'trash to treasure' challenge - Get Sketchy

The challenge over at Get Sketchy is 'Trash to Treasure'.  I liked the idea of recycling; I have a box with bits on my craft table that I like to keep and hopefully use.  These bits include clothing tags, ribbon, etc.

Here's the card I came up with:

My recycled bits are: clothing tag, string cord, lace doily cut from old tablecloth and old kids book!!

I've layered pink cardstocks and kraft to form the base of the card.  A page from an old kids book has been cut out and I've used the lace doily punch along the bottom, then sponged the edges with Sahara Sand ink.

The Tilda with Rose Magnola Stamp has been coloured in with inks and aqua painter, then cut out and assembled onto card.  Using the clothing tag, I've layered on a lace doily which I've dyed in pink, then added the flower to the centre.  This is one of the many gorgeous goodies, I received from Bizzy Becs blog giveaway!!

Then I've added some small pink pearls to complete the card. Here's a closer look at the details.

Be sure to pop over to Get Sketchy, they have a big giveaway and fun challenges each week!

Stamps: Magnolia
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Kraft, old book
Others: watercolour paper, black stazon, aqua painter, white gen pen, clothing tag, doily, flower, pearls, string, Lace Doily punch (Martha Stewart)

Sweet Sunday Sketch #50

The holidays have been going great - it's so nice to have a more relaxed routine.  The kids are enjoying swimming lessons for the next two weeks, so that's keeping us occupied.

I managed to have a little creative time and made this card for Karen Giron's sketch for this week: 

Here's my creation:

I used a new stamp set from Unity Stamp Company.  This is the Devoted stamp set which I just LOVE; it has beautiful bible verses and some adorable images to go along with them.

I've used Cameo Coral as the base card and layered with some patterned paper from Basic Grey - June Bug - i've also used Certain Celery and some lace, and assembled as per the sketch.

The verse has been stamped onto Whisper White and I've added a leafy branch stamp in the Celery ink.

Instead of having a ribbon accent, I've used a flower and stiched brad to add to the side.  Lastly I've added some green rhinestones. Here's a closer look at the detail:

I loved this sketch and know that it would also be perfect for a scrapbook page, so I'm keeping it to use again - hopefully soon.  With the new year coming, one of my wishes is to be able to do more scrapbooking!

Product used:
Stamps: Devoted (Unity Stamps)
Cardstock: Cameo Coral, Certain Celery, Whisper White, Basic Grey patterned paper
Ink: Stazon Black, Certain Celery
Others: Rhinestones, Scallop punch (SU), lace, flower, stiched brad (Basic Grey), white gel pen

Giveaway!

This giveaway is now CLOSED. I will be back later with an updated picture of the give-away and a WINNER!!

This is an edited post:

I will be adding a few extra items before I draw this giveaway on the 2nd of Jan 2010.  Today I'm adding the Short & Sweet stamp set by Stampin'Up, Olive Organdy Ribbon and Navy Grosgrain Ribbon. So be sure to add your name using Mr Linky and keep checking back to see what else is in the giveaway.

Have a  wonderful and happy Christmas with your loved ones! 

I'm having a small giveaway - my blog recently clicked over 50,000 visitors and it's the end of the year -  I've made up a set of six cards with some stamps from Basic Grey.  They are super simple but will come in handy for that special someone!  You will get six cards and some of my hand-cut lace doilys in natural and pink (hand dyed)

Product used:
Stamps: Basic Grey Cup of Tea clear stamps
Cardstock: Confetti White, Pink Pirouette, Perfect Plum
Ink: Whisper White, Perfect Plum
Others: Lace Doiley, re-inker (Pink Pirouette)

To enter, simply add your name using Mr Linky.  If you don't have a blog, link it back to here, or otherwise just leave a comment.  I will draw a winner on Jan 2nd 2010. Anyone can enter; I'm happy to post world-wide.
 Thanks for stopping by!!

Card patterns - sketch 45

Card Patterns has this sketch up at the moment - check it out, it's a little bit of a tricky one.

Here's my card:

I've used mostly Stampin'Up product for this card.  The stamp set is Friends 24-7 - one of my favs.  I've used Choc Chip and Pink Pirouette colours and some of the Designer Series pattern paper.

