International Art and Soul Challenge 125

 I've chosen the theme for this fortnight, and I want you to Get Inky! It doesn't matter how you use the ink - stamping, stencilling, water-based techniques - but there has to be ink (preferably mainly ink) on your creation.

I started with a few stencils from a variety of manufacturers and Distress Ink in Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, and Shabby Shutters. I blended the colours in patches through the stencils. Then, I cut the result using a Tonic die, and stuck the squares in place on some brown card.

Next, I used a Stamps by Chloe die from a recent Creative Stamping magazine and cut the butterfly three times from card inked in the three Distress shades. I layered it as you see, adding a sticky gold dot to the centre point.

Finally, I stamped a John Lockwood/Creative Expressions sentiment in Versafine Clair ink in Acorn. I shaded the background with Distress Ink, and added a little detail to the flowers with glitter gel pens. 

And that's it. It's intended for a friend whose 97th birthday is coming up soon.

I'm looking forward to seeing your inky creations, and if you add a photo of your inky hands to your post, I'll know I'm not alone in always having interestingly coloured hands after a crafting session!

International Art and Soul Challenge 109

 The challenge for this fortnight has been chosen by my team mate, Debbie. She's chosen the theme Graduation.

I struggled with this challenge - I don't have any reason to make a card for a graduation. I don't know anyone due to graduate from university this summer, and even if I did, I wouldn't know for sure until next month when degree results are published. So, I had to get creative.

First, I created a graduated background in Photoshop Elements, moving smoothly from green to blue. Then, I added a rainbow, which is a graduation of all the colours present in white light. The dies I used there are mainly Creative Expressions, with the mat for the sentiment being cut with a Sizzix die.

I do hope you can join us this time.

International Art and Soul Challenge 65

The challenge for this fortnight is an easy one, on the theme of  flowers. So, you can share any project you like, so long as there are some flowers somewhere on it.

I''ve made a baby shower card.

I must say, I don't really get the concept. Yes, people have always given gifts for a new baby, but the idea of having a party for that purpose seems a bit odd to me. I remember my mother being shocked when we actually had the pram for our firstborn delivered before he arrived as she considered that very unlucky. So, I suppose things change, and my sister is doing a shower for my nephew's girlfriend who's expecting a little girl next month.

Nothing too complicated: dies from Marianne, Sue Wilson and Spellbinders, a stamp from Creative Expressions, some embossing powder, Pan Pastel, paper from Lily of the Valley and a few sticky gems. (I don't have a single stamp or die that refers to a baby shower. (Or a bridal shower if it comes t that.) So I had to improvise!

I do hope you'll join us this time, and share your floral creations!