Elliott's Angels DT - Sunflower Hi!

Hi!

I have another card on the Hope and Chances blog today and I've included a tutorial for the Spellbinders Create a Sunflower die set.  Here is my card:-

And here is the side view to show off the dimension of the sunflower

I started with 7" card blank and added layers in yellow and pearlescent brown.  My pattered paper is from the Lawn Fawn Sweater Weather pad and this is definitely my favourite!  I used the Spellbinders A2 Curved Borders One die set to create my wave between the two patterned papers.  My sentiment came from Spellbinders Phrase Set One and its layered onto a cut down die cut from Spellbinders Labels Thirty Seven and the speech bubble from Spellbinders Snapshot.

My sunflower was made from the Spellbinders Create a Sunflower die set and I loved watching it take shape.  I started by cutting all the petals and centres.

Then I shaped around my finger before gluing in place with Cosmic Shimmer dries clear glue.

It's important to offset each layer to give a full flower.

I'm sure this would look great in different colours and no one needs to know it's meant to be a sunflower!  I attached my sunflower to my card with some 3D foam pads for added dimension.  If you fancy having a go, head on over to the Hope & Chances Shop to pick up the sunflower die set and it's on sale.

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

Elliott's Angel DT Post - Celebrate You

Hi Crafters,

I'm back on the Hope-Chances blog today featuring a card with Spellbinders dies and stamps.  Yes, you read right - Spellbinders stamps! Woo Hoo!

My main topper was made using the Spellbinders Labels 49 Decorative Elements, inked with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Spiced Marmalade.  I added a die cut wreath from the Spellbinders Wreath set and inked with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Aged Mahogany.  My patterned paper is from a Lawn Fawn paper pad called Sweater Weather and is also available in the Hope Chances shop.  I love this paper pad and the quality is great.

I created my embellishments from the Spellbinders Acorns set and curved them around my finger to give dimension, raising up with foam pads.

My sentiment was stamped in Versamark and heat embossed with WOW Embossing Powder.  The original stamp says "For You" but I masked the "For" before inking, then uncovered and only the "You" stamped.

And now for a close-up!

Be sure to check out the Hope and Chances shop - loads of great products at fantastic prices.

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

Elliott's Angels DT - Dec 25

Hi Crafters,

I have been cracking on with my Christmas crafting and I have another post on the Hope and Chances blog.  This time I've used three Spellbinders die sets.

I started with a white card blank and added a green patterend paper.  This paper actually came free with a magazine.  I cut the Spellbinders Holiday Greetings die in kraft card and layered on top.  My twine is from Creative Expressions and I've had it for quite a while.  

I used Spellbinders Lacey Circles for my topper and added some Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Mowed Lawn, popping it up on foam pads.  My numbers were cut from Coredinations cardstock from the Spellbinders Victorian Numbers set.  The embossing and debossing on these dies are really fabulous.

Check out the blog and shop for more inspiration and to treat yourself to some lovely new crafty goodies. There are some amazing sale prices too.

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

Elliott's Angel DT - Holiday Greetings

Hi Crafters,

It's Christmas again over on the Hope and Chances blog and this time I've used the Spellbinders Holiday Greetings die.  This one is on sale too - grab it now!

I matt and layered navy and silver mirri card.  My main white layer has been embossed with the Spellbinders Holiday Magic M-bossabilities folder.  For my main image, I cut two strips of navy card and two of silver mirri card from the snowflake row on the die.  I relaid the opposite colour snowflakes into the negative.

My snowflakes were cut from white card and layered onto 3D foam pads.  I added a gem to the biggest snowflake for some bling.  I stamped my sentiment in Versamark ink and then heat embossed with silver embossing powder.  I cut the banner shape using scissors.  The trick for this is to cut a straight line in the centre and then use that as a guide, cutting from each corner inwards.

I hope you are all well on your way with your Christmas crafting now.  Keep an eye out on the Hope and Chances blog for more inspiration.

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

Flower Power

Hello Crafters,

It's another exciting day - I have another post on the Hope-Chances blog as one of Elliott's Angels!  This card was made using the Spellbinders Holly Tags set again but there is nothing Christmas in sight!

I started with a 7" card blank and cut the sentiment in matte silver card from the Spellbinders Sentiment Five set.  The flowers were made from the oval insert of the Holly Tags set.  I used the circle insert for the centre of the flowers and added ink by stenciling through the die.  The colours were Salty Ocean, Squeezed Lemonade and Worn Lipstick from Tim Holtz Distress Ink range.

I shaped the petals with a flower shaping kit using a stylus and a rubber mat.  The centres were popped up on a double set of 3D foam pads.

You'll see some exciting new Spellbinders on the Hope-Chances blog too so head on over for a sneak peek or pre-order the great new sets at the shop.

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

Huge Announcement!

Hello Crafters,

I have a huge announcement for you all today! I have been chosen to be part of Elliott's Angels Design Team! I'm so excited to start working with this wonderful team. For more information on the Design Team click here.

We will be working with Spellbinders dies - my absolute favourite crafty company. Check out the Hope and Chances website here.

Keep your eyes peeled for our first projects!

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

Christmas in July!

Hi Crafters,

I'm back with another Christmas card!  Shock horror!  I was really itching to get going with my Christmas crafting and this card practically made itself!  Although judging by the craftermath left behind, I think I had something to do with it!

Anyway, enough of my rambling and on to the card in question.

I started with Centura Pearl cardstock in royal blue and made my first layer.  Next I embossed a piece of silver linen cardstock with a holly embossing folder from Crafter's Companion.  For my main topper I heat embossed the JustRite Holly Swirls background stamp using Versamark and then added white detail embossing powder.  I love the result.  My bauble was cut using Spellbinders 2011 Heirloom Ornaments and then I stamped the sentiment from the JustRite Merry Wishes Vintage Labels Seven set and heat embossed that too.  

My corner dies came from the Spellbinders Holly Accents set and the ribbon is from Creative Expressions.  Using a ruler for accuracy, I attached a line of faceted gems to create the string for the bauble, which was layered with two sets of foam pads to give dimension.  

I would like to enter this card into the following challenge:
JustRite Challenge #125 - Non-Traditional Christmas

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

It's Christmas - But Not As We Know It!

Hello lovely crafters,

You may think I've vanished into a storm of glitter but I've emerged to share a Christmas card with you!  This is one from last year that I never had the chance to blog.  It is made using the JustRite Snowflake background stamp and works perfectly for their Non-Traditional Christmas challenge this fortnight.

I love this stamp and thought it would look great embossed in black detail powder.  I inked in Versamark and then heated the powder to achieve this result.  My sentiment is from JustRite too.  I used Spellbinders dies for the snowflakes, inking through the die on the white cardstock and then layered onto shocking pink glitter card.  

I was really pleased with how this turned out and I hope you like it too.  I haven't even started on my Christmas cards for this year yet.  How is everyone else getting on?

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

JustRite Inspiration #125 - Non-Traditional Christmas

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

Get Krafty with JustRite

Hi Everyone,

Long time, no blog!  I have been pottering away at times but the crafting is taking a back seat the moment.  However, I have been playing with my new Spellbinders products (I couldn't resist!) and the card I have for you today features one of the new 3D embossing folders paired with JustRite Stamps.  

I started by making a card blank from kraft card.  My main image was created with the Ornate Labels One embossing folder.  I inked up the folder with Versamark before adding a piece of bright green Coredinations cardstock and running through the Grand Calibur.  Next, I poured gold embossing powder over the top and heat embossed.  I really like the effect and the way the intricate detail at the bottom has been picked up.  Love this folder!  

I distressed the edges of the layer and card with the Tim Holtz Paper Distressing Tool.  My topper was cut with Spellbinders Labels One and my sentiment stamp is from the All in the Family Large Sentiments set by JustRite.  I also used the gold detail powder here.  My butterfly came from the Fleur De Lis Labels Twenty set.  I stamped it onto the same Coredinations cardstock and then fussy cut with scissors.

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

JustRite Friday Challenge #119 - Get Krafty

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

Happy Mother's Day Card

Hi Everyone,

Happy Mother's Day to all the mums out there.  Hope you've been pampered today.  I visited my Mam this afternoon with a handmade card so I thought I would share it with you tonight.  Warning - glitter has been used in the making of this card!!

I started with a handmade Centura Pearl cardblank scored on my Ultimate Pro.  I added a layer of plain white card to start my layers.  My main background was embossed with a Couture Creations embossing folder called Seedless Nouveau.  I extended the pattern to fit the size of my card.  The purple came from Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Dusty Concord.  

The decorative circles were created using a JustRite die designed by Becca Feeken.  She is one amazingly talented lady.  Check out her blog here.  I cut the Lacy Tiers die with the Spellbinders Standard Circles Large on double sided sticky sheet attached to white card.  Once cut, I covered in Amethyst Shimmer Diamond Sparkles glitter.  It is super fine and really sparkly and was also in the sale!  Bargain!
  

My sentiment is from JustRite too and I used a Spellbinders Ribbon Banners LG die to cut it out.  The stamp set is called Family Sentiments.  I attached the centre die and banner with foam pads.  Finally I finished off with four aurora borealis gems for the corners.

Happy crafting,
Rachel x

JustRite Challenge #113 Entry

Hello Crafters,

Hope you haven't been having too much fun without me! I've been having a bit of a break from blogging but since we had a public holiday last week I thought I would take the chance to play. I've made a card for the current JustRite challenge which is all about backgrounds. 

To make my background, I started with a piece of white card and inked up a circle die from the JustRite Doilies and Lace set in Versamark and stamped all over. After I heat set this I inked the entire piece with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Evergreen Bough.  Then it was back to the heat tool to dry off! Next I used the JustRite Sweet Lace background stamp with clear embossing powder. This encapsulated the teal ink. Finally I rubbed Black Soot Distress Ink all over. All that was left to do was to clean up over the original white circles. I layered up with black and white cardstock. I added interest with the new Spellbinders Borderabilities - A2 Bracket Borders Two at the base. My baker's twine and sentiment were my finishing touches.  The sentiment is also JustRite, from their Grand Birthday Sentiments set and was inked with the Evergreen Bough again.   Now for extreme close-up!

I meant to do a tutorial of this technique as I went along but I got too carried away and just crafted away!  I'll put this up the next time I have my stamps and inks out.  It takes a little patience but I think it's definitely worth it in the end.

Happy crafting,

Rachel x

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

JustRite Challenge #113 - Backgrounds

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

Fab'n'Funky Challenges #195 - Cute Critters

Hello Crafters,

Well after the excitement of our birthday celebrations at Fab'n'Funky Challenges, we would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who entered a card or project during the fortnight of Anything Goes.  We had a lot of fun checking out the entries.  The winners are all on the blog now so be our guest and take a peek!  

The show must go on as they say and we are back with another great challenge.  Ginny is our talented host and she has chosen a theme for all the animal lovers!

CUTE CRITTERS

We would like to see animals on your projects - the cuter the better!

Our sponsor this week is the fabulous:- 

Who are offering a fab prize of a $10 voucher to spend in 

The StampFairy shop

I've mixed it up a bit this week!  I haven't made a card but a hanger.  When I saw this super cute image called Monkeys Bananas 1 from StampFairy I just knew it would be perfect for my cousin's little boy.  My cousin would never be without her cuddly monkey when we were young so this totally fitted the bill for her son!

I started with my image and coloured him using ProMarkers in Summer Sun, Lemon, Primrose, Sand Dune, Cocoa, Cinnamon, March Hare and I dotted the Blender pen for texture.  I cut out my image using Spellbinders Labels One and also cut one of these in kraft card.  I used my guillotine to slice this in half and then punched two holes in each piece and four in my topper.  I threaded the baker's twine through the three sections and secured in place with Cosmic Shimmer glue.  The letters were cut out using Spellbinders Alphabet set and inked with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  The yellow card is Coredinations.  Finally, I added my stars which came from American Crafts.

Here is a close up of the cute little guy!

I really hope you can join us for our Cute Critters challenge this week at Fab'n'Funky Challenges.

Happy crafting,

Rachel x

Fab'n'Funky Challenges #194 - Birthday Challenge Reminder (Anything Goes)

Morning!

We are still celebrating turning 4 at Fab'n'Funky and the DT are back with more inspiration for our Anything Goes challenge.  If you haven't done so already, head on over to the Fab'n'Funky Challenges blog to see our brilliant sponsors and what the team have created for you this time.

The challenge this week continues to be about as easy as it can get!


Anything Goes

So play along! It may be you who will win one of the Prizes that we have on offer for you:

Our wonderful sponsors
and
Prizes

Hello! My name is Joanna Munster, owner/designer/illustrator of Inspired by Stamping. I started crafting 12 1/2 years ago when I started capturing my daughter’s special moments with scrapbooking. I quickly fell in love with all things crafty including cross stitch, crocheting, knitting, drawing, jewelry making but my love has always been towards the paper crafty industry. It is a place where I can lose myself in creating for hours. 

Three years ago, my hubby, myself and our three children moved from the United States to Australia. While waiting for my working visa, I started drawing and paper crafting full time with my blog. One of my dear friends suggested that I make a stamp set with one of my drawings and this is where Inspired by Stamping started.

We love every moment of working in this industry from the beautiful women and men that we meet daily, to the amazing and creative designs that we see when a friend uses an Inspired by Stamping set. 

You as our customer will ALWAYS be our top priority! If you have any questions or if something is not right, please let us know. We will get back to you ASAP! Our email is customerservice@inspiredbystamping.com

Prize is 3 digis of the winner's choice

Prize - 5 digis of the winners Choice
 - and a GDT spot at Fab'n'Funky Challenges

Prize is a class of the winner's choice

Prize is 3 digis of the winner's choice

Prize is 3 images of the winner's choice from the Lacy Sunshine Shop

For this reminder post I chose to use a Lili of the Valley image.  I have loads of their gorgeous stamps but I decided to try out one of the new Art Pads.  I chose a cute baby image from Art Pad 11 as my friend had a little boy on Tuesday.  Well, maybe not so little at 8lb 10oz!  Here is my card:  

I started with an 8" cardblank and embossed the front using Sue Wilson's Basket Weave folder.  I covered in Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Orange Marmalade.  My topper, DCWV patterned paper and Coredinations were layered onto kraft card with my Perfect Layers tools.  I inked around the edge of the main topper with the same Distress Ink and then used a micron pen to draw the faux stitching.   

My sentiment banner was cut using Spellbinders Tags and Banners and I inked with is the Orange Marmalade DI too.  I attached this and the topper with foam pads.  My finishing touch was the wooden heart which came from American Crafts.

I really hope you can join in and party by linking up to Fab'n'Funky this week.  You have until 8pm (UK time) on Tuesday 26 November.  You've got to be in it to win it!

Happy crafting,

Rachel x