Nordic look Christmas card

Hi and good morning. Welcome along to the blog today. I've a quick and easy card to show you today, made from the latest Crafter's Companion download called 'Festive Fun' and available to all members of the new Club Inspire. 

It's free to join and has loads of benefits too. Just nip over to Crafter's Companion, click on Club Inspire and join - all the details are on the web site.

I haven't had much chance to indulge myself in the latest Nordic fad but these papers really make it easy. There is just something really Christmassy about the patterns and images. 

Card base - Kraft from Stamping Up

Papers from CC Member's December download - Festive Fun

Sentiment plaque, flowers and buttons are also from the download .

Reindeer and 25 - Sizzix Mover and Shaper die by Tim Holtz

Tree - Marianne Design die

Glossy Accents for numbers

Inkadinkado snowflake stamp (for reindeer)

Rangers Antiquities Frosted Crystal ink - edging card and tree

As I said, very simple and easy to make. The paper was printed onto Crafter's Companion satin finish 100gsm paper and the elements onto Centura Pearl card stock.

Hope you like this wee one today. I'll see you tomorrow with a couple of dodgy digital cards I made with my Craft Artist programme. It's been a while since I used it!  :)

Christmas in Mulberry Wood - another wee peek!

Hi and welcome to the blog today. I've a couple more of these wee cuties to show you today. The images are from the soon to be released 'Christmas in Mulberry Wood' collection from Crafter's Companion.

I've chosen two to show you today. One card companion and one decoupage.

There are gorgeous teeny tiny card companions on the CD as well as the normal sized ones. I've chosen a teeny tiny one for the first card today. The card base is 4.75" square.

I loved the pale blues in this example and the oh so cute image.

I've layered the card up with matching paper from the CD and an embossed white layer using a Cuttlebug dots folder

I made a matching tag from the cut off strip and it measures 2.5" wide and 4" deep (folded) before punching the scallop edge (Stamping Up punch)

I took a second pic at an angle to try and catch the glittery bits but I'm not sure it's any better than the first one. LOL

I just love when I can find a plainer paper to offset the patterns and this blue one on the tag and inside of the card is perfect for what I wanted to do. Included on the printed sheet are the baubles on the left hand side of the card. I cut them out and embossed them to make them more 3D. I've also glittered them - let's hope it shows up! 

A wee close up of the glittered edges on the image mat. That is such a sweet image - they all are and it makes it very difficult to chose which one to work with!

My second card today uses one of the lovely decoupage image sheets

I've used matching backing paper and Core'dinations cardstock 

The holly border was punched with a Woodware punch and the paper buttons glazed with Glossy Accents. The neat little bow is also on the sheet. Having all the embellishments in one place makes it perfect for that quick and easy card we need to make for one of the busiest times of the crafter's year. :)

A sideways view to show the inside of the card simply decorated with the remaining printed backing paper.

The launch is almost upon us Pick of the Week on Create & Craft from Midday today!

Don't miss out on all the fun. There are six matching stamps to accompany the CD as well. Check out the DT blogs for more sneaky peeks!

Christmas in Mulberry Wood sneak peek!

Good morning! I hope you are in fine fettle today. I've a wee sneak peek of a new release from Crafter's Companion for you today.

The 'Christmas in Mulberry Wood' range (including six stamps, co-ordinating CD-ROM and two papercrafting collections by Hunkydory) will be Pick of the Week on Create & Craft from Midday on Friday!

I've taken one of the decoupage sheets from the CD and made this stepper card. I've only used a couple of layers for the central image and the rest to decorate the 'steps'. I think this is a really cute image and you will find lots more on the CD.

Images and paper from the Mulberry Wood CD

Letters from Sizzix  Script Alphabet 

Trees - Marianne design

Polar white flowersoft

Stickles diamond glitter

Glossy Accents for the buttons

A wee sideways view of the stepper.

The backing cardstock is Core'dinations from the Chocolate Box collection

I hope you will visit the other ladies' blogs as there will be lots of sneak peeks leading up to the launch from the team.

It's a delightful CD packed with really lovely images and so much more. I'll be sharing another peek tomorrow.

Well I'm off out to the dentist this morning. Ugh! One of my least favourite things to do.

Thank you for joining me today. Have a good one!

It's launch day!

Good morning. Hope you are ready for Nigel's launch today. I have a fairly full post today so I hope you don't mind me bombarding you with some of the really quick and easy cards I made from the CD. They are ideal images for that quick card that we all need to make from time to time, but especially at Christmas.

I'll not bore you with loads of detail so let's get started!

Image from one of the sheets on the CD. Glossy embellishments cut from one of the embellishment sheets and some glossy accents added. Lots of glitter too!

One of the shaped cards from the CD with matching shaped topper. These sets have all  you need to make a complete card. I've added some toning satin ribbon and glossy accents to the buttons and the little embellishment

I cut this card shape with my Sizzix Pro and added this jolly topper, some mirri card, ribbon and an ironworks motif from Spellbinder

One of the bright and cheerful decoupage options on the CD. I've used Crafter's Companion decoupage paper to print the image onto and it's so clear and bright! I've added some ribbon and a punched snowflake edge (EK Success punch)

This is one of the shaped toppers on the CD. I cut the card from Centura Pearl after printing the pattern onto it from CD 1 and then cut the corners with an inverted corner punch. I love the way the greeting is already there - saves so much time!

A wee card companion image with one layer of decoupage. The paper is from CD 1. I've just added some glitter and a punched snowflake and gems.

Another card companion. The backing paper is from CD 1 and I've added heart embellishments cut from one of the sheets on the CD and that all important glitter.

Phew! thank you for getting this far. I hope you have enjoyed these wee peeks. Don't forget to watch the show tonight at 9.00pm on Ideal World and get yours!

You've seen the stamps now for the CD!

Hi and good morning. I've some more samples from the 'Craft into Christmas' double CD from Nigel May available through Crafter's Companion and due to be launched on 19th June on Ideal World.

These CDs are choc-a-bloc with smashing Christmas images that you can use as toppers on your card and we know just how handy it is to have them 'on tap' when we have so many to make. All these samples have added glitter but I don't think it shows up all that well in the pics. Just take it as read, you can't have a better excuse to use glitter can you?!! 

I've cut the card base from Centura Pearl card stock with Go Kreate XXL Square Frames Frilly #7 dies

The backing paper is from CD 1 as is the topper

The beads which are a feature of Nigel's CDs are simple to make and add that extra little touch to the card

The ribbon is from my stash

This second card also uses a card topper only this time I've made a DL card. I haven't made one for ages and it was lovely to used this format for a change. The backing paper is from CD 1. I've scored a few lines down the side of the card for added interest

The snowflake is die cut with Spellbinders Create a flake dies from gold mirri card

This card, also cut from Centura Pearl card stock, was cut using Spellbinders Grand scallop circle nestabilities. Again the backing paper is from CD 1.

The topper is also from CD 1 and I took the pic at an angle to show the unusual pyrimage effect.

The frill round the image is made by pleating the edges of three doilies and adhering them to the bottom of the main image. The three embellishments are from the CD, I just cut them out and added some glossy accents and a wee touch of glitter.

Despite sitting in the middle of a heat wave whilst making the cards, I still found them a lot of fun to put together.

Thank you so much for joining me today. We'll be taking a short break from Christmas for a day or two but I have made so many samples that I think I might share a few more before the launch on Tuesday! :)

Take care and have a good day. 

After a couple of funny comments I think I'd better explain that these cards are made well in advance and we were all experiencing sweltering temperatures and wonderful sunshine at the time - though as it was a while ago, it makes it hard to remember! :)

Crafter's Companion new launch soon!!

We have another fab launch coming very soon to Crafter's Companion and it's all to do with that crafty chappie Nigel May. This time we're looking forward to the festive season and we have a double CD called 'Craft into Christmas' accompanied by really gorgeous stamps.
I was very fortunate to get two beautiful images to play with and I'm showing you a couple of projects made with them today.
Now to say it was a labour of love is not to understate things. I was sitting with my fan blowing at top speed, melting into a puddle during the recent heat wave as I made these cards. It's quite difficult to work up the Christmas spirit in the bright sunshine but the team have made some fabulous cards for you to enjoy in the run up to the release. Check out the news blog to see some sneak peeks in the days ahead.
There's also a competition running hand in hand with the launch so without further ado here are the details with a blog badge for you to add to your blog.

To enter the competition please enter the badge to your sidebar on your blog.

 Then you will need to visit the CC News blog to leave a link on Mr Linky back to your blog, and one winner will be chosen at random on the morning of the launch to win the full range. You can upload to your Facebook accounts too and link to them on Mr Linky if you don’t have a blog.

I hope that's clear - the rules will be repeated on the news blog so don't panic!

Now onto the projects I have today

This is a little gift carrier box made with a Sizzix XL extended die 'Bag, caddy'

I've used paper from CD 1 and the boot, sentiment and label images from the stamp set

I've used Spectrum Noir pens in TB1, 2 and 3 to colour the image and label and of course some crystal glitter to add that wee bit of bling. 

This card uses the fab reindeer stamp and papers from CD1

The little embellishment on the corner is included on the CD and I've added some glossy accents for a 3D effect. You will also get the little stocking and presents stamps on the stamp set.

I've used a matching insert from the CD to finish the inside of the card

The reindeer is coloured with Spectrum Noir pens

Body - GB 8, 10  EB 1

Reds - DR 1, 3, 5, 7

Greens - DG 2, 4

Blender pen

Thank you for hanging on in there, it was a long post! I'll have more from the 'Craft into Christmas' launch throughout the week. See you soon!

PS scroll down for another post today. It's the Ooh La La Challenge guest spot card. How's that for a title!

The challenge this fortnight is 'Baby, baby' - please join in and have some fun!

Story Time

Hi and welcome to the weekend! Thank you so much for calling in today. A big HELLO and welcome to my new followers - thank you for joining me on this wonderful crafty journey. :)

Today I have another of the fantabulous D'Arcy images for you. She's D'Arcy 028 otherwise known as 'Swedish Star Student' and was created in response to a request from the beautiful and sweet Maritha one of my friends on the D'Arcy DT.

I have gone for my Prima 'Printery' papers again. I just love these papers with these images. 

I pulled out the green tone from the papers but brightened it up a little to colour her in.

The image is coloured with a mix of Copics, Promarkers and Prisma pencils and I really enjoyed getting to grips with this one. 

I've edged the image with antique linen distress ink to soften the white background

I've used a Tim Holtz mini scallop edger die for the border strip 

The swirl is a new die from Cheery Lynn called 'Fanciful Flourish B117' (get yours at Teddybo - that's where I got mine - ordered one afternoon, arrived next morning - fab service and no p & p in the UK)!!!!!!!!!!!

The inside of the card has been decorated to complement the front - I've used concentric circles - you know me, anything for a change!

The sentiment is a stamp from Whimsy and cut with their ticket die. I stamped it onto white cs and coloured it with antique linen distress ink. The centre is cut from a Tim Holtz adage ticket
The tiny flowers on the swirl are from Mei-flower

The watch is cut from the Printery papers, matted onto chipboard and then coated with glossy accents

Ribbon and lace are from my stash

Finally the sideways view to show the layers. 

Have a great weekend and happy crafting!

D'Arcy's enjoying a good read today and a wee bit of news!

Hi! It's lovely to have your company today. It's the start of a new week, lots to look forward to and I have D'Arcy 025 'Reader's Delight' to show you today. She was released last week along with four other absolutely stunning images. I've managed to make a card for each one and this little lovely was the last to be coloured in.

I've used Prima's Annalee papers

Lifestyle nesting doily squares (I told you all about these last week HERE)

Broken china distress ink for the edges of the mats

Kraft cs from Stamping Up

Camel hair seam binding

Lace trim from my lovely friend Jill

The image is coloured with Promarkers

The foliage bundle (now becoming a firm favourite of mine) is made with Marianne design leaves and Cheery Lynn tropical foliage dies

The 'to die for' charm is from Tim Holtz, another lovely gift to me (thank you Gayle) 

The tiny sentiment is from Papertrey Ink and is attached to the back of the charm with glossy accents. 

I've attached the charm to the main bow with embroidery thread and then filled it with more glossy accents.

The inside of the card has been decorated simply to match the front.

I just love the simplicity of this card.  For me it 'worked' and was a joy to make. Hope you like it too!

Don't forget the on-going challenge at D'Arcys, you could win 5 wonderful D'Arcy images to play with. Hope to see you there. 

Have a smashing day!

Oh, before I go I have a bit of news for you. I found out yesterday that I was selected to join Joanna Sheen's Challenge Design Team. What a Mother's Day present! I am still pinching myself. I am one of three new recruits to the team and let me tell you they are fabulous crafters - I'll have a lot to live up to. My first challenge starts on 15th April. Ooooooooooooer! 

It's launch day!

I hope you are all set for the launch of Paint Box Poppets on Create and craft today. Join the team at mid-day for a feast of loveliness. It's POTW time with a beautiful CD and two exclusive stamps on offer. There are more stamps including super interchangeable sentiments and gorgeous decoupage from Reddy with Paint Box Poppets and Angel Whispers too.

I've a few more sneak peeks - well they will be until mid-day. Hope you enjoy them! It's a long post so fasten your seat belts and have a cuppa handy. :)

This little beauty is called 'Little Foxglove Faerie' from one of the Angel Whispers die-cut decoupage sheets.

I've teamed her with papers from the Paint Box Poppets CD and cut the card base from Spellbinders Grand Label nesties with Centura Pearl card stock. 

I cut the base image with a curved rectangle die and edged it with a BP2 Spectrum Noir pen

The accents are from Spellbinders Lace Doily accents and motifs

Ribbon and button are from my stash

This gives a better idea of the dimension of the decoupage - just stunning!

This little chap is one of the extra stamps on offer today

Boy with football matted onto Spellbinders Pinking circle dies

The papers are from the Paint Box Poppet CD

Sentiment also from CD

Buttons are Epiphany size 14 threaded with linen thread

Photo corners are Sizzix dies

The image is coloured with Spectrum Noir pens

Skin - FS2 and 3; TN2; PP1

Jersey - TB3,5 and 6

CT4; GB5

DR1; DR3

Boots - TN7 and 8; EB8

Grass - CG 1 and 2; DG3

Drink - OR 1

Bottle and towel - BG1

Bench - EB2; GB10

Hair - TN 7 and 8; EB 8

    

view showing the tent card construction

 

view of the back of the card with an area for greeting

Last but not least I've one of the gorgeous wee Card companion images complete with the elements that accompany it. I've cut out the buttons and glazed them with glossy accents and popped them onto the card with 3D foam. The main panel is also raised with foam.

I've printed a matching insert and sprayed the main image with Spray and Shine to add that all important glittery finish. I then matted the image onto a wee circle doily for added interest.

Thank you so much for hanging on in there to the end of the post. It was a marathon!

Hope you enjoy the cards but even more the fab POTW programmes that will show you loads more samples to whet your appetite. 

See you tomorrow with a D'Arcy from the new releases over at D'Arcys Diaries. 

Have a great day!

Don't forget to pop back later to see who has won the Paint Box Poppets CD!!!!!

CD draw has been made. See above for winner.

Paint Fusion sneak peeks 4 & 5

Good morning! Thanks for stopping by today.

I've another sneak peek from the Sheena Douglass 'Paint Fusion' CD. Don't forget it's being launched on C& C today.

Papers, sentiment and image from CD

Go Kreate dies XXL Frilly #2

Tropical bough die from Cheery Lynn
Swirl die from Marianne designs
Cardstock - Centura Pearl

I've decorated the inside of the card to match the front. All the edges are inked with pumice stone distress ink and I've kept the layering very simple to bring out the detail of the image.

There is lots more inspiration on the CC blog so don't forget to have a wee peek. The papers and images on this CD are stunning and so much fun to work with. You will be drawing on those backing papers a lot for your crafting projects!
I made two other projects for today's launch but was in such a hurry to post them that I forgot to take any pics. Duh!
I popped over to the Crafter's Companion site and looked at the gallery and lo and behold some kind soul had taken pics of them albeit very tiny. I've resized them a bit but the quality is poor. However it means I can show you a couple more items from the CD. I made a matching card and framed decoupage set with this image.

I love the lavish yet understated backgrounds on this CD and the gorgeous 'built -in' textures that need so little extra. As you can see once I got out the roll of sage satin there was no holding me. This one sports a triple bow and I love how all the greens mix and match together.

This one is a frame decoupage of the same image using other elements from the CD as embellishments. The frame is a Sizzix Big Shot Pro die that I've cut with chipboard and covered with papers from the CD.

The central element is of course the decoupage though unfortunately you can't see the depth from this angle.

The wee buttons in the corner are made from flowers on the embellishment sheet that I resized and punched out with a circle punch. They are layered onto chipboard and covered with Glossy accents. Once dry I pierced them to make buttons and threaded them with linen thread. The leaves were resized and cut out also.

The border strip was resized to fit the frame, printed out and pleated along the bottom edge of the frame. There's an easel stand on the back so that the whole thing sits up properly.

Sheena's shows start at noon today on Create and Craft. Have fun!

Have a lovely day!