: Stamps - Lil' Inker Designs holly jolly sentiments, Papertrey Ink tiny treats valentimen, tiny treats birthday; Inks - Versamark, Versacolor pinecone; Card - Papertrey Ink vintage cream; Paper - Cosmo Cricket pixie-licious; Dies - Lil' Inker Designs holly jolly, Papertrey Ink mat stack 5; Punch - Stampin' Up word window; Brads - Stampin' Up in color

I die cut those beautiful large holly leaves out of some patterned paper. I love the pierced vein along the leaf, and added some chunky brads for berries. I added these to a die cut and stamped tag along with the "Deck the halls" sentiment - isn't that font gorgeous!

Now onto my next project - a card featuring the tree from LID holly jolly die set.

Supplies: Stamps - Lil' Inker Designs holly jolly sentiments, Ink - Versamark; Card - Stampin' Up cherry cobler, soft suede, sahara sand, Papertrey Ink vintage cream; Dies - Lil' Inker Designs holly jolly die set, Papertrey Ink tage sale 3; Clear embossing powder; Button; Twine - Stampin' Up; Ribbon - Stampin' Up

I cut the tree out of two colours of card. I found that card rather than patterned paper really shows the pierced details of this lovely tree to its full effect. I mounted the tree with pop dots onto a cream tag and attached a yellow button with twine to top the tree. The twine gathered a length of striped ribbon which I notch cut at one end and cut with pinking shears at the other. Finally, I liked the subtle effect of the clear embossed sentiment on some sahara sand card. All of this was mounted onto a rich red card base with more pop dots.

For my final project today, but believe me you will be seeing plenty of these great dies and stamps in the weeks to come, I went with another clean, punchy card.

Supplies: Card - Stampin' Up sahara sand, cherry cobbler Papertrey Ink vintage cream; Paper - Cosmo Cricket pixie-licious; Twinery twine; Brads; Dies - Lil' Inker Designs jingle joy die set

I die cut the letters 'j' and 'y' out of a piece of cream card, leaving enough room for a holly wreath 'o'. The wreath is made of small holly leaves interspersed with patterned brads. A simple twine bow finishes it off.

I hope you've enjoyed seeing these projects as much as I enjoyed making them! If you want to see more details of the products I've used today pop over to Lil' Inker Designs where the dies and stamps are available to purchase.

for your inspiration 18

2011-11-17T07:00:00.000Z

This is my second post of the day - please scroll down for my CASE study card.

Well it's time for another challenge at For Your Inspiration and what a stunning photo we have for you this week!

I was inspired by the horizontal lines, the sun and the terracota cliffs. Can't you just feel the sun warming that landscape? And here's my card.

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink simple sunflower, Lil' Inker Designs sentiment flags; Inks - Martha Stewart meyer lemon, Versacolor pinecone; Card - Stampin' Up pacific point, Papertrey Ink terracotta tile; Dies - Papertrey Ink small scallop

I chose a terracota tile card base and created the horizontal lines with a panel which I filled with sunflowers. I added a splash of blue there as a nod to those moody clouds.

Please pop by the rest of the design team to see how this weeks amazing landscape inspired them.

Debbie

Debby - that's me!
Keva
Michelle
Peggy
Sara
Steph
Vicki

case study challenge 66

2011-11-17T05:00:00.000Z

Oh I am so loving the inspiration from this month's muse at CASE study, Kryssi Ng! I mean just look at this stunning, scene!

I took the idea of foreground elements with a die cut label at the top. Of course at the moment, as I work on my Christmas cards, my foreground elements had to be seasonal. Sorry about that - only a few more weeks to go!

Supplies: Stamps - Practicing Creativity Designs retro christmas, Papertrey Ink labels basics; Inks - Archival ink sepia, colorbox cranberry, Versacolor evergreen, pinecone, winter green; Dies - PTI labels

Isn't this little rudolph the cutest!

Now we have some DT news - the lovely Julie Smith is stepping down from the team. We will miss you Julie! Julie leaving opens a space on the team and we have the fabulous Julie Lacey joining us! Please pop by and give her a big CASE study welcome!

So here's the new look DT why not go and see how Kryssi inspired them.

Chupa (owner)

Amy
Andrea
Clare
Cristina
Debby - that's me!
Jean

Julie - our newest teamie

Teneale
Teresa

things are looking a little dirty around here!

2011-11-15T19:00:00.000Z

Admitedly the house could do with a clean, but that's not it. As of today I'm one of Splitcoaststampers' Dirty Dozen!

I'm sitting here wondering what to write - I'm honoured and stunned in equal parts; not quite lost for words, but not far off! I was absolutely bowled over when Lydia asked me and I still can't quite believe my luck!

For those of you who don't know, each month members of the Dirty Dozen are given a design challenge. The best of their creations are added to a special gallery that Fan Club members can visit for ideas and inspiration. At any one time there are 12 designers and each month two new members join as two who have competed their 6 month term retire. Joining me this month as a new member is the fabulous Julie Masse!

Well I'm going to have to go and sit down with a cup of tea - my legs are shaking! However, I'd love it if you called by to see this month's Dirty Dozen gallery.

Glittery dies

2011-11-12T09:42:00.001Z

Flying in here today. All three children are currently swimming but I need to go and collect one in 5 minutes! So my progress towards Christmas preparedness is slow but sure. As the children of our extended family get older, gifts of money and vouchers become more prominent so I made a glittery pillow box to contain a Christmas bonus for my niece.

Supplies: Stamps - Little Inker Desings sentiment flags; Inks - Versamark; Card - Stampin' Up baja breeze, soft suede, Papertrey Ink vellum; Paper - Bo Bunny snowfall blizzard; Dies - Little Inker Designs sentiment flag, Spellbinders layerd poinsettia, Stampin' Up pillow box; Stampendous stamp n bond; Glamour Dust crystal,;Stampin' Up rhinestone; Twine - The Twinery; Stickles glitter

I cut the poinsettia layers from vellum and then added Stickles to the raised veins and a rhinestone to finish it off. I cut two LID sentiment flags in toning card and stamped a fine border in Versamark, adding stamp n bond and finally glitter. I think it adds such a lovely sparkly touch. On the back of one flag I wrote who it was to and signed the back of the other.

Phew, think that's everything. Got to dash. Have a lovely weekend!

lil' inker designs blog hop day 4

2011-11-10T05:01:00.000Z

This is my second post today; please scroll down to see my CASE study card.

Here we are today as part of the Lil' Inker Designs Holiday Release Blog Hop. Hopefully you've come from Jen's blog and if so you are on the right track. If not, make sure you start at the beginning at Laura's blog where you can also find out about the prizes on offer this week.

Here's the graphics for today's sneak peek

Fabulous, cute font with die cuts to match. When using the bell as a letter 'o' the die cuts can make the words 'joy' and 'jolly'. Oh and that bell! I loved it when Sarah said it was the perfect bell - silent and relatively flat for easy postage!

Unfortunately I still don't have any projects to show you due to the delayed parcel, but that will be rectified shortly. Hopefully next week I will have abundant LID projects to share! In the meantime, let me leave you with thoughts of using the J upside down as a candy cane and die cut letters paired with holly and bells

Now it's time to hop off to Emily's blog where there is a stunning project to show you!

case study challenge 65

2011-11-10T05:00:00.001Z

Welcome to another week with CASE study! We have the absolutely wonderful Kryssi Ng as our muse this month and this stunning card from her to inspire us this week.

I was blown away by this card - a subtle background allowing centre stage for colour and dimension in the acorns. Perfect! I rotated the layout by 90 degrees, kept the neutral background and used the panel across the card front to hang a Christmas ornament.

Supplies: Stamps - Stampin' Up tags til Christmas, Papertrey Ink signature Christmas; Ink - Colorbox cranberry, Versacolor pinecone; Card - Stampin' Up old olive, sahara sand, Papertrey Ink vintage cream; Jewel - Stampin Up; Twine - Stampin' Up; Punches - Stampin' Up ornament

I really love that Colorbox cranberry ink - it really gives a pop of colour and stamps so crisply. And that ornament is proving to be a favourite of mine this year.

This was a quick and easy card to produce, so I did a few of them!

