Thank You

I have been making a lot of Christmas and Birthday cards recently, so it was nice to do a Thank You card for a change.  It is a card that seems to be needed a lot at this time of the year.

I am entering the following challenges:
Eureka Stamps - Note of Thanks
http://eurekastamps.blogspot.co.nz/2013/10/eureka-stamps-weekly-challenge-63-just.html
Chocolate Coffee and Cards Challenge - Bugs & Little Critters (mice)
http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.co.nz/2013/10/challenge-51-bugs-and-little-critters_25.html
From The Heart Stamps - November Challenge
http://fromtheheartstamps.com/community/2013/11/01/november-stamp-of-the-month-balloon-ride/
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Sketch #85
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/sketchie-free-for-all.html
PINspirational Challenge - Photo Inspiration (Balloon)
http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2013/10/pinspirational-challenge-81.html

I have used papers from Provo Craft to create the background.  The layout is based on Sketch #85 from Papertake Weekly Challenge.  The image and sentiment are both from Delightful Inspirations - From The Heart.  I coloured the image with copic markers G02, YG23, Y08, Y06, W2, R000.  I then doodled round the edge of the die-cut with Distress Markers - Mustard Seed and Pine Needles.  The die-cutting is Spellbinders - Labels and Tags.  The tag die has been trimmed after cutting - I wanted the shape but not the ribbon feeder pieces.

A birthday Wish

I had fun with this card as I don't very often work in a blue colour scheme - not sure why not though!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
From The Heart - Sketch 040
http://fromtheheartstamps.com/community/2013/10/28/i-heart-card-sketches-no-40/
Sentimental Sundays - Monochromatic Birthday
http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.co.nz/2013/10/challenge-178-happy-birthday.html
The Outlawz Monday Challenge - Anything Goes
http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/birthdaycard/forum/topics/greeting-card-challenge-oct-28-anything-goes

I have used some background papers from Provo Craft for this card.  The image is from Delightful Inpsirations From The Heart and has been coloured with copic markers.  I pulled all my blue ones out of the container and then coloured, forgetting to note which ones I had actually used!  The sentiment is from Sans Designs and the embellishment is from my stash.

Trouble with struggling to get on top of things - sometimes you miss something off the post!  Later than it should be, but here is the sketch:

From The Heart

I am having mobile broadband issues so will make this post as short as possible and update when I get home.

　

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

From The Heart Sketches - Sketch 039
http://fromtheheartstamps.com/community/2013/10/21/i-heart-card-sketches-no-39/
The Outlawz Monday Challenge - Use A Pumpkin
http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/birthdaycard/forum/topics/monday-greetings-challenge-october-21st-use-a-pumpkin-on-your
From The Heart - October Stamp
http://fromtheheartstamps.com/community/2013/10/01/october-stamp-of-the-month-harvest-medley/


I have used two background papers from Décosse's Dynamite Doodles. The yellow and orange one is a digi paper - source unknown. The images are from Delightful Inspirations From The Heart. Colouring - copics. Matting - cardstock.


Here is the sketch:

guohiohio

Cardinal Christmas

I decided to make a Christmas card that wasn't quite so "Christmassy" - if you know what I mean.  No santa hats, no Christmas trees, etc.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
From the Heart Sketches - Sketch 038
http://fromtheheartstamps.com/community/2013/10/14/i-heart-card-sketches-no-38/
CHNC - Anything Christmas
http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/chnc-challenge-extra-for-october.html
PINspirational Challenge - Photo Inspiration (Anything Goes)
http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2013/10/pinspirational-challenge-79.html

I was trying to avoid using the "Anything Goes" option on the PINspirational challenge - but succumbed to it this time!  I like to challenge myself as much as I can!

I have used a couple of Christmas papers from a paper pad by Kaisercraft.  The image is from Delightful Inspirations - From the Heart.  Colouring is with copic markers R59, R46, R05, R02, R29, E35, Y17.  I have used Spellbinders circle and scallop circle dies for die-cutting.  I have also added some olive green mesh ribbon and some olive green grosgrain ribbon.

I was a bit late putting this post together......and forgot to include the sketch:

I either include the sketch when I'm not meant to.......or forget to add it when I am meant to! 

Rainy Mornings

A bit of a damp spring day - which is also what it is here at the moment!!!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Delightful Inspirations - From The Heart Sketch 034
http://fromtheheartstamps.com/community/2013/09/16/i-heart-card-sketches-no-34/
PINspirational Challenge - Poem Inspiration (Rainy Mornings)
http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2013/09/pinspirational-challenge-75.html
Papertake Weekly - Make it Sparkle
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/make-it-sparkle.html

I have used two papers from MME to frame this lovely image from Delightful Inspirations - From the Heart.  The image is called "Drenched".  I have added a circle of rhinestones to the card to represent raindrops - really going with this drenched theme!  Colouring is with copic markers (which I forgot to write the numbers down!)

I forgot to add the sketch that was my inspiration for this card - here it is now:

Bobbing For Apples

I remember doing this when I was a child.  At primary school, I had a Scottish teacher who decided we would do this around Halloween time.  We also had apples on strings suspended from the ceiling which we had to try and eat without using our hands.  Great memories!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Delightful Inspirations From the Heart - Sketch 033
http://designed2delight.com/blog/2013/09/i-heart-card-sketches-no-33/
Delightful Inspirations From the Heart - monthly challenge
http://designed2delight.com/blog/2013/09/september-stamp-of-the-month-challenge-bobbing-for-apples/

I have used another of my new Kaisercraft papers for the background.  The grosgrain ribbon is from American Crafts.  I cut a pennant from red cardstock and then added some peelcraft border stickers.  The image is from Delightful Inspirations From the Heart as part of the monthly challenge. I have coloured using copic markers V15, V12, E00, R29, R27, G17, B000, Y38, Y35, E15, E11, C1, G94.

With Thanks

Can never have too many Thank You cards:

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Delightful Inspirations - From the Heart Sketch 032
http://designed2delight.com/blog/2013/08/i-heart-card-sketches-no-32/
PINspirational Challenge - Photo Inspiration (flowers)
http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2013/09/pinspirational-challenge-73.html
Penny's Paper - Spooled Items (ribbon)
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2013/09/welcome-to-pennys-challenge-143.html
Sentimental Sundays - Something Tweet
http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.co.nz/2013/09/challenge-171-something-tweet.html

I have used another paper from one of my new Kaisercraft paper pads.  This time it is from the one called Porcelain Rose.  The image is from Delightful Inspirations - From the Heart.  I have coloured using copic markers - Y06, B97, E11, E15, R46, Y38.  I also added some stitching lines with Distress Marker - walnut stain.  The sentiment is an acrylic stamp which I stamped with Archival Ink - Sepia.  The yellow grosgrain ribbon is from American Crafts.  The rose embellishments have been cut from scrap paper using a Marianne's die.

Life's Better on the Beach

Probably not at the moment as it is a cool evening! 

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Delightful Inspiration From The Heart - Sketch 031
http://designed2delight.com/blog/2013/08/6037/
PINspirational Challenge - Photo Inspiration
http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/pinspirational-challenge-71.html
Digi Haven - Sea Life
http://digihaven.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/sea-life-challenge-sponsored-by.html

My choice of papers and embellishments was partly derived from the beach itself.  The lace is a combination of wave and sand colour.  The papers were chosen to be representative of waves and grains of sand.  You can tell I have been looking at too many inspiration photos lately can't you!

Both papers are from paper pads by MME.  The lace is fairly old as it is some my mother had stashed away in a box - may well have even been from my Nana as she used to hoard lace!  When she passed away, my Mum kept most of it and now I am starting to use some of it.  The image is from Delightful Inspirations and is called Beach Bucket.  The sentiment was also part of the same set.  I matted the image using sand coloured cardstock and edged the sentiment with copic E11 which is a nice sand colour (even though it is actually called "Barely Beige")!!  I am not sure of all the copic colours that I used on the image but it does include E11, G02, G000 and a couple of others.

Seven Birds

This Christmas card has an almost vintage feel to it with the papers I chose:

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Delightful Inspirations From the Heart - Sketch 030
http://designed2delight.com/blog/2013/08/5894/
Incy Wincy Designs - Recipe
http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/create-with-recipe.html
CHNC - Anything Christmas
http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/chnc-challenge-extra-for-august.html
CRAFT Challenge - Christmas
http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/challenge-220-15th-of-august-christmas.html
Craft Your Passion - Twine
http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/challenge-175-dont-get-your-twine-in.html
CHNC - No Sentiment
http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/chnc-challenge-138-no-sentiment.html

I used up some offcuts of DP for this card.  I know the two smaller pieces on top are from Bearly Mine Designs but not sure of the source of the other two.   I combined a ribbon and twine together as an accent and also added three small greenish buttons - non-matching ones for a bit of eccentricity.  The image comes from Delightful Inspirations From the Heart. I coloured the birds with copic marker Y000 and then added a bit of accent colour wit Y08 and R27.

Cat's Out of the Bag

That is the name of the lovely image I have used for this card:

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Sunday Sketch and Stamp - Sketch
http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/challenge-168-catherines-sketch.html
Delightful Inspirations From The Heart - August Challenge
http://designed2delight.com/blog/2013/08/august-free-stamp-of-the-month-challenge/
Glitter n Sparkle - Add Some Red
http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/challenge-44.html
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Vintage
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/anything-goes.html

I have used some vintage papers from a paper pad that came free with a magazine.  The image and sentiment are from Cat' Out of the Bag by Delightful Inspirations From the Heart.  I have coloured the image using copic markers.  Matting is Kraft cardstock and the embellishment is a flower that I have had in my stash for a while blinged up a bit with the addition of a red glitter dome. 

Kiwiana

Kiwiana is a term that refers to New Zealand items - kiwi, silver fern, jandals, Buzzy Bee and other things that I grew up with.  I have incorporated some of that into this card:

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Delightful Inspirations - From The Heart Sketch 028
http://designed2delight.com/blog/2013/07/i-heart-card-sketches-no-28/
Clear It Out Challenge - International (NZ) and Washi Tape
http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.ca/2013/07/its-time-to-represent.html

I have used a background paper that features pohutukawa tree flowers.  In New Zealand, the pohutukawa is sometimes referred to as New Zealand Christmas tree.  It is a tree that tends to thrive in coastal areas.  Our national emblem is the Silver Fern - our national netball team is known as the Silver Ferns.  The kiwi is a native bird, is one of our national symbols and is a "pet name" that New Zealanders are often known by.  The kiwi is a flightless bird with very small wings, it is also an endangered bird.

So, the card uses both pohutukawa flower paper and silver fern paper - both from a paper pad by Rosies Studio.  The Kiwi bird image comes from Ikes World.  The washi tape is from my stash - lost the packet it came in but I have a feeling it was called "Trendy Tape".  The embellishment is from a Pacific Island craft pack.  We have a lot of pacific islanders living in New Zealand so I thought this was a good choice of embellishment.

This is the sketch that I have followed:

Express Yourself

I just love that sentiment:

I am entering the card into the following challenges:
Delightful Inspirations - From the Heart July Challenge
http://designed2delight.com/blog/2013/07/july-free-stamp-of-the-month-challenge-updated/
Glitter n Sparkle - Clean and Simple
http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/challenge-43.html

I tend to favour Clean and Simple and this is another one.  The background paper is from a tropical paper pad.  The image and sentiment both come from Delightful Inspirations - From The Heart.  I have used some nice bright cheerful coloured copic markers for colouring.  The die-cuts are both from Spellbinders.  I added some pearls in differing sizes to add to the glamour of the card.

Seaside Bucket

I don't usually use the same image for the two challenges at Delightful Inspirations {from the heart} but this time I have - I hope that is okay.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Delightful Inspirations - From the Heart Sketch 022
http://designed2delight.com/blog/2013/06/i-heart-sketch022/
Delightful Inspirations - Progressive Challenge
http://designed2delight.com/blog/2013/06/june-free-stamp-of-the-month-challenge/
Glitter n Sparkle - 3 of something (pearls)
http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.nz/2013/06/challenge-37.html

I used an orange card blank this time.  The embossed panel is an embossing folder called "Drink Me".  The image is from Delightful Inspirations {from the Heart} and has been coloured using copic markers, die-cut with a scallop square die from Spellbinders then inked round the edges with Distress Ink - Spiced Marmalade.  I have added three small pearls as I felt it needed something else since I hadn't used a DP this time.

Mousey

I don't often use mouse images on cards so this was a bit more of a challenge for me:

This card is for the following challenges:
Penny's Paper - Animals
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2013/05/pennys-challenge-125.html
Cupcake Craft - Sketch
http://cupcakecraftchallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2013/05/cupcake-241-sketcharific.html
Designed to Delight - Mouse Image
http://designed2delight.com/blog/2013/05/may-free-stamp-of-the-month-challenge/
PINspirational Challenge- Mouse or Teddy (Inspiration Photo)
http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2013/05/pinspirational-challenge-56.html
CRAFT Challenge - Use stitching
http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/challenge-205-2nd-of-may-stitch-in.html


I have used a paper from MME for the background and overlaid it with Peelcraft stickers that kind of look like stitched lines.  The image is from Delightful Inspirations from the Heart and can be found by following the Designed to Delight link above.  I have coloured our little mouse friend with copic markers.  For a bit of extra dazzle I have added a couple of small glitter domes.