We Love Stamping April Challenge

Today is the first Sunday of the month so time for a new challenge over at We Love Stamping. Where we love to see you showcase your stamping. I am so pleased that April is here so we are now properly into spring, don't you just love it?

Cathy has chosen our theme this month. It is Cathy's last month as part of our DT so I hope you get a chance to go and visit her:

**Favourite Stamps/Add Ribbon Or Lace**

OR

**Anything Goes** 

This is a background stamp by MFT called bundle of blossoms that I have had for a very long time. I got it out with the intension of using brusho paints to colour it, but once I had gold heat embossed it, I didn't want to add much else as I thought it looked great. I therefore trimmed the panel and heat embossed the mat and sentiment with the same embossing powder. I found this lovely daisy ribbon in my stash to add the colour and the card was done. The insert and the envelope were stamped using Delicata gold pigment ink. I love this ink, it gives a wonderful shine and dries quickly unlike other pigment or metallic inks. 

You can see the shine from the embossing a little better on this picture.

Don't forget there is always a prize to be won and this month it is a collection of stamps from Fairy Hugs. 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 April

I am looking forward to seeing you in the gallery.

Supplies:

Cardstock: Cass Art smooth water colour paper

Ink: Delicata golden glitz pigment ink; Versamark

Stamps: MFT Bundle of Blossoms background stamp; Concord & 9th Triple Step Blooming Heart Stamp Set (sentiment)

Other: Wow metallic gold rich superfine embossing powder

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

March Card Chain Challenge Reveal

Today is 2nd of the month so time for the Card Chain Challenge big reveal. This month 32 card makers took part and I sent my card to Pia in Norway.

Unfortunately it seems that it hasn’t arrived with Pia yet, despite it being posted in good time. So sorry about that Pia. I hope it arrives soon.

I always like to visit everyone in the chain if I can, but am going to be away for a few days when this post publishes, so it may be a few days before I get to everyone.

This time I have used the colours and the themes of stripes and friendship. In addition to the black and white, I have used gold. This is such a busy card, that if you are not careful your eyes go funny! I was looking through my dies, trying to come up with some inspiration and came across this zig zag striped die. It is one of 2 dies in the hexagon designer dies set by Concord & 9th. I cut it multiple times from white and black card and then used a sheet of double sided adhesive that I had stuck to a piece of copy paper. I used a scalloped die to cut the panel.

The sentiment is foiled in gold and matted onto black card and the flowers (old creative Expressions dies) were cut in black white and gold and stacked. They are slightly offset so you can see the layers and the flowers are not stuck down so they lift off the panel a bit. The panel is mounted onto a black card base. I found a load of ready made black cards that I must have bought years ago. I want to try and use them up. The insert is white with black die cuts used to decorate it.

I really can't make up my mind about this one. I think it really is a bit too busy and wonder if it would have been better if I only used the stripes on half the panel. What do you think?

I was very lucky to receive this gorgeous card from Gail in Norway. Thanks for the little gifts you enclosed too Gail. I love the pink and black and all the texture on this.

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.