"Bunny Friends"

That's the title of the Penny Black stamp I used to create these cards and I have to say that it ranks among my top 10 favourite PB cuties ... after the hedgies of course!
It is quite a large wooden stamp featuring 5 cute bunnies in flowerpots so, after stamping on linen effect card and colouring with Promarkers, I decided to chop it up to see if it was feasible to make 2 cards from 1 image.
The Papermania Spring Time pad was still sitting on the desk from earlier, so I matched cardstock to the colours of the paper I'd chosen and punched 2 scalloped circles. 

Then I doodled with green fineliner on one and pierced holes around the other for some detail before cutting out 2 of the bunnies and paper-piecing the flowerpots from a scrap of textured card.  This fits in quite nicely with One Stop Craft Challenge 74 which is Paper Piecing.
The Happy Easter sentiment was the freebie from Quick Cards Made Easy, (also still lying on the desk), and it was inked up with Brilliance Dew Drop Pearl Olive before matting it onto offcuts of card and adding some tiny flower gems.
For the 2nd card, I cut a square of lilac gingham card slightly smaller than the  purple cardstock and then cropped the corners before matting them together and adding some faux stitching with a white gel pen.

From the remaining purple card and some pretty pastel green spotty paper, I used the rotary trimmer to cut 2 strips of varying widths from each, with a deckled edge blade.
After overlapping them horizontally and vertically on the gingham card I added another 2 bunnies cut from the original stamped image and finished decorating with a few buttons and a lilac satin bow.

I must say I'm quite taken with the colouring on the textured card with the Promarkers - normally I stick to smooth cardstock - but the linen effect gives an interesting result and is something I will definitely try again.

For the first time in a long time I am able to join in with this week's Penny Black Saturday Challenge.  Their theme "Check It Out" requires the use of checked paper or ribbons along with a PB image, so both cards are suitable as entries.
Our Creative Corner are looking for us to Break Out The Buttons, so my 2nd card qualifies for this challenge and Stampin' For The Weekend are asking for Ribbons and Bows so my tiny lilac bow sneaks me in there.
Finally, The Pink Elephant Challenge 60 is Pastels so I reckon either of these cards would work.
For the benefit of those who haven't seen the Penny Black Bunny Friends stamp in it's entirety - here you go!  

Definitely worth keeping a look out for if you don't already have it - if only for the cuteness factor.

Christmas Confetti

This card was put together because I wanted to clear out some of the multitude of magazine freebies that have accumulated in a corner of the craft room.  There are some lovely papers and I have to say they're much nicer quality than magazines used to supply so it seems such a shame not to use them. 
Fab's Big Christmas Card Challenge #12 was to use word confetti and, as usual, I'm late with my entry but no matter.

I embossed the red base card with the Cuttlebug - Snowflake folder and then simply cut the patterned paper from the freebie sheet before matting onto gold mirri card from the scrap box.  The circle greetings were cut out, matted onto gold mirri punched circles and popped onto the front with foam pads.

Q: Whooo's a Twit-Twoo?

A: Me!
Q: Why?
A: 'Cos I forgot someone's birthday and didn't send a card - DUH! 
That little snippet of information probably won't come as any great surprise to a lot of people who know me as they can see me getting more scatterbrained as the years go by.   Hey Ho ... old age doesn't come by itself LOL!

Anyway ... my little moment of amnesia meant I needed to make a belated birthday card and as there was a box from QVC sitting on the desk with DB's Spring Woodland kit inside, I thought I'd have a wee play. 

You will have guessed from the title of my post that I opted for the owl image from all the cute woodland characters, but that came about because it fitted the idea I had for the greeting. 
The cream base card was 8" x 8" and I sliced a section from the front before layering the back panel with some pretty double sided patterned card, (from the kit), matted onto silver mirri card.  The remaining front panel was then decorated wih the reversed patterned card, also matted onto silver mirri.

The die cut wavy border was then attached with foam pads - this was already foiled so no cutting out was needed. 
From the remaining strips of patterned card I punched the circles for the alphabet stickers, (not included) and then cut 2 x Nestability scalloped ovals with my cuttlebug - one of which I trimmed and overlapped to make it big enough for the owl image, (can you see the join?) - and then I used the offcut for the alphabet stickers on the front before doodling with a white gel pen.

Inside I opted to use the cute die cut bunny message which was layered onto the last wee scrap of pink dotty card - and that's it!
I now need to get this card in the post or it'll be a week late - and that just won't do!
I'm going to submit this card as an entry at  
Crafty Cardmakers whose theme is Spring
and also 
Daring Cardmakers, for their theme of Tweetie Pie, if multiple entries are allowed.

Golden Wedding Card Album

This project was made for my husband's Aunt and Uncle who celebrated their 50th Anniversary this month.

I was asked several months ago if I could make a special keepsake card to send across the water to them in Australia and if possible, include photographs of all the family members back here in UK.
When I didn't hear anything more about it over the next few weeks I presumed the idea had been shelved.

Then, last week I was handed envelopes with photographs ... and bits of photographs which had been diced and sliced to within an inch of their lives ... or in some cases a centimetre!!
Not exactly ideal to work with but I did my best.

After an initial panic attack, wondering what I could possibly do quickly that would look half decent, I came up with this gatefold card which opens to show one of their original wedding photographs and is deep enough to hold an accordian album containing all the family photos I was given.
Both sides of each page shows a different family member or family group and I used a combination of punches and nestabilities to create gold frames in an attempt to disguise the uneven scissorwork.
**I have blurred the images so as not to upset anyone by plastering their faces for all to see without permission, but you will get the gist of what I've done.**

The matching box and gift card were made from gold mirri card with paper roses and feathers tied with ribbon providing a little decoration.
Bearing in mind the postage costs, I had to make sure it wasn't too heavily decorated.

Hopefully it will be well on it's way by now and will arrive safely in plenty of time for them returning from their holiday in mid September.


As this is a keepsake album and box I'm hoping it will qualify for entry at Truly Scrumptious Challenge #14 where they are asking for anything but a card ... but that may be pushing the boundaries a bit.

Summer Colours

Nearly didn't make it to The Pink Elephant Challenge #28 this week which has a Summer theme.
Not because I didn't find time to make something ... but because I forgot to post it on my blog!
Hmmmmm ... let's just put it down to a MadMax Moment and say no more.
Anyway, this card was made entirely from a selection of free goodies that come with various craft magazines I've bought. The brightness and vibrancy of the colours just scream Summer to me.
I followed sketch #1 from Vee's Sketch Pad ... a new blog which showcases various inspirational sketch designs by Vee and her friends.
It is NOT a challenge blog with weekly sponsored prizes although Vee may occasionally select a few cards that have been submitted to go into a draw for a small prize.
So if you're feeling stuck for ideas and you fancy doing something just for fun, then pop over and visit Vee.
I'm sure there'll be a warm welcome waiting for you and you may get an inspiration boost while you're there.

Side Step Card

It is hubby's birthday tomorrow so thought I should make him a card, or if he's really lucky, maybe even 2!
It's the least I can do especially as he very kindly finances my crafty addiction ... and more importantly, NEVER complains!
Anyway, this card uses papers from CCSR The Big One and a slither of patterned paper from my scraps for contrast, all matted onto gold mirri card.
I wanted to try making a side step card just because it's a bit different from the norm and have to say I quite like it.
The cute image has been recycled from a recent birthday card but because it has a sepia look it was perfect to fit in with The Pink Elephant Challenge #27 which asks us to use Brown, Turquoise and Neutral. Is sepia neutral ??

Right ... better go and see what else I can conjure up for him before tomorrow.

Fairy Friends

Check out this cute Stamposaurus Fairy Princesses stamp.
Aren't they the sweetest? Couldn't wait to break them out of their plastic wrapper and ink them up.
I also took the opportunity to use one of the Penny Black Salutation sentiment stamps which I won from Ann's blog candy recently.
Thanks again Ann ... I love them!

Here's the list of ingredients used:
Black Stazon Inkpad
Whispers Brush Markers
Pink Brilliance Pearlescent Ink pad
White DL Card Blank
Pink Textured Cardstock
Woodware Ornate Punch
Papermania Patterned Paper ~ Flowery
Penny Black Stamp ~ Salutation
Gold Mirri Card
Non Fray Floral Ribbon
Adhesive Gems

Cupcakes

Have you noticed that cupcakes are all the rage at the moment?
These 2 cards are another offering for the very worthwhile project run by Post Pals and will be accompanying small gifts to 2 very special children later today, in the hope that it will bring a smile to their faces for a while at least.
If you would like more information about this project then click the Post Pals link above or the icon on my sidebar.

