Stampin' Up! - Thanks for being you

Hi Crafters,

I'm back with another entry for the Global Design Project challenge blog.  This week is all about being thankful with a theme of thank you.

This a great challenge as everyone will think of something different and this is my entry:

I started with Mint Macaron cardstock and made a bespoke card blank.  I embossed a piece of pink card from the Love Blossoms card pack using the Fluttering embossing folder.  I covered this with a piece of Stampin Up vellum which is superb quality and embosses like a dream.  To create the top and bottom panels, I used the Birthday Bouquet designer paper series and cut the edge with the Large Scallop Edgelit die.  

For my sentiment I stamped onto Whisper White card in Pink Pirouette and Mint Macaron using stamp sets - Blooming Love and Suite Sayings.  My sentiment is also popped up using Dimensionals.  I layered three of the butterflies from the Butterfly and Bold Butterfly thinlits to give extra dimension.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenge:
Global Design Project - #GDP027

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

Elliott's Angels DT Post - Celebrate Shaker Style!

Hi Crafters,

I'm back with a first!  My first ever shaker card - but definitely not the last!  I have used products from Hope & Chances Creativity and found they co-ordinated really well.

Here is my shaker card

I started with a white card blank and embossed the front using an A4 Spellbinders folder called Garden Lattice.  My patterned papers are from Lawn Fawn's pad called Sweater Weather.  The papers really are lush!  My main shaker element was made with the Spellbinders Labels Forty Nine Decorative Elements die set.  I added an inked background which had been stamped with Spellbinders Celebra'tions #Sweet set in Metallic Brass Wow Embossing Powder.  To cut the aperture, I used the Spellbinders 6 x 6 Matting Basic B set.

I started by fussy cutting each of the elements from the paper but realised this would take most of the year so I switched to a hole punch!  One of the fussy cut acorns can be seen peeking above the Celebrate stamp!

My tree was cut from the Spellbinders Trees set and I love this design  - so versatile and pretty.  Here's a close-up which shows the lovely pattern on the paper from Lawn Fawn.

Don't forget to visit Hope & Chances Creativity.  You might see some pre-order Spellbinder sets!  Ssshhhh!

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

Global Design Project

Hi Everyone,

I've made a card for the Global Design Project challenge (#GDP014) and this week the theme is a sketch.

Of course I used Stampin' Up products and this was my creation.

I used Mint Macaron cardstock for the base card and the layered a piece of Whisper White cardstock on top.  My main topper was made from the grey cardstock from the Neutrals pack and I embossed this with the Softly Falling embossing folder.  I lighted coated the embossing with white ink.

I made the trees from the Peaceful Pines set using Soft Sky and Elegant Eggplant inks.  I used the Perfect Pines framelits to cut out the trees.  I popped the middle tree up using dimensionals.

The Stars Confetti Punch was used for the top of the card and my sentiment was from the Happy Scenes stamp set, cut with the Bitty Banners, which fit perfectly.  I stamped this with the Elegant Eggplant ink.

And now for a side view

How about a close up!

Happy Crafting,
Rachel x

Gold Shimmer Christmas

Hi Crafters,

I have started Christmas crafting early this year - shock horror!  This is a card I made for my boss.  It's really shimmery in real life which hasn't shown up too well in the photos.  

I started with a 7" card blank and layered up black and cream card.  I added a strip of gold shimmer card with stars punch out using the Stampin' Up Confetti Stars punch.  A new favourite of mine.  My main topper image was made using circles from Tattered Lace.  I stamped snowflakes in Versamark and heat embossed in gold.  My sentiment is a die from Sue Wilson's latest Christmas release.  I love this one.  My wooden embellishment was dipped into Versamark and heat embossed with the same gold powder.  

Happy Crafting,
Rachel x

Elliott's Angels DT - First Post

Hi Everyone,

I have my first showcase post on the Hope and Chances blog today.  I'm still amazed I made it onto the team.  A dream come true!

I used the Spellbinders Holly Tags set which is lovely and so versatile.  You can find this set in the Hope and Chances Creativity store here.  They have great offers on Spellbinders and other crafty goodies too.  I used the oval tag for this card:-

I started with a 7" card blank and layered up a piece of red Core'dinations cardstock.  My patterned paper is from Craftwork Cards and I edged with Pebeo gold gilding wax.  My three layers are made up of a banner using Spellbinders Holiday Magic M-Bossabilities folder in red with gold gilding wax applied.  The gold card has been stamped with a JustRite Holly Background stamp in Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Mowed Lawn.  My third layer is a piece of green ribbon with a gold interference.

For my main sentiment topper, I started with 300gsm white card and die cut and embossed the oval holly tag from Spellbinders.  I added gold gilding wax again to the embossed sections by stenciling through the die.  I stamped the sentiment in the same Distress Ink to give a lovely bright focal point and added dimension with 3D foam pads.

Looking forward to sharing more projects with my favourite crafty brand.  Keep a look out at the Hope and Chances blog.

Happy Crafting,
Rachel x

Fab'n'Funky #197 - Snowflakes

Good Morning Crafters,

We are back with a brand new challenge for you at Fab'n'Funky Challenges today and I am your host but first, we had a fantastic response to last week's "A Touch of Frost" challenge.  Thank you to everyone who entered their wonderful creations.

Now, without further ado let me introduce my chosen challenge for this week:-

Snowflakes

I'm sure this doesn't need any explanation and we can't wait to see what you all create.

Our lovely sponsor this week is StampArt Design by Kathryne

Prize: 5 Digis and A GDT spot 

The DT are so lucky to be able to work with images from StampArt Design by Kathryne.  I chose to use a bonus sentiment that comes with the Alannah image.  You can find it here.

I started with a piece of Coredinations cardstock and ran this through an embossing folder (sorry, I don't know the brand).  I used the Crafter's Companion Sand It Accessory Pack to sand the snowflakes.  I matted this onto red Coredinations cardstock and then onto a handmade cardblank.  

My main image was printed on Super Smooth paper and then coloured with ProMarkers in Apple Green, Lemon, Sleigh Bell, Ruby and Cocoa.  I cut it out with Spellbinders Labels Thirty One.  

I added some MCS glitter to the edges of the die cuts with a Quickie Glue Pen.  The snowflakes are a combination of Spellbinders and Crafter's Companion.  They were actually cut out with wax paper.  I finished off with a Creative Expressions pearl.

I really hope you can join us for our Snowflake challenge.  This will actually be my last challenge at Fab'n'Funky.  I'm really sad to leave and wish all my teamies the very best.  

Happy crafting,

Rachel x

Fab'n'Funky Challenges #196 - A Touch of Frost

Good morning,

We are back at Fab'n'Funky Challenges with a brand new challenge.  firstly, we would thank everyone for joining in with our Cute Critters challenge last week.  What a great selection of entries.  

Now, onto this week and we have Allie as our talented host.  Allie has chosen a great wintry theme for you

A Touch of Frost

We would like to see your cards showing frosty scenes with lots of sparkle or how about the frosting on a cake? 

Our  sponsor this week is the wonderful
Stitchy Bear's Digi Outlet

The prize is $10 to spend on artists images feature here today

(Stitchy Stamps, Barbara Jensen, Reece's  Scrap Pieces)

I chose to use an image called Ice Princess which you can find here and this is my card.

I coloured my image with ProMarkers in Icicle, Frozen Lake, Capri Blue, Reef Blue and then glittered her hair with MCS glitter and a Quickie Glue Pen.  

I cut out my image with Spellbinders Labels A and mounted with foam pads.  I made the background using snowflake stamps from JustRite's Large Fancy Holiday Sentiments set.  These were embossed with white embossing powder.  The blue tiles were dry embossed with an Embossalicious folder and then cut with my Tonic guillotine.  I might add a sentiment but have left it blank for now.

I really hope you can join us to spread the frost at Fab'n'Funky this week.

Happy crafting, 
Rachel x

JustRite Stamps in a Teacup!

Hi Everyone,

I have a new card to share with you today and it's my first entry into the JustRite Challenge blog.  I just love their stamps and dies and have a small collection which has been building steadily.  The current challenge has photo inspiration along with a designated colour palette.

And here is my card:

I think my photography skills have let me down on this one.  I used the Cosmic Shimmer Lustre embossing powder in Pink Pearl which has a gorgeous sheen but this hasn't shown up very well through the photography.

I started with the JustRite French Rose background stamp and used Versamark on yellow pearlescent cardstock.  I added the Cosmic Shimmer Lustre embossing powder and heated.  I tore the edges of my card and then die cut the Spellbinders Tea Cup, adding the handle in matching cardstock.  The doily was coloured with a ProMarker in Pink Mittens from the seasonal limited edition set from last year.  My sentiment came from JustRite's All In The Family Large Sentiments set.  This was also stamped with Versamark and heat embossed with the Lustre Powder.  I coloured the seam binding with the Pink Mittens pen.  My dazzler was added with Pinflair glue gel.  

For the base card, I scored a piece of Centura Pearl cardstock in half using my Ultimate Pro and then embossed with one of Sue Wilson's embossing folders.  To finish the background, I cut and embossed the corners from Spellbinders' Botanical Swirls and Accents set.  

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

JustRite Challenge #102 - Colour Inspiration
Sweet Pea Stampers - Embossing (Wet or Dry)

Fab'n'Funky Challenges #172 - Ribbon or Lace

Hi All,

What a glorious morning!  Until I hung out the washing!  Story of my life!  I hope you are all well and enjoying some crafty time this week.  

We have a great new challenge over at the Fab'n'Funky Challenges blog but first the winner and Top 3 from last week have been posted.  Head on over to the blog to see our lucky winners.

Now, on to this week's challenge and we have the wonderful Vicky as our host.  She has chosen a great theme and I'm sure you'll all be eager to join in.  Our theme this week is...

Ribbon and Lace

You can add ribbon or lace or both to your project and then link it up to be in with a chance of a prize or Top 3 position.  Our sponsors this week are Doodle Pantry and StampArt Design by Kathryne.  Just click on their names to view the brilliant range of images.

I used a Doodle Pantry image for my card this week.  It's called Pitcher and Basin and can be found here.

I saw a similar design in a magazine and thought I'd have a go myself.  I started with an A4 piece of kraft card and cut it length-ways and then scored each piece in half to make two 6" x 4" card blanks.  I used my Tonic guillotine to cut the fronts on the diagonal.  I attached the two blanks together the Collall All Purpose Glue.  It really is the best glue in the world!  

The image came with two patterned backing papers but I made the plain blue paper by using the colour picker feature in My Craft Studio.  I used the flowery backing paper to cover the fronts of my card and then added a piece of kraft cardstock that had been embossed with one of the A4 Sue Wilson embossing folders from Creative Expressions.

My image was cut using Spellbinders Grand Labels Eleven.  I added the lace to close the card and also for an extra girly finish.  

I hope you can join us for our ribbon/lace challenge this week.

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

Fab'n'Funky Challenges #158 - What's Inside

Hi Crafty Friends,

It must be Wednesday as we have a brand new challenge for you at Fab'n'Funky Challenges.  We loved all of your romantic and heart projects last week - what a lot of love is going on in the world this week!  The winners and Top 3 are on the blog now so do take a look.

And now to let you in on our new challenge, we have the brilliant Beccy and she has chosen...

What's Inside

We would like to see the inside of your cards decorated.  You can decorate it in any way you like, just make sure there is something extra special in there for the recipient.

Our sponsor this week is one of my faves - Stamp Fairy.  You can click here to check out their fab designs.  The randomly picked winner will receive a $10 voucher to spend in the online store.

So, I bet you are wondering what I've created this week, so without further ado...

Isn't he cute?  This is Garden Goblins 1 from Stamp Fairy and you can find him here.  I took him into Serif and used the Cut Out Studio to cut away the main white part of the mushrooms.  I added a red polkadot background paper behind and then once printed out I fussy cut around with scissors and a craft knife.  I coloured using my ProMarkers and Flexmarkers in Satin, Almond, Dusky Pink, Cinnamon, Cocoa, Caramel, Burnt Umber, Lipstick Red, Ruby, Surf Blue, Aquamarine and Soft Aqua.  I hope you can see the shading.

My red layer is a piece of Coredinations cardstock which I distressed with my Tim Holtz paper distresser.  I embossed the mushroom frame from the Cuttlebug Freshly Picked set and then sanded back to reveal a bit more of the design.  My circle of clouds was made using a Darice folder and an X-Cut circle die.  I printed the blue and brown papers from Serif, recolouring using the colour picker tool.  My card blank is from Hunkydory and I used Antique Linen Distress Ink to age the edge. 

I layered up more of the papers that I had used on the front and then added a border of mushrooms.  This paper was also printed from Serif.  My mushroom die is by C.C. Designs and I've had it in my stash for ages but only just cut with it today.  I used a stamp set, with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Fired Brick, that was a free gift from Create and Craft as part of my club membership.

I hope you can link up your creations this week.  The team have come up with some brilliant ideas to I hope you can visit them for some inspiration too.

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

Fab'n'Funky Challenges #156 - Shoes

Hello there,

Well, what a fantastic response to our last challenge.  We certainly have lots of favourite colours.  If you would like to see who was picked as our lucky winners, head over to the Fab'n'Funky Challenges blog.

I am your host this week and I have been a bit indulgent in my theme!  We would like to see...

Shoes

One of my favourite things in the world!  You can chose any type of shoes, boots, sandals or even slippers!  We also have a great sponsor in the form of Digital Delights by Louby Loo.

The team have really come up with some fab ideas for this challenge so be sure to check out their blogs for more inspiration.  I have stayed away from the pretty and gone with a steampunky look.



As you'll see I'm still lusting over my new Spellbinders!  I used a shiny black card base and then added the Spellbinders M-bossabilities Creative Cogs which was passed through the Grand Calibur with a sheet of textured silver card.  This isn't a super shiny silver so it works well with the cogs.  I cut three of the cogs using Spellbinders Cogs in the same black shiny cardstock that I used for the base.  My green paper was printed from Serif.  No pink!

For my main image, I used a Sam Poole stamp from her Steampunk Shoes set.  I tried it with black ink but this just rubbed off so I actually stamped in Versamark and then used black detail embossing powder and heated with my heat tool.  I cut an extra cog by repeating the process and fussy cut around the shape, adding with foam pads.  I love high heels but always suffer whenever I wear them so these are perfect!  No sore feet!  I used a double layer of foam pads in the centre and a single layer at the edges to give dimension. 

My sentiment also came from the same Sam Poole stamp set and I cut it using Spellbinders Framed Tags One.  This makes me think there may be more in the pipeline!  I used a recycled cog from an old card and coloured it with my black ProMarker as it was an antique gold.  I've also taken a sideways view for you.

I really hope you can join us in our Shoes challenge.  Why not walk this way with us!

Happy crafting,

Rachel x

The Cuttelbug Spot DT Card - Squares

Hi All,

I hope you're well and are enjoying a great week. 

We have a great new challenge at The Cuttlebug Spot in our "Get Into Shape" season.  We would like you to use...

Squares

It couldn't be simpler - just use a square in your project, link it up and you're done!

Now, onto my card.  I decided to use a new die that I received for Christmas.  It is a butterfly-edged square from Tonic and is super pretty.

I started with a handmade pearlescent pink card blank at 5" and rounded the bottom two corners with a corner punch.  I added a layer of gold textured and embossed cardstock from Create and Craft, also rounded with my corner punch. 

My dies are the main feature and I used brown and pink pearlescent cardstock here.  The top butterflies were cut using Spellbinders Les Papillion and I inked the pink layer with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Antique Linen.  The top butterfly is only attached in the centre so the wings stand off from the page.

The photos really don't do this card justice but I hope you like it and have fun entering our squares challenge. 

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

The Cuttlebug Spot DT Card - Circles

Hi Everyone,

Isn't January going in fast?  We're halfway through the month already.  I hope you are finding plenty of play time!

We are still celebrating our "Get Into Shape" month at The Cuttlebug Spot and are launching our brand new challenge today.  We would like to see...

Circles

You can choose how to incorporate a circle in any way you like - it couldn't be easier.

I decided to be on the ball with my Mam's birthday card this year as her birthday isn't until the end of February.  Inspiration just came to me!  And here is my circles card...

I started with a 6" Hunkydory card blank and placed a circles That Special Touch mask on top.  I spritzed through it using a Mister Huey spray in silver.  It has a lovely iridescent shimmer when moved in the light.  The teal card was embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder in the From My Kitchen set.  The corners were rounded with an X-Cut corner punch.  It is really good at chomping through the double cardstock layer.  I added a strip of black card and some silver ribbon before attaching to the card blank.  

Using my Cuttlebug, I cut two circle layers, one from Spellbinders Standard Circles Large and the other from Spellbinders Standard Circles Small which are the perfect increments for layering.  My sewing machine came from Spellbinders Sewing Elements and I used a silver mirri-card for this.  I took a sanding block to the sewing machine to distress it a little in keeping with the inky background.  My finishing touch was to add three gems to the top right-hand corner.  These came from Create and Craft. I may add another circle to showcase a sentiment but have left it for now.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenge:

Allsorts Challenge Blog Week 189:  Dies and Punches

I hope you can join us for our circles challenge at The Cuttlebug Spot.  
Happy crafting, 
Rachel x

Fab'n'Funky Challenges #152 - Ribbon or Lace

Hi Everyone,

Less than a week to go until the big day - I hope you are all ready with your presents under the tree and food in the fridge!  I'm so not ready!  I never learn and always leave everything to the last minute but I'll get there.

Everyone did an amazing job in our Vintage Christmas challenge last week.  The winner and Top 3 are on the Fab'n'Funky Challenges blog right now so be sure to take a peek.

Of course it's time for a new challenge and we have the uber talented Sue as our host this week.  She has given us a super easy challenge too...

Ribbon or Lace

All you have to do is to use ribbon or lace on your project and link it up.  Perfect for this time of year when we are all trying to do 50,00 things at once!  You have until 30 December to enter and the winner and Top 3 will be annouced on 31 December.  Joanna Sheen as our sponsor this week and the randomly selected winner will receive a £10 voucher to spend in her online store.  Head on over to see what you would spend your winnings on by clicking here.

And here is my creation...

I started with my JustRite Snowfall Background Stamp and gave it a good covering with Versamark.  I stamped onto a minty coloured paper and then heat embossed with Inkadinkadoo Light Sparkle embossing powder.  The beautiful design doesn't show up as well with this embossing powder but I liked the sparkle it gave.  I added my topper onto mirri-card with foam pads.  My wide ribbon was recycled from some wrapping last Christmas.  I used Spellbinders Holiday Tags for my sentiment which is also from JustRite but from their Deck the Halls set.  I used another piece of recycled ribbon for my bow and finally I added the gems.

As this is our last challenge for 2012, I would like to wish all of our followers a very happy Christmas and a wonderful start to the New Year.  Thank you to everyone who has joined us during 2012 and those who have taken the time to leave comments - it is truly appreciated.  I hope you can all join us again in 2013 for plenty more fun challenges from 9 January. 

Happy crafting,

Rachel x

Simple Christmas Tags

Hi All,

I made these tags to add to my craft stall in November.  I sold quite a few and thought I would share them with you all today as there is only a week left until the big day and these are really simple to make.

I used my Picturesque Cricut cartridge and cut the tags at 3.5" from Centura Pearl cardstock by Crafter's Companion. 

The tag on the left was stamped with Merry Christmas in silver ink and then I added a silver mirri-paper snowflake cut from Spellbinders Create a Flake Four on the Cuttlebug, topping with a blue gem.  I repeated this for the right-hand tag but changed direction and left off the gem.  I used Spellbinders 2012 Snowflake Pendant for this tag.

The centre tag was embossed on the Cuttlebug with a snowflake embossing folder on the bottom-half only to leave room to write on the back.  I used silver mirri-paper again for the snowflake from Spellbinders 2012 Snowflake Pendant.  I sure do like those snowflakes!

I used baker's twine from Creative Expressions for the ties in blue, red and green.  I'm off to add these to some parcels.  Happy wrapping!

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

The Cuttlebug Spot DT Card - Create a Banner

Hi Everyone, 

What a great seasonal challenge last week at The Cuttlebug Spot and I think I know which season you all love!  We had fantastic entries.  I hope you can join us again this week.

We would like you to...

Create a Banner

This can either be on a card or project or as an actual banner - whatever takes your fancy.  We have some great inspiration over on The Cuttlebug Spot blog so be sure to check it out.  Please remember it is one entry per person.

We have a great sponsor this week with a $20 voucher for the lucky winner and here is a little about them...

Boys Rule Scrapbooks kits is a monthly scrapbook kit club for those of us who love to paper craft boy subjects. Care and consideration is key as each kit is assembled for the boys. Cool embellies are paired with handsome papers you will love to play with each month.

Boys Rule Scrapbook kits also has exclusive embellies with each kit....they are all different and very unique, and are included each month just for you.

It's fun to create when you have a compelte kit that is designed for the memories of dirt, grunge and smelly things!

********** 

And now for my card...

Yip, there's a penguin in my cocoa!  Isn't this image adorable?  It's a new one from The Paper Shelter.  I started by taking my image into My Craft Studio and printing matching papers using the colour picker tool.  I used an 8" square card blank from eBay.  I attached the coral paper with double-sided sticky tape.  My three strips were just plain when they started but I used a Lili of the Valley stamp set and some yellowy gold ink to stamp all over.  I mounted onto gold mirri-card and attacehd with foam pads.

The embossed panel is also layered with gold mirri-card.  I used a snowflake embossing folder for texture.  My super cute image was cut with Spellbinders Labels Twenty-Six.  I mounted onto gold glitter card and then added two Memory Box snowflake flourish dies. 

My finishing touch was to add my banner.  I used gold elastic cord and then cut the individual flags using my Cricut Expression 2 and the Baby Shower cartridge.  I stamped using the ClarityStamp Letterbox set in the same yellowy gold ink.  I added a foam pad to the back of each flag to give dimension.

I hope you can join us this week at The Cuttlebug Spot with your banner projects and don't forget about our great sponsor prize.

Happy Crafting,

Rachel x