The Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers Challenge #255 - H is for Halloween

 

Hi Snarkettes, it's time for a brand new challenge over at The Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers and it's one we all enjoy! We want to see your Halloween creations, and if you so desire, make 'em Pink Halloween creations to honour Breast Cancer Awareness month.

I grabbed this fabby Inkadinkadoo cat (I've had this gorgeous stamp for years), a couple of bats who flew past, plus an old Hero Arts background stamp, some Distress Oxides and this is the result! I was going to add a sentiment, but I kinda like it without one. 

Don't forget to make a card for our challenge, and don't forget to check them boobies too!

It's important, girls!

Less is More

 

I was delighted to see the first theme of 2021 at LIM was Fashion and Accessories and knew immediately which stamp I wanted to ink up.

Isn't this one a beaut? I've had it for ages. It's from Inkadinkado and I believe it's called My Mother's Dress, although I've seen it listed under other names too. Unfortunately, it's no longer available anywhere that I can find.

It's a while since I last used this stamp so I thought I'd bring things right up to date by using the Pantone Colours of 2021 and smooshy watercolouring.

The sentiment is from a Unity Grab bag and I love how well the image and the font style match. The embossing folder is from Crafts Too.

The LIM gallery and DT inspiration cards are a delight, so I'm grabbing a coffee and heading over to take a look! Take care and stay safe!

Trying something new... Part 2

Good morning everyone, I hope that you are all well and finding time to get crafty!
I really should be sanding and repainting the window sill in the back bedroom today but once again my stamps and inks are calling.

Here's a little card made using the beautiful little background stamp 'Tiny Triangles' by Neat and Tangled. I started by colouring some watercolour paper with Picked Raspberry Distress ink and then spritzing with water. Once this was dry I stamped in Versamark and embossed in gold.
The gorgeous Peace stamp is an oldie from Dawn Houser for Inkadinkadoo. I have had this stamp for a very long time but have never really known what to do with it until now.

To finish the card I added sequins and tiny gems, twirled some thread and mounted on black cardstock. I think this works well as an alternative style Christmas card so I'm linking up with The Sparkles Monthly Challenge: Christmas in July and Christmas Card Challenges: Anything goes.

Now then: window sill or crafting? Its a hard choice. Perhaps I'll just have a cuppa while I decide...

The following post contains scenes of housework which some of you may find distressing...

Seriously, there's been too much of this...

 

and this

 

 

and this

...and not enough of this over the last few days!

I decided to put things right and have been having a lovely play with a new stamp (well, new to me) and some pretty papers bought from a lovely craft shop in Cradley, near Dudley.

I saw this pretty dress stamp ages ago, but could never find it for sale anywhere. When the lovely Chrissie shared this gorgeous card on her blog I contacted her for the details... and the rest, as they say, is history! If you're wondering, the stamp is from Inkadinkadoo and the sentiments are from two different sets by Papertrey Ink.

Once again I'm preparing for a charity card sale so will make a few of this design, but in different colours. I'm never quite sure about how to price my own cards so if anyone has any thoughts on this subject I'd be grateful to hear them.

Happy crafting everyone!

Less is More!

Hello everyone, another bright but chilly day here in Birmingham, UK.
Here is my first card for a Less is More Challenge.
The ladies are celebrating their 1st birthday so I thought I'd join the celebrations and play along.
This card took me five attempts, yes FIVE, to get it nearly right. CAS cards are so unforgiving.
I take my hat off to all you CAS Divas who turn out perfection each and every time!
I'd had this card in my head for about two or three weeks but hadn't quite settled on the final format. Seeing this LIS sketch brought everything together for me!
I used Hampton Arts shadow block 'It's a square' for the blocks of colour and the inchies are from Inkadinkadoo's 'Special Thoughts' Clear stamp set.I used my trusty Hougie board for the scoring. It may look like a kiddies toy but it's great to use.
I feel a bit shy about entering this card for the Less is more Challenge as some of the entries are fabulous but I guess you've gotta start somewhere!

Anyhooo. I'm a very busy bee today so I must buzzzzzz.

Happy crafting everyone, it's nearly the weekend!

Inspired by....

I love dropping by Jill's brilliant blog 'Inspired by...' where each week she showcases the work of a super talented someone from blogland. Jill then shares her own fabulous 'take' on each card and the result is a double dose of wonderfulness!

I'm having my own little 'Inspired by' session here today as I want to share two beautiful cards that cannot fail to delight and inspire, and which have both influenced the card I made today.

First up I am sharing this gorgeous card that I received from Janet in Texas as part of the May CCC organised by Deborah Nolan.
Isn't it just stunning? Look at the beautiful stamping... the embossing ... that wonderful ribbon effect and those tiny butterflies, each with a little gem and gold Stickles on the wings.

Thanks Janet, I really love this elegant card.

The next card literally made my jaw drop when I opened the envelope.How many of you recognised this beauty as the work of the lovely Sanne?

Look at that hydrangea flower, doesn't it look amazing against kraft cardstock? That ribbon effect is actually a strip of card, which Sanne has carefully distressed and tied with twine. Love the colour and placement of those gems too.

Thanks Sanne, I'm so pleased to have this card in my craftroom!

My inspired by card uses an Inkadinkadoo stamp that I have borrowed from my mate Vicky.I embossed the image, but decided not to colour it as I was in the mood for a little monochrome today. A subtle splash of colour comes from the red in the gingham ribbon. I was hoping to capture a hint of the sophistication of Jane and Sanne's cards, and used paper from Daisy Bucket, which I think is called 'Black tie'.
Finally, I thought I'd share a picture taken in my garden this morning. The sun is shining and it's a truly beautiful day.

Have a lovely weekend everyone, and happy crafting!