Not happy Jan!

Hello Blogger's

We had a new copy of the Yellow pages recently, a business telephone directory consisting of two quite large books.  With the Internet we rarely use this resource. We do keep them, and they take up a big space!  The old books were set for the recycling bin and I thought I might just keep a handful of the pages to play with. 

Using a Heartfelt Creations Posy Patch die I created a flower by folding one page from the directory over and over and running it through the Cuttlebug  I got about 12 layers.  By staggering them layer after layer,  securing them in the centre with a brad and a little scrunching.... I had a passable bloom.........What do you think?

The base card is a pre-folded pearlesque card with a lovely gold sheen. I added a scrap of punched and embossed green card (to match the brad:)).  A strip of toning green stitched ribbon and a Sentiment from AnnaBelle Stamps 'Take The Cake'.    Another CAS card for the collection.

For those non Australians reading this post, I called this card 'Not happy Jan' after a TV add for the Yellow Pages Directory!!

Thanks so much for dropping past and taking the time to leave your comments.......you're the best!

Mad Monday!!!!

Hello Blogger's,

How was your week end? Hope those north of us got plenty of Spring like weather.....though I have been reading about more snow in the US!  If it makes you feel a little better it was wet here and we had to Vote (it's compulsory here or fines can be impossed).  Although the sun is trying to poke it's head through the thick black cloud, I think we're in for more of the wet stuff!!

Here's a card for this week's Less Is More challenge # 8.  First the sketch........

My card uses AnnaBelle Stamps Sentimental Bluebells and I tried to give them a water coloured look even though I used Copic markers.  The card stock is thick base weight and not really suitable for normal colouring with  Copics.  By clear embossing the bluebells I was able to let the colour bleed without it spreading too far outside the stamped image.  Not 100% happy with this but then I love this image blended as here.

My card measures 4 x 8 inches to fit a normal business envelope.  The Sentiment (from the same set) is stamped in SU Bashful Blue with the centre die cut separately, three tiny AnnaBelle gems added and popped up on foam dots.  The blue strip was embossed using a Crafts Concept Dragonfly embossing folder.

Thanks for dropping by, see you soon.......

The Roses Challenge - Mary Anne's Spring

Hi Blogger's

Last Sunday of the month means it's the Roses Challenge and this month Mary Anne asked us to make a Spring cards with flowers.

Ah Spring....... we're enjoying Autumn here and we've just had a wet weekend that was a little cooler than normal for the time of year.  I didn't quite get the card I started making finished!!!! what I mean to say is it's not coming together as I had planned........ so I'm sharing a little card made using some digital paper and an image  from Pink Petticoat.  I will get the original right and share that soon but for now...........

Some machine stitching, organza ribbon and a few dew drops complete the card.   Thanks for calling by I'm hoping to get back on track next week!   The Roses links are in the left side bar if you'd like to check all the cards for this month.

AnnaBelle Stamps Sketch Challenge 036

Last Friday of the month means it's time for AnnaBelle Stamps Sketch Challenge, hope you'll play along with us again for your chance to win a shopping trip at the AnnaBelle Stamps On-line store. You have  until the last Friday in April to submit your card using this sketch or you might like to join in with any of April's challenges to increase your chances to win.  

If you use your AnnaBelle Stamps images and upload your card to the Gallery you could be joining us as a guest designer.  We enjoyed seeing all the wonderful projects from our March guest designer Lyn and hope you popped along to her blog to leave her some cyber hugs.

This month we have Nicole joining us please pop over to her blog to say hello.

OK my card uses two sets, one that I've not used until now and it's such a fabulous little set.  Beaded flourishes are so popular at the moment, how good would it be to be able to stamp and bead your own.....you can if you have this set  'Flourishes'  

My second set is the very popular Ballerina Rose........I used one of the sentiments in the top square.

Both these sets are part of the March Madness Sale but it's coming to an end so be quick!!!

My card base is a caramel ribbed card and I've used both sides of the DP which is Basic Grey nook and pantry. Some machine stitching to add a little dimension. 

Once the swirl was stamped I added 3mm toffee sprinkles.   Rangers tea dye distress ink was used for the stamping and sponging on my card. 

I've  embossed the middle square using a Swiss dots embossing folder and popped this square up on fine foam tabs. A thicker foam was used to attach the top sentiment square. To complete my card I added the required bling, three more toffee sprinkles.

There have been a few changes to the Belle's here at AnnaBelle Stamps.  We said goodbye to Rene' and Ida, who both helped Andrea get her stamp range off to a good start. We'll miss their cards every week but wish them well, knowing we'll see their lovely work around the blogs.  We have two new Belle's joining us this week, so please go say hello to Patti (the other Patti Sue) and Stephanie. We're really looking forward to seeing all their inspiring projects during the next few months. They both have amazing blogs, you'll find the links in the right hand side bar.

So come join the fun.......play along with us..... here's how:

- We post our challenges every Friday at 12:00pm AEST (AEDT during Daylight Savings).

- Our Sketch Challenge Runs from the last Friday of a month through till the last Friday of the following        month.

- Each Friday in between we have themed challenges. To be eligible for the monthly prize of a $20 gift voucher to spend in store at AnnaBelle Stamps you MUST take part in the sketch challenge AND one of the weekly challenges.

- Please link directly to your entry not just to your blog.

- Include a link back to the AnnnaBelle Stamps blog in your post.

- Please don't link to postings made prior to the date of our current challenge.  All projects submitted must be new.

- A maximum of 5 challenges may be combined including this one.        

- You may enter any challenge several times as long as each submission is with a new creation.

- We would love you to use AnnaBelle Stamps, but you can play along without them. For those who use AnnaBelle stamps and upload to the Gallery HERE then you will also be in the running to be our Monthly Guest Designer!

Less Is More # 7 Masculine.

Hello Blogger's

Here's a quick post for this week's challenge at Less Is More. The theme this week is Masculine and I have some new rodents to play with that just happen to fit the bill!

Very CAS....... don't you think?  With five brothers ..... I need more!

Supplies:
Pre folded card base.
SU Pumpkin Pie. LSS Ivory card.
Rangers Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink.
Waltzingmouse Stamps, Back In The Saddle.


Misc Chat.
Walshie and I had a few days up the coast where the weather was nice enough to walk the bay each morning.  Checked out our block of land and chased off a mob of roos.  It was nice to get away from Sydney for a while and just relax though five hours in the car was not the best for me, just yet.

I'm busy sorting through the supplies in my craft room.... All the ink pads are in one drawer instead of spread around and at last got all the Spellbinder dies and embossing folders organised and stored in a CD case......so much better.  Embellishments are next!

Thanks for dropping by.........

ABS - Say It with a TAG and a Challenge....

Hello all.....   after the fun of our March release we're back again. Friday is challenge day at AnnaBelle Stamps and Andrea has asked us to  Say It With A Tag this week.

I've added my tag to a card as I wanted to enter another challenge at Wee Memories  the theme of their challenge #47 is :

Look who the sponsor is!!! 

My card has plenty of green it also features two of AnnaBelle's sets. The background on the tag stamped in VersaMark is from Backgrounds By Design 3. The small tulip from Easter Hope.  I've also used some of AnnaBelle's striped ribbon  and natural white cotton . For the added bling fabulous Sprinkles in raspberry and artichoke.   I've used some digital dp printed to heavy weight white card, it's called Walk In The Park from Echo Park.

I masked one of the sentiments to print Hope at the base of the tag..........with all the terrible news at the moment I think  a little Hope is needed.

Will you'll play along with both challenges this week? I do hope so.   Don't forget to check the Belle's and Bella's tags as well as our guest designer Lyn.  All links in the right hand side bar.

How To Play Along with AnnaBelle Stamps : 

- We post our challenges every Friday at 12:00pm AEST (AEDT during Daylight Savings).

