Purple Watering Can

It's a Halloween colour theme this week at As You Like It Challenge, and although I don't tend to send Halloween cards, I do enjoy putting up decorations for the Trick or Treaters who come to visit by the dozen each year. However, although today's card is not Halloween themed, I have used my favourite Halloween colour which is purple.  I am not a fan of orange and green, but purple is right up my street for any time of year!

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge

Card Recipe:

• Image by Lili of the Valley
• Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Circle Stax
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cosmos Daisy
• Open Roses
• Purple twine
• Watering can shaped cardbase cut with my Silhouette cutting machine

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Woodland Fox

For my 'favourite wild animal' this week at As You Like It Challenge I've picked a fox, because we regularly have them visiting our garden at night and I love seeing them pottering around the flower beds!

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge

Card Recipe:

• Fox by Lee Holland Digi Stamps
• Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Circle Stax
• Flat Backed Pearls
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds
• Shaped cardbase cut with my Silhouette cutting machine

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Chimney Santa

I love using glitter on cards, especially to create the effect of snow. I love the sparkle and much prefer it to gold or silver card (which is also difficult to photograph).  I've used glitter card to create the snow layers on this die cut card. It's a tent fold, so does actually stand upright and is a fun shaped card for Christmas.

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge

Card Recipe:

• Santa Chimney cut file by Planeta Silhouette
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Plain Red Card 290gsm
• Woodstock Giallo Card 285gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm
• Iridescent White Glitter Card 220gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Cute Squirrel

This fortnight at As You Like It Challenge we want to know if you prefer florals or cute themes.  I'm definitely a fan of the cute cards, particularly cute animals, both in my crafting and in real life.  The only florals I tend to use are on my papers and embellishments to create colour and texture.  Some of my favourite critters are the images by Lee Holland Digis, in particular his woodland creatures.  I cut the floral cardbase shape using my Silhouette.

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tea Dye, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Flower: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord, Squeezed Lemonade

Card Recipe:

• Lee Holland Digi Squirrel 
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Circle Stax
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Violet Plain Card 290gsm
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Santa Suit

It's time to catch up with some blogposts as I've been AWOL for a few weeks. Today's card is one of a small batch that I've made using my Silhouette for hubby's chums.  It was quite fussy to cut and stick, but I made a set of half a dozen so had a mini production run going with my Silhouette at one point.

Card Recipe:

• Christmas Santa Claus Card (edited slightly to make it a side-fold cardbase)
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Post Box Red Smooth 240gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm
• Gold Sparkle Card

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Cute Koala

I really love making shpaed cards, so I've made this fun koala bear card using some pearlescent grey layers and scraps of white, dark greys and black for the accents.  He's a tent fold cardbase so he sits up to display.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

• Cute Koala

Papermill Direct:

• Titanium Silver Pure Pearl Card
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Gray Sirio Pearl Merida Card
• Black Plain Card 240gsm

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Hot Cocoa

I really love making shaped cards so I've adapted this cut file to make a fun side-fold cup of cocoa card using some pretty papers. I've blended some Distress Ink along the edges of the main piece to create some shading and shape to the cup.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Plain Red Card 290gsm
• Mocha Brown Card 240gsm
• Iridescent White Glitter Card 220gsm
• Rich Cream Card Hammered 255gsm

Other:

• Hot Cocoa Cut File by Miss Kate Cutables
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Memory Box Twilight Snowflake Dies
  
• Distress Ink Pads

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Let's get into Shape

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Gnome Christmas Snowflake & a LOTV Discount Code

Today I'm sharing a cute new gnome image from Lili of the Valley's latest Christmas release.

Plus, as an extra special bonus, between 10 and 17 October, because I'm part of the Lili of the Valley Design Team, if you use the discount code 'ANNETTECONNELLY20' at the checkout you'll get 20% off your purchase at Lili of the Valley.  Happy Shopping!

