Spring Birthday Wishes

There's a new Springtime & Mothers Day release coming out next Tuesday, 25th, at Lili of the Valley and I've created a very clean and simple card using a couple of the new images and one of the sentiments.  The images seemed to complement each other quite when I looked at them and they needed to be companions in my eyes!

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

• Dog/Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed
• Oranges: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Reds: Candied Apple, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
• Greys: Pumice Stone, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley A Balloon for Your and Pretty Posy Stamps
• Lili of the Valley General Sentiments
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Square Stax
• Creative Expressions Chic Floral paper pad

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Purr-fect Friend

It's the turn of the kitties this week!  This card was made for a kitty loving friend and the sentiment is purr-fect indeed.  I've used my favourite Nottingham Border die again. It's getting a real dusting off at the moment!

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

• Kitty: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Cutie Cats
• Memory Box Notingham Border
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Paper pads

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Add a Sentiment

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Crochet Kitty

I've recently become 'hooked' on crochet and although I've only made a couple of things so far, I wanted to try some Amigurumi for Valentines day.  I found the pattern for this kitty online and decided to give him a try.  

I'm hopeless at embroidering the features so I opted for a plastic safety nose but I managed to add the whiskers and mouth with some black thread. 

He is only about 20cm tall, but he took a whole afternoon to make and some bits were really fiddly, like his paws, the base of his tail and those dinky ears.

I was pleased with how he turned out and am itching to try something else now. 

Recipe:

• Valentine's Day Cat Crochet Pattern
• Marriner DK red wool
• 9mm safety eyes
• 15mm x 11mm Triangle safety nose
• Black embroidery thread
• 6mm Satin Ribbon
• Trimits Supersoft Toy Filling

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Happy Valentines Day

This is the Valentines card that I made for my hubby.  I also made him a little kitty that I'll share tomorrow, but I thought this image was really sweet and perfect for Valentines.

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

• Girl's hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo
• Boy's hair: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Boy's outfit: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Girl's outfit: Victorian Velvet, Aged Mahogany
• Shoes: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley Soulmates
• Typed sentiment
• Lawn Fawn Perfectly Plaid Spring paper pad

I've been inspired by:

• Dream Valley - Love

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunny Wabbit

We want to know your favourite animal this week at As You Like It Challenge.  I'd say my favourite animal is actually the tiger, but when it comes to crafting I love nothing more than a cute fuzzy bunny!  I'm a sucker for anything cute, and bunnies top that pile!  I've printed in pale grey to give a 'no-lines' appearance.

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
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Flower: Wild Honey, Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• LOTV Rabbit with Daisy
• 3mm Pumpkin Orange Satin Ribbon
• 22mm Yellow Satin Ribbon
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cosmos Daisy
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• MFT Watercolour Wash Paper Pad
• MFT Roses all Over Paper Pad
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - 2 or more patterned papers (2 different MFT paper pads)
• Penny Black & More - Animals

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bear-thday

I'm in bear-mode today with a cute CC Designs stamp set!  I love this cutie sniffing her flower. I've also used my gorgeous Nottingham Border die which I love as a top border on my tent fold cards. Simples!

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

• Bear: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Flower: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge, Spun Sugar, Picked Raspberry

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Bears
• Memory Box Notingham Border
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Paper pads

I've been inspired by:

• Penny Black & More - Animals, Birds & Butterflies

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Soft Kitty

Soft kitty, warm kitty, 

little ball of fur.

Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, 

purr purr purr.

Extra points for knowing which show made this song a household tune!

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

• Kitty: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Cutie Cats
• MFT Paper pads
• MFT Stitched Rounded Rectangles

I've been inspired by:

• Penny Black & More - Animals, birds and butterflies

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Easter Bunny

We're asking whether you like warm or cool colours today at As You Like It Challenge.  Although I like blues, I do prefer warmer pink and golden browns in this cold weather.  I've selected a cute Springtime bunny from Lili of the Valley who are sponsoring our challenge this fortnight.

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
• Flowers: Milled Lavender, Worn Lipstick

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley Spring Rabbit Posy
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• Creative Expressions Chic Floral papers
• Typed sentiment

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bear-tastic

I'm in bear-mode today with a cute CC Designs stamp set!  Isn't that just the cutest face! I love his little expression. He makes me want to scoop him up and snuggle him!

I've also dug out one of my oldest border dies which is from Memory Box called Nottingham Border.  I've actually snipped off a couple of the tentacles which protrude from the large flower because they poke over the top of the card, but I really like how this die works on this card layout.  I used to use it a lot but it seems to have been getting dusty for a while, so I plan to fix that!

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

• Bear: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Bears
• Memory Box Notingham Border
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Paper pads

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Panda Bear

I've revisited one of my favourite Wild Rose Studio stamps for a special 80th Birthday card for my Auntie.  

Although yellow isn't one of my usual go-to colours, I wanted a bright happy colour theme to brighten up her January birthday, plus I like the contrast against the black and white bear.

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

• Panda: Pumice Stone, Black Soot, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Flowers: Scattered Straw, Dried Marigold, Spiced Marmalade, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Wild Rose Studio Panda with Flowers
• MFT Paper pads
• MFT Stitched Rectangle Dies
• 22mm Satin Ribbon
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cosmos Daisy
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL67 Double Stitched Ovals
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Something Old (one of my oldest WRS stamps - a blast from the past!)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bedtime Bunny

I've fallen in love with these images from Tracey Hey and have been playing again with my Bunny set (I've gone bunny mad on my blog recently!). This one's a real sweetie in his little hat and boots.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Picked Raspberry
• Ground: Pumice Stone, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Tracey Hey Some Bunny
• Creative Expressions Chic Floral paper pad
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Rounded Square Stax
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL Stitched Squares
• Card Making Magic Die Set Easel

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Something New

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

It's Bunny Day!

Today is release day for the new images at Lili of the Valley so I'm sharing 2 more bunny creations from the set.  The bunnies are some of my favourite critters from LOTV so I was really chuffed when I learned about this release.

I've had a heart border die for ages and decided today was the day when I'd christen it, only to find that it's no longer sold! (yup, that's how long I've had it in my unused stash!).  I've die cut it on some pink pearlescent card which wasn't easy to photograph.  I really should consider these practicalities when I'm creating!

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

• Brown Bunnies: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grey Bunny: Pumice Stone, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye,
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Butterfly: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord
• Hearts: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Candied Apple, Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Victorian Velvet, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley Bunnies Daisy Chain
• Lili of the Valley Bunny Full of Love
• Creative Inspirations Chic Floral paper pad
• Poppy Stamps Heart Swoosh die

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Challenge - Love (using Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bella the Birthday Bear

We don't often have an 'Anything Goes' theme at As You Like It Challenge, but it's the middle of January so we have made it really easy to get your crafting mojo together in whatever way you like.  I've got inky with Bella the bear, who is pretty in pink with a simple layout.

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
• Gifts: Tumbled Glass, Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord
• Dress: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany, Pumice Stone
• Bees: Tumbled Glass, Wild Honey

Card Recipe:

• Polkadoodles Bella Bear Gift
• 3mm Satin Ribbon
• Stitched rectangle die
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Creative Expressions Chic Floral paper pad

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunnies, Bunnies and more Bunnies!

There's a new warren of bunnies coming soon at Lili of the Valley and we are excited to share some sneak peeks.  The bunnies are among my favourite LOTV characters so I'm really happy they're bouncing out of their burrow to play.

Today's peek is a set of cards using 3 of the images; Bunnies Swing, Bunnies Sweetheart and Bunnies Clouds & Champagne.

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

• Bunnies: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Moon: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Rusty Hinge
• Cloud: Squeezed Lemonade, Pumice Stone
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Candied Apple
• Swing: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley Bunnies Swing
• Lili of the Valley Bunnies Sweetheart
• Lili of the Valley Bunnies Clouds & Champagne
• Creative Expressions Chic Floral Papers
• Crealies On the Edge #7 Border Die

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Fun with Florals
• Country View Crafts - Do what you Love
• Creative Inspirations - Something New

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Rudolph

I'm sneaking in yet another festive card into January using another image from the same stamp set as yesterday.

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

• Reindeer: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Abandoned Coral, Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint
• Bell: Fossilised Amber, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• CC Designs Tiny Christmas
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Rounded Rectangle Stax
• MFT Merry Christmas Circle Die (snipped and straightened around edge of image)
• Burgundy Velvet Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Flat backed pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Something New (Stamp set)
• Creative Inspirations - Something New (Stamp set) / Something Old (Dies/Papers)
• CC Designs - Plaids or Stripes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Elf and Safety

I don't seem to be able to avoid the Festive images quite yet. It might have something to do with these little cuties who landed on my mat just before Christmas.  I didn't get change to ink them up for Christmas 2019 so I'm stocking up for Christmas 2020!

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

• Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Reds: Festive Berries, Aged Mahogany
• Ground: Pumice Stone, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• CC Designs Tiny Christmas
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Embossalicious Let It Snow Embossing Folder

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Something New (my New CCD Stamps!)
• Creative Inspirations - New (stamps) or Old (Embossing folder/Circle die)
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

It Moose Be Love

I bought this cutie in December but didn't have change to get him inked so had a play with him ready for Christmas 2020.  He's so adorable that I want to scoop him up and snuggle him!

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

• Moose: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Abandoned Coral, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Ground: Pumice Stone, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Tracey Hey It Moose Be Love
• Tonic Studios Modern Merry Christmas Die
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
• Creative Inspirations - Something New (stamp), Something Old (dies/papers/pearls)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Triple Teens

I'm sharing a trio of teenager themed cards today which were made for Lili of the Valley.  

I was tasked with making a set of 3 matching cards using these images, but I wanted the Jasmine card to be more feminine while still matching the set, so I added some interest with an easel fold and some floral die cuts.  

The name 'Jasmine' was typed using a font that I thought complemented the birthday sentiment stamp fairly well.  I didn't want a really different font, but obviously couldn't find the exact one, so this was close enough.

The boys' cards were more simple although I did manage to sneak in some ribbon which I generally associate with fussy feminine cards.  In each case there's some added interest with stitched dies and a digi sentiment.

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
• Blues: Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Mermaid Lagoon
• Pinks: Picked Raspberry
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Yellows/Oranges: Squeezed Lemonade, Fossilised Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Greys: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley Jasmine Laptop 
• Lili of the Valley Oliver Film Night 
• Lili of the Valley Oliver Studying 
• Lili of the Valley Everyday Greetings Sentiments 
• Lili of the Valley Vintage Male Sentiments 
• Jenny J Designs Pastel Plaid Digi Paper Pack
• Crealies Crea-Nest-lies XXL24 Rectangle with Stitching line
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• Sue Wilson Striped Nasturtiums dies 
• Red spotty ribbon 
• Star button
• Red twine
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspiration - New or Old (Old images, new papers)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

New Year Thanks

We're giving thanks for the New Year at As You Like It Challenge this fortnight and want to see your Thank You creations.  My card has been made as a small token of thanks to a special friend, without whom I would be lost.

I've only recently 'found' these gorgeous stamps from Tracey Hey of Alpaca Pals. This is the first one I've shared, but I have 3 sets now which I hope to ink up soon. I've used a grey ink pad for a lighter look.

In contrast, I've dug out these stitched rounded square 'inside-out' dies that I've have not used for years. They were right at the bottom of a pile of items that I was considering de-cluttering, but when I picked them up I decided I wanted to use them again!  It's funny how our tastes change over time, but then revert back again sometimes!

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Wellies: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Purples: Dusty Concord, Wilted Violet
• Ground: Weathered Wood

Card Recipe:

• Tracey Hey Some Bunny Stamp
• Creative Expression Chic Floral
• MFT Dienamics In & Out Stitched Rounded Squares
• Mama Elephant Thanks Die
• Velvet Ribbon
• Purple Gems

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Something New (the stamp and papers)
• Creative Inspirations - Something New or Something Old (new stamp, VERY old dies!)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx