We Don't Do Duvets

Post It!

2012-02-17T14:52:00.002Z

Rein dared us this week at Daring Cardmakers';

It`s Rein here this week and my dare for you is

"postable" people

Please use things with a postage/mail theme such as postmen, postage stamps, parcel delivery or perhaps postage-inspired greetings on you card.

I used OA Papers, rub ons and chipboard, a Kesi'art butterfly die, Ribbon Girl twine and added hand stitching and inking.

Don't forget to check out Rein's amazingly clever card and all of the beautiful creations made by the DT here!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T17:02:00.001Z

Happy Valentines Day!

I made this card, combining Anam's fabulous sketch (rotated 90º) on the MME blog;

Kuretake's challenge to make a Valentine's card using their products and The Lilypad's patterned paper challenge;

Papers that I used are all MME - Stella and Rose - Gertie - You and Me - Numbers, Stella and Rose- Mabel- Joy- Woodgrain, - coloured with a brown Kuretake Wink of Stella pen to add lots of shimmer, Stella and Rose - Hattie - Remember - Roses, Fine and Dandy - Tickled Pink - Wonderful and the pink paper is from the vintage Magnolia collection - coloured with a Pink Kurecolor pen.

I also used flowers and twine from the Ribbon Girl, Papermania brads and gems (coloured with a brown Wink of Stella pen) and Elephants in Cherry Trees font, hand stitching and inking with creamy brown Colorbox ink pad.

TFL!

Pretty Hearts and Paper Doilies

2012-02-10T10:25:00.003Z

The hugely talented Nat's turn to dare this week at Daring Cardmakers';

With Valentine's Day just around the corner I wasn't about to let the opportunity for using my current two favourite design elements pass us by!

This week I want to see you make a card that features both...

Hearts and doilies

There are so many ways to combine the two. Why not experiment and try something new?

and this what I made - Inspired by Julie's month long Sunrays theme;

http://pinterest.com/notesonpaper/a-month-of-sunrays/

and Cath's Die Cutting Challenge in the Moxie Fab World - there are dies from 4 different Manf.s on this card!

I used a mix of K and Co, Crate Paper, and Ruby Rock-It papers, Doily from Joanna Sheen, Die-namics, Spellbinders, Accucut and Sizzix dies, Prima and Ribbon Girl Flowers, Hobbycraft adhesive hearts, wooden peg, tissue paper, Carbon Type font and American Crafts cardstock.

TFL!

February's Colour Combo Challenge

2012-02-06T12:36:00.004Z

This week it's the First Friday of the Month Colour Combo Challenge at Daring Cardmakers and I'm back again with my choice of colours:

Pink and Red

and this is my card;

I used Crate Paper Paper Hearts papers, stickers and chipboard, ribbon and twine from the Ribbon Girl, Papermania gems, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Doodlebug rub ons, Tim Holtz pin, OA button, Crocheted flowers, Corduroy brads, Colorbox ink and hand stitching.

TFL - and don't forget to check out the DT's fantastic

Pink and Red creations :)

Wishi Washi

2012-01-27T10:49:00.001Z

Two cards today! The first is for my challenge over at Daring Cardmakers' to use Washi tape on a card;

I used American Crafts Washi Tape to make a flower and teamed it with a mix of Ruby Rock-it papers and journalling cards, American Crafts fabric paper, Ribbon Girl ribbon, netting and flowers, Basic Grey rub ons, staples, Spellbinders leaf die, Papermania gems and hand stitching.

I love Washi tape, it's fab as an accent or to make embellishments with, as a background, or in place of ribbon. If you don't have any, you can still join in with some home made Washi style tape using tracing paper, parchment or tissue paper combined with double sided tape - my mini tut. is here showing how to create your own.

The Design Team have been creative with Washi Tape and have made some gorgeous cards - you can see their designs here :)

My Second card has more Washi tape, as accents and was made for the challenge on the Ruby Rock-it blog to use this picture taken from their new Vintedge collection as inspiration;

I used the colours from the photo and this is my card;

I used a mix of Ruby Rock-it and Papermania Portobello Road papers, OA die cuts, rub on and sticker, Spellbinders dies, Papermania Ribbon, peg from stash, Washi Tape from here and here. Papermania stamp and hand stitching.

TFL!

Kitchenalia!

2012-01-22T11:50:00.000Z

The hugely talented Kathy dared us this week at Daring Cardmakers' with;

Kitchenalia!

As we've just started work on remodelling some areas of our house, including knocking the Kitchen and Utility rooms into one space, kitchens, and all things Cookery are very much on my mind at the moment. So these are the things I'd like you to incorporate on your card this week. I'd like to see kitchen and cooking themes - but not just cupcakes, though of course you can add some of those into your design if you wish.

and this is my card;

I used OA Modern Homemaker paper as a backdrop and added actual baking parchment from the kitchen drawer, OA Farmhouse ruler sticker,ticket, die cuts, button and ribbon, OA Boarding Pass paper, Kraft and cream cardstock, OA Modern homemaker chipboard embellishments and checked paper, Spellbinders and Docrafts dies, Papermania adhesive gem, Ribbon Girl button twine, a creamy brown ink pad, and added glitter to the chipboard with a black Zig Wink of Stella pen.

TFL!

Colour Challenge No 15 ...... Blue and Pink

2012-01-16T14:48:00.000Z

The Ribbon Girls have a new colour challenge on their blog;

The challenge for January is to create a new project using the colours of pink and blue and Mary and Andrea have two fabulous prizes for one randomly drawn winner;

You can see the gorgeous pink and blue creations made by the DT here and also see how to enter.

and here's my card;

I used October Afternoon Boarding Pass and Sidewalks papers, A Boarding Pass Chipboard sticker and rub on, a paper doily, Creamy Brown and white ink pads and from The Ribbon Girl, dewdrops, paper flower, pleated ribbon, pink tulle netting and used a stick pin to make the sentiment flag.

I also made this card to fit Cath's fabulous Moxie Fab Map to your Heart challenge - using map patterned paper as the background - you can see the mapulous inspiration over on the Moxie Fab blog - here.

TFL!

MIRACULOUS SOCIAL NETWORKS

2012-01-13T13:03:00.000Z

First post of the year so a little late... Happy New Year! - I hope everybody has a good one!

This isn't the first card, but is the first one that that I can share, and it's for this week's Daring Cardmakers' dare

Hi, it's Zuzana here setting this week's challenge.You know that we are living in the new communication era, so I have chosen aMIRACULOUS SOCIAL NETWORKSdare for you.I would like to see Facebook, Twitter, Skype, You Tube ... on your cards.You can use funny sentiments, colour scheme, fonts, style, layout or PC image.

This is my card;

Made using a Apple Youtube image, Crate Paper Paper Heart papersand sticker, Magnolia fence die, Die-namics doily dies, X-Cut heart punch, tissue paper washi style tape, October Afternoon and Authentique stitckers, papermaina gems, and lovely new pleated ribbon and a flower from The Ribbon Girl.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the DT's cards on the Daring Cardmakers' blog - they are gorgeous!

Prequel!

2011-12-22T09:56:00.000Z

Ribbon Girl Challenge #14

2011-12-18T11:28:00.001Z

After last night's exciting Strictly Final (I think the best man won!) The Ribbon Girls are back with their final colour challenge of the year;

The colours were chosen this month by Vicky and you can see her amazing card and all the fantastic inspiration from the DT on the Ribbon Girls' blog.

There is a fantastic prize on offer including one of these gorgeous ribbon packs and a £10 voucher from LOTV

and this is my Red, Black and Cream card;

and I used;

Teacher Cards

2011-12-17T11:01:00.000Z

A couple of quick cards for the boys' teachers;

Made using Simple Stories Year-O-Graphy and October Afternoon Farmhouse, rub ons and stickers

Spots & Stripes

2011-12-16T11:59:00.000Z

The very talented Keilly's turn to set the dare this week at Daring Cardmakers' which is;

Spots and Stripes

and this is my striped and spotted card;

made with October Afternoon Holiday Style, home made washi tape, Ribbon Girl pin, twine and ribbon

TFL :)

A Nordic Christmas

2011-12-09T15:46:00.003Z

It's the very lovely Fran's turn to dare us this week at Daring Cardmakers and she has chosen this beautiful photograph to inspire us all;

This is my card;

Made with Lots of yummy new October Afternoon, Ribbon Girl flower, twine and ribbon, Kraft cardstock, Nesties, inking and handstitching.

TFL!

December Flowers - Holly and Narcissus

2011-12-07T12:44:00.002Z

This week's Daring Cardmakers' dare is the last team dare of the year featuring December's flowers; Holly and Narcissus.

