I do like to be beside the seaside

I love living by the sea and try not to take it for granted.  We're close enough to be able to walk to the harbourside for a meal or indulge in a gelato ice-cream followed by a meander along the promenade overlooking the bay before walking home again.  My card for today's Polkadoodles Digi Choosday is based on this theme, featuring Bella Bear Milkshake on an ice-cream shaped cardbase using Eden Papers.  I achieved the criss-cross wafer look on the cone by using the score lines on my envelope maker and added faux doodled stitching around the papers.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Dress: Tumbled Glass, Broken China
• Pinks: Spun Sugar, Kitsch Flamingo
  

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Beach Babe

It's another simple card from me today featuring Twila from CC Designs. I love her expression!  I've tried to make her look at the sentiment, but not sure whether it's worked!

I can't believe it's the start of August already.  This is definitely a summery card though. Perfect for a summer birthday.

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
• Sky/Water: Tumbled Glass, Salty Ocean
• Duck: Fossilized Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
• Sand: Tea Dye, Scattered Straw

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Beach Babe Twila from CC Designs
• CC Designs Sentiments
• Versafine Ink Pad

I've been inspired by:

• Crafty Inspirations - Holidays
• Crafty View - Sun, Sea and Sand watercoloured using Ranger DI reinkers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Summer Holidays

I used this Tilda image a fortnight ago but was so uninspired by the yellow (it's not my favourite colour by a long shot) that I really didn't like my finished project.  To rejuvenate my feelings for this image, I've had another attempt at a card using her which is more matched to my usual style.  She's in much warmer reds and her ice cream is now chocolate (mmm, my favourite!).  The papers are also some that I've been saving for a while (almost too nice to use) so I'm much happier with this version.  

She's perfect for the Summer Fun theme at Squirrel's Random Challenge which starts today so please pop over to see the samples by my fabulously talented teamies and to enter your own Summer themed creation. I look forward to seeing your projects.

Card Recipe:

• Tilda with Dripping Ice Cream
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Tim Holtz Stitched Oval nesting die
• Sue Wilson Nasturtium Die set
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• 3mm flat backed pearls
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White

I've been inspired by:

• All About Magnolia - All About Summer
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• The Sketchy Challenge - Beach
• Simon's Monday Challenge - Food &/or Drink

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Life's a Beach

I'm in summer mode today with Tilda eating her ice cream!  Yellow isn't my favourite colour so I feel like I've struggled a bit with this one.

Card Recipe:

• Tilda with Dripping Ice Cream
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Typed Sentiment
• Maja Design Coffee in the Arbour Papers

I've been inspired by:

• All About Magnolia - Summer
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Use Plaid
• The Sketchy Challenge - Beach
• Cupcake - Black, White, Yellow
• Lovely hAnglar - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Berry Wryn

We're getting fruity at As You Like It Challenge this week and wanting to know what your favourite fruit is.  I've always loved strawberries; along with the yummy taste, they remind me of summer and picking them straight from the garden and eating them before they even make it back up to the house!

Card Recipe:

• Berry Wryn from Tiddly Inks
• Maja Design Summertime Paper pad
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• Sue Wilson Striped Nasturtiums die set
• Flat Backed Pearl
• Watercoloured with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers
• The Langton Watercolour paper

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Touchy Feely
• Noor! Design - Summer

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

All Seasons Notepad Set

I've made a little notepad set with the new Seasons Girls Stamps from Lili of the Valley.  Each image represents a different season so I've matched the image with the colours of that season. I've used my binding machine to make small notepads using mountboard wrapped with designer paper, and lined the inside of each notepad's cover with kraft paper for a neat finish.

Here's Spring:

... Summer ...

... Autumn ...

... Winter .....

... and finally, Noel.

Card Recipe:

• Image - New Seasons Girls Stamps from Lili of the Valley
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Papers: Graphic 45 (Spring/Autumn), Wild Rose Studio (Summer), Magnolia (Winter), Maja Design (Noel)
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Scalloped Border die
• Zutter binding machine

I've been inspired by:

• Allsorts - Anything but a Card
• Winter Wonderland - Dies & Punches (scalloped border die & hole punch for binding wires)
• The Sketchy Challenge - Summertime

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Beach Babe

I'm in summer mode today with a lovely image from Stamping Bella called Sandy has a Sombrero. I just wish it was me on the beach!  I've added some lace to support the Lace challenge at In The Pink too!  Gotta dash as I'm off to meet some friends today in "Tweeksbury"! :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Sandy has a Sombrero
• Colouring - Alcohol Markers
• Maja Design Papers
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink 
• MFT Stitched Scallop Edges
• Die-namics Sunny Skies
• Mama Elephant Hello Script Die
• Memory Box Stitched Clouds

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• Bunny Zoe - Summer
• That's Crafty - In the Pink
• Stamping Bella - Sketch
• Noor Design - Summer

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Honeybears

I adored these bears as soon as I saw the sneaky peeks, and when they arrived on my doormat this week I knew that they would be the first I wanted to use from the couple that I ordered.  And by couple I really mean 5, but hubby only thinks I bought 2, so let's keep that between you and me, ok!

