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

Each month, Totally Addicted to Sketch, have sketch challenges which are designed for scrapbooking.  I love them; they help me to step out of my normal scrapbooking style and try some new things.  Here is November's sketch:

And here is what I've come up with:

I've used some very cute photo's of Caden, taken by my sister Aimee just a few months back.  His blue eyes really stand out, so that's been the story of my layout.

I started out with a base in Tangerine Tango as I wanted to pick up the orange in his t-shirt.  I've used the Sprinkles stamp set to make a background.

Then I've layered some patterned paper and some assorted cardstock.  I've used the Friendly Words stampin' round wheel on the strip of Bashful Blue.

I've printed out my journalling onto copy paper and simply cut out in strips.  The title is some sticker letters from Basic Grey.

For the heart embellisment, I've cut out a piece of orange felt with my pinking shears, then stitched on three buttons.  I've also added two small stitches onto the bottom journalling.  Here's a closer look at the felt heart:

The journalling reads as follows:

"I am always in awe of your brilliant blue eyes,

You have the ability to make people stop and stare,

Your big wide-eyed look can make hearts melt

These perfect blue eyes are precious to me

They belong to my adorable baby boy"

Thanks to Karen for this amazing sketch.  You can check out the details here if you wish to join in too.

Product used:
Stamps: Friendly Words wheel, Sprinkles (SU)
Cardstock: Tangerine Tango, Bashful Blue, Blue Bayou, Patterned paper
Ink: Bordering Blue, Tangerine Tango
Others: Felt, buttons, scallop edge punch, circle punch, sticker letters (Basic Grey), Window punch

Inkspiration Sketch Challenge #16

Happy Friday everyone.  I LOVE Fridays - after schools are so much more relaxed when I know the next day is Saturday - no lunches to make, no homework.  Just fun times with the boys.  I must say, I'm really looking forward to the Summer break. 

I also love Friday's coz it's challenge time. This weeks challenge from Makeesha - it's a lovely sketch.  Something a litte different, especially with the circle and butterfly elements.

Here is my creation for the challenge:

I chose to use Upsy Daisy, to make a background in the circle element.

I've started off with a base card in Kiwi Kiss, then layered on some patterned paper I had in my stash.  I've added some strips in Basic Grey as per the sketch, using my new Lace Doiley punch on the bottom strip. 

I've inked up the flower image in Kiwi ink, stamped onto the Whisper White, then moved slightly and stamped again.  This has give the shadow effect!  I've added some punched circles to the outer edge. 

For the embellisments, I've used a Fancy Felt flower and buttons.

The little frame is from a clear stamp which I've cut out and then used a sentiment from Pocket Silhouettes.

Here's a closer look at the embellishments:

Product used:

Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Pocket Silhouette, Frame (clear stamp)

Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Basic Grey, Whisper White, pattern paper

Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Basic Grey

Others: buttons, circle punch, CM cutter, felt flower, gingham ribbon, lace doiley punch - Martha Stewart

And because I am VERY fond of scrapbooking and also this little girl, I've used the sketch to create a cute, girly layout.

Amber LOVES the beach, so I've used the 'favourite' stamp from Life's Definitions.  The frame is from a set of clear stamps I have with assorted frame images.  They are just perfect for adding sentiments!
And I love the added touch of the doiley - it frames the photo nicely.

If you would love to join in with this weeks challenge, pop over to Makeesha's, and view the details and also her inspiring work.
Then be sure to check out the amazing work from the Design Team members:
Sarah-Jane
Kirsty
Renee
Cindy
Tracey

I look forward to checking out what you come up with.  Til next time...

Magnolia Down Under Challenge #26

One of my favourite challenges is the Magnolia Down Under Challenges, run by Kellie.  It's been a little while since I've joined in, but when I saw the sketch she had up for the fortnightly challenges, I had to create something for this one.  So here is the sketch to use:

And here is my creation:

This little Tilda with her ice-cream, is courtesy of Kellie herself.  She once sent to me some pre-stamped images to use and I've finally got around to using this one.  I love it and will have to look at getting this stamp for myself.  It's perfect for summery girl cards!

So I've started off with a base card of Pretty in Pink, then layered various cardstocks and DP as per the sketch layout.  I've used the lovely lace doiley punch by Martha Steward on the strip of Certain Celery DP.  It's so pretty.

I've coloured Tilda with my SU markers and aqua painter.  I love the end result, especially with watercolour paper. 

I've used some Certain Celery ribbon and added a Fancy Felt embellishment and button to the middle of the knot.  Then I've finished off the card with a sentiment from Family Phrases, using my SU circle punches.

Here's a closer look at the embellishment:

Thanks for a fabulous sketch Kellie.  Pop on over to the MDUC website to see the details, if you would like to join in too.

Product used:

Stamps: Magnolia, Family Phrases (SU)

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Certain Celery, Designer paper

Ink: Regal Rose

Others: Ribbon, Felt embellishment, pink button, lace doiley punch, circle punches (SU), distressing tool, aqua painter, SU marker pens.

A little change....

Yes, as you can see, I have a new blog header.  What do you think? My clever sister Aimee designed it for me and I LOVE it.  She is an amazing photographer, so hop on over to see her work.  Thanks sis - you are wonderful.

Thank you for your comments and emails regarding my previous post.  I do appreciate the postive words - I never thought I would or could leave Stampin'Up, but sometimes life has a nice way of showing you that there is a time and place for everything.  Now seems like a good time for me to leave; I look forward to spending more time on things that are important to me, whilst still making time for creativity.