Birthday Wishes

Just a quick post, for those of you visiting today.....and I would like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!  Thanks so much for visiting...

This little card was a quick one to make.  It is a gate card fold, tied with a ribbon to close.  Made from turquoise card stock, I found some matching DP in my stash to layer on both fronts.  This butterfly is the very first rubber stamp that I ever purchased.  It is heat embossed then coloured using water colours.  A little bling on the scalloped circle, and it is finished.

Challenges I will be entering:
Creative Card Crew - Birthdays
Moving Along with the Times - #79 Birthday and Circles
Aud Sentiments - #18 Anything Goes
Lollipop Crafts - #21 Fancy Folds
City Crafter -#37 Stamp It Out

A Christmas Goodbye...

Good morning, and I do hope you had a wonderful Christmas with family or friends!  Perhaps you had snow and your own little snowman.....fun for the little people or the young at heart.  This is my final card as a December GDT member at Craft Your Passion, and I've really enjoyed working with their images.

This week the challenge is to use Red, Green and Cream.  Starting with a cream card blank, I've stamped some green branches, then added layers of green and red cardstock.  My card uses the image 'Bonhomme de neige lanterne' by Cocodingo, which can be found here,  and it's coloured with Prismas and distress inks, with some glamour dust added for the snow.  Then, only a few embellishments and the word NOEL.

Be sure to check out the what the design team has come up with this week, and try your hand at this week's challenge.

Other challenges in which I've entered this card:
Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - #63 Your Choice (#60 Christmas)
Some Odd Girl - #11 MINIMUM of two different TYPES of bling
Fussy and Fancy - Show Us Some Snow
Simon Says Stamps Challenge - Anything Goes
Digi Doodle Shop - #39 Anything Goes
Corrosive Challenges - #96 Bling It On
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - #91 Snow Much Fun

Post Office....Nostalgia

 

When you read this post, Christmas Day will have come and gone!  The rush will be over....at least for some of us, but I wonder how it goes at the Post Office?  Our post office doesn't look a bit like this, but I'm sure somewhere there are still some that do.....

I really enjoy working with the images from Just Inklined, and this one, called Post Office, is no exception.  And a special note...be sure to check out the special 1/2 price offer for Christmas and New Years....just purchase 10 of their stamps and automatically receive a 50% discount!  You can check out their fabulous selection here.   Happy shopping!

I've coloured with Prisma's once again, as I find them most forgiving when working with fine details, and they blend so well.

Using my Nestie die, I've cut and traced the DP, rather than the image this time, creating a picture frame effect.  Using grey ink, I've stamped a flourish and shaded the frame, adding a few flowers from Fred She Said, and just a bit of greenery.

I will be entering this card into a couple of challenges where Anything Goes, just like the mail!

Papertake Weekly
Allsorts Challenge - week #83
Moving Along with the Times - (NO CHRISTMAS CARDS ALLOWED)

Wishing I Was There....

Merry Christmas everyone....It's Christmas Eve!!!   Tomorrow is the big day, and most people like snow for Christmas....no?  But wouldn't another side of you like to be walking barefoot on the beach as depicted in this image by The Character Cafe? 

This week's challenge is for Dazzle and Sparkle, and the DT creations are rather special this week as we've all worked up an image that is a personal favourite.  For those who aren't aware, The Character Cafe challenges are finishing at the end of this month, but the good news is that the store will remain open!

The image I've chosen is Walk the Beach, and that sand looks so inviting.  I've coloured with Prismas and sponged with distress inks, for a nice soft warm look.....adding glamour dust to the water's edge.  It's then cut out with my Nestie die and backed with a square of bronze glitter paper.  The shells are some that I picked up on my Florida vacation back in October.  Some stickles, gems and a bit of ribbon and I was done.  The most difficult part of this card was finding the right DP in my stash!

Be sure to check out the rest of the team's projects, as I'm sure you'll find lots of inspiration this week.  Pick out your favourite image and head on over to the store, where all images are being offered for only $1.

Other challenges to which I am submitting my card:
Crafty Sentiments - Anything Goes
CES Challenges - #17 Anything Goes
Allsorts Challenge - #83 Anything Goes
Crafts and Me Challenges - #20 Anything Goes
Digi Stamp 4 Joy - #9 Anything Goes
Digi Doodle Shop - #39 Anything Goes

You Can't Catch Me.....I'm the Gingerbread Man

Well, I needed just one more card, so this time I thought I would try a sketch challenge.  I also wanted to use this 'Gingerbread Plushie' image, which is still available as a freebie over at the Stamping Bazaar, for their current challenge.... All That Glitters.

Now this is the sketch I've used for inspiration, #37 from the Sketch and Stash Challenge Blog.  This week their challenge is Your Choice of sketches from their sketch catalogue.... and they have some lovely prizes!

So without further adieu....
Supplies used:
Paper:  Basic Grey (Eskimo Kisses line), gold metallic and
red cardstock.
Tools:  Martha Stewart punches, Marianne Designer Doily die
Coloured with: Prismacolor Pencils
Other:  Glamour Dust (fur on hat), stickles, gold metallic pen (doodling), gems, ribbon

And a couple of additional challenges:
Paper Sundaes - #49 Cut It Out
Bunny Zoes Crafts - #7 Sparkle and Shine
ABC Christmas Challenge - Z is for Zero Time Left (X is for Christmas)
StampInsanity - Happy Holidays Your Way

A Little Something to Brighten Your Day

This little card is one I made a while ago, using the Flower Bear image from Karen's Doodles.  I thought I would enter it into their challenge this week for Anything Goes.

The sentiment is computer generated on the card blank itself, and for the four corners I have used a stencil, colouring in with a fine marker.   Another stencil was used to make the circle, which I hand embossed before adding colour and cutting out.  The little bear has been attached with foam tabs for a little dimension, and a small gem has been added to the top corners.....then it's ready to go.  Something quick and simple to make!

Other challenges which I can enter:
Sassy Studio Designs - #52 Clean and Simple
Fab & Funky Challenges - #53 Quick and Easy Does It
Aud Sentiments - #18 Anything Goes
ABC Challenge - K is for Keep It Simple

Wishing You the Beary Best New Year

 

Good morning....only two more days to go!   Hopefully you're all ready for the holidays and can spare a few moments to check out the new challenge over at DZ Doodles.  For a limited time, this cute little Happy New Year Bear image is being offered as a freebie....call it an early Christmas present....and just what you'll need for a New Year's card!

Using the above image and this lovely sketch by Valerie, submit your challenge entry by January 6th, for a chance to win your choice of image from the new store,


Supplies Used:
Papers:  Basic Grey (Jovial line), orange and turquoise cardstock
Tools:  Nestibilities Label die, MS punch
Coloured with:  Prismacolor pencils
Other:  distress ink, stickles, peel-off border and stars, organza ribbon

Here's wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Other challenges I've entered, that may provide you with additional inspiration:

Totally Papercrafts - #47 Time to Party
Digital Tuesday Challenge - #90 Let's Celebrate
The Pixie Cottage - #50 Sketch and/or Party/Celebration
Paper Sundaes - #49 Cut It Out
Craft Your Days Away - #10 Punch It Out
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - #82 New Year

Ho Ho Ho Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas everyone....its only a few days now!  Have you set your tree up yet...is it still standing?  One year, our 13 foot tall tree fell over in the middle of the night, and I awoke to the sound of breaking glass!  It fell softly, but broke quite a number of glass ornaments...I actually thought someone was breaking in, so I was actually quite relieved to find it was only the tree... 

My card uses the little Christmas Cat image, from Lauretta's Digital Stamps, and is my GDT card for this week's challenge at Craft Your Passion.  The challenge calls for a Christmas theme, and this little kitten with it's facial expression, did so remind me of how they do like to climb.  The tree in behind was cut on my Silhouette, then decorated with unbreakable embellishments....and then, just because it's Christmas, I added a little bird sticker, which kind of symbolizes how everyone seems to get along together at this time of year.

Make sure you check out the lovely creations made by the design team here, and then for a bit more inspiration, here are some challenges where I'll be entering my card:

Crafts and Me Challenges - #19 Moody Blues
The Pink Elephant - #90 Winter Wonderland
Stamp Insanity - #39 Happy Holidays - Your Way
Sew Many Challenges - #36 Winter
Lexi's Creations - #29 Glitter and Pearls
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - #90 TREEmendous
The Fuzzy Wuzzy Challenges - Christmas Something or An-Otter
Stampin for the Weekend - #53 Christmas

Here's Peeking at You

The countdown has begun....only 8 days until Christmas.....and only 15 days until the New Year!
This little guy is a new release from The Character Cafe and can be found here.  (I think he's ready to party!)

The challenge this week is to use foil or other shiny stuff to make a dazzling project.  I've added gold foil behind my image, a gold heat-embossed flourish, some gems and a bit of gold sparkly ribbon.  Of course, the DP is from my stash, and I have again played with using a Nestie die, while leaving part of the image to extend.

So, head on over and check out  the other members' creations, and hopefully we'll see your entry this week!  Good luck and thanks for visiting.

Here are a couple of challenges that my card can enter:
One Stitch at a Time - #43 Anything Goes
Delightful Challenges - Happy New Year
Charisma Cardz - #50 New Year's Celebrations
Digi Doodle Shop - #38 New Beginnings
Creative Card Crew - Anything Goes
CES Challenges - #16 Anything but a Christmas card

...And to all a good night.....

 

Brrrrrrr, it really is chilly these days, so to warm things up I thought I would go with Hot Pink!   I had Santa in mind when I made this card, and thought he might like a bit of change from the traditional red.

I might of had you wondering, but no, this isn't Mrs. Claus.......It's Maude, an adorable image from Just Inklined that can be found here.  She makes for a fun card, sure to give a chuckle....or perhaps a twinkle to the eye!

I will enter her in a few challenges, so she can spread some Christmas cheer!

Midnight Madness - MMSC82CAS sketch
Creative Inspirations Challenge Blog - #49 Anything Goes Christmas
One Stitch at a Time -#43 Anything Goes
Cupcake Craft Challenges - #121 Non-Traditional Christmas

I Love Santa....DZ Doodles Blog Hop

Welcome, and thanks for visiting!  With only 8 more days to go until Christmas, take a breather and relax with a Blog Hop at DZ Doodles.  Today is release day for six new winter images, perfect for those last minute cards and gift items, and they can be purchased here!

If you've arrived here from the talented Jen's blog, you're right on track.....otherwise be sure to hop back here to the beginning.

Today, I've used the I Love Santa image...easy to colour and perfect for the young at heart!   This time, I have cut around the image, layering over two different shaped circles.  Each of these layers is attached with pop-dots to give added dimension.

For my layout I have followed the sketch at Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge, using only one piece of DP and adding a silver embossed stamp to the top of a white card.  Just a few snowflakes with gem centres, some peel-off border and glitter make it complete.

Next on the hop is JuelMarie and I'm sure she has a wonderful surprise for you! 

I've included the blog list below, and remember to leave a comment at each stop for your chance to win THREE of the new release images of your choice!!!

DIANE
JEN
JOYCE  (You are here)
JUELMARIE
PASCALE
ROSALIEN
VALERIE

Some other challenges I will be entering with this card:
Pixie Dust Studio - #52 Let It Snow
Sassy Studio Designs - #50 Christmas card with non traditional colors
Raise the Bar Challenge - #47 Silver, No ribbon, One designer paper, Wording
Catch the Bug - Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps - Snowflakes
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - #89 Winter Wishes
Pear Tree Designs - #30 Christmas Card
Sentimental Sundays - #33 Let It Snow
Incy Wincy Designs - #72 Non Traditional Christmas Colours

Sew Couture

Good morning and Happy Monday to you all!  I imagine you are all preparing for the holidays...baking, shopping, wrapping, and maybe sewing....

This is my second card submission as a GDT member for Craft Your Passion, and for this week's sketch challenge I've used the Couture image, which can be found here at CocoDingo.  It is a quick one to colour and can be used for many occasions.

The frame was made using a Nellie die and rounded corner punch, then adding some silver brads and a number of coloured ribbons.  Some flourishes are stamped on the background paper to give it some pizzaz, and some distress ink has been sponged on the edges.

Be sure to check out the challenge this week for more inspiration from the talented DT members, and the chance to win a lovely prize.

Other challenges to check out with more inspiration:
Stamp Something - December Digi Day
Craft Your Days Away - #10 Punch It Out
One Stitch at a Time - #43 Anything Goes
Stampotique Designers Challenge - #21 Punches and Die Cuts
Stamps R Us - #11 Anything Goes

Glitter, Glitter and More Glitter

This week at The Character Cafe, the challenge is to make a card with lots of glitter!  'Tis the season and the weather for lots of glitter....we're not too bad but some places have lots of that glittery white stuff!

What do you think of this cute little Snow Friendly image?  I've covered him in glamour dust, now that's my kind of snowman....I can stay inside where it is warm!  Note the warm fuzzy flocking that accents both of their hats.  You will find stickles on the snowflakes and a piece of gold glitter DP to complete the glitter theme.

The striped paper is from my stash, but I've added some Christmas floral stamping to give it a festive look.  I've had a bit of fun with my Nestie die, tracing and then cutting around part of the image, leaving some parts outside the shape, then attaching to an actual die cut-out.  There are so many different ways of using these dies.

Now, it's time to announce the winner of the image I used for last week's Blog Hop at The Character Cafe:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers
19
Timestamp: 2010-12-09 04:36:55 UTC
and the winner is....... sallysbitz, please contact me and I will send you your digi stamp.  Congratulations!

Once again, thank you for visiting, and be sure to check out the cards made by the rest of the team.

I have a few challenges to enter and they may be of interest to you too:
One Stitch at a Time - #42 Old Stash New Stash
Fab & Funky Challenges - #52 Christmas is for the Children
A Spoon Full of Sugar - #133 A Christmas card
City Crafter - #34 Let it Snow
Lollipop Crafts - #19 Welcome Winter
Digital Tuesday Challenge - #87 Baby Its Cold Outside
Stamps R Us Challenges - #10 Holiday Cards
Aud Sentiments - #17 Happy Holidays (printed on the ribbon)

Giving a....Holiday Break

 

I think it is about time that I started wrapping some gifts, so instead of a card, I'm going with a gift bag today!

This is my DT submission for the new sketch challenge over at DZ Doodles.  For more details and a free digi image, be sure to check them out at either SNR or PCP.

This sketch, by Rosalien, worked out well for my gift bag, and I've made good use of the large circle by embossing and then inking with distress inks.  I've given it a turn, using MS punches to create the centre panel, adding a gold peel-off and then some red ribbon.  

The bag was purchased from Michaels, while the DP came from my stash drawer, (the contents never seem to go down....I must be visited by elves while I sleep!) with some stamping for a bit of added interest.

Now to the image....Holiday Break, a new DZ Doodle image that can be found here in their store.   For some, this may be hot chocolate, but for me...cafe mocha with whipped cream....mmm good!!  I've coloured and shaded with Prisma's, using Tombow markers on the red ribbon.  Cut out with a Nestie die, then sponged with distress ink, it's then attached with pop dots for a bit of extra dimension.

So, now it's time to get cracking....I mean wrapping.  I haven't noticed any elves around for that job....

Thanks once again for visiting and your kind comments, and here are a few challenges that I'll be entering:

One Stop Craft Challenge - #109 Coffee or Tea Inspiration
Paper Sundaes - #47 Gift It
One Stitch at a Time - #42 Old Stash New Stash
Creative Inspirations Challenge Blog - #48 Christmas Gifts
Catch the Bug - Anything Goes
Fussy and Fancy - #25 Anything but a Card
Challenge up Your Life - #33 Advent/Christmas
Pile it on Challenge - #48 It’s All in the Wrapping
Bunny Zoes Crafts - #6 Create anything for Christmas but not a card

Thinking of......Warmer Weather!!

Welcome fellow bloggers...may your day be nice and cozy!  Remember when the yard was green and the trees had leaves...it seems like ages ago.  Winter has really only begun, but I'm impatient for spring already.

When I first saw this image, Three Trees, from Just Inklined,  I new I wanted to try something a little different........colouring with distress inks, using only sponges.

I could say this was a nice easy project....but that's only correct if you can keep your inks and sponges in order.  It can be frustrating, if you are nearly finished and then you pick up the wrong colour for touch up....soooo, this wasn't my first attempt!

I started with the sky, and worked from the top down.  Save the trees for last, and for these, be sure to work with a very small piece of sponge.  I did colour the tree trunks with marker.

Next, I cut out the image using 2 sizes of the same Nestie die, which left me with three pieces....the image, a border and the outer edge.   The border piece is sponged with more green and then I've pieced it all back together, building it up with different card stock layers for added dimension.

You will notice a bit of stamping in the corners and on the underlying DP, but otherwise just a single flower and a couple of pearls finish it off.

Now, we all know it's 5 oclock somewhere......but I'm definitely more interested in the somewhere with no snow!

Thanks once again for visiting, and have a great day.

I will be entering into the following challenges:
Raise the Bar Challenge - Trees
Creative Card Crew - Anything Goes

Sponsor Recognition

Just a quick post to show recognition to the sponsors and challenge sites for a couple of challenges I've won.

In November, I won Pollycraft's Doodling Challenge #69, where I was the lucky recipient of 10 delightful Pollycraft digital images!  Now I just need to find a bit of extra time to start colouring them up...hopefully soon.

Last week, for my entry in the Jungle challenge at By the Cute and Girly, I won a gift certificate for Simon Says Stamp.  Here I chose my first 4 copic markers, and I'm sure this is just the start of my next obsession! ha ha

For both of these, I was a random winner.....so check them out.....you could be next!

A Stylish Blogger Award

A few days ago, I received this award from one of my lovely blogger friends.  I'm sure she thought I forgot about it, but no...just a little busy.  Thank you Georgia, it is much appreciated!

So now I need to fulfill the requirements:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave the award.

2. Share 8 things about yourself.

3. Forward it to 8 recently discovered bloggers.

4. Contact those bloggers and tell them about their awards.

The 8 things about me:

1. I'm now only semi-retired.....doing some accounting from my home.
2. I had a fall in October, and would really like it if my feet could be back to normal by Christmas....(Please Santa.....I've been good!)
3. I was born in Leicester, England....but have lived in Canada since I was nearly five.
4. I have 4 brothers....no sisters, therefore so happy to have 3 daughters.
5. My husband and I have lived in our current home for 31 years.
6. We live in the country, and I've actually had both mice and bats in the house when someone has left an outer door ajar....terrifying!
7. I love being a grandma....my grandkids are wonderful!
8. I do not like cold snowy wintry days!

Now I am passing this award on to 8 more people.
Have a little fun with this ladies!

Carissa
Valerie
Rosalien
Pascale
JuelMarie
Jen
Bettina
Mary

Just Inklined December Blog Hop....All Stitched Up

My how time flies......and the snowflakes too!  It's now December, only a few weeks until Christmas.... and time for the next Blog Hop at Just Inklined.  Wait until you see the exciting line up this time around!  Now then, if you've arrived here from Cathy's blog, you're right on track, otherwise, please hop over to Debbie's blog where all the fun begins.....

This month's theme was to use real or faux stitching, and I decided on the real thing!  The MS punch I used on the burgundy cardstock actually punches a border of little holes, ideal for hand stitching, ....but I don't remember the eye of the needle being sooooo small, nor how difficult it is to thread!!  And to think I once did needlepoint and cross-stitch....

The image used, Oriental Poppy, is just one of the many gorgeous flower images which are available in the store.  Poppies are a favourite of mine, and I'm reeeeally looking forward to spring and their appearance in my garden.  For now, I've coloured the peach/pink version with Prismas, adding glossy accents to the petals.

To finish the card I've heat embossed a stamped flourish in two corners, using silver embossing powder.  This ties in with my stitching, done with silver metalic thread.....

Thanks once again for visiting, and now you move on to your next stop at Toni's blog, where you are sure to find something to inspire!

I Love Winter...?!?

This month I will be one of the new GDT members at Craft Your Passion, and this is my first submission.  I've used one of Lauretta's pretty images I Love Winter, which can be found here in her store, and just in case you think I've changed my views on the white stuff.....uh, uh, noooo....but it is pretty for Christmas and the kiddies do love it.  The challenge this week is Anything Goes, so head on over and check it out.

My card is quite a simple design with only 1 DP, but I've coloured and cut out the image and then framed her with something I found at Monica's Creative Room.  She creates some fantastic cutting files and lets us have them for free.  I've used red glitter pen to colour in the spaces of the pillars.  Then, a stamped sentiment, a bit of greenery and a few embellishments finishes it off.

Well thanks for visiting and I hope I've given you a few new ideas....just remember Have Fun!

A few challenges that I will enter with this card, may also offer you further inspiration:
City Crafter - #33 Blue Christmas
Crafts and Me Challenges - Dreaming of a White Christmas
Stamps R Us Challenges - #10 Holiday Cards
Sew Many Challenges - #35 Snowflakes
Digi Doodle Shop - #36 Let It Snow
Stamp Something - Christmas Color Combo Somethings
By the Cute and Girly - Children

Dazzling December Blog Hop at TCC

Good morning everyone, it's Friday again....only 22 days until Christmas!  If you've just popped in for a visit, please note that there's a Blog Hop underway at The Character Cafe!    It starts here at the store, and if you are hopping along, you should have just arrived from DJ's blog.   I do hope you'll enjoy all the lovely creations made with this month's new designs.

Our theme for today, and actually all of this month is Dazzling!

For my card this month, I've used the new Sledding image, perfect for someone celebrating a birthday in a cold and snowy January.  I prefer to stay inside where it is warm and cozy, but of course others enjoy winter activities.

I've first masked the image, then brayered the background with shades of blue DI.  The image itself is then coloured using Tombow markers,  after which I added glossy accents to the sled and helmet.  The snow has lots of added sparkle, and I've used metallic peel-offs, instead of glitter to trim the red mat.

Not much else for embellishments, as the recipient will be male...

Now you need to hop along to Chelsea's blog, where you are sure to find something fantastic.  Remember to leave some comments along the way and you'll be in the running to win a gift certificate for the store plus 2 new release images....and at each blog you will be entered to win that DT member's image.

Thanks for visiting, and have a great day!

I will be entering into the following challenges, where you might also find some further inspiration:
There's Magic in the Air with Paper Cupcakes - Anything Goes
Corrosive Challenges - #92 Things that Move
The Crazy Challenge - #43 On the Go
A Crafty Little Place - #66 Anything Goes
Stampartic - A birthday card with winter theme + snowflakes
Digi Doodle Shop - #36 Let It Snow
One Stitch at a Time - #41 Celebrate in Style - Bling It Up
Fab & Funky Challenges -#51 Happy Birthday + Blog Hop
Scrap-Creations - Anything Goes

DZ Doodles Blog Hop......Angels

Well today's the big day at DZ Doodles....where we are celebrating with a Blog Hop for the new design release!!!

During the hop you will have the chance to see the lovely new Angels images, and by leaving a comment at each stop you may just win one of these gorgeous stamps....your choice!

If you've arrived here from the DZ Doodle's blog you are going the right way, otherwise pop back over there, as that is the start of the hop.

My card uses the delightful Candy Cane Angel, and I've chosen the non-traditional colours of mauve and cream.  The image is coloured and shaded with Prismas, with different coloured stickles for her wings and candy cane, so there is plenty of sparkle!  I've cut around the image in a circle, leaving her feet and part of her wing extended.  A bit of distress ink finishes the background and also highlights the die cut mat.

Supplies used:
Paper:  Cosmo Cricket, Winter Mittens paper pad
Tools: Martha Stewart punches, Nestibilities Die
Embellishments:  Stickles, gems, piece of organza ribbon

Thanks so much for visiting, and now its time to hop along to the next stop.

Blog Hop Order:   

DZ Doodle's Blog

Joyce (me) 

JuelMarie

Pascale

Rosalien

Valerie

Be sure to leave your comments for your chance to win!! 

Challenges that also work with my card and may interest you:

Fussy and Fancy - #24 Christmas with no Red or Green

Creative Cottage - #28 Untraditional Christmas

Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - #60 Christmas

Christmas Stampin - #72 Anything Goes

DCD Christmas Club - #45 Use a Die Cut
One Stop Craft Challenge - #108 Christmas Cuties

Exciting News!!

Just to let you know, I was accepted as a new member of the design team at DZ Doodles.  I'm soooo excited, as I really enjoy working with these images!!

Be sure to check back tomorrow, when I will be posting my card for their Blog Hop, celebrating the new Angels images release.  Oh, and yes there will be prizes.....all participants who leave comments at each DT blog will be entered to win one free angel image....your choice!     Sooooo sweeeeet!

Merry Christmas Cardinal

Following along with this week's challenge over at The Character Cafe, I have used the lovely Cardinal Birdhouse image.  Be sure to pop over and see what the DT has created this week, and find a few ideas for those cards that you still have to make!

This time around, I have coloured with Prismas but I've added some Tombow marker to give me the bright red for the Cardinal.  The background has been sponged with blue distress ink, plus I've added a bit of stamped greenery.  For the snow, I've used liquid applique and then clear stickles.  

Using my Nestie die, I've cut a frame from navy cardstock, adding some doodling and red pearls.  Behind two of the corners are some large corner pieces, made on my Silhouette, which are covered completely with copper stickles....lots of sparkle and a touch of vintage!

The DP is a burlap pattern, which I have stamped over with a black tree design.  The flower is from Fred She Said, one that you just print and cut, and for the leaves I have used punches.

I hope you enjoyed your visit today, and I much appreciate your kind comments.  If you are a follower you will notice that I'm always trying something new......

