Bear-ter late than never

This fortnight at As You Like It Challenge we want to know if you like adding sentiments to your cards or keeping them blank, maybe so the recipient can keep them on display longer as a piece of art.  Many of my cards don't have sentiments on them, but I do actually like making my own sentiments, usually mixing different fonts, which is what I've done for today's card which I'm a little late sharing!  However, it demonstrates 2 pretty fonts which I've overlapped slightly to make the words look like they fit together better.

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
• Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord, Wilted Violet, Villainous Potion

Card Recipe:

• Rosy & Cosy by Lili of the Valley (retired image)
• Violet Plain Card 290gsm
• Typed sentiement

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Happy New Year

Well it feels like the last few months have been a blur.  I'm sharing the first card that I've made since August and I am feeling a little rusty to say the least!  To get my mojo flowing I decided to use one of my favourite characters (James the bear) and some of my favourite papers from Nitwit Collections.  I've loved their papers since LOTV created some printed versions, but sadly most of my pads are used and I'm reliant on the digital versions.  Their papers are so beautiful and there are so many pretty papers (I must have hundreds of them) and they're my go-to papers when I need some creative motivation.  I've even paper-pieced the heart in James' arms to match the background.

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
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord

Card Recipe:

• James Big Heart by LOTV
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Nitwit Collections Papers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Anniversary Hearts

I made this concertina folding card for my husband on our anniversary. It was very delicate to fold all the narrow pieces, but I was pleased how it turned out.  The hearts are embossed for some additional texture, and it seems to make them less flimsy, which helps to keep the structure.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

• Zig Zag Valentine Garden Silhouette cut file by Marji Roy

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Plain Red Card 290gsm
• Apple Green Card 240gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

I'm Yours. No Refunds.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

I've created this fun pop-up card using a Silhouette cut file which I've edited to include a custom sentiment made into a banner. Most of the hearts are embossed for some texture and it folds flat (not that I'm mailing it!). 

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

Papermill Direct:

• Various Red and Pink card (at least 5 or 6 different shades)

Other:

• Silhouette Cut File Grid Pop Up Heart (replaced the cat with a banner)
• Various Embossing Folders
  

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Let's Stick Together Forever

I've used the name of this prickly stamp set from MFT as inspiration for a Valentine themed project.

The lettering is typed in a font called 'Tasty Burger' and cut out in plain red card using my Silhouette. 

I've outlined the text firstly in black card then baby pink and hammered white card to give it some depth and shadow.

I've also embossed the red card which was quite fiddly with the dinky apostrophe but I laid some tape across the back of the whole strip after cutting it so that the letters didn't fall out while I embossed them.  I then glued them all onto the black outline using the negative as a guide to ensure they were all correctly spaced and level.

The little cactus couple image is stamped, watercoloured and included in the outline shadow so that it forms part of the overall shape of the cardbase.

Designed for:
Dies to Die For

Papermill Direct

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

• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• MFT Let's Stick Together Stamp Set
• MFT Let's Stick Together Die Set
• Whimsy Slimline Embossing Folder - Thatched

Papermill Direct:

• Plain Red Card 290gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm
• Baby Pink Plain Card 240gsm
• Hammered White Card 255gsm

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Emboss it

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

Chloe Pop Up Card

I made this fun Pop-Up card using Chloe and some patterned papers from Amanda Jayne Designs.  It folds flat for posting, but then pops up into a 3D square with lots of decorated flaps.  I added some die cut grass inside so that Chloe has something to sit on, and some cloud elements which I've fussy cut and popped on with 3D foam pads.   I used my Silhouette machine to fussy cut my watercoloured image, so the cutting turned out much neater than I could have done by hand.

Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs

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

• Chloe: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Green: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn
• Blue: Salvaged Patina, Uncharted Mariner
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Chloe Bundle from Amanda Jayne Designs (image, papers, clouds, sentiment)
• Tattered Lace Ornate Square Card Shapes (used to die cut the sentiment frame)
• Whiff of Joy Grass die
• Creative Expression Sue Wilson Camellia Open & Closed petals
• Tuxedo Box Card cutting file by Lori Whitlock
  

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Charlie and Chloe

I watercoloured this loved up bovine pair earlier in the month and I've now popped them onto a card to share with you today.  I've printed the digi in grey so that it gives a softer image and showered them in flowers in dusky pastel shades of pink.

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

• Charlie: Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Chloe: Tattered Rose, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Flowers: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Chloe and Chrarlie from Amanda Jayne Designs
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Rounded Rectangle Stax
• Flat Backed Pearls
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Wedding Couple

There's a new release due out this week at Lili of the Valley, and I've been playing with one of the images. Here is Wedding Couple, watercoloured in shades of blue.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Blues: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans, Chipped Sapphire, Prize Ribbon
• Greys: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Speckled Egg

Card Recipe:

• Wedding Couple from Lili of the Valley
• 15mm Spotty Organza Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Hip Rosebuds
• Mini Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Feminine

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Love Bunnies

There's a new Love themed release out at Lili of the Valley this month, and I've used the sweetest Wedding Bunny couple for an anniversary card.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Kitsch Flamingo

Card Recipe:

• Wedding Bunnies from Lili of the Valley
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Circle Stax
• Wired Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• White mesh ribbon
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Pink Gems

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Feminine

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Be My Valentine Bunny

For my Polkadoodles Digi Choosday card today I've used the adorably cute Love You This Much bunny image to create a cute card in Springtime colours. 

The sentiment is cut using my Silhouette machine and a fancy font, and the pretty papers are from Winnie Fruit Punch Paper Heaven set. The image has been watercoloured using Distress Ink Reinkers and the background blended with some DI inkpads and Heavenly Circles Stencil.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Scattered Straw
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed

Shading enhanced with Derwent Inktense Pencils

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Add a Die Cut
• Crafty Catz - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Teddy Trio

I've used 3 of the newly released images at Lili of the Valley and some beautiful deep pink raspberry card which I've die cut using my doily edge rectangles.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass, Shaded Lilac
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

Lili of the Valley:

• Little Ted Chocs
• Little Ted Roses
• Little Ted Champagne

Papermill Direct:

• Woodstock Malva Card
• Baby Pink Card

Other:

• Tattered Lace Doily Edge Squares/Rectangles

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Love is in the Air
• Country View Crafts - Hearts & Flowers
• Creative Inspirations - With Love

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Love you

I've opted for an adorable Raccoon image from Lee Holland for my 'love you' themed card. The papers are a soft floral from an old NitWits range from back in the day when Lili of the Valley made paper pads.  I've created the sentiment using my Silhouette and a font called 'hello'.

At As You Like It Challenge this fortnight we're asking if you prefer 'love' or 'friendship' cards, and I've actually combined the themes by making a 'love you' card for a friend, rather than a Valentines card.  For obvious reasons I only generally make one Valentines card a year, but I love to send 'just because' cards to friends, and that's what this little guy is for.

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

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - With Love

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Foxy Hearts

For Hubby's Valentines Day card this year I made a scalloped stepper (which was harder than I'd anticipated to get those pesky folds in the right place) and decorated it with my adorably cute CC Designs Foxes.  The heart dies are pieces from a larger die. I've doodled stitching around each of the panels for a bit of added interest as I've kept the embelishments light.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Blues: Tumbled Glass, Faded Jeans
• Greys: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Foxes
• Impression Obsession Heart of Hearts
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Circle Stax
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Oval Stax

I've been inspired by:

• CC Designs - Love
• Creative Inspirations - Animal Antics

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Wedding Bunnies

I recently needed a wedding card for a colleague and used some sweet Lili of the Valley bunnies.  The card is actually much larger than I'd usually make, but I wanted to add quite a lot of flowers so used an 8" scalloped square base. 

I love adding this beautiful white organza ribbon to wedding cards. Being a bit thinner than satin it ties a smaller knot despite being wider so isn't too bulky. I used my bow-maker to tie a double-bow and then attached it to the base of the image with some long tails.  

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• LOTV Bunnies Sweetheart
• Frantic Stamper Stitched Scene Builder Edges
• Wide Organza Bridal Ribbon
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Rounded Rectangle Stax (I part-cut to make a square)
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cosmos Daisy
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Hip Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crealies on the Edge die

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Beautiful Botanicals (image, papers & embellishments)
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Big Monster Kisses

I've got Yeti more Yetis to share today in the form of a pair of cuties bringing big monster kisses to a special friend.  I've opted for purples for these two - aren't they abominably cute!

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

• Fur: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord, Wilted Violet
• Grass: Old Paper, Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Abominable
• MFT Roses all Over Paper Pad
• Stitched Square Dies

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Crochet Kitty

I've recently become 'hooked' on crochet and although I've only made a couple of things so far, I wanted to try some Amigurumi for Valentines day.  I found the pattern for this kitty online and decided to give him a try.  

I'm hopeless at embroidering the features so I opted for a plastic safety nose but I managed to add the whiskers and mouth with some black thread. 

He is only about 20cm tall, but he took a whole afternoon to make and some bits were really fiddly, like his paws, the base of his tail and those dinky ears.

I was pleased with how he turned out and am itching to try something else now. 

Recipe:

• Valentine's Day Cat Crochet Pattern
• Marriner DK red wool
• 9mm safety eyes
• 15mm x 11mm Triangle safety nose
• Black embroidery thread
• 6mm Satin Ribbon
• Trimits Supersoft Toy Filling

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Happy Valentines Day

This is the Valentines card that I made for my hubby.  I also made him a little kitty that I'll share tomorrow, but I thought this image was really sweet and perfect for Valentines.

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

• Girl's hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo
• Boy's hair: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Boy's outfit: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Girl's outfit: Victorian Velvet, Aged Mahogany
• Shoes: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley Soulmates
• Typed sentiment
• Lawn Fawn Perfectly Plaid Spring paper pad

I've been inspired by:

• Dream Valley - Love

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

It's Bunny Day!

Today is release day for the new images at Lili of the Valley so I'm sharing 2 more bunny creations from the set.  The bunnies are some of my favourite critters from LOTV so I was really chuffed when I learned about this release.

I've had a heart border die for ages and decided today was the day when I'd christen it, only to find that it's no longer sold! (yup, that's how long I've had it in my unused stash!).  I've die cut it on some pink pearlescent card which wasn't easy to photograph.  I really should consider these practicalities when I'm creating!

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

• Brown Bunnies: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grey Bunny: Pumice Stone, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye,
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Butterfly: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord
• Hearts: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Candied Apple, Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Victorian Velvet, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley Bunnies Daisy Chain
• Lili of the Valley Bunny Full of Love
• Creative Inspirations Chic Floral paper pad
• Poppy Stamps Heart Swoosh die

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Challenge - Love (using Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunnies, Bunnies and more Bunnies!

There's a new warren of bunnies coming soon at Lili of the Valley and we are excited to share some sneak peeks.  The bunnies are among my favourite LOTV characters so I'm really happy they're bouncing out of their burrow to play.

Today's peek is a set of cards using 3 of the images; Bunnies Swing, Bunnies Sweetheart and Bunnies Clouds & Champagne.

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

• Bunnies: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Moon: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Rusty Hinge
• Cloud: Squeezed Lemonade, Pumice Stone
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Candied Apple
• Swing: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley Bunnies Swing
• Lili of the Valley Bunnies Sweetheart
• Lili of the Valley Bunnies Clouds & Champagne
• Creative Expressions Chic Floral Papers
• Crealies On the Edge #7 Border Die

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Fun with Florals
• Country View Crafts - Do what you Love
• Creative Inspirations - Something New

Happy crafting
Annette
xx