I went with holly and used the current sketch on the MME blog to make this;

I used MME Lost and Found Christmas papers and sentiment die cut, MME 12 days of Christmas star die cut, Ribbon Girl ribbon, seam binding, berries and button twine, some vintage holly and berries, felt holly, Tim Holtz birdcage die, doodlebug brads, a paper doily form Sarah's cards, Papermania gems and some holey backing paper, layered over more MME Lost and Found Christmas paper and a Kraft cardstock base.

TFL!

Movember Madness

2011-11-25T09:09:00.007Z

Samm's turn to dare at Daring Cardmakers' this week-

It's the month of Movember so what better time than to show us some Moustaches, Tashes, Mustaches, Furry Facial Hair on your cards this week!

Not having any Moustaches to hand, I made mine digitally and added it to this card;

Made using Bazzill cardstock and brads,

This is the image that I used; (click it to big it!)

and as it is the 25th - one month 'til Christmas! It is the last Ribbon Girl Jingle All The Way To Christmas;

There is a fantastic Christmas Ribbon Kit up for grabs - you can see all the details of how to enter here;

and this is my Christmas themed card;

Made using; Ribbon and Berries from The Ribbon Girl, a Printable from CraftsUPrint, MME papers, Washi Tape, inking and stitching.

TFL!

Ribbon Girl Challenge #13

2011-11-20T10:42:00.008Z

The Ribbon Girls' fabulous challenge is pink and white this month;

The Ribbon Girls have again been super generous and there is this fantastic ribbon parcel as a prize;

and a £10 voucher for LOTV;

All the details of how to enter are here.

and this is may pink and white card;

- brilliant for using those odds and ends of ribbon and made using;

Kraft Card	White Card	Natural Button Twine	Pink Grosgrain Spot
Pink Pencil Stripe	Baby Pink Grosgrain	Bias Binding Pink Check	Pink Open Weave
Pink Flowers	Merry Christmas rub on	Ink Pad	Tape

InLinkz.com

And another scrappy tree - made from felt and paper offcuts and a Ribbon Girl flower;

You can see the DT's pink and white creations on the Ribbon Girl blog :)

Water, Water, Everywhere....

2011-11-18T11:17:00.003Z

The theme for this week's Daring Cardmaking has been chosen by the lovely Vanessa and is;
WATER

You could make a card with a watery theme (lakes, rivers, fishies, boats etc), or maybe you'll find a way to actually use some water in the making of your card eg colouring with watercolours

This is my card - using a frozen water embellishment - aka a snowflake!

I used; MME papers and tags, a Sizzix embossing folder which I inked, Flowers, Button Twine and Ribbon from The Ribbon Girl, a doily, Nestabilities dies and a felt snowflake from The Range.

TFL - and don't forget to check out the other watery creations here.

Bejewelled

2011-11-11T09:48:00.003Z

Todays's Daring Cardmakers' dare was set by the very talented Sharon;

It's Sharon here setting this weeks challenge. I'd like to see cards inspired by a piece of jewellery - you can be inspired by the colour, the stone, or the design. A good place to start is looking at the pictures on pinterest - that's where I found the gorgeous ring that inspired my card.
and also where I found my inspiration picture;

to make this card;

I used October Afternoon Sidewalks paper, poppy from t'internet, Ribbon Girl flower, striped ribbon and twine, Doodlebug gems, Papermania black, and Bazzill Kraft cardstock, a doily, adhesive border and Papermania adhesive gems.

Don't forget to check out all the DT's fabulous bejewelled creations here :)

'Homespun Fall'

2011-11-06T21:26:00.004Z

This week's Shabby Tea Room challenge is to use this gorgeous photo as inspiration;

and this is the card that I made;

using; MME, AC and OA papers, washi tape, Ribbon Girl flower, ribbon and seam binding, Graphics Fairy image, doily, spellbinders dies and a peg.

TFL!

Chrysanthemums for Our Birthday!

2011-11-04T12:42:00.001Z

Last week's dare was Dare No 52 of Year 5 of Daring Cardmakers challenges - yes, we've been around THAT long! And we still enjoy setting the dares and making our cards. A Huge THANK YOU to all of you who pop in week by week to see what we're up to, and especially to those of you who join in with our challenges - we really do appreciate your support.
The DT members may have changed but our aims remain the same - to inspire and challenge you (and ourselves) to make cards, no matter what your style and no matter what your experience is. We remain open to all, have no allegiance to any company and we actively encourage as much variety as possible - we definitely do not judge one card above another so when we offer prizes winners are always chosen at random.

For our first dare of year 6 it's a return to our year-long celebration of flowers associated with each month. According to our list there is just one flower for November and it's the
Chrysanthemum
Luckily there are lots of different types, so plenty of inspiration to be had - just do a Google Image Search on Chrysanthemum and you'll be spoilt for choice!

Not sure my flower turned out to be completely like a Chrysanthemum...

I used Crate Paper random, Simple Stories Year-o-Graphy, and OA papers,AC fabric paper, Sizzix and Cuttlebug dies, Bazzill bling cardstock with extra glitter added with a Kuretake Wink of Stella clear pen, Papermania adhesive pearl and Seam binding and button twine from The Ribbon Girl.

TFL - and don't forget to check out the other gorgeous Chrysanthemums from the DT.

Christmas Biscuits

2011-11-03T10:23:00.005Z

I was lucky enough to be sent this gorgeous biscuit tin from DotComGiftShop;

I love the retro loveliness of the tin and these will be fantastic filled with cakes or my personal favourites, biscuits :D

This is one of my most loved recipes;

Ingredients
1 pound unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
2 1/4 cups packed light-brown sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups plus 2 tablespoons plain flour
3 cups white bread flour
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 pounds dark chocolate, coarsely chopped

Directions
- Preheat oven to Gas mark 3. Line baking sheets with baking paper.
- Cream together butter and sugars.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add both flours, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla, and chocolate; mix until well combined.
- Scoop cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake until lightly browned, but still soft, about 20 minutes for larger cookies and about 15 minutes for smaller cookies.
- Cool slightly on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

If you're heading over to the DotComGiftShop, I spotted these lovelies too;

These would look fab instead of ribbon on a card or parcel and of course, made into chains :D

'Happy Halloween'

2011-10-30T16:07:00.004Z

The Shabby Tea Room's dare this week is to make a Halloween card using orange and purple and twine or raffia. This is the card that I came up with;

I used MME papers, a bingo card, doily and Ribbon Girl flowers (coloured with Promarkers, Ribbon Girl lace, Spellbinders dies, MM star brads, and I unraveled some twine to stitch around the edge.

TFL!

Fantastic Felties

2011-10-29T15:50:00.001+01:00

Nat dared us this week at Daring Cardmakers;

This week I want to see you get creative with felt.
I just love the stuff but seem to always do the same old same old with it... so I'm really looking forward to seeing what creative ideas you come up with.
You can use felt to make your own handmade embellishments (even include some threading and beading if you're feeling energetic), use some pre-made felties, or even raid the accessories sale bins for something unique to add to your project!

I made this Halloween card;

and I used Simple Stories papers and stickers, cream felt (die cut to create a feltie skull), American Crafts Mixtape Spellbinders dies and googly eyes.

TFL - and don't forget to check out the DT's felt-tastic creations!

Jingle All The Way To Christmas

2011-10-25T11:19:00.005+01:00

As it's the 25th, The Ribbon Girls have another fun festive challenge on their blog today - to make a Christmas themed project. Andrea and Mary have a fantastic prize on offer too;

and this is my festive card;

From the Ribbon Girl, I used;

Seam Binding
Pom Pom Trim
Red Berries
Blossom Flowers
Star Pin

I also used MME papers and die cuts, Spellbinders dies, a holly punch and adhesive pearls.

You can see all the details of how to enter and all the amazing projects made by the DT here.

TFL!

Boo!

2011-10-24T11:28:00.003+01:00

Made for Papercrafts' October Gallery Challenge using Crate Paper Random, Spellbinders dies and Ribbon Girl Pom Pom trim, twine and lace.

TFL!

2Circles2Go

2011-10-22T11:27:00.000+01:00

This week's Daring Cardmaker's dare is a sketch, taken from Kathy's marvelous Sketch File blog;

I rotated the sketch 90° CCW and made this;

I used OA Sidewalks papers and sticker, flower and button twine from The Ribbon Girl, Spellbinders dies, Papermania gem, peg and staples from stash.

Don't forget to check out how my very talented teamies have interpreted the sketch

TFL!

Ribbon Girl Colour Challenge #12

2011-10-21T12:52:00.000+01:00

The Ribbon Girl's fabulous colour challenge for October is sponsored by Ribbon Girl and Lili Of The Valley. This month my lovely teamie Kath chose the colours and she picked shades of Lilac and Green.

The Ribbon Girls have been super generous and there is an amazing prize on offer consisting of ribbons from the Ribbon Girl and also a £10 voucher from Lili of the Valley

This is my card;

and I used; Lace, Twill, ribbon, button, pom pom trim, flowers and seam binding from the Ribbon Girl, Melissa Frances stickers, Studio Calico paper, and Kraft cardstock.

