Polar Stars

I've been a little AWOL recently as I've been crazy busy and haven't had much time for any crafting which is also making me a little stir-crazy!  Anyway, I do have a card to share with yout day because this fortnight at As You Like It Challenge we want to know if you prefer square or some other shaped cardbases.  While I love a shaped cardbase, a 6" square really is my go-to cardbase.  I find it's not too big to fill the space, and I prefer the square to a rectangle.

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, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Greys: Hickory Smoke

Card Recipe:

• Starry Night by Lili of the Valley
• MFT Dienamcis Stitched Square Stax
• Flat Backed Pearls
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Hip Rosebuds
• Mini Rosebuds

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Christmas / Winter Card

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Badger Brush

This week at As You Like It Challenge we want to see your favourite die, and for me it's a simple stitched circle. I love the circle dies, and have them in vairous styles, including double stitched, pierced and deckled, but the simple stitch is my favourite. I love the subtle texture without taking the focus away from the image or embelishments.

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge
Lee Holland

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

• Fur: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Brush: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Hickory Smoke
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Festive Berries, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Badger digi from Lee Holland Digis
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• 15mm Organza Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Puppy Carols

Yup, I'm still in festive mode!  Well, it does feel like summer's over now!

Designed for:
Lili of the Valley

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

• Browns: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Yellows: Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Canine Choir from Lili of the Valley (retired image)
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Typed Sentiment

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Gnome Flower

This fortnight at As You Like It Challenge we want to know if you prefer flat or layered cards.  I've used my favourite layout on today's card, which is 2 different patterned papers with a ribbon covering the join, and some pretty flowers framing my watercoloured image.  It seems to be my default layout, so I'm going to opt for layered as my favourite!

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge
Lee Holland

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

• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Oranges: Dried Marigold, Fossilised Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• 'Whites': Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Gnome with Flowers by Lee Holland Digis
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Hip Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Seam binding
• Enamel dots from Hobbycraft

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Tree-mendous

Is anyone else thinking about Christmas!!!

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
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Tree Trunk: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Hat: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Teddy Bear decorating a Christmas Tree
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Dark Green Plain Card 240gsm
• Typed Sentiment

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Cute Koala

I really love making shpaed cards, so I've made this fun koala bear card using some pearlescent grey layers and scraps of white, dark greys and black for the accents.  He's a tent fold cardbase so he sits up to display.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

• Cute Koala

Papermill Direct:

• Titanium Silver Pure Pearl Card
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Gray Sirio Pearl Merida Card
• Black Plain Card 240gsm

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Woolly Balls

I saw Lee's digitally coloured image of this woolly ball bear recently which has inspired me to share this version which I've watercoloured with Distress Reinkers.  I've used hot foil on the sentiment to give it some shine, but have otherwise kept the card clean and simple to give the adorable bear centre stage.

Designed for:
Lee Holland

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Woolly balls: Too many colours to remember (sorry!)

Card Recipe:

• Little Teddy holding balls of Wool by Lee Holland Digis
• Heidi Swapp Foiling machine & blue metalic foil
• Typed Sentiment

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Panda Tumble

This fortnight at As You Like It Challenge we're asking you to showcase your favourite colouring medium. 

I love my Distress Ink Reinkers, which I decant into a palette and use as watercolours with a paintbrush.  

I've tried watercolour pencils but I keep returning to the reinkers, although they are quite messy, especially with kittens jumping on my desk!  

I have previously used Copics, but they were very expensive and once I'd dabbled with watercolouring, I was hooked!

Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge
Lee Holland

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

• Panda: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot
• Browns: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

• Panda on a Branch by Lee Holland Digis
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• 15mm Organza Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Enamel dots from Hobbycraft

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Plant a Garden

I really love these little critters by Colorado Craft Company and I've used one of the background stamps which I've fussy cut to create a small scene.  The background is a simple embossed panel with a stamped sentiment from another Colorado Craft Company stamp set.

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: Shabby Shutters, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Butterfly: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Colorado Craft Summer Garden Stamp
• Colorado Craft Rooting for You (sentiment)
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Dark Green Plain Card 240gsm
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Nellie Snellen Embossing Folder

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Add a Sentiment

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Chubby Sheep

I've made this Chubby Sheep cut file into a tent-fold cardbase for a fun shaped card.  I love making shaped cards, and this one is really effective with just some cream hammered card (for texture) and scraps of black and white. I've inked around the edge of the cream to give it a bit more interest.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Card Recipe:

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm
• Rich Cream Card Hammered 255gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Sledging

At As You Like It Challenge this fortnight we are asking if you prefer bugs, feather or fur.  This was another easy choice for me because I love most things cute and fluffy! I am also not keen on any kind of creepy crawly and I don't like things that flutter around so that discounts most birds!  Today's furry critter is looking particularly cute which her little snowman sledge.

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, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Scarf: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sledge: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Speckled Egg

Card Recipe:

• Stamp Corner Online Winter Magic
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Sage green seam binding
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cosmos Daisy
• Open Roses
• Hip Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Enamel dots from Hobbycraft UK

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Birthday Bear

I've watercoloured a Lee Holland image and framed him with some Summery papers.

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

Card Recipe:

• Lee Holland Teddy sitting in Grass
• Apple Green Plain Card
• Spellbinders Serenade Sentiments
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cosmos Daisy
• Open Roses
• Enamel Dots

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bee Box

I've made this fun Bee Box using my Silhouette and some gorgoues bright yellow card accented with plain black and vellum for the wings.

Designed for:

Papermill Direct

Project Recipe:

Papermill Direct:

• Daffodil Plain Card 290gsm
• Black Plain Card 240gsm
• Vellum

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Sledging Bear

Despite the current heatwave, I'm in Christmas mode!

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

• Bear: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Sledge: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Scarf: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Winter Magic by Stamp Corner Online
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Cherry Blossom
• Cosmos Daisy
• Open Roses
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Glossy Accents
• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Plain Red Card 290gsm

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Kitty Chef

Today's card is a simple watercoloured image matted onto layers of lilac and purple.

Designed for:
Dies to Die For

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
• Ground: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord
• Greys: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Colorado Craft - Dad's Cooking

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Violet Plain Card 290gsm
• Lavender Plain Card 160gsm

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Four Legged Friends
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunny

Today I'm sharing a cute bunny card that I've watercoloured and framed in a Summery floral border.

Designed for:
Lili of the Valley

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
• Flowers: Squeezed Lemonade, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

Lili of the Valley:

• Celebrate Stamp Set by Lili of the Valley

Papermill Direct:

• Smooth White Card 160gsm
• Woodstock Giallo Card 285gsm

Other:

• 6mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Flat backed pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - 4-legged friends

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

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