Festive Friday #36

Hi!

It's that time of the week again - a new Festive Friday challenge!

This week Nicole has found this gorgeous picture of a table all set out for a Christmas meal to inspire us.  Must be an Aussie table, as it looks like prawns on the plates!

I took my inspiration from the candles this week.  I had also just received my new Stampin' Up! order with the Festival of Prints DSP stack, so I had to use some of the paper on the card!

Isn't it gorgeous paper?  I made the flames of the candles using the wing section of the Bird Builder Punch.  They were punched in So Saffron and sponged with More Mustard ink to give a more flame-like effect.  The middle candle was popped up on Dimensionals.

I had an extra candle made, so it went on the inside to jazz that up a little!

 

The Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch also adds a touch of interest to the inside of the card.

 

So will you find time to play along?  I hope so!

 

Stamps: Snow Swirled

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard

DSP/Cardstock: Festival of Prints DSP stack, Cherry Cobbler, So Saffron, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper

Other: Bird Builder Punch, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Antique Brad, Sponge Daubers, Chit Chat Rub Ons (retired)

 

Bye for now,

 

Tina

JAI # 106: Just Add A Sketch

Hi!

Wow, aren't the weeks just flying by?  It's hard to believe it's almost the end of February already.  But it's Friday, which means it's time for the new Just Add Ink Challenge.  It's a cute sketch this week, which I had a lot of fun playing with.

Here's my take on the sketch.  I changed the shape to a square card - I'm a bit into square cards lately!

Here's a closer look at my embellishment cluster in the corner.  I had a few bits and pieces sitting on my desk that I hadn't put away from another project.  They worked beautifully on this card I think.  I had my sewing machine out altering some leggings for my daughter's ballet class, so I decided to add real stitching to the card while I had the chance.

Hmmmm, I think the tension needed adjusting on my machine!

A bit of stamping and another piece of DSP on the inside and I was done.  This card should be in the hands of a friend who had life altering surgery a couple of days ago.  I hope she loves it!

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Thoughts and Prayers
Ink: Melon Mambo, Pretty In Pink
DSP/Cardstock: Flirtatious Specialty DSP, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
Other: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Petal Cone Die, Paper Daisy, Rhinestone Brad, White Brads, Chit Chat Rub Ons (retired)

I hope the sketch inspires you to play along with us at Just Add Ink this week.

Bye for now,

Tina

Festive Friday #6

Hi!

I'm back with another Design Team card for Nicole Derendorf's Festive Friday Challenge #6.  We're still on the Christmas cards.  I'm loving getting my Christmas cards done one by one like this - I can spend more time on each and it won't be a mad rush to churn out the cards at the end of the year.  Here's my card for this week's challenge:

Here's a closer look at the front.  I used the new Postage Stamp punch, layered with our square punches.  The fussy-cut ornament was popped up on Dimensionals and adorned with some Rhinestones.

And of course the inside, done to match the outside.

I hope you can find time to play along at Festive Friday Challenges this week.  I can't wait to see your Christmas card.

Stamps: Snow Swirled, Tree Trimmings
Ink: Old Olive, Early Espresso
DSP/Cardstock: First Edition Specialty DSP, Letters To Santa DSP, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla
Other: Big Shot, Petal Cone Die, Postage Stamp Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, 1" Square Punch, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Chit Chat Rub Ons (retired)

Bye for now,

Tina

A Dashing Christmas

Hi!

I have been hoping that we'd get this stamp in Australia for a long time.  I'd seen Dasher on a lot of the blogs of US Demonstrators and it was love at first sight!  When it appeared in the new IB&C I just HAD to have it!

I used the retired Ski Slope DSP on this card.  I have the new and wonderful Jolly Holiday DSP, but sadly not the matching new card stock and inks.  Hopefully that will change soon though, and then I'll  be back with some more Christmas cards featuring Dasher.  I clear embossed some randomly stamped snowflakes on the Chocolate Chip layer for a little added interest.

Stamps: Dasher, Snow Swirled

Ink: Versamark, Baja Breeze

DSP/Card Stock: Ski Slope DSP (retired), Real Red, Whisper White

Other: 1/4" Read Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder, Chit Chat Rub Ons (retired)

Catch you later,

Tina

Another Father's Day Card

Hi!

I thought it was about time I showed you the card I made for my father-in-law for Father's Day.  He's getting it late because he was in Hawaii for a combined work trip/holiday with my mother-in-law and has only just got back.  Lucky them!

I asked Rob what he wanted me to make, and after a few interesting suggestions from him I suggested he flick through the Idea Book and Catalogue for inspiration.  We finally settled on a CASE of a card on page 97.

Rob liked the idea of torn edges and I liked the colour scheme from the new Elegant Soiree DSP, so this is the card we came up with to combine our ideas.  We both ended up happy with the results - I just hope the recipient does too!  Happy (belated) Father's Day Neil!

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree

Ink: Sahara Sand, Baja Breeze

Card Stock: Sahara Sand, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla

Other: Chit Chat Rub On (retired), 1 3/8" x 7/8" Oval Large Punch, Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals, Stamp Positioner, String (recycled from a clothing tag)

Catch you later,

Tina

Happy Father's Day!

Hi!

The card I made for today's post was created using the latest sketch over at Card Patterns.  Sadly I missed their deadline by a couple of days.  Oh well, maybe next time!

I used a narrow strip of Baja Breeze cardstock and pleated it across the bottom of the square panel.  The sketch had ribbon across the bottom, but I thought the pleated cardstock was a good substitute on a male card.  The Greenhouse Gala DSP screams 70's wallpaper to me, so I tried to compliment it with the offset circles down the left side.  Groovy Baby!

DSP/Card Stock: Greenhouse Gala DSP, Real Red, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip

Other: Circle Cutter and Punches, Chit Chat Rub Ons (retired)

While I'm celebrating one of the most important men in my life, I thought I'd also show you the card I made him for his birthday last month.

Here's the inside:

I used a left over section from the front to add interest to the inside.  It's something I really should focus on a bit more - making the inside just as special as the outside.

Stamps: Circle Circus, Always

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie

DSP/Card Stock: Washington Apple DSP (retired), So Saffron, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White

Other: Dimensionals, Stamp Positioner, Sponge Dauber

Catch you later,

Tina

Helping Hudson and Just Add Ink

Hi!

I'm here today with the card I designed for both the Helping Hudson Colour Challenge and the latest Just Add Ink Challenge.  Hudson is my little man and we are trying to raise the money to purchase him a Kid Walk mobility aid.  The fabulous girls at Just Add Ink have been a fantastic source of support for our fundraiser.  You can find out all about it at Helping Hudson: A Wheely Great Cause.

The Helping Hudson colour challenge was to design a monochromatic card and the JAI challenge was to Just Add Wheels.  Here's my card:

I've used the So Swirly Jumbo Wheel to create the background of this card.  I'm so pleased that we're not losing this wheel in the next catalogue - I love it lots!

There's a fantastic prize up for grabs in both challenges - so please pop on over to both and give them a go.

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, So Swirly Jumbo Wheel

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel

Card Stock: Creamy Caramel, Close To Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Other: Chit Chat Rub Ons (retired), Chocolate Chip Button, Sponge Dauber, Word Window Punch

Catch you later - hopefully over at Helping Hudson!

Tina

Sunshiny Birthday

Hi!

I tried a little blog surfing before I sat down to create this afternoon. As soon as I saw the sketch over at Just Add Ink I was inspired! It really appealed to the logical side of my brain - very even, orderly squares.


Another very quick and simple card. I'm hoping to have another go at this sketch over the weekend. I think it would look great as a scrapbook layout and I think I have the perfect photos. As I said before, I was very inspired by this sketch!

DSP/Card Stock: Good Morning Sunshine DSP, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Summer Sun, Pacific Point
Other: Square Punches, Chit Chat Rub Ons (retired), Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Dimensionals, Chocolate Chip Flower Fusion Too Flower, Brown Brads and Yellow Eyelet (both non SU)

Catch you later,

Tina

Razzle Dazzle in Chalk

Hi!

Here's a card I made to try out a new technique using my Stampin' Pastels. It was a challenge on the Art With Heart team forum.



Hmmm, not sure that I like the card, but I do like the technique. I'll have to play some more and see if I can come up with a better card!

Stamps: Razzle Dazzle (Summer Mini)
Ink: White Pigment Ink, similar to SU Whisper White Craft Ink
Card Stock: Handsome Hunter, Lavender Lace, Basic Black
Other: Stampin' Pastels (Lavender Lace and Green Galore), Black Gingham Ribbon, Chit Chat Rub Ons, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Dimensionals

Catch you later,

Tina

Simple Thanks

Hi!

I've long admired Gardenia's scrunched flowers. She always does such a good job of them! She very kindly shared her secrets with me, so I decided to give them another go.



Turns out I'd been too stingy with the DSP. I'd only used 3 layers in the past but for this card I used 9. It makes all the difference!



Add a Chit Chat rub on, round the corners and it's done!

DSP/Card Stock: Regal Rose Hostess Patterns Pack II DSP, Kraft
Other: Scallop Circle punch, Corner Rounder punch, silver brad, Chit Chat rub on (retired)

Catch you later,

Tina

Bird On A Branch

Hi!

Last night I decided to have a go at the current challenge at Stampin' Royalty. I quite liked the colour combination they came up with for the challenge:



Isn't it a pretty combination? Here's the card I came up with:



It took a bit of playing around and fiddling before I was happy with the placement of the elements on this card, but in the end I was pleased with the result. I distressed all the edges and added faux stitching around the panels. I also distressed the Cottage Wall DSP.

Stamps: Season of Joy
Ink: Pretty In Pink, Certainly Celery
DSP/Card Stock: Cottage Wall DSP, Certainly Celery, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White
Other: Bird On A Branch Punch, Certainly Celery 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pretty In Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, White Signo Gel Pen, Chit Chat Rub Ons (retired), Rhinestones and Flower punchies (both non SU)

Catch you later,

Tina

Cottage Garden Thank You

Hi!

I had the weekend 'off' from study, so I tried my best to get a lot of crafting done. I didn't as much as I would have liked done, as I was busy shopping for fixtures for our new bathroom. I did get a card done for the current Just Add Ink challenge.

This week it was a colour challenge:



Interesting! They are all very strong colours. Here's what I come up with:



I was quite pleased with the finished card. I stamped off the Melon Mambo ink once before stamping the card because I wanted to reduce the intensity of the colour just a fraction. The butterfly has 2 layers. The top one is attached with a small rhinestone brad and the wings were bent up a little. The Elegant Eggplant panel was raised on dimensionals.

Stamps: Cottage Garden
Ink: Melon Mambo, Elegant Eggplant
Card Stock: Taken With Teal, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Other: Small Rhinestone Brad, Paper Snips, Sponge Dauber, 1/4" Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Chit Chat Rub on (retired)

Catch you later,

Tina

Punch Art Baby

Hi!

Last night at Punch Art Tuesday on the Swap Sisters website we learned how to make punch art babies. Here's my baby on a card:



Great for a new baby card. We were challenged to put the baby on a card along with two elements. I chose ribbon and brads.

DSP/Card Stock: Brocade Blue and Apricot Appeal Hostess Patterns Pack II DSP, Brocade Blue, Apricot Appeal, Creamy Caramel, Blush Blossom, Basic Black, Whisper White
Other: LOTS of punches, Brocade Blue 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Brocade Blue Brads, Chit Chat Rub Ons (retired), Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Die

Catch you later,

Tina

All A Flutter

Hi!

As some of you may know, we've been having issues with our gas supply this week. As a result we had no hot water for 3 days. Hot water's kinda crucial when you have children! Thankfully my neighbour and very dear friend allowed us to go to her house to use her bathroom. The kids thought it was great fun, as they got to use their torches to go next door. It was a real adventure for them, but a real pain for the grown ups!

I decided to make my friend a card to go with a box of chocolates as a thank you for her kindness, which was very much appreciated. I don't know what we would have done without her! Here's the card:



I was able to have a play with some of my new things as I was making this card: Polka Dot Background stamp, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder and Melon Mambo ink. I'm so glad Melon Mambo is going to be one of the core colours come September. I think it gets a bit overlooked by the very popular Rich Razzleberry, but it is a fabulous colour and well worth adding to your colour collection.

Stamps: All A Flutter (Autumn Winter Mini), Polka Dot Back Ground Stamp
Ink: Melon Mambo
Card Stock: Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Watercolour Paper
Other: Aqua Painter, Whisper White Satin Ribbon, Big Shot, Top Note Die, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Chit Chats Rub On (retired from Summer Mini), Dimensionals

Echoes Of Kindness for a sick friend

Hi!

A very good friend's husband had surgery this week, so I wanted to make a get well soon card for him. I wanted to use Echoes Of Kindness, and this week's sketch over at Card Patterns suited it perfectly.



See what I mean? The long panel was perfect for the flower image I wanted to use.



It was also a chance to do some water colouring, which I haven't done for a while. I've been playing with my blender pens a lot lately, but it was nice to get back to water colouring.

Card stock/Paper: So Saffron Patterns DSP, Ballet Blue, Watercolour Paper
Stamps: Echoes Of Kindness (level 2 hostess)
Ink: Ballet Blue, Garden Green, Black Stazon
Other: Chit Chat Rub Ons, Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

The Chit Chat Rub Ons are a fantastic buy. For $19.95 you get over 160 sentiments in both Chocolate Chip and Whisper White. Hurry though - they are in the Summer Mini Catalogue which ends at the end of the month. There's no guarantee they'll be available after that!

Catch you later,

Tina

Chit Chat Congrats

Hi!

My 5 year old Niece rang me earlier in the week to tell me that after 3 weeks at school she could read now. She was very excited to tell me all about it, so I decided to make her a card to let her know how proud I was of her. The sketch at Card Patterns Challenge #52 seemed perfect.



I changed the 2 big squares to look like a book (hopefully!) and the little squares were changed to look like gold stars that a teacher might give out for excellent work. I stamped the alphabet underneath to make it look a bit more 'schooly'.




Card stock: Whisper White, Lovely Lilac, Yoyo Yellow, Vellum
Stamps: Jumbo Outline Alphabet
Ink: Lovely Lilac
Other: Chit Chat Rub Ons, White Embroidery Floss, Star Punch (non SU)

Catch you later,

Tina

PS - Don't forget the Art With Heart Easter Blog Hop this Sunday. There's blog candy up for grabs if you're not a Stampin' Up! demo - all you have to do is leave comments on all 14 blogs.