Glimmer Mist Resist

This is my card for the following challenges:

• Sketch Saturday - Sketch
• Stampavie - Distressing
  
• Crafty Creations - Make your own background
  
• Secret Crafter - Distressing
  

I started this card by making the two background panels. I stamped the swirl, which is from the Baroque Motifs Stampin' Up set with Versamark and embossed with white EP. I then sprayed Juniper Glimmer Mist onto my craft mat, then soaked it up with a piece of cotton wool and wiped it over the embossing. I distressed the edges and rubbed Broken China Distress ink over the edge. The main image is by Elusive Images and is stamped onto card that has had the same Glimmer Mist wiped over it. I've then cut it out with a deckle edged Nestability and blended some Faded Jeans Distress ink around the edge. I mounted it onto a piece of navy card and I cut around the edge with some deckle scissors.


The sentiment is also from the same Elusive Images set. The bottom layer is from Stampin' Up and the pearls have been coloured with a Petrol Blue ProMarker.

I've had a very leisurely day today as I took the day off from work. I popped into town this morning and then have crafted on and off all day. I feel quite spoilt !

Thanks for looking
Sue

I ♥ ProMarkers Challenge 12

Here we are again for another fab challenge over on I ♥ ProMarkers and this week it is a sketch and we are being sponsored by Die Cut Dreams.


I'm also putting this card in for the following challenges:

• C.R.A.F.T challenge - Pink and brown
• Quixotic Challenge - How Distressing
• Stamptacular - Sew Special ( my card is for a special friend)
  

The main image is another wonderful image from Isabella's Sketchbook, and if you've read my earlier post today you'll understand why today is an exciting day for me. I have been lucky enough to join Isabella's DT so you will be seeing a few of Isabella's fantastic images in the future.


I've shaded the image with ProMarkers then cut it out with a circle Nestability. I've then used Distress Inks, Spun Sugar and Faded Lipstick around the edge. I removed the die then added the ink on this occasion. I was asked a quesion on a previous post how I keep the outer edge clear of ink. The answer is sponge the ink around the image while the Nestability die is still in place, then when you remove it you have a perfect border. The background paper is My Minds Eye and I've done a mix of faux and real stitching, the cross stitches are the real ones. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up and I've done another cross stitch below it and added some Distress inks. The buttons are from my stash and I've used some embroidery thread through the centre.

I'm running late tonight as I called in to see my Mum on the way home and after we'd put the world to rights and then cooked tea.......well you know what it's like !

Thanks for looking
Sue

Isabella's Sketchbook DT launch today !!!!!

I'm so excited about this I've been bursting since I found out...I am on the DT for Isabella's Sketchbook challenge ! I love Isabella's images and couldn't believe my eyes when I received the email to say I was on the DT. Today is the launch day for the new DT and you must check out the other DT members, their work is fantastic.

The above card is one I shared with you recently but I didn't have time to make a new one with a new image, but watch this space ! This image is called apple basket.

I do hope you will join in with the challenge this week which is an open one you just have to use one of Isabella's gorgeous images. The prize is to win 6 images so well worth playing along. I look forward to visiting you all !

Sue

x

Not sure about this one........

You know how sometimes you have an idea in your head but when you put it into practice something gets lost in the translation....well that definitely happened with this card ! But in true blogging style, you have to show the not so good as well as the OK.......lol......
I'm putting this card in for the following challenges:

• Passion for ProMarkers - sketch & handmade flowers
• Die Cut Dreams - Make your own flowers
• Project Tuesday - Folded paper frame

I started by stamping the image with black Memento ink then stamping it again on a post it note so that I could mask the first image. I then shaded them with ProMarkers and blended Distress ink around the edge. All of the papers are My Minds Eye and the edge punch is a Martha Stewart.

The flowers are made from tissue paper and are cut out using a Scalloped Circle Nestability and then I've rubbed Distress ink over them. The sentiment is stamped with black Stazon and is a Stampin' Up stamp.

Just a quick post tonight as I've not had much time today. Time for some shut eye now !

Thanks for looking

Sue

Potted plant ...and a little bit of new stash !

I thought I'd share what I picked up today at the Craft show at Aintree Race Course. It wasn't a massive show but there were one or two little items that I 'needed'. It was quite nice too as I won the tickets from the Craft Stamper magazine !



This is my card for the following challenges:

• Inspirational Card Sketches - Sketch


• Passion for ProMarkers - In the garden


• Fab'n'Funky - Get it all out - stash that's been neglected

The main image is a Rubbadubbado stamp that I've stamped with black Memento then shaded with ProMarkers. I've cut it out with Labels 3 Nestabilities and used Dried Marigold and Spiced Marmalade Distress Inks around the edge. The horizontal embossed strip is from the Cuttlebug Just My Type set which I'm embarassed to say I bought well over 12 months ago and this is the first time I've used it ! I've rubbed some Spiced Marmalade over the top and rubbed some Peeled Paint inks around the edge. The two background panels have been stamped with an Elusive Images stamp in Peeled Paint and then Shabby Shutters and some more Peeled Paint rubbed around the edge.

The background paper is Basic Grey and I bought this absolutely ages ago and dug it out for this card. The border and corner punches are part of a round the page set by Martha Stewart (bought today!), and I've added tiny gold pearls to the corners of the main image.

I've had a fab week end, I was out yesterday with my sister shopping and then at a craft show today. It doesn't get much better than that !


Thanks for looking

Sue

An apple a day......

This is my card for the followin challenges :

• Papertake - Sketch (I've rotated it)
• Die Cut Dreans - Tear it up
• Crafty Creations - Distressing
• Daring Cardmakers - Die Cut Crazy
• Isabella's Challenge - Favourite food

The main image is from Isabella's Sketchbook which I've shaded with Pro Markers and added some highlights with a white Inkssentials pen. I've then cut it out with Labels 4 Nestabilites and blended Distress inks - Peeled Paint, Shabby Shutters and Crushed Olive, around the edge. The centre strip has been stamped with a background stamp from Stampin' Up called Bella Toile, and I've torn the paper and rubbed some more Distress ink over the edged and added some linen twine down the centre. The background paper is Making Memories and I've distressed it around the edges and rubbed some more Distress ink around the edge. I've done some faux stitching around the corners.

The sentiment has been done on the PC and cut out using a Fancy Tag and some more Distress inks rubbed over it.

Well I'm still lovin' this weather ! It will soon be time to dig the barbecue out. I'm looking forward to tomorrow too as I'm going out with my sister for some 'needed' retail therapy !

Thanks for looking

Sue

I ♥ ProMarkers Challenge 11

The challenge over on I ♥ ProMarkers this week is to use black, white and one other colour and is being sponsored by Simon Says Stamp. Make sure you hop over and check out the rest of the DT creations!

I'm putting this card in for the following challenges :

• Friday Sketchers - Sketch
• Stamp Something - Something Layered
• Allsorts challenge - In Stitches

The main image is from Isabella's Sketchbook and is called Happy Flower, there are some beautiful images make sure you check them out. It's shaded with Pro Markers, which did take me some time as I wasn't quite happy with it ! It's mounted onto black card and the piece behind this is white card that I've rubbed black Archival ink over. The swirly paper is Pink Petticoat and the background swirls are made using the D'vine embossing folder, then I've rubbed black Archival ink over the top.

The word is from a Stampin' Up set called Bloomin' with Beauty stamped with black Stazon, and I've stitched around the very background piece in black. I've swiped the Archival ink pad around the edges too just to grunge it up a little !

Well what an absolutely gorgeous day again today, I could really get used to this ! I delivered my 2 card orders today and it always makes me really happy when the recipient is happy with them. Makes it all worth while !

Right, smells like tea is nearly ready !

Thanks for looking

Sue

Bit more purple !

I think I'm just about purpled out now ! It's not my favourite colour to work with but as this is another card order and part of the request was to use purple, I've had to bite the bullet! I'm putting this card in for the following challenges:

• The Pink Elephant - Sketch
• Stamp with Fun - Animals
• A Spoon Full of Sugar - Happy Birthday
• Polka Doodles - Animal Magic

The main image is a free stamp that came with a Craft Stamper magazine, and has come in very handy as the other part of the request was to make a card for a dog walker ! I've stamped it with black Memento then shaded with Pro Markers. I've cut it out with a circle Nestability. The background on the bottom half of the card is stamped with a Crafty Individuals swirl stamp with Royal Purple Stazon ink. I've then blended Concord Grape Versamagic ink and Weathered Wood Distress ink around the edge. The spotty paper is Pink Petticoat and I've blended the same ink around the edge of this too.

I've cut some flowers using a Sizzix Bigz die and a Woodware punch and put them through my Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots embossing folder. The numbers are cut using the Olivia alphabet, and the stitching is 'Faux' using a Tombo pen. The sentiment is from a Papermania stamp set stamped with Royal Purple Stazon ink.

This card has taken me ages to do, I just couldn't decide on what to do ! Right just time to watch the end of Friends (can't believe I've got into this programme !) before bed !

Thanks for looking

Sue

Neglected Stamp !

I've been trying to catch up with some card orders today, but as it was so lovely we went out for the morning, so I've only managed the one !

I'm putting this card in for the following challenges :

• A Spoon Full of Sugar - Fab sketch
• Fab'n'Funky - No longer neglected

The main stamp is by Clarity, and I haven't used it in ages so thought it was time to give it an airing. I've stamped it with black Memento ink and shaded with Pro Markers. The background paper is from the Flourishes set by Pink Petticoat. The embossed piece is made with the Victoria embossing folder and I've rubbed Concord Grape Versamagic ink over the top. The very background piece, which you can't actually see much of!, is made using the Bella Toile background stamp by Stampin' Up. I've stamped it with Concord Grape and blended a little of the same ink around the edge.

The sentiment is a stamp I've had for ages and it doesn't say on it who it's made by. I've stamped it with Royal Purple Stazon ink. The word Mum and the number are peel offs that I've coloured with a peel off pen.

Well it's amazing that we've had 2 week ends on the trot that have been so sunny ! I hope that's not it for the year !

Thanks for looking

Sue

Butterfly and flowers !

This is my card for the following challenges :

• Mojo Monday - Sketch ( I swapped the flower for the butterfly!)
• Basic Grey challenge - Blue, Gold and White (the butterfly is a Basic Grey stamp)
• Stampavie - Butterflies
• Our Creative Corner - Beautiful Butterflies
• Creatalicious - Flowers and Wings
• One Stop Craft - Things with wings

I started by cutting out the swirls, which is a Sizzix Bigz Die, and then sponging Distress Inks, Scattered Straw, Wild Honey and Chipped Sapphire over them while they were on a piece of white card. Then I stamped the flowers which are from 3 different stamp sets; Inkadinkado, Stampin' Up and K&Co, using Wild Honey and Chipped Sapphire Distress Inks. I blended some more Chipped Saphire around the edge to give some definition. The 2 horizontal pieces have been inked with the same Distress Inks and then stamped with a leaf border stamp by My Minds Eye. The butterfly is from a Basic Grey stamp set and I've stamped it with black Archival ink onto a piece of card that had already been inked. I cut it out then drew around some of the swirls with a white Inkssentials pen. I threaded some beads onto a wire and threaded the wire through the butterfly and secured it on the back. I glued 2 more beads onto it's antennae and added 2 gold gems to it's wings.

The text is a Stampin' Up stamp from the Bloomin' with Beauty set and it's been cut out with Labels 13 Nestabilities then had Distress Inks blended around the edge. The background piece of card has also been inked with the same Distress Inks then I used the swirl from the Baroque Motif Stampin' Up set and stamped it twice onto scrap card before stamping it onto the main piece as I only wanted a faint image.

Well it's been an absolutely beautiful day and I'm ashamed to say I've not been out in the sun other than to peg some washing out (first lot this year!). I really felt the need to have a tidy up in my craft room and actually create something. My mojo took a hike earlier in the week so I was desperate to get all inky !

Thanks for looking

Sue

Yesterday's post.....missing !

I've just realised that I've got in a bit of a muddle with my posts. I thought I was being clever to get organised and didn't realise that if a post is in draft it will post in order. Any way........this is the link to yesterday's post ! Here

ProMarker Background

I've made this card for the following challenges :

• Passion for ProMarkers - Create your own background using ProMarkers
• The Play Date Cafe - Colour combo - plum, lavender & cream
• Creative Card Crew - Happy Birthday
• Tuesday Taggers - Happy Birthday

I had some fun making this card as I was experimenting with my ProMarkers to make a background. I wasn't quite sure about the result at first, but I'm quite pleased with it now. I scribbled 3 ProMarkers, Plum, Amethyst & Lavender, onto my craft mat then sprinkled Blending Solution over the top. I then pressed white card onto it and let it soak up all of the liquid. Where the ink was mixed with the Blending Solution larger circles appeared and smaller ones where just the ProMarker ink was soaked up. I then stamped the swirl from thte Baroque Motifs Stampin' Up set over the top with Archival black ink and also the small flower from the same set. The main image is from the Bloomin' with Beauty set, stamped with black Memento ink and shaded with ProMarkers. I've cut it out with Labels 3 Nestabilities and the card it's mounted onto is also from Stampin' Up from the Rich Regals collection.

The sentiment is done on the PC and cut out with a Fancy Tag. I've used a white Inkssentials pen to highlight the swirl and use Eggplant Adirondack to grunge things up a little !

Well today started off really well as the sun was out and I didn't have to get up as early as normal, so I had the opportunity for a bowl of porridge ! Amazing how these little things can spoil you, back to silly o'clock tomorrow....lol.....

Thanks for looking

Sue

I ♥ ProMarkers Challenge 10

The challenge this week at I ♥ ProMarkers is the above sketch which is being sponsored by Whimsey Stamps. The DT have all used a Whimsey image, take a hop over to the I ♥ ProMarkers blog to check them out.

As you can see I chose to work with this cat, which is odd for me as I'm really not into cats, I think it was it's fluffiness that caught my eye ! I've kept the shading quite light with my Pro Markers and then I cut the image out with a circle Nestability, and blended Scattered Staw and Aged Mahogany Distress inks around the edge. The embossed piece is made using the Victoria Cuttlebug embossing folder and I've blended Aged Mahogany over the top.

The background paper is My Minds Eye that has been slightly distressed with some more Aged Mahogany. The colour of the ribbon hasn't come out too well on the photo, as it's quite a rich burgundy colour IRL. The text is from the S2G challenge which is to use the word Merci on your project, and I'm entering this card. The background card is from Stampin' Up. I'm also entering this card into the Winter Wonderland challenge which is to do some embossing.

I'm posting early tonight as I'm going out for a meal with a friend who I don't get to see very often. Right best go an get ready !

Thanks for looking

Sue

Young ones !

This is my card for the following challenges :

• Passion for Pro Markers - Young Ones
• Friday Sketchers - Sketch
• Stamp Something - Stitch Something

The main image is a Mo Manning digital image which I've shaded with Pro Markers. I've then cut it out with Labels 4 Nestabilites. I've sponged some Weathered Wood Distress ink and Faded Jeans Distress ink around the edge before removing the die. The two side pieces have been put through my Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots folder then I've rubbed Weathered Wood over the top. The background paper is Pink Petticoat, and I've blended Weathered Wood around the edge and added some faux stitching.

The button is from my stash and the little charm is from a set I picked up from one of those cheap book shops.

I wanted to keep this card quite simple as there's always the temptation to keep adding things. I quite liked it in the end though it was really hard not to add a bit more !

Thanks for looking

Sue

Sunflowers !

This is a card I've made for an order, it's actually for a man so I've kept the embellishments to a minimum. I've used the sketch over on the Papertake challenge and I'm also putting it in for the Stampavie challenge which is to use some green on your project. The main image is a digi image from the Sketching Stamper which I've shaded with Pro Markers. I've then cut it out with deckle edged Nestabilities and then blended Distress inks Spiced Marmalade and Dried Marigold around the edge.

The papers are My Minds Eye and the edge punch is a Martha Stewart. The sentiment is done on the PC and I've blended some more Distress inks around the edge. The corner is a Cuttlebug die.

We've had a lovely week end, as we've been away and we stayed close to Lake Vyrnwy in Wales. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, which does make a refreshing change !

Thanks for looking

Sue

Quickie and an award !

It's just a quick post tonight as I have to say I'm shattered ! I wanted to share this award that the lovely Keryn has very kindly given to me. Apparently the language is Spanish and means Chaming Blog. I'm going to pass this on to the following fellow bloggers:

• Vic - Blue Jelly Stampin'
• Lynda - Lynda Loves Crafting
• Linda - The Funkie Junkie
• Lindsey - Loopy Lindsey's Crafty Corner

I know there are loads more Charming Blogs that I've visited and just wish I could list them all !

Right just time for a cup of tea before Ashes to Ashes starts. Don't you just love Philip Glenister........I do !

Thanks for stopping by.

Sue

I ♥ ProMarkers challenge 9

It's time for another challenge over on I ♥ ProMarkers , and this week we want to see animals on your cards, dragons and butterflies are allowed too ! We're also being sponsored by Joanna Sheen and there's a £10 voucher up for grabs ! Make sure you hop over and check out the fab DT creations.

I'm also entering this card for the following challenges:

• Basic Grey challenge - sketch (I've used Wisteria Basic Grey paper too)
• S2G challenges - Anything goes
• Meljen's Designs - Anything goes
• Charisma Cardz - Animal Magic
• Polka Doodles - Birthday
• Stampin for the Week End - Ribbons and Bows

The main image is a Mo Manning image, and I have to say this little fella is one of my favourites ! He's been shaded with Pro Markers and to add a little texture to him I've used a brown Watercolour Pencil and drawn random lines over his spines. I've cut him out with Labels 5 Nestabilities and shaded Broken China and Faded Jeans Distress inks around the edge before removing the die, then after with Tea Dye. I've embossed some white card with the Stylised Flowers embossing folder then rubbed Broken China Distress ink over the top. The background paper is Wisteria by Basic Grey and I've grunged this up a little with Faded Jeans.

The flowers started life as being very pale blue but I rubbed the Broken China Distress ink pad over them followed by Tea Dye. The pearls are coloured with Pro Markers. The sentiment and the background card is printed on my PC and the colours have been matched to the Pro Markers by a very clever lady called Josephine.

Well it's been a really wet miserable day today up to about 10 minutes before I left work and now we've got glorious sunshine ! I don't mind so much when it's that way round !

Thanks for looking

Sue

Dragonfly on layers !

This is the fab sketch over on Truly Scrumptious that I've followed for this card, the optional element was 'fly away'. I'm also putting this card in for the following challenges:

• Fab 'n' Funky - Spring is in the air
• My Time to Craft - On the Spot
• The Pink Elephant - Nature

I started by making the layered background for the dragon fly. This is the technique of inking your card and stamping over it. I used Crushed Olive and Faded Denim Distress inks then I stamped with Elusive Images stamps in Peeled Paint. The words are from a Paper Artsty stamp set. Then I've dragged Gesso over the top wiping off the excess with a baby wipe. Once dry I've then stamped with black Stazon some more grasses around the edge. The dragon fly is a Rubbadubbado stamp, which I've stamped in black Stazon, cut out, then watercoloured using Broken China and Shabby Shutters Distress inks. I've then rubbed some Tim Holtz Distress Stickles over the wings and covered the body with Glossy Accents. The photo hasn't picked it up but the wings really sparkle when the light catches them. The embossed piece is made with the Stylised Flowers embossing folder and I've blended Crushed Olive and Peeled Paint Distress inks over it.

The papers are all Stampin' Up and I've blended some more Distress inks over them to grunge them up a little. I've done a little paper piercing on the striped piece and added one of my last remaining, precious, Marah Johnson brads (only 2 silver and 1 bronze left !).

Well I was all set to go out tonight for a meal, but when I arrived home 'C' wasn't feeling too good, so we've postponed until Thursday. In a way I was half pleased as this card has been in my head all day, and you know what it's like when you've got an idea and just need to get on with it !

Thanks for looking

Sue

Nestability Easel !

I saw this idea in this month's Craft Stamper and decided to give it a go. The way it is made is exactly the same as a normal easel card, the difference being is that all of the main pieces are cut using a Nestability. I'm putting it in for the following challenges:

• Passion for Pro Markers - Use 2 images (my bee is the second image)
• Tuesday Taggers - It's a bugs life - sponsored by The Craft Barn
• A Spoon Full of Sugare - Shapes Galore (no square cards)

The main image is from a Stampin' Up set called Bloom with Beauty. It's been stamped with black Memento ink and then I masked it off and stamped the image twice more. I then shaded it with Oatmeal, Apricot and Amber Pro Markers for the flowers and Leaf Green, Bright Green and Forest Green for the leaves. I've then cut it out with a circle Nestability and sponged Dried Marigold and Spiced Marmalade Distress inks around the edge before removing the die.

The background paper is My Minds Eye and I've blended some more Spiced Marmalade around the top piece and then stamped the flower again onto the paper with the same ink. The little bee is from the same set and I've shaded him with Pro Markers and then used a Scalloped Circle Nestability and sponged the same ink around the edge before removing the die. The word is also from the same set and I've stamped the swirls from a Crafty Individuals set around the bottom piece.

I thought these cards were quite cute as they're only as big as the largest Nestability. Would make great little notelets.....

We managed to go out for a short walk this morning but didn't last long as the wind was so cold, and as I am really susceptible to ear ache, I didn't want to risk it. I've had a lovely afternoon in my craft room followed by a lovely long soak in the bath. Smells like it's time for tea now !

Happy Easter everyone and thanks for looking.

Sue

Layer on Layer technique

I've had quite alot of fun making this card as it's quite messy.....right up my street ! The technique is one that's in the latest Craft Stamper magazine, that dropped through my letter box a few days ago. I'm also putting this card in for the Crafty Creations challenge of 'Anything Goes'.
I started by dabbing Distress inks; Spiced Marmalade, Crushed Olive and Brushed Corduroy onto a non stick craft mat. I then spritzed it with water and layed my white card stock on top. I then stamped with black Archival ink using a stamp set from Paper Artsy called Clocks 5. The next layer is Gesso which is applied with a plastic scraper ( or in my case an old loyality card that I cut in half!) and any excess is wiped off with a baby wipe. Finally, I stamped the swirl from the Stampin' Up Baroque Motifs set with black Archival ink over the corners.

The main text is also from the Clocks 5 set and I've cut it out with deckle edged Nestabilities and used Crushed Olive and Spiced Marmalade before the die was removed and after removing it I've blended Peeled Paint around the edge. Finally I've added some black eyelets for a little embellishment.

It's been great this afternoon having a play with a few things that have been staring at me for ages. We did pop into town this morning and then to the supermarket, as you would expect both were really busy so we did what we needed to and then made a hasty retreat ! I've just got time for some blog hopping before tea, the smell of which is driving me crazy as it's Beef Shatkora....my favourite !

Thanks for looking

Sue

Pastel Baby Card

No, your eyes don't deceive you.....not only is this card pink, but pastel pink to boot ! It's for an order I received earlier in the week so thought I would keep it simple, and I actually quite like it. I don't feel I can start distressing any thing when it's for a baby, it just doesn't seem right. I'm putting this card in for the following challenges:

• Sweet Stampin - Sketch


• My Time to Craft - New Baby


• The Pink Elephant - Pastels


• Colour Create - Pastels

The main image is a Joanna Sheen stamp which is stamped with black Memento ink and shaded with Pro Markers. I've cut it out with deckle edged Nestabilities. The background paper is a free download from Madabout Cards that I've had for ages. I've then used the small flower stamp from the Stampin' Up set Baroque Motifs, and stamped with a Brilliance ink. The horizontal piece has been punched with a Martha Stewart border punch.

The sentiment is done on the PC and then cut out with a Fancy Tag and some more of the Brilliance Ink has been sponged over it before removing the die. The flowers are a Woodware punch.

What a lovely feeling, we've broken up now until Tuesday ! It's a pity the weather forecast is so awful but at least I don't have to get up at silly o'clock in the morning.

Thanks for looking

Sue