Tiny Tags

In a break from the recent masculine cards I've been making, today I've used a couple of the Tiny Christmas images and dies to create some tiny tags.  

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

• Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Scattered Straw, Hickory Smoke
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, Bundled Sage
• Browns: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Oranges: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Reds: Candied Apple, Barn Door, Festive Berries, Aged Mahogany
• Greys: Pumice Stone

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Tiny Christmas Stamps
• CC Designs Tiny Christmas Dies
• MFT Plaid Patterns
• Paper Smooches Tag Die

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bouncy

I've been playing with another image from the new release due out on tomorrow from Lili of the Valley. 

Today's card features Bouncy and one of the sentiments from the Male Simple Labels. 

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

• Hair/Dog/Shoes: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tea Dye
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Jeans: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Top/Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Bouncy balls: Candied Apple, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Bouncy from LOTV
• Male Simple Labels
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• Nitwits Paper Butterfly Kisses

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Best Golfer

I've been playing with another image from the new release due out on Wednesday from Lili of the Valley. 

Today's card features Best Golfer and one of the sentiments from the Male Simple Labels. 

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

• Hair: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Cap/top: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Trousers: Bundled Sage, Forest Moss
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Golf club/ball: Old Paper, Forest Moss, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot
• Shoes: Barn Door, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Best Golfer from LOTV
• Male Simple Labels
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• Nitwits Paper Butterfly Kisses

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Daddy Bear

There's a new release out at Lili of the Valley on Wednesday and I've been playing with a few of them which I'll share over the next couple of days. 

Today's card features Baseball Bears and one of the sentiments from the Male Simple Labels. 

I'm not usually comfortable with masculine cards, but throw in a bear or two and I'm much happier!

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

• Baby bear: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo 
• Cap: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Daddy bear: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Bat & ball: Old Paper, Forest Moss

Card Recipe:

• Baseball bears from LOTV
• Male Simple Labels
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• Nitwits Paper Butterfly Kisses

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Winnie Wonderland

I know it's still April, but I love making Christmas cards. I like to ensure I have enough by December so it's never too early to start! Plus it means I can still play with all my stamps and dies (and it's also a good excuse to add some glitter!)

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

• Hair: Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Yellows: Squeezed Lemonade
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Picked Raspberry
• Reds: Candied Apple, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
• Ground: Weathered Wood, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Polkadoodles Winnie White Christmas Lantern
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Oval Stax
• Glossy Accents
• 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

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Teddy with Wheelbarrow

I really love the Lee Holland illustration images and this little bear caught my eye recently.  I thought he deserved to be the focus on my card so it's a really clean and simple layout.

I cut the sentiment banner using a curved rectangle die, and cut one corner, then re positioned and cut the opposite corner to make a narrow rounded corner banner. It sticks out a little from the card to create a bit more interest.

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
• Wheelbarrow: Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed
• Oranges: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Whimsy Stamps Teddy Best Friends (digi: Lee Holland Teddy with Wheelbarrow)
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Rounded Rectangle Stax
• MFT Dienamcis Stitched Square Stax
• CC Designs Lumberjack Sentiments

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - Animal Magic

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

Baby Giraffe

There's a new animals or people challenge at As You Like It Challenge this week.  It's an easy "animals" choice for me because I can't resist cute critters such as this adorably sweet baby giraffe. My lovely fur-babies are also more cherished than normal at the moment too and are getting lots of extra snuggles!

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Grass: Old Paper, Bundled Sage, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

• Lee Holland Baby Giraffe
• Maja Design Vintage Romance papers
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Blue mesh ribbon
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cherry Blossom
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cosmos Daisy
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Aqua blue gems

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - Animal Magic

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Is it Spring Yeti?

I couldn't resist this set of cute Yeti stamps from CC Designs from Dies to Die For.  Isn't he just the most adorable Yeti!

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

• Yeti: Weathered Wood, Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Grass: Old Paper, Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Abominable
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Plaid Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunny Gift Tags

There are some new bunnies hopping around at Lili of the Valley and they are CUUUUTE!

I've used two bunnies from the Grown with Love trio and also the Spring Bloom stamp on some oversized gift tags.  I'll add some ribbon to the tags when I use them, depending on what ribbon I wrap the present with, probably either a dark purple or a white ribbon on purple tissue wrapping paper.

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
• Purples: Wilted Violet
• Oranges: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• LOTV Grown With Love
• LOTV Spring Bloom
• Mama Elephant Hello Script Die
• Glossy Accents
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies Extreme Labels and Tags No.12
• Creative Expression Sue Wilson Orange Blossom Complete Petal Dies

I've been inspired by:

• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunny Balloons

Well it's April Fools Day, and I'm sure we'd agree there's one thing that we all wish would turn out to be an enormous hoax. Unfortunately I fear that is unlikely so I hope that today doesn't bring too much added confusion to your lives!

In the hope of remaining as cheery as possible, I've used a Paper Smooches tag die to create a couple of Bunny Balloon tags. I've actually elongated the tag by running the die through my die cutter only halfway, then re-positioning it to extend the length of the cut (matching up the stitches) and cutting the lower half separately.  I managed to cock one up so if you look closely the stitching doesn't quite match, but I think the die moved a little when I ran it through - that'll teach me to tape it down in future and not cut corners!

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Balloons: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord, Wilted Violet, Seedless Preserves, Victorian Velvet, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Whimsy Bunny Balloons
• Paper Smooches Gift Tag die
• MFT paper pad

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Mood Board

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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