Here are a few more challenges that may be of interest to you, and where I will be entering this card:

Lollipop Crafts - #17 Christmas
One Stitch at a Time - #40 Choose a Season or Event
Pile it on Challenge - #46 Winter means….
Cards for Men - #24 Christmas Cards
Whoopsie Daisy - Holiday
Pear Tree Designs - #27 Colourful
Easy Craft Projects - #26 Snow
Christmas Stampin - #72 Anything Goes

English Robins

Good morning, and thank you for visiting today!  I must admit, I never really thought of card making as educational, but this lovely image, '4 Robins' from Just Inklined, depicts English robins..... and their colouring is far different than our robins here in Canada.  

After looking on the web, here are a couple of photos. Both beautiful....but oh so different.


Now, back to the card.... I've again coloured with Prismas, using a Nestie die to cut and mat the image.  To the red flowers I've added glitter and pearl centers, and I've sponged the edges of the DP to give it a vintage feel.  If you look closely, you will see there is also a white feather, for a little extra detail.

I will also be playing along in the following challenges:
Digi Doodle Shop - #34 Anything Goes
ABC Christmas Challenge - X is for Xmas
DCD Christmas Club - #44 Anything Goes

For Someone Special

Good morning, and thank you for visiting me today.  I do believe winter is nearly upon us....they are calling for snow showers on Friday.....oh, oh, oh.  The only part of winter that I can say I like.....is Christmas!  Once its over....I'm wanting spring!

My card today uses an image by Inger Harding which she offers as a freebie here on her blog.  It's actually a valentine image, but I wanted a card for my hubby and this one works for me.  I've used water colour pencils this time around, and a little distress ink for the background.  Cut out with a Nestie die, I've then added stickles to give it a border.  Both the image and the mat have been attached with pop dots.

For the layout, I've followed this sketch at Wild Rose Studio,  This is a new stamp company and they currently have a great challenge and blog hop underway.  I know I would love to win one of their stamps!

The DP is from the Cosmo Cricket Winter Mittens line, and provides a nice soft look to complement the image.

The sentiment is a freebie from Meljens Designs, and is still available here on her blog.  I've used a Nellie die to cut it out, which allowed me to add a little different effect with the ribbon.  My MS punch was used for the greenery, and a bit of red stickles makes the berries.

You might also like to check out the following challenges for more inspiration:
Creative Cottage - #27 Someone Special at Christmas
Kaboodle Doodles - #44 Recipe Challenge - 1 solid paper, 2 DP, 3 embellies
Digi Doodle Shop - #34 Anything Goes
One Stitch at a Time - #40 Choose a Season or Event
Pear Tree Designs - #27 Colourful
Meljen's Designs - #34 Sparkle & Shine

Hitching a Ride to Feature Friday

It's Friday again, and time for the new challenge over at The Character Cafe.  My card features one of their new November releases, Fredrik & Remy, such a sweetie, and it goes perfectly with this weeks challenge.  Head on over and check out the rest of the team's gorgeous creations, you are sure to be inspired.

I've coloured the image with Prismas, then sponged different shades of distress ink to create a night time effect.  This was done while it was still in the Nestie die.  The DP is from Basic Grey's Jovial line, and I've inked the edges with brown.  The fancy brown mat was made with my MS punch, and is in keeping with the Naturals colour theme, as is the flower which I crocheted with an ecru cotton.  Then, just a couple of leaves, a couple of snowflakes, a bit of ribbon, some gems and some glitter....all done!

Thanks so much for your visit, and I do hope I'll be visiting your blogs to see your challenge entries! 

These are some challenges that I will be entering:

Sassy Lil' Sketches - Nov 14th Card Sketch

Pile it on Challenge - #45 Holidays with Family and Friends

Paper Sundaes - #44 Pick Your Sundae Topping

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge - #93 Just Do It!” Get those Christmas cards done!

Creative Inspirations Challenge Blog - #47 Anything Christmassy /Winter

Simon Says Stamps Challenge - Sparkle
The Fuzzy Wuzzy Challenges -Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall
Stampin for the Weekend - #51 Winter

A Bit of Vintage

Good morning to you all, and Happy Wednesday!  It's a bit gloomy outside, but I'm inside where its warm and toasty.  No snow yet, thank goodness, and hopefully it holds off for a while.....until Christmas?

My card today uses the digi image Kitchen Shelves, one of  last week's adorable new releases from Just Inklined.  Doesn't it bring to mind, a nice cosy kitchen, perhaps at grandma's house out in the country.....oh, oh, that's me!   The years do move on..... so I've given it all a vintage feel with paper tearing and distressing.

