Have a Pink Christmas

It's with a sad heart that today is the last challenge at In The Pink Challenge as Christine has decided to close the Pink Palace. I've been on the team for just over 2 years and have loved using one of my favourite colours every challenge, so I'll definitely continue. Christine has managed the challenge for over 5 years which is a fantastic achievement, so well done Christine. Mwah!  We hope we will gets lots of you join us for our final challenge, which is a super easy 'Pink Christmas' theme.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Scarf: Picked Raspberry
• Greens: Shabby Shutters, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Robin: Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Festive Berries

Card Recipe:

• Penny Black Jolly Friends Stamp Set
• Sentiment from Clearly Besotted Little Donkey
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• Button Twine
• Crealies On the Edge die

Created for:

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Challenge - Xmas using DI Reinkers
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

You're Weird and I Love It

We're looking for spots or stripes at In The Pink Challenge this month and despite not really being a fan of either I've somehow managed to use both on my card because the pretty papers have white polka dots as well as a feint stripe on them.

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

• Monster: Spun Sugar,  Worn Lipstick
• Eyes: Hickory Smoke, Antique Linen

Card Recipe:

• Monster Joe from A Day for Daisies
• Gerda Steiner Llama Tell You (sentiment)
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Pink spotty/stripy paper
• Pink satin ribbon

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• Deep Ocean Challenge - Movie (Monsters, Inc)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Skating Along

One of the very first Lili of the Valley images that I bought was this one called Skating Along.  She's now available as a digi as well as rubber, and I've used the digi version which I've flipped to face to the right.  It's perfect for the new challenge at In The Pink Challenge which is ribbons and bows.

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

• Dog: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Worn Lipstick, Tea Dye
• Greens: Bundled Sage
• Outfit/Leash: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Aged Mahogany
• Snow: Weathered Wood
• Hat/coat fur: Spun Sugar, Hickory Smoke

Card Recipe:

• Skating Along from Lili of the Valley
• Glossy Accents
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Hip Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Crealies XXL #65 Double Stitched Circles
• Tonic Modern Merry Christmas
• Pink Satin 15mm Ribbon

Here's one of the first cards I made using this image in October 2010!  Eeeek!

Created for:

and

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• The Ribbon Girl - October Card Challenge

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Sleeping Cutie

It's all about Flower Power at In The Pink Challenge this month and I've opted for flowers in my image, papers and embellishments.  This little critter is aptly named 'Sleeping Cutie' and I've coloured him with reinkers with a splash of pencil for the detail on the flowers.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, 
• Greens: Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Wings: Tumbled Glass, Bundled Sage
• Flowers: Seedless Preserves
• Oranges: Wild Honey, Carved Pumpkin

Card Recipe:

• Sleeping Cutie
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Scalloped Border Dies
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Oval Stax
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Derwent Inktense Pencils
• Maja Design Paper Pad
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Carnations
• 15mm Grape Satin Ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Inky Chicks - Favourite Colour(s) [pink & purple]
• Crafty Calendar - Kids/Babies
• The Ribbon Girl - Card Challenge

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Oceans of Love

We're joining forces with Dies to Die For for our 5th birthday celebrations at In The Pink Challenge with an Anything Goes challenge.  I've used some cute little mermaids and one of the sentiments from the same set.  The stamps are available from Dies to Die For.

Card Recipe:

• MFT Mermazing Stamp Set
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Border Dies
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Wink of Stella pen

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Nautical
• The Sketchy Challenge - Beach
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Add a Sentiment

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Mermazing

I feel like I'm late to the party with today's card because I've seen this gorgeous mermazing set from MFT all over blogland for weeks now, but only just got around to ordering my set from Dies to Die For.  She's helping to promote the new 'fantasy' challenge starting today at In The Pink Challenge.

Card Recipe:

• MFT Mermazing Stamp Set
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Flat Backed Pearls
• 15mm Mauve Satin Ribbon
• Maja Design Coffee in the Arbour Paper pad
• Marianne Design Die
• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cherry Blossom
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cosmos Daisy
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• White Gel pen

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• The Ribbon Girl - Any Image
• The Sketchy Challenge - At the Beach
• Noor Design! - Die Cuts

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Nancy Baker

In my opinion, however full I may feel, there is always room for cake and today we're looking to seek some yummy cake themed creations at In The Pink Challenge.  I've used my favourite CCD character, Nancy, in a cute little chef's outfit with a delicious looking chocolate cake with pink icing. The only thing that could be better is if I could grab a fork and dive right into that card!

Card Recipe:

• CCD Nancy Baker
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Flat Backed Pearls
• 15mm Mauve satin ribbon
• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cherry Blossom
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cosmos Daisy
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Spellbinders Grand Nesties Ovals
• Glossy Accents
• Wink of Stella

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• The Ribbon Girl - Card Challenge

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Razzle Dazzle

We're looking for razzle dazzle at In The Pink Challenge today and so I've used some Stardust pens as well as some rhinestones on my card today.  

Despite the shimmer, it's still a fairly CAS layout, but of course there's lots of pink!

Here's a little close-up of the image so that you can see the sparkle that the Stardust pens create a bit better. It's really hard to photograph!  I popped some on the flowers she's holding as well as the petals of her dress.

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Tiny Townie Garden Girl Orchid
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2

Other:

• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• Coloured with Copic Alcohol Markers, 
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Nitwit Collections Papers

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• That's Crafty - Bright
• Country View Crafts - Flower Power (using DI Reinkers from CVC)
• Deep Ocean - Anything Goes
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Going Dotty (dotty dress using Sakura Stardust pen)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Dandelion Clock

We are looking for pearls at In The Pink Challenge this fortnight and I've gone a little overboard with my pearl embellies.  I've added a white pearl string, a trinket pin featuring pearls and some flat backed pearls for good measure.  All the pearl embellies, flowers and the shocking pink ribbon are all from The Ribbon Girl and my image is Lili of the Valley.  My card also fits the theme for the 'girilie' themed challenge at Lili of the Valley's Facebook page which you still have a couple of days to enter with a card featuring a female character.

Card Recipe:

From Lili of the Valley:

• Dandelion Clock

From The Ribbon Girl:

• 15mm Shocking Pink Berrisford Satin Ribbon
• Cosmos Daisy Flower
• Lily Flowers Small Pale Pink
• 10mm Pale Pink Open Roses
• Cream Open Rose
• Hip Rose Bud Pink Two Tone
• Carnation Pale Pink
• 5mm Pink Pearls
• 3mm White Pearl Bead String
• Ivory Trinkey Pin

From Dies To Die For:

• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Circle Stax
• Glossy Accents

Other:

• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Nitwit Collections Papers - Always and Forever
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Crystal Glamour Dust

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• Creatalicious - Anything Goes with Flowers
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Colour Inspiration
• Fab 'n' Funky - Fantasy

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Wedding Couple Hanger

A the In The Pink Challenge there is an inspirational photo designed to get you in the pink and lacy mood! I've chosen to focus on the wood, cream and pink lace, romantic theme of the image for my sample and I've made a wooden wedding hanger using a cute Wedding Couple image from Lili of the Valley.

Project Recipe:

From Lili of the Valley:

• Wedding Couple (available in rubber or digi)

From The Ribbon Girl:

• Small Lily
• 30mm Ivory Open Rose
• Hip Rose Buds
• 4mm Pearl Ivory Trim
• Pink Beaded Berries
• Trinket Pin

From Dies To Die For:

• Versafine Ink Pad
• Maja Design Vintage Romance Paper pad
• Memory Box Precious Hearts
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Circle Stax

Other:

• Wooden MDF Square
• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Whiff of Joy Heart Banner
• Pink lace
• Cream lace
• Beaded Twirl
• Pink Tulips
• Small Self Adhesive Flat Backed Pearls

Created for:

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - Tim Holtz (Reinkers from CVC)
• Penny Black & More - Anything Goes
• Seven Hills Craft - Patterned Paper, Pastel. Die cutting (using Stitched Circle Stax)
• Inky Chicks - Flowers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Moody Unicorns

It's another challenge at In The Pink today and I've used a sweet image from a set called Moody Unicorns by Gerda Steiner. I've got a couple of her sets now but this is the first one which has made it onto a card so far!  I loved his cute little expression!  There are a few sentiments in the stamp set, but as usual I've opted for no sentiment. I really should make more effort with the sentiment, but I like the focus on the image! :0)

Card Recipe:

From The Ribbon Girl:

• 15mm Grape Satin Ribbon
• Pink Carnation
• Cherry Blossom
• Small Lily
• Open Roses
• Hip Rose Buds
• Mini Rose Buds (coloured pink - see tutorial)
• Trinket Pin
• 5mm Pink Crystals

From Dies To Die For:

• Gerda Steiner Moody Unicorns
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Maja Design Vintage Romance Paper pad
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Circle Stax
• Glossy Accents

Other:

• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Marianne Design Circle & Flower Stitch die

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Favourite Tool (Big Shot)
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Florals

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Is it nearly Christmas?

We're asking "What's New" at In The Pink this fortnight and I've used it as an excuse to make a start on my 2017 Christmas cards (on the basis it was one of my New Year Resolutions to make 2 Xmas cards each month and I've made zip to date!).

I've used my own teapot template (see freebie on my Freebies page) and my new Pingu stamp which was a Christmas pressie from the lovely Squirrel.

I've also started outlining my images BEFORE I start painting them because I have found I smudge the colours less.  When I paint my image I am usually impatient and outline it as soon as I finish it. The colours then tend to bleed into the halo around the outside. Therefore I've decided to (try to) plan ahead and stamp and outline the night before I want to colour an image, and then by the time I get to it the next day, it's dry and less likely to bleed.  This is my image before I started colouring properly, outlined in Weathered Wood reinker.  If you look in the above coloured image, you can hardly see it, although it looks quite dark before any other colours are applied.

Card Recipe:

• Image - The Penguin and the Marshmallow
• One of my own Freebie Template
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Glossy Accents
• Doohicky So Wrapped Merry Christmas die
• Memory Box Delicate Stitched Snowflake

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Chill Out
• Inky Chicks - Anything Goes
• Magnolialicious - Anything Goes
• Creative Inspirations - Fabulous Flowers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Mr & Mrs Claus

Today's project is to support the challenge at In The Pink where the theme is Christmas and I've used an image from our sponsor, Polkadoodles.  I decided to make life more difficult by using the 'no-lines technique' which always takes me three times as long to watercolour. I've compensated by making the layout uber clean and simple, with just a bit of stitching and some poinsettia dies.  I was really pleased with how this one turned out in the end, so much that I was reluctant to give it away, but I've decided to send it overseas to someone who I hope will appreciate it! :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Winnie Wonderland Mr & Mrs Claus from Polkadoodles
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Sue Wilson Poinsettia Additions

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Christmas Gifts
• Country View Crafts - Christmas

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

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