Hello

I've opted for a fully loaded feminine card today in contrast to my recent flurry of CAS 'masculine' creations.  This one's been nobbled by hubby to give to his mum as a Mother's day card so I hope she likes it.  

It's also a change from my usual top (tent) fold cards because it has a decorated stand which holds the main card base.  I've also used one of my favourite Crealies double stitched circle nesting dies; they're such a fabulous size and this isn't even the biggest one in the set!

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, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Dress: Pumice Stone
• Flowers: Worn Lipstick, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Golden Week Tilda
• Versafine Ink Pad
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cherry Blossom
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Hip Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• CreateASmile Cool Cuts Hello Twice
• Card stand silhouette cut file

I've been inspired by:

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

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Special birthday

This is the card I've made for my uncle's birthday next week.  He and my aunt are keen campers so this image is perfect for him.  I added some doodled stitching around the numbers for some added interest and also added a hand-drawn suitcase on the roof-rack because I didn't want to fussy cut the bars of the roof-rack!

Card Recipe:

• VW Bus from Purple Onion Designs
• Tree Line Horizon from Purple Onion Designs
• Versafine Ink Pad
• CC Designs Jumbo Number Dies
• Reinkers

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - Letters and/or Numbers using DI Reinkers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

80th Birthday

It's my uncle's 80th birthday next week and my aunt asked me to make him a card for her to give to him.  I really struggle with masculine cards so I hope this is special enough. It's a design I've used before but I've personalised it with both his name and age to make it a little bit more special.

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

• Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Overalls: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Steps, hat, shirt: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Paint: Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Ground, brush: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley Lick of Paint (I used rubber but now available as a digi)
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Sentiment printed using Take Warning font

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Paint
• Country View - Letters and/or Numbers
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Birthday Bunny

We want to know what your go-to colouring medium is at As You Like It Challenge this week. It's fairly safe to say that mine is watercolouring with my DI reinkers. I like not only how they look, but also the process of the watercolouring with the paintbrush and I take my time over it. Some of them can take me quite a while, but it's something I do for pleasure, not a race.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Butterfly: Milled Lavender, Wilted Violet, Victorian Velvet
• Daffodil: Fossilized Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Easter Bunny with Butterfly from Lee Holland
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Roses all Over Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Cheeky Monkies

I've been monkeying around again with these cuties from CC Designs. They're the definition of 'cheeky monkey'!

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: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Monkies
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Roses all Over
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Let's Monkey Around

These little monkey images are the cutest. I just love this one's happy expression!

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

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Monkeys
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Roses all over paper pad

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Hippity Hoppity Hop

There seem to have been a lot of bunnies on my blog recently, and today's no exception with this cutie from Lee Holland.  

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
• Butterfly: Worn Lipstick, Picked Raspberry
• Basket: Tea Dye, Vintage Photo
• Flowers: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Bunny Picking Flowers from Lee Holland
• Crea-Nest-Lies XXL 36 Dies

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Spring Cuties

I've got a couple more Easter cards to make but I feel quite ahead this year so I'm wearing a smug little 'Little Miss Organised' grin!  This image is Spring Sheep from Lili of the Valley's Spring Sweeties stamp set.

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

• Sheep: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Pumice Stone
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint
• Background: Victorian Velvet
• Flowers: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Spring Sweeties from LOTV
• Memory Box Stitched Clouds
• Nitwit Perfect Pair Papers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunny with Daffodils

We want to know your favourite dies or stencils today at As You Like It Challenge.  I really love my stitched dies because of the texture and interest, and in particular the circles. These XXL dies from Crealies are fabulous because they're such a great size (and this isn't even the largest in the set).

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

Card Recipe:

• Bunny with Daffodils from Lee Holland
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• Flat Backed Pearls

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Honeybears

The stuffies are my favourite characters from Stamping Bella and these honeybears are still one of my most treasured stamps from the range. I've teamed them with a sentiment from another Stamping Bella stamp to create a 'just because' card.

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

• Fur: Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Grass: Shabby Shutters, Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Beehive: Tea Dye, Vintage Photo
• Branch:  Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Stamping Bella Honeybear Stuffies
• Stamping Bella Maisy and Madeline have some tea (sentiment)
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Plaid Patterns Paper pad

I've been inspired by:

• Creatalicious - Anything Goes / CAS

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Happy Bird-day

Today's card is a clean and simple bird-day them featuring this tweet little birdie from Stacey Yakula.  I love this birdie's cute expression.

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

• Birdie: Mermaid Lagoon
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Shaded Lilac, Tumbled Glass, Milled Lavender
• Flower: Wilted Violet

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• MFT Tweet Friends
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Plaid Papers
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2

I've been inspired by:

• MFT Colour Challenge - Teal, Wisteria, Cream, Apple
• Crafty Creations - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Spring Bunny (with added bees)

The new challenge at As You Like It Challenge is layers (one or many), and I admit that I struggled with this theme a bit.  It seems that even my most clean and simple cards aren't just one layer, but nor do I layer up papers on my most embellished cards either.  

Since I decided against a single layer card, my only other option was to go for a fully loaded creation, which has plenty of layers of non-paper items in my 'go-to' layout.  

I even added an extra layer of ribbon by popping some organza underneath the satin and a double layered bow! 

I've used one of the new bunnies (released Tuesday) from Lili of the Valley.  I used the digi version and he's been printed very pale before being watercoloured with my trusty DI reinkers.  Finally I've added a couple of dinky buzzy bees from a clear stamp set, because I felt like bunny needed to be 'looking' at something.

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

• Bunny: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Hickory Smoke
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Flowers: Wilted Violet, Seedless Preserves, Picked Raspberry, Wild Honey

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley Spring Sweeties Spring Rabbit Posy
• WPlus9 Curious Forest Friends stamp set (bees)
• 6mm Satin Ribbon Aqua
• 15mm Organza ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers Petal Fresh
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Sizzix Tim Holtz Thinlits Stitched Oval Die

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Crafty Creations - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Jungle Fever

I've been drooling over these cute little stackable critters from Mama Elephant so today I've created this little scene, but instead of stacking them, they're creating a little jungle clan!

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

• Fox: Tea Dye, Vintage Photo
• Bear: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Elephant: Pumice Stone, Black Soot
• Monkey: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo
• Pig: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, Crushed Olive

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Mama Elephant Stackable Cuties
• Mama Elephant Wild Meadow
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Birthday Tags

I might need to lie down after sharing this card because there's no colouring in sight, only a stamped sentiment and some dinky little die cut tags.  The pretty papers are from Nitwits.

Card Recipe:

• Create-a-Smile Clear Mini Birthday Stamp Set
• Create-a-Smile Cool Cuts Lovely Tags
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges
• Twine

I've been inspired by:

• Create a Smile - Sketch
• Create a Smile Facebook - Hearts

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bestest Friends

This little Lee Holland squirrel is an image that I've had for quite a while, but he's disappeared from the shop. However, I am hoping he might be making a return so I'm sharing him with you. This card was made for a special friend, but it's safe to show now.  I added some matching springtime papers and some sparkly little embellishments that I've also been saving for a special occasion!  I hope you like him.

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
• Acorn: Tea Dye, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Flower: Scattered Straw, Fossilised Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Squirrel from Lee Holland
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• Lawn Fawn Perfectly Plaid Paper pad
• Glitter dots

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Easter Bunny with Flutterfly

I've been playing with one of the new images from Lee Holland this afternoon. He's called Easter Bunny with Butterfly and I've water-coloured him with my trusty reinkers.  

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
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Purples: Shaded Lilac, Dusty Concord
• Pinks: Worn Lipstick, Picked Raspberry

Card Recipe:

• Easter Bunny with Butterfly
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL36 Double Stitched Rectangles
• Sentiment typed KG Beneath Your Beautiful Chunk
• Purple & Kraft card

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Sending Hugs

I've been playing with my new Joyful Heart Bears from MFT.  There's only so many Valentines cards a gal needs so this card is a little friendship card for a special friend.  Isn't he adorable!

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, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Joyful Heart Bears from MFT
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Double stitched dies

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Wheelie cute pair

This is the last of my run of sneak peeks for Lili of the Valley and I've loved all the images, but I may have saved my favourite image until last! This adorable little pair are called 'apple cart' from the Sunny Days stamp set.

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
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
• Wheelbarrow: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Sunny Days Apple Cart from Lili of the Valley
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• Lawn Fawn Perfectly Plaid paper pad

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge using DI Inks, MFT Edger, Scalloped Edger & Lawn Fawn papers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Lilac Watering Can

This is a little card I've made for a friend whose birthday was last week.  The image is one of the soon-to-be-released cuties from Lili of the Valley.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord
• Flowers: Wild Honey

Card Recipe:

• Sunny Days Watering Can from Lili of the Valley
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• 6mm Satin Ribbon
• 15mm Satin Ribbon

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Happy Hoppy Easter

I've been playing with some bunnies from Lee Holland and have two cards to share using this cutie.  One of them is no-lines and following a question by Tami about whether I add the pale or dark colours first, I also have a mini picture tutorial of the first stages of my water-colouring.

Here's the first of my cards; the no-lines version:


First of all I lightly shade the whole image as the base colour (for bunny, this was Antique Linen):

Then I add the darker colour where I want the shadow and blend it in with a fine damp brush.  I add a little more ink where I want the most shade, but I find that a little goes a long way with these inks. 

The image below is where I've added Brushed Corduroy around the shaded areas, before blending them in.  I don't usually work on this many sections at one time but wanted to show you where I'd add the ink and got a bit carried away!  I snapped the photo then quickly got to work blending it out with mini circular motions using my watercolour brush.

Ausie aNNie also asked what brush I use, and I tend to use the same brush for most of my painting, which is a ProArte Spotter size 2. It's quite a small brush but it works well for me.

I forgot to take some more pics, but I added some more Brushed Corduroy and some Vintage Photo for the darkest parts.  As usual, I got a bit heavy handed with the darker colours so his face looks like he's spent a little too long on the sun lounger, but I love the golden brown of the Brushed Corduroy.

And here's my second card. It's very similar but I decided against the no-lines technique for this one.

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
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord

Card Recipe:

• Bunny Smelling Flower from Lee Holland

Happy crafting
Annette
xx