Heffalumps

I've been playing with these adorably cute heffalumps from Lili of the Valley and made a few in lilac with cream ears (no, the ears are not Pringles as one smart-Alec suggested!).  I added a couple of stitches around the eyes for eyelashes and a little bow for decoration.  I made three heffalumps and added some white clouds (a Memory Box die) and cream moon shapes (hand-drawn).

Here's a close up of one of the Lili of the Valley elephants ....

... and here's the finished mobile with all the trimmings:

Unfortunately I found that it was neigh on impossible to photograph because, funnily enough, they all twirled around constantly so I had to keep snapping pictures and hope that in one of the (many) photos I took, one might capture them:

1. facing sideways that you could see their features instead of their backsides,
2. not hiding behind a cloud, moon or another ellie and
3. where none had decided to fly off at a funny angle due to the VERY slight breeze.

Anyhoo, here's another where I'd tried to shelter them behind a low wall.

Finally, here is the other bits on the mobile. The clouds are cut from a Memory Box die and the moon is hand drawn.

Project Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley Elephant Softie Pattern
• Memory Box Stitched Cloud die
• Felt
• Safety eyes
• Stuffing
• Embroidery thread
• Ribbon
• Embroidery hoop
• Wool
• Lace

Created for:

I've been inspired by:

• That's Crafty! - Animal Magic

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Golden Wish

For someone who likes to match the colours of any embellishments (ribbons, pearls, papers, flowers etc) whenever I add them, I found this fortnight's challenge at As You Like It a little difficult.  We're looking for "black and white plus one".  Now, I'm not usually a 'yellow' person, but against the black and white I wanted my image to really stand out, so I chose a golden yellow colour to give some brightness to my project.  I've given my little girllie golden hair, used mustard yellow papers and gold and white organza ribbon for the top of the tag.

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

• Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Scattered Straw 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Ground: Hickory Smoke

Project Recipe:

• Princess Snow from Kinda Cute by Patricia
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies Extreme Labels and Tags No.12
• My Favorite Things Stitched Banner Alphabet
• Organza ribbon

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Boxes galore

The teddy has full focus on this Christmas card framed by a bright plaid paper and some twine. I've added a couple of small beads to trim the twine and some stitched embossing around the image frame.

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, Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Ground: Weathered Wood

Card Recipe:

• Teddy Birthday Presents
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT plaid paper pad
• Button Twine
• Beads

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Holidays
• That's Crafty! - Animal Magic
• Penny Black & More - Something beginning with B(ear)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Felt Softie Keyrings

Lili of the Valley have released some adorable new felt stuffie patterns including some Christmas themed ones. I've used just the heads elements of the Polar Bear and Penguin to make some cute little key-rings. 

I reduced the pattern down so the heads were only about 4cm wide and had to miss off some parts (like their eyebrows) which ended up being to small to work with. Instead I embroidered some eyelashes onto them to 'dress' their eyes. 

I also embroidered their nose/beak because the felt refused to be cut that small without disintegrating!  However, I'm really pleased with how they turned out and I think they're really sweet.  

From Lili of the Valley

• Mini Boom Penguin
• Mini Boom Polar Bear
• Embroidery Thread
• 6mm Solid black safety eyes
• Key-ring chains

Created for:

I've been inspired by:

• That's Crafty! - Animal Magic
• Creative Inspirations - Holidays

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Let's go fly a kite!

I've been playing with my Lee Holland images again and have this card featuring Teddy flying a Kite.  It's a clean and simple card to focus on the cute image.

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

• Bear: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Kite: Ripe Persimmon, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Teddy Flying a Kite by Lee Holland
• CC Designs Sentiments
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Rectangles
• Versafine Ink Pad

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Distress (using Distress Ink Reinkers)
• Whimsy Challenge - Anything Goes
• Creative Inspirations - Holidays
• That's Crafty! - Animal Magic
• Penny Black & More - I spy B (Birthday Bear!)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Tiger

We're asking whether you prefer fur or feathers over at As You Like It Challenge today.  I'm not a huge fan of things that fly in real life (I don't like them fluttering around my face, even butterflies).  Furry things are also generally much cuter!  My favourite animal are cats, and in particular I've always had a love of tigers from a very early age. I'm not sure I'd want to pet one though!  I'll stick to the smaller, domesticated varieties for that!  A tiger is my choice for today's card, but he's a cute version, so perhaps he wouldn't mind a snuggle!

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

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

Card Recipe:

• Tiger from Lee Holland Illustrations
• Stitched rectangle die
• CC Designs Lumberjack Sentiments

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Wild Things
• That's Crafty - Close to Nature
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Beach Babe

It's another simple card from me today featuring Twila from CC Designs. I love her expression!  I've tried to make her look at the sentiment, but not sure whether it's worked!

I can't believe it's the start of August already.  This is definitely a summery card though. Perfect for a summer birthday.

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
• Sky/Water: Tumbled Glass, Salty Ocean
• Duck: Fossilized Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Sand: Tea Dye, Scattered Straw

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Beach Babe Twila from CC Designs
• CC Designs Sentiments
• Versafine Ink Pad

I've been inspired by:

• Crafty Inspirations - Holidays
• Crafty View - Sun, Sea and Sand watercoloured using Ranger DI reinkers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

I Love Hanging with my Gnomies

I loved these gnomes when I saw them but have only just got my paws on them. I've used the sentiment from the stamp set and added some die cut clouds and sponged sky.

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

• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Blue outfits: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Green Hat: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Forest Moss
• Red Hat: Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Beards: Hickory Smoke

Card Recipe:

• Gnome Pile from Stamping Bella
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Lawn Fawn Puffy Cloud Border dies
• 7mm Aqua satin ribbon 

I've been inspired by:

• Stamping Bella - Anything Goes
• Country View Crafts - Summer Garden using DI reinkers
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes with Gnome Pile

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Back on your paws

Although I've been in clean and simple mode a lot lately, I do still love creating some girlie cards with all the trimmings.  I also love pretty ribbons (I have all the colours in all the sizes!) and particularly love tying them into double bows alongside a little array of flowers.  I've used an organza ribbon here which makes a very tight knot with not too much bulk to the bow. This card was for my mother-in-law who fell over recently and broke her hip. She's on the mend now thankfully and hopefully this little meecie helped cheer her up.  Head over to the As You Like It Challenge to join in with our ribbons or buttons challenge.  I'm not a huge fan of adding buttons to a card (unless they're novelty ones). I think that stems from my sewing days and it still feels odd to put buttons on a card!

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Pinks: Tattered Rose, Worn Lipstick
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Forest Moss
• Rose: Abandoned Coral, Fired Brick, Worn Lipstick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Lee Holland Mouse with Rose
• Nitwit Collections Papers Always and Forever
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL67 Double Stitched Ovals
• 5mm Pink Crystals
• Pink Organza Ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Dies and/or punches (using reinkers)
• That's Crafty - Close to Nature
• Whimsy Challenge - Anything Goes
• Country View Craft - Summer Garden watercoloured with DI Reinkers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunny Bubbles

I have a line up of bubble-blowing bunnies on my card to help celebrate the birthday of a sudsationally special friend.  

I decided (rather stupidly) to attempt no-lines colouring again, but the grey ink I used was a little dark so it's more like semi no-lines.  Oh well!  I added a little grass and some white gel pen accents.

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

• Bunnies: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Tea Dye, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Forest Moss
• Blues: Tumbled Glass, Salty Ocean, Blueprint Sketch
• Oranges: Fossilised Amber, Wild Honey, Carved Pumpkin, Rusty Hinge
• Bubbles: Tumbled Glass, Squeezed Lemonade, Twisted Citron, Crushed Olive

Card Recipe:

• MFT Bubble over with Joy

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - Summer Garden using DI Reinkers 
• Creative Knockouts - Summer Fun

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Rockabilly

I've been in uber clean and simple mode again with this card, no embellishments at all!  I think my sassy little girlie deserves to be the focus of attention with her cheeky little wink and pose!  This card was made for a friend who I used to work with whose birthday was last weekend. 

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
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Jeans: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Pinks: Picked Raspberry

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Rockabilly Girls
• CC Designs Rockabilly Sentiments
• Versafine Ink Pad

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Summer Fun using DI Reinkers
• Crafty Catz - Summer Fun

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

James with Present

James is back again today but this time he's balancing a present on his paw (maybe the football has gotten to his furry head!)  I hope there's nothing fragile in that box! 

