No card today...

...but I wanted to let you know that there's End of Summer SALE on at Phindy's Place. If you buy 3 images you get the fourth one free. Click HERE to get a discount code!

As you might have noticed I am slightly (cough-cough) obsessed with her art so I just couldn't NOT share!

Hugs

Sentimental Sundays - clean and simple

Those of you who know me a little are all too well aware that clean and simple is NOT something that comes naturally to me! So when I saw the challenge theme at Sentimental Sundays I wrecked my head for quite a while and then decided to go with a very simple and smallish image.


The stamps are a Kim Hughes set from Cornish Heritage Farms, they have now sadly finished trading. I think it could be either baby stamp or a birthday card for a little boy - so reasonably versatile too!

Head over to Sentimental Sundays for your chance to win a set of sentiments and of course admire the beautiful work of our DT!

I would like to enter the following challenges:
ABC Challenge Blog - B is for Blue
Paper Cutz - Anything Goes
Paper Makeup - Use 4 of any one embellishment

Thanks for looking and happy crafting!
Hugs

Some shameless enabling

Did you know that 7 Kids College Fund has Graphics45 pads in stock now, both in 8''x 8'' and 12''x 12''??? My hands started shaking when I saw these:

And the new Spellbinders on preorder - boy, I wish I could get them ALL!! Well ... at least half of them!

Anyways, one can dream!

Happy Saturday to you all!!

Stamp Something - Back to School

I guess the summer is now officially over. I am still drawn to bright summery colours though, that's one thing the seasons won't change. lol

I coloured up another image from Phindy for our Back to School challenge at Stamp Something. This little guy looks just so excited and EAGER to start studying.


I used Prismacolour pencils with odourless mineral spirit for colouring.


The papers and stickers are from Sassafras Lass. I added a sprinkling of Card Candy and the backpack button from my stash. The circle was cut with Nestabilities.


The sentiment is a quote from dr Seuss. I added another quote inside as well.


I would like to enter the following challenges:
SFYTT - sketch
Tuesday Taggers - Inspired by a Poem
Little Red Wagon - Back to School
Your Next Stamp - Bold, Bright Summery Colors
Twisted Thursdays - School Time with a Twist of Alphabet


Thanks for looking and happy crafting!
Hugs

Beware of erm... horses bearing gifts

One of the great mysteries of life is the state of house when you get back from holidays. How does it get like that??? Nobody has BEEN here! Or am I just too much in a rut and don't even notice that I live in squalor unless I leave for a while and return with fresh(ish) eyes? lol

Anyway, I actually have a card for you today. Behold - The Gift Horse. The image is by Crissy Armstrong and is available from Whimsy Stamps. If I was you I'd head over there- there's end of summer SALE on and everything is 25% off!



He/she is coloured with Copic Markers, I added plenty of gold Sakura Stardust Pen to the mane and tail and coated the hooves with Glossy Accents.

The tag is Whimsy stamp set called Fancy Friendship Tags and the little sentiment circle from Whimsy Circle Postmarks (totally in love with these!!).



The faux stitching was done with the paper piercer and Copper Sakura Stardust pen, gives a bit of a different effect.



I did some quick decorating on inside using Birthday Letter Seals set - ADORE it!!! And I find a very little effort creating the inside panel really pays off.



The papers are from Echo Park - as are the stickers.Everything was sponged with Tea Dye and Broken China (image) Distress Inks. And of course I had to sprinkle on some gems. All's good as long as it sparkles!!!



COPIC COLOURS:
Skin: E59/57/55/53
Mane, tail: E99/97/09, Y17
Rope:E15/13, Y21
Saddle: E09/08/97/35
Blanket, present: YG09/07/06/03
Ribbon:R27/24/22/02
Hooves: 100, C8/7/5/3/1
Sky: BG02/01/000/0000, B00, C01/00, 0

I would like to enter the following challenges:
Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Sketch
Stamp With Fun - Card for a Girl
Artful Inkables - Bling It On, Baby
Creative Card Crew - Sparkle & Shine
Your Next Stamp - Bold, Bright Summery Colors
The Res-Q-Challenge - Time for Some Therapy (I don't know how I'll cope when autumn and winter comes and I won't be able to use my fave brights any more...aaarrgghhh)
Challenge Up Your Life - Celebrations
Practical Scrappers - Stitching
By the Cute And Girly - Animal Antics
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Vintage

Thanks for looking and happy crafting!
Hugs

The very last Isabella's Challenge - Make Your Own Flowers

I am finally back in blog land - my break lasted a bit longer than I anticipated. Fingers crossed I'll be able to get my mojo back into gear fast now, feeling kind of rusty.

And now it's time to say goodbye to Isabella's Challenges. Next week will be your last chance to win her images - due to family health issues Isabella could not keep the challenge going but her shop will remain open.

The challenge is to make your own flowers.


Since the image and papers already had flowers on them I just added one very modest flower made with Marianne's Creatables dies. Sorry for poor photo, I had to take it indoors and I REALLY need to get some proper light fixtures.


COPIC COLOURS:
The Vase: B39/37/34/21
Leaves: BG75/49/13/11
Flowers: B05/02/00, R27/24/22/21, YR15/12/20, E59/99
Background: W5/3/1/00, 0

I would like to enter the following challenges:
Cowgirl's Sunday Stampin' Challenge -  Summertime Feeling
Incy Wincy Designs - Buttons & Bows
Paper Cutz - Anything Goes

Thanks for looking and happy crafting!
Hugs

Two cards - Phindy's Challenge and Stamp Something

This is a scheduled post, I am still away on holidays with my family.

Today I have two cards to show you. First is my DT card for

PHINDY'S CHALLENGES

Our theme for this week is a card for a baby.


The image is from Phindy's store. I am not pleased with how this card came together but I guess it's inevitable that once in a while things just go awry. The rest of DT is sure to provide you with more inspirational work!


COPIC COLOURS:
Skin: E11/53/51/50
Fur: E49/47/44/43
Top, Socks:
G25/24/82/12, YG11
Pants: BG09/07/05/02
Ground: T3/1/0

Second up is my DT card for

STAMP SOMETHING

It's our monthly digi day and the whole DT got images from different digi artists to use on their projects. Mine is from the lovely Glitterbabe and it came with a sentiment too.


I guess this card wouln't be my usual style but it's good to wander out of your comfort zone once in a while.

So come on, use your digital images and enter our challenge, can't wait to see your creations!

Thanks for looking and happy crafting!
Hugs

7 Kids College Fund Challenge - Strip It Down

This is a scheduled post, I am away on holidays and will be back next week to wander around your blogs and gather inspiration from your beautiful projects.

Now it's time for a second challenge at 7 Kids College Fund Challenge - Strip It Down. It's actually set by me this week and I DO NOT plan to interfere with the amount of clothing you sport while crafting. The challenge is to use NO MORE THAN 2 LAYERS ON YOUR PROJECT not counting the image.

We have wonderful prize for offer, just remember to use a stamp available at 7 Kids College Fund to qualify!

I used my brand new Popcorn The Bear stamp - isn't he just uber cute and suitable for so many occasions. He is also a breeze to colour!

All the colouring is done with Copic Markers. I first stamped on patterned paper, did the shadowing with markers and then cut out the coloured in bear and balloons. Shaped the images slightly with embossing tool (read - the back of ballpoint pen) and layered on with glue gel.

All the balloons were covered with either Sakura clear glaze pen (the ones on back) or Glossy Accents (the ones in front).

Copic Markers:
Fur: E39/37/35/34/33/31/00, Y00/21
Sack: E34/41/40, Y28, YR32/12
Shadow|: W5/3/1/00, 0
I forgot to write down the markers I used on balloons.

SUPPLIES:
IMAGE: SMILE Popcorn the Bear Stamp
Coloring Medium: Copic Markers, Sakura Stardust pens, Spica glitter pen
Paper: Basic Grey Origins
Accessories: Stickles,  microfine glitter,  flatback pearls, Basic Grey stickers, ribbon, Inkssentials white gel pen, lace ribbon, glossy accentsTools: ATG adhesive gun, paper piercer,  glue gel, Purple Cow guillotine, Martha Stewart scoring board, glue gun



Thanks for looking and happy crafting!
Hugs

Sentimental Sundays - ribbon or lace

What a lovely challenge this week at Sentimental Sundays! I just love dimension and texture ribbon or lace give to our projects.

I've been itching to use that hilarious granny wolf from Meljens Designs for a while. She is available at Whimsy Stamps. The sentiment is from a matching digital sentiment set by Raindrop Echo.

I used a wonderful elegant sketch from Mojo Mondays and Copic Markers for colouring. I covered her glasses and cane with glossy accents.

Copic Markers:
Fur/skin:W9/7/5/3/1/00, R22/01
Dress, bonnet: R29/27/24/22/21/20
Shawl: YG99/97/95/93/91, YR14/12/23, Y00
Cane: E37/35/97, C8/7/5/3

SUPPLIES:
IMAGE:  Whimsy Stamps
Coloring Medium: Copic Markers
Paper: Pebbles, bazzill card stock, Neenah card for image
Accessories: ribbon, Glossy Accents,   flat back crystals
Tools: ATG adhesive gun,  paper piercer, glue gel, Purple Cow guillotine, Martha Stewart deep edge Punch, Martha Stewart scoring board

I am going to be away next week, I have some posts scheduled but I won't be able to do any blog hopping or leave comments. So if I won't be around it's not because I've stopped caring. It's because I'm splashing in the pool with kids or expanding my substantial a--e further with sumptuous meals I won't have to cook.

I'll be snooping around your blogs feasting my eyes on your fab creations and leaving loadsa love again once I get back. And I have a plans for a little candy once things settle a bit. :) Because I SO appreciate all your support and the most wonderful comments you leave, sometimes I feel utterly undeserving!!

I would like to enter the following challenges:
The Crazy Challenge - Forest Friends/Back to Nature
Tuesday Taggers - Sunshine
Fab 'n Funky - Simply Colorific 
Little Red Wagon - Summertime
Alphabet Challenge - P is for Punches
Crafty Catz - Animals
Our Creative Corner - It's Embossable

Thanks for looking and happy crafting!
Hugs

Stamp Something - Fairytale

Your this weeks Stamp Something mission - should you accept it - is to create a fairy tale inspired project and our wonderful sponsor is Magnolialicious!

Who doesn't love fairytales? Especially the happy ending bit!

I'm saying it very quietly and with certain amount of surprise - I am actually totally happy with my own card and I think I'm falling head over heels for Magnolias again! Just look at the bride lovingly stroking the grooms cheek and the gorgeous background... It's actually two stamps together: LOVING BRIDE & GROOM and WEDDING ROSE ARCH. I think it has a wonderful feel of very relaxed Scandinavian summer wedding. It makes me so nostalgic. :)

And I am sending a big hug to wonderful, uber talented Tara who sent me some new Magnolia images thus being responsible for my recent Tilda-relapse!

Colouring is done with Copic markers, Sakura Stardust pens and Spica pens (meaning - it ssshhhhhparkles). I made the matching flowers myself using Marianne's Creatabilities dies.

Copic Markers:
Skin: E13/53/51/50
Wood:E79/27/25/35/97
Roses: BG:49/45/11
Leaves: YG99/25
Ground: BG99/96, YG24/25/11/00, G0000
Sky: BG02/01/000, 0
BRIDE
Hair: E27/25/99//97/21
Dress: C3/1/00, 0
GROOM:
Hair: E79/77/74/71
Shirt, pants: 100, C7/5/3/1/00, 0

SUPPLIES:
IMAGE: Magnolia Wedding Collection: LOVING BRIDE & GROOM and WEDDING ROSE ARCHColoring Medium: Copic Markers, Sakura Stardust pens, Spica glitter pen (turquoise)
Paper: DCWV Linen Closet stack
Accessories: Mariannes Creatables dies,  Frosted Lace Stickles,  microfine glitter,  flatback pearls, Quickcutz flourish dies 
Tools: ATG adhesive gun, paper piercer,   glue gel, Purple Cow guillotine, Martha Stewart scoring board, glue gun, Woodware flower punch


I would like to enter the following challenges:
A Pocket Full of Posies - All That Gitters
Oh la la - Spots & Dots
Crafty Cardmakers Spotlight Challenge - Punches
The Pink Elephant - Summer Fun
Papertake Weekly - Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue
Simon Says Stamp - There Ain't No Cure for the Summertime Blues
Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge - Make your own embellies

Thanks for looking and happy crafting!
Hugs

Isabella's Challenge - Scraps

H and happy Wednesday! It's time for another challenge at Isabella's!

This time we want you to use up your scraps. Here's what our challenge said: "Except for the card blank, no paper or card stock can be any larger than 3”x3” (or the equivalent sq. cm – 9) and all embellishments must come from your stash or be made from items on hand - NOTHING NEW.W

I had piles of scraps from my this summers Big Obsession - MME Little Boy Blue papers. So guess what I used!



I didn't punctually measure all my scraps, some of them might have been bigger but to use them I would have had to cut my scraps even smaller - I don't keep tiny pieces, they go into circular file or into my kids Next Big Projects. If I recall correctly the wee bits from these papers became a Patchwork Owl long time ago.



I used a funny birthday mutt from Isabella's store in keeping with my promise to make some more "man" cards. Colouring is done with Copic markers, I tried to keep that a bit "rough" and manly too, lol.



COPIC COLOURS:
Fur: E47/44/43/41
Cake: E99/97/35/33
Hat: YG97/95/93
Pom-pom: BG49/15/23
Table: W9/7/5/3, YG21
Background: BG:34/11/10/0000
Candle light: Y11/10/000, YR15

SUPPLIES:
Stamp: Isabella's Boutique
Coloring Medium: Copic Markers, Old Paper Distress Ink
Paper: MME Little Boy Blue
Accessories: twill ribbon and yarn bits, golden Dew Drops, drawing pin
Tools: Purple Cow guillotine, MS scoring board, Cuttlebug Herringbone folder, MS border punch, Quickcutz flourish die

Be sure to have a look at the inspirational work of the rest of our DT!

I would like to enter the following challenges:
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - Snips & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails 
Crafty Cardmakers - It's Our Birthday
Paper Sundaes - Metal
Kaboodle Doodles - Add a  little metal
Party Time Tuesday - Anything Goes
Stampin' B's - Use a Dog Image
Challenge Up Your Life - Challenge is Celebrations
Our Creative Corner - It's Embossable
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - It's a Man's World

Thanks for looking and happy crafting!
Hugs

Sentimental Sundays - Anything goes

Hi and happy Sunday to everybody! It's time to kick off another challenge at Sentimental Sundays - Anything Goes!

My hubby was just complaining that most of my stash of cards is tooth-achingly girly so I really need to stock up on more masculine cards!



The image is from Whimsy Stamps, coloured with Derwent Inktense pencils and water. The sentiment is a digital one from Raindrop Echo Designs set called Great Day For Fishing.



I don't remember where the felt stars are from, might be Making Memories. Most of the things I used I found in my "random knick-knacks box"! :D

Don't forget to check out the lovely samples from our wonderful DT!!!

I would like to enter the following challenges:
Crafty Cardmakers - Recipe Challenge
For Fun Challenges -  Water Theme
Dutch Dare Card Challenge - Anything Goes
Pals Paper Arts - A Masculine K.I.S.S.
Crafty Catz - Buttons and Bows
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - It's a Man's World

Thanks for looking and happy crafting!
Hugs

Good news for Magnolia fans!!

Magnolia Ink new magazine called Cozy Autumn is now available for pre-order on 7 Kids College Fund - and for a very friendly price too!!! I know I'm itching for it - I've just got back into Tilda-drive and boy, Magnolia has absolutely amazing designers!!!

Hugs

Whoa - that's SOME candy!!

I just found an incredible candy - wonderful and talented and happily mad (lol) Amy decided to keep track of how many sheets of paper she cuts into and it took her only a bit longer than one year to reach her goal of 1000!!!

To celebrate she is giving away 1000 sheets of 6x6 paper to 5 winners and also LOADS of stamps - head over to her blog and check it out!!!

Hugs

Stamp Something - Photo inspiration

This is my second post today, please scroll down for Stampin' For The Weekend challenge DT card.

We are showing you a gorgeous photo this time at Stamp Something and asking to seek the inspiration from it for your project. Our generous sponsor is Paper Jewels shop this week.

I picked up the bright colours and a happy feel of the photo.



I used one of my cute Bildmalarna Mimosas, I just adore her careless happy stroll and hearts in the basket.



She was coloured with Copics and accented with Sakura Glaze pen (eyes). I left the card mostly plain because the busy layout and papers were doing the job already. I felt if I added much more it would just look gaudy and overdone.



Copic Markers:
Skin: E13/53/51/50, R01/02
Shoes, basket: E79/77/74/71/70
Dress: RV99/95/93/91
Ribbons, hearts: RV99/95/93/91, Y23
Apron, Hat: Y38/17/15/13/11/28
hair:E18/15/13, Y32
Ground, green background: W7/5/3/1/00, E33/35/51, YG09/25/13/03/11/21/0000

SUPPLIES:
IMAGE:  Bildmalarna
Coloring Medium: Copic Markers,  Inkssentials white gel pen
Paper: SEI, bazzill card stock, Neenah card for image
Accessories: erm - paperclippy-thingies?,    flat back crystals
Tools: ATG adhesive gun,  paper piercer, glue gel, Purple Cow guillotine, Martha Stewart Punch, Martha Stewart scoring board


I would like to enter the following challenges:
Sketch and Stash - sketch
Crafty Cardmakers Spotlight Challenge - Punches (runs through August 15th)
Incy Wincy Designs - Summer Fun
ABC Challenge Blog - A is for August
Cute Card Thursday - Whateva


Thanks for looking and happy crafting!
Hugs