JAI #19

I've done some catching up blogging today, as last week I was sick, feeling better today, so was able to do this weeks Just Add Ink Challenge, this week is a colour challenge. The challenge included two of my favourite colours: Melon Mambo and Taken With Teal.
I've used the hummingbird stamp from the Spring Song Stamp Set, which has a great price of $30.95 for 3 stamps.
Using Markers and Blender pens I've inked the stamp with the 3 colours and then stamped as usual. Finishing off with some of the delicious Melon Mambo Grosgrain ribbon.

Recycle It!!

I've had an idea to make one of these for a while- it's a mini book made from toilet rolls..... Yes Toilet Rolls.
The idea is to squash them down so they can hold ATc's, however I Found mine too small to hold ATC's. Nevermind, I turned it into a tag book instead. I covered the rolls with Cottage Wall DSP, and randomly stamped with Vintage Vogue.
And using scraps of paper punched some flowers with the Boho Flower Punch

Swap Sisters ATC

This week Melissa Challneged us to use this Seed Packet Clip art on our ATC, and to Mount the finished ATC on a card.
I brayered my background on my ATC with Not Quite Navy, stamped with Vintage Vogue, added the clipart brayered with Pink Pirouette and some pretty flowers. For the card base I used En Francais Background Stamp and distressed with the Not Quite Navy Ink Pad.

Just Add Ink 18

This weeks Just Add Ink chllange is another sketch. I've mad a simple accordion card, which I 've coloured with Certainly Celery Ink. A great other use of those pads is to just drag them across the card, gives an easy distressed look. I've used the Always Stamp set to decorate front and back with some old sheet music sponged in Old Olive. to add a little bit of interest I've also stamped the bird from the set onto clear Shrink Plastic (not Stampin'Up!).
Quick easy card with a vintage feel. If you want to know how to make an accordion card or anything else on my blog please email me.

More Challenges

Here are some more of the things I've been creating this weekend. Just a quick post as my dinner's ready LOLx

Swap Sisters ATC

Here's a cute little Boy Blue ATC I created following the "rules" of last wednesdays Swap Sisters ATC Night. I do love ATC's and have quite a collection now, they are just a great small way to flex your creative muscles.

Just- Add- Ink #17 - Card 2

So here is my second card, very similar to the first, except it's much more simple in style.

Just- Add-Ink #17

This week is a technique challenge with a blog hop showcasing different techniques on the design teams websites. I've gone with tow of the techniques: masking shown by Danielle Daws and Watercolouring as shown by Sarah Klass.
I wanted to create a soft vintage look, so I purposely used Chocolate Chip Ink rather than StazOn. This has given the stamped images a softer feel. Using Winter Post Stamp Set, I've stamped the couple on to water colour paper. Then I masked them, and stamped with trees from Lovely as a Tree. I've also used the reflection technique to add the skater's reflection on the ice. I love how this has created a little romantic scene. I've then watercoloured using various inks. Using the Aqua Painter make this surprisingly easy and gives a very different look to using Blender Pens. Then to complete the winter look I've added "snow" using dazzling Diamonds and Pearl Ex Powder.
I have made two cards, and couldn't decide which I liked best so Here's card 1, with card 2 to follow in separate post.
Card 1 is in my favourite style- Over the Top Vintage LOL. For the Vintage background I've collaged text, sheet music and stamps, adding a soft glaze with Mod Podge. I've then added embellishments of mini tags and beads from the Pretties Kit.
Let me know which one you prefer.

Hostess Gift

Hosting a workshop for me brings many rewards, just one of which is receiving some Stampin' Up! stamps from me, as a small thank you. These ones for my hostess last night were presented in this cute little box, decorated with the Cottage Garden Set. This is set has such clean lines and is very verastile. Contact me if you want to book a workshop or make an order. Remember my Special May Offer- spend $70 (excluding shipping) and I will throw in a Stampin" Write Journaler pen for FREE!

Just Add Ink #16

This weeks Just Add Ink Challenge is a colour Combo Challenge of : Soft Suede, So Saffron, Ruby Red and Pretty in Pink. I have to say I found this challenge tricky especially as I don't have any Soft Suede. I've done a 6 X 6 scrapbook page, using the heart from the Always Stamp Set and some layering.

Saturday Sketch Challenge 150

I thought I'd do a sketch challenge today so I've entered Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 150. I love Melon Mambo and it looks stunning with a black colour combo. Always is one of my favourite stamp sets and it's so versatile. I enjoyed this sketch, check out Stamping 411 for the operators designs.

I love Little books!

I am just really enjoying making these little books of love. They are just 2 inches X 2 inches big, but full of embellishments. They can be made in any style but I'm really enjoying trying new stamping techniques and collage and these little books are perfect for showing that off.
Want to know how to make one? Then email me (see contact me) and I'll arrange a class or workshop for you and your friends.

Swap Sister ATC

Every wednesday night is ATC night at Swap Sisters. This week was to use pink and white card stock only. With 2 paper embellishments, 2 pieces of ribbon or lace and paper flowers. Here's what I've made, a pretty in pink new baby ATC.

Mother's Day Card

As promised here's the card I've made for my Mom. It matches the C/D case I blogged yesterday. Again Sahara Sand card stock is the base, with Cottage wall DSP. I've added interest with the scallop punch. I stamped the image from Asian Artistry and again "cracked Glass". I then added ribbon and "Happy Mother's Day" with a Rub On, onto a little sponged badge using a circle punch and the Scallop Circle punch.

Beautiful Blog

Two Blog awards in one day!!!! Thank You /Karen Rogers! Karen has given me the beautiful Blog award.
Ten things about me....
1.We've been living in New Zealand for 8+ years.
2.My "other job" is as an osteopath.
3.I was once struck by lightening.
4.I've traced my family tree back about 9 generations.
5.I'm allergic to all things with fur.
6.I gave birth to all my children at home-biggest babe being 10 pounds 3 ounzes!
7.I believe in angels.
8.I was born in Sutton Coldfield, UK.
9.In my teens I was a goth- tehe.
10. I love Christmas.

Just Add Ink Challenge #15

This weeks challenge at Just Add Ink is a sketch, and you know I like Sketch Challenges!
So here's my entry this week. It's now tradition for me to make a CD of music for my mom at Mother's Day, and I always make them pretty cases. Here's this years case. I've used Sahara Sand Cardstock as my base. Cottage Wall DSP as the background. I've stamped an image from the Level 2 Hostess Set Asian Artistry, using the blender pens I've shaded with Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive, sponging with Rich Razzleberry and So Saffron. I've then clear embossed about 5 layers onto the image, to produce the "Cracked Glass" look. I've matted with Rich Razzleberry and old sheet music. Added flowers and ribbon and we're done. I think this image from the Asian Artistry is so pretty and lends it's self perfectly to the "Cracked Glass" look.
Check back tomorrow for my matching card.

Sunshine Award

Well what a lovely way to start the day and week!! I've been sent the Sunshine Award, spreading happiness and appreciaton - Thank You Paula!!!!!!!

I now have the great honor of passing the Sunshine around-Tricky to choose these ladies inspire me in different ways- thank you ladies.

Oh here are some "rules" for the award.
1. Put the Sunshine Award on your blog and/or within your post.
2. Pass the Award to other bloggers.
3. Link the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you recived the award.
As I said the tricky bit is choosing....

1. Karen Rogers
2.Barbara
3. Sarah Gough