Cross Stitch Rudolph

A few years ago I bought a Vervaco cross stitch kit to make three Christmas cards as I loved the colours of the cards (shades of red, blue and brown on oatmeal colour aida).  After stitching them I kept the Rudolph chart (this was my favourite design) and stitched it again for this Christmas.

To make this card I used:
     6" x 4" white linen card blank
     Vervaco 'Christmas Rudolph' cross stitch chart
     Oatmeal 14 count aida
     DMC threads
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Rectangle STAX Die-namics' die
     Snippet of white linen card

After stitching Rudolph I set him aside to make the frame for the front of the card.  I didn't have the right size die to cut the aperture, so used a rectangle die that was the correct width but a little too short.  I cut three quarters of the aperture, then moved the die down the card to elongate the aperture and cut the remainder.  I then trimmed around the edge of the panel so it was slightly smaller than the card blank.  I trimmed the aida so it was slightly smaller than the frame and attached the fabric with strong tape.  The panel was then attached to the front of the card.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     As You Like It Challenge - Favourite Christmas Critter (Reindeer are my favourite critters, especially Rudolph, as they make me think of Santa and the magic of a childhood Christmas)
     Love to Craft - Anything Goes
     Merry Little Christmas Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes
     Peace on Earth Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes

Kath x

Violet Christmas

I made this card for the ABC Christmas Challenge 'V is for Violet' and used some white sentiments that were in my 'I'll use it one day' drawer.

To make this card I used:
     7" x 5" white matt card blank
     Creative Expressions 'Festive Mini Expressions - Stacked Happy Christmas' die
     Xcut 'Swirls' embossing folder
     Snippets of white matt card and violet pearlescent card

I embossed a piece of white card and trimmed around the edge before layering it onto a slightly larger snippet of violet card and attaching it to the card front.  I had already found two white die cut sentiments, so I cut another sentiment from violet card and layered the three before attaching them to the centre of the embossed frame.

I am entering the following challenges:
     ABC Christmas Challenge - V is for Violet
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Any Occasion
     Allsorts - Feminine
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Can You Handle the Pressure - Anything Goes with an Embossing Folder
     CAS on Friday - Embossed Background
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - Anything Goes

Kath x

O' Christmas Tree

I'm still working my way through my 'I'll use it one day' box and have come across a few cards that have been stamped, but not completed.  This card had the tree and sentiment already stamped, so I only had to add some enamel dots to make this quick card.

To make this card I used:
     C6 white card blank
     Uniko 'Rustic Christmas' stamps
     Versafine Olympia Green ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Purple, green and orange enamel dots

The card had been placed into my MISTI to stamp the tree and sentiment stamps in green ink, these were then embossed with clear embossing powder.  To complete the card I added a few purple, green and orange enamel dots to the tree.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Cardz 4 Guyz - Use at Least Three of Purple, Green, Orange & Black (my card uses purple, green and orange)
     Christmas Crafts All Year Round - T is for (I have used T for tree)
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - Masculine
     Peace on Earth Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes
    
Kath x

Holly Tree

It's time for the tenth Rudolph Day of the year and another stamped Christmas card (stamping is my RD theme this year).  I have a box of old stamps that I haven't used for a while and can't believe that I last used this stamp in 2019, so it's perfect for the Neglected Stuff challenge.

To make this card I used:
     C6 white linen  card blank
     Woodware 'Holly Tree' stamp
     Versafine Onyx Black ink
     Snippets of green and gold patterned papers and white printer paper     

I used black ink to stamp the tree and pot onto a snippet of green paper. I fussy cut the tree and pot (cutting the bow section off the pot) and attached them to the front of the card.  The green paper had small dots of gold in it so I chose another snippet of gold paper to stamp the decorations.   The gold paper was very thin (I think it had been a free paper with a magazine many years ago) and as I didn't want it to rip when I fussy cut the decorations, I attached it to a piece of white printer paper.  I used black ink to stamp the holly, circles, bow and star onto the gold paper and then fussy cut them  These were then attached to the card.

 I am entering the following challenges:
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Christmas Crafts All Year Round - T & U are for (I have used T for Tree)
     Neglected Stuff Challenge - Anything Goes (my holly tree stamp is my neglected stuff)
     Peace on Earth Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes
     Rudolph Day - October Challenge
     Simply Clean & Simple Challenge - Anything CAS Goes
     Snippets Playground - Challenge 544
     
Kath x

Christmas Scramble

This Christmas card uses another stamped image from my 'I'll use it one day' drawer and I have coloured the letters with the Cardz 4 Guyz challenge colours.

To make this card I used:
     5.5" x 4.25 white matt card blank
     Uniko 'Background Blocks Christmas Scramble' stamp
     My Favorite Things ' Inside & Out Stitched Rectangle STAX Die-namics' die
     Versafine Onyx Black ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Copics - G05, V17 & YR68
     Wink of Stella
     Snippet of white matt card

I used black ink to stamp the image onto a snippet of white card and then embossed it with clear embossing powder.  I die cut the panel with the largest rectangle die and then used the purple, green and orange Copics to colour the letters.  The panel was then attached to the centre of the card.  To finish I applied a Wink of Stella to the letters.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Cardz 4 Guyz - Use at least 3 of Purple, Green, Orange, Black (I have used all four colours)
     Christmas Crafts All Year Round - T & U are for ... (I have chosen U for Unusual Colours)
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - Masculine
     Peace on Earth Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes
     We Love Stamping - Anything Goes

Kath x

Autumnal Birthday

I've made this card with more oddments from my 'I'll use it one day' drawer.  The leaves, sentiment and even the embosed card blank were all in the drawer.

To make this card I used:
     5" x 5" white matt card blank
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Circle STAX Die-namics' die
     Clearly Besotted 'Fall Flowers' stamps and coordinating dies
     Uniko 'Simply Said Blocks' sentiment stamp
     Versafine Crimson Red, Smoky Grey, Toffee & Vintage Sepia
     Snippets of white hammer and white matt card

The leaves had been stamped onto snippets of white hammer card - stamped several times in various shades of brown, red and orange inks - before being cut with the coordinating dies. The sentiment had been stamped with brown ink onto white matt card before being trimmed.  The circle die had been used to emboss a circle in the centre of the card blank.  To assemble the card I attached two small leaves around the top of the embossed circle with the large leaf on top.  The sentiment was attached across the lower edge of the circle with the last remaning leaf underneath it.

I am entering the following challenges:
     A Cut Above - Anything Goes with a Die Cut
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Birthdays
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Crafty Calendar Challenge - Autumn
     Daisy Chain Challenge - Autumn
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - Masculine
     Sparkles Monthly Challenge - Use Dies / Die Cutting
     We Love Stamping - Shades of Autumn

Kath x

Diamond Anniversary

I made this card for my aunt and uncle to celebrate their Diamond Anniversary - it doesn't seem 60 years since I was their bridesmaid!

To make this card I used:
     8.25" x 5.75" white matt card blank
     September Stitches '60 Anniversary' cross stitch chart
     White 14 count aida
     DMC threads
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Square STAX Die-namics' die
     Snippet of dark grey textured card

After stitching the design I set it aside to make the frame.  I trimmed the grey textured card so it was slightly smaller than the card blank.  I didn't have a rectangle die of the correct size, so I used the largest square die to cut the first half of the rectangle before moving the die and cutting the second half.  I used strong tape to fix the stitching to the rear of the aperture and then attached it to the card blank.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Beautiful Blossoms - Anything Floral Goes
     Triple B Challenge - Birds, Butterflies & Blooms (I've chosen the blooms option)   

Kath x

Change Happens!

There are a lot of autumnal challenges at the moment - perfect for this lovely Crafty Roo Designs stamp set I won earlier this year in a blog challenge.

To make this card I used:
     6" x 6" white matt card blank
     Crafty Roo Designs 'Wreath' stamps
     Versafine Vintage Sepia ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail Embossing Powder
     Copics - R04, YR04, YR16 & Y17
     White and dark brown matt card

I trimmed the the white card to 5.25" x 5.25" and placed it into my MISTI before stamping the wreath with brown ink and embossing it with clear embossing powder.  I put the panel back into my MISTI to see where the position the sentiment stamps.  I then stamped these with brown ink and embossed them with clear embossing powder.  I coloured the leaves with Copics before layering the panel onto brown card and attaching it to the card blank.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Color Hues - Amber & Burnt Red
     Crafty Calendar Challenge - Autumn
     Daisy Chain Challenge - Autumn
     Try It On Tuesday - Autumn's Beauty
     We Love Stamping - Shades of Autumn

Kath x

Double Frame Birthday

This birthday card uses a white die cut circle and a stamped flower image from my 'I'll use it one day' box.

To make this card I used:
     5" x 5" white matt card blank
     Altenew 'Whimsical Flower Arrangement' and Clearly Besotted 'Modern Calligraphy' stamps and coordinating dies
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Circle STAX Die-namics' die
     Versafine Vintage Sepia ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Copics
     White matt card
     Wink of Stella

The circle had been die cut with the largest die, so I used the next three sizes to cut two frames, these were attached to the centre of the card blank.  I used brown ink to stamp 'birthday' onto a snippet of white matt card and embossed it with clear embossing powder before cutting it with the coordinating die.  The flowers had already been stamped with brown ink an cut with the coordinating die before being coloured with Copics.  I placed the card blank into my MISTI and placed both the flowers and 'birthday' onto the card so I could see where to place 'happy'.  I removed the die cuts and embossed happy with brown ink and embossed it with clear embossing powder.  I attached the flowers and 'birthday' with foam tape and finished by highlighting the flowers with a Wink of Stella.

I am entering the following challenges:
     A Cut Above - Anything Goes with a Die Cut
     Beautiful Blossoms - Anything Floral Goes
     Little Red Wagon - Stitches
     Seize the Birthday - Double Frame
     Simply Clean & Simple - Anything CAS Goes

Kath x

Happy Birthday to You

I made this birthday card with more oddments from my 'I'll use it one day' drawer.  This one uses four dark brown die cut birthday sentiments, cut for a project a few months ago and not used. 

To make this card I used:
     7" x 7" white matt card blank
     Lawn Fawn 'Giant Happy Birthday to You' die
     Craft O'Clock 'Plum in Chocolate' paper
     Dark brown matt card

This paper is a lovely 250g weight, so it didn't need to be attached to card to strengthen it.  I trimmed a sliver from each side of a piece of patterned paper so it wouldn't catch on the sides of my Cuttlebug and then die cut the sentiment from the centre.   I set the sentiment and small pieces aside and attached the panel to the centre of the card blank.  I inlaid one of the brown die cut sentiments into the front of the card, together with the small pieces from the patterned paper.  The remaining three brown sentiments were layered with the patterned sentiment on top.  This was than attached to the front of the card.

I am entering the following challenges:
     AAA Birthday Card Challenge - Big and Bold
     A Cut Above - Anything Goes with a Die Cut
     Beautiful Blossoms - Anything Floral Goes
     Seize the Birthday - Anything Goes
     Sparkles Monthly Challenge - Your Favourite Technique (die cutting is my favourite technique, especially inlaid die cutting)

Kath x

Home Sweet Home

I made this card for our new neighbours and have used a lovely design by Durene Jones, using a free chart on her Facebook page.

To make this card I used:
     6" x 6" white linen card blank
     Durene Jones 'Home Sweet Home' chart
     14 count white aida
     DMC threads
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Circle STAX Die-namics' die
     Snippet of white linen card

After stitching the design I set it aside to make the frame for the card blank.  I trimmed a snippet of white card so it was slightly smaller than the card blank and die cut the largest stitched circle from the centre.  I trimmed the fabric so it was a little smaller than the frame and attached it with strong tape.  The panel was then attached to the centre of the card blank.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Little Red Wagon - Stitches (my card used both cross stitch and a stitched die
     Love to Craft - Anything Goes     

Kath x 

Birthday Butterfly

I've not had much crafting time lately, mainly due to visits to our mothers and medical appointments, which has been very tiring.  However, I've emptied my 'I'll use it one day' drawer and decided to use all the oddments so I can empty the drawer.  This card uses an Ink & Flip butterfly and a die cut sentiment.

To make this card I used:
     6" x 6" white linen card blank
     Uniko 'Ink & Flip Geometric Butterfly' layering stencil
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Square STAX Die-namics' and Creative Expressions 'Mini Expressions - Stacked Happy Birthday' dies
     Brilliance Pearlescent Olive and Pearlescent Purple inks
     Snippets of dark purple pearlescent card, white linen card and white matt card

I die cut a stitched square from a snippet of white linen card, layered it onto a slightly larger square of purple pearlescent card and attached it to the card blank.  I die cut 'Happy Birthday' from purple card and attached it to the lower corner of the panel.  I used purple ink to stencil the butterfly onto a snippet of white matt card before cleaning the stencil, flipping it and stencilling it again with olive ink.  I fussy cut the butterfly and attached it to the front of the card.

I am entering the following challenge:
     Addicted to CAS - Happy
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - Birthday
     Love to Craft - Anything Goes
     Love to Scrap - Anything Goes
     Seize the Birthday - Anything Goes
     Triple B Challenge - Birds, Butterflies, Blooms (I have used a lovely Uniko stencilled butterfly)

Kath x

Happy Birthday Mum

I made this card for Steve's mother using a lovely Uniko stamp and die set.

To make this card I used:
     7" x 7" white matt card blank
     Papercraft Society Uniko 'Floral Butterfly' stamp and coordinating die
     Clearly Besotted 'Happy Birthday All' stamps
     My Favorite Things 'Fishtail Flags' die
     Versafine Imperial Purple and Vintage Sepia ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Copics - G02, RV02, V04, Y08, Y35, YG03, YG23, YR62
     Wild Rose Studio 'Butterfly Garden' paper
     Green textured card and white matt card
     Wink of Stella

I layered the paper onto green textured card and attached it to the front of the card blank.  I used purple ink to stamp the butterfly and sentiment, but as the ink was too bright I overstamped it with brown ink before embossing it with clear embossing powder.  I die cut the butterfly with the coordinating die and coloured it with Copics to highlight the colours in the backing paper.  The sentiment was cut with a fishtail flag die which I shortened so it was the right size for the sentiment.  This was layered onto green textured card and trimmed before being attached to the lower edge of the card.   I attached the butterfly along the centre of its body and highlighted it with a Wink of Stella.

I am entering the following challenges:
     AAA Birthday Card Challenge - Big and Bold
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - Birthday
     Love to Craft - Anything Goes
     Seize the Birthday - Anything Goes
     Triple B Challenge - Birds, Butterflies and Blooms (my card has butterflies and blooms)

Kath x

More Than One Die Cut

I was pleased when my To a Deer Friend card was a winner of the Cut It Up 'Emboss It' challenge and the team invited me to a Guest Designer on a future challenge.  I chose the 'More Than One Die Cut' theme and have made a Christmas card which uses four dies.

To make this card I used:
     5.5" x 4.25" white hammer card blank
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Rectangle STAX Die-namics, Memory Box 'Traditional Ornament', 'Lydia Ornament' & 'Crisp Bows' dies
     Snippets of gold mirri card, blue and gold marbled paper and white hammer card

I die cut a stitched rectangle from white hammer card and then die cut the Traditional Ornament from the lower edge before attaching the panel to the front of the card blank.  I die cut the Traditional Ornament from a snippet of blue and gold marbled paper and inlaid it into the front of the card.  I die cut the Lydia Ornament from gold mirri card and used my tan embossing mat to emboss the design on the bauble, this was attached to the ornament with Artist Tac.  I die cut a Crisp Bow from gold mirri card, snipped the tail so it fit inside the panel and attached it to the top of the ornament.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Christmas
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Merry Little Christmas Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes
     Simply Clean & Simple - Anything CAS Goes
     Snippets Playground - Challenge 542
     Sparkles Monthly Challenge - Your Favourite Technique (die cutting is definitely my favourite)

Kath x

Robin and Christmas Wreath

I made this card with some images from a part used Hunkydory Deco Large kit snippets of card from my oddments drawer.

To make this card I used:
     6" x 6" white matt card bank
     Hunkydory 'When Robins Appear Deco Large' oddments
     Snippets of gold mirri card and green shiny card

I trimmed the snippet of green card to a 4" square, layered it onto a slightly larger square of gold mirri and attached it to the centre of the card blank.  As this was a part used Hunkydory decoupage kit I layered the wreath with the oddments that I had and then attached the wreath to the centre of the card.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Allsorts - All Creatures Great and Small
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Christmas Crafts All Year Round - R is for Robin
     Merry Little Christmas Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes

Kath x

Pink, Pearls and Sparkle Hello

I was pleased when my Another Christmas Pudding card was the winner of the Pearly Sparkles 'Christmas in July' challenge and the team invited me to join them for their 'Pink, Pearls and/or Sparkle' challenge (my card uses all three, although it's not easy to see the sparkle).

To make this card I used:
     5" x 5" white hammer card blank
     Sizzix Framelits 'Floral Hello' stamp and die set
     Versafine Vintage Sepia ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Copics - RV02, RV21 & YG23
     Snippets of white matt card, and brown matt card
     Two small pearls
     Wink of Stella 

I die cut the 'hello' square from brown matt and attached it to the centre of the card blank.  I used brown ink to stamp the flowers onto a snippet of white matt card embossed them with clear embossing powder.  The flowers were cut with the coordinating dies before being coloured with Copics.  I didn't have a piece of card the same colour pink as the flowers so I used the two pink Copics to colour another snippet of white card and then die cut 'hello'.  I trimmed the ends of the die cut and attached it to the brown frame, offsetting it slightly to give a shadow effect.  I used foam pads to attach the flowers and added two small pearls to the centre.  To finish I added a Wink of Stella to the pink flowers and pink 'hello'.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Any Occasion
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Beautiful Blossoms - Anything Floral Goes
     Love to Craft - Anything Goes
     Snippets Playground - Challenge 540     

Kath x

Red Squirrel Cross Stitch

The current As You Like It Challenge is 'Favourite Wild Animal' and squirrels are one of my favourite animals as they are so funny to watch.  I was overjoyed to see a red squirrel on our visit to Angelsey last year and a friend bought me this lovely cross stitch kit so I could stitch my own red squirrel.  After completing the stitching I decided to make it into a card to give to my friend and share the red squirrel joy!

To make this card I used:

     5" x 5" white matt card blank
     Heritage Crafts 'Little Friends - Red Squirrel' kit
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Circle STAX Die-namics' die
     Snippet of brown textured card

After stitching the red squirrel I set it aside to make the frame.  I trimmed a piece of  brown textured card so it was slightly smaller than the card blank and die cut a stitched circle from the centre.  I trimmed the fabric and used extra strong tape to attach the stitching behind the frame and then to attach the panel to the front of the card blank.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Allsorts - All Creatures Great and Small
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes

     As You Like It Challenge - Favourite Wild Animal (the red squirrel is one of my favourites and I was so happy to see one last year)
     Sparkles Monthly Challenge - Animals
     Try It On Tuesday - Inspired by a Song (my song is Red Squirrel by Steamer Lane)

Kath x

August Rudolph Day

I've had a little crafting time this morning so have made this stamped card for the August Rudolph Day challenge (stamping is my RD theme this year).  This card uses another of my spare stamped images from my oddments box.

To make this card I used:
     5.5" x 4.25" white matt card blank
     Rare Earth 'Winter Floral Collection' and Clearly Besotted 'Cheerful Christmas' stamps
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Rectangle STAX Die-namics' die
     Versafine Onyx Black ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail Embossing Powder
     Copics - C-1, E21, E33 & RV06 & V17
     White Fun Flock
     Snippets of white matt card and cerise mirri card 

I placed the white card into my MISTI and used black ink to stamp the birds and sentiment before embossing them with clear embossing powder.  I then used the largest stitched die to cut the panel.  I used Copics to colour the image - E21 and E33 for the birds, RV06 and V17 for the hats and C-1 to ground the image.  I layered the panel onto a snippet of cerise mirri card and then attached the panel to the front of the card.  To finish I added white Fun Flock to the hat band and pompom.

I am entering the following challenges:
     ABC Christmas Challenge - R for Rectangle
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Any Occasion
     Allsorts - Embossing - dry or heat (my card used heat embossing)
     Little Red Wagon - Anything Times Three (I have three birds)
     Rudolph Day Challenge - August Challenge
     Sparkles Christmas Challenge - Clean and Simple     
     We Love Stamping - Anything Goes

Kath x

Flower Power Thank You

I made a quick 'Thank You' card this afternoon with lots stamped images from my oddments drawer.  Whenever I made a card I stamp more images and sentiments than I need (in case I make a mess of one) and anything that's unused goes in the drawer - which is now getting full and is in need of emptying!

To make this card I used:
     4" x 4" white matt card blank
     Uniko 'Flower Power #5' stamps and coordinating dies
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Square STAX Die-namics' die
     Versafine Habanero, Imperial Purple and Olympia Green
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Copics - Y38 & YG11
     Snippets of white matt card
     Wink of Stella

I used green ink to stamp the leaves and purple ink to stamp the flower onto a snippet of white matt card before embossing them with clear embossing powder.  I used Habanero ink to stamp the centre of the flower. but as it wasn't dark enough I used my orange Copic to add more detail.  I then cut the flower and leaves with the coordinating dies.  I used a stitched square die to cut another snippet of white matt card and placed it into my MISTI before laying the flower onto the panel so I could see where to place the sentiment.  I removed the flower, stamped the sentiment with purple ink and embossed it with clear embossing powder.  The panel was attached to the centre of the card blank.  I coloured the leaves with a pale green Copic before attaching them to the card and used a foam pad to attach the flower.  To finish I added a Wink of Stella to the leaves and centre of the flower.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Any Occasion
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - CAS
     Simply Clean & Simple - Nature
     We Love Stamping - Summer Blooms
     
Kath x

Sorry You're Feeling Under the Weather

I made this 'Get Well' card for the current CAS on Friday challenge.

To make this card I used:
     5" x 5" white matt card blank
     Crafter's Companion 'Sweet Florals' stamps
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Square STAX Die-namics' die
     Versafine Vintage Sepia ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Copics - Y08 & YR16
     Snippets of white matt card and orange textured card
     Wink of Stella

I die cut a stitched square from a snippet of white matt card and placed it into my MISTI.  I stamped the umbrella and sentiment with brown ink before embossing them with clear embossing powder.  I coloured the umbrella with yellow and orange Copics before layering the panel onto a slightly larger square of orange textured card and attaching it to the centre of the card blank. To finish I highlighted the umbrella with a Wink of Stella.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Allsorts - Embossing (my card used heat embossing)
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     CAS on Friday - Get Well
     Color Hues Challenge - Yellow & Orange
     Simply Clean & Simple - Anything CAS Goes

Kath x

O Christmas Tree

When I made my July Rudolph Day I stamped the tree and a different sentiment onto a few card blanks to make some one layer cards which are perfect for posting.

To make this card I used:
     5.5" x 4.25" white matt card blank
     Uniko 'Rustic Christmas' stamp
     Versafine Olympia Green ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Turquoise Enamel Dots

To make this quick CAS card I placed the card blank into my MISTI and then stamped the tree and sentiment with green ink.  I decorated the tree with small and medium size enamel dots.

I am entering the following challenges:
     ABC Christmas Challenge - R is for Rectangle
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - Christmas
     Love to Craft - Anything Goes
     Merry Little Christmas Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes
     Simply Clean & Simple - Anything CAS Goes
     Sparkles Christmas Challenge - Clean & Simple
     We Love Stamping - Anything Goes

Kath x

To a Deer Friend

I was so pleased when my 'Another Christmas Pudding' card was the winner of the 52 Christmas Card Throwdown 'Embossing' challenge and the team invited me to be Guest Designer of the current Sketch challenge.

To make this card I used:
     C6 white matt card blank
     Practical Publishing 'Festive Friend' stamp and die set
     X-cut 'Small Polka Hearts' embossing folder
     Versafine Onyx Black ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Copics - E25, E31, E35, R20 & R29, W-1
     Snippets of white matt and red matt card

I trimmed a snippet of white matt card so it was slightly smaller than the card blank.  I cut a one inch strip of white card the same width as the panel and embossed it with the hearts embossing folder.  I placed the panel into my MISTI and laid the strip across the centre so I could see where to position the sentiment.  I removed the strip and used black ink to stamp the sentiment before embossing it with clear embossing powder.  The panel was layered onto a slightly larger snippet of red matt card and attached to the card blank.  I used black ink to stamp Rudolph onto a snippet of white matt card before embossing it with clear embossing powder, cutting it with the coordinating die and then colouring it with Copics.   I then cut two more plain Rudolph images and layered them to give strength to the antlers and legs before attaching it to the left side of the card.  

I am entering the following challenges:
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Christmas
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Cut It Up - Emboss It (I have a dry embossed strip and wet embossing for Rudolph and sentiment)
     Little Red Wagon - One Thing (I have one image, one sentiment and one embossed strip)
     Merry Little Christmas Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes
     Sparkles Christmas Challenge - Clean and Simple

Kath x

Stencilled Christmas Tree

I've had some crafting time this afternoon and have made this Christmas card for the 52 Christmas Card Throwdown 'Stencilling' challenge.

To make this card I used:
     6" x 6" white matt card blank
     Uniko 'Ink & Flip Layering Geometric Christmas Tree' and Funky Fossil 'Funky Circle' stencils
     Versafine Olympia Green and Spanish Moss inks
     Brilliance Pearlescent Purple ink
     Snippet of white matt card

I used purple ink to stencil the circles onto the front of the card blank.  I then used Spanish Moss ink to stencil the Christmas tree onto a snippet of white card.  I cleaned the stencil and flipped it to stencil it again with Olympia Green ink.  I fussy cut the tree and attached it to the left side of the card with foam tape.

I am entering the following challenges:
     52 Christmas Card Throwdown - Stencilling
     ABC Christmas Challenge - N for No Stamping
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Christmas
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Love to Craft - Anything Goes
     Merry Little Christmas Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes
     Pearly Sparkles Challenge - Christmas in July

Kath x

Monochrome Big Birthday Wishes

I made this quick CAS card for a neighbour's birthday using my 'go to' die for male cards and using card from my snippets mountain.

To make this card I used:
     6" x 6" kraft card blank
     My Favorite Things 'Big Birthday Wishes' die
     Snippets of kraft card, white textured card , Papermania 'Wood' paper and white paper

I trimmed the snippet of kraft card so it was slightly wider than the die and cut the large sentiment from the centre before attaching the panel to the front of the card blank.  I attached a snippet of wood effect paper to a piece of white paper to make it the same thickness as the kraft card, and then die cut 'BIG' from it.  I die cut the rest of the sentiment from white textured  card and inlaid all the pieces.  To finish I trimmed two narrow strips of white textured card and attached them down each side of the sentiment panel.  

I am entering the following challenges:
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Daisy Chain Challenge - Birthday
     Love to Scrap - Anything Goes
     Seize the Birthday - Square Card & Non-white Base
     Snippets Playground - Challenge 357

Kath x

Cross Stitch Robin

I've made this card with some of my holiday stitching, this lovely design is by Durene Jones.

To make this card I used:
     6" x 5" white linen card blank
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Rectangle STAX Die-namics' die
     Durene Jones 'Christmas Stamps' cross stitch chart
     14ct white aida
     DMC threads
     Snippet of white linen card

After stitching the design I used a snippet of white linen card to make a frame for the stitching.  As I didn't have a die the correct size I used the largest stitched rectangle, cut the first half of the aperture and then moved the die to cut it to the correct size.  I trimmed the fabric an attached it to the rear of the aperture before attaching it to the card blank.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Love to Craft - Anything Goes
     Merry Little Christmas Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes

Kath x

July Rudolph Day

We're at home for a few days so I've had some time to make a stamped card for the July Rudolph Day Challenge (stamping is my RD theme this year).

To make this card I used:
     5.5" x 4.25" white linen card blank
     Uniko 'Rustic Christmas' stamps
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Rectangle STAX Die-namics' die
     Verafine Olympia Green ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Crystal Stickers Purple Candy Bonbon
     Snippet of white linen card

I die cut the largest rectangle from a snippet of white linen card and placed it into my MISTI.  I used green ink to stamp the Christmas tree and sentiment before embossing it with clear embossing powder.  The panel was then attached to the card blank.  To finish I attached purple Candy Bonbons to the tree.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Addicted to CAS - Trees
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Christmas
     Little Red Wagon - Christmas in July
     Merry Little Christmas Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes
     Pearly Sparkles Challenge - Christmas in July
     Rudolph Day - Christmas in July
     Simply Clean & Simple - Clean & Simple

Kath x

Another Christmas Pudding

I've made this CAS Christmas card with an old embossing folder that had been a magazine cover gift many years ago, plus a Christmas pudding that was a 'spare' when I made my Framed Christmas Pudding card.

To make this card I used:
     5" x 5" white matt card blank
     Clearly Besotted 'Christmas Pudding' stamps and coordinating dies
     Apple Blossom 'Holly' embossing folder 
     Versafine Vintage Sepia and Olympia Green ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Copic - R27
     Diamond Stickles
     Wink of Stella
     Snippet of white matt card

I embossed a piece of white card with the holly folder, trimmed around the edge and attached it to the front of the card.  I used brown ink to stamp the Christmas pudding and green ink to stamp the holly onto a snippet of white card  These were both embossed with clear embossing powder and cut with the coordinating dies.  I attached the pudding to the centre of the card with a foam pad and applied Diamond Stickles to the top.  I coloured the berries with a red Copicr and added a Wink of Stella.  I attached this to the top of the pudding whilst the Stickles was still wet.

I am entering the following challenges:
     52 Christmas Card Throwdown - Embossng Folder
     Alphabet Challenge - E for Embossing (I have used both wet and dry embossing)
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Merry Little Christmas Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes
     Pearly Sparkles Challenge - Christmas in July         

Kath x

Birthday Fox

When I made my 'Grateful for You' card I had stamped the fox onto different papers to see which best suited the monochromatic challenge.  This is one of the 'rejects' for that challenge but it's perfect for a birthday card for my eldest great nephew.

To make this card I used:
     6" x 6" white matt card blank
     IndigoBlu 'Mixed-media Special 11' magazine box kit
     Versafine Vintage Sepia ink
     Polkadoodles 'Fourini' brown and cream paper
     Snippets of white matt and brown matt card 

I trimmed the paper to a 5" square before using brown ink to stamp the fox in the centre. This was layered onto a slightly larger piece of brown card and attached to the front of the card.  I stamped the sentiment onto another snippet of white matt card, fussy cut it and attached it to the front of the card with foam tape.

I am entering the following challenges:
     AAA Birthday Challenge - For the Boys
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - Masculine
     Little Red Wagon - Feather, Fur or Fin
     Seize the Birthday - Anything Goes
     Sparkles Monthly Challenge - Masculine

Kath x

More Big Birthday Wishes

I made this card for my youngest great nephew, using lots of snippets and one of my favourite 'go to' dies for male cards.

To make this card I used:
     6" x 6" white matt card blank
     My Favorite Things 'Big Birthday Wishes', Memory Box 'Classic Numbers' and Xcut 'Nesting Stars' dies
     Snippets of white matt card, bright green textured card and Lily of the Valley 'Galaxy Stars' paper

I cut the large sentiment from white matt card and trimmed down each side before attaching it to the centre of the card blank.  I glued a snippet of star paper onto thin card to make it the same thickness as the panel, before die cutting 'BIG' from it.  The letters were then inlaid into the card.  The rest of the sentiment was die cut from a snippet of bright green card and inlaid into the panel.  I trimmed two narrow strips of green textured card and attached them down the side of the panel before trimming the ends at the top and bottom of the card.  I die cut two small stars from green textured card and one larger star from the star paper, as well as die cutting the numbers from green textured card.  The numbers were glued to the centre of the larger star before the stars were attached to the front of the card.  

I am entering the following challenges:
     AAA Birthday Card Challenge - For Boys     
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Die Cuts and/or Stencils (I have opted for die cuts on this card)
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - Masculine
     Seize the Birthday - Anything Goes
     Sparkles Monthly Challenge - Masculine

Kath x

Geometric Butterfly Birthday

I made this birthday card using the colours from the current Seize the Birthday challenge, they're not colours I would normally choose but it's perfect for a young friend that likes bright colours. 

To make this card I used:
     6" x 6" white linen card blank
     Uniko 'Ink & Flip Geometric Butterfly' Layering Stencil
     Lawn Fawn 'Outside In Stitched Square Stackables' and Creative Expressions 'Mini Expressions - Stacked Happy Birthday' dies
     Distress Inks - Mustard Seed and Worn Lipstick
     Snippet of white linen card, white matt card and blue matt card

I used Mustard Seed ink to stencil the butterfly onto a snippet of white card.  I cleaned the stencil and flipped it to stencil it again with Worn Lipstick.  I then fussy cut the butterfly.  I die cut the largest stitched square from a snippet of white linen card and layered it onto a slightly larger square of blue matt card before attaching it to the front of the card blank.  I die cut 'Happy Birthday' from a smaller snippet of blue card and attached it to the lower corner of the panel.  To finish I attached the butterfly above the sentiment, attaching it along the body so I could shape the wings.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Addicted to Stamps - Die Cuts and/or Stencils (I have used both)
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Cardz 4 Galz - Clean and Simple
     Seize the Birthday - Blue, Pink & Yellow
     
Kath x

Chain Framed Tag

I made this tag for a friend's birthday present using a lovely AALL & Create stamp I've recently won in the Allsorts Birthday Challenge.

To make this tag I used:
     AALL & Create 'Chain Framed' and Uniko 'Simply Said Blocks' stamps
     Versafine Onyx Black ink
     Vaessen Creative tag punch
     Snippets of white matt card, Lili of the Valley 'Antebellum' paper and black ribbon

I attached a snippet of paper to a snippet of white matt card, trimmed it to a width of 2.5" and punched the top of the tag.  I placed the tag into my MISTI before using black ink to stamp the design.  I then trimmed the bottom of the tag.  I used black ink to stamp the sentiments onto another snippet of white matt card, trimmed them and attached them to the tag with narrow foam tape.  To finish I attached a snippet of black ribbon to the top of the tag.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Daisy Chain Challenge - Not Square
     Snippets Playground - Challenge 535
     Tag-along (and ATCs) - Add Some Text

Kath x