Lazy Afternoon

Today's card is for my FIL, whose birthday is today.  He's been in hospital lately so I'm hoping that this watercoloured card will cheer him up a bit. The image from Lili of the Valley is one that I've not used for a little while so it was good to dig it out again.  I kept the layout simple with the large Happy Birthday die. Ironically the papers I chose to match the image are from the Country Lady pad!

Card Recipe:

• Image - Lazy Afternoon from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Lili of the Valley Country Lady paper pad
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Memory Box Happy Birthday die

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Christmas Soldiers

You can never be too early for Christmas, which means I can get these quirky fellas out again!

Love 'em!

Card Recipe:

• Image - Christmas Soldiers from Stamping Bella
• Merry Xmas Sentiment die from Doohickey
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• First Edition Gilded Winter paper
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Papertake Weekly - It will soon be here

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Sweetest Wishes

The new challenge this week at As You Like It Challenge is to choose either sweet or savoury, and there's no question as to what my favourite is.  To be honest it's primarily chocolate (untainted by fruit, nuts or other "unnecessaries") but then I'm rather partial to cake too (chocolate, coffee, lemon drizzle, even carrot cake, but again I'll pass on the fruit cake!).

There's also a new challenge over at Sugar Bowl, so I've chosen a really 'sweet' fairy image called 'let's eat cake'.  It's a really clean and simple layout, and I tempted fate by finishing my card completely before stamping the sentiment, but luck was on my side, and it gave a clean image.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Sugar Nellie - Let them eat cake
• Sentiment - Tiddly Inks
• Colouring - Alcohol Markers
• Clouds - Dovecraft chalks
• Maja Design papers
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Lawn Fawn Large Stitched Square Stackables
• Glossy Accents

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Pink Fairy

I've got a pretty in pink fairy card today that I made a little while ago, but she's not made it to my blog yet.  I've used May Fairy from Lili of the Valley, and also used their papers so it's pink all round.

Card Recipe:

• Image - May Fairy from LOTV
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Lili of the Valley Always & Forever paper pad
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Go Kreate Labels nested die
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Glossy Accents
• Memory Box lantern bunting die

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Die Crazy
• That's Crafty - Leaves
• Dragonfly Dreams - Girlie

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Kiss me quick

I'm sharing a little romance today with a sweet image from Crafter's Companion. I've added some lace to added softness and a little array of blooms.

Have a lovely Sunday.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Crafter's Companion
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Maja Design papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Stitched oval dies
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Lace

I've been inspired by:

• Deep Ocean Challenge - Shabby Chic
• Noor! Design - Shaped Cards
• The Ribbon Girl - Blue

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Midsummer's Night

I've got a lovely Lili of the Valley card to share today using one of my favourite fairy images.  I have used her for a 'thinking of you' card, but she's so versatile that I've used her here on a birthday card. I've coloured her in DI reinkers, used my favourite papers and lots of glitter!  I was quite pleased with the finished result.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Midsummer's Night from LOTV
• Sentiment - Lili of the Valley Tags
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Lili of the Valley Promises paper pad
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Magnolia Doohickey Lace Border die
• Spellbinders Grand Ovals Nesting dies
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Glossy Accents

I've been inspired by:

• Friday Sketch - Sketch
• Dragonfly Dreams - Girlie
• Noor! Design - Shaped Cards
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Dies (I used 2 different ones)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Mimi Stars

I've got another 'Just for fun' card today.  Abi left a comment on my blog a couple of days ago saying how nice it is sometimes to make a JFF card, and I can certainly agree.  This one was fun as I used the no-lines technique again (I find it soooo hard, but very rewarding when it doesn't turn out too bad).  I've also used one of my favourite papers which is from LOTV.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Mimi Stars from Stampfairy - shop now closed :0(
• Typed Sentiment (Wendy Medium font)
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Lili of the Valley paper pad
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Gingham Ribbon
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Glossy Accents
• 8mm Pearl Brad

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Favourite Technique (no lines - looks FAB when it's done well, but I find it so hard to do myself)
• Creative Inspirations - Favourite Occasion (Birthday because they are so flexible, no restrictions so I can let my creativity go with the flow)
• Dragonfly Dreams - Girlie
• Stamping Sensations - Sew Special

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunny Twila

There's a new challenge at In The Pink and although it's not 'my week' in the Pinkie job share I have with Squirrel, I happened to have this card made so thought that I'd share it today.

I'd originally made it to promote the purple friends challenge over on Squirrel's own blog, but I only realised after finishing it that there was a teeny tiny flaw in my plan!

However, for the very reason that it failed to meet that criteria, it perfectly suits the friends theme at In The Pink this fortnight!

