Two for Saturday......What a Week!

Good Morning Blogger's,

Thanks for dropping by.

I have two cards to share today, they've both been sitting on my desk for a few days and I was going to just put them away because........ well they didn't turn out quite as I thought they would! 

The first uses one of the new June release sets from Annabelle Stamps*.  Sentimental Bluebells is a sweet image and I really like the grass stamp from the same set.  I had planned to just stamp the outline along with a sentiment so used a VersaColor blue and Memento New Sprout ink.  Once stamped I couldn't resist adding some Copic colour and the two didn't mix so well (If you look at one of the bluebells you'll see what I mean).  Hey ho! It looks worse in this picture than IRL .  I still like it, it's like a soft watercolour ...... think Monet ish!!!!

My second card uses a clear stamp from MFT called All Dressed Up - Jolinne.  She is such a little cutie and one of two I bought to colour with Copics. Something I haven't really done in a while.

OK so what's the story with this one............Well she started off blonde!  I changed my mind because of the background card colour. So poor Jolinne has 'wild' hair! If I was her I'd change hairdresser!  Never mind it's just been one of those weeks! AnnaBelle's Pink Petals Kit added the pink gems and pink petal. The Rose comes from www.enthaily.com  The ribbon from my stash.   

    

Hope you all scrambled through to the end of the week and enjoy a relaxing week end.  

Rain predicted here,  so think I might sit in front of the fire with a good book.

Till next time..........

        

*  Would you like to win this CANDY (stamp set, ribbon, petals and sprinkles)  from Annabelle Stamps .......Go check it out!!!!!
 http://letsinkitup.blogspot.com/

You Rock!!!!! AnnaBelle Stamps Sketch Challenge 027

Here's Teresa's sketch for this weeks Annabelle Sketch Challenge 027. I hope you can play along with us this week, we saw some lovely cards in the last sketch challenge.  

I think this sketch would make a great Scrapbook page too, so if Scrapbooking is your thing... join in.  Andrea is offering one of the AnnaBelle Stamps Brown Petal Kits as a prize for one randomly picked project and you have two weeks to submit.

For my card I used this image from Rockin' Instrumental, one of the June release sets.  If you have teens in your family this would be the perfect set for you and at Aus $19.95 good value.

Antique Linen distress ink was used on each layer of this card to give it a grungy look.  A strip of red felt was cut using a QuicKutz die with the Cuttlebug and just one red heart sprinkle from Annabelle Stamps for my 'bit of bling'........ I think for a teen that's about as much as I would get away with ....... What do you think?

Sadly, we've lost Michelle from our design team for a while but hope she can join us again soon.  All the other girls will have cards to share as usual this week, they'd love you to call by if you can. Blog links are in the left hand side bar.

Thanks so much for visiting today, till next time.........

Post Script:

Have you found the NEW Challenge blog yet?   You can find all the links at the bottom of my post  here.  ANNABELLE STAMPS has some Candy on offer on this new site .......go check out all the details.

Annabelle Stamp - CAS077 - One Fish Two Fish....

Hi Blogger's,

I'm sharing a card made using Annabelle Stamps Floral Silhouettes today and this card is for the SCS CAS challenge 077 - One Fish Two Fish.  

OK so no fish on my card..... I'm playing with the second line which is 'red fish blue fish' and stamped the image in both colours.

My base card has been cut to reveal a red strip on the back and I embossed the front using a Cuttlebug embossing folder 'Textile'.  I've used Spellbinder dies to cut the images as well as the backing circles.
I attached the images to the backing circles leaving a crescent shape and added three Annabelle Cherry Sprinkles and Three Blackcurrant Sprinkles to complete this very quick card.  Hope you like!


I'd also like to make mention of a new Challenge site that you may have heard about 'Let's Ink It Up'.
They are an Australian site with a group over at SNR here as well as a Forum Here.
The Challenges start soon so why not go over and check it out.

For my Australian / New Zealand blogging friends........ come on girls, we have to show support to our 'Local' stamp companies and sites. Things won't improve unless we do!

I'll be back tomorrow with Annabelle Stamps Sketch Challenge 027 - it's a great sketch, I think you'll enjoy if for both cards and scrapbook pages.

Till then.......

                                        

Kioshi Birthday Wishes - Joan's Garden #7

What about joining in with a new rubber and clear stamp challenge group! ' Let's Ink It Up' is an Australian site with a growing membership and they now have a group over at SNR.  Check it out HERE!    Oh and did I mention there is Candy too?

I was playing with my flower punch today and some Basic Grey Kioshi paper and this little card is the result!

I must have cut the large dp circle some time ago and it was in the odds and ends box...perfect.

I  dry embossed another piece of white card, using a Cuttlebug textile embossing folder to overlay this and some ribbon.  The punched flowers and leaves were arranged to include the bow, which just left a stamped sentiment.  Birthday wishes from Annabelle Stamps.  The centre of the flowers and all four corners are embellished with Kaisercraft pink gems.

I'm entering this little card in Joan's Garden challenge #7 which is for a 'Bright and Happy Birthday Card'.   

I think Joan's at CHA this week...........ooh lucky thing, I'd love to visit one time.  Does anyone know if they have one in April/May ?  

I have to pass this next one on to you all.......cos I've laughed for two days checking out

the Waltzingmouse design team, who have been previewing Claire's July Release sets  (on sale later today).

They're Halloween sets which I really don't use  ....  shame, but gives me chance to catch up on the ones I missed last month.  You should go check out what Claire and her girls have been up to........Bottled eye balls, Decomposing fingers, bottled blood........you name it!  If you decorate and have Halloween Parties you'll love these two sets.  Me, I'm never sure when Halloween is (November ?). I just know I have to have lollies in the house in case some of the neighbourhood children brave our drive!   Am I  sad?

Till next time.........

The Roses Challenge ..... Betty's Card

Hello Blogger's,

Before I tell you about my card today I want to pass on some news I read here.  Sue Berker and her husband John would be known to lots of blogger's, not just for the beautiful projects Sue makes but also for the story of how they met and the amazing life they share.  John had a stroke a couple of days ago and Susan Raihala  has suggested that we might like to offer prayers and send some support by way of cards.  My card will be in the mail first thing tomorrow and my thoughts are with this lovely couple at this time.  If you would like to send a card check the link to get the Berker's address.

My card today was made for the Roses challenge. It was Betty's turn to pick the theme this month and she mailed each of us, Olga, Connie, Kym, Kerrie and me a package containing this beautiful stamp as well as the dp and close to cocoa card.  The challenge was to use these items to make a card.  Ooh Betty colouring a bird!!! never been very good at this but gave it my best.

1.  Stamp the image onto PL white card and colour with Çopics (ooh red my fav!!!). Using a Spellbinder die cut it out and ink around the edge with a Copic marker.

2. Fold some A5 white lined card for the base and add a layer of green American Craft card, followed by the DP.

3. Using a scalloped die cut the close to cocoa card and wrap some white ribbon round tied to the side in a bow. Attach to the card with double sided tape.

4. Attached the coloured image with foam dots to pop it up.

5. Add three Annabelle Stamps Artichoke sprinkles.

It was a challenge, but I promise to keep going with this stamp until I master colouring birds......so thanks Betty, hope you like it ..... cos it's on it's way to you!

That's it for me today, thanks for calling past, I'm a bit stiff after yesterdays gardening so gave myself the day off today.  It's a bit cloudy outside today so a good day to get some stamps out for a play........

Till next time......

Ruby Wedding Anniversary

Another friend of a friend is celebrating a
Ruby Wedding Anniversary and I was asked to make a boxed card. It needed to be quite conservative so I hope this one fits the bill.

Gold embossing, using two GKD stamp sets onto red card. The base card is red with a layer of gold followed by some pretty Asian dp.  Two layers of ribbon with some red and gold flowers soften the card a little and a few pearls to finish off.


The box was cut from the same red card with a layer of Websters Pages dp. A Spellbinder cut heart along with another flower and some gold leaves complete the lid.

