AYLI 6th Anniversary Tag & Blog Hop

When I started As You Like It Challenge I could only hope that it would be popular so I can hardly believe that today is our 6th anniversary. I've got a super team who I'm so proud of every fortnight, including several ladies who've been with me from the start!

To celebrate our anniversary we're having a little blog hop and there's an extra prize on offer in addition to our usual challenge prize.  Make sure you visit each of my teamies and leave a little love in the comments for them, then leave a comment on the main challenge blog to qualify for the blog hop.

Our challenge this week is to create something other than a card, so I've opted for a gift tag. I love wrapping presents and attaching a little homemade tag to my gift.  I also love these oversized tag dies - they're great to still include a full stamped image and some embellishments so it's a fussy and fancy creation too!

Don't forget to visit my lovely teamies, and then leave a comment on the challenge blog:

Anne

Annette  (you are here!)

Brenda

Elaine

Larissa

Lynne

Sarah

Squirrel 

Wilma

As You Like It Challenge

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

• Bunny: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Onesie: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord
• Blanket: Worn Lipstick
• Clouds: Hickory Smoke
• Bear: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Moon: Scattered Straw, Fossilised Amber, Fusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Bunny Moon from LOTV
• 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 Extreme Labels and Tags No.12
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• Crystal gems, flat backed pearls and pearl string

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Picture Perfect

This is one of a pair of cards I've created using some of the MFT Picture Perfect stamps. Today's is a bitter-sweet card, because when I coloured the image, I specifically chose the fur colours to represent my two furbabies, ginger tom Arnie and calico Pickle. But last week I had to say a final heartbreaking goodnight to my sweet baby Arnie.  Seeing him 'waving' on this card is a lovely way to honour him, because he was always keen on a snuggle and the sentiment is perfect!  

I may have taken the odd one or two (hundred) photos of my sweet baby boy in the past, so I do have lots of pictures of him to keep his memory alive!  Sleep tight little one. I miss you so much. 

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

• Ginger Cat: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Calico Cat: Pumice Stone, Black Soot, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
• Ears: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Sky: Scattered Straw
• Ground: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• MFT Picture Perfect
• MFT Bundles of Blossoms Paper pad
• Stitched Square Dies
• Stitched Rectangle Dies

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Wedding Card Stand

Happy Star Wars Day!!!

I'm popping in today because we attended the wedding reception of an ex-colleague of hubby's last weekend and I had to make a hot-off-the-press card because someone forgot to tell me we we'd been invited!  (apparently he did tell me a while ago and I just forgot!).  

The image is one I'd generally use as an anniversary or Valentines card, but I thought it was sweet for a wedding card too and I added the date to a mini tag to personalise it.

Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper 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, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Blues: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Reds: Victorian Velvet, Aged Mahogany
• 'Whites': Pumice Stone, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• The Little Things from LOTV
• Flat Backed Pearls
• 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
• MFT Stitched Tiny tags
• Card Making Magic Die Set Easel
• Twine
• Organza Ribbon
• Pink mesh ribbon

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Tag It
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Just be-cub I love you

A really CAS card from me today featuring the 'must-have' cute bears from CC Designs.  I love this little guy's expression. I really want to scoop him up and give him a snuggle!


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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Scattered Straw, Vintage Photo
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Shaded Lilac

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Bears
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Plaid Patterns Paper Pack

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunny Stand

The challenge starting today at As You Like It Challenge is a tough one for me, because we need to choose between two of my favourite embellishments; flowers and ribbon.  

Then I reminded myself of the original purpose of the As You Like It Challenge challenge; why it was set up in the first place, which was to create things that made us happy; things we'd enjoy making and be proud to share.  

So I decided I wasn't going to choose between my two favourite embellies, and instead use both!  I know it's kinda against the rules, but I decided that I wrote the rules for this challenge, so I'm going to allow myself to break them this week, because choosing one over the other simply wouldn't be right in my book!

This card was made for a friend who I used to work with a couple of years ago. We still catch up for lunch once a month.  I tried to make sure it was suitably 'Springlike' to suit the season!

I'm loving my new card stand die.  This is a picture just of the stand. It's quite ornate, but so easy to make.  I tried to link it up to the store where I bought it, but I think they've taken it off their website which is a shame.

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

• Bunny: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord, Wilted Violet

Card Recipe:

• MFT Easter Bunnies
• Versafine Ink Pad
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Hip Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL41 Pierced Circles
• Cardmaking Magic Easel Card Stand

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Circles
• Penny Black and More - Spring
• Country View - Easter/Spring
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Coffee Sue

I've used Sue tapping away on her laptop to make a "new job" card for a friend.  Although I posted it a week ago today, unfortunately I'm not sure it's arrived in time for her first day; apparently her postie was rushed to A&E half way through his round (I suspect he collapsed under the weight of her recent craft orders) but hopefully it'll be with her soon.

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

• Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord
• Greys: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• CC Designs Coffee Sue
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Plaid Patterns Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Happy Easter

I'm just popping in to wish you all a Happy Easter! 

Have a wonderful weekend and I hope the sun is shining where you are.

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: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Blues: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Ground: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Magnolia Tilda with Little Chickens
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL67 Double Stitched Ovals
• Crealies Duo Dies Flowers 17
• Cardmaking Magic Easel Card Stand
• Flat backed pearls

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Spring Mood Board (chicks, blooms, lilac)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Eek! It's Your Birthday

I have had another little play with these little meecies today. Isn't this little guy cute!

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

• Mouse: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Blues: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
• Oranges: Dried Marigold, Rusty Hinge
• Table: Weathered Wood, Black Soot
• Ground: Antique Linen

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• MFT It's a Mice Time to Celebrate
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Plaid Patterns papers

I've been inspired by:

• MFT Colour Challenge

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Easter Boxes

I've made some little Easter gift boxes and matching tags. They're filled with mini eggs so hopefully they'll be popular!  ;0)

Card Recipe:

• Spring Rabbit with Egg 2 from LOTV
• Two Little Bunnies from LOTV
• Little Chick from LOTV
• Lawn Fawn Scalloped Treat Box
• MFT Stitched Scallop Basic Edges
• 3mm Satin Ribbon
• Create a Smile Cool Cuts Tags XS

I've been inspired by:

• Country View - Easter/Spring (using DI reinkers)

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Roar like a Tiger

My favourite animals are cats, in particular tigers. I've loved them since I was very young and recall researching them for a project at primary school.  They're so beautiful and graceful, and I love watching documentaries about them.  The Siberian tiger is my favourite but there only a few hundred left so they're very endangered.  There aren't very many tiger images available either, but this cutie from Lee Holland fits the bill perfectly.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

• Tiger from Lee Holland
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• Flat backed pearls

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Party Hat

I can't remember the last time that I heat-embossed, but I like the white-on-colour embossed text and decided to give it a try on today's card.  The little meecie is from my new MFT set and I love this little guy doing his happy-dance!  I've stuck the sentiment banner with foam pads and created a little wave in it by alternating raised bits with areas stuck directly onto the card.

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

• Fur: Pumice Stone, Black Soot, Tattered Rose
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Purples: Milled Lavender, Wilted Violet

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• It's a Mice Time To Celebrate from MFT
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Petite Plaid papers
• Embossing ink pad
• White embossing powder

I've been inspired by:

• MFT Sketch Challenge
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Animal Antics

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

I'm grumpy without you

I love these cuties from CC Designs.  It's taken me a couple of attempts to make something that I'm happy with, but that's nothing to do with the stamps, more just me getting the right layout and colouring.  Isn't his expression just adorable.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Fur: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Shaded Lilac

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• Cutie Cats from CC Designs
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Roses all Over MFT papers
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Animal Antics using Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers

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

Special birthday

This is the card I've made for my uncle's birthday next week.  He and my aunt are keen campers so this image is perfect for him.  I added some doodled stitching around the numbers for some added interest and also added a hand-drawn suitcase on the roof-rack because I didn't want to fussy cut the bars of the roof-rack!

Card Recipe:

• VW Bus from Purple Onion Designs
• Tree Line Horizon from Purple Onion Designs
• Versafine Ink Pad
• CC Designs Jumbo Number Dies
• Reinkers

I've been inspired by:

• Country View Crafts - Letters and/or Numbers using DI Reinkers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

80th Birthday

It's my uncle's 80th birthday next week and my aunt asked me to make him a card for her to give to him.  I really struggle with masculine cards so I hope this is special enough. It's a design I've used before but I've personalised it with both his name and age to make it a little bit more special.

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

• Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy 
• Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
• Overalls: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Steps, hat, shirt: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
• Paint: Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
• Ground, brush: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

• Lili of the Valley Lick of Paint (I used rubber but now available as a digi)
• Versafine Ink Pad
• Sentiment printed using Take Warning font

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Monday Challenge - Paint
• Country View - Letters and/or Numbers
• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Birthday Bunny

We want to know what your go-to colouring medium is at As You Like It Challenge this week. It's fairly safe to say that mine is watercolouring with my DI reinkers. I like not only how they look, but also the process of the watercolouring with the paintbrush and I take my time over it. Some of them can take me quite a while, but it's something I do for pleasure, not a race.

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Butterfly: Milled Lavender, Wilted Violet, Victorian Velvet
• Daffodil: Fossilized Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Easter Bunny with Butterfly from Lee Holland
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Stitched Scalloped Basic Edges 2
• MFT Roses all Over Papers

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Cheeky Monkies

I've been monkeying around again with these cuties from CC Designs. They're the definition of 'cheeky monkey'!

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Monkies
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Roses all Over
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2

I've been inspired by:

• Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Let's Monkey Around

These little monkey images are the cutest. I just love this one's happy expression!

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

• CC Designs Monkeys
• Versafine Ink Pad
• MFT Stitched Basic Edges 2
• MFT Roses all over paper pad

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Hippity Hoppity Hop

There seem to have been a lot of bunnies on my blog recently, and today's no exception with this cutie from Lee Holland.  

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass
• Butterfly: Worn Lipstick, Picked Raspberry
• Basket: Tea Dye, Vintage Photo
• Flowers: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Bunny Picking Flowers from Lee Holland
• Crea-Nest-Lies XXL 36 Dies

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Spring Cuties

I've got a couple more Easter cards to make but I feel quite ahead this year so I'm wearing a smug little 'Little Miss Organised' grin!  This image is Spring Sheep from Lili of the Valley's Spring Sweeties stamp set.

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

• Sheep: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Pumice Stone
• Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint
• Background: Victorian Velvet
• Flowers: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge

Card Recipe:

• Spring Sweeties from LOTV
• Memory Box Stitched Clouds
• Nitwit Perfect Pair Papers

Happy crafting
Annette
xx

Bunny with Daffodils

We want to know your favourite dies or stencils today at As You Like It Challenge.  I really love my stitched dies because of the texture and interest, and in particular the circles. These XXL dies from Crealies are fabulous because they're such a great size (and this isn't even the largest in the set).

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

• Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
• Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
• Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:

• Bunny with Daffodils from Lee Holland
• 15mm Satin Ribbon
• Nitwit Collections Papers
• Wild Orchid Crafts Open Roses
• Wild Orchid Crafts Mini Rosebuds
• Wild Orchid Crafts Lily Flowers
• Crealies Crea-Nest-Lies XXL65 Double Stitched Circles
• Flat Backed Pearls

Happy crafting
Annette
xx