The Outlawz Friday Colouring Challenge - Anything Goes with an Optional Twist of Christmas

Good Morning and welcome to my DT post for The Outlawz Friday Colouring Challenge. This week we have our monthly Anything Goes challenge with the optional twist of making something for Christmas.

I used the gorgeous Holly Fairy by Ching-Chou Kuik from Sweet Pea Stamps, who are our sponsors this month, and made a traditionally coloured Christmas card. I tend to go for non-traditional colours at Christmas but I do have some family members that prefer the traditional ones. I kept to a fairly simple styled card as well using a sketch that my lovely friend Audrey used on one of her cards the other day.

This card is also for 

Fab 'n' Funky's Challenge #279 Christmas

Copic Marker Europe's Challenge #45 Christmas

Inspiration Destination Challenge #57 Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Throwback I used the Holiday Countdown Challenge

Recipe:

Stamps: Holly Fairy by Ching-Chou Kuik @Sweet Pea Stamps, That's The Ticket from Stampin' Up

Papers: Garden Green from Stampin' Up, Scalloped Card Base from Crafts Unlimited, Woodland Wishes Patterned Papers from Lili of the Valley, Copic X-Press It Blending Card

Inks: Bravo Burgundy (Retired) from Stampin' Up, Copic Markers, Clear Wink of Stella

Accessories: Bravo Burgundy Ribbon (Retired) from Stampin' Up, Leaves Dies from X-Cut

Copics Used:

Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30

Hair - R56, R89, R59

Dress & Eyes - G40, G43, G46

Lips, Berries & Dress Trim - R35, R37, R39

Wings - G40, G43, R22, R24, R27

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the Outlawz Friday Colouring Challenge and check out all the other gorgeous cards from the DT and why not join in the fun whilst you are there too?!

In The Pink Challenge #81 Magical

Good Morning and welcome to my DT post for the new challenge at In The Pink. This fortnight we want to see something magical on your project. You can include a magical creature like I did or use an image of someone using magic or whatever you choose! You also need to have lots of pink of course!

And here's my card using a fairy, a magical creature!

This card is also for 

Cute Card Thursday Challenge #397 Sparkles (I used glitter paper for the stars)

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge Anything Goes

Live & Love Crafts Challenge #40 Pink Again

Unicorn Challenge #2 Think Pink

Lemon Shortbread Challenge #1 Anything Goes

Recipe:

Stamps: Isabella from Emerald Fairies, Dreamy Days from Lili of the Valley

Papers: Strawberry Slush (Retired), Pink Pirouette, Pear Pizzazz, Bella Rose DSP (Retired) & In Colors 2014-15 DSP Stack (Retired) all from Stampin' Up, Copic X-Press It Blending Card, Pink Glitter Paper from local craft store

Inks: Strawberry Slush (Retired) from Stampin' Up, Copic Markers

Accessories: Pink Pirouette Ribbon (Retired) from Stampin' Up, Flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, Circle Nestabilities, Border Stitch Die CR1250 from Marianne Creatables, Swirl Twigs Die 6003/0061 & Winter Wishes Circle Stars Die 6002/2042 both from Joy Crafts

Copics Used:

Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30

Hair - RV13, RV14, RV17, RV19

Clothes - RV11, RV13, RV14

Wings - RV0000, RV000, RV00, RV02

Butterfly Body - C5, C7

Grass - YG21, YG25, YG05, YG09, YG67, YG17

Clouds - C00, C1, C3

Sky - BG10, BG11, BG000

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the In The Pink Challenge blog and check out all the other gorgeous cards from the DT and why not join in the fun whilst you are there too?

We are sponsored this fortnight by Live and Love Crafts who are generously offering a £10 gift voucher to the lucky winner! 

Spooky Street with FaeryInk

Good evening! I decided to make another Hallowe'en decoration yesterday, but finished it too late to photograph so did that today ready for my blog post. On Sunday I went to Tracy Payne's workshop and bought the Hallowe'en houses MDF set and set about making a Spooky Street with them, using traditional Hallowe'en colours and lots of die cuts before finally adding some cute images from FaeryInk.

I absolutely love this and it has to be one of the best things I have made! Even better that I get to keep it for myself too! LOL

Here are a couple of close up of my images, although they haven't cropped out very well :( They look a lot more blurry than in real life, but you get the idea! 

This one is Amber Witchy...

...and this one is Vamp Angel off visiting the houses during her Trick or Treating! 

My Spooky Street is for

FaeryInk's Facebook Hallowe'en Challenge

Papertake Weekly's Challenge Take Your Pick (I choose the Hallowe'en Hues)

Die Cutting Divas Challenge #239 Hallowe'en

Through The Craft Room Door's Challenge Anything Goes

Noor Design UK's October Challenge Hallowe'en or Autumn

Recipe:

Stamps: Vamp Angel & Amber Witchy both from FaeryInk

Papers: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Orchid Opulence (Retired), More Mustard (Retired), Close To Cocoa (Retired),  Lovely Lilac Prints DSP (Retired), Perfect Plum Prints DSP (Retired), Pumpkin Pie Prints DSP (Retired) & Old Olive Prints DSP (Retired) all from Stampin' Up, Copic X-Press It Blending Card

Inks: Black Soot Distress Ink from Tim Holtz, Copic Markers

Accessories: MDF Houses, Softboard Bricks & Black Spider Paper Art all from Dutch Doobadoo, Black Gesso, Silhouette Portrait Die Cuts (Trees, Bats, Ghosts, Pumpkins, Doors, Cat, Lamppost, Fences & Owl on Broomstick

Copics Used:

Amber Witchy

Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30

Hair - BV08, BV20, BV22, BV25, BV28

Eyes - YG11, YG13, YG17

Dress - V01, V04, V05, V06, V09

Hat & Cloak - C3, C5, C7, C9

Orange - YR14, YR16, YR18

Staff - E74, E77, E79, YG01, YG03, YG07

Vamp Angel

Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30

Purple - V12, V15, V17

Green - YG21, YG23, YG25

Black - C3, C5, C7, C9

Pumpkin - YR04, YR68, YR07

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

Ching-Chou Kuik Facebook Mini Challenge - Spooky/Hallowe'en

Good Morning and welcome to an extra DT post from me for the Ching-Chou Kuik Facebook Group. We are having a special mini challenge this month in addition to the usual challenge to celebrate all things spooky! You may have gathered that I love all things Hallowe'en related,so jumped in to join in with this challenge.

I used the gorgeous Gothic Dark Moon from Ching-Chou Kuik's Sweet Pea Stamps range. Yep, I used those gorgeous papers again along with some new spiderweb dies too!

This card is also for

Brown Sugar Challenge #169 Anything Goes

The Pencil Case Week 5 E = Eerie Colours

Die Cutting Divas Challenge #238 to be inspired by the Hallowe'en photo

Allsorts Challenge #334 to use purple, orange and black

Recipe:

Stamps: Gothic Dark Moon by Ching-Chou Kuik @Sweet Pea Stamps, Tee-Hee-Hee from Stampin' Up

Papers: Pumpkin Pie & Basic Black both from Stampin' Up, Copic X-Press It Blending Card, Rare Oddities Patterned Papers from Graphic 45

Inks: Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White & Basic Black both from Stampin' Up, Copic Markers

Accessories: Pumpkin Pie Ribbon (Retired) from Stampin' Up, Charm from eBay, Spooky Hemp Cord from Lawn Fawn, Spider Web Border Die & Corner Cobwebs Die both from Memory Box

Copics Used:

Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30

Hair - V12, V15, V17

Eyes - G21, G94, G99

Dress - G24, G28, G29

Orange - YR04, YR68, YR07

Cats - YR23, YR24, R20, R30, C5, C7, C9

Tree - E47, E49

Moon & Sky - C00, C1, C3, C5

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the Ching-Chou Kuik Facebook Group and check out all the other gorgeous cards from the DT and why not join in the fun whilst you are there too?!

Lacy Sunshine Challenge #70 Fairy Tales

Good Morning and welcome to my post for the new challenge over at Lacy Sunshine. This fortnight we are challenging you to use the theme fairy tales on your project. So that means we want to see all your favourite fairytale characters on your projects!

I chose to use the gorgeous Fairy Godmother Sugi for my card today and I thought this image would make a perfect girly birthday card and just had to use lots of pink!

This card is also for

Creative Fingers Challenge #96 Anything Goes

613 Avenue Create's Challenge #147 Anything Goes

A Bit More Time to Craft's Challenge #6 Anything Goes

Crafting From The Heart Challenge #83 Anything Goes

Craft Your Passion Challenge #285 Anything Goes

Recipe:

Stamps: Fairy Godmother Sugi from Lacy Sunshine, Dreamy Day from Lili of the Valley

Papers: Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, Silver Glimmer Card & Sweet Always DSP (Retired) all from Stampin' Up, Copic X-Press It Blending Card

Inks: Pink Pirouette from Stampin' Up, Copic Markers, Silver and Clear Wink of Stella 

Accessories: Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose & Chocolate Chip Ribbons & Holiday Collection Framelits Dies (All Retired) from Stampin' Up, Circle Nestabilities from Spellbinders, Charm from eBay, Baker's Twine from Dovecraft

Copics Used:

Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30

Hair - E43, E44, E47, E49

Dress & Hat - R81, R83, R85, R89

Hat Ribbon & Petticoat - R00, R11, R12

Shoe - E44, E47, E49

Ground & Eye - E40, E41, E42

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the Lacy Sunshine Challenge blog and check out all the other gorgeous cards from the DT.

Art by MiRan Facebook Challenge Anything Goes

Good afternoon and welcome to my DT post for the new Facebook challenge for Art by MiRan. This month our Anything Goes challenge also includes the option to use bling, which I completely forgot to add to my card, but looking at it I think bling would spoil the softness of it :P

I used the gorgeous Valentina and created a criss-cross card which I haven't done for ages! I also used one of my new paper pads from Lili of the Valley and I am in love with this pack!

And here's the card with the insert out! 

This card is also for

Alphabet Challenge R is for Ribbon

The Ribbon Girl October Colour Challenge to use pastels

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Wrap It Up

Brown Sugar Challenge #169 Anything Goes

Crafting With Friends Challenge #9 Anything Goes

Recipe:

Stamps: Valentina from Art by MiRan, Inside & Out: Thank You from Papertrey Ink

Papers: Pink Pirouette & Pool Party both from Stampin' Up, Copic X-Press It Blending Card, Romance and Roses Patterned Papers from Lili of the Valley

Inks: Pink Pirouette fro Stampin' Up, Copic Markers

Accessories: Pink Pirouette Seam Binding Ribbon from Stampin' Up, Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts, Doily Lace Edge Punch from Martha Stewart, Beaded Oval & Oval Nestabilities both from Spellbinders

Copics Used:

Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30

Hair - E23, E25, E27, E29

Eyes - BG13, BG15, BG18

Dress - R81, R83, R85

Bows, Trim & Beads - BG11, BG13, BG15

Rose - R81, R83, R85, R89

Leaves & Stem - YG11, YG13, YG17

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the Art by MiRan Facebook group and check out all the other gorgeous cards from the DT and why not join in the fun whilst you are there too!

AliciaBel Blog Anniversary- Hallowe'en Special

Good Morning everyone and welcome to an extra DT post from me for the blog anniversary for the AliciaBel Challenge Blog. As it is Alicia's 2nd year anniversary, all the DT have created some fabulous Hallowe'en decorations to inspire you.

I created a witch themed hanging decoration using some MDF circles from Noor Design and my gorgeous Rare Oddities papers and 3 gorgeous witch digi stamps from AliciaBel. These are from top to bottom, Little Witch, Little Witch Traveller and Little Witch Mermaid. I used my Silhouette Portrait machine for  the sentiment along with lots of the other decorations too.

It is hard to see as it is so long I had to stand far back to photograph them all in! Here are some close ups of each witch though. 

Little Witch...

Little Witch Traveller...

And Little Witch Mermaid...

This Hallowe'en decoration is also for

Papertake Weekly's Challenge All About The Base (No squares allowed!)

Inky Chicks Challenge #58 Hallowe'en

Deep Ocean Challenge #115 Hallowe'en

Dream Valley Challenge #117 Hallowe'en

Spellbinding Stamps Challenge Any Witch Will Do 

I won't bore you with all the Copic Colour combos (there is A LOT!), but if you desperately want to know them, then feel free to email me! 

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the AliciaBel Challenge blog and check out all the other gorgeous project from the DT and why not join in the fun whilst you are there?!

The Outlawz Friday Colouring Challenge - Colour Inspiration

Good Morning everyone! I hope I remember to write the post this week as I completely forgot last Friday with everything that is going on at the minute! Luckily Carla very kindly stepped in for me, so it is my turn this week now!

This week our challenge over at The Outlawz Friday Colouring Challenge is to use this colour palette for your inspiration.

And here's my card using Wicked Moon by Katerina Koukiotis @ Sweet Pea Stamps who are our sponsors this month and are generously giving away 3 digis to the winner. Used some more of that gorgeous Rare Oddities papers too!

Recipe:

Stamps: Wicked Moon by Katerina Koukiotis @ Sweet Pea Stamps

Papers: Perfect Plum & Garden Green both from Stampin' Up, Copic X-Press It Blending Card, rare Oddities Patterned Papers from Graphic 45

Inks: Copic Markers

Accessories: None!

Copics Used:

Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30

Hair - G24, G94, G99

Dress - V22, V25, V28

Hat - BV11, BV13, BV17

Flower - YR61, YR02, YR04

Moon - BV0000, BV000, BV00

Sky - BV31, BV20

And that's all from me for  this post folks! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the Outlawz Friday Colouring Challenge and check out all the other gorgeous cards from the DT and why not join in the fun whilst you are there?!

New Release Time at Julia Spiri Stamps

Good Morning and welcome to my DT for the new releases over at Julia Spiri Stamps. This time Julia has released her new Winter Collection and these are all just gorgeous! I got to use Winter Elf and made a snowflake filled card. I used some of my new Christmas papers from Lili of the Valley as well. Isn't she just beautiful?!

This card is also for

Crafting By Designs Get Ready for Christmas October Edition

Come and Get It Challenge Baby It's Cold Outside, So Keep Warm

Inspiration Destination Challenge #56 Anything Goes

Cute Card Thursday Challenge #396 Anything Goes

Through The Craft Room Door's Challenge Anything Goes

Recipe:

Stamps: Winter Elf from Julia Spiri Stamps, On Ice from Papertrey Ink

Papers: Soft Sky & Soft Suede both from Stampin' Up, Frosty Christmas & Krafty Christmas Patterned Papers both from Lili of the Valley, Copic X-Press It Blending Card

Inks: Soft Sky from Stampin' Up, Copic Markers, White Molotow Paint Pen

Accessories: Shimmering Snowflakes Dies from Memory Box, White Glitter Glue from Hobbycraft

Copics Used:

Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30

Hair - B000, B00, B01, B02

Clothes - B02, B04, B05, B06

Eyeshadow - B00, B01, B02

Eyes- B23, B24

Tree - E33, E35, E37

Fire - E35, E37, YR04, YR07, YR21, YR23

Snow & Sky - B60

Fir Tree - G24, G94, G99

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to po on over to the Julia Spiri Stamps blog and check out all the other gorgeous cards from the DT. 

The Paper Shelter Challenge #224 Hallowe'en

Good Morning and welcome to another post from me for the new challenge at The Paper Shelter. This week we are challenging you to make a Hallowe'en project - my favourite challenge of  the year after a pink one! LOL Quite a difference there!

I absolutely LOVE this new image that Veronica and Pedro created entitled A Beauty To Die For. I love anything vampiresque and this stunning vamp is perfect for a Hallowe'en card!

For some reason I have no vampire related sentiments, so did this one using an alphabet set but it's a little on the large side, so I now need to find a smaller clear alphabet set. I have dies the right size, but sometimes I just can't be bothered with fiddling about with those tiny die cuts!

This card is also for 

613 Avenue Create's Challenge #146 Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Monster Mash

Aurora Wings Challenge #19 Dia de los Muertos

Crafting From The Heart Challenge #82 Anything Goes

Chocolate, Coffee and Cards Challenge #102 Hallowe'en

Recipe:

Stamps: A Beauty To Die For from That Paper Shelter, Back To Basics Alphabet from Stampin' Up

Papers: Real Red, Basic Black & Love Letter DSP (Retired) all from Stampin' Up, Copic X-Press It Blending Card

Inks: Real Red from Stampin' Up, Copic Markers

Accessories: Real Red Ribbon (Retired) from Stampin' Up, Lace from local market stall

Copics Used:

Skin - E0000, E000, E00, E21, E11, R30

Hair, Bat & Cross Gravestones - C3, C5, C7, C9

Dress & Lips - R22, r24, R27, R29

Coffin - T1, T2, T4, T6

RIP Gravestones - W5, W7, W9

Other Gravestones - W1,W3, W5

Sky - C00, C1, C3

Grass - YG63, YG67, YG91, YG97

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thank for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the Paper Shelter Challenge blog and check out all the other gorgeous cards from the DT and why not join in the fun whilst you are there too?! Remember there are always some fabulous prizes to be won too! 