Designed for:
Lili of the Valley

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Lamp: Squeezed Lemonade, Dried Marigold, Rusty Hinge
• Whites: Hickory Smoke, Weathered Wood, Speckled Egg

Card Recipe:

• Gnome from Lili of the Valley
• Simon Says Stamp Swirling Snowflakes
• The Paper Boutique Winter Wishes Snowflake Die

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Quartz White Pure Pearl Sparkle Card 300gsm
• Green Grass Pure Pearl 300gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Pink Snowman

Today's snowman image is one from the recent Christmas release at Lili of the Valley.  I've framed him on a pastel pink glittered snowflake card.

Designed for:
Lili of the Valley

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Reds: Festive Berries, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
• Whites: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Snowman from Lili of the Valley
• Simon Says Stamp Swirling Snowflakes Embossing folder
• The Paper Boutique Winter Wishes Snowflake Die

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Iridescent White Glitter Card 220gsm
• Powder Pink Pure Pearl Card 300gsm

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Add some texture

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Santa Claus

I've tweaked this Silhouette box cut file to become a tent-fold card of Santa Claus with an embossed hat and sparkly bobble.  It's quite an easy card to create so I might make a few for hubby to give to his work-colleagues. I've raised Santa's nose using 3D foam pads, and inked around it a little to distinguish it from his face.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

Papermill Direct:

• Textured Ivory Hemp 255gsm card
• Panna Nettuno Linen Effect 280gsm Card
• Post Box Red Smooth 240gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm
• Iridescent White Glitter 220gsm Card
• Slate Grey 240gsm Card

Other:

• Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
• Santa Clause Silhouette File (edited from a box to become a tent-fold card)
  

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Polar Bear

I've created this adorable polar bear shaped Christmas card using a Silhouette cut file which I've amended to be a tent-fold card instead of side fold.  He's cut in some ivory textured card and I've embossed the scarf part with an embossing folder for additional texture.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

Papermill Direct:

• Textured Ivory Hopsack 255gsm card
• Panna Nettuno Linen Effect 280gsm Card
• Post Box Red Smooth 240gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm
• Iridescent White Glitter 220gsm Card

Other:

• Polar Bear Silhouette file (I've tweaked it to become a tent-fold card)
• Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
  

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Gnome Christmas

There's a new Christmas release at Lili of the Valley tomorrow, and I've been playing with some of the images.  I've fussy cut this gnome image and given him pride of place on this snowflake shaped cardbase.  The lovely sparkly white snowflake is layered onto pearlised silver shaped cardbase and an embossed snowflake panel for texture.

Designed for:
Lili of the Valley

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Hickory Smoke, Weathered Wood, Speckled Egg

Card Recipe:

• Gnome image from Lili of the Valley
• Simon Says Stamp Swirling Snowflakes
• The Paper Boutique Winter Wishes Snowflake Die

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Titanium Silver Pearl Card 300gsm
• Quartz White Pure Pearl Sparkle Card 300gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Time for Cake

This week at As You Like It Challenge we want to know if you prefer making girlie or masculine creations. I definitely prefer the pink and fussy cards with lots of flowers, and this one includes my other addiction (cake)!

I've created an apron shaped card to match my baking theme by cutting out the corners of the card top with oval shapes and adding some ribbon between my patterned papers and cardbase.

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge

Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Hickory Smoke

Card Recipe:

• Berry Sweet Mice from Last Minute Manda
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Bubblegum Pink Card 170gsm
• 15mm Seam binding ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Flat backed pearls
• Dotty Stencil

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Birdhouse 2

I've been playing with the Honey Bee Bird House A2 die to create this card base from purple and biscuit coloured card which is embossed and inked with distress inks to create added texture.  I've stamped, watercoloured and fussy cut some birds to decorate it.

Designed for:
Dies to Die For

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Birds: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• HoneyBee Bird House A2 Die
• Pretty Pink Posh Spring Robins
• Whimsy Stamps Slimline Embossing Folder Thatched
• Whimsy Stamps Slimline Embossing Folder Diagonal Dots

Papermill Direct:

• Violet Plain Card 290gsm
• Lilac Plain Card 240gsm
• Biscuit Plain Card 240gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Easter Quokka

Happy Easter!!!

I'm popping by with the card I made for my Bestie, featuring that well known Easter critter, the Quokka.

I cut the cardbase with my Silhouette, by creating the letters using a font called 'Tasty Burger', and outlining them several times in various Springtime colours.

I then added my little watercoloured quokka, again cut out using my Silhouette, and a die cut sentiment.

Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Flowers: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Spun Sugar, Kitsch Flamingo

Card Recipe:

• Tulips Quokka from Amanda Jayne Design Digi Stamps
• Whimsy Slimline Embossing Folder - Daisies
• Simon Says Stamp 'Happy Birthday' Wafer Die

Papermill Direct:

• Woodstock Giallo Yellow 285gsm card (embossed with Whimsy Daisy folder)
• Woodstock Arancio Orange 285gsm card
• Woodstock Noce Brown 285gsm card
• Smooth White Card 160gsm

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Texture

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Spring Robins

I've been playing with the Honey Bee Bird House A2 die to create this card base from some pretty blue papers and biscuit coloured card which is embossed and inked with distress inks to create added texture.  I've stamped, watercoloured and fussy cut some birds to decorate it.

Designed for:
Dies to Die For

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Birds: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• HoneyBee Bird House A2 Die
• Pretty Pink Posh Spring Robins
• Maja Design Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Spring

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Mother's Day Quokka

I'd intended to share this card on Sunday but I got side-tracked!  It's a Mother's Day card that I made for my Mother-in-Law.  I decided on a Springtime lemon theme featuring a pretty Daffodil Quokka image on a simple shaped cardbase. 

Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Background: Tumbled Glass
• Flower: Scattered Straw, Mustard Seed, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Daffodil Quokka from Amanda Jayne Designs on Etsy
• Nitwit Collection Papers
• Hexagon nesting dies
• Memory Box Modern Flower Power Stencil
• Typed sentiment

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Woodstock Giallo Card 285gsm

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Spring

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Penguin Pair Snowflake

I love this snowflake shaped card for Christmas and I've decorated this one in green glitter card and an adorable watercoloured penguin duo.  The glittery card is a really beautiful way to frame the cute image. Using a framed die, it's really easy to create too. I've made the fold on the top left corner so that it stands up nicely too, rather than sliding flat onto a table when it's legs spread like Bambi on ice!

Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Penguins: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Green scarf: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Red scarf: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• White: Speckled Egg, Weathered Wood

Card Recipe:

• Christmas Hugs by Amanda Jayne Designs
• The Paper Boutique Winter Wishes Snowflake Die
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Glossy Accents
• Glamour Dust Fine Glitter

Papermill Direct:

• Iridescent White Glitter Card 220gsm
• Green Glitter Card
• Apple Green Card

I've been inspired by:

• Allsorts Challenge - Let It Snow
• Country View Challenge - Christmas

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

You're the Salt to my Pepper

I created this shaped card using my Silhouette to house this little meecie from Lee Holland.  

The base card is made from White Hammered card which I thought looked like the texture of fabric!  

Because it's all white, I've defined the edges of the shape with some doodled stitching and layered all the pieces on 3D foam for some shadow and texture.

My little meecie is watercoloured in Distress inks, and fussy cut (OMG that tail was a challenge!)

Designed for:
Papermill Direct

Lee Holland

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Mouse: Pumice Stone, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Spoon: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Hat: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Cute Digi Bundle Chef Mouse from Lee Holland
• White Hammered Card 225gsm
• Sentiment typed using Font 'New Hopes' 

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Reindeer Snowflake

I've watercoloured this cute festive reindeer digi stamp from Amanda Jayne Designs and framed him with a sparkly snowflake in iridescent white glitter card which I've then mounted onto a Marine Blue shaped card base (the Marine Blue is my oh-so-favourite soft blue!).

The shaped card folds at the top-left corner which makes it stand up better than a proper tent-fold (fold at the top) as I have found those tend to slowly spread outwards like Bambi's legs on ice!

Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Antlers: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Greens: Bundled Sage, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Baubles: Broken China, Seedless Preserves, Scattered Straw, Risty Hinge, Kitsch Flamingo, Candied Apple

Card Recipe:

• Christmas Hugs Collection from Amanda Jayne Designs
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• The Paper Boutique Winter Wishes Snowflake Doily Die
• Glossy Accents
• Glamour Dust Glitter

Papermill Direct:

• Marine Blue Card 240gsm
• Iridescent White Glitter Card 220gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx