**Anniversary Hugs**

I remember reading this quote a long time ago ... 

"You don't marry the person you can live with, 

You marry the person who you cannot live without."

 ... and decided it was good enough advice to follow.

So I did

 Today is our 23rd Anniversary

Bah! Humbug! 37 - Stars

My DT example for Bah! Humbug! this week follows a wonderful Acetate Card Tutorial, which demonstrates a simple technique to ensure your background doesn't tip forward when the finished card is on display.   Not good if you've been sneaking the sherry LOL!  It was written by my very good Humbugger buddy and VERY bad influence Ann, who constantly leads me into temptation where crafting goodies are concerned and is responsible for my ever growing obsession with rubber - of the stamping kind in case you're wondering.  

I used the free downloads from the new 'Beatrix Potter - A Winter's Tale' release which is currently available for members at Crafter's Companion.   Very generous and perfect for those of us who have to be a bit more canny with their 'cally-dosh' at the moment.    I'm entering their Monthly Challenge where the prize up for grabs is the whole Winter's Tale Collection - SQUEAL! - so wish me luck.   I will try to remember to breathe until the winner's name has been announced and not be too disappointed if the random winner isn't me!
As I have mentioned before, decoupage is definitely not my favourite technique but, as the ideal choice for this kind of card, I had no choice but to get out the snips and have to confess now I see the finished result,  it was worth making the effort.   As I'd only printed 2 sheets of background scenery, I improvised for an additional layer with a piece of blue glitter card which was torn and then attacked with Icicle Stickles.   AND because I love the 'Stickles Effect' so much, the trees and snow were punished severely too.   

See what I mean?

The bunnies are also decoupaged, although it is difficult to see the layers in this photo - and yes - they were also 'stickled' within an inch of their little bunny lives.  The extra sparkle hasn't slowed them down any though.
My original intention was to add the stars randomly across the acetate front, but I was reluctant to hide the scenery so opted for arranging them across the sentiment panel at the bottom.  Acetate cards can have a tendency to topple unless heavy duty acetate is used, so doing this helps as a card stabiliser.
The other DT members Ann, Irene and our Guest Designer Anne, have some beautiful starry samples to show you so head over and check them out too.

Bah! Humbug! 36

It's Bah! Humbug! Challenge day today and this week Ann decided we should concentrate on TEXT as a focal point on our projects.
I had been shuffling through some papers the other day ... as you do ... and came across the Papermania 'Naughty and Nice' collection from last year which contains lovely modern funky patterns, including a couple of text sheets.
Originally I intended to cut a large piece and layer it onto a card ... add some ribbon and maybe a snowflake or something.  But, as often happens, I changed my mind at the last minute and decided to be a teeny weeny bit more adventurous.  
I matted the star paper onto the bottom section of some pink glitter card and adhered it to an 8" x 8" square card blank.  

 

Then I cut a strip of flourescent green card with decorative scissors and added a length of brown ribbon before placing this over the join with foam pads.

After cutting 'Happy Christmas' from the text sheet I glued this onto the pink glitter card and cut around it with the same decorative scissors as before, doing the same again with the green card and then mounting the whole thing at the top of the card.  
In hindsight I think it still looks a little unfinished but will possibly add some adhesive stars or gems across the ribbon as extra decoration before I post it.
Inside I simply used offcuts of the same paper and card to make a centre panel for the greeting.

To see what the other Bah Humbuggers, including out Guest designer Anne, have been up to, just pop across and take a peek and if you'd like to join in, then you'll be sure of a warm welcome.

PS:  Do you like my new custom stamp which arrived the other day?  Found Craft Stamps Online who will turn your own designs and layout into a clear stamp - so I sent off my design created in PSP and 3 days later received my unique stamp.  Cool Huh?

9/11 - We Will Never Forget

Thinking of all those who suffered 
and remembering the heroes

Bah! Humbug! Challenge 35

Hands up! T'was me yer honour!
I confess it was my choice for the 'Favourites' challenge this week and I admit that when it came to it, I found it really REALLY hard to choose.  There are just far too many fabulous products available these days ... and I love them all!  With the possible exception of decoupage LOL.
However, the decision was kind've made for me because, (as is becoming a regular occurance), I was short of time so had to pick something quick and easy.

Out came the Cuttlebug, the Papermania Ornaments embossing folder and some gold mirri card.  Seconds later the focal image was ready to apply some red Stckles - which is another current favourite product.

Black A4 cardstock was folded in half and then the front was folded back again to create a zigzag base card.  Some beautifully luxurious Kanban foiled and embossed refective card was added to the narrow front panel and the larger back panel, leaving a narrow black border.  

The embossed ornaments were matted onto some black cardstock and mounted onto the front panel with foam pads.  
BISH! BASH! BOSH!  JOB DONE!
The other 'Bah Humbuggers' have taken more time than me and created beautiful cards with their favourite products so pop over and have a looksee.  We have also announced the winner of last week's prize draw ... so check to see who the lucky random winner is while you're there and if you have a favourite of your own, then please join in with our challenge.

Bah! Humbug! Challenge 34

When I saw this week's challenge theme of A Christmas Carol or Song, it was a 'no brainer' to choose 'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' and give this fabulous Hampton Art stamp it's first airing of 2010.   Measuring 5" x 31/2" it is quite a large wooden stamp but I do love it despite it hogging so much space in the drawer.

I stamped him onto smooth white card with black ink and embossed with holographic powder.  The only colour added was by way of red, gold and black Stickles and this was set aside to dry whilst I prepared the card.  I love how his nose looks especially sparkly and shiny.

The papers were offcuts from my scrap box, but I'm pretty sure they're HOTP and they were placed onto an 8" x 8" white card blank leaving a border around the edge.  Spotty ribbon was stuck onto a strip of gold mirri card which had been cut with zigzag scissors and this was then placed over the join with foam pads.
Using the largest Labels Two Nestability shape as a template, I drew around it with pencil onto folded red mrri card, slightly overlapping the fold and cut it out by hand to make a mini card for the front ... wasn't keen to risk damaging the cuttlebug trying to force it through the rollers.   

I then used a smaller shape to cut out the printed lyrics and the red mirri card used for matting was trimmed with zigzag scissors.  More spotty ribbon was used to tie it shut before mounting it onto the centre of the card front.  Silicon glue was applied to the lower portion of the stamped image and stuck in place.  Circle punches and a simple stamped greeting placed on top of the ribbon tie finish things off nicely.
It's Prize Challenge week at Bah! Humbug!  so come and play along to be in with a chance of nabbing some goodies.  Both Ann and Irene have lovely cards to show you too so there's no shortage of inspiration and if you haven't already started your 2010 Christmas cards then now might be a good time.  There's only 112 SLEEPS left y'know.
I'm going to play along with the following challenges ... 
Alphabet Challenge - 'S' is for Scallops
Charisma Cardz 35 - Inspired By A Song
The Stampman 4 - Musical