Happy Halloween

Considering I don't like spiders, bats, zombies, supernatural or other spooky scary stuff (and get a teeny bit freaked out by some of the various ghosties and ghouls who come begging Trick or Treating after dusk) I do actually make an effort with the Halloween preparations!

Plus it's the one day of the year I can pretend the cobwebs on the ceiling are part of the decorations!

I've blu-tac'd a trail of spiders on the front door leading to the doorbell (although they're a right b*gger to pull off the next day as the blu-tac seems to weld itself to the plastic door overnight!), I've strung up the dinky lanterns that I made last year in green, orange and purple felt and taped some pumpkin fairy lights to the windows.  And of course not forgetting my trick or treat pouches (see my pouch post here).

I have also sent a couple of Halloween cards.

And when I say 'couple', I actually do mean 'couple'.

Literally.

I blogged the first one, featuring Willow the Witch, a few weeks ago, and I'm sharing the other one today.

But I liked this little kitty so much that I made one for myself too! :0)

So here's Midnight the kitty with his cute little hat and pumpkin.

Isn't he adorable!

If you're interested, here's a quick pic of my front door with its spider trail and pumpkin lights!

Here's the inside of the porch, which to be fair, only me and hubby can see because I keep the light off so that the pumpkin lights show up through the glass (and then I have to fumble for the door handle and box of treat pouches in the dark when the doorbell rings!!!)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Midnight from Purple Onion Designs
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Impression Obsession Trick or Treat die

I've been inspired by:

• Deep Ocean - Halloween
• Inky Chicks - Too Cute to Spook
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Country View Crafts - All Things Spooky (I buy my reinkers from CVC)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Polka Doodling

As it's getting colder now, we all need to layer up to keep warm, and this week at In The Pink we're looking for layers in our creations too!

I've used a sweet little girlie image from Polkadoodles and created layers with lace, velvet ribbon, patterned papers and my image panel, as well as some more lace and die cuts on that too. :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Winnie Springtime Bunting from Polkadoodles
• Colouring - Alcohol Markers
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Memory Box Precious Stars
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Party Banner die
• Lace
• Velvet ribbon

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• The Ribbon Girls - Any Image
• Dream Valley Challenges - For the Girls
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Run along

I've been quite taken by some of the little House Mouse images I've seen in blogland but have never really tried them much myself, so I decided to rectify that with a little cutie House Mouse Carrying Mints. He looks like he's in a bit of a hurry!

I've used my new favourite word die again, Happy Wishes by Wplus9 which I'm really fond of at the moment. I hope you like it.  :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - House Mouse Carrying Mints
• Sentiment Die - Happy Wishes by Wplus9
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwit Collections Papers Pastel Dreams
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper

I've been inspired by:

• Noor! Design - CAS or Fully Loaded
• The Sketchy Challenge - Anything Goes
• House Mouse Challenge - Anything Goes HMFMC#228

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Critter Trio

There are some new digi & rubber stamps being released at Lili of the Valley later this week, including some sweet little boys and cute animals.  I've been lucky enough to have a play with them before the release date (and of course I started with the critters!)

So firstly we have the bunnies .....

... then the squirrels .....

... and finally the hedgies ...

.... plus, I'm still smiling because my images even made it onto the advert!!!  *yay*!

Card Recipe:

• Images - Squirrels - Thanks, Bunnies - With Love, Hedgehogs - For You
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Kraft Card

I've been inspired by:

• The Sketchy Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Trick or Treat

I've finally finished my "Trick or Treat" boxes for this year. There are 22 because we had just over 20 ghouls visiting us last year.  (the curtains will be drawn and the lights will be going off after 22 this year!)

My 2016 Halloween boxes are a little less adventurous than in previous years, but I wanted to use some of my under-used box dies.   I've made a selection of 3 different box styles from black card; all embossed with one of two different designs, and each decorated with thin orange satin ribbon and an orange 'trick or treat' die cut.

I've filled each one with three miniature bite-sized chocolate bars.  Funnily enough, there were a couple left over which just happened to be my favourites!  Coincidence, huh?

Nice and simples!

If you're interested, links to previous years' boxes are below:
     2015 - Monsters
     2014 - Black Magic
     2013 - Candy Boxes here and here
     2012 - Wizard pouches here and here
     2011 - Candy Pouches

Project Recipe:

• Lawn Fawn Milk Carton Die
• Lawn Fawn Candy Box Die
• Lawn Fawn Pillow Box die
• Cuttlebug D'vine Swirls Embossing Folder
• Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
• 3mm Satin Ribbon
• Impression Obsession Trick or Treat die
• Black card (lots!)

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Treat Bag/Box
• Deep Ocean Challenge - Halloween
• Creative Inspirations - Halloween

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

PenguiDEER

I've had this little chappie coloured up for a while but have not given him a home until today when I made up this frosty blue card with pink accents to match his scarf.  I couldn't decide what colour to make the 'Christmas' sentiment, so cut it out in pink and blue before deciding on white.  They're all layered up so the sentiment ended up being fairly thick which made it stand out a bit better against the white background though.  I'm also using a new snowflake die that I've bought this week after admiring it on Lorraine's beautiful cards (this one in particular prompted me to buy it).

Card Recipe:

• Image - PenguiDEER from Stamping Bella
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Maja Design Vintage Frost Paper pad
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Simon Says Stamp "Merry Christmas" Die
• Blue mesh
• Sweet Dixie Large Snowflake die
• Clear glass gem

I've been inspired by:

• The Sketchy Challenge - Add some BLING
• Christmas Sweet Stamping - Glitter & Sparkle

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Winter Wishes

We all like new stash (often there's stuff we just 'have' to have), but there's also the satisfaction when we rediscover a lost gem that we have had a while and forgotten about.  I've had this bunny image and the pretty winter backing papers for years and love them both. But I've also recently discovered the Wishes text die from WPlus9 and I'm really loving it.  I love that the new die has given fresh ideas and inspiration to use my older items.  I'm therefore opting for a mix of old and new in the new As You Like It Challenge which starts today asking if you prefer using old or new stash. :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Christmas Bently from DSB
• WPlus9 Happy Wishes die
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper

I've been inspired by:

• That's Crafty! - Clean & Simple
• Noor! - CAS or Fully Loaded
• DSB Challenge - October

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Around the World

It's a Just for Fun make from me today using a Tilda which I've not used for a while.  I wanted to use this image to create a travel journal and kept the emblies to a minimum to minimise bulk.  I covered some thick cardboard with designer papers, folding and sticking them onto the reverse before lining the inside with plain paper to match the papers of the journal.  I used a border die to create some additional interest along the bound edge before using my binding machine to hold it all together.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Earth Tilda
• Colouring - Alcohol Markers
• Docraft papers
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink 
• MFT Stitched Ovals
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Scalloped Border die
• Wild Rose Studio Corner Flourish die
• Zutter binding machine & wires

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Explore the World
• Allsorts Challenge - Pink
• Lovely hAnglar or Sweet Magnolia - Flowers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Boing Boing Bunny

It's all about ribbons and bows today at In The Pink and I've used both on my bunny Christmas card. The ribbon is a gorgeous spotty sating and matched my papers perfectly.  I also added some little stitched snowflakes made from a die which I think I'll be using a lot of this year.

Created for:

Sponsored by:

Card Recipe:

• Image - Christmas Surprise from LOTV (Retired)
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Me to You Winter Wonderland Paper pad
• MFT Stitched Ovals
• Memory Box Twilight Snowflake dies
• Satin Ribbon
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Live & Love Crafts - Pink
• The Ribbon Girls - Card

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Party Kittens

I've fallen in love with these little kitties and their cheeky expressions!  I've also fallen completely in love with this new text die called Happy Wishes from Wplus9. The font is lovely and I like creating the mix of stamped and die-cut sentiment.

Because the image was quite large (this is my usual 6"x6" sized card-base) I kept the layout very clean and simple with some papers to bring out the hot pink accent in the image.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Party Kittens by Whipper Snapper
• Sentiment Die - Happy Wishes by Wplus9
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwit Collections Papers Pastel Dreams
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper

I've been inspired by:

• Inky Chicks - Animals
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Blue James

In contrast to yesterday's pink James duo, today's set of James the bear cards are aqua blue! Again they're JFF because I love using this bear. :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - James the Bear (Balancing Act & Presents)
• LOTV Sentiment Christmas Tags
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Ribbons
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• MFT Stitched Circles

I've been inspired by:

• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
• Inky Chicks - Animals
• The Ribbon Girl - Card Challenge

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Pink James

Another "just for fun" post from me today, with a couple of cards featuring James the bear from Lili of the Valley.  I was definitely in a pink mood when I pulled these ones together!  I hope you like them.  Don't forget there is still a bit of time to enter the LOTV Facebook challenge which is Christmas this time, so these cuties would fit right in! :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - James the Bear (Big Star & Little Star)
• LOTV Sentiment Christmas Tags
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Ribbons
• Pearl Spray Stem
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• MFT Stitched Circles
• Ivory Jute Mesh Ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
• Inky Chicks - Animals
• The Ribbon Girl - Card Challenge (using TRG mesh and ribbon)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

A Wee Christmas Card

I've got a simple 'Just for Fun' card to share today.  I must have spent at least 2 hours each on the 'no-lines' coloured images I've been posting recently but I do love how they turn out.  I wasn't overly pleased with the uber CAS layout that I gave this one; I think my mojo was on holiday when I pulled the card together and it feels a bit unfinished to me.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Candle Light from Wee Stamps
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers,
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Lawn Fawn Large Stitched Square Stackables

I've been inspired by:

• Noor! Design - CAS or Fully Loaded

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Flower Power

Today's challenge at As You Like It Challenge is to share whether you like bought or handmade flowers, and although I do like die cut flowers, these mulberry flowers from Wild Orchid Craft have to be my all-time favourites.  I have them pretty much in every colour combo and love using the various sizes in little floral arrays around my images.  I've framed my Wee bug with two sets of pretty pink flowers to match my pink colour theme.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Cupcake Treat from Wee Stamps
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwit Collections Papers - Pastel Dreams
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Spellbinders Grand Ovals
• 3mm Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• The Ribbon Girl - October Card Challenge

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunny Sock

I'm back to the gorgeous bunnies from LOTV on today's card, and yes, it's another Christmas themed creation!  I've kept the layout very simple, with the colours of the papers deciding what colours I'd use in my image, and I've pulled out a Memory Box die that I have had for a few years, but don't think I've used much this year (although I am somewhat behind with my Christmas makes than I've been in previous years).

Here's a close up of the sweet bunny image:

Don't forget there's also a Christmas challenge on the LOTV Facebook page this month too. :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Christmas Bunnies Stocking
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Woodland Wishes Papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Memory Box Bursting Berry Border die

I've been inspired by:

• Noor! Design - CAS or Fully Loaded

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Teepee Card

I've not made a teepee fold card for a while and for some reason this image seemed to be 'calling out' for one, so I've had a go. I've used a Lili of the Valley image and Nitwits papers on a strong gold mirror cardbase.

Here's the card from the front .....

And a couple of pictures from both sides showing the circle sentiments I added ....

The image was a really sweet one called Carol Singing...

Here's how I made my simple Teepee cardbase:

First I cut a rectangle 12" x 6" of gold mirri card and scored it in half and each half on the diagonal as shown below:

Then I cut another 6" x 6" square of gold mirri card, scored it on the diagonal and adhered it to the rectangle base as shown below (again this is the back of the cardbase):

Before sticking the pieces together (above) I covered each of the triangle shapes with patterned papers so that when I turned it over, it looked like this:

I then used a small circle of stick-on velcro to create the ability to hold the fancy fold in place but also allowing it to open and fold flat for posting. :0)


Card Recipe:

• Image - Carol Singing by LOTV
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Christmas Sentiment Tags from LOTV
• Nitwits Woodland Wishes Papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Button Twine
• Glossy Accents
• Spellbinders Grand Ovals
• Gold Mirri card

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Sketchy Challenge - Add Some Bling
• The Ribbon Girl - Card Challenge

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunny Post

It's another Lili of the Valley card from Papercraft Essentials today, this time featuring Christmas Bunnies Post.  I must admit that I really love Lili's bunny images and this one is no exception.

Don't forget there's also a Christmas themed challenge on the LOTV Facebook page running until 15th October so if you get your skates on you can join in.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Christmas Bunnies Post from LOTV
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Sentiment - Christmas Sentiment Tags from LOTV
• Nitwits Woodland Wishes Papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• MFT Inside Out Stitched Rounded Square Stax
• Glossy Accents
• Metal mini brad

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• The Sketchy Challenge - Add Some Bling

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Tilda's got the Blues

I can't believe it's the first of September October already (eeeeek), but to celebrate that date, there's a new challenge at Squirrel's (not so) Random Challenge and the theme this time is one colour (plus hair / fur / skin). I've chosen blue on a Christmas card featuring Winter Tilda in a cute little hat.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Winter Tilda
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• Crafters' Companion The Snowman Papers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Memory Box Stitched Snowflakes
• Spellbinders Grand Ovals
• Blue mesh ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes with Spellbinders
• Lovely hAnglar or Sweet Magnolia - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx