Papertrey Ink Make it Monday #307

Hello everyone and welcome...

I have a card to share for the Papertrey Ink Make it Monday challenge which is to make a card with faux stained glass. 

I really liked this challenge as I used to do real stained glass and I love it.

I do not own any PTI coverplates so I just used some dies to create the openings.

Now the thing with using Copics for colouring on vellum is that you often get those streaks that you would normally try to avoid. However, if you look at an actual piece of stained glass, it often does have lines and streaks in the glass so I actually tried to emphasize that.

 I have kept my card pretty simple (which is a hard thing for me).  A ribbon down the side and a nice big die sentiment and that was it. I was itching to try to add more but sanity prevailed and I left it alone.

Thanks so much for visiting with me. I appreciate each and every comment you leave. Cheers.

Melanie

My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge #363

Welcome everyone...

I have a card to share that I have made for both the My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge #363 and also for Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge which is "Stitch It".

The MFT sketch is here.

I have chosen to use My Favorite Things Beary Special Birthday stamp set. I do not own the matching dies yet so I fussy cut out the image after colouring with Copics. The sentiment on the banner is from the same set. 

 The MFT Hello die is double thick for some dimension and the wee bear is also up on foam squares as you can see here.

I have used the Homespun Stitch Lines dies all around the perimeter of the card. Simple but adds just the right touch.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Please do take a moment to leave me your comments. Cheers.

Melanie

PTI Create Along with Us December 2017

Hello everyone...

I have been scrambling like mad to try to get a card done to participate in this challenge and I am just squeaking in under the wire. I am sorry the lighting is not better in the photo but it is almost midnight and I only have artificial light to take the photo.

I have used the Bloomin Cute stamp and die set along with Big Basics: Love you die for my card which is really pretty basic.

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving me your comments. Cheers.

Melanie

Newton's Nook Sketch Challenge #61

Hello everyone and welcome...

I have a card for the sketch challenge over at Newton's Nook. They are a pretty new stamp company...to ME...I am sure loads of you already knew all about them. I LOVE their Newton stamps. Probably because I had an adorable kitty too so I find them utterly adorable. :)

Anyways... here is the sketch...

And here is my card. I kept pretty faithful to the sketch.

I have used the stamp set called Ornamental Newton and the coordinating dies. Coloured up the little cutie with Copics and added some Wink of Stella to the ornament which of course you cannot see in the photo. It is snowing like mad here today and this was the best shot I could get.

I used an embossing folder for the background, added some polka dot ribbon and a mat cut from a Spellbinders die on which Newton is popped up. Added a couple of Christmassy buttons and I was all done. I tell you I am loving these kitties so you will likely see them quite often now.

Thanks so much for visiting with me. I LOVE to read your sweet comments so be sure to leave me some. Cheers.

Melanie

Simon Says Stamp Christmas Card Day

Hello everybody...

Those kind folks over at Simon Says Stamp are giving away a wonderful prize for Christmas Card Day so I thought I would play along.

I actually used a tag that I had already made and turned it into a card. 

Here it is. 

Thanks so much for stopping by. I love to read your comments. Cheers.

Melanie

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Gift Tag

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog...

I am playing along with the Wednesday Challenge at Simon Says Stamp. The theme was "Gift it" with a preference to using My Favorite Things products. As they happen to be one of my favorite stamp companies I had no problem there.  :)

I have chosen to make a tag. I actually used a Papertrey Ink die called Tag Sale Quilted and cut it out from dark blue card stock.

I have chosen those adorable little snowpeople from Toasty Greetings for my focal images.

Stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then coloured up with Copics.  You cannot see it in the photo but I added some Wink of Stella to all the white fluffy areas on the hat and coat and to the gold belt buckle. The sentiment is from the same stamp set, stamped with Versamark and embossed with white detail powder.

I have also used a MFT stencil called Snowfall and a Clearsnap Chalk ink in Alabaster to smoosh on the snowflakes in the background. Finished it off with a bit of red ribbon.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Your comments never fail to make me smile. Cheers.

Melanie

My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge #362

Hello again everyone...

I am back again today with another card to share. It is a feast or famine with me is it not? :)

This card is for My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge #362 which you can see here.

I chose to use those adorable little piggies from one of my favourite sets, namely, Hog Heaven. They are coloured up very simply with Copics.

I followed the sketch pretty closely except I have offset the circles just a bit.

The sentiment is from an old MFT die set called Arrow Greetings. They are hanging on for dear life as you can see in this photo.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate all your sweet comments. If you decide to follow my blog, and I would be delighted if you do, please let me know in your comments and I shall be delighted to reciprocate. Cheers.

Melanie

Papertrey Ink Make it Monday Fan Brush Trees

Welcome everyone...

I am sharing a card I have made for the Make it Monday challenge by Betsy called Fan Brush Trees.

First off, I had to go out and purchase a Fan Brush. 

Secondly, watercolouring is not my strong suit although I am working at it.

Thirdly, I did not have anything that I could use as "snow" on the trees and I was not about to make the hour drive back to Michaels to get something.

Enough about the doom and gloom....Here is my card. 

I sponged on some Distress Ink for the background and then used a watercolour palette to do the trees. Betsy made it look easy. It isn't. Well...it is not all that hard but for someone like me who wants thing just so...it was a challenge. I guess that is why they call them...challenges!

I did three trees and then used those darling little deer from, appropriately enough, Betsy's Make it Market Kit..Wonderland. The sentiment is also from that kit, stamped in Memento inks.

Thanks for stopping by today. Please be kind in your comments. :)

If you should happen to do me the honour of following my blog please do let me know and I will be delighted to reciprocate! Cheers.

Melanie

Whimsy November 2017 Challenge

Hello there everybody...

I have a card to share today that I have made for the Whimsy November challenge, the theme of which was "Anything Goes". I am also using this card for the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge which just so happens to have the same theme. :)

I have used an adorable Whimsy stamp called Winter Raccoon. I have stamped him on watercolour paper with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and coloured him up with Zig Real Brush markers. I used a Spellbinders die to cut him out. I have also used Spellbinders snowflakes which I scattered around the focal image on the card. 

Not really sure if you can see in this photo but I used some Wink of Stella on the fluffy bits of his hat and also on the snowflakes. It gives a subtle hint of sparkle without being too much glitter.

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit today. I must tell you how much I appreciate all your sweet comments. Cheers.

Melanie

My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge #361

Hello again stamping friends....

I am playing along with My Favorite Things Sketch challenge for this week which you can see here.

I have chosen to use one of my favourite stamps sets and matching dies from My Favorite Things called Ewe are the Best. Those little sheep are just the sweetest things!

I have used a Spellbinders die for the curved bottom edge and the die cut LOVE is also from My Favorite Things.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Your wonderful comments always make my day. Cheers.

Melanie

Papertrey Ink Make it Monday #305

Hello everyone and welcome...

I know it has been a while since I posted anything but there was much to be done on our little farm and it could not wait. The last of the garden produce needed to come in before the ground froze solid and our chicken coop got an overhaul with lots of insulation to keep the girls snug and warm.

I am finally able to get back into my little craft room and have some fun.

I am playing along today with Papertrey Ink Make it Monday and the challenge was to use many many layers on our card. I think this challenge is fantastic as there is nothing that I like better. :)

I have chosen to use the Papertrey Ink Nostalgic Notions stamps and dies as well as Rustic Wreath stamp and die.

I have kept my colours quite monochromatic as I love that look. It sort of reminds me of a vintage tablecloth so I am pretty happy with the result.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. All your sweet comments make me smile. Cheers.

Melanie

My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge #357

Hello everybody and welcome...

I have a quick card to share today that I have made for the My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge #357 which is shown below.

I started with an A2 card base in a melon colour and used the My Favorite Things Homespun Stitch Lines across the bottom.

I have used a piece of homespun ribbon and lace for the bunting and then layered on those cute kitties from I Knead You. I do not have any of the square or rectangle dies from MFT yet so I cut it out by hand. A wee bit of sponging around the edges to soften things and all done.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Your comments mean the world to me. Cheers.

Melanie

Papertrey Ink Make it Monday #302

Hello everyone and welcome...

I have a card to share that I made for Make it Monday at Papertrey Ink, the theme of which is to use twine and ribbon in a new and interesting way. 

They call these challenges for a reason I have found. I had to think long and hard about this one. I did not want to just copy what had already been done so it took me a while to come up with something.

I have chosen to use, once again, one of my favourite stamp sets...Love Lives Here Holiday, along with a sprinkling of Holiday Greens.

A basic A2 soft blue/green card base on which I have added a bit of pattern paper. Instead of ribbon I have chosen to use lace which I have just layered along the bottom.

I cut out a heart shape (well, actually 3 of them) and ran it through a Swiss Dot embossing folder. I then used a small hole punch and went all around. Through this I threaded my twine and tied a bow. 

The focal image is that wonderful angel. I just love it.

I have gone all around the outer edge of the card with the teeny tiny little hearts from the same stamp set in a rhubarb ink along with the sentiment at the bottom.

Tucked in behind the heart are a few springs of greenery from Holiday Greens.

Thanks so very much for stopping by and leaving me your very kind comments. Cheers.

Melanie

Power Poppy Mini & Mighty Challenge

Hello everyone....

I am just in time to get this card in for the Power Poppy Mini & Mighty Challenge which ends tonight.  Whew! Here is the inspiration for the challenge.

My card is the requisite size being only 4" in diameter. I have used that gorgeous stamp set called 

O Holy Night which is a favourite of mine.

I have stamped the image with Brilliance Ink in Mediterranean Blue and then used clear embossing powder. I cut the image down to fit on the dark blue cardstock that I cut with a Spellbinders die.

I have made a round white card to which this is attached. The small banner uses a sentiment from the same set in the matching blue.

You may not be able to see it in the photo but I have accented various areas on the image with a silver micro pen.

That is it for me for today. Thanks very much for visiting my blog today and leaving me your wonderful comments. They make my day. Cheers.

By the way....the "Followers" section of the blog appears to have been corrected...yeah!

Melanie

Papertrey Ink Make It Monday #301

Hello again everyone...

Back with one more card for Papertrey Ink Make it Monday #301...
Matting with Glitter.

This was a really fun challenge. I have decided only to mat a part of my 
card with glitter rather than the whole thing.

I began with a soft green A2 card and rounded the corners.

I have used stamps and dies from Love Lives Here and Love Lives Here Holiday. These are two of my absolute favourite stamp sets from Papertrey Ink. I turn to them over and over.

I have stamped the everygreen cluster a couple times across the top of the card and added a few hearts here and there. 

The sentiment has the requisite glitter matting and on top of it is the little house. I cut it out 4 times from heavy cardstock for a bit of heft. Some additional greenery around it and a ribbon across the bottom and all done.

Thanks for visiting with me.

A note to all you wonderful people who have been following my blog...there was some sort of an error with the "Follow" button and I have had to delete it. I will be re-installing it right away but I think you will need to sign up all over again. Really sorry about that. There are times when I really do loathe computers.  :(     Cheers.

Melanie

My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge #356

Hello there everyone...

I have a card to share that I am entering in the My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge #356 and also in the Merry Monday Christmas Challenge which is to add a gift on the card.

Here is the sketch we had to work with.

I have chosen to sort of turn the sketch on it's side. 

I have used a soft green A2 card and covered the front with paper from 

Graphic 45 and rounded the corners.

The white panel features stamps from My Favorite Things Santa's Elves. I have added a little bit of Wink of Stella to the bells for a bit of sparkle.

Thank you for visiting with me today. I will be back shortly with another card. Cheers.

Melanie

Whimsy Challenge #100 Anything Goes

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog...

I have a card to share that I am entering in the Whimsy Challenge #100 - Anything Goes. I am also entering it in the Double D Challenge - Leaves (here is the link)  daranddiane.blogspot.ca and finally Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes. Whew! That is a lot of challenges for one little card.  :)

I have quite a few Whimsy stamps but most of them are older ones. However, I love them just as much now as when I bought them several years ago.

For my card I used a harvest gold cardstock cut to A2 size and I covered the front with some pattern paper from my stash. The focal image is called Fall Wreath from Whimsy. I love it.

I stamped it with Memento Tuxedo Black on watercolour paper and coloured it up with Zig Clean Color markers and then matted it on some gold cardstock.

Across the bottom of the card I have attached a strip of ecru lace and a length of ribbon.

The sentiment is by Whimsy from the stamp set Friendship Tickets. I have tucked in a couple of leafy flourishes cut from an olive/mossy green cardstock using a Spellbinders die.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I look forward to reading your sweet comments. If by chance you should decide to follow my blog please do let me know and I will return the favour.

Cheers.

Melanie

Papertrey Ink October 2017 Blog Hop

Hello everyone and welcome...

Today is the 25th of the month and that means Papertrey Ink Blog Hop day. It is always so wonderful to hop around and see the amazing work from all the participants. 

Here is the inspiration photo. I have to tell you, I struggled with this one. I finally decided to pick apart elements of the photos to use as well as certain colours.



I have an affinity for little houses in design so I immediately knew that would play a part in my card. I also liked the tree/leaf elements and that striking blue and the softer peachy colour.

So...here is my card.

 I have used a sheet of Bitty Baby Blessings pattern paper to cover an A2 card. Then I cut out the Quilted Tag Sale die from watercolour paper and washed on some of those delicious peachy tones.

Over that I have used one of the houses from Boards & Beams. This was cut using the die, also from watercolour paper. I used Zig Clean Colour markers to colour it in. I was trying for a very loose effect, almost not quite finished, which I have found is much more difficult to achieve than my normal method of colouring, but it seemed to be in keeping with the photos.

I have used the branches from Spring Woods in several clusters top and bottom tucked in under the house which is on foam tape. In the background are a few sprigs from Stitched Sentiments in the same blue tones as the house.

I used one of the Tiny Tags dies at the top with the sentiment, also from Boards & Beams, and topped it off with a soft bow in the same peachy colour.

Thank you so much for making my blog one of your stops along the way today. Your comments mean the world to me and I enjoy reading each and every one of them. Enjoy the rest of the hop as I will be doing myself. Cheers.

Melanie

Double D Challenge Leaves

Hello again everyone and welcome...

I have a card to share with you that I made for the Double D Challenge. Here you can see the mood board. The theme is "leaves". Here is the link. daranddiane.blogspot.ca

I absolutely love to participate in various challenges from the stamp companies whose products I really enjoy using. That being said, there is certainly something to be said for participating in a challenge like this one. The only stipulation is that your project follows the theme. You can use whatever products you like.

For my card I am using some very very old Rubber Stampede stamps. I loved these leaf stamps when I first bought them at Michael ages ago and I love them still.

I have covered my A2 white card with some gingham paper from Papertrey Ink and then added an embossed panel cut with a Sizzix die over a piece of ribbon. I am sure the embossing folder has a name but I cannot remember what it is. I sponged on a small bit of Memento Dandelion and Tangerine ink to bring out the embossed leaves.

The focal image(s) are the three leaves that I fussy cut. These stamps were made LONG before the days of die cuts! Luckily I have  patience and sharp scissors.

On top of that is a small tag from Papertrey Ink Tiny Tags die. The sentiment is another old stamp from Hero Arts. I finished off with a small button tied up with twine.

I was trying to keep all the leaves nice and soft in colour as a foil to the deeper sharper paper in the background to strike a nice balance.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today. I appreciate the time you take to leave me your comments. I value each and every one. Cheers.

Melanie

My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge #355

Hello everybody and welcome...

I have a card to share today that I made for the My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge #355. You can see the sketch here.

I started by covering the top half of a white A2 card with a soft blue pattern paper. I used the MFT Scenic Safari dies to cut a couple pieces of green for the bottom.

I have used that utterly adorable MFT stamp set Sweet Safari and the coordinating dies to cut out the elephant, tiger and some leaves. These I all coloured up with Copics.

The sentiment is stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and it is from the same set.

I have scattered the leaves at the top of the card instead of using buttons or sequins.

Thank you very much for stopping by today. I do love to read your sweet comments. Cheers.

Melanie