Stitched Confetti Shaker

Hi! 

Well I totally forgot yesterday, I was really in the crafting groove plus I had a last minute card a friend asked me to make for her so was wrapped up in getting that sorted and then it got late so I just went to bed and completely forgot about blogging! Anyway I am here today and have a pretty little something to share with you!

Today's been a busy day at work, glad to be home now. I'm going shopping with my friend Ally. We haven't hung out in ages so it'll be really great to see here again, get some dinner and mooch around the shops! I seriously need some work clothes! I don't have many suitable clothes so I think that's a very good excuse to shop! 

Stamp Set: Geometrical

Ink: Bermuda Bay

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Wisteria Wonder, Coastal Cabana, Smoky Slate, Vellum, Silver Glimmer

Punch: Itty Bitty, Cupcake Builder

Big Shot: Chalk Talk

Accessories: Metallic Mini Clothes Pegs

I know I have a major peeve about cards with things on a wonk, I am really trying to get over this peeve and actually found this card working better with the sentiment working on an angle in conjunction with the mini clothes peg. 

I've been really wanting to do more sewn cards and as I had free time on Monday I thought it'd be a good chance to whip the sewing machine out and do this card. I just placed the vellum over the top and sewed it almost all the way, posted the "confetti" through the gap then sewed it up the rest of the way. I've got to admit I really like the frosted confetti floating around.

A few little confetti pieces placed over the top  just lift the card and bring little pops of colour to card. I really like the sparkly dots of glimmer paper in the centre as a change from rhinestones or pearls. 

Do you ever sew on cards? I'm actually amazed at how easy it is - the machine seems to take to the paper really well and its such a fun look. Also, its a pretty cheap way of jazzing up a card. 

I'm off for my evening out now, catch you again tomorrow with something else new! Have a lovely evening too!

Happy Stampin',

Kind Ruffles

Hello! 

I hope all you British followers are having a great Bank Holiday weekend. Three day weekends are just the best. We've been doing a few jobs around the house, I've tidied my craft room a little and done some crafting too! 

One of today's makes was using the Freshly Made Sketches' sketch for the week - just in time for the deadline once again! I was really pleased at such an interesting sketch to play with.

Stamp Set: Sweet Essentials

Ink: VersaMark

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Coastal Cabana

DSP: Gold Foil Vellum, Afternoon Picnic

Big Shot: Circles Framelits, Chalk Talk Framelits

Embellishments: Gold Baker's Twine

Other: Gold Embossing Powder

The designer paper was ruffled up for a fun border - I actually had to stick 2 pieces of the paper together to make up the right length. I cut a thin strip of another pattern paper from the pack. I also added some baker's twine to the centre - it just finishes it off nicely and holds the papers in place a little better too!

I thought something light would work well for the half circle in the background. I also wanted more gold incorporated so the gold foil vellum was the perfect choice. I wanted more gold so cut out a few more hearts from the vellum sheets and added a gold embossed sentiment to the card. 

Part of me wonders if there just a little something else missing from the card but I couldn't figure out what so decided to leave it rather than risk over-doing it!

Hope you like it! 

Happy Stampin',

Forget-Me-Not!

Hello! 

Wow its been a busy few days! Tim and Sarah's wedding was on Tuesday - the weather was absolutely gorgeous. It was such a beautiful wedding, the bride's dress was gorgeous, the flowers were so pretty...they just looked so so blissfully happy. Love it! 

I've spent yesterday and today catching up on housework and having a fun day with Kathryn and the boys! We went to the park, fed the ducks, saw lots of adorable ducklings (I was so tempted to slip a couple into my handbag!), had a picnic on the grass, did some running and played in the playground. Its such fun being a kid! 

Now its the end of the day and I am finally getting around to looking at my blog again. 

Stamp Set: Morning Meadow, Remembering Your Birthday

Ink: Marina Mist, Crushed Curry, Gumball Green

Cardstock: Whisper White, Gumball Green

Big Shot: Chalk Talk Framelits

Punch: Bird Builder, Pansy, Itty Bitty

Embellishments: Dazzling Diamonds

This is a really simple little card. I thought that the flowers looked like forget-me-nots. I love these flowers a lot and always look forward to seeing them flower each year. They're not out yet, but soon! 

I also thought that forget-me-nots would be a cute idea for the a belated birthday card! 

Marina Mist seemed like the perfect colour for the forget-me-nots and the bright yellow centres! I didn't want to cover up the yellow centres with anything like rhinestones or pearls so I thought the best way to add a little sparkle would be to use the 2 way glue pen and the dazzling diamonds glitter.

Don't the bird wings just make the most fab leaves?!

And of course a little quick stamping inside the card finished it off perfectly! 

I'll be back tomorrow with something else to share! 

Happy Stampin',

Dot, Dot, Dot

 Hello! 

I hope you had a good beginning to the week! Yesterday was not exactly as planned. Stuart managed to scrape off the surface of his nice new smart shoes on Sunday evening playing football (men never learn!!) anyway so we spent the day visiting shop after shop trying to get another pair! It was a stressful ordeal and I'm glad its in the past now. 

The wedding rehearsal was last night and he's been given all his orders now. Big day is today! So I have a very speedy post as we need to be heading out and there's lots to do.

Stamp Set: Geometrical, Happy Day

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Gumball Green, Crushed Curry

Cardstock: Gumball Green, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White

Big Shot: Chalk Talk Framelits

Punch: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border

This is a card we made back in February at card club, I just haven't got around to sharing it with you until now! I love the pattern we created by just stamping the dot stamp over and over - all the shades were created by restamping without reinking! 

Its a very simple card really, I like the small scallops which mimic the dots in the background and on the colourful strip. I also like the chevron which has a stronger geometric line to it which breaks up all the dots! 

Sorry for being so quick today, 

Hope you enjoyed the quick share! 

Happy Stampin',

1st Girly

Hi folks! 

Afraid I've had a lazy day today - well, not that lazy! Got a bunch of cutting and sewing done for my latest sewing project (I'll tell you more about it later). I just haven't done any card making today. Perhaps tomorrow I'll crank out a couple! 

I thought I'd quickly share a little card I made for a friend's little girl who was 1 last Sunday. I forgot about it so this was a last minute card. 

Stamp Set: Chalk Talk

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe

Cardstock: Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White, So Saffron, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pear Pizzazz

Punch: Itty Bitty, Bird Builder

Big Shot: Chalk Talk, Typeset Alphabet

Embellishments: Dazzling Details

Okay so its just a really simple card with confetti flowers. 

I used the embossing stylus to give the flowers some shape. I really wanted to do something in the centre, I didn't want to use rhinestones or pearls so I went for a cheaper and super speedy option...dazzling details. I let it dry while I was out at church and then it was ready to deliver later that day! 

Happy Stampin',

Confetti & Candles

Hello there! 

I finally cracked out my candles wheel!! I got it quite a while ago because I just loved the candles but then just haven't got the chance to use it! I thought it deserved a fun card....

Stamp Set: Remembering Your Birthday, Birthday Candles Jumbo Wheel

Ink: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight

Cardstock: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight

Punch: Owl Builder

Big Shot: Chalk Talk

I thought these candles needed a fun background - confetti seemed the perfect option. The confetti was punched from the "eye" pieces on the owl builder. Don't you just love it when a punch can be so versatile?! 

I cut the razzleberry Chalk Talk label in half to lengthen it. It just adds that pop of colour that makes the white Chalk Talk label stand off against the background.

Thanks for stopping by today, 

Happy Stampin',

Inky Fingers Challenge 6

Hi!

Its the second week in February and that means it another sketch challenge over at the Inky Fingers blog.  Here's the sketch...

I thought I'd keep it pretty simple this week, and here's what I made...

Stamp Set: Chalk Talk, Lots of Thanks

Ink: Basic Grey, Strawberry Slush

Cardstock: Whisper White, Smoky Slate, Strawberry Slush, Vellum, Silver Glimmer Paper

Big Shot: Petals a Plenty TIEF, Chalk Talk Framelits

Punch: Boho Blossoms

Accessories: Pearls

Yep there's that frosted scattered embossing technique again. Don't the frosted panels look so pretty on the Strawberry Slush card!? 

Its finished off with a white gel pen line around the edge, a blossom flower and some pearls. 

The inside I just did the same wonky edge lines around the card in strawberry slush and stamped a thank you.

Did you enjoy that one? Why don't you head over to the Inky Fingers blog and check out what the other lovely talented design team members have created for you. And you could even enter your own creation too! I'd love to see it!!!

Happy Stampin',

Inky Fingers Challenge 3

Hi! 

Doesn't the weekend fly by fast!? I hope you had a good weekend? Mine was pretty good - did some crafting, met with friends, did some holiday planning for the summer. Only thing that was a bummer was majorly over sleeping on Sunday. Stuart had been up very late writing school reports and we were both tired 0 these headaches have really been taking it out of me. Church begins at 11am and we woke at 11:15! Whoops! That was a bit of a mad rush! Apart from that, it was a good day!

Well, now its Monday again and that means another Inky Fingers Challenge. This week is a stamp set challenge and its the well loved Chalk Talk!

Stamp Set: Chalk Talk

Ink: Old Olive, Bermuda Bay, Tempting Turquoise

Cardstock: Whisper White, Bermuda Bay

I know Chalk Talk is one of the hottest sets at the moment - it makes lovely cards and tags too. There's a couple stamps in there that have become some go-to stamps, with that in mind I discarded them and set about inking up one of the stamps yet to be inked up! This is a lovely stamp and I had great fun playing! 

I also set about using different colours - no Crisp Cantaloupe to be seen here! 

I decided to leave the inside blank apart from the small heart in the corner so I could stamp it with the perfect thank you stamp I wanted when I'm ready to send this out!

I used the pens to colour in just the heart for the falling hearts and also stamped a few extra on scrap Whisper White, cut them out and popped them up with dimensionals for a bit of added depth!

I'm really pleased how this card came together and I only used ONE stamp!! 

Don't forget to head over to the Inky Fingers blog to check out what the other talented Design Team members have created for you this week and make something yourself to ad to this challenge! I look forward to seeing what you create! 

Happy Stampin',

Anyday Sweet Sayings

Hello again! 

As promised I'm back today with some super simple, quick and easy to make cards using the Sweet Sayings notecards. They're part of the Valentine's promotion Stampin' Up has running and at £5.50 for 12 including envelopes, they're a steal. You can purchase them from my online store, here. You'll need to be quick though as they are only available until January 27th!

Anyway today's shares are non-Valentines cards using the Sweet Sayings notecards. 

Stamp Set: Chalk Talk, Language of Love

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Pool Party, Real Red

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pool Party, Crisp Cantaloupe

Big Shot: Chalk Talk framelits

Punch: Owl Builder, 1 3/8" Circle

Accessories: Baker's Twine, Rhinestone

A couple variations using a few stamps from the Chalk Talk and Language of Love sets.

They're cute and great to have on hand or throw together quickly for an emergency card. 

Stamp Set: Hello Lovely

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Pool Party, Real Red

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pool Party, Crisp Cantaloupe

Punch: Owl Builder, Decorative Label

Accessories: Baker's Twine, Rhinestone, Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons

Likewise these are also quick clean & simple cards using the Hello Lovely set. I'm super pleased with these two and can see myself making a few more, perhaps with a couple more variations added in too and bundling them together to make a pretty little notecard set as a gift. 

This final little note card is using a stamp from the Lots of Thanks stamp set which has lots of lovely thank you sentiments in it. Perfect!

I hope you enjoyed this super quick little post today. I'm sorry its been so quick, I've been struggling with a migraine the last couple days and my to-do list is getting longer by the minute so I am off to accomplish some of those items and hopefully shorten the dreaded list! 

Come back again soon for more pretties! 

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xo

Lacy Wedding

Hi!

I've got a little pretty for you today that I found while trying to sort my photos that I forgot about. My cousin had asked quite a while ago now, if I could make her a wedding card. I hadn't had a chance to craft much with some of my new stamps and I thought it'd be a good oportunity to play and experiment a bit. I was so super pleased with the outcome, I hope you like it too! 

Stamp Set: Chalk Talk, Label Love

Ink: Baked Brown Sugar, Crisp Canteloupe 

Cardstock: Whisper White, Crisp Canteloupe, Baked Brown Sugar, Vellum

Big Shot: Chalk Talk Framelits, Beautifully Baroque

Punch: Artisan Label, Owl Builder

Accessories: Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Pearls

Baker's Twine: Whisper White

I think this card just oozes elegance. I love all the different textures and layers that somehow look effortless. the tiny hearts were totally neccessary - they balance the card beauitfully and just draw the eye out to the corners - plus, I just love the heart. I think the owl punch was worth getting just for the heart alone! 

I've found that embossed vellum on Whisper White card is just beautiful - it has a wonderful quality I'm not sure photos are doing justice. It looks ethereal and lacy - perfect for a wedding, right?!

I must say I think Crisp Canteloupe might be my new favourite colour, I just can't put it down lately! Pear Pizzazz, you better watch out, there's a new crush in town! 

I hope you enjoyed this little creation today, I'll be back soon with more pretties. 

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xo

Watercolours & Sneak Peek!

Good afternoon! 

What a pleasant day it is! The house is finally decorated - we'd had our tree sitting bare in the living room for a week so it felt really good to get some light and decorations on it! Don't you just find having a Christmassy house really helps get you in the Christmas spirit? It does for me! 

This morning I have been baking cookies - well, to be more exact I've made a few batches of cookie dough that are chilling in the fridge while I take a wee lunch break, sort out an order that arrived today and write this little post. 

Today I have a card I made a week or so ago for my lovely friend Vicky. This stamp set is a new one which will be in the Spring-Summer Seasonal catalogue which launches on January 28th! I was the lucky winner of this set, So Very Grateful, at Convention during Prize Patrol - I always knew I loved Pool Party (that was my winning colour wrist band)!!

Stamp Set: So Very Grateful, Label Love, Chalk Talk

Ink: Black Stazon, Crisp Canteloupe, Perfect Plum, Pischio Pudding, Gumball Green, Daffodil Delight, Versamark

Cardstock: Watercolour Paper, Crisp Canteloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Gumball Green, Perfect Plum

Punch: Artisan Label

Big Shot: Chalk Talk Framelits

Other: White Emboss Powder, Aquapainters 

This was quite a simple card really as I really wanted to showcase the beautiful flowers and some nice watercolouring! I shall be adding a short little video (from a new series of videos) on how to do this watercolouring with the awesome aquapainters! Have you tried them? They're wonderful! 

I'd origionally stamped the chalk talk and the sentiment in the centre just in White Craft ink but it just didn't have that pop and clarity that I was really after so I did go back and re stamp, get out the heat too, embossing powder etc. I've got to admit, I don't do much embossing, not because I don't like it but it is a bit of a faff. Having said that I am SO glad I did re-do this element as it really did give it that extra little touch the card was needing. 

I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek. I am in LOVE with this set so you'll be sure to see more creative inspiration with it in the coming days! 

Have a beautiful Monday,

Happy Stampin, 

Amanda xx