Try Stampin' on Tuesday sketch 98

Hi Lovelies,

How are you all today?  Did Santa visit you?  He's been & gone here.  My girls made out like little bandits (expect some photos later).  Let's just say they are spoilt rotten at the moment.  I'm sad that the big day is over but am glad that the "madness" is finished with for another year.

Today I am back with the new sketch from Try Stampin' on Tuesday.  I really enjoy doing sketch based challenges & I particularly love this sketch.

So much so that I just had to make another card based on this.  I am trying hard to step out of my comfort zone at the moment.  I tried a few different things on this card that I haven't done before.  Instead of going for a scallop circle die or using a doily (both are perfectly good & acceptable) I decided to cut up a flourish die & use all the pieces around the edge of the circle.  I used two & a half flourishes.  I used glue dots under the leaves & on the back to secure the flourishes.  On the front I tucked some of the flourishes under the bakers twine & used glue (on a pin) to secure the finer parts down.  Looking at the flourish around the image it reminded me of Cinderella's pumpkin coach.

I used Orange, not a colour I normally go to & then I added dots as shading so she didn't look like she was sitting in mid air.  If you want to see an expert do a better job of using the dot technique go here, it's a good video & a bit funny too.  I made this card larger as well it's 6 x 6.  I used Copics to colour the image & was trying for a softer look.  Every time I use this image I think Red/Aqua. So even though she  has aqua in her outfit I definitely stepped out & did something different.  Now all I have to do is work on getting my sentiments straight! ;)

Here is my second card using this sketch.  This is another larger card measuring 6 x 6 inches.  I had so much fun colouring in Snow White from Saturated Canary.  I also wanted to use my Scallops & a doily on this card just because (see told ya they are both perfectly good & acceptable).  I had to Google Snow White to see what her "colours" where lol.  How sad is that!  I needed a colour palette to get me started. I knew I wanted Red in the card but wasn't sure on the other colours.  I used two different paper pads on this card, both by My Mind's Eye.  I coloured Snow in with Copics.  This time I've left the sentiment off, so I don't have to worry about trying to keep that straight ;)

Thanks for stopping by today, I do hope that you can join in the fun at Try Stampin' on Tuesday.  I'd love to see what you create & as always thanks so much for your wonderful comments.  Happy crafting my friends.

Supplies:
Happy Birthday Card
Pattern Paper - My Mind's Eye 6 x 6 pad Darling Dear
Copic Paper
Distress Inks - Pumice Stone, Rusty Hinge, Tumbled Glass, Antique Linen
Versa-fine ink - Vintage Sepia
Momento ink  - Tuxedo Black
Hero Arts - CL181
The Greeting Farm - Miss Anya Love
Bakers Twine
Cheery Lynn Designs - Fanciful Flourish Die 117
Nestibilities - Large Circle 
Cuttlebug
Copics:
Skin - E0000, E50, E21
Hair - E50, E31, E35, E 25
Dress, hair bows & shoes - B00, B01, BG000, BG10, BG23, BG49
Shadow - E41, E31, E35, E50, 

Snow White Card
Pattern Paper - Darling Deer 6 x 6 pad, All Spice 6 x 6 pad by My Mind's Eye
Doily,
Bakers Twine,
Copic Paper,
Cuttlebug,
Spellbinders Nestibilities - Large Scallop Circles, Large Circles
Copics:
Skin - E0000, E50, E21
Lips - RV29
Basket - E31, E33, E35
Eyes/Leaves - G02, G05, G07
Hair - B24, C-5, C-7, C-9
Apples - RV14, RV29, R46, RV69
Dress - B32, B24, B18, B29, Y000, Y11, Y02, Y35, Y38

Wishing you a Happy & Safe Christmas :)

Hi Lovelies,

 

This is a non crafty blog post today.  I thought I would pop in because it seems like ages since I've posted anything (that wasn't scheduled).

I just want to thank you all for your support over this last year.  I know that I have been "Hit & miss" with my postings.  I've had a lot going on in my life & now am thinking the worst is behind me.  I am humbled by  all your support in sticking by me.  I also really appreciate those of you that take the time to comment on each of my posts.  Your comments have meant the world to me & I try my hardest to return the love.  There is nothing like a comment to make you feel really good about yourself & what you are creating.  I may not have a huge following, but I am grateful to each & every one of you.  Especially since you treated my absences like they didn't exist.  It's wonderful to know that you are out there.

From my little family to all of yours I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas & all the best for the New Year.  May it be the best year yet for each & every one of you.

Take care & have a Safe & Happy Christmas with the ones you love.  I also hope you get some time to do the things you love with the ones you love.  Don't stress as they say "Don't sweat the petty stuff & don't pet the sweaty stuff!"  I've always loved that quote.

Love to you all my blogging buddies :) xoxoxoxoxo

Try Stampin' on Tuesday sketch #97

Hi Lovelies,

Today I'm back with another DT card to share for Try Stampin' on Tuesday.

As you can see I'm in full on Christmas card mode.  I left everything way to late this year *sigh* lets hope I do better next year.  I used up a lot of scraps on this card.  Which was good.  The red c/s I stamped with Aged Mahogany distress ink & used Twas the Night b/g stamp by Impression Obsession.  I then stamped the tag with the same ink & stamp.  The reindeer is by Paper Xtra, isn't he cute.  I had so much fun colouring him in with Copics & then I went a little crazy with the Diamond Glaze & added it to the lights, his eyes, his nose & to all the bells.  The star didn't get left out either I added Frosted Lace Stickles to it.

I do hope that you can come & play with us over at Try Stampin' on Tuesday.  I can guarantee we don't bite ;o).  Happy crafting everyone.

A bit Shabby

Hi Lovelies,

Today I have a card that I made because I love colouring this super cute Digi Molly.  I tried a new colour combo (for me) of pinks/browns.  I was inspired by this challenge.  Although I don't know if this is Hot Chocolate & Marshmallows.  But from looking at the design teams samples I think this will be ok.  If not at least I have another beautiful card to add to my collection.  I didn't use a sketch for this card, so it took me longer to put together than usual.  I cut up a Doily to cover some roses that where on the b/g pp.  I then added some scraps that where left over from another project that I inked up with Distress inks.  I think this is looking a little Shabby Chic as well - Bonus! :)  

Thank you for visiting & I love seeing your comments.  Happy crafting everyone.

Supplies:
Saturated Canary - Molly
Copic paper
Sweetness 6 x 6 pad by Pinkpaisley
Doily
Square punch
Distress Inks - Walnut Stain, Antique Linen
Button
Bakers Twine
Cuttlebug
Spellbinders Nestibilities - Labels Fourteen
Copics:
Clothes/hat/stockings & shoes - RV10, RV11, RV34, RV29, E31, E33, E35
Hair - E50, E31, E25
Lips - RV29
Skin - E0000, E50, E21
Eyes - E25, E27
List - W0, W1, W5

Cool Yule

Hi Lovelies,

This is my second post for today :)  please scroll down or go here to see my DT card for Try Stampin' on Tuesday.

Ok today I have a really sweet card to share with you all.  I'm loving the colours in it.  I found a new Christmas Blog called Always Playing with Paper & they have a challenge on at the moment to use any of their past sketches to create a card for the current challenge.  I decided to use this sketch, mainly becasue it fit in with my Digi image that I had previously printed & cut out.

I used Molly from Saturated Canary.  I just love this Digi image, don't you?  I had a great time colouring Molly in with my Copics.  I am still trying to get the hang of black hair with blue high lights. So her hair is probably more blue than black but still I'm pleased with the way it turned out.  I used warm greys on the "white" areas of her clothing & am really pleased with the way they turned out.  This was my first attempt at colouring white.

Well the kidlets have just gotten up so my peaceful morning has come to an end ;)  Thanks for stopping by, your comments mean the world to me.

Happy crafting my friends - Paula

Supplies:
Just Believe 6 x 6 pad by Kaisercraft
Copic Paper
Saturated Canary - Molly (Digi image)
Distress Inks - Festive Berries, Peacock Feathers
Copics:
Clothing/hat - W-0, W-1, C-1, BG23, BG13, BG18, BG49, BG72, 
Hair - B24, C-5, C-7, C-9
Good List - E31, E43

Try Stampin' sketch 96.

Hi Lovelies,

I'm back again with the latest Try Stampin' On Tuesday sketch.  I'm squeezing in a few last minute Christmas cards still.

This week I used these Cheeky Elves from Make it Crafty. I coloured them in with Copics onto Copic paper.  I then added some of these pearls just because I like a bit of bling ;o).  I stamped the wreath from this stamp set, I also added the date from this stamp set.  The pattern paper is by My Mind's Eye 6 x 6 pad called Darling Dear.  I think these papers lend themselves to make great Christmas cards.  Please stop by the Try Stampin' On Tuesday blog & join in on all the fun.  I can't wait to see what you all come up with.
Have a great day.

A little Retro with a dash of Red Carpet

Hi Lovelies,

Today I am sharing a card I made with some scraps & a few things I've had in my stash for like evah! Cute isn't it! But hey I'm biased so I can say that.  I'm having a run on using things that I haven't touched in the longest time.  It's almost like getting something new again, I think.  This cute little deer, the snowflakes, seed beads & sentiment haven't seen the light of day in over a year I'd think.  So toady's the day to go retro I decided.

I used this cool sketch from the Retro Sketches Challenge blog.  I flipped the sketch so my little deer wasn't looking the wrong way.  I sewed the sequin snowflakes down with cotton & a seed bead to stop them from falling off.  I'm hoping the 3 snowflakes count as the speech bubble.  I'm also going to enter this into Red Carpet Studio's challenge Snowflakes or snowmen.  I used up some more pp from Darling Deer.  I am not sure if this is classed as a Christmas card or not - what do you think? I added "Enjoy the little things" sentiment from Hero Arts because it fit perfectly under the image.  Plus aren't snowflakes little?  The closest I get to snow is watching it on the TV.

Have a wonderful week ahead & happy crafting.

Supplies 
Darling Deer 6 x 6 pad by My Mind's Eye
Copic Paper
Blue Bazzil
Sequin snowflakes
White seed beads
Needle & Thread
Hero Arts - CL181 Messages
The Greeting Farm - Forest Friends
Momento ink - Tuxedo Black
Copics:
Deer - E31, E33, E35, E0000, E50, E21, BG23 (eye)

Vote for me - pretty please xoxoxo

Hi Lovelies,

I am going to keep this link at the top of my blog for this week please feel free to scroll down to see what else I've come up with.  Please note there is a lot of grovelling, massive amounts, truly huge amounts of grovelling in this post.

I have a huge, massive & really big favour to ask of you all.  Could you please vote for me.  Pretty please with sugar on top.

What for you ask?

Well I was one of four people to have their cards selected for the Masculine Challenge over at Red Carpet Studio.  You can go here to check out the cards & if you go to Red Carpet Studio you can vote in the side bar for my card from the 9th December to 15th December.

Here is a copy of the guidelines/rules for voting:
Polls will be added to the right sidebar of the blog and as you take a look at the nominations for each category you can cast your vote. Only one vote may be cast a day for each poll. Any form of cheating or rigging the polls will result in immediate disqualification. The winners will be announced at the end of the week with the start of the new challenge and will receive a trophy badge to place on their blogs. Anyone and everyone is welcome to vote! 

I know there is nothing in it for you guys, but you will have my undying gratitude for doing this.   Happy crafting everyone.

I'm Jingling to catch up

Hi Lovelies,

Today's card is a catch up card for one of my (many) fav' challenge blogs.  A few weeks back Jingle Belles had a food based sketch on so I printed out this cute Bugaboo Digi image thinking I'd enter a card, as I need a tonne of Christmas cards.  Alas time has a way of slipping past me & I missed the deadline.  So I decided the other day to do some colouring with my Copics & play.  I used different colours to what I usually use & tried different ways to what I normally do.  This is the final result.  Luckily for me Jingle Belles has a new challenge on that this fits so I get to play one last time for the year.  Yay!  I'm hoping to play in every single challenge that they do next year.  I want to be ahead in Christmas cards & not way, way, way behind.

I added Liquid Pearls to Decon's hat & then added some Frosted Lace Stickles to the Liquid Pearls once it had dried.  I quite like the look.  I also added Frosted Lace to the candy cane just to give it some extra oomph.  I really like the way my experiment turned out so I cut it out with a Spellbinders Nesitibilities.  Inked around the edge with Distress ink & layered it onto a card based that I had stamped with Impression Obsession's Twas the night in Distress ink.  

Thanks for stopping by today & I love hearing what you have to say :)  Happy crafting everyone

 

It's beginning to look like Christmas

Hi Lovelies,

Today I thought I'd share with you some of the Christmas cards that I have been busy making over the last week or so in-between holidays & everyday life.

 This first card is actually a left over piece of paper that I used on another card the other day.  I was stumped with what to do with it as it's not what I would normally use.  But I didn't want to waste it either.  So I decided to keep it simple & just stamp a sentiment onto it.  The pp is from Just Believe 6 x 6 pad by Kaisercraft.  It's not a normal sized card it measures just over 6 inches long.  I really am pleased how this turned out.

This card is a mish mash.  It's simple but I think it's flawed.  I had this piece of spotted paper left over from the 24 scramble.  It had a tag shape cut out of it (under the image) so I decided to stamp a deer in the negative space, but it didn't look any good.  So I put it aside to have a think about it.  Meanwhile I had printed up a heap of digi images & this is one of them.  I coloured it in with my copics & then used distress inks to colour the background.  I stupidly then decided to spritz it with a combination of Pearl Ex & water.  While it looks nice & shimmery the ink from the printer ran slightly (if you look closely at the snowball & buttons on the snowman you will see what I mean).  So this morning I decided to put the two together.  I used a left over scrap from a Manilla tag & my Spellbinder tag dies to cut out the tag.  I added a button brad & hoped for the best.  ;o)

I am really pleased with this card.  I used up some scraps, a leftover stamped wreath, some ribbon that I've been hoarding (for a few months) & some buttons (that I've been hoarding forever).  I also tried something new - I used my brayer with Iced Spruce Distress Ink to add colour to the Swiss Dot embossed c/s. I think it's the first time I used my brayer for it's intended purpose!  Shocking I know ;o).

Well lovelies,  I'm off to google/you tube how to "organise yourself for Christmas books".  Maybe next year I will be sorted!!!!

Small T Creations Give away!

Hi Lovelies,

I don't know if you all know about this fabulous give away that Tone over at Small T Creations is having at the moment.  

To be in the running Tone has asked that we help her spread the word about her new store WashiTapesNL. As you can guess from the name Tone is selling Washi Tape.  I popped over to her store & had a quick look & all I can say is WOW!  So if you ever need Washi Tape I would suggest you check it out & I bet you don't go away empty handed as they say.

Have a great week & happy crafting.

Try Stampin' On Tuesday sketch 95

Hi Lovelies,

Here is my very first card as a DT member of Try Stampin' On Tuesday & the sketch it's based on.

Here is my card based on this sketch.  I used Distress ink to stamp the tree, before colouring it in with a Prismacolor pencil.  I then used Baby oil to even out the colouring.  Stickles where added to the tree for some sparkle.  I stamped the sentiment with Versafine & added Baker's Twine.  The pattern paper is Just Believe by Kaisercraft.   Thank you for stopping by today & I hope I have inspired you to play along with us over at Try Stampin' On Tuesdays this week.

Supplies:

Hero Arts - K4797 Flourish Tree with Stars

Distress Inks - Shabby Shutters & Walnut Stain

Versafine Ink - Vintage Sepia

Stickles - Platinum

Bakers' Twine

White Copic paper'

Just Believe 6 x 6 pad by Kaisercraft

Kaisercraft clear stamp CS926 Christmas

Our mini holiday.

Hi Lovelies,

My lovely little family & I had a mini holiday for the last 31/2 days.  We drove two hours south, to the Gold Coast.  It was a fun-tastic time away.  We stayed at Sea World Nara Resort, which is right next door to Sea World.  We had the best room, it overlooked the resort pool & Emsy loved that.  In fact both my girls had a wonderful time.  Although Lils was starting to crash & burn today.  Thankfully she slept for an hour on the way home. Otherwise my dh may have been a wee bit cransky with the monsta!

We had a lovely time even though it was hot.  The whole time we were away we had temps of mid 30s (degrees) & chances of Thunderstorms.  The storms didn't eventuate but that made for really hot days.

The pool had a light spectacular each night, but we didn't see any until last night.  Which was a shame because Emsy would have loved being involved in it.  We are thinking of going back towards the end of January again.  So maybe she can join in then.

In the main lobby of the resort, there was this cool Dinosaur statue.  The girls loved seeing this guy each day.    They also loved Dinosaur Island at Sea World.  Then at Movie World today, we saw this cool T-Rex & he could move.  I think he scared Lils for a bit, but when we where leaving "he" was chasing Doug & Lils & was going to bite them on the "bums".  According to Lils.  The things my kids say!

At Movie World today, Emsy & Lils had a great time.  There where a heap of rides for the "Littlies" which was fantastic.  There was a junior Roller-coaster.  I went on it with Emsy & decided that that was the first & last time I would do that.  Emsy thought it was cool - so I think it was worth it.  Then we went over to the wild west side of the park.  So Emsy & Doug could ride the "Wild West Flume" ride.  Emsy didn't like it at all.  Poor thing was in tears when they got off.  I think maybe another year or so she will love it.

Then on the way home we stopped in to see Doug's mum & have some afternoon tea with her.  I saw these Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at a service station & thought that they would be a good treat to share.  I know Emsy loved them as did Doug's mum.

 
 Well tomorrow I have to do Tuckshop in the morning.  So I hope to catch up with all of you later in the day, after I've finished at the school & done some much needed washing, cleaning etc.  Have a great week my friends :o)