Triple Teens

I'm sharing a trio of teenager themed cards today which were made for Lili of the Valley.  

I was tasked with making a set of 3 matching cards using these images, but I wanted the Jasmine card to be more feminine while still matching the set, so I added some interest with an easel fold and some floral die cuts.  

The name 'Jasmine' was typed using a font that I thought complemented the birthday sentiment stamp fairly well.  I didn't want a really different font, but obviously couldn't find the exact one, so this was close enough.

The boys' cards were more simple although I did manage to sneak in some ribbon which I generally associate with fussy feminine cards.  In each case there's some added interest with stitched dies and a digi sentiment.

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

• Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Blues: Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Mermaid Lagoon
• Pinks: Picked Raspberry
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Yellows/Oranges: Squeezed Lemonade, Fossilised Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Greys: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley Jasmine Laptop 
• Lili of the Valley Oliver Film Night 
• Lili of the Valley Oliver Studying 
• Lili of the Valley Everyday Greetings Sentiments 
• Lili of the Valley Vintage Male Sentiments 
• Jenny J Designs Pastel Plaid Digi Paper Pack
• Crealies Crea-Nest-lies XXL24 Rectangle with Stitching line
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• Sue Wilson Striped Nasturtiums dies 
• Red spotty ribbon 
• Star button
• Red twine
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspiration - New or Old (Old images, new papers)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Whooo is having a Birthday?

This is the third of my moonscape cards using my Gerda Steiner owls.  The sentiment is from the same stamp set.  The image and background are all coloured with DI inks (pads for the background and reinkers for the stamped image).

My little owl, with the moonscape tutorial, is included in this month's copy of Making Cards magazine so please go and buy your copy if you've not already!

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Gerda Steiner Owl Rather Be With You
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Plaid Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• Gerda Steiner Share Your Design
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Clean & Simple using DI ink pads & Reinkers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Moonscapes

I'm sharing another of the cards that are included in the January edition of Making Cards magazine. This time the little scene is quite masculine too (a rarity for me!). I hope you like it and take a peek at the tutorial in the magazine for some inspiration. 

Don't forget to pick up your copy of the magazine!  Oh, and despite what the article says, all the stamped images are watercoloured with DI reinkers, not markers!  :0)

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Gerda Steiner Blast Off
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Plaid Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Creatalicious - Anything Goes
• Country View Challenges - Landscapes using DI ink pads and reinkers
• Creatalicious - Anything Goes
• Gerda Steiner Share Your Designs

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Sunset made Simples!

I'm really excited to have 3 cards included the January Making Cards magazine with a tutorial on sunsets and 'moonscapes'.  I'm sharing one of those cards today with a Simples theme! The sunset was simple to create with some masking, sponging and inking. I hope you like it and take a peek at the tutorial in the magazine for some inspiration.

Here's a sneaky peek of the magazine.

Card Recipe:

• Clearly Besotted Got Your Back
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Plaid patterns papers

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
• Country View - Landscapes using DI pads & reinkers
• Creatalicious - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Dear Santa ...

So today I'm sharing the last of my set of 4 Lili of the Valley Christmas Teds cards featuring my favourite image from the set.  

I am also delighted to say that the set of four is included in the latest issue of Making Cards & Papercraft which you can pick up in stores or order online at www.makingcardsmagazine.com. It comes with a great free gift too which you can see in the image below.

Card Recipe:

• Christmas Teds rubber stamp from Lili of the Valley
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Memory Box Bursting Berry Vine Border
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• Narrow satin ribbon
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Stamping Sensations - Christmas

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Have a Merry Christmas

I hope you're not bored of my bears yet, because I'm back in Christmas mode with the 3rd of my 4 cards showcasing some more cute teds from Lili of the Valley. These little guys are all lined up waiting for Christmas!  I'm not sure they should be playing with that holly though; it might prickle their paws!

Card Recipe:

• Christmas Teds from Lili of the Valley
• Swirly Christmas Greetings from Lili of the Valley
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• Glossy Accents
• Glamour Dust glitter
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Sweet Christmas Wishes

It's day 2 of my Lili of the Valley set of Christmas cards, and today I've used the bear couple walking in the snow.  It's a simple layout with just a few pearls to embellish.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• "Whites": Pumice Stone

Card Recipe:

• Christmas Teds from Lili of the Valley
• Swirly Christmas Greetings from Lili of the Valley
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• Glossy Accents
• Glamour Dust glitter
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Merry & Bright

Now that it's November I'm getting in the mood for some festive cards and have a few creations I've made for Lili of the Valley to share with you over the next few days.

Today's card is one of a set of 4 I've created using the Christmas Teds rubber stamp set and Swirly Christmas Greeting sentiment set.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Staircase: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Reds: Abandoned Coral, Festive Berries, Fired Brick
• Wall: Tumbled Glass
• Ground: Old Paper, Forest Moss

Card Recipe:

• Christmas Teds from Lili of the Valley
• Swirly Christmas Greetings from Lili of the Valley
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• Glossy Accents
• Flat Backed Pearls
• 6mm Satin ribbon
• Joanna Sheen Starry Night Edger die

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Huggy Squigies

Woohoooo, I can finally post this card today, because it's included in the latest issue of Papercraft Essentials (issue 147) which was out last week.  All of the Dies to Die For team are promoting the lovely Stamping Bella images and I was really pleased to use this image called Huggy Squidgie which is really sweet and great for a 'friend' card.  I hope you like it, and if you get the mag, check out the DTDF DT cards on pages 55 to 58. :0)

I didn't have backing card in the right colour, so I used white, and edged it with the same pink ink pad that I'd used to ink the edges of the image and cardbase:  Once the image is mounted onto it, you can't see the white!

