Annabelle Stamps - ABSC033

Hello,

Last day of 2010, can you believe it? What a roller coaster year it's been.....and now we have 2011 to look forward to.

Today is Annabelle Stamps  last Sketch and Bling Challenge (ABSC033) for this year.  Andrea  has the following sketch for us.....play along if you can. One randomly picked entry will win a Aus.$20 shopping voucher for the on-line store. You have until the next Sketch and Bling Challenge (28 Jan) to add a project. It can be a project made for this sketch or any of the up coming weekly challenges. Why not make a project for each and increase your chance to win!

Want to see what I did with the challenge?

With News Year Eve in mind I've made a Hostess Gift.  Some of my favourite Christmas sweeties in a pretty little box.  I'm hoping this box could be used once the sweeties are long gone!

I've used a couple of Annabelle sets 'Ballerina Rose' for the beautiful image and sentiment and 'Backgrounds By Design No 2' for the band around the box.  Some Artichoke Sprinkles for the required bling and a bow, tied with Annabelle's double faced satin ribbon in white.

If you're interested here's how I did it:

1. Stamp the rose onto white card with SU Close to Cocoa ink. Coloured the image with Copic Markers then cut out and set aside.  Stamped the sentiment in the same ink to white card. Cut the ends and added the lace to the back of the card. Set aside.

2.  Make a simple 4.5 inch box and lid by cutting two  7.5 inch squares. For the lid I used the PI to cut the circle from the middle as well as a .25 inch larger circle from Acetate.  Using a Scor-Pal score at 1.5 inches on each side of the square and cut into 1.5 inches on each corner. Use strong tape to hold the fold in sections and Assemble the box and lid.   

3.  With the PI cut 2 x 5 inch squares from chipboard (I used a cereal box), with the corners rounded.

On one I cut out the centre circle for the lid.

4.  From DP cut four more 5 inch square pieces slightly smaller to cover the chipboard (back and front).

The two for  the lid need the centre cut away.

5.  Cover the chipboard base, then centre the assembled box and fix with strong tape.

6.  Add the coloured and cut image to the front of the acetate with craft glue.

7.  The lid was assembled gluing the Acetate to the chipboard first. Then adding the dp to inside and outside.

8.  Attach the sentiment with foam tape.  Add the Sprinkles.

9.  Centre the decorated chipboard over the box lid and attach with a mixture of glue and strong tape.

10.  Stamp the band in Close to Cocoa and cut to 1inch depth. I stamped two strips to fit around the lid.

11.  Wrap some strong tape around the lid and attach the band.

12.  Tie the double loop bow and add to the front of the box.

Supplies:

Stamps: Annabelle Stamps Ballerina Rose, Backgrounds By Design No 2.

Ink: SU Close To Cocoa, Copic Markers.

Card: SU Whisper White, American Craft. DP Prima Fairy Flora. Chipboard (I used a cereal box)

Embellishments: Annabelle Stamps Sprinkles in Artichoke, Annabelle Stamps White double faced Satin Ribbon in White.

Equipment: Scor-Pal, Pazzles Inspiration.

Here's an idea for the bottle of wine to take along on New Years Eve.

(click on the picture to see it a little closer)

I designed and cut this on the PI. I used the same layout just added the 3 Artichoke Sprinkles on the circle image rather than beneath it.  I've stamped and coloured the Backgrounds By Design No 2,  Balloons and the sentiment from Annabelle Stamps 'Take The Cake' form the gold mounted focal point and I've added 2011 which was cut from more gold card.    Hope you like these celebration gift ideas.

One last message before I finish for 2010.......Annabelle Stamps has a Design Team call if you think this is something you'd like to be a part of - check it out here.

Supplies:

Stamps: Annabelle Stamps -  Backgrounds By Design No 2, Take The Cake.

Ink:  SU Close To Cocoa, Copic Markers.

Card:  American Craft, Su Whisper White, Gold Card.

Embellishments:  Annabelle Stamps - Artichoke Sprinkles.

Equipment: Pazzles Inspiration.

IT'S SALE TIME AT 

ANNABELLE STAMPS

See you NEXT YEAR.............:)

Looking back........

Hello all,

I thought I would do, as lots of my blogging friends are doing and post a few of the cards I've made over the last 12 months.  Just a bit of a mixture in no special order............

Thanks for dropping by, back tomorrow with Annabelle Stamps weekly challenge.

See you then...........

Here's a little something.........

Not quite what I had planned for today but I had a few problems yesterday with my split hard drive....sounds painful right?   I've split the hard drive on my Mac to load Windows...... Enough said!


Anyway, I finally got round to adding a couple of my crochet flowers to a card, here it is:

I've used Kraft for the base card with Basic Grey Origins design paper.  Some zig zag stitching with the jute ribbon add to the texture of this little number....... I layered two flowers and added a button to match the dp.  The Birthday Greetings sentiment is from Annabelle Stamps 'Sentimental Bluebells'.

Have you visited the Annabelle Stamps Blog lately?  There are some Super Sales and Andrea has a Design Team Call  at the moment.  If you're interested go check out the details here .

See you all soon,

It's that time of year!!!!!

Hello Blogger's,

First things first..........Happy Birthday Selma!!!!! I've got my fingers crossed that your Birthday card made it in time!!!

The title of this blog post sounds a bit ominous..........that time of year .....whatever could I mean!  Well the end of one year is time to start making plans for the coming new year.  I'm not a great one for New Years Resolutions, as such...... things happen.......plans change, who needs to feel bad when they can't stick to a rash promise?

I've read a couple of other blogs where the authors are starting to think about changes planned for 2011 and it's got me thinking.  I would like to make a few changes to my craft routine. I think it's actually started already!  I have been working with my die cutter and adding more of my cut pieces to cards and adding dimensional projects  boxes, bags etc.  I also want to try some different stamp companies.  There are so many wonderful images to choose from, so we'll see how this goes.  I hope I'll look a little harder at why I choose the stamps I buy too, I'd like to have stamps that can be used in different ways.  I want to get back into using some digital images again, which usually means colouring, which I enjoy.  I would like to try and  enter a couple of challenges other than design team work each week........that shouldn't be too hard to accomplish and just might entice some new followers.  January looks like a busy month for the Walsh family, with a few visitors expected, so my year might get off to a slow start.

What about you.......have you given any thought to the direction your crafting will take in the New Year?
I'd love to hear if you've made any plans.

No card today, but I'm working on something so pop back tomorrow you never know..............

See ya!

Sassy Cheryl's - On The Beach

I've decided that there is one big draw back to living in Australia..........that is, that Christmas falls at the height of our Summer!  Just when we want to be in swimsuits, shorts etc. we have this feeding frenzy and after a couple of days, gain pounds that you just know will take so much longer to shed!!!

OK, has that cheered up all those putting up with thick snow and freezing temperatures????..................  I'm trying my best!!!!

Here's a little card using another of Sassy Cheryl's digital images "On The Beach". 

It's a lovely image, though these days we are most used to seeing children playing on the beach in full rash suits to guard against the sun!

Method:  

Size and print the image onto X-Press It blending card.

Copic markers coloured this image which was cut with a Spellbinder circle die.  

Fold a piece of ribbed tan card to measure 5 inches square.

Cut the Lacy scalloped circle from American Craft Card in pale lemon.

Wrap some pale lemon seam binding around this circle, adding the gold starfish charm with white linen.

Attach the coloured image with foam tape to a die cut circle of light brown American Craft Card

Using double sided tape, centre the completed image to the pale lemon card.

I hope all went well in your house on Christmas day.  That Santa got it right for everyone,  with smiles all round!  Spare a thought for those who had sad news this year and will  face a new year of uncertainty. 

Stay safe,

The Roses Challenge .......Olga's true meaning of Christmas.

Good Morning Blogger's

As promised, one more Christmas card and this one is for the Roses Challenge. Olga picked this months theme of the true meaning of Christmas. So for my card I used my PI to cut this Ornament file which was designed by a talented lady called Cindy.  I cut some gold card to sit behind the ornament and just added the star and some sprinkles and ribbon to complete a simple card.

As always the links.....if you want to check out the girls cards, are in the left side bar.  Just remember that we are a day ahead and Olga wanted our cards posted on the 24th.  We've had a great year of challenges, added a couple of new members too, so who knows what 2011 will bring!  Thanks Olga it's good to be reminded 'the reason for the season' !

Well that's it for me, Walshie has to go see the surgeon today and I'm off to the Dentist but we're all set, the presents are wrapped and the baking is done.  We will spend Christmas day with friends this year and my Brother and his family will join us for lunch on Boxing day. 

I hope you all have a safe and very happy Christmas however you spend it.  I'll be back in a few days with some fun cards made using digital images, hope you'll be able to pop by to check them out.

Take care all and  Happy Christmas!

My Christmas Round Up!!!!

Hello Blogger's,

Two more sleeps........are you ready?    I'm just about there I think ......but guess what !  I have to go to the Dentist on Christmas Eve....... argh!!!

OK just wanted to pop in with a bit of a round up of bits and bobs, so straight into it!

This is a little purse size tissue box cut on the PI.  The very clever Penny Duncan created this cutting file, It's a quick and easy cut and can be dressed up much more than I have!!!

Here's another quick and simple cutting file and look at the clever top - Perfect for a little stocking filler. Mine will have some nail polish in and since taking this picture I've added a gem to the top.

I saw a very nice little gift card purse on the LOTV blog and decided to make a couple for my niece's Christmas Money.  Mine is quite simple, I designed this cutting file for the PI  and cut it on double sided DP. The gold pocket would fit a gift card but our girls will be happy with some money to shop in the post Christmas Sales!!!

I've just two more Christmas cards to share...... This is my card to all my followers and those who pop in every now and then to see what I'm up to!!!!!  I think this looks a real 'Aussie' Christmas Card with Santa in his beach gear ...........shame about the knees!!!  He's sending you all my very best wishes for a very happy holiday season.

This fabulous digital image is from Sassy Cheryl, coloured with Copics with the sentiment cut with the PI .

On Christmas Eve 'The Roses' will be posting the December challenge cards which are a Christmas theme ...........so that will be the last Christmas card for 2010! I've already put all the Christmas paper away for another year!

Hope you;ll call past on Christmas Eve if you have a moment ........If not stay safe and I hope Santa brings you all you wish for.

Edit:   Thanks Deborah for the lovely award I will get that sorted out soon!

Annabelle Stamps - December previews Day 2

Hello again,

Ready to see what we have for you today?  OK lets get the business side sorted! This Blog Hop starts and ends at the Annabelle Stamps Blog, if you arrived here from Teresa's blog you're on track!!! Leave a comment at each blog for the chance to win the set we're previewing today.

Today is another of the Border's By Design sets  Number 3.  I LOVE THIS BORDER!!!
Look at all the little stamps.....precious!

Here's my share today:

I've made a box for one of my friends Christmas gift with a card to match.  Here's a closer look

I've added one of the Christmas tags I made last week.  

For the card I've used the large border stamp down one side of the card, stamped in Concord Crush.

I also randomly stamped one of the small charm stamps using VersaMark.  The Sentiment stamp from Christmas Wish, popped up on foam seemed just right for this card.  Four Lilac Sprinkles and a PI cut snowflake along with some glittered ribbon to complete. 

Here's a quick project just in time for the Christmas festivities...... 

I've stamped all the small 'charm' stamps and punched them out to sit on colour matching mats.  Laminate them, punch a hole and thread some Linen thread through to attach to a wine glass. You could really go to town with the decorating on these but I'll be happy if they see Boxing Day out!!!

That's it for me..... and guess what.......our last preview for 2010!  I hope you've added Annabelle Stamps to your stash this year. Andrea has some ready for the New Year so we'll be back in January....can't wait to show you!   Both the December sets are available for purchase now from the Annabelle Stamps Store.  Hope you'll find room in your Christmas Stocking !!!

Ready to head over to Ida's blog? OK, thanks for calling past see you soon,

Nine more sleeps!!!!

Can you believe it????

I can't believe it's this close to Christmas and I'm cruising around Melbourne!  I've been round the shops, walked around Williamstown with it's mix of original and ultra modern homes that sit so well together. I love the village feel of this town with the Melbourne skyline just across the water.

Tomorrow we head back towards the Latrobe Valley for a Christmas Party then it's up bright and early for the trip back to Sydney.

Hope all your Christmas prep. is going well......looks like some of you will be enjoying (?) a white Christmas this year.

Day 2 of Annabelle Stamps December previews is up tomorrow 12pm Aus. time. Hope to see you back here for that.

Speak soon.

Annabelle Stamps - December Previews

It's time for Annabelle Stamps December  Previews.  Our Blog Hop starts and ends at the Annabelle Stamps Blog.  If you came here from Teresa's Blog you're on the right track.  Leave a comment on each of the blogs you visit to be in the running to win the set being previewed.

Andrea has two new sets this month, we start with Stemmed Flowers.

I've two cards and a treat bag to share today, the first an Easel using the largest stamp from the set, the four stems adding  my choice of flower heads.   It's kinda  good to make a summer card after all the Christmas Cards, with these pretty blooms you can forget about snow and ice and start looking forward to Spring.

The base sentiment is from 'Branch Out', but just seemed to fit this card. Two of the flower heads were popped up with foam tabs to add a little more dimension. I've added peach and pale pink gems and Sprinkles for some shine.

My second card is much more CAS.  It features just one of the stems.......I masked the other's with a post-it note.  More peach Sprinkles and some Annabelle Flower ribbon. The card and ink for both cards is from SU with the DP from a 6x6 card pack Fairy Flora by Prima.

  

Here's a little sweet treat bag I made as a thank you. So quick and easy cut on the PI. The little label has a scattering of flowers from this set along with ENJOY from another ABS set.  I've been a bit naughty and given you a sneak peek at one of Andrea's new border designs. It's a beauty........come back on the 17th to see more. 

Thanks for calling past, your next stop is with Ida. Enjoy the hop I'll see you back here on the 17th with our second Preview.

See you soon...........

And another one........

Hello Blogger's

 I've been a bit slack posting to my blog this last week or so........sorry! I know  every one's  busy at this time of year, so saying it's been busy sounds ...... so lame.  But there it is, I've said it!!!!

I pulled debjen's name  for the crochet flowers but I'd also like to send a few to Shirley-Anne and Carol (Crafting Granny) here's the story girls ......Walshie and I will be driving down to Victoria over the week-end and I'm taking my crochet hook in the car with me .......... working on your little flowers!!!! I promise to get them to you a.s.a.p.
I've been asked for the link to the tutorial for these quick and easy flowers so here it is give them a try.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwK4hxUd07s

I have a couple of posts ready for Annabelle Stamps December previews, hope you'll call by to take a squiz!!!

Today I have yet another Christmas Card.......must be getting to the end now!
Hope you like this fun card.

Chat soon.....

Annabelle Stamp - Say it in......Red and Green......

....what else on the count down to Christmas.......15 more days!  Are you ready?

For my offering this week I have a card and a couple of gift tags.

I used one of the pretty borders from Borders By Design No.1 to stamp a frame for the Christmas greeting, which is from the Holly Branch set.  Added some Cherry Sprinkles and Bakers Twine to complete this CAS card.

These tags are cut using a Sizzix die.  The sentiments are from 'Christmas Wish'.

I've sponged and distressed the edges of the sentiment tag and also stamped the music score from Rocking Instrumental around the edges. Three ABS red hearts are added along the bottom of the tag. 

The Green one was worked the same but with the pretty snowflakes from  Christmas Wish stamped in distress ink around the edge of the sponged white card. I added a tab of red Kamoi tape, 3 twinkling stars from ABS and a little silver charm tied with Linen thread.

We're hoping you can join us again this week, we would really like to see all your red and green projects. Don't forget one person entering any of this months challenges will will a $20 shopping trip to the Annabelle Stamps Store.

Thanks for dropping by, go check out the Annabelle designing diva's for more inspiration.

Walshie and I are off to Victoria at the week-end but I've added some posts for the December Previews.  Andrea has two new sets for you this month and previews start on the 15th.

See you soon.

Hello Blogger's,

What a hectic week end.......it's that time of year isn't it?  The rain eased up enough to get the laundry sorted but the big thing was the On-Line Craft Class over at the Pazzles Classroom.  I was up early for the first session where I took notes and tried to follow along, best I could. By the second session I was more organised with two computer's,watching on one and designing on the other!!!

I have to tell you I didn't make all the sessions, but have been back to watch most of the recordings.  Which has been good for me because it means I can hit the pause  button if I need to figure something out!

What a great crowd of ladies though and the instructor Klo is an amazing teacher.......so patient, answered every one's written questions.  I'm not sure how she did it because lots of the breaks were for one or a  couple of hours only and she was working on projects to be ready for us back on line.

I'm telling you this so you don't think I've been slacking off ....... at this busy time of year!  So far I only managed to complete one of the projects the rest are sitting in the computer ready or almost ready to cut!

I'll share but it will be a while!

So, drum roll......here's my finished project The Little Shingled House.  All designed and cut on the Pazzles Inspiration.  With the shingles designed from scratch, cut individually and attached.  I changed my door from a plain rectangle and added the shaped 'window'. I also added the little flowers under the open window.

Someone mentioned about putting a photo in the window, which would be quite nice.  I was keen to show you what I'd been up to though........

OK it might not look like much to you but I was so thrilled after the PI sat in it's box for almost two years, hardly ever used because I couldn't make head nor tail of it!!!!

OK moving on......

We've been out and about a bit too, so I took some crochet cotton with me in the car and worked on these little 5 petal flowers everyone seems to be using on their cards.  The pattern was downloaded from the Net............love being able to do that!

They were quite quick to crochet and I think they should work well with a little button in the centre.  Would you like ...... some of these to play with?   OK just leave me a comment letting me know and I'll pick someone to send 6 of these little 5 petal flowers.

OK back to work......Annabelle has a couple of lovely sets coming up for December with Previews due to start on the 15th.

Thanks for dropping by, if you read my ramblings........thanks!

See you soon,