Saturday 30 April 2016

It's like running for the last bus!

There is a challenge on the Imagine That! digis by Kris Facebook page that almost passed me by!  It is only the second challenge they have run at the theme is anything goes. With the closing date this weekend I have made a quick CAS card.

Materials used: SAM_2854(watermarked)
Imagine That! digis by Kris - Tap Dancer
X-Press It card
red and green card
A5 white card blank
slot corner punch
Copic pens

For this really CAS card I just arranged the sentiment and the picture on an A5 page, printed off and coloured the dancer with Copics.

Having trimmed the image I matted it onto red card using the slot punch to hold it in place then layered it onto green card before sticking to the front of the card blank. The idea behind using the slots to hold the image was so that it could be removed and framed if the recipient wished to do that.


Thanks for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
Imagine That! digis by Kris Facebook Challenge
Artistic Impressions #155
Craft Your Passion #309
House of Cards - Add Script and/or Colour Inspiration
Not Just Cards #31 - April
Our Crafty Corner #8
Where the HeART Is #8
2 Creative Chicks Showcase #9
Inspiration Destination #82 
Creative Ladybirds Creations #14



 

Sunday 24 April 2016

April Showers in the Playground

Years ago  a musical comedy duo 'Flanders and Swann' did their version of 'January brings the snow'. Every time April comes along I cannot help but remember the verse for that month:
April brings sweet spring showers,
On and on for hours and hours!
The rest of the year gets a similar pesimistic treatment. If you want a laugh at the English weather here is a link to a Youtube clip of it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eT40eV7OiI

The theme at the Imagine That! digis by Kriss Creative Playground challenge is Spring. Kris has some great spring images in her shop and as the challenge goes on to the 6th of May you still have time to have a go.

Materials used: SAM_2848(watermarked)
Imagine That! digis by Kris - Piggy Boots/Tulips Planter
Imagine That! digis by Kris - Satin Fabrics Digi Papers
Day Dream Designs - Sunshine and Rain Colour Digi Set (may not still be trading)
stepper card die
white printer card
X-Press It Card
Copic pens

I printed out an A4 sheet of card using a blue paper from the Satin Fabrics set and a sheet using a green Satin Fabrics paper for the back panel, then used the die set to cut the card base.

I used two coloured images from the Sunshine and Rain set (rain cloud and child with umberella) to make up a sheet of paper for the side panels and added the wording then printed it out.

I sized the Piggy Boots image to fit the middle panel and printed out two copies on X-Press It card.

The main image and second copy I coloured with the copics then cut out the front boot and the flower heads to layer up on the base
image.

There is a reason why I went for the plain boots and added the top and for the colours I used. My very first pair of adult sized wellies were blue with a yellow top which had a blue string so you could draw in the top part and keep any rain out. They lasted for years and years and I was quite sad when I finally had to replace them because they started to leak. Those wellies must have lasted for a good 20+ years!

Thanks for popping in. Take care.

Pippa

P.S. I found a picture of the wellies on line listed as vintage!!s-l225

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
Creative Playground #3 - Spring
Crafty Sentiments Designs - Anything Goes
Ike'sworld Challenges #61 - Rainy Days
Lemon Shortbread #13 - Anything Goes
Through the Craftroom Door  - Anything Goes
Inspiration Destination #82 - Anything Goes
2 Creative Chicks Showcase #9 - Anything Goes
Your Scrapbook Place Mid-April Challenge

Friday 22 April 2016

Finding time

The image for this month's Stamp Of The Month Challenge at From The Heart Stamps features a pocket watch and flowers. I was not entirely certain how to use it at first then decided to go for a more vintage look but still keep some vibrant colours in the flowers.

Materials used: SAM_2845(watermarked)
From the Heart Stamps - Time To Bloom
Adirondack ink pads - Latte and Mushroom
Clarity Stamps - Letterbox Kit
Clarity Stamps - Word Chain 3
acrylic pocket watch stamp
A4 kraft card
designer paper from stash
oval die set
Copic pens
X-Press It card


I have used two copies of the image and selected parts to decoupage for dimension on the flowers and the butterfly.

The kraft card has been folded to make the card base.

The image was cut with a scalloped edged oval die and the background inked using a brush while still in the die to get the white border.

SAM_2846(watermarked)The insert is made using multiple stamping of the pocket watch acrylic stamp and then the paper toned down from the white by brushing it with ink.

Thanks for dropping by. Take care.

Pippa

 

 

 

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
From The Heart Stamp of the Month - April
Crafting From The Heart #108 - Anything Goes
Craft Your Passion #308 - Anything Goes
Not Just Cards #31 - April
Our Crafty Corner #8 - Anything Goes
Crafty Sentiments Designs - Anything Goes
Lemon Shortbread #13 - Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon #338 - Text Me! (text in background paper as well as greeting)
Create and Inspire #44 - Anything Goes


 

 

Tuesday 19 April 2016

Path of Positivity Midway Point - Grace

We are half way through the month's challenge at Path of Positivity so it's time to share my second sample with you. I have done something completely different, for me, and attempted my first mixed media art piece. At the moment it is hanging on my craft room wall but is may become a gift for someone in time!

Having used inspiration from creation for the past couple of PoP posts this time I have gone with the gracefulness of dance. I came across the quote from C. Joybell C while Googling for ideas. To be honest I have never heard of her before but I liked this quote, especially the line, 'Grace is an ability to give as well as receive and be thankful'. All too often I find I am better at giving than receiving and when I think about it, it dawns on me that this is hardly fair to the person or people who want to give to me. Learning to accept all with grace is not an easy lesson for me!

Materials used: SAM_2835(watermarked)
Pickled Potpourri Designs - Just Dance
canvas board
gold mirri card
green and blue acrylic paint
leaf swirl stencil
squares and dots stencil
white gesso
silver texture paste
leafy swirl die
oval die
clear acrylic beads
Victorian Velvet distress ink pad

glossy photo card
guilding flakes
Mica Powders (purple and silver) and mister spray
gold coloured eyelets

black cord

I prepared the board first using gesso, paints, stencils and texture paste.

I printed out the girl dancing on glossy photo paper. I roughly cut out the image and stuck it to two more layers of card before a final fussy cut. I used a glue pen and the guilding flakes to decoreate the swirls on the dress.

I cut the Just Dance out with an oval die and three leafy swirls from gold mirri card. I used the  Mica Powders to take out the brightness of the white card.

I printed my quote out on white card then used the distress ink nad swirly stencil to take off the whiteness and attempt to tie it in with the rest of the swirls on the piece.

I placed two eyelets at the top of the board (having first decided which way up to use it!) I then threaded some beads onto black cord and attached it to the board for a hanger.

Finally I arranged all my elements onto the board before gluing them down.  

Although I enjoyed playing around with the different paints and pastes I cannot say that I have immediately been smitten by mixed media. I think I would need to play around a lot more before attempting another piece. However I may use some of the techniques in future cards.

There is still plenty of time to join in the fun at Path of Positivity. As always there are a prizes on offer from our sponsors and plenty of inspiration to be found from the rest of the DT and on the blog - so what are you waiting for? If you need further persuasion here are the prizes that are up for grabs:
 SPONSOR & PRIZE INFORMATION:


There will also be:


  • A small selection of digital designer papers from Décosse's Dynamite Doodles for one lucky person who leaves a comment on posts published during the challenge timeframe.

  • One digital sentiment for every single person who enters the challenge.


Thanks for popping in. take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my 'picture' in the following challenges:
Inspiration Destination #81 - Anything Goes
Word Art Wednesday #226 and #227 - Anything Goes
2 Creative Chicks Showcase #9 - Anything Goes
A Bit More Craft #18 - Anything Goes
The Sisters of Craft #April - Anything Goes
Your Scrapbook Place #Mid April Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafting With An Attitude #14 - Anything Goes
Where The HeART Is #8 - Sparkle and Bling/Anything Goes


 

Sunday 17 April 2016

Art by Mi Ran Progressive Challenge

It must be a first! For once I am not posting this with hours to spare but with weeks to spare. This means there is still time for you to have a go if you have not already done so. To jump on board you will need to buy the first image then for successive months request it for free. For more details see the Art By Mi Ran Facebook Page.

Materials used:SAM_2837(watermarked)
Art By Miran - Digi Girl 294 (Reserved Listing)
Dragons Lair Designs - Artistic Expressions Papers
dies - doily, circle, butterfly
Copic pens
X-Press It card
silver sentiment sticker
brown and black card
printer card
white A5 card blank


The image is printed out to the correct size on X-Press It card, coloured with Copics and die cut with a circle die.

The doily and two butterflies are cut from a sheet of paper printed from the Artistic Expressions Papers set. One butterfly is layered over the other leaving the wings free.

The image is layered onto the doily then matted onto brown and black card before attaching to the card blank.

The butterfly and sticker are added last.

It's been a bit busy for me over the last few days. We have made a start on decorating our new house, who'd have thought stripping wallpaper could be such fun but so tiring! Still I keep telling myself it will be worth it in the end!

Thanks for popping in. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
Art By Mi Ran Progressive Challenge (April)
Come And Get It Challenge #114 - Things With Wings
Lil Patch Of Crafty Friends #32 - Anything Goes
One Stitch At A Time #260 - Anything Goes With Wings
Stamping Sensations April - One For The Girls
Crafty Sentiments Designs - Anything Goes
Deep Ocean Challenge #126 -Spring Is In The Air
Lemon Shortbread #13 - Anything Goes
Through The Craft Room Door
The Cat's Pyjamas #312 - Wings
Crafty Gals Corner #67 - Die Cuts or Punches
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge #273 - Anything Goes
The Crafty Addicts #13 - Anything Goes/Girly


 

Tuesday 12 April 2016

Mixing it up

This month the progressive freebie image from Dragons Lair Designs is a lovel flower boarder. I decided to use it to frame an image I wanted to use for my daughter's birthday card.

Materials used: SAM_2832(watermarked)
Dragons Lair Designs - Flower Frame (request from Dragons Lair Designs Facebook Page)
Dragons Lair Designs - Gentle Muse (Facebook Freebie) (also)
From The Heart Stamps - Care and Comfort
X-Press It card
Copics
acrylic greeting stamp
black archival ink pad
white printer card


I sized up the frame and the image so that one fitted inside the other. I printed out one framed image and two cropped parts of the Care and Comfort image to layer up. I used Copics to colour the frame and the image.

The  card blank is made from a sheet of A4  card printed with a paper from the Gentle Muse kit.

The girl and the cat have been 3d decoupaged with two more layers on top of the base layer.


My daughter is a veterinary nurse so the Care and Comfort image seemed appropriate!

There is a lot happening over at Dragons Lair Designs so why not pop on over and have a look. Here are all the links to encourage you!

DRAGONS LAIR DESIGNS LINKS

 

12966612_10208122568414974_1859717760_n

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
Penny's Challenge #272 - Anything Goes
Crafting With An Attitude #14 - Anything Goes
A Bit More Time To Craft #17 - Anything Goes
2 Creative Chicks Showcase #9
Creative Ladybirds Creations #14 - Anything Goes
Crafty Girlz Challenge - March
A Beautiful Mess #1 - Anything Goes
Brown Sugar Challenge #193 - Anything Goes
Crafting-With-Friends #18 - Anything Goes 
Creative Fingers #106 - Anything Goes 
Jo's Scrap Shack FFC #133 - Anything Goes
Simply Papercraft Challenges #27 - Anything Goes
Alphabet Challenge - C is for Cats
That's Crafty! Challenge - All Things Bright and Beautiful


 

 

Thursday 7 April 2016

Another Head to Head at Dragons Lair Designs

This month the Head to Head challenge at DLD features a hopeful dog! It is a great set for 'doggy' scrapbook layouts and also for cards, particularly for men.

Materials used: SAM_2816(watermarked)
Dragons Lair Designs - Zoodles
white printer card and paper
A5 gatefold card blank
white pearl gems
dark brown Copic
acrylic greetings stamp
Adirondak Espresso ink pad


I printed out all the papers and pictures that I wanted to use onto card and paper, depending on use.

 

[caption id="attachment_4692" align="alignleft" width="108"]SAM_2817(watermarked) showing the inside
[/caption]

I used both images of the dog, cutting out the one on the white background, shaping it a littel and then attaching it to the first image using gel glue to give a slightly raised look to the dog.

The corner gems and the edges of the card have been coloured with a dark brown Copic pen.

[caption id="attachment_4693" align="alignright" width="150"]SAM_2818(watermarked) envelope
[/caption]

I used the frame on the envelope reversing the image so that the dog is on the left side leaving the white frame for the address.

 

 

 

There is a lot going on at Dragons Lair Designs at the moment with loads of prizes on offer for all sorts of different competitions and challenges. Why not go and take a look for yourself, all the links are below.

We would love to see you anytime.

Thanks for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
DLD Facebook Head to Head Challenge
A Gem Of A Challenge #166 - Don't Be Square
Crafty Friends #28 - Anything Goes
2 Creative Chicks Showcase #9
A Bit More Time To Craft Challenge #17 - Anything Goes
Crafts Galore Encore April - Anything Goes
Sisters of Craft April - Anything Goes
Your Scrapbook Place April #1 - Anything Goes


 

Wednesday 6 April 2016

Exam time coming

Here in the UK our school children of all ages are approaching the dreaded exams, be they SATS, GCSE's or A levels. When I saw the image for the current Progressive Challenge on the Art By Mi Ran Facebook page I thought 'school girl'.

Materials used: SAM_2814(watermarked)
Art By Miran - Sweet Sally  (available in store after challenge ends or from Facebook page)
Sonya De Hart - School Days
Sonya De Hart - Back To School
Copics
X-Press It card
white A5 card blank
white printer card
Little B Handwritten die set
Spellbinders A2 Fancy Postage Edge Card Creator die set
snippet black card


I printed out the image at the required size on the X-Presss It card and coloured it in with copics then fussy cut it out.

I printed out the background papers and elements I wanted to use onto white printer paper and trimmed them to the required sizes, die cutting the lined paper with the Fancy Postage Edge die and cutting out a black 'congrats' with a Little B die.

Finally I assembled all the elements onto my card blank.

I left the lined paper background blank but you could easily write a personalized message on it.

If you have children approaching exams or are a teacher I hope all goes smoothly and as stress free as possible.

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
Art By Mi Ran March Progressive Challenge
Brown Sugar Challenge #192 - Anything Goes
Creative Fingers Challenge #106 - Anything Goes
Simply Papercraft Challenges #26 - Anything Goes
A Beautiful Mess #1 - Always Anything Goes
Crafting With Friends #17 - Anything Goes
A Bit More Time To Craft #17 - Anything Goes
2 Creative Chicks Showcase #9 - Anything Goes
Crafts Galore Encore April - Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon Challenge #336 - Celebrate


 

 

Tuesday 5 April 2016

Path of Positivity - Grace

It's time for a new challenge at the Path of Positivity and this month the theme is Grace. Once again I find myself drawn to the beauty of nature. I wanted to use my chosen images to convey the gracefulness of nature, the way a butterfly floats amongst the flowers, the gentle working of the bee as it gathers the pollen, the effortless flight of birds and the clover dancing in the wind. So often we hear about the wildness of nature but there is also a grace in the natural world.

I should warn you this is a photo heavy post!

Materials used: 

[caption id="attachment_4561" align="alignright" width="300"]SAM_2806(watermarked) Front
[/caption]

Décosse's Dynamite Doodles - Papers and elements from the Naturally Cool sets
Canson Mi-Teintes colouring paper
Polychromo pencils
Crafters Companion Die'sire Create a Card Circle Accordion Die set
printer card
Crafters Companion Envelobox Score Board


 

 

 

SAM_2809(watermarked)

 

 

 

 

I printed out a couple of A4 sheets of three different papers, three solid colours and one patterned, on white printer card. I also printed out my chosen brads onto the Canson paper and coloured the images with Polychromo crayons.

SAM_2810(watermarked)
I fussy cut t
he coloured images out and also           made a blank frame for my quote to fit into.

 

I cut out all the parts I needed to make up my accordion card from the different papers. I also fussy cut some leaves from the patterned paper to add as decoration to the quote panel and the blank panel at the back. (This last panel is to write the card dedication on.)

SAM_2811(watermarked)Having prepared all the parts I assemSAM_2812(watermarked)bled my card.

 

 

I made a box envelope from white card and decorated the front with panels cut from the left over bits of the printed papers.

SAM_2808(watermarked)

There are a lot of wonderful prizes on offer this month at Path of Positivity:

SPONSOR & PRIZE INFORMATION:

There will also be:

  • A small selection of digital designer papers from Décosse's Dynamite Doodles for one lucky person who leaves a comment on posts published during the challenge time frame.

  • One digital sentiment for every single person who enters the challenge.


We would love to see you over at Path of Positivity and if you need some more inspiration why not take a look at what the rest of the DT have come up with.

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
A Bit More Time To Craft #17 - Anything Goes
2 Creative Chicks Showcase #9 - Anything Goes
Crafts Galore Encore Monthly Challenge - April
Creative Ladybirds Creations #14 - April
Crafty Girlz Challenges -March
Crafting By Designs April - Anything Goes
4 Creative Chicks #292
Crafty Girls Creations #17 - Anything Goes
Little Miss Muffet Challenges #134 - Anything Goes
Southern Girls Challenge - Anything Goes