Santa Paws

At the As You Like It Challenge the fortnight, we're asking whether you're a cat or dog fan. This was an easy choice for me as I've had kitties all my life and I can't imagine a home without a feline furball.  My current clan consist of 11 month old brother and sister duo, and our 18 year old super-senior.

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge
Lee Holland

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Pudding: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Festive Berries, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Kitten with Christmas Pudding by Lee Holland
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Plain Red Card 290gsm
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Monochrome Christmas

Today's card is a simple die cut Christmas card using plain black and pearlescent silver card.  I've used a Die'sire holly square and Merry Christmas sentiment in alternating layers.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm
• Pearl Silver Card

Other:

• Die'sire Holly Square
• Merry Christmas Sentiment
• Silhouette (to create the outline matt layers on the sentiment)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Squirrel Birthday

A cute watercoloured card for my bestie's birthday earlier this week.

Designed for:
Lee Holland

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Flower: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Squirrel with Ladybird by Lee Holland
• Minc Foiling Machine
• Typed Sentiment (Fonts: KG Beneath Your Beautiful Chunk and Christmas Snowflake)

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Plain Red Card 290gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Hot Cocoa

I really love making shaped cards so I've adapted this cut file to make a fun side-fold cup of cocoa card using some pretty papers. I've blended some Distress Ink along the edges of the main piece to create some shading and shape to the cup.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Plain Red Card 290gsm
• Mocha Brown Card 240gsm
• Iridescent White Glitter Card 220gsm
• Rich Cream Card Hammered 255gsm

Other:

• Hot Cocoa Cut File by Miss Kate Cutables
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Memory Box Twilight Snowflake Dies
  
• Distress Ink Pads

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Let's get into Shape

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Santa Tags

These Santa Tags look really effective in some bright red, black and gold coloured card.  I love gift wrapping, including making handmade gift tags to decorate the presents with.  

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge

Papermill Direct

Project Recipe:

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Plain Red Card 290gsm
• Woodstock Giallo Card 285gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm
• Green Grass Pure Pearl Card 300gsm

Other:

• Ornament Santa Claus Clothes Cut File by Studio Ilustrado

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - let's get into shape

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

That's Quackers

This little duckling makes me smile playing in the grass.

Designed for:
Dies to Die For

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Duck: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss

Card Recipe:

• Pond Pampering by Colorado Craft Company
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Billiard Green Card 210gsm
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Enamel dots from Hobbycraft

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Summer Fun

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Elf Mug

I've made this cute little Elf mug Christmas card with a green and red theme. The cardbase is a side-fold just inside the mug's handle so that it stands up nicely.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

• Christmas Elf Mug

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Post Box Red Smooth 240gsm
• Woodstock Giallo Card 285gsm
• Apple Green Card 240gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm
• Mercury Silver Pure Pearl Sparkle 300gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Ladybird

A watercoloured summery card!

Designed for:
Lee Holland

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Oranges: Scattered Straw, Mustard Seed, Rusty Hinge
• Ladybird: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Ladybird with Butterfly by Lee Holland Digis
• Plain Red Card 290gsm
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cosmos Daisy
• Open Roses
• Hip Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Enamel dots by Hobbycraft

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Favourite Colour Combo

For our challenge this week at As You Like It Challenge we're asking you to share your favourite 2 colour combo creations.  I love pastels colours, and in particular pink and blue (although purple comes a very close third place!).  I love the softness of the colours and most of my favourite papers are one or either of these two colours, including the gorgeous Petal Fresh from Nitwits which I've accessorised with pink embellishments.

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge
Lili of the Valley

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Pinks: Kitsch Flamingo, Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Mouse with Daisy by Lili of the Valley
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Woodstock Malva pink card
• 15mm seam binding baby pink
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Hip Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Enamel dots from Hobbycraft

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Toadily Quackers

Yellow and green are not my go-to colours, but are perfect for the current summery season.

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Duck: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Water: Tumbled Glass
• Pinks: Kitsch Flamingo

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Pond Pampering by Colorado Craft
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Billiard Green Card 210gsm
• Nitwit Collections Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - Seaside (using Distress Inks from CVC)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Layered Paw Tag

This fun paw-print gift tag is just 3 layers of brown card scraps.