Pop by the rest of the DT and see how Kryssi inspired them:

Chupa (owner)
Amy
Andrea
Clare
Cristina
Debby - that's me!
Jean
Julie - taking a break
Teneale
Teresa

lil' inker designs blog hop day 2

2011-11-08T05:01:00.000Z

Well helloooo! I'm so glad you've joined me here today as part of the Lil' Inker Designs Holiday Release Blog Hop. Hopefully you've come here from Julie's blog and if so you are on the right track. If not, make sure you start at the beginning at Laura's blog where you can also find out about the prizes on offer this week.

Here's the graphics for today's sneak peek

Now I know you are waiting to see some cards, but I'm afraid that the above pictures are the only ones you are going to see from me today as unfortunately my parcel of stamps and dies seems to have gone missing somewhere over the Atlantic :(

This is torture! I have so many ideas buzzing around in my head - little sprigs of holly at top bells and baubles, holly wreaths, clusters of trees some of which would be popped up ..... I could go on and on! Oh and those sentiments; I love the playful font and cute sayings. Hopefully when I get my parcel I will have a special post or two packed with LID. In the meantime it's time to hop off to Teresa's blog where hopefully she got her supplies and has gorgeous projects to show you!

merry christmas

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000Z

How about an ultra clean and simple card today? Extreme CAS as I like to call them! One cute image repeated three times with a simple sentiment and a bit of bling. Right up my street!

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes no peeking!, Practicing Creativity Designs retro christmas; Inks - Versacolor split pea, lagoon blue, seafoam, Versafine onyx black; Stampin' Up jewels basic rhinestone

I'm sorry the photo isn't great - the days have been so dull just recently and I'm finding it difficult to get my photos taken. Hopefully you can see a bit better in the photo below. I just love these colours together.

Well thats me for today. The children are off school for a long weekend so my time is limited to say the least!

autumn

2011-11-05T05:00:00.000Z

Hello! I couldn't resist adding another card into the latest Cas-ual Fridays challenge - to add something overhanging the edge of the card front.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes autumn; Card - Stampin' Up lucky limeade, pumpkin pie, soft suede, cherry cobbler, summer sun, early espresso, sahara sand, Papertrey Ink rustic white; Dies - Lil' Inker acorns, Memory Box twiggy tree

The trees around here are certainly starting to look like this one! Autumn is definitely in full swing. I adore the little leaves that come with Lil' Inker Designs acorns die set. They are the perfect size for cards and I love the perforated details on Lil' Inker dies. They pair so well with this wonderful sentiment from There She Goes autumn stamp set.

Hope you are having a fab weekend! It's bonfire night tonight here in the UK - lots of fireworks!

cas-ual Fridays 27

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000Z

I love the CAS-ual Fridays challenges and it's been ages since I've had time to play along. However, this week Lil' Inker Designs are sponsoring the challenge so I couldn't let another opportunity slip by!

This week's challenge is to have somethings such as a panel or embellishment that goes over the edge of the card front. This is a design feature that I love and actually had used the idea here on a Christmas gift card holder. Well I felt it high time that the gift card holder had a matching card!

Supplies: Stamps - Stampin' Up tiny tags; Ink - Versafine onyx black; Dies - Lil' Inker Designs mini pinwheel, Papertrey Ink seed packet; Vellum - Papertrey Ink; Cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder; Divine twine; Snowflake punch; Brad; Doily

Once again I cut the adorable mini pinwheel out of vellum, embossed the 7 pieces and then held them together with a snowflake and crystal brad.

A little bit of doily, a simple sentiment and some twine finished it all off nicely. Here's the card along with its gift card holder.

Hope you have a great weekend!

for your inspiration 17

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000Z

The first Thursday of the month means a new For Your Inspiration challenge and we have this amazing illuminated wonder to inspire you.

Added to which this challenge is sponsored by Paper Pretties who will be giving 5 free digis to the winner!

I used Paper Pretties cuuuute digi reindeer and paired it with simple black card base splattered with gold paint to represent the lights. I had such fun doing this bit as I revisited my childhood and got out toothbrushes and paint brushes to get some fine spray and splatters.

