Pink Wedding

Hi!

What a day! We've had just about everything weather-wise today! Sunshine, heat, rain, hail and torrential rain. I was having a nap on the couch this afternoon, after school and the rain was so loud it woke me up! 

So I thought it was about time that I shared the wedding card and tag I made for Tim & Sarah's wedding last month. 

Stamp Set: Label Love, Sweet Essentials

Ink:Pink Pirouette, Rose Red

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Whisper White, Vellum

Big Shot: Apothecary Accents Framelits

Punch: Small Heart, Owl Builder, Artisan Label, Itty Bitty

Embellishments: Whisper White Baker's Twine, Pink Two Tone Ribbon

If you remember the baby card I made for Seabrook last month then you'll probably remember the twist on the scattered frosted embossing technique. If you don't remember it, check it out here. I decided to also add some little punched hearts, some I added in the rose red under the vellum for a paler frosted look! Looks great, dontcha think?!

The vellum is attached with piecces of glue dots under the frosted hearts and also a strip along the top which is cleverly hidden with the baker's twine. I was having a little trouble getting my bow just right and hang nicely, in the end I very carefully added tiny pieces of glue dots to the tails and stuck them in place. 

A simple little label and some banners is all the sentiment this needed. 

I made a nice little label that matched the card. I used some leftover Pink Pirouette/Rose Red two tone ribbon to tie around the gift - worked perfectly with the tag and card! 

It was such a lovely day and they both looked so so happy! 

I'll be sure to share what I made them for their special gift later this week. 

Happy Stampin',

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',

Butterflies!!

 Hello there! 

I'm back with a lovely summery card for you today! 

I don't know what the weather is doing where you are but if its anything like what we have, its not spring or summer like! Its cold and there is a threatening sky which might pour at a moments notice. Ugh! So what better way to cheer yourself up than with a bight and cheery card!

Stamp Set: Kindness Matters

Ink: Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder, Black Stazon

Cardstock: Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White

Big Shot: Apothecary Accents Framelits, Delicate Doilies Sizzlit, Lacy Brocade TIEF

Accessories: Mini Brads

 This is such a pretty girly card and I just love it! The butterflies are coloured with blender pens for a watercoloured effect. The idea for the little half doily sticking out from the butterflies was actually inspired by a half doily stamp fro the same set (see all the stamps in the set below) The little banners at the bottom was just using up tiny scraps. I really like the punchy bright Lucky Limeade with the pastel Wisteria Wonder and Pool Party, it just adds a little pop to the soothing colour palette. 

Lucky Limeade is due to retire at the end of June as it is an in colour. The other in colours in the set are all sticking around and joining the core colour groups as part of the colour refresh! But, I'm bummed about Lucky Limeade!! Its my "go to" green! I love its vibrancy and it just seems to work so well with so many colours! I guess I will have to fall for a different green now! 

Do you have a "go to" green?

If yours is Lucky Limeade I'd definitely recommend stocking up on supplies - cardstock, ribbon/baker's twine etc before it goes for good! Oh and don't forget the all important ink refill so your beloved Lucky Limeade ink pad doesn't run dry! 

So why not leave me a comment and let me know what your favourite green is? 

Have a great day - despite the crumby weather!

Amanda x

Loving Lace

Hi there! 

Can you believe its Thurday already!?! Today I'm going to my friend Vicky's to have a "play" with some stamps and ink today! Yay!! Its always fun to meet up with crafty friends and have a play, get some creative inspiration, chat and probably most importantly, EAT CAKE!!!

Anyhow, before I go, I've got a little creation for you that I made a while ago and still haven't shown you!

Stamp Set: Gossamer Lace, Blooming With Kindness

Ink: Soft Suade, Early Espresso

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake

Big Shot: Delicate Doilies Sizzlit, Apothecary Accents Framelit

Embossing: White Emboss Powder

Ribbon: Victoria Crochet Trim

Accessories: Pearls

So this is a bit of a different card for me, kind of worn and vintage with lots of lace. I'm really digging all the lacy elements and how well they all work together. What do you think? Are you liking this 

card? I really love the half doily in the bottom corner, it just balances the card out nicely!

So what are you up to today? 

Hugs, 

Amanda xx

Bloomin' Marvelous

Hello! 

Really quick little post for you today. I saw a card like this and just loved it so much that I pretty much copied it but I'm afraid I don't remember where I saw this now so if you are the original creator, thank you and I owe you full credit! 

Stamp Set: Bloomin' Marvelous

Ink: Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Rose Red

Cardstock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Rose Red, Certainly Celery, So Saffron

Big Shot: Vine Street TEIF, Square Lattice TEIF, Apothecary Accents Framelits

Punch: Postage Stamp

Accessories: Rhinestones 

Baker's Twine: Whisper White

The butterflies on this are using the rock and roll technique - instead of using 2 different colours I inked the stamp, stamped it on scrap paper then rock and rolled it in the same color for a darker edge. Yet another way to stretch your ink pad! You don't quite get the full effect from the photo but you get the idea! 

