Have a 'Mice' Retirement

The lady who was my mentor when I started my career 25 years ago was planning to to take her well-earned retirement today, but I think all this current mess has meant she's had to change her plans with just days to go.  All that hard work to get to the finishing post has been thwarted at the last minute.  It felt odd enough to think of her leaving, because she's been such a key part of the company for so long.  She's one of those people who do so much without recognition that the company's real loss cannot be anticipated, and will only be realised once she's gone. I hope she gets to enjoy her retirement really soon.

Anyhoo, I've used a sweet Lili of the Valley image on a card I made for her. I've edited the 'with love' text and covered it over with a typed 'Good Luck' sentiment instead.  I've also added 'Enjoy your retirement' in the same font.  Hopefully I'll be able to give it to her soon.

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

• Mice: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Pencil: Milled Lavender, Wilted Violet, Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap
• Tag: Old Paper, Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord
• Sky: Milled Lavender

Card Recipe:

• LOTV Love Tag
• Creative Expressions Chic Floral papers
• Organza Wired Ribbon
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cosmos Daisy
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Hip Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Card Making Magic Die Set Easel
• Circle Cutter

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Spring Mood Board (purples, florals)
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Rockabilly Tag

There's a new challenge at As You Like It Challenge this week and we want to know if you prefer buttons or pearls.  I'm definitely a pearls gal; I love their soft lustre and I have packs of them in every possible colour!  I've added them in little trios on my over-sized tag in a couple of different sizes.  It's very girlie with the pinks and flowers which suits the cute image.  I've even added some extra pearls on a string amongst the flowers.

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

• Hair: Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Blues: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Picked Raspberry

Card Recipe:

• Rockabilly Girls from CC Designs
• MFT Plaid Patterns
• MFT Stitched Ovals
• Satin Ribbon
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cherry Blossom
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies Extreme Labels and Tags No.12

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - The Eyes Have It (wink wink!)
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Floral Meadow

I'm not sure I've used this stamp before.  It's way outside of my 'cute critter' comfort zone but the florals are really pretty.  Both the stamp and script die are Mama Elephant but I've matched it with some MFT papers and stitched frame die.  Unfortunately the Hello die is now out of stock, but there's an MFT one which is very similar.

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

• Background: Tattered Rose
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Crushed Olive
• Blues: Chipped Sapphire
• Purples: Seedless Preserves, Dusty Concord
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Mustard Seed
• Oranges: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Candied Apple, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Mama Elephant Wild Meadow
• Hello Script Die (similar to the Mama Elephant I used which is now out of stock)
• Heffy Doodle Stitched Square Dies
• MFT Roses all over paper pad

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Happy Easter to Ewe

Ewe may have already heard that there are some new Easter images being released at Lili of the Valley.  I'm sure that ewe won't be able to resist this little lamb that I've used on today's card.  So don't be sheepish, make sure you go and check out the new images tomorrow!

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

• Sheep: Antique Linen, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Purples: Dusty Concord, Wilted Violet
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick
• Shell: Tea Dye, Vintage Photo

Card Recipe:

• LOTV Easter Lamb
• Creative Expression Chic Floral paper pad
• Nottingham Border Die
• Crealies Stitched Squares
• 6mm Satin Ribbon
• Flat backed pearls

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Hopping with Excitement

There are some new Easter cuties due to Spring about at Lili of the Valley on Monday, and I'm hopping about with excitement because there are some new Lili bunnies!  I've been playing with one of them today making an Easter card.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Greens: Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Flowers: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Rusty Hinge, Crushed Olive
• Pinks: Worn Lipstick, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• LOTV Bunny Eggcup
• Creative Expression Chic Floral paper pad
• Nottingham Border Die
• Crealies Stitched Squares
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Flat backed pearls

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Barrow of Bunny

I'm on a mission to use some of my older stamps again and have used a sweet Wild Rose Studio stamp which was actually a gift from one of my fellow DTDF DT crew several years ago.  I love these cute critters!

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

• Mouse: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose
• Bunny: Pumice Stone, Black Soot, Tattered Rose
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Blues: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord
• Reds: Candied Apple, Aged Mahogany
• Barrow: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• WRS Barrow of Presents
• MFT Roses all Over Paper pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• Flat backed pearls

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Spring Tag

We're asking whether you like Easter or Spring at As You Like It Challenge this week.  I don't tend to make many Easter cards, but I love Spring because it means that the longer days and lighter evenings are on their way.  I've used Spring colours and florals on this supersized tag featuring Winnie from Polkadoodles called Springtime Bunting.  

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

• Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint
• Bunting: Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Dress: Spun Sugar, Picked Raspberry

Card Recipe:

• Winnie Sugar Sprinkles Springtime Bunting
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies Extreme Labels and Tags No.12
• MFT Stitched Rectangle dies
• Sue Wilson Finishing Touches Orange Blossom Dies
• Flat backed pearls

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Hello There!

I've been trying to use some stamps that I've had for a while and this cutie is such a sweet image he was begging to be inked up again.   I love how she peeks in from the corner of the card!

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

• Elephant: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Flower stem: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint
• Flower: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Bella with Dalia
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Square Stax
• MFT Watercolor Wash Paper pad
• Sentiment from MFT Polar Pals

I've been inspired by:

• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Amigurumi Easter Bunny

I've been indulging in a little crochet time this weekend and what better than a couple of cute little Easter Bunnies with quirky faces and comical ears!

I hope they make you smile too.

Project Recipe

• Amigurumi Today Easter Bunny
• Marriner Double Knit Wool (green)
• Euro Yarn Babe Jazz Double Knitting 301 Sweet Tart (variegated)
• 9mm Black Safety Eyes
• Black Embroidery Thread
• Trimmits Supersoft Toy Filling

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Cute Flower Friends

We want to know your favourite flowers this week at As You Like It Challenge, and for me, I really love the Wild Orchid Craft open roses and white lilies that I've used on this card.

Although I've used blooms in my image and papers, it's the floral embellishments that I have chosen for my favourite.  I love their 3D effect and especially the pretty petals on the lilies.  I also love roses in my garden, and my favourite is called Sweet Juliet. It is an apricot colour and has an amazingly strong and beautiful scent.

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

• Fox: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Mouse: Pumice Stone, Black Soot
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

• MFT Friendly Foxes
• MFT Piles of Fun
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Flat Backed Pearls
• 15mm White Organza Ribbon
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Go Kreate Labels XXL Square Frame Frilly #10 Die
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Card Making Magic Die Set Easel

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bear with me

I'm back in bear-mode again today with this quirky chappie!  I love his adorable expression and the fun birdie sneaking a peek with him too.

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

• Bear: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Bird: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Bears
• Memory Box Notingham Border
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Paper pads

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Mother's Day

It's 'new release' day at Lili of the Valley and we're looking forward to Spring!  I've made a Mother's Day card using one of the new images and a sentiment. This one's in my Mother-in-Law's favourite turquoise and I've add a generous splash of pink.

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

• Hair: Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick, Vintage Photo
• Leaves: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn
• Flowers: Wilted Violet, Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge, Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Picked Raspberry, Candied Apple, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
• Hat/Outfit: Cracked Pistachio, Lucky Clover, Pine Needles

Card Recipe:

• LOTV Time for You
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Oval Stax
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Romances & Roses Papers
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cherry Blossom
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Hip Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL67 Double Stitched Ovals
• Pink gems

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Add a Sentiment

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Oh nuts!

I treated myself to a new stamp set and couldn't resist inking one up for a clean and simple card for my bestie!

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, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Boots: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Flower: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey

Card Recipe:

• Tracey Hey Alpaca Pals Nuts About You
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• Lawn Fawn Perfectly Plaid Spring paper pad

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Add a Sentiment

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Spring Birthday Wishes

There's a new Springtime & Mothers Day release coming out next Tuesday, 25th, at Lili of the Valley and I've created a very clean and simple card using a couple of the new images and one of the sentiments.  The images seemed to complement each other quite when I looked at them and they needed to be companions in my eyes!

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

• Dog/Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed
• Oranges: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Reds: Candied Apple, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
• Greys: Pumice Stone, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley A Balloon for Your and Pretty Posy Stamps
• Lili of the Valley General Sentiments
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Square Stax
• Creative Expressions Chic Floral paper pad

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Purr-fect Friend

It's the turn of the kitties this week!  This card was made for a kitty loving friend and the sentiment is purr-fect indeed.  I've used my favourite Nottingham Border die again. It's getting a real dusting off at the moment!

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

• Kitty: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Cutie Cats
• Memory Box Notingham Border
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Paper pads

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Add a Sentiment

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

Bunny Wabbit

We want to know your favourite animal this week at As You Like It Challenge.  I'd say my favourite animal is actually the tiger, but when it comes to crafting I love nothing more than a cute fuzzy bunny!  I'm a sucker for anything cute, and bunnies top that pile!  I've printed in pale grey to give a 'no-lines' appearance.

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, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Flower: Wild Honey, Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• LOTV Rabbit with Daisy
• 3mm Pumpkin Orange Satin Ribbon
• 22mm Yellow Satin Ribbon
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cosmos Daisy
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• MFT Watercolour Wash Paper Pad
• MFT Roses all Over Paper Pad
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - 2 or more patterned papers (2 different MFT paper pads)
• Penny Black & More - Animals

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bear-thday

I'm in bear-mode today with a cute CC Designs stamp set!  I love this cutie sniffing her flower. I've also used my gorgeous Nottingham Border die which I love as a top border on my tent fold cards. Simples!

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

• Bear: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Flower: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge, Spun Sugar, Picked Raspberry

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Bears
• Memory Box Notingham Border
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Paper pads

I've been inspired by:

• Penny Black & More - Animals, Birds & Butterflies

Happy crafting
Annette
xx