It's a Nordic Christmas

Hello Again,

I seem to be in a bit of a CAS (clean & simple) design mode lately so I challenged myself to interpret the essential elements of a Nordic style into a CAS make, and it tied in nicely with the challenge over at Polkadoodles and as I had already made this one, I thought I'd still share.....

....and here's what I came up with.....

I loved how this one turned out....and I hope you do too...how cute does the 'ickle Reindeer look!

Here's what I used to make it:
Images: The Reindeer is pre-coloured, and the North Pole does come pre-coloured but I chose to colour it up with my Graph'it Marker Pens.  Both images are from the gorgeous Work & Play 5 Festive Hollybobs CD Collection that is also available as a complete collection Digital Download!
Sentiment: Is also from Work & Play Festive Hollybobs Collection
Backing: from my stash...white card, dark antique silver card.  Double layered to add depth and definition to the main design
Embellies: Glamour dust sprinkled over cosmic shimmer glue adds the snow (this way you keep the 3D effect) and snowflakes with bling that I bought from our local The Works shop.
Insert: backing paper also from Work & Play Festive Hollybobs

So simple, yest I love how dramatic the images look on this syle :D

Here's the close ups:

Thank you so much for stopping by and please don't forget to leave a comment before you go :D
I have moved the follow me buttons to the top right sidebar so please click to follow me xxx


Happy Crafting :D

Sandie xxx

Challenges:
The Pink Elephant challenge - 278 AG
Through the Purple Haze - 69 AG
Whoopsie Daisy - 24/11 AG
Craft your passion - 241 baby its cold outside
Just Inspirational - winter
Inspiration destination - 9 aG
Crafty catz weekly - AG 28/11
Creative fingers - 58 AG
Scrapbook society - 55 ag
Bunny Zoes challenge - Snow

A Sentiment for Christmas....

Hello Again,

Today I'd love to show you my DT inspiration for the new challenge over at Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog and the theme is Use a Christmas Sentiment!

The sponser this time is Stamp Art Designs by Kathryn that are available through the Whimsystamps Web Shop

Here is my design:

Lots of bling and sparkle for Christmas!

Here's what I used to make this design:
Image: Alannah & Snowball by StampArt by Kathryn
Coloured: With Graph'it Marker Pens
Backing Papers: Michele R Designs and were one of her Friday Freebies :D
Embellies: a mixture from my stash including pearls, flowers and snowflakes
Dies: Fencing cut by my sillouette, Creative Expressions flower die and Spellbinders Edge Die
Ink: Bahama Blue momento ink for a touch of cold edging and of course glitter (glamour dust)

Here's the close ups:

Thank you so much for stopping by and please leave a comment before you go :D
I have moved the follow me options to the top of the right hand sidebar so please remember to follow me so you don't miss my next crafty instalment :D

Remember to join us over at Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog

Happy Crafting :D

Sandie xx

Challenges:
Papertake weekly - take your pick; ribbon
Penny's crafty challenge - 205 AG
Not just cards - 7 AG
Craft your passion - 241 baby its cold outside
Just inspirational challenge - 25/11 Winter
Creative inspiration challenge - 291 Seasons greetings
Scrappers delights - 36 traditional Christmas or ag
Crafting for all seasons - 91 tis the season
Buckwell's challenge - Nov use ribbon (in top garland)
Card and scrap - 86 christmas

Jingle Bells!

Hello Again,

Exciting news.....I have been asked to join the That Craft Place Challenge Blog Design Team!  eeek...exciting times ahead, see I said so didn't I :D

BUT back to the task at hand and the fabulous Diva's by Design Challenge......

Challenge time over at Diva's by Design Challenge blog and the theme this week is Bell's and to be honest I had a little panic because I don't remember using a bell stamp or anything like it before!  But then to the rescue came facebook!

One of the facebook groups I am in is Make It Crafty and they were offering a fabulous freebie digi stamp and he was not only totally gorgeous, but he fitted the them perfectly!

So....here is my DT inspiration with Bell's on! :D

Isn't he just the most gorgeous little fella!

So....here's what I used to make it...
Image: Scruffy Digi Stamp from Make It Crafty
Colouring: using my Graph'it Marker pens as follows:
Skin: 4115, 4155, 4180, 4145, 3120, 6150
Hair: 3210, 3245, 3255, 3290
Hat and clothes: 5255, 5270, 5280, 6407/6130, 6150, 6180, 6190/1230, 1280/ 6130, 6140, 6175
Backing: paper pad by Hot Of The Press I've had for far too long!  It included the tags and I added ribbon and a little bling of course.
Sentiment: Create With TLC - take a peek, she is awesome xxxxx

Here's the close ups:

And there it is!  I hope you like it xx

Thank you for visiting and please leave me a comment before you go and click the link to follow me :D

I'd love you to join us in over at the Diva's By Design Challenge too xx

Happy Crafting :D

Sandie xxx

Challenges:
The Pink Elephant challenge - 278 AG
Through the purple haze - 69 AG
Whoopsie Daisy challenge - 24/11 AG
Not Just Cards - #7 aG
Word Art Wednesday - 160 AG
Crafting for all seasons - 91 Tis the season
Oooh la la challenge - #170 Christmas
Cards and scrap - #86 Christmas
Crafty calendar challenge - Nov Christmas
Krafty Hands challenge - Nov Christmas

Something different from me.....a CAS take on a theme

Hello again,

Today's post is a CAS (clean and simple) make!  A nice change for me from my designs of late and I really enjoyed the challenge.

I have used an image from Polkadoodles called DIY Dave, and he can be found on the Work and Play 1 collection.
The collection is available as:
Work and Play 1, complete collection download (great if you are out of the UK)
Work and Play 1 CD collection (and if you add a few other bits to your basket deliver over £20 is free!)
DIY Dave Clear Stamp! (fabulous if you love stamping)

Here is my design:

I adore him!  He is actually a Birthday card for my son, Jake (bad Mummy lol) and he loved it :D

I have coloured Dave using my Graph'it Marker Pens and used the following combo's:
Skin: 4115, 4155, 4180, 3120, 6150, 4145
Hair: 1230, 1250, 1280, 3110
Clothes and hat: 7110, 7115, 7125
with touches of 9500, 9501 and 9502 and 9400 for the shadowing

The paint can is made from thick aluminium foil (from a party tray) and the idea for a 3D decorating materials was not mine!  I was inspired by a fellow crafter, who has the most amazing design using this image - Claire Boelema and her blog can be found HERE (a very talented lady xx)
I added rolled paper for 'wallpaper' and done spiders web and he presto we have a CAS card!

Here are the close-ups:

Thank you for visiting and please leave a comment before you go...I love reading all your feedback :D

Happy Crafting :D

Sandie xx

Challenges:
Firztown challenge - 62 AG
Penny's Crafty challenge - 204 AG
Crafting for all seasons - 90 Birthdays
Inspiration Destination - 8 AG
Creative fingers - 57 AG
Art by MiRan - 19 AG
Treasured times rubber stamps - 29 AG
V Sweets challenge - Nov AG
A Crafty Mess challenge - 1 AG

Inspiration for the new The Stamping Chef challenge....

Hello Again,

It's a Wednesday, and that can only mean the start of a new challenge over on The Stamping Chef Challenge Blog!

If you feel like a little stroll through the woodlands but it's too darn cold outside; then how's about grabbing this new image, 'Pygmy' from The Stamping Chef shop!  An instant download later...grab your colouring medium of choice and drift away with her!!!

Here is my DT inspiration....

Building the layers and textures up for her was so much fun, it ended up taking me ages lol

Here's what I used:
Image: Pygmy from The Stamping Chef coloured with my Graph'it Marker Pens
Hair: 2105, 2120, 2130, 3130
Skin: 4115, 4155, 4180, 3210, 6150, 4145
Clothes: 8130, 8150, 8160
Wings: 8110, 8130, 1110
Background: same greens for the bottom with a little 1230 & 1210;
Sky: flicks of 9400
Backing: Emperial Collage Sheet from Gecko Galz with the images cut and randomly layered.  Burlap from Live and Love Crafts and the flowers & butterflies from my stash.  Backing to the image is made with a light warm grey marker and flicked sideways to create movement.
The drops of sepia glossy accents on the flowers and butterflies for little rain drops!
Card stock: 7" square card blank; kraft kard for matting.

Here's the close ups:

And there it is....now it's your turn, the theme is Anything Goes so hop over to The Stamping Chef Challenge Blog and we'd love to see you there :D

Thank you so much for dropping by and please leave me a comment before you go x
The follow me options are on the top right sidebar, that way you can keep updated on my crafty posts xx

Happy Crafting :D

Sandie xx

Challenges:
Tip Top Tuesday - 11/11 3 or more papers
Not Just Cards - 6 AG
Creative Inspirations - 290 Vintage
Word Art Wednesday - 159 AG
Crafting for all seasons - 90 Birthdays
Inspiration Destination - 8 AG
Art by MiRan - 19 AG
V's Sweet Ideas Challenge - 28 AG
Scrapbook Society - 54 Ag

Thankful thoughts xxx

Hello Again,

A not for any reason post from me today.  Betty from Simply B Stamps facebook group offered a free digi stamp for Thanks Giving and challenged everyone in the group to make a card using the digi...the only condition was that there had to be pleats in her dress!

Eeeek!  I haven't done the clothing class yet with Kit and Clowder under Alyce's expert guidance but in my new spirit of 'just go for it' here is my interpretation...

I am pleased with the outcome so I really hope you like it xxx

Here's what I used to make it:
Image: Thankful freebie from Simply B Stamps (you must register to access the store) via her facebook group that can be joined HERE and if you haven't had a peek, join!  Lots of fun and great makes.  I have coloured her with my Graph'it Marker pens
Background: Just for Men Collection from Michele R Designs (gorgeous papers and so versitile).  Insert was stamped to match (masking the centre so there is room to write)
Embellies: Dutch Doobadoo crown from That Craft Place; Pearl string from Hobby House and the rest is from my stash.
Added Glamour Dust glitter adds a touch of sparkle to the butterflies and the hand rolled paper scrolls, oh and a bit on the edge too!

Here's the close ups:

Thank you so much for visiting and please leave a comment before you go as I do really appreciate your comments :D  Please also click to follow me so I can grow my numbers xxx

Happy Crafting :D

Sandie xxx

Challenges:
Fitztown Challenge - 62 AG
Craft you passion - 240 pumkin or turkey - Turkey x
The Sisterhood of Crafters - 12/11 Thankful
Zuri Artsy Craft challenge - 4 Thank you
Brown Sugar Challenge - 120 AG
Great Impressions - November Thankful thoughts
Scribble and Scrap - 31 AG

That a way!

Hello again,

It's challenge time again!  I love the start of new challenges and oh my are there some very talented crafters out there that I get to swoon over as DT :D

Today I'm here for mid challenge inspiration, and over at Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog the theme is Put the Sentiment on a Tag! We have a fabulous sponser too; the amazing Rick St. Dennis

Here is my DT make for inspiration.....

The image is called That A Way for KAREN - isn't he just magnifcent :D

Here's what I used to make this project:
Image: That A Way for KAREN  by Rick St. Dennis
Colouring: I used Graph'it Marker Pens my favourite alcohol markers; the blues are 7140, 7145, 7160 and they team up great with the oranges.  I used 2105, 2120 & 2130
Background to image:  I used the neutral grey Graph'it marker pens to colour the whole backgroud and the I used the blender pen (chisel nib) to make loads of random marks on the backing...I love the way it turned out (close up pic below).
Embellies:
Balloons are from Just for Men paper collection from Michele R Designs
Star die cut: an old one from Joy Crafts but there new ones can be found at Noor Designs UK store
then the Bits and bobs: bakers twine, mini pegs and bulldog clip from my stash and the little bird is from That Craft Place
Backing papers: from my stash

Now for the close ups:

How much fun is this one :D
Thanks for visiting and please leave me a comment before you go as it is very much appriciated
I have also moved the follow me links to the top right side bar as I am trying to get my number of followers up - so if you'd like please click to follow me so you don't miss any of my ramblings lol

Hope to see you on this challenge - the main Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog can be found HERE

Happy Crafting :D

Sandie xx

Challenges:
Glitter and Sparkle - 110 colours Red, Yellow, Orange, Green and Brown (brown is the little dog!)
Through the Purple Haze - 67 use a die or punch
WhoopsieDaisy challenge - 11/11 Lots of layers
Penny papercrafty challenge - 203 use black cardstock (matting)
Craft your passion - 239 something beginning with B (bicycle)
Wednesdays Creative Inspiration challenge - 289 AG or sketch (AG)
Scrappers Delights - 35 Anything goes
Suzy Bee's blooming challenge - 54 AG for a male
Scribble and Scrap - 31 AG 1of3
Scrapbook Stamp Society - 54 anything goes

Setting the scene with Diva's by Design

Hello again,

Big changes for me in the next few months!  I am soooo excited, change is always good in crafting, new directions, new inspiration, keeping designs fresh :D 

But...back to the task at hand!

The Diva's by Design Challenge Blog launches it's new challenge today and the theme is a Photo Inspiration!  The photo can be found below my DT inspiration :D

Just a word about the Diva's by Design challenge blog, it's quite sad at the moment because the boss Rebekah has decided to close the blog at the end of the year :(  Life gets busy and time is not on her side so the challenge will close.  It's sad, and I have loved working with Rebekah but it means that I will have time to reflect and look out for new opportunities.  So I send a massive hug to Rebekah and my super talented teamies xxx

But....back to my interprestation of the Photo Inspiration...I took some of the essential elements from the photo, Christmas swags, presents, ribbon and sparkle and this is what I came up with.....

I know...another CAS (clean and simple) card from me..the Queen of embellies!  Its must be catching lol :D

Here's the Photo Inspiration for you all:
And Here's what I used to make mine:
Image: Hollybobs Presents digi stamp from Polkadoodles, which is a part of the gorgeous Work and Play 5 Festive Hollybobs collection
Coloured: with my Graph'it Marker Pens (the reds are so lush)
Sentiment: Work and Play 5 Festive Hollybobs collection from Polkadoodles
Backing: stash white card, red card and gold card (not mirri as I'm not a fan)
Presents: My 15yr old daughter Zoe made tiny 3D boxes for me from 160gsm paper, the papers are also from Work and Play 5 Festive Hollybobs
Ribbon swag: I picked this up from The Range, in their Christmas decs range :D  always looking for embellies lol

Close up pics to show you the details:

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and please leave a comment before you go :D
I have moved the follow me links to the top of the sidebar and I would really appriciate new followers xx
And don't forget to join us for the Diva's By Design Challenge this time :D

Happy Crafting :D

Sandie xxx

Challenges:
Papertake Weekly - 2 or 4 legs (mine has 2)
Pink Elephant Challenge - CAS
Love to Create - 141 AG
Not Just Cards - 6 AG
Just Inspiration challenge - 11/11 Gifts
Fan-tastic Tuesday - Add some ribbon
Creative Card Crew - 74 Christmas
WordArt Wednesday - 158 Anything Goes
Inspiration Destination - 7 AG
Creative Fingers - 55 Anything Goes