- Our Sketch Challenge Runs from the last Friday of a month through till the last Friday of the following        month.

- Each Friday in between we have themed challenges. To be eligible for the monthly prize of a $20 gift voucher to spend in store at AnnaBelle Stamps you MUST take part in the sketch challenge AND one of the weekly challenges.

- Please link directly to your entry not just to your blog.

- Include a link back to the AnnnaBelle Stamps blog in your post.

- Please don't link to postings made prior to the date of our current challenge.  All projects submitted must be new.

- A maximum of 5 challenges may be combined including this one.        

- You may enter any challenge several times as long as each submission is with a new creation.

- We would love you to use AnnaBelle Stamps, but you can play along without them. For those who use AnnaBelle stamps and upload to the Gallery HERE then you will also be in the running to be our Monthly Guest Designer!

See you when I get my glasses!

Waltzingmouse St Patrick's Day Blog Waltz

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit

Hi Blogger's,

Thanks so much for calling past........I'm so hoping that line of green text says "Happy St Patrick's Day" and not something inappropriate!!!

This is sure to be a long hop so I'll keep my post short and sweet.......I'm sharing a card as well as a cute hat, that I think would make a gorgeous table decoration for any St Patrick's day feast.

I'll explain the hat first because I used my die cutter for lots of this project and wonder of wonders after 2 years  I finally get the 'contour cut'!.........(You can teach an old dog new tricks rofl!!!)

The pattern for this hat isn't mine but was given to the members of the Pazzles Craft Room. I use the PI and have learnt so much from this site as well as the Yahoo groups.  The hat was cut from one sheet of 12x12 Card, some scraps of pale green, black and gold.  The Shamrocks are attached with Florist wire that was coiled to make them 'Springy'.   

(Note to self: colour the centres with a light sponge of white next time!!)

The card uses Claire's little free Digital image which I was also able to print and cut using my PI. Some light colouring with a green Copic marker and a clear glitter pen around the oval (which sadly the camera doesn't show). 

The DSP is from Basic Grey Cappella 6 x 6 paper pad, chosen because of the colours (It actually has a thin line of gold.... which brings in the gold on the hat band.......I'm fussy!!)  and I've punched some green and black card using the Fiskar's Upper Crest punch (which also ties in with the lovely label on Claire's digi!). More PI cut shamrocks sit over the looped stitched ribbon to complete my card.

Hope you like this little project, I had lots of fun with it. Now on with the Hop...... You should be heading over to my crafting friend Deborah next......Enjoy!

AnnaBelle Stamps - March Release - Lil Michelle Swinging By.

Hope you're ready to see the second stamp set from AnnaBelle Stamps March release.
You should have arrived here from Andrea's Blog having started at the AnnBelle Stamps blog.......if not why not start at the beginning to be in the running for Andrea's gift!

Today we're showing another cute image from the Lil Belle's range called Lil Michelle Swinging By.

My little gift set comprises a card with the main image and one of the three sentiments. The little gift box  uses the second of three sentiments as well as the small accent stamp on the tag.

The gathered striped ribbon is from AnnaBelle Stamps as are the Pink gems. The image is coloured with Copic markers and lightly sponged. I used Spellbinder dies to cut the image before hand cutting around the bottom section. The pretty DP is 'Candy Lane' 6 x 6 paper pad from KaiserCraft (Blog Candy from Marcia x) and this sits over SU melon mambo and a white base card.

Just two shades of pink card for the 'matchbox' gift box. Some AnnaBelle striped ribbon holding the little tag stamped with the second sentiment adding the accent stamp set with another pink gem.  Using three of the smaller Spellbinder Blossom dies I made the  flower cut from the scraps of dp and another pink gem sits above the brad holding the layers together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's another card this time using  Autumn colours. 

For this card I used a circle die to cut the image and added the zig zag machine stitches to attach the image over a sponged doily.  More machine stitching over the polka dot dp and a die cut piece of green felt. The last of the sentiments is threaded to some  AnnaBelle Stamps Jute and wrapped around the felt to complete this card.

I'm sure when you arrive at your next stop on the Hop you'll find tons more inspiration......because you're heading over to Kylie's blog........ Enjoy!

Don't forget there are  March Sales at AnnaBelle Stamps ......pop over to bag a bargain!

How the Hop works :

You will need to begin at the ABS blog if you haven't already, and follow the links to each of the DT blogs.  Leave a comment on each as you go and you will end up back at the ABS blog where you can add your name to the Inlinkz widget.  Each hop will run for only 24hrs and random winners will be chosen from the names added to the Inlinkz that have completed the hop.  The names of the winners will be posted on the AnnaBelle Stamps blog on the 17th March.

Happy Hopping!

AnnaBelle Stamps - Day 1 Lil Monster - Gone Fishing.

Hello,

If you've arrived at my blog from Andrea's then you're on the right track......If not you might want to start at the AnnaBelle Stamps blog today.

We're showing cards and projects made with the first of two stamp sets being released for March, the second set will be shown and available to purchase same time tomorrow.

Lil Monster - Gone Fishing - available for purchase today.

This little character has been quite popular, so he's back and this time he's gone fishing!

I made a card and an envelope pocket  card to show you today.  I'll start with the card........I masked and sponged the front and used just one of the sentiments here along with some of the Paper cord across the top. 

The fun image is actually on the inside of this little pop up card.............

I stamped Monster onto Kraft and coloured him with Prisma's and OMS before cutting him out and assembling the pop up section.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The envelope pocket card uses the same image this time coloured with Copic Markers.

I've used one of Annabelle Stamps small Kraft envelopes for my pocket. The top is decorated with more of the Paper Cord and two AnnaBelle Sprinkles.

Crimping the bottom section makes the top sit nicely over to secure inside pocket.

I've added a card inside with slits on opposite corners to hold a gift card. With a SU tag affixed to the top it's easy to remove the gift!

Time to move on to Kylie's blog........ I'm looking forward to seeing her creations too!

See you back here on Wednesday.

How the Hop works :

You will need to begin at the ABS blog if you haven't already, and follow the links to each of the DT blogs.  Leave a comment on each as you go and you will end up back at the ABS blog where you can add your name to the Inlinkz widget.  Each hop will run for only 24hrs and random winners will be chosen from the names added to the Inlinkz that have completed the hop.  The names of the winners will be posted on the AnnaBelle Stamps blog on the 17th March.

Happy Hopping!

 

AnnaBelleStamps On line Store for:

STAMPS

X-PRESS IT BLENDING CARD

INK

COPIC MARKERS

ENVELOPES

SPRINKLES

PAPER CORD

A One Layer CAS card.......

Hello Blogger's......

Sorry, I've been absent other than the cards I've committed to for a week or so.  My back has been so bad, even the pain killers didn't seem to be working for a while. I've been doing the exercises that were recommended and I thought I should try and limit the time I sit at the computer and my work desk.  I'm pleased to say things are improving slowly and yesterday I actually worked on a fun project ready for the Waltzingmouse St Patrick's Day Blog Hop.......can't share just yet though!

I do have a card for this weeks  Less Is More Challenge  # 6  "Off The Edge"...... 

For me part of the fun of this challenge site is reading all the comments.   Participants are  encouraged to appraise all the cards entered..........which might not always be appreciated!  There are a few 'well known'  names entering cards here every week and they have inspiration to share.  I think I can live with a few odd comments, in the main they are mostly very pleasant and when it all boils down I make cards for fun!.......Oh and the comments I really don't like I can reject a the Comment Moderation stage!!!

See you soon.......

Stamps are from AnnaBelle Stamps here in Australia. Ink By SU and the Card is from Pink Petticoat.

Sneak Peeks!!!!

Please help us spread the word ....add our  Blinkie to your blog.

Copy and paste the code below!

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It's sneak peek time at  AnnaBelle Stamps ....... two new stamps available this month and the first set will be available on Tuesday 15th March.............

Here's a little peek at the second  one  on sale on Wednesday 16th.

See you for th Blog Hop starting at the ABS Blog on Tuesday 12.00 Sydney time.......

Check out the March Madness Sale at AnnaBelle Stamps with further reductions ....

while stocks last.

AnnaBelle Stamps - Say It In....

Friday means it's AnnaBelle Stamps Challenge day and today Andrea would like us to use

Blue, Red and White on our cards.

Lil Monster is a favourite around my house, so here he is dressed in his favourite numbers T shirt. Looks like he's off to a party with his party hat on and what's that .... no balloon but a beautiful bloom for someone!

Please take a peek at the Belle's and Bella's creations this week ........ links in the left side bar!

We also have our wonderful March guest designer Lyn joining us again this week and you won't want to miss her project.

We would love you to join in and play along with us for the chance to win a shopping trip to the AnnaBelle Online store.

 Here's all our competition info:

How To Play Along : 

- We post our challenges every Friday at 12:00pm AEST (AEDT during Daylight Savings).

- Our Sketch Challenge Runs from the last Friday of a month through till the last Friday of the following        month.

- Each Friday in between we have themed challenges. To be eligible for the monthly prize of a $20 gift voucher to spend in store at AnnaBelle Stamps you MUST take part in the sketch challenge AND one of the weekly challenges.

- Please link directly to your entry not just to your blog.

- Include a link back to the AnnnaBelle Stamps blog in your post.

- Please don't link to postings made prior to the date of our current challenge.  All projects submitted must be new.

- A maximum of 5 challenges may be combined including this one.        

- You may enter any challenge several times as long as each submission is with a new creation.

- We would love you to use AnnaBelle Stamps, but you can play along without them. For those who use AnnaBelle stamps and upload to the Gallery HERE then you will also be in the running to be our Monthly Guest Designer!

Stamps: Lil Monster's Balloon, Backgrounds By Design Numbers.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Not Quite Navy.
Card: White and Navy from LSS, Red/White polka dot Doodlebug designs.
Embellishments: AnnaBelle Stamps Waterfall Sprinkles, AnnaBelle Stamps paper cord in turquoise, AnnaBelle Stamps Petals in white.
Equipment: Spellbinder label die, Cuttlebug, Prisma Pencils and OMS.

Copper Rose - WMSC037

   A really quick share today...........Here's a little 4inch card using the Waltzingmouse sketch for this week # 37.

Here's how:

1. Fold an 8 x 4 inch piece of peachy pink card to make a 4 inch square card. Run the front through the Cuttlebug using Swiss dots embossing folder. Sponge edges with Ranger Tea Dye Distress Ink.

2. Using VersaMark stamp the pattern background (Picnic Patterns) onto some copper coloured card, sponge edges with Tea Dye Distress Ink.

3. Emboss the next layer of card with the Swiss Dots embossing folder and sponge edges.

4. Stamp the smaller open rose from Roses In Bloom using American Craft copper embossing powder. Lightly colour with Copic markers. Adhere the image to a mat of the copper card. Emboss the sentiment onto a scrap of the same card and cut using a Spellbinder tag die.

5. Distress a length of white seam binding and wrap it around the second layer of peach card. Tie  a bow at the left hand side.  Using Linen thread add the sentiment tag along with a copper charm  to sit over the ribbon bow.

6. Adhere the first two layers together, then using foam tabs add the image panel before adding the completed panel to the base card.

7.  Add 8 copper brads.

That's it and now I have to move from this computer........my back is killing me!!!!!

See you soon,

Celebrate in Pastels!

Hello Bloggers,

Just a quick post to share this weeks card for the 'Less Is More' CAS challenge #5

This week we're making cards in PASTEL COLOURS and I've used a little digital  image from      Kathy Martin called Birthday Banners.  I've coloured a couple of these  with Copic markers and paper pieced the remainder, popping them up on foam tabs.

The sentiment was computer generated.

Hope it hits the spot!