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:

• Image & Sentiment - Stamping Bella's Heidi Needs a Hug
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• LOTV paper pad (retired)
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside Border die
• Ribbon
• Marianne Design flower die
• Card Candi

Created for:

I've been inspired by:

• That's Crafty! - Birds of a Feather
• Bellarific Fridays - Sequins, Buttons or Dots (I went for dots; in the corner and on the flower)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image & Sentimet - Special Delivery (retired) from LOTV
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Digi Snow Princess Papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Spellbinders Labels 18
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• 15mm Spotty Ribbon
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Inky Chicks - 5+ flowers
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - Winter Bunnies from LOTV
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Glossy Accents
• Memory Box Bursting Berries border die
• Happy Christmas satin ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• That's Crafty! - Birds of a feather
• Noor! - Xmas in August

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - LOTV (now retired)
• One of my own 
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits paper
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Scalloped Border die
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• 15mm Ribbon
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Marianne Design die

I've been inspired by:

• Inky Chicks - Use 5+ flowers
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Creative Knockouts - Anything Goes
• Country View Crafts - Circles

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - Jasmine Coffee from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Papers - Time For Tea Cottage Collection
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Frantic Stamper Stitched Scene Builder Die
• Paper flower
• Large spotty brad

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - Jasmine Laptop from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Papers - Time For Tea Cottage Collection
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Flat Backed Pearls
• 15mm satin ribbon
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Scalloped Border die
• Mama Elephant Hello Script Die

I've been inspired by:

• Creatalicious - Anything Goes
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Creative Knockouts - Anything Goes
• The Ribbon Girl - Any Image

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - Woodland Bunny from Whimsy Designs
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Maja Design Coffee in the Arbour paper pad
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• 15mm Ribbon
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Glossy Accents

I've been inspired by:

• Bunny Zoe - Summer Florals
• Inky Chicks - 5 or more flowers
• The Ribbon Girl - Any Image
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - Oliver Film Night from LOTV
• Teenage Boy Sentiment stamp set from LOTV
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Papers - Time For Tea Cottage Collection
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Gems
• Distressing tool

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - Circles

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - New Seasons Girls Stamps from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Papers: Graphic 45 (Spring/Autumn), Wild Rose Studio (Summer), Magnolia (Winter), Maja Design (Noel)
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Scalloped Border die
• Zutter binding machine

I've been inspired by:

• Allsorts - Anything but a Card
• Winter Wonderland - Dies & Punches (scalloped border die & hole punch for binding wires)
• The Sketchy Challenge - Summertime

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - Squirrels Noel & Bunnies Ho Ho Ho
• Or now available as Digi Stamps - Squirrels Noel & Bunnies Ho Ho Ho
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Kraft card

I've been inspired by:

• Penny Black & More - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - Peyton loves to Pretend
• Colouring - Docrafts Artiste Watercolour Dual-tip pens
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Paper Smooches Stitched Flourishes 2 die set

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Things with Wings
• Seven Hills Craft - Colour (3rd pic) using Peyton Loves to Pretend Stamp
• That's Crafty - Birds of a Feather

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image & Sentiment - Bonny Loves Bows from Stamping Bella
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• 15mm Ribbon

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• That's Crafty - Feminine
• The Ribbon Girl - Any Image
• Creatalicious - Anything Goes
• Stamping Sensations - Stamp and Ribbon

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - House Mouse Confetti Fun
• The Greetings Farm sentiment
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• LOTV paper pad (retired) but available at Nitwits as a digi
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside Border die
• Flat Backed Pearls

Created for:

I've been inspired by:

• Creatalicous - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Oliver - Birthday Boy

Today's card was a real challenge for me because it's a card for a guy and I find these really hard. This one was for Papercraft Essentials featuring Oliver from Lili of the Valley and Time For Tea Cottage papers from Nitwits.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Oliver Game Boy from Lili of the Valley
• Sentiment - Teenage Boy Sentiment stamps from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Papers - Time For Tea Cottage Collection
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside Border
• Lawn Fawn Large Stitched Square Stackables

I've been inspired by:

• Creatalicious - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - Jasmine Laptop from Lili of the Valley
• Sentiment - Sweet & Simple from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Papers - Time For Tea Cottage Collection
• Stazon Ink Pad
• Lawn Fawn stitched scalloped border
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Pink Button Twine
• Cosmos Daisy

I've been inspired by:

• Bunny Zoe - Summer Florals
• Creatalicious - Anything Goes
• Seven Hills Craft - Colour challenge (Strawberry one) using Scalloped Border
• The Ribbon Girl - Any Image

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - Jasmine Texting from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Sweet and Simple sentiment clear stamp set
• Nitwits Papers - Time For Tea Cottage Collection
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Flat backed pearls
• Distressing tool

I've been inspired by:

• Bunny Zoe - Summer Florals
• That's Craft - Feminine
• Country View Crafts - Circles (I've bought a lot of my reinkers from CVC)
• Penny Black & More - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - Cute Penguin Set from Digi Stamp Boutique
• Colouring - Alcohol Markers
• Clouds - Dovecraft chalks
• LOTV paper pad (retired)
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Memory Box Frostyville Border
• 15mm Ribbon
• Glossy Accents

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

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:

• Image - Jasmine Texting from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Papers - Time For Tea Cottage Collection
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Flat Backed Pearls
• 6mm satin ribbon
• Memory Box Nottingham Border die

I've been inspired by:

• The Ribbon Girl - Card Challenge
• Creatalicious - Clean & Simple

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - Jasmine Coffee from Lili of the Valley
• Sentiment - Lili of the Valley Sweet & Simple set
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Teapot Template - My own published in Papercraft Essentials
• Nitwits Papers - Time For Tea Cottage Collection
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• MFT Stitched Circles
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Spotty brad
• Button twine

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Challenge - Fun with Circles (I've bought my DI reinkers from the store)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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:

• Image - MFT Snuggle Bunnies and matching die set
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• LOTV paper pad (retired)
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• MFT Stitched Circles
• Die-Namics Sunny Skies
• Whiff of Joy Grass die
• Simon Says Stamp Happy Birthday Die
• Sizzlets 50 die set
• Frantic Stamper Stitched Scene Builder Dies
• Cottage Cutz Blossom Branch
• Memory Box Stitched Clouds
• Memory Box Fancy 

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Photo - Summery, cloudy skys, scenes of nature
• Bunny Zoe - Summer
• Deep Ocean - Colours of Summer
• Live & Love Craft - Sprinkles of Summer

Happy crafting
Annette
xx