I've put a white layer on the reverse so I can write the message before attaching it with some twine to a present.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

• Layered Paw Tag cut file

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Mocha Brown Card 240gsm
• Terracotta Brown Card 250gsm
• Smooth Buff Card 260gsm 

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Fathers Day

Happy Father's Day!

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Giraffe: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

• Giraffe & Bird by RAM Stamps
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Woodstock Pistachio
• Sentiment Fonts: Cute Rita & Outside

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Bright & Cheerful

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Happy Hippo

A happy hippo for a sweet birthday card.

Designed for:
Lee Holland

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Hippo: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Browns: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Sky/Water: Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Peacock Feathers
  

Card Recipe:

• Hippo with Bird by Lee Holland Digis
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Violet Plain Card 290gsm
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Open Roses
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Flower Bear

I'm often guilty of leaving out a sentiment on my cards, but I actually do prefer it when I remember to include one, even if it's a simple 'happy birthday'.  

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• The Stamp Corner Online
• Spellbinders sentiment die
• Apple Green Card 240gsm
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Bright and Cheerful

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Anniversary Hearts

I made this concertina folding card for my husband on our anniversary. It was very delicate to fold all the narrow pieces, but I was pleased how it turned out.  The hearts are embossed for some additional texture, and it seems to make them less flimsy, which helps to keep the structure.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

• Zig Zag Valentine Garden Silhouette cut file by Marji Roy

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Plain Red Card 290gsm
• Apple Green Card 240gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Kitten Post

I've watercoloured this adorable kitten image by Lee Holland for a simple birthday card. The sentiment is layered several times for depth and texture, but I've used the same colour card for matting it to keep it simple.

Designed for:
Lee Holland

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Hat: Prize Ribbon, Black Soot, Mustard Seed, Rusty Hinge
• Reds: Candied Apple, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Kitten Bundle by Lee Holland
• Spellbinders Serenade Sentiments
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Marine Blue Card 240gsm
• Nitwit Collections Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Polar Bear Card

I've made this fun Polar Bear card using some smooth white card for the base and some colour for his cosy scarf.  His eyes are so dinky that I struggled not to lose them before sticking them on with the smallest dab of glue.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

• Polar Bear Silhouette Cut File

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Dark Violet Plain Card 240gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Embossed Mouse

I love the texture and subtlety of an embossing folder. It's amazing to see a beautifully intricate design appear once you peel away the folder and allow the light to reveal the pattern in its shadows.  I've raised the image and layered sentiment on 3D foam pads too for added dimension.

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Mouse: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Berry Sweet Mice from Last Minute Manda
• Whimsy Stamps Birthday Word and Shadow Die
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Whimsy Stamps Slimline Embossing Folder Daisies

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Apple Green Card 240gsm

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Lots of Texture
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Teddy Handstand

We're asking what's your favourite sketch this week at As You Like It Challenge and I knew straight away what I was going to pick.  I love the pretty design of this card, with its two complementary designer papers and a strip of ribbon covering the join.  As usual it's decorated with a double bow and a cluster of papers flowers on the diagonals.  If you're a regular visitor to my blog, you will recognise it as being a layout that I return to time and time again.

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge
Lee Holland

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Flowers: Mustard Seed, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Teddy Handstand by Lee Holland
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Marine Blue Card 240gsm
• Aqua Blue 6mm Satin Ribbon
• Yellow 15mm Organza Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Gems

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Panda

I've embossed some pearlescent silver to make this slimline card. I prefer pearl to mirror card as it's a bit more subtle, and very pretty paired with some accents of dark violet. I've framed the watercoloured panda image and the embossed silver layer with purple card, and then die cut a sentiment in alternating purple and silver.  The strip covering the join where the embossing ends is a satin ribbon in the same rich purple.