Supplies: Stamps - Paper Pretties digi reindeer, Papertrey Ink tiny treats christmas; Card - Stampin' Up basic black, Papertrey Ink vintage cream; Paint - Li'l Davis Designs gold; Stampin' Up crystal efftects; Twine - The Twinery marschino; Copics

I used my copics to colour rudolph adding crystal effects to highlight his nose - such a cutie and so easy to colour!

Also this week we have the wonderful Vicki Dutcher joining us as a DT member! Please give Vicki a big FYI welcome - click here for her blog so you can get to know her better.

Please pop by DT to see how they were inspired.

Debbie

Debby - that's me!
Keva
Michelle
Peggy
Sara
Steph
Vicki

case study challenge 64

2011-11-03T04:00:00.000Z

The start of a new month means a new muse at CASE study challenge and I'm delighted to say we have the amazing Kryssi Ng to delight us this month! I love Kryssi's style - modern, edgy CAS and to start the ball rolling we have this lovely to CASE.

I was inspired by the die cut negative, inked background and corner floral image and came up with this.

Supplies: Stamps - Waltzingmouse Stamps big bloom poinsettia; Inks - Distress Inks peeled paint, barn door, Stampin' Up certainly cerlery, old olive; Papertrey Ink chamomile; Card - Papertrey Ink vintage cream; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink fine linen

I don't often get the brayer out but had fun with a bunch of ink pads colouring away. I started with some vintage cream cardstock and then inked and inked and inked! Then I white embossed some poinsettia flowers and again inked and inked and inked! Finally cutting and layering everything and adding some pearls. All very unusual for me! I kept it clean by keeping to Kryssi's layout although I replaced her sentiment with a ribbon. I'm popping this over to Create for their current challenge for cards without sentiments.

Call by the rest of the Design Team and then why not play along!

Chupa (owner)
Amy
Andrea
Clare
Cristina
Debby - that's me!
Jean
Julie
Teneale
Teresa

polka dot door November guest design team

2011-11-01T07:01:00.000Z

Wow, I'm delighted to have been asked to be a Guest Designer over at the Polkadot Door again this month for their inspirational blog hop! So hopefully you've found your way here from Amanda's blog and if not why not start at the beginning here.

I do so love the inspiration boards from Polkadot Door - they are always drop dead gorgeous! I was inspired by the tag in the bottom right photo. I used the colours of brown, gold and cream from there and made a set consisting of invite, place setting and napkin ring.

Supplies: Stamps - There She Goes bon appetit, Stampin' Up four frames; Inks - Versacolor pine cone; Card - Stampin' Up sahara sand, vintage cream; Stampin' Up punch; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink fine linen

Here's some close ups. I kept everything to the same simple design as it's quick and easy to do and also gives a cohesive theme.

Here's the place setting. I love that solid pie image from There She Goes bon appetit set.

And finally the napkin ring.

Why not have a go at this challenge yourself and meet me at the Polkadot Door!

Now it's time to hop along to Lisa's blog! Here's the blog hop list in case you get lost along the way!

Lindsay
DeeDee
Amanda
Debby - that's me!
Lisa
Aki
Nicole
Smitha
Joanne
Diana
Erin
Ujjwal
Nita

Our sponsors for theMonth of November are :

Scrap Eco Chic,who will be providing the prize for the Challenge winner which is a $10 GiftCertificate to their Etsy shop.

Abbeyand Ellie is giving away a prize package of their gorgeous items to thebloghop winner.

Hydrangehippois providing a HUGE give-away for the featured designer of $50 to theiretsy shop! So if you want to leave a comment back at the Polkadot Door and mention my name I'd sure appreciate it!

teacher sets

2011-10-29T20:09:00.000+01:00

I thought I'd show you how far I've got putting together teacher gifts. I've still a way to go but I'm getting there!

The card I blogged about here and the pencils in their holder here. The box is a quick number from a spellbinders die and I will be adding to it that little leather apple keyring. Phew! So I guess the main thing you haven't seen is the notelets. So here's some photos of those.

A wrapped some crumb cake card and a bit of twine around a few notelets. There are two one layer designs within the set. The first is a CASE of myself from here.

And another one where I attempted to selectively ink the various bits of the pencil.

I will keep you updated when I get a bit further. I think I need to add a tasty treat or two next!