When Inspiration Strikes

A Finish (of sorts)

2012-02-07T14:03:00.000+11:00

Not a completed quilt, but a quilt top complete. I just finished adding the borders. I have the backing and the cotton for quilting, so I should get on and do the basting.

Yep. I should.

The House with the Polka Dot Door

2012-01-31T10:13:00.000+11:00

This little house was not on my UFO pile. I started it on the weekend and finished it up this morning. I needed another pin cushion you see, because I have but one and it never remembered to come back with me to the sewing machine when I'd been elsewhere pinning, so pins ended up loose and not very convenient.

I got the pattern for this from the retro mama blog. Cute, huh? I don't know if I will end up using it as a pincushion now. It looks rather comfortable hanging on my craft room door.

So, maybe another one is in order, in colours to go with my sewing machine, or my iron, which happen to be very, very similar. And without a hanging ribbon so I don't get tempted to hang it up elsewhere.

But NOT until I've finished another UFO.

Finish Number One

2012-01-30T16:48:00.000+11:00

A little while ago, I made a foundation pieced star, from the pattern provided by Quiltjane, as part of the Desperate Housewife's Quilt. I was going to make four and put them together into one cushion cover, but I rather dislike foundation piecing like this, and so just made the one. I had to make one, because I loved the block.

So, that's one of my UFOs now finished. Getting there. :)

Broken

2012-01-28T08:46:00.000+11:00

Two more blocks done, and if will power permits, that's it for a little while till I get some other bits finished. So, we have Broken Dishes:

This gave me some grief. I had to leave it last night and come back to it first thing. Some of the pinwheel points are a bit off for my liking, but I've just gone with it. They're not all that bad, I'm just fussy.

This is Broken Sugar Bowl. I changed the colour placement slightly.

I am happy with the colours in these two blocks. The broken dishes block makes me think of beaches with turquoise waters. :)

So, now the book and fabrics are being put away, and the UFO pile will soon start to dwindle.

Bowtie and Bouquet

2012-01-26T12:26:00.000+11:00

So, two Farmers Wife blocks done yesterday. Bowtie and Bouquet. The names of these blocks together make me think of weddings. :)

Bouquet:

Bowtie:

So, now I have done 15, that leaves just 96 more blocks to sew. And cut. And cut and cut. That is the most time consuming part, I think.

Introducing Purple

2012-01-25T08:57:00.000+11:00

I decided this week to add a bit of purple to the mix of colours in my blocks, and so we have Box:

I don't like to cut up regular polkadots or stripes or checks or any of that sort of thing, and have them join in an odd way, so instead of two triangles of purple for each purple section, I did it in one piece.

The second block, Contrary Wife:

This should have been really quick, but I had to unpick two rows, because after going along just fine sewing three rows, I then sewed the bottom row to the top, didn't notice when I pressed it, and proceeded to sew the top row to the bottom. I debated leaving it, but preferred the 'correct' layout, so unpicked and re-sewed. Oh well, it may teach me to pay attention.

Of course I was doing it between various parts of cooking a roast, so was a bit distracted, and in particular my Yorkshire puddings had me quite distracted indeed, they turned out so well. Here's a pic, 'cause they deserve a pic, 'cause they were good. :)

And another one, just because:

And now, I'm hungry!

Birds in the Air

2012-01-23T12:51:00.001+11:00

Only one block this weekend, as I was busy doing other things. Not entirely sure I like the mix of yellow and pink, but not sure I don't either. I would have done more on Sunday but spent my spare time reading HG Wells instead, trying to get my mind off the poor little lizard I accidentally hoed to death while weeding and kinda got a wee bit hysterical over...

Temperance Tree and Big Dipper

2012-01-20T10:02:00.000+11:00

Two more farmers wife sampler blocks. Temperance Tree caused me issues - I didn't like my first block so unpicked it all and resewed it with the yellow fabrics instead of my original choice. Also unpicked and trimmed the blue triangles because they finished a tad too big. So twice sewn, but finally acceptable to me.

Big dipper came together wonderfully. The yellow and pink don't want to photograph nicely though.

I'm thinking I'll start going in order again, because I spend far too long looking through the book deciding which block to do next otherwise.

Wrench

2012-01-14T12:47:00.000+11:00

Here are two more blocks made for the Farmer's Wife sampler. Calico Puzzle and Wrench:

I went for nice simple ones yesterday. The cutting out of lots of triangles was giving me an aching back. I think I need a slightly higher table.

Buzzard's Roost

2012-01-12T10:07:00.002+11:00

Another Farmer's Wife Sampler block, called Buzzards Roost, made on Tuesday. Poor dismembered Frog Prince.

Nothing made yesterday, too much other stuff to do. Hopefully today though :)

Frog Prince

2012-01-09T16:48:00.000+11:00

I really am loving making these Farmers Wife sampler blocks. My favourite so far is probably this one, which is called Star of Hope, or by me, Frog Prince:

I love the Prince Charming range by Tula Pink, and this Frog Prince fabric is the only piece I own. It was almost painful cutting into it, but I love the block with the frog in, and think the darker triangles are kinda like a crown.

I've done another two blocks too, Basket Weave:

And Bat Wing:

I've got some bits cut up for the next one, but really should get on and do other things. It's hard when they are so much fun to make!

Autumn Tints

2012-01-08T12:26:00.000+11:00

Block two in the Farmers Wife sampler quilt, Autumn Tints, is done! It was a nice quick one since I could rotary cut and they're all squares. I had to join the stripes, which came from the Rose Parade jelly roll, but am still happy with how it looks.

The colours in this range are so bright and lovely. I think the block would be more aptly named Spring Colour, since there are really no autumn tints in there.

Next!

Hello Mrs Farmer

2012-01-07T18:55:00.000+11:00

I wasn't going to cave in. I had plenty of other things on the go, so didn't need a sampler quilt to add to them, but I was finally convinced by Susan and her beautiful Rose Parade blocks that I had to get the Farmers Wife Sampler Quilt book and sew my own little blocks.

I am using Rose Parade by Moda, and adding some other fabrics I've got laying around. I just finished my first one earlier today. Here it is, Attic Windows:

I used Rose Parade in the middle only, but it's there. The Eiffel tower triangles should have probably been put on their opposite corners. As it is, the only complete towers are upside down. It doesn't worry me enough at the moment to bother changing it though.

So many more to do! Kinda exciting. :)

Catch-up

2012-01-06T12:15:00.000+11:00

I did a bit of sewing earlier this week and caught up with the Bloggers' BOM blocks. Here are blocks three and four:

I did block two a while ago, but haven't posted till now. Here it is:

I love these colours so much. They just give me a real lift when I see them together.

Bye Bye Christmas, and 2011

2012-01-02T12:17:00.010+11:00

Hello New Year.

Here's a pair of cushions I made my brother and sister-in-law for Christmas. I think the recipients liked them. I was told I'll have to do another one when number 3, currently brewing, gets here, but I think that was just politeness. I don't know. It is hard to tell when you don't really get an enthusiastic response at all.

Anyway, to make them, I took a couple of side-on photos of the niece and nephew, turned them into silhouette outlines in Photoshop Elements and printed them. Traced onto fabric, ironed onto Vliesofix, cut out about 1/4 inch outside the line, then ironed onto background and stitched around, on the line, by machine.

They are very recognisable as my niece and nephew, and I was quite pleased with how they came out. What topped it off for me though was the little tags, done with Moda twill tape from a jelly roll, and a laundry marker. Simple, but it added a spot of colour and a kind of professional touch.

I enjoyed making these, and though I wasted a bit of time doing needle-turn applique first up, not liking the nose area, unpicking, retracing etc... it all worked out in the end.

Sultry Birthday

2011-12-05T11:20:00.006+11:00

I found this picture of a card I haven't posted here, so thought I'd stick it on the blog. The paper is Basic Grey Sultry, from the 6x6 inch paper pad. I think the rhinestone flower is Kaisercraft. Not sure about the rest of the bits. It was a couple of years ago that I made it :)

A couple of things...

2011-12-03T17:18:00.008+11:00

First up, here's a card I made:

The papers are from the Basic Grey Offbeat 6x6 inch paper pad. The stamps by Grant.

Second, a Wild Thing block, in miniature:

I will do more of these mini blocks till I have a mini quilt, but it will be bit by bit, between other things, so may take a while.

Lil' Rascals

2011-11-30T19:32:00.005+11:00

I can hardly believe it's been over a month since I posted anything here. Time flies by so fast. I have no idea where it goes. I've made a few things, but photos are not yet taken of most of them. Here is one though, a small baby quilt for a good friend. It is made with a layer cake from Moda called Lil' Rascals. I fell in love with the little animals, but the colours are not at all my usual choice. I do like it though.

I went double sided, each side different, and was supremely happy with how perfectly the centres lined up when I quilted it. Not all the lines went through all the points on the 'back', but it was better than I expected. I got all the quilting done, turned it over (for the umpteenth time) and only then realised I'd sewn them with one side upside down. Not to worry though, it simply means that when the top is folded over, the little animals stay right way up, as demonstrated by Darwin the teddy bear above. I think it was a subconsciously deliberate mistake.

I really had no plan or pattern when I started this. I just started by cutting the animals out, and went from there. It was improvised I suppose, right up the the end. I still wasn't sure what I was going to do when I was cutting the one inch squares that are on the top and bottom of the side shown above. It all worked out though.

So, one quilt made and gifted in a few weeks. It's a record for me I think. I normally work on a gazillion things at once, so focusing on one thing, even just doing a small bit at a time, seems to work much better for getting it done. Odd, that.

Paper Patchwork

2011-10-25T08:48:00.003+11:00

I keep seeing all the wonderful Farmers Wife blocks out in blogland and flickr, and wanted to do a sampler myself. I decided that rather than use fabric though I would use paper, and select blocks from The Quilter's Block Bible by Celia Eddy. I chose to use the Two Scoops paper collection by Basic Grey, as I had a 6x6 inch paper pad with half the sheets intact, as well as lots of little scraps from it.

Here are my first two. They finish up at 3 inches square. It is fiddly, but fun.

20.10. 2011

2011-10-20T10:33:00.007+11:00

I just really like that today's date is what it is, so thought I'd do a post of something I've made in the past, just because I want to see the date typed up like that.

Here is a tea cosy I made a while ago now, in use on my kitchen bench.

The tab for holding/hanging etc is made from the selvage of the hummingbird fabric. I like it :)

That's it.

The Sugar Bowl Challenge 69

2011-10-12T08:39:00.003+11:00

Two cards in two days is not bad. I had already coloured this Sugar Nellie image, I just needed to use it for something.

Urban Prairie papers from Basic Grey, and a sketch from The Sugar Bowl challenge 69 (rotated and elongated) and it was done.

It's Magic

2011-10-10T12:07:00.003+11:00

Yesterday afternoon I had some therapeutic colouring-in time, and ended up with this Christmas card, first of the year. I absolutely adore this image, from Sugar Nellie. He is just so cute.

One down, several to go. I'm not going to count.

Dudley is DONE

2011-10-07T19:41:00.005+11:00

I have a finish, and I am very happy about it. Dudley is finally complete.

It took me ages to figure out how to sew the legs on so I was happy with them and couldn't see stitches, but I got there in the end, on my fourth attempt.

He is not perfect, but I really love him, and so does Martin.

A good thing, since it was him who requested I buy the pattern and make him one.

Blogger's BOM Quilt Along

2011-09-30T12:07:00.004+10:00

I've decided to join in with the Bloggers Block of the Month quilt along, and since it is just one block per month I don't think it will really impact on my other works in progress.

Here is block 1, which is available here at A Quilting Life:

I have changed it from the instructions ever so slightly because I didn't want a join in the floral, but the finished look is the same.

I love the combination of turquoise and orange.

Roses on Grey

2011-09-26T13:42:00.004+10:00

I finished cutting the outside part of the Dutch Rose blocks from the Ruby fabric.

Seeing them on the grey of my dining table, I'm thinking a grey background for the blocks.

We shall see. I am putting them away for now to finish some other projects. Considering Christmas is going to be all over in 3 months time, I think I ought to get a wriggle on and finish the Christmas present quilt at least.

I Have No Will Power

2011-09-24T16:32:00.006+10:00

I was going to finish what I have started and not make anything new till at least one thing was finished, but I got this in the mail on Thursday:

I should have been good and left it unopened and then I might not have been tempted to start cutting, but I had an idea of what I wanted to do, so I opened it to get a proper look. Then I decided it didn't suit what I wanted to do, so I changed my mind and decided on the following:

They're pretty bad photos in pretty poor light, but they give the idea. Dutch Rose blocks, with background colour to be decided, and centres yet to be cut. They will end up as a table runner, because wonderfully, the aqua in the range is almost the exact same colour as our dining room walls.

Now I should go and get cutting into the other colours :)

More Progress

2011-09-17T13:17:00.002+10:00

More things closer to being finished. Both Glace cushion tops pieced.

Getting there.

Progress

2011-09-12T12:27:00.004+10:00

Progress was made on the weekend, and a little bit this morning, but it was on the least progressed quilt, so not really the best thing to work on if I want some finishes.