Simon Says Stamp is this week encouraging us to make multiple cards and projects for their Happy Mail Challenge and so if you want to join in then pop over there and show your support.

Bubbly Scrumptious are running a Cupcake Challenge throughout July so these are perfect for that and there is a fabulous prize on offer there too worth ... wait for it!!! ... approx £75.
EEEK!! Unbelievably generous.
To check out the rules properly, click on the links above or the cute wee blinkie that's flashing on my sidebar.
As I have no cupcake stamps or templates ... how sad am I? ... an oval scallop punch was used to create the topping from some button printed cardstock and this was inked around the edges. The cases were simply cut from blue gingham card and then foam pads were used to adhere them to the card.
Buttons and a teeny bit of ribbon provide a smidgeon of decoration and a simple greeting finishes them off. Doesn't get much quicker or easier than that.

Pink Elephant Challenge 3

Thought I'd join in again with The Pink Elephant Challenge this week ... can't believe I've played along for 3 challenges in a row, 'cos normally I struggle to remember until after the deadlines !!
Must be because I'm enjoying myself ... which is probably because, (unlike some other challenge blogs), they don't impose restrictions, preferring to concentrate more on the fun aspect of challenges and getting enjoyment from everyone's participation. Makes for a much more relaxed environment and it's amazing how much the creativity flow increases each week.

Challenge #3 was a sketch by DT member Carol and here's my take on it.

The textured card, letters and dotty card are DCWV and the image is a Forever Friends sticker which came as a free gift with Papercraft Inspirations magazine.

(Just thought I'd better mention that just in case you thought my colouring skills had improved dramatically ... ha ha).

A small circle punch and heart punch help to get maximum use out of the card offcuts to create a border below the image and discs for the letter stickers. The leftovers from that were then used to decorate inside.

The chipboard flourish is from the Dovecraft Fantasy collection, which was sanded and then coloured with ink to reduce the glaring whiteness.

Adhesive gems add just enough 'bling' without being OTT.

Bootiful Bunny

Throughout November 2008, Sally at Bootiful Stampz was running a daily 'Stamp Giveaway' and on Day 11, I was lucky enough to be selected as the winner of a 'Cup of Bunny' stamp.

With all the mayhem and Christmas Chaos I tucked the cute bunny stamp away and have only now managed to find time to play with it.

A DCWV Valentine Card Kit provided the paper and card used for paper piecing technique and I used a small heart punch to make extra balloons for the message.

The large pink heart was made from 2 overlapping punched ovals from a card blank.

The inside view shows the rest of the message and a small corner decoration.

**Sally is currently offering another opportunity to win a Bootiful Stamp so hop on over there and check out what you have to do.**

Grab'n'Go

I decided to take a break from the Xmas card orders and make another couple of cards for the Grab'n'Go box.

Again I used the Papermania Spring Life paper stack and added no greeting for the moment as it makes them more versatile.

Really like the yellow, blue and brown colour combination as it looks so fresh.

Scallop punches and a piercing tool add a touch of detail to textured blue card.

Thank You Card

While the router in the attic was having a hissy fit, making it impossible to get online, I made a wee 'Thank You' for my MSN buddy Carole who did me a huge favour last week.

Nothing too fancy ... just a wee show of appreciation.
As you can see I'm still enjoying using the scallop punch but also tried making a larger scallop using a mini circle punch and placing the punched shapes behind a circle of scrap card. Not too sure whether mirri card was the right choice but the technique is going to be handy, especially if you want a scalloped edge on an irregular shape.

More Kit Cards

As the LMC Issue 18 Kit was still sitting on my workspace ... (yep ... I'm afraid I don't come anywhere close to being a tidy crafter)... I made a few more cards with it this afternoon.

I really liked the luxury paper samples in the kit and my only complaint would be that they were quite small pieces and there weren't enough of them LOL! However, using my faithful punches, I was able to combine several of them to make this Best Wishes card which stretched them a wee bit further. It's quite bright isn't it?

I also made this Birthday card which is more along the lines of the Vintage Theme of the kit.

I sacrificed a couple of card blanks for matting and layering and used a small circle punch to create scallops. A clear border stamp and black Stazon ink were ideal to decorate the scalloped edges.

There are lots of vintage images which haven't even been touched yet, but I'll probably combine them with vintage papers from other collections in my stash ... I have loads of papers which would work really well.

Busy Weekend

Despite being busy this weekend, I managed to finally open the Let's Make Cards Issue 18 kit and make something with the contents.

I used the packaging to provide the white card blank, and created 3 apertures with a scalloped circle punch on the front face.
I then used a small circle punch to create a scallop edge to a section of pink spotty paper and this was then glued to the left hand edge.
A few of these punched circles were then used to decorate the front and I drew 'faux stitching' with a green fineline pen. Another section of this paper was used to line the inside, showing through the apertures.
Using green floral paper, (also from the kit), I punched 2 flowers with a daisy squeeze punch, mounted them onto silver mirri card circles and placed them in the middle of the top and bottom apertures, adding a small green gem to the centre of each.
A small section of white braid ribbon was threaded through the Happy Birthday sentiment tag and this was mounted to the front, over the central aperture.
Additional green gems were glued to the spotty circles, as a finishing touch, using Diamond Glaze because it dries clear.

There's loads of kit left wih some fabbylicious papers and vintage images, so hope to get a chance this week to make some more cards for my Grab'n'Go box.

I must also show you the beautiful Anniversary card and gorgeous RAK received last Friday from my very special CB friend Tiggertastic (aka Sarah).
Look at all these luvverlies ... can't wait for a chance to play with them all.

The fabulous wall hanging is for my horse mad daughter who was, yet again, blown away at the time and effort put into making something especially for her.
You are so very kind and generous Sarah ... huge thank you hugs from us both xxx

Monday ! Monday!

Another grey and wet start to the week and sadly, today is the last day of the school holidays. This Summer has been one of the wettest I can remember and I feel quite sorry for the kids as we've definitely not had much in the way of T~shirt and shorts weather over the last 6 weeks.

Forgot to show this card the other day, made with another of the cute English Paper Company papers. Don't you just love those bird's faces.

Once again my scallop punch was used ... this time to mount the image behind the aperture.

Saw the LMC Issue 17 magazine the other day and decided to buy it.

The kit is quite pretty with lots of cute baby bits'n'bobs, so made this card for a baby boy.

Gave me a chance to play with pop out parcels on the inside too. Cute huh??


By simply changing the paper these pop out parcels would work for Birthday Cards and Xmas too.

Apologies for the blurry photos ... will replace them with better ones if I get a chance.

Quick MaxMakes

Here are a few Quick'n'Easy cards made using 8" x 8" papers from the English Paper Company which I bought a lifetime and a half ago.
Love the little chubby bees and the wobbly stripes.

The epoxy flower stickers were free with a magazine and the flower stems are just silver peel offs which have been coloured with permanent markers.

I discovered I had a Daisy Squeeze Punch in a box, (who knows when I bought it LOL), so had a wee play with that too.
I quite like how the petals are not perfectly symmetrical ... makes it quirky ... and the addition of some silver mirri card behind the punched section and matching coloured adhesive gems are enough to complete this pretty little card.

Black and White Challenge

Blimey ! Where has this week gone?
I seem to have blinked and missed it.

Anyway ... I haven't been idle ... far from it ... but some of what I've been busy with has to stay secret for a while longer. However, I can show this Black and White birthday card I made which fits the criteria for the Black and White Challenge over at White Ribbon Cards.
Susie is celebrating her upcoming wedding and 20,000 hits and has a super prize on offer. Pssssstttt .... I'd really appreciate it if you didn't enter so I have a better chance of winning LOL!

The paper is from the DCWV 'All Dressed Up' stack and the pretty black daisy embellishments are from a scrapbook kit in my stash.
A large scallop punch gave me the large daisy for the greeting ... I just cut into it to create the petal effect and then mounted the stamped greeting on top. Cool huh?

Thanks for looking.

Scallops, Punches & Pastel Chalks

HOORAY!!
Managed to find some time and motivation for a little cardmaking today.
My first offering is a simple floral design where I have been practicing using a corner punch to create scalloped edges as an alternative to decorative scissors.
Also used my scalloped circle punch for the main image ... (I'm determined to get my money's worth from that little investment LOL) ... which is mounted on foam pads for a little dimension.
Added some matching floral paper as a strip on the inside to show off the scallop, popped on a greeting and some little turquoise gems and we're done.
Simple but pretty result.

Next I dug out the Dovecraft chalks and had a play on an embossed card from my stash. Added a pretty flower with a little brad to a stamped greeting, on another scalloped circle, and lastly I popped some gold glitter around the border and in the eye of the embossed flowers.



Feels good to be tinkering with my stash again.