Saffire's Stamping

Bashful Blue Ink/Cardstock

Regals DSP Stack from Stampin' Up

Bella Bleu DSP Retired from SU

Night of Navy Grosgrain Ribbon Retired from SU

Subtles Buttons from SU (some types retired)

Layerz & Mat Stack 4 Die from PTI

Polka Dot Basics II Impression Plate from PTI

Butterfly Die from PTI

Signature Series: Butterfly Die from PTI

Blank Beer Mat/Coaster

Sitting Marci from La-La Land Crafts

And my next card is for La-La Land Crafts The Great Outdoors Challenge. I don't have any of the outdoor-y type stamps (waiting to see if my local craft store is getting any of the new ones in before I order direct from La-La Land Crafts and have to pay a ton in shipping and customs fees). I dug out my swing stamp from Magnolia and my Sitting Marci fit perfectly, so I stamped her swinging in the bright blue sky and added some little flowers to the tree as well!

Recipe:

Swing in Tree Branch from Magnolia

Signature Series: Butterfly from PTI

Marina Mist Ink/Cardstock

Soft Sky Cardstock/Ink Retired

Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack from SU

Cloud Stencil Kit from Great Impressions

Silver Star Gelly Roll Stardust Pen

Dragonfly Tilda from Magnolia

And that's all from me today folks! Thanks for stopping by!

Tilda and Ian

2012-02-13T16:55:00.000Z

Just a couple of cards using Tilda and Ian that I made this morning.

This first one is for Just Magnolia's Challenge #143 to use pink, lace and pearls and for Totally Tilda's Challenge #40 to use a Tilda wearing a hat. I guess this dragonfly hat counts as one! The circle in the background looked very plain so I added some grass and flowers so it looks like Tilda's running through a field or garden and I love the little scene it has created - gives it more character I think! and for something different I just tied some lace through one of the loops on my nesties!

Recipe:

Daydreamer from PTI

Beautiful Blooms II from PTI

Rose Red Ink/Cardstock

My Mind's Eye Lost & Found 2 Sweet DSP

Pearls from Stash - Mixed Colours

Paper Roses various colours

Marianne Design Vintage Lace from Cuddly Buddly

Lacey Circle Nestabilities

Butterfly Dreams from PTI

And my next card is for The Greeting Farm's Sketch #3, Cupcake Crafts Challenge #179 to use twine and old CC01 to use Green Galore and Gable Green. Not my fave combo, which is why I have put it off for so long, but thought it would work on a boy's card. Whilst I'm not overly keen on the combo, it's not too bad!

Recipe:

And that's all for today folks! Thanks for stopping by!

PTI Princess Challenges

2012-02-13T16:19:00.000Z

I'm slacking on my PTI Princess challenges so did some catching up today.

This first card is for Anna's Challenge to make a border using a non-border die. I decided to use this butterfly die in order to make a card for today Papertrey Anniversary Day 9 challenge as well, which is to use butterflies and leaves. OK strictly speaking I only have 3 leaves added to the stems of the flowers, but they ARE there! I also used old CC147 as well to finish up doing these colour challenges. I have 9 more to go now! I used the free A Big Thank You set that I received in my January order as well - must take a photo of this for my inlinkz list soon!

Recipe:

Certainly Celery Ink/Cardstock

Taken With Teal Ink/Cardstock Retired

Butterfly Die from PTI

Red Gems from Hobbycraft

My other Princess card is for Steph's Challenge to use white and one other colour. I just had to use my new Rosie Posie set again and the luscious Autumn Rose! I used my Copics to add a touch of shading to my roses as well and love how they look. Not sure why the ink is bleeding into the gaps between the petals though as it doesn't seem to be on the actual stamps when I ink them up. Maybe I've inked them too much! I used the other stamp from the free A Big Thank You set as well this time.

Recipe:

Rosie Posie from PTI

Autumn Rose Ink/Cardstock from PTI

Autumn Rose Ribbon from PTI

Layerz & Mat Stack 4 Die from PTI

Autumn Rose Buttons from PTI

And that's all for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by!

Sharing Some Randomness on a Sunday

2012-02-12T21:02:00.000Z

Just a few random cards I made today.

This first one is for F4A103 to use a rainbow - I did a butterfly rainbow using one of my new PTI sets and for Papertake Weekly's Anything Goes Challenge. To give it a bit of dimension, I first stamped on the card and then on the die cuts, attaching them with a mini brad in the centre of each butterfly.

Recipe:

Happy Trails from PTI

Pumpkin Pie Ink/Cardstock

Pacific Point Ink/Cardstock

Concord Crush Ink/Cardstock

Wisteria Wonder Ink/Cardstock

Happy Trails Die from PTI

Brads from stash

Everyday Classics from PTI

My next card is for Card Patterns Sketch Challenge #152, Colour Create's Challenge #89 to use dark brown, light brown and cream or white and for F4A102 to incorporate a joke into your card. I was stuck for ages on this one and the only joke I could think of that I could translate into a card is...

Knock, knock
Who's there?
Justin
Justin who?
Just in time for a cup of tea!

Rubbish joke I know, but it worked!

Recipe:

Holiday Labels No.14 from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

Early Espresso Ink/Cardstock

Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon from SU

Neutrals DSP Stack from SU

Bella Bleu DSP Retired from SU

Word Window Punch from Stampin' Up

Modern Label Punch from SU

Eyelet Border Punch

Neutrals Buttons from SU

Labels 14 Nestabilities

Background Basics: Botanicals from PTI

And my final card for today is not for any challenge, but thought I would share it anyway. My Zumba instructor leaves the dance studio I go to tomorrow to spend a year travelling round the world, so I thought I would make her a quick little goodbye and good luck card, using my little car set and map DSP. (Don't worry though I'm not giving up my Zumba. We have a new instructor from next week)

Recipe:

Enjoy The Ride from PTI

Newsprint DSP Retired from SU

Marci With Rose from La-La land Crafts

And that's all for today folks! Thanks for stopping by.

A Couple of Birthday cards

2012-02-12T20:27:00.000Z

Just a couple of birthday cards I made this morning.

This first one was actually for my mum's birthday, which is today! She loved it as well! This one is for SC371 for the sketch, La-La Land's Easel Card Challenge and CR84FN48 to use chartreuse, lavender and grey. Here's the colour inspiration from CR84FN.

And here's my card for it.

Recipe:

Tag-Its #10 from PTI

Tag-Its #12 from PTI

Simply Chartreuse Ink/Cardstock from PTI

Lavender Moon Cardstock/Ink from PTI

Smokey Shadow ink/cardstock from PTI

Happy Spots Patterned Paper Pack from PTI

Lavender Moon Buttons from PTI

Smokey Shadow Ribbon from PTI

Cane Print Impression Plate from PTI

Limitless Layers: 1 3/4" Circle Collection Dies from PTI

Rustic Cream Button Twine from PTI

Felt from Hobbycraft Various Colours

Die-namics Mini Rolled Roses from MFT

My next card is not for anyone in particular - just a card to add to my huge stash. This is for Friday Mashup's Challenge #45 to use penguins and/or the spotlighting technique. All my penguins are Christmas- type stamps and have now been put away and I couldn't be bothered to get them back out, so I made a punched penguin using the owl punch in the same style as Rita's. This is also for Cupcake Craft Challenge #178 to use red and pink. There is a little bit of black and yellow in there too, but it's mostly pink and red.

Recipe:

Tag-Its #10 from PTI

Pixie Pink Ink/Cardstock Retired from SU

Only Orange Ink/Cardstock Retired from SU

Basic Grey Lemonade Patterned Paper Pack

Owl Builder Punch from SU

Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack from SU

Scallop Edge Border Punch

Ribbon from Stash

Early Espresso Ink/Cardstock

And that's all my birthday cards for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by.

Mini VSN Part 2

2012-02-11T22:06:00.000Z

This is the second post for my entries to this weekend's Mini VSN over on SCS.

Challenge #3 was to use a 3D flower that you had made. I also used the sketch from Mojo Monday Challenge #227 and the colours from Color Throwdown Challenge #178. Here's CTD's inspiration picture - perfect colours for a sunflower!

And here's my card for it.

Recipe:

Half & Half from PTI

Cajun Craze Ink/Cardstock

Summer Sun Ink/Cardstock (Retired)

Regals DSP Stack from Stampin' Up

Pink Flamingo DSP Retired from SU

Early Espresso Satin Ribbon Retired from SU

Flowers Daisies #2 Die from Sizzix

Half & Half Die Collection from PTI

Cane Print Impression Plate from PTI

Baker's Twine from The Ribbon Reel (various colours)

Oval Nestabilities

Dream Big from Verve Stamps

Challenge #4 was to pop up some posies! I also used the sketch from Viva La Verve's Challenge #2 for February and CC361 to use Soft Suede, Poppy Parade and Daffodil Delight.

Recipe:

Sunny Garden DSP Retired from SU

Soft Suede Polka Dot Ribbon (retired)

Sweet Buttons Sizzlits Die from SU

Diamond Stickles

Flower Fusion #11 from PTI

And my final VSN card was for Challenge #5 to be inspired by tulips, either using tulips or the colours of them. I used my uninked Flower Fusion #11 stamp set, which also fit perfectly for A Passion for Papertrey's Stripes Challenge. I also took inspiration from Stampin' Royalty's Challenge #110 - I used the pinks, brown and stripes from the gorgeous photo (I would love to have an outdoor seating areas like the one in the photo!). This is also for Make It Monday's Challenge #52 to use the double stamped die cut technique. Sounds fancy, but basically you needed to stamp on both sides of a die cut. I used another new set - Happy Trails and stamped twice on the back of each butterfly to make them slightly darker than the top.

Recipe:

Happy Trails from PTI

Pink Pirouette Ink/Cardstock

Autumn Rose Ink/Cardstock from PTI

Spring Moss Ink/Cardstock from PTI

Simply Chartreuse Ink/Cardstock from PTI

Happy Trails Die from PTI

Die-namics Fresh Cut Grass from MFT

Spring Baskets from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

And that's all from me today folks! Thanks for stopping by. You can see my other 2 VSN cards here if you want a peek.

Mini VSN Part 1

2012-02-11T20:59:00.000Z

It's the Mini Virtual Stamp Night over on SCS this weekend. I did almost forget it was on! These are my cards for the first 2 challenges.

Challenge #1 was to use a chick or an egg on your card. I combined this one with Waltzing Mouse's Sketch Challenge #84 and Play Date Café's Challenge #118. Here's the colour inspiration for Play Date Café. This was such a gorgeous combo and worked so well for an Easter card. (Bit early for Easter really, but might as well make a start on all those cards I need!).

And here's my card for it.

Recipe:

Pacific Point Ink/Cardstock

Cheerful Treat DSP from SU

Sunny Garden DSP Retired from SU

Daffodil Delight Satin Ribbon Retired from SU

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch from Stampin' Up

Fancy Flourishes from PTI

Challenge #2 was to use flourishes. I just had to use my new Fancy Flourishes dies which arrive in my PTI goodie box this week along with this gorgeous Rosie Posie set. At first I wasn't overly fussed by this set - it is just another flower set and I have tons of those, but after seeing so many beautiful cards all around the blogging world, I just had to succumb to its pulling power and I am SO glad I did - it's just fab! I also used the colours from ColourQ's Challenge #123 and here is their colour inspiration picture.

And here's my card for it.

Recipe:

Rosie Posie from PTI

Think Big Favorites #12 from PTI

Background Basics: Chevron Stripes from PTI

Regal Rose Ink/Cardstock

Peach Parfait Ink/Cardstock

Rosie Posie Dies from PTI

Fancy Flourishes Die Collection from PTI

Layerz & Mat Stack #4 Die from PTI

Cane Print Impression Plate from PTI

Fancy Flourishes from PTI

And that's all for this post folks! The rest of my Mini VSN cards can be found here if you want a quick peek.

Sharing on a Sunday

2012-02-05T16:36:00.000Z

Just a couple more cards I made today...

This first one is for Card Patterns Sketch Challenge #151, Play Date Café's Challenge #117 and Papertrey Ink's Day 1 Challenge for their 5th anniversary! You had to pick one of the DT's favourite projects (I actually picked a favourite product instead - Fancy Flourishes nominated by Lisa Johnson, as that's one of my fave stamp sets too), but I guess this one could have been influenced by Danielle Flanders pastel coloured creations as well! Here's the colour swatch for Play Date Café.

And here's my card for it. Quite a CAS card for me, but I totally love it! The colours are so soft and I like the touch of ink distressing too. Just wish I had pierced the top before I glued it down! Nevermind!

Recipe:

Flower Fusion #6 from PTI

Little Labels from PTI

Spring Rain Ink/Cardstock from PTI

Lavender Moon Cardstock/Ink from PTI

Tea Dye Duo from PTI

Bashful Blue Ink/Cardstock

Lavender Moon Ribbon from PTI

Jar Labels 2 Die from PTI

Flower Fusion #6 Die from PTI

Corner Rounder Punch from SU

Blue Gems from Papermania

Roll Call Kit from The Greeting Farm

My next card is for The Greeting Farm's Sketch #2. I have a huge stash of 12x12 papers all over the place and thought I would use some up that I bought just before Christmas. These one are a fab colour combo!

Recipe:

Bermuda Bay Ink/Cardstock Retired from SU

Bermuda Bay Polka Dot Ribbon Retired from SU

Black Market Paper Society Lucky 'N Love Collection Patterned Papers

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch from Stampin' Up

Dainty Doilies - Large from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

And that's all from me today folks! Thanks for stopping by.

Circles in Squares

2012-02-05T15:05:00.000Z

Just a couple of sketches challenges I did today. This first one is for Waltzing Mouse's Sketch Challenge #83 and old CC64A to use Chocolate Chip and Cameo Coral. Cameo Coral is not one of my fave colours at all, but it looks lovely paired with Chocolate and Vanilla, don't you think?!

Recipe:

Say It With Style from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

Cameo Coral Cardstock/Ink Retired

Raspberry Tart DSP Retired from SU

Hearts Embossing Folder from Crafts Too

Big Scalloped Circle Nestabilities

Pearls from Stash - Mixed Colours

Ribbon from Stash

Heard From The Heart from SU

My other card is for Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #151 and Just Add Ink's Challenge #103 to use red and white. I did have to add a touch of brown to add a little more of the vintage look to the paper when I cut it!

Recipe:

Fresh Vintage from SU

Poppy Parade Ribbon from SU

Neutrals Buttons from SU

Big Scalloped Circle Nestabilities

Sprinkled Expressions from SU

And that's all for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by.

More pink cards...

2012-02-04T18:03:00.000Z

I just love my pinks, so here's a little batch of pink cards to add to my stash!

This first one is for Color Throwdown's Challenge #177 to use Melon Mambo, Black and White - what a fab combo!!! I also used Sketch Challenge #64 from Papertake Weekly, Cute Card Thursday's Challenge #202 to use buttons and bows and this is also for Cupcake Craft Challenge #177 to recycle something. The small buttons on my sentiment panel were actually spares that came with a new top I bought a while ago and were the perfect colour for this challenge! I have developed a thing for heat embossing at the minute. When I first discovered this technique years ago in my early days of stamping and card making I did it all the time. Then I got bored of using it and went on to others things as you do and now I have rediscovered it and love it again!

Recipe:

Happiest Birthday Wishes from SU

Confetti White Cardstock

Razzleberry Lemonade DSP Retired from SU

Versamark

Night & Day DSP from SU

Melon Mambo Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon from Stampin' Up Retired

Baker's Twine from The Ribbon Reel (various colours)

White Embossing Powder from SU

My next card is for Friday Mashup's Challenge #44 to use the inspiration photo and/or Cherry Cobbler, Regal Rose and Whisper White, Stampin' Royalty's Challenge #109 Love/Valentines and for Viva la Verve's Sketch #1 for February. I don't normally make long cards like this one, but I actually enjoyed working on a slightly larger canvas - gave a different feel to it. Took me ages to decide on the hearts at the side though - I punched and die cuts loads out and couldn't decide how to arrange them.

Recipe:

Friendship Jar Spring Fillers from PTI

Regal Rose Ink/Cardstock

Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon from SU

Small Heart Punch from SU

Heart Circles Nestabilities

Marianne Design Vintage Lace from Cuddly Buddly

Beautiful Blooms II from PTI

And my final card for today is for Make It Monday Challenge #51 to create a dimensional sentiment banner and for ColourQ's Challenge #122. Here's the ColourQ swatch - gorgeous combo! Rather than doing the same old stamping on white, I thought I would stamp on the Kraft cardstock instead and I love how the colours are slightly muted!

And here's my card.

Recipe:

Sending You from PTI

Polka Dot Basics II from PTI

Hibiscus Burst Cardstock/Ink from PTI

Regal Rose Ink/Cardstock

Kraft Cardstock from PTI

Red Pearls from Hobbycraft

Elementary Elegance from SU

And that's all for today folks! Thanks for stopping by!

SUO Cards

2012-02-04T17:13:00.002Z

Just a couple of Stampin Up only cards that I made today. This first one is for Mojo Monday #226 for the sketch, Way To Use It Challenge #360 to use repetition and CC360 to use Whisper White, Indigo Island and Pool Party. This is one of the new fab Sale-A-Bration sets that you can choose for free when you spend £45 in either the main or mini catalogue and it really is a gorgeous set. Love the background with those flower medallions and the touch of tea dye ink, just to add a bit of a vintage type feel to it too.

Recipe:

Fresh Vintage from SU

Island Indigo Ink/Cardstock

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch from Stampin' Up

Tea Dye Duo from PTI

Pearls from SU

Happiest Birthday Wishes from SU

My other card is for my very good friend's birthday, which we are celebrating next Friday, a few days early, but as it's her 40th, her hubbie is whisking her away for a surprise holiday during the half term break, when her birthday actually is. (I know she doesn't read my blog, so she won't find anything out here!) I'm also making her a bag using the Spice Cake fabric to go with this card as well. I love this paper and fabric for the mini catalogue and think I might need some more to make myself a bag after making Asha's! I used the sketch from SC370 for this one.

Recipe:

More Mustard Ink/Cardstock

Pear Pizzazz Ribbon from SU

Spice Cake DSP from SU

Lace Ribbon Border Punch from Stampin' Up

Antique Brads from Stampin' Up

Spice Cake Fabric from SU

Fun Flowers Sizzix Bigz L Die from SU

And that's all for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by.

Sharing on Sunday

2012-01-29T16:47:00.001Z

Just the last couple of cards for this weekend. I must try and find some time during the week to do a bit of crafting but I'm usually so shattered after a day teaching that I have no energy to do anything but read or play the computer!

Anyway this first card is for Card Patterns Sketch #150. I did move the ribbon as it didn't work where it was supposed to be! It is also for Make It Monday's Challenge #50 to make a shaker card and Free For All #101 to use chocolate and kraft somewhere on your card. I just had to add some pink and vanilla well though!

Recipe:

Sweet As Can Be from PTI

Chocolate Chip DSP Retired from SU

Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon from SU

Rickrack Border Die from PTI

Sweet As Can Be Die from PTI

Square Nestabilities

Heart Gems from Papercellar

Roll Call Kit from The Greeting Farm

And my final card for today is for The Greeting Farm's Sketch Challenge #1 and old CC35 to use Old Olive, creamy Caramel and Close To Cocoa. I don't have any Creamy Caramel cardstock left, but I do still have the ink so I just inked up some Whisper White instead - almost looks like the real thing!

Recipe:

Asian Fusion from PTI

Creamy Caramel Ink/Cardstock (retired)

Old Olive DSP Retired from SU

Close to Cocoa DSP Retired from SU

Earth Elements Buttons from Stampin' Up Retired

Curly Cute from Stampin' Up

And that's all for today folks! Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday's Stamped Backgrounds

2012-01-29T16:11:00.000Z

Just a couple of cards I made today with stamped backgrounds, as opposed to using some of my huge hoard of patterned papers!

This first one is for Viva La Verve's Sketch #4 for January - a CAS sketch which I turned into a non CAS card! You know I do don't CAS! This one is also for SUO Challenge #37 to use your favourites from the Stampin' Up mini catalogue or main catalogue. My mini goodies will be arriving here tomorrow, but I did get a couple of freebie sets a little while ago for participating in different events and this one is a cute set called Charming. I used the flowery circle and tulip type flower to make some background paper and although the tulips are not quite right, I do love how it came out. I also used the colours from CR84FN47 to use red, pink and light blue. Here's their colour swatch...

And here's my card for it.

Recipe:

Charming from SU

Baja Breeze Ink/Cardstock

Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon from SU

Stampin' Up Rhinestones

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch from Stampin' Up

Spring Baskets from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

And my next card is for Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge #82 and Stampin' Royalty's Challenge #108 to be inspired by the photo below. I used the colours yellow, blue, green and cream from the photo and the idea of flowers, although the flowers aren't the same type, but nevermind. I'm sure you can see the inspiration in there! Anyway here's the inspiration photo...

And here's my card for it...

Recipe:

Say It Loud from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

Marina Mist Ink/Cardstock

Daffodil Delight Satin Ribbon Retired from SU

Filigree Border Die from PTI

Sweetheart Marci from La-La Land Crafts

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by!

Marci and Tilda

2012-01-28T19:27:00.000Z

Just a couple more cards I made today using two of my new stamps that I picked up from my local craft shop yesterday.

This first one is for Friday Mashup's Challenge #43 for the sketch and for something new - my stamp and heart border punch are both new, for La-La Land Crafts Challenge Love is in the Air, for Cupcake Crafts Challenge #176 All You Need is Love, Color Throwdown's Challenge #176 to use Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, Pool Party and Crumb Cake and for Papertake Weekly's Challenge to highlight part of your image. I added 3D gloss to Marci's hair bobbles and glitter to the heart garland.

Recipe:

Sign Language from PTI

Rose Red Ink/Cardstock

Patterns Pack Hostess DSP Retired

Rose Red Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (retired) from SU

Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon from SU

White Embossing Powder from SU

Lace Heart Border Punch from Martha Stewart

Diamond Stickles

Anita's 3-D Clear Gloss Finish

Running Tilda from Magnolia

And my last card for today is for Just Magnolia's Challenge #141 for the sketch and for Play Date Café's Challenge #116 to use plum, pear and moldy cheese! Love that for a colour name! I used Blue Bayou for my moldy cheese colour and this combo was gorgeous!

Here's the colour story for Play Date Café.

And here's my card for it.

Recipe:

Flower Fusion #1 from PTI

Blue Bayou Ink/Cardstock Retired from SU

Soft Sky Cardstock/Ink Retired

Blue Bayou DSP Retired from SU

Perfect Plum DSP Retired from SU

Blue Bayou Ribbon Retired from SU

Paper Roses various colours

ShabbyChic Flower Lilac Tulle from Magnolia

Botanical Silhouettes from PTI

And that's all for today folks! Thanks for stopping by!

A couple of red cards!

2012-01-28T17:44:00.000Z

Just a couple of red cards I made today with a bit of red on them!

This first one is for Mojo Monday Challenge #225 for the sketch, CC359 to use Basic Black, Poppy Parade and Lucky Limeade and for Cute Card Thursday's Challenge #201 to use gems. I just had to pull out my Botanical Silhouettes and make some poppies for this colour challenge and love how this one came out. This sketch is fab!

Recipe:

Damask Designs from PTI

Lucky Limeade Ink/Cardstock

In Colors 2010 Hostess Patterned Paper Pack

In Color 2011-13 DSP Stack from SU

Poppy Parade Ribbon from SU

Black Pearls from Hobbycraft

Bitty Background Blocks from PTI

My next card is for SC369 for the sketch, ColourQ's Challenge #121 to use Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, More Mustard, Kraft and White and for A Passion for Papertrey's Inspired by a Book Challenge. I really struggled with this one. The sketch wouldn't work for me; I'm not 100% sure of the colours - I think it's the Crumb Cake to be honest and normally that's a colour I love to work with.

I totally LOVE reading! I read 107 books last year and intend on reading at least another 100 this year - I've read 8 so far! I keep track of all my books on Goodreads.com and my kindle has over 600 books on it now! I mostly read Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, but NOT that Twishite series! I prefer PROPER vampires, who want to suck your blood and drain you dry, not sparkle in the daytime or play baseball in a storm! However, I didn't want to make a Hallowe'en card, which would have been the easiest way to carry over my fave genre of books into my card making. So instead I made a general card with a removable bookmark instead.

Not happy with it, but here it is for now!

Recipe:

All Booked Up from PTI

More Mustard Ink/Cardstock

Old Olive DSP Retired from SU

Lace Ribbon Border Punch from Stampin' Up

Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Retired from SU

Layerz & Mat Stack 3 Die from PTI

Dew Drops/Zoomz in Various Colours

Victoria Embossing Folder from Cuttlebug

And that's all for this post folks. Thanks for stopping by!

Papertrey Ink's January Blog Hop 2012

2012-01-25T19:25:00.001Z

This is the first Papertrey Ink Blog Hop of the year and Nicole has a fab challenge for us all.

This month, in honor of the New Year, we are challenging you to pick your favorite project from 2011 and share it with all of us. To take it a step further, you are challenged to create a second card that is inspired by the favorite project you select. Your new version of an old favorite could carry over the color scheme, the layout or the stamp sets. We look forward to seeing your best creations from 2011, as well as your first projects from 2012!

I made this card for one of my Christmas cards and loved how it came out and as soon as I read the blog hop write up I just knew I had to pick this card to recreate!

I did a birthday one using the colours from CC358 to use Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette and Rose Red. I won't list all the stamp sets I used for the birthday sentiments, but I think there was about 12 different sets altogether! I embossed over the sentiments panel with the daisies pattern folder from Cuttlebug and added a little pink present from Make A Wish on the side.

And then I did a thank you one as well, using my fave new colour combo - Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores and Smokey Shadow. I just loved these colours together and the felt flower on the side is just so cute!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy all the other blog hop cards. I know I will!

Sharing on Sunday

2012-01-22T17:24:00.000Z

Just a quick trio of cards I made this morning. This first one is for Card Patterns Sketch Challenge #149 and Color Throwdown's Challenge #175 to use ivory, kraft, olive and red. Such a great combo for flowers and leaves! I used my new A Big Thank You set which I got free in my January order from Papertrey Ink and it is really is a gorgeous set - shame I can't find a decent picture on the internet of it, so I'll have to take a photo of the full set sometime to add to my inlinkz list.

Recipe:

Harvest Berries from PTI

Victorian Lace Border Die from PTI

Marianne D Creatables English Rose Dies

Spring Baskets from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

My next card is for Waltzing Mouse's Sketch Challenge #81 and Stampin' Royalty's Challenge #107 to use Lucky Limeade, tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie and Crumb Cake. This was the set I picked as my winning set from Waltzing Mouse last week and it is such a gorgeous set, perfect for Easter and Mother's Day, but also for little baskets of flowers too. My SU DSP collection is getting a bit out of control now, so I am now going on a mission to use loads of it up. I think next weekend I'll make a few box sets of cards with matching DSP to have as gifts on hand just to use some up!

Recipe:

Say It With Style from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

Lucky Limeade Ink/Cardstock

Tempting Turquoise Ink/Cardstock

Island Oasis DSP Retired from SU

Sweet & Sour DSP Retired from SU

Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon from SU

Embroidery Thread from stash in various colours

Darling Marci from La-La Land Crafts

And my final card for this weekend is for Mojo Monday Challenge #224 for the sketch and La-La Land Crafts Favourite Things Challenge. I guess you probably all know by now that my fave colour ever is pink (closely followed by black!) and one of my fave combos is pink, brown and white and I also love dots, so this card has lots of faves on it!

Recipe:

Say It With Style from PTI

Pink Pirouette Ink/Cardstock

Girly Polka Dots Papers from Wild Rose Studio

Soft Suede Polka Dot Ribbon (retired)

Pink Pirouette Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Retired from SU

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch from Stampin' Up

Cinnamon Stickles

And that's all from me for this weekend folks! Thanks for stopping by!

Pretty Pinks

2012-01-21T18:43:00.000Z

Just a couple of pinky cards I made today! This first one is for Friday Mash Up's Challenge #42 to use paper piercing and Blushing Bride, Riding Hood Red and Early Espresso (gorgeous colour combo, Rita!), Papertake Weekly's Challenge to use one or some buttons, bows, bling and blooms (I only didn't get the blooms in), Viva La Verve's Sketch #3 for January, Free For All Challenge #100 to have at least 2 hearts and finally for PTI Princess Elena's Challenge to create your own background paper. All my DSP was created using stamps and that's what I love about PTI - you can create the most gorgeous background papers in any colour you have!

Recipe:

Love & Marriage from PTI

Fillable Frames #11 from PTI

Blushing Bride Ink/Cardstock

Early Espresso Ink/Cardstock

Pretty In Pink Taffeta Ribbon Retired from SU

Double Ended Banner Die from PTI

Dark Chocolate Buttons from PTI

Baker's Twine from The Ribbon Reel (various colours)

Red Heart Pearls from Hobbycraft

Patsy from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps

And my next pink card is for Cute Card Thursday's Challenge #200 to use something related to music and dance. I ummed and arred over these stamps for ages and couldn't really think of an occasion for which I would use them, but eventually I gave in and I am so glad I did! I love how cute this one turned out to be! I did use Just Add Ink's Challenge #101 for the sketch, although the images are so big that the middle panel is kind of lost, but I hope you can still see it there underneath Patsy and her jukebox! I also used Colour Create's Challenge #88 to use pink and green as well.

Recipe:

Jukebox from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps

Background Basics: Sheet Music from PTI

Square Nestabilities

And that's all for today folks! Thanks for stopping by.

Fly Away Daydreamer

2012-01-21T18:04:00.000Z

Silly title I know but that's the names of the stamp sets I used!

My Fly Away card is for SC368 for the sketch, which I virtually stuck to. I did move the sentiment so I could put my airplane there instead. this is also for Play Date Café's Challenge #115 to use slate, moss, bark and burlap. I have no idea at all what colour burlap really is supposed to be, but I translated these colours into the SU colours of Sahara Sand, Mellow Moss, Soft Suede and Crumb Cake - perfect for a man's card, so I got my dad's birthday card made early! Here's the colour story from Play Date Café. I had this dying urge to use my new Argyle set from PTI and love the look you get (still reminds me of socks though!)

And here's my card for it.

Recipe:

Fly Away from PTI

A Little Argyle from PTI

Sahara Sand Ink/Cardstock

Mellow Moss Ink/Cardstock Retired

Neutrals DSP Stack from SU

Fly Away Die from PTI

Mat Stack 1 Collection from PTI

My Daydreamer card is for Make It Monday Challenge #49 to use the ghost masking technique, ColourQ's Challenge #120 to use Bravo Burgundy, Rich Razzleberry, Wisteria Wonder, Island Indigo and white and for Ways To Use It Challenge #358 to use sewing either real or faux. I pulled out my huge stash of embroidery threads and found one that virtually matching the Wisteria Wonder and hand stitched round the edge. I kept quite close to Betsy's card for this one as it was a technique I have never used before and I love how it really looks like the sentiment panel is over the top of the flowers rather than being all part of the same piece of card. Anyway, this is the colour story for ColourQ's challenge.

And here's my card for it.

Recipe:

Daydreamer from PTI

Bravo Burgundy Ink/Cardstock

Rich Razzleberry Ink/Cardstock

Island Indigo Ink/Cardstock

Wisteria Wonder Ink/Cardstock

In Color 2011-13 DSP Stack from SU

Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Ribbon Retired from SU

Embroidery Thread from stash in various colours

Layerz & Mat Stack 1 Die from PTI

Medium Scalloped Border Die from PTI

Linen & Canvas Impression Plate from PTI

Fruit Fusion Pear from PTI

And that's all for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by.

Sharing a couple more this Sunday again

2012-01-15T16:10:00.000Z

Just a couple of other cards I made this weekend.

This first one is for my boyfriend for our anniversary today! We've been together 15 years - can't quite believe it some days! The sentiment is just to remind him that we're still going strong, even though a few of his friends have recently split up from their wives in the last couple of months! It does make you wonder sometimes when others split up, but I can tell we're going to be together forever - soppy I know! Anyway on to the actual card! This is for Card Patterns Sketch #148 for the sketch (on time this week!), Colour Create Challenge #87 to use sage, red and cream and for Cute Card Thursday's Challenge #199 to make a humorous card (hope this counts as humorous!).

Recipe:

Sage Shadow Ink/Cardstock Retired

Scallop Edge Border Punch

Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Retired from SU

Limitless Layers: 1 3/4" Circle Collection Dies from PTI

Fruit Fusion Pear Die from PTI

Doily Details Collection Dies from PTI

And my final card for today is for SUO Challenge #36 to use a technique that is either new or one you don't use very often. I love the look of these twisted easel cards, but never think about making them, so I thought I would try to use up some old DSP and do a bit of paper quilting as well while I was at it!

Recipe:

Rose Red Ink/Cardstock

Springtime Vintage DSP Retired from SU

Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon from SU

Springtime Vintage Buttons Retired from SU

Beautiful Wings Embosslit from Stampin' Up

Flowers Daisies #2 Die from Sizzix

Sizzix Top Note Die from Stampin Up

Eyelet Border Punch

Stitches and Swirls from PTI

And that's all for today folks! Thanks for stopping by!

A few birthday cards

2012-01-15T15:27:00.000Z

Just a few birthday cards for my stash that I made today...

This first one is for Play Date Café's Challenge #114 to use plum, burgundy and gold and for SC367 for the sketch. Now I don't like Bravo Burgundy at all unless it's with pink and gold is not a colour of choice either so I thought this was going to turn out awful, but I really love all the embossing on this one and how elegant it looks! Here's the colour swatch from Play date Café.

And here's my card for it.

Recipe:

Happy Day from PTI

Bravo Burgundy Ink/Cardstock

Perfect Plum Ink/Cardstock

Gold Pearlescent Card from Stash

Versamark

Gold Embossing Powder from SU

Filigree Border Die from PTI

Happy Day Die from PTI

Brads from stash

Frame It from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

My next card is for Waltzing Mouse's Sketch Challenge #80 (I won the free stamp set again this week - yay! This time I chose Spring Baskets for my Easter cards!) and for CR84FN46 to use light pink, yellow and neutrals. I pulled out my old retired Spring Fling DSP for another card on my next post and ended up using it on 3 cards this morning - such pretty colours though! Here's the colour swatch from CR84FN.

And here's my card for it.

Recipe:

Fancy Phrases from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

So Saffron Ink/Cardstock

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch from Stampin' Up

Pretty in Pink Scallop Dots Ribbon from Stampin' Up

Princess Anya from The Greeting Farm

And my final birthday card for this post is for Farm Fresh Friday's Friday Spyday Challenge #15 (I used the sketch as a starting point, but did miss a layer out as my image was too big to include it and still see it!), Just Add Ink's Challenge #100 to use crowns (I made my own patterned paper using the crown from Artistic Etchings) and for Papertake Weekly's Challenge to use die cuts and make it cute!

Recipe:

Just The Ticket from PTI

Artistic Etchings from Stampin' Up

Make A Wish from PTI

Perfect Plum Ink/Cardstock

Pretty in Pink Scallop Dots Ribbon from Stampin' Up

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch from Stampin' Up

Just The Ticket Border Die from PTI

Diamond Stickles

Blushing Bride Ink/Cardstock

And that's all for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by!

A few new goodies

2012-01-14T20:45:00.001Z

Just a few cards I made today using some of my new stuff!

My first card is for a huge amount of challenges!!! CC357 to use Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze and Riding Hood Red, F4A99 to use something both warm and cold on a valentine's card (the colour combo included cold and warm colours so I just used that!), A Passion For Papertrey's Valentine's Challenge, Card Patterns Sketch #147 (but I'm a day late for that one!) and Make It Monday's Challenge #48 to use border dies to make a background. My new PTI goodies arrived on Monday and this new border die and stamp set were among the stash! I didn't have any cotton thread in the same kind of blue as Baja so had to hand stitch the borders using my DMC Floss instead and boy did it take forever!

Recipe:

Love & Marriage from PTI

Tag-Its #11 from PTI

Baja Breeze Ink/Cardstock

Elegant Soiree DSP from Stampin' Up Retired

Heart Border Die from PTI

Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon from SU

Embroidery Thread from stash in various colours

Flower Fusion #11 from PTI

My next card is for Color Throwdown's Challenge #174 to use Soft Sky, Daffodil Delight, River Rock and Soft Suede, Cupcake Challenge #174 to use something new (my stamp sets were both new in my PTI box this week!) and for Viva La Verve's Sketch #2 for January.

Recipe:

Tree Tops from PTI

Soft Sky Cardstock/Ink Retired

Soft Sky DSP Retired from SU

River Rock DSP Retired from SU

Daffodil Delight Satin Ribbon Retired from SU

Beaded Oval Nestabilities

Paper Roses various colours

Delicate Doilies from Stampin' Up

And my final card for today is for ColourQ's Challenge #119, Stampin' Royalty's Challenge #106 to use fabric, Friday MashUp's Challenge #41 to make a thank you card using patterned paper and Mojo Monday #223 for the sketch. I can't quite decide on this card. Sometimes I look at it and I think it's ok and other times I don't like it at all. I wanted to use my doilies stamps with the matching paper and fabric, but it just didn't quite work as I wanted. I may have another go at doing this colour challenge again, because I love these colours together , using something different instead (I did have to swap Going Gray for Basic Gray though as I have no GG left at all!). There's nothing exactly new on this card, but I haven't used my fabric on a card before or my hat pins, despite having them both for ages!

Here's the colour swatch for ColourQ's Challenge.

And here's my card for it.

Recipe:

Elegant Thank You from SU

For Everything from SU

Half & Half

Pumpkin Pie Ink/Cardstock

Flirtatious Speciality DSP From Stampin' Up

Stampin Up Write Markers

Flirtatious Fabric from SU

Limitless Layers: 1 3/4" Circle Collection Dies from PTI

Half & Half Die Collection from PTI

Hat Pins from stash in various colours

Light Pink Gemstones from Hobbycraft

Hot Pink Gems from stash

Say It Loud from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

And that's all from me today folks! Thanks for stopping by!

Last cards of this week!

