Monday, 22 August 2016

Furry Babies Bat

This is the 4th of my 4 bambino cards using the new images from  Lili of the Valley.  This one's called Furry Babies Bat and I've kept the design quite simple with a starry strip of patterned paper and a stitched border around the image.



Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx




Sunday, 21 August 2016

Bunny Cuddles

I'm a bit late posting today but hopefully you think it was worth the wait as I'm rather pleased with how this bunny turned out .  He's a cute new bunny from LOTV, and the bunnies are some of my favourite characters that Lili of the Valley design, so I was really happy when I found him. He's a baby image, but I think he's adorable and could be used for other themes too. Particularly if someone likes bunnies.  Like me! :0)

I've made a teeny card for him, folding a single large die cut nestie in half and popping him on the top.  The papers are actually from Snow Princess, a Christmas set, but I love using them for non-Christmas projects too as they're so pretty.



Card Recipe:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx




Saturday, 20 August 2016

Baby Rocker

Today I'm sharing the second of my new baby cards featuring another new image from Lili of the Valley called Bunny Rocker.  I particularly love this image because I love LOTV's bunny images. I've also featured him on a die cut card base which is my favourite shape.



Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx




Friday, 19 August 2016

Furry Babies Kitten

I've made a small batch of baby cards recently and will bore you share them with you over the next few days. Here's my first one, featuring a cute little furry baby in a kitten costume.  The adorable image is available as a digi from Lili of the Valley.



Card Recipe:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx




Thursday, 18 August 2016

Snowman Fun

It's time for a new challenge at In The Pink and this time we want to see some sparkle.  For me, sparkle means Christmas, so I've inked up a couple of images which haven't seen ink yet and created a simple scene.  I coloured the main image using DI reinkers but chalked in some pink sky beyond the hills.



Card Recipe:

Created for:


Sponsored by:



I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx




Wednesday, 17 August 2016

Layered Lilies

I've been drooling over the Altenew layered stamps for months and so when the Layered Lilies landed on my doormat I was a teensy bit excited to ink them up.  However, I soon discovered that there was more to using these stamps than just the rubber!

I'd planned on using DI ink pads (and because I don't have any DI ink pads, I bought 2 pads especially for these stamps).  But when I inked up the clear stamps, the DI ink didn't give a good coverage and the images was horrendously spotty where the ink bubbled on the rubber. I tried sandpapering the stamp to give it some 'grip', washing it with a bit of soap, stamping with Stazon first, but nothing stopped the spotty inky image.

So I tried some of my Versacolour mini stamps (inks that I have only previously used to ink the edges of my image panels), and the result was perfect!!

Once I'd inked the main layers, I then used a pencil to darken the centres and add some streaks to the centres and edges of each petal.  Finally I used a tiny paintbrush to dot some DI reinker speckles into the centre and Stazon to stamp the stamens.

I was so pleased with how they turned out that I got a bit carried away and couldn't seem to stop using them, but instead of boring you with 4 separate posts, I've decided to bore you with all 4 cards in a single post, so brace yourself for a quartet of lilies!

Firstly I tried them in my favourite colour, pink .....



.... and I was really pleased with how they came out, but actually my next attempt, in blue, turned out to be my favourite .....


Thinking that I was on a roll, I tried them in purple next ......

... and finally in a pale golden brown colour:


Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx




Monday, 15 August 2016

Gigi Thank You

I've been in a purple mood lately so have a pretty card to share using Gigi from Stamping Bella. I've used a couple of dies (stitched square and 'thank you') but left the design fairly uncluttered to keep the focus on the image.



Card Recipe:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Thursday, 11 August 2016

Bunny Box Set

Today's project is to support the new challenge at As You Like It Challenge where the theme is to use your favourite flowers.  I really love Wild Orchid Crafts paper flowers, especially the Cosmos Daisy, Cherry Blossom, open roses and rosebuds that I've used today.  I have these particular flower combos in various colours and shades!



I've also made a little floral gift-cracker using a die from Lawn Fawn and matching papers:


And here they are together.  Unfortunately the ribbons were slightly different shades, but not as different as they look in this picture which seems to make them look far worse!



Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx




Thursday, 4 August 2016

If you want to be happy .....

Another quick post from me to day as I've just realised that I forgot to schedule this earlier! It's a simple card with a pretty paper border trimmed with a stitched border die and some twine.  I've added a speckle of liquid pearls on each scallop.




Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Wednesday, 3 August 2016

I love you THIS much

This is another uber CAS make from me using Stamping Bella's Heidi Needs a Hug.  I love the look on the chicks' faces, especially the one she's snuggling! This was made for a very special friend and actually decorated a gift box rather than a cardbase so it was a little larger than my normal 6x6 shapes.



Card Recipe:
Created for:


I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Tuesday, 2 August 2016

Special Delivery

I've got another delayed posting today with a baby card I made a while ago but haven't yet blogged. This one actually uses some Christmas papers which I love, and since they don't look particularly festive I think I can get away with them!



Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Monday, 1 August 2016

I'm an Acorn!

The bad news is that it's Monday again (boo) but the good news is that you may have seen that the lovely Squirrel is making her "Random Challenges" a little less random.  She's also created a group of Little Acorns to help her in the form of a design team and today is her first challenge!

It's a nice and easy Anything Goes so there's no excuse not to join in the fun over on her blog.

Since it's the first day of August, (cue blue skies, sunshine, flip flops, sandy beaches, ice-cream) I've created a snow scene bunny card to share with you!  ;0)



Please pop over to Squirrels blog to see the other creations by her talented (and slightly nutty) team of Little Acorns and, of course, join in the challenge.  It runs for 2 months so you've got plenty of time to get creative (nuttiness is a bonus, but it's not compulsory!).



Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Sunday, 31 July 2016

Weigh In

I made this card a little while ago but I realised that I've not blogged it yet, so I'm putting that right today!  I was really pleased with this one; of course it's pink, my favourite colour, uses one of my new favourite dies, and features a cute bear!  ;0)



Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Saturday, 30 July 2016

Morning Coffee

This is another sample for my submission to Papercraft Essentials and it was probably one of my favourites from the set I made, but unfortunately in the magazine it got relegated to their website.  I love this image and the CAS layout showcasing her.  I also love this die that gives a stitched line on both sides of the cut line.



Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Friday, 29 July 2016

Easel does it

Just a quickie from me tonight as I forgot to schedule this one last night!  I don't usually make easel cards but I liked this one with the raised bow panel instead of a sentiment panel for the base prop.  I die cut the 'hello' several times and layered them up for a raised effect.




Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Thursday, 28 July 2016

Lilac Bunny

The challenge at As You Like It Challenge this fortnight is to showcase your favourite papers.  I've loved various papers in the past (Papermania's Lucy Cromwell, LOTV (no longer selling papers), Nitwit Digis, but my favourites most recently have been Maja Design; I love the soft pastel colours and pretty floral patterns.



Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Wednesday, 27 July 2016

Oliver - Film Night

A rarity from me with a masculine style card.  I've kept the design very simple, creating an octagon shaped card base by cutting the corners from my standard square base.



Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Tuesday, 26 July 2016

All Seasons Notepad Set

I've made a little notepad set with the new Seasons Girls Stamps from Lili of the Valley.  Each image represents a different season so I've matched the image with the colours of that season. I've used my binding machine to make small notepads using mountboard wrapped with designer paper, and lined the inside of each notepad's cover with kraft paper for a neat finish.

Here's Spring:



... Summer ...

... Autumn ...

... Winter .....

... and finally, Noel.


Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Monday, 25 July 2016

Critter Christmas

In the heat of July I'm in Christmas mode!

These adorable critter stamps from Lili of the Valley are so cute and I can't decide which I love the most, so I've used both today on a couple of CAS cards.

Also have you seen that Lili of the Valley are also now available in Digi Stamps? Woohoo!!!!




Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx




Sunday, 24 July 2016

Hello Chickie (and some new pens)

Today's card is as clean and simple as they come with one layer design featuring a Stamping Bella image. I inked the edges of the layer to give it a bit of a frame!

I treated myself to a new set of watercolour (Docrafts Artiste Dual Tip) pens yesterday and I've tried them out for the first time on this image. They were fairly smooth to blend with the paintbrush and lovely bright colours compared to some of the DI reinkers.  Another benefit I can see with them is that they're ultra portable, unlike the reinkers which would get a bit messy if I tried to transport them! The pens came in a tidy little case which was a real bonus.

Considering this was my first attempt with them, I was fairly pleased.  I think I need a bit more practice with them, but I think they're gonna be fun!



Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Thursday, 21 July 2016

Sending Hugs

We're using Rubber Stamps at In The Pink this fortnight and I've opted for one of my favourite brands, Stamping Bella.  This is Bonnie Loves Bows and I admit the the skirt freaked me out a little, but I persevered and here she it in all her frilly glory!



