Purple Mouse

My cute little Lee Holland mouse with his woollen heart has come out to play today again, but this time he's in purple.  The shaped card base is cut with a Go Kreate die and I've gone the whole hog with the embellishments.

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, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord

Card Recipe:

• Mouse with Heart from Lee Holland
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Oval Stax
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cherry Blossom
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Hip Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Go Kreate Labels nested die
• Lilac rhinestones
• Purple organza ribbon

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Carrots

I've got another sneaky peek for you today featuring 'Carrots' from Lili of the Valley

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, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Sack: Tea Dye, Vintage Photo
• Carrots: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Carrots from Lili of the Valley
• Lawn Fawn plaid paper
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• Flat Backed Pearls

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Christmas at Valentines!

At As You Like It Challenge this fortnight we're asking whether you prefer birthday or Christmas crafting.  

I'd like to pretend that I'm one of those super organised people on a mission to make a few Christmas cards each month so there's no rush in December, but in reality I do simply prefer Christmas crafting.  

Christmas is often a time when crafting is not limited to just cards, but extends to handcrafted gifts like advent calendars, candles and decorations which are fun to make and swap.  

For my card today I've picked one of my favourite bears, James, from Lili of the Valley on a simple (postage friendly!) design.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Hat fur: Iced Spruce
• Ground: Weathered Wood

Card Recipe:

• James Presents for Two from Lili of the Valley 
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Merry & Bright Plaid paper pad

I've been inspired by:

• Penny Black & More - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bear Hugs

As soon as these little bears landed on my doormat I was itching to ink them up.  This little cutie clutching his heart-shaped cushion is the first to get his outing and I've used a sentiment from the same set.  I thought he'd look cute with a darker snout but I'm not so sure now.  I've popped a little nose on top with a black gel pen, although it barely shows up in the photo.   

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, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Joyful Heart Bears from MFT
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Dienamcis Stitched Rectangle Stax

I've been inspired by:

• Cupcake Inspirations - Be Mine

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Birthday cuties

I'm sharing another sneaky peek from Lili of the Valley today featuring an image called 'Presents'.  I love these cute critters.

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

• Dog: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Mouse: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Presents from Lili of the Valley (both rubber & digi are available)
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Merry & Bright Paper pad

I've been inspired by:

• Penny Black & More - Anything Goes
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
• MFT Card Challenge - Presents (using MFT dies and papers)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Wool you be mine?

I'm so excited to share my first official DT card for Lee Holland digi images and he's a real cutie!  This adorable little mouse is holding a woollen heart in his paws, but he has been a little absent-minded with a loose thread. I hope he doesn't trip over it!  

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Worn Lipstick
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Mouse with Heart from Lee Holland
• Lawn Fawn Perfectly Plaid Spring Petite paper pack
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Typed sentiment: Beneath Your Beautiful Chunk (font)

I've been inspired by:

• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
• Cupcake Inspirations - Be Mine

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Meecie Love

There are some new images being released soon at Lili of the Valley and these little meecies were too adorable not to ink up first.  I'm going to share a few more sneaky peeks over the next few days so come back soon for more cuteness!

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Love Tag from Lili of the Valley
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Merry & Bright paper pad

I've been inspired by:

• Cupcake Creations - Be Mine
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

My Favourite Earthling

I've been inking again to create this little scene using Alien Invasion from Gerda Steiner which were a Christmas present from a lovely friend.  I've blended Distress Inks to create the background and added white gel pen stars.  The sentiment is from the same set.
Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Aliens: Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Faded Jeans, Chipped Sapphire, Black Soot
• Purples: Dusty Concord, Wilted Violet
• Light Beam: Squeezed Lemonade, Fossilised Amber

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Alien Invasion from Gerda Steiner
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Stitched Rectangle die

I've been inspired by:

• Penny Black and More - Anything Goes
• Gerda Steiner - Share Your Designs

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Birthday Bear with Balloon

So I may be a little addicted to these cuties because I have another Lee Holland card today, this time Teddy with heart balloon.  Isn't he adorable!

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Ground: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Teddy with heart balloon from Lee Holland
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• Lawn Fawn Perfectly Plaid papers
• MFT Pop Up Birthday die

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes using Ranger DI Reinkers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Puppy with Present

I am delighted and humbled to learn that I have been picked to join the DT at Lee Holland and I've proudly added the DT badge to my sidebar with a little warm glow!  Lee's images are so cute so I'm absolutely thrilled have been selected.

I've been celebrating by playing with this adorable little puppy who is featured on today's card.  He's been printed in pale grey and then water-coloured. I've kept the layout simple to give him the attention he deserves! 

I hope you like my little puppy enough to come back and visit me to see some more Lee Holland cuties soon.

And here's my new badge!!!  :0)  

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain 
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
• Ground: Weathered Wood, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Puppy with Present from Lee Holland Digis
• Lawn Fawn Petite Plaid paper pad

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes using Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bear in the Snow

This Go Kreate die may be one of my oldest but it's also still my favourite shape for creating cardbases which is what we want to see at As You Like It Challenge this week.  I love the fancy corners and also that it perfectly fits my usual 6" square cardbase.

The image is a James the Bear digi from Lili of the Valley's etsy shop which I've switched to face the other direction. I've also put him in touch with his feminine side with some pink accessories and embellishments.

The dusky pink ribbon is one of my favourite colours, and is called 'mauve' from Fantastic Ribbons.

I know it's a Christmas card and we're not even through January yet, but I am on a mission to have enough Christmas cards before December comes around this year, and this is the first one for 2019 so technically I'm already behind!  It also helps that it's cold and frosty outside, so it's actually quite topical!

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Scattered Straw
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Pinks: Worn Lipstick, Abandoned Coral
• Snow: Weathered Wood

Card Recipe:

• James in the Snow from Lili of the Valley
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• Mauve 15mm satin ribbon from Fantastic Ribbons
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Hip Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Pearl string

I've been inspired by:

• Cupcake Inspirations - Pink & White
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes using Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Make Some Noise

I've used a couple of Mama Elephant sets for today's card which was made to celebrate some friends moving into their first home together.

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

• Bear/Fox/Bunny: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Penguin: Tattered Rose, Hickory Smoke
• Mouse: Pumice Stone
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass, Broken China
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Festive Berries, Fired Brick

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Mama Elephant Animal Parade
• Mama Elephant Hippity Hop
• Versafine Ink Pad

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• NordSalten Hobbyclub - For a Friend

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Polar Opposites

In complete contrast to the embellished card that I last blogged, today's card could barely be more clean and simple.  I've used an adorable polar bear image from Lili of the Valley with a simple design.  The boarder has been embossed with a stitched die and it's been layered onto pale and dark blue matts.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Tattered Rose, Worn Lipstick
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Ground: Weathered Wood, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Polar from Lili of the Valley

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Clean & Simple using Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Hello Cupcake

It's pearls or buttons at As You Like It Challenge this week and for me it's an easy choice. I have a bit of an aversion to using buttons on cards so it's always going to be pearls for me!  Not that pearls are a hardship because I love the shiny little flat backed pearls and have them in lots of colours so they can coordinate with my colour schemes. They usually make an appearance on my cards!

I've got a new Spectrum Noir Sparkle pen and I've used it on my fairy's wings and skirt. It is difficult to photograph but I've added a little close up below which is the best I can get.

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

• Hair/Cake: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Icing: Milled Lavender
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn
• Outfit: Wilted Violet
• Ground: Pumice Stone, Black Soot
• Candlelight: Squeezed Lemonade

Card Recipe:

• Cake Glorious Cake from Lili of the Valley
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Oval Stax
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Nitwit Collections Papers Promises
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cosmos Daisy
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Hip Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Purple gingham ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Whooo is having a Birthday?

This is the third of my moonscape cards using my Gerda Steiner owls.  The sentiment is from the same stamp set.  The image and background are all coloured with DI inks (pads for the background and reinkers for the stamped image).

My little owl, with the moonscape tutorial, is included in this month's copy of Making Cards magazine so please go and buy your copy if you've not already!

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Gerda Steiner Owl Rather Be With You
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Plaid Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• Gerda Steiner Share Your Design
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Clean & Simple using DI ink pads & Reinkers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Moonscapes

I'm sharing another of the cards that are included in the January edition of Making Cards magazine. This time the little scene is quite masculine too (a rarity for me!). I hope you like it and take a peek at the tutorial in the magazine for some inspiration. 

Don't forget to pick up your copy of the magazine!  Oh, and despite what the article says, all the stamped images are watercoloured with DI reinkers, not markers!  :0)

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Gerda Steiner Blast Off
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Plaid Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Creatalicious - Anything Goes
• Country View Challenges - Landscapes using DI ink pads and reinkers
• Creatalicious - Anything Goes
• Gerda Steiner Share Your Designs

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Strike up the Band

I've chosen to ink up an MFT set that was given to me by a lovely friend. The layout is clean and simple but there's some added sparkle with a glitter frame. The glitter card was originally white, but I coloured it blue with an ink pad (probably a mistake because my ink pad is now sparkly!).  I added a further dark blue frame and mounted onto a white card base.

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
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Blues: Stormy Sky, Chipped Sapphire
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Aged Mahogany
• Instruments: Fossilised Amber, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• MFT Strike up the Band
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Glitter card

I've been inspired by:

• MFT Birthday Challenge - Sparkly
• Simon's Monday Challenge - Let's Party

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Sunset made Simples!

I'm really excited to have 3 cards included the January Making Cards magazine with a tutorial on sunsets and 'moonscapes'.  I'm sharing one of those cards today with a Simples theme! The sunset was simple to create with some masking, sponging and inking. I hope you like it and take a peek at the tutorial in the magazine for some inspiration.

Here's a sneaky peek of the magazine.

Card Recipe:

• Clearly Besotted Got Your Back
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Plaid patterns papers

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
• Country View - Landscapes using DI pads & reinkers
• Creatalicious - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Lily Hugs

There is an easy 'Anything Goes' at As You Like It Challenge this week to ease us gently into the new year. I've used one of the fairy images which were released this week from Lili of the Valley.

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

• Hair: Antique Linen, Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo
• Bunny: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Milled Lavender
• Dress: Shaded Lilac, Dusty Concord

Card Recipe:

• Lily Fairy from Lili of the Valley
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• 5mm Aqua Crystals
• MFT Roses All Over Pastels paper pad
• Simon Says Stamp Scripty Big Hugs die

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• Creatalicious - Anything Goes
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Something New using SSS Scripty Big Hugs die

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Feeling Chirpy

Well it's a new year, but I have been feeling a little lacking in crafting mojo after the Christmas break so I've picked up my Tweet Friends stamp which I have really enjoyed using.  It's similar in design to the pastel pink and blue I made just before Christmas but this time using a more wintry blue.

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

• Bird: Chipped Sapphire, Weathered Wood 
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Flower: Mermaid Lagoon
• Ground: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• MFT Tweet Friends
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Frantic Stamper Large Scalloped Scallop edger die
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Bundles of Blossom Paper pad
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• MFT Colour Challenge

Happy crafting
Annette
xx