Star Reindeer Tag

Today's creation is another large tag using one of the new images from Lili of the Valley.

Designed for:
Lili of the Valley

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Antlers: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed, Rusty Hinge
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Greys: Hickory Smoke

Card Recipe:

• Penguins & Reindeer stamp set from Lili of the Valley
• Honey Bee Christmas die
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Circle Stax
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Plain Red Card 290gsm
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL Tag No.12 (with stitching)
  

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Gingerbread Reindeer Tag

I've used one of the reindeer images from the recent new release at Lili of the Valley for this super-sized gift tag.  He's watercoloured, and framed with some pretty papers and flowers.  I've inked the die-cut sentiment so that it's two-tone and layered onto a matt before adding to the tag.

Designed for:
Lili of the Valley

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose
• Gingerbread man / Antlers: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Blues: Chipped Sapphire, Prize Ribbon

Card Recipe:

• Penguins & Reindeer A5 Stamp set by Lili of the Valley
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Circle Stax
• Honey Bee Christmas Die
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• 6mm Satin Ribbon
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL Tag No.12 (with stitching)

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Marine Blue Card 240gsm

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Christmas Heffalump

It's never too early to start on your Christmas crafting!!!

Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord, Villainous Potion
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• 'Whites': Hickory Smoke
• Snow: Speckled Egg

Card Recipe:

• Elephant from Christmas Critters Bundle by Amanda Jayne Designs
• Harmony Paper Bundle by Amanda Jayne Designs
• Smooth White Card 160gsm from Papermill Direct

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - Four-legged friends

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Sunflower Placemats

I've been indulging in a spot of crocheting recently and have made these pretty placemats with matching coasters. I followed a pattern on YouTube for the coaster, and increased it to 9 rounds of brown, instead of 6, for the larger placemat, giving me 108 stitches in the final round of brown before starting the petals.  I'm really pleased with how they've turned out and I'm thinking of making some to give as gifts.

Pattern: Link to YouTube Tutorial
Yarn: Stylecraft Dark Brown and Dandelion Yellow

4mm crochet hook

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Special Anniversary

At As You Like It Challenge this week we want to know whether you prefer florals or ginghams.  For me, ginghams remind me of a school uniform, and I'm not a huge fan of checked patterns, but I do love pretty floral papers, in particular Nitwit collections who seem to be most common in my collection!  

I've made this special anniversary card and personalised it using my Silhouette.  It's a big card, 8" square, and now safely with its recipient.  I had a mini-panic because I had tracking on the postage when I sent it, and it still says its undelivered, so I was upset after all the effort of making it, but they've sent a thank-you card saying how pleased they were to receive it.

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge
Lili of the Valley

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Blues: Chipped Sapphire, Prize Ribbon
• 'Whites': Hickory Smoke
• Greys: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• The Happy Couple by Lili of the Valley
• Smooth White Card 160gsm by Papermill Direct 
• 6mm Satin Ribbon
• Ivory organza ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Hip Rosebuds
• Mini Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Enamel Dots from Hobbycraft

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Christmas Cracker Bear

I'm trying to get ahead with my Christmas cards!  Who's with me?

Designed for:
Lee Holland

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Blues: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans, Chipped Sapphire, Prize Ribbon
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Hickory Smoke

Card Recipe:

• Teddy with Christmas Cracker by Lee Holland
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• Smooth White Card 160gsm from Papermill Direct
• Nitwit Collections - Joyful Hearts - Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - 4-legged Friends
• Country View Crafts - 4 Legged Friends

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Birthday Bear

I've watercoloured this bear for a birthday card. He's framed with some pretty lilac floral papers and a simple typed sentiment.

Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card 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
• Purples: Milled Lavender, Wilted Violet, Villainous Potion
• Reds: Victorian Velvet, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Bear holding Pencil by Amanda Jayne Designs
• Harmony Paper Bundle by Amanda Jayne Designs
• Typed Sentiment

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Dark Violet Plain Card 290gsm

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - 4-legged friends
• Stamping Sensations - Summer Flowers
• Country View Challenge - 4-legged friends

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Crochet Baggie

Sharing a little crochet baggie. It's got a circular base, but when it hangs it's hard to show that in the photos.  I used Drops Cotton Light, which I struggled to get along with because I found that it splits which makes the stitches difficult, but I am pleased with the end result.

Pattern:

• Summer Vibes Trail Crochet Tote Bag by Nothern Lights Trail

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Christmas Mouse

I'm trying to make a dent on my Christmas cards and have used this sweet mouse on a snowy branch by Lee Holland for this very Clean and Simple layout.  The image is watercoloured and the sentiment is typed.

Designed for:
Lee Holland

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Mouse: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Greens: Bundled Sage, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Snow: Weathered Wood, Speckled Egg

Card Recipe:

• Mouse on Fern by Lee Holland

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - 4-legged friends (my cat thinks mice are lovely friends, and often brings one home to join him for tea - a little too literally!)
• Country View Challenges - 4-legged friends
• Crafty View Challenges - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Cute Sheep

I've made this little sheep for my bestie's birthday using a pattern from Soft Toy For Joy (now A Pinch Of Cotton) on Etsy. It was quite easy to follow although I got befuddled with the puffy texture stitches and ended up doing them inside out, but I still achieved some kind of bobbly effect on his body and he turned out really cute.

Link to Pattern from @aPinchOfCotton

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Squirrel Birthday

I'm sharing a little card for my bestie made using an adorable digi image from Lee Holland.

Designed for:
Lee Holland

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Browns: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Squirrel with Sunflower by Lee Holland
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Woodstock Giallo Card 285gsm
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL34 Double Stitched Squares
• Gummiapan Happy Birthday Die

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - Four Legged Friends
• Stamping Sensations - Summer Flowers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Relax

This week at As You Like It Challenge we want to know how you prefer to spend your holibobs, whether that be sunbathing on a beach or something more adventurous like an activity holiday.  

Although I'm not much of a sunbather, I do enjoy spending my time off relaxing so I've used this adorable gnomie snoozing in his garden hammock!

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge
Dies to Die For

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, 
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Browns: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Flowers: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge, Picked Raspberry, Kitsch Flamingo, Aged Mahogany
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany 
• 'Whites': Hickory Smoke, Weathered Wood, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Stamping Bella The Gnome in the Hammock
• Stamping Bella Maisie and Madeline have some Tea (Sentiment only)
• Pretty Pink Posh Eyelet Borders
• Lawn Fawn Puffy Cloud Border Dies

Other:

• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Creative Expression Sue Wilson Camellia Open & Closed petals

I've been inspired by:

• Stamping Sensations - Summer Flowers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Christmas Duck

I seem to be a in Christmas mood lately, but although it's only July, I don't think it's ever too early for Christmas crafting!

Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Duck: Fossilised Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Reds: Candied Apple, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Speckled Egg, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Christmas Duck from Amanda Jayne Designs Christmas Critters Bundle
• Glossy Accents
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Post Box Red Smooth 240gsm
• Nitwit Collections Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Crafty Calendar Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Just a Note Mouse

Happy Friday, and oh my word, I'm glad it is the weekend. I've been feeling really tired recently so am hoping for a relaxing couple of days before it all starts again on Monday.

Today I'm sharing another simple image framed by some pretty florals. The sentiment is typed in a couple of fancy fonts for some added interest.

Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card 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
• Reds: Victorian Velvet, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Mouse holding Flower by Amanda Jayne Designs
• Raspberry Floral Papers by Amanday Jayne Designs
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL24 Rectangles with Stichline

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Just a Note Teddy

This week at As You Like It Challenge we want to know if you prefer patterned papers or plain (which you can ink or emboss yourself). I'm definitely a fan pretty patterned papers, particularly florals, and for today's card I've used some pretty citrus colours to match the colours in my image.

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge
Amanda Jayne Designs

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed

Card Recipe:

• Daisy Bear by Amanda Jayne Designs
• Tutti Fuitti Papers by Amanda Jayne Designs
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL24 Rectangles with Stichline

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Hello Rainbow

In a break from tradition there's no image on my card today, but instead I've created a rainbow of coloured card radiating from a golden sun for a fun 'hello' greeting card.  I cut the rays by hand in each colour and added a die cut sentiment.  All the panels are embossed for added texture.

Designed for:
Dies to Die For

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Whimsy Stamps Hello Word and Shadow Die
• Whimsy Slimline Embossing Folder - Thatched

Papermill Direct:

• Post Box Red Smooth 240gsm
• Plain Pink Card 170gsm
• Mandarin Orange Card 270gsm
• Daffodil Yellow Card 240gsm
• Apple Green Card 240gsm
• Celestial Blue Card 290gsm
• Marine Blue Card 240gsm
• New Lilac Card 240gsm
• Dark Violet Card 240gsm
• Gold Pearl Card 300gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Happy Cake Day

Unfortunately I've been offline for a few days with tinterweb issues. It's frustrating how much we rely on our connections in these modern times. I was struggling to deal with work and in order to deal with some work stuff I ended up sat in my car in the carpark of my husband's office just so I could piggy back off their wifi connection for half an hour to upload some files I needed to send before Monday!  Anyway it's all fixed now, so normal service is resumed!

I'm catching up with a few creations and this one is the gorgeous Curvy Girl Baker by Stamping Bella.  As always, she's watercoloured with DI Reinkers and I've added a typed sentiment in some fancy fonts.

Designed for:
Dies to Die For

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Browns: Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Blues: Prize Ribbon
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Kitsch Flamingo
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Hickory Smoke

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Curvy Girl Baker by Stamping Bella

Papermill Direct:

• Intensive Blue Plain Card 210gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Fathers Day

I made this card for Father's day using the sweet teddy bear image by Lee Holland.

Designed for:
Lee Holland

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

• Teddy Handstand by Lee Holland Digis
• Tattered Lace Filigree Lace Monza rectangle die

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Marine Blue Card 240gsm

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Lots of Layers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

It's Bigger on the Inside

I've used a Silouette cut file to create this Dr Who themed project using some inky blue card with black accents. The box is open so that you can put a small LED candle inside.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Project Recipe:

• Phone Booth Lantern Silhouette Cut File

Papermill Direct:

• Iris Sirio Card 290gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Baby Shark

I've used a Silhouette cutting file to create this shark box from some of my favourite marine blue card and scraps of grey, white and black.  It's meant to have sweeties inside, because there is acetate across the mouth to enclose it, but unfortunately I didn't trust myself to buy sweeties to put inside because I'd just eat them before I could take the photo!  You'll have to just imagine them inside!!! LOL

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Project Recipe:

• Shark Box Silhouette Cutting File

Papermill Direct:

• Marine Blue Card 240gsm
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Clay Materica Card 250gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Too hot for Penguins

Today at As You Like It Challenge we're asking you to share a creation for your favourite non-birthday occasion.  My favourite crafting occasion is Christmas because I love pingus and also like using glitter on my creations. I've watercoloured this Penguin Couple by Lee Holland and framed them with some dark blue card and a simple typed festive sentiment.

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge
Lee Holland

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Pingus: Hickory Smoke, Tattered Rose, Black Soot, Tea Dye, Dried Marigold
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Scarf: Prize Ribbon, Weathered Wood

Card Recipe:

• Penguin Couple by Lee Holland Digis
• Glossy Accents
• Glamour Dust Glitter
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL34 Double Stitched Squares

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Iris Sirio Colour Card 290gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Penguin Birthday

Today's card is along the same theme as the Monkey card I posted earlier this week, but this time features a pingu in a spotty jumper!  I'm not sure he needs the jumper this week though, more like an ice cream!

Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Blues: Tumbled Glass, Prize Ribbon
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Kitsch Flamingo

Card Recipe:

• Polka Dot Jumper Penguin by Amanda Jayne Designs
• MFT Dienamics Slimline Grassy Hills
• Memory Box Stitched Clouds
• Gummiapan Happy Birthday Die
• Creative Expression Sue Wilson Orange Blossom Open & Closed petals

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Spring Green Card 240gsm
• Pale Turquoise Card 240gsm

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Lots of Layers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Cheeky Monkey

Today's card is a fun pop-up creation with a cheeky monkey!!!

I've created the pop-up card using a half oval which is scored down the sides to create the box shape, and some strips across the layers with some die cut grass and flowers added. 

The edges are all inked for depth and I've added some clouds and enamel dots.

Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Blues: Tumbled Glass, Broken China
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Monkey Image by Amanda Jayne Designs
• MFT Dienamics Slimline Grassy Hills
• Memory Box Stitched Clouds
• Gummiapan Happy Birthday Die
• Creative Expression Sue Wilson Camellia Open & Closed petals

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Spring Green Card 240gsm
• Pale Turquoise Card 240gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Green Purse

I've made this mini gift bag using my Silhouette and some pretty green card which I've embossed for some added texture.  It's great for gifting small items like earrings or a gift card.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Project Recipe:

• Canteen Style Purse Baggie
• Whimsy Stamps Slimline Thatched Embossing Folder
• Mini brads

Papermill Direct:

• Spring Green Card 240gsm
• Foglia Sirio Paper 115gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Flowery Gnome

I've had a week away and have struggled to get back into some crafting. Thank goodness for a long bank holiday weekend to squeeze in some time for a littel watercolouring session!

This week at As You Like It Challenge we want to know if you prefer pastels or bold colours. I'm definitely more a fan of pastels although I've used some quite strong shades for today's gnome image.  I tend to shy away from bright and bold colours, and my favourite colours are soft purples, blues and pinks.  I've added in some creamy yellow flowers and green foliage, but have softened the contrasts in my image with some pretty pastel papers in lilacs and yellows to match my image.

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge
Dies to Die For

Papermill Direct

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

• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Greens: Bundled Sage, Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord, Wilted Violet, Villainous Potion
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed, Rusty Hinge
• Reds: Candied Apple, Picked Raspberry, Aged Mahogany
• Beard: Pumice Stone

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Flowery Gnome by Stamping Bella
• Maisy and Madeline have some Tea by Stamping Bella (sentiment)

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• New Lilac Card 240gsm

Other:

• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL34 Double Stitched Squares

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx