PTT#75 Show your Colors

At Party Time Tuesdays this week we have gone Red, White and Blue, yes it is the 4th of July in the States tomorrow but this isn't a Independence Day Themed Challenge.  We want you to to show us your Countries Colors on your cards this week.  Be sure to let us know your country if it isn't the USA when you link your entry too!

 

Image:  The Digi Garden, Papers/Cardstock:  Stamping Up!

Other:  Just Rite Alphabet, Star and Scallop Oval Punches, Kindy Glitz, Tria Markers

 

Pinwheel and Nesting Box Cutting Files from the Cutting Cafe,

Papers/Cardstock:  Stamping Up!

Other:  Chipboard Star, Ribbon, Silver Brad and Bamboo Skewer

This week we are joined by five fabulous sponsors. The DT got to play with the adorable images from The Digi Garden and The Crafty Pad along with some cutting files for Pinwheels and Nesting Boxes from The Cutting Cafe.  And don't be put off if you haven't got a cutting machine, because I used the files and cut everything by hand.

So lets see how patriotic you are and show us your Country's colors in your creations. For more wonderful inspiration and all the challenge rules head over to the PTT Blog.

Our Sponsors this week include:

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S.W.A.T July Sketch

Happy 1st of July everyone!  A quick shout out this morning to all my friends in the States, I've been thinking of them all and hoping that they and their families have not been caught up in the devastating fires in Colorado this week.  I have relations in Colorado and my dad spoke with some of them this morning and thankfully they are all safe.   Also a big hello and welcome to all my new followers too!  Your comments really do brighten my day so thank you.

Today is the start of another month which means its also time for another Sketch Challenge over at Sketches with a Twist.  This month we are joined by our New Sketch Designer Julianne and 3 new DT Members Jodi, Peg and Rachelle so be sure to pop over and visit their blogs and leave some love.

Here's the card I made based on the sketch.  Using that wonderful honeycomb paper from The Robin's Nest (this time the distressed side).  It went perfectly with the flower images from Crafty Individuals.  The nature quote is a Dark Room Door Stamp.  

Stamps:  Dark Room Door Viva La Flora Vol 2 and Unity KOTM

Images:  Crafty Individuals Miniatures 'Flowers and Butterflies'

Inks:  Black Memento and SU Marina Mist and Baja Breeze

Paper/Cardstock Stampin' Up and The Robin's Nest

Other:  Photo Corner and Scallop Circle Punches, Dew Drops and Black Tria Marker

The twist this month is to add some doodling to your layout.  So I have done some faux stitching around the edges, and scallops and then done a bit of a doodling from the side into my flower images, and of course couldn't resist using some Dew Drops also from the Robin's Nest to finish along with a couple of handmade flowers.

We are yet to have anyone join us by entering a card into this challenge, will you be the first!  I'd love it if you were!  For some further inspiration be sure to head over to the S.W.A.T Blog and see what the rest of the DT Designed this month and don't forget to say hello to the new DT members too!

S.W.A.T. April Sketch

I have to say I am so enjoying being part of the Sketches with a Twist Team.  The sketches from our very own DT Member Janice have been both fun to work with and challenging to convert into a card design.  Most of all I love seeing the inspiration from my fellow Design Team Members and the entries we receive each month from our Challenge Participants.

This month we have another fabulous sketch for you, and the twist is to use some form of mesh (eg Magic Mesh, fly screen, a mesh fruit bag, etc) on your layout.  Luckily for me I had been sent some fly screen mesh as a RAK in part of a ATC Swap recently.

I straight away knew on seeing this sketch that I wanted to make a Birthday Card.  I had the fun bright colours and patterns of Echo Park's Summer Days Collection Papers already out, so when I saw the ice-creams in this collection it came to me to use them and my Sweet Birthday Wish Sentiment from my Unity KOTM Stamp Set.  For this design I also used my Ribbon Loop Punch by Martha Stewart, Circle Punches by Stampin' Up!, Victorian Rectangle Nesting Die from Couture Creations, and the Flower and Clear Rhinestone Brads are from my stash.

So who of you are up to the Challenge for April?  Whether it is as a scrapbook page or card design, we'd love to see it.  Simply head over to the Sketches with a Twist Site for further details, inspiration and to link your entry.  

PTT #60 - Photo Inspiration Challenge

This is my third post for today - Please scroll down for Paper Cupcakes Magical Monday and/or Cute as a Button (Colour Combos Galore Inspiration Challenge #220)

 

It's time for another Colour/Photo Inspiration Challenge at Party Time Tuesdays.  This week we are taking you away to a tropical paradise escape, and bringing you the enticing colours of 

Sea Foam, Brown Cream and Buttercup.  

We are once again joined by our Month Long Sponsors Spesch Stamps and Robin's Nest and for this week only Digi Stamps 4 Joy and Digital Delights.

My card uses Paper and Dew Drops from Robin's Nest, and the Celebration Cake Image from Digi Stamps for Joy.  I have colored the image using my Tria Markers, the sentiment and colored cardstock except for the base card is from Stampin' Up!, as are the oval punches whilst my all time favorite Ribbon Loop punch is from Martha Stewart.  The ribbed card base is from a Card Pack I purchased last week from my friend Julie at Time to Create.  You will find a link to her blog and store on my sidebar, she has a extensive range of paper-crafting supplies which includes her own range of beautiful handmade embellishments.

 

Beauty in All Things

Yesterday whilst trying to stay cool I spent some time surfing the net and found some wonderful challenge sites.  One which really took my fancy was "The Colour Room", which is actually a Ning Forum with a regular Colour Palette Challenge and an optional sketch for both layouts and cards to use too.  Their gallery has some absolutely stunning creations to inspire and admire and this weeks palette really caught my eye so  I couldn't help but play along.

Here's what I came up with, using one of my favorite Stamps from the Unity Stamp Company - Beauty in All Things.

The cardstock colours and Inks are from Stampin' Up! and the Paper is from Cosmo Cricket.  I used my Sakura and a small daisy punch to create the flowers, my Stampin' Up Scallop Punch and finished with some Blue Dragonfly Rhinestones.


If you love Colour Challenges than you really should check out the Colour Palettes and the wonderful inspiration at The Colour Room.

The perfect way to give a little something

Today I am heading out to have coffee with the girls.......my lovely crafty friends who I share my passion of papercrafts with and also lots of fun and other adventures.

Recently one of them discovered a lovely new little coffee shop called 'Just Grinds' and we have been there a few times now.  They have a wonderful back courtyard which has lovely shade trees and garden, a water fountain and the most beautiful mural of a rainforest painted on the walls.  It's such a pleasant place to enjoy a good coffee and good company.

Sizzix Die, Echo Park Papers, Stampin' Up! Ornament Punch, Red Satin Ribbon,  White Paper Shred.

Without going overboard, I have a little something to give each of them today to wish them all a Merry Christmas and as my way of thanking them for their friendship and support throughout the year.  I was wanting something to dress these small gifts up a bit so I reached for one of my Sizzix Dies and made these cute little gift bags.

They really are so easy to make and you can jazz up one side, both sides or the whole bag if you want.  You can leave them open, shut them like a lunch bag or in my case add a handle.  They are also another great way to use up those left over paper scraps. 

I am thinking I might even make some more to add to each place setting this year at the Christmas Table and personalise them with each guests name stamped on the Christmas Ornament.   

Other than my coffee date today, I have lots to look forward to this week.  My sister who I haven't seen in well over a year is coming to visit.  An old friend may be paying us a visit tommorrow and on Friday my DH starts three weeks holidays and we have lots planned.

I hope you have lots to look forward to this week too!

What's in My Garden and Colourful Birds ATC's.

I have been participating in some wonderful ATC Swaps of late, these latest cards are now on their way to the Swap Host in New Zealand.

The themes were 'What's in My Garden" and Colourful Birds.

For both sets I have used my rubber stamps and coloured with my Tria Markers. 

For the What's in My Garden Series I used masking and sponging techniques taking some inspiration from what is happening in my garden of late aswell.

Of late in my garden have been lots and lots of beautiful butterflies

particularly ones with lots of rich tones of brown. 

The butterfly is the Stampin' Up! All A Flutter Image and the background is the En Francais Stamp.

The most recent addition to our garden has been a beautiful hyrangea.  As my mother's alzhiemers progresses we find her reminiscing more and more and the hyrdrangea was all throughout her mothers garden, it holds fond memories for us all.

The Hydrangea Image is a Stamp from the Because I Care Hostess Set by Stampin' Up! and the Background is the En Francais Stamp.

Each morning we awaken to the garden full of joyful song from all the birds preparing for their busy days ahead. 

This little fellow reminded me of the Blue Splendid Fairy Wrens that I just love. 

The bird is part of a Crafty Individuals Stamp and the Background is the same as my others in this set.

For the Colourful Birds Set of ATC's I used the Crayon Resist Technique with Alcohol Inks  The whimsical type bird stamps I used for this series are all from one set, I have misplaced their packaging but I think it is a set from Inkadinkado.  Again I have taken inspiration from the birds I have seen in and around our garden.

For this bird it is all about the tail..........he so reminded me of the Wrens and Willywag Tails we have frequent our garden.  I chose the colours of the wrens in our garden to use for this fine fellow.

The racous of the Lorikeets and King Parrots feeding can be heard constantly

 in our garden when the Bottlebrushes and Grevillas are in flower.

Quite often we have caught a glimspe of a shadow of an Owl in the Moonlight.

 His colours remain somewhat of a mystery but you don't miss his big bright eyes.

Our lovely host in New Zealand is also hosting a Magnificient Elephants Swap and a Beautiful Butterflies Swap so I am looking forward to hopefully joining in the fun of these ones as well in the coming months.  This all depends on well I get on top of my Christmas Card Orders I have from a few regular customers and my own list of cards to send.

Family - Every Moment Counts

Good Morning I have just a quick post today with another Scrap Layout I did for this month's Technique Challenge over at the Scrap Lounge.  The technique this month is Doodling/Paper Stitching. 

For this layout I decided to break out an Elina's Doodle and Stitch Template I have but had never used and create a piece of patterned paper using this design.  I then used this paper to mat my photo and for a few other feature pieces on this layout.  I also faux stitched and dotted my Title Tag - Family Every Moment Counts.

Papers:  Kaiser Craft Bubblegum Hills Collection, Buttons:  American Crafts

(The above items mentioned items were kindly supplied by this months Scrap Lounge Sponsor - Chocollo Cards and Crafts)

Title Stamp:  Family every moment counts - Unity June KOTM, Title Tag from Time to Create

Die Cut Flowers:  Spellbinders Carnation Shapeabilities, Leaves:  XL 2 Step Bird Punch by Stampin' Up!

Ink:  Black Versafine and SU Stampin Write Basic Black Marker

This is one of the rare photos of Rod and I together (as I hate my photo being taken).  It was a professional photo we had taken after we first moved here to Casino back in 2000.  The sad news of a close friend being ill and not expected to see Christmas, inspired this layout as a reminder to Cherish Every Moment we have with those we love.

The smaller quote on this layout reads:  'When we see with our hearts, every moment is the most wonderful gift in the world'. 

A Very Sweet Birthday Wish

I have a card for a much brighter occasion today than yesterdays post, a Birthday!  It uses the very sweet Flower Cupcake with a Butterfly Image from Paper Cupcakes.  I just had to use bright colours and you can't not use Yellow when wanting a Cheery Bright and Happy Card now can you?

Digi Image: Flower Cupcake with a Butterfly from Paper Cupcakes

Stamps: Sentiment from Unity June KOTM, Small Butterfly from Stampin' Up!

Paper: Sweet Fairy Collection by Prima Marketing, Lifes Good by Echo Park

Cardstock: by Stampin' Up! Colours/Ink: Tria Markers used on both Butterflies, Sentiment Stamped with SU Basic Black

Other: Spellbinders Scallop Circle Die, Leaves from 2 Step Bird Punch by SU, Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon by SU,

Button, Paper Flowers, Twine, and Rhinestones all from my Stash.

There are lots of layers in this card today (although you may not be able to see them in the photo) as I have chosen to play along with the There is Magic In The Air - Let's Layer Challenge. The cake alone has four not including the flower on top. Overall not counting the base card I have at least six. I was quite happy with how the paper pieced and layered cupcake turned out on this card.

A sweet image, A sweet Sentiment and there you have it a Very Sweet Birthday Card.

I am also entering this card in the

All Sorts Challenge Blog - Week 113 Free and Easy Challenge
Anything Goes Challenge Blog - #46 Pick of the Bunch Flowers

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Its Party Time - PTT Challenge #26 Anything Goes

Anything Goes is our Party Theme this week and the Party Time Tuesdays Design Team members once again got to play with some fabulous products from our sponsors.  Here is my card!  You can see all the other Design Team Members Creations here.

Digi:  Paper Pretties - Birthday Balloons for You, Sentiment by Stampin' Up!

Cardstock/Paper:  Robin's Nest, Stampin' Up!, Ink:  Tria Markers and Choc Chip SU Ink Pad

Other:  Buttons and Twine from my Stash

We have a couple of really HOT sponsors for you this week!   The very cool scrap store Robin's Nest, and the ever so famous digi and Rubber store-Paper Pretties!!! 

Here is a bit of information about each:

We are a scrapbooking company with a huge love for

creating memories into art.  We love sharing and

are glad to be apart of this challenge!

 

One Lucky Winner will receive a $25 gift Certificate to The Robin's Nest online Store....How lucky!

 

 

Paper Pretties is a full-service online crafting store.  

We have many exclusive stamp lines, from elegant to

whimsical, sweet to clever; there is something for every stamper in our Prettie Boutique!

In case you haven't heard yet, Paper Pretties has a BRAND

NEW owner, Heather Lee-Reppen.  Now located in Madison, WI,

we are pleased to offer you amazing customer service,

faster and cheaper shipping, and a wider variety of stamping

"must have" products to go along with all of our fun new

stamps!! All orders are shipped within 24 hours

One Lucky winner will receive this ADORABLE Digi!

 

So what are you waiting for - Our Anything Goes Challenge is just waiting for you. 
Simply follow all the details shown on the Party Time Tuesdays Blog, and link up your entry for your chance to win.  It's that easy!

PS.  And be sure to join us for all the fun at Party Time Tuesdays next week
as we have our first ever Blog Hop!

Just Like Nana used to Grow!

These beautiful hydrangea's are just like my Nana used to grow, well almost!  The only difference is her's were real in the garden and mine can only be admired on a card.  I just love this Hydrangea Stamp from Stampin' Up! it is one of my favorite go to stamps cos it is so versatile and I love colouring it in.

Upon getting my new Tria Markers earlier this week I immediately reached for this stamp to make up a couple of birthday cards.  Colouring in really is wonderful therapy.   

My first card also followed the Magical Monday sketch over at - There is Magic in the Air with Paper Cupcake Stamps Challenge Blog.  All items used except the flower bling and Tria Markers are from SU. 

My second card is made as a 50th Birthday Card.  I love the combination of colours on this one.   I used another piece of my Basic Grey Leftovers which was the same one I used for yesterdays Put On Your Party Dress Card for the Unity Friday Friends with Flair.  The Sentiment is using my Just Rite Special Occassions Font and Circle Stamper.

It turns out I will be doing a bit of crafting this weekend after all as we recieved some sad news yesterday that my Brother In Law's Mother had passed away in her sleep, so a couple of Sympathy Cards will be required.  Our deepest sympathies go out to Scott, his Step Father Toby and all the family, we are truly sorry for your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time as we know her sudden and unexpected  passing would have come as a shock to you all. 

After recieving this news I visited a blog where a card read : - Nothing is worth More Than Today.  (Thanks for sharing Erin).  How true as we never know what tommorrow may bring.  Be sure to give all those you care about a big hug and tell them that you love them today and everyday.

Sending hugs your way today!  Thanks for being my blog buddy!

Sketchy Tuesday - PTT Challenge #25

This week over at Party Time Tuesdays we have a fun sketch for you to try out...but first...

 

We have a couple of really HOT sponsors to introduce you to this week! The very cool scrap store Robin's Nest, and the ever so famous digi and Rubber store-Paper Pretties!!! Here is a bit of information about each: 

We are a scrapbooking company with a huge love for

creating memories into art.  We love sharing and

are glad to be apart of this challenge!

One Lucky Winner will receive a $25 gift Certificate to The Robin's Nest online Store....

How lucky!

Paper Pretties is a full-service online crafting store.  

We have many exclusive stamp lines, from elegant to

whimsical, sweet to clever; there is something for every stamper in our Prettie Boutique!

In case you haven't heard yet, Paper Pretties has a BRAND

NEW owner, Heather Lee-Reppen.  Now located in Madison, WI,

we are pleased to offer you amazing customer service,

faster and cheaper shipping, and a wider variety of stamping

"must have" products to go along with all of our fun new

stamps!! All orders are shipped within 24 hours

One Lucky winner will receive this ADORABLE Digi!

 Here is this weeks wonderful inspiration sketch.

I got a bit carried away with using the cute image provided by Paper Pretties - Garner the Garden Gnome this week that I actually started making a card not following the sketch.  When I realised it was a Sketchy Tuesday I managed to salvage what I had started to create and I adapted it to match the sketch.  The flower stickers, dew drops and pretty purple papers are all from our other sponsor this week Robin's Nest.

Digi Stamp:  Garner by Paper Pretties, Sentiment - Stampin' Up!

Papers:  Robin's Nest, Cardstock Stampin' Up!

Ink:  Stampin' Up Basic Black and Stampin' Write Markers

Other:  Stickers, Dew Drops both from Robyn's Nest.

So if you are looking for a little inspiration/a fun sketch to follow be sure to pop on over to

Party Time Tuesdays for this month's Sketchy Tuesdays Challenge #25.

 
 

Love is in the Air - Engagement Cards x 3

This past weekend I have been making a variety of engagement cards.  I don't have many romantic or wedding/engagement images so I turned to the wonderful world wide web for some imagery in the form of digital stamps/papers for these creations.  I also used my PC to create the sentiments for two of these cards.

The first card is a quick and simple card, where adding a bit of glitter to the image and popping up on a embossed background was all I thought was needed.  Isn't this image just the cutest?

Digi Stamps:  One Heart by Stitchy Bear Stamps

Other:  Red and Crystallina Kindy Glitz, Stampin' Write Markers, Devine Swirls Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

For my second card I wanted something a little bit different with a bit of a vintage feel.  I also chose to make this card an Easel Card.  The background paper I used had lots of romantic words and quotations.  I used the flourish to frame a quotation about True Love.

Digi Stamp:  The Kiss (part of Valentine Set) by Gingerloft/Stitchy Bear Digital Stamps

Sentiment Love and Hearts from Stampin' Up!

Paper/Cardstock:  The Paper Loft, Stampin' Up, Other:  Flowers, Chipboard Flourish all from my stash, Vintage Lace from Stampin' Up!

For my third card I chose to create something a little bit more elegant and created a Centre Step Card given an engagement is a Special Occassion.

Stamps:  Heart Key Stamp part of the May KOTM by Unity

Paper:  Stampin' Up Cardsotck and Floral Digital Paper by  Panda Bear Design Graphics/Stitchy Bear Digitial Stamps.

Other:  EK Success Border Punch and Flowers from my Stash

Does the heart embellishment look familar?.  I have created the heart with flower embellishment for a card once before using the Heart Key Stamp by Unity and a Flower and Crystal Flower Centre from my Stash. I loved it and so did most of the people who commented on this particular card so I made it again.  By applying Crystal Effects to give the heart dimension and shine the edges turned slightly and I loved this effect.

This is a glimpse of what I have been creating of late.  Don't forget to pop back in the next day or so for my example and all the details of another fabulous Sketch Challenge - this months Sketchy Tuesdays over at Party Time Tuesday's Challenge Blog.