And here is James on his TV outing last Monday with Hochanda:

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, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Weathered Wood
• Ground: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• James Balancing Act
• Flat Backed Pearls
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Plaid Paper pad
• Satin Ribbon
• Sue Wilson Bow die

I've been inspired by:

• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

James Star

I love James the bear so was delighted to see that he's back in rubber at Lili of the Valley for their Hochanda launch. I've made him the star of my card with a clean and simple design using a couple of dies and some pearls.

And a little sneak peek of James on his Hochanda TV show last Monday for Lili of the Valley:

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Star: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Ground: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• James Big Star
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• Simon Says Stamp "Merry Christmas" Die
• MFT Plaid papers
• Flat Backed Pearls

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Mouse Pudding

I'm back in Christmas mode today, but since it's my favourite celebration, it fits the bill perfectly for our 'favourite celebration' at As You Like It Challenge.  I love Christmas in general (spending time warm and snug at home with friends, family and lots of lovely food) and it's also a great theme to craft for with cards, decorations and gifts.  I've used one of my favourite Christmas images on this card which also combines food and friends!  It's one of the newly released rubber from Lili of the Valley but is also available as a digi from their website too.

And here are the little furry stars on the TV from Monday's Hochanda show with Lili of the Valley.  Obviously they have brighter lights in the TV studio than I have in my dining room because the colours looks a little washed out!

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

• Mice: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Worn Lipstick
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Forest Moss
• Pudding: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Antique Linen
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Festive Berries, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Weathered Wood, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Christmouse Pudding from Lili of the Valley
• Tonic Studio Modern Merry Christmas sentiment die (Silhouette cut outline)
• MFT Merry & Bright Paper pack
• My Favorite Things - Die-namics Stitched Scallop Basic Edges 2
• Red Twine
• Flat Backed Pearls

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Sassy Viking

Nancy is one of my favourite characters from CC Designs, but she's been given somewhat of a makeover in this reincarnation as a Viking! I've added some grass and a bit of blue sky around her.  I love her confident pose and cheeky grin!  I've kept the card design as clean and simple as they come with a simple typed sentiment, inked border and matted onto a kraft cardbase.  

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

• Hair/dress: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Boots: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Robert's Rascals Viking Nancy
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Sentiment

I've been inspired by:

• Cute Card Thursday - CAS

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Mice Parade

So did you watch the Hochanda show yesterday with the lovely Lorraine?  Didn't she do well! I'd have been quivering like a leaf if it'd been me in front of those cameras!  

I'm sharing another of the cards that was included in the show, this time it's a cute mouse quartet.  If you want to get your paws on these, they're exclusive to Hochanda for a few weeks, and then will be on the Lili of the Valley website. Aren't they adorable!

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Worn Lipstick
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Forest Moss
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Ground: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Mouse stamp from Lili of the Valley
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Memory Box Night Sky Border
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• Flat Backed Pearls
• MFT Plaid Paper pad
• Simon Says Stamp Winter Snow Wafer die
• Seam binding

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes (using SSS wafer die)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Reindeer Lights

It's TV day today, and if you're near to your screen at 11am and 3pm then tune into Hochanda to see the new Lili of the Valley images, including this cute little reindeer with his robin pal.  I love the little string of lights that he's sitting on!

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, 
• Reindeer's ears/robin's chest: Tattered Rose, Worn Lipstick
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• New rubber stamps from Lili of the Valley via Hochanda
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• Flat Backed Pearls
• 7mm satin ribbon
• Memory Box Twilight Snowflakes die
• MFT Merry & Bright Paper pad

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes using DI Reinkers & MFT Paper pad
• Penny Black & More - Things with Wings
• Cute Card Thursday - CAS

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bear and Bunny

Ok, after saying yesterday's image was one of my favourites, I am pondering the validity of that claim after playing with this one!  Again I love that there's a bunny involved (my favourite LOTV character) but also a bear (you can't go wrong with bears!).  What could be better! :0)

Don't forget the Hochanda show is on tomorrow.  I'm hoping my cards will be on there too!  Keep your eyes peeled and let me know if you spot them because I'm not sure I'll be able to watch it as it's during the day.

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

• Fur/Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Weathered Wood
• Ground: Pumice Stone, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Christmas image from Lili of the Valley
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• Flat Backed Pearls
• MFT Merry & Bright Paper pack
• Simon Says Stamp Winter Snow Wafer thin die
• 15mm Satin ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes (using SSS wafer die)
• Cute Card Thursday - CAS

Happy crafting
Annette
xx