D'oh. It's a paw, not a flower

I've been in a bit of a funny mood lately and that usually means trouble for my bank balance.  The dangerous thing about Paypal is that it's so easy to browse and find myself buying things online without actually having to get up from my chair and search for my credit card.

I've purchased enough stamps to last me 100 years.

And maybe a few more for luck.

Then, to make the most of my new stamps, I signed up for one of the Kit & Clowder colouring classes at the weekend.

Of course then I needed some new copic colour combos to practice my colouring.

I'm expecting a call from my credit card company any day to ask if my Amex has been stolen.

Anyway, I've actually used a recent purchase on today's card.

It's one of my first CC Designs.

And I kinda like them!  (oh dear!)

Despite my mission to focus on the colouring, unfortunately I made a bit of a boo-boo on this image. I coloured the girlie first, but it was only when I coloured the cat that I realised that the 'flower' in her hair was actually the moggie's left paw.  The trouble was that I'd already coloured it bright red.

Whoops!

Mid-colour, I fessed up to the lovely Squirrel, who suggested that I pop a bandage on the red paw. Instead opted to darken up the rest of the kitty so that I could colour over the red in dark brown. Hopefully it doesn't have too much of a red tinge to it now, but it does merge into her brown hair a bit.

I was pleased to see that it's not just me who had issues with this image though, as 2 days ago I took solace in reading that Squirrel had problems of her own with it!

And yes, I had also coloured the mistletoe as holly as she did.

D'oh.  

But as Squirrel said, who has ever seen prickly mistletoe?

Anyhoo, this project is to support the challenge at As You Like It Challenge which is to showcase your favourite type of Christmas card, modern or traditional.  I've opted for a modern image,  but I guess my chosen red and green colours are fairly traditional!  However, it's cute and therefore modern for me all the way.

Here's a close up of the image (and the troublesome paw).  I must say that this image does remind me of myself and my furbaby Pickle!

Despite my futile attempts at trying to persuade her otherwise, she's not very keen on snuggles. This is almost exactly the pose she's mastered when I scoop her up.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Kisses by CC Designs
• Typed Sentiment (Wendy Medium font)
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics
• Cardworks Card base
• Lili of the Valley Always & Forever paper pad
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Die-namics Stitched Circle Stax
• Pearls
• Wink of Stella glitter pen
• Star nestie die

I've been inspired by:

• Friday Sketch Challenge - Sketch (mirrored)
• The Cutie Pie Challenge - Festive Furry Friends
• Stamping Sensations - Christmas
• Kit & Clowder - Christmas

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Seeing Stars

It's another watercolour card from me today, but a bit more fussy than yesterday's layout.  I'm also back in festive mode with a Tiddly Ink Wryn carol singing.

I've used a Night Sky Border die that I've had for ages, but I'm not sure whether I've actually used it more than once already, so I decided to give it an outing today using some silver mirri card.  I'm also a teensy bit addicted to my new stitched circle stax die, so that's also made another appearance.  I hope you're not getting tired of it! :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Tiddly Inks Wryn Goes Caroling (this was actually a rubber version)
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Cardworks Card base
• First Edition Gilded Winter papers
• The Langton watercolour paper
• Stazon Ink Pad
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Die-namics Stitched Circle Stax
• Memory Box Night Sky Border die
• Silver Mirri card
• Green Organza Ribbon
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - We're seeing stars
• Cute Card Thursday - Red and Green
• Sweet Stampin' - To Die For

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

I'm having a break from Christmas cards, although this image is versatile enough to become a Christmas or New Year image with the right sentiment!

This is also another CAS layout, but I stitched the image panel for some added interest.  These images are really large so there's not really much room for anything else anyway!

Hope you like it.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Uptown Girls Victoria and Juliette's Night Out
• Sentiment - LOTV Sentiment Tags
• Colouring - DI Reinkers
• Cardworks Card base
• Maja Design Papers
• Baby Blue Button Twine
• The Langton watercolour paper
• Stazon Ink Pad
• Pearls
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Wink of Stella

I've been inspired by:

• Craft Your Passion - Things Beginning with B (Best Friends, Blue, Best Wishes, Bow)
• CAS on Sunday - Ribbon or Twine
• A Little Bit Crafty - CAS
• Stamp & Create - Ribbons or Bows

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Carolling Trio

I'm still in festive mood today with a quick reminder for the fun Snow-vember challenge taking place over at Squirrel's blog.

The image is quite large so it's another CAS card too, but I did sneak in some peals and a spot of stitching.  :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Snowy Trio from Purple Onion Designs
• Typed Sentiment
• Clouds - Dovecraft chalks
• Cardworks Card base
• Lili of the Valley paper pad
• Neenah Classic Crest White Stamping Card
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Pearls
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Glossy Accents
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White

I've been inspired by:

• Craft Your Passion - B for Blue
• A Random Fan - Winter Wonderland
• Stamping Sensations - Simply Christmas
• Bunny Zoe - Snow
• Christmas at Sweet Stampin - Snow People

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Seeds and Greetings

I'm still in a festive mood, with a reminder for the Snow-vember challenge that's taking place over at Squirrel's blog.  But there are no traditional red, green or gold colours in today's creation.  Instead I've used purples and lilacs with a gorgeous shimmery backing paper to match.

And yes, it's another CAS layout - I think this style is growing on me as it really makes me think about my colouring!

Card Recipe:

• Image - LOTV Seeds and Greetings
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics
• Cardworks Card base
• MFT Snowflake Die
• Embroidery thread
• Card Candi
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Glossy Accents
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Pearl

I've been inspired by:

• LOTV - Christmas
• Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes with Optional Glitter
• The Ribbon Girl - Christmas Card
• Kit & Clowder - Christmas

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Fairy Cracker

The new challenge at As You Like It Challenge is to make your favourite kind of gift wrapping or box. This cracker is one of my favourites for several reasons.

1. It is really simple to make
2. It's quite large, so it's great for wrapping awkward shaped gifts, and
3. It's a template that I created myself (from a bit of trial and error) which is always a bit more satisfying!

If you want a copy of the template, then please take a peek at my freebie tutorials page.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Sugar Nellie Wish Upon A Star
• Cracker Template (one of my freebies)
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics
• Lili of the Valley paper pad
• Fantastic Ribbons
• Viva Pearl Pen
• Fiskars Snowflake Border Punch

I've been inspired by:

• That's Crafty - Hot & Spicy colour challenge
• Stamping Sensations - Christmas
• A Random Fan - Red, Green & White
• Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
• Stamp & Create - Ribbons & Bows

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Autumnal Bird Box

I found this little box in a craft shop and decided to make a garden themed box for collecting seeds from my favourite flowers as autumn turns.

I covered it with LOTV Country Lady papers and used my Watering Can image to decorate it.  The only embellishment is a pearl I added to help lift up the lid as it's magnetic. I also inked around all the edges to age it a bit.

And finally to all my fellow Brits ... HAPPY "GUY FAWKES NIGHT"!
If you're braving the weather tonight and going out with your sparklers, have fun. :0)

Project Recipe:

• Image - Watering Can from LOTV
• Country Lady Paper Pad from LOTV
• Colouring - DI Reinkers
• Wooden Box
• Pearl

I've been inspired by:

• Sketchy Colours - Green, Beige, Brown
• Sparkles - Autumn Colours
• Penny Black & More - Anything Goes
• Simon's Monday Challenge - Good Ol' Days (hunting round the garden collecting seeds for planting next year, like I used to do when I was younger - trouble was back then I didn't know the difference between flowers and weeds.  Hmm, perhaps not much has changed there!)
• Lawnscaping Challenge - Fall / Autumn

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Black Kitty

Today's make is a simple Christmas gift-tag featuring Mavis from Tiddly Inks.  I printed her out quite small, cut her out using one of my Stitched Circle stax dies, and mounted her onto some silver mirri card.  I popped some red button twine into a hook at the top for trying to a present.

I also attempted the no-lines technique again.   I think it looks so good when others do it, but hmm, more practice for me, I think!

Oh, and I missed some glitter off her hat bobble - I've only just seen that as I've uploaded the photo!

Card Recipe:

• Image - Xmas Mavis from Tiddly Inks
• Colouring - Copics
• Die-namics Stitched Circle Stax
• Silver Mirri Card
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Red Button Twine
• Stickles

I've been inspired by:

• Tiddly Inks - Black Cats
• Copic Europe - No Lines Technique
• Simply Create Too - Shop in your craft room (Nothing new here, which makes a change!!)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Preparing for Christmas

If you visit me often, you'll know that the whole concept of CAS freaks me out.

I feel outside my comfort zone.

Exposed in an unfamiliar land.

My projects feel unfinished.

However, I'm really trying harder to concentrate on the quality of my colouring.  So, in an attempt to improve my skills and focus on the image, this is my card for the new challenge at Without Words Challenge where the theme is Preparing for Christmas.  My little guy is doing just that, preparing his Christmas tree with the help of his furry friend.

Card Recipe:

• Image - The Perfect Tree from Lili of the Valley
• Typed Sentiment
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics
• Cardworks Card base
• Dovecraft T'is the Season papers
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Sister Act - Anything Goes
• Allsorts - Masculine
• A Little Bit Crafty - CAS
• Stamping Sensations - Christmas
• LOTV - Christmas
• A Random Fan - Red, White, Green
• Kit & Clowder - Christmas

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Red and Green Winter Wishes

I've got another Snow-vember card to share with you today.  Without wishing to blow my own trumpet, I rather liked this one too!  It seemed jolly and bright, and I really tried hard with the colouring (even though a large proportion of the main character was white!)

Don't forget to link up your snowman themed creations to Squirrel's blog to be in with a chance of winning a festive prize.  I'll be back in a week or so to share another Snowman themed reminder project.

Snowtastic!

Card Recipe:

• Image - Gifts on the Tree from Lili of the Valley
• Rubber sentiment (sorry, I can't remember where I got it, possibly off a magazine!)
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics
• Cardworks Card base
• Memory Box Bursting Berry Vine Border
• Ribbon scrap
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Glossy Accents
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White

I've been inspired by:

• Deep Ocean Challenge - One Layer
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• The Ribbon Girl - Christmas
• A Little Bit Crafty - CAS

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Welcome to Snowvember !!!

Well, before I move onto today's card, did you all make it safely through Hallowe'en?

All but 2 of my spooky treat pouches were gone by 7.30, and I was about to turn the pumpkin lights off at 8pm when two young witches arrived (one wearing a pink 'hello kitty' cardigan) to take the last two.  We had lots of witches, but also a mummy (although he did expressly tell me several times that he was a male mummy - just so I was sure), a werewolf (who'd lost his mask), Boba Fett (from Star Wars), a pumpkin and a skeleton.

The skeleton shook his treat pouch and asked me whether it contained an X-Box.  Methinks one little character might be a teensy bit disappointed when he opened it, but hopefully he liked the fun sized Mars bar instead.  In contrast, one of the first young witches to arrive was so excited about the treat pouch that she didn't realise there were treats inside, and she nearly burst with excitement to find a Twix fell out.

And as it was Friday, my dad popped over for his long-standing dinner invitation, but by the time he arrived I was already in full flow of 'open the door and shove a treat pouch through it', so he nearly got bag of Maltesers thrown at him.  Then I realised he wasn't in costume!  ;0)

Unfortunately the glow sticks I'd ordered from Amazon for some spooky glow-in-the-dark eyes to put in the bushes didn't arrive in time, so I've got 364 days to make them in time for next year.  But the tombstone I made with a huge box and some crinkled paper and put outside the front door was popular.  Unfortunately mainly popular with snails, who nibbled though the paper wrapping. Hopefully Stazon ink isn't poisonous to snails.

Anyway, for someone who doesn't like Hallowe'en, I enjoy the preparation, although I'm glad it's over now!

So, onto today's creation.  I can't believe how fast October has gone by and it's November already.

And we all know what November means ... without wanting to make you panic ... it's Christmas next month!!!

So to get us all in a Wintry mood, there is a new snowman themed challenge starting today.  You may remember back in September that the lovely Squirrel hosted 'The Great Penguin Challenge'.

Well November is Snowvember, so this month you need to make a snowman themed creation.

The challenge runs for the whole month of Snowvember, and there are some Christmassy prizes on offer for one lucky winner who links up to challenge.

So get your Frosty the Snowman images out and let your creativity flow.  The link and rules are on Squirrel's blog.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Snow is Overrated by Whipper Snapper
• One of my own Freebie Sentiments
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Cardworks Card base
• The Snowman Paper Pad (how apt!)
• The Langton watercolour paper
• Stazon Ink Pad
• Button Twine
• Pearls
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Sweet Stampin' - Shaped Cards
• Live & Love Crafts - Favourite Christmas Colours (pink and aqua - I love pink on xmas cards and aqua for it's frosty feel)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Sugar Nellie Fairy Cake

This was totally unplanned because I made the two cards weeks apart, but today's card has some striking similarities to the card I posted on Sunday night....

• They both feature adorable Sugar Nellie Fairy Glen images. 
• They use the same paper (I think it was even from the same sheet of reversible 12" cardstock).  
• The sentiments on both are banner shaped and in the top left corner. 
• Lastly, I meant to pop some pearls on each, but forgot on both versions!

Weird huh?

Anyhoo, today's project is to support the new challenge at the Sugar Bowl.  I've kept the design really simple to showcase the pretty fairy.  She's one of my new ones and I think this is her first inking.

There's a generous splashing of Wink of Stella to give her wings some sparkle, but it's so hard to photograph.  It is there though, honest!

Hmm, I wonder why I am hankering for a slice of coffee sponge cake right now!  :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Let Them Eat Cake from Sugar Nellie at Funky Kits
• Typed Sentiment
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics
• Cardworks Card base
• Papermania Lucy Cromwell 12" paper pad
• Wink of Stella

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Treats (I hope cake counts. It does in my book at least!)
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Sister Act Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Fairy Dust

I am not sure how long I've had this image coloured up, but she's been sat in my work-in-progress pile for months and I've only gotten around to making her up into a card tonight.  She's a lovely fairy image from Funky Kits and is really quite large.  This is a 6" square card, so perhaps that shows just how large she it.  I trimmed the image and rounded off two corners before matting it onto purple card.

I used a Magnolia border die to decorate the strip across the middle and some spotty ribbon purple ribbon as a trim.  The papers are also ones I've had for ages (when I found this pad I went mad and bought about 3 pads of it in 6" and 12" pads).  I love them so much that I hate to use them, but I think this little fairy deserved them!  :0)  Lastly the ribbon, wow, how long have I had this.... This card really is created from some old stash.  Hmm, that makes a change!

I usually take a couple of minutes to set up my photos so that I get the light to glisten off any glitter, but this photo was actually taken at a bit of a odd angle.  I had my kitty on my lap at the time, and any cat slave will know that you can't disturb a kitty when they're gracing you with their presence.  Despite the awkward angle my first attempt really caught the glitter on her fairy wings well, so all was well!

Card Recipe:

• Image - Dreams & Wishes from Sugar Nellie at Funky Kits (she's out of stock in the rubber at the moment but the digi is available here)
• Typed sentiment
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Cardworks Card base
• Dovecraft Lucy Cromwell paper pad
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Magnolia Doohickey Sweet Lovely Lace border die
• Spotty Ribbon
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Glossy Accents

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Simply Create - Shop in your Craft Room
• Sister Act - Anything Goes
• Sketch Saturday - Sketch #333

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Dandelion Wishing

I'm in clean & simple mode again today (this is becoming a bit of a habit!) with another sweetie from Purple Onion Designs.  This little mouse is so gorgeous that she deserves to be the star of the card, and doesn't need a lot of embellishment.  Plus she's quite large!  

This is a really versatile image, suitable for so many occasions like 'thinking of you' or 'thank you', but I've opted for a simple 'happy birthday'!

I coupled her with one of my favourite designer papers and I've also taken the time to watercolour her in DI reinkers rather than reach for the Copics.

Yeah, I know, I still need some practice with the inks, but I maybe able to get some time next week when I have a few days off work :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Wishing Mouse and Dandelion from Stacey Yakula at Purple Onion Designs.
• Typed Sentiment
• Colouring - Distress Inks
• Clouds - Dovecraft Shimmer chalks
• Cardworks Card base
• Lili of the Valley Promises paper pad
• Pearls
• Sewing Machine

I've been inspired by:

• Purple Onion Designs Stacey Yakula Giveaway
• Simon's Monday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Simply Create Too - Shop in your craft room (image, papers, pearls - well everything actually which is pretty rare for me!)
• Sister Act Challenge - Anything Goes
• Bunny Zoe Crafts - Animals

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Honey Bunny

I can't believe how fast this month is going, but oh boy am I glad I've got a few days off work next week.  We've nothing much planned for our time off, but that's actually the point!  We had intended to have a night away in a hotel, but when hubby borrowed my car one evening last week, an incident involving a pothole put paid to that as the replacement tyre cost over just £200.  He's since heard of 3 friends/colleagues who've been caught by the same pothole.  One broke his whole wheel, and while he was waiting for the AA man to arrive another damaged car pulled in behind him having done the same thing, so hubby was actually lucky it was just the tyre that burst.  I noticed that the road is closed this week for the council to resurface it.  Shame they didn't do that last week!  :0(

Still, I'm sure that I can manage to find something to do if I have a couple of days to kill at home!  ;0)

Anyway, onto the topic of today's post which is a card using a sweet LOTV bunny image that I've water-coloured with DI reinkers.  I've also used papers and a sentiment from LOTV so it's a bit of a Lili hat-trick!

My card is to support the challenge at As You Like It Challenge where the theme is to choose cute or elegant.  Can you guess what I chose!!  Yup, it's got to be cute for me.  I'm not sure I actually 'do' elegant, and I'm a sucker for anything adorable and fluffy.

Card Recipe:

• Image - LOTV Armful of Daisies
• Sentiment - LOTV Pretty Grungy Good Times
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Cardworks Card base
• Lili of the Valley Promises Papers
• The Langton watercolour paper
• Stazon Ink Pad
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Pearls
• Glossy Accents

I've been inspired by:

• Bunny Zoe - Animals
• Lili of the Valley - Anything Goes
• Simon's Monday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Too CAS to think of a clever blogpost title

I recently ordered a few new Stamping Bella Uptown Girls stamps from Quixotic Paperie and finally managed to get around to stamping one of them this week.

Boy, these images are HUGE!

Probably unwisely when using a new image, I also decided to try a technique that I'm not really comfortable with which is the 'no-lines' technique.

I'm not sure I did a great job with my colouring attempts, but since the image is so huge it's ended up being the focus of the finished card, so there's not much to distract from it.

Can you perhaps focus on my stitching instead?  Yes, great idea.  Look how straight it is!!! :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image & Sentiment - Quinn in her Boots from Stamping Bella Uptown Girls
• Colouring - Copics
• Cardworks Card base
• Stazon Ink Pad (grey)
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Glossy Accents

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Inky Chicks - Xmas
• Penny Black & More - Get ahead for Xmas
• Copic Markers - No Lines Technique
• Deep Ocean - Just 1 Layer (the red outline is Copic as I couldn't find cardstock to match!)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bella Sitting on a Pile of Presents

This is my final card for the Stamp Basket as it's shutting its doors at the end of this month. It's been lovely to showcase the gorgeous images, dies and papers for Janet, and I really do appreciate the opportunity she gave me to help promote her store.

But all good things come to an end, so I'm ending with a sweet image of Bella on a Pile of Presents.

The Wild Rose Studio images have been some of my favourites in the store, so I thought I'd end with one!  Bella's on sale at the moment, along with loads of other crafty items.

Don't forget that the store closes in a couple of weeks, so pop over there quickly to grab some final bargains.  There are discounts of up to 50% on some items to clear the stock before the final day.  All the details are here.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Bella Sitting on a Pile of Presents from Wild Rose Studio
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics, Sakura Stardust Gel pens
• Clouds - Dovecraft chalks
• Cardworks Card base
• Wild Rose Studio Butterfly Glade Papers
• Neenah Classic Crest White Stamping Card
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Pearls
• Glossy Accents
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White

I've been inspired by:

• Bunny Zoe - Animals

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Best Witches

I don't really 'do' Halloween cards, but couldn't resist entering a few challenges using this cutie.  I printed the image really large to give her the focus with a very simple layout.

I've tried a bit of a new technique (video here) in the shadowing of the colouring by using some (fairly dark) grey.  I think I did OK on her legs, and parts of the dress (well, her arms at least), but I was not so happy with her hat!  I also should have been more brave with the folds in her dress. Oh, well, it's all a learning curve!

I used purple tissue paper with threads in it for the backing paper which I thought looked a bit spooky, as though the random threads were spider webs?

D'ya think?

Maybe?

No?

Ok.  I'll get my coat!  ;0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Spell on Ya from Tiddly Inks
• Colouring - Copics, Sakura Stardust Gel pens (wand), DI Markers (hair detail)
• Cardworks Card base
• Purple tissue paper
• Purple Ink (for edging)
• Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Tiddly Inks Challenge - Non Traditional Halloween Colours
• That's Crafty Challenge - Spooky
• Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Halloween
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Colour Challenge
• My Craft Spot - Too Cute To Spook

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Sugar Nellie

Woohoo, today's the day that I get to be a Guest Designer for Sugar Nellie, and I've got not one, but two cards to share!!!

Even better news is that one of the images I was allowed to play with was from the new release, which just happened to feature some of my favourite characters; Jack, Patch and Puss!

I made a simple card using the image, and typed a sentiment into the banner they were holding.  I coloured the image with my Copics, and tried to create some reflection of light from the birthday candle on the kitty's face.  I created a background of clouds and 'grounded' them with some dusky purple.  Other than a bit of stitching, and some Stickles around the edge, the design was a simple one.

So here's my first card:

My second card features an older image, called Forest Friends.  I've coloured her in pink and green, and kept the colour scheme simple and neutral to focus on the sweet image.  The spotty ribbon is actually a chocolate brown in real life, although it looks almost black in the photo.

Well wasn't that over in a flash!  I've really enjoyed being a Guest Designer for Sugar Nellie. I hope my creations inspire you to pop over to the Funky Kits store where there is a 50% sale on at the moment.  Just be careful you don't do what I did, which is buy a stamp that you already have!  D'oh!  Well, at least it shows I liked it!  ;0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Sugar Nellie
• Typed Sentiment
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics, Sakura Stardust Gel pens
• Clouds - Dovecraft chalks
• Cardworks Card base
• Dovecraft Back to Basics Pink Paper,  Wild Rose Studio Brown Papers
• Neenah Classic Crest White Stamping Card
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Die-namics Stitched Circle Stax
• Magnolia Slender Fir die
• Fantastic Ribbons
• Pearls
• Glossy Accents
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Stickles

I've been inspired by:

• Deep Ocean Challenge - Christmas in October
• Inky Chicks - Christmas
• Bunny Zoe - Animals

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Pink & Purple Bella

I've got a sweet little Bella image to share today, in a pastel pink and purple colour scheme.  I was a bit worried that the colours wouldn't work, but I actually quite like them.  The image and papers are both in the Stamp Basket closing down sale, along with lots of other bargains.  :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Bella With Daisy from Wild Rose Studio
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics
• Clouds - Dovecraft chalks
• Cardworks Card base
• Magnolia Sweet Crazy Love Pink papers
• Neenah Classic Crest White Stamping Card
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Die-namics Stitched Circle Stax
• Purple Spotty Ribbon
• Pearls
• Glossy Accents
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• White Gel Pen
• Black Glaze Pen

I've been inspired by:

• Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
• Fab 'n' Funky - Anything Goes with Ribbon
• Sketch Saturday - Sketch (rotated a quarter)
• Lawnscaping Challenge - Patterned Paper

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Apron card

I bought a baking image from LOTV months and months ago with a specific person in mind to use it for.  I think I got it just before it was retired as I don't think it's still available now.  A friend at work is passionate about baking and she makes the most amazing cakes, so I knew immediately it was the perfect image for her birthday card.  And amazingly I actually remembered that I'd bought it several months later when it was her birthday!

I made a tent-fold card into the shape of an apron by cutting out 'armholes' using an oval nestie in both top corners and adhering some ribbon into a loop at the top and ties at the sides before adding the backing paper.

I popped some rolled flower ribbon at the top and added a pocket created by the image which I stuck down with double-sided tape on three sides after stitching to lilac backing card, and inside I popped in a little tag with a stamped sentiment.

This project is to support the challenge at As You Like It Challenge where our theme is to showcase your favourite type of ribbon/twine/lace.   Although I love twine and lace, my favourite is definitely ribbon.  I usually reach for a satin ribbon, but opted for a soft lilac gingham for my baking themed apron card.