2012-01-08T00:01:00.000Z

Didn't realise how many cards I had actually made this week, but this is finally the last post for them all! This first card is for Waltzing Mouse's Sketch Challenge #79, Play Date Café's Challenge #113 to use juniper, mint and vanilla and Free For All Challenge #98 to follow the recipe of a 3D Flower, A gem or gems (rhinestone, pearl, etc.), Embossing Folder, Diecut/Punch and Designer/Patterned Paper. I used my Nouveau Chic DSP for this one and have no idea how I missed this gorgeous mottled effect paper. I thought I would really like this DSP pack when it came out a couple of years ago, but didn't like it as much as I thought I would, so I still have most of it left, including 2 full sheets of this one, but it just look so pretty on this card!

Anyway here's Play Date Cafe's swatch...

And here's my card...

Recipe:

Baja Breeze Ink/Cardstock

Sage Shadow Ink/Cardstock Retired

Nouveau Chic DSP Retired from SU

Fun Flowers Sizzix Bigz L Die from SU

Little Leaves Sizzlits Die from SU

Chantilly Lace from Stampin' Up

Flower Designer Brads from SU

Clear Gems from stash

Victorian Fleur Embossing Folder from Papermania

Swiss Dots Embossing Folder from Cuttlebug

Lucky Limeade Ink/Cardstock

And my final card for today is for SC366 for the sketch, CC356 to use Lucky Limeade, Indigo Island and Basic Gray and for Make It Monday Challenge #47 to catch up and do one of the old Make It Monday challenges that you may have missed. I didn't do Challenge #36 to use faux watercolouring so that's what I did!

Recipe:

All About You from PTI

Island Indigo Ink/Cardstock

2011â��2013 In Color DSP Stack from SU

Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon from SU

Wings Embossing Folder from Craft Concepts

And that's all for today folks! Thanks for stopping by!

Verve Sketches

2012-01-07T23:28:00.000Z

I love doing both the Mojo Monday sketch and Viva La Verve sketch, both hosted by Verve Stamps as they usually have lots of layers and as you all know I LOVE my layers!

This first card is for Viva La Verve's Challenge #1 for January and ColourQ's Challenge #118. This was such a fun combo and a really good excuse to use up some old DSP too. Cameo Coral was one of those funny colours where I would like it paired with certain colours, but with others I would hate it. However, I do like it with these ones!

Here's ColourQ's swatch... (I absolutely love that bag in the picture and have added it to my birthday wishlist, which is not for another 7 months, but it will give me time to save up for it!)

And here's my card...

Recipe:

Great Friend from Verve

Raspberry Tart DSP Retired from SU

Nursery Nest DSP from SU

Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon from SU

Limitless Layers: 1 3/4" Circle Collection Dies from PTI

Xmas Red Stickles

Brads from stash

Tag Time from Verve Stamps

My other card is for Mojo Monday Challenge #222, Color Throwdown's Challenge #173 to use Basic Black, Real Red and Basic Gray and for Papertake Weekly's Challenge Anything Goes with the option of something new. This is my newest Verve set which I won in the Hope You Can Cling To Card drive that SCS did a while ago. I have only used it once before and hadn't used the matching die either, so it was time for some Tag Time!

Recipe:

Fabulous You from Verve Stamps

Love Letter DSP Retired from SU

Nouveau Chic DSP Retired from SU

Basic Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Real Red Satin Ribbon from SU

Tagged Rectangle Die from Verve Stamps

Paper Doily from eBay

Black Pearls from Hobbycraft

Pumpkin Pie Ink/Cardstock

And that's all for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Up Cards

2012-01-07T22:54:00.000Z

I went back to work this week after having 2 1/2 weeks off for the Christmas holidays and I'm just as shattered as I was before the break! I'm just not used to getting up at the crack of dawn, well before the dawn has even broken actually! I'm still getting up in the dark and going home in the dark! When will it start to get lighter in the mornings?!

Anyway these are just a few Stampin' Up cards I made this week. This first one is for CR84FN Challenge #45 to use medium blue, orange and yellow. I think my blue is probably a bit too dark but I like this combo for a boy's card! Here's their swatch...

And here's my card...

Recipe:

Pennant Parade from SU

Circle Circus from SU

Best Yet Retired from SU

Pacific Point Ink/Cardstock

Petite Pennants Builder Punch from Stampin' Up

1/2" Circle Punch from SU

Precious Butterflies from SU

My next card is for SUO Challenge #35 to make your punches the focus of a card. I can't take all the credit for this one as I have seen this border punch used to create a lacy background all over the internet, but I love it and the idea is perfect for this challenge. This was going to be my swap card for my SU training tomorrow but decided that doing 40 of these would kill my hand and my punch, so I did a slightly different variation on using the same border punch.

Recipe:

Sahara Sand Ink/Cardstock

Lace Ribbon Border Punch from Stampin' Up

Doily Triple Layer Punch from SU

1 3/8" Circle Punch from Stampin' Up

Stampin' Up Rhinestones

And my final SU card is for Stampin' Royalty's Challenge #105 for the sketch, Friday MashUp's Challenge #40 to make a birthday card using pastels or pastel colours and for Cute Card Thursday's Challenge #198 to use something new. My new Create-A-Cupcake stamp set arrived on Wednesday so had to use it. I haven't yet got the matching punch but it will be on my order for this month!

Recipe:

Create-A-Cupcake from SU

Certainly Celery Ink/Cardstock

So Saffron Ink/Cardstock

Subtles DSP Stack from SU

Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon from SU

Word Window Punch from Stampin' Up

Modern Label Punch from SU

Stampin' Up Rhinestones