So Thankful PP180

Hey there!

Its Friday!!! How exciting! My bestie, Kathryn and her little boy Euan are coming over this afternoon! It was before Christmas, last time I saw them and she's about to have another baby any day now! Looking forward to a good catch up with both of them. Next time I see her, she'll really have her hands full with two little ones! I can't wait to meet the new little one, but baby, please don't start coming until after today? Thank you!

I've got cute Paper Player's Challenge entry to show you today. Its a sketch this week, and an interesting sketch it was!

I debated for quite a while about what to do with this and then I had a flash of inspiration! Here's how it finished up...

Stamp Set: So Very Grateful

Ink: Black Stazon, Perfect Plum, Island Indigo, Gumball Green, Crushed Curry

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Perfect Plum, Window Sheet

Big Shot: Chalk Talk Framelits, Apothecary Accents Framelits

Embellishments: Island Indigo Chevron Ribbon, Linen Thread

Extra: Blender Pens

So the front is actually a clear window so you can see the pull out card inside. When the card is removed there's a further sentiment behind that! I thought this would work well as the set I wanted to use had 3 sentiments that seemed to work really well as a trio, how do you put a trio of sentiments on a card though without it looking hugely wordy?!

I was showing this card to Stuart and he was like, "oh that's cool, is the pull out piece a bookmark?"... What a wonderful idea! Now you can send a beautiful thank you to a friend AND it includes a thank you gift! Loved that suggestion.

I seem to be really into the blender pen/watercolor look at the moment but don't those flowers look lovely all coloured in like that!?

The fancy edge was cut using just the very end of one of the Apothecary Accents framelit, and the hole is cut with one of those little tag hole framelits that came in the Chalk Talk framelits...I've never had a use for them but they worked out perfectly here! 

I also did a little doctoring on my ribbon - its the chrevron ribbon cut down the centre and then sealed along the cut edge with a lighter so it doesn't fray! Love the effect and the look of the thinner ribbon. Totally going to do that again!

Anyhow, hope you enjoyed this special card.

Happy Stampin',

Petals MM330

Hello! 

I'm trying another challenge today. I've followed and admired the creations on the Mojo Monday blog for quite a while but never got the courage up to enter something of my own. They have lovely sketch challenges, this is this week's...

What a great challenge to make a tall and skinny - so often its tempting to just make a standard sized card so to have the challenge to make a different size is fun! 

Stamp Set: Petal Parade (SAB), Express Yourself

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Pool Party, Summer Starfruit

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pool Party

DSP: Sweet Sorbet (SAB)

Punch: Fancy Flower, 2 1/2" Circle

Big Shot: Circles Framelits

Embellishments: Sweet Sorbet Accessories (SAB)

I reversed a couple elements on this card to fit in with my incredibly narrow card. I've got to say I didn't really know where I was going with this card. It was one of those cards I just fiddled with until it looked right.

I've used a whole host of Sale-A-Bration products here - the DSP, Petal Prade stamp set and the accessory pack! 

I am totally LOVING the cork embellishments in the Sweet Sorbet accessory pack - love the mixture of flowers, diamonds, scallops! Also in the pack is three twines. This Summer Starfruit twine is three pieces knotted together and then I unravelled them so they'd spread out more. 

For the flower, it was punched and then I used the bonefolder to break down the fibres of the card until it separated - its softer, creates more layers and created a beautiful suede effect. The leaves are just folded and cut tear drop shapes, then sponged a little. 

Hope you enjoyed this creation. Do you ever make tall and skinny cards?

Happy Stampin',

Crazy Mixed Up Love

 Hello! 

So, Valentine's day is only a couple of weeks away I thought I should show you another of the little cards I made. 

Stamp Set: Crazy Mixed Up Love

Ink: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Pool Party

Cardstock: Whisper White

Punch: Hexagon

Embellishments: Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds

So I know this isn't as versatile as some of the other Valentines I've made but it is fun! When I saw this stamp set it really amused me, the images were really fun and cute and paired up with a great mixture of sentiments. This set would be so cute for making up some mini love notes to stick in your husband's or kiddies' lunch boxes. It would be sure to brighten anyone's day to find one of these!

 If you really wanted to switch up this card, you could easily stamp a happy birthday on a banner over where the "mine" is stamped, so there's a little option! 

I made a honeycomb effect with the hexagon punch - the dashed line detail in the empty honeycombs just finishes it off really nicely!

The bee stamp only stamped the black stripes so I carefully used a stampin' write marker to colour in the daffodil stripes.

The photos don't do this card justice. The wings are beautiful - glittery and the crystam effects make the wings super glossy! 

Have a beautiful day!

Happy Stampin',

A Masculine Birthday

Hello!

Second post of the day today!! How fun!

Yesterday was the Inky Fingers kit challenge, and if you remeber, I said that was my second attempt, well I thought today I'd quickly share with you my first creation. Its still a cute card but just didn't use all the components that I was given! 

Stamp Set: Remembering Your Birthday

Ink: VersaMark, Basic Black

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Smoky Slate

DSP: Modern Medlay

Punch: Merry Minis, Banner (SAB)

Accessories: White Emboss Powder, White Gel Pen, Mini Brads

I used the chalk board technique on this too. I'm really loving the chalk board effect at the moment and I think it makes the perfect component for a masculine card. 

The ruffled DSP was really simple to do, just tore the edge and and then randomly folded it to fit the length of the black cardstock. There's plenty of snail holding all that DSP down! 

I thought the mini brads looked quite sweet in the centre of the stars on the banners and just added that faint hint of sparkle! 

Please do check out the other lovely design team's creations on the Inky Fingers blog and play along with this week's colours! I can't wait to see what beautiful things you make! 

Happy Stampin',

Sale-A-Bration Time!!

Hi!

I am SO excited! Excited enough to be treating you to TWO posts and two fun projects!
Today is the beginning of Sale-A-Bration! The biggest and best promotion of the year, and with a 20 page brochure packed, and I mean PACKED, with free products for you to earn for FREE, you're sure to find something to love!!

This year's SAB exclusive collection just blew me away, there are so many gorgeous things the only problem is choosing which one to get!

You can earn the free and exclusive products - stamp sets, designer paper, accessories, punch, embossing folder, home decor kit or mds packages - each time you spend £45 between January 28th and March 31st!!

Check out the Sale-A-Bration brochure now!!

Just incase a fabulous brochure of free Stampin' Up goodies wasn't enough, its also the launch of the Spring/Summer seasonal catalougue today. It likewise is just beutiful, why not take a few minutes, put your feet up with a cuppa and have a browse through both catalogues?

Check out the Spring/Summer catalogue now!!

When you've compiled your wishlist why not head over to my online shop and treat yourself to a few goodies and choose a free SAB item while you're at it? Everything will arrive direct to your door in just a few days so you can begin playing right away! 

Alternatively, you can really get the party going by hosting a party of your own - you'll get TONS of free stuff just for inviting friends and family over for a relaxed and fun time crafting and nattering! Contact me today for more info or to book your party!

So, let's celebrate today with a bright and fun card, shall we?!

Stamp Set: Banner Blast (SAB), Geometrical

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight

Cardstock: Whisper White, Bermuda Bay

Punch: Banner (SAB)

Embellishments: Linen Thread

This super fun and bright card would be just perfect for anyone's birthday! Its also totally flat (the linen thread ties so tightly there's no bulk) and lightweight so its perfect for popping in the post without costing you a small fortune! 

Now you could totally do this card without the punch, just use the stampin-ma-jig to get everything lined up just the way you'd like it. I chose to stamp and punch so I could move everything around and switch up colour and patterns until I was happy.

I really love the little banner detail along the bottom edge - its another different way to use the banner and just filled that dead space I had kicking around perfectly! 

Have fun browsing and shopping,

Happy Stampin',

Inky Fingers Challenge 4

Hello!

Its Monday again! And now its time for a new Inky Fingers Challenge. Its the fourth week in the month so that means its a "Kit" challenge! Julie sends everyone who requests it a kit of goodies to use to make the card. 

Stamp Set: See Ya Later, Express Yourself

Ink: VersaMark, Basic Black, White Craft

Cardstock: Basic Grey, Smoky Slate, Basic Black, Real Red

DSP: Modern Medlay

Punch: Owl Builder, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Banner (SAB)

Ribbon: Real Red Taffeta 

Accessories: Antique Brad, Mini Brads

Extra: White Emboss Powder, Crystal Effects

This is actually the second card that I made. I didn't realise I had to use EVERYTHING in the kit, so I merrily went to creating a card that only used some of the bits. I couldn't seem to make the red card and ribbon and the big antique brad work, so I thought I'd just leave it a monochrome, masculine card. 

So I fiished off the card and sent it off to Julie only to get an answer that I hadn't used everything. I was like say what?! That's a lot! I scratched my head and thought hmm, how do I get those bits in?! 

Back to the drawing board I thought I'd have a go at making a more manly Valentine card! (I got Stuart's approval so in my book, its okay for a guy!)

I did the chalk board technique with the sentiment and added the red heart from the owl builder over the embossed heart. The red really pops against the black! What was really baffling me was the ribbon, I didn't want to add a bow because that's not manly apparently. I eventually thought I'd add it as a tiny little strip on the banners.

Actually I'm really please with how this turned out. The red pops and really lifts the card. To make the hearts even more special I added crystal effects. 

Be sure to check out the other design team's creations over at the Inky Fingers blog. 

Happy Stampin',

Simple Triangles

Hi!

Bonus post for you today! I almost forgot I had a card I made using the colour challenge over at ColorQ. Seeing as the deadline is tomorrow, I didn't trust myself to remember to share it tomorrow....my memory is so not good! 

Stamp Set: Geometrical

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Crisp Cantaloupe

Cardstock Whisper White

Punch: Triangle

NOTE: I didn't have Cameo Coral but I substituted it with Crisp Cantaloupe which I think works brilliantly too!

These colours are really rich and earthy, not a combination I'd have dreamt up but work really well. I wanted to keep this very clean and simple. I'd been inspired by the Pennant Parade card sample card in the Annual Catalouge so took the basic idea and just made it my own using the new Geometrical set which will be available to order from Tuesday in the new Spring Summer catty! (Its such a beautiful set!)

This is totally a card to make at a pinch, took about 3 minutes to throw together and switching up the colour combo would totally make this card totally different! 

Also, this is the set being used at February's card club so if you'd like to come be inspired and make 5 cards using this set please do get in touch. Card Club is £8 or free with a £25 order on the night. 

(Friday Feb 7th 7:30-9:30pm/Mon Feb 10th 10am-12pm/Mon Feb 10th 7:30-9:30pm)

Thanks for stopping by again! 

Hope you enjoyed this super quick card!

Fancy Flowers

Hi! 

How is your weekend going? Mine is lovely, we had a wonderfully relaxing day at home yesterday and today is my dad's birthday! I've made him an awesome card (I'll be showing you it sometime later this week!) I'm super impressed with it and I think he's going to love it too! 

So today is a busy day filled with church and lunch at my parents' but I've just got time to squeeze in a card for you!

My card is using the Flower Shop stamp set which I've been plaing with this week as I've borrowed it off my downline, Debbie. I was inspired by a card I made during last year's Sale-A-Bration using the Bloomin' Marvelous set. 

 I kept the same colour palette of Summer Starfruit, Sahara Sand & Grey but just stepped it up a bit.

Stamp Set: Flower Shop, Lots of Thanks

Ink: Sahara Sand, Summer Starfruit, Smoky Slate

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Summer Starfruit, Smoky Slate, Whisper White

Punch: Pansy, Boho Blossoms, Itty Bitty

Embellishments: Rhinestones

I stamped the flowers along the edge. I used the masking technique with some printer paper so I could have the flowers overlapping. Then came the fiddly task of cutting the edge. Actually it wasn't TOO hard, just took it nice and slow and went to my happy place. I must be nuts, I LOVE cutting intricate things out!! The cut edge really makes the WOW factor on this card!

I really debated adding the punched flowers, it looked so pretty and fresh without the flowers but you know what I'm like when I get hold of punches....I go nuts! For a simpler version I think this would look so cute without the punched flowers and maybe just add a little glitter to the flowers for some sparkle and shine!? The rhinestones make it even more flashy and special! 

Hope you have a nice Sunday whatever you're doing,

Happy Stampin',

Floating Hearts

Hello there! 

Just a quiet and lazy Saturday in store for me, a bit of house work, oh and crafting. Plus I might get to hang out with Stuart a bit too! Its been a manic week for him with report writing and parents evening. He's beat! 

I've got another Valentine idea for you today. Well, I say its a Valentine but really it could be used for an anniversary, wedding, engagement...all you have to do is switch up the sentiment!

Stamp Set: Hearts a Flutter, Language of Love, Express Yourself

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Pool Party, Real Red

Cardstock: Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe

Punch: Small Heart

Embellishments: Pearls

I'm starting to sense a pattern with quite a few of my card creations of late - floating and falling. I think it adds a beutiful casual and gentle look. Plus, you can't go to wrong as its doesn't require anything to be straight or exact. 

The minimal use of Real Red really pops against the cool Crisp Cantaloupe and Pool Party, especially the sentiment! Love it!

Again, like the other Valentine card in a previous post which also used Hearts a Flutter, a few scattered pearls was all it needed to finish it off. 

I debated cutting up the small hearts on the Lauguage of Love stamp set so I could stamp them individually, flat on the card, but in the end I decided against it, the dimension of the small hearts just adds a great layer here and helps them pop!

Flower & Ribbon FMS

Hey!

I'm back, and its Friday! Are you doing anything fun this weekend? Think its going to be a quiet one for us. 

Well on to today's card, and I'm playing along with this week's Freshly Made Sketch.  

And here's my take in the sketch...

Stamp Set: Morning Meadow, Express Yourself

Ink: Crushed Curry, Night of Navy

Cardstock: Whisper White, Crushed Curry, Night of Navy

Punch: Pansy

Ribbon: Night of Navy Stitched Grosgrain, Silver Taffeta, Silver Baker's Twine

Embellishments: Night of Navy Button (retired), Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Rhinestones

I saw a cute little treat holder with a flower and lots of ribbon on Peanuts and Pepper Papercrafting, I thought I really had to give it a go. I am a huge ribbon hoarder but seldomly actually use it on my cards. So its basically a bunch of very BIG bows layered under the flower. They were so big it looked pretty rediculous before they were placed behind the flower. 

I chose a colour combo that is bright and punchy - just what yo need to brighten a dreary winter day! Its not a usual choice for me but I've been seeing quite a bit of blue and yellow around and thought I'd try it out. The silver just added that little extra something.

The doily is all scrunched in the middle to make it smaller and also gives it a little more texture and body. I thought with everything going on under the flower the flower itself looked a little plain but the navy button finished it off nicely.

I hope are all having a great end to your week,

Happy Stampin',

Just a few more days until Sale-A-Bration!

Hello! 

Its Thursday, I do love Thursdays. Generally I don't have any places to go or commitments on Thursdays so they are my little day of solitude and crafting. Bliss! Actually today I had to go see Aunty Lil briefly to help her get dressed and give her breakfast. The day started off with such a pretty sunrise and then a few minutes before I was about to leave, it began chucking it down. Ugh! Now I'm a bit soggy but I'm having lunch with my good friend Ally which I'm looking forward to! I haven't seen her properly in quite a while so it will be great to catch up, even if it is over a short lunch break!

If you're new to Stampin' Up! you might not know about the AMAZING promotion that SU runs during January to March every year. Its the biggest one of the year...its a 'Sale-a-Bration'. For every £45 spent on catalouge products you'll get to choose a free Sale-a-Bration product - this includes stamp sets, Simply Sent card kits, accessories, designer paper. 

Sale-a-Bration begins on January 28th through March 31st.

I've got a card using the same frosted embossing technique I showed off in a video last week! The colours are inspired by the card kit in the SAB offering this year. 

Stamp Set: n/a

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Tangerine Tango, Pistachio Pudding, Basic Black, Sahara Sand

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Island Indigo, Whisper White, Vellum

Big Shot: Decorative Dots(SAB)

Punch: Banner (SAB)

Extra: Good as Gold Card Kit (SAB)

If you missed the video on this technique please do go back and view it here. I coloured over the scatter embossed dots with the markers so it looked like confetti. 

The banners and gold cord etc are all from the card kit.

I thought I'd give you another bonus card today. 

Again its using the SAB card kit. This kit comes with everything you need to quicky whip up so cards in next to no time- great for those of you who are busy and need something super quick. 

If you've got a little more time, however you can get a little creative and use the elements from the kit to make your own cards that are just a little bit unique!

Stamp Set: n/a

Ink: n/a

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay

Accessories: Very Vintage Buttons, Candy Dot

Extras: Good as Gold card kit, White Gel Pen

Again I mainly used the pieces provided in the kit - banners, gold cord, dotty card. All I added were a few embellishments I had lying around! 

You can see the gold in the paper and on the star banner really popping in this pic! It looks really gorgeous in real life - definately a great free product! 

Have a great day! 

Happy Stampin',

One Layer Valentine

Hi there! 

Really super quick post and card for you today. This is for the Paper Players Challenge, this week is a CAS One Layer Valentine. 

Oh my, I was tempted to skip it as I wasn't very inspired but I thought I really should give it a go. 

Stamp Set: Express Yourself

Ink: Melon Mambo

Cardstock: Whisper White

DSP: Gingham Garden

Big Shot: Hearts a Flutter

Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds

Extra: Essentials Paper Piercing Pack

Now I couldn't quite decide if this was cheating or not. It was a one layer challenge so I've only used one layer on the front but added a piece of DSP for the colour inside the card. Thinking on it now I probably should have stamped the section inside the card but I couldn't find anything just like what I wanted! Oh well, its sort of one layer. (and it does look lovely and crisp open withough the DSP showing too!)

Hope you're having a good week and stop back tomorrow for a bit more creativeness! 

Happy Stampin',