Card Recipe:
Created for:



Sponsored by:


I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Wednesday, 20 July 2016

Everyone needs a friend like you

Today I'm sharing a card I made for a lovely friend's birthday.  She's opened it now so I'm safe to share, and I must say that I rather liked it (and kinda wanted to keep it - but she's a very special friend so I'm happy that it's gone to a good home).  I've used Confetti Mouse from My Mum's Craft Shop and water-coloured it with a mix of DI reinkers and Sakura Stardust Gel pens for some sparkle on the confetti and banner.



Here's a close up (sorry it's a bit blurred but I didn't realise this until I'd sent her the card) to show the sparkle of the gel pens.



Card Recipe:
Created for:




I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Monday, 18 July 2016

Good Luck Jasmine

Just a quickie from me tonight because I'm still catching up on my unposted creations.  This is another sample from my pull-out feature in Papercraft Essentials issue 135 featuring Jasmine laptop from Lili of the Valley and Time For Tea Cottage papers from Nitwits.  




Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Sunday, 17 July 2016

Just a little note to say ...

This is another sample from my pull-out feature in Papercraft Essentials issue 135 featuring Jasmine Texting from Lili of the Valley and Time For Tea Cottage papers from Nitwits.

I love this simple layout with the quarter circle panel, although I did get in a bit of a mess while distressing the edges of the watercolour paper which just seems to dissolve into a fine dust when it's rubbed with the distressing tool blade!  And I'm not exactly one for housework.  A house becomes a home when you can write 'I love you' in the dust on the furniture!



Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Thursday, 14 July 2016

Pingu Pals

Today's the start of a new challenge at As You Like It Challenge and the theme is to show us your 'trademark style'.  I'm not really sure what mine is anymore actually.  It used to be fussy and fancy, with lots of fluff, but I'm also loving the CAS look.  I guess the things that I think I do a lot, and therefore might suggest I'd be recognised in a line up are:
  • Cute critters
  • Chalked sky
  • My "go-to" CAS layout

I've also managed to sneak in some penguins, glitter and ribbon, as well as purple which is one of my 3 favourite colours.


Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
  • Simon's Monday Challenge - Flora and Fauna
  • Crafty Calendar - Dies &/or Punches
  • Simon's Wed Challenge - Create a Scene (I used 2 digis to create a Waddle of penguins (that's my favourite name for a group of penguins) & added a chalked cloudy sky)
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Friday, 8 July 2016

Jasmine Texting

Woohooooo, it's FRIDAY, and to celebrate I'm sharing another sample from my pull-out feature in Papercraft Essentials issue 135, this time featuring Jasmine Texting from Lili of the Valley and Time For Tea Cottage papers from Nitwits.

I was really pleased with how this one turned out, probably partly because it gave me another excuse to use my favourite Nottingham border die too. :0)




Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Thursday, 7 July 2016

Jasmine Coffee in a Teapot and Exciting (for me) News!

I have something really exciting to share today ... I've been published!!!  I know that lots of you have had your creations appear in magazines but I am so proud to see my cards in glossy print I just had to share it with you.

I was asked to make 11 cards for a special pull-out feature in Papercraft Essentials issue 135 that came out a week ago today, so I rushed out to buy a copy, and lo and behold, my teapot card was on the front cover!

So today I'm sharing that card with you using a pretty Jasmine Coffee image from Lili of the Valley and beautiful Summery papers called Time For Tea Cottage from Nitwits.   I'll share some more from the feature over the next few days.

I hope you like them! :0)




And here's the front cover of the magazine featuring my card.
I was dancing around the room when I unwrapped it.
Yup, I'm still grinning now!  :0)





Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
  • Country View Challenge - Fun with Circles (I've bought my DI reinkers from the store)
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Wednesday, 6 July 2016

Special Bunny Birthday

I'm really late with my post today as I've just got home and realised that I forgot to draft it!  But it's worth the wait as it's a special card for a special birthday.  I really enjoyed the box card I made for Father's day and so decided to try a second one for a 50th birthday card for a friend.

I used MFT Snuggle Bunnies with the matching dies for my scene, and also used lots of scenery dies (sun, grass, blossom, rolling hills etc) as well as a Happy Birthday and 50.

The papers are lovely and girlie this time and I created 4 layers of inserts which were good fun, but a bit fiddly! But I was pleased with the end result, and my friend seemed to like it too.  She gave me a commercially made pop up card for my 40th so I wanted to do something similar for her special birthday.




Here's a bit more of a close up of the cute bunnies and teddies in their garden scene:



... and from the other side ....


Card Recipe:

I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx