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

June Rudolph Day

We're at home for a few days after another family visit so I'm having a little crafting time.  It's time for the sixth Rudolph Day of the year and another stamped Christmas card (stamping is my RD theme this year).  

To make this card I used:
     C6 white matt card blank
     Uniko 'Snowflake Serenade' stamp
     VersaColor silver ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder

I put the card blank into my MISTI and laid the large stamp onto it, ensuring the whole of the stamp was on the front of the card.  I then placed the sentiment and three individual snowflakes onto the front of the card before stamping the image with silver ink and embossing it with clear embossing powder.
     
I am entering the following challenges:
     ABC Christmas Challenge - L is for Let it Snow
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Cardz 4 Galz - Clean & Simple
     CAS on Friday - Christmas in July    
     Christmas Crafts All Year Round - L is for Let it Snow
     Christmas Kickstart Challenge - Snow Day  
     Rudolph Day - June Challenge
     We Love Stamping - Anything Goes

Kath x

Framed Christmas Pudding

Everything is ready and packed for a trip to see the mothers tomorrow, so I've had a little crafting time this afternoon.  I need to start making more Christmas cards so used one of my favourite stamp and die sets to make this quick card.

To make this card I used:
     4" x 4" white linen card blank
     Clearly Besotted 'Christmas Pudding' stamp and coordinating die set
     Lawn Fawn 'Outside In Stitched Square Stackables' die
     Versafine Vintage Sepia and Olympia Green ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Red Copic - R27
     Diamond Stickles
     Glossy Accents
     Snippet of white matt card

I used brown ink to stamp the Christmas pudding onto a snippet of white card and used green ink to stamp the holly.  I embossed them with clear embossing powder before cutting them with the coordinating dies.  I embossed a stitched square in the centre of the card before placing the card blank into my MISTI.  I laid the pudding in the middle of the stitched square so I could see where to place the sentiment.  I removed the pudding and stamped the sentiment with brown ink before embossing it with clear embossing powder.  I attached the pudding with a foam pad and applied Diamond Stickles to the top.  The holly berries were coloured with a red Copic and then highlighted with Glossy Accents before being attached to the top of the pudding.

I am entering the following challenges:
     A Cut Above - Anything Goes
     Addicted to CAS - Frame

     Addicted to Stamps & More - Any Occasion
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - CAS
     Simply Clean & Simple - Anything Goes
     We Love Stamping - Anything Goes

Kath x

With Sympathy

I've had no time for crafting over the last few weeks - we've had lots of work done on the flat, a few family issues and other things have taken a priority recently.  However, as I needed a sympathy card, and didn't have one in my card box, I've made a little time this afternoon to make this quick CAS card.

To make this card I used:
     6" x 6" white linen card blank
     Woodware 'Large Fennel' and Clearly Besotted 'Fancy Sayings' stamps
     Versafine Imperial Purple ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder.

I placed the card blank into my MISTI and laid the fennel and sentiment stamps onto it.  These were then stamped with purple ink, stamping several times to get a good even depth of colour, before embossing the the image with clear embossing powder.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Any Occasion
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - CAS
     Little Red Wagon - I'm So Sorry
     Simply Clean & Simple - Anything CAS
     We Love Stamping - Anything Goes
     
Kath x

To a Lovely Friend

I made this card for a friend's birthday using lots of colourful snippets and one of my favourite birthday sentiments.

To make this card I used:
     C6 white hammer card blank
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Oval STAX Die-namics' and Creative Expressions 'Finishing Touches - Dainty Butterflies' dies
     Card Making Magic 'The Best of Cardmaking Magic' stamp
     Versafine Onyx Black ink
     Snippets of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet textured card and white hammer card

I die cut an oval from a snippet of white matt card and placed it into my MISTI before using black ink to stamp the sentiment.  The panel was then attached to the card front.  I die cut seven small butterflies from the rainbow colours and attached them around the top of the oval in a rainbow shape.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Birthdays
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     As You Like It Challenge - Favourite Sentiment (this is one of my favourite sentiments for friends' birthday card and I use it either on the front of cards or on the inserts)
     CAS on Fridays - Rainbows
     Cut It Up - Friendship
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - Birthdays
     Moving Along With The Times - Use Your Favourite Stamp, Die or Tool (I have used one of my favourite birthday sentiments, my favourite small butterfly die and my MISTI is my favourite tool)

Kath x

Christmas Birds

I'm so pleased to see the CAS Christmas Card Challenge has restarted this month.  Their first challenge is 'Birds' and I have used a Rare Earth stamp set that I was given a while ago and is perfect for a CAS Christmas card.

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, E31, E33 & R27
     Diamond Stickles
     Snippet of white matt 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 - E31 and E33 for the birds, R27 for the hat and C-1 to ground the image.  I attached the panel to the front of the card blank before adding Diamond Stickles to the hat band and pompom.

I am entering the following challenges:
     ABC Christmas Challenge - J for Just Enough (CAS)
     Addicted to CAS - Critter
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     As You Like It Challenge - Favourite Season (I enjoy making cards for all seasons, but Christmas is my favourite as I love making cards and presents for family and friends)
     CAS Christmas Card Challenge - Birds
     Sparkles Monthly Challenge - Trios (my card has three birds)
     Triple B Challenge - Birds, Butterflies and Blooms 

Kath x

Thank You

I've not crafted for a while as we've been away for a couple of weeks in Cornwall and then we had an unplanned visit to my mother as she's been unwell.  I did have a little crafting time this afternoon and made this small 'Thank You' card with a Uniko stamp set that I've finally managed to buy as it's been out of stock for a while.

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 Imperial Purple and Olympia Green ink
     Distress Ink Spiced Marmalade
     Copics V15, Y08 &YG23
     Snippets of white matt card

I used purple ink to stamp the flower onto a snippet of white card and green ink to stamp the leaves. These were embossed with clear embossing powder before being cut with the coordinating dies.  I then stamped the centre of the flower with orange Distress Ink.  I used a purple Copic to colour the flower, yellow to colour the flower centre and green for the leaves.  I die cut a stitched square from a snippet of white card and put it into my MISTI before placing the flower onto the panel so I could see where to position the sentiment stamp.  I removed the flower before stamping the sentiment with purple ink and embossing it with clear embossing powder.  I attached the panel to the centre of the card blank before gluing the leaves to the lower corner of the panel and using a foam pad to attach the flower.

I am entering the following challenges:
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Love to Craft - Anything Goes
     Love to Scrap - Anything Goes
     Snippets Playground - Challenge 533 
     Stamping Sensations - Anything Goes
     We Love Stamping - Anything Goes

Kath x

Grateful for you

I was pleased to see my Birthday Hare was one of the Top 7 at the Allsorts 'Spring' challenge and the team invited me to join them as Guest Designer on their 'Monochromatic' challenge.  I've made this card with more stamps from the IndigoBlu magazine box kit - the same kit that I used for my 'Birthday Hare' card. There are two great prizes of stamps and stencil for the lucky winners of the challenge.

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
     Snippets of white matt card, brown matt card and brown patterned paper

I used brown ink to stamp the fox onto a snippet of brown paper before trimming it, layering it onto a slightly larger piece of brown card and attaching it to the front of the card blank. I was going to colour the fox, but as the detail on the fox was so good I decided to leave it as it is.  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 challengesl
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Cardz 4 Guyz - Clean and Simple
     CAS on Friday - Animals
     Love to Craft - Anything Goes
     Stamping Sensations - Anything Goes
     We Love Stamping - All Creatures Great and Small

Kath x

Spread your Wings and Fly

I've made another butterfly card.  This one is made with a large Uniko stamp that was part of an old Papercraft Society box and I've used the colours from the current AAA Cards colour challenge.

To make this card I used:
     6" x 6" white linen card blank
     Papercraft Society 'Box 51 Uniko' stamps and coordinating die
     Versafine Smoky Grey ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Copics - BV02, RV02, V 12 & YR00
     Snippet of white matt card

I used grey ink to stamp the large butterfly onto a snippet of white matt card before embossing it with clear embossing powder.  The butterfly was then cut with the coordinating die before being coloured with four Copics to match the challenge colours.  I placed the card blank into my MISTI and put the butterfly onto it so I could see where to stamp the sentiment.  I removed the butterfly and stamped the sentiment with grey ink before embossing it with clear embossing powder.  To finish I attached the butterfly along its body and shaped the wings.

I am entering the following challenges:
     AAA Cards - Colour Challenge
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Make Your Mark (I've used ink and Copics)
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Cut It Up Challenge - Something with Wings
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - Anything Goes + Twist of Colour an Image
     Love to Craft - Anything Goes
     Moving Along With The Times - One or More Butterflies
     Simply Clean & Simple - Things That Fly

Kath x

Birthday Butterflies

I was pleased to see my Honesty Heart card was one of the Top Three at the Pearly Sparkles Challenge and I was invited to be Guest Designer on a future challenge.  As I love making cards with butterflies, I chose the 'One or More Butterflies' challenge.  My card has six butterflies - four on the paper and two die cut from grey card.

To make this card I used:
     6" x 6" white matt card blank
     Lawn Fawn 'Giant Happy Birthday to You' and Creative Expressions 'Finishing Touches - Dainty Butterflies' dies
     BoBunny 'Isabella' paper
     Grey pearlescent card

I trimmed the pink paper to 5" x 5" and layered it onto a slightly larger square of grey pearlescent card before die cutting 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 die cut the sentiment twice from grey pearlescent card, the first sentiment was inlaid into the card together with the small pieces from the pink paper sentiment.  I attached the second grey sentiment on top to give some dimension.  The paper sentiment was attached slightly offset to give a shadow effect.  To finish I die cut two small butterflies from grey card and attached them above and below the sentiment.

I am entering the following challenges:
     AAA Birthday Challenge - Anything Birthday Goes
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Alphabet Challenge - A for Air (my card has butterflies)
     Moving Along With The Times - One or More Butterflies
     Seize the Birthday - Primarily Pink

Kath x

April Rudolph Day

It's time for the fourth Rudolph Day of the year and another Christmas card with a main stamped image (stamping is my RD theme this year).  This card uses one of my favourite Funky Fossil stamps - perfect for masculine Christmas cards.

To make this card I used:
     5" x 5" white card blank
     Funky Fossil 'Joy' stamps
     My Favorite Things 'Inside & Out Stitched Circle STAX Die-namics' die
     Versafine Vintage Sepia ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Copics - E35
     Gold and silver gel pens
     Snippet of gold foiled kraft card

I trimmed the snippet of kraft card so it was slightly smaller than the card blank before attaching it to the front of the card.  I stamped the wreath with brown ink and embossed it with clear embossing powder.  I then used the largest stitched circle die to cut around the image.  I coloured the pine cones with a light brown pen, the letters and berries with a gold gel pen and the snowflakes with a silver gel pen.  I attached the wreath topper to the centre of the card.  

I am entering the following challenges:
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Make Your Mark (I have used ink, a Copic and gell pens)
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     Ally's Angels - Anything Goes
     Cardz 4 Guyz - Clean & Simple
     Krafty Chicks Challenge - Anything Goes + Colour an Image
     Rudolph Day Challenge - April Challenge

Kath x

Hello

I've followed Jane's Lead at the AAA Cards Challenge to make another note card for my card box - this one uses lots of tiny snippets of textured card 

To make this card I used:
     C6 white matt card blank
     My Favorite Things 'Fishtail Flags' and Altenew 'Simply Hello' dies
     Snippets of white matt card and Papermania textured card  

I die cut lots of fishtail flags from different colour snippets of textured card using the smallest die.  I attached these to a strip of white card using glue so I had a little 'wriggle room' to line up the strips.  When they had dried I used the largest fishtail flag to cut the edges of the strip.  This panel was then attached to the front of the card blank.  I die cut 'hello' from another snippet of white mat card and attached it to the card using glue for the 'h' and foam pads for the rest of the sentiment so it lay flat across the card.

I am entering the following challenges:
     AAA Cards Challenge - Follow Jane's Lead
     A Cut Above - Anything Goes with a Die Cut
     Allsorts - Anything Goes
     As You Like It Challenge - Simple or Fussy (it's always simple for me, CAS cards with lots of white space are my favourites as I just don't do 'fussy')
     Crafty Calendar Challenge - Die cuts/Punches (I have used die cuts)
     Love to Scrap - Anything Goes
     Simply Clean & Simple - Anything CAS Goes
     Snippets Playground - Challenge 530 (oops, I forgot to take a photo of my snippets!)

Kath x

To a Deer Friend

I made this tag with my latest charity shop purchase - a cute Rudolph stamp and die set.

To make this tag I used:
     Practical Publishing 'Festive Friend' stamp and die set
     Creative Expressions 'Pierced Tags' die
     Versafine Onyx Black ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Copics - C-3, E31, E33, E37, R20 & R27
     Stampendous Fun Flock - Cotton Ball White
     Snippets of white hammer card and white matt card
     Brown baker's twine

I die cut the largest tag from a snippet of white hammer card and embossed the edges.  I placed the tag into my MISTI and used black ink to stamp the sentiment along the lower edge before embossing it with clear embossing powder.  I used black ink to stamp Rudolph and his hat onto a snippet of white matt card.  These were embossed with clear embossing powder before being cut with the coordinating dies.  I coloured Rudolph before attaching him to the tag.  I coloured the hat and attached it to Rudolph's head before applying fun flock on the rim and pompom.

I am entering the following challenges:
     ABC Christmas Challenge - H is for Hat
     A Cut Above - Anything Goes with a Die Cut
     Addicted to Stamps & More - Any Occasion
     Christmas Crafts All Year Round - H is for Hat
     Crafty Calendar Challenge - Dies/Punches
     Tag-along (and ATCs) - Anything Goes
     Try It On Tuesday - Make it Cute

Kath x

Flower Notecard

I like to keep a few small notecards in my card box and I made this one with a flower stamp that was a cover gift with Craft Stamper magazine many years ago.

To make this card I used:
     4" x 4" white matt card blank
     Craft Stamper 'Flower' stamp
     Lawn Fawn 'Outside In Stitched Square Stackables' die
     Versafine Vintage Sepia ink
     Cosmic Shimmer Clear Detail embossing powder
     Copics - Y08, Y15 & YR04
     Snippets of white matt card 

I embossed a stitched square in the centre of the card blank before setting it aside. I put a snippet of white card into my MISTI and stamped the flower several times with brown ink to ensure a good depth of colour.  I then embossed the image with clear embossing powder before colouring it with Copics.  I fussy cut the flower and attached it to the centre of the card blank with foam pads. 

I am entering the following challenges:
     Allsorts - Springtime
     Alphabet Challenge - Y is for Yellow Flowers
     Beautiful Blossoms - Anything Floral Goes
     CAS on Friday - Botanical
     Daisy Chain Challenge - No Design Paper
     Simply Clean & Simple - Anything CAS Goes
     Stamping Sensations - Inspired by Nature
     We Love Stamping - Spring

Kath x