I've stamped the bird image onto White in Choc Chip ink, then again in the Pink.  Then, I've cut out the bird and pasted over the image.

I've added some stitched ribbon and some buttons for embellishments.

Here's a closer look at some of the detail:

Today is the last day of school - kids come home at lunchtime and the later on in the day, we have been invited to school for a dinner and Christmas concert.  Should be a lovely evening.  This will mark the start of school holidays - YAY.  I hope to enjoy a more relaxed pace - though it will probably be still rather busy.  Christmas lunch to organise, hubby's birthday, swimming lessons, camping for a week........ it should be fun.  Hopefully I still get some time to stamp and share what I'm creating.  Til next time....

Teacher gifts.

You will remember the little tags I made the other week!  Well, they made their way onto some teacher gifts which I assembled this week.  I filled little Christmas bowls with home-made chocolate truffles and speculaas, wrapped with celophane and tied off with my hand-made tag.  They turned out just sweet and the teachers LOVED them!

Inkspiration Sketch Challenge #17

Hope you are all well this lovely Friday - the weather is really starting to warm up here and it finally feels like Summer.  YAY.  Today's Inkspiration challenge is a sketch:

For a little change - I decided to do a scrapbook page with this very cute photo of Amber.  I love this cheeky look she has going!!

I picked out the colour from her jumper and chose Purely Pomegrante - last years In-Colours.  With that being the base, I've added some pattern paper from Basic Grey's Nook and Pantry.  I love all the patterns in this one - so pretty and girly.

For the embellishment, I've made up a tag layering on a lace doily, a heart shape from felt and material, one of the stiched brads from Basic Grey and the sentiment is from a retired SU set - Love Matters.  Then I've used So Saffron ribbon to finish off the tag.

I've used two yellow buttons up the top as per the sketch and along the button, I've ruffled some pink ribbon for a bit of texture.  Lastly I've added some paper piercing to the top.

Here's a closer look at some of the details:

This page came together quite quickly; using the pattern paper helped to bring colour to the page.  And I love the idea of making fun embellishments using felt and fabric.  My favourite at the moment!

So if you like the sketch and would love to play long, then pop over to Makeesha's website to view the details.  I'm sure she will WOW you with her sample!  Then you can be inspired by the Design Team who all do fabulous work.  It's always fun to see what everyone comes up with!  Be sure to check them out and give them some comment love - here are their links: 
Sarah-Jane
Kirsty
Renee
Cindy
Dawn
Anthonette - guest designer

Well, enjoy the weekend.  We are off to visit family over the weekend,  for end of year get togethers.  The kids are very excited to be seeing their cousins, so it should be lots of fun!!  Til next time.

Card patterns - sketch 44

I made a card for the latest sketch at Card Patterns - this is the sketch up at the moment.  Fun, fun; but it was a little harder than I thought!

Here's my creation:

I used Basic Grey Nook & Pantry pattern paper.  I picked out a few that co-ordinated together, and then decided on the main colours. 

I've teamed up Really Rust and Wild Wasabi together - who would have thought they went together!

So I've layered the paper as per the sketch.  For the main image, I've cut out a sweet birdie from felt, then sewed on a small button and added a chipboard heart shape.  This has been layered onto a lace doily!

I've added a 'hugs & kisses' sentiment, and also a white ribbon with button up the top.

I love how this one turned out.  It's rather busy with all the patterns but having the simple bird image balances it all out.  Thanks for a great sketch card patterns team!  I look forward to the next one.

Product used:
Stamps: Clear cling stamps
Cardstock: Nook and Pantry (Basic Grey), White, Wild Wasabi, Really Rust
Ink: Wild Wasabi
Others: Lace Doily, Felt, button, SU punches, rubbon, chipboard, Lace Doily punch

Christmas with Circle Circus

For this card I've used a stamp set which has nothing to do with Christmas at all!  It's Circle Circus by Stampin'Up.  My inspiration came from a window shop-front - the shape of a Christmas tree had been sprayed with white paint in the form of small circles.  It looked great and gave me an idea for a card.  So here it is:

First up, I made a mask by cutting out a triangle shape in some cardstock, to represent a Christmas tree.  I've placed the mask onto Confetti White cardstock and then used one of the images from Circle Circus, inked with Baja Breeze, and stamped into the triangle space.  Then I've lightly sponged the edges in Baja Breeze. Once the mask is removed, you are left with the Christmas tree shape.  I've decorated with some buttons that co-ordinate well with the Ski Slope DP from Stampin'Up and also a bow in blue spotted ribbon.

The sentiment is from Best Yet, and I've used the Oval Scallop punch and three red rhinestones to 'bling' it up.

Product used:

Stamps: Circle Circus, Best Yet

Cardstock: Confetti White, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Ski Slope DP

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze

Others: Oval punch, Oval scallop punch, ribbon, buttons bouquet (SU), Martha Stewart punch

Holiday gift tags!

Cards Blog is having a challenge this week for some 'hand-made' holiday gift tags.  I needed some tag for teacher gifts so I made up seven of these lacy tags.

The tag is made with Kraft cardstock from Stampin' Up.  I've cut the corners using the Scallop Edge punch, then sponged the edges with Choc Chip ink.
I've layered pattern paper from Magnolia Papers, lace doilys and green lace.
The flower image is from Season of Joy. I've stamped the flower in Bravo Burgandy ink onto Whisper White cardstock, cut out and added a button with twine to the centre.
The 'wonderful' word is from Warm Words and I've used SU punches for this.
Lastly, I've added a pewter jumbo eyelet with white ribbon.

Product used:
Stamps: Season of Joy, Warm Words
Cardstock: Kraft, Magnolia pattern paper, Whisper White, Choc Chip
Ink: Choc Chip, Bravo Burgandy
Others: Lace Doily, Magnolia green lace, button, white twine, dimensionals, Tombow glue, pewter jumbo eyelets, cropodile, white ribbon, sponging

Magnolia Down Under Challenge #28

Here is the first Christmas card I've made for the season.  I've entered this card for the latest challenge at Magnolia Down Under - the challenge for the next fortnight is: Bedazzled!

And here is my creation using this sweet Tilda with gift:

I have kept this card rather simple.  Onto some white cardstock I've layered some Magnolia patterned paper.  I've stamped the image onto Copic paper with black ink, then coloured in with Copic Markers.  I've added some glitter to her mittens and beanie!  Along the edge of the circle, I've added a row of red rhinestones.  It's hard to capture the sparkle with a photo!!

I've layered this onto Riding Hood Red cardstock cut out with the Nestabilities.

Then I've added the big bow in the stitched Choc Chip ribbon and tied off with twine and a button.

The setiment is from Best Yet by Stampin' Up.

Product Used:
Stamps: Magnolia stamps - Tilda, Best Yet (SU)
Cardstock: White, Riding Hood Red, Choc Chip, Magnolia pattern paper
Ink: Choc Chip
Others: Choc Chip ribbon, button, twine, nestabilities, CM cutter, Copic markers, oval scallop punch (SU), rhinestones, glitter.

If you would love to join in the fun, then hop on over to Magnolia Down Under to check out the details and see what you are playing for.  It's a whole lot of fun!! 

Inkspiration Inspiration Challenge #16

Friday time = Challenge Time.  It's that fun time of week again when you get to see Makeesha's latest challenge and view all the Design Team creations.  This week it's an Inspiration Challenge - check out this gorgeous girly bedroom.

Here's my creation:

My inspiration came from the stripes in the bedding and the pretty girly colours.  I LOVE this stamp set from Stampin'Up - A Kind Word and so I've used one of the images for my card.

I've started off with a base card in Celery, then a layer of Regal Rose, then some DP from Spring Fling.

The main image has been stamped in black memento ink onto white cardstock and then I've used my Copics to colour in.  I've stamped the little sentiment onto cardstock and used SU punches to cut out, then added to my card with dimensionals.  I've completed the card with a bow'n'button and some small pink rhinestones.

If you'd love to join in the fun of this weeks challenge, pop over to Makeesha's to view the details and also her gorgeous creation.  Then you can have a look at the fabulous work from her Design Team:

Sarah-Jane

Kirsty

Renee

Cindy

Dawn Easton - the newest member.

