Craftlandia Challenge 20

Good morning everyone,

Today is the 22nd June so time for another one of Mia's Craftlandia challenges. You can find the challenge post here. You will also find inspiration from my fellow hosts Ayla, Liz, Mariela and (of course) Mia.

Our theme for challenge 20 is "HEARTS OR ANYTHING GOES”

Our generous sponsor is:

Gecko Galz

Please head over to the Etsy store to see the range

of collage sets, stamp sets, paper and ATC packs

and complete digital kits that Leanne (the owner) has in the store.

Prize: $25 voucher to spend at Gecko Galz

Here is the inspiration that I made with one of our sponsors images:

I have an ambition to get better at creating and using digital images, so I am quite pleased as the main elements of this card were created digitally. I used the Fresco app on my iPad to create the watercolour background. It was surprisingly quick and easy to do and I have to say, I quite like the look. I can't take any credit for the central image as that comes from our sponsor. I sized it and then printed it on glossy paper and fussy cut it. The backing heart was cut from matt gold card, which I also used for the sentiment shadow and one of the mats.

It is unusual for me to use digital images, but I am pleased to have given it a go and am fairly happy with the result.

I hope you will find time to join in with Craftladia 20.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today, I really appreciate it. 

We Love Stamping September Reminder

Today is the 18th so time for a reminder for the current challenge over at We Love Stamping. The challenge where we love to see you using your stamps. 

Thank you all for your kind messages. I am starting to feel brighter in myself now, so I think I am on the mend (fingers crossed).

This month Lolo has chosen out theme as she loves colouring her images.

** Hand Coloured Image **

or

**Anything Goes**

Some time ago I got carried away and bought a whole set of 8 stamp and die sets by Crafters Companion. They are actually meant for making tags and bookmarks and I like them because they have a stamp for the back of the animal. I have done a post using these little animals before. You can find it here. I can't believe that was in 2021. Doesn't time fly?

I don't really like making cards for children and always struggle, so when I had the idea for using these stamps (and it worked), I used it for all my children's cards for a while, but now I am now looking for a new idea.

The unicorn was stamped, die cut and coloured with alcohol markers. I cut round the front legs so he would hang over the edge. This unicorn was the last one I made and by that time I realised that if I stamped and cut another back piece I could cover the area where his arms hung over. You will see what I mean if you look at the inside photo of the cards below. Sometimes I can be a bit slow on the uptake!

Anyway, I was quite pleased with the finished cards. You can see the others I made below. The string art frame cover die is by Birch Press Design. I cut it from a number of failed gelli prints. It was a great way to use them up.

Hope you enjoyed my little showcase.

Don't forget there is always a prize to be won and this month there are 2 prizes from Highlight Crafts. Why don't you head over to the challenge blog to check it out? The prize winner is selected randomly and in addition the DT will choose a top three for special mention.

I hope I have inspired you to join us this month, all you have to do is ensure stamping (including digi) is seen somewhere on your card front, it no longer needs to be the main focus. Please also mention the products used. It would be great if you could join in with our theme, but anythings goes is always an option if you are out of ideas. The challenge will close at noon (UK time) on Wednesday 30th September.

I am looking forward to seeing you in the gallery.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today, I really appreciate it. 

Embossing Folder Fun

Today I am popping in with a quick card for Christmas Kickstarter Challenge #90. I saw the reminder post and realised that I have a card ready that fitted perfectly. I also thought I need to explain why I haven't been around much recently.

It started with having a very happy few days away with my husband and 2 days after we got home I went away with my 2 sisters and sister-in-law. This is something we do every year as a way of keeping in touch.  I got home last Thursday and immediately started feeling unwell. Of course, it has turned out to be covid and I am feeling pretty rotten. I have been catching up in small bursts, but have a long way to go. I will get there in the end.

As these cards were already made and photographed I could but this post together very easily. I made these cards after watching this video by Therese of lost in paper.

My embossing folder is from Gemini by Crafters Companion and it is 14x14 cm, so these cards are quite large. It is always a struggle for me to make large cards. I am trying to get better at it as I want to use up the stock of pre made square cards that I have. It is going down slowly.

Anyway, here are my cards. I am sharing the first one with Christmas Kickstarter:

At least I have now made a few Christmas cards!

I am sure I will get caught up with you all in due course.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today, I really appreciate it. 

August Card Chain Challenge Reveal

Today is 2nd of the month so time for the Card Chain Challenge big reveal. This month 26 card makers took part and I sent my card to Jeanne in Minesotta.

I have used the colours, the sketch and the theme of friendship from all the options.

I found this stitched oval frame in my stash and decided it was time for it to be used. Actually everything was from my stash except the heart balloon, ribbon and string, which I die cut and coloured. I was pleased to use up these bits and quite pleased with the finished card. I covered the heart with wink of stella so it has a nice shine in real life.

I was very lucky to receive this gorgeous card from Lyneen in Washington State. This was the first time she has joined us so I am honoured to receive her first ever card chain card. Thanks Lyneen.

I am off to sunny (I hope) Sussex today for a few days holiday with John and then next week I am off for my annual get together with my 2 sisters and sister-in-law, so a busy time. My apologies if you don't see me visiting much. I hope I will be able to keep ontop of things. We will see.

Have I told you my Gemini Foilpress has been fixed? I am very happy. A very nice gentleman from the local repair shed found the problem and sorted it. I expect you will see more foiling from me again now.

If you would like to take part in the next card chain challenge, you have until 6th to sign up here

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today, I really appreciate it. 

We Love Stamping September Challenge

Today is the first Sunday of the month so time for a new challenge over at We Love Stamping. 

I am away this week and have several other things happening in September that means I may not be around in blogland quite so much. I shall do my best to keep up to date with my visits, but I apologise if I don't succeed.

This month out theme is:

**Hand Coloured Image**

or

**Anything Goes**

These rather scruffy looking teddy bears are by All & Create. I stamped and coloured them with alcohol markers before cutting them out with my scan n cut machine. It doesn't get used very often these days, so I was quite pleased with myself for getting it out.

I made this card for my grandson after his other grandmother died. The background was created with a number of stencils. The sky is rather grey, but that was deliberate. It was a very sad time.

The sentiment is from the same stamp set. This is a bit unusual for me and I was quite pleased with it. Felix seemed to like it. His Mum said he kept it on his bedside table.

Don't forget there is always a prize to be won and this month there are 2 prizes from Highlight Crafts. Why don't you head over to the challenge blog to check it out? The prize winner is selected randomly and in addition the DT will choose a top three for special mention.

I hope I have inspired you to join us this month, all you have to do is ensure stamping (including digi) is seen somewhere on your card front, it no longer needs to be the main focus. Please also mention the products used. It would be great if you could join in with our theme, but anythings goes is always an option if you are out of ideas. The challenge will close at noon (UK time) on Wednesday 30th September

I am looking forward to seeing you in the gallery.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today, I really appreciate it.