The only DP used is the dictionary paper that I have torn, but an old book page could have been used instead.  The layer in front of that, is white card stock that I brayered with different distress inks and then stamped with a black flourish.  Once again my colouring is all done with Prismas, which work best for me when there are fine details.

This card will also be entered into the following challenges:
Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - #58 Paper Tearing
Stamp Something - Digi Day
The Shabby Tearoom - #36 What Are You Thankful For?
A Spoon Full of Sugar - #130 Distressing

King of the Jungle

This week I've done up a card to be entered into a couple of challenges, using the Festive Lion image from The Character Cafe.

Their new challenge starts today and if you head on over there you are sure to see some wonderful creations.

Christmas is coming, and I know of one little boy who will smile when he sees this one! 



Coloured with prismas, this image provides a rather modern non-traditional look, even if I have used the traditional colours of red and green for the card.  This time, I have cut around the image and used my Nestie die....leaving his paws and part of his tail 'outside the box.'

Using gold metallic paper behind the red panel, and a glitter border around the image adds plenty of sparkle, and if you haven't noticed, I cut the snowflake out of the red to reveal the gold beneath.

A decorative edge, made with my MS punch and edged with distress ink and gold metallic pen, breaks up the sharp vertical lines.  A rather simple card to make, it can be mailed with no problems, as I used only very thin foam tabs to pop the image.

Now, for the winner of the image I used in last week's Blog Hop at The Character Cafe:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers
3
Timestamp: 2010-11-12 00:19:06 UTC
and the winner is....... Jennifer (JLJ Designs), please contact me and I will send you your digi stamp.  Congratulations!

I am playing along in the following challenges:

Catch the Bug - Anything Goes

Pile it on Challenge - #44 Furry Holiday Cards

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge - #92 Use Glitter

A Crafty Little Place - #64 Red White and Green

Cards for Men - #23 Animals

Crafts and Me Challenges - #17 Glitter

Good Morning Mr. Owl

Hello everyone...and here's to a wonderful day!  This little fella, Professor Hoot, may be looking a little sleepy, as it is morning and he's been up all night....but isn't he a sweetie!  He's just one of the many precious little images to be found at Just Inklined.

I've coloured him with Prismas, cut him out with my new Nestie's die, and sponged the edges with distress ink to create a night time feel.  Attached with pop dots to a black scalloped circle, I've trimmed both with a silver metallic pen.

The DP is from the Pink Paislee - QueenBee paper pack, and I've stamped a couple of leafy sprays for a bit of added interest.   The black lace border is made with a MS punch.  The flowers were added for a little extra dimension, but they could easily have been omitted if the card was to go in the mail.

Owls are so versatile, they work for any occasion and any gender.  Wishing you a wonderful day and 'Happy Crafting'!  Thanks for visiting.

A few challenges that I can enter:
Raise the Bar Challenge - #43 LET'S SEE THOSE CURVES!
The Crazy Challenge - #40 Things with Wings
Fab & Funky Challenges - #48 Going Around in Circles
Challenge up Your Life - #31 Blue and Green

DZ Doodles - Design Team Call

Thank you so much for visiting, and today I'd like to show you my card for the DT call over at DZ Doodles.  The image is a freebie, available for the call, which is ongoing until November 21st.  Their images are a real pleasure to work with, and I've coloured this one up with my Prismas, then cut it out with my Nestie's die.  Some distress ink has been added to the edges, as well as a fine line of gold metalic pen.

For the layout, I've used the sketch from Crafts 4 Eternity.  As their challenge this week is called Doodle-Tastic, you will notice I have added some doodles as a border for the image.

The DP is from Cosmo Cricket's Wanted line, and I have added a leafy stamp to enhance the fall theme.  The rust coloured card stock has been embossed with dots and then inked with dark green.  I've used a MS punch to create the border for the black cardstock panel....I like to think it looks like an iron fence.  A couple of oak leaves and a bit of thread complete the effect, as there are no sparkle or gems....just a down to earth fall country scene, perfect for Thanksgiving.

I've entered into the following challenges:
Tuesday Throwdown - #24 Give Thanks
Digi Doodle Shop - #32 Fall for Me
Stamp Scrap and Doodle - Fall Cards
Sew Many Challenges - Fall
Creative Cottage - #26 Embossing
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - #75 Dry Embossing
One Stop Craft Challenge - #105 Embossing
Crafty Cardmakers Spotlight Challenge - Dry Embossing
Pollycraft - #69 Doodling