Unity FWF - Stamping it out on Saturday!

Hi Everyone!  I hope you have had a great week!  Here today (Saturday) I am enjoying some sunshine and have been nutting out with hubby what work needs to be done in the garden.  I also had a few minutes spare to get a quick card made for this weeks Unity Friends with Flair.  I am sticking to my goal of using stamps I haven't inked up or stamped with in a while too.

My card today uses the Scallop Frame and Flowers which were part of the January 2012 Unity KOTM.
The sentiment is also a Unity Stamp from the My Thoughts are with you Sentiment Kit.

Just like a bride my card is also wearing something old - some scrap papers from the She Art Collection by Christy Tomlinson and one that came in a collection which was free with one of the crafting magazines I brought some time ago. The something new is my recently purchased Red Chevron Washi Tape.

Okay back to the garden for me! Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Cards in Envy - For the Birds

Hi Everyone, we are flying into Monday with a new challenge at Cards in Envy today and it really is for the Birds. We simply want to see a bird somewhere on your card.

For my card today I put my Big Shot to good use, firstly I took one of my handmade (sop up the excess mist) backgrounds and cut out my bird with my Sizzix Die.  Then taking a yellow Gelato I filled in any white space left on the bird and added a rhinestone for his eye.  Two different embossed patterns a rounded corner and a piece of twine framed him perfectly and I have then layered this onto a white card base and stamped a Unity Sentiment to finish.

Just wait to you see all the other fabulous winged inspiration from the Design Team, why not fly on over now and take a peek and if you have time we'd love it if you played along too!

Unity Friends with Flair and Color Throwdown

Hello everyone!  I was determined to get into my craft room for a while today, my back still isn't great, however yesterday was the first day in about three weeks that I sat up more than I lied down and went most of the day without taking any pain killers or using the Tens machine.  It has been the worst flair up of my Spondylitis since first being diagnosed with it in 2000.

Friday has always been my favorite day of the week, as it's also my hubby's day off so it's usually our day to do stuff together (alone) and then its Pizza and Movie Night with 'A' which has now become a family tradition since he has come into our lives.  Upon waking this morning I found out that one of my recent cards had won a challenge over at the Unity Be Inspired Challenge which means I am about to receive a fabulous prize filled with Unity Goodness and that one of the kits I designed for Altered Pages had sold.  So my Friday started off exceptionally well.  And what made it even better was I then had a couple of hours this morning to myself to craft - nobody at home but me! YEAH!!!!!!

Anyway back to my crafting.  I got ahead on some of my DT commitments due for August and then decided to make some cards just for fun and play along with a couple of challenges and link up to Unity's Friday Friends with Flair.

Stamps:  Unity Stamp Co

My Thoughts are with You and Miss You So Much Sentiment Sets, Generations Set Doily Stamps

Ink, Cardstock, Punches & Brads:  Stampin' Up

 Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Tempting Turquoise and Choc Chip.

The colors I used were inspired by the latest challenge over at the Color Throw Down Challenge Blog.  So I am entering these cards into this challenge too.

Anyway that's it from me today, I am off to start thinking about some dinner and supervise someone's homework.....I hope you all have a great weekend!

You are the Key to my Joy!

Hi Everyone! and hello to my latest followers, your kind comments like those of all my regular visitors are much appreciated and they are all part of what makes my blogging journey most enjoyable.    When you think about it, it is often the smallest of things that make us happy along with the people we share those with.  

One of those people is my hubby.

We have been married nearly nineteen years, and have endured some struggles like most couples do.   It is the hardships we have faced, the grief we have shared and the life we have forged together that has brought us closer and made us stronger as a couple.  He is the key to my Joy in so many different ways, and most recently I have loved watching and discovering a new side to him as we care for our foster son.   Alex has been with us now for six months and it's definitely been a roller coaster in emotions.  This new chapter in our lives has been a time of some frustration and fighting but mostly lots of fun and fulfillment.  It has both of us presently focusing on the 'where to from here?' and there are definitely some plans in the pipework.  One of which will see my craft room getting a full make-over..........yeah!

