Embellished ExpresShan's

Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #22

2012-01-18T19:30:00.001+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
Welcome to another Whimsy Inspiration Challenge!
This time we have a Colour Combo for you - "Blue & Brown!" It was only when hunting up my papers that I realised I don't use nearly enough Blue and Brown together! I love this combination, and it's so versatile, so I'll really have to pop it into production more often! ;)

Hope you decide to join us! You don't have to use a Whimsy image, but it would be great if you did! And it doesn't have to be a card - we welcome all paper projects. Don't forget to check out the challenge details - and your chance to be a Guest Designer with us - over at the Whimsy Inspirations Challenge Blog!

I also decided to give myself a challenge this week - to colour an image that I had literally 'put in the too hard basket'! This image is called "Tasia" from Lia Stampz, and is found at the always fabulous Whimsy Stamps Store.I have SO much trouble colouring people and clothing, but decided the only way to learn is to just practice!

By the way, (in case you are reading this Pamela)... a lovely reader asked me if I "teach Copic colouring classes" - You are now my new Favourite Follower! In my dreams I'd like to actually GO to Copic classes - I can't imagine teaching them! ;) But thank you so much - your comments are so lovely and the encouragement is very appreciated!

So anyway, I did my best, and stopped freaking out that it wasn't perfect ;) I followed the Sketch Saturday for Week#190, and used my DCWV Linen Closet papers.

Hope you like my card!

And another angle which shows the dimension...

So join us for this weeks Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #22 - "Blue & Brown"!
You could win 5 Free Digital Stamps of your choice, so click on the link above and get creating!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Sketch Saturday Week #190

Thanks for visiting, and have a great week!!

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - "Tasia" from Lia Stampz, available from Whimsy Stamps, Sentiment - PTI Mixed Messages.
Ink and Colour: Digi Image, Colored with Copics
Paper: C/S - CM, DP - DCWV Linen Closet
Accessories: Nestabilities Circles, Lacey Circles, Labels 18, SU Scalloped Punch, MFT Die-namics Vintage Flourish, Mounting Foam, Distress Ink 'Antique Linen', Crocheted Lace, Kaisercraft Chocolate Pearls, Roses and Gypsophlia from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #31

2012-01-16T17:30:00.001+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's Monday again and that means it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time again! This weeks challenge theme is... "Glitter and/or White on White"!
We'd love you to play along with us! You don't have to use a Heart Song image - but of course we would love you to! You could win two images of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

This week I wanted a nice simple image for our White on White theme, so I decided to use one of Leah's 'Birth Flower' images, "May Lily of the Valley". If you haven't checked out the Heart Song Designs "Birth Flowers" range you really should - they are all wonderful and great for so many occasions.
After colouring with Copics, I just mounted it on a couple of die cut Nesties, and popped it up on an embossed card base. I added some pretty satin ribbon, pearls, and some Stickles (for the Glitter part of the challenge) and I was done!

Hope you like it...

And an angle shot to see the dimension...

Thanks for visiting, and I hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs "May Lily of the Valley"
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Coloured with Copics
Paper: CS - Officeworks White Board
Accessories: Nestabilities Fleur De Lis Rectangles, Labels 18, Couture Creations Embossing Folder 'Diamond Trellis', Kaisercraft Pearls, Mounting Foam, Satin Ribbon, Stardust Stickles.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #30

2012-01-09T17:30:00.000+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's Monday again already (how did that happen!?) so it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time again! This weeks challenge theme is... "Torn Paper and/or Border Punches"!
We'd love you to play along with us! You don't have to use a Heart Song image - but of course we would love you to! You could win two images of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

This week I wanted to use one of Leah's brand new images, "Hanging Hearts". I double mounted parts of the image for extra dimension, and followed the Sketch by Carly #47. The papers are from the Echo Park 'Yours Truly' Digital Paper Kit, and to cover the Challenge component I used my MFT Faux Crochet border around the whole card (to make up for the lack of torn paper!) ;)

Hope you like it...

And an angle shot to see the dimension...

Thanks for visiting, and I hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

I'll be sharing this card in the following challenges...
Sketch by Carly #47

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs "Hanging Hearts"
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Coloured with Copics
Paper: CS - CM, DP - Echo Park 'Yours Truly' Digital Paper Kit
Accessories: Nestabilities Labels 18, Shapeabilities Fleur De Lis Corner Accent, CM Square Punch (used to make cnr accent), MFT Faux Crochet Border Die, Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts, Kaisercraft Red Pearls, Mounting Foam.

Sundays with Crissy Challenge #25--Beat the Mid-Winter Blues!

2012-01-05T21:27:00.001+10:30

Hi Everyone!
Welcome to a brand new challenge for the New Year at "Sundays with Crissy"!!
To get you all warmed up, and thaw out those creative juices, our theme for January is... "Beat the Mid-Winter Blues!" We want you to think warm and sunny thoughts! Anything that screams beach, seaside, underwater, sunny, tropical... you get the picture.
Of course this is easy peasy for me, considering we are actually in the middle of a heat-wave LOL!!
I don't really have to stretch my imagination toooo far here in our Aussie summer! ;)

But you guys shivering with your jumpers on can just dream of tropical paradises, warm sunshine and summery colours - and for once I'll feel like your cards are especially for me! ;)

My beautiful niece has just had her 3rd birthday, so I chose to show you the card I made for her. It looks just like her (all blonde curls and blue eyes), and of course this time of year she loves to be out in the sunshine picking the flowers... perfect for our summery theme!

This image is the absolutely adorable "Gracie's Roses" by Crissy Armstrong (of course!), and is available from Whimsy Stamps. The pretty summery papers are from Bo Bunny's Kitchen Spice collection, and the birthday sentiment is PTI. I popped Ava, I mean Gracie, up on mounted foam so she stands out - just cause she's such a sweetie!

The good news is my niece loved her card. She held it up to herself in front of the mirror and told her Mum "that's me"! - how cute is that?? Thanks Crissy!! ;)

So now it's your turn... Make your way back over to the Sundays with Crissy blog and play along too - I can't wait to see your "Beat the Mid-Winter Blues" creations! You can enter at Sarah's Post - Here!

Hope you all have a fabulous week!

Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Images - "Gracie's Roses" by Crissy Armstrong, from Whimsy Stamps, Sentiment - PTI Mini Mixed Messages
Ink and Colour: Printed Digi image, Colored with Copics.
Paper: Cardstock - PTI, DP -Bo Bunny Kitchen Spice
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Large Scalloped Ovals, Couture Creations Embossing Folder 'Diamond Trellis', Mounting Foam, Martha Stewart Oval Pearls, Wild Orchid Crafts Roses and Seam Binding.

Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #20

2012-01-04T19:30:00.002+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
As well as our January Digital Blog Hop (below), we are also back with our first Whimsy Inspiration Challenge for 2012!
And since it's the New Year, our theme this week is "New Beginnings!" That could be New Year, New Baby, New Job... any New Beginning!

You don't have to use a Whimsy image, but it would be great if you did! And it doesn't have to be a card - we welcome all paper projects. Don't forget to check out the challenge details - and your chance to be a Guest Designer with us - over at the Whimsy Inspirations Challenge Blog!

There seems to be New Beginnings everywhere at the moment, but I really needed a New Baby Girl card so that's what I went with for the challenge ;)
This image is the sweet "Filled With Love" from "StampArt Design" by Kathy Kittmer - part of the brand new January digital release at the fabulous Whimsy Stamps Store. So cute!
I followed the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 149, and used my DCWV Nana's Nursery Baby Girl papers both for the background and paper piecing.

Hope you like my card!

And another angle which shows the dimension...

So join us for this weeks Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #20 - "New Beginnings"!
You could win 5 Free Digital Stamps of your choice, so click on the link above and get creating!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 149

Thanks for visiting, and have a great week!!

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - "Filled With Love" from "StampArt Design" by Kathy Kittmer, available from Whimsy Stamps.
Ink and Colour: Digi Image, Colored with Copics
Paper: C/S - CM, DP - DCWV Nana's Nursery Baby Girl
Accessories: Nestabilities Rectangles, Labels 11, Mounting Foam, Distress Ink 'Antique Linen', Crocheted Lace, Kaisercraft Pearls, Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Whimsy January Release Blog Hop!

2012-01-04T03:30:00.001+10:30

Hi Everyone! Welcome to the Whimsy January Digital Blog Hop! If you arrived here from Suzi's Blog then you are right on track! We have loads of lovely new DT members as well as new images this month - so prepare for fabulous creations and fresh faces!

Whimsy Stamps are releasing new Digital Designs today from Lia Stampz, Natalie-Moon Cookie Gallery, StampArt Design by Kathy Kittmer and LivvyBo Designs! All Whimsy Stamps digital images are 300dpi for high print quality.You can re-size, flip, or rotate to fit your own project which makes them super fun to play with and create! And all of the fabulous new images are available in the Whimsy Store right now! YAY!!

Your first stop on the Hop is always the Whimsy Inspirations Blog. You can find the complete list of participants there. The Grand Prize Winner of the hop will be chosen from comments left on the final stop...the lucky winner will receive 5 new digital stamps of their choice from Whimsy!
But... make sure you leave some love along the way though, as there will be two bonus winners... these will be chosen from comments on two mystery blogs.
The blog hop runs for 1 week until Tuesday, January 10th at 12 Noon EST (5pm GMT), when the lucky winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog.

Here's what I've made for you today...

And a little closer...

I know what you're thinking... this really isn't my usual 'style'. I have to admit I've struggled a little with some of Lia's fun and quirky designs. But I tell you, it really is fun to just go with something different and stretch those wings now and then! (And I still managed to squeeze some roses onto it LOL!) This happy little fellow is the brand new "Mushy" from Lia Stampz, and the sentiment comes free with him!

Your next stop is Carly... hop over and see what fabulous creation she's made! (Don't forget to leave some love for her too - you never know where the 'mystery blog prizes' will be!!)

Here's the list in case you get distracted along the way ;) Happy Hopping!
Whimsy Inspirations blog
Ani
Wendy
Doreen
Jackie
Suzi
Shannah (You're Here!)
Carly
Mariska

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamps: Images - "Mushy" by Lia Stampz, from Whimsy Stamps January Digital Release.
Ink and Colour: Digi, Colored with Copics.
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - CM 'Celebration' papers
Accessories: Nestabilities Labels 8, Rectangles, Wild Orchid Roses in Navy and Red, Mounting Foam, Kaisercraft Red Pearls.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #29

2012-01-02T21:07:00.001+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's been lovely to have a couple of weeks break for Christmas, but now it's FAB to be back ready for another year of challenges and creating! ;)
Hope everyone is rested, relaxed and raring to let their mojo flow!

So here it is... Our very first Heart Song Inspiration Challenge for 2012, and it's an easy one to get you back into the swing.
This weeks challenge theme is... "Anything Goes"!
We'd love you to play along with us! You don't have to use a Heart Song image - but of course we would love you to! You could win two images of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

We are having beautiful Summer weather here in South Australia, so I couldn't resist making something bright and colourful. I used Leah's fabulous "Hot Air Balloon" image, fussy-cut and double mounted for extra dimension.

Hope you like it...

And an angle shot to see the dimension...

Thanks for visiting, and I hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs "Hot Air Balloon"
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Coloured with Copics
Paper: CS - Crystal's {Sweet Summertime} Digital Paper Kit
Accessories: Silver Pearls.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2012-01-02T21:00:00.001+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
Hope it was a wonderful Christmas and New Years for you all! Mine was lovely... my highlight was definitely Christmas morning with my family, watching my gorgeous nieces excitement and joy as they helped hand out the pressies. They are 1 1/2 and 3yo - perfectly precious and fun ages for a delightful Christmas!
We also had a nice New Years Eve - hot balmy evening, BBQ, family and friends - what more does anyone need?
I have decided that in place of the traditional New Year's Resolutions, I am going to follow Ali Edwards idea of "One Little Word". Focusing on one aspect of my life seems much more achievable.
So, my One Little Word for 2012 is.... "Nourish." There is so many ways this is appropriate for me right now. Nourishing my body, mind and soul. Only nourishing food, thoughts, pastimes and friendships for this little chickie! ;)

Here's to 2012 - wishing all my family, friends and followers the most fabulous year yet!!

Love & Hugs,

Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #19

2011-12-14T19:30:00.000+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's time for a new Whimsy Inspiration Challenge!
This weeks theme is "Add a Charm!" And you'll have extra time to make your 'charming' creations, because we are taking a little break over Christmas! So this challenge will be open until the 4th January, when we'll all be back feeling inspired and refreshed!

You don't have to use a Whimsy image, but it would be great if you did! And it doesn't have to be a card - we welcome all paper projects. Don't forget to check out the challenge details - and your chance to be a Guest Designer with us - over at the Whimsy Inspirations Challenge Blog!

Would you know I didn't have a single metal charm? And we don't have Scrapbook stores where I live. But it's amazing what you can scrounge out of an old jewelry box when needed (and in a panic!) I have to admit that I actually chose the image and quote around the star charm LOL!

The image is the sweet new "Leah Catch a Star" from Lia's Stampz, with a sentiment from the beautiful Raindrop Echo Designs sentiment set "Amongst the Stars". Both these are available from the fabulous Whimsy Stamps Store of course!

I followed the Sketch Saturday Week #185, and used Basic Grey Jovial papers.

Hope you like my card!

And another angle which shows the charm a bit clearer...

So join us for this weeks Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #19 "Add a Charm"!
You could win 5 Free Digital Stamps of your choice, so click on the link above and get creating!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Sketch Saturday Week #185

Thanks for visiting, and have a great week!!
Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - "Leah Catch a Star" from Lia's Stampz and Sentiment - "Amongst the Stars" from Raindrop Echo Designs, both available from Whimsy Stamps.
Ink and Colour: Digi Image, Colored with Copics
Paper: C/S - CM, DP - Basic Grey 'Jovial'
Accessories: Nestabilities Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals, Lacey Squares, Mounting Foam, Distress Ink 'Frayed Burlap', Crocheted Lace, Metal Star Charm, Brown Thread, Yellow Stickles, Kaisercraft Red Pearls, Rose and Leaves from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #28

2011-12-12T17:30:00.005+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's Monday, so it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time again! This weeks challenge theme is... "Snowflakes and/or Doilies"!
We'd love you to play along with us! You don't have to use a Heart Song image - but of course we would love you to! You could win two images of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

Well, this is our last Heart Song Inspiration Challenge before Christmas (we are taking a little break), so it's a great chance for you to get in with those last minute Christmas cards! And Snowflakes and Doilies are perfectly Christmassy, so that's what I went with! I decided to use Leah's beautiful "Christmas Candle" image and sentiment, with an embossed snowflake background, and a sponged doily as the candles glow.

I double mounted the poinsettia and candle flame for added depth, and used The Outlawz Wednesday's Sketch Challenge for December 7.

Hope you like it...

And an angle shot to see the dimension...

Thanks for visiting, and I hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

I'll be sharing this card in the following challenges...
The Outlawz Wednesday's Sketch Challenge - December 7

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs "Christmas Candle"
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Coloured with Copics
Paper: CS - CM Cranberry and Clay
Accessories: Nestabilities Labels 18, Fancy Tags, MFT Faux Crochet Border Die, EK Success Doily Tags, Cuttlebug 'Snowflakes' Embossing Folder, Tim Holtz Distress Ink 'Scattered Straw' & 'Bundled Sage', Holly & Berries from Wild Orchid Crafts, Kaisercraft Red Pearls, Yellow Stickles.

Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #18

2011-12-07T19:30:00.007+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's time for a new Whimsy Inspiration Challenge!
This weeks theme is "Patterns and Pearls!" Use your yummy pattern papers, and blingy pretty pearls, and create something gorgeous for us!

You don't have to use a Whimsy image, but it would be great if you did! And it doesn't have to be a card - we welcome all paper projects. Don't forget to check out the challenge details - and your chance to be a Guest Designer with us - over at the Whimsy Inspirations Challenge Blog!

I decided to use the totally adorable new "Snowman Skating" from Crissy Armstrong, available from the fabulous Whimsy Stamps Store. All the new snowmen this month are just SOOOO cute!!

I followed the "Sketch 'n' Stash" #76. I wanted to change the colours of my snowman a bit from the usual, so chose purple, green and red, which went perfectly together with some pattern trimmings from my now well-used Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather 6x6 pad. And of course the Pearls to finish the Challenge with!

Hope you like my card!

And another angle...

So join us for this weeks Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #18 "Patterns and Pearls"!
You could win 5 Free Digital Stamps of your choice, so click on the link above and get creating!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Sketch 'n' Stash #76
Winter Wonderland Challenge - Christmas / Winter Birthday
Totally Papercrafts Challenge #95 - Let It Snow
Catch the Bug Dec Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafty Calendar Challenge - Cold and Frosty
Ribbon Girl Jingle All the Way Challenge
Gingerloft Challenge GL30 - Christmas / Winter
Hooked on Crafts Challenge #13 - Winter Wonderland

Thanks for visiting, and have a great week!!
Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Image - "Snowman Skating" from Crissy Armstrong available from Whimsy Stamps.
Ink and Colour: Digi Image, Colored with Copics
Paper: C/S - CM, DP - Cosmo Cricket 'Mitten Weather'
Accessories: Nestabilities Fleur De Lis Squares, Labels 1, EK Success Scalloped Punch, EK Success Rock Fern Punch, Mounting Foam, Distress Ink 'Antique Linen', Kaisercraft Red Pearls, Rose and Red Satin Ribbon from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Sundays with Crissy Challenge #24--Anything Goes!

2011-12-05T21:27:00.004+10:30

Hi Everyone!
It's new challenge time again at "Sundays with Crissy"!!
We have an easy one for December... it's everyone's favourite - "Anything Goes!"
So go on - put some fab music on, grab whatever images and embellishments tickle your fancy, and start creating to your hearts content! Finish up those Christmas cards... or get a start on next years birthdays... or anything! Just have some creative "Anything Goes" time in the chaos that is Pre-Christmas! ;)

This has to be one of my all time favourite Christmas images... The absolutely adorable "Trimming the Tree" by Crissy Armstrong (of course!), available from Whimsy Stamps.
(I know I say ALL Crissy's images are my fave, but I really love this sweetie, with the happy little penguin and polar bear... Just too cute!)

And the close up of Crissy's image...

I used my Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses 6x6 papers and some 'bling' for the tree, and a big red satin bow to finish!

So now it's your turn... Make your way back over to the Sundays with Crissy blog and play along too - You can enter your creation at Crissy's Post - Here!

Hope you all have a fabulous week!

I'm including this card in the following challenges...
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Bunny Zoe Crafts Challenge #18 - Anything Christmas w/ Pearls
Pollycraft Challenge #120 - Christmas Fun
The Paper Shelter Challenge #42 - Anything Goes
Meljen's Challenge #87 - Holiday Song (O Christmas Tree!)
Joanna Sheen Challenge #1 - Christmas Wishes
Creatalicious Challenge # 28 - Christmas and Sparkles
Speedy the Cat's Challenge Week 84~ Favorite Embellie

Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Images - "Trimming the Tree" by Crissy Armstrong, from Whimsy Stamps
Ink and Colour: Printed Digi image, Colored with Copics.
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - Basic Grey "Eskimo Kisses" 6x6
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Deckled Rectangles, Rectangles, Mounting Foam, Silver and Gold Stickles, Kaisercraft Pearls (in Red, Turquiose and Gold), Red Satin Ribbon from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #27

2011-12-05T17:27:00.007+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's Monday, so it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time again! This weeks challenge theme is... "Christmas and/or Red, Green and White"!
We'd love you to play along with us! You don't have to use a Heart Song image - but of course we would love you to! You could win two images of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

This weeks themes are perfect for those of us still working on the Christmas cards! I decided to use Leah's beautiful "December Poinsettia" image. Pretty sure I didn't do it justice (should have left time for a practice run!), but it's such a lovely image that it hides my mistakes well lol!

I used the current Sketch Saturday Week #184, and some beautiful Creative Memories Reminisce Christmas papers.

Hope you like it...

And the compulsory angle shot...

Thanks for visiting, and I hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

I'll be sharing this card in the following challenges...
Sketch Saturday Week #184
Paper Sundaes Challenge #98 - Sundae Bar (Red, Stripes, Die cuts)
Stamps R Us - Emboss It
Pollycraft Challenge #120 - Christmas Fun
Bunny Zoe Crafts Challenge #18 - Anything Christmas w/ Pearls
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Crafty Ann's Challenge #55 - Christmas Bingo
Crafty Catz Challenge #111: Colours of Christmas Sparkle
Speedy the Cat's Challenge Week 84~ Favorite Embellie
Kraftin Kimmie Challenge 107 - Heat or Dry Embossing

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs "December Poinsettia"
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Coloured with Copics
Paper: CS - CM, DP- Creative Memories 'Reminisce Christmas Additions'.
Accessories: Nestabilities Petite Ovals Large, Labels 18, MFT Faux Crochet Border Die, Holly & Berries, Satin Ribbon, Pearls, Distress Inks 'Antique Linen', Yellow Stickles.

Whimsy December Release Blog Hop!

2011-12-02T03:27:00.094+10:30

Hi Everyone! Welcome to the Whimsy Stamps December Digital Release Blog Hop! If you arrived here from Sarah's Blog then you are right on track!

Whimsy Stamps are releasing new Digital Designs today from Crissy Armstrong, Lia Stampz, Moon Cookie Gallery, StampArt Design by Kathryne and our newest artist LivvyBo Designs! And all of the fabulous new images are available in the Whimsy Store right now! YAY!!

Your first stop on the Hop is always the Whimsy Inspirations Blog. You can find the complete list of participants there. The Grand Prize Winner of the hop will be chosen from comments left on the final stop...the lucky winner will receive 5 new digital stamps of their choice from Whimsy!
But... make sure you leave some love along the way though, as there will be two bonus winners... these will be chosen from comments on two mystery blogs.
The blog hop runs for 1 week until Thursday, December 8th at 12 Noon EST (5pm GMT).
The lucky winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog.

Here's what I've made for you today...

And a little close up...

Isn't this the cutest snowman ever?? It's the brand new "Snowman Santa" from the fabulous Crissy Armstrong - and you really have to go to Whimsy Stamps and see the other cuties too! This whole December Digital Release is full of Christmassy goodness!

Your next stop is Debbie... hop over and see what fabulous creation she's made! (Don't forget to leave some love for her too - you never know where the 'mystery blog prizes' will be!!)

Here's the list in case you get distracted along the way ;) Happy Hopping!
Whimsy Inspirations blog
Marilyn
Sarah
Shannah (You're Here!)
Debbie
Toni
Jackie
Alissa
Charlene
Linda

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

I'm sharing this card in the following challenges...
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Mad for Markers - Christmas
Bunny Zoe's - Anything Christmas with Pearls
Scrapalicious USA - Christmas project
Pollycraft Challenge #120 - Christmas Fun
The Paper Shelter Challenge #42 - Anything Goes
Colour Create Challenge #85 - Red, White & Green
Meljen's Challenge #87 - Holiday Song! (Santa Claus is Coming!)
Speedy the Cat's Challenge Week 84~ Favorite Embellie

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamps: Images - "Snowman Santa" by Crissy Armstrong, from Whimsy Stamps December Digital Release.
Ink and Colour: Digi, Colored with Copics, Distress Inks.
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - Creative Memories 'Reminisce Christmas' papers
Accessories: Nestabilities Circles, Big Scalloped Circles and Fleur de Lis Squares, Wild Orchid Lace, Holly and Berries, and Scarlet Satin Ribbon, Mounting Foam, Stampendous Cotton Ball White Fun Flock, Kaisercraft Pearls.

Whimsy Stamps Digi Design Team Call!

2011-11-30T23:32:00.001+10:30

Hi Everyone!
I have some fun news for you all...

Whimsy Stamps is holding a Design Team call from now until December 9th. We are looking for some talented crafters to join our Digital Stamp DT and help us showcase our growing digital stamp collections.

Each Digi Team Designer is asked to...
* share one project per week on his/her blog (applicants must have a blog),
* participate in our monthly releases and blog hop,
* Participate in at least 2 monthly challenges on our new Whimsy Inspires Challenge blog. The challenges post weekly, but DT members are only required to participate bi-weekly unless you choose to do more.
* become a member of our Yahoo and private Facebook group,
* share your artwork on our Facebook Fan page, Whimsy Blog, and any other online community you belong to,
* promote Whimsy Stamps by using our images, mentioning Whimsy news and promotions, and linking to our shop.

In exchange for DT work and helping to promote our products...
* members will have access to our digital stamps for use in weekly DT projects,
* members will receive a DT discount of 20% off, on all Whimsy shop purchases, while a member of our team,
* personal bio and photo will be placed on our blog.

If you are interested in applying, please send an email with your contact info, blog link, some details about yourself, and 3 of your favourite projects to whimsystamps@gmail.com with the subject line Digi DT. We will reply to let you know your application has been received. All new members will be contacted during the week of December 12th and announced on our Whimsy Blog thereafter.

Good Luck!! Hugs, Shannah xox

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #26

2011-11-28T17:27:00.000+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's Monday, so it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time again! I missed all the fun last week due to some horrid migraines... But I'm happy to say I'm back on board and raring to go! ;)
This weeks challenge theme is... "Banner and/or Buttons"!
We'd love you to play along with us! You don't have to use a Heart Song image - but of course we would love you to! You could win an image of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

Now speaking of the Heart Song Designs Store - you may want to see my post below... WE HAVE MOVED!! But it's all very easy - all my links are for the new store so really nothing much has changed!

OK... so I made this weeks card while I was still in bed recovering, so it's not particularly glamorous LOL! I'm still working on Christmas cards so decided to use Leah's adorable "Snowman Love" image, and luckily I'd already printed out some digital papers (you can see the details in the 'recipe' below).

I cut out some Banners, and used Silver Shimmerz to make it look a little like tinsel, and also used a Banner for my sentiment to sit on. You can't really see, but I lifted the centre of the banner up for some dimension. I layered some diecut Buttons with more 'tinsel' at the start of the sentiment.

Hope you like it...

Thanks for visiting, and I hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs "Snowman Love"
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Coloured with Copics
Paper: CS - CM, DP- Sweet Shoppe Designs Digital kit 'A Merry Little Christmas' by Zoe Pearn
Accessories: MFT Buttons Die, Silver Stickles.

New Heart Song Designs Store and DT Call!

2011-11-26T22:27:00.000+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
Just popping in today with a little Heart Song Designs update for you!

The first exciting piece of news is that the Heart Song Designs Store has MOVED! And the GREAT news is that it's SO much easier to move a web shop for Digi images than moving house LOL! Really you don't need to worry about anything... All my links have already been changed, so to visit the new store simply click on my Heart Song Designs Store Badge and you'll jump straight there!
But for those who want to save it to their favourites, here is the actual site link: http://heartsongdigis.blogspot.com
There are also a few new images so go check them out!!

Now for the next exciting announcement! We are having a DT Call!
"Do you love Heart Song images? Love our challenges? Then apply to be on our DT! We are looking for a few more talented people to come join us in spreading the word about Heart Song and have fun with the challenges. To apply all you need to do is contact Leah using the contact tab and say hi, include a few things about yourself, why you'd like to be on the team and a link to your blog. Submissions will be open until December 14th and if chosen you will be notifed by December 17th. The DT term is 3 months starting January 2nd. Looking forward to seeing all your talent!"
Pop over to the Heart Song Inspiration Blog for Leah's details.

Hope everyone has a fabulous week and I'll be back with a card soon!!
Love and Hugs,

Whimsy Inspiration Wedding Card

2011-11-16T19:27:00.026+10:30

Hi Everyone!!

Thought I'd share a card with you that I made for some friends... they needed a card "for a wedding in a rose garden". Luckily it's time for a Whimsy Inspiration card so that's where I headed for the perfect quote...
Now... when I think of fab sentiments I always go for Ann Vento's 'Raindrop Echo Designs', but as I haven't done a Lia's Stampz card for a while I decided to use one of her Wedding Sentiments from the Image - "Elena", available from Whimsy Stamps of course.

The pretty paper is Prima 'Madeline' collection, and I used the current Sketch Saturday #181.

I think it looks kind of rose-gardenish??

And so you can read Lia's quote...

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Sketch Saturday #181

Thanks for visiting, and have a great week!!
Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Wedding Sentiments from the Image - "Elena", by Lia's Stampz available from Whimsy Stamps.
Ink and Colour: Digi Imag, Distress Ink Antique Linen
Paper: CS - SU, DP - Prima 'Madeline' collection
Accessories: Nestabilities Petite Ovals Small, Labels 18, Mounting Foam, Kaisercraft Pearls, Lace and Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #24

2011-11-14T17:27:00.019+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's Monday, so it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time again!
This weeks challenge theme is... "Gold and/or Glitter"!
We'd love you to play along with us! You don't have to use a Heart Song image - but of course we would love you to! You could win an image of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

Well I'm not really into gold OR glitter... so I just dived in and did BOTH! ;) I really wanted to use Leah's brand new Heart Song Designs "Christmas Deer" image... so decided my card this week was going to have to be some form of glittery gold deer!

I was one step ahead of the the game though this time! Anyone remember my last debacle with the use of glitter? (My cat still runs when she sees the sparkles come out!) But I was prepared! I used Shimmer Gold card stock from Creative Memories (doesn't rub off), and Gold Stickles (thanks for the suggestion!!)

Hope you like it...

Thanks for visiting, and I hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs "Christmas Deer"
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Coloured with Copics
Paper: CS - CM Espresso and Shimmer Gold
Accessories: SU Embossing Folder 'Petals a Plenty', Gold Distress Stickles, Kaisercraft Chocolate Pearls and Red Rhinestone, Brown Crochet Lace.

Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #14 - Recipe!

2011-11-09T19:27:00.006+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's time for a new Whimsy Inspiration Challenge!
This week we would like you to "Follow the Recipe!" That is "1 Ribbon, 2 Designer Papers and 3 Embellishments" on your card/project.

I decided to use the beautiful "Daisy Butterfly" from Crissy Armstrong, available from the fabulous Whimsy Stamps Store. I have had this image for ages but decided this week it was time I used it!
I am absolutely loving working with Whimsy every week - so much variety... And today's image is a reminder not to forget all the older images are still fabulous!

As you can see I followed the "Recipe", with some yummy yellow ribbon and two digital papers, and my 3 embellishments are; Flowers, Crocheted Lace, and Pearls.

Hope you like my card!

And another angle...

So join us for this weeks Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #14 "Recipe - 1 Ribbon, 2 Designer Papers & 3 Embellishments"!.
You could win 5 Free Digital Stamps of your choice, so click on the link above and get creating!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Crafty Ann's Challenge #53 - Flowers
One Stitch at a Time Challenge #87 - Use a Digi
Crazy Challenge #92 - Something with Wings
MPICC #35 - Use a Freebie (I won this image)
Tuesday Throwdown #74 - Favourite Colour Combo (for Mum!)
Digital Tuesday Challenge #136 - Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting, and have a great week!!
Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Image - "Daisy Butterfly" from Crissy Armstrong available from Whimsy Stamps.
Ink and Colour: Digi Image, Colored with Copics
Paper: Cardstock - Coredinations, DP - Raspberry Road Designs "Butterfly Dreams Digital Paper" freebie
Accessories: CM Custom Cutting System, Mounting Foam, Lace, Grosgrain Ribbon, Kaisercraft Pearls, Rose and Sweetheart Blossoms from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #23

2011-11-07T17:27:00.020+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's Monday, so it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time again already!
This weeks challenge theme is everyone's favourite... "Anything Goes"! Easy peasy!!

We'd love you to play along with us! You don't have to use a Heart Song image - but of course we would love you to! You could win two images of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

I'm still trying to get on with my Christmas cards, so I used Leah's cute Heart Song Designs "Snowman Love" image. Seriously - this is a perfect image for those quick Crissy cards... It's adorable and so easy to colour!
Hope you like it...

Thanks for visiting and I hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

I'm sharing this card with the following challenges...
ABC Christmas Challenge - V is for Vintage
Digi Doodle Shop Challenge #81 - A Wintry Theme
SNSDC27–Christmas/Holiday Theme
Speedy the Cat's Challenge #80~~Winter Theme
Pink Gem Challenge #33 - Cold and Frosty
Outlawz Challenge CAS1106 - Mission Embossible
One Stitch at a Time Challenge #87 - Use a Digi

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs "Snowman Love", Sentiment from "Crissy" by "Lia Stampz" at Whimsy Stamps.
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Coloured with Copics
Paper: CS - Stampin Up
Accessories: Scissors and Distress Ink 'Frayed Burlap' for distressing, SU Embossing Folder 'Petals a Plenty', Kaisercraft Rhinestones.

Sundays with Crissy Challenge #23--Christmas Card Using Non-Traditional Colours

2011-11-05T21:27:00.020+10:30

Hi Everyone!
It's new challenge time again at Sundays with Crissy!!

For November we would like to see "Christmas Cards Using Non-Traditional Colours!" That means none of the usual red and green that is everywhere this time of year ;) We want you to think outside the (Christmas) box and show us what you come up with!

I've chosen Crissy's adorable new image "Sharing the Warmth", available from Whimsy Stamps for my card. Aren't they so cute snuggling together for warmth? I have to admit I'm not a huge fan of mice (we grow wheat here in country South Australia, so the grain brings mice plagues - horrid little blighters! But there is no way these cute little snuggle bugs could be the same things! Crissy manages to make EVERYTHING cute!! ;)

My Mum challenged me to go 'purple' (her favourite colour), and I teamed it with 'aqua' (my favourite colour) and this is what I ended up with...

And the close up of Crissy's image...

I used the current Sketch n Stash Challenge 73 and my old Cosmo Cricket 'Mitten Weather' 6x6 papers, and distressed each layer with the edge of my scissors and Distress Inks. I added some pretty lace and Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts for finishing touches.

So now it's your turn... Make your way back over to the Sundays with Crissy blog and play along too - You can enter your creation at Sarah's Post - HERE-!

Hope you all have a fabulous week!

I'm including this card in the following challenges...
Sketch n Stash Challenge 73
Creatalicious Challenge #27
Digital Tuesday Challenge #135 - Cute and Cuddly
The Paper Shelter Challenge #38 - Christmas Fun
ABC Christmas Challenge - V is for Vintage
Forever Friends Nov Challenge (Old-Papers, New-Image)
Digi Doodle Shop Challenge #81 - A Wintry Theme
SNSDC27–Christmas/Holiday Theme
Glitter Geeks Challenge Week 22 - Snuggle Up
Speedy the Cat's Challenge Week 80~~Winter Theme
Pink Gem Challenge #33 - Cold and Frosty
Little Claire Monthly Challenge # 14 - 'Christmas'
Bunny Zoe Crafts Challenge #17 - Lace it Up

Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Images - "Sharing the Warmth" by Crissy Armstrong, from Whimsy Stamps
Ink and Colour: Printed Digi image, Colored with Copics, Distress Inks Antique Linen for distressing
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP -Cosmo Cricket "Mitten Weather"
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Circles, Lacey Circles, Mounting foam, Kaisercraft Pearls, Lace and Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Whimsy November Release Blog Hop!

2011-11-02T02:27:00.026+10:30

Hi Everyone! Welcome to the Whimsy Stamps November Digital Release Blog Hop! If you arrived here from Domi's Blog then you are right on track!

Whimsy Stamps are releasing new Digital Designs today from Crissy's Digis, Moon Cookie Gallery, Stamp Art Design and Lia Stampz! And all of the fabulous new images are available in the Whimsy Store right now! YAY!!

Your first stop on the Hop is always the Whimsy Inspirations Blog. You can find the complete list of participants there. The Grand Prize Winner of the hop will be chosen from comments left on the final stop...the lucky winner will receive 5 new digital stamps of their choice from Whimsy!
But... make sure you leave some love along the way though, as there will be two bonus winners... these will be chosen from comments on two mystery blogs.
The blog hop runs for 1 week until Tuesday, November 8th at 12:oo pm EST (5pm GMT).
The lucky winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog.

Here's what I've made for you today...

And a little close up...

I used the adorable new "Jingle Deer" image from Kathryne's Stamp Art Design, along with a Christmas sentiment that goes with the new "Lia Stampz" image, "Chrissy". These are both in the November Digital Release at Whimsy Stamps and available right now.
I followed the current Sweet Sketch Wednesday #125, and used my Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather 6x6 papers. Assorted die cuts and embellishments later (listed below) and viola... there you have it! ;)

So you're nearly done - just hop on over to Jackie and see what fabulous creation she's made - and don't forget to leave some love for her too!!

Thanks for stopping by and make sure you visit the Whimsy Stamps Store to see all the new digital stamps available!

I am entering this card in the following challenges...
Sweet Sketch Wednesday #125
Simon Says - Anything Goes
Scrapbook Sisters Challenge #58
Paper Pretties Wednesday Challenge - PWC177
Forever Friends Challenge - Bling Bling
Digi Doodles Challenge 80 - Anything Goes
Card Makin Mamas Challenge #32 - Cut It Out
Christmas Stampin All Year Long - "Jingle All the Way"
Little Claire Monthly Challenge # 14 - 'Christmas'
Catered Crop Follow the Recipe Challenge - FTR24 (Red/green, Xmas, Distress Ink, markers, polka dots, die cuts, jingle bells & lace!)
The Ribbon Girl - Jingle All The Way To Christmas Challenge
Meljen's Challenge #82 and New Release
Paper Playtime Ch# 59 - Anything Goes
Dream Valley Challenge 19 - Anything Goes
OSAAT #86 Christmas

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamps: Images - "Jingle Deer" by Kathryne's Stamp Art Design, and Sentiment from "Crissy" by "Lia Stampz", both from Whimsy Stamps November Release.
Ink and Colour: Digi, Colored with Copics, Distress Inks.
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - Cosmo Cricket 'Mitten Weather'
Accessories: Nestabilities Circles, Lacey Circles, Fancy Tags, Wild Orchid Lace, Holly and Berries, Mounting Foam, Kaisercraft Pearls

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #22

2011-10-31T18:27:00.036+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's Monday, so it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time again already!
This weeks challenge theme is... "Embossing and/or 3+ Layers"!
We'd love you to play along with us! You don't have to use a Heart Song image - but of course we would love you to! You could win two images of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

Well you know I LOVE all embossing, and layers are my FAVE... So this challenge is like playing on my home ground! ;) I used Leah's absolutely gorgeous Heart Song Designs "Sunflower" image... It was so much fun to colour that I did it twice to double mount it!! ;)
I used the MFT Weekly Sketch (MFTWSC43), Nesties for Embossing, and lots of layers of the pretty MME Stella & Rose 'Hattie' papers.
Hope you like it...

And because I couldn't decide which angle was best you get a pic from the other side too!

Thanks for visiting and I hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
MFT WSC Getting Sketchy #43 (MFTWSC43)
Color Throwdown #165
Creative Craft Challenges - Fancy edges
Digital Tuesday Challenge #134 Buttons & Twine
Simon Says - Anything Goes
The Paper Shelter Challenge #37 - "Anything Goes"
Scrapbook Sisters Challenge #58
Paper Pretties Wednesday Challenge - PWC177
Digi Doodles Challenge 80 - Anything Goes
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #136 - Borders & Frames

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs "Sunflower", Sentiment - PTI "Mega Mixed Messages"
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Coloured with Copics
Paper: CS - SU, DP - MME Stella & Rose "Hattie"
Accessories: Nestabilities Rectangles, Circles, Lacey Circles, SU Scalloped Punch, Mounting Foam, Chocolate Kaisercraft Pearls, Brown Flower Buttons and Twine.

Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #12 - "Button It!"

2011-10-26T18:27:00.015+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's time for a new Whimsy Inspiration Challenge!
This week we would like you to "Button It!" All you need is a least ONE button on your card/project.

I decided to use the adorable "Flower Blossom Tree", available in Natalie's Moon Cookie Gallery at Whimsy Stamps.
I used non-traditional Christmas colours just for something different, which meant I got to play with my cute Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses papers again! Now that I've dug into them I can't stop! (Don't panic, it's only a 6x6 pad so you can't get tooo sick of them!)

Hope you like my card!

And another angle...

So join us for this weeks Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #12 - "Button It".
You could win 5 Free Digital Stamps of your choice, so click on the link above and get creating!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Shelly's Images TTT - Show us what you got!
Totally Papercrafts Challenges #89 - Layer upon Layer
Clearly Inspired Challenge #38 (CIC38) - Pink
Annabelle Stamps Challenge - Say It In...Pink, Green & Kraft
My Partner in Crafting Crime Challenge #34-Colour Challenge

Thanks for visiting, and have a great week!!
Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Image - "Flower Blossom Tree" from Moon Cookie Gallery, available from Whimsy Stamps.
Ink and Colour: Digi Image, Colored with Copics, Distress Inks Tumbled Glass for shading.
Paper: Cardstock - SU, DP - Basic Grey "Eskimo Kisses 6x6"
Accessories: Nestabilities Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals, Mounting Foam, Buttons, Twine, Leaves and Cherry Blossoms from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #21

2011-10-24T17:27:00.008+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's Monday, so it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time!!

This weeks challenge theme is... "No Sentiment and/or Harvest"!

We'd love you to play along with us! You don't have to use a Heart Song image - but of course we would love you to! You could win two images of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

Well No Sentiment was easy... But as I'm REALLY needing to get some Christmas cards done I decided to go with a 'Harvest' of Christmas decorations! I used Leah's lovely Heart Song Designs "Winter Basket" image... You can almost smell the beautiful fresh spruce!
I followed the Repeat Impressions Sketch O1911 as it was fairly simple and I wanted the image to stand out. I just framed the image, gave it texture with an embossed background, and distressed/aged everything with a little ink.

Thanks for visiting and I hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Repeat Impressions Sketch O1911
Shelly's Images TTT - Show us what you got!
Moving Along with the Times Challenge 119 - Vintage
Charisma Cardz Challenges Challenge #42 - Embossing
Colour Create Challenge 82 (insp pic)
Art Impression Challenge 37...Use Lace
Winter Wonderland - A Vintage Christmas
Crafty Ann's Challenge #52 - CAS
The Outlawz CAS Challenge Oct 23

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs - "Winter Basket"
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Colored with Copics, Shaded with Distress Inks Vintage Photo
Paper: CS - CM Cranberry,
Accessories: Couture Creations Embossing Folder "Diamond Trellis" , Mounting Foam, Chocolate Kaisercraft Pearls, Brown Grosgrain Ribbon and Lace from stash.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #20

2011-10-17T18:27:00.011+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's Monday, so it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time!!

This weeks challenge theme is... "Use Flowers and/or Felt"!

We'd love you to play along with us! You don't have to use a Heart Song image - but of course we would love you to! You could win two images of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

Now I was SURE I had some felt... but do you think I could find it? I'm one of those annoying people who like to know where everything is in my craft room - and I know I had one little piece of felt... but it wasn't "in it's place"!! (I know!!! I was as horrified as you!) So... this weeks card will have to be all about the flowers! I regularly add flowers as embellishments to my cards, so I figured that was too easy. I set myself the goal of doing the "Flowers Challenge" - without adding any actual flowers.

So I used one of Leah's sweet Heart Song Designs images, "Vase of Flowers", and some floral paper from My Minds Eye "Stella and Rose - Mabel". I still needed some pretties, so I added some lace and pearls...

And here's a close-up of Leah's sweet image...

Thanks for visiting and I hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Get in Shape
If the Shoe Fits Challenge #93 - For the Girls
Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge - Fancy Trim
Annabelle Stamps Challenge - Embellished corners
Emerald Faeries Challenge #11 - Flowers
By the Cute and Girly Challenge - Anything Goes and 2nd Birthday Blog Hop
Lily Pads Cards Bling Challenge

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs - "Vase of Flowers"
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Colored with Copics, Shaded with Distress Inks Antique Linen
Paper: CS - SU Baja Breeze, DP -MME 'Stella and Rose' Mabel
Accessories: Nestabilities Petite Scalloped Ovals, Labels 18, EK Success Scalloped Punch, Mounting Foam, Kaisercraft Pearls, Wild Orchid Lace.

Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #10 - Die Cuts and/or Punches

2011-10-12T18:27:00.002+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's time for a new Whimsy Inspiration Challenge!
This week we would like you to "Use Die Cuts and/or Punches!"

I decided to use the cute "Autumn Friends" image, and a sentiment from the "Summer Memories Sentiments" set, both by "Kathryne's StampArt Design" and available from Whimsy Stamps.
The Dies Cuts and Punches I used for this challenge are my yummy new Rectangle Lattice Nesties, Rectangule Nesties, and a Rectangle Punch. And I based my card on this weeks Sketch Saturday, and used some Sweet Shoppe digital papers.

And so you can see the dimension... (I've double mounted his little heart, and raised the whole image)

So join us for this weeks Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #10 - "Die Cuts and/or Punches".
You could win 5 Free Digital Stamps of your choice, so click on the link above and get creating!

Thanks for visiting, and have a great week!!
Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Image - "Autumn Friends" and Sentiment - "Summer Memories Sentiments", both from StampArt Design by Kathryne available from Whimsy Stamps.
Ink and Colour: Digi Image, Colored with Copics
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - Sweet Shoppe Digi Kit "Country Road"
Accessories: Nestabilities Lattice Rectangles, Rectangle Punch, Mounting Foam, SU Ribbon, Pearls.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #19

2011-10-10T17:27:00.003+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's Monday, so it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time again!! ;)

This weeks challenge theme is... "Use Die Cuts and/or Sponged Background"!
YAY! I love both of these! I'm a big fan of my Nesties and Die Cuts (gradually building up a collection...), and I also love sponging around my images and along the edges of my papers. So this week is right up my alley! ;)

We'd love you to go dig out those die-cuts, ink up your sponges and join us!
You don't have to use a Heart Song image - but of course we would love you to! You could win two images of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

I decided to use one of Leah's brand new Heart Song Designs images, "Tree", and gave it Autumn coloured leaves. I played with my new Fleur de Lis Accents and Nesties, and used some Basic Grey Pyrus paper. Oh and of course sponged around the image! ;) You can see all the details below...

Here is my card...

And the angle shot...

Thanks for visiting and I hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs - "Tree"
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Colored with Copics, Shading with Distress Inks Frayed Burlap
Paper: Cardstock - SU, DP - Basic Grey 'Pyrus'
Accessories: Nestabilities Labels 1, Fleur de Lis Rectangles, Fleur de Lis Accent Shapeabilities, Mounting Foam, Seam Binding, Lace and Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Sundays with Crissy Challenge #22--Thanksgiving

2011-10-05T20:27:00.149+10:30

Hi Everyone!
YAY! A new month means it's a new challenge at Sundays with Crissy!! So here I am with my 'Crissy's Crew' card to show you!

Our theme for October is THANKS/THANKSGIVING. That means "Thanks" or "Thanksgiving" cards are welcome for this challenge!

Now we don't celebrate 'Thanksgiving' here in Australia, but I have lots of lovely friends in the US and Canada who do - all of whom I'm very thankful for! (Not to mention that Crissy made such a cute turkey image that I wanted to play with hehe!)
So I've chosen Crissy's "Turk in Boots" image, available from Whimsy Stamps for my 'Thanksgiving' card. Though I think I'm the turkey 'cause I have to admit I actually don't know what colour a turkey is.... So I took a wild-turkey guess and just had fun!
What do you think?

And the angled view...

So now it's your turn... I'd love you to Gobble your way back over to the Sundays with Crissy blog and play along too - You can enter your creation at Sarah's Post - HERE-!

I'm entering this little turkey in the following challenges;
Sweet Stop Sketch - SSS128
Fall Colours Anything Goes For Kids Challenge
Our Creative Corner - Happy World Card Making Day Thanksgiving in US / Canada!
One Stop Craft Challenge - #151 For Men
Just Some Lines - Fall Colour Challenge
EPC Challenge #48 - Autumn / Thank you
Card and Scrap Challenge #17 - Embossing / Distressing
Always Something Creative Challenge #15 - Thank You
Creatalicious Challenge #26 - Anything Goes
Emerald Faerie Garden Challenge - #10 Punches / Dies
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #132 - Photo Inspiration
Cupcake Inspiration Challenge #130
Woodware USA Challenge #46 - Anything Goes
The Outlawz Greeting Challenge 1000 Member Party - Fall
Stamps R Us Challenge - Autumn / Fall
Paper Pretties Monday Challenge #10 - PPMC10 Colour
Netty G's Digital Gem Challenge - Fall
Make It Monday #57 - Anything Goes
iCopic Weekly Challenge #50 - Fall
House of Gilli Challenge #17 - Fall
Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge #43 - Canada's Thanksgiving
Creative Stamp Friends Challenge #35 - Autumn Colours
Crafty Boots Challenge - Zoo / Animal Theme
The Crafters Cafe October Progressive Challenge - Fall
Going Grey with Scrap-Creations Challenge: Fall
Lily Pads Cards Bling Challenge

(Holy Turkey! That's a lot of challenges this week! But I guess all the challenges seem to be Thanksgiving or Fall right now... and my little turkey is dressed in Fall colours standing in Autumn trees... so he fits! Clever little turkey.... And hopefully everyone will want one of Crissy's Turkey's for Thanksgiving!

Hope you all have a fabulous week, and have loads to be Thankful for!

Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Images - "Turk in Boots" by Crissy Armstrong, from Whimsy Stamps, Sentiment - "Gratitude=Joy" from Unity.
Ink and Colour: Printed, Colored with Copics, Versafine Sepia
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - The Paper Loft 'Back Country'
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Circles, Lacey Circles, Labels 2, Moroccan Screen CB Embossing Folder, Mounting foam, Kaisercraft Pearls, Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts, Garden Twine.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #18

2011-10-03T17:27:00.024+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's Monday, so it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time!! ;)
This week it's everyone's favourite... "Anything Goes"!

So bring on your fun, happy, quirky, crazy, pretty, sweet, cute, vintage, shabby best!!! Use any colour, paper, image, glitter, ribbon, bling, lace, or doo-dad that takes your fancy and get creating!! You don't have to use a Heart Song image (but of course we would love you to!). You could win two images of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

Now, I know you are all in the Northern Hemisphere and in the middle of Autumn... but I'm taking this opportunity of "Anything Goes" to celebrate the fact that Spring Has Sprung here where I live! ;) Everything is looking just gorgeous - the sky is blue, the sun is shining, and our newly created garden is starting to look... well... like a garden!! ;) Our hard work is paying off and the blossom, flowers, and fresh green growth is just lovely to see! There's still LOTS to do, but it feels so good to see progress!

One of the first pretty splashes of colour in our garden are the bulbs. I LOVE tulips, and as a tribute to our garden this week I'm using Leah's "Lovely Tulips" image!

And from the side...

Thanks for visiting and I hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Scrap Creations Challenge - Its a Girl Thing
Card and Scrap Challenge #17 - Embossing / Distressing
Speedy the Cat's Challenge Week 75~~Use Polka Dots
Always Something Creative Challenge #15 - Thank You
Creatalicious Challenge #26 - Anything Goes
Emerald Faerie Garden Oct Challenge - #10 Punches/Dies
Ginger Loft Challenge GL26 - The Colour Orange
Stamping with Brenda CAS Sunday Challenge #23 - Anything Goes
Scrapmaster's Paradise - SP Colour Combo #120
Woodware USA Challenge #46 - Anything Goes
Make It Monday Challenge #57 - Always Anything Goes
Crafty Cardmakers Challenge #53 - Anything Goes
Craft Your Passion challenge #78 - Anything Goes with Ribbon

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs - "Lovely Tulips", Sentiment - Gina K "Fanciful Tags"
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Colored with Copics, Shaded with Distress Inks Antique Linen
Paper: Cardstock - SU, DP -MME 'Stella and Rose' Mabel
Accessories: Nestabilities Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals, Fancy Tags, Mounting foam, Pearls, Wild Orchid Roses, SU Scallop Dot Ribbon.

Whimsy October Release

2011-10-02T01:30:00.025+09:30

Hi Everyone!
It's the beginning of the month, so that means NEW Whimsy Stamps ~ YAY!! This month there are new Crissy Armstrong, Raindrop Echo, Moon Cookie, Lia Stampz and Kathryn's Stamp Art images, and they are all available at the Whimsy Stamps Store right now!

And of course new stamps means a Blog Hop! Your first stop on the "Whimsy Stamps Digital Release Blog Hop" is always the Whimsy Inspirations Blog. You can find the complete list of participants there.
The blog hop runs from today, 1st October until Saturday, October 8th at 12:oo pm EST. And you'll want to leave some love along the way as there will be two bonus winners chosen from two mystery blogs! The Grand Prize Winner of the hop will be chosen from comments left on the final stop...the lucky winner will receive 5 new digital stamps of their choice from Whimsy! So, what are you waiting for? Head on over there and get hopping!

Although my team is not hopping today, I do have a card to share using one of the new images!

I couldn't resist trying one of Crissy's new 'sketch' images - you need to check these out as they are a fabulous new style. I've used "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch" - its absolutely adorable! I printed it in Sepia, and left it uncoloured to make it look a little vintage.
(It didn't turn out exactly how it did in my head, but with images this cute you can't go too far wrong!)

Make sure you visit the Whimsy Stamps Store to see all the new digital stamps available!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges;
Papertake Weekly Sketch
Die Cutting Divas Challenge #34 - Shabby or Vintage
Creatalicious Challenge #26 - Anything Goes
Emerald Faerie Garden October Challenge - #10 Punches / Dies

Thanks for visiting today, and hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Images - "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch in Pencil" by Crissy Armstrong, from Whimsy Stamps.
Ink and Colour: Digi, Colored with Copics, Distress Inks.
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - Websters Pages 6x6 pad
Accessories: Nestabilities Labels 11, Shapeabilities Fleur de Lis Accents border, Wild Orchid Lace and Asters, Mounting foam, Pearls

Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #8 - Pink and Brown

2011-09-28T17:27:00.007+09:30

Hi Everyone!!

It's time for a new Whimsy Inspiration Challenge!
This week we have a Colour challenge - "Pink and Brown"! So join in and show us your pretty Pink and Brown cards!

I decided to use the sweet "Garden Cottage" by Moon Cookie Gallery, available from Whimsy Stamps. There's a whole range of these cute little cottages so make sure you go check them out!
I used the Cute Card Thursday sketch for this week, and some Basic Grey Porcelain papers.

I double mounted the little flower details, and popped up the whole framed picture to make it stand out.

And so you can see the dimension...

So join us for this weeks Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #7 - "Pink and Brown".
You could win 5 Free Digital Stamps of your choice so click on the link above and get creating!

I'm entering this weeks card into the following challenges:
Cute Card Thursday Challenge #183 - Sketch Time
Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Anything Goes
Digistamps4Joy Challenge #28 - Anything Goes
Southern Girls Challenge #28 - Anything Goes
Wag'n'Whiskers Challenge #63 - Lace
Our Craft Lounge Challenge #84 - Patterned Paper
Lily Pads Cards Bling Challenge
Basic Grey Challenges #53 - Pink and Brown
Ooh La La Challenge #89 - Punches and Dies
Karen's Doodles Challenge - Pink and Brown
Hooked on Craft Challenges #8 - Ribbon and Lace
Die Cut Dreams Challenge #99 - Pink, Brown and Cream

Thanks for visiting, and have a great week!!
Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Images - "Garden Cottage" by Moon Cookie Gallery, from Whimsy Stamps.
Ink and Colour: Digi Image, Colored with Copics, shading with Distress Inks
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - Basic Grey "Bittersweet"
Accessories: Nestabilities Large Scalloped Ovals, Labels 18, CM CCS Circles, wild Orchid Lace and Wild Roses, Mounting foam, Pearls.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #17

2011-09-26T16:27:00.039+09:30

Hi Everyone!!
It's Monday, so it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time!! ;)

This week it's time to "Use Ribbon and/or a Tag"!
I thought I'd make my ribbon really stand out, and made a scrunchy triple bow in a strong feature colour. I was planning to hang a little tag saying 'Love', but I couldn't make it look right lol!
I used the sweet Heart Song Designs "Love Birds" image. It was so quick and easy to colour, and adorable for lots of cards. I also used the Sweet Stop Sketch for this week.

I hope you can play along too! You don't have to use a Heart Song image (but of course we would love you to!). You could win an image of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

Hope you like how my Love Birds turned out...

And a close up of the cute little birdies...

Thanks for visiting and hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Sweet Stop Sketch - SSS127
Scrap Creations Challenge - Anything Goes
The Sisterhood of Crafters Challenge - For the Birds
The Paper Shelter Challenge #32 - Anything Goes
For Fun Challenges - Anything Goes
Digistamps4Joy Challenge #28 - Anything Goes
Little Miss Muffet - Challenge #18 Things With Wings
Wag'n'Whiskers Challenge #63 - Lace
Our Craft Lounge Challenge #84 - Patterned Paper
Lily Pads Cards Bling Challenge
Totally Gorjuss Challenge #99 - Birds of a Feather
Speedy the Cat's Challenge Week 74~Things with Wings~
Crafty Boots Challenge #2 - Things with Wings
Hooked on Craft Challenges #8 - Ribbon and Lace

Thanks for visiting!

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs - "Love Birds"
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Colored with Copics
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - Basic Grey 'Porcelain'
Accessories: Mounting foam, Pearls, Wild Orchid Ribbon and Crochet Lace, Kaisercraft Pearl Brad.

Whimsy Inspiration Card

2011-09-21T17:27:00.053+09:30

Hi Everyone!!

Just popped in today to share a Whimsy Inspiration card with you!

This is the first time I've used any of the fun and quirky "Lia Stampz" images available from Whimsy Stamps! I chose "Tyalisha" - cause I felt sorry for the poor little kitty who needs a bath (and I don't want to know why!).
I have to say this image is very different to my usual style, but it was really fun to challenge myself and try something new! And to keep in line with trying something different, I paper-pieced Tyalisha's cute little dress. I used some digital papers from Sweet Shoppe Designs and this weeks Deconstructed Sketch #19.
I actually had trouble deciding which papers to use, so I've made 2 cards in very different colours! But you'll have to wait for another day to see the other one!! (well that was mean, wasn't it?)
Today's card is using Sweet Shoppe's "Kibou for Japan" collection.

Don't forget there is a new Whimsy Inspiration Challenge starting today! Go check it out and you could win 5 Free Digital Stamps of your choice!

I'm entering this weeks card into the following challenges:
Deconstructed Sketch 19
Forever Friends September Challenge - Paper Piecing
Creatalicious Challenge #26 - Anything Goes
Crafty Ann's Challenge #49 - Make Yourself Uncomfortable Different style of image, paper piecing a Digi image, using Digi papers.
Challenge Up Your Life Challenge #52 - Paper Piecing
Cuddly Buddly Challenge #12 - A Recipe
The Squirrel and the Fox Challenge #1 - Anything Goes
Make It Monday #55
Kaboodle Doodles Challenge #85 - Lots of Layers
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Creature Comforts
Digital Tuesday Challenge #129 - People Images

Thanks for visiting, and have a great week!!
Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Images - "Tyalisha" and Sentiment by Lia Stampz, from Whimsy Stamps.
Ink and Colour: Digi Image, Colored with Copics
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - Sweet Shoppe Designs "Kibou for Japan Collection
Accessories: Mounting foam, Nestabilities Deckled Rectangles, Kaisercraft Rhinestones, Grosgrain Ribbon, Wild Orchid Crafts Red Cherry Blossom and Sweetheart Blossoms.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #16

2011-09-19T16:27:00.007+09:30

Hi Everyone!!

It's Monday, so it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time!! ;)

This week it's time to "Use the colour Orange and/or Buttons"!!
And Leah has been creating, so we're very lucky to have a new image to play with! I couldn't resist using it straight away, especially as it fits in with the Orange theme so well - being a pumpkin and all! It's in the Heart Song Designs Store right now, and it's called the Autumn Friend set... so cute!
I remembered to add some Buttons too so it fits in with both challenges!

I hope you can play along too! You don't have to use a Heart Song image (but of course we would love you to!). You could win an image of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

Hope you like how my Autumn Friend card turned out...

Thanks for visiting and hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Tuesday Throwdown #66 - Pearls
PTT#33 Ribbon Trim and Fibers Oh My!
Paper and Such Tic Tac Toe Challenge (Flowers/DP/Twine)
TLT Challenge #37 - Flowers
Digital Tuesday Challenge#128 - Celebrate the Season
Creative Craft Challenges - Buttons and Bling
Bearly Mine Challenge 19 - Button it Up
Paper Pretties PWC171 - Earth Elements
Crafty Ribbon Challenge 2 - Anything Goes
4 Crafty Chicks Challenge #55 - Embossing
Digi Doodles Shop Challenge #76 - Autumn Colours
Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge #RRR32 Autumn Theme
Our Craft Lounge OCL83 – Color Challenge!
Delicious Doodles Challenge #2 - Cute as a Button
CES Challenge #54 - Embellish Me More (At Least 4 Different Types)... Ribbon, Buttons, Twine, Pearls, Roses!
Crazy 4 Challenges C4C105 - Pumpkin
Pile It On Challenge - PIO #38 - The Colors of Fall
Dream Valley Challenge 16 - Buttons
Aly's Sunday Challenge - ASC Add a bow Sept Challenge
Here Come the Boys #11 - Bingo (Die Cuts, Buttons, 2 Squares... plus Cute image and twine!)

Thanks for visiting!
Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs - Autumn Friend
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Colored with Copics
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - DCWV Amber Autumn
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Deckled Rectangles, Moroccan Screen Embossing Folder, Mounting foam, Pearls, Buttons, Twine, Grosgrain Ribbon, Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts

Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #6 - Love of Pets

2011-09-14T17:27:00.030+09:30

Hi Everyone!!

I'm excited to be sharing my very first Whimsy Inspiration Challenge card (well as a DT member anyway!)
Our Topic this week is "Love of Pets"! So show us your cards with "Anything Pet Related - and a sentiment!"

I decided to use the adorable "In the Doghouse" by Crissy Armstrong, teamed with one of Ann Vento's Raindrop Echo Sentiment sets, "Animal Companions", both available from Whimsy Stamps! So much fun to colour! I used the Sketch Saturday Week #172 sketch, and some Basic Grey Max & Whiskers papers that I hadn't had a chance to use yet.

I double mounted the cute little puppy to give him more dimension and make his adorable cheeks stand out, and my hubby named him Lucky!
Hope you like him!

And so you can see the dimension...

So join us for this weeks Whimsy Inspiration Challenge #6 - "Love of Pets"!
You could win 5 Free Digital Stamps of your choice so click on the link above and get creating!

I'm entering this weeks card into the following challenges:
Sketch Saturday - Week #172 - 10th September
Digistamps4Joy Challenge 27 : "The Colours of Fall"
DYSU Challenge #36 Texture (Garden twine)
Craft Us Crazy Challenge 16 - Autumn Colours and/or Fave embellishment
Fairy Fun Friday #61 - Masculine
The Secret Crafter Challenge #151 - Inspiredby a Song ("The Puppy Song")
Crazy 4 Challenges C4C104 - Colour Challenge
The Hybrid Chick Card Caravan Challenge #1 - Use Twine
The Crafty Pad Challenge #138 - Autumnal Colours
Come and Get It Challenge - Happy (almost) Fall Colours
Stamps & Fun = Creativity Challenge # 64 Tiere / Animals
Happileigh Scappin' Challenge #39 - Fall Colours
Enjoy the Journey Challenge #82 - Photo Inspiration (Fall colours)
Crafty Boots - Anything Goes!
Simon Says.... SING IT!!!! (Song or Film Title Inspired) ("The Puppy Song" or the cutest movie "Homeward Bound"!
Papercraft Star Challenge 62 - Anything Goes !!
Little Red Wagon Challenge #98 - Use Twine!
Belli Challenge #126 - String

Thanks for visiting, and have a great week!!
Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Images - "In the Doghouse" by Crissy Armstrong, and Sentiment - "Animal Companions" by Ann Vento both from Whimsy Stamps.
Ink and Colour: Digi Image, Colored with Copics
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - Basic Grey "Max & Whiskers'
Accessories: Mounting foam, Pearls, Gardening Twine

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #15

2011-09-12T16:27:00.004+09:30

Hi Everyone!!
Gosh this week has flown by! It's been a busy one for me, but I got to spend some fabulous playtime with my two beautiful nieces yesterday, so I'm happy!

Well it's Heart Song Inspiration Challenge time again!
For this week we're asking you to "Use Glitter and/or Chipboard".
(Ahhhhh!!! Glitter??? Really??!!) I'm not a huge fan of glitter. Well more specifically the uncontrollable and everlasting aftermath... The way it multiplies and spreads onto every surface of the house!
So I thought I would cheat a little (hehehe) and use glittered paper instead of the loose stuff. Mental note.... Next time ensure that the 'glittered' paper is the glued-in kind that doesn't just rub off! Even my poor kitty cat now sparkles!
But hey... It really is pretty MME paper. I just might sit in the bath tub next time I use it lol!
To fit the chipboard part of the challenge into my card I added an embellishment that matched the paper.

I hope you can play along too! You don't have to use a Heart Song image (but of course we would love you to!). You could win an image of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

This time I'm using the sweet Heart Song Lovely Cupcake image, and followed the Sweet Stop Sketch.

Hope you like how it turned out...

And another angle...

Thanks for visiting and hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
I used the Sweet Stop Sketch this week... Sweet Stop Sketch - SSS125-September 10
Deep Ocean Challenge #7 - Hearts
Creative Card Crew - Anything Goes
The Paper Shelter - Challenge #30, Embossing of any kind!
MMCS Challenge - Layer it up!!
Kelly Kids Challenge 6 Girly Girl (Well a cupcake is literally made of sugar and spice!)
The Paper Variety - Celebration Day 5: Favourite Embellishment Nesties, Pearls (can't seem to make a card without them...)
Crafting for All Seasons - Ch #9 - Birthday
Southern Girls Challenge & Blog Hop! - Layers / Birthday
Digi Doodle Shop - Challenge 75-Circles
Delightful Challenges - BLING IT!
Crafty Purple Frog - Birthdays
Colour Create - Challenge 79 - Pink, Brown, Cream, White
AUD Sentiments Challenge #36 - card for a girl
Stampin for the Weekend - Challenge 16 - Tickled Pink
Stamp Something(Anything goes) ~The Final Challenge~
Phindy's Friday Challenge #72 - stripes somewhere!
Pattie's Creations Challenge 30 - Girlie Things
Card Makin Mamas - Challenge #28 - Pink
One Stop Craft - Week #148 - Food and Drink
CBGM challenge # 15 - Cute as a cupcake
Catch the Bug - Let’s Get Punchy!
PIO Challenge 37 - Layer it
Cupcake Inspirations - Challenge 127
The Crazy Challenge CCH# 84 Birthdays
Stamps R Us Challenge - Friendship
Scrapmaster's Paradise SP Color Combo #117
Lia Stampz Challenge #2 - Birthdays
KB Cute Monday Challenge 28 - Cupcakes!
Kaboodle Doodles - Challenge #84 - Chipboard (Embellishment)

(Wow - found LOTS of challenges today!)

Thanks for visiting!
Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs - Lovely Cupcake, Sentiment - PTI Mega Mixed Messages
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Versafine Onyx, Colored with Copics
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - MME Lost & Found 'Market Street' and 'Madison Avenue'.
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Circles, Lacey Circles, Mounting foam, Pearls, Chipboard Heart Embellishment - Lost & Found 'Market Street'.

2011-09-10T15:28:00.003+09:30

Hi Everyone!

Hope you all had a fabulous week!

Firstly I want to remind everyone that Whimsy Stamps are having a FABULOUS FALL SALE at the moment!! Just click on my little image on the right hand side to be taken straight to the Sale from the 8th to the 11th September - 25% off is too good to miss!!

I have a card to share that I made especially for a friends wedding, using Raindrop Echo digis from Whimsy Stamps!
The wedding theme was 'Black & White', so I used my DCWV La Creme stack and a simple sketch from Cardabilities.

I used the gorgeous Raindrop Echo Crowned Oval Hearts frame, with one of the sweet 'Ways of Love Sentiments' as the focal point, both found at Whimsy Stamps.

Hope you like how it turned out!

And what would a Wedding card be without a bit of Bling? So I added a lattice border, some pearls and roses, and there you have a 'Whimsical' Wedding Card!

Thanks for visiting and see you again soon!

Love and Hugs,

Stamp: Images - 'Crowned Oval Hearts' frame and 'Ways of Love Sentiment' by Ann Vento (Raindrop Echo range), from Whimsy Stamps
Ink and Colour: Digi Image and sentiment
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - DCWV La Creme
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Labels 4, EK Success Lattice Punch, Mounting foam, Pearls, Satin Ribbon, Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Sundays with Crissy Challenge #21--Friendship

2011-09-05T19:27:00.007+09:30

Hi Everyone! (Please see below if you are looking for my Heart Song Post for this week!)

I'm so happy to be back with another Sundays with Crissy Challenge! And I'm still so excited to be a permanent member of the fabulous Crissy's Crew!

Our challenge for the month of September is extra special, because its all about FRIENDSHIP!

Why not take the chance to make your Bestie a special card to let them know how much they mean to you... How much you appreciate their friendship!

I've chosen Crissy's ever-so-adorable "Bunny with Flowers" image, available from Whimsy Stamps for my 'Friendship' card. It was so much fun to Colour up with my Copics (which I'm still learning how to use!)- but ALL of Crissy's images are cute no matter how you colour them!

So here's my Challenge #21 - Friendship card...

I finally broke into my yummy October Afternoon "The Thrift Shop" papers, and used a sentiment from Create with TLC (which definitely went well with the Bunny!).

So now it's your turn... I'd love you to Bunny Hop back over to the Sundays with Crissy blog and play along too - You can enter your creation at Sarah's Post - HERE-!

Thank you all for sharing this with me, and hope you all have a fabulous week!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Tuesday Throwdown #64 - Punny sentiment
Party Time Tuesdays #31 - Anything Goes
Creative Card Crew - Anything Goes
Beary Mine Challenge #18 - Flowers!
The Paper Shelter Challenge #29 - Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon Challenge #96 - Border Punches
Crafty Creations Challenge #134 - Dies n Punches!
DYSU Challenge #35 - Friendly Critters
Cute Card Thursday Challenge 180 - A Pinch & A Punch!
Stamp Something - September Digi Day Challenge
The Poodles Parlour - Animal Antics
Jellypark Friends - Get Punchy
Bugaboo’s September Anything Goes Challenge!
2 Sisters Challenge 55 ~ Friends
Pile It On Challenge #36 - B is for...Anything that begins with B! - How about a "Bouncing Bunny with a Big Blooming Bouquet?" ;)
Sparkles Forum Challenge # 19 Punch It....
Crafting When We Can - Challenge *1
Woodware USA Challenge #42 - Anything Goes
Stamps R Us - Friendship Challenge
My Craft Spot Challenge 24 - Friends Are Best
Forever Friends - Use Your Dies
Craft Your Passion Challenge #74 - Flowers

Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Images - "Bunny with Flowers" by Crissy Armstrong, from Whimsy Stamps, Sentiment - Create with TLC .
Ink and Colour: Digi Image, Distress Inks, Colored with Copics
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - October Afternoon 'Thrift Shop'
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Labels 1, CM Circle Punches, SU Scallop Punch, Mounting foam, Pearls, Stampendous FunFlock, Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #14

2011-09-05T16:27:00.003+09:30

Hi Everyone!!

Welcome to my Heart Song Inspiration Challenge blog post for this week!
Wow! We had a FABULOUS turn out for our challenge last week! It was so good to see so many beautiful entries!!
This weeks challenge is another fun one "Use Distressing &/or Paint"! I can see lots of creativity going on with this one! (and maybe more than a little MESS lol!)

I hope you can play along too this week. You don't have to use a Heart Song image (but of course we would love you to!). You could win an image of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

This week I decided to use the Heart Song Challenge FREEBIE image! You can find it HERE if you'd like to try it out too!
I had a bit of fun painting lightly over some cheap printed paper and then used that as my dp.
I roughed up the edges of my card stock and dp with plain old scissors and inked the edges with Distress Ink.

Hope you like how it turned out...

And another angle...

Thanks for visiting and hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges...
Party Time Tuesdays #31 - Anything Goes
Creative Card Crew - Anything Goes
Bearly Mine Challenge #18 - Flowers!
Color Create Challenge 78 - Kraft, Red and White/Cream
Charisma Cardz Challenge #35 - Anything Goes
Stamp Something - September Digi Day Challenge
Fairytale Challenge #23 - Flower and Lace
Cuddly Buddly Challenge #10 – Vintage, Distressing & Flowers
Card Makin Mamas Challenge 28 - Digital
Bugaboo’s September Anything Goes Challenge!

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Heart Song Designs - Flowers in a Jug (Freebie)
Ink & Colour: Digi image. Distress Ink, Colored with Copics
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - printed and painted!
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals, Mounting foam, Pearls, Lace from Wild Orchid Crafts.

More fab news to share!

2011-09-02T14:52:00.000+09:30

What a HUGE few weeks I've had!!
I can now share the fabulous news that I've been offered a position on the Whimsy Stamps Digital Design Team!

I will be working with the wonderful range of digital images at the Whimsy Store, and appearing alongside the amazing DT talent on both the Whimsy Inspiration Blog and the new Whimsy Challenge Blog!
So stay tuned for a whole lot of Whimsy creations...! I feel completely honored and hope I can do my very best for Denise and her fabulous artists! YAY!!!

Love & Hugs,

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #13

2011-08-29T16:27:00.024+09:30

Hi Everyone!!

Welcome to my Heart Song Inspiration Challenge blog post for this week!
This weeks challenge is everyone's favourite... "Anything Goes and/or Favourite Colours"!! So you get to go crazy and do whatever you love!

I hope you can play along too this week. You don't have to use a Heart Song image (but of course we would love you to!). You could win an image of your choice from the Heart Song Designs store!

I decided to use the gorgeous Heart Song Welcome Precious Baby set. I keep thinking how sweet this image is, so I'm so glad to finally have a chance to use it!
I intended to use one of my favourite Colour combinations 'Red & Aqua', but after I finished coloring I realized how much green there was in the image, so I changed it to 'Red, Peach Aqua and Lime' lol!

Hope you like my card...

And a side view...

I used Dawny's Sketch from the Simon Says Stamp Blog Challenge,
And am also going to enter this card in the following challenges...
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Dies to Die For
PCJ Challenge 17: Anything Goes
The Outlawz Copic Promarker Challenge Aug 26th
Craft Us Crazy ~Challenge 15
Art Impressions Challenge # 29 Summertime..
AUD Sentiments - Challenge #35
Wags & Whiskers - Challenge 61 - Outdoor Fun
The Poodles Parlour - Anything Goes
Jellypark Friends!- Use a Die Cut or Punch
Ellephantastic August challenge {Add some layers}
Crafty Calendar August Challenge - Hot Colours
Make It Monday #52
Victorine Origianls Challenge #15 - Summer
TSG122 One layer with pop
The Crazy Challenge - CCH #82 "New Baby"
Stamps R Us - Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting and hope you can play along with us at Heart Song Inspirations this week!

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Image & Sentiment - Heart Song Designs - Welcome Precious Baby
Ink and Colour: Images: Printer. Colored with Copics
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - MME Quite Contrary 'Jack & Jill'
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Labels 1, Mounting foam, Pearls, Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Whimsy Stamps DT Call

2011-08-27T01:00:00.005+09:30

Hi Everyone!
Guess what? Just wanted to let you all know there is an open design team call for the oh-so-fabulous Whimsy Stamps!

As you know I am honoured to be one of Crissy's Crew members... And of course Crissy's adorable images can be found at... Yep... Whimsy Stamps!
This call will remain open through to 11:59pm EST on August 28th, so I hope you all give it a try! Details can be found on the Whimsy Inspirations blog!

I used the adorable "Nose to Nose" from the Whimsy Store in my Sunday's with Crissy post this month - here is a little pic, but you can see the details in my blog post...

All Whimsy Stamps are fabulous so give it a try!

Here are three cards that I loved making all in very different styles...

Good luck and have fun!
Love & Hugs,

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #12

2011-08-22T16:27:00.010+09:30

Hi Everyone!!

Welcome to my Heart Song Inspiration Challenge blog post for this week!
This weeks challenge is "Shabby Chic and/or Use Pearls". Would you believe I have never tried 'shabby chic' before?! It was a bit of a challenge - but I love trying something new so it was fun! I definitely think I'll be trying some more in this style!

I hope you can play along too this week. You don't have to use a Heart Song image (but of course we would love you to!). You could win an image of your choice from the Heart Song store! PLUS, for this week, one of our fabulous DT members has generously offered a RAK for the lucky winner also... 2 Copic Ciao markers in their choice of colors and a black sharpie marker. How sweet is that!?

Here's how my first attempt at 'shabby chic' turned out...

And a side view...

I double layered the fabulous Heart Song Icecream image so it looked extra delicious, and mounted it over distressed Grace Taylor Vintage Collection papers. Beautiful lace and scrunched ribbon, with lots of pearls finished the 'shabby' look!

Thanks for visiting and hope you can play along!

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Images & Sentiment - Heart Song Designs - Icecream Set
Ink and Colour: Images: Printer. Colored with Copics, Distress Inks
Paper: Cardstock - SU, DP - Grace Taylor 'Vintage Collection'
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Long Rectangles, Mounting foam, Kaisercraft Pearl charm Brad and pearls, Pearl stick pins, Binding and Crochet Lace from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Sundays with Crissy Challenge #20--K.I.S.S.--Keep It Simple Stamper

2011-08-20T19:34:00.003+09:30

Hi Everyone!

I'm so excited! My very first post for the "Sundays with Crissy" Design Team is now LIVE! Little 'ole me!... On Crissy's blog!... You have to go see!... - HERE!!
(But make sure you come back!)

***

Well? What did you think?? ;) Fun, huh?
(You can see how I came to be on Crissy's Team in my previous post!)

So now I get to share it with you right here... my very first card as a Crissy Crew member! Talk about a dream come true!

There is a new challenge every month at Sundays with Crissy. The challenge for the month of August is K.I.S.S. -- Keep It Simple Stamper!
Tricky, right? I had to slap my own fingers to stop myself adding all the yumminess that we card-makers love! (Though I did sneak in just a tiny bit of bling and flowers.... Because after all this IS my very first card for Crissy - and it couldn't be nekkid!)

I also decided to take 'K.I.S.S.' literally, and used Crissy's absolutely adorable digital image "Nose to Nose", from Whimsy Stamps. This gorgeous little girl giving an 'Eskimo Kiss' to her puppy looks so much like my beautiful niece Ava that I totally fell in love with her!

I used my sweet My Mind's Eye "Stella & Rose - Mabel" papers with just simple brown borders. The sentiment was from Create with TLC... I added my cheeky bit of bling and voila - done!

So now it's your turn... I'd love you to hop back over to the Sundays with Crissy blog and play along too - You can enter your creation at Sarah's Post - HERE-!

Thank you all for sharing this with me, and hope you all have a fabulous week!

Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Images - "Nose to Nose" by Crissy Armstrong, from Whimsy Stamps, Sentiment - Create with TLC .
Ink and Colour: Images: Printed, Colored with Copics
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - MME 'Stella and Rose' Mabel
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Long Classic Scalloped Rectangles, Fancy Tags, Mounting foam, Pearls, Roses and Sweetheart Blossoms from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I've Got Some Explaining To Do... ;)

2011-08-17T17:46:00.069+09:30

Hi Everyone!
You know how there's 'crazy'.... and then there's 'CRAZY'?
Well I have some news that's a little bit of 'crazy/funny', and a whole lot of 'crazy/amazing'!!

The 'crazy', (but totally amazingly fabulous!) news, is that I am now a member of the "Sundays with Crissy" Design Team!! The 'crazy/funny' bit is how it all came together lol!

Here's a brief run-down for those who have been curiously watching my blog posts that appeared, changed, and then disappeared! Yep - it was confusing for me too!

It all started when I decided (at the last minute of course!) to pop a card in Crissy Armstrong's Design Team Call. Long story short, I got just a wee bit carried away and made like a dozen cards.... (well it's not like I'm short of Crissy images to play with!)
I decided that I'd make a series on my blog of Crissy's cute little images - telling her that they love me making them into cards... (yes I guess that's another meaning for crazy...)
I had a bit of fun with it, but after it was announced on Sunday's with Crissy that the new team had been chosen (and I hadn't heard anything), I started thinking about how silly these posts now looked.
So I removed all but the initial post - with an inclusion about never setting my goals too high again!!
What I didn't know is that Crissy HAD seen them, had chosen me for the team, but was away camping, planning to contact me when she got back!
After battling through a jungle of blog messages and emails, we finally made CONTACT... and my dream came true - I am one of Crissy's Crew!! (And guess what? Crissy is as fabulous as I always imagined she would be!!)

Anyway, you get the idea... Very silly indeed! And at least it explains my fabulous journey onto Crissy's Crew... Things that are supposed to happen work themselves out - even if it feels a little crazy along the way!! ;)

>>>> My first Sunday's with Crissy post will be on Saturday 20th August!! <<<<

So I thought today I would include some excerpts from the posts that brought this all about... just a few for those that missed them! (If you would like any details of the cards just let me know...)
You can see the first post HERE (I left it for posterity!) - And it explains my reasons for entering in the first place.

***

(Sunday's With Crissy #2 - Family Portrait)

Hi again,
This time my good friends, the Gothic Cows, have dropped in to say Hi, and to show Crissy that they were even willing to pose for their family portraits with me this week. It was such a great honor for me! Here's how they turned out...

They thought they were "Udderly Moovelous"! Thanks Guys! ;)
Ok that was BAD.... moooooving on! (hehehe!) (...)

***

(Sunday's With Crissy #7 - I Treely Love You)

(...) When these two heard I needed some support, they just HAD to be involved! Unfortunately they were busy building their dam, but sent me this message of love and encouragement - aren't they cutie-pies?
Love you right back! "Dam Sweet Dam" little darlings!

Aren't I lucky to have so many fabulous image friends? (...)

***

Sunday's With Crissy #8 - I'm Diggin' Shannah

(...) Now my good mate Gordon has stopped his very important job just to quickly give Crissy the nod that I am a hard workin' sheila and would do my very best for her! I'll let him get back to work - but thanks buddy for your thumbs up!

Isn't he a good bloke?
Who'll be next?

***

Sunday's With Crissy #9 - Luigi's Special Delivery

Buon Giorno!!
Ahhhh Crissy!! My Amigo!! Shannah woulda fit into your team lika Pepperoni ona your pizza!!!
She is Bellisimo, and wanted me to make disa pizza especially for you! Buon Appetito!

Thanks so much Luigi! You're THE BEST!!!

***

Love & Hugs,

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #11 AND Baby Card Shower!

2011-08-15T16:27:00.009+09:30

Hi Everyone!!

Welcome to my Heart Song Inspiration Challenge blog post for this week!
This week we challenge you to "Use an Animal Image and/or Pleated Ribbon or Paper." What a fun challenge!
You don't have to use a Heart Song image - but we would of course love you to! There is even a fabulous Freebie for you to try... So why not join in? You could win an image of your choice from the Heart Song store!

I was so excited to do my card this week! We Heart Song Design gals decided to surprise Leah with a BABY CARD SHOWER! So when she returns from Ethiopia with Makaio she will hopefully see a mass of cute baby love! Isn't that awesome??

So here is my card for Leah and her family to Welcome little Makaio!

Here is a view showing the layering...

I used the sweet Heart Song Giraffe, double layered for extra-dimensional cuteness, framed with deckled Nesties and mounted over my pleated ribbon feature. So I managed to cover Animals, Pleating AND a Baby Card!! ;)

Thanks for visiting and hope you can play along!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges;
Here Come the Boys Challenge #8 - Critters
Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #116 (MMSC116)
Kelly Kids Challenge #2 - Bring on the Babies
Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge - Animals!
Patty's Creations - Challenge 28 Animals or Insects
Card Makin Mamas - Challenge #26 - Birthday Card
Paper Playtime - Challenge# 53 - Anything Goes!
Cards For Men - Challenge 17 - Anything Goes
Sparkles Challenge # 18, One For The Boys

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Images - Heart Song Designs - Giraffe, Sentiment - Computer generated.
Ink and Colour: Images: Printer. Colored with Copics.
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - DCWV Baby Scrapbook Kit
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Deckled Rectangles, SU Vanilla ribbon, SU Scallop Punch, CM circle punches, Mounting foam, buttons, twine.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #10

2011-08-08T16:27:00.017+09:30

Hi Everyone!!

Firstly, I want to send my warmest congratulations to Leah (owner and illustrator of Heart Song Designs) and her family! After a long and difficult battle with bureaucracy, Leah is finally on her way to collect their much loved son, Makaio! I'm sooooo happy for you, and can't wait to see the beautiful photos of your family finally together!

In the meantime, I'm back again with another Heart Song Inspiration Challenge!! I'm really in the swing of this now and am absolutely LOVING being part of the fabulous Heart Song Design Team. They are an awesome group of ladies!

For this week, HSIC#10, we'd love you to make a card using the theme "Back to School and/or Use Circles."
Well this was tricky for me as I don't have kids, so don't have anything remotely 'back to school-ish' in my stash! Never fear - the internet is here!! ;) I looked up a cute little scrapbooking digi kit and printed off a few papers to get me started.
Leah's Heart Song Designs "Apple" was the perfect focal image, which I decided to play around with and paper-piece just for fun! I hadn't ever tried this with digital images before, and it was easier than I thought - Just print your image onto the patterned papers and cut out your pieces. And if you're clever there isn't too much waste either!
So here is how it turned out...

The apple and the sentiment are both raised on mounting foam to give added dimension. Here's a different angle so you can see...

And of course just to be clever I used Circles to frame my image - the other challenge too!
Hope you have loads of fun with this challenge - you can find more inspiration from the rest of the DT on the Heart Song Inspirations Blog!

For this card, I used Sweet Sketch Wednesday #113
I'd also like to enter this card in the following challenges;
Digital Delights Challenge - Stitching (Real or Faux)
Dutch Dare - DDCC #124-Aug 4-For The Kids
Meljen's Designs Challenge #70 - Back 2 School
Dare to be Sassy Thursdays DTBST#84 - Use a Sentiment
Stamp Something - August Digi Day Challenge
Crafty Catz Challenge #94 - Back to School
Allsorts Week 115 - Red Card

See you next week!!
Love & Hugs,

Recipe;
Stamp: Images - Heart Song Designs - Apple
Ink and Colour: Images: Printer. Shaded with Copics
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - Sweet Shoppe Designs "School Days" digi kit by Zoe Pearn
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Circles, Lacey Circles, Mounting foam.

Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #9 & New Release!

2011-08-01T16:27:00.003+09:30

Hi Everyone!

I'm back again for the new Heart Song Inspiration Challenge!
So for HSIC#9 we're asking you to go Monochromatic &/or Use Brads!
I can think of loads of fun ideas with that...

ESPECIALLY since today is RELEASE DAY!! YAY! Leah has come up with some yummy new images - you definitely need to pop over to the Heart Song Designs Shop and check them out! I've had so much fun playing with them.
Here is a card I came up with using one of the fabulous new sets... Of course using Brads to fit nicely in with this weeks challenge ;)

I hope you love this cute little owl image and sentiment as much as I do! Don't forget to check it out with the rest of the new release... And of course don't forget to play along with us in this weeks challenge!

Thanks for visiting and hope you all have an awesome week!
Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Images - Heart Song Designs
Ink and Colour: Images: Printer. Colored with Copics & Distress Inks for shading.
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - Kaisercraft "What a Hoot"
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals, Mounting foam, Kaisercraft "Rough & Tough" Brads.

Sunday's With Crissy #1 - Look Out Below!

2011-07-31T19:03:00.032+09:30

Hi Everyone!

Well... I'm thinking I must be crazy to even THINK it... But I'm going to try out for the Sunday's with Crissy Design Team!! I know - what an absolute nutter!! THOSE gals are in a whole league of their own.
BUT... Then I thought about what a sign of respect it would be to show that I'd WANT to be on Crissy's team. (AND what a bloomin' marvelous excuse to play with as many of my fabulous old "Crissy images" as I can for a few days hehehe!)

There is a whole history here. Crissy will have no idea that her images ARE the reason I got into stamping and card making. I totally fell in love with her High Hopes images (and bought pretty much all of every new release!). I am so grateful for her cute, fun and uplifting images at a time in my life when I totally needed something cute, fun and uplifting! I owe Crissy Armstrong a LOT!

So, I asked a few of my old friends (i.e. Crissy's old images) to lend a hand, paw and hoof in my support, to maybe convince Crissy that though I'm no artist I sure do love her work, and would do my very best on her team!!

The first, and most dramatic entrance is Juliette's Leap of Faith! She decided to drop in from above to let Crissy know how much she loved being in my card!
Here she is in all her splendor....

Thanks so much Juliette!

Keep watch for more of my buddies popping in to show their support!

Love & Hugs,

Stamp: Images - High Hopes - Juliette's Leap of Faith
Ink and Colour: Images: Memento Tuxedo, Colored with Copics
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - MME Stella and Rose Gertie
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals, Mounting foam, Pearls.

Big News & Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #8

2011-07-25T16:27:00.003+09:30

Hi Everyone!!

Well I have some VERY exciting news!! I am thrilled to announce that I am now a member of the fabulous Heart Song Design Team!
I'd like to thank Leah very much for offering me a position - even though I have no DT experience at all. But she has a gorgeous range of digital stamps, and a kind heart, so here I am - a Heart Song Design Team Member!!

So now I will definitely be making regular Blog posts - each Monday you will see my entry for the Heart Song Inspiration Challenge! Make sure you check out what my fellow DT members come up with too... And join in the FUN yourself!!

So now onto my VERY FIRST challenge for Heart Song....

This weeks Heart Song Inspiration Challenge #8 is... Anything Goes/Favorite Technique!
Now that gives you plenty of scope to go wild and have loads of FUN!! So... start playing and then load up your marvelous creations on the Heart Song Inspiration site!

Here's my challenge card - using the gorgeous Very Cherry Frame (found HERE!), combined with a sweet Create with TLC sentiment, and my favourite techniques of Copic colouring and 3D mounting. Hope you like it!

And a tricky camera angle to show off the stamp and my speccy 3D work...

To see this and all the Heart Song images you can go directly to the shop "Heart Song Designs"!

Thanks for visiting and I'll be back with another post soon!
Hope you all have a fabulous week,
Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: Images - Heart Song Designs - Very Cherry Frame, Sentiment - Create with TLC
Ink and Colour: Images: Printer. Colored with Copics & Distress Inks for shading.
Paper: Cardstock - PTI, DP - Webster's Pages
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Lacey Circles, Mounting foam.

Wishing You Everything Wonderful...

2011-07-05T22:43:00.005+09:30

Hi Everyone!

Back again with another card! ;)

My sweet friend Julie has a fabulous online store called Paper and Such, and of course there is an awesome Paper and Such Blog and Design Team to go with it. As well as the usual yummy goodies, this week Julie will be releasing her very own range of stamps!! (To check them out just click on the badge to the right for a direct link to the store.)
Well anyway, I have missed the first few Paper and Such challenges (life just keeps getting in the way!), but this week I have finally managed to get a card made so I can join in! YAY!
This week is a Colour Challenge - Red, Kraft, and Blue.
I also chose the Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge for this week, a Mo's Digital Pencil image and a TLC sentiment.

So here's my card...

I'm entering this card in the following fun challenges;
Paper and Such Challenge Time - Red, Kraft, Blue
Sweet Sketch Wednesday Sketch #108
iCopic Weekly Ch#37 - Use Copics and Red, White and Blue
Paper Playtime - CH# 49 - Digi Monday Red, White & Blue
The Pink Elephant - TPE106 - Red, White & Blue
Pollycraft - Challenge *100* - Celebrations
Forever Friends - Birthday (must include animal)
Creative Inspirations Challenge 63- Red, White and Blue
Sentimental Sundays - #62 - Anything (plus sentiment!)
Cupcake Inspirations #117 - Photo inspiration
Craft Us Crazy - #11 - Red, White and Blue
Pixie Dust Studio Challenge #81 - Be Proud
Rainbow Lady - Challenge 159 - Patriotic
Craft Your Passion #65 - Anything Goes
Make It Monday #44 - Anything Goes
Clearly Inspired #31 (CIC31) - (Circle Punch & Nesties)
Card Makin Mamas Challenge #23 - Red, White & Blue

Love and Hugs, and Happy Wishes to all my American friends that they had a fabulous 4th July weekend!!

Recipe:
Stamp: Image - Mo's Digital Pencil, Sentiment - TLC Digital
Ink and Colour: Images: Printer. Colored with Copics & Distress Inks for shading.
Paper: Cardstock - CM, DP - digital scrapbooking kit by Summer Driggs
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Large Scalloped Ovals, CM Large Circle Punch, Red Pearls, Mounting foam, Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Ewe Look Gorgeous Da-ah-ah-hling!

2011-06-14T21:16:00.000+09:30

Hi Everyone!

Thought I'd forgotten I had a Blog, didn't you?
Well... maybe it kind of slipped my mind for a while ;)

But when I had a card to make for a friend of the family I decided to look up a sketch... And if I'm working from a sketch then I may as well enter the challenge, right?

So, here is the card I made for our friend, Kathy. She has a farm just up the road from us and breeds sheep, so this image from TLC was perfect for her card. Kathy is a bright and vibrant person (with pink in her hair!!), so I picked bright colours from the DCWV Summer stack. I don't usually use these sort of colours, so it was fun to play a little!

The sketch is the Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #73.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges;
Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #73 - Sketch
Paper Sundaes Challenge #73 - Girly Girl
Make It Monday #41
Forever Friends June Monthly Challenge - 3DP
KB Cute Monday - Challenge 17 - Anything Goes
Cupcake Inspirations - Challenge #115
My Partner in Crafting Crime - Challenge #29 Tutti Fruitti! (you did say "let your inner Fruitcake out" and have some fun! - Three sheep getting a mani surely counts? ;)

Love & Hugs,

Recipe:
Stamp: TLC - Digital image
Ink and Colour: Image: Printer. Colored with Copics.
Paper: Cardstock & DP from DCWV Summer stack
Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities - Circles,Spellbinder Nestabilities - Large Scalloped Circles, SU Ribbon, Brads, Mounting foam.

Christmas is Coming!

2010-12-03T13:08:00.010+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
Well.... definately long time, no post!
But thank you Janice (Catcrazy) for finally prompting me..... by telling me about a fabulous "Sundays with Crissy" Challenge -Challenge #12-Christmas is Coming!

The wonderful Crissy is giving away one of her gorgeous digital images to the first 12 players! How cool is that?? So all you have to do is be one of the first 12 players to link up your Christmas card (made for this challenge) on her site here at Sundays with Crissy. Thanks Janice for pointing me towards some yumminess!

And since I'm here.... I may as well play along with some of my other favourite challenges!
Cards For Men - Challenge No. 24 - Christmas Cards
Ohh La La Challenge Blog - Challenge #68 - Christmas Song - (Frosty the Snowman of course!)
A Crafty Little Place - Challenge #66 - Anything Goes!
The Crafty Pad - Challenge 99, Snowflakes

I know I cased this card from someone on SCS... but I can't remember who? If it looks like yours please let me know so I can give you the appropriate credit! Thank you! ;)

Recipe:
Stamp: Verve -
Ink and Colour: Image: Versafine Onyx, Coloured with Prismacolor pencils and Baby Oil
Paper: CM Cardstock, unknown dp from my stash
Accessories: CB Embossing Folder - Snowflakes, Dew Drops, Fiskars Punch - Apron, Mounting foam.

Update and High Hopes Surprise

2010-06-17T11:29:00.001+09:30

Hi Everyone!

Very quick post today... and sorry no card! I'm rearranging my office to try to fit my stamping supplies in too (previously stuffed in the TV cabinet in the lounge room lol!), so it's chaos and madness - and DEFINITELY no room for card-making! But it will be FABULOUS when it's finished (....I think...)

So just a quick, exciting piece of news.... (from Tina-Marie on the High Hopes Blog);
"...We are so proud and excited to be welcoming Melissa Jenkins to the High Hopes family! If you are not already familiar with MelJen's Designs, you are in for a treat, as she has a very unique "girly girl" style with swirls and hearts and sweet little ladybugs accenting much of her work...."

Isn't this fabulous news? I love Melissa's designs, (on her blog Meljen's Designs) and I'm sure she is going to be releasing some wonderful things for High Hopes!
The release is Friday 18th June, and is going off with a Blog Hop!

Hopefully next time I write a post my room with be organised and I'll be a card-making MACHINE!! ;)

Hugs,

Butterfly for Mum

2010-05-17T14:22:00.004+09:30

Hi everyone!!
Today I have a card for my Mum - she LOVES Butterflies, and Purples and Pinks.... think I managed to cover all those!
Thanks Mum for... well you know what for. It's been a tough few weeks and you've really come through for me. I love you!
When I found out my friend Jules was a Repeat Impressions Design Team "Rock Star" I just HAD to join in with their first sketch challenge! And (after I'd finished swooning) I knew I HAD to enter the Sir Stampalot May Challenge for a chance to win the most amazing product pack!!

I just LOVE this butterfly image! It's the Gina K Hope is Faith set - just gorgeous - and my sweet friend Janice (Catcrazy) was kind enough to emboss some and send them to me, so they're all shiny and beautiful!
Hmmm... in fact I probably couldn't have made this card without Janice since she also gifted me the beautiful ribbon and pearls too!! Thanks Janice! ;)

I coloured the Butterfly with Copics (yes I'm now WELL & TRULY on that bandwagon!), and I tried a little distressing around the edges with Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Vintage Photo. Not sure if I got this right, but it was a first attempt so at least I didn't swipe ink all over the card LOL!!
Both designer papers are from the DCWV Mariposa pack and the cardstock is Coredinations.

These are the challenges I'm entering this card for....

Repeat Impressions Sketch M510 (great sketch!)
Sir Stampalot May Challenge - Butterflies and Blossoms (BIG butterfly and pretty floral dp's)
Gina K Inspiration Challenge- INSPIRE23- Butterfly Garden (matched the photo inspiration perfectly!)
Cute Card Thursday - Challenge 112 - Someone Special! (for my Mum!)

Recipe:
Stamp: Gina K - Hope is Faith
Ink and Colour: Image: Hmmm - Janice??? Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Vintage Photo for distressing, Coloured with Copics
Paper: Coredinations Cardstock, DCWV Mariposa dp
Accessories: Pearls, Ribbon

A 'Lemon' Drop in the 'Turquoise' Ocean

2010-04-28T17:11:00.008+09:30

Hi Everyone!!

Wow - a lot has happened since my last post! DH and I have celebrated our 17th Wedding Anniversary (YAY!!! Got my 17 beautiful red roses!!).
AND we have a gorgeous new baby niece, Jaylah!! My brother and SIL had their little girl 2 1/2 weeks ago, and she is just as adorable as her big sister Ava (17 months old now!). So we have 2 sweet little princesses to spoil!!
I have visited the neurosurgeon and am hopefully looking forward to a brighter future - although it looks to be a long and maybe scary journey! But I'm ok with that if the results are good!!

Well onto my latest card.... I made this card for the Gina K April Release Party Challenge 2 - Lee's Color Challenge: Turquoise Sea and Lemon Drop! Tough Colours - but fun and different!

Here's what I came up with:

A 'Lemon' Drop in the 'Turquoise' Ocean

The image is from my new PTI Blooming Button Bits set, stamped in VersaMagic Ocean Depth (isn't it a great colour?) and the other details are below.

The Sketch is from Sketch Saturday Week #100 - Loved this sketch to work with! So I'm entering for this challenge too!

Anyway... hope you like my card, and thanks for visiting!!

Have a great week everyone!!

Recipe:
Stamp: PTI ~ Blooming Button Bits
Ink and Colour: Versa Magic in Ocean Depth
Paper: Coredinations Cardstock, and October Afternoon ~ Ducks in a Row
Accessories: Buttons, Fiber (thanks Janice!), Basic Grey Opaline Pearls (again, thanks Janice!), Ribbon.

Cafe a la Friendship

2010-03-28T21:01:00.001+10:30

Hi Everyone! I'm back with another card!! YAY!!! Ooh it felt good to get creative again!
Guess I got inspired by all the fabulous Blog Hops lately. Did you all see the amazing creations on the JustRite Blog Hop? And of course there was the Gina K release, and Unity hops and SO many more!

Not to mention just all the beautiful Blogs that I keep coming across in Blog Land.

SO.... while I'm feeling well, I'm getting creative! Making hay (or in this case cards!) while the sun shines!!

Which brings me to my card... I made this one for Gina K's Stamp TV Sketch Challenge - STVSCVD04 by Vicki (vdutchr).

The image is Cafe a la Friends (which also happens to be the sentiment on the inside of the card!), from the Unity Store Kit for February - Life is Fabulous. I just got this image the other day and it's SO cute!
The background is Divine Swirls CB Embossed, and the pattern paper is from Basic Grey's Nook & Pantry collection.
I even tried a new technique! I used iridescent chalk (Thanks Tamijo!!!) to create some shading with the Nestie still over the image. I was really please with the gently result.
The tiny bit of colouring is with Prismacolour Pencils blended with baby oil, and the gorgeous satiny ribbon was from a WRAK.
I finished it off with 3 little pearls from Basic Grey's Opaline collection (kind of a soft gold).

Thanks for looking, and hope you liked it!

Recipe:
Stamp: Unity (from Feb Store Kit)
Ink and Colour: Versafine Sepia, Prisma Pencils blended with Baby Oil
Paper: Creative Memories: Clay cardstock - Basic Grey: Nook & Pantry Designer Paper
Accessories: Nestabilities Rectangles, Dimensionals, Chalk, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Divine Swirls, Basic Grey Opaline Pearls, Ribbon.

JOY BLOSSOM

2010-03-04T10:24:00.002+10:30

Hi Everyone!

I'm back on board and feeling like creating again - YAY!!
(Sorry it's been a while again... I had a marathon one month of non-stop migraines - icky!)

But here I am again with another card! And it has to be a happy card because it's OUR BIRTHDAY'S on Saturday & Monday!!! My birthday is the 6th March and my gorgeous hubby's is the 8th March, so we LOVE what we call "TaDBOB" (The Day Between Our Birthdays!!) ;)

And even though we are heading towards the end of our Summer in Australia, I felt inspired by all the Spring papers and cards coming out over from you guys in the Northern Hemisphere!

So here it is.... Joy Blossom!

My Grandma's name was Joy, so I'm sure she would have liked this one!

I've used the StampTV Sketch STVSCJH13 courtesy of Jenny Harper, and was inspired by the Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger!

I picked the Unity stamp from the August '09 Kit of the Month - Unity stamps are all so bright and fun! - and then some of the yummy Lemonade DP from Basic Grey.

I also combined this card with the following challenges;

StampTV Sketch STVSCJH13
Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger! Colours!
Design Dollies Recipe Challenge - "Spring inspired" & Yellow
Twisted Thursday Challenge #45 - Splash of Hot Pink
Crazy 4 Challenges - C4C26 - 3 Textures (Linen c/s, nestie embossing, dimensionals, punches etc)
All Sorts Challenge Week #41 - Card is named for my Grandma Joy!
Challenge #8: Lucky Me - 'Cause it's my Birthday!
Paper Jewels Challenge #1 - Cute and Girly
Lexi's Creations Challenge # 8 - Anything Goes
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge(FTTC56) - Scallops
Creative Card Crew - Its a Celebration - Celebrating Spring
Cooking It Up with Katie #12 - Dimensionals
RosieD's Challenge 65 - Friendship
Papertake Weekly - Buttons, Bows, Brads & Bling - Bling - pearls, and I added one - BLOSSOM!

Recipe:
Stamp: Unity (from Aug09 KOM)
Ink and Colour: Versafine Onyx, Prisma Pencils blended with Baby Oil
Paper: Core'dinations Cardstock - Basic Grey: Lemonade Designer Paper
Accessories: Nestabilities Labels 2, Dimensionals, EK Success Scalloped Scallop Border Punch, Kaisercraft Mango Pearls.

Another Welcome to the World!

2010-01-11T09:18:00.008+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
Another baby card! Another friend has just had a BEAUTIFUL baby girl! Can't keep up with these baby cards at the mo! Not that I'm complaining - they give me an excuse to work on something sweet and overflow with the cuteness factor LOL!!

This card uses the Midnight Madness sketch #35 & Sweet Stop Sketch (basically the same this week), and is that adorable Penny Black hedgie image - Baby Hammock.Thank you to Kris (Stamping in Kansas) for sending me these cuties!
I've used CM cardstock in Clay and Pink Lemonade, and the dp is also CM from a n/a customer gift.
I couldn't resist a bit of sparkle, with Yellow Stickles on the daisies, Waterfall Stickles on the butterfly, and Stardust Stickles on the tips on the flowers.
The Kaisercraft flowers, a few little pearls (thanks Janice!!) and tiny pink ribbon finished it off. :)
I have entered this card in the following challenges;
Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #35 (MMSC35) - sketch
Charisma Cardz Challenges - Week 1 Colour Combo - Pink & Brown/Toffee
Cute Card Thursday Challenge 94 - All New - New Baby
Cupcake Inspiration Challenge #41 - Pink, Green, Brown, Caramel
Belli Challenge #82 (CBC82) - Glitter or Rhinestones - lots of Stickles!
Crazy 4 Challenges - C4C19 - I took "Birth-day" literally!
Stamp, Scrap and Doodle Saturday Week 22...Celebrations - Baby
The Sweet Stop SSS38-January 9 - sketch
Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge 1: New - Baby
Flutter By Wednesday - Challenge #91 - New Baby and Butterfly
Etsy Inspired #70~ Skylar's Candy Clips - pinks and daisies!

Recipe:
Stamp: Penny Black - Baby Hammock
Ink and Colour: Versafine Onyx, Prisma Pencils blended with Baby Oil
Paper: CM Cardstock - Clay & Pink Lemonade, Designer Paper from CM stash
Accessories: Kaisercraft Flowers - Baby Pink & Lemon Lime, Stickles - Yellow, Waterfall & Stardust, Ribbon, White Pearls.

Sweet Lulla-bear

2010-01-07T12:24:00.008+10:30

Hi Everyone!!
All my friends are reproducing like Wildflowers... so I need some 'Baby' cards!!
I decided to do a Baby Boy card first, because it seemed to fit in with some of this weeks challenges! (Yep - I've got the bug now!)
I used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #55 (MTSC55) with a cute little image from a stamp set my sweet DH picked up for me, called PaperCraft - Bears, which I coloured with Prismacolour Pencils blended with Baby Oil.
The base is coredinations cardstock, with some designer paper from my stash as a background for sleepy little ted. I had to handcut the mounted circle behind the bear because I didn't have one that didn't look rediculously too big LOL!! The punch I used on the left is Fiskars Effervescent, and the Coredinations Vintage Cardstock was sanded a little for a slightly distressed look. The wide blue ribbon didn't quite look right on it's own so I popped a strip of brown down the middle.
I finished it all off with Stardust Stickles, a button and ribbon, and a couple of chocolate pearls!
There are so many Challenges at the moment for "something new" that I thought I'd see how many I can cover with this card LOL!!! Here goes:

Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #55 (MTSC55) - sketch

My Time to Craft ~ Color Challenge ~ Blue & Brown

One Stop Craft Challenge ~ Something Beginning with "B" ~ Baby, Boy, Bear, Blue, Brown, Button

Scrap and Stamp Saturday ~ Hand Cutting

Creative Card Crew ~ Distressing

Incy Wincy Designs ~ Bling it up

Cupcake Craft Challenge ~ Baby card

Stampin' Sisters in Christ ~ New Baby

Paperplay Challenges ~ New Beginnings

Papertake Weekly ~ New Beginnings

Secret Crafter ~ New Beginnings

Stampin' for the Weekend ~ New Beginnings

Stamp Something ~ New Somethings

By the Cute and Girly ~ New

Cards for Men ~ New

Getting Creative with Ann ~ New

No Time to Stamp ~ New

Charisma Cardz Challenges ~ Celebrations
Treehouse Thursday Challenge #031 (THT031)~ Something Beginning with "B" ~ Baby, Boy, Bear, Blue, Brown, Button

Recipe:
Stamp: PaperCraft Clear Stamps - Bears
Ink and Colour: Versafine Onyx, Prisma Pencils blended with Baby Oil
Paper: Coordinations Cardstock, CM Cardstock, Designer Paper from stash
Accessories: Kaisercraft Chocolate Pearls, Stickles - Stardust, Basic Grey Button, Ribbon, Fiskars Effervescent Punch.

Sparkly Polar Fun!

2010-01-04T17:45:00.003+10:30

Hi again!
I made this card for a combination of the StampTV Sketch Challenge and Sparkle Creations 2010 Christmas Card Challege Week #4 (see how GOOD I'm being - I have such grand intentions!! In my dreams I have all my Christmas cards finished by Christmas and I'm not panicking at the last minute..... ahhhhh dreams!!!)

Anyway, this cute little guy is from Angel's Landing Digital Stamps - Polar Pals. This is the first time I've had a chance to use any of them and they are so sweet! I did 2 little bears, the second up on dimensionals to make him really stand out ;)
The background is Cuttlebug Embossed Snowflakes, with Stickles Stardust to make it all sparkly.
I used Prismacolour Pencils and Baby Oil for colouring, Coredinations cardstock for mounting, and Kaisercraft Chocolate Pearls to finish it off!
I'm also entering this card in the Digital Tuesday Challenge #39 Winter Dazzling Diamonds, Dare U 2 Digi Stamp Challenge 28 - Last minute Christmas cards, Fussy & Fancy Challenge 1: Something New, and Stamp Something - New Somethings CHALLENGE!
Phew!

OK - now I need a nap LOL!!
Thanks for looking!!

Recipe:
Stamp: Angels Landing Digital Stamps - Polar Pals
Ink and Colour: Computer Printed image, Prisma Pencils blended with Baby Oil
Paper: Coordinations Cardstock
Accessories: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Snowflakes), Kaisercraft Chocolate Pearls, Stickles - Stardust.

Absolutely Fabulous!

2010-01-04T16:26:00.009+10:30

Hello!!!
Well now I hope my Followers don't fall off their chairs! A CARD!! Yes - so far I'm sticking to my New Year's Resolution! YAY!!!

This card is for the Colour Challenge on StampTV, which was Pink, Brown and White. I used the Caardvarks New Year Kick-Off Challenge, with an exclusive sketch by Becky Fleck for inspiration.
The scallops are hand-cut (shapes made with an eggcup in lieu of a punch LOL!!) The top paper is Basic Grey Bittersweet, and the bottom is SU designer brown stripes. The base is Creative Memories cardstock. The ribbon is actually very thin pink stuck onto a brown side-stitched ribbon, with Kaisercraft flowers and Chocolate Pearls to finish.
The Label is made with Nestabilities - Petite Scalloped Ovals, small, and Petite Ovals, small, and the sentiment is from the Papertrey Ink set Mixed Messages.
As the scallops are hand-cut I'm also including it in the Scrap and Stamp Cutting Challenge, and the colours also fit right into the Etsy Inspired Challenge - the cute little Muffin Tote is Pink, Brown and White!
Oh... and as it's for a friend who's just found out she has a little bundle on the way, I guess that counts as a "New Beginning" for the Stampin' for the Weekend" Challenge!

Thanks Janice for your help in getting me motivated and into the swing of challenges!!

I'll be back soon with - yes!! - another card!!

Recipe:
Stamps: PTI Mixed Messages
Ink and Colour: Versafine Onyx
Paper: SU Designer Paper, Basic Grey Bittersweet, Creative Memories Cardstock
Accessories: Nestibilities, Kaisercraft Flowers, Ribbon, Kaisercraft Chocolate Pearls

HAPPY NEW EVERYTHING!!

2009-12-31T22:20:00.001+10:30

Hi Everyone!

Well I decided that... as I finally have a new computer, and it's New Year... I may as well have a NEW BLOG look, and even a New Blog NAME!!
What do you think? Any comments / suggestions?? Like maybe to USE it LOL???

* New Year's Resolution.... USE New Blog with New Name on New Computer. ;)

Hope you all have a WONDERFUL, SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Loads of Love & Hugs to you all,

Introducing Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps

2009-10-04T11:43:00.003+10:30

BIG NEWS!!

Firstly... the supremely talented Nikki Fairbairn and Lacey Stephens have joined forces to create their own Stamp Company called Wags ‘n Whiskers Rubber Stamps!!

Their images will be full of cuteness based on their kids and pets... and leads me to the next exciting piece of news...

They will be illustrated by the fantabulous Crissy Armstrong!! (Woohoo!)

As these girls became pals and worked together for High Hopes Rubber Stamps, you just KNOW these are going to be some AWESOME images!!

So the third piece of excitement is that (after some tempting sneak peaks...) the Wags ‘n Whiskers gals and their new Design Divas, will be having a fabulous Blog Hop and Release on October 9th (with tonnes of prizes along the hop of course!)

So make sure you get all the details at Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps and don't miss the fun!!

2009-08-15T18:25:00.005+09:30

Hi Everyone!
Long time, no Blog (again!)
While I actually remembered I have a Blog, I thought I'd pop a card here (just for something different!).

Deep Purple Thoughts

This card was made with Sugar Nellie Daisy images sent to me from my sweet friend Janice (Catcrazy) - I hadn't attempted to colour anything like this before but I just loved it! I just love this image! The sketch was for a Limelight Cards challenge - lots of fun!

Recipe:

Stamp: Sugar Nellie - Daisy
Ink & Colour: Versafine Onyx, Prisma Pencils blended with Baby Oil
Paper: SU Designer Paper, Coordinations Cardstock, Creative Memories Cardstock
Accessories: Nestibilities, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Birds & Swirls), Kaisercraft Flowers, Stickles, Shimmerz, Rhinestones, Buttons

Thanks for looking, and I'm sure (ahem.... if I remember my blog) you'll see more of these great Sugar Nellie images on my cards!

Have a great day!!

2009-07-03T13:48:00.005+09:30

CONGRATULATIONS SUNSHINE!!!

2009-06-29T13:09:00.006+09:30

Hi Everyone!

Hope you're having a great start to the week! It's a little chilly here, but the sun is still shining so can't complain!

Speaking of SUNSHINE.....! (Subtle huh?)

I'm so proud - my mate ValleySunshine has released her own Digi Stamps called SUNSHINE'S STAMP CREATIONS, and here is my card with the very first one in the "High Flyer" series - "Angus Argus"!

Isn't this little fella cute??
She will be releasing more cool images - lots of great images for the guys in your life... as well as some for the girls in the future!

You can check them out on her blog Sunshine's Paper Obsession!

YAY Sunshine!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS MANDY!!

2009-05-29T18:24:00.002+09:30

It's Limelight's 1 Year Anniversary on 1st June!!! YAY Mandy!!! They are celebrating with store-wide sales at Limelight Papercraft, and Mandy and her design team will be posting challenges, sketches, and games on their blogs!

So hop over to Limelight Papercrafts to see their specials, and definately also check out the Limelight Blog for the fun!

Good luck and have fun everyone!!

Flash Back!

2009-05-28T23:46:00.007+09:30

Hi Everyone!

Well... I'm back to not knowing where to start with this blog thing... so I've decided to catch up on some of my Gallery cards while I 'get into the flow'!

Here are a couple of cards I made for the "Cards for Heroes" 4th July Challenge (last year!!)... as you can see I'm WAY behind on putting cards on my blog! I won't bore you with ALL of them from the last year... just a few for a taster.

BEE-UTIFUL

Recipe:
Stamp: Doodlebugs Luv Bugs
Ink & Colour: Versafine Onyx, Prisma Pencils blended with Baby Oil
Paper: CM Cardstock, CM Pattern Paper
Accessories: Ribbon, Uniball Glitter pen

Wow... this one makes me see how much my colouring in skills have improved! This was one of my very first "colouring" attempts. Thanks to Inky (Sheila - InkStazOnMe on SCS) for the image!)

BLUE TRUCK

Recipe:
Stamp: TAC Old Truck
Ink & Colour: Versafine Onyx, Prisma Pencils blended with Baby Oil
Paper: CM Cardstock, CM Pattern Paper
Accessories: None! (Shock, horror!)

Anyway, thank for sharing that little flash back with me!

Have a great day everyone!
Heaps of Love,

Some News!

2009-05-21T23:19:00.005+09:30

Well I finally have some news to share!

As most of you who read this will already know, I have been unwell for several years, seeing doctors and specialist and having all kinds of tests, with the diagnosis being Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fybromyalgia and an auto-immune disorder.

I've been housebound, gradually losing more of my mobility, and ability to live a functional life.

Well, the great news is.... I went to a new specialist. He was recommended by friends of the family as "a miracle worker". He is a regular physician, with a concentration on undiagnosable diseases, and incorporates Homeopathy and Alternative Therapies in conjunction with modern medicine.

I was very impressed by my first visit, but reserved judgement... I'd been down this road before! He ordered several in depth blood tests (so many that it required 3 seperate visits).

Long story short... he has discovered that I have Hashimoto's Disease, Diabetes, Extremely low Vitamin D levels (should be 150-200... mine are 3!), likewise with Vitamin B12, and my Adrenal and hormone levels are all over the place.

Looking at blood test results from previous years it seems the Hashimoto's - a Thyroid disorder - has been undiagnosed for over 3 years!

No wonder I have been feeling a little unwell lol!

So, two more blood test results to come in.... but at lease this new doctor is looking in the right places!

And as I said, this is GREAT news. I can fight something once I know what it is! It's a little daunting at the moment, but I feel very confident I can now move towards a path to wellness.

And I might even have a little more energy to make some cards!

Heaps of Love,

2009-02-26T23:21:00.011+10:30

Definately think it's time I added a new card or two! What a complete slacker! Though I'm finding that 2008 kind of slid into 2009...

So.... our Birthdays are next week. Mine's the 6th & DH's is the 8th - so we've decided THIS is when our luck is changing LOL! We are going to have great birthdays and a fabulous year!!

Here are a couple of cards I made for Valentines's Day... with some really cute images sent from Janice (Catcrazy) - thanks Janice!

PUPPY LOVE

Recipe:
Stamp: Penny Black (Dog and Rose)
Ink & Colour: Versafine Onyx, Prisma Pencils blended with Baby Oil
Paper: Co-ordinations Cardstock, unknown Pattern Paper
Accessories: Pearls, Ribbon, Nestibilities, Kaisercraft flowers

FROGGY LOVE

Recipe:Stamp: Penny Black (Found Love)

Ink & Colour: Versafine Onyx, Prisma Pencils blended with Baby Oil

Paper: SU Designer Paper

Accessories: Pearl, Ribbon, Nestibilities, Kaisercraft flowers, Rhinestones

They were both such fun images to play with.... pretty sure I'll be making a few more cards with these cute little guys!

Thanks for looking!

Heaps of Love,

Welcome 2009!

2009-01-06T00:55:00.009+10:30

Already falling short of my New Year's Resolution to "Remember My Blog"!!!

Just want to say HAPPY NEW YEAR and wish everyone the absolute best for a Happy, Healthy and Successful 2009!

I personally am happy to be moving on from 2008 - year where my health failed me, I broke my ankles, I had 3 anaphylactic shock episodes (one nearly fatal), I have ballooned in weight due to the cocktail of steroids and other drugs, our house was struck by lightening (minimal damage thank goodness!), and being on one income has taken it's toll on our finances.

But I am thankful that we are still here... we survived it and feel grateful for all that we DO have - fabulous family, friends... and each other!

So I am definately ready for a New Year and a New Start!! Life will be better this year - I'm determined!

I hope 2009 is a wonderful year for you all!!!

With Love and Warmest Wishes,

Good Things Come in BIG Packages Too!!

2008-12-09T19:53:00.008+10:30

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to share another card I've made. They say good things come in small packages....but I don't think I'd mind getting a pressie this big!!

Speaking of presents... I'm SOOOOO hoping my Cuttlebug arrives soon!
And I'm also not very patiently awaiting delivery of my Chat Box Chick Secret Santa Pressie!! We are all meeting online on Saturday to open them together... so as long as it arrives by then! It was SO much fun putting mine together for my lovely friend..... (like I'm going to spill!) I just hope everyone had as much fun chosing and making gifts as I did!
So here is my card, with the details below......

Recipe:

Stamps: Rubber Romance (Paige's Present)

Ink & Colour: Versafine Onyx, Prisma Pencils blended with Baby Oil

Paper: CM Cardstock, CM Pattern Paper

Accessories: Pearls, Glitter Pen, Rhinestone

Thanks for visiting! Shannah xox

Retail Therapy...

2008-12-06T23:45:00.011+10:30

Hi All!!
I have finally got back to put another card on here! This card is to celebrate a little "Retail Therapy" of my own! I've FINALLY bought a Cuttlebug!!! YAY!! I'm so excited!

I've been trying to decide for so long whether it was going to be cheaper to get from the US - like most things! - but when I found out it would probably cost about $50 in shipping I bit the bullet and got one here in Oz.
Now I just have to wait for it to be shipped from the US by the shop I bought it from, LOL!!!

Anyway, the image on this card is MFT which was given to me through our PIF Thread. (Except I've snagged it a couple of times an I can't remember which envie I pulled it from!).

Stamp ~ MFT Retail Therapy
Ink & Colour ~ Versafine Onyx, Prismacolour Pencils blended with Baby Oil
Paper ~ CM cardstock, SU Designer paper & CM pattern paper
Accessories ~ Ribbon, Prima flowers, rhinestone & Pearls

Thanks for looking!!

Great Blog Candy on offer!!

2008-12-01T18:33:00.004+10:30

Claire has some AMAZING Blog Candy on offer over at her fabulous Blog CraftyC's Crafting Library. Drop in and check it out!

Joanne also has the CUTEST Blog Candy at Crafting Joanne - just adorable!!

And the most FABULOUS and generous Blog Candy idea I've seen for Christmas is Katharina's Whiff of Joy Advent Calender running from the 1st until the 24th December.
Visit Katharina's blog, Stamping with a Whiff of Joy for details!!!

Blog Candy Alert!

2008-11-06T15:55:00.003+10:30

Amy has some fabulous High Hopes stamps for Blog Candy at Stampin' Stuff! While your there check out her beautiful cards and her great Blog!

Congratulations to Lori!!!

2008-11-03T17:17:00.003+10:30

I just wanted to Congratulate my lovely friend Lori (LMcAree on SCS) on her recent fabulous success!
Firstly, she has been chosen as Guest Designer for Treehouse Stamps, which is so exciting, and a huge honour! If that wasn't enough to keep her busy, she is also this weeks Featured Guest Designer for Our Creative Corner!
To see more of Lori's beautiful cards, drop in to visit her Blog at Smiling While Stamping.
I'm so proud of you Lori, and know this is just the beginning of a wonderful Design Team career! Congratulations and huge hugs, my friend!!

Card Time!

2008-11-02T12:20:00.013+10:30

Hi Everyone!

I think it's time I actually put some CARDS on here....
Usually I make them especially for someone, but this week I've made 3 cards just for the fun of making cards - and really enjoyed it!

Here they are....

"Glamour Forever"

For this card I used a stamp I got in a Rubber Romance Grab Bag (so I don't know it's name), but decided I would just 'have a go' with it! It's coloured with my wonderful Prisma pencils and blended with Baby Oil.

The paper is all CM from the Vintage range, I just printed the sentiment on my computer, and added some Primas and Kaisercraft Latte Pearls.

"For the Love of Shoes!"

I had SO much fun with this one! I received the image as a PIF from JBgreendawn (thanks so much Stacy!!) - it's called Vivian from Rubber Romance and I've always loved it but never been game to make anything with it!
The black floral paper is Kaisercraft, and I coloured the image with my Prisma pencils and baby oil. You can't really see in the picture... but the hat and handbag are double-layered with mounting foam for added dimension. I also added some 'bling' for her (she needed a diamond the way she was holding that hand!!), and a little Prima and black rhinestone to finish. I had some gorgeous black and white ribbon I was dying to use... but in the end decided it would have been too much (oh .... when to stop??!) LOL!

"Good Friends"

This is my first attempt at 'paper-piecing'! So fiddly, but so fun and worth it! I had a lot of fun 'dressing' them LOL! The image is MFT Meet Me at the Cafe (I love this image, and huge thanks to Lena - Tackertwosome for sending me some through WRAK!!).
And it was expecially fun because I intentially used colours I don't normally use... The awning is Coordinations (each piece individually cut and mounted - phew!), the background and paperpiecing is from Stamping Up pieces that I have received through WRAK - thank you so much to my WRAK friends!!
I finished it off with a strip of grosgrain ribbon, a Prima and a brad.

I think I finally found this "mojo" you all speak of!!! ...hope it holds...LOL!
Thanks for dropping in!
Shannah xox

CONGRATULATIONS COLIN!!!

2008-11-02T12:12:00.003+10:30

I just wanted to let everyone know that Colin passed his Senior Constable exam!!
What a relief after waiting over 8 weeks for the results! (The powers-that-be sure made them all stress!)
And I wanted to thank everyone who has been so encouraging, and who has kept checking if he's heard anything - it's been so nice of you all to keep remembering and being so supportive!
Now he's done the exam.... it means he's into the course, so he just has to wait for the next one to come up (more stress and study for the poor fellow!) LOL!!
But thanks again everyone! He's definately one happy chappy!

I'm SO proud of you babe!!!
Shannah

Cammie's Blog Challenge

2008-09-25T08:50:00.006+09:30

Oh My Gosh - I can't believe how long it's been since I've updated my Blog - SHAME ON ME!!!

I've had good intentions... but bad procrastination! A lot has happened since my last entry - mostly health wise - have been in hospital a few times and had a few scares... but as you can see I'm still plodding along!!

What finally inspired me to get back to my Blog was Cammie's Heart to Heart Alzheimer's Blog Challenge. Not just because of the amazing and fabulous Blog Candy on offer - but because I think what she's doing is wonderful!

My Grandma had Alzheimer's, and it is a heartbreaking and debilitating disease for both the patient AND the carers. Cammie's idea of making cards for carers of those with Alzheimer's will be so appreciated, as the carers experience the full brunt of their loved ones demise, and their pain is often forgotten.

Here is my card, which I will deliver to the Nursing Home where my Grandma spent her last weeks, to be given to whomever the nurses feel needs it most. And when I'm able I'd like to make more to be given out.

Thanks Cammie - VERY worthwhile cause!!

SCS Challenge

2008-07-10T09:08:00.006+09:30

Well I finally got around to attempting my first SCS Sketch Challenge (SCS182) - and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Alison (Newstampinaddict) and I decided we'd both have a go at it (I think she's just very patiently encouraging me to get off my backside and make more cards!)

I decided to go with something completely different, so went with a 1930's theme!

I used a miscellaneous stamp I received in a Rubber Romance Grab Bag, and Basic Grey Two Scoops paper, and this is how it turned out!

Will DEFINATELY be trying out more of the challenges for inspiration! (Thanks, Al!)

Shannah xox

Blog Candy!

2008-07-10T08:39:00.004+09:30

Want the opportunity to WIN some Blog Candy???

These generous sites are giving away great Blog Candy this week!

Creative and Stamping

Artfully Ila

Pretty Pressings

Stampin Cats

Good luck everyone!

Our Local Town

2008-06-23T19:39:00.004+09:30

I've chatted a couple of times with some of you about what it's like where I live... so thought I'd put a couple of pics for you all.
These are of our local township of Nairne in South Australia, and these photos are of the Main Street.
The top is looking north (we live over the hill you can see at the end and kind of to the left...), and the the bottom pic is from the other end of the same stretch of Main Street.

I included it so you can see the old cream building at the end - the Post Office where I collect my HAPPY MAIL!!

More local pics to come soon...

Shannah xox