For some unknown reason I tried the no-lines technique again.  I really don't know why I insist on making things harder for myself by doing that.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Bunny Twila from CC Designs
• Typed Sentiment (Wendy Medium font)
• Colouring - Alcohol Markers
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Gems
• Simon Says Stamp Star Parade Die

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Favourite Technique (no lines - looks FAB when it's done well, but I find it so hard to do myself)
• Dragonfly Dreams - Feminine (pink and girlie - my favourite style!)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Poorly Bunny

I've made this card at the weekend for a pal who's been feeling seriously under the weather and I'm hoping that this bunnykins will cheer her up, if only a smidgeon.  I struggled a bit with the shading on the grapes or some reason, but otherwise he was fun to paint.  I'm not entirely sure I've used him before today but he's perfect for a poorly bunny.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Get Well Bunny from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Lili of the Valley Promises paper pad
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Spellbinders Labels 3
• Button Twine
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Black Glaze pen

I've been inspired by:

• Sketch Saturday - Sketch
• Simon's Monday Challenge - Favourite Technique (Watercolour painting with DIs & creating a frame for an insert using the same papers)
• Papertake Weekly - Animal Magic
• Noor! Design - Shaped Cards

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Wee Post Box

I've got a cute pup from Wee Stamps today, which I've coloured using the 'no lines' technique.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Wee Stamps Naughty Puppies
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Lili of the Valley Country Lady paper pad
• The Langton watercolour paper
• Stazon Ink Pad
• Cherry Blossom
• Tiny Rosebuds
• 15mm & 10mm Open Roses
• Pearl String
• MFT Die-namics Stitched Circle Stax
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Glossy Accents
• Viva Pearl Pen

I've been inspired by:

• Magnolialicious - Add Roses
• Fab 'n' Funky - Shabby Chic
• Deep Ocean Challenge - Shabby Chic

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Pig Out

I decided to have another go with BBQ Tilda, and this time she's got some rabbit food (lettuce) on her burger instead of bacon!

To be honest, I think I'd prefer the bacon version myself! ;0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - BBQ Party Tilda
• Typed Sentiment
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Maja Design papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Vellum
• Lawn Fawn Large Stitched Circles dies
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• Button Twine
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Magnolialicious - Add Roses
• The Ribbon Girl - Any Image
• Noor! Design - Shaped Cards

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Tilda with Yellow Flowers

I've got a 'just for fun' card to share today which is pretty rare for me as many of my creations are for DTs, but this one uses one of my all-time favourite Tildas.  I'm not a huge fan of Tildas, they have to be a certain style, but this one really captured my heart and I love her.  So much so that I've even used my least favourite colours for her, and I still love her! I hope she brings a little sunshine into your day too. :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Golden Week Tilda
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Lili of the Valley Country Lady paper pad
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Make the Day Special : Lawn Fawn Large Stitched Circle dies
• 15mm organza ribbon
• From the Ribbon Girl:
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• Lily Flowers Small White
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Jute Mesh

I've been inspired by:

• Make The Day Special - Colour Block 2
• The Ribbon Girl Challenge - Anything Goes
• Deep Ocean Challenge - Shabby Chic
• Fab 'n' Funky - Shabby Chic

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

James and the Giant Tree

The challenge at As You Like It Challenge this fortnight is to showcase your favourite die.  I've recently bought quite a few of the stitched dies, and I'm really liking this stitched speech bubble die which I can use with my favourite Merry Christmas die.  I have a few other sentiment dies and it works great with them for an easy CAS layout.

Card Recipe:

• Image - James Christmas Tree from Lili of the Valey
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Lili of the Valley paper pad
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Simon Says Stamp Merry Christmas Die
• Die-namics Stitched Speech Bubble die
• Glossy Accents

I've been inspired by:

• Stamping Sensations - Sew Special

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Ballet Lessons

I'm sharing a little more purple friends inspiration in support of Squirrel's challenge, this time using a cute Penny Black trio of friends.

These three girlies look like they're having lots of fun practising their pirouettes! I'm not sure I'd be quite as dainty in ballet shoes!

Card Recipe:

• Image - Escarte, Splits, Pirouette from Penny Black
• Colouring - Alcohol Markers
• Lili of the Valley paper pad
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• La La Lands Heart Banner die
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Memory Box Notingham Border die (the flower dies are the negatives from it)

I've been inspired by:

• Dragonfly Dreams - Girlie
• Penny Black Saturday Challenge - 3DP
• Stamping Sensations - Sew Special (the heart banner is "stitched")

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Pow! ... Bam! ... Kapow!

I find masculine cards really tough, but that wasn't the only reason that this card was difficult for me.

I bought this image thinking he'd be fun, and he is, but boy-oh-boy I found him difficult to colour.

My first mistake was to try to paint him with my re-inkers, but as usual I struggled with the hair and clothing (mainly the cape) but also the colours.  I only used blue and red, and all the areas sort of merged into each other.

So that went in the bin and I tried again, this time thinking I'd use my markers which I find easier on clothing and folds etc. But in a moment of optimistic madness I decided it would be a good idea to try the no-lines technique!

Why?????

And then to top it off, I decided to fussy-cut him for the layout I wanted!

Yup, if I can make things more complicated, then it seems that I will.

And did!

Anyway, after all the trials I'm quite pleased with the end result.

I cased the layout from here 'cos I thought it looked fab and I can't take the credit.  The sun rays were chalked on using a strip of scrap card as a mask/template.

This project is to support the challenge at Without Words Challenge where the theme is 'for the boys', a theme which has been freaking me out since I saw it on the list.  I hope you find the masculine theme easier than I do!

Card Recipe:

• Image - Super Hero Harry from CC Designs
• Typed Sentiment (Wendy Medium font)
• Colouring - Alcohol Markers
• Sun Beams - Pebbles chalks from SSS
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink

I've been inspired by:

• Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
• Simon's Monday Challenge - Make it Colourful (primary colours red, blue, yellow)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Nacho

Nacho arrived this week, and I decided to ink him up this yesterday. He was a lot bigger than I'd expected (he's a big lad!) and for some reason I decided to ink him in pale grey and paint him in the no-lines technique.  I think his expression matched mine as I picked up my paintbrush!

Card Recipe:

• Image - Nacho from Stamping Bella
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Maja Design Coffee in the Arbour paper pad
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Spellbiners Grand Ovals die
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Memory Box Fence die
• Memory Box Antique Lamp die
• Yellow 15mm satin ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Deep Ocean Challenge - For the Boys
• Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Colourful (red, green, raspberry, brown, yellow, grey)
• Crafty Catz - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Hello, Is it me you're looking for?

Are you singing yet?  (sorry!)

I've got another Lili of the Valley cutie today, and a really clean and simple layout.

I've got my stitched hillside border out again, and my Mama Elephant 'hello' die.

Simples!

Card Recipe:

• Image - Telephone Ted from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Lili of the Valley Country Lady paper pad
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside Border die from MTDS
• Mama Elephant Hello die from MTDS
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Deep Ocean Challenge - For the boys
• Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
• Creative Inspirations - Warm Colours
• Make the Day Special - Colour Challenge (first set) (both dies are from MTDS see above)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Every Bunny needs a friend who's all Ears

I've got another sample for Squirrel's "purple friends" challenge today, and it's a cute CC Designs image called Bunny Twila.  I saw the sentiment somewhere (can't remember where though), and typed it using different sized fonts.

The ribbon is a gorgeous wide satin (and for some reason is making me crave chocolate) and I've kept the layout simple with just some flowers and pearls as embellishments.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Bunny Twila from CC Designs
• Typed Sentiment (Wendy Medium font)
• Colouring - Alcohol Markers
• Lili of the Valley paper pad
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Die-namics Stitched Ovals
• Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
• Stamp & Create - One for the Girls

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Star Box

I've been looking at the pop up 'explosion' boxes that have been appearing on blogs and decided to have a go and make one.  I've used double sided papers from the Lucy Cromwell paper pad and a couple of cuties from Lili of the Valley to make my box.  It folds flat to slip into an envelope but pops open with the side flaps hanging down.  I've added a sentiment and cut around the shape of it to create a text banner, and the stars are die cuts from a nesting set.

This project is to support the challenge at In The Pink where the theme is Ribbons & Bows.  I've added a band of bright pink ribbon around my card base, and a double bow to one side.  It nicely decorates the card when it's folded shut too.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Giant Cake from Lili of the Valley
• Sentiment - Happy Birthday Die from Simon Says Stamp
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Papermania Lucy Cromwell papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Spotty organza ribbon
• Star nesting dies

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Warm Colours
• Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
• Simon's Monday Challenge - Trio of inks (3 different shades of brown on my image)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Penguins

Yesterday was 'new release' day at Lili of the Valley and I've got a couple of samples to share using the new images. I was tasked with showcasing the penguins (which are my favourites from the new release) and today I've used one image on each card rather than all three on one card as I did before.

The images are really versatile, and I love this CAS look.  The papers are also Lili of the Valley.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Penguin Trio from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Alcohol Markers
• Lili of the Valley Snow Princess paper pad
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Goo Border Die
• Simon Says Stamp Merry Christmas Die
• Lawn Fawn Large Stitched Circles dies
• Glossy Accents
• Purple printed ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Dragonfly Dreams - Wings
• Crafty Ribbons - Birds

Happy crafting
Annette
xx