Anyhow, Eva strips are now all sewn together.

NUDGE

2011-09-09T16:18:00.004+10:00

I thought a collection of photos of my (sewing) works in progress would nudge me in the finishing direction, so here we have, in no particular order:

Dudley, from a pattern by Melly and Me. I only started him a couple of days ago. It's taking a lot longer than I thought, mainly because the turning is a pain, so I stop after doing a little bit at a time, but he is rather cute so worth the bother.

This little deer has a very cute tail. He is mostly finished, just have to deal with that hanging thread...

... and sew his right ear on, which is currently just sitting in its slot.

Eva jelly roll quilt. I shouldn't have started this, having a few other unfinished quilts, but I was wanting something simple that involved no matching of points. It would be simpler if the strips in the jelly roll were straight, but still better than points.

Two cushion covers in the making, with Glace fabric from Moda. I ordered a turnover of the fabric, and had to play with it soon after, and having decided what to do with it, couldn't resist starting at least.

Hexagon quilt, from a pattern in AP&Q magazine. This is all hand sewing at night in front of the tv, so it's perfectly alright to have started this one with other unfinished items on the go.

Dream Big quilt, from Simplify by Camille Roskelley. I started this in mid July, so haven't done too badly getting this far. Need to buy some batting to finish this one, and am thinking of hand quilting, so need some thread for that, which I can't buy locally (unfortunately).

Max and Whiskers quilt. This was meant to be a Christmas present for my nephew. Now I'm contemplating the next quilt for him instead, and saving this for his birthday. Borders will be black. I've got the fabric, just not done it yet.

Finally, what I am calling the Doggy bag quilt, because it's made of the leftovers from the quilt above it. I really like this one and though it's meant for my nephew, I may end up keeping it for him to use when he visits me :)

So, now I feel bad (particularly as there is one more in the cupboard which I just couldn't be bothered getting out to photograph) because I have so many almost finished items. I should decide on a finish order and get them done. It's nice to have a bit of variety when sewing though.

More Sewing

2011-08-27T11:13:00.005+10:00

So, a bit of sewing has been done this year. Here are a just a couple of items for now, a little deer that I am using as a pincushion for needles, pattern from online somewhere (can't even find the file on my computer, so can't post a link)... and a dolly quilt from Sarah Fielke's Quilting from little things book, called Geese around the World.

I will get some decent photos of my other things soon, and post them. Just for Suzitee.

Archaic Birthday

2011-04-04T11:43:00.004+10:00

Some craft, finally, after far too long. This is the card I made for my nephew's 2nd Birthday. Paper is all from the Basic Grey Archaic 6x6inch paper pad. I love the dinosaurs, cute but ferocious looking :)

Some sewing has also been accomplished, but photos of that are yet to be taken.

Butterflies and Vines

2010-12-31T17:03:00.010+11:00

I finished this quilt today, and am so very pleased about it, having

started it over 2 years ago. :) I gave it to Mum, because she loves butterflies. This is the first free-motion quilting I've done, and I'm not doing too badly with it, really. More practice will improve me I'm sure.

I hid the occasional heart in the quilting, but mostly it was leaves throughout. Plus a "for Mum" and "love hope".

I love the back fabric :

A Pretty Posy

2010-11-15T13:34:00.004+11:00

I went for a little walk before lunch and came across many areas of pretty flowers, growing in the wild along the railway track, some of them weeds. Still, even weeds have pretty flowers, so why shouldn't we enjoy them. A few now grace the window sill in my kitchen (which is waiting for a second coat of paint...) pretty much plonked in a glass just as they were picked.

Making it up as I go along

2010-11-11T10:25:00.004+11:00

I had the urge to sew on Sunday, after getting out my Nature's Chorus layer cake and finally opening it to see all the fabrics. So, no plan in mind, and just moving squares of fabric around on our dining table, I started to cut and sew.

This is what I've got so far:

In doing this I have discovered a few things. First, layer cakes are not necessarily square, and not square either (meaning the dimensions aren't exactly 10 by 10 inches, and the corners are not 90 degrees). Not according to my quilter's ruler anyhow.

Second, making things up as I go is a lot of fun.

Third, I am not nearly so fussy with my points when I sew this way. Good or bad?

Nutmeg

2010-02-13T14:02:00.004+11:00

Nutmeg is the name of the really cute papers from Cosmo Cricket, used for the following two creations. The little critters are so adorable :)

I went to a scrapbooking retreat recently organised by Scrapsidaisy, and we were given a challenge pack with these papers, some buttons, Kaisercraft alphabet stickers, velvet ribbon and sticky-back felt. This is my creation - and it got third prize :)

There were plenty of leftovers, which of course I kept, and one thing I've done so far is this card for my brother. The dashed lines on the black are done with a Souffle pen from Sakura. I love how well they stand out on black.

Thank You

2010-01-22T09:46:00.003+11:00

Gosh, what a long time since I posted anything on here. Well, here's the first card I've made this year, done for a challenge at the Zest blog to use red, white and blue, plus star embellishments. The main image is from Whiff of Joy, coloured with pencil, and the fancy bit along the bottom is a stamp by Fiskars.

I think there is something not quite right with it, not sure. Anyhow, done now!

Winged Heart

2009-11-26T10:39:00.005+11:00

I recently bought some glitter reduced to clear, and had to have a play. I was originally thinking of something "shabby-chic" when I glittered the chipboard heart, but ended up with this card, nothing like what I set out to do. That tends to happen a lot, when I just go with the flow.

The papers are from Kaisercraft (the background, and the butterfly wings behind the heart), and the stamps are Prima.

Four more for Christmas

2009-11-12T12:33:00.006+11:00

Here are four more Christmas cards, a bit different to the others I've done :)

This one uses the cuttlebug Holly embossing folder, which I cut some leaves from, painted silver, and gave a pewter effect with black paint over that. The greeting is from Stamp-It.

Simple patchwork effect using Basic Grey papers, and some machine stitching.

That cute House Mouse stamp again :)

And I think this is my favourite, 12 squares of card, all covered in foil, carefully placed in the Holly embossing folder, embossed, and then black paint used on each square for a pewter effect. It was like assembling a puzzle, putting it on the card. The greeting was done on my computer then embossed in Platinum embossing powder, and coloured in with black pen.

Christmas Mice

2009-10-23T15:06:00.005+11:00

Another Christmas card, using a House Mouse stamp and Basic Grey papers. Those little mice are so, so cute! :)

Christmas is coming...

2009-10-19T15:39:00.009+11:00

...and I am getting my cards done! Here are a few:

Using the Cuttlebug Argyle embossing folder. I sprayed the embossed white card with pink glimmer mist and then brayered over with white ink. Trees are cut from Basic Grey Two Scoops paper.

Another cuttlebug embossed background. Stamp is from Sugar Nellie and coloured with colour pencils.

More embossing, and a bit of sponging on the leaves. :)

Stamp is from Sugar Nellie, yet more Cuttlebug embossing.

And finally, one without embossing! The background is Basic Grey papers. This time the image is done with watercolour.

Something Brown

2009-10-15T13:01:00.006+11:00

Here is a card I made for the Stamp Something Challenge, which this week is Brown Plus Something. I coloured the stamped image with brown ink and a water brush pen using various strengths for the different shades. The card is rather country-ish I think. Something a bit different for me. Very simple layout, but I like simple. :)

Happy Birthday Mum x x

2009-10-01T16:16:00.002+10:00

I made this card for Mum, whose birthday it is today. It went through many incarnations, and this final one is totally different to what I started out with in my head. I'm pleased with it though. I stamped the Inkadinkado bird in white on brown card, then coloured over with colour pencils. The background border is a Prima Stamp. A stitched border and a Happy Birthday rubon, and it's done. Sounds like it should be quick, but boy did it take me a long time. I just kept making mistakes with the stamped border. Got there in the end though. :)

Bear Hugs

2009-09-28T13:40:00.003+10:00

Gosh, it's been a while since I posted anything here! Well, here is a brand new card. I made this on Friday as soon as I received this cute stamp (called Sweetheart Teddy from Stamp-It) from Scrapsidaisy. Simple, but I like the way it has turned out. I used watercolour pencils and a water brush pen to colour the image, and foam Thickers by American Crafts for the greeting. I can see this little bear being used for a whole range of cards.

Colour Challenge

2009-08-31T08:33:00.005+10:00

I made this card for the Scrapmaster's Paradise Color Combo Challenge #12. These are the colours we had to use:

The bird stamp is from Inkadinkado, and the flowers in the background from the Boho Blossoms set by My Favourite Things.

There is also some great blog candy up at the SPCC blog, celebrating 10,000 hits. The candy post is here.

Scrapsidaisy 4th Birthday Card

2009-08-28T13:11:00.002+10:00

I thought I would post the card I made for Scrapsidaisy's 4th birthday. The paper is all Two Scoops by Basic Grey, which I figured was appropriate as it was the first thing I ever purchased from Scrapsidaisy. Rather difficult to see is the Happy birthday rub-on on the crochet lace - which is also from Scrapsidaisy.

I was in a quilting frame of mind at the time, so the card is full of piecing and stitching, even the inside (which I forgot to photograph). I think before I try this sort of thing again, I will invest in a square punch. Maybe. :)

Ooh La La

2009-08-25T15:38:00.002+10:00

At copycatcards over at the Scrapsidaisy Forum, there is a challenge to use food as inspiration for a card. I used little musk lollies for my inspiration, and here is the card I ended up with:

The poodle and sentiment stamps are from a set by My Favourite Things, and the background behind the poodle a stamp by Fiskars. I stamped the sentiment straight onto ribbon with Opera Pink VersaColor ink.

:)

Berry Happy Birthday

2009-08-24T08:38:00.003+10:00

Here is a card I made Martin for his birthday - simple, but he liked it. Just a chipboard frame inked blue with a photo of strawberries behind it, a few Kaiser rhinestones, and a Happy Birthday rub-on from FTI.

Cute Little Dolls

2009-08-05T14:59:00.012+10:00

My present for Christmas in July was a couple of stamp sets from Hero Arts. They are such cute images.

This little tag to the left uses the Dolls set, and some Basic Grey Urban Prairie paper. Front and back are shown. The whole tag is only 5cm across. So cute.

I coloured the doll and the message with watercolour pencils, but didn't wet them.

Next up I used the Four Dolls set, which has four cute Japanese doll images, to create the card below.

I coloured her with my watercolour brush and the ink from a couple of stabilo pens scribbled onto some plastic, then used some Pearl Ex over the top to give her clothes a silky sheen. You can see it pretty well in the photo up top.

The background she is on is paper I bought in Japan. So, so pretty. Behind that is some wool paper (don't know why it's called that) I've had in my drawer for ages. The gold flowers stamped across the top and bottom are also from the doll stamp set.

Christmas in July

2009-08-02T15:53:00.005+10:00

Every 25th July, Martin and I celebrate Christmas in July. It means we can do all the traditional things he grew up with, and then in December do the things I grew up with. We have presents at both of course!

In keeping with the festive spirit, I made a couple of Christmas cards. Here they are:

I actually coloured this image last Christmas, specifically to match the background paper, but have only just got to putting it on a card. I am honestly not sure who makes the stamp - the image was a gift at the time - will have to check that out. Try to ignore the places I went out of the lines :)

10/8/09 - The stamp is called Pip with Presents by Sugar Nellie - Thanks Bec for that :)

This next one uses Basic Grey paper, cut from behind a photo on a scrapbook layout. I couldn't bear to cover any of the gorgeous paper, so thought a card was the perfect solution. Very simple, but the paper is enough decoration on its own really.

Friend

2009-07-13T13:46:00.006+10:00

I am rather pleased with this card. I had fun using scraps from a scrapbook layout for this one - the calico and twine. Also, the little tag is cut from the plastic I used to mix some texture paste and paint in for some branches on the layout, and the leaf charms also featured.

I made the background for the stamped image a while ago with walnut inks and some silver calligraphy ink. I sprayed them on my glass desk and pressed my card into it and dried it. At some angles the whole thing sparkles.

Here is a shot to show the dimension :)

The bird stamp is from Inkadinkado and the 'friend' stamp from the Boho Blossoms set by MFT.

Porcelain 50th Birthday

2009-06-28T15:36:00.002+10:00

I made this card for one of my favourite aunts. I didn't think I was at it that long, but after starting it around 12.30 I was putting the finishing touches on at 3pm. Eek! Well, I like the result. I hope my aunt does too. I don't see her very often, but I think she was the only aunt (out of 5 altogether) who sent me a birthday card every year as a kid, so I am pleased to put the effort in for her. I have no idea if she is a card keeper or not, but I hope she keeps it for a little while at least.

The paper is all Basic Grey Porcelain, and the flower is from Prima. Happy Birthday rub-on is from FTI. The numbers are Heidi Swapp and the pearls from Kaiser.

Cute as a button

2009-06-25T15:00:00.007+10:00

I had another play with my Christina Re baby stamps yesterday, and made the card above. The paper is Basic Grey Urban Prairie. I love how these stamps look stamped directly onto patterned paper.

I also received some new goodies from Scrapsidaisy yesterday, some Nestabilities and the Swiss Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder. So, I had a play. These 2 little cards (8.5cm tall) were inspired by some that Chris Millar made, which you can see here.

That's all for now. I'm sure there will be more soon :)

Some Drawings

2009-06-25T12:22:00.006+10:00

I was looking through my files and came across these drawings. I have watermarked them with my name and year they were drawn, so I obviously meant to put them up on here at some point. Well, here they are :)

This little canary I drew for a card for Mum. It's done in watercolour pencils on pastel paper.

This goldfinch I drew for Dad. Watercolour on pastel paper again.

And finally a foal I drew for Stephen. I used a photo as reference. It's just HB pencil on plain copier paper.

I am not sure why, buy my birds always end up looking fluffed up. I say always, as these are the only two I've drawn. I might get sleeker ones drawn with practice.

Baby Cards

2009-06-23T10:37:00.000+10:00

After posting a random baby card last, I thought I'd post the cards I made for my niece and nephew when they were born, 2 years apart.

The first one was for my niece, and uses a stamp from Stamp-It and a hand written sentiment. I rather like the bow I ended up with :) If memory serves, I think I cheated and tied the bow on it's own and stuck it on top of another piece of ribbon. I used some cotton to gather up the ribbon under it to make it look like it was all one piece.

For the second one I drew the dragon and coloured him in watercolour pencils and a water pen, and used Basic Grey chipboard letters for the name. The background paper is also Basic Grey.

Bye bye for now x

It's a Girl

2009-06-22T09:48:00.006+10:00

I got some new stamps on sale a couple of days ago and had a play last night. This is a very simple card, but I like it. The stamps are Christina Re Paper Chic by Grant Archival. They were super cheap, but they are beautiful. The paper in the background is Basic Grey Two Scoops, and the little butterfly is cut from some Kaiser Flutterby paper.

I made this quite quickly, which is unusual for me. I normally play with layout quite a bit, but this just all happened without playing at all. I'm kind of wishing I'd stitched around the edges of the patterned paper though. I did some dashed lines in white pen, but they're not really noticeable. You can see them better if you click the image for a larger version though.

(When did dashed lines become 'faux stitching'? I've been doing it since I was at school as extra decoration on the edge of things, and never thought of it as stitching. I think lots of simple things are given fancy names in the world of art and craft)

4th Birthday Celebration Card Competition

2009-06-11T15:15:00.003+10:00

Scrapsidaisy are turning 4 and celebrating with a card competition. Here are the details, found on the Scrapsidaisy Blog:

Part of our celebrations will be a "Make us a Birthday Card" competition! All you have to do is make and send us a 4th birthday card. We will choose 2 cards we like the best and the creators will receive a prize pack of scrap goodies worth $50 each! One entry per person please.

Just send your card to us at 107 Isabella Street, Wingham NSW 2429 AND if you mention this competition and link us on your blog (let us know you have done it in the comments section so we can visit) we will put you in the draw to win a special blog candy pack worth $30!

Happy!

2009-06-08T14:18:00.003+10:00

I made this card with some goodies I bought from Scrapsidaisy. I might never have got those goodies if it weren't for the wonderful, flawless customer service offered by Leisa and her team. If you want a great shopping experience, I definitely recommend heading to the website to have a look.

The goodies in question are the chipboard 'Happy' and the cute little bird, which is from the 'grow a garden' stamp set by Basic Grey. The background and the paper I used to cover the "happy" are both Berry Sweet by K&Co. I wanted the Happy to stand out, but also wanted the fabulous pattern of the background to be visible so I used a bit of vellum sewed to the background to achieve that.

Marrakech - For Ray

2009-05-24T08:46:00.007+10:00

I made this card last night with a couple of papers from the Marrakech range by Kaiser. The layout is based on Laura's Sketch 26 at 2 Sketches 4 You. I flipped and rotated it, and it is slightly different.

The ribbon I used was very nice on the front, with leaves and red, yellow and blue flowers on light blue, but the back looked wonderful too, and I decided it better suited the look I was after.

Thanks for looking x

Berry Sweet Willow

2009-05-22T16:50:00.005+10:00

24/5 - Here is another attempt at a photo. Another dull day, but at least you can see that the pearls are white in this one, and the pink is not quite as extreme as parts of the photo below.

I made this card for the challenge on Bizzy Bec's blog to use a Whiff of Joy stamp and lace on a card. I hope I've done it on time. The challenge ends today.

The pink paper is Berry Sweet by K&Co, not sure of the lace or the green paper. There are white pearls on the corners by Kaiser, and in the centre of the flower from BluEye Dezines.

This is a really poor photo. I had to use the flash as it's very dull here today, and it washed out the colours. My editing fixed it a little, but it could be better. I will hopefully get a better photo on a sunny day :)

Bon Voyage!

2009-04-24T15:16:00.003+10:00

I made this card for a friend who is off to France soon. I love the little house mice. They are the cutest little things.

I am pleased with myself for completing a double page scrapbooking layout this morning - only my 5th layout ever. I may show a photo on here at a later date. We'll see. Anyhow, it was such fun, but a lot of work cutting out and matting 8 photos.

What a long time...

2009-04-17T17:22:00.007+10:00

...since I posted anything on here. We went to England and had a good time, even some sunshine. Didn't get a lot of sight seeing done, but the main point was to visit family, and that we did. It was just a shame they're spread out all over the place. Maybe next time we'll settle in one spot for the duration and let people come visit US.

Anyhow, here are a couple of cards I have made, both for copycatcards challenges. First, a gift card holder. Pull the ribbon and the gift card and message come out. The paper is from K&Co Berry Sweet and the letters are by Basic Grey.

Next up is a card made for a 'green' challenge, to use the colour green, or something recycled. I used cardboard packaging to stiffen the butter foil embossed panels. Two recycled items, yay! The foil I painted red and let dry slightly before rubbing off roughly. I used two embossing folders in the Cuttlebug - Bird Call and You.

Thanks for looking . Hopefully I will have more to show soon. I am working on quilting a queensize patchwork quilt top I made about 4 years ago. Better late than never!
x

Long Time No See

2009-02-11T14:56:00.006+11:00

So much has been going on I haven't made anything for a while, until quite recently that is. No home so no craft products so no cards.

Here are two that I have made recently though, for copycatcards challenges. The first one I did a couple of weeks ago at Mum and Dad's house, the other only yesterday in our new home in my very own craft room :)

This one above was for the challenge to use green and a heart. The paper is Berry Sweet by K&Co and the chipboard letters are by Basic Grey.

This second card was for the latest challenge, to use a stamp, doodling and blue. I used denim blue and patina glimmer mists, and walnut ink spray, and the stamps are from Autumn Leaves and Prima. Below is a closeup showing some sparkliness and more clearly showing the blue.

You may need to click on it for the larger version to see it properly.

Anyhow, that will be it again for a while. I'm off to England for 3 weeks from Saturday! Yay! Though I'm not sure I'm all that happy about the weather they've been having....

Strawberry Thank You

2008-12-12T16:11:00.004+11:00

I made this for the copycatcards challenge this week, which was to use a photo provided as inspiration. Mine is the first entry - I think everyone is busy with Christmas bits and pieces!

I took the colours, the fruit and the stripes for my inspiration. I drew the strawberry with a black Zig writer, and coloured it with watercolour pencils and a water brush pen. I then put a coat of Dimensional Magic over the berry so it is nice and shiny. Also, I put three drops of dimensional magic on the top left of the card.

It was good making a card, as a break from making Christmas presents. It freed up the creative juices!

Tagged!

2008-12-05T15:59:00.002+11:00

I have been tagged by the lovely and talented Suzitee! The Rules are:

1. Add a link to the person who tagged you
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. List 6 random things about yourself
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post
5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog

Here are some random things about me:

1. I think lizards are some of the most beautiful creatures on this Earth.
2. I love eating popcorn with white chocolate - the mix of sweet and salty is delicious!
3. I am a Taurus.
4. I love to read, most particularly fantasy novels.
5. I enjoy drawing.
6. I am moving soon! Yay!

I can't think of 6 people to tag, so I think I will break that rule. :)

I really should be making Christmas presents right now. So much to do and so little time left! So I am off to do just that. Bye bye x

Something Sweet

2008-12-05T15:45:00.005+11:00

I couldn't resist another card for the Whiff of Joy Guest Designer challenge. (See my post below or here for details).

For this card I stamped my background with one of the stamps from Prima's Build a Frame set in Sage ink. The patterned paper was a gift, so I don't know who it is by, and the red strip across the bottom is actually two strips of red polka-dot ribbon, with a sheer white ribbon over it to soften the colour.

I stitched around the edges of the card with my sewing machine, but no thread, to create the pierced border.

Whiff of Joy Guest Designer Call

2008-12-02T16:30:00.008+11:00

Whiff of Joy, a company that sells the most adorable stamps, is having a guest designer call. I love these stamps, though the budget has only allowed for one so far, so I am entering!

To enter, we need to create a card or layout based on a sketch. I had great fun with mine. This stamp is so wonderful to colour! I have used watercolour pencils and a water brush. The paper is all from the Sultry collection by Basic Grey. The pale blue rhinestones are from Kaiser.

Here is a closeup of the stamped image:

You can click on any of the pictures for a larger view.

For more information on the Guest Designer call, click here.

Bird of Life

2008-11-26T13:57:00.004+11:00

Another copycatcards challenge, this time with a card by Kim Archer as inspiration. You can see the card and the challenge here. I had some trouble with this, but got there in the end, and am quite pleased with the result. The paper is all Two Scoops by Basic Grey. I drew the Chinese symbol on some shrink plastic and shrunk it. According to my Chinese calligraphy book, it is the symbol for life. The bird is from Inkadinkado, and the felt butterfly & flower ribbon from BluEye Dezines.

I wrote 'life' down the bottom and decorated liberally with Kaiser Rhinestones.

Snowflakes

2008-11-26T13:48:00.003+11:00

I did this card for the Cute Card Thursday challenge, Snow & Snowflakes. I got the snowflakes with a Christmas card last year. The Merry Christmas stamp is from Stamp-It and is stamped in blue and embossed with Hologram Sparkle embossing powder, from Stamp-It also.

I realised after making it that it's not exactly 'Cute', but I hope it is still alright for the challenge.

Timeless Butterflies

2008-11-20T17:12:00.004+11:00

Here I have used more cereal box cardboard! I ran it through the Cuttlebug textile embossing folder, then rubbed it with a crayon, painted it white, and rubbed the paint off roughly. I then sprayed it with iridescent gold Glimmer Mist, though it is hard to tell in the photo.

The stamps I used are all from Prima's Build a Frame sets, except the 'timeless' which is from MFT's Boho Blossoms. I went over parts of the butterflies and the word with Kindy Glitz glitter glue. It's easier to see if you click the photo for a larger view.

I made this card for a sketch challenge on the Stamp Something weekly challenge blog.

C'est la Vie

2008-11-19T15:47:00.004+11:00

I had a lot of fun making this card. I wrapped a couple of pieces of cereal box in foil then ran it through the cuttlebug in the textile embossing folder. Then I painted them with Jo Sonja aqua paint, let dry slightly, and rubbed the paint off roughly. The strip in the middle is stamped with Prima stamps, and lightly wiped over with my white versamagic ink pad. The banner is coloured with turquoise ink and a water brush. I then coated the banner part in dimensional magic.

This was for this week's copycatcards challenge, to use aqua, brown and a metal embellishment.

Black Butterfly

2008-11-13T16:42:00.007+11:00

Another great challenge at copycatcards this week, to use the very striking combination of black, red and white, and a ribbon.

I love the patterned paper on this. The red is flocked, so feels nice and velvety, and the background is shimmery. It is by Cristina Re. I stamped the butterly with my home made stamp, and then embossed several times in black and stamped the heart from Boho Blossoms by MFT on it while still molten. I love the effect.

Cookies

2008-11-13T16:35:00.003+11:00

I made this card using my new stamp from Whiff of Joy. I coloured her with watercolour pencils and a water brush. I love this image.

The card is made for the Stamp Something challenge, which is to make a card using only one layer of cardstock.

Spots and Stripes

2008-11-04T12:22:00.002+11:00

Copycatcards challenge time again. This week the challenge is to use spots, stripes and pink. I used the eraser on the end of a pencil to stamp the spots on the ribbon, and around the bird. The bird is from Inkadinkado, stamped in black and coloured over with a pen that has 3 colours of ink in. I wrote best wishes in black and coloured it with my green Sakura Souffle pen, so it is slightly raised. Some folded corners, white doodling, kindyglitz dots in the centre of the spots, and some kaiser rhinestones finish it.

"Is it very far from hence?" asked the wolf.

2008-10-28T13:03:00.007+11:00

Yet another Warwick Goble image from Dover, this one of Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. I printed text from the fairytale for the background, sponged it with some beige ink, then sprayed it with iridescent gold Glimmer Mist.

The leaves are coloured with inks and then sprayed with the Glimmer Mist too. Here is a closeup to show the glimmer. It's easier to see if you click it for the larger image.

The lace is dyed with tea. It started out pale blue.

I love Goble's artwork. It is beautiful.

We are all Wanderers

2008-10-27T19:40:00.002+11:00

This card took me a little while - I couldn't get the embossing to work on the vellum, until it dawned on me to use my detail embossing powder. I printed the quote onto the vellum, then heat embossed it in Queen's Gold. The image is a clipart sample from Dover and the papers are Bohemian Threads by Kaiser. The oval behind the woman is calico, frayed a little.

I made this for a competition, the theme of which was Vintage. That is why I have distressed the edges of the paper. Normally I find damaging the paper in this way quite "distressing", but I am getting used to it, slowly. I usually like my edges to be nice and crisp. :-)

Shroom

2008-10-23T08:18:00.005+11:00

This card I made yesterday afternoon for the Stamp Something Challenge this week which is a sketch challenge. I had coloured the mushroom with watercolours a while ago, so it was pretty quick to put together. The stamp is Mushroom Lane Library, by Cornish Heritage Farms. I stamped and embossed it in silver. It looks quite different at different angles, which I like.

A Few Cards

2008-10-21T19:21:00.005+11:00

Well, it's been a rough couple of weeks since I posted anything, but here are a few cards I've made. First up, my card for this week's copycatcards challenge, which is to use beads. I have done two rows of beads on my card. They are blue and purple. It's easier to see if you click to the bigger photo. The image is an illustration by Warwick Goble of a fairytale called The Six Swans. It is a clipart sample from Dover. The writing in the background is a passage from the tale, which I printed onto some textured paper.

This second card I made for last week's copycatcards challenge, which I set. It was to make a round card. I'd never done one before, so it was a challenge for me too. The background is embossed with the floral fantasy cuttlebug folder. The stamp is from Inkadinkadoo. The flower was white, but I sprayed it with toffee apple Glimmer Mist. It has a lovely gold sheen to it. The hearts were punched from the "overspray" on the white card I put under the flower when spraying.

And finally, this card was made for the copycatcards challenge the week before (I do like these challenges) to make a Christmas card featuring the colour blue.

For Mum

2008-10-03T15:51:00.004+10:00

Hello Mum, Happy Birthday! Here is your card. I don't think the photos really do it justice, but you will see the original soon I hope.

The card is actually a card and present in one. As you can see from the photos it has a removable tag which you can use as a bookmark if you like.

I hope you like it.

Love you x

Lavender & Lace

2008-09-22T10:58:00.003+10:00

I had a nice time playing on the weekend making this card for the copycatcards challenge this week, Lavender & Lace, to use the colour purple and some lace in your card.

I had only blue lace, which I didn't want to use as it was, so I dyed it with some tea. The resulting colour made me think 'vintage' so I used this image by Warwick Goble again, which was a clipart sample from Dover.

It isn't visible in the photo, but all the fairy wings are outlined in sparkly pen, as is the 'Believe'. Lots of pearls from Kaiser on this card. Love the pearls for cards like this.

Two Today

2008-09-18T11:11:00.007+10:00

Two cards that is. This first one is what I made for Dad for Fathers Day. It uses one of my tiger drawings printed on photo paper, and a background done with crayons and paint.

This next card I made for the copycatcards challenge this week, which was to use an arrow. I found it quite difficult to come up with something I liked, but am really pleased with the end result.

The heart stamp and 'love ya' stamp are both Lizzy Anne Designs and clear embossed. The arrow is outlined in silver glitter pen, very sparkly. Background is done with the Cuttlebug Divine Swirl embossing folder.

Pretty Pink Sparkles

2008-09-08T11:04:00.007+10:00

I was in the mood for sparkles and prettiness when I made this card. The hearts are Boho Blossoms by My Favourite Things, stamped in orchid ink and embossed with Hologram Sparkle embossing powder. It is really, really sparkly in real life. The smaller photo shows a bit of that sparkle.

The strip of butterfly paper is by BluEye Dezines. The background is done with my Cuttlebug Divine Swirl embossing folder.

It's not that clear in the small photo, but the rhinestones in the top corners are pink, and on the butterfly strip are close to the colour of the background. It's easier to see if you click on the photo for the larger view.

Hoot!

2008-09-05T12:52:00.003+10:00

This is not at all what I had in mind when I started making this card. It was going to have a flower on it, not an owl, and it was to be more square, but I often change my mind as I go along.

The owl is from the Birds Galore set by Inkadinkado, embossed with clear embossing powder. The patterned paper is Pretty Petals by SEI. I used WordArt to make the 'Hoot!', printed it on plain paper, traced onto orange card and cut it out. I used a Souffle pen that perfectly matched the colour behind the owl on the greeting too. It also has a coat of Dimensional Magic so it's shiny.

The circle the owl is on and the greeting are both stuck on with foam dots for dimension.

Tiger Staring

2008-08-31T15:07:00.005+10:00

I quite like this card. I made it yesterday for the latest copycatcards challenge (it's back!) which is to make a card with white, orange and black. I immediately thought of tigers, so I printed out a few tiger pictures I'd drawn and picked this one to use on a card. I drew it back in 2004, so long ago!

I made the background paper with crayons, paint and an iron. So much fun! I made a few different colours, and will be making another tiger card with one of them a little later.

There is a bit of reflection off the tiger part, because it's printed on glossy photo paper. I had to take it under a light though because it's so rainy and dim today.

Two Scoops of Cake

2008-08-27T09:55:00.003+10:00

Yay! Another card! The paper on this one is Basic Grey Two Scoops, and the cake and present stamps are from the Meet Me at the Cafe set by My Favourite Things. I coloured them in with Sakura Souffle pens, and cut them out and stuck them on the scalloped circles. The top and bottom circles are attached with foam dots, so are raised. The swirls on the edges of the circles are done with another stamp from the MFT set.

Bohemian Owl

2008-08-25T10:36:00.004+10:00

This card is soon to be on its way to Scotland. I used the owl from Inkadinkado's Birds Galore set, and the paper is Kaiser's Bohemian Threads. The photo doesn't really show the colours properly, but I couldn't get it any better. The owl is embossed with clear embossing powder. I like the way the paper's circles mimic his eyes - circles within circles.

Birthday Dragons

2008-08-21T14:50:00.002+10:00

Here is the card I made for Martin's birthday. I finally had some sunlight to take the photo in this morning. I drew the dragons, but the quote was printed from the computer. The inside says "that's why you close your eyes when you kiss, cry or dream."

It's kind of hard to tell in the photo, but they are purple rhinestones on the left and red ones on the right. I also outlined the flames in a sparkly pen (hard to catch in a photo) and also went over the dragons' horns and spikes and the spot things on the sides of their faces with the sparkly pen.

Gypsy Proverb

2008-08-13T10:54:00.004+10:00

Here is another card using the Bohemian Threads papers and another "vintage" image from Dover. She reminded me of a gypsy fortune teller (or what I imagine one might have been like) so I chose a gypsy proverb for the card.

I outlined the woman and some of the words with glitter pen, and went over the 'highlighted' words too. It doesn't show in the photo, but in real life it is a nice effect.

This is a very different style for me but I think I like it.

Vintage

2008-08-11T10:56:00.003+10:00

I made this piece for the Arty Girlz Challenge #46 - Vintage. I'm not really sure what defines a vintage card, but I have used an old image, and paper that reminded me of something you might find on the inside cover of an old book. The image is an illustration by Warwick Goble and was a free clipart sample from Dover. I printed it on watercolour paper for texture. The patterned paper is Bohemian Threads by KaiserCraft. I LOVE the paper. The pearls are from Kaiser too.

The little dog is actually serving to hold the piece upright. I haven't made it a card yet - not sure if I will, or use it for something else - and it didn't want to stay up just leaning against something.

Puzzled Bird

2008-08-05T14:07:00.004+10:00

I used my Cuttlebug puzzle cutting die for this card, and one of the birds from the Inkadinkado Birds Galore set. I sponged each puzzle piece then put the puzzle together and stamped on the bird and the leaves.

I also outlined the bird with glitter pen, but it doesn't show up in this photo.

Christmas Stamps

2008-08-05T11:56:00.005+10:00

These two cards were both made with old Christmas postage stamps I had been hoarding - one from 2000 and one from 2005. The background of the Santa one is sprayed with Iridescent Gold Glimmer Mist, and the black border in the other card with Silver Glimmer Mist. I also used a glitter pen to outline the oval and on the "Season's Greetings", though you can't tell in the photo.

Create Bliss

2008-07-31T11:10:00.002+10:00

I made this card for Laura's Sketch 5 on 2 Sketches 4 You. I followed the sketch pretty exactly really. The papers are all Basic Grey Sultry. The little square brad is actually a Kaiser one, but I thought it matched nicely. This paper is so nice, and the sketch is great for making the paper the focus.

I hadn't realised how long it was since I'd made a card. No wonder I was feeling a bit down - no creating for a long time. :-) (Apart from a couple of Christmas cards, which I will probably put on here too some time).

For You

2008-06-18T15:48:00.005+10:00

I made this card for the Papertake Weekly Challenge which was to use HOT colours! Think reds, oranges, yellows, hot pinks etc!!

I used hot pink rhinestones and ribbon, and some pink glitter pen around the edge of the oval. The bird stamp is from Inkadinkado, stamped in black and clear embossed.

The black strip is actually felt ribbon. The background is done with the paisley embossing folder in the Cuttlebug. The actual folded card background is white, but I sponged the edge with yellow around the very edge, and then pink.

Owl Love

2008-06-08T22:43:00.007+10:00

I was watching a documentary on China tonight and there were some really cute owls on it, which made me want to use the owl stamp from the Birds Galore set. So, here is the card I made. I did it following the sketch for this week's Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #19.

The background uses the Cuttlebug tiny bubbles embossing folder which was a birthday present from Mum and Dad. The heart and the word 'love' are from the Boho Blossoms set by MFT. I stuck the owl on with foam dots so it stands out.

I wish I'd lined the hearts up a bit better... :-(

For Ray

2008-06-08T17:49:00.004+10:00

I made this card with one of the Inkadinkado Birds Galore stamps inked with two colours, and Two Scoops paper. I embossed the bird with clear embossing powder.

I wrote 'Dad' in a dark green pen and highlighted it while it was still damp with white pen, which went light green. It will be off to England tomorrow. :-)

Covered Tin

2008-06-08T15:31:00.013+10:00

I have had this lavosh tin for months, and have been using it to store my scraps of paper and card. Today I finally got around to prettifying it. :-)

I used SEI Paisley and Polka Dot paper, which I absolutely love. I wish I'd bought more of it. I have given it a couple of coats of satin varnish to protect it. The ribbon around the lid I coloured with an ink pad, and the ribbon on the top of the lid was wrapped around some towels we bought ages ago.

I am really pleased with the final result. It's much better than having a lavosh tin on my desk, making me want to snack all the time (not that I need any incentive to snack).

It also matches a little baking powder container I covered in the same paper to put my USB key in.

The best thing about this, I think, is that it is for me, unlike most other things I make.

Butterfly Kisses

2008-06-01T14:48:00.008+10:00

I love these bright colours! I made this card today for the copycatcards challenge this week which is White & Bright. We were to use bright colours on a white base.

The butterfly stamp is one I made last weekend. I really like it. The card itself was inspired by my ironing board cover of all things, which has different coloured & shaped butterflies in rows.

I think the ribbon on the 'Kisses' heart thingy looks a little like wings.

Love Ya

2008-05-31T15:18:00.003+10:00

I made this one with one of the Lizzie Anne Designs stamps I won for the flutter and flourish copycatcards challenge. It is for this week's challenge which was to use hand stitching and red.

I am contemplating snipping a bit off the ribbon at the bottom. Don't know.

Birds and Swirls

2008-05-23T16:54:00.004+10:00

I made this card with the Birds and Swirls Cuttlebug embossing folder that Mum and Dad got me for my birthday. It was for last week's copycatcards challenge, Flutter and Flourish. It won! 2 Lizzie Anne stamps - they're yet to come but I'm looking forward to getting them and having a play :-)

The bird is another one from the Inkadinkado set Birds Galore.

Pink, Purple and Silver

2008-05-23T16:41:00.004+10:00

These cards were done for the copycatcards challenge this week, to use pink, purple and silver. I decided to make birthday cards for Anna and Sophie (Martin's nieces) because I thought they would be colours little girls like.

I've made these months ahead of time (over 5 months early), but I had the idea and wanted to do them now so I did. :-)

I used my new Spellbinder Nestabilities to cut the scalloped circles out of the foil from a butter container. They're great to use, and don't make the horrible cracking noise the Cuttlebug cutting dies make.

The bird is from Inkadinkado's Birds Galore. I really love those birds.

Happy Mothers Day

2008-05-11T15:52:00.002+10:00

Here is the card I made for Mum. It uses Two Scoops paper by Basic Grey and a chipboard heart. The paisley stamped in the background is the one I made from an eraser.