CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #183 - hosted by Meg

 Here is another in the 'Farm Animals' series by Stitching Cards.  There are 6 in the pattern pack.  I love them all so I certainly don't mind how many times I do them.  I do try using different threads and backgrounds to add a little difference to the presentation.  I did though use the same backing paper that I used for the Chili Peppers in the last challenge.  As it was a newish find I wanted to use it again.

I  added the 'Cock-a-doodle do' sentiment when I was pricking out the pattern.  I could almost hear him bellowing it in my ear so I thought it would be appropriate.

I think we are well into Spring now.  I have noticed some Primroses and Lily of the Valley flowers peeping out from under the shrubs on the rockery in the garden.  Primrose are one of my favourite flowers.  I remember them from childhood - seeing them in the hedgerows when we used to travel down to Cornwall in the Easter Holidays to stay with friends.  We were lucky children and spent most of our school holidays in Falmouth.  My father was a teacher (later headmaster) in Bromley  and the friend we used to stay with was a teacher as well -  but in Falmouth.  Happy days.

Please note that the challenges will now close at 9 pm on the second Friday of the Challenge. i.e. This challenge will close at 9 pm on the 22nd of May 2026.

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #182 - hosted by Pamela

Our last challenge for April - the sun is shining - and I hope all is well with everyone.

I have yet another stitched card for you.  I do hope you are not getting bored with them as I certainly don't get bored with stitching them.

I have done this one before but presented it a little differently.  Here  was that presentation to compare with this one.

The pattern comes from Stitching Cards.  The stripey coloured backing paper is a newish find but I can't remember from whence it came.  It matches the Chili Peppers beautifully and isn't a bad fit for perhaps adding a bit of Mexico? to the card.  It is almost the right weather for this card.

Hugs

Carol XX

Please note that the challenges will now close at 9 pm on the second Friday of the Challenge. e.g This challenge will close at 9 pm on the  8th of May 2026.

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #181 - hosted by Jocelyn

 Here is my card for this challenge - #181.  Still with Spring/Easter colouring but just a very simple stitched birthday card.  The pattern is by Linzoos (R39).  I have used this pattern before - Challenge #167 - and I am stitching another version at this moment.  Some of the patterns I have chosen are quite complicated so it is nice to use a simpler one that I like a great deal.

I have used some plain and variegated thread and added some of my huge supply of  diamante gems - and - a few enamel type gems. 

Please note that the challenges will now close at 9 pm on the second Friday of the Challenge. e.g This challenge will close at 9 pm on the  24th of April 2026.

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #180 - hosted by Jo

 I hope all are well.  We are slowly getting closer to some warmer weather  and oodles of chocolate.  Whoopee.

This is my card for this challenge.  I don't very often make Easter Cards but I wanted to make something to show off some more of the nail art I have been buying - so here it is - an Easter Card:

This was an image purchased from Aliexpress - and here it is before I played with it:

I used my ACDSee programme to digitally enhance and improve the light and the colours and then added a border and some text.

Then I had fun with my new nail art delivery.  I have bought quite a bit more since I showed you the cards made back in February.  I also have some more on its way at this very moment.  Naughty I know - but  I need to keep busy and occupied.

I think I managed to visit everyone for the last challenge and I enjoyed looking at everybody's hard work and inventiveness.  If I missed anyone please forgive me.

See you soon.

Hugs

Carol

xx

Please note that the challenges will now close at 9 pm on the second Friday of the Challenge. e.g This challenge will close at 9 pm on the  10th of April 2026.

CD Sunday plus - Challenge #179 - hosted by Meg

 Geisha Girl

Good Morning one and all.  My card for this challenge is - I confess - one I have done before a few times - using a pattern from Stitching cards.  It makes a special unfussy card for a female relative or friend.

I have used a plain background as I prefer the pattern and style of the sweet Geisha to show up  and not fight other patterns and colours.

I hope all are well and making the most of the 'drier ' weather even though it is  chillier. 

The new nail art from China that I mentioned in a previous posting has arrived -  so I will be having fun playing with those.  I might have something ready for our next challenge.  We'll see.

Hugs to all

Carol xx

Please note that the challenges will now close at 9 pm on the second Friday of the Challenge. e.g This challenge will close at 9 pm on the  27th of March 2026.

A Linzoos stitch pattern - second time of making

 Butterflies galore:-

I have sat and stitched P88 again in different colourways. It does take a while to do. Several evenings in fact. The central butterfly is a die-cut that I made when I was still doing quite a lot of die-cutting before stitching took over.

Here is a photo of the 1st time I used this pattern.

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge - #178 - hosted by Pamela

 Good Morning,

I hope that all are well.  I am slowly feeling much more betterer (family saying) but I must admit to it being a very slow progress.  I mustn't moan though  - as it is going the right way.

