purple peanut's crafty blog

Shabby Shutters

2012-02-27T05:01:00.015Z

Greetings! This week over in The Shabby Tearoom, I am your host and I've chosen this inspiration photo for you to play with and ask you create a card/project using Navy or Blues & Neutrels with a distressed element!

I've used some jute as a backing material and layered with October Afternoon paper which I've distressed, a woodgrain embossed Coredinations circle which has been sanded and distressed, a die cut denim circle and canvas flower. The girly digi stamp comes from our sponsor this week, Little Darlings Stamps, who are offering 1 stamp set to this week's winner.

I've finished off with a couple of post marks, smattering of flowers. lace and ruffled organza ribbon (available from The Ribbon Reel).

Hop along to see what The Shabby Girls have been creating this week!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

High Tea

2012-02-20T05:01:00.000Z

Hello and welcome to another week! Our new challenge in The Shabby Tearoom has been set by the lovely Cindy, who asks we create a card / project using the colours in the inspiration photo and a doily.

I've gone for a simple look with this card, using some of my favourite papers, the MME Stella & Rose 'Gertie' range, kraft card and hand stitching. Soft seam binding, pretty rose and a hint of gold from the pin seal the deal! I've used a sentiment ('Sentiments Love') from our sponsor this week, The Stamp Fairy who are offering a $10 gift certificate to spend on their online store.

The Shabby Girls are:

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Weathered

2012-02-20T00:37:00.000Z

A new challenge over at The Ribbon Reel and Helen has chosen the photo above to work with and asks that you create a card / project using the colours KRAFT, WHITE, BLUE with touch of RED, NATURAL TWINE / TWILL!

I've used the following ribbons, all from The Ribbon Reel.

20mm Red May Arts Red Grosgrain Ribbon
15mm Ivory Sheer Box Pleat
Natural Button Twine
10mm Grosgrain Center Dot Royal Blue & White

Hi Ho Cherry O!

2012-02-13T05:01:00.031Z

Over in The Shabby Tearoom we have a new and fun challenge set by Sheri this week and she asks we create a card/ project featuring Cherries for National Cherry Month!

I've used these sweet Cherry digi papers and stamps from our sponsor, My Time Made Easy who are offering 1 template, papers & digi set for our Winner this week.

Hop over to The Shabby Girls blogs!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Shabby Tearoom DT Call!

2012-02-11T23:25:00.000Z

Here it is ... the long-awaited and much-anticipated DESIGN TEAM CALL at The Shabby Tea Room!! Thank you to all who have inquired over the past weeks ... the Shabby Girls cannot wait to see your creativity and inspiration shine and hope to see many of you submit your creations for a chance to earn one of FOUR available spots on The Shabby Tea Room Design Team!

Please read the following INSTRUCTIONS and REQUIREMENTS very carefully as your ability to follow these instructions and submit proper and complete projects will directly impact your success on making the Design Team!

Creativity + Inspiration = FUN!

The Shabby Tea Room is looking for a few creative designers to join our team of Shabby Girls!
This call will be open until February 26th. The new Shabby Girls will be chosen and notified by February 29th.

Here are the details regarding requirements of the position and instructions on how to apply -- following these directions will directly impact the selection process, so please read everything very carefully to be sure you understand and complete all steps. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us before you submit!

Requirements:

Actively post to your own blog in English or have a translate button on your blog
Participate in our weekly challenges for six months to be posted every Monday morning
Ability to print and work with digital images, stamp sets, dies, embellishments, templates (as supplied by our weekly sponsors)
Comment on participant submissions as per your assigned rotation numbers (you will have two assigned numbers)
Link to our challenge blog, Design Team members and post our pink Tea Pot blinkie and Design Team Badge on your blog sidebar
Join and keep up to date in our Design Team Yahoo Group (this is where all DT information will be posted)
Create a theme and host a weekly challenge once every six weeks per your DT rotation

What the Shabby Girls are searching for:

High quality work
Ability to photograph your work well and brightly lit
Ability to follow the directions in the Design Team Application, applications not doing so will not be considered
Fun, creative, happy spirited individuals who love to create with paper, stamps and glue and who love to share with and inspire others

What this team offers:

Sponsor digital images, stamps, papers, templates, embellishments
Fun and creative inspiration along with a 'family-like' team atmosphere
Links to your blog from our Challenge Blog and your fellow Shabby Girls' blogs
Blog community socialization, friendship, creativity, inspiration ... FUN
A Six-Month Design Team Term beginning on March 19th and running through September 16, 2012 (as long as all Design Team requirements are completely fulfilled. Failure to fulfill any and all of the DT requirements will result in termination from the team)

How to Apply:

1. Become a follower of The Shabby Tea Room
2. Email deb4tasteful@earthlink.net with subject "DT Application" as subject
3. Include the following in your email:

Full name and address
Blog address
Current and previous Design Team experience (current or past DT experience is not required)
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you would like to be a Shabby Girl
Submit a newly created card and/or project (never before shared on your blog) based on the following INSPIRATION PHOTO. You may be inspired by the colors, theme, objects in photo or all of the above! Remember ... we ARE The Shabby Tea Room, so we really adore anything shabby, vintage and tea-related, but these design styles are not all inclusive, all design styles are welcome and will be considered. Please ATTACH your submission to your e-mail ... do not include it in the body of the e-mail. We are looking for your BEST WORK, so let your creativity soar and 'wow us' with your application projects!
You may submit as many times as you wish. Only your first application will require all of the above ... any subsequent applications need only include 'DT Application' in the subject like of your e-mail, your name in the body and a picture of your submission attached to the e-mail.

GOOD LUCK to all who apply! The Shabby Girls cannot wait to see your beautiful creations!!

Candy Hearts

2012-02-06T05:01:00.042Z

We have a fun new challenge in The Shabby Tearoom today! This week Melissa is our fabby host and asks we create a card/ project with a food theme - chocolate, candy, fruit, etc and include a heart(s).

I've used a mix of Websters Pages papers, along with an embossed and inked piece of plain pink wrapped with tissue ribbon and twine for the base of the card.

The main layers come from this pretty heart doily layered with (my new) gorgeous Kaisercraft doily stamp, paper flower and heart digi stamp from Robyns Fetish,who are our sponsor this week giving away 5 digital images to the Winner of the Tearoom.

For the food element,I've wrapped a Prima pebble in cellophane to resemble a candy sweetie! This has been secured with Bakers Twine. I'm so pleased how this little trick turned out :) We look forward to seeing what you create this week!

The Shabby Girls blogs:

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Shabby Chic Birthday

2012-02-06T01:15:00.000Z

The Ribbon Reel we have a 'Shabby Chic Birthday' theme going on this week, set by Lenet. Create a project using the colours in the photo, seambinding OR ribbon, lace, roses and some stitching.

I've used more Pink Paislee papers for this card and finally got to use one of these amazing Prima resin birds, which I just adore! And I even found a little twig for him to perch onto!

The ribbons are of course all from The Ribbon Reel (Crochet Lace, Grosgrain, white Sheer Ruffle and Mulberry flowers) which I've used across the card and to form a pretty lace bow. The Sheer Ruffle has been ruffled onto a pin for a different look. Thanks for looking and hope you will join in with the challenge this fortnight!

Colours for February

2012-02-05T23:56:00.000Z

This week it's the First Friday of the Month Colour Combo Challenge at Daring Cardmakers and Jo is back again with her choice of colours: Red & Pink!

Here's another , used this fabulous Pink Paislee 'Spellbound' digi kit from Jessica Sprague. I just love all those cute elements, which have been layered and finished off with a pin and mini cotton reel adorned with hearts!

Wishi Washi

2012-01-30T17:26:00.001Z

It's Jo's turn as dare-setter this week over at Daring Cardmakers and her challenge is a fun one ; Wishi Washi!

She would like you to create a card using Washi or Deco Tape - you can use it to create a background, an embellishment or just use it as an accent.

If you don't have any - you can still join in by making your own washi style tape - use double sided tape and tissue paper or printed tracing paper or vellum as an alternative

For my card I've used some pink polka dot Washi tape and some cute American Crafts stickers. I would urge you try Washi tape - it's a fantastic addition to your craft kit, with so many possibilities!

Love is in the air!

2012-01-30T05:01:00.002Z

This week we are all loved up in The Shabby Tearoom! Char is our wonderful host this week and asks we create a Valentine's project and include one "Mail and/or postage" item and use the colours in the photo!

For my card I have used 'Your Special Day' medallion labels, 'Always & Forever' medallion labels & 'Greetings from Paris' stamps available from our sponsors this week who are the wonderful Justrite, and our lucky winner will receive a fabulous prize (tbc)

The Shabby Girls:

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Sparkly & Bright

2012-01-23T05:01:00.001Z

Hello and welcome! This week sees the wonderful Debbie as our host in The Shabby Tearoom and she has chosen this gorgeous pic to inspire you. She asks we create a card / project using the colours White, Cream, Silver, Neutrels and a hint of Pink.

I have gone for a soft, pretty Love themed card this week, inspired by this Heartflet Roses digi stamp from our sponsor this week, The Digi Doodle Shop who are offering a $10 gift certificate for this weeks Winner.

Stop by the Shabby Girls blogs for some wonderful inspiration!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

New Year, New Start

2012-01-23T00:28:00.000Z

Over at The Ribbon Reel blog we welcome you to another fun fortnightly challenge! Zuzana is our fab host for this week and has chosen the theme New Year, New Start and asks you create a card / project with your
NEW YEARS RESOLUTION and RIBBONS / TWINE and a BUTTON.

For my 'resolution' I've chosen a Time theme - it won't wait for anyone. This applies in two ways - to be more organised and to get on and go for things in life!

I have gone a tad grungy for this one a la Tim Holtz. Lots of distressed edges, inks and metal embellishments. It's the first time I've tried a wax seal, and they are so fun to do! I thought the 7Gypsies clock face wax 'stamp' was perfect for this card. The beautiful ribbons are: Ivory Crochet Lace, Silk Ribbon, Gold Silky Crush, Antique Gold Velvet ribbon all from The Ribbon Reel.

Gorgeous Gateaux

2012-01-16T05:01:00.056Z

Welcome to a new challenge over at The Shabby Tearoom and this week I am your host and ask you create a card or project using the colours Grey, Lilac, Peach & Pink plus Lace and a metal embellishment.

The sweet flower bunch image is from Bugaboo Stamps who are offering 7 digi images for our Winner this week!

The card blank has been cut with a Tim Holtz On The Edge die and I've layered punched borders and Labels 18 (again!). I've used these fab fabric, crochet and lace net flowers which are highlighted with paint and topped with a flower and tag. A soft seam binding bow adds softness, while my metal embllishment comes in the form of a pin which I've added some beads onto.

Check out the Shabby Girls blogs to see what they have been creating this week!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Vintage Boudoir

2012-01-09T05:01:00.042Z

Cindy is our lovely host this week in The Shabby Tearoom and has chosen this fabulous pic for us to work with and asks we create a card/project using the colours in the inspiration photo and one item related to sewing.

I wanted to do something completely fresh after all the Christmas cards, and I think this is rather Spring-like. I've used a combination of Pink Paislee and Prima Pixie Glen papers and chipboard shapes, which are my current craft room love! For dimension I cut elements from Pixie Glen papers and added punched and die cut shapes for interest. For the sewing elements I've used a pin and buttons.

The gorgeous Shutters stamp is from our sponsor this week Tiffany Doodles digi stamps, who are giving away 4 prizes this week! Grand prize - 10 digis, 1st place - 6 digis, 2nd place - 4 digis, 3rd place - 2 digis. Good luck!

Challenges:

Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

The Shabby Girls Blogs -

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Polka Dots in Pink!

2012-01-09T00:05:00.001Z

Welcome to the new week! Time to get back into the swing of things with a new challenge over at The Ribbon Reel Challenge blog. Pauline is our host this week and asks we create a project using Pink and Polka Dots, with Ribbon / Bakers Twine.

Well this is the first outing for my new Labels 18 Nesties, which were a much wanted Christmas present, and I can see it will be the first of many outings! I've layered up with stamped and die cut doilies. The chipboard heart has been painted and covered with Crackle Accents and decorated with Liquid Pearls and a greeting.

I've finished off with this beautiful lace and organza bow and finished with some pretty buttons.

Cotton Candy Bakers Twine, Pink Spot Organza, Pink Twill and Pink Crochet Lace all from The Ribbon Reel

Challenges:
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

Time Flies

2012-01-02T05:01:00.002Z

Hello and Happy New Year to you! This week it's Sheri is playing host over at The Shabby Tearoom and she has chosen this wonderful inspiration pic for you to work with. Create a card / featuring something with Wings!

I've coloured this sweet digi stamp from Robyns Fetish Digital Stamps who are giving away 5 digital images to the Winner of the Tearoom this week.

To complement the Waking Up Birdie image, I've used these gorgeous soft pastel papers from Prima's 'Pixie Glen' range. A little twine bow and knotted tuille net have been added to finished off this simple and sweet card

Check out the Shabby Girls blogs for some great projects!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Shabby Holiday Winter

2011-12-30T18:24:00.000Z

Just sharing a little card I created before Christmas for The Ribbon Reel that I didn't get around to posting due to the Christmas!

Here I've used a selection of Websters Pages digital papers and elements - how adorable is the birdie?!
a chipboard Label 20 which I painted and decorated with the co-ordinating pearl border and Marianne die cut tag which I just layered up with a metal-look frame and Websters bird.

All ribbons can be found at The Ribbon Reel

A Colourful & Shabby New Year

2011-12-26T05:01:00.002Z

We have another fun challenge for you at The Shabby Tearoom this Christmas week, and Melissa is our lovely host and chosen this wonderful inspiration pic to be inspired by plus use the colours pink or red, blue yellow and green.

I've made a New Year party hat with the papers and elements from our amazing sponsor this week, Crafty Secrets.

Our Winner will receive who have a "Creating With Vintage Patterns CD #2" and a $25 Gift Certificate! I must say these CDs are just FANTASTIC! There are so many beautiful elements and gorgeous papers plus more on there!

Hop over to the Shabby Girls blogs this week to see what they have been creating!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Happy New Year

2011-12-26T00:01:00.002Z

Hope you are all having a Merry Christmas! Over at The Ribbon Reel it's my turn to set this fortnight's challenge and I have chosen a New Year theme using the above inspiration photo to create a project with the colours White, Cream, Silver, Black and Grey.

I've used black satin pleat, cream button twine, grey seam binding, grey satin, cream twill and black and cream centre stitch ribbon all from The Ribbon Reel.

Have a Krafty Christmas!

2011-12-19T05:01:00.053Z

Long time no see, dear readers. Well it's such a busy time of year, I can't believe it's now less than a week until Christmas, just crazy! So what better way to start the week than this fun challenge from The Shabby Tearoom, and the lovely Char is your host this week and asks we create a card / project using Red, Kraft, Newsprint, and Silver paper ... with a Star!

And here's my little offering! I've layered corrugated Kraft with these yummy October Afternoon papers and then gathered some printed Crepe paper around a circle. I've decorated with a glittery Fern sprig and berries and a Candy Cane digi image from our sponsors this week, Bugaboo Stamps, coloured with Pro Markers and some sparkle added with some crushed glass glitter.

They are giving away a prize of 7 Digi stamps for this weeks lucky Winner.

Check out the Shabby Girls blogs for some wonderful Festive treats this week!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expresstions of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From the Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Card

The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney With Care

2011-12-12T11:05:00.002Z

Hello and welcome! In The Shabby Tearoom this week, Debbie is your host and has chosen this lovely Festive photo to get inspired by. Make a card / project and featuring a Christmas Stockings!

The sweet image I've used on my card is from our Sponsors this week, Love To Stamp - home of the Little Darlings rubber stamps. Here you can also find paper, sentiment stamps, tools and other embellishments, for all your crafting needs. Love to Stamp are pleased to offer this week's winner one stamp set of their choice.

I wanted this card to be subtle with a difference, so decided to use acetate as my card blank! I've layered up some doilies and punched circles and added the image which I've coloured with Pro Markers, glittered and snipped out. To finish are some pearl flourishes and soft satin bow topped with snowy Holly.

Check out the Shabby Girls blogs for some great inspiration!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expresstions of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From the Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Card

Nordic Christmas

2011-12-10T00:46:00.001Z

It's time for a new challenge on the Daring Cardmakers blog, and this week it's my turn to set your Dare! Taking inspiration from the photo above, I'd like you to create cards / projects with a Nordic Theme - think knitted jumpers, reindeer and lots of red and white!

Challenges:
Card Patterns - Sketch

The Magic of Christmas

2011-12-05T05:01:00.068Z

Hello, and the new week welcomes a new challenge in The Shabby Tearoom , and this week I am your host and ask you create a card / project with Pink, Gold, Neutrels, Flowers and Snowflakes!

I've had an idea to make this for a while as a Christmas gift - it's a box and candle holder - the house is actually a tealight holder that I've glittered up, so hopefully it will be stylish and functional!
I've used the 'I Heart You' stamp from our sponsor this week, Robyns Fetish Digital Stamps who are giving away 5 digital images to our Winner.

The heart is decorated with a Melissa Frances resin frame {love} and a Fimo cherub that I made (well, a mold did ;) ). I used white acrylic paint on the lid as a base coat and then painted over with some pink Crackle Paint, while the base is covered with sheet music. A doily, snowflake stickers, white bottle brush trees (which I stuck beads onto to represent baubles), tiny presents and a smattering of fake snow finish off the miniture snow scene.

Challenges:
Totally Papercrafts - Let It Snow
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
The Pink Elephant Challenge - Snowflakes & Sparkle
Allsorts - Going Round in Circles
Bunny Zoes Crafts - Christmas Pearls

Hop over to the Shabby Girls blogs this week to see what they have been creating!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Jolly Holly

2011-12-03T00:47:00.001Z

It's the last of the Flower of the Month challenges at Daring Cardmakers , and December's flowers are a choice of Holly or Narcissus.

I am loving music paper (this is literally from an old music book :) ) more than ever at the moment! I've sewn around the edge and then distressed by turning and ripping the edges. The tag has been given the scrunch effect - scrunched into a ball then flattening out, then iinking to highlight the creases. I've layered chipboard frame and a cute resin candy cane onto the tag, and of course some plastic holly which I've splashed white paint and glass glitter onto. Finally some rusty jingle bells, twine and seam binding add a festive flourish!

Challenges:
Craft Your Days Away - Buttons / Bows
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

Winter Picnic

2011-11-28T05:01:00.052Z

Cindy is out host in The Shabby Tearoom this week and has picked out this beautiful Wintery inspiration photo and asks we create a card or project using white or cream, silver and glitter. Fun, fun, fun!

Our fabulous sponsors this week are JustRite Stamps, who are giving away this wonderful Prize Package which includes JustRite Custom Charm Dies,Charming Christmas Cling Stamps,Elegant Charms Cling Stamps and Be Charmed Cling Stamps (with a value of $84.80!) to our Winner!

I have made my card with the Lace Borders and the greeting is from the Christmas Charms set. The detail is these stamps is amazing, they are fab to work with. I also loved this colour pallet of whites and creams together with a hint of sparkly silver. layering up die cuts, I used kraft card for the plain card but decided it needed toning down with my ink dabber (my fave product at the moment). For the Snowflake, I've painted a chipboard flake in white Crackle Paint and sprinkled with glass glitter, the layered an October Afternoon die cut flake and wrapped some mini Vintage Tinsel around a button. Lace, cream seam binding, pearls, dots and resin star add softness. The greeting has been wrapped around a mini cotton spool and threaded onto this Maya Road star pin.

I've also used the Christmas Charms stamps to decorate some baubles!

These were plain glass ones which I filled with strips of paper - sheet music and Festive greetings, then stamped and embossed the tag charms, added hints of glitter and finished with a gorgeous satin bow with bells. The below ornament is finished with silky crush ribbon, chain and some diamante sparkles!

Challenges:

Simon Says Stamp and Show - Stars

Papertake Weekly - Christmas Crackers

The Ribbon Girl - Jingle All The Way

Craft Your Days Away - Buttons / Bows

Please pop along to the Shabby Girls blogs to see their take on this week's challenge :)

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

The Ribbon Reel #16

2011-11-28T00:25:00.001Z

Hi all! Keilly has set the new challenge over at The Ribbon Reel and has chosen an ANYTHING GOES theme. So have fun using anything you wish!

I've deviated from my Christmas card making with this little number, making a wreath from wire and ribbons. I started by twisted some thick wire into a circle and then covered with seam binding, then wound the White Leaf trim around and finally tied Burlap cord on and frayed for a fuller look.

I've decorated with a wooden birdie, lovely lace and ribbons and a mulberry rose that I highlighted with paint and popped a pin through.

Purple Button Twine, Lilac Gingham, White Twill, May Arts White Leaf trim, May Arts Twisted Burlap cord, Lilac Scallop lace all from The Ribbon Reel

Card Patterns Guest Slot

2011-11-27T01:24:00.001Z

Hello and hope you are having a good weekend! This week I have a guest design slot with Card Patterns

after I was lucky enough to be chosen as Winner of Sketch 140. Thanks ladies! Here's my take on Sketch 143:

I've used this fab Websters Pages 'Waiting For Santa- The Delivery' paper and I just love the vintage Old World look of these this.

I've layered up embossed Coredinations, green card and the paper, cutting the Santa balloon from a 12x12 sheet. And with it being double sided it coordinates fantastically :) For the embellishments I've added bells tied with seam binding and twine, painted flowers and Bo Bunny peppermint candy border sticker.

Santa, Baby

2011-11-25T16:44:00.001Z

It's Samm turn as Dare-Host this week at Daring Cardmakers and she'd like us to show some

Moustaches, Tashes, Mustaches and Furry Facial Hair

on your cards this week!

I've gone down the (obvious!) route this week with Santa, and my favourite Festive colours - Aqua, Red and Kraft card.

My card is base on the Mojo Monday sketch, with lots of cool tags and labels. I've used corrugated card as a base layer and run a paint dabber over to highlight (Jenni Bowlin 'Malted Milk') then layered with gingham paper and ruffed the edges up. I've used a strip of hessian sack and added strips of this fab October Afternoon paper decorated with ribbon and seam binding. The corrugated stars have been embellished with buttons, hessian twine with little beads tied onto the ends.

Thanks for reading :)

Challenges:

Papertake Weekly - Christmas Crackers

Simon Says Stamps - Tag You're It

Mojo Monday - Sketch 216

Colours of Nature

2011-11-21T05:01:00.086Z

Greetings everyone! It's new challenge day in The Shabby Tearoom and Sheri is our host this week. She has chosen the theme 'Colours of Nature' and this very lovely and Autumnal wreath.

Yes it's another Christmas project from me as I am fully in the swing of festive crafting (better get used to it dear readers!)

This week the prize for our winner is 5 sheets of digital stamps from Whoopsi Daisy

I've made this little tube bag by rolling a piece of card into a tube and sticking down the longer ends then folding the short ends down at opposite angles and securing with eyelets along the bottom. I've used pretty seam binding as the bow fastener,then decorated the 'bag' with coco fibre, twine, berry sprigs, gorgeous Prima leaves and a pinecone. The little tag is an image from Whoopsi Daisy (sheet #199) which I've coloured with Pro Markers and die cut out with Nestibilities.

Please pay a visit to the Shabby Girls blogs this week to see what they have been creating!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Shabby Pastel Christmas

2011-11-14T05:01:00.051Z

Hello and a new challenge greets us over in The Shabby Tearoom! This week it's Melissa's challenge, who has picked out the beautiful image above! She asks we create a card or project with a Holiday theme using the colours from the inspiration photo.

I have used this Card & Gift Box Combo template, from our sponsors this week Creations by AR. Our Winner this week will recieve 2 fabulous templates!

I've decorated my box with these beautiful colours (light blue and pink, divine!) die cut reindeer, which I added some festive bells around his neck. Glitter, flowers, snowflakes and gorgeous lace add the festive magic!

Challenges:

The City Crafter - Thanks: Thankgiving, Gift or Thank You

Hopee over to the Shabby Girls blogs to see what wonderful projects they have created this week!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Bright Butterflies

2011-11-14T00:09:00.001Z

The Ribbon Reel's new challenge has been set by Zuzana, who has chosen this lovely image to work with - use the COLOURS from the PHOTO plus BUTTERFLIES. Hop along to the blog to play along and ben in with a chance of winning a £10 voucher to spend in the The Ribbon Reel shop!

For my card I've used kraft and graph paper together as I think it looks great together! The circle frame is amde from corrugated kraft card torn into a circle, which I ran some paint over (Jenni Bowlin paint dabber in Malted Milk) and then die cut a circle inside. I've backed with this pretty yellow paper and pretty butterfly on top, embellished with pins and a rose.

The large rose has been die cut out of felt and rolled, then bunched up with some Tea Roses and crinkled seam binding.

White Twill, Yellow Grosgrain, Tile Blue Seam Binding, Orange Mesh ribbon, Tea Roses all from The Ribbon Reel
Alpha rub ons, Doodlebug
Text paper, October Afternoon
Yellow Lace paper, Crate Paper
Marianne Rose die

Bejewelled

2011-11-11T22:35:00.003Z

It's Sharon's turn as challenge - setter over at Daring Cardmakers and this week she'd set the theme: cards inspired by Jewellery - you can be inspired by the colour, the stone, or the design.

I've picked out the colours and pearls/gems from this bracelet from Moxie Fab World :

I've used this gorgeous Basic Grey 'Glacier' paper for the base and punched a border from graph card. The are doilies coloured with Pro Markers and layered a circle cut from another one of my favourite Christmas papers (October Afternoon 'Sugar Cookies').

I made a sort of wreath from paper roses and die cut snowflakes covered in glass glitz glitter, while the large snowflake is chipboard painted in Crackle Paint and sprinkled with the aforementioned glitter.

The 'Joy' greeting is with stitching details on the letters. Finished off with a tea stained seam binding bow and this wonderful diamond like (I wish!) gem that was recycled from an old notebook.

Thanks for looking!

Challenges:
Moxie Fab World - Beads & Baubles
Card Patterns - Sketch 140
Papertake Weekly - Christmas
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Recycle

A Shabby Thanksgiving

2011-11-07T05:01:00.002Z

This week it's Char's turn to play host in The Shabby Tearoom and she has chosen this wonderful inspiration pic for you to work with. Create a card / project using Brown, Yellow, Neturals and Blue.

I've coloured this 'Basket of Apples' digi image with Pro Markers, from Robyns Fetish Digital Stamps who are giving away 5 digital images to the Winner of the Tearoom this week.

The bucket has been printed onto wood effect card and mounted onto an embossed and sanded piece of White Wash Coredinations topped with a little greeting banner. I've layered pretty Pink Paislee papers and finished with seam binding, twine, wood button and some Corn husks which I tied into a bow along with some seam binding.

Challenges
Simon Says Stamp - Buttons
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

Please hop over to the wonderful Shabby Girls blogs for some great projects!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

A November Flower

2011-11-04T21:20:00.003Z

It's Flower of the Month time on the Daring Cardmakers blog and this month it is the Chrysanthemum. I've used this lovely little resin Chrysanthemum. The embellishment is made with a chipboard scallop filled with glass glitter and chipboardheart and buttons that have been Crackle Painted and inked with a gold (heart) and blue (buttons) ink for a subtle sheen. Pearls, seam binding and Cosmo Cricket greeting (currently loving these!) finish this little baby off.

Challenges:
Cr84fn Colour challenge - Grey, Steel Blue, Yellow

Card Patterns - Sketch 138
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp - Buttons

A JustRite Party!

2011-11-03T16:11:00.001Z

Hello and Happy mid-week!

The fantastic JustRite Stamps are hosting a Christmas Linky Party over on their blog and everyone is invited to join in the festivities! To join in, simply create a Christmas project / card with some JustRite stamps and link your project to the JustRite Inspiration Blog

For my little project, I decided to make a pretty Christmas tag using the 'Greetings from Paris' stamp set. I've used the beautiful flourish and Fleur de Lys stamps on a kraft tag and added some chipboard labels and decorated with these cute Cosmo Cricket month / number stickers. I've added ruffled ribbon and pearl string along the edge of the tag.

The tag is completed with a seam binding bow, clothes peg (which I painted with acrylic paint and stamped a Post Mark onto from the same JustRite stamp set as before) and paper rose accented with paint and glitter. Now it's all ready to clip onto a pressent!

Homespun Fall

2011-10-31T10:01:00.001Z

A new week and a new challenge in The Shabby Tearoom and Debbie is our host this week and asks we create a crad or project inspired by the photo with a Fall/Autumn scene.

The prize for one lucky winner is 15 yards shabby seam binding from Deb's Simple Treasures Etsy shop.

And here's what I created!

I love the colours in the inspiration photo, so I tried to match my papers up! I die cut the orante frame and printing a doily, layering with a K&Co canvas flower which I've added a cute die cut pumpkin cut from Coredinations. I've accented this with acorns, berry sprigs which I glittered, flowers, and die cut oak leaves shaded with a Pro Marker and ink.

I have used this yummy seam binding in Cake Crumbs, Ambrosia Cantalope and Winter White from Simple Treasures with a tag that I rubbed some white paint over to highlight finished with a sticker greeting.

Check out the Shabby Girls blogs for some stunning inspiration!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Pretty in Pink & Turquoise

2011-10-31T00:36:00.000Z

The Ribbon Reel we have another gorgeous inspiration pic to get your creative juices flowing, and this week Pauline has set the challenge to create a card or project using the colors TURQUOISE, HOT PINK AND WHITE.

For my project, I decided I would create something other than a card for a change! With Christmas coming up, it's a great idea to have some little gift packets / boxes made up.

I made this 'bag' by wrapping a sheet of 12x12 paper around an old box base, it's scoring the corners for a sharp and neat finish. A couple of eyelets through the top threaded with some Silky Crush ribbon create the fastening.I have decorated with a doily, tag and of course ribbons!

Turquoise Satin, Fuschia Ruffle Edge, Silky Crush, Rose and Lace with Pearls all from The Ribbon Reel
Paper, Bo Bunny
Cuttlebug Snowflake die
Marianne die
Doily
Glitter Dot vellum, Papermania
Greeting, Pink Petticoat

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-24T05:01:00.025+01:00

We have a Halloween theme going on in The Shabby Tearoom, and I am your host this week :) I'd like you to create a card or project with a Halloween theme using the colours from the inspiration picture - purple, orange, black & neutrals with twine or raffia. Oh so fun!

Our sponsor in the Tearoom this week is More Paper Than Shoes, who are offering a$20.00 to spend instore.

For my creepy card, I've distressed these Pink Petticoat Halloween papers and used a piece of thick cardboard painted with acrylic paint and ink which I've backed with this fantastic felt Spider web! This is actually supposed to be a drinks coaster, but I saw these and knew they were meant for craft ;) I've added some paint for a creepy look and topped it with a sweet witch bingo card.

The greeting panel is just some orange card, painted corrugated card and a die cut 'Boo' decorated with a die cut faux leather star which I stitched and layered with bleached seam binding, raffia plus corrugated card star.

To top the card off, I punched an oval and used this cool Melissa Frances rub-on, edged with glass glitter, and adhered to a black tulle bow.

Challenges:
Really Reasonable Ribbon - Fun 4 Fall
Allsorts - Halloween
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Lace It Up

Hop along to the fabby Shabby Girls blogs to see their gorgeous creations this week!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Lime Aid

2011-10-23T14:57:00.000+01:00

At Daring Cardmakers we have this fab sketch by Kathy to play with this week. I really enjoyed playing with this sketch, and using lime/ lilac from The Ribbon Girl challenge.

I wanted to go for a grungey look with this one, using dark ink, ripped edges and grungey papers. I've used a cog digi stamp layered with a Coredinations 'Black Magic' die cut fancy circle, which I embossed and sanded (nope, I cannot stop the sanding!) then added texture by die cutting stars from leather and mesh ribbon, which I just clipped to a ticket (cut from Pink Paislee paper) with a mini peg. I've just layered and roughed up my edges and used some cool number strips and twill ribbon, which were both off cuts. To finish I added these cute Jenni Bowlin banner stickers on the side.

Challenges:
The Ribbon Girl - Lilac & Lime

Pumpkin Garden

2011-10-17T05:01:00.071+01:00

This weeks challenge at The Shabby Tearoom has been set by Cindy (her first challenge for the Tearoom!) and asks we create a card or project using the colors in the inspiration photo and one dry embossed element.

I have used Coral Pearls, Finesse Swirls and Prima Ceylon 'Attic' flowers from our wonderful sponsor this week, Classy Cards 'n Such who are offering a $15 gift certificate for the Winner of our challenge!

I've done lots of layering (again!) with punched and die cut shapes in these gorgeous Autumnal colours, then arranged these fab Prima flowers (I adore!) with mulberry and skeleton leaves, vellum and paper die cut leaves. For these, I scrunched the vellum and inked it up then layered on top of the paper die cuts for a more realistic dried leaf look. A little crackle painted mulberry rose also adds a different effect.

The little tag has been embossed and finished it off with the yummy Melissa Frances rub on.I've used lace, ric rac and absolutely gorgeous pearl flourish border. A liberal smattering of Coral pearls (I can't get enough of these at the moment!!) and a pin add the perfect finishing touches.

Challenges:

Really Reasonable Ribbon - Fun For Fall

Papertake Weekly - Get In Shape (use 3 shapes)

Be sure to check out the beautiful projects to inspire you this week from The Shabby Girls!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Sweet Tea

2011-10-17T00:01:00.003+01:00

Clare has set the new challenge at The Ribbon Reel which is to create a card / project inspired by the COLOURS from the photo and also use FLOWERS.

I decided to use a round card base for a change, I always find it's good to use different shapes for some variation! I've die cut and layered shaped circles then ran this lovely seam binding and gingham across which I finished in a bow and topped with this fab teapot digi image that I've highlighted with Pro Markers and a gold pen.

I've used these fabby roses from The Ribbon Reel that have been inked and added some vamped up standard pearl pins with a flash of bronze glitter. Voila!

Silky Crush, Yellow Gingham, Seam binding (Peach and Bay Leaf), 4cm & 2cm roses, all from The Ribbon Reel
Image from Etsy
Nestibilities Labels 2 / Teardrop Circles
Doily
Pins
Pearls

Flying By

2011-10-15T17:30:00.004+01:00

This week's challenge at Daring Cardmakers has been set by Rein and it is to use Birds on your projects - it can be stamped, die-cut or made in another way - and you might even win a prize this week!

This week's dare is sponsored by The Ribbon Reel, who are one of the best places around for fuelling your ribbon addiction - visit the shop to see a wonderful range not just of ribbon but lace, trims and even stamps. For more info, please visit Daring Cardmakers blog!

I've used this wonderful Glitz bird rub on, which I cut out and and stuck to a chipboard frame backed by sheet music card. Natural elements look great with the red and kraft theme - I've used hessian, mulberry paper frame and waxed string. The rose is made from Seam Binding, and as it's a Christmas card I've used some red glitter 'dots' for a subtle shimmer and of course some pearls!

Challenges:

Mojo Monday - Sketch

Cr84fn Colour Challenge - Red, Brown, Kraft

Simon Says Stamp and Show - Things With Wings

Glitz bird rub on
Basic Grey 'Manila' paper
American Crafts 'Thickers' chipboard frames
Kraft card
Hessian fabric
Seam binding
Cosmo Cricket alphas
Queen & Co. felt scallop border
HOTP music note paper
Hand stitching
Waxed string

Fall Flowers

2011-10-10T05:00:00.001+01:00

This week's challenge in The Shabby Tearoom has been set by Sheri and the theme is to create a card / project making your own flowers using the colors in the inspiration photo. Fun!! I love the colours, and it makes a change from orange lol! ;)

For my card, I've used the Mannequin digi stamp from our sponsors this week,Digi My World (see below) which I paper pieced then finished with a tulle bow detail. I've layered up with Basic Grey and Pink Paislee papers and a punched semi circle.

The flower has been made by cutting descending size (large) scallops,scrunching, inking and I finished with some lace and a brad. I've added a paper tape measure and chipboard border along the bottom of the card.

This week's sponsor is Digi My World, who are offering a $10 gift certificate to spend in their online shop.

Challenges:
Simon Says Stamp - Sparkle & Bling

Hop over to the Shabby Girls blogs for some fantastic inspiration.

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

October Flowers

2011-10-08T00:31:00.003+01:00

Over at Daring Cardmakers, we're back to the Flower of the Month challenge and the flowers for the month of October are Cosmos or Calendula.

I've chosen Cosmos, and used the sketch from Card Patterns and the colours from Moxie Fab World's
'Treat Yourself' challenge - oranges, cream, toffee and brown. Yum!

Decorative scissors have been used to create the 'postage stamp' background, and just layered up from there! For the side border I've layered 7Gypsies paper, doily edge punched card strip and some negative stipes of card from my border punches that were on my desk. I've stamped some doilies with two different brown inks and heat embossed using some lovely lustre embossing powder and then die cut. The middle doily has a Basic Grey sticker in there centre and finished off with a word sticker and twine bow.

The Cosmos flower image is printed from the internet onto textured card, die cut and inked. I've made a seam binding bow which has been dampened, scrunched and finished with some brown lace and a Prima Pebble. For the greeting I've used a lolly (pop) and popped a sticker on it.

Challenges:

Moxie Fab World 'Treat Yourself'

Card Patterns - Sketch 135
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

A Shabby Autumn

2011-10-03T05:01:00.003+01:00

It's Week #82 at The Shabby Tearoom and Melissa is our host this week with this wonderful challenge. Create a card/project with an Autumn/Fall theme using the inspiration photo.

And here's my Happy Fall card!

I've used some lovely Autumnal colours again for my card, natural twine, hessian, kraft and inked chipboard button. The 'Happy Fall' stamp I used is from Robyns Fetish Digital Stamps, who are giving away 5 digi images to this weeks lucky Tearoom Winner!

Challenges:
Totally Papercrafts - Autumn
The Kraft Journal - Lavish Layers

Check out the Shabby Girls blogs for some more inspiration:

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Ribbon Reel DT Call

2011-10-03T00:43:00.000+01:00

We will be sadly saying goodbye to one of our design team girls at the end of this month when their current term comes to an end. However, the good news is that we are looking for someone new to join our team and fortnightly challenges!

If you are interested in applying for the team, enjoy a challenge and of course using lots of gorgeous ribbons, laces, trim, etc., on your projects (as supplied by our Ribbon Reel shop), then check out the requirements below and send us your entry. Good Luck Everyone!

DESIGN TEAM REQUIREMENTS:

You will need to have a blog and actively post on it!

You must create at least one card or project every fortnight for our Monday fortnightly challenges!

You must be willing and able to work with the ribbon packs supplied by our shop, as well as the future possibility of sponsor supplied products, which may include items such as digital images and papers, stamps and templates.
You must be willing to comment on our fortnightly submissions. You will be assigned two numbers and you will be required to comment on submissions ending with these numbers over the fortnight.

You must be able to meet the fortnightly deadlines and submit projects in a timely manner, as well as having your blog post go live in conjunction with our challenges, linking back to The Ribbon Reel Blog and any of our sponsors, including The Ribbon Reel shop!

It is preferable if you speak fluent English.

You must be able to commit to a minimum six month term with the design team (with the option to extend).

You must be able to create and host challenges following a rota (currently every 10 weeks).

Create a card or project inspired by the photo above using PASTEL COLOURS PLUS RIBBONS/LACE/TWINE.

The Design Team Call will run from 12:00am GMT, Monday 3rd October through to 11.59pm GMT, Sunday 16th October. The new design team member will be contacted on Monday 17th October and the blog announcement will be made on Monday 24th October. The new design team member will begin their term on Monday 31st October!

Please read the details below on submitting your application:

Send an email attaching a photo of your completed card or project to me at mail@theribbonreel.co.uk.

Send your complete name, address, phone, email and blog addresses.

Include a short bio about yourself, including how long you have been crafting, what your favourite
craft mediums are such as cards, layouts, altered art, what inspires you.

Send your resume and let us know of any current design team positions you hold, as well as any past design team ones. It is not a requirement to have been on a design team before.

Let us know why you'd like to be one of the Ribbon Reel girls!

Autumn Elegance

2011-10-03T00:36:00.004+01:00

We have another fab new challenge at The Ribbon Reel and Debbie is our lovely host for this week and has chosen this wonderful autumnal inspiration photo for us all .....

And my card for Challenge #12:

Now I love these colours, they are so different from what I would normally choose hence why I've enjoyed using them.

I've used some fab orange 'Vintage' Coredinations, Bazzill and Prima paper, which I've layered 2 half doilies onto that I coloured with Pro Markers. A die cut label ha embossed with orange ink and then I swept some yellow and orange chalk over for colour and shimmer. The fantastically Autumnal pumpkin digi image has been stitched and backed by a Marianne frame.

Gorgeous flowers, seam binding give some lovely accents to the card.

Challenges:

Cupcake Inspirations - Fall Inspiration

Cr84fn Colour challenge - Brown, Orange, Yellow

Simon Says Stamp challenge -Anything Goes

Seam binding (Ambrosia & Cameo Beige), Lace, yellow satin, Bakers Twine, Gardenia and Cherry Blossom flowers, all from The Ribbon Reel

Vintage Coredinations

Prima 'Reflections' Collection paper
Pumpkin image, Crafts U Print

Autumn leaves, Prima

Resta Calmo...

2011-10-02T19:04:00.002+01:00

It's Lythan's turn to host the dare this week at Daring Cardmakers, and the theme is in honour of European Languages Day - use a foreign language on your card.

I thought I'd do something different to what I would usually do - which would be a French theme, and I loved this Italian 'Keep Calm & Carry On' digi image which I've printed onto kraft card.

I wanted a striking and relatively unisex look to the card, and no flowers (shock horror!).

I've used sanded Coredinations, Pink Paislee and 7Gypsies papers and hand stitching. The sweetie bow at the top is made from a die cut leather star and circle, mulberry paper, ribbons, funky fibre and an old button!

Challenges:
Papertake Weekly - Sketch
Simon Says Stamp challenge -Anything Goes

Chevrons

2011-09-26T05:00:00.003+01:00

A new challenge over at the The Shabby Tearoom this week, and it's Charlene's turn to host. Taking inspiration from this photo, create a card or project with Chevrons, and use the colors, Blue, Green, Orange,Yellow, Brown and Cream as in the following inspiration picture:

We have a fantastic prize this week offered by JustRite stamps, who are debuting some new sets of stamps on The Shabby Tearoom blog on Monday … how cool is THAT! Here's what you can win:

and here is my interpretation for this week's challenge:

I have used the fabulous "Greetings from Paris" set of stamps provided by Justrite on my card to create the postcard and tag. Very Parisienne and very me - I love these stamps!

Challenges: Simon Says Stamp - Dies / Punches

Check out the Shabby Girls blogs for some more inspiration:

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Vintage White

2011-09-19T05:01:00.000+01:00

Well it's my first week on the DT over at the The Shabby Tearoom! Week #80's challenge is to

take inspiration from this beautiful inspiration photo and create a card or project using all neutrals - white, cream, kraft, brown, black.

This week's sponsor is Ellephantastic, and TSTR winner will receive 4 digi images of their choice.

So, onto my card - I loved the idea of using neutrels so much I made to projects!

My first being this card. I've used soft papers, lace and doilies to match the delicate tones and textures of the inspiration pic. For the centre frame I embossed some kraft card and lightly swept some white paint over it to to highlight, then used this fab brown rub on frame and finally this gorgeous Melissa Frances frame backed with a vintage image and little bird I cut from paper.

I made the flower by gathering layering different laces whch I've secured with a brad. The little 'pebble' at the top of the card was made with a magnifying resin stone, which I backed with a small piece of paper and decorated with some pearls.

For my second, I made a little tag and used this cute little witch digi stamp (Halloween Charlotte from Ellephantastic) coloured in with Pro Markers and a touch of glitter. Sanded wood textured Core'dinations topped with a doily and this fab spider web (cut from a sheet of paper). Painted corrugated card, Bakers Twine and a fun sentiment give it an extra spooky feel!

Check out the Shabby Girls blogs for some more inspiration:

Debbie Marcinkiewicz - Deb's Simple Treasures

Charlene Cundy - Expressions Of Me!

Cindy Holshouser - Sweet P Paperie

Melissa Bove - Creating From The Heart

Sheri Holt - My Sheri Cards

Floral Flutter

2011-09-19T00:01:00.062+01:00

Our new Challenge #11 at theThe Ribbon Reel is taking inspiration from this fab cake photo and making a Birthday themed card or project with ribbon/lace/twine.

For my card I've used a digi die-cut card blank and (look closely) some Prima doily print acetate packaging! I saw this and thought it was too nice to be kept just as packaging :) Of course I have used a lot of beautiful ribbons from the The Ribbon Reel :- seam binding, twill, lace and sheer ruffle.

My fave Tim Holtz die cuts came out again - the bird and cage! These are inked for delicacy and his wing has been Crackle Accented. I've used seam binding and a paper butterfly to decorated the cage, along with a chain and little metal key (so cute!).

Layered paper flowers, Prima glitter flower sticker and some doilies that cut from some October Afternoon paper (I am in love with this!) add a floral flourish.

Lace and a scallop border with Saf-Mat greeting finish the card off.

All ribbons/lace, Hellebores, and pink Roses from The Ribbon Reel

Birdcage die, Tim Holtz by Sizzix

Prima butterflies and glitter flower

October Afternoon paper 'Collectors Item'

Mini Key, 7Gypsies

Letraset 'Saf-Mat'

Pins

Happy Happy Birthday

2011-09-16T16:48:00.005+01:00

This week it's Kathy's challenge at Daring Cardmakers, which is entitled How Many Candles -

make a Birthday Card with at least one candle on. We also have a prize up for grabs this week for one lucky winner - we are joining in the celebrations for the launch of Funky Hand latest Papercraft Factory CD, 'Happy Happy Birthday '

Our lucky random draw winner will receive a copy of this fabulous, brand new CD Rom!

To be in the draw you must:

1. Make a card for this week's challenge and leave a link so we can see it.

2. Add links to your blog mentioning to your readers about Funky Hand and Daring Cardmakers .

3. Enter your card for no more than FIVE other challenges

The DCM team have all used Funky Hand papers from the Happy Happy Birthday CD to make their cards this week so you'll see what it's all about, but of course you may not have any (yet), so you can use anything you like.

Challenges:

Card Patterns - Sketch 132

The Shabby Tearoom - Boys Will Be Boys

Stripe & Spot papers, Funky Hand
Core'dinations

Circle alphas, Pink Petticoat

Black alphas, Doodlebug

Chipboard brackets, American Crafts 'Thickers'

Doily bunting rub on, Crate Paper

Candle rub on

Twine

Buttons

A very exciting Tea Time

2011-09-12T05:01:00.002+01:00

Some of you may know that one of my favourite blogs, The Shabby Tearoom ran a Design Team call to find two new designers recently, and I'd like to share with some exciting news - I was chosen to be part of the team!! :) I can't tell you how excited I am to be joining the Shabby Girls! The other new girl is the very talented Cindy Holshouser. We 'officially' start next week for the Week #80 Challenge. How exciting :)

The inspiration photo was this beauty:

And these are my entries!

I made this little cup out of papier mache, layering bits of paper and glue into a greased tea cup and saucer to get the 'mold'. Once this was done, I left it to dry overnight and the painted it with this pretty aqua paint and glazed it. Next came the fun part - decorating! I made the cup base by cutting the top of a polystyrene egg, which was a perfect fit and covering in papier mache and then spraying gold. Lace, seam binding and pearl string decorate the cup along with this pretty teacup tag. I used a digi stamp spoon for added effect and couldn't resist putting a little bow and flower on! For the gold decoration around the rim and saucer, I used Perfect Pearls in Gold.

For the card I've used layers of card and digi die cut shapes. The doily looks perfect for the 'tea theme' and this wonderful Pink Paislee doily stamp which I've heat embossed, looks so pretty. A stained seam binding rosette and hand made Fimo button give the card a regal topping. The greeting has been printed onto Letraset 'Saf-Mat', which makes a sticker (fun stuff!) and I've accented the greeting label with butterfly and a ruffled seam binding, button and resin embellishment.

Lace, applique, velvet ribbon and gathered satin ribbon add texture. The tea cup image is from Etsy, and I absolutely love it! I coloured this in with Pro Markers and used Glossy Accents on the flowers to replicate glaze. A tiny tag and some roses accent the cup.

Flutterby

2011-09-10T01:25:00.007+01:00

It's Keilly's first dare this week over at Daring Cardmakers and she has chosen this gorgeous inspiration photo. Use the colours from the photo and also include butterflies!

Now I love Hydrangea flowers, and decided I must make one for this card! I made it by cutting a polystyrene ball in half and stuck these little flowers that I die cut all over the ball. I've used pearls and ink for decoration. I've added some roses and lush velvet leaves, splattered with some paint for interest, and some coiled Core'dinations flourishes.

This lovely lace from the Ribbon Reel has been layered over some natural mesh, and this fab X-Cut border finishes it nicely. The butterflies are a digi image which I've chalk inked and layered for dimension.

Challenges: Card Patterns - sketch

Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Lets Create challenges - Blast From The Past - '#18 Say It With Flowers'

Papers, Etsy
Digi Butterflies, Two Peas In A Bucket
X-Cut 'Margaret' border die
Nellies Multi Frame 'Doily' dies
Pink & Green lace, The Ribbon Reel
Flowers, Wild Orchid crafts
Core'dinations
Polystyrene ball, Hobbycraft

Back To School

2011-09-05T00:00:00.005+01:00

A new challenge is upon us over at The Ribbon Reel and Zuzana has chosen the theme 'Back To School'. Yes, it's that time of year again when the nights draw in (oh no!) and the kids toddle of back to school. I wanted to do something a bit different for my project, and came up with the idea of upcycling a notepad. I had so much fun doing this I'm planning to make some more as gifts.

I've used kraft and this perfect-for-the-job alphabet embossed Coredinations which I've sanded to give a blackboard effect. On top of that went my 'pencil holder' - I made a slit in the scalloped circle and fed a small loop of ribbon through which I sewed so keep it nice and tight so the pencils wouldn't fall out. I've used this wonderful Celery Loop Trim to edge the circle and decorate the pencils.

Some roughed up newsprint paper and glitter Thickers make a cute 'title'. Along the side of the card I've used a paper chain ruler (this is what is supposed to be, but I think they are great for cards!), Twill Stripe and Bakers Twine topped with a flower and cute crepe paper swirl in the centre.

I've tied small lengths of ribbon onto the sprial of the notebook for a finishing flourish!

All ribbons from the The Ribbon Reel
American Crafts 'Thickers'
Core'dinations by Cosmo Cricket
Phrase Label (on side) Cosmo Cricket
Dot paper, Echo Park 'For The Record'
Newsprint paper from Two Peas In A Bucket 'Collage Kit'
My Minds Eye ''Stella & Rose paper' (on scallop)
Ruler, East Of India

September Flowers

2011-09-04T23:23:00.004+01:00

It's Flower of the Month time at Daring Cardmakers, and the choice for September's flower is either Asters or Morning Glory. I have chosen Asters for my card.

For this card I've used an off-cut of card as my base (great to use those bits up!) and I really like the shape as it's a little different. I've layered these lovely aqua papers up with an embossed a digi cut label, corrugated card oval that I've edged with ruffled seam binding. The Aster is made by using a Doodlebug 'Paper Frill', which is basically a fringed strip of card and rolled into a spiral then flattened out the petals and inked. A brad and some felt flowers finish off the Aster. Lace, aqua satin and palce blue velvet ribbon runs along the top with some cute little buttons and twine.

Challenges:
Cr84fn Colour challenge - Light blue, Turquoise, neutrels

Garnet Noel

2011-09-04T22:56:00.003+01:00

Challenges: The Shabby Tearoom - Birthstones
Papertakeweekly - Sketch

My birthstone is Garnet, so I decided to make (another) Christmas card! To me, it's the perfect festive colour and I'm also quite pleased with myself for getting another Christmas card 'in the bag'!

I've layered up with Core'dinations and 7Gypsies paper, two of my favourite things! How fabulous is the Christmas script and garnet and cream flocked card?! Cotton lace, twill and trim decorate the middle of the card and fab chipboard frame backed with flourish textured Core'dinations and embellished with a little felt dove with chipboard wings. The chip greeting is adhered onto corrugated card highlighted with paint.

I've pushed the boat out and used this beautiful pearl flourish and topped with a Crackle Painted snowflake, metal charm and a smaller inked snowflake that I have accented with Crackle glaze. A tissue paper bow and festive roses finish off this little card.

Thanks for reading!

I'm Dreaming of a Yellow Christmas

2011-08-26T23:17:00.007+01:00

Challenges:

Cr84fn Colour Challenge - Yellow, Kraft, Neutrel

Wild Orchid challenge -Sketch

Cupcake Craft challenges -Giftcard holder

Yes, I feel crazy to be making another Christmas card before October (this is still very early for me to be thinking about Xmas cards lol) but I needed to come up with a design for a friend's craft class. I saw the colour combo over at Cr84fn Colour Challenge, and thought it'd be fun to try something different for a festive cards in terms of colours.

I've layered kraft, white card and this yellow/gold damask paper, and got my doilies out again (can't seem to get enough of these recently!) topped with a stitched circle. I love music / script papers at Christmas, and used my fave 7Gypsies paper for the central rectangle, which has been edged with TH Brackets die. I've used hand rolled roses, made by cutting a spiral into a circle, then inking the edges, spritzing with water, scrunching and fold the edges back and then rolling into a rose. All out of simple white paper. I added a touch of glitter as it is a Christmas card! The Cherry Blossom paper blooms have been flecked with paint for a 'snowy' look, while the leaves were distressed around the edges and inked.

The fun part of this card is the pull out tag. Just a standard kraft tag I decorated and stamped which has been tucked under the square, which was lifted with foam to allow the tag to move freely.
scrunched seam binding, which I coloured with a yellow Pro Marker and ran under the tap to dilute the colour, and pearl snowflake tops the tag off.

Cherry Blossom flowers and small pearls, Wild Orchid Crafts
Music Note paper, 7Gypsies
Yellow Damask paper, Pink Petticoat
Snowflake paper (on circle) Dovecraft
Kraft card
Pearl snowflake, Artoz
Tim Holtz 'Brackets' die
Doily

Feeling Krafty

2011-08-26T10:30:00.010+01:00

Another Friday has rolled around, and this week is my first dare (how fun!) for Daring Cardmakers. And I'm challenging you to get... Feeling Krafty

Which means I'd like you to use 'natural' items on your projects, ie. wood, leaves, kraft card, balsa wood, cork, burlap, rope, natural twine etc. The choice is endless, you just need a bit of imagination!
There is a catch though - you must use 3 natural items not just a bit of kraft card!

The natural elements I've used are: twigs, canvas, wood paper, wooden button, wooden skewers and wood print paper. Phew!

I love this birds image from Etsy, which I've used as an iron-on transfer by printing the image onto special transfer paper an then (yes, you've guessed it) ironing it onto a square of canvas. It's a really cool way of using digi images. This has been layered onto Crate Paper wood print card, some distressed peach damask card and wood paper.

I've backed this with a digi frame and added some paper strips for colour and a Tim Holtz ticket greeting. The little green 'sticks' embellishment was made with wooden skewers (!) which were painted with Crackle Paint and finished with a crackled wooden button, which I painted with a layer of green and then a layer of pink on top and picked bits of the crackle off when it was dry to get a shabby two tone effect.

The flowers have been hand made by folding flat blooms into quarters and sticking together. This is the first time I have done this, and I was really pleased with the outcome. I may find / post a tutorial, they are so fun to make! I have accented the flowers and bird canvas with some twigs for a realistic look.

The card has been finished with crinkled and tea-stained seam binding and a yummy Websters crystal button.

Challenges:
The Shabby Tearoom 'Sweet Days Of Summer' - Pink, peach, green, neutrals and handmade flowers
Ribbon Girl - Ribbon Challenge
Tuesday Throwdown - Texture and Dimension

Wood print paper, from 'Restoration' collection by Crate Paper

Peach Damask, Pink Petticoat

Wood Paper

Canvas

Birds On Wire image from Etsy

Digi frame, Echo Park 'Be Mine' elements from Jessica Sprague

Seam binding
Doily
Tim Holtz 'Love Ticket' and Crackle Paint in 'Shabby Shutters' and 'Tattered Rose'
Webster's 'Sparklers'
Handmade flowers

Sugar Plum

2011-08-22T00:04:00.005+01:00

I'm delighted to announce that I've been asked to join the Design Team over at the The Ribbon Reel challenge blog! TRR is one of my favourite blogs/shops so I'm very happy to joining such a great team :) The new current Challenge #9 is 'Sugar Plum' - a colour challenge using: Plum, Silver or Grey, Green

So here is my first DT card!

I started out by using my doily lace punch along the bottom of the Core'dinations backing card and sanded the edges. I've used the lovely grey paper from the new Echo Park 'Victoria Gardens' collection and layered, embossed and sanded strip of purple card then used lace, ribbon and twine across the card. To make the newspaper flower, I cut lengths of paper and gathered them into a rosette onto a sticky die cut circle and finished off with some tissue paper and a brad.

A doily and Nesties Labels 2 which have been embossed and sanded (no, never!) add some shape to the card, and crinkled seam binding topped with scrunched tissue paper discs and paper rose which I've highlighted with white paint give texture. The card is finished off with Perfect Pearls dots and a chipboard heart with glazed with Crackle Accents.

Lace, pleated satin ribbon, Bakers twine, seam binding and rose from The Ribbon Reel
Echo Park 'For The Record' Newsprint paper and
Sentiment, Pink Petticoat
Nestibilities Labels 2 dies
Cuttlebug 'Swiss Dots' embossing folder

Banksy

2011-08-19T18:51:00.003+01:00

It's Samm's turn to set the dare at Daring Cardmakers this week and her challenge is:
'Inspired by Banksy'

If you're not aware of who he is, then pop on by to Banksy.co.uk and take a look at some of his amazing street art across the world - you could also try a Google Image search on "Banksy" to find lots of fabulous ideas for your card.
So now is your chance to dig out those stencils, use that paint, throw in a few ironic sayings and give your card some 'street life' and show us what you've created.

I must admit, this challenge was a bit of a 'head scratcher' at first - how do you translate the artwork onto card? After perousing the internet for some time I came across this image which I thought would be fun to use. Now obviously I didn't want to make a 'love rat' card, so I've modified the image lol.

I printed out our furry friend and used a white ink pad to create highlighted fur. I've heavily distressed the edges of the card and used ink and paint to highlight them. I hand painted the text and then flicked the paint brush over the card to create paint drops. The heart in the corner has had the same treatment, and I've added to the grungy look by using staples as an embellishment.

Sunny Side Up

2011-08-13T01:05:00.005+01:00

Challenges:

Card Patterns sketch

The Ribbon Reel 'Citrus Sunshine'

Simon Says Stamp ands Show Tim Holtz techniques

Firstly, I love these colours aren't they beautiful? I'm pleased that I managed to make a smaller card this time - usually I go for 8x8 or make my own size up, but I've got everything on a 6x6 lol. I started this card by heavily distressing the edges of my paper, then did some fun layering - a die cut scallop, doily, and more die cut circles in various forms and topped it with this fab chipboard bird.

I've Shabby Shutters crackle paint on the bird and then flicked white paint over to give a mottled effect, and of course inked it! I used seam binding, lace for the bow and finished with pins and a Websters chiffon rose (cut of a length of trim)

I finished with a digi stamp butterfly and some little paper roses.

Pink Paislee 'Butterfly Garden' print paper

My Minds Eye 'Hazel' papers

Echo Park 'Lace Stripes' paper (yellow)

Tim Holtz Crackle Paint in Shabby Shutters and Picket Fence

Rose chiffon trim, Websters

Basic Grey rub on

Butterfly did stamp, Two Peas In A Bucket

Doily

Pins

Lace & Seam binding

So Kawaii

2011-08-12T11:00:00.086+01:00

At Daring Cardmakers we have a new challenge this week, and it's Leo's first dare - she wants us to create cards that are So Kawaii!

Kawaii means anything that is lovable, hug-able and basically cute! Think Hello Kitty and food with smiley faces. Most of the colours in kawaii are sugary, fun and bright so we want to see a little fun bright pop colour too. If you're totally stumped this week check out this Kawaii blog for some super cute inspiration, Super Cute Kawaii

Well brace yourself people! This project is bit of a change for me lol, but I really enjoyed doing something completely different. And I got to use some old stash up, yay :)

I started with a kraft card blank and layered card and these fab Doodlebug paper borders (old stash)
I had the die cut lattice lying around for a good long time, which I used to add some interest to the plain lime card. I cut an uneven sqaure frame with a craft knife and popped a couple of die cut / embossed squares in the centre. The bunny image is from the internet, which I accented with a cute pom pom tail, Glossy Accent eyes and a little flag cake decoration.
I made the star springs by coiling memory wire and attaching stars, sanded uneven circles and buttons.

A bit mad, but So Kawaii!

Papermania 8x8 kraft card blank
Doodlebug 'Paper Frills'
Glitter doodle border and dot paper, Doodlebug
Core'dinations 'Balck Magic' card
Small Kawaii stickers, Paperchase
DMC memory wire
Pink Petticoat greeting and pink doodles paper

City Crafter

2011-08-06T01:20:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much to the ladies at the City Crafter, who chose this card as winner of Week 67's challenge 'Vintage Garden'. The prize was a spot as Guest Designer, so look out in the coming weeks :)
And also thanks to the The Shabby Tearoom girls for putting my Cute as a Button card into the 'Terrific Top 3'.

August Flowers

2011-08-05T20:44:00.003+01:00

This week it's the first challenge of a new month at Daring Cardmakers, so we'd like you to use the flowers associated with the month of August as the starting point for your cards. August's flowers are

Poppies and Gladioli. You have a choice of using either flower, or go the whole hog and use both of them as the inspiration for your cards!

For my card I chose a poppy, as I had some new Crate Paper rub ons that I wanted to use. I started with die cutting a scalloped card blank and layered a doily on top. I cut a smaller circle and layered die cut strips of card then made a concertina flower, which I've embellished with a stamped doily I cut out and my poppy rub on. I cut the leaves from an Echo Park embellishment which I thought looked rather good! Topped the card off with a tissue bow - I love these, I think they add a nice flair to projects.

And the Challenges...

Papertake Weekly Anything Goes
The Shabby Tearoom Mix 'n' Match - use 3 or more papers

My Minds Eye 'Hazel' papers

Crate Paper 'Restoration' rub ons

Pink Paislee doily stamp from 'Butterfly Garden' collection

Perfect Pearls

Epoxy Button

Tissue paper

Twine

Once Upon A Time

2011-08-02T01:20:00.007+01:00

I'll be entering this card into:

The Shabby Tearoom - Mix & Match / 3 or more patterned papers

Card Patterns - Sketch 126

The City Crafter - Vintage Garden (CCCB#67 ); taking inspiration from this gorgeous photo :-

When I first saw these inspiration pics, I was instantly inspired by the colours and patterns - and knew I had some papers that were made for this! Said papers are from Pink Petticoat's 'Vintage Rose' collection, which I've used as strips. I painted this beautiful ornate chipboard frame with Crackle paint and used this as the focal point, and decorated the frame with flowers that have been flecked with paint, I really like the dimension it gives the flowers and pleased I gave it a go! Also used was a corrugated heart with (more) paint and some stamens and a resin rose. The bird is a Tim Holtz die cut which I've inked.

I finished off with a Basic Grey rub on greeting and paper twine and lace bow topped with a little brad and pearl embellishment I made.

Pink Petticoat 'Vintage Rose' and script paper from 'Perfect Papers'

Tim Holtz 'Birdcage' die

Martha Stewart 'Doily Lace' punch
Time Holtz Crackle Paint in 'Picket Fence'

Mulberry flowers and stamens

Leaf die
Lace, grosgrain, paper twine

Cute as a Button

2011-07-29T19:55:00.004+01:00

It's Daring Friday again, and this week it's Sharon's first ever dare - how exciting! Her challenge is for you to create a card using buttons - but hold on, it's not that simple, oh no. We'd like you to use buttons in the main feature of your card, not just as an added embellishment in the corner! Check out the Daring Cardmakers blog for inspiration.

For my card, I decided to make buttons out of Fimo clay (it's been a while since I got my Fimo out!)

I used small cutters and pressed an embossing folder, resin embellishment and jewellery mould into each one them to give texture then made holes in them with a pokey tool. I'm quite pleased ith how these turned out actually. For the lampshade, I covered a strip of card on fabric and folded it into a curve so it sits like a real 3D shade on the card, and decorated with lace and pearls.

Speaking of embossing folders, I used my new 'In Stitches' folder which gets a big thumbs up from me. So I expect you will be seeing a lot more of it ;)

Along the bottom of this, I've used lace, Bakers Twine and a little paper ruche topped with crinkled seam binding and flower. The greeting is a digi stamp and I made a rosette out of crepe paper to edge it with.

challenges:

Card Patterns - sketch 125

The Shabby Tearoom - 'Relax & Enjoy + yellow,green,pink and neutrels

Thanks for looking x

Exciting News!

2011-07-26T19:04:00.000+01:00

Thanks to the ladies at the Shabby Tearoom for choosing my 'Teapot' card as winner of Week #71's 'So Charming' challenge. I will be featuring as guest designer in the Tearoom for Week #80 (on September 19th)

And also thank you to the Ribbon Reel girls for featuring my Ruby card in their Top 3 :)

Wish You Were Here?

2011-07-25T01:12:00.003+01:00

A new challenge over at Daring Cardmakers and Lynda's set the dare this week, which is: Wish You Were Here -

As it's Summer here in the Northern Hemisphere (although you could actually disagree with that sometimes with the mix of weather we get here in the UK) and the kid's will be starting their Summer Break from School. We'd like to see what's your idea of the perfect getaway destination. Is it a Sandy Beach, a Tropical Paradise, Camping/Caravaning, Countryside or even a City Break! What takes your fancy?

I've gone for a city break (personally, I'm not a camping girl lol) I used the Eiffel Tower image which has been cut from My Minds Eye J'adore paper, and layered it onto a digi postcard to which I added a digi stamp and postmark.

I used my no-set eyelets (these are just wonderful :), threaded seam binding through and embellished with a cute little pencil (to use for the postcard!)

The flower is just two circles punched out of newsprint paper and scrunched with mulberry flowers in the middle.
used a little chipboard heart which I inked for a burnished look, and the glossy accent-ed.

Et voila!

Challenges:
Simon Says Stamps challenge - Newspaper

I'm A Little Teapot

2011-07-24T22:01:00.008+01:00

Challenges:

The Shabby Tearoom So Charming

Papercutz -Anything Goes

The Ribbon Girl Shades of Aqua

The Pink Elephant challenge -

I got the idea for this card from this sweet teapot freebie download from My Grafico which sparked the idea for this card - summer fetes / tea parties . I started by paper piecing the teapot along with the cups (from Pink Petticoat).

This is the first outing for my Marianne rose die, which I cut out of felt (loving it!) and Nellies multi frame label, cut out of Core'dinations Whitewash cardstock stitched and sanded. For the bunting I just snipped some paper into flags and attached them to Bakers Twine.

For the side border I've used some scrunched tissue paper and aqua seam binding and

doily lace border punch finished off with this ultra cute teapot charm and button. I love the linen covered buttons, which I found (!), it's always good to put things to good use :)

Marianne Roses die

Nellie's Multi frame's die
Teapot digi stamp, My Grafico

Cups digi stamp, With Flowers from Pink Petticoat

Martha Stewart 'Doily Lace' punch

My Little Shoebox alpha stickers in 'Blush'

Bo Bunny 'Gabrielle' chipboard butterfly

Seam binding

Tissue Paper

Bakers Twine

Felt

Linen Buttons
Hand stitching

Ruby,Ruby,Ruby...

2011-07-17T22:08:00.008+01:00

Challenges:

Simon Says Stamps - Anything Goes

The Shabby Tearoom - Inspiration pic / Red, Pinks, Neutrel, Green

The Ribbon Reel - Sketch

The Shabby Tearoom challenge colours were perfect as I needed to make a 40th Anniversary card, so this was a good starting point! Inspired by the picture, I made a heart shaped wreath by die cutting a heart outline and using paper kraft twine snipped into 'branches' and dotted it with flowers.

I painted Crackle Paint around the edge of the card blank and used a Martha Stewart punch on the backing paper. I used labels 2 cut out of White Wash Coredinations, sanded and layered a doily and circles on top. Some rather yummy ribbons were used, including pink twill stripe, pleated satin and lace. The card was finished off on the side with crinkly seam binding bow with a labels 4 'Ruby' tag. Also used my fabby fine paper twine again (love it) coloured with a Pro Marker to match in the theme.

Doodlebug 'All Mixed Up' rub ons

White Wash Coredinations

S.E.I 'Cross My Heart' paper

DCWV 'Pink Lace' card

Martha Stewart punch

Nesties, Labels 2 and 4

Seam binding, Twill, Pleated satin, The Ribbon Reel

Flowers

Pearls

Doily

Paper Twines

Tim Holtz Crackle Paint in 'Tattered Rose'

Very Pintresting

2011-07-15T15:14:00.007+01:00

This week's dare over at Daring Cardmakers is certainly a fun one - Nat has set this week's, which is all about PINTREST.

As the title suggests we're looking to Pintrest for some inspiration!

We want to spread some Pinterest love this week - because the joy of Pinterest is discovering new sources of inspiration!

So the dare this week is to create a card using a "pin" for inspiration.

We want to see what inspired your creation so make sure you include the original "pin" (ideally using the handy Embed feature that appears to the right of the image on Pinterest) alongside your card project in your blog post.

If you're not a member of Pinterest you can still play along - you can either browse/search Pinterest for inspiration and still embed the "pin" in your blog post or simply share whatever pic you have used as inspiration for your card. Either way please remember to give credit where credit's due.

...and this is my inspiration pic....

From Retail Inspiration by Mimi Kriele

I absolutely fell in love with the picture, it's beautiful! I love the colours, shabby decs and the white wood. What's not to love?! If you've never been on Pintrest, please do go and have a look there are so many amazing images and photos, you will be there for hours :)

So as you can see, I took my inspiration from the clocks, black, brown and, book pages, crown and hints of lilac. Loved making the shabby page border along the bottom of the card, made by cutting strips of paper, layering and then sanding, inking and tearing (yep, my fave things)
The clocks and crown are digi stamps, printed onto textured card and inked and the white wash paper is a current fave, which I've stamped some shabby text on.
All finished with some flowers, pin and a seam binding bow which I've inked up too.

Challenges:

Simon Says Stamp and Show -Stitching

Simon Says Stamps - Anything Goes

Large clock, book print and white wash paper, Two Peas In A Bucket - 'Collage Kit'
Small clock, My Grafico - 'Steampunk' digi stamps

Crown, Jessica Sprague - Echo Park 'Be Mine'

Kraft card

Lilac paper, from Basic Grey 'Kioshi' range

Shabby text stamp, Pink Paislee 'Butterly Garden'

Flowers, Wild Orchid

Pin, Making Memories 'Wedding' collection

Pearl, Basic Grey

Seam binding

Chalk inks

Steam Punk'd

2011-07-15T14:37:00.003+01:00

Card Patterns - Sketch

Allsorts - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp & Show - Stiching

I've had a spate of 'man cards' to do recently, hence my recent rush on masculine projects. To be honest, I'm ready to get back to some flowers now lol. Anyway, for this card I've used this new 'Collage Kit' from Two Peas In A Bucket which I'm currently loving. Also used was the 'Steampunk' kit from My Grafico, which is highly cool. I've just layered the papers up, along with a giant die cut stamp shape, and used tickets cut in half along with bottom from the Two Peas kit. The cog was layered up and finished with brads and I've dotted the card with screw top brads here and there. Vlevet ribbon, twill and Bakers Twine add some texture.

Two Peas In A Bucket 'Collage Kit'
My Grafico 'Steampunk' stamps
Black Core'dinations
Bakers Twine & Velvet ribbon, The Ribbon Reel
Cotton twill
Brads
Stitching