And here's the card with the little tag pulled out so you can see the sentiment which says 'We are all special - some of us just don't know it yet'.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Busy Baking and Inspirational Sentiments from LOTV
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics
• Cardworks Card base
• Maja Design Coffee in the Arbour paper pad
• Neenah Classic Crest White Stamping Card
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Spellbinders Classic Ovals
• Magnolia Doohickey Scalloped Tag die
• Rolled flower ribbon from The Ribbon Girl
• Gingham Ribbon
• Pearls
• Butterfly embellishment
• Paper flowers
• Glossy Accents
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White

I've been inspired by:

• The Cutie Pie - 3 of Something (3 pearls, 3 types of flower, 3 colours)
• Simply Create - Special Occasion (even the tag says "special")
• The ABC Challenge - Unique
• LOTV Challenge - Anything Goes
• Bunny Zoe - Animals
• Fab 'n' Funky - Anything with Ribbon

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Black Magic

Every year we get the usual coach load of kids knocking at the door on Halloween.

Every year I try to hang a towel over the inner porch door to cover up the glass, and turn the lights off.

Every year hubby tells me I'm being a misery and insists on removing the aforementioned towel and hanging up some pumpkin fairy lights to welcome the little brats darlings.

So to avoid the label of Halloween Scrooge, I've made some treat pouches for the string of ghouls and ghosties who are polishing up their buckets in preparation for the begging fest.

Yeah, I know.  I am a Scrooge, but at least hubby has something to give them until he gets fed up of the doorbell ringing and threatens to remove its battery for the night.  :0)

This is just a selection - I made 20, but they're all variations on the same theme, so I won't bore you more than I've done already!

Card Recipe:

• Image - Tommy Wizard and Barry Halloween
• Black Card
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics, Sakura Stardust Gel pens
• Stitched Circle die
• Cuttlebug swirls embossing folder
• Ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Charisma - Anything but a card
• Nordsalten Hobbyklubb - CAS
• My Craft Spot - Trick-or-Treat

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Rosie Rabbit

The pretty papers are the inspiration for this card, so I've carried them into the image and embellishments.

Pink and blue are definitely my two favourite colours, and although I've never really thought of them as a Christmas duo, they do seem to work quite well.

I've used a lovely corner die, but the snow flourish die didn't seem to fit very well, so I've chopped bits off and popped them under the image, peeking out to the side.

Initially I actually thought the image was for a birthday, but then I saw the poinsettia, so I've ensured the festive theme is clear with the Christmas sentiment and snowflake die cuts.

And I've got some sad news, because The Stamp Basket is closing down at the end of October.   There is a closing down sale, so if you want to grab a crafty bargain, then pop over to the sale, but be quick, because once it's gone, it's gone for good!

Card Recipe:

• Image - A Rosie Rabbit Gift from Stampavie
• Molly Blooms Happy Christmas Sentiment
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics
• Cardworks Card base
• Wild Rose Studio Frosted Lace paper pad
• Wild Rose Studio Snowflake Corner
• Wild Rose Studio Snow Flourish die
• Neenah Classic Crest White Stamping Card
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Pearls
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White

I've been inspired by:

• Delightful Challenges - Add A Sentiment

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Where are the pearls?

I've got something worrying to share with you today, because I've been diagnosed with a life changing condition.

It's called EWS.  I have good days and bad, the symptoms come and go, but it's hit me pretty hard today.

I'm going to need a lot of therapy.

Or possibly chocolate.

Actually, better make that a lot of chocolate (and never mind the 'possibly').

So EWS, is 'Embellishment Withdrawal Syndrome'.

The symptoms are clearly present in today's card, which features no embellishments whatsoever.

Not one.

Nothing.

Nada.

Nicht.

Not even any of my beloved pearls.  (yup, I've got it bad)

(OK there's maybe a little stitching, but that doesn't count, right?)

Crafty Little Fairies' new challenge is 'use only one designer paper', so despite the lack of, well, anything, it actually fits that theme perfectly.

I've gone all 'Jen Nelson' on you all of a sudden!!!   I love her style, but get the twitches when I try it myself.

So, take a peek while I nip off to find some chocolate to help me recover from today's bout of EWS.

This is also my final challenge with the Crafty Little Fairies, after 12 months on the team.   I've created with some lovely ladies, and loved every challenge, but it's time to move on.  I hope to see you play along with us this month.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Time Flies by Lili of the Valley
• Typed Sentiment (Wendy Medium font)
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Cardworks Card base
• Lili of the Valley Promises Paper Pad
• The Langton watercolour paper
• Stazon Ink Pad
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Glossy Accents

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Finishing Touch (Glitter!)
• Allsorts Challenge - A Stitch Up
• NordSalten Hobby Club - CAS
• Sparkles - Things with Wings

Happy crafting
Annette
xx