Maisie Baking a Cake

At As You Like It Challenge we're asking if you prefer masculine or feminine themes, and it's safe to say that I much prefer making girlie cards.  Although I've not splattered today's card with flowers and gems, I think it's still pink and feminine. There's a sprinkling of ribbon and lace as well as an apron shaped card-base to complement Maisie the mouse who's doing a spot practice for an appearance on Bake Off.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Stool: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Oranges: Fossilised Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Picked Raspberry
• Ground: Pumice Stone, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Maisie Mouse Baking a Cake from Polkadoodles
• Papers from Nikky bundle from Polkadoodles
• Gingham pink ribbon
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• Lace

I've been inspired by:

• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Hello

I've opted for a fully loaded feminine card today in contrast to my recent flurry of CAS 'masculine' creations.  This one's been nobbled by hubby to give to his mum as a Mother's day card so I hope she likes it.  

It's also a change from my usual top (tent) fold cards because it has a decorated stand which holds the main card base.  I've also used one of my favourite Crealies double stitched circle nesting dies; they're such a fabulous size and this isn't even the biggest one in the set!

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
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Dress: Pumice Stone
• Flowers: Worn Lipstick, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

• Golden Week Tilda
• Versafine Ink Pad
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cherry Blossom
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Hip Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• CreateASmile Cool Cuts Hello Twice
• Card stand silhouette cut file

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes using Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Hello Cupcake

It's pearls or buttons at As You Like It Challenge this week and for me it's an easy choice. I have a bit of an aversion to using buttons on cards so it's always going to be pearls for me!  Not that pearls are a hardship because I love the shiny little flat backed pearls and have them in lots of colours so they can coordinate with my colour schemes. They usually make an appearance on my cards!

I've got a new Spectrum Noir Sparkle pen and I've used it on my fairy's wings and skirt. It is difficult to photograph but I've added a little close up below which is the best I can get.

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

• Hair/Cake: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Icing: Milled Lavender
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn
• Outfit: Wilted Violet
• Ground: Pumice Stone, Black Soot
• Candlelight: Squeezed Lemonade

Card Recipe:

• Cake Glorious Cake from Lili of the Valley
• MFT Dienamics Stitched Oval Stax
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Nitwit Collections Papers Promises
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cosmos Daisy
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Hip Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Purple gingham ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Summer Flower Tilda

Summer is definitely my favourite season of the year. I love the warmth of the sunshine and the long light days.  Unfortunately we're coming to the end of it now and it's certainly starting to feel colder.  We relented this week and have had the heating on since Tuesday!

We're asking what your favourite season is at As You Like It Challenge and I've used this colourful floral image, papers and embellishments to represent summer.  

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

• Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Scattered Straw
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord
• 'Whites': Weathered Wood

Card Recipe:

• Cute Sakura Tilda
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• 5mm Pink Crystals
• 15mm Satin Purple ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes using Distress Ink
• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• Lovely hAnglar or Sweet Magnolia - Flowers (mine are more Summer than Autumn though)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bear with me ....

We're asking whether you prefer girlie or masculine cards at As You Like It Challenge
this week, and it's got to be cute and girlie for me. I love pretty papers, pinks, and embellishments, as well as cute images, none of which tend to lend themselves to masculine cards!  

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

• Fur/Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Purples: Milled Lavender, Seedless Preserves

Card Recipe:

• A Hand To Hold from Lili of the Valley (rubber version but digi also sold)
• Nitwit Papers - Romance and Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cosmos Daisy
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• 5mm Pink Crystals
• Spotty satin ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Allsorts - Bears
• Stamping Sensations - B for bears

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Dandelion Clock

I've used an old LOTV image for today's card. The papers were also originally from LOTV but they are available now only as digis from Nitwit Creations. 

I've opted for a fussy card, with lots of embellishments including some gorgeous lilac satin ribbon, various flowers and some sparkly rhinestones.

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
• Greens: Shabby Shutters, Mowed Lawn
• Dandelion: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, 
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Purples: Dusty Concord, Wilted Violet
• Ground: Pumice Stone, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Dandelion Clock from Lili of the Valley
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cosmos Daisy
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL Double Stitched Rectangles
• 5mm Purple Crystals
• 15mm Lilac Satin Ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - All Things Bright and Beautiful

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

Girl Time

I wanted to give a gift voucher for a massage to a young lady who works at a cafe that hubby and I visit when we venture into town so I've made a quick card so I could pop her voucher inside.  This is what I came up with using 'Girl Time' from Stamping Bella ...  

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

• Skin: Tattered Rose, Worn Lipstick, Tea Dye
• Cucumber: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint
• Towels: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord
• Table: Hickory Smoke
• Background: Old Paper

Card Recipe:

• Stamping Bella's Girl Time
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Nitwit Collections Promises Solids Papers
• Ribbed aqua ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Bellarific Fridays - Freeform
• Creatalicious - Anything Goes

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

Bobby Socks

Today is the second of my two girlie cards using images from a recent release from Lili of the Valley.

This one's called Bobby Socks and I've given her a really girlie layout to complement her pretty dress.

Card Recipe:

• Bobby Socks by Lili of the Valley
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Crealies XXL #41 Pierced Circles
• Maja Design Summertime Paper Pad
• Flat Backed Pearls
• 15mm Red Satin Ribbon
• 15mm Red Organza Ribbon
• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cherry Blossom
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Tulip Flowers

I've been inspired by:

• That's Crafty! - Brights
• The Ribbon Girl - Any Card
• Country View Crafts - Flower Power (watercoloured using DI Reinkers from CVC)
• Creatalicious - Anything Goes
• Penny Black & More - Colour Challenge
• Deep Ocean Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Swinging Sixties

I'm in an extreme CAS mode today with a 'mail friendly' girlie card featuring one of the recently released images from Lili of the Valley called Swinging Sixties.  The layout is really simple and flat with an oversized sentiment from a set which I have had for ages, but don't think I've used it before now.

Card Recipe:

• Swinging Sixties by Lili of the Valley
• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Kate Knight Paper Stack
• Sincere Sentiments by Simone Clay

I've been inspired by:

• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
• Crafting When We Can - Clean & Simple
• Deep Ocean Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Floral Frenzy

I've got a 'Just For Fun' card to share today as I've been getting inky this weekend. I don't usually splatter my cards with more than just one or two key colours, but this one has got half the rainbow on it, although I have edged towards red and purple for the main accents.

Card Recipe:

• Flowers for You by Gerda Steiner
• Maja Design Summertime Paper pad
• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Sizzix Stitched Ovals by Tim Holtz
• Gingham Ribbon
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cherry Blossom
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - The Great Outdoors
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
• Creatalicious - Anything Goes
• Gerda Steiner - Flowers for You

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Alice Ice Cream

I'm sharing the third of my cards for the new release at Lili of the Valley (available 10 May) called Alice Ice Cream. I love the LOTV bunny characters so I'm really pleased that they're making an appearance in this release.

Card Recipe:

• Alice Ice Cream from Lili of the Valley
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Scalloped Border Dies
• 15mm Aqua Satin Ribbon
• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Wild Orchid Crafts Cosmos Daisy
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Crealies XXL #41 Pierced Circles
• Flat Backed Pearls

Created for:

I've been inspired by:

• Creative Inspirations - One for the Girls
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Flowers
• Creatalicious - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Fairy Wings

I've got a second card featuring one of the cute new images from Lili of the Valley available from 10 May.  This time she's a sweet little fairy holding her wings!

I was optimistic creating a 4 layered double bow (it seemed like a good idea at the time) which bulked up the card although it's quite light as it's mainly very thing organza. I'm not sure I'll be attempting it again though.  I had to hold the ends together with mini brads.  I added some sparkle to her fairy wings to bring the focus back to the image!