Ching-Chou Kuik Inspiration Post - Exotic Night

Good Morning and welcome to my inspiration post for the Ching-Chou Kuik Inspiration and Challenge blog. This week I am using the gorgeous Exotic Night with a non-Hallowe'en theme. This stamp is not strictly a Hallowe'en one, but the skulls and candles kind of lead to use it for that occasion. However, I thought I would have a go at making a non-Hallowe'en card with her. I have to admit that finding the right sentiment was hard so I went with a generic "just because" one.

Recipe:

Stamps: Exotic Night from Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps, Mega Mixed Messages from Papertrey Ink

Papers: Wisteria Wonder, Basic Grey, Sweet Shop DSP (Retired) & Afternoon Picnic DSP (Retired) all from Stampin' Up, Copic X-Press It Blending Card

Inks: Wisteria Wonder from Stampin' Up, Copic Markers, Silver Star Gelly Roll Pen

Accessories: Lace from local market stall, Ribbon from stash, Rectangle Shape Art from Dutch Doobadoo, Cheesecloth from The Ribbon Girl, Purple 3D Pearl Effects from Dovecraft, Lace Doily Border 1 Die from Whimsy Stamps

Copics Used:
Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30
Hair - W3, W5, W7, W9
Dress - V12, V15, V17, G17
Eyes - G14, G17
Skulls & Bones - C1, C3
Walls & Floor - T1, T2, T4
Trees - E84, E87, E89
Candles- BV04, BV08, Y13, Y38
Sky - BV0000, BV000, BV20, BV31, BV25

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Challenge and Inspiration blog and check out all the other gorgeous DT cards for this week and why not join in out monthly challenge, Hallowe'en or Something Spooky, whilst you are there?

We also have a Facebook group and a monthly challenge, Full Moon and Witches, there as well.

One Sweet Pea Challenge Mid Month Inspiration

Good Morning and welcome to my DT post for the One Sweet Pea Challenge's Mid Month Inspiration. Our challenge theme this month is All Souls Day or Fall Colours. I chose to go with Fall Colours this time and use the gorgeous Silentness (Owl Version) from Ching-Chou Kuik @Sweet Pea Stamps.

I have inadvertently done something with this blogpost and changed it and now I have no idea what colour copics I used. I will try to remember but not sure if they are correct or not! 

Recipe:

Stamps: Silentness (Owl Version) from Ching-Chou Kuik @Sweet Pea Stamps, Big Words from Wow! @Beckab.co.uk

Papers: Wild Wasabi, Soft Suede & Woodland Walk DSP (Retired) all from Stampin' Up, Rare Oddities Patterned Papers from Graphic 45, Copic X-Press It Blending Card

Inks: Wild Wasabi from Stampin' Up, Copic Markers

Accessories: Wild Wasabi Ribbon (Retired) from Stampin' Up, Victorian Lace Die from Papertrey Ink, Gems from Crystal Stickers

Copics Used:

Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30

Hair - E33, E35, E37, E39 (I think)

Owl - E40, E41, E42, E43, E44

Not sure of any other colours other than orange and yellow leaves were from the YRs!

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the One Sweet Pea Challenge and check out all the other gorgeous cards from the DT and why not join in the fun whilst you are there?!

Alicia Bel Stamps New Releases - Zombie with Pumpkin

Good Morning and welcome to my DT post for the new releases from Alicia Bel. Alicia has released some gorgeous Hallowe'en themed images this month and I chose to use the fabulous Bombie the Zombie. I do love my zombies, not that I would want to be one unless it was like Liv on izombie, who is, for the most part, still normal, other than her diet!

I used my Silhouette Portrait to cut out lots of zombie themed die cuts and I used some more of that fabulous Rare Oddities paper pad and my MDF shapes, which are slowly coming to an end LOL.

Here is a bit more of a close up so you can see the paper tole layers a bit better.

This card is also for

Polkadoodles Week #42 Use A Die Cut

The Pencil Case Challenge #4 Dark (Hallowe'en/Autumn)

Crafting From The Heart's Challenge #81 Anything Goes

Spellbinding Stamps Challenge to use at least 2 different mediums (Copics and Chalkola Markers)

Creative Inspirations Challenge #331 CAS or Fussy & Fancy (Of course I had to go for Fussy & Fancy!)

Recipe:

Stamps: Bombie the Zombie from Alicia Bel

Papers: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Whisper White, Lucky Limeade (Retired) & Mellow Moss (Retired) all from Stampin' Up, Copic X-Press It Blending Card, Rare Oddities Paper Pad from Graphic 45

Inks: Copic Markers, Chalkola Markers

Accessories: MDF Shapes from That Craft Place, Silhouette Die Cuts - Zombies Border, Gravestones Border, Zombie Hands, Grass, Sentiments and Sentiment Frame

Copics Used:

Skin - BG90, BG93, BG96

Hair - E84, E87, E89

Lips - R24, R27

Eyes - Y11, Y13, Y15, R24

Dress - V2, V15, V17

Shoe - V04, V06, V09

Pumpkin - YR04, YR68, YR07

Candle - BV04, BV08, YR07, Y35, Y38

Sky - C00,  C1

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the Alicia Bel blog and check out all the other gorgeous new releases from the rest of the DT and why not pop into the store and pick some up whilst you are there too?! Don't forget to join in our monthly challenge, Anything Goes or Scary but Cute, as well!

The Outlawz Friday Colouring Challenge - Buttons

Good Morning and welcome to my post for the new challenge at The Outlawz Friday Colouring challenge. This week we have an easy challenge for you - use buttons.

I used a fabulous image from our sponsors this month - Sweet Pea Stamps. This is Jack O' Lantern Wooty Branch by Concetta Kilmer. I coloured him with Copics but then as a bit of an experiment, I used my Chalkola markers to add a dotty background. I have been playing with these for just over a week as I was sent a pack to preview and you can find my blogpost here with my review of them.

This card is also for

The Alphabet Challenge Challenge R is for Ribbon

Chocolate, Coffee & Cards Challenge #102 Hallowe'en

A Gem of A Challenge #155 Spots and/or Stripes

Crafty Girlz Challenge #8 Anything Goes

Crafting With Friends Challenge #8 Anything Goes

Recipe:

Stamps: Jack O' Lantern Wooty Branch by Concetta Kilmer @ Sweet Pea Stamps, Toil & Trouble from Taylored Expressions

Papers: Pumpkin Pie & Basic Black both from Stampin' Up, Halloween Digital Patterned Papers from KHD on Etsy, Copic X-Press It Blending Card

Inks: Pumpkin Pie from Stampin' Up, Copic Markers, Chalkola Markers

Accessories: Pumpkin Pie Ribbon (Retired) from Stampin' Up, Buttons from The Works

Copics Used:

Black- C5, C7, C9

Grey - C1, C3, C5

Eyes & Beak - Y35, Y38

Pumpkin Belly - YR04, YR68, YR07

Leaves - YG07, YG09

Branch - W5, W7, W9

Voodoo Dolls - YR23, YR24, R24

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the Outlawz Friday Colouring Challenge and check out all the other gorgeous cards form the DT and why not join in the fun whilst you are there too?!

In The Pink Challenge #8 Breast Cancer Ribbons

Good Morning and welcome to my post for the new challenge at In The Pink. This fortnight we are joining in with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as this is a cause very close to my heart as I'm sure it is for lots of other people, we want to see some pink ribbon on your projects this time.

I used a gorgeous image from Jade Dragonne, which was part of a Kit and Clowder fund raiser not so long ago. Isn't she just gorgeous?!

We have a fabulous brand new sponsor this time; it's The Paper Nest Dolls who are very generously offering a $15 voucher to one winner chosen at random from our Perfect Pinkies.

This card is also for 

Glitter 'n' Sparkle's Challenge #158 to use some pink

Papertake Weekly's Challenge Two by Two (I used 2 dies)

Cutie Pie Challenge #92 Pretty in Pink

Crafting When We Can Challenge #105 Whimsical With Wings

Deep Ocean Challenge #114 Fairies or Angels

Digi Galore's Challenge Think Pink

Recipe:

Stamps: Water Fairy by Jade Dragonne, Lily at the Beach from Pink Cat Studio

Papers: Autumn Rose from Papertrey Ink, Sahara Sand from Stampin' Up, Pretty Floral Paper Bloc from Joy Crafts, Copic X-Press It Blending Card

Inks: Autumn Rose from Papertrey Ink, Copic Markers

Accessories: Sahara Sand Lace from Stampin' Up, Autumn Rose Ribbon from Papertrey Ink, Pearls from Hobbycraft, Frosted Lace Stickles, LR0269 Anja's Vintage Decoration Die & CR1250 Border Stitch Die both from Marianne Creatables

Copics Used:

Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30

Hair - E50, E51, E53, E55

Dress - RV0000, RV32, RV34
Wings - RV0000, RV000, RV00, RV02
Seaweed in Hair - BG93, BG96, BG99
Sea - BG11, BG13, BG15, BG18
Bubbles - BG10, BG11, BG13
Sky - BG10, BG11

And that's all from me for this post and thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to pop on over to the In The Pink Challenge blog and check out all the other gorgeous cards from the DT and why not join in the fun whilst you are there too?!

The Paper Nest Dolls Inspiration post - Witch Ellie Riding Her Broom

Good Morning and welcome to an inspiration post from me for The Paper Nest Dolls. I just had to use another of the fabulous new Hallowe'en images, Witch Ellie Riding Broom for this one and had lots of fun making this card up. I used some more of that gorgeous Rare Oddities paper pad from Graphic 45 - think I might need to buy some more soon as I am using it loads!

You can also buy the whole collection of The Paper Nest Dolls rubber stamps from a brand new UK store - BeckaB and you can find them here. So excited to be able to get them all over here at last!

This card is also for:

Dream Valley Challenge #117 Hallowe'en

Crafting By Designs Challenge Hallowe'en

Inspiration Destination Challenge #5 Anything Goes

Noor Design UK October Challenge Hallowe'en

Fab 'n' Funky's Challenge #277 Make It Square

Recipe:

Stamps: Witch Ellie Riding Broom from The Paper Nest Dolls, Gracie at Halloween from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

Papers: Elegant Eggplant, Basic Black & Basic Grey all from Stampin' Up, Copic X-Press It Blending Card, Rare Oddities Patterned Papers from Graphic 45

Inks: Elegant Eggplant & Whisper White both from Stampin' Up, Copic Markers, Chalkola Markers

Accessories: Elegant Eggplant Ribbon (Retired) from Stampin' Up, MDF Shapes fromm That Craft Place, Clouds Mask Art Stencil from Dutch Doobadoo

Copics Used:

Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30

Hair & Purple on Tights - V12, V15, V17

Hat & Boots - C3, C5, C7

Broom - E21, E23, E25, E27, E29

Cat - C3,  C5, C7, C9, R20

Green - YG21, YG23, YG25

Orange YR04, YR68, YR07

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the Paper Nest Dolls Challenge blog and check out all the other inspiration from the rest of the fabulous DT this month and why not join in our monthly challenge whilst you are there too?! As always there are some fabulous prizes to be won! 

Ching-Chou Kuik Inspiration Post Hallo'Owlie

Good Morning and welcome to another inspiration post from me for the Ching-Chou Kuik Inspiration and Challenge blog. This month we are all about Hallowe'en and Ching-Chou has the most gorgeous Hallowe'en images in her store, so not pop over there and check them out!

This week the DT are all showcasing the same image - Hallo'Owlie - and I found the perfect papers to go with her in my new Rare Oddities 12 x 12 paper pad. Hope you are not getting bored with these papers just yet as I have many more projects to make with them LOL

The busy patterns did make it hard for me to decide how to embellish this card, so in the end I just went with a bow and some pearls and gems in the corners.

This card is also for:

Come and Get It Challenge Happy Fall Y'all

My Time To Craft Challenge #306 Autumnal Colours

Craft Your Passion Challenge #283 Anything Goes

Fan-Tastic Tuesday Challenge #107 Anything Goes with a twist of Autumn Colours

Crafty Addicts Challenge #3 Anything Goes or use the Autumn colours palette

Recipe:

Stamps: Hallo'Owlie from Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps, Gracie at Halloween from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

Papers: Cajun Craze & Chocolate Chip both from Stampin' Up, Rare Oddities Patterned Papers from Graphic 45, Copic X-Press It Blending Card

Inks: Cajun Craze from Stampin' Up, Copic Markers

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Ribbon (Retired) from Stampin' Up, Pearls and Gem both from Crystal Stickers

Copics Used:
Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, R30
Hair - E11, E13, E15, E18
Dress - BV00, BV01, BV02, BV04, BV08, E41, E42
Gloves & Shoes - C5, C7, C9
Cloak - YG61, YG63, YG67
Hat Band - BV02, BV04, BV08
Owls - E21, E23, E25, E27, Y38, YR14, YR16
Orange - YR12, YR15, YR16, YR18
Pumpkin Light - YR23
Pumpkin Stalk & Eyes - G94, G99
Bows - YR15, YR16, YR18

And that's all from me for this post folks! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop on over to the Ching-Chou Kuik blog and check out all the other gorgeous DT posts using this same image this week and why not join in our monthly challenge, Hallowe'en/Something Spooky, whilst you are there?!

Review of Chalkola Markers

I was recently contacted by Anuj from Chalkola asking if I would like to review their chalk markers. Although I generally use Copics in my cards rather than chalk I thought they might be quite good for adding dots to my backgrounds amongst other things.

DISCLAIMER: I was given this product for free in return for an honest review.

The pens themselves are quite big but still easy enough to hold. Would be the perfect size for a child to hold, but as I have no kids I didn't test that out, although I probably could have got the kids at school to try them!

Once you get the ink flowing, the colours are very bright and remain bright when dry on chalkboards as you can see with my appalling drawing here. The markers colour over the top of each other well with very good coverage as well, except for the white which mixes the colours together, but that was expected to be honest. I have also written in normal chalk underneath so you can see the comparison.

With them being in a pen form, they are much easier to write with than a stick of chalk and you don't get all that dustiness either.

They colour MDF shapes really well - you can see the difference between the uncoloured/untreated shapes and the ones coloured in with the Chalkola markers. Even white gave a good coverage with a couple of coats. You can see how bright the orange and green stay after drying as well.

I have also experimented with using them to create a dotty background as you can see here in this sneak peek of one of my DT challenge cards for later on this week. The colours were incredibly bright on this - in fact they were too bright for the rest of the card, but I used an eraser to rub them out a bit and it softened them enough to work. However, because of the size of the nibs, it was hard to get small enough dots. 

I have found that as I have been using the black marker a lot to paint my Hallowe'en MFD shapes, it is now either running out (which if it is that, it is not good as I have not coloured in more than about 8 shapes) or the ink is not flowing as much as it should do. I am having to pump it a lot to get the ink flowing and you can see in the photo above the dots have not all come out properly like the orange and yellow ones have. They are very patchy even after pumping. 

I do like these markers and for people who use chalk pens a lot they are a really good investment. I know if they came with smaller nibs and were generally smaller in size to hold, then they would be a perfect addition to my card making colouring techniques. You would not be able to blend them in the same way as normal chalk, but you could do so much with them in mixed media, colouring metal and wooden shapes and for creating accents and backgrounds. A white marker with a 0.3 or 0.5 mm nib would be perfect for adding dots to hair and cheeks or to the word NOTES like I did on my noticeboard picture above, but this was done many years ago with a gel pen.! 

Although I am a teacher, I teach KS2, so we don't tend to use chalk very often, but I think these pens would be ideal for Foundation Stage/Early Years and Key Stage 1 children to use for emergent writing. They were very easy to clean off my little chalk noticeboard in my classroom and being very bright would definitely appeal to the young children as well. I think I will lend my pack of pens to the KS1 leader for her to have a try and see what she thinks of them.

If you would like more information about these pens, then this is the Chalkola website: http://www.chalkola.com/

And here are the Amazon links for you to buy them.

Amazon USA link - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PM473TK

Amazon UK Link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VVOWCSC

Thank you to Anuj and the Chalkola team for allowing me to review their product honestly.