                             

Here is my card for our latest challenge.  I must admit to having stitched this one before but it is a favourite.  I think it is the eyes.  The Goat is one of a series of 6 farm animals from Stitching Cards.  I already have a couple more of them  in the pipe line to show you - just because I love doing them.

I hope all are well.  We didn't see many of you in the last challenge.   Hopefully it wasn't the bad weather that kept you away.   The rain has been horrendous and can do so much damage - so I hope it wasn't that.

 I did show you some cards I recently made using watercolour images together with Nail Art.   I got "into it" again as they say, and popped onto Aliexpress - to order some more to play with and am now just waiting for the delivery.

Please note that the challenges will now close at 9 pm on the second Friday of the Challenge. e.g This challenge will close at 9 pm on the 13th of March 2026.

Take care and I look forward to visiting you all.

Hugs

Carol

xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #177 - hosted by Jocelyn

 Here is the final of my three Bumble bee cards:

I have enjoyed making these three cards.  Nothing fancy or complicated.  Just simple and attractive - I hope.

I have also spent quite a bit of time searching for more patterns to buy.  I do enjoy finding new (to me) designs that incorporate space that allows the use of images.  And together with new patterns - new threads - of course.  Finding new suitable threads isn't always as easy as it sounds but doable - with time.

So this is the last of the Bee patterns.  I have more animal patterns in the pipeline - so plenty to keep me occupied.

Bye for now.

Carol xx

Please note that the challenges will now close at 9 pm on the second Friday of the Challenge. e.g This challenge will close at 9 pm on the 27th of February 2026.

Digital playing instead of stitching.

I am having a little rest from stitching card patterns.  Instead of stitching I have been playing with my ACDSee programme together with some digital Watercolour images that I bought fairly recently.   I added  some Nail Art 'flowers'  that I purchased a while ago  - 2024/2025.  I posted this card the other day on my Facebook page .  This one features some white daisy type flowers heads.  They show up quite well as there are only a few meadow flowers in the foreground to which I could attach the nail art.

 

But below here is another card.  No sentiment decided yet but I have also decorated the image with some 'Nail Art' bits and pieces that I bought some time ago.  The Nail Art flowers are the perfect size for use on cards and the colours are amazing.

You have to look a little more closely to see the Nail Art which includes a couple of bees as well as the white, purple and yellow flower heads.  I can't imagine using the nail art on my fingernails but they are perfect in size and colour for my cards.  They are also a perfect size to use on ATCs. I make quite a few ATCs as I belong to two groups.  So the Nail Art won't be wasted.

The  border was created using my ACDSee programme. There are so many designs in the programme it really is difficult to make a final choice.

Before I forget I wanted to say a thank you to Doris.  Doris is a fellow member of a Forum I belong to and it is through her that I first came accross Nail Art.  Thank you Doris.

Hugs, 

Carol

xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #176 - hosted by Jo

My goodness me - hasn't it been wet.  Down here in the depths of Surrey it has rained heavily and constantly -  each day.  I know the British Isles are known for the rain - but this is too much.  

We do have crafting though to keep us busy and to have something else to talk about.  I have the second of my three Bee themed cards that I mentioned last time, to show you.

Here it is:

If they have any sense they will be staying in the hives until the dryer warmer weather arrives.  At least this bee is smiling.

Please note that the challenges will now close at 9 pm on the second Friday of the Challenge. e.g This challenge will close at 9 pm on the 13th of February 2026.

Hugs

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #175 - hosted by Meg

 It was great to see all the new cards entered in our first challenge of 2026.  As usual, apart from giving me the pleasure of studying what our challengers are doing, I also get ideas of what I need to purchase.  This month, a new set of dies is on the way from Amazon as I type.

Back to the reason for my posting - my team card for this challenge:

No sentiment yet, as I haven't decided whether to use the card as a 'Love and Hugs' to a friend on their birthday or perhaps a Valentine card.  Probably the first choice, as I am definitely beyond the age for Valentine cards.

The card pattern is one from Form-a-Lines featuring Hearts and Flowers with the bees. There is a set of three using the bees as a theme, and this is the 1st.

I just want to say that I have - at last -  managed to study all the entries and comment accordingly.  I really felt as though I was "back on duty", and I really enjoyed studying all the wonderful work.

Please note that the challenges will now close at 9 pm on the second Friday of the Challenge. e.g This challenge will close at 9 pm on the 30th of January 2026.

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #174 - hosted by Pamela

 

 

Here is my first CD Sunday Plus card for the New Year of 2026.  Yet another stitched card, but I do enjoy creating them.  

This one is a pattern from Linzoos.  Pattern no: Kerst 520.  The central image of Sweet Peas is a digital image I purchased from Etsy.  The thread colours were chosen to match the colours of the flowers

Sweet Peas are a particular favourite of mine, and also of the intended recipient, whose birthday is later in January, and who grows them in her garden.  

When I gave  the photo of the card to Pamela for her to add to her posting, I hadn't added the greeting, so here is an extra photo:

I hope everyone enjoyed a Happy Christmas and New Year.  I look forward to seeing all your beautiful creations and joining in more of the activities.

Hugs

Carol xx

Please note that the challenges will now close at 9 pm on the second Friday of the Challenge. e.g This challenge will close at 9 pm on the 16th of January 2026

14/2/26  Now we are past the birthday date I can reveal that the recipient of this card was my younger sister.  She is a very keen gardener and does produce some spectacular Sweet Peas.  And other flowers of course, not just Sweet Peas  Sadly - these days - I can't get down to see her garden anymore so I rely on memories.

Happy New Year to everyone

 I hope all are well. There seem to be a few nasty coughs and colds doing the rounds at the moment, so please stay safe.

 I have been busy making cards all through Christmas and have about 15 or so that haven't been shown off yet.  Don't panic  - I just have a couple to show you this afternoon.

The first is the repeated use of a Linzoos pattern that I fell in love with back in September.  This is pattern no. P68.  Here it is:

The central picture is a digital download I purchased from Etsy.  The picture just appealed to me, and I just had to purchase it and see what I could do with it.  I matched the thread colours as best I could and decided that I would add it to my cache of birthday cards to be used later in the year.

Here is a copy of the first time I used Pattern P68

The second card to show you isn't a stitched one.  Now that is a shock.  I took the PNG version of the image used above and added water as a background - appropriate for ducks, I felt.  I then created a background and a birthday sentiment - I hope with some humour.

So here is the second card:

I must admit they both make me smile, and I really enjoyed making them.  I hope you like them too.

Hugs

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge # 173 - hosted by Jocelyn

This is my card for the last Challenge of 2025.  I have chosen some Sunflowers to brighten up the page and me, if I am honest.  It hasn't been my finest year, but at least I have been able to craft, keep busy and, very important - keep in touch with my crafting friends.  I have found much love and kindness in our crafting community.

Another Linzoos pattern  - i99, and again, only part of the pattern.   I didn't stitch the inner edge so that I would have room for the Sunflower in the watering can.  I used a variegated thread to tone with the image and the background, and added some yellow enamel gems.

Our next challenge will be after Christmas, so from me with much love.....

Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Carol xxx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #172 - hosted by Margaret

The stitch pattern is by Linzoos and is part of pattern U89.  The original pattern has 6 sets of the petal-shaped images and circles.  My two 3D butterfly image replacements are from Heartfelt Crafts. I used some more of the background pad from Hunkydory for the background.  It is proving to be a wonderful paper for my Christmas cards.

I may add a sentiment to the front of the card.  I will see at the time I use it.

The threads sparkle even more in real life.  Even though I photographed it in full light, it still looks a little dull.

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #171 - hosted by Jo

This is my last 2025 stitched Christmas card for CD Sunday Plus. It is one that I played about with - a little - as I explain below.  

The stitch pattern for the bauble is by Linzoos - Kerst 413.  I believe that 'Kerst' is Dutch for Christmas. The centre stitching design was taken from a Christmas bauble pattern by Stitching Cards, but increased in size to fit the bauble.  I added the beads and the peel-offs.  The background paper is from the Seasonal Sparkle papers by Hunkydory.

Will see you for the next challenge.

Hugs

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #170 - hosted by Meg

I showed the skating Penguins for the last challenge, and for this challenge, we have the skating Snowmen.  The pattern is from Stitching Cards - sister company to Form - a - Lines -  another of my favourite pattern designers.  I do use many of their patterns, especially their Christmas ones.

Here are the Snowmen:

I wanted to tell you about the backing paper used on this card.  It comes in a few colours and I have been using it for years, but of course, as soon as I wanted to tell you about it, I couldn't remember where it came from.  I decided to go back to some Christmas cards that I made a few years ago, hoping to find the source - and bingo - I did. It is on a CD - CD-8  2nd Christmas CD by Carol Ann's Studio.  I am really pleased that I found the details, as I think I used my last printed sheet for this card.

After this challenge, we have just three more before our Christmas Holidays, and I will only have one more stitched Christmas card to show you.  The last two will be stitched, but not using Christmas patterns. 

Keep well and safe.

Hugs

Carol

xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #169 - hosted by Pamela

Pattern by Form-a-Lines, which is part of Stitching Cards - Skating Penguins.  Background from the Seasonal Sparkle pad by Hunkydory.