This is a quick post, Walshie and I have been working in the garden today, it was looking a bit neglected after a month away.  Trouble is I never know when to stop and I'm feeling just a bit sore and tired now!!!  Still we have to keep it nice so the Wallaby has a nice place to eat and the other thing he does in my garden!!!


This last photo is for you Jose!!! This is how I take my photo's  outside on my little deck off the kitchen.
I hate using the light tent and hope the Photographer, who is teaching a little group of us to take better pictures can give me a few pointers!!!!!
It was hard to explain in an email without pictures.

p.s. That's the Bush you can see in the background NOT my garden (which is a little better that this!!)

I'm off for a soak!!!

Annabelle Stamps - Say it with.......

Bev has some Wild Orchid Candy available on her blog interested?  See the right hand side bar for the link.










EMBOSSING!

It's been a busy week at Annabelle Stamps with the July preview, but the weekly challenges are still running.

Andrea has challenged us this week to Say It With Embossing. The theme is Christmas.......well everyone in blogland is doing it so why not us!  Why not combine the challenges and use last weeks sketch, remember there is a prize for the winner of the sketch and you have until next week to get you entry in.

Here's my card.  I love this little Holly set from last Christmas so stamped one of the images onto pale green card using VersaMark ink. I've used a clear embossing powder to emboss them so they just stand out.......no colouring! Add some ABS red satin ribbon and cherry sprinkles for a little traditional Christmas colour.

The sentiment was embossed using ABS rich gold embossing powder onto PL pure white card, with the smallest holly image stamped twice and coloured with Copics.  Labels 9 by Spellbinders cut the shape which was attached to the card base with foam dots.

That's a start on this years Christmas cards!!! 

Thanks for calling past, I hope you can join in our challenge, it's no fun without you!

Till next time................

Let's Have Tea - Joan's Garden Challenge 6

If you've come in search of the Annabelle Stamps July Release preview - Take The Cake - Please scroll down as I've posted twice today.  ALL THE COMPETITION DETAILS FOLLOW THIS POST. Thanks.

I've been admiring the cards I've seen made by Olga and Selma using new products from 'Heartfelt Creations'.  These amazing flower stamps have coordinating Spellbinder dies too.  Joan from Joan's Garden  supplies them so I hopped over to take a look. Whilst there I saw that she runs a weekly challenge, and is up to challenge number 6.  I've been very fortunate to be on the receiving end of this lovely ladies generosity. I've also bought JustRite stamps from her shop, she sends right away and only charges the postage that is charged to her.

Anyway what I'm leading up to is that I made today's card for this weeks Joan's Garden Challenge #6.  Joan  asked for a kitchen theme and a sentiment from JustRite.  She has one of the 'Heartfelt Creations' stamp sets as a prize this week, so well worth getting your card in and spreading the word.

I've been a bit sneaky and I'm hoping my card will fit the bill!  One of my  JustRite sets is Harmony Classic Circle Stamper 111.  I've stamped the centre, covering up the sentiment and added a Waltzingmouse Sentiment from Afternoon Tea set. I've cut the centre with a Spellbinder die and popped it up on foam dots.  I used the border from the same JustRite set but added one of the little teacups from WMS Afternoon Tea .  What do you think?

The Card base is pale green with a layer of pure white followed by Webster's Pages  dp.

I added some die cut felt overlayed with lace that I gathered at one end to make a flower .  Added the button and stick pin then some flowers and punched leaves. Four Annabelle Sprinkles complete my card.

Whilst I was in the UK my sister-in-law was telling me how she and her daughters go out for high tea occasionally in York.  Seems it's once again quite the thing to do over there .  Hmmm I'm thinking I might send some little invites to my girl friends, we can sit by the fire sipping tea and enjoying scones and  fancy little cakes.........

Till next time.............

Annabelle Stamps - July Preview - Take The Cake

Today is the the last day of previews for Annabelle's Stamps July Release. Tammy and Shirley-Anne have been the winner's so far, with Andrea announcing the third winner on the Annabelle Stamps blog post today.......could it be you?  Want to win a copy of this set? See the details at the end of this post.

The fourth set is another fun one called  'Take The Cake'.  I have just one card to share today and it features four of the 7 images and one of the five sentiments.  Pop over to the Annabelle Stamps blog to see a picture of the set in full.

I stamped the cupcake using VersaMark ink and embossed with Annabelle Stamps Opaque Vanilla embossing powder.   On coloured card, plain embossing like this needs no colouring, so quick and simple, and sometimes that's just what we want ..... right. Punch the edge of the red card and top with another punched layer of white. Once this is attached to the base card stamp the sentiment in red to match the card stock and stamp three parcels along the bottom in three different inks.  What do you think?

Thanks for calling past this last week, hope you've enjoyed seeing all the design teams cards and now feel inspired to own one (or more) of these four July sets. Ballerina Rose, Branch Out, Party Animals 1 and Take The Cake.  

Andrea is offering the following: If you buy all four July sets, you will receive Diva (below) as a free set. Check it out on the Annabelle Stamps Blog.

Would you like to win your own copy of Take The Cake?  

All you need to do is visit each of the design teams blogs, listed below.

 Comment on their Take The Cake post to be in the running.

One lucky comment will be randomly picked to win the set.

There are four sets previewing for July so that means four lucky winners, but you must leave a comment on each blog to be eligible. You have 2 days to add your comment.  Good Luck!

Andrea

Kylie

Michelle

Teresa

                    Sue      (that's me)

Ida

Jerusha

Rene'

Tiffany

Party Animals (1) Annabelle Stamps July Preview........

(I finally got a few more holiday photos sorted and added to the side bar.  You can click on the small image to see it properly...........If you're interested!)



Good morning Blogger's.

How was the week end in your neck of the woods!  Sydney had a gorgeous sunny winter week end with clear blue skies - Fabulous!

Today Annabelle Stamps brings you 'Party Animals (1)', which is a bit of a give away isn't it! This is the 3rd of the previews and once again you have the chance to win a copy of this set. Details follow at the end of this post.  Congratulations to the first two winners!

I absolutely loved this set as soon as I saw it. Four of the cutest images, an assortment of sentiments and a couple of small accent images all add up to very versatile set.  It's perfect for  kids, think party favours, fun party hats. Stamp the images onto plain paper napkins. Simple 'snap'or 'pairs' cards for the little ones etc. etc. I think it will get used for fun adult cards in my house too.  I've got lots of ideas running through my head.... but lets talk about what I've made here.

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A small gift box. I reverse engineered a noodle box to use as a pattern. Cut from some fun double sided card with one of the images stamped and popped up on the front of the box. I used one of the accent stamps - balloons, and three of the sentiments for my label which is just tied to the handle with some linen thread.  

Pop in some shredded paper and a small gift or some sweeties/candy to send home with the party guests.

I also tried a cupcake inside and it fits really well!

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My next project was the first I made with this set, before we left to go overseas.  I've stamped onto fabric before to embroider but never to colour with markers and I wanted to try it.

I made the little bag with some homespun lined with a remnant of bright cotton.

I hope you can see two of the characters from Party Animals have been stamped twice across the front of the bag.

I ran a test piece using Versafine vintage sepia  to stamp first. Coloured with a Copic marker and  once dry I heat set it with an iron between two pieces of white paper.  So far so good! Then I washed it ...... I'm pleased to say it survived!!!  I'm not sure how many times you could wash a piece like this but I shall see. Happy with my test  I completed the little tote in exactly this way.

I should also mention that I now have a VersaCraft ink pad which is made to stamp on fabric...... but you know what it's like when you get an idea and just want to get on with it.

For the non sewers out there.........I've seen little Calico bags in the craft stores, no excuses, give it a try.

It's a fun way to wrap a gift, or to carry your coffee mug when you go the the craft group or quilting bee.

Mums............. picture a couple of these hanging in the kids rooms to keep all those little pieces of games that might otherwise get lost!  Or for those things that go along to Kindy with the kids.

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Last and not least, a card.  What about this cheeky little rodent! is he bringing in, or taking out the Birthday cake?

1. Stamp and colour the image with Copic Markers. Cut and emboss with a Spellbinder Label 9 die. Colour the embossed edge with a maker. It's just enough to define the edge of the white card.

2. Pierce around the edge of some pale lemon card and attach to the white base card.

3. Emboss some SU Pacific Point card, leaving the bottom 1" clear. Stamp the 'Happy Birthday' sentiment twice over this area.

4. Cut a .5" strip of corrugated brown card and attach this to card front above sentiment.

5. Using foam tape add the stamped and coloured image before adhering the completed blue card to the pale lemon base.

6. To complete the card add two 6mm Sultana Sprinkles.

Would you like to win your own copy of Party Animals (1)?  

All you need to do is visit each of the design teams blogs, listed below.

 Comment on their Party Animals (1)  post to be in the running.

One lucky comment will be randomly picked to win the set.

There are four sets previewing for July so that means four lucky winners, but you must leave a comment on each blog to be eligible. You have 2 days to add your comment, as the winner will be announced when the last set is previewed.  Good Luck!

Andrea

Kylie

Michelle

Teresa

                    Sue      (that's me)

Ida

Jerusha

Rene'

Tiffany

I'll be back for the  last day of the previews on Wednesday, don't forget you can purchase these new sets from the 21st July.  Andrea will have all the information and a sweetener too I believe on the Annabelle Stamps Blog on 21st July.

Hope to see you then...........

CANDY...........

Take a look at this Candy Stash!!!! There are some gorgeous images to colour here......Interested?

 Kellie over at Tickled Pink  Stamps  is celebrating reaching 550 followers.  Wow good work Kellie!

Click on any of the highlighted text to read all the information and good luck............I'm keeping everything crossed!!!!

Back with Annabelle Stamps July release at 12.00 today!

If you've arrived to see the Annabelle Stamps July preview day 2 and join the Competition to win a set, please scroll down, this is my second post today.

I missed the July release day at Waltzingmouse Stamps as I was overseas.  I did manage to see some of the lovely cards made with Claire's latest sets and needless to say have a wish list!   Just need a couple of weeks to get over the post holiday belt tightening inflicted by 'The Boss'. Fellow crafter's understand I'm sure....... well the married ones that is.

My card was made using Fancy Phrases.  I  like the elegant scroll work surrounding the sentiment block. I've added the small scroll top and bottom and either side of the centre strip of dp.

1.  Cut SU Pacific Point to make a 5.5" x 4.25" top fold card.

2.  Mark a 2" section through the middle of the card and stamp the small scroll down each side in MS Ocean ink.

3. Cut a 2" strip of polka dot dp and wrap a thin strip of ribbon around it before attaching this to the card.

4. Stamp the fancy frame to some PL pure white card in SU kiwi kiss ink adding the small scroll top and bottom.

5. Stamp the sentiment from the same set using MS Ocean ink. 

6. Using a Spellbinder Label 9 die cut the image and emboss. Add two small blue gems. Using foam tabs attach this panel over the ribbon strip.

7. Tie a bow in the ribbon and attach to card with a glue dot

Thanks so much for your visit, enjoy the waltz there's sure to be lots of inspiring projects on show.  

I'm back on the 19th, we have a fun set  for day 3 of the Annabelle Stamps July previews with another chance to win a set.  

Hope you can call by...........

Branch Out - Annabelle Stamps July Release - Day 2

DAY 2 FOR ANNABELLE STAMPS JULY PREVIEW  and 'Branch Out' is in the spotlight today.

Don't forget you can win a copy of this set all the details are at the end of this post.

Seven images, one edge/border stamp and 9 sentiments make up the set.  It was easy to get a little carried away with so much to choose from.  I have three cards to share today so I'll try to keep this short and sweet.

Card 1:

1. Stamp the branch in kiwi kiss ink onto a piece of textured white card.
2. Using a Fiskars punch, punch the bottom edge of some kiwi kiss card and attach the stamped image over this.
3.  Cut a strip of 3/4 " white card and wrap the green ribbon around this before attaching to the card base.  Tie a bow and attach this over the ribbon strip with a glue dot.
4. Using foam tape attach the image to the card base.
5. Add the three sizes of Annabelle Pearls to the top of the card.

 

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Card 2:

For this card I've used one of the sentiments from Branch Out and the smallest image.  

I cut back my normal 4.25 x 5.5" card base to give me just 1.5" on the front and I punched a lace edge.   Adding the  peach pearlescent card under the lace flap.

1.  Randomly stamp the image over the peach card using SU apricot appeal ink.  Round the bottom corners.

2. Add some Annabelle white double faced satin ribbon around the lace punched card before attaching the peach card with double sided tape.

3. Stamp the sentiment in SU chocolate chip ink onto PL pure white card. Cut using a Spellbinder scalloped die.

4. Stamp one more image to the top of the oval and add three Peach Sprinkles.

5. Attach the oval to the card base with foam tape.

6. Tie a bow in the white satin ribbon and attach over the ribbon strip with a glue dot.

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Card 3:

My last card is a little 4" square card, again quite simple using another of the petal images and a sentiment.            

1.  Stamp the image twice onto PL pure white card using antique linen distress ink. Cut around the petals on one and colour with Copics.              2. Using a Spellbinder label die cut the full image out and emboss. Using a foam dot add the coloured petals over the stamped image and add three Toffee Sprinkles.                                   3. To the card base add a layer of SU dp.

4.  Punch a lace strip from some PL  pure white card and add the Annabelle Lime Juice  Tuftan ribbon before attaching to the card base.

5. Stamp the sentiment onto the dp in chocolate chip ink. (I stamped it twice to give a slight shadow.)

6.Add a row of Toffee Sprinkles to complete the card. 

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Would you like to win your own copy of Branch Out?  

All you need to do is visit each of the design teams blogs, listed below.

 Comment on their Branch Out  post to be in the running.

One lucky comment will be randomly picked to win the set.

There are four sets previewing for July so that means four lucky winners, but you must leave a comment on each blog to be eligible. You have 2 days to add your comment as the winner will be announced when the next set is previewed.  Good Luck!

Andrea

Kylie

Michelle

Teresa

                    Sue      (that's me)

Ida

Jerusha

Rene'

Tiffany

Hop over to the Annabelle Stamps blog to see a picture of this set in full.  Hope to see you back here in two days time for the third set I think you'll like it............

PS.......  I'll be posting again this evening my time 5pm a card for the Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz.  I'd love you to call back to check out my card. x

Annabelle Sketch Challenge 26

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Friday is sketch challenge time at Annabelle Stamps and Andrea has set the challenge ..... what do you think?

You can flip it if you like and you can use any stamp but if you have an Annabelle Stamp we would  love to see how you use it.  You have two weeks to join in this challenge so come and play along with us. Read on to find out all about the prize one randomly picked participant will win.

Today I've used the main image from Ballerina Rose. This is such a striking image and reminds me of old fashioned cottage gardens.  

If you take a closer look at my card you can see that I stamped and coloured the image then cut it out to stick over a die cut oval!  I had thought to cut around the blossoms and leaves on half the oval only........ but it just looked ODD with the four pink strips, so ended up cutting it all.

I've embossed the pale lemon and pink ribbon strips with Swiss dots and the green strip has been stamped with a wood grain stamp (a holiday buy) great for backgrounds. Some pink gems from the Pink Petals kit add the bling to my card and sentiment.

Inks used: Memento tuxedo black and MS Hibiscus.

The image: was coloured with a mixture of Copic markers and Prisma's.

Play along with us and you could win one of the Annabelle Stamps sets 'Jewelled Tree'.

I'll be back tomorrow at 12pm AEST with the ABS Preview 2 .    Don't forget you have until then to leave your comments on Preview 1's set  for your chance to win a copy of that set. 

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I'll have a second post on Saturday 17th - 5pm my time which is 8am GMT ....not sure about all the time zones in the US (sorry). I have a card to add to the Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz, these are such fun hops hope you can join us.

Till then................