It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas!

Good morning crafty friends and I hope you are well today!

It's been a rather madcap week or so here at Casa Mia, so we're looking forward to the end of next week when it will be half term ... whoopeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee - not that I'm excited you understand!

It's new challenge time at Feeling Sketchy and there's another great sketch for you courtesy of Michelle. Plenty of scope for creativity with this one, I feel:

As usual, we've got a lovely sponsor for you. This time, it's Heather Valentin from Lacy Sunshine who is kindly offering our lucky winner a prize pack. Heather also offered the DT their choice of image to showcase for this challenge - thank you Heather! So, without futher ado, here is my card for you featuring one of Heather's pretty images:

I'll apologise now as this post is going to be VERY photo heavy ... this Pop Up Box card was not the easiest thing in the world to photograph, so I've got plenty of pics from plenty of angles to show you! Tee hee!!!!! :oD

Just in case you were wondering about how my card fits the sketch layout, I imagined the foliage to be the sentiment, the goblet to be the pocket, and the girl as one of the tags coming out of the pocket. The box sides and back provide the card shape. This is the first time I've made a Pop Up Box card, and it may well be the last. The air wasn't quite blue, but I wasn't terribly ladylike ........ ooooops!!!!!!

My card recipe is as follows:

• Card base - is Sheena Stamping Card which has been cut, scored and folded to make a lower box of 2¼ inches x 3 inches, with the top flaps being 2¼ inches x 2½ inches. I followed this SplitCoast Stampers Tutorial, but then completely messed the sizing up!
• Papers - are by Paulette at Create with TLC and I think these were a blog freebie in December 2012. They are called Chritmas Mist Papers 4 and I used them on all the external box sides. For the internal box sides, I again tried the technique of inking an embossing folder which I had seen demo'd by Sara Davies of Crafter's Companion. I'm much happier with the result this time which I did on smaller pieces of Sheena Stamping Card. I used the Vintage Christmas "Snowflake Flutter" embossing folder for this together with a pearlescent blue Brilliance ink pad. This embossing folder was one of the goodies which came with Issue 5 of the Crafter's Inspiration magazine.

• Image - is White Smores Delight by Heather at Lacy Sunshine. I have brought this girl and her S'more to life using my Spectrum Noir Pens in the listed colours, before fussy cutting her out.
• Goblet - FT1, GT2, BT5, JG6
  Gingerbread - GB8, GB10, EB5, True Black
  Foliage - DG2, DG3, DG4, DR3
  Bow - PL1, PL2, PL3
  Clothes - PL1, PL2, PL3, IG2, IG7, White Glitter, True Black, Silver Gel Pen
  S'more & Topping - IG2, White Glitter, EB1, EB2
  Skin - FS3, FS4, TN3, CR4, EB3
  Hair - EB6, EB7, EB8

I added a layer of the "topping" to one of the bars inside the card, just to give the image some depth. It didn't quite work out how I had planned it, but ....

• Sentiment - is from a promotional set of stamps from Sara Davies' Signature Collection which I got when Sara was doing her Demo afternoon at our local Hobbycraft store. I've stamped this sentiment in the same pearlescent blue Brilliance ink  onto a label which I embossed from the Ultimate Pro embossing board Springtime Sweets and Cupcake Treats and then cut out and fixed to the rear portion of the box.

Please do head over to the Feeling Sketchy challenge blog and see the other wonderful inspiration from my incredibly talented teamies. While you're there, take a peek at the Special World Card Making Day Challenge where the inspiration is beautiful autumnal colours and there are some great prizes on offer too!

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

• U for Unusual Christmas Colours (not red, green or gold) at ABC Christmas Challenges
• Challenge 333 - Christmas at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge
• Challenge #112 - Bags and Boxes at Crafting for all Seasons
• Challenge #311 - Tags at Little Red Wagon
• October Challenge - Anything Goes using Loose Glitter at Sparkle 'n' Sprinkle
• Challenge 7 - Anything Goes with a Winter/Christmas Theme at A Snowflake's Promise

With this card, I'm also throwing my hat into the ring and trying out for the DT Call at ABC Christmas Challenges. I have entered previous cards this year into your challenges: a little Humphrey's Corner card for letter A, a fun, flying fairy card for letter G and a Santa tag for letter L.

That's it from me for today - hope you have a great day, whatever you're doing.

Hugs, Helen x

Follow that Star!

Good morning blogging buddies and I hope this post finds you well.

Well today, I can finally share the news I've been bursting to tell you for the last 3½ weeks! I entered the DT call and have been selected to join the Design Team at Feeling Sketchy for the autumn/winter 2015-16 term!!!!!! Regular readers will know that I often join in with sketch challenges, so this probably won't surprise some of you at all :o) ! The team has some old and new faces and all I can say is Wow, some of these girls are totally awesome designers ... you are going to be blown away by their takes on Mich's great sketches.

So, this morning brings the start of Challenge #130 and here is the sketch we'd like you to follow:

This challenge is bring kindly sponsored by Jodie and the team at Bugaboo Digital Stamps: Jodie has supplied some images for the existing DT members to use, but all us new girls had to use this sketch as the basis of our DT Application (great idea Cathy!), so we're not necessarily using sponsor images this time. Don't forget that Jodie offers a Freebie every Friday, so why not head over to her store and check out this week's freebie, plus inspiration using it from the Bugaboo Design Team.

Anyway, here's my card using Mich's sketch as the basis of my design:

My card recipe is as follows:

• Card base - is regular lightweight cardstock, which I have cut, scored and folded to around 9cm square. I've then taken my largest Die'sire Essentials Star die and ensured that the top point of the star is well over the fold of my cardstock, and then die cut this to give an opening base card
• Design Paper - is called December Snows Paper 4 and is by Paulette at Create with TLC. This paper was part of Paulette's December 2012 "Club" and has a very elegant navy blue pattern on a dark grey background, with swirling snowflakes.
• Image and Sentiment - are both by Marisa Lerin at Pixel Scrapper Digital Scrapbooking. The Shooting Star comes from the Outer Space Illustrations Kit, and the Star of Wonder sentiment comes from the Star of Wonder Kit. I digitally merged these 2 items, resized them to fit my card base and printed them out. I coloured the star and it's tail using my silver gel pen before fussy cutting them and I also cut a fish tail banner into the sentiment.

This card was quite quick and easy to make, and I think a few of these little mini cards (it's around 7.5cm square!) bagged together might go down well at my Church's Christmas Fayre next month.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

• Challenge #235 - Anything Goes at Die Cutting Divas
• Challenge #141 - Let's Get Started on Christmas (with a sentiment) at Aud Sentiments
• Challenge #275 - Anything Christmas at Fab 'n' Funky Challenges
• Challenge #164 CAS at Addicted to Stamps and More
• Challenge 6 - Christmas/Winter Theme at A Snowflakes Promise (Second Entry)
• Challenge #264 - Clean and Simple at Tuesday Throwdown

I hope I've inspired you to have a go with Sketch Challenge #130 but if you need further inspiration, please head over to Feeling Sketchy and check out the awesome and varied creations from my team mates. Then come back and share your project featuring our sketch - this challenge closes on Wednesday October 14th 2015.

Hope you have a great day!

Hugs, Helen x

Christmas Stockings

Morning all!

Hope you're well and had a great weekend. I'm sorry, I'm a day and a few hours late with this post ... my crafty days last week got blasted into oblivion by Christmas shopping with "himself" on Tuesday (can't craft with him around ... although he did inadvertently discover one of my crafty hidey-holes whilst trying to hide Christmas presents! Oooooops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and then on Wednesday I got a call from the estate agents to say that the sale of my late Mum's house, which wasn't going to be completed last week meaning I could clear up there over the weekend, was going through for Friday - had to drop everything and shoot over there. I must say I got rather itchy fingers not being able to craft.

Anyway, with apologies to the team, it's new challenge time at Incy Wincy Designs and this week we want to see your Christmas Stockings!

We've got 2 wonderful sponsors lined up for you again this week! 

Firstly, Care2Stamp are offering one lucky prize winner a $15 Gift Certificate. 

Our second sponsor is Tamara and her team at The Stamping Chef who is offering our second lucky prize winner a $10 Gift Certificate. 

Thanks to both of them for sponsoring us this week!

Tamara and her team have also been kind enough to give the DT some of Tamara's images to use - here is my card featuring one of Teri's "Smexy Chicks":

My card recipe is as follows:

• Base Card - made from Centura Pearl in Ivory, which I die-cut (using the largest oval in my Framelits Oval Set, and then scored and folded it to make a rocker card
• Design Paper - is by  Paulette at Create with TLC and was, I think, a blog freebie in December 2012.
  
  It's called Stockings were Hung Papers 5 and I die-cut this using the second largest Framelits Oval Die
• Image - this "Smexy Chick" is called Don't Pout, Just Kiss! and she has been designed by Tamara at The Stamping Chef. I die-cut this expectant one using a smaller Framelits Oval Die (although I'm not quite sure I've got the balance in sizes quite right) before bringing her to life using my Spectrum Noir Pens in the following colours:
• Skin - FS2, FS3, CR4
• Jumper and Leg Warmers - LV2, LV3, CG4, gold Gel Pen
• Mistletoe - EB1, CG4, Gold Gel Pen
• Sentiment -  comes from Paulette at Create with TLC (who else manages such witty sentiments?) and this was part of the 2012 Christmas Club.

I hope you'll come over to Incy Wincy Designs and see the wonderfully stocking-ed creations by my teamies and our December Guest Designer Sue.  Don't forget to come back and share your Christmas Stockings with us - this challenge ends on Sunday 8/12/2013.

If you like the sound of sharing fun with us, we've got a DT Call going on right now!!!!!! We're looking for 4 or 5 crafty ladies or gents who enjoy creating with Sponsor Images to join our fun filled team .... and we do have fun, and we do laugh .... alot!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o) All the details are on this post so do check it out and send us an e-mail. We'd love for you to join us.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenge:

• Challenge #115 - Christmas Sentiment at Bearly Mine Challenge

That's it from me for today - I'm off to town to do battle with the other Christmas shoppers!

Have a good day.
Hugs, Helen x

Fiesta, not Siesta!

Good morning all from a very excited Casa de Crafty Mamma Mia. Why, I hear you ask? Well today is the start of my 4 week residency as Guest Designer at Top Tip Tuesday ... thanks for having me girls!!!!

Today is my  first challenge with the team, and the title of this one is Box Clever - this means make any kind of box. Our sponsor for this challenge is the lovely Melissa at MelJen's Designs who will be giving a great prize to the lucky winner of this challenge. Don't forget that you too could feature as a Top Tip Tuesday Guest just by leaving a great tip! 

Melissa has been kind enough to provide the DT with some images to showcase, and here is my box featuring one of Melissa's 'furry friends':

My project recipe is as follows:

• Box Base - made from Centura Pearl Card in Dark Chocolate which I cut to 10.5cm x 29.6cm (half an A4 sheet longways) and then scored using my Ultimate Pro to make the Wedge Box shape
• Design Paper -is by Paulette at Create with TLC and is called Fiesta Time. This was a goodie on Paulette's blog just last week as Paulette was celebrating Cinco Mayo ... the timing couldn't have been more perfect!
  
• Image - this hot dog is Chili Chihuahua and he is one the cute animal images you can get from  MelJen's Designs. I used the "out of the box" technique with the smallest rosette from the "nest" on the Ultimate Pro Embossing Board Springtime Sweets and Cupcake Treats - rather like a die, as I don't have a die-cutting machine. However, I find this technique works just as well, even if it's slightly more time consuming! I de-bossed the rosette shape around the image before cutting it out and bringing this canine cutie to life using my Spectrum Noir Pens in the following colours:
• Sombrero - CT2, CT3, CT4, TB5, JG2, CR9, CR10, CR11
• Chihuahua - TN3, TN4, TN5, PP2, PP3
• Poncho - JG1, JG2, TB5
• Chillis - CR9, CR10, CR11
• Outline - GG1
• Background - Craf-T Chalk in Light Blue and Bronze Gel Pen
• Ribbon - was recycled having been cut from one of my daughter's jumpers! (Does anyone hook these lengths of ribbon over coat hangers when hanging a garment?)  

I think this box would be great for small Birthday presents (like make-up or hair bits that teenage girls tend to  give each other) or in a different size as Wedding favour boxes ... and it was oh so easy to make too!

I hope you'll come over to Top Tip Tuesday and see the wonderful Boxes made by the rest of the DT - we'll be back with our mid-challenge inspiration next Tuesday.

I would like to enter this project into the following challenges:

• Challenge #56 - No Squares Allowed at Dream Valley Challenges
• Challenge #35 - Anything But a Card at Delicious Doodles

Hope you have a great day,

Hugs, Helen x

A Spoonful of Sugar ...

... makes life a lot sweeter, especially as this is the first "Bit of Sugar" I own!!!!! :o)


Hello my crafty friends and a warm welcome to Nikki, my Incy Wincy teamie and newest follower!

I hope you're sitting comfortably because, yes, this is a mid-week post from me. I made a few crafty New Year Resolutions to myself; one was to use up some of the stash I've got hoarded (mainly in digi form on my computer) and another was to make cards for fun and not just to meet my DT commitments. So here goes, my first "resolution" card of 2013!

Isn't she just divine? I've used the current sketch challenge over at The Sugar Bowl for this layout, and it's such a great sketch I'm saving the layout for those days when Mr Mojo refuses to come out from under the duvet!

My card recipe is as follows:

• Base Card - Black card from my stash (bought for the first card I ever made before I started blogging!), which I have cut, scored and folded to make a 15cm square card
• Design Papers - are from several places, because I wanted to achieve a vintage look.



• Bottom layer - called My Garden Papers 4 by Paulette from Create with TLC, and I've these stashed since February last year when they were a freebie on Paulette's blog!
• Middle and Top layers - both by Debbie at Crafty Pad Designs; although the store is now closed, you can still get Debbie's gorgeous images and papers by going to Card Making Downloads and searching for The Crafty Pad Designs. The middle layer is Paper 5  from the Chocolate Chip & Cream Delight Papers  and the top layer is the Red Paper from the Vintage Grunge Baroque Collection.
• Mat Layer - Well I've kind of cheated a bit here, as I layered all my papers and image together digitally. Once I had decided on the size and shape for each section, I selected the option to format the shape, and then went to "Colour and Line". I chose quite a heavyweight line (6 points) and then a colour option that suited my image. This gives the effect of there being 8 layers on the card, when (as you can see) it is in fact flat ... apart from my sentiment and base card layer!
• Image -is of course by Sugar Nellie and she was the freebie that Karen very kindly gave away on the blog last week. She came ready coloured, so I didn't need to wield my colours! I have simply outlined her using my Spectrum Noir Pen in GG1 and then I put clouds around her using my Chalk in Light Blue. I tried to make it look like she is sitting on a dry stone wall but using my Chalk in Grey, but I don't think I managed this at all - back to the drawing board.
• Sentiment - is by the wonderful Annette at Netty's Cards.  Annette has some lovely freebie sentiments on her blog - if you go over there, be sure to tell her that I sent you! Annette is also currently running a Sentiment Candy competition, where she's asking her followers to come up with ideas for sentiments. When I was making this card last night, I could have done with one that said "Belated Birthday Wishes", so I left Annette a comment on her blog post. Guess what I found in my Inbox when I logged on this morning ... ? So, I replaced the sentiment on my card to this brand new one that Annette has created. I have edged the design with my Versamark Pen and Holographic Embossing Powder ... just to add some Birthday sparkle! Click on the photo to supersize it and see that sparkle! Thank you soooooooooo much Annette. Lots of hugs winging their way down to you ... Mwah ...

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

• Challenge 98 - Fiona's Sketch at The Sugar Bowl
• Day 3 - Layered Cards at 365 Cards (I'm hoping that digital layering will count)
• SNSDC 86 - Something New at Sweet 'n' Sassy Digi Challenge - my New things are the Digital Image and Sentiment
• Challenge #43 - Something New at Crafting for all Seasons my New things are the Digital Image and Sentiment 
• First Challenge - Anything Goes at Inky Chicks

Resolution kept for this week, it's now back to DT projects! Have a great day!

Hugs, Helen x

Cheers!

Good evening friends!

There's now only 1 day left until Christmas, and I'm so pleased that the term has now finished. I have a list as long as both arms, and I'm rapidly running out of time to get things done and sorted!

Once again, I missed (with some style!) the start of this week's new challenge at Incy Wincy Designs ... sorry girls! But I'm here now to share my belated card with you. But firstly, you'll want to know both the theme of the challenge, which this week is Christmas - Mistletoe or Holly.

Our lovely sponsor this week is the team from Bugaboo Stamps, who have kindly provided some images for the DT to work with. Thanks guys! Make sure you head over there because as well as the goodies the girls and I have been working with, there's always a "Friday Freebie" ... and who doesn't like a freebie?

And here is my card for you this week:

My card recipe is as follows:

• Base Card - made from Centura Pearl in Snow White, cut, scored and folded to make a 12cm square card
• Design Papers - are by Paulette at Create with TLC and are called Christmas Royal Snowflakes. They were a freebie on Paulette's blog a few weeks ago, and I love the rich colours she's put together
• Image -  is called JJ Christmas - Cheers. I brought this rather tipsy one to life courtesy of my Spectrum Noir Pens and my Silver Gel Pen
• Sentiment - is alo by Paulette at Create with TLC. I think it was a freebie last year, but it could have equally well been part of one of the Christmas clubs.
• Snowflakes - punched from Centura Pearl in Snow White and then I stuck a clear gem from stash to the centre of each.

Do check out the Incy Wincy Designs blog and see the other gorgeous Christmas cards featuring Holly or Mistletoe by my talented team-mates. Then come back and show us your seasonal projects - due to my total ineptitude, you've only got a few hours left to get your creations linked up. This is our last challenge for 2012 and we're taking a break for a couple of weeks - we'll be back with our first challenge of 2013 on 7th January!


I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas ... I hope that Santa is very kind to you!


Hugs,
Helen x

What Cuties!

Hello friends!

This is a very special post as it is my 100th! Who would have thought just 18 short months ago that a) I would still be going strong with cardmaking and b) that I would still be blogging? Thank you to you all, whether you follow me regularly or occasionally, for your encouraging comments and your friendship!

Over the last couple of week's I've been a very bad blogger and missed some challenges. We're coming to the end of decorating our study (aka my secret craft room) and for the last 2 months our computer has been in the dining room, which has been proving exceedingly problematic as I need to keep my card addiction away from my other half! However, a new carpet is being fitted later today and we'll be bringing the furniture back from storage, so very soon the house of Mamma Mia should return to an even keel and be more crafty!!!!! :o)


I missed the start of this week's new challenge at Incy Wincy Designs which was unveiled yesterday. However, I'm here today! Our challenge theme for you this week is Non-Traditional Christmas Colours.

 Our lovely sponsor this week is the exceedingly talented Krista from Saturated Canary who has very kindly provided some of her gorgeous images for the DT girls to work with this week. Thanks Krista!

And here is my card for you, using burgundy, lavender and jade green as the colour scheme:

My card recipe is as follows:

• Base Card - made from Centura Pearl in Snow White, cut, scored and folded to make a 13cm square card
• Design Papers - are from the recently completed Winter Club by Paulette at Create with TLC. They are Better Watch Out Paper 6  and Bells on Christmas Day Paper.
• Image - this gorgeous image is called Snow Blower and the image comes with 3 sentiments, although I haven't used them here. I have brought this cute pair to life using my Spectrum Noir Pens in the following colours:
• Skin - FS2, FS3, FS6
• Eyes - DG6
• Hair - GB8, GB10, LV2
• Scarf & Mittens - DR7, True Black
• Jacket - LV1, LV2, DG3
• Leggings - DG3, JG6
• Socks - LV1, LV2, DR7
• Boots - DR7, True Black, DG3
• Elephant - PP3, PP4, PP5
• Snow - EB1, Chalk in White
• Outline - GG1
• Clouds - Chalk in Light Blue
• Sentiment - by Debbie at (Crafty Pad Designs) and is one from a set of 29 Merry Christmas Sentiments. There are sentiments for family members as well as more generic ones like the Merry Christmas Snowflake that I've used on this card. I have edge distressed the sentiment using Chalk in Dark Green. Debbie has taken the difficult decision to close her store in the new year, and currently everything is on sale at 25% off until 6th January 2013 ... so go and grab yourself a bargain or two!
• Holographic Embossing Powder - from my stash, which I applied and heated with my new acquisitions, a Versamark Ink Pen and a proper heat gun thanks to the voucher I won in October on the Joanna Sheen Challenge Blog!

Do check out the Incy Wincy Designs blog and see the other gorgeous Christmas cards with Non Traditional Colours that have been created by my talented teamies and this week's Guest Designer (and former teamie) Annette Then come back and show us your projects - you've got until Sunday 9th December 2012 to link your creations up.


I would like to enter this card into the following challenge:

• Challenge #189 - Non-Traditional Christmas Colours at Digital Tuesday Challenge
• Challenge #44 - Holiday Cheer at Love to Create
• Challenge #68 - Bingo at Aud Sentiments - I'm claim the top line of Use the word "Merry", Embossing and Snow
• Winter Holiday Creations at Pixie Dust Studio

Hugs,
Helen x

Poinsettia for Christmas

Hi,

It's another Monday and  it's new challenge time at Lexi's Creations -  this time Susan is looking forward to Christmas ... nice and simple!!!

Our wonderful sponsor this time is Priyanka from My Heart Pieces. The prize that is up for grabs this week is 3 of Priyanka's lovely digital images. Pop over to her blog to check out her cute digis.



Lexi has, once again, let the DT loose in her on-line store again (thanks Lexi!) and this is the card I have made to show to you today using one of her gorgeous digis:



My card recipe is as follows:

• Base Card - made from Centura Pearl in Red (originally from a pack of Christmas colours) which is cut, scored and folded into a Triangular Tri-Fold card around 10cm square.
• Image - This beautiful flower is "Layered Poinsettia" and it is just one of the gorgeous images to have come from the pen of Lexi at Fairy Dust Crafts. I brought it to life using my Spectrum Noir Pens in shades CR11,DR1, DG3, DG4, IG1. I then hand stitched a small seed bead as the centre of the flower as I layered up the bracts.
• Sentiment - is from the Christmas Sentiment Tickets set by Debbie at The Crafty Pad . I've coloured the holly brerries and leaves in the same shades as the poinsettia.
• Ribbon - from my stash

Head on over to Lexi's Creations and see the gorgeous creations by my talented team-mates - don't forget to come back and share your creations with us! You've got until Saturday 8th December 2012 to link your cards up.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

• Delightfully Red and Green at Delightful Challenges
• Challenge #53 - Traditional Christmas Colours at Whimsy Stamps
• More than One Fold at Come and Get It Challenges (Second Entry)
• HIMCR #73 - Christmas! at Hiding in My Craft Room
• Monthly Challenge #27 - Christmas at Little Claire's Designs
• Challenge #1 - It's All About Christmas at Paper Creator's Crafts

Hugs, Helen x

Brrring, brringgggg ...

Hi,

As it's first Tuesday of the month, the wonderful Debbie has released a new set of images over at  The Crafty Pad Store.

There are 6 different images being released today; Birds in a Frame, Telephone, Chair, Table, Oil Lamp and a Dog & Gramophone (which are being sold together as a set). All of the images are silhouettes which will give a gorgeous, vintage feel to your projects, but they also lend themselves to a speedy but good looking "make" for those occasions when time is of the essence!

The whole Design Team have been given at least one image to create a project to inspire you with, so here is mine:

My card recipe is as follows:

• Base Card - Centura Pearl 300gsm card in Ivory, cut and folded to make a 12cm square card.
• Mat & Layer Card - plain black card from my stash
• Design Paper - is called Invoice Paper 4 and is by Paulette at Create with TLC. This was a prize for a scavenger hunt she ran on her blog earlier this year.
• Image - Telephone is by Debbie at The Crafty Pad Store and is one of the gorgeous silhouette images being released today. Click here to go directly to the New Releases section at Crafty Pad Designs. Don't forget to check out the other great images that are also newly released. I tried a new technique for me and ink distressed the edge using my Spectrum Noir Pen in DG4 and then used the Colourless Blender to soften the edges.
• Sentiment - is also by Paulette at Create with TLC and I ink distressed it as well. I then used some waxed linen thread to "tie" it across my card.
• Black Gems - from my stash ... with my very vivid imagination, I think they look like Jet to go with this Bakelite telephone from a bygone era!

Now, here are three reasons to make sure you head over straight to The Crafty Pad Challenge Blog 

1. Check out the gorgeous "makes" from the other DT Girls - I feel so privileged to be working with this exceedingly talented group of ladies. Don't forget to pop over to their blogs and leave them some love too! 
2. We are giving away one FULL SET of  these new images to one lucky person. To be in with a chance of adding these gorgeous silhouettes to your stash, all you have to do is leave us a comment on the New Release Post and let us know what you think of them. Easy!
3. We're even giving you a second chance in this draw - simply make sure you follow The Crafty Pad Challenge Blog (and if you don't already, why not?) and then leave us a further comment letting us know you're a follower!  :o)

All comments left on the New Release Post up to midday (BST) on Monday 11th June 2012 will be entered into our draw, and the winner's name will be announced on the Blog in our Winner's post on Thursday 14th June.

I would like to enter this card for the following challenges (with a little help from the girls at Feline Playful - thanks girls!) :

• Remember When .......? at Joanna Sheen
• Anything Goes, with the option of twine at Simon Says
• Anything Goes,  using something that's at least 6 months old at Oldie But A Goodie (My old stash ... I bought the gems from a hypermarket in France whilst on holiday in August 2011 and I used the black card for the first card I ever made in April 2011!)
• Challenge 25 - Time to Embellish at Crafter's Companion
• Challenge 28 - Many Layers at Crafting for all Seasons

Have a crafty week!

Hugs, Helen x

Football Crazy!

Hi,

It's new challenge time at Lexi's Creations - that fortnight went quickly didn't it! Our new challenge is to make a card for The Man / Boy in your life.

The fabby team at at Cropstop are sponsoring our challenge again this week and they're offering our lucky winner a $15 Gift Certificate. Here is a little about them:
"If you’re passionate about paper-crafting whether it be scrapbooking your memories, making cards or altered art, CropStop is your one-stop solution. We offer an extensive selection of dies, embossing folders, inks, stamps and punches by all the popular manufacturers and the CropStop die and embossing folder storage solutions Pocketz Pages™ to keep everything organized. Our selection of embellishments and adhesives is continually expanding and we are excited to be the home of the colorful Ribbon Candy™. 

CropStop ships internationally as well as domestic. Our personalized customer service is only one of our strengths. Call or come visit us at www.CropStop.com and see what’s new in the world of paper-crafting."

The lovely Lexi at Fairy Dust Crafts has, once again, given the DT free rein to work with their choice of image and here is my inspiration for you:

My card recipe is as follows:

• Base Card - Pre-made A6 card base in Kraft card (mine came from Hobbycraft).
• Design Paper - is by Paulette at Create with TLC, and it was a freebie on her site last week. I used a circle from the "nest" on the Ultimate Pro Embossing Board Springtime Sweets and Cupcake Treats to cut it to shape.
• Images - Footie Ali is by Lexi of Fairy Dust Crafts and is just one of the wonderful images that you can find at her store. Ali came to life courtesy of my Spectrum Noir Pens in the following colours:
• Trousers - TN2, TN3
• T-Shirt - DG3, JG6, DR7
• Trainers - EB1, True Black
• Skin - FS2, FS3
• Hair - TN7, TN8
• Grass - CG1, CG2
• Outline - IG1
• Sentiment - also by by Paulette at Create with TLC. I took it into my word processing package in order to change the colour so it fitted in with my papers.
• Buttons - Using my computer, I cropped the image of Ali and his football until I was left with just about the football. I printed this out, cut round the football and then scanned this back into my computer. I then took the new graphic into my word processing programme, and pasted the graphic 10 times at the same size and printed these onto white card. Using Leesa's Faux Button Tutorial I turned these pieces of card into 2 custom buttons that match my project! They were finished with some waxed thread tied through them

I think this is a great card for an older boy or teenager, and it can easily be personalised by making the shirt the colour of his favourite team. I hope you like this card as much as I do! Head on over to Lexi's Creations and see what my Teamies have made for The Man / Boy in your life. Don't forget to come back and then show us your creations! You've got until Saturday 8th June 2012 to link your cards up.

I would like to enter this card for the following challenges:

• Challenge #55 - Any Sentiment at Aud Sentiments
• Challenge #27 - "It's a Celebration" with Buttons at Crafting For All Seasons
• Challenge #42 - Cute as a Button at Digistamps 4 Joy
• Challenge #80 - Anything Goes at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges
• Challenge #109 - Birthday Card with a Sentiment on the Front at Robyn's Fetish

Have a great week!

Hugs, Helen x

Valentine's Hugs and Kisses

Hi,

Well, Valentine's Day is now over for another year, and hopefully next year will be a better one for us. I've got a streaming cold and my other half has a nasty virus. Amid the pills and tissues, we did exchange cards (we've given up on presents!) and I reckon it's now safe to show you all the card I made for him:

My card recipe is as follows:

• Base Card - Centura Pearl 300gsm card in Ivory (Crafter's Companion) cut and folded to a 15cm square card.
• Backing Paper, Calendar Sheet, Tickets, are all by Create With TLC. The calendar sheet came from the January Blog Hop, the rest were from Paulette's February Club. I printed these onto lightweight cream card from my stash, distressed the edges (this was a new technique for me!) and then chalked the distressed edge with Red. The Heart is also by Create With TLC and I printed this onto white card, coloured it (with my Spectrum Noir in shade 11) and then mounted it over the 14th using foam pads.
• The really cute image is also by Create With TLC  and was a goodie from the February club. I brought this gorgeous little girl to life with my Spectrum Noir Pens in the following colours:
• Dress - 1, 3, 5
• Hat - 104, 100, 1, 3, 5
• Skin - 132, 133
• Shoes - 120
• Basket - 92
• Hearts 137, 8
• Grass - 175, 42

I would like to enter this card for the following challenges:

• Challenge #94 - Square Cards at Robyn's Fetish Challenge (my second entry)
• February Colour Challenge (Real Red, Whisper White, Melon Mambo) at Come and Get It Challenges
• Challenge #11 - Valentine's Day at The Squirrel and The Fox
• Monthly Challenge #18 - Romance at Little Claire
• Challenge #118 - Lurve! at Totally Gorjuss
• February Challenge - Love is in the Air at Joanna Sheen
• Challenge #1 at The Crafter's Cafe Challenge
• Challenge 21 - Anything Goes at Crafter's Companion

I hope you had a great Valentine's Day!

Hugs, Helen x

Another Happy Birthday!

Hi,

I've made another Birthday card this week, this time for the Receptionist at work who is celebrating her 50th Birthday on Sunday. I've done another Swing or Flip Flop card ... I just love this style ... and this one is a really bold colour scheme!

My card recipe is as follows:

• Base Card - Centura Pearl 300gsm card. This one came from a local store, however Crafter's Companion have the shade Blackcurrant (which is fractionally darker than this) in the Dark Card Pack
• Design Paper and both sentiments are by Create With TLC. The design paper is called Purple Passion Val Paper 7 - both it and the word art montage on the rear of the card were goodies in the current February Club. I tweaked the word art montage slightly by exporting the graphic into my normal word processing program and adding the purple 50 next to the "TH" to make 50th! I hope Paulette doesn't mind! I think the sentiment on the front of the card was offered on a blog as a Challenge Freebie.
• Image is called Nanny Queen and she is, unfortunately, a now retired digi from Kelley Kids, who are no longer operating. However, I think she is a real cutie and I used my Spectrum Noir Pens to bring her to life, together with a silver gel pen for her necklace and tiara to add some sparkle. I added 3 bits of silver bling to the points of the tiara, just to add a further accent. She is, after all, a girl who is going out somewhere! :o)
• Ribbon, bow and flower - black organdie ribbon from my stash. I made the flower and used a small purple bead as the centre of the flower.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

• Birthday Challenge at Catch the Bug
• New Year Sparkle - use glitter and gems at The Crafty Pad
• Challenge #147 - Texture Please! at Stamptacular Sunday - my textures are a visible texture to my design paper, organdie ribbon (bow and flower), gems, bead
• Challenge 129 - Bold and Bright at Incy Wincy Designs
• Challenge #52 - Bows at Ladybug Crafts
• Buttons, Bows, Bling and Blooms at Papertake Weekly - any combination of these, so I've used a bow, some bling and a flower
• What's your favourite Colour Combo! at My Mum's Craft Shop Challenges - has to be purples and adding black to it is just a classic look!
• Challenge #104 - Bingo at Fab 'n' Funky Challenges - my line is the top row of Handmade Embellishment (Flower and Bow), Digi Image, 2 Different Papers (I've taken a slight liberty here because the Centura Pearl card is so pretty I just can't cover it up! So, I'm using this as one of my papers with the other being the purple paper behind my image ... hope this is OK ladies!)
• Celebrations at Joanna Sheen Challenge Blog
• Monthly Contest - Birthday Projects at The Stamping Boutique

Hugs,
Helen x