Card Recipe:

• Fairy Wings by Lili of the Valley 
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Magnolia Hearts paper
• Butterfly organza ribbon
• 3mm Satin Ribbon
• Glossy Accents
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Crealies XXL Pierced Circles
• Cherry Blossom
• 15mm Open Roses
• 10mm Open Roses
• Mini rose buds
• 3mm Flat Backed Pearls
• Mini Brads

Created for:

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Flowers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Ombre

Today is the start of a new challenge at In The Pink and it's a photo inspiration with lots of lovely ribbon, pearls, flowers and lace.  I've included all of these on my card as well as a pretty pink fairy. I've attempted some ombre colouring on the fairy's skirt and wings, but I'm not sure I've quite got the hang of it yet!

Here's the photo to give you some inspiration:

Card Recipe:

• Image - Dandelion Clock from Lili of the Valley (retired)
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Marianne Design Die
• Lace
• Velvet ribbon
• Pearl string
• Button Twine

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• The Ribbon Girl - Card Challenge (using lots of Ribbon Girl goodies)
• Creative Inspiration - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunny Cuddles

I've splashed out on a fair few Bellas lately and this is my first inking of Becky.  I've followed a sketch, but added on some embellishment in the form of flowers, ribbon and some pearls (my three favourites).  The frills on her skirt were a bit daunting, but not enough to deter me. Cute huh!

The burgundy ribbon and flowers have come out quite a bit darker on the photo than it is in real life which is a shame. :0(

Card Recipe:

• Image - Stamping Bella Tiny Townie Becky Loves Bunny Wobbles
• Colouring - Alcohol Markers
• LOTV paper pad (retired)
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Glossy Accents
• Spellbinders Grand Ovals

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - April Showers bring May Flowers (flowers)
• The Ribbon Girls - Card Challenge
• Saturday Sketch - Sketch!

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

There's no shell like home

Today's card is my one of the few 'fussy' cards I've made so far this year. I must admit that I'm a bit of a convert when it comes to the CAS card styles, and they are very much growing on me, but I do still like the effort that goes into creating an embellished card and I think it really sets them apart from the flat mass produced cards you can find in most shops.  This layout is one of my favourites, with the two papers, ribbon, a double bow, and two little arrays of blooms in opposite corners. Plus of course, some pearls!

This project is to jointly support the challenge at As You Like It Challenge and Sugar Bowl Challenges which both start today.

Card Recipe:

• Image - No Shell Like Home by Sugar Nellie
• Colouring - Alcohol Markers
• Lili of the Valley paper pad
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Lace
• Spotty ribbon
• My Favourite Things Stitched Circles
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Southern Girls - Anything Goes
• Ribbon Girls - Any Image
• Noor! Design - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Mint choc (not mouldy) two-tone cake

Brittany the Birthday girl was one of my lovely Xmas pressies this year and I've inked her up today for the first time.  Isn't she LOVELY!! (wish I could have all that cake to myself and still be that slim).

Card Recipe:

• Image - Brittany the Birthday Girl
• Typed Sentiment (Papyrus font)
• Colouring - Alcohol Markers
• Lili of the Valley paper pad
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Glossy Accents
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Sketch Saturday - Sketch
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Ombre (sentiment and I tried with the cake)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Cherry

Today's the start of the new challenge at The Sugar Bowl and they're having a DT call too, so there's twice the reason to pop over.

For my DT card, I've created a fruity number using Cherry from Scrapberry.  I love these bunnies!

Card Recipe:

• Image - Scrapberry's Cherry
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Maja Design Coffee in the Arbour paper pad
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Scalloped Borders
• Di-Namics Stitched Ovals
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• The Cutie Pie Challenge - Pink
• Live & Love Crafts - Pink (again)
• Simon's Monday Challenge - Red & Pink (Feb 2015)
• Papertake - Sketch #54 (I love the simplicity of this one and use it a lot)
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx