You're Invited...TT#87 & Pink Cat Studios

Hello lovely blog friends,

It's time for another fun Tuesday Throwdown challenge!! This week we are being sponsored by the fabulous "Pink Cat Studios" and we have a really fun theme for you try - PAPER TEARING.

I have to admit that I had little clue where to start or what to do, so decided to take some wonderful MME papers, tear them into strips, glue the strips together into a panel and then die cut into an oval shape to make an interesting background for my main stamped image.

I used the 'Rex Loves Cake' digital stamp image. Isn't that little digi dino a cute little critter? I just love how he has taken a bite from a layer of that cake in true monster style!! This little fella just HAD to be green and I gave him a cute brown fuzzy looking tummy and spikes. I had such fun customizing the cake in bright colours and and then colouring his little party hat as well.

I used bracket dies from the Floral Doily Motifs Spellbinders set to frame the top oval and then added gems, red seam binding and button from The Ribbon Reel.

My sentiment is stamped onto Ribbon Tags Trio die by Spellbinders and finished with some green velvet ric rac trim by Making Memories.

I decided to used the following brilliant Deconstructed Sketch No. 40 by Jen Shults:



I really do hope you have enjoyed what you have seen here today. Thanks so much for stopping by and don't forget, you can find all the details of how to join us this week by visiting the Tuesday Throwdown blog. If you have a moment you might like to visit the other talented Design Team gals - I know they have some gorgeous creations to share with you!

CEAL PRITCHETT
DAVI REID
DEEDEE ANDERSON
HELEN BERRY -> YOU ARE HERE
LAUREN MULLARKEY
NANACONNIE
SHANNON WHITE
YOLANDA DERSTINE

Have a fabulous Tuesday :-)

Hugs,
Helen x

Supplies:
Stamps: Rex Loves Cake Digi Stamp Image - Pink Cat Studios
KandCo Amy Butler Lotus Greetings stamp set (sentiment); Waltzingmouse Stamps Fancy Phrases (dotted border around sentiment)
Papers: Kraft Cardstock - Bazill; MME Stella & Rose 'Gertie' 6x6 paper pad; Kaisercraft Vintage Timeless 6 1/2 paper pad
Ink: Memento Desert Sand, Tuxedo Black; Distress Ink - Tea Dye, Antique Linen
Spellbinders - Ribbon Tags Trio; Floral Doily Motifs; Classic Ovals LG
Seam Binding and button - The Ribbon Reel; Green Velvet Ric Rac trim - Making Memories
Red Dew Drop gem - The Ribbon Girl; Teal Pearl Adhesive gem - Kaiser

challenges entered:

DYSU 60 - Distressed
Papercrafting Journey - Make it Cute
Simon Says Stamp - Use 3 different papers

Bonjour WMSC86 & PDCC120

Hi,

Just popping in real quick with a card for this weeks Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge and for the Play Date Cafe Challenge.

When I saw the inspiration photo over at PDCC, I knew exactly which stamps I would use.  I chose the sweet flowers from Waltzingmouses' Pic Nic Patterns set and stamped them in the green, orange and baby blue to fit with the challenge.  I also created a blue frame for them using one of the circular images from their Faux Fun Circles set and fussy cut around the inside for interest.

There seems to be lots going on in the background, but it's just lots of different bits layered together really :-).  The main green patterned paper and the strip running along the width of the card are both by Echo Park Victoria Gardens Collection.  The white cotton lace is from my stash, the doily is cut using a Spellbinders die and the paper with tiny orange flowers on top of that is some old SU DP I have had in my cupboard for some time!!

The blue striped twill and those sweet green stick pins are from The Ribbon Reel and the double faced orange satin is from my local craft store.

Here are the wonderful sources of inspiration that I used:

That's all I have to share for today, but I'll be back soon with more!

Thank you so much for stopping by today and I hope you have a wonderful week.

Hugs,

Helen xxx

Tuesday Throwdown 86 Winter Blues

Hi there everyone,



I'm delighted to share with you that I am now a Tuesday Throwdown Design Team Memeber! This week we are using imags by My Grafico and are asked to create a project using "Shades of the color Blue" for this week's challenge.



I chose a beautiful flower image and colored it using my Copics, I used my Spellbinders Labels 4 to cut out the image and then mounted it onto patterned papers by Glitz Design to which I had added some zig stitching to create a border.It's a little hard to see, but I actually used three different shades of blue on this card from the Glitz paper pad. I also used the cream paper to create a label by stamping a labels 4 stamp and the "For You" sentiment in Memento London Fog.

To finish, I added some translucent grey gems next to my flower image, some vintage cream lace and some beautiful dark blue seam binding.

I also decided to use last weeks fun sketch over at the Stamping Royalty blog...



You can get full details of how to play along with the Tuesday Throwdown challenge this week by clicking here. Don't forget to stop by and see what the other Design Team members have created using the My Grafico images.

CEAL PRITCHETT
DAVI REID
DEEDEE ANDERSON
LAUREN MULLARKEY
NANACONNIE
YOLANDA DERSTINE

Supplies:
Flower Image Digital Stamp - by My Grafico
Vintage Labels 4; For You (Seasons of Love Tags) - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Patterned Papers - Glitz Design Vintage Blue 6x6 Paper Pad
Ink: Memento Paris Dusk & London Fog
Seam Binding: The Ribbon Reel

The Ribbon Reel Challenge TRR22

Hi,

It's my turn to host the fortnightly challenge over at The Ribbon Reel. I chose the following inspiration photo and ask that you create a project with a slightly weathered/Distressed Look and use kraft, white, blue or aqua with a touch of red & use natural twine/twill. The photo appears courtesy of my cousin, Rachel who makes the beach huts you see in the picture.



I love Beach Huts! Many happy memories of the beaches along the Norfolk and Suffolk coastlines when I was a kid and lovely memories of Beach Huts at Southwold. I decided to create my own little "shabby" weathered beach house and have to admit this turned out WAY different to how I planned, but I just went with it!! I have seen so many inspiring little decorated chipboard houses on the web - mine is a template i sketched out myself and made from cardstock covered in Vintage Timeless patterned paper by Kaisercraft and Fiddlesticks woodgrain paper by My Minds Eye.



Once my house was covered and the rafters were on I added some beautiful White Crochet Lace and Red Grosgrain from The Ribbon Reel around the bottom.



The roof was finished with some stunning white sheer box pleat ribbon - so, so pretty!



I cut the very smallest floral doily motif from my new Spellbinders dies to make a little garland for the front of my house and I threaded some natural button twine through the design and then finished with a little bow and turquoise blue pearl gem.


My door and windows are made from corrugated aqua card and finished with die cut scrolls. I couldn't resist adding a couple of little extras to the door - a white felt heart and a little mini crocheted flower that my mum makes. The door handle is just another adhesive pearl gem.


Don't forget to visit The Ribbon Reel Challenge blog to see what the rest of the DT have come up with and play along to be in with a chance of winning some fabulous goodies from The Ribbon Reel store.

Have a fabulous, crafty week.

Helen x

Supplies:
Papers: Kaisercraft Vintage Timeless Paper Pad; My Minds Eye Miss Caroline "Fiddlesticks" DP
Crochet Lace, Grosgrain Ribbon, White Sheer Box Pleat Ribbon, Natural Button Twine - The Ribbon Reel
Spellbinders Floral Doily Motifs; Window Die Cuts - Ebay
White Felt Heart - American Crafts; Kaiser Pearl Gems
Small Crochet Flower - thanks mum!

Looking Forward to Spring...Waltzingmouse February Blog Party

I'm so very late to the Waltzingmouse Blog Party! On the 17th of every month Waltzingmouse Stamps play host to a themed party and this month it's "Looking Forward to Spring"...I'm going to keep this post super-short as time is really not on my side today...




I decided to decorate this little jar of sweeties with some lovely spring-like patterned paper, lace, gingham ribbon and some natural colored raffia. I cut a pink doily using my Spellbinders Floral Doily Motifs and standard circles dies and stamped a circular frame from Faux Fun Circles and then the cute little rabbit image from the Li'l Buddies stamp set.



I colored the bunny and then added a pretty pink butterfly and flowers rub-ons by K&Co.

Thanks so much for visiting and for looking :)

Enjoy the rest of the party!!

Helen xxx

Supplies:
Stamps: All Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: MME - Happier Designer Cardstock Paper
Ink: Aqua Mist - PTI; Black Stazon; Copic Markers
Spellbinders: Floral Doily Motifs; Standard Circles Small
Rub-ons: Abrianna by K&Co.

Just Because...Card Patterns Sketch 152

Hey there ladies,

I have a card to share for the wonderful sketch over at the Card Patterns sketch challenge blog. I was unfortunately too late to enter the Play Date Cafe Color Challenge, but had enjoyed using such a vibrant selection of colors so thought I would just mention it!!



I decided to use the sweet vase of flowers from Papertrey Ink's Asian Fusion Stamp Set. I stamped the vase in Memento Danube Blue ink and then stamped one of the stem and flower images twice in blue and then added some yellow petals using a Copic marker. I fussy cut around the second little bunch and shaped them slightly and dotted the centre of each with some glossy accents for added dimension. I added a stamped butterfly from PTI's Aniversary set and a little mustard yellow sparkly gem to the centre.



I used my small ovals nestabilities dies (as per the sketch) and then used a lovely little die cut shape from doily circles in dark blue cardstock to "frame" the top & bottom of the oval shape.



I kept the background fairly plain, I just stamped a lovely tile shaped background from PTIs background basics - Retro onto linen effect paper. I also used polka dot patterned paper from MME's Lost & Found collection. I colored some lace with a Copic marker to fit my color scheme and then added some turquoise blue satin ribbon and some dark blue seam binding all topped off with a vintage sparkly button some mustard yellow leaf stick pins. The "Just Because" sentiment is also from the Asian set.



Here's the Cardpatterns sketch I followed:



Have a wonderful weekend. I'm back hopefully later to share a little something for the Waltzingmouse Blog Hop and then I will be hosting The Ribbon Reel Color Challenge on Monday. Hope to see you soon,

Hugs,
Helen xxx
Supplies:
Stamps: Round & Round; Asian Fusion, Background Basics Retro - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Antique Linen - Distess Ink by Ranger; Danube Blue, Paris Dusk - Memento; So Saffron - Stampin Up.
Spellbinders classic ovals Small; Flower Doilies
Papers: DCWV La Creme Mat Stack; MME Lost & Found Collection
Ribbon, seam binding & pins: The Ribbon Reel

Just for You...WMSC84 Sketch & CR84FN48 Color Challenge

Just popping in with a card I have made for this week's CR84FN Color Challenge and Watzingmouse stamps Sketch Challenge



Lots of lovely little elements to this card! I started with a lavender cardbase and used some papers from My Minds Eye Happier and Miss Caroline "Fiddlesticks" collections and simply stitched them together to make some pretty panels and a chartreuse DP border.



I took a plain kraft cardstock tag which I got at my local craft shop and stamped the basket weave patterned stamp in cream ink to create a sweet background. The white leaves are die cut and I simply stamped some grey text ontop and added some lavender gems for extra bling. I had already stamped & colored the butterfly using the angel wings from WMS Earth Angel set stamped, so it was all ready to go - tucked away and forgotten til now!! I simply added a sweet lilac colour paper rose and layered it onto some lovely white May Arts lace trim.


BUTTON & BOW



To finish my tag, I simply added a pretty lavender seam binding bow and cute little green polka dot epoxy button topped off with a little pearl heart.


SENTIMENT



I stamped the "Just For You" sentiment along the bottom of the card in black ink (really do love this font) and voila!

Here are the lovely colours from CR84FN Color Challenge Blog that inspired me


and the fantastic sketch challenge, this week set by Waltzingmouse Mischief Maker Jennifer Cuthbertson...



Supplies:
Stamps: PIc Nic Patterns, Earth Angel, Say It Loud - Waltzingmouse stamps; Text style II - Papertrey Ink
Ink: London Fog - Memento; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink; Basic Black - SU!
Lace & Seam binding - The Ribbon Reel
Button - Making Memories; Lavender gems - Papermania; flower from stash; Fiskars lace edge punch

Good Stuff!

I was delighted to receive an award from Carla (Carlas Scrappy Tales)




THANK YOU CARLA!!

What is the Liebster Blog award? Here is a quick explanation.

'Liebster' is German for 'dearest'. The award is a 'share-the-love' arrangement, given to inspirational bloggers with less than 200 followers.

Here's the to-do list of any Liebster award recipient:

Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
Reveal your five blogger picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog
Copy and paste the award on your blog (see above)
Hope that those you award forward it to their favourite bloggers
Here are my five favourite blogs (in no particular order) with less than 200 followers (based solely on google followers).

1. Pauline - Craft Obsession
2. Stella - A little bit of the things I enjoy
3. Jeanne - A Kept Life
4. Kelly Schirmer - Gingham Girl
5. Tamara - Tamara's Scraphoekje

These ladies NEVER fail to inspire me & I look forward to visiting their blogs and want to tell them how happy & grateful I am to have met them through what has turned out to be a fabulous hobby!!

Hugs,
Helen xxx

Valentines Chocolate Cone...

I started making one of these for each of my two sons for Valentines day, but my eldest persuaded me that he needed it more for his little girlfriend from school :) How cute.

I decided to enter the CR84FN#47 Color Challenge a second time using the inspiration photo and colors Pink, Red and light Blue. The Shabby Tea Rooms are celebrating their 100th Challenge this week and the theme is 'Candy Hearts' and we're asked to create a card or project with a food theme and hearts, so I thought this would fit really well!



I used the Waltzingmouse Vintage Banners stamp to create a cone shape by stamping the gingham triangle image three times right next to one another in red - i just eye-balled them to line them up. I then cut around the outline, leaving a little at one end to attach to the other side and scored between each flag, glued into shape and voila a simple cone shape.
I added a blue cardstock border which I cut using my Martha Stewart Zig Zag border punch, adhered it to the cone using double-sided sticky tape and then used some red bloomers by Websters Pages to finish around the top of the box. I then added some pale blue seam binding bows to each corner and finished each one with a pale pink pearl.



I used three different small hearts from Papertrey Ink's Heart Prints set and stamped them in pale pink, cut them out, added a small red gemstone to each one and adhered onto all three sides of the cone.

Here's a sneeky peak inside - YUM!!



This is the first one of these I've made and learned a lot - I hope to make many more too!

Have a great day. Thanks for looking :-)

Hugs,

Helen x

I'm also entering this into:
The Pink Elephant - Use Pink

Love is in the air...

Had a little time to get inky and play with stamps today and have created a card using what are fast becoming my favourite stamp sets - Waltzingmouse Stamps Teeny Trees and the 'love' sentiment from the Say it Loud. We still have snow on the ground here in Oxfordshire and fog, so the light is terrible for taking photos!


I was inspired by the beautiful CR84FN#47 inspiration photo so decided to use pink, red and light blue as the main colors for my card.If you have time to play along, you can find all the details you need here on the CR84FN Color Challenge blog.



I started by using my Spellbinders Nestabilities Small Circles to cut a circle from white cardstock and also cut a blue frame using the same set. I stamped the tree-tops in Versamagic Pixie Dust Chalk ink and trunks in Memento Rich Cocoa - each tree stamped once onto the card before dry embossing using my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder - just for a little bit of texture/interest! I then stamped the tree tops and trunks again onto a seperate piece of white cardstock and added some brighter pink leaves onto the oval shaped tree and a pink heart edged in red ink onto the second teardrop shaped tree.



I cut out the tree tops and then ahered them on top of the images I had already stamped on the embossed circlular piece. I then went ahead and added some white ruffle edge ribbon along the bottom of the circle and then glued the pale blue frame around the edge. I think it looks a bit like the view from a little round window - those embossed dots look like snowflakes to me!!



I attached the trees and frame onto some kraft cardstock and stamped the 'love' sentiment in Real Red ink by Stampin Up and sponged some fresh snow ink around the edges to soften them a little. I then added some gorgeous red satin ribbon, pink and white cotton twill and some blue grosgrain from The Ribbon Reel to make a border. I then added some blue seam binding and pink button threaded with some cream silky button twine. I couldn't resist adding some tiny red gems to the trees and some pink gems to the sentiment, just to finish it all off.

I am also playing along with a few other fab challenges and have linked them up incase you fancy joining in as well :)

Top Tip Tuesday Challenge #69 - Valentines Challenge
The Kraft Journal - La La Luv You
Moxie Fab World - Tuesday Trigger: Fancy Schmancy!

Thanks so much for looking and have a great week!

Hugs,

Helen xx

TRR 21 Shabby Chic Birthday - You are a Blessing

Hi,

Its time for another fortnightly challenge at The Ribbon Reel and lovely Lenet has provided us with a real beauty of an inspiration photo and asks that you create a Shabby Chic Birthday card or project using the colors of the photo, seambinding/ribbon, lace,roses and some stitching. My sewing machine has decided it won't play the game, so I hope I can be excused from using any stitching on my card this time!!



I chose the lovely soft blues, pinks and turquoise colours from the photo to use in my card. I layered a few different elements here, I embossed the bottom two thirds of my card using my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder and sponged the edges with white irridescent acrylic paint - I wanted to add a little silvery effect from those lampshades in the picture, but went for an soft pearlescent paint instead to keep things subtle.



I used Spellbinders Labels 4 to cut a label out of some blue mini-polka dot paper and then Spellbinders small ovals to sit on top of that. I created a frame by stamping the beautiful oval wreath from "Cameo Creations" by Waltzingmouse Stamps using Antique Linen Distress Ink. The sentiment from Papertrey Inks' "Signature Greetings" stamp set - I simply stamped it in Hawaiian Shores ink and then edged the little oval label with more irridescent acrylic paint. Such a beautiful, soft sheen in real life.



I used some gorgeous White Sheer Ruffle edge ribbon (can't get enough of this!! love it!) and some stunning 25mm turquoise satin and a blush pink Christmas Rose (Hellebore). I added some more irridescent acrylic paint to the petals and stamen of the gorgeous flower and two beautiful pearlescent leaf pins as a finishing touch.



I used some may arts crochet lace in pink to create a border along the top panel of the card and also layered more pink lace over some Berisford blue grosrain along the bottom of the card and added an elegant cream rose.

Don't forget to visit The Ribbon Reel Challenge blog to see what the rest of the DT have come up with and play along to be in with a chance of winning some fabulous goodies from The Ribbon Reel store.

Have a fabulous, crafty week.

Helen x