Mum's Birthday Vase of Flowers

I've just finished my mum's birthday card so thought I'd post. I should be catching up on my cardmaking next week so look out for a flurry coming in November. You may remember I did a similar card for my friend's mum and I really liked it and decided it would be just the kind of card my mum would like so did the same for her. I wanted to make it more colourful but decided that it was a bit much so toned it down to just a couple of colours. I went again for the blue and white china look for the vase and used the Spellbinders d-lite lily as the main flower but also added some lily of the valley and other foliage. All the flowers were cut in white and then coloured with promarkers. I added a glittery background and also some pearls. Hope she likes it - even though there isn't any purple!

Little Dog Card

This was a bit of a quick make card. The image is a free digi stamp - no idea where it came from I'm sorry. I printed it large with the message then coloured with promarkers. It's supposed to look like a shih tzu - what do you think?

Cardmaker of the Year Entry 2

Bit happier with this one. I think it turned out better than I expected although not quite how I saw it. I used a paper pad I've had for a while and used it to cut some squares and rectangles which I added false stitching to in brown. I extended some lines too onto the kraft card background. Then I stamped a flower, a Dimension Fourth stamp, onto the same patterned paper and cut out. I did the same with the butterfly. I added pearls and also a bit of promarker to the butterfly and flowers. It was based on a card I'd seen online but was my own take on it. Wish I had more time to do a third but there you go...

Cardmaker of the year entry 1

Well, this is the first of my 2 entries I am sending for the 'Cardmaker of the year' competition. I've really not had time to spend on this as I expected this summer. This also explains why there is only 2 when I could send 3. I did have a 3rd but it went really wrong at the last point and I don't have time to do another so just going with the 2. I don't think I've positioned my balloons quite right in this. The light isn't quite right in the photo but the clouds are glittery. There are other bits I'm not happy with but you know I'm never satisfied. The balloons are Clarity stamps and the stencil background is a stencil of my own making (on the Brother Scan'n'cut) but based on a Clarity one. The clouds were cut on the Brother too.

Spellbinder Vase and Flowers

I am not completely happy with the finished result of this card but really enjoyed making the flowers. I don't think the silver card works well - I think I should have just gone with coloured card but couldn't decide on a colour that would work. I've wanted to try colouring these Spellbinder D-lites flowers for ages but only just got round to it. I went with yellows and used blue and white for the vase so it would look like a willow pattern vase. I've added some gems and pearls as it looked a little flat. I'll definitely try this look again.

Quick Pink and Green Birthday Card

I had a general birthday card to make as a commission but didn't know what to do - it's for a woman but no idea of interests. I saw a triptych done similar to this so took that as my starting point - as I was in the mood for stamping! I used one of my pre-done distressed card sheets and used the colours from in to stamp with and as the inspiration for mounting. The stamps were second hand ones and I've not used them before but was sad to find that they were disintegrating! I just about managed to stamp with them and put them back but think they won't last the next time. The set is by Marion Emberson. I've added a butterfly from an Inkyliscious set. Not sure what make the greeting is and it didn't really show up as well as I hoped but think it will do.

Tractor Anniversary Card

This is another commission card for a farming couple celebrating their Golden (50th) wedding anniversary. Wasn't sure what to do as I don't know what farming they do but all farmers have a tractor (in my experience!) so went with a golden tractor and ended up with it pulling a greetings banner. I added some background. Virtually everything was cut using my Brother Scan'n'cut. I haven't used it in a while and when I first turned it on it was having a bit of a fit and not working and screen wasn't responding then turning upside down and allsorts! Thankfully after a few goes at turning it off and turning it on again it settled down. Relieved as I'd be lost without it now!

Thankyou

Sorry for the lack of posts - I've been busy and been away too. This thankyou card was a quickie I've made for my aunty that I've just been staying with. It's a bit overcast here today so the photo is a little dull so you might not be able to see the detail. The dragonfly wings are fuseable fibres and there is glitter on the bee and cow parsley. There are also gems on it. It looks a lot more twinkly in the flesh! I've got some more to do this week so there will be more posts soon.

Getting shirty!

Yet another card to make for a farmer this time. There are just so many tractors and cows you can use! I decided to use my Dimenesion Fourth shirt stamp and add some cows. I love this shirt stamp - great size and shape and easy to cut out. The cows and milk churn came from various sets including a Hobby Art set. I then coloured in with promarkers and added some gems for buttons. I used the Clarity letterbox set to add his name.

Birthday for a vet

I had another vet card to make and couldn't use the decoupage I used last year so had another search on Craftsuprint and found another vet decoupage. Thankfully, this fitted the bill. If ever I need anything specific, Craftsuprint is a great place to find it.

Craftsuprint Mechanic

Found this great decoupage on Craftsuprint and thought it ideal for a card I needed to make. I added some tyres as the guy has his own tyre changing business. Unfortunately, I had forgotten that I had been told I didn't need to make a card for him as my friend had already bought one. On the plus side, she has now passed it onto someone else who needed to send him a card so it won't go to waste.

Pretty Card

I actually got to make just a nice, flowery, pretty card for someone! This is for someone's Aunty Jean. I printed the greeting then cut out using my Sue Wilson dies. Just added some flowers. Looks nice but thankfully didn't take too long.

21st Card for a Graduate/Teacher

Sorry I've not been making any cards recently. The few I have done have been in a hurry so I've not had chance to photograph them for posting here. Anyway, here is one I have just done.....

This is a commission card for a girl who has just achieved a 1st in English Literature and is going to start teacher training in September. I think this fits the bill. I was inspired by a cutting file I saw when I was looking for cutting files. However, I decided that as it was all easy shapes, I could just cut the card by hand. I'm really pleased with it. Hope it inspires you! I will be making a few more this week so will try and get them posted and not leave you without anything to look at.

Brother's Birthday - cat and bike

This is only a 4.5 x 4.5 inch card but think he will appreciate the subject.

Steve is into bikes and cats so decided to combine the two. I had the bike stamp but didn't have a cat stamp of a suitable size. I found a cat head in a Habico mini stamp set and drew in a body. I should have masked the bottom of the cat and the bike before adding a background but, to be honest, I couldn't be bothered! I thought when I went over with the promarkers it wouldn't be obvious but I guess it is - Steve won't pick up on that though. I accidentally did a blob by the cat's ear, but again, I don't think Steve will notice that. I decided to do a shadow on the 'happy birthday'and really pleased that it worked. When I'd done all that I thought it was still a bit dull so added some paw prints along the bottom. I added them on the inside too...

I'm sure it will go down well with him and that mum will insist on leaving it on the mantlepiece for the next 6 months.

Graduation card

Made this for a friend. I couldn't stamp his name straight so this was the best of a bad job! Had fun with the sealing wax but realised when I took the photo that I haven't trimmed the ribbon - don't worry it will be done before it gets posted.

Woodware Dragonfly - arty card

Well, had a last minute request for a card for the friend that I made the vase and flowers card for so rustled this up. And I love it! Wasn't sure how it would turn out but generally really happy with it - there are always little bits I'd like to change but nothing major. The stamp is a lovely Woodware single dragonfly stamp. I've stamped it onto a 'distressed' background - I inked it then spritzed it in various colours before stamping. I've then paper pieced using some other distressed papers. I've added 'wink of stella' to the flowers and glossy accents to the body of the dragonfly and the circles - neither of which shows up well on this photo and didn't want to tilt it as photographed it when still wet. The wings were created using fusable fibres. I've also added some further 'twiddles' with black and white pens - there was a request to include the Christian Ichthus symbol in the card. I hope I've done that without it being too obvious (he didn't want it to stand out). He's not seen it yet but I think it will be OK. She makes cards too and I've included a lot of things that she likes - paper piecing, wobbly lines around the edge, fantasy fibres, etc.

Teenager Card for Twins

This is a Mo Manning digi stamp and I did think about flipping the image and printing twice but then decided just to use the one. I've added some freebie papers I've had for ages and coloured the image to match. I felt it needed 'filling out' a bit so cut out some arrows to match one of the paper and then some card candi. I like the colours on this one.

Flower Vase

I really enjoyed making this as it's a concept I've had on my 'to do' list for a while and my friend's birthday was the ideal opportunity to try it out. I'm pleased with how it turned out and want to try out some variations. The frame was cut using some Sue Wilson dies - think they are part of the Spanish collection (if there is such a thing!). The vase is a Spellbinder D-lite. The flourishes are a thin cutz die I've had for years - I was going to draw a branch and get my Brother Scan n cut to cut it out but decided this would work as well and I am pleased with it. I wanted an asymetric look to the branch and there wasn't much room on this size card so I think I will do it on a landscape shape next time. And again, with the flowers I wanted something smaller but used this punch and decided they looked OK although couldn't put in as many as I wanted. I took this photo when the glue was till wet on the gems so please forgive that! Generally, I like it and will try some variations - look out for them!

Eat more cake

Didn't know what to do for this commission card but it's for a lady who is a good baker and I think she likes her cakes so hoping this fits the bill. The cupcake was a free file from Miss Kate Cutables - I've tried making that a link but can't seem to get the technology to work so do look her up. She gives a free cutting file every day. I've just added a selection of papers and embellishments to make it upto a 8x8 card. I like the colours on this one though.

Shooting Card

This is for a girl who is a good pistol shot. I don't like using this as a theme for cards but it's a commission card so have to do as I'm told. The silhouette was cut out using the Brother scan'n'cut. I used an image from the internet to create the background and also found the shooting target on the internet and printed it off.

Not Christmas! Hot Diggity Dog!

I thought I'd give you a break from Christmas cards for a while! This card was designed using Docrafts Hot Diggity Dog. I cut out the image on my Brother Scan'n'cut and decoupaged it on the top although I doubt that's clear on the photo as I'd already packed this one up before I thought about photographing.

Colourful Stockings

Not a stamped card today. I have some die cuts from K and Co that I've had for ages and really want to get them used up. I saw Julie from Craftwork Cards doing a technique of cutting a slice out of the card and then using die cuts to bridge the gap. I've added a white insert so it might not look like a gap but there is one.

Baubles

I think this is another Artful Stamper stamp. I like it but it's another that may well get sold. I've stamped it here onto some distressed ink card then added colour using promarkers to the baubles. The baubles have also had glossy accents added although again I don't think it shows in the photo. I've also added some white pen to highlight and add to the design. The greeting is from Woodware and I have echoed the white pen highlights and it ties it in well to the image I think.

God With Us

These cards use a very small Stampendous stamp which I love but it's difficult to make it into a whole card. I've kept it simple but used it two different ways. One is a distress ink back ground and the other is kraft card. I've added colour to both using promarkers and also some white pen. Very quick to make.

Chocolate Baroque Robin

I bought this stamp set on a whim from Ebay. I love Chocolate Baroque stamps but I bid on this along with another one from the same seller and really wanted the other one. I'm probably going to make a few cards with this set then sell it - and buy another set I like more! I've used the Kraft card again and coloured in using Spectrum Noir pencils and added some white pen too. My text is a little wonky but otherwise I like how it's turned out.

Funky Christmas Tree

I'm not sure of the origin of this stamp - it just says 'Judith' on it. It's not your usual pretty tree but as it is bare then it really lends itself to you adding whatever you fancy. I've used a Cardio small bauble and used my quickie glue pen and glitter to create some swags but not sure how clear that is on the photo - look close! I've added a sequin star for the top and the 'oh Christmas tree' stamp was an Anita's one I think.

Distress Ink and Snowflakes

I know I posted a few like this last year so I won't post anymore but just had to add one. I love this effect with a distress ink background with added white embossed snowflakes and white frantage. Simple but colourful and effective. I never get bored of making them but I'm sure you would get bored of seeing them so I promise not to post anymore!

Trees and stag

This card didn't quite turn out as I hoped as I wasn't paying attention. I'd tried this out on a test paper and had 2 different stag stamps and the other one worked better but picked up the wrong one when I was making the final card! The trees are a Hot Off the Press stamp which was part of a set that was free with a magazine. I've stamped it with first generation ink then with second generation to create the group with perspective. The stag that I wanted to use was also from this HOTP set but used this one which was a Creative Expressions one. I had to colour it in as it didn't stand out like I wanted when I had embossed it in gold. I've added some glitter and an Elusive Images greeting stamp. It's not great so will try it again and try to get it right this time! I think this one will have to go to someone with bad eyesight!

Clarity Noel with Tangle Dangles

I enjoyed doing some tangle dangles on some other cards (see previous post) and wanted to try it out with another word stamp so used this Clarity large Noel stamp. You probably can't tell but I've added glossy accents to the 'baubles' and the star hanging in the centre of the 'O' is embossed in gold. I'll not post anymore of these unless they are very different as I don't want to bore you!

Penny Black Fantasy Tree

As well as loving Christmas cards, I also have a slight obsession with trees too! I love this stamp and stamped it just in black then added 2 different tones of red gems. I've highlighted this by matting the image on red. I've added a greeting (HOTP). Simple but effective.

Kraft and White Tree

As you will see, I am in love with Kraft card - particularly for Christmas cards. This is a stamp I've had for a while and wanted to do this style of card with it for a while. The stamp is made by the Artful Stamper and I've stamped it in brown. I've gone over the snowflakes with a white pen then added some gems. The text is a Justrite stamp.

Dimension Fourth Bauble Collage Cards

Yeah, I guess you've worked out by now that I'm on a bit of a push on my Christmas cards at the moment. So you are in for a run of them I'm afraid! I've done a count today and I'm doing pretty well but have used the Bank Holiday weekend to do as many as I could. One of the reasons is to weed out some stamps for selling but I have to say it's heartbreaking and a tough decision. Anyway, this is one stamp I'm not getting rid of. It's a Dimension Fourth stamp and knew it would lend itself to paper piecing and am not disappointed. I've kept these cards fairly plain but love the kraft card look and found some papers that went well with them. Will be making some more of these but I'll try not to post any that are similar.

Zentangle Dangle Cards for Christmas

I had the idea for these in my head since I saw something similar. I've used some great stamps I got in the sale made by Woodware and are large sentiments/greetings for Christmas. Finally had a go at a couple of versions and will develop these. One I have just used a pen and added colour and the other I've added gems.

3 for 1 - Quick Christmas Cards

I love this stamp by Stampendous called Tiny Babe - it's an oldie but goodie. All I need to do is to stamp it onto some distress inked card and add a few touches and it's done! There is so much detail in the stamp you don't need to add much more. I made a few of these but have just picked out 3 to photograph for sharing on the blog. Hope you like them.

Blue Birthday

This is a commission card for a friend's mum-in-law. I knew how I wanted it to look and quite happy with the result. I really wanted to use these Heartfelt Creations flower stamps. I don't have the die but I just scanned them into my Brother Scan'n'cut and let him do the work! The flowers were coloured with promarkers.

Black and White Clarity Christmas Card

I was actually thinking of getting rid of the stamp that creates the background winter cottage scene but after stamping this, I've decided to keep it! I've added another couple of clarity stamps - a mini snowman and the children on the sledge. I've used my pen to add some contour lines and I've also added some wink of stella but I don't think it shows up on the photo.

Kraft Card Sympathy

I found this card that I had done a distress in background on and it blended really well with the craft card - trust me, it was white once upon a time! I've added a woodware stamp and the message is an Anita's stamp. It was made as a standby/stock card but I'm hoping I won't have to use it.

Kraft Christmas Card

This was made using the white card I'd added distress ink too which ended up blending very well with kraft card. I realised I hadn't used this stamp yet so just stamped it and made up the rest as I went along but I love the effect. I've colour parts with promarkers and added some white pen. I used glossy accents on the 25 and used cosmic shimmer red berry PVA to make the berries. I think I will use this stamp a lot as I've already got some other ideas about how I'll used it differently.

Bright Birthday

This card is a commission card for a twenty something girl. Wasn't sure what to do as I don't think she is the girly type so went with a 'general' themed card. I'm hoping it's OK but will ask for a bit more guidance for next time.

Frozen card

This is another commission card. The girl is into Frozen so just bought a piece of Frozen scrapbook paper and cut down and added the banner and number not to mention a little glitter. I managed to download a free Frozen looking font to add the text with - very useful!

Zentangle Horse

I've just made this today for a male birthday card for a horse lover. The image was already zentangled and I just printed it off and added colour, shade and a few more twiddly bits! I'm not completely happy with it but think it will be fine for the person who commissioned it.

Birthing Pool Baby

This is another commission card for a grandparent who's grandchild was born in a birthing pool. Was going to do a bit more with the background but just didn't have time. The baby was cut using a scrappy chick cutting file that I adapted for my Brother Scan'n'cut. The water is just a border that is preloaded on the machine. The life preserver/ring is a freebie file from Miss Kate Cutables.

Mother's Day card

This is the card I've made for my mum. I have my doubts as she likes colour - particularly purple - so this may be a little dull for her. I was aiming for something classy and elegant but I'm not sure if I've achieved it.

Mickey Mouse Card

This card is for a friends little boy. As well as finding a cutting file free online, I was also able to find the Disney font as a free download. I hope it's not too dull!

Wall Hangings

I've made these 4 wall hangings as gifts for people I will be working with at Spring Harvest which is a Christian conference held at Easter. They haven't quite turned out as I planned - I had hoped to make them more like altered art but I guess it's just not in me! Hope you like them and that they like them too. They are approximately A5 size and are canvas boards which I've then covered with patterned paper, some of which I printed verses onto. I've then used my distress inks and added some embellishments.