The rest of the card is fairly self explanatory and straight forward so I won't go through all the details with you. My goal is to do shorter blog posts but to post ore regularily, so far, this seems to be working out! What do you think to the change is style? Like short snappy posts as opposed to more chatter? 

Have a lovely day!

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xx

window card

I am really loving the Papillon Potpouri stamp set and coordinating butterfly punch at the moment! 

Another of my new loves is the International Bazaar designer paper! If you haven't seen it yet, you really must! So pretty!!

Stamp Set: Papillon Potpourri, Fabulous Phrases, Summer Shilouettes 

Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Summer Starfruit, Whisper White

DSP: International Bazaar

Accessories: Dahlias

Embossing: Clear

Ribbon: Lucky Limeade Ruffle

Big Shot: Apothecary Accents Framelits

Punch: Elegant Butterfly

The tiny flower from the Summer Silhouettes was stamped over the background. In the bottom corner I punched out a butterfly - a strip of the designer paper inside the card shows through when the card is closed! a little banner popped over the butterfly with a sentiment on it too! I used the same paper pattern with the Apothecary Accents, layered some paper and ribbon banners over top and on top of that a butterfly embossed with clear embossing for a subtle pattern. The centre is accented with a Summer Starfruit dahlia. 

Did you see that the butterfly pattern is the same as the pattern on the designer paper? Talk about coordination!! 

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xo

evergreen christmas

Yesterday I introduced you to the Apothecary Accents framelits. Today I have another creation using the framelits and yes, its Christmassy! 

Silent Night Accents

Stamp Set: Evergreen

Ink: Gumball Green, Early Espresso

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Champagne Glitter Paper

DSP: Candlelight Christmas

Punch: 3/4" Circle, Itty Bitty

Big Shot: Apothecary Accents

While this card is more complicated than yesterday Its still not hugely difficult and I used lots of left over scraps. I used the circle punch to make the scallop trim so if you don't have and edge punch this is a great way to make a fancy edge! I added some small strips of glitter paper which gives a great sparkle but why not substitute for scraps of DSP instead?! I saved on cardstock by sponging Espresso around the edge of the accent to add that colour and depth without adding more expense and weight! (its a great trick which I use all the time! And you get more use out of the ink pad too!)

There are so many great Christmas stamp sets in both the new Annual catalogue and the Autumn/Winter catalogue there's plenty of choice, whatever your style! Evergreen has got to be one of my faves! And the tree can be used for non Christmas cards too! I love it when I find a Christmas stamp set I can use at other times of the year too!!

What's your favourite Christmas stamp set? 

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xx

is your life manic?

Well, is it? I know everyone is super busy these days so you're probably thinking, I just don't have time to make card, in particular Christmas cards...because I need a lot. Well I'm here with another nice, quick and easy Christmas card for you! 

And don't forget, everyone needs a little bit of relaxation away from busy days and life. Why not let a spot of crafting be your "escape" zone?! If you'd like a more social activity, invite a couple friends over, have a glass of wine or cuppa (it'll be cheaper than a take away, meal out or night on the town!). Or if you have kids why not get them involved - they'll love it and it will create a great bonding session and activity for you to do together away from video games, computer or the tv!

Christmas Accents

Stamp Set: Come to Bethlehem

Ink: Early Espresso,

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Lucky Limeade

DSP: Festival of Prints

Big Shot: Apothecary Accents Framelits

Accessories: Brushed Bronze Button

Baker's Twine: Cherry Cobbler

I'm really liking these Apothecary Accent framelits at the moment, They are perfectly designed to use individually but equally work well by layering them up! They easily cut up to 3 pieces of DSP/cardstock at one time which means making cards in bulk is super easy and simple! I've used a button here as an embelishment but why not use a small stamped image, ribbon strip or a few rhinestones/pearls for a more postal friendly embellishment?! 

If you like the look of this card and would like to give it a go why not drop me a message and I would be glad to help you with all that you'll need to make as many as you need! Seeing as these framelits aren't Christmassy they will get used throughout the year making them an excellent purchase!!

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xo

betsy's blossoms

One of the new stamp sets in the new annual catalogue is called Betsy's Blossoms. Its full of flowers, leaves, and a bird too!! So here's a cute card using some of the darling images from this fabulous new set!

Birthday Blossoms

Stamp Set: Betsy's Blossoms, Curly Cute

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Gumball Green

Cardstock: Whisper White

DSP: Floral District

Big Shot: Apothecary Accents Framelits

Ribbon Stitched Grosgrain

Accessories: Rhinestones

Okay, I know what you're going to say, that's a lot of cutting out! Well, yes, I can't deny that, there is a fair amount of cutting but its not hard cutting and everything layered on top just looks so clean and cute! I stuck a strip of the new Floral Distict DSP to some white cardstock, I laid the Apothecary Accents framelit down so it would cut half white and half DSP, then ran it through the Big Shot. To hide the join I stuck down some of the beautiful new stitched grosgrain! 

Right, I have a busy day of prepping for 2 workshops, one tonight and on tomorrow afternoon, I am looking forward to some crafty fun with some lovely ladies!! 

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xx