I've ended up with a kind of vintage look, which was not intentional, but I do quite like it. I decided to stitch the sections, and then immediately regretted cutting an oval shape for the main image. D'oh!

This project is to support the challenge at As You Like It Challenge where the theme is to make something representing your favourite season.  Although I like crafting for Christmas, my favourite season is summer. I love the longer days, the warmer weather and the brighter skies. I like to think that my honeybears are enjoying playing in the garden on a summer's afternoon.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Honeybears from Stamping Bella
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Maja Design Papers
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Viva Pearl Pen - Ice White
• Spellbinders Grand Nesties Ovals
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• 15mm Organza Ribbon
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Glossy Accents
• Lace (gift from Sue - thank you sweetie)

I've been inspired by:

• Sketch Saturday - Sketch
• The Ribbon Girl - Use Any Image

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

A barrow of presents

I was lucky enough to be sent this adorably cute stamp by the lovely Sue for my birthday last month, and I've really loved using it on this card. It's just my style (featuring something cute and furry!) and was fun to paint.

The project is to support the challenge at In The Pink where we want you to show us your fancy folds or shaped cards.  I've opted for my favourite shape which is cut using a Go Kreate nesting die.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Wild Rose Studio Barrow of Presents
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Lili of the Valley paper pad
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Go Kreate Labels nested die
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• 15mm Gingham Ribbon
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Glossy Accents

Created for:

Sponsored by:

I've been inspired by:

• The Ribbon Girl - Anything Goes Card Challenge

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

When life hands you lemons ...

I am a teensy bit in love with the new Tildas that came out recently.  I'm not usually a great Tilda lover and they have to be quite specific for me to like them, but there are a few that I've bought recently and I'm really liking them.  This one's Lemon Tilda, and she was fun to paint.  I've matched her with my lemon meringue papers from Maja Design's Coffee in the Arbour pad and some lemon coloured embellishments.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Lemon Tilda
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Maja Design Coffee in the Arbour paper pad
• Stazon Ink Pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Flat Backed Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Papertake Weekly - Colours (Blue and Green)
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• The Ribbon Girl - Summer
• Cute Card Thursday - Citrus
• Stamp & Create with Magnolia - Decorative Edge (stitched edge around image)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Summertime, and the livin' is easy!

It's June, and therefore it's meant to be summer.  I just with the British weather would get on board with that concept.  My image today is a little at odds with the current climate, but I'm hoping that some positive thinking might improve the situation!

I've not inked up this image before, so it's her first outing, but I think she's a real sweetie.  I wish I was this chillaxed, although I'm not over keen on being on the water (despite living on the coast) as I get sea sick in the bath.  But other than that, I wish it was me!

On the subject of summer, there's a summer themed challenge on the Lili of the Valley Facebook page so pop over to join in the summery fun to have a chance to win some fabulous prizes.

Here's a little close up of my relaxed fairy, water-colour painted in DI reinkers:

Card Recipe:

• Image - Water Lily from LOTV
• Typed Sentiment
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Lili of the Valley Promises paper pad
• The Langton Watercolour paper
• Crystal Glamour Dust
• Striped button
• Die-namics Stitched Rounded Rectangle Stax from Simon Says Stamp
• WOC & Mulberry Flowers
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Button Twine
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Glossy Accents

I've been inspired by:

• Crafting When We Can - Bling it Up
• Bunny Zoe - Buttons & Bows
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Cupcake Stars

Wryn has to be my favourite character from the Tiddly Inks cuties.  I love her hair and this sweet image sees her with a huge cupcake (yummy!).  I've kept the design of the card quite clean and simple to showcase the image, which I've coloured in Copics with a chalked cloud background. The colours of the papers are pulled into the image too, and the accessories also match.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Tiddly Inks Eat More Cake
• Colouring - Copics
• Clouds - Dovecraft chalks
• Cardworks Card base
• Bonnets & Bowties paper pad from Lili of the Valley
• Die-namics Stitched Circle Stax from Simon Says Stamp
• Star Parade Die from Simon Says Stamp
• Pink Button Twine
• Flat Backed Pearls
• Wink of Stella

I've been inspired by:

• Tiddly Inks
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Yellow Fairy

I haven't had much (any) time to do any colouring this weekend as I've been busy doing some tidying of my recently purchased stash, so I'm sharing a card made with an image I coloured a while ago.  It's a bit of a summery image which makes a change from my current festive makes.  I hope you like her.

I'm off to hide tidy away some of this week's purchases.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Flower Dance from LOTV
• Colouring - Distress Ink Reinkers
• Cardworks Card base
• The Langton watercolour paper
• Stazon Ink Pad
• Memory Box - Nottingham Border
• Ribbon
• Viva Pearl Pen

I've been inspired by:

• Cupcake Inspirations - Colours
• Sister Act - Anything Goes
• Papertake - Girlie
• Penny Black & More - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Watch you don't get stung!

I'm still on my mission to use existing stash, so I've inked up one of my Whipper Snapper images with a summery colour scheme.  This project is to support the challenge as As You Like It Challenge where the theme is to showcase your favourite season, and although Christmas is probably my favourite crafting season, the long warm bright days of summer are definitely my favourite season.

It's a clean and simple layout and although I'm the first to admit that yellow is not one of my favourite colours, I actually do quite like the finished card, and it certainly does seem to represent summer.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Curious Clyde from Whipper Snapper
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics
• Cardworks Card base
• Neenah Classic Crest White Stamping Card
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Gold Organza ribbon
• Memory Box Nottingham Border die

I've been inspired by:

• Bunny Zoe Challenge - Summer Colours
• Stamping Sensations - Anything Goes
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

LOTV - Just a Note

Sadly this is my last GD project for Lili of the Valley.  *sniff*   It's been so lovely showcasing some of my favourite papers and images, and I've really loved making some special Lili projects for sharing with you this month.  But all good things must come to an end, and today I'm sharing my final GD card.

I've used some of the lovely summery Promises papers in some of my favourite colours (purple and aqua) and one of my favourite characters, Patches the pooch, in an adorable image called Just a Note.  I've watercoloured the image with DI reinkers, and used shimmer chalk for the clouds.

I really hope that you've liked seeing my samples for my GD month, and hope they've inspired you to dig out your Lili rubber, or treat yourself to something new from the Lili store, and get inky.  :0)

Card Recipe:

• Image - Just a Note
• Colouring - Distress Inks
• Clouds - Dovecraft Shimmer chalks
• Cardworks Shaped Card base
• Lili of the Valley Promises Paper Pad
• Langton Watercolour paper
• Stazon ink pad
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Memory Box Corner Bow Die
• Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Dream Valley Challenge - Favourite colours (I LOVE purple and aqua)
• Simon's Monday Challenge - J for ...  Just a Note (the name of the image)/journalling

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Summer Holiday

The new theme at Crafty Little Fairies this month is Summer Fun, and the first thing that came to mind with that theme was holidays!

Hmm, that may be some wishful thinking as it's a few weeks until I have any time off.

And unfortunately I am not going anywhere which requires the level of packing of this little lady.

Still, holidays are holidays, and the lack of a booking to an exotic location doesn't stop me counting down the weeks.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Pack Light by Saturated Canary
• Typed Sentiment (Wendy Medium font)
• Coloured with markers
• Cardworks Card base
• Lili of the Valley Promises Papers
• Neenah Classic Crest White Stamping Card
• Purple Satin Ribbon
• Pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Graph'it Challenge - Anything Goes
• Sentimental Sundays - Summer
• Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
• My Mum's Craft Shop - Summer

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Summertime, and the livin' is easy ....

I've been playing with my new Stacey Yacula stamps and have created a summery scene using four different stamps from the new release.

The large tree and background hillside is called 'The Perfect Spot' and is a huge stamp which filled the card base.  I then added in some scattered flowers to the side, and then fussy cut out the bear and bunny to raise them up on foam pads.

I've paper pieced the tree, and the hedges in the background, and used some chalk on the grassy areas.

All we need now is some real sunshine!

Card Recipe:

• Images - The Perfect Spot, Scattered Flowers, Johnny Sitting Bear and Chloe Bunny with Flower
• Colouring - Promarkers, Copics
• Neenah Classic Crest White Stamping Card
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Nordsalten Hobbyklubb - Paperpiecing
• Crafty Catz - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Prickly Gift

After some procrastination on layout, (which probably ended up with me reverting back to the first option that I tried), I was actually quite pleased with this card.  I think I'm getting into the softer, rather than bold, colours and the papers were the inspiration for the colours in the image.  I left the die cuts white to keep the embellishments pale, and added ivory pearls.  Oh, and a smidge of glossy accents.

Card Recipe:

• Image - Bluebell with Hedgehog
• Colouring - Promakers and Copics
• Clouds - Dovecraft Shimmer chalks
• Cardworks Card base
• Wild Rose Studio Antique Library Papers
• Neenah Classic Crest White Stamping Card
• Momento Stamp Pad Ink
• Wild Orchid Craft Flowers
• Memory Box Whimsical Flourish
• Memory Box Vivienne Butterfly
• Vintage Style Ribbon Pink
• Pearls
• Glossy Accents

I've been inspired by:

• Papertake - Oh So Cute
• Passion for Promarkers - Die Cuts

Happy crafting
Annette
xx