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Stamping Bella Huggy Squidgie
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Maja Design Vintage Romance Paper pad
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Oval Stax

Other:

• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• 15mm Shocking Pink Satin Ribbon
• Cosmos Daisy
• 10mm & 15mm Open Roses
• Mini Rosebuds
• Flat Backed Pearls
• VersaColor Mini Ink Pads (for edging)

I've been inspired by:

• Magnolialicious - Anything Goes
• The Ribbon Girl - 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

Easel Angels

I've got another couple of cards from my Papercraft Essentials magazine feature using two sweet angel images from Lili of the Valley. They each use easel shaped bases but I've varied them slightly. I kept the colours light, with a bit of red accent on each, because the images were pale and I didn't want them to be overpowered by strong coloured backing papers.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Christmas Angels Praying & Flying
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Woodland Wishes Papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• MFT Stitched Ovals
• MFT Stitched Circles
• Memory Box Grand Merry Christmas Die
• Simon Says Stamp "Merry Christmas" Die
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Die'sire Mini Victoriana border die

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Fab n Funky - Christmas

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Dropping the Shopping

I'm sharing another card from my featured set of Lili of the Valley for Papercraft Essentials.  This one is a gorgeously sweet image called Dropping the Shopping and I am pleased with how it turned out. I added some pink mesh ribbon as an accent as well as some stitched snowflake dies and a little sentiment tag.

Here's a close up of the image:

Card Recipe:

• Image - Dropping The Shopping from LOTV
• Sentiment - Christmas Sentiment Tags from LOTV
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Woodland Wishes Papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Memory Box Stitched Snowflake Dies
• Spellbinders Grand Oval dies
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Pink mesh ribbon
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Button Twine
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Glossy Accents

I've been inspired by:

• That's Crafty - Christmas in September
• The Ribbon Girls - Any Image
• Creatalicious - Anything Goes
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes using Spellbinders Oval Nesties

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Skating Along

I must admit that I was rather pleased with this card, and it's featured in the Papercraft Essentials issue 138 which was published earlier this week.  It features Skating Along from Lili of the Valley and I've used a die to cut the shape which is one of my favourites.

I hope you like it and I'll have a couple more of the cards from the magazine feature to share with you in the next few days too.

Here's a close up of the image, painted with DI reinkers.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Skating Along from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Woodland Wishes Papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• MFT Stitched Circles
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Glossy Accents
• Go Kreate Labels nested die
• Magnolia DoHickey Merry Xmas tag die

I've been inspired by:

• That's Crafty - Xmas in September
• Country View Crafts - Travel (using DI reinkers)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Oliver - Footie Fan and Born to Skate

There's not one, but two CAS quickies from me today and they're both cards for a guy (which is a topic I find difficult!).  I added some interest to the designs with some chalked clouds and some die cut stars and clouds.

There's also a new set of Halloween images coming out from Lili of the Valley, in digi format tomorrow and in rubber next week.  Take a sneaky peek at the images below and check the online shop out to grab yourself the new images. :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Oliver Kicking About
• Sentiment - Teenage Boy Sentiments
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Papers - Time For Tea Cottage Collection
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Memory Box Stitched Clouds from SSS
• Star nesting die
• Matt gems

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - CAS

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

If you want to be happy .....

Another quick post from me to day as I've just realised that I forgot to schedule this earlier! It's a simple card with a pretty paper border trimmed with a stitched border die and some twine.  I've added a speckle of liquid pearls on each scallop.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Jasmine Music from Lili of the Valley
• Sentiment - Sweet & Simple from LOTV
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Papers - Time For Tea Cottage Collection
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Viva Pearl Dots
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Scallop Border
• Bakers Twine
• Musical note charm

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Fabulous Florals
• Bunny Zoe - Summer Florals

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Morning Coffee

This is another sample for my submission to Papercraft Essentials and it was probably one of my favourites from the set I made, but unfortunately in the magazine it got relegated to their website.  I love this image and the CAS layout showcasing her.  I also love this die that gives a stitched line on both sides of the cut line.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Jasmine Coffee from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Papers - Time For Tea Cottage Collection
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Frantic Stamper Stitched Scene Builder Die
• Paper flower
• Large spotty brad

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Easel does it

Just a quickie from me tonight as I forgot to schedule this one last night!  I don't usually make easel cards but I liked this one with the raised bow panel instead of a sentiment panel for the base prop.  I die cut the 'hello' several times and layered them up for a raised effect.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Jasmine Laptop from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Papers - Time For Tea Cottage Collection
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Flat Backed Pearls
• 15mm satin ribbon
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Scalloped Border die
• Mama Elephant Hello Script Die

I've been inspired by:

• Creatalicious - Anything Goes
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Creative Knockouts - Anything Goes
• The Ribbon Girl - Any Image

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Oliver - Film Night

A rarity from me with a masculine style card.  I've kept the design very simple, creating an octagon shaped card base by cutting the corners from my standard square base.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Oliver Film Night from LOTV
• Teenage Boy Sentiment stamp set from LOTV
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwits Papers - Time For Tea Cottage Collection
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Gems
• Distressing tool

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - Circles

Happy crafting
Annette
xx