Bunny Pile

I've been playing with some of my favourite older stamps recently and I'm rather fond of this Bunny Pile image from Stamping Bella's stuffies range.

I've had a play with the same image across two versions; firstly layered onto a simple patterned paper background, and secondly using an intricate border die that I've recently purchased.

In both versions the image has been matted onto red, cream and more red card before layering onto the decorated base card.

The papers on my first version were only 6" wide, and the cardbase is 7" wide, so I lined up the grids on the paper, and hid the join with a strip of satin ribbon.

The second version uses an intricate square daisy border die which I've exended to make into a rectangle by cutting it twice.  Again I hid the join under the image panel.  I created an outline shadow layer for the whole daisy rectangle with my Silhouette cutting machine and then matted it all onto cream, then red card for additional layering.

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

• Brown Bunny: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Grey Bunny: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot
• Pink accents: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Flowers: Scattered Straw, Mustard Seed, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Stamping Bella Bunny Pile
• MFT Your Crafty Happy Place Party Plaid Paper Pad

Papermill Direct:

• Post Box Red Smooth Card
• Ivory Hammered Card

Other:

• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Sweet Dixie Just For You Delicate Floral Frame

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Spring Flower Bunny

For my Polkadoodles Digi Choosday card today I've created a shaped cardbase by merging some tapered rounded triangles around in a circle to create a flower shape.  

The image is called Want to Squeeze You, watercoloured using Distress Ink Reinkers, and the pretty papers are from the Winnie Celebrations 2 paper set.

The flower dies are Creative Expressions Camillia Open and Complete petal sets with some enamel dots in their middles.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Festive Berries, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
• Greys: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - Hearts and Flowers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Badger Christmas

There's a new challenge starting today at As You Like It Challenge, and we're asking what's your favourite occasion to make a handmade card for.  While I love making 'just because' cards (you don't always need a reason to send a hug with a fold in it!) I do especially like making Christmas cards, and try to make some throughout the year to get a little festive cheer into every month!  Today's card features an adorable Badger image from Lee Holland Digis in some festive reds, greens and gold colours.

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

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

Card Recipe:

• Cute Badger from Lee Holland Digis
• 6mm Satin Ribbon
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Cosmos Daisy
• Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• MFT Happy Birthday Circle Frame

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Blanche The Butterfly

I'm on a mission to use some of my older images at the moment, and today's card features Blanche the Butterfly from Stamping Bella.  

I've matted her to give a stencilled background using a Memory Box floral stencil and some blending brushes

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Tiny Townie Blanche the Butterfly from Stamping Bella 
  
• Memory Box Flower Power Stencil
• Blending Brushes

Papermill Direct:

• Daiquiri Cocktail Double Sided pearlised card

Other:

• Tonic Studio Deco Frame Nesting die set

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

Tiny Townie Garden Girl Orchid

I've used one of my older images for this bright pink card featuring Tiny Townie Garden Girl Orchid from Stamping Bella.  The frame is my new Tonic Studio frame which I've cut using two shades of pink for a bright focal point. 

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, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Kitsch Flamingo

Shading enhanced with Derwent Inktense Pencils

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Tiny Townie Garden Girl Orchid
  
• Memory Box Flower Power Stencil

Papermill Direct:

• Raspberry Pink Card
• Baby Pink Card
• Smooth White Card

Other:

• Tonic Studio Deco Frame nesting dies
  

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Gnometastic Birthday Balloons

I've used Gnometastic Celebration Balloons on my card for Polkadoodles Digi Choosday today in bright pinks with a personalised sentiment that I've cut in a fancy font using my Silhouette.  

The papers are Lily Bug Love Paper Heaven 3 and I've watercoloured the image using Distress Ink Reinkers.  The background has been inked using a Distressed Trellis stencil.

The card base and image panel have been die cut using my Tattered Lace Doily Edge Essential dies.

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

• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Candied Apple
• 'Whites': Pumice Stone

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Love is in the Air
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - With Love
• Creative Inspirations - With Love

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Navy and Raspberry Birthday

I'm taking a break from my usual cute style of card to make a simple embossed birthday card.

The contrasting navy and raspberry pink colour combo is layered on both the main panel and the sentiment.  I've embossed the navy with a 6" x 6" embossing folder, and scored the edge to neaten it.

Card Recipe:

Papermill Direct:

• Navy Card 240gsm
• Raspberry Card 240gsm
  

Other:

• Whimsy Birthday Shadow Die
• Embossalicious Floral Frenzy Embossing Folder
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Embossing Folder

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

The Chick and the Bunny Wobble

Today's card is a Clean & Simple Easter card featuring The Chick and the Bunny Wobble from Stamping Bella.

I've watercoloured the image and added a typed sentiment.  

It's layered onto bright orange card for a Springtime feel and matted onto a rectangle cardbase.

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

• Chick & Flower: Scattered Straw, Fossilised Amber, Rusty Hinge
• Bunny: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• The Chick and the Bunny Wobble from Stamping Bella

Papermill Direct:

• Intensive Orange Card
• Smooth White Card

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Daffodil Garden Girl

I'm trying my best to move from Winter to Spring themes to encourage in the longer days and sunnier skies!

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, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed
• Oranges: Dried Marigold, Fossilised Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Shading enhanced with Derwent Inktense Pencils

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Tiny Townie Garden Girl Daffodil
• Memory Box Flower Power Stencil

Papermill Direct:

• Pompelmo Nettuno Linen Effect Card 280gsm

Other:

• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Typed Sentiment using 'Hello' font
• Crealies XXL Double Stitched Square Nesting dies

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Gnome in the Snow

The Digi Choosday at Polkadoodles have been asked to make a wintry card (without using red or green colour combo) using a gnome image, so I've opted for this Special Wishes Letter Festive Gnome in a frosty blue colour scheme.  I've used the Lily Bug Love paper bundle, and added some glittery snowflakes and a die-cut sentiment.  My image has been watercoloured using Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers.

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Panda Birthday

Today's card is a birthday card for my auntie so it's packed with flowers and soft pastel colours.  I've picked a cute panda bear from Lili of the Valley and as usual I've watercoloured my image using DI reinkers.  At As You Like It Challenge, we're asking what your favourite colouring medium is this week.  I have tried Twinkling H2Os, Promarkers, Copics, Derwent Pencils, Zig Watercolour pens, but my favourite by a long road is my trusty DI Reinkers.  The colours are so intense (the phrase 'a little goes a long way' was invented for these inks) and although they're called 'distress' inks, there are some really bright tones in my favourite colours so there is a shade for every need.

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

• Panda: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Stick: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Purples: Villainous Potion

Card Recipe:

• Panda from Lili of the Valley
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• Whimsy Birthday Word & Shadow die set

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Birds or Insects
• Crafty Calendar - Anything Goes
• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Four Legged Friends

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Have a Wild Birthday

In an attempt to break away (yet again) from festive projects, I've used this smiling little Leo from MFT's Sweetest Safari set.  He's well and truly the focal point of today's card and I've used a Honey Bee stencil to create the scattered leaves backdrop for him.

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
• Browns: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain

Shading enhanced with Derwent Inktense Pencils

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• MFT Sweetest Safari Set 2 (image and sentiment)
• Honey Bee Scattered Leaves Stencil

Papermill Direct:

• Tintoretto Wasabi Card 250gsm

Other:

• Crealies XXL Double Stitched Square Nesting Dies
• Maja Design Summertime Papers
• Seam binding

I've been inspired by:

• Crafty Calendar - Anything Goes
• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Golden Chrimbo Crackers

I'm back on the Festive projects today with a little confession! Guess who realised on Christmas Eve that she'd forgotten to buy Christmas Crackers!!!!

D'oh!

I decided to dig out a candy box die that I have had for years and actually enjoyed making my own crackers.  I even personalised them for a bit of extra fun.

I used some beautiful (but difficult to photograph!) pearlescent gold card for the cracker base which I die cut using a Lawn Fawn cracker die.

I cut the names in Gold Glitter card using my Silhouette machine and a pretty font called 'hello' which I outlined twice in navy and the gold pearl card again.  

The pretty organza ribbon and pearls add to the navy accents, and I finished it off with some little speckles of white snow.

Here's a close up to show the pretty glitter card names:

Project Recipe:

Papermill Direct:

• Gold Sirio Pearl Double Sided 300gsm Card
• Gold Non-Shedding Glitter 285gsm Card
• Navy Plain Card 240gsm

Other:

• Lawn Fawn Candy Box Die
• 15mm Organza Ribbon
• Dr Ph Martin's Bleed Proof White
• Silhouette cut names using 'Hello' font outlined twice
• 3mm Navy flat backed pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Challenges - Sparkle and Shine

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

It's a jungle out there

I've masked together a trio of images from two different MFT Sweetest Safari stamp sets to create this little jungle scene.  

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

• Elephant & Zebra: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose
• Giraffe: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tea Dye
• Greens: Twisted Citron, , Bundled Sage, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• MFT Sweetest Safari Set 1 (image and sentiment)
• MFT Sweetest Safari Set 2

Papermill Direct:

• Tintoretto Wasabi Card 250gsm

Other:

• Maja Design Summertime Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Allsorts - Anything Goes
• Crafty Calendar - Anything Goes
• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• Stamping Sensations - Anything Goes with Stamping

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Hope you had a Rocking good Christmas

The Digi Choosday team over at Polkadoodles have been tasked this fortnight with making a moving element, so I've made my whole card the moving element by making a rocker card.  I've used Gnome Festive Fun with Snowman for my image and Eden Collection Paper Heaven 3 papers.  I've used some fancy Tattered Lace Doily dies and a sprinkling of Glamour Dust.  As usual, my image is watercoloured using Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers.

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• Crafty Calendar - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Personalised Polar Bear Tag

At the As You Like It Challenge today we want to see how you prefer to decorate your gifts, and I'm sharing a personalised Christmas Gift Tag that I made for my crafty friend.  

I love any excuse to make one of these super-sized tags, but especially if it's personalised, so it means a little bit extra love has gone into making it.  

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Worn Lipstick
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Greys: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Speckled Egg

Card Recipe:

• MFT Birthday Bears
• 6mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL Tag No. 08 (with dots)
• Sue Wilson Poinsettia Dies
• Red Glitter Card
• Personalised Sentiment in Font 'Hello' cut using Silhouette Cutting Machine
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Challenges - Sparkle and Shine
• Stamping Sensations - Anything Goes with a Die

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

It's Penguining to Look a Lot Like Christmas .... has been and gone

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  

Yes, I know Christmas has been and gone for another year, and it's a new year already, but it's never too early to start on 2022's Christmas card stock!  (oh, yes I have!)

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

• Penguin: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Worn Lipstick
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Weathered Wood, Speckled Egg, Hickory Smoke

Shading enhanced with Derwent Inktense Pencils

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• It's Penguining to Look a Lot Like Christmas Stamp Set
• Double Stitch Nesting Circles
• MFT Merry Christmas Frame
• Stiched Square Nesting Dies

Other:

• Maja Design Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds
• Crystal Glamour Dust

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Knockouts - Anything Goes
• Stamping Sensations - Anything Goes / Add a Die

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Farewell 2021, Hello 2022

I'm not sure if 2021 was much of an improvement on 2020 (aka "The Year That Shall Not Be Named") or maybe we just all became accustomed to being constantly disapointed!  Each time it felt like things might be heading back to normal, we seemed to take another step backwards.  But it's the time of year when the little things can bring a smile. For me, those little things usually take the form of mince pies, and I'm in danger of eating my own weight in them.

Anyway, as has become my tradition on Dec 31st, I am sweeping out the dusty old year with some of my favourite creations from the past twelve months.

My sincere thanks to those who've continued to craft alongside me this year.  Yet again I've noticed falling comments, so for those of you who do leave a short message, I really am grateful that you take the time to do so. 

So, brace yourself for a photo-laden farewell to 2021.  

I wish you all a happy, healthy and creative 2022. 

January:

2021 was a year for experimenting with more shaped cards and I loved this Christmas cracker shaped card featuring James the Bear from Lili of the Valley

February:

Continuing my obsession with shaped cards, I made this concertina fold card using some XXL tags which can be removed and used separately afterwards.

March:

I enjoy making 'just because' cards to send a little 'thinking of you' message to friends and family.

April:

Tags were a common feature in my 2021 creations. This one incorporates my favourite colours and dies, as well as some adorable bunnies - right up my street!

May:

Another shaped creation, this time a tea-time themed card.

June:

A return to my stamping roots with a Penny Black image.

July:

I loved this simple layout and the adorable Panda from Lee Holland Designs

August:

I continued my additction to shaped cards with my new hexagon die.   Although the stitched edges didn't emboss particularly deeply, they are there if you squint!

September:

This fussy card was for a friend's special birthday, so a little extra effort was called for!

October:

I was sad to part with this Sunflower blankie that I crocheted for my MIL's birthday. 

November:

Another tag card from me, and another combo of my favourites; tag die, papers, colours, and another adorable Lee Holland Designer image.

December:

And my final favourite of the year, this simple but effective Stamping Bella image on a embossed panel with some die cut poinsettias.  It's difficult to photograph, but the white snowflakes are glittered too.

I hope you enjoyed my little trip down blog memory lane. 

I look forward to crafting with you in 2022.
Happy crafting.  I'm off to finish the mince pies.
Annette
xx