Anthonette - guest DT member

If you'd love to view the winners from last weeks challenge - visit Cindy - she has the honour of picking her favourite cards.

Product used:

Stamp: A Kind Word

Cardstock: Certain Celery, Regal Rose, White (Copic paper), DP Spring Fling

Ink: Certain Celery

Others: Copic, Celery ribbon, pink button, rhinestones, sponging, dimensionals, punches (SU)

Enjoy it and have fun.  I look forward to seeing all the wonderful creativity out there.  Til next time...

k & a

k & a = Kyle and Adam - cousins and best buddies.  My sister-in-law recently gave me this collection of photo's from the boys time together on different ocassions this year and I thought it would make a great collage style scrapbook layout.

This was such a simple layout to complete.  I arrange the photo's onto some Night of Navy cardstock and then added this to a white 12x12 sheet of cardstock.

I've used some pattern paper which has words and meaning to do with boys - it was perfect for this page.

Then I've added the chipboard letters, painted red, sanded and glossed up with dimensional magic.  The '&' chipboard has been stamped with the Sprinkles stamp set, but the photo does not pick this up!

I've placed some dotted ribbon across the page with a few corduroy brads and twine..... and the page is complete.

Copic fun

These past few days I've been having some Copic fun; colouring in lots of sweet images from my stash of stamps.  Some turned out great, some not so good!

 This afternoon, I used two of the coloured images to make up some pretty cards.  I must say that I really enjoyed myself - I always love the end result of a pretty 'girly' card.  It was fun matching up paper and cardstock to these cute images - no challenges of any sort - just creative bliss with all my goodies.

This first card uses Coffee Kiki La Rue by CC Designs.  I used some of the gorgeous paper from the Basic Grey Range - Nook & Pantry.  These prints are simply stunning.

I've teamed this up with Ruby Red cardstock, layered onto White to form the base of my card.

I've used a small flower image from Baroque Motifs on the red cardstock.  The sentiment is also from the same stamp set.

I have finally mastered a bow, tied off with a button!  Here's a closer look at some of the detail.

For this second card, I used Sweet Kiki La Rue by CC Designs. With Summer just starting, I thought this would be a great stamp to have!  I've used the Good Morning Sunshine DP by Stampin'Up. I love the bright colours in this pack and the little birds are just adorable.

I've used some Pacific Point striped ribbon for the bow with a clear button.  The sentiment is from Best Yet and I've layered this onto DP and then a small doily.

Hope you enjoy these, let me know what you think. 

Sweet Sunday Sketch #46

I've had a little sketch fun with the Sweet Sunday Sketch #46 from Karen Giron.

Here is this weeks sketch:

And this is my creation:

I had some new stamps from Basic Grey which I really wanted to try out and that included this sweet teapot image from the Nook & Pantry range.  They are super cute.

The base card is Kraft cardstock, then I've added the different layers as per the sketch.  The patterned paper is also from Basic Grey.

I've stamped the images onto Whisper White cardstock, then arranged onto my card with the lace doily.

I've used the Lace Doily punch for the corners of the blue cardstock.  I've also added some chocolate ribbon tied off with some twine to complete the card.  Here's a closer look:

Thanks for a great sketch Karen - I especially love the circle element and would love to use it in a scrapbook layout sometime soon.
Product used:
Stamps: Basic Grey
Cardstock: Kraft, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Pattern paper Basic Grey
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Choc Chip, Baja Breeze
Others: Lace Doily punch, CM circle cutters, lace doily, dimensionals, ribbon, twine

Inkspiration Colour Challenge #16

As I mentioned in the previous post, this challenge card is a little late, but I'm glad I still sat down and had a little play with these bright and fun colours. Here they are:

Here is the card I came up with:

I've used a new stamp set: Morocco Bitsy Clear Stamps by Basic Grey.  I LOVE the elephant image and knew I would use alot.  I have lots of little elephant ornaments around my house too.

So I started with a base card in White cardstock, then layered some Designer Paper in Pumpkin Pie, then a peice of Real Red. I've stamped up a background with one of the images in this set. 

Then I've stamped the elephant and leaf images onto Whisper White cardstock, cut out and arranged onto my card with a lace doily. I hope your're not tired of seeing them; I have a very big pile to get thru!

I've added some twill and tied to the side with a small piece of red stitched ribbon and then added the button.  The sentiment is from Embrace Life.

Here's a closer look at the details:

Pop on over the Makeesha's if you would love to join in this week.  I'm sure you will be inspired by her wonderful creation and also by the Design Team.  I LOVE seeing what everyone creates each week.  And I'm off to do that now.  Enjoy your week. Til next time......

Product used:
Stamps: Morocco (Basic Grey), Embrace Life (SU)
Cardstock: White, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie DP
Ink: Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal
Others: Doily, corner rounder punch, twill, stitched ribbon, button, Window punch, dimensionals.

The latest............

I really didn't know what to call this post; so it's an update on the latest happenings!  First up, you will notice I've missed posting my DT card for the latest challenge from Makeesha.  Last week, we were 'wiped-out' by a nasty bug, including myself.  It started off with the kids at the beginning of the week and then went onto me and then hubby.  And it wasn't a pleasant one.  So that was the reason for the missing card!  But..... I have made a card and will be posting that soon.

In the meantime, I wanted to share with you a card I made using my NEW Copic Markers.  I recently splurged and have started to get a collection of these fabulous markers.  Before I went out and bought them, I did a little research and decided that I didn't need whole sets to get started.  Instead I used this great post from Amy Rysavy, where she lists her favourite and most used colours.  I found this to be a great guide - the colours are a little bright and you do have to get used to them, but it certainly is a great start and you can build up from there.  Once I started using these colours, I could work out which other markers I would love to have and the shades that would suit me best.  I purchased my Copics from 7 Kids College Fund - they also have lots of other 'yummies' to view!

Anyway, onto my card. 

I've used one of the Stamping Bella stamps - these are great to start with because they don't have too many spaces to colour-in.  And I love this image - friends sharing a drink!

I've used my favourite punch - the lace doily from Martha Stewart.  I've also used a 'real' doily to layer the sentiment onto. Here's a little close up:

These two cards went out to two lovely girls who came to visit me at the end of last week.  I had my sister-in-law Renae and my friend Makeesha stay with me for a night so we could catch up. It was great to have some 'girl-time', going out for dinner, breakfast and shopping.   Thanks so much for the fabulous time we had!  You are both wonderful.

And did I say shopping! We walked the streets of Margaret River and these two girls, filled up the back seat with all their many shopping bags.  I ended up with a few myself, including two books recommended by Keesh.  I can't wait to sit down and have a read.

I'll be back soon with my card for the latest challenge from Makeesha.  Til then..

'me + Dad'

I've managed a little bit of scrapbooking this week.  I've been spending alot of time, going thru my craft room, sorting out the many boxes of assorted goodies I have and trying to decide what to keep and what I think I may use.  WOW, I really didn't know how much 'stuff' I had accumulated over the years.  It's amazing and has been lots of fun.  After focusing on Stampin'Up product for the past three years, it will be nice to use some of the other products in my stash, especially in scrapbooking.  So anyway, I've created this 8x8 layout using some neglected product that I found.  I love these cute photo's of Caden with his dad; they have such a close bond and share many fun times.

The base is SU cardstock in Not Quite Navy.  I've used the Friendly Words wheel to create a background.

I've matted the bigger photo onto a Top Note Diecut in Riding Hood Red.

I've made the little tag using by re-cycling a clothing tag - isn't it the cutest?  The other day a friend gave me some Cuttlebug dies that she no longer uses and I've already put one to good use - the little 'love' stamp on the tag was made with it.  I've added some dotted ribbon and a button. 

Here's a closer look at the details:

The chipboard letters to make the word 'dad',  have been painted with red paint, then I've sanded the edges.  I've stamped some heart images from the Sprinkles stamp set, but the photo does not pick this up.

Another layout completed for Caden's '1st year album'. 

Product used:
Stamps: Friendly Words, Expressive Flexible Phrases
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Others: Ribbon, chipboard letters, Top Note diecut, clothing tag, Cuttlebug, button, twine, paper piercer