The challenge runs until 9pm on the 29th October and you can check out all the DT's beautiful creations and see the details of how to enter on the Ribbon Girl's blog.

TFL!

A Little Bird Told Us...

2011-10-14T14:10:00.005+01:00

Rein's turn to dare at Daring Cardmakers' today;

It's Rein here this week, my dare for you is very easy and simple...

I would love to see a bird on your card - it can be stamped, die-cut or made in another way, just join in and have fun - and you might even win a prize as this week's dare is sponsored by The Ribbon Reel

You can check out all the entry details and see the gorgeous cards made by the DT here This is my card - made for My Mum who's celebrating a special birthday day today - I thought that she might not appreciate having her age in years on the card so I added it in days instead....

To make it, I used;
Melissa Frances 5th Avenue and Crate Paper Random papers, October Afternoon Sidewalks stickers, Basic Grey letter stickers, Ribbon Girl seam binding and flowers, hessian and peg from stash.

TFL!

Merry Christmas

2011-09-25T10:49:00.006+01:00

Todays card is made using Anam's gorgeous sketch on the MME blog;

I stretched the sketch and created this;

and I used;

InLinkz.com

and as it is exactly 3 months 'til Christmas, The Ribbon Girl have a fantastic Festive challenge starting on their blog today;

With a fabulous prize too;

You can check all the details and enter here.
TFL!

Eye Spy

2011-09-24T15:45:00.000+01:00

I am lucky enough to be featured on Basic Grey's blog today!! It is a huge honour! You can the details here.

This is my card;

It started life as a topper using Basic Grey that I created for Papercraft Inspirations a while back and I turned it into a card using more Basic Grey Wander;

InLinkz.com

and a brief brush with 'fame' for Jared - we were lucky enough to get tickets for last weekend's Live 'n' Deadly roadshow at Lydiard - the boys had lots of fun on the climbing wall, seeing lots of animals and birds, meeting the Croc Man and, Jared met Steve Backshall and was shown on the telebox this morning;

Green Eggs and Ham

2011-09-23T10:31:00.005+01:00

It's Friday, Daring Cardmakers' day and this week's dare has been chosen by me!

I loved reading Dr. Seuss books when I was little and my children love them now so this week, I would like to see Dr. Seuss inspired cards - whether they feature Green Eggs and Ham, The inhabitants of Whoville, The Cat in the Hat or are inspired by the colours, font or rhyming phrases, it will be brilliant to see what you make!

and I used one of the most read books to make this card;

and I used;

InLinkz.com

and before I go - A big thank you to Kuretake for linking my Krafty card made with Wink of Stella pens on their top links of the week.

Have a great weekend!

Monster Monday

2011-09-19T10:14:00.002+01:00

Two monster cards today - the first for this week's Daring Cardmaker's challenge sponsored by Funky Hand;

This week it's Kathy here with your challenge, and we have a wonderful prize to give away to one lucky winner.

We are joining in the celebrations for the launch of Funky Hand latest Papercraft Factory CD

Happy Happy Birthday

Our lucky random draw winner will receive a copy of this fabulous, brand new CD Rom!

Funky Hand design and supply a fabulous range of digital papers, images and templates for crafting projects. Visit the Funky Hand website and you'll find the fabulous Papercraft Factory CDs and also, for instant gratification downloadable paper and digi image collections.

To be in the draw you must:

1. make a card for this week's challenge and leave a link so we can see it

2. add links to your blog telling your readers about Funky Hand and the Daring Cardmakers

3. enter your card for no more than FIVE other challenges

Here's the challenge:

How Many Candles?

I'd simply like you to make a Birthday Card with at least one candle on it this week

The DCM team have all used Funky Hand papers from the Happy Happy Birthday CD to make their cards this week so you'll see what it's all about, but of course you may not have any (yet), so you can use anything you like.

If you would like to try using a Funky Hand Freebie, visit Get Funky! where you'll find this months new Funky Fifteenth freebie available to download right now.

and this is my card using a Funky Hand Monster and papers from the CD;

Scarily (for me!) it's a CAS one layered card so also fits (for the first time ever!) with the current Less is More challenge, anything goes.

and the second monster is the focus of a card that I made for my fabulous Bro-in-law's birthday;

I used a rather eclectic (and much more me!) mix of Crate Paper Random, MME Blush and Authentique Splendid papers, Sassafras journalling card, Safmat printed sentiment, Papermania gems, Ribbon Girl ribbon and button/button twine, OA rub ons and a handcut monster.

Colour Challenge #11 ...

2011-09-18T20:30:00.011+01:00

After a Summer hiatus, the Ribbon Girls are back with their fabulous colour challenges and for this one, the colours were chosen by me!

Andrea and Mary as always have been amazingly generous with the prize on offer;

A limited edition halloween mini kit

a £5 gift voucher for the Ribbon Girl shop

and a £10 LOTV voucher.

You can check out all the details of how to enter and also see the gorgeous card made by the DT on the Ribbon Girls' blog here

and this is my card;

From the Ribbon Girl, I used;

InLinkz.com

I also used MME papers, Authentique and Crate Paper papers, a Cosmo Cricket chipboard typewriter, Pebbles Inc. rub on and a vintage dress pattern

TFL!

A couple of Christmas cards...

2011-09-12T10:01:00.000+01:00

Both made with Basic Grey Jovial papers and stickers and Ribbon Girl twine and glittery ribbon;

TFL!

Flutterby

2011-09-10T11:05:00.005+01:00

It's the very talented Keilly's turn to dare this week at Daring Cardmakers';

Well, its Keilly here this week with my very first dare! I've chosen an inspiration photo and would like you to use the colours from the photo and to also include butterflies!
This is the photo;

and this is my card;

I used a printable from the Internet as a background and added MME papers, seam binding from the Ribbon Girl, a paper flower, cuttlebug butterfly, Papermania brad, Melissa Frances rub on and a label from The Graphics Fairy

TFL!

A Shabby cup o' tea

2011-09-05T20:48:00.006+01:00

This week, I'm really excited to be guest designing for The Shabby Tea Room Debbie and the Shabby Designer Girls create the most beautiful cards and it is fun to be a part of it.

This is one of the Pink and Black photo's to inspire;

and this is my card;

I used Authentique, MME and Basic Grey papers, Authentique letter stickers, May Arts lace, a vintage button, hand stitching and inking.

TFL and don't forget to check out the rest of the Shabby Inspiration over at the Shabby Tea Room

(What'sThe Story) Morning Glory?

2011-09-02T10:00:00.000+01:00

This week's dare at Daring Cardmakers' is a team one;

It's the 2nd day of September and the first dare of the new month so we're looking to the flowers associated with September for our card-making inspiration, they are:
Asters and Morning Glory

and I may have gone off at a tangent with this one but it was the first thing that came into my head when I saw the title of this week's dare;

I used a album cover found on t'internet - printed onto photo paper to make it shiny, a vinyl record and sleeve from fuzzimo, Papermania paper, Lace from The Ribbon Girl, Homemade Washi tape, peg, pearl and twine from stash.

TFL - and don't forget to checkout the rest of the DT's beautiful floral creations here.

Birthday Thursday

2011-09-01T11:30:00.012+01:00

A few male birthday cards today - not my favourite to make :) but men need cards too!

The first is for J's Grandad who is 80 today!

Made with Basic Grey basics, Phoebe and Infuse and a smidgen of Sassafras papers, A Hero Arts digi Stamp and Ribbon Girl gingham ribbon & button twine.

A requested card from Jared for his birthday

"It must have a lion made from paper."

and one for my Dad;

Made using MME and Basic Grey Out of Print, penguin books taken from Dad's extensive collection (with an added touch of Photoshop magic) and Ribbon Girl Baker's Twine.

TFL!

CASE Study Challenge #54

2011-08-30T16:48:00.003+01:00

The Case study for this week is to make a card using your signature style - I normally make rather cluttered cards with hand stitching and inking so I made this;

I used; Basic Grey Sweet Threads and Out of Print papers, Ribbon, Lace, paper flower and Button Twine from The Ribbon Girl, BG button, vintage dress pattern paper, Bazzill rub on, Papermania gems, Prima flower (inked and embossed to make it shiny), Spellbinder dies, inking and hand stitching.

TFL!

Shabby Tea Room #76

2011-08-28T18:46:00.005+01:00

This week's challenge at the Shabby Tea Room is to create a card using the colours green, peach and pink incorporating handmade flowers, this is my card;

I used Basic Grey Out of Print papers, Basic Grey button covered with text printed onto Safmat and tied with thread, A Bicycle from Two Peas, printed sentiment and handmade flowers created from Cuttlebug dies, Promarker coloured Out of Print paper, Dress pattern tissue, spellbinder die cut leaves, and stamens.

Feeling Krafty

2011-08-26T18:12:00.006+01:00

Fran's turn to dare this week at Daring Cardmakers';

This week I'd like you to be...

Feeling Krafty

I'd like you to use 'natural' items on your projects, ie. wood, leaves, kraft card, balsa wood, cork, burlap, rope, natural twine etc. The choice is endless, you just need a bit of imagination!

There is a catch though - you must use 3 natural items not just a bit of kraft card!

This is my Krafty concoction;

I used Kraft card, a Kraft tag, burlap (die cut with a Tim Holtz on the edge die), natural twine, wooden button, cotton thread and cotton lace (from The Ribbon Girl)as my natural items. I also used an ATC from here - I added glitter to the spider's web with Kuretake clear Wink of Stella pen, Gingham ribbon from The Ribbon Girl, Basic Grey Archaic papers and a rose coloured with ProMarkers.

You can see the cards made by the DT here - and they are amazing!

TFL!

An Apple For The Teacher

2011-08-25T10:38:00.009+01:00

Kirsty Neale made some fabulous apple inspired cards in the August edition of Papercraft Inspirations and I thought that I would make some 3D apple cards this year for the boys' teachers;

TFL!

So Kawaii

2011-08-12T13:58:00.004+01:00

It's Friday which means that it's Daring Cardmakers' day and this week it is the super talented Leo daring us;

Hey there it's Leo here with my first dare, eek! But before I tell you about my challenge I'd like to say a big Thank you to everyone who joined in last week and shared their wonderful Gladioli and Poppy cards - what a lovely bouquet we saw!

Now, I love anything kawaii so this week I want you to travel to Japan to get your inspiration and create a card that is

So Kawaii

and here is my kawaii inspired card;

I combined the Kawaii cuteness with Papercrafts current girlfriends challenge to make a best friends forever card.

I used Sassafras Lass papers, Ribbon Girl ribbon, Baker's twine and yummy scrummy pom pom , AC brad, homemade washi tape, Docrafts embossing folder, Spellbinders dies and a little panda handcut and paper pieced together.

TFL and don't forget to check out the rest of the DT's amazing Japanese creations.

Poppies and Gladioli

2011-08-09T13:40:00.006+01:00

Daring Cardmakers' dare is a team one this week;

This week it's the first challenge of the month, so that means we'd like you to use the flowers associated with the month of August as the starting point for your cards. August's flowers are
Poppies and Gladioli

Here's my card;

I used; Cosmo Cricket and MME papers, Image from the internet, Ribbon Girl Seam binding, ribbon and Baker's Twine, MS butterfly punch, Spellbinders dies, Papermania brad, Homemade washi tape

TFL!

And the winner is...

2011-08-08T10:58:00.000+01:00

Blogger Debs M said...

woo hoo fab hop! thanks for the chance to win some candy x

12:28 PM

Congrats Deb!

Ribbon Girl 1st Birthday Blog Hop

2011-08-01T09:00:00.000+01:00

To celebrate The Ribbon Girl's first birthday, Mary and Andrea are hosting a celebratory blog hop - If you reached here from Jane's blog then you are on the right track - if you need to start from the beginning and join in on the blog hop then you need to visit The Ribbon Girl's blog to commence your journey.

Mary and Andrea have been super generous and I have a gorgeous Ribbon Girl Stash filled prize to give away;

Leave a comment on this post before 9pm on August 7th and I will pick a winner on the 8th :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog - next on the hop is Mandy's blog who also has a prize to giveaway

Happy Birthday Ribbon Girl!

Washi Tape DIY style and two DCM cards

2011-07-29T15:42:00.015+01:00

Last week I was mostly making Washi tape - homemade and DIY style;

and then I made lots more;

and;

Which I then used to add to my card for Sharon's brilliant button dare over at Daring Cardmakers';

I also used; An advert from the back of Mollies Makes mag for the background, A button card that I designed for Papercraft Inspirations - You can download it here, October Afternoon letter stickers, Ribbon Girl lace, twine and ribbon, Ikea and Primark flowers and a Bazzill rub on.

I also used some on this card;

Which I made for Lynda's fabulous Wish You Were Here Dare

I used; Echo Paper papers, stickers and borders, A CraftsUPrint image, Bazzill cardstock and flower and peg from stash.

TFL!

Ribbon Girl Challenge #10

2011-07-17T21:12:00.005+01:00

This month's challenge colours at the Ribbon Girl blog are all shades of Aqua.

Mary and Andrea have a gorgeous aqua themed prize;

The challenge will run until July 31st at 10:00 PM (UK time) and one winner will be chosen at random -you can check the details of how to enter and see the amazing aqua creations by the DT here ;)

This was the first card that I made before realising that my use of promarkers to colour the seam binding and flowers had left the card more green than aqua.....

Supplies; Paper - Cosmo Cricket UPcycle, Creative Impressions & super old K & Co, Seam binding from The Ribbon Girl, flowers and pearls from stash, Letter stickers - October Afternoon

So I made this one instead!

Supplies; Paper - The Girls Paperie & Webster's Pages, Seam Binding, lace, pin, twine and button all from The Ribbon Girl, Rub on - Pebbles Inc., Flowers(coloured with promarkers and inked & embossed) from stash.

It's all very Pinteresting!

2011-07-15T19:26:00.005+01:00

Thank you to everyone who voted in Gallery Idol - I didn't make it through to the next round but 15 super talented ladies did and I have had a fun week, and made lots of new crafty friends along the way and I wish all the top 15 the best of luck for the coming rounds :)

and some good news;

My red white and blue sewing card was chosen as the winner for The Shabby Tea Room's #69 challenge - thank you, it is an honour!

and, as it is Friday - it's Daring Cardmaker's day. Nat chose a fantastic dare this week;

Hi everyone - it's Nat here with this week's dare, which will be something a little different!

As the title suggests we're looking to Pinterest for some inspiration!

I am a relatively new convert to Pinterest - I only joined a month or so ago, but it is definitely my favourite place to hang out at the moment and get instant inspiration - plus I can keep track of all the wonderful inspiring pics and cool techniques I've bookmarked over the years in one handy place.

If you don't know what Pinterest is, check out the blurb here for more info.

We want to spread some Pinterest love this week - because the joy of Pinterest is discovering new sources of inspiration!

So the dare this week is to create a card using a "pin" for inspiration.

This is my pin;

Source: citylovedetroit.com via Jo on Pinterest

and this is the card that was inspired by it;

I used; Glitz Design Scarlett papersnad sticker, 7Gypsies papers, October Afternoon stickers, Ribbon Girl lace, doily, press stud and flower from stash.

Don't forget to check out the pins that inspired the DT, and their fantastic cards and have a great weekend!

Just a quick note...

2011-07-13T20:02:00.003+01:00

to say thank you for all the amazing comments and messages regarding Gallery Idol - they are very much appreciated xx

If you haven't voted yet, you can do so here;

or click on the link in my sidebar,

I would love to have your vote :)

and, secondly, a little toot - 2Peas picked my suitcase card as their featured card of the day;

thank you 2 Peas, it is an honour!

Gallery Idol - Round One

2011-07-11T15:19:00.009+01:00

This is it! The cards have gone live and you can now vote in round one.

The theme for this round is Do-It-Yourself embellishments and this is the card that I created, complete with a mini hand crafted book;

(click it to enlarge it)

and some close ups;

The Card base is made from Bazzill and covered with Girl's Paperie paper.
The Handle and corner protectors are made with circular Nestability dies.
The vintage style labels and tags are cut from 7Gypsies paper, stash and downloaded from the internet and some have been tweaked and coloured in Photoshop.
The mini book was made using a Dust Jacket from Wikipedia and an old vintage book that I dissected, I added aging and foxing with Promarkers and Clearsnap ink pads.
The curly cord is made with DMC memory wire and coloured with Promarkers.
The card is hand stitched.

Full supplies; Cardstock- Bazzill, Patterned Paper - The Girl Paperie and 7Gypsies, Images from here, and here, Book Cover from here, Brads- American crafts, Binder Clip - Making Memories, Memory wire - DMC, Yellow fibre - Abakhan, Button Twine - The Ribbon Girl, Ink - Letraset Promakers, Kuretake, and Clearsnap, Dies - Spellbinders Nestabilities, Other - vintage labels and book, needle and thread.

TFL - You can see all of the gorgeous cards that have been made by all the Top 2o finalists and VOTE

HERE!

Cute as a button

2011-07-10T19:52:00.004+01:00

The theme this week over at the Shabby Tea Room is 'Happy 4th July' and the colours red, white, and blue,

and this is my card;

Supplies; Cardstock - Bazzill, Paper - Crafts U Print, The Girl Paperie, Buttons, seam binding, ribbon, cluny lace are all from The Ribbon Girl, Backround images are from Deviant Art and a vintage scanned dress pattern scanned and printed onto Safmat and the Button card is a free download from Papercraft Inspirations.

Pack Your Suitcase

2011-07-09T16:23:00.004+01:00

It's Rein's turn to dare this week;

and my dare is

"SUITCASE"

I'd like you to use a suitcase in any way you like on your card
It could be what you put in your suitcase when you're off travelling, or you could incorporate any sort of suitcase; old, new, shiny or battered into your design.
......"hmmm now then, where is my trolley case......'''.

We had a few issues with the Inlinkz code which prevented lots of people being unable to add their links. So...... we've decided to roll-over our prize draw and include all the cards entered for this week's challenge too!

So for another week, we have a fantastic prize donated by our sponsor online store Crimson Cloud - you can check out the prize and how to enter here

I used

7Gypsies papers and Pink Paislee papers, Ribbon Girl Stitched ribbon, twine and ribbon slide, Velvet ribbon lace from The Makery, vintage labels from t'internet, paper flowers from stash.

TFL and have a fantastic weekend, don't forget to check out the other Suitcase cards, they really are brilliant!

Wow!

2011-07-08T11:27:00.000+01:00

This year, 502 designers submitted 1,671 cards for 20 spots in the final of Papercrafts Gallery Idol - this was the last minute card that I submitted;

and I am totally amazed that my card made it - yay! There are some amazing cards in the audition gallery and I am so thrilled that my card was picked. The other cards in the top 20 are just fantastic - you can see all the beautiful creations here, thank you so much Papercrafts!

Larkspur and Water Lily

2011-07-01T12:33:00.000+01:00

Continuing Daring Cardmakers' Flowers of the month series, we have arrived at July already and the cards this month all feature either a Larkspur or Waterlily. We have a fantastic guest designer this month; Angela, aka Dolly Mixtures and there is a wonderful prize donated by our sponsor: online store Crimson Cloud, to offer one lucky winner this week.

You can see the prize and check how to enter here.

As my botanical kmowledge is lacking, I used trusty google and image of a Larkspur from Wikicommons - If it's on Wiki, it must be correct :D and this is my card;

Supplies; Papers - Cosmo Cricket, Image - Wiki, Ribbon - ATDML, Lace - The Makery, Dies - Spellbinders, Flowers - Hobbycraft, Gems - Papermania, Ink - Promarkers, Clearsnap, Other - Safmat

Don't forget to checkout the rest of the DT's beautiful July flowers here and have a great weekend!

Moxiefab and Lilypad cards

2011-06-29T16:16:00.007+01:00

Two cards today, the first is for Lilypad Cards Inspirational challenge - taking inspiration from Vicky;

I made this Get Well card - for Mary who I hope will be on the mend soon, I used more Safmat to add the sentiment and Letratac to adhere the lace to the butterfly.

Supplies; Paper and Image - CraftsUprint, Lace, ribbon, seam binding - The Ribbon Girl, Flower - John Lewis, Pearls - The Glitterpot, Washi Tape - The Makery, Ink- Promarkers, Clearsnap

and this card is for Cath's Beautiful Borders Challenge in the Moxie Fab World challenge - I used a hanny tape border from The Makery to create the rosette embellishment on a card for Lythan's birthday.

TFL!

New Baby

2011-06-28T21:23:00.002+01:00

This card started out as a card using the colours in the current Papercrafts challenge but I appear to have somewhat sidetrack! Anyway here is the card;

I used; Papers - Cosmo Cricket @ Jessica Sprague, Rub on - Bazzill, Gems - Papermania, Ink - Letraset Promarkers/Clearsnap. Other - Washi Tape from The Makery.

TFL!

My Favourite Things

2011-06-27T14:06:00.007+01:00

Yesterday, on probably the hottest day of the year so far, we ventured over to watch the Battle of Chippenham Civil War reenactment, the action was fab although my heat addled brain may have been helped with a Bob Hale Horrible Histories style voice over!

As well as lots of guns, horses and shouty men, there was also an encampment and nestled amoungst the apothecaries and blacksmiths, there were very talented ladies spinning yarn, including some rather fine linen thread, for sale too at the very cheap (and modern!) price of 30 pence (so I purchased 2 lots :D)

and this is a card that I made using it - as it is my new favourite thing, it fits exactly with this week's Shabby Tea Room Challenge of 'My Favourite Things' - the card also has some of my other favourite things - patterned paper, paper flower, hand stitching, button twine and seam binding - lots to choose from!

Paper/Stickers - October Afternoon, Little Yellow Bicycle

Image - Etsy

Die - Sizzix

Ribbon/Twine/Button/Seam binding - The Ribbon Girl

Flower - Hobbycraft

Rub ons - Doodlebug

Ink - Clearsnap, Letraset Promarkers

Other - Peg

and may I just say a huge thank you to Katie for featuring my cards today - you can browse her brilliant blog here :)

Something Old, Something New

2011-06-24T13:06:00.004+01:00

Lythan's fabulous dare this week at Daring Cardmakers';

This week there is a homage to my (Lythan) sister in laws wedding. Erica and Terry celebrate their marriage in a few weeks time and in honour of that I would like you to interpret the wedding rhyme
"Something old,
something new,
something borrowed
and something blue"
So use some old and new stash and if you can include the borrowed and blue as well that would be awesome. And do tell us what is what as we are nosy like that! (well I am)

Something Old - Hessian upcycled from a chair's bottom :)
Something New - Odds and Ends papers from ATDML
Something Borrowed Needle and Thread - from my Mum (although she may not get them back....)
Something Blue - Cloudy Background from CraftsUPrint

Other Supplies; Cardstock - Bazzill, stash; Papers - OA, 7Gypsies; Dies - Spellbinders, Sizzix; Gems - Papermania; Flowers - Hobbycraft; Font - Arial; Ink - Clearsnap, Letraset Promarkers

You can see all the other gorgeous cards made by the DT here.

TFL!

You Did It!

2011-06-23T18:47:00.000+01:00

I had a lovely day in Bath today - with my Mum ♥ including a trip to The Makery who sell lots of yummy bits and bobs, wool for some yarn stroking and Country Threads for even more crafty shopping...and we had the most delicious lunch out...and...October Afternoon shared my Camping Dad card on their blog yesterday - thrilled!

This card is one of those ones that sits around, unloved and unfinished waiting for inspiration to strike... but it is now completed, and here it is!

Supplies; Patterned Paper - 7Gypsies; Cardstock - Upcycled Prima packaging; Image - CraftsUPrint; Lace, Button Twine, Seam Binding and Zva Crystals are all from The Ribbon Girl;Rub on - Basic Grey; Flower - Ikea; Ink - Clearsnap; Other - hand stitching.

TFL!

Ribbon Girl Challenge Number 9

2011-06-19T19:03:00.005+01:00

This month's challenge colours on The Ribbon Girl blog are;

As usual, Mary and Andrea are being super generous and this is the gorgeous prize on offer this month;

(the winner can choose either a Pink or a Cream Ribbon Girl Special Selection Ribbon Kit plus a £10 LOTV voucher)

and this is my card;

The lace, seam binding, button, looped trim, dew drops and button twine are all from The Ribbon Girl

I also used;
MME Papers, Melissa Frances Rub on, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Hobbycraft rose, CraftsUPrint image, inking and handstitching.

You can find all the details of how to enter and also see the amazing cards by the DT here.

Moxiefab Dad card

2011-06-18T18:59:00.001+01:00

Dad as an avid collector of Penguin books so inspired by this and also this Rainbow Bright Tuesday Trigger from Moxiefab World;

I made this;

I was lucky enough to be sent a sample of Safmat from Letraset and this is how I made the rub on clock face - Safmat is brilliant as it is almost invisible once burnished onto a card and as it is clear, any white on the printed image vanishes leaving the background visible.

Supplies;

Cardstock - Bazzill; Patterned Paper - 7 Gypsies; Penguin books image - Flickr by Hey Mr Glen;
Rub ons - 7 Gypsies; Ribbon - The Ribbon Girl; Seam binding - The Ribbon Girl; Safmat - Letraset;
Ink - Clearsnap; Letter Stickers - American Crafts; Gems - Papermania;
Font - Gracie; Thread - DMC; Other- Clock image from t'internet.

TFL!

Rocking All Over the World

2011-06-17T10:01:00.001+01:00

It was the super creative Kathy's turn to take centre stage at Daring Cardmakers' this week and she chose the following dare;

Rocking All Over the World
This week I'd like you to make a Wobble Card - these are cards which have a curved base so that when you tap them they rock, or wobble from side to side.
Now what you put on your card is up to you, BUT if you're up for a bit more of a challenge, how about adding something of a pun, and giving your card a "rocking" theme too?
Rock and Roll, Rocking Horse, You Rock My World, Whisky on the Rocks, Rocket Man ....ohhh the list is (almost) endless!

As it is Father's day this weekend, I combined this week's dare with a card for J's Dad who is a keen camper;

Supplies;

Card Base - Papermania; Cardstock - Bazzill; Patterned Paper - October Afternoon; Journaling Card - October Afternoon; Stickers - October Afternoon; Ribbon - The Ribbon Girl; Dies - Spellbinders; Ink - Clearsnap; Font - Gracie; Thread - Gutermann; Other - Hessian.

Don't forget to check out the cards that my DCM teamies have made - they are rockin'!

Father Christmas

2011-06-10T10:46:00.003+01:00

This week it was my turn to pick the dare at Daring Cardmakers' ~~and my choice may have prompted a few groans~~ and the team were really excited at my choice of;

Father Christmas

Christmas cards are my favourite type of card to make and although it's only June, it's never too early to get a head start on Christmas stash hehe.

and this is my card;

I used;
Bazzill Kraft cardstock
Image from t'internet
Ribbon Girl Ribbon Seam binding, Button twine and Lace
Vintage pine cones and holly leaves
Spellbinders label die
White and brown ink
Hand stitching

This week we have another lovely prize to give away, kindly donated by the fabulous Crafty Emma's Store
As always the winner will be chosen at random, then as long as our simple rules have been adhered to this fab Echo Park 6x6 paper pad could be winging it's way to you.

The team have, as ever, created an amazing array of cards, including some non-Christmas cards featuring Father Christmas - you can check them out here and also check the rules for the prize draw.

Passion for Fashion

2011-05-27T11:01:00.002+01:00

This week there is big news over at Daring Cardmakers - we have new teamies!

The amazing, talented new Design Team members are;
Fran, Keilly, Leo and Sharon
They all make beautiful fantastic cards and their first creations can be seen this week on the Daring Cardmakers' blog

To celebrate their arrival and also Zuzana's very first turn at dare-setting we have prizes from a brand new sponsor, the fabulous online and "bricks and mortar" craft shop:

Join in this week, make sure you follow the rules, and you may be lucky enough to win one of three stamp sets from Imagine That in our Random Draw

Here are the rules:

1. add links to Imagine That and The Daring Cardmakers

2. link to no more than 5 other challenges.

This week it's the incredibly talented Zuzana setting our dare for my very first time

I would like you to be a fashion designer and create some wow factor dress, shoes, handbags, lingerie . . . whatever you like from fashion.

This is my card;

I used;
Cosmo Cricket Upcycle and 7 Gypsies Lille papers
Ribbon Girl seam binding and button twine
Spellbinders Foliage and label dies
Papermania border die
Tulle, flower, button and gems from stash.

Don't forget to check out all the DT's passion for fashion creations here.

Just Forget The World

2011-05-20T11:51:00.004+01:00

First of all, I need to say a huge thank you to the ladies at the CASE study challenge blog for choosing my card as their winner this week - it is a huge honour!

This week's dare over at Daring Cardmakers' has been chosen by the very talented Samm and is based on a song;

Hi, It's Samm here, and I've set this week's challenge to use the song 'Chasing Cars' by Snow Patrol as the inspiration for your cards.

I toyed with a couple of ideas - one being a medically themed card as I pretty sure that this song was used in Grey's Anatomy but settled on picking a lyric;

I used
Bazzill Kraft cardstock
CraftsUPrint postcard
Graphics Fairy world map image
Ribbon Girl pins, button twine, lace and seam binding
Ikea tape measure
Nestabilities
Hand stitching
Inking
Button, Pearls and Flowers from stash

Don't forget to check out how the other DT members have interpreted this dare - they have made amazing cards!

A Sew Lovely CASE

2011-05-17T12:44:00.003+01:00

This week's muse over at the CASE study challenge blog is the über talented Sarah Martina Parker, I combined my take on her card with the fantastic Sew Lovely challenge at Let's Craft and Create and came up with this;

All the stitching on the card is by hand and I also used a little bit of stitching to create the lace rosette using Cluny Lace from the Ribbon Girl.

I also used;

Basic Grey papers
CraftsUPrint journaling card
Hero Arts Flutterbie
Bazzill rub on
Abakhan flowers
Ribbon Girl pink button twine, gingham and lace
Press studs and a button from stash.

TFL!

Two Card Sunday - Part Two

2011-05-15T20:07:00.003+01:00

My second card today is for The Shabby Tea Room's Ruffled Up Challenge;

and I used
Prima and Crate Paper papers
Bazzill Kraft cardstock
CraftsUPrint journaling card
Docrafts border die
Ribbon Girl Seam Binding - ruffled using ultra sticky tape
Ribbon Girl Wool felt - die cut with nestabilities and spiraled around the flower centre
Primark flower - it used to be attached to a hair clip!
Staples
Inking
Hand stitching.

TFL!

Two Card Sunday - Part One

2011-05-15T19:40:00.005+01:00

I made both these cards with this month's scrumptious Ribbon Girl DT kit - The first is for;

and I used;

Ribbon Girl Ribbon, Pin, Wool Felt, Lace, Button Twine and Button
Bazzill Kraft cardstock
Crate Paper papers
Spellbinders Nestabilities
Sizzix embossing folder
Docrafts border die
Bazzill rub on
Abakhan leaves
Prima gem
Tissue paper
Hand stitching
Inking

Mary and Andrea have a fantastic prize this month;

That consists of beautiful ribbons, lace, felt and embellishments from the Ribbon Girl as well as a £10 voucher from regular sponsors Lili Of The Valley. You can find all the details of how to enter and view the amazing Pink and Lilac DT creations here.

The Darlin' BUGS of May

2011-05-14T13:12:00.000+01:00

Late this week due to naughty blogger with my card for this week's brilliant Daring Cardmakers dare - chosen by the super talented Lynda, it is;

The Darlin' BUGS of May
I'd like to see some BUGS eg ladybirds, bees, spiders, caterpillars, butterflies, dragonflies - it would be lovely to see them taking centre stage on your card or be used as a lovely embellishment but I won't accept them if they're just printed onto your backing papers as that wouldn't be a challenge at all!

and here is my card complete with a buggy font, butterfly, ant and bees.

I used;
Sassafras Lass papers from Sarah's Cards
A journaling card as a backing paper from CraftsUPrint
A Bug's Life font from Dafont
Ribbon Girl pins
Abakhan material
Quickutz ant
Basic Grey bees
Cuttlebug Butterfly
Hand stitching and Inking.

My Daring Cardmaker teamies have created a magnificent display of mini beasts - You can check out all of their cards here

Have a fab weekend!

Flowers For May

2011-05-06T14:48:00.001+01:00

Daring Cardmaker's first dare of each month is given over to celebrate the flowers of the current month - May being traditionally associated with Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn.

I went with Lily of the Valley;

and used;
Graphics Fairy Lily of the Valley
Downloaded postcard
Ribbon Girl seam binding, wool felt and button
Embroidery thread
Melissa Frances rub on
Ikea flowers (coloured with Promarkers)
Hand stitching and inking.

We have a fabulous guest designer this month - Kissina and you can see her card and all beautiful cards made by the design team here.

By Royal Appointment

2011-04-29T10:00:00.001+01:00

***scroll down if you arrived for The Making Spot's virtual Street Party***

The very talented Nat chose a very apt theme this week for Daring Cardmakers;

Yep, in honour of today's right Royal Wedding your challenge is to make a card with...

A royal or patriotic theme to it!

You could choose anything from fairytale princesses to vintage-ware à la all the (sometimes kitschy) memorabilia that has been on offer in various retail outlets throughout the land.

This is my patriotic card;

and I used;
Ribbon Girl ribbon
MME paper
Ikea tape measure
Tattered Angels frame
Abakhan flower
Promarkers
Adhesive gems
and a Union Flag image from t'internet.

Don't forget to check out the fantastic regal cards that the other DCM designers have made here

TFL!

Royal Wedding -The Making Spot -Blog Hop

2011-04-29T08:30:00.006+01:00

There’s a little-known wedding happening in London today. To celebrate, The Making Spot is hosting a ‘virtual street party’ - bringing together some of their favourite craft blogs to share the link love and hold a blog hop on Royal Wedding Day and I am really excited to be taking part!

You should have arrived here from Papercraft Inspiration's blog If you didn’t, you may want to start from the beginning of the hop here to get all the details and be in with the chance of winning a prize!

Here is my card;

I used a background and topper from here
Abakhan and Hobbycraft flowers
and Ribbon Girl seam binding, heart ribbon and button twine.

My letter for you to collect is a

Now 'hop along' to The Savvy Crafter where the very talented Charlie is waiting to greet you on this vitual street party.

TFL and have a fantastic Royal Wedding day!

Back

2011-04-24T21:01:00.013+01:00

As some of you know, my Nan passed away recently - sometimes it is good to step away from blogging and allow batteries to be recharged.

My mojo seems to be slowly returning and after a week in North Wales, I have finally completed some of the half finished cards that have been sitting on my work desk;

This is the card made for the Ribbon Girl's colour challenge number 7
featuring the colours red, white and blue - apparently there is a wedding taking place at the end of this week and this was made with the happy couple in mind;

The card is made with;
Ribbon Girl seam binding, ribbon and lace
CraftsUPrint Union Flag postcard
Echo Park Be Mine printable papers and elements
Prima flowers
Papermania gems
Paper flowers
and a few bits and bobs from stash.

The Ribbon Girls have been amazingly generous (as always) and there is a fantastic red white and blue themed prize on offer - you can check out all the details here

The Ribbon Girls also have a very yummy Baker's Twine giveway too;

- all the details are here

and these are my Daring Cardmaker's cards for the past few weeks;

Flowers of the Month Daisy card;

Lythan's Draw a Bird dare;

and one for Rein's Professionally Speaking dare (for a seamstress);

TFL and Happy Easter!

Get Well

2011-03-28T21:39:00.003+01:00

My LSS closed last month ago as the owners retired so I ventured across town for a jolly to Hobbycraft and they had lots of new things instore *grins*
I made this card using my haul for my Nan who is poorly in hospital using Saturday's Twisted sketch - This week's twist is "Frame"- any how, any way!

- there are two frames, one die cut and another gorgeous printed image from the Graphics Fairy, just in time for Brag Monday

I also used;

MME Stella and Rose and Lost & Found papers
Foam rose
Pearls
Zip
(all from Hobbycraft)
Ribbon Girl yummy ribbon and twill
Melissa Frances rub on
Nestie dies
Vintage dress pattern paper
Inking
Hand stitching

TFL!

One in a Million

2011-03-27T18:47:00.008+01:00

2-0 :)

Today's card is brought to you with the letters B and Q or more precisely, a wallpaper sample from B and Q!

I used the wallpaper as a background and added flowers from Hobbycraft and Abakhan, Nestability circles, Ribbon Girl scrummy lace around the circles, stick pin and seam binding coloured with promarkers, a postage stamp and a Melissa Frances rub on.

This is another card created for the fab challenge 'Cityscapes Are On the Rise Challenge in the Moxie Fab World'

and found this cool prequel on the interweb this weekend;

TFL!

The Book Club

2011-03-25T13:10:00.006Z

The wonderful Kathy chose our dare this week at Daring Cardmakers;

This week it's me (Kathy) setting the dare and I'm inviting you along to
The Book Club
I'd simply like you to take your inspiration from Books - and you can do this any way you wish.
You could make a card in the form of a book, make a background using a page (or scanned page) from a book, use an excerpt from a book on your card as a background or focal piece, or use an actual story/title/book to inspire your card.
If you choose to use a specific book for your inspiration, don't forget to let us know which it was.

I chose the book background option and teamed it with the gorgeous citrus shades of the current Tuesday Trigger at Moxie Fab World;

and made this;

I used;

A vintage receipt book image from the Graphics Fairy mixed with roses from Victorian Vignettes
MME Stella and Rose Hazel "Special" Fine Floret paper
A Hero Arts Digi Butterfly
Tissue Paper
Foam Flower from Hobbycraft
XCut Mavis border die
Nestability Die
Basic Grey rub on
Twine from The Ribbon Girl
Inking
Hand Stitching

My DCM Teamies have made fantastic book inspired cards - you can check them out Here.

TFL

Bingo!

2011-03-23T19:58:00.006Z

The Shabby Tea room challenged everyone to a game of Bingo this week;

use this inspiration board as a starting point for your design, please choose any THREE IN A ROW embellishments to create a card or project

I chose the bottom row of Punches/Die Cuts, Embossing and Ribbon although as it turned out, I could have also called "House" (or should that be "Line"?) for the middle vertical row too with this card;

I used;
A hybrid of a Graphics Fairy rose and Antique Image script image to create backing paper
Ribbon Girl Ribbon, Lace and Twine and stick pins
XCut Mavis (such a cool name) border die to cut and dry emboss
Nestabilities dies to cut net curtain and jute
Kraft and Bazzil cardstock
Printed sentiment - font is Mom's Typewriter from Dafont
Inking and hand stitching

Tfl!

Rejection

2011-03-22T20:21:00.006Z

Amber is hosting fun blog hop sharing the reject cards from Papercrafts latest call.

These are the two that I submitted;

Made with two Digi kits from 2Peas and a scrap of Echo Park for the Hat

and this one which is a complete CASE of my Cityscape card (but I'm sure it's ok to CASE your own cards!)

Made using Echo Park Little Boy and another 2Peas Digi kit for the label

You can see all the other rejections here :)

TFL

Green and Yellow

2011-03-20T19:44:00.009Z

The Ribbon Girls' sixth colour challenge has gone live on their blog today and features the colours green and yellow - just in time for the emergence of Spring, although is has felt rather Springlike here for a few days now.

This is my card;

I used
Echo Park For the Record papers and stickers
Tattered Angel Chipboard
Basic Grey rub on
Ikea tape measure
Fabric and paper flowers
Inking
Hand stitching
and ribbon, buttons and stick pins from The Ribbon Girl.

Andrea and Mary have another marvellous prize on offer of a huge bundle of yummy yellow or gorgeous green products;

and a £10 voucher for Lily of the Valley

You can find all the details of how to join in here and of course see all the creations made by the DT (they are fantastic!)

TFL.

Going Postal!

2011-03-18T16:18:00.004Z

This week is my dare over at Daring Cardmakers and I chose the theme of;

Going Postal!

Postage stamps are an up and coming trend in the crafting world so I thought this week it would be fun to have cards incorporating them! Real (postage) stamps, die cuts, hand cut, rubber stamps or even punched ones. Cards for any occasion but they must have a postage stamp somewhere!

This the card that I made, using a used postage stamp.

I also used;
A postcard from here
Echo Park Be Mine digital papers and embellishments
7 Gypsies rub ons
Vintage net curtain
Vintage sewing pattern
Paper rose from here
pearls
inking
hand stitching

Don't forget to check out the other gorgeous cards that the design team have created here.
TFL.

Butterflies

2011-03-17T17:03:00.003Z

A Butterfly Card;

Made with this kit
Ribbon Girl Seam Binding and Twine
Flowers
Buttons from stash

TFL!

Cityscape

2011-03-15T16:18:00.006Z

Cityscapes Are On the Rise Challenge in the Moxie Fab World is the current challenge hosted by Cath and the Moxie Fab blog and, after finding this rather fine font, I just had to have a go and made this;

I also used
Echo Park Little Boy Papers
Ribbon Girl Striped Twine
A Wild Orchid flower (coloured with a Promarker)
Nestabilities
Hand stiching
Inking

TFL!

On a Birthday Mission

2011-03-14T23:29:00.003Z

A huge THANK YOU to the ladies over at the Shabby Tea Room who chose my green card for an Honorable Mention!

and this was the card that I made for Josh's Birthday;

I used Vinnie Pearce's brilliant Military Kit from 2Peas

Thanks for looking!

Birthday Boy

2011-03-13T18:00:00.014Z

Take one birthday boy waiting for breakfast, a hipstamatic app and a cake;

and not to leave him out,taken in a hotel room on our recent Cardiff trip;

Going Green

2011-03-13T17:11:00.006Z

I hope everyone is having a good weekend! This is a card that I made for the current Shabby Tea room challenge - The Luck of the Irish to design a card or project using GREEN and also for the Wild Orchid Challenge blog's current challenge, Anything Goes.

I used

Echo Park For the Record papers, stickers and borders,
Vintage dress pattern
Ribbon Girl looped ribbon
Prima and Wild Orchid flowers
Sarah's Cards pearls
Basic Grey rub on
Magnolia and Nestability dies
Inking
Hand stitching

Thanks for looking!

Home Baked

2011-03-11T10:20:00.004Z

Vanessa picked a rather awesome dare this week at Daring Cardmakers

You have to create at least one of your own embellishments for your card and thats it, nice and simple!

I love making bits and bobs for cards and made a rainbow for this one;

I used a mix of American Crafts, Basic Grey and October Afternoon papers,Thickers, Papermania pearls, Lace from The Ribbon Girl and a silver pen.

Don't forget to check out the other home baked elements that the rest of the very talented DCM team have made.

Thanks for visiting.

Thinking of You...

2011-03-10T11:12:00.000Z

A sympathy card made with more scrunched tea dyed seam binding from The Ribbon Girl;

Papers are Prima and Image is a digi Hero Arts stamp.

Thanks for visiting!

40

2011-03-09T11:11:00.003Z

A quick card that I made a while back but haven't uploaded yet, made for a 40th wedding Anniversary.

I used Cosmo Cricket papers, Thickers coloured with a Sharpie, Baker's Twine and button and Vinnie Pearce butterflies from 2Peas.

Hope everyone enjoyed their pancakes yesterday, we had our with banana, ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce! Yum.

Jonquils and Daffodils for March

2011-03-04T10:50:00.000Z

As it's the first Friday of the month Daring Cardmakers have returned to the series of Flowers of the Month challenges and have taken inspiration from the flowers associated with the month of March, which are;

the Daffodil and the Jonquil (I had to google that one but found that they are essentially white Daffodils - my knowledge of Botany is sadly lacking, I feel!)

- perfect flowers for reminding us (at least in the Northern Hemisphere) that Spring is just around the corner!

and here is my card;

Made using;
Graphics Fairy Image - messed with in photo shop to add text
A handmade flower created from aida and felt
Papermania adhesive gems and ribbon
and papers from stash.

As it is March, we have a fantastic new Guest Designer at Daring Cardmakers, Zuzana Obert If you haven't seen her blog, you really should check it out as she makes the most fantastic and funky cards.

And don't forget to have a look at the amazing Daffodil and ~~White Daffodil~~ Jonquil cards that the rest of my DCM teamies have created.

TFL!

Sew Special

2011-02-28T21:35:00.005Z

The boys went back (not too) happily to school today after their half term break and I had time to sit down and make this;

It's for the challenge that the very talented Enfys has on her blog to create a card using a stamp or digi image and colour it with Promarkers. I don't have very many ProMarkers but nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say!

I used Moss Y334 Pink Carnation M328 Rose Pink M727 Powder Blue B119 and Ice Grey1 CG08 Promarkers to colour the image.

I also used
Pink Petticoat papers and image
Bazzill Cardstock
Hook (from a hook and eye), press stud and brads from stash
Papermania button
Crocheted flower
Paper flowers from Wild Orchid
Hand Stitching
Inking and a little bit of painting
and Baker's Twine from the Ribbon Girl

TFL!

Birthday Bird

2011-02-27T16:55:00.000Z

I came across the Wild Orchid Challenge blog a couple of days ago and as I love using their flowers, made a card using the sketch for the current challenge;

I used

American Crafts cardstock

The Girl Paperie and Crate Paper papers and stickers

Tim Holtz Sizzix die

Cosmo Cricket letter stickers

Basic Grey button

Papermania Gems

Seam Binding, Twine and Stitched ribbon from The Ribbon Girl

and flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts

TFL!

Steampunk and Pound Shop Challenges

2011-02-25T14:04:00.004Z

This week's Daring Cardmaker's dare has been chosen by the very talented Samm

"POUND SHOP PRETTIES"

This week it's Samm here to set the challenge and I'd like you to search out those pound shops or dollar stores and find new things to add to your stash - then create a card using your new found bargains!! Don't forget to let us know what you've used and then we know what to search for when we're next in 'town'!

This is the card that I made;

I used;

Gems (coloured with ProMarkers),Foam Pads and DST from Poundland

A Peg which came in a pack from the 99p store

Bazzill Kraft cardstock

Pink Petticoat papers

Melissa Frances rub on

Kaisercraft letter stickers

Wild Orchid Crafts flowers

Papermania eyelet and adhesive stones

Spellbinders Nestabilities

Magnolia Doily die

Staples (coloured with a black Sharpie)

Hand stitching

Inking

Lace, Pink Seam Binding and Button Twine from The Ribbon Girl

and I used the the colours of the current Ribbon Girl challenge of brown, pink and cream.

The amazing Rein chose last week's Daring Cardmaker's dare and challenged us all with a Steampunk theme and this was my card;

I Used;

Kaisercraft papers

Bazzill cardstock

Basic Grey rub ons

Handmade zip flower

Vintage button

Hand stitching

Inking

Balloon image from Altered Artifacts

and Baker's Twine from The Ribbon Girl

Click here to see all the Pound stash that the other DT members have found

TFL!

A Pink Brown and Cream Thank You.

2011-02-21T16:39:00.005Z

The latest Ribbon Girl challenge went live yesterday, with another gorgeous coloured theme, this month of pink, brown and cream. Andrea and Mary are offering another very generous prize of their luscious ribbons;

and there is also a gift voucher for Lili of the Valley up for grabs! You can see the all the DT's fantastic cards here and also check out all the details of how to enter.

This is the card that I made;

I used
Echo Park and Crate Paper papers
Basic Grey Writer's Block and chip sticker
Ribbon Girl Ribbon, Twine (crocheted into a flower) and Lace

Pebbles Inc. Rub on

Hand Stitching and Inking

TFL!

Reeling in the Ribbon

2011-02-11T11:21:00.006Z

Over at Daring Cardmakers this week we have been lucky enough to be sponsored by The Ribbon Reel
who have also very genorously offered a prize to giveaway on the blog too;

It was the uber talented Nat's turn to dare this week and she chose a recipe for our cards of;
Two items of ribbon/trim/twine
One or more buttons
At least one heart element

This the card that I made using the yummy package that arrived from the Ribbon Reel;

I also used;

October Afternoon Campfire papers
Flower from Hobbycraft
Melissa Frances rub on
Papermania Ink - to colour the button
ProMarkers - to colour the twine
Kraft cardstock
Spellbinders Nestabilities

You can see all the beautiful creations made by the DT here and also find details of the prize draw.

TFL!

Flowers for February

2011-02-04T10:00:00.000Z

As it is the first Friday in February (where did January go?)It is a team dare over at Daring Cardmakers, featuring February's flowers which are either violets or primroses. The DT have created an amazing array of different styles of both flowers here and we have a fantastic guest designer with the very talented Chrissie joining us this month.

This is my card;

Made using;

Webster's Pages Nature's Storybook papers
Vintage manuscript coloured with ProMarkers
Label from the Graphics Fairy
Papermania brads
and more seam binding (sorry Lythan!) coloured with Promarkers to add graduated shading from The Ribbon Girl.

The Ribbon Girl are having a giveaway of their fantastic seam binding until the 6th, you can check out the details and enter here.

TFL!

Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-02T15:46:00.006Z

The lovely Lynda set the dare this week over at Daring Cardmakers to make a card that was oriental, had a rabbit on it or combined the two.

I made this;

and used;

Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 and K&Co papers
A Graphics Fairy postcard
Pink Petticoat Rabbit coloured with ProMarkers
and yummy seam binding from the Ribbon Girl.

The Ribbon Girl have lots of seam binding in stock here - to create the ruffled effect, I dyed it with tea before scrunching it into a ball and leaving it to dry on the radiator. I then randomnly looped it as I attached it to the card with super sticky tape.

Don't forget you can check out all the other fabulous rabbit and oriental creations by the DCM team here,

TFL!

Grey is the new black!

2011-01-22T14:12:00.000Z

Abandoning black in favour of shades of grey, (should that be fade to grey?!) I made this card for the Gray is the New Black Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

I used;
Bazzill cardstock
BG papers
Ribbon Girl ribbon, button and button twine
Old book papers (edged with a grey ProMarker and rolled into flowers)
Papermania brads
Pebbles Inc. Sentiment rub on

TFL!

It's all about me!

2011-01-21T15:51:00.004Z

This week's DCM dare has been chosen by the very talented Asia;

This week it's Asia here and I would like you to make a card for... yourself! Use your special papers (the ones that you stash away for Queen's birthday and you know you won't use them anyway, because they're too pretty), your favourite stamps and embellishments. Make a card that will stay with you and write inside something that has a meaning to you, that gives you power and energy. Make a card, that you've never got.

I don't seem to have much time to make cards for fun at the moment so this was a brilliant dare - I teamed it with Laura's final sketch over at 2sketches4you. I will be sad to see 2sketches go - Kazan and Laura have been so inspiring and when I have had time have loved to create using their sketches - I thought that it would be fun to join in one last time.

I made this;

using BG Curio papers and chip stickers
Ribbon Girl Baker's twine, seam binding, sticky tape (their tape is so sticky and fab for ruffled ribbon) and button
paper flowers
vintage manuscript
OA rub on
hand stitching and inking.

You can see all the other gorgeous cards that the DCM DT have made here.

TFL!

Ribbon Girl Colour Challenge #4

2011-01-17T11:30:00.005Z

The Ribbon Girls have another wonderful colour challenge on their blog this month, using the colours pink and green.

All the details of how to enter are here and this month there is a prize of yummy Ribbon Girl stash and a bonus of a Lili of the Valley £10 gift voucher to spend in their shop.

These are the two pink and green cards I have made;

Made using;

Basic Grey Curio paper
Doodlebug cardstock
Ribbon Girl ribbon and super sticky DST
Graphics Fairy image
Vintage manucript paper
Hand stitching and inking

Made using;

Free papers from The Scrapbook Mag.
Kraft cardstock
Ribbon Girl Ribbon and Pins
Pebbles Inc. rub on
Paper rose
Hand stitching

TFL!