Anyway here is a card which was inspired by my thoughts and ramblings this morning as well as having a couple of challenges in mind.

Stamps:  Unity Stamp Co Key to Joy

Ink:  Stampin' Up!  

Other:  Yellow Gelato

The first challenge is over at CAS on Sunday.  They are asking for One Layer Wonders this week and upon seeing one of the examples from Nancy on their DT, I had to case her card design but have added a bit more of the 'messy me' twist as I like to call it.

My color choices of the Pink, Turquoise and Lavender tones were inspired by the latest challenge at Cupcake Inspirations.  After stamping my flowers with these colors I felt it needed something a little bit more to tie it all together, so I got out my yellow Gelato and scribbled around the design.  Bright colors make me happy so given this card is all about the Key to my Joy I really couldn't resist it.

I am also thinking that something similar to this would make a great journal page to record what it is that makes me happy!  What is it that makes you Happy?

Cards in Envy Sketch Challenge #5

A big hello and welcome to my new followers who found their way to my blog this week.  This is the first of two posts I have today and it is a card showcasing my take on the latest sketch challenge at Cards in Envy.

It's another great sketch perfect for a CAS Card.  I've turned the sketch and added some more circles.  I've been a bit circle and a bit purple and pink mad of late, needless to say Purple is my favorite color.

Cherry Blossom Clear Stamps by TPC Studio, Sentiment by Stampin' Up!

Ink:  Versafine Black and SU Rich Razzleberry, Other Color:  Inktense Watercolor Pencils by Derwent

Anyway that's it from me for now!  I am off! 

I have lots to do, for one I have to start thinking about packing for Melbourne (both art supplies and clothes).  We fly out on Wednesday and I am also trying to finish off some more sewing, as all of 'A's new winter pants need the legs taken up.  Later today we have his Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews at School. 

Be sure to pop over to the Cards in Envy Site so you can be further inspired by all the wonderful interpretations of this sketch by the rest of the DT.

A Time for Spring!

It's actually Autumn here in Australia , but A Time for Spring is the name of the paper collection from Fancy Pants Designs that I had some left overs to use up.  So I have three cards today doing just that,  all of which are playing along with some Card Challenges.

I thought all three of these designs (sketches) were perfect for using up some of my leftovers.

My first card uses the Sketch from CAS on Sunday which is a versatile CAS Design.  I thought would be perfect for a quick Thank You Card.

Paper:  Fancy Pants Designs

Sentiment Stamp:  Stampin' Up!

Ink:  Early Expresso (SU), and Versa Magic Tea Leaves

Other:  Beautiful Wings Embosslits Folder, Corner Rounder Punch

My second card uses the sketch (turned) and photo inspiration (colors and spring feel) from Fusion Card Challenges.

Paper:  Fancy Pants Designs

Sentiment Stamp:  Unity Stamp Co

Ink:  Early Expresso (SU)

Other:  Beautiful Wings Embosslits Folder

And my third card today uses the Sketch from the I Heart Card Sketches Challenge. 

Paper:  Fancy Pants Designs

Sentiment Stamp:  Verve Stamps

Ink:  Pretty In Pink (SU)

Thanks for stopping by!

Having a Rough Trot!

I often find it so hard to make Get Well/Thinking of You cards for men, however upon seeing this Collage Image (Vintage Horses Digital Collage Sheet) from Altered Pages this sentiment and card came together in a snap.

I have used complimentary papers from the Glitz Vintage Blue Paper Collection which is also available at Altered Pages.  The edges are distressed with a little Mustard Seed and Aged Mahogany Distress Inks and my distressing tool.

My sentiment is stamped using a Studio G Alphabet Set from Hampton Art and the button and paper cord are from my stash.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:-
Dutch Dare Card Challenges - #215 Sports
Moving along with the Times - One for the Guys
Southern Girls Challenges - #68 You Can Say that Again

Colors of Spring and for Baby

Hi Everyone! Its that time!  Time for my monthly post for The Robin's Nest and today I am sharing three cards featuring the Sorbet Glitter Collection Papers with colors that are perfect for Spring and For Baby!

These first two cards I have made with a couple of my older acquaintances in mind, who are both unwell at present.   I thought these pretty colors and knowing they are in my thoughts may brighten their day a little.

My third card features each one of the colors in the Sorbet Glitter Collection and is for Baby!  Each of my designs today don't have any thick embellishments making them perfect to pop in the post.

Aquamarine

Blue Raspberry

Kiwi

Red

Shocking Pink

 
For more Sorbet Glitter goodness be sure to keep checking the Chattering Robin's Blog throughout April as the rest of the Robin's Nest Design Team inspires you with a variety of projects all featuring this wonderful range of papers.

Cards In Envy March Sketch Challenge

Hi Everyone, it's time for another sketch challenge over at Cards in Envy Challenge Blog.  We have been having so much fun with these challenges and seeing all the wonderful entries.  It makes voting very hard let me tell you.

Anyhow here's is my take on this fortnight's sketch.  I love the CAS Design of this sketch because it so very versatile and allows you to show off all those pretty papers you have sitting in your stash.  All the design team have interpreted it so differently.

This paper I have chosen has been sitting in my stash for such a long time and has a wonderful Spring Feel to it which I have teamed with coordinating colors of card stock to bring out the colors further.

I can see this sketch being one you can go to time and time again when in need of a quick card especially for Thank You, Thinking of You and Get Well Greetings, don't you?

Be sure to pop over and lay your eyes on all the wonderful inspiration from the DT too and I do hope you will join in the fun with us also.

The Poodles Parlour - Anything Goes

Hi Everyone I hope you are all having a wonderful start to your weekend!  I was awoken early this morning by 100's of screeching cockatoo's.  They have been absent from around our home for months but with it being some time since we have had decent rain everything is dry so no doubt they are looking for food, and they found it at our house this morning, given we had only last night put some seed out for the lorikeets and king parrots which we feed.  So my early rise has seen me get some work done and I sat down here realising that I totally forgot to schedule my post for the latest Poodles Parlour - Anything Goes Challenge.

This week we are joined by Milk Coffee as are Sponsor and the design team was lucky enough to get to play with some of there gorgeous images.

My card uses the image Charlotte Paper Ship.

I have used a swirly background paper from K & Co to resemble waves and the reverse side was perfect for a Sunny Sky.  She looks so dreamy in her little paper ship that I thought a Thinking of You Sentiment would be a great match for this image.  Charlotte and her paper ship are colored with Tria Markers, and I have added a little Kindy Glitz along the waves.

To see more of these adorable images be sure to head over the Poodles Parlour Blog and checkout all the wonderful Design Teams cards created for your inspiration this fortnight.

 I do hope you join the fun of this challenge and have a great weekend!

31 Day Card Challenge - Day 3 & Day 4

Good Afternoon!  I am back with my latest two card makes for the 31 Day Card Challenge I am participating in.

The first five day challenges are all Color Challenges.

Day 3 - Is to Use Primary Colors

For this one, I scrambled through my paper scraps finding some with the colors I required, and cut them into pieces and randomly stuck them down a piece thin white cardstock which I then ran through the Big Shot with one of my bird dies for a quick CAS Card.  The Sentiment is from the Unity Stamp Co stamped in SU Pacific Point Ink.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:-

Eureka Stamps - #8 Friendship

Love to Create Challenges - #35 Thinking of You

Deep Ocean Challenge Blog - #35 More than Two Colors

Use it Tuesday - #40 Use your Scraps

Day 4 - Use the Colors of Fallen Leaves

This card uses some old Autumn Themed Papers from Stamping Up to capture the required color combo, which includes none other than some falling autumn leaves.  The stamped image is from one of the Unity Stamp Co KOTM from 2011 and I have added 3 Autumn Toned Dew Drops from the Robin's Nest.

I have a few busy days of blog posts coming up between Friday - Sunday for all my Design Team Commitments so my next 31 Day Card Challenge Post may not be until early next week.  Have a great rest of your day! 

A New Challenge with Unity Stamps

After being in bed sick for a couple of days I was longing to get back into my craft room and create so I decided to check out some new challenges and play along as it has felt like ages since I have been in my craft room.

I found a new Challenge which asks for you to use Unity Stamps so I couldn't resist.  The Challenge is over at the Craft A Lot Blog.  Craft A Lot is an Australian Site/Store which sells Unity Stamps and is the exclusive Distributor of their KOTM here.  The Craft A Lot Challenge was to use any Unity Stamp and Bling.

I also decided to incorporate the colors from the latest Paper Players Challenge which are Baja Breeze, Poppy Parade and Daffodil Delight

Plus play along for the first time with the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge which is to pick a letter of the alphabet and use three things on your card which start with that letter.  I chose the Letter R - for Red, Roses and Rhinestones.

For this one I have used the gorgeous rose stamp from the Unity March 2012 KOTM and the Sentiment is from the Unity Stamp Set 'My Thoughts are with You'.  

I randomly stamped the rose in Poppy Parade onto the Daffodil Delight Cardstock and then took my Water Brush and very roughly coloured the rose in using Poppy Parade and the Baja Breeze.  Because its on the yellow the Baja Breeze sort of looks more green. I then took my White Gel Pen and went over some of the outlines of the stamp (similar to the Bandana Technique but without the Stazon Ink).  I also swirled some of the Baja Breeze Ink left on my waterbrush between my stamped Design.  

My sentiment I simply stamped with Poppy Parade on White and then punched it out using my SU Large Oval Punch and layered under the image.

Finishing with my rose embellishment which I simply stamped out again on the yellow and coloured but did not highlight with the white gel pen.  A few punched leaves layered underneath the rose, a eyelet scalloped border underneath the image panel and some bling and there you have it. 

I am going to send this one to a friend who has been a bit down of late to let her know I am thinking of her.

Challenges used for inspiration:

Craft A Lot - May Unity Challenge

The Paper Players - Challenge #95

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday - Challenge #169

       

SWAT May Sketch

This month's fabulous Sketch over at Sketches with a Twist I must admit was a bit of a challenge for me to turn into a card.  But I got there in the end by simplifying and choosing those elements I really loved to translate into my card design and I am kind of happy how it turned out.

 

The twist this month is to include stitching somewhere on your design. No faux stitching it has to be hand or machine stitched. This for me I think was the hardest part of the challenge, because those of you who know me know I can't stitch for quids, and I loathe it.  Lucky for me I owned one gorgeous Martha Stewart Punch with a stitched edge,so easily made the holes and I do own a needle and floss.

The beautiful rose paper is another one from the Christy Tomlinson She Art Paper Pack I received as a free gift from the Unity Stamp Company, and I love how this stamp from their KOTM coordinates so beautifully with it.  The other thing I am finding about working with these beautiful papers, is that I am using colours I wouldn't normally reach for or team together.

I am really hoping to find some spare time to do some scrapbooking and if I do I can't wait to try this sketch for a layout too!  

Also don't forget to check out the fabulous designs by the rest of the DT over at the S.W.A.T. Blog.  I just love seeing how everyone translates it so beautifully and so differently and  if you are up to the challenge of using this design for either a page or card, I can't wait to see what you create either.

Magical Monday - Be Inspired

Monday here was Magical.  The sun was out for the full day, and combined with the wind it was the perfect day for doing the washing.  It was a nice change from all the wet weather we have been experiencing.

Our Challenge this fortnight over at There's Magic in the Air has been set by fellow DT Member Sonia Rivera and she has challenged us to come up with a card using the wonderful picture below as our inspiration.

The pops of color from the furnishing and the white couch were my main inspiration.  The Patterned Paper and Green Strip down one side was taken from the floor rug, the yellow strip and flower from the pot in the top left corner and the shape of the image panel was from the cushions.

The image which I've colored with my Tria Markers is called 'Sent with Love' from the Paper Cupcakes  Store.  I've cut this out and popped it up and once again I am using the beautiful She Art Papers by Christy Tomlinson.

Be sure to pop over to the TIMITA blog to see what inspiration from the picture the rest of the Design Team has taken.  You are sure to love them all, and I can't wait to see what wonderful entries we have, one of which I am hoping will be yours!