Designed for:
Lee Holland

Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Panda: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass, Weathered Wood
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed

Card Recipe:

• Cute Teddy Bear by Lee Holland Digis
• Whimsy Stamps Birthday Word and Shadow Die
• Gummiapan Happy Birthday Die (Happy element only)
• Whimsy Slimline Embossing Folder - Daisies
• 10mm Satin Ribbon

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Violet Plain Card 290gsm
• Silver Sirio Pearl Card

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Koala

I've watercoloured a cute Koala image from Lee Holland's digi shop and paired him with some Springtime papers in the hope of charming the sun to shine this weekend!

Designed for:
Lee Holland

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Branch: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

• Koala on a Branch from Lee Holland Digis
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Circle Stax
• 6mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cosmos Daisy
• Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds
  

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Blue Polar Bear

I've made this fun Polar Bear card using some smooth white card for the base and some of my favourite Marine Blue for his cosy scarf.  His eyes are so dinky that I struggled not to lose them before sticking them on with the smallest dab of glue.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

• Polar Bear Silhouette Cut File

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Marine Blue Card 240gsm
• Dark Violet Plain Card 240gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Soft Pink Tilda

This week at As You Like It Challenge we want to know if you prefer soft or bold colours.  I honestly thought I would pick soft colours every time, but having a look at some of my recent cards they've been fairly bright and bold. But I'm sticking to my guns and opting for soft pastels, because I'd pick those out of any line up!

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Hair: Brushed Corduroy, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Holly: Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Pinks: Saltwater Taffy, Abandoned Coral, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Speckled Egg

Card Recipe:

• Magnolia Tilda It's Cold Outside
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Bubblegum Pink Card 170gsm
• 15mm Organza Ribbon
• Open Roses
• Hip Rosebuds
• Lily Flowers

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Feminine

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Lighthouse

I loved the look of this lighthouse box and decided to make one just for fun. It looks more complicated that it was in practice, although the flagpole was meant to be a straw, but because I didn't have one, I rolled up some orange card into a sausage and glued the edge instead.

I'm not sure what I'm going to put inside it yet, but for now, it was a fun project and I'm pleased with how it turned out.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Project Recipe:

• Lighthouse by Sweet Afton

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Ocean Blue Card 240gsm
• Navy Blue Card 240 gsm
• Sherbet Orange Card 200gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Penguin Card

I've adapted this penguin shape to become a tent-fold Christmas card by mirroring the main black oval and adding a dashed fold-line for the cardbase.  I've also elongated his body a bit to fit 2 cardbases onto a sheet of A4 card.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

• Penguins by Snapdragon Snippets

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Woodstock Giallo Card 285gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Pingu Gift Tags

I've used a cut file by Sweet Afton to create these pingu gift tags from plain black and white card and have added a little white acrylic paint for light speckles on the eyes and beak.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

• Penguin Earrings Silhouette Cut file by Sweet Afton
• Orange Twine
• White acrylic

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Woodstock Giallo Card 285gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Toucan Tango

I've watercoloured this sweet toucan image by Lee Holland and framed him using an orange colour palette. 

Designed for:
Lee Holland

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Leaves: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Branch: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Toucan: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Toucan by Lee Holland
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Circle Stax
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• 15mm Golden Organza ribbon
• 6mm Satin ribbon
  

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Have a fin-tastic day

At As You Like It Challenge this week, we're asking if you prefer Clean & Simple or Fussy.  I personally enjoy making both styles, although I find the clean and simple theme far more challenging because mine seem to feel 'unfinished'. I've tasked myself to make a clean and simple card that I'm happy with. This one's for a dad who's keen on fishing, so the masculine theme tends to lend itself more to clean and simple.

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge

Lili of the Valley

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Rod: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Rusty Hinge
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

• James Fishing
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Marine Blue Card 240gsm
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Typed Sentiment (Fonts: 'KG Beneath Your Beautiful Chunk' and 'Outside')
  

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

It's a Bug's Life

I'm not usually a fan of bugs, in fact I'd normally be running in the opposite direction if I saw one, but I will make an exception for this sweet little fella.

Designed for:
Lee Holland

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers

Card Recipe:

• Caterpillar with Butterfly by Lee Holland Digis
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Woodstock Giallo Card 285gsm
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Hip Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• 15mm Satin ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - Flower Power (using Distress Ink reinkers from CVC)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx