From The Heart Progressive Challenge

After a break of some month, From the Heart have restarted their progressive Stamp of the Month Challenge.



Materials used:From the Heart Stamps - Lucky Lil Birdieacrylic greeting stamp
black archival ink pad
Copic pens
X-Press It card
yellow and green card
white A5 card blank

Lucky Lil Birdie is printed on X-Press It card, coloured with Copics then trimmed, matted and layered onto yellow and green card before attaching to card blank.

The greeting is stamped in black archival ink below the topper.

I also made a couple of ATC's with the smaller practice images.

This month's challenge is almost over (it ends on the 31st) but if you are quick there is still time to join in. If you enter this month you will get the image for the next challenge free so everyone's a winner!

Thanks for visiting today. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter the following challenges:
From The Heart Stamp of the Month - March
Addicted To Stamps #234 - CAS
Creative Moments #114 - Anything Goes/(optional twist)Spring Colours
Inspiration Destination #124 - Anything Goes
The Crafty Addicts #34 - Anything Goes/CAS

Return of the Stamp of the Month Challenge at From The Heart Stamps

After a break the Stamp of the Month challenge has returned to From the Heart Stamps. With it being February the image this time is very suitable for Valentine's Day and is a little different from the usual images associated with the celebration. I chose to use it on a couple of ATC's.



Materials used:From the Heart Stamps - Hogs and Kisses PigwitX-Press It! card
Copic pens
snippets of white card

Pigwit has been printed out on the X-Press It! card at the correct size for an ATC. The image is coloured with Copics and the heart added free-hand.

The image has been trimmed to ATC size and stuck to a piece of scrap white card slightly smaller.

Finally a black Copic has been run around the outside edges.
This is a progressive challenge so if you enter this month you automatically get the next challenge image free. It keeps going until you miss a month. There are still a few days left to enter, so if you are interested in having a go here is some helpful information:

FREE Stamp of the Month Rules

Monthly Image Challenge:

Each month that you enter the challenge, you will receive the following month’s image for free…and so on.

This challenge is held monthly on the 1st of the month. You must enter the challenge by the last day of the month at 11:59 PM (Central Time Zone).

I will post a new image each month, by the 3rd of the month, and it will be the “challenge image.” To enter the challenge, you must make a project with the current challenge image, post your project to your blog or an online gallery (no blog required to play) and also link back to the From The Heart Stamps blog and store. You will have one month to do this. Enter your project into the challenge by linking up using the InLinkz linky at the bottom of each challenge post.

By entering the challenge and following the rules, you will receive a second free digital stamp. Repeat the process again, and you will receive a freebie each month you link back to this blog and From The Heart Stamps, and add your post/card to our InLinkz linky.

EVERYONE that plays is a winner, and EVERYONE that plays earns free digital stamps.
I may award additional random prizes for each challenge.

**If you missed the first freebie, you can join in the challenge by purchasing the current challenge image.
**By accepting the freebie, you agree to follow my Terms of Use.

IMPORTANT! Please respect my art and do not share these images even though they are free. Please refer your friends so that they can receive their own. Thank you!!

By submitting your card to InLinkz, you are giving me permission to post your card as an example in the From The Heart Stamps Shop, Blog, Pinterest Boards, and Facebook page.

Our FREE Stamp of the Month Challenge may end or change at anytime with or without warning.

Thanks for dropping bye. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my ATC's into:
From the Heart Stamps Stamp of the Month Challenge - February
Inspiration Destination #122 - Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon #382 - Down on the Farm
Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge #244 - Hearts
Digi Tuesday Crafting Challenge #8 - Anything Goes
Crafting From The Heart #147 - Anything Goes
Outlawz Monday Greetings Challenge - Tic, Tac, Toe (I have used the bottom row; red, green, pink)
Artistic Inspriations Challenge #173 - Anything Goes
613 Avenue Create #194 - Anything Goes/Optional Twist - Sentimental Journey
CAS on Sunday #102 - Critters
Stamping Sensations February - Animal Magic

Jumping back in for a cookie

It's been quite a while since I last entered the If You Give A Crafter A Cookie challenge, but with the snowman inspiration I could not resist it. We have had a really wet and windy time the last few days and I long for a bit of snow just for a change.



Materials used:From the Heart - I'd rather be skiing
snowflake backing card
green and orange card
X-Press It card
Copic pens
A5 card blank
black peel off greeting sticker

The snowman and sentiment are printed onto X-Press It card and coloured with Copics before trimming. The image is then matted and layered onto green and orange card.

The front of the card blank has been covered with a slightly smaller piece of snowflake card which has had the edges highlighted with a black pen. The matted and layered image is then attached to the card front.

Finally a small black peel off greeting has been added.

I have just got time to enter my card into the challenge before it closes tomorrow. Leaving it late again!

Thank you for dropping by. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into:If you give a crafter a cookie challenge #61
A Snowflakes Promise #36 - Anything Goes
Lemon Shortbread #34 - Anything Goes

A pig in clover?

Ok so maybe not clover, but he has plenty of other flowers to enjoy! The image I have used today is the Stamp of the Month from From the Heart Stamps. It is on offer for the progressive challenge.

Materials used: 
From the Heart Stamps - Hamlet Pigwig in the Planter
Docrafts Papermania papers - Country Life
X-Press It card
5inch square white card blank
Copic pens
little flowers from stash
adhesive gems

This is quite a simple card to do once the colouring is finished! It is just a straight forward matting and layering job.

The little accent flowers have a creamy pearl finish but I wanted to try and match them with the blue flowers surrounding Hamlet Pigwig so I used a Copic pen. The colour has not quite matched because of the surface of the flowers but it is near enough. The centers have adhesive gems in the middle.

Just time for a 'Head's Up' for tomorrow, look out for my post at the start of the Dragon's Lair Designs Blog Hop. There are freebies to pick up and prizes to be won.

Thank you for stopping by. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
From the Heart Stamp of the Month - May
Scrapper's Delights #55 - Anything Goes
Crafty Friends #31 - In the Garden
Let's Colour Linky Party #9
A Bit More Time To Craft #19 - Anything Goes
2 Creative Chicks Showcase #10
Crafts Galore Encore - May
Creative Ladybirds #15
Digi Stamps 4 Joy #124 - Anything Goes/Optional Twist Add Ribbon
Crafty Girlz Challenges - April Anything Goes
Not Just Cards #32 - May
Sweet Stamps May - Anything Goes

 

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: 
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.

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

 

 

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: 
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

• Dragons Lair Designs Online Shop (http://dragonslairdesigns.com/shop/)


• Dragons Lair Designs Fan Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/636646656454888/)


• Dragons Lair Designs Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/Dragons-Lair-Designs-443643142441261/)


• Dragons Lair Designs Inspiration Blog (http://stampingdragondesigns.blogspot.co.uk/)


• Dragons Lair Designs Challenge Blog (http://stampingwithdragon.blogspot.ie/)


• Janette Padley - Designer on craftsUprint (http://www.craftsuprint.com/janette-padley/)


• Dragons Lair Designs Etsy Shop (https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/dragonslairdesignz)


• Dragons Lair Designs Crafts Group - selling buttons and bits and bobs (https://www.facebook.com/groups/dragonslaircrafts/)

 



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

 

 

Mmmmm, chocolate!

This month's image for the From the Heart Stamp of the Month challenge is a cute snowman with his warming cup of hot cocoa. What more do you need on a cold winter's day - apart from some  snow! Somewhat lacking in my part of the world this year.

Materials used: 
From the Heart stamp set - Snowman and Cocoa
X-Press It card
silver mirri board
X-cut bag die
Trimcraft Silent Night designer card pack
silver mirri card
silver ribbon
Copic pens
glitter

The image on the front of the bag is just matted onto silver card. The little tag uses two images, the snowman from the second image has been fussy cut and attached with gel glue.

Both the snowmen have glitter added to their hats.

Since this is a gift bag I have used it for a gift of hot chocolate and mini marshmallows- yummy!

Thanks for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my gift bag into the following challenges:
From the Heart Stamp of the Month Challenge - February
Lemon Shortbread Challenge #9 - Anything Goes (now there's thought; Lemon Shortbread and Hot Chocolate!)
A Snowflakes Promise #16 - Anything Goes/Twist of Love (the love comes with the gift inside)
Fan-tastic Tuesday #124 - Anything Goes With A Twist - Cute
Addicted To Stamps And More #181 - Anything Goes
2 Creative Chicks Showcase #7 
A Bit More Time To Craft #14 - Anything Goes
Digistamps 4 Joy  #121 - Anything Goes/Add aTag (I hope the gift tag counts!)
Just Keep On Creating February - Anything Goes
Sisters of Craft February - Anything Goes
Your Scrapbook Place - February
Word Art Wednesday #220 - Anything Goes
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge #265 - Anything Goes
My Crafting Stories #2 - Anything Goes
Craftyhazlenut's Christmas Challenge Extra - Anything Goes
Creative Ladybirds Creations #12 - Anything Goes
Sweet Stamps February - Anything But A Card
Inspiration Destination #73 - Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon #329 - A Pop of Colour
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Warm Thoughts (Mmmmm Hot Chocolate!)
The Crafty Addicts #9 - Anything Goes/Spots or Stripes (stripey bag)
Sweet Stampin' - Glitter and Sparkle (the snowmen's hats)
Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends #28 - Anything Goes
Glitter and Sparkle #176- Anything Goes
Brown Sugar Challenge #186 - Anything Goes
Jo's Scrap Shack Fun-Day Friday #126 - Anything Goes
One Stitch At A Time #256 - Anything Goes With 3D
C.R.A.F.T. #351 - Christmas
Craft For The Craic February - Something To Make You Smile (chocolate always makes me smile!)

 

From the Heart Progressive Freebie Challenge

This month From the Heart have provided a great bear and presents image which  would work well for both Christmas and December birthdays. That reminds me, it is a special little lady's 4th birthday on the 27th, better get organised for it!

Materials used:
From the Heart Stamps - Gift Stack Teddy Bear
red gold foiled star card
silver grey card
large square white card blank
decorative frame die set
blending card
Copic pens
glitter

Method:
Print image to desired size and colour with Copic pens.

Cut a large decorative frame from the red foiled card and use this to cut the image to the right size with a slightly larger mat cut from the silver grey card.

Assemble all the elements onto the front of the card blank.

Finally add glitter to the fur on the bear's hat.

I have not added a sentiment to this card yet because I am still undecided whether it will be a Christmas card or a birthday card!

Thanks for stopping by. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
From the Heart Stamps Progressive Freebie
A Gem of a Challenge #159 - Anything Christmas Goes
Crafty Friends #21- Anything Goes
Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge 260 - Anything goes as long as it's Christmas
613 Avenue #155 - Anything Goes
Lucy Sunshine Color Your World - Anything Goes

 

I've got my silly head on today!

Birdbrain features in this month's image for the free stamp of the month challenge over at From the Heart Stamps. For some reason this image just tickled my sense of humour!

Materials used:
From the Heart - Deck the Halls Birdbrain
white stamping card
patterned paper and card from stash
A5 white card blank
Copic pens
square dies

Method:
Print out the image and sentiment to the size you require.

Colour image with Copics then die cut the image and trim the sentiment to size and edge with a black pen.

Die cut a mat slightly larger for the image and cut a mat for the sentiment out of patterned paper and again edge with a black pen before attaching image and sentiment.

Attach both toppers to the front of the card.

For the ATC print and colour images as for the card. (I cropped out the bauble and resized it to make the inchie.) Cut images to size and edge with a black pen.

Cut and ATC blank from patterned card and attach toppers to it.

Hopefully you are not groaning at the terrible humour! Thanks for stopping for a while. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
From the Heart Free Stamp of the Month - November
2 Creative Chicks Showcase #4
Creative Craft Cottage #51
Your Scrapbook Place - November
Creative Moments #81
Inspiration Destination #59
Crafting With An Attitude #9
Crafting With Friends #10
Creative Fingers #97
Jo's Scrap Shack FFC #114



 

 

A cornucopia of blessings

The image for this month's progressive challenge at From the Heart stamps is a lovely cornucopia. A few months ago I would not even have considered colouring this image but practice has given me a bit of courage, so here it is!

Materials used:
From the Heart Stamps digi set - Cornucopia
Imagine That digi set - Subtle Harvest Kit
printer paper and card
stamping card
Copic pens
A5 white card blank

Method:
I printed out all the bits I needed for the topper, an extra image and two background papers from the Harvest Kit. I coloured both images and then cut my base image and sentiment to the size I wanted. I covered the front of the card blank with the leaves paper then matted my topper onto the purple paper before sticking it to the card front. Finally I fussy cut the main section of fruit and veg and the small bunch of grapes and pumpkin from the second image, shaped and attached them to the second image using gel glue.



As I am trying to build up a little stash of ATC's I also made one with this image.

The marathon run of Harvest Services and suppers has now finished and all the apple pies have been eaten! I don't do Halloween so the next big celebration will be Christmas. Whoa! Not already! Where has the year gone? I guess I should be thinking about getting the 200+ cards that we need on the go. Something quick and easy I think!

Thanks for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
From the Heart DOM Challenge - October
If You Give A Crafter A Cookie #29
Jo's Scrap Shack FFC #108
Simply Papercraft Challenges #14
Crafting With Dragonflies #44
2 Creative Chicks Showcase #3 Anything Goes!
Crafts Galore Encore - Make a card
Sisters of Craft - October
Your Scrapbook Place - October
613 Avenue Create #144
Lacy Sunshine's Color Your World

Autumn is on it's way

There is definitely a chill in the air as we approach the end of September and a lot of challenge blogs are picking autumnal themes. The image for the From the Heart Progressive Challenge is a good one to cover a lot of the autumn themes.

Materials used:
From the Heart Stamps - Pumpkin Patch Girl
15cm white square card
brown card in two shades
stamping card
square dies and lacy square die
various acrylic word stamps
Copic pens

Method:
I printed out my image and coloured it in with the Copics before using a square die to cut it out. I cut a mat in light brown just slightly bigger and then another in dark brown using the lacy square die. I scored the front of the card in halves to make an easel card and attached my layered and matted topper to the front. For the card stopper I used parts of a number of word stamps to make up my greeting because I do not have a 'Hand picked for you' stamp!

Thanks for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
From the Heart Progressive Freebie Challenge - September
Beccy's Place - September Challenge
Inspiration Destination #51
Addicted to Stamps #162 - Make Your Mark
Craft Your Passion #279
Creative Card Crew #96 - Fall

Taking it easy

There is a strange mix in the themes of recent challenges with Christmas in July sitting happily beside summer fun. The progressive freebie image from From the Heart is of Birdbrain relaxing in a swimming ring with something nice to drink.

Materials used:
Inner Tube Birdbrain
Fancy labels die set
Copic pens
A5 white card blank
dark red and green card
X-press it blending card
black peel off greeting

Method:
I printed out the image and coloured it with the pens then matted and layered it onto red and green card die cut with the labels die. I attached my topper to the card base and added the peel off greeting.

I am trying to finish all the progressive challenges for this month in the next few days before we go off on holiday for a couple of weeks. At the same time I am attempting to sort out and down size my craft room in the on going preparations for when my husband retires next year and we have to vacate the spacious vicarage and return to our little cottage. Being ruthless and getting rid of things that have not been used for ages is quite hard but very therapeutic. Earlier in the year I took a box of crafting items to a craft retreat and managed to pass a lot on to loving homes and raise some money for the British Heart Foundation at the same time. The intention is to repeat the process next year so the gathering together is going to be an on going process.

Thanks for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into:
From the Heart Progressive Challenge - July

From the Heart Stamp of the Month Challenge

The end of June is just around the corner and once again I am rushing to get all the progressive challenges done! This month at From the Heart the image is a lovely little hedgehog called Prickles, very appropriate since I work in the Hedgehog class!

Materials used:
From the Heart digi set - Prickles says Hello
Crafts Too Die - Presscut Frame It
stamping card
dotty card - Hunkydory
paper rose
Copic pens

Method:
I printed out a large version to fit my frame and a smaller version to use up the card. I coloured both images in with Copic pens. The large image I trimmed down to fit the frame. I cut the frame from the Hunkydory dotty card left over from one of their card kits and also cut the front of the card blank making sure that I did not cut the top fold. I glued the dotty frame ontop of the the cut card blank and then mounted the picture behind. Inside the card I used the insert to hide the back of the picture. Finally I attached a paper rose the front. I decided not to add a sentiment so that the card could be used for any occasion.



The second smaller image I turned into a pillow box.

Thank you for visiting. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into:
From the Heart Digital Stamp of the Month Challenge - June
If you give a crafter a cookie #21 - Picture Inspiration
Polkadoodles Crafting Challenge Week 25 - Frame It
Word Art Wednesday Challenge 189 - Anything goes/Family Friendly
Creative Card Crew 90 - CAS

From the Heart

From the Heart stamps run a fantastic monthly progressive challenge and this month's image is just right for many occasions, I decided to go with a birthday card.

Materials used: From the Heart Stamps - Apple Blossom Birds stamping card scalloped oval dies (x-cut) Happy Birthday acrylic stamp snippet of pink ribbon Copic pens enamel accents- black DL card blank made from Centura Pearl card

Method: I printed out two images and coloured them in with Copics. I cut one image using the die, edged it with a black pen and put a small drop of black enamel accent in each scallop. (Confession: the enamel was not in the original plan but in edging the card the pen slipped so I needed something to cover the 'accident'!) I cut the two main flowers from the second image, shaped and glued them onto the first image so that the leaves on the left side over hung the die. I attached the ribbon to the card front and a separate bow before adding the topper and stamping the greeting with Black Archival ink.

Thank you for visiting. Take care. Pippa

I would like to enter my card into: From the Heart Stamps May - Apple Blossom Birds

From the Heart Stamp of the Month Challenge

I am a big fan of progressive freebie challenges, not only do you get the following month's image free but you have a whole month to come up with an idea! From the Heart this month gave out a new image from their Hamlet PigWit range.



Materials used:
From the Heart Stamps Stamp of the Month: Hamlet PigWit Being Shy
Copic pens
small note acrylic stamp
sheet music block acrylic stamp
Adirondack black archival ink pad
snippet of black card
5 inch square white card blank

Method:
I sized and printed out the image and the greeting I wanted to used then used the Copic pens to colour him in. I stamped the music block onto the front of the card blank, fussy cut Hamlet and stuck him on. I trimmed the greeting and matted it onto black card before attaching it to the card base.



I had printed out several copies of Hamlet so turned the extra into ATC cards as I am running out and have a small pile of books from the United Kingdom Stampers Network to add too.

Thank you for dropping by. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
From the Heart Stamps Stamp of the Month - April
Pixie's Snippets Playground - week 173

Sailing on

Over at Imagine That Digi's this month the stamp of the month is on a nautical theme. I have recently given into temptation, again!, and bought a new die which makes for an easy pop up card.

[caption id="attachment_1077" align="alignright" width="353"] Inside view[/caption]

Materials used:
Imagine That digi set - My Sailmate and free papers
Stampendous Pop-up die set
printing paper
stamping card
dark blue card
sentiment stamps and memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
Copic and Spectrum Noir pens

Method:
I printed out the papers and elements onto the different papers depending on type. I used the pens to colour the boy, girl, life belts and wheels. I die cut the bubble paper twice to make the inside pop-up piece.

[caption id="attachment_1078" align="alignleft" width="326"] Close up of inside[/caption]

I fussy cut my coloured images (cutting out the little bits from the life belts and wheels took a while). I stuck a snippet of left over bubble paper behind the life belts and wheels then attached them to the pop-up tabs before attaching the boy and girl to the larger tabs. I used the blue card to make an A5 card blank and glued my pop-up piece inside making sure not to get glue on the tabs.

[caption id="attachment_1076" align="alignright" width="300"] Front view[/caption]

For the front of the card I used different elements from the kit to build up the scene then stamped the sentiments on the front. Finally I stamped Happy Birthday inside the card leaving the left hand side clear for writing on.

It is the first time I have had a go at a pop-up card but I don't think it will be the last!

Thanks for popping in. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into:
Imagine That DOM challenge
Digitally 'Sweet' Challenge 134 - Sport

Spring fever

The image of the month for the From the Heart challenge features some lovely little spring tiles. The theme for the month in an ATC swap group I belong to is inchies. Well the two just went together!



Materials used:
From the Heart Stamps Image of the Month - Easter Trio
white ATC blanks
spring greeting acrylic stamps from Creative Stamping magazine
Spectrum Noir pens
black ink pad
1 inch square punch

Method:
I printed out the image to the size I needed to make inchies from the tiles then coloured them in with the pens. Using the black ink I stamped Warm Spring Wishes on the right hand side of the ATC blank. I used the punch to punch out my inches then inked the edges and the edges of the ATC with black ink. Finally I stuck my inches to the left side of the ATC.

Although we had too much cloud cover to get a good view of Friday's solar eclipse the weather has definitely improved the past few days. The sky is bluer, the grass is greener and the sun has shone through. There is colour returning to the gardens and hedgerows, spring has arrived.

Thank you for visiting. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into:
From the Heart Stamp of the Month Challenge
Your Scrapbook Place - Anything Goes

Love struck Birdbrain

The image for the From the Heart Stamp of the Month Challenge features one of their characters, Birdbrain. I decided this time to colour her brown so that the flower would be the colour focus.



Materials used:
white stamping/blending crd
snippets of green, white and purple card
Spectrum Noir and Copic pens
Liquid Pearls
Spellbinders dies Labels 23
Heartfelt Creations die Leafy Swirl from Cut Mat Create 1B
Flower die - unknown origin

Method:
I printed out the Birdbrain image on the stamping card at the required size and coloured with the pens before cutting out using the labels die. I also cut printed and cut out the sentiment. I matted both of these onto purple paper, from an old shop bag.
I cut two leafy swirls from green card, a snippet left over from another project, and several flowers from snippets of white which I then coloured with the pens. I then assembled three flowers. I arranged all my elements on the card front before sticking them down. Finally I added Liquid Pearls to Birdbrains necklace.

Thank you for stopping by. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
From the Heart Stamps - Stamp of the Month Challenge: February
Sir Stamp Alot - Stamping Sensations Challenge - Anything Goes
Digi Galore Challenge - Anything Goes
Pixie's Snippets Playground - Week 164

Tall Order!

My son-in-law's daughter has a birthday next week and she loves giraffes, so when I saw the 'Laughing Giraffes' image at From the heart stamps I knew I had to use it.



Materials used:
From the Heart Stamps - Laughing Giraffes
Animal print digi - Pixel Scrappers
A3 white card
Neenah Desert Storm Kraft colouring card
Spectrum Noir pens
gold capital letter stickers

Method:
I printed the image out on an A4 sheet of Neenah Desert Storm card and coloured it with the Spectrum Noir pens. I used Serif Craft Artist and the animal print digi to make the background paper and printed it on another sheet of Neenah Desert Storm. Using the A3 white card I made a A4 card blank and cut a strip off the right side of the front. I attached a strip of the background paper to the right side of the back flap of the card blank and spelled out Happy Birthday with the letter stickers. I used the spare strip of background paper to edge the top and bottom of the front flap of the card and mounted the trimmed image on top.



I have to say I was quite pleased with the way the giraffe coloured up. It was a big image to colour and I was worried that the ink might dry out too quickly to get a decent blend. Also it is the first time I have used the Neenah Desert Storm card on a project, I liked the way it toned down the colours and made them more natural looking. (Not sure why the card looks grey on the photo, in reality it is more of a sandy colour.)

Thanks for stopping by. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:
Outlawz Challenges Friday Colouring Challenge - Anything goes
Your Scrapbook Place - Anything Goes/Masculine

Little Snowman

From the Heart Stamps have a lovely little snowman as the image for their progressive challenge. This is my take on him.



Materials used:
From the Heart Stamps - Little Snowman
Bearly Mine - Winter Swirls 17 (unfortunately no longer in business because of the new EU Vat laws)
Snowflake Die (Spellbinders)
Copic and Spectrum Noir Pens
Stamping card
Printing card and paper
Cosmic Shimmer Diamond Sprinkles
Wink of Stella Shimmer Pen - Clear

Method:
I printed out a panel of the Winter Swirls on the right hand side of piece of card before folding it into an A5 card blank with the printing inside. I cut the front panel down to 11 cms so that when the card is closed part of the printed inside shows. I then printed out two A4 sheets of the same Winter Swirls paper, one I used as an insert and the other as the front panel.

I printed out the Little Snowman onto stamping card and coloured in with the pens before cutting out the snowman and a small part of the snow under him. I put some wink of stella onto the pom-pom and trim of his hat. Taking the panel of patterned paper for the front I cut a slit along the snow drift long enough to slip the bottom of the snowman into. I inked the edges of the panel with black ink and then stuck it to the card front. The snowman is held in place by the part behind the paper.

Finally I die cut a snowflake from a snippet of paper and covered it with diamond sparkles before attaching it to the card front so that it overlaps the card opening.

When I finished the card I discovered that the front panel matches up to the back quite well, purely by chance. I was not so successful in matching the insert but it is not visible when the card is closed!

Thank you for popping in. Take care.

Pippa

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:
From the Heart Stamps - stamp of the month challenge
Rudolph Day Challenge
Pixie's Snippets Playground (the snowflake cut from a snippet)
Outlawz Friday Colouring Challenge - Winter Wonderland