I am still enjoying the stitching.  It is keeping me occupied, especially when I do a little alteration to some of the patterns.  Naughty, I know, but enjoyable.

I hope all are keeping well.  I am doing my best.        I have decided that I need a few new things from M & S, so Chris is going to take me for a quick visit next week.  This will be my first shopping trip for months. We might have a little light lunch somewhere as well.

Take care.

Hugs

Carol xxx

We didn't make it to M & S. In fact, we didn't make it anywhere.  Chris developed a stinking cough and sore throat, and we did a COVID-19 test on him instead of going out.  All OK TG.

Christmas 2025

I have almost finished making my Christmas cards for this year.   They are nearly all stitched ones, and I have been making them whilst resting in my armchair, recuperating from my stay in hospital.

I have enjoyed searching for new patterns and threads, and also trying to alter the patterns a little to produce a different effect.  

This is the one I would like to show you now:

The pattern is from Linzoos and is M49.  It wasn't from their list of Christmas (Kerst) patterns, but by using those colours and the gems, it seemed to make it into a Christmas card.  I even managed to find a gem that suited the shape of the candle flame.

Hopefully, I will post a few more quite soon.

Hugs

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #168 - hosted by Pamela

As promised, all my Design Team cards for the rest of this year will be of the stitched variety.  This is no hardship for me, as I am thoroughly enjoying making them.  It would be true to say that I enjoy stitching as much as I used to enjoy parchment work.  Here is my card for this challenge:

(the lilac surround is not part of the card - just there to give a clearer scanned image)

The stitch pattern is by Linzoos - i49.  I love their patterns. So many possibilities.

The deep purple background sheet is from a Duo Design paper pad called Seasonal Sparkle that I purchased from Hunkydory.  The central image was a purchase from Ann's Paper Art.  When I was checking up on the details, I discovered that they appear to be closing down, so I have purchased a few more items.  You can never have enough!!

The gems are from my copious supply of enamel gems.  I prefer them to sparkly gems when I am using them on stitched cards, as the colours blend with the cottons.

I have almost finished all of my Christmas cards, and I will have a couple of stitched ones to show you in the next couple of challenges.

Hugs everyone.

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #167 - hosted by Jocelyn

I hope that all are well and not too wet.  It is very wet in Surrey at this moment, and really, I am pleased that staying in is not bothering me in the slightest.  I can still only walk very slowly and carefully using my walker, so I would get very wet.

I have yet another stitched card for your delectation.  I am really enjoying making them and -  even more - buying new cottons and patterns.

Here is my card.

I used Pattern No. R39 by Linzoos, I think this is going to be a new favourite.  The scan doesn't do it justice.

The central image is a 3D push-out I purchased ages ago, and the variegated thread  - an almost perfect match to the push-out - was purchased from Amazon.

I have now made 17 toppers since I rejoined the team.  That is the stitched image, together with accessories, that are now ready to be made into cards. 

It will be my turn to choose the bestest cards for Challenge #168, and I am looking forward to that honour.  I will feel closer to being back to normal.  As much as I can .  I saw my GP last week, and sadly, he told me that although I am feeling better, the problem won't go away.  They love to be so positive, don't they?

Take care everyone.

Hugs, Carol xx

A new stitched card

 using a pattern from Linzoos - P68.  I have fallen in love with this pattern, and I have so enjoyed making the card that I am going to be boring and share it in a few places.

The thread I used is a variegated Gutermann Sulky thread - colour 4106.  I made the background using a piece of multicoloured striped paper and my Kaleidoscope CD. The vase of tulips was an internet find many moons ago, and just seemed the only image I could use. A perfect match.  The blue and gold half pearls were the finishing touch.

Hugs

Carol

xx

P.S.

The Creative Crafts site has honoured me by choosing this card for their September banner.

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #166 - hosted by Margaret

 Here is my team card for this challenge.  As promised, it is yet another stitched card and, again, a pattern from Linzoos.  Pattern No. R64, if you wish to look it up.

The central image is a digital download that I purchased from PaintPixelCo.  I have purchased numerous of these wonderful little works of art from various suppliers over the past year.  A great way to stock up on pictures that you can print out in the size you might need to fit the stitch work of the card you are making.

Although I am by no means over my recent illness yet, I have discovered that I really enjoy stitching cards, along with all that entails.  Choosing and buying patterns, threads and images like the Sunflowers I have used on this card.  I have at last come to terms with not doing parchment work any more.  I am happy stitching.

But I do still need to do some die cutting for bases for patterns and cards, and even some images.  I have - this afternoon purchased a new electric machine.  I have discovered that I haven't the strength anymore for the wind-up version, so I have treated myself to an electric Big Shot.  It should be here in a few days.

I am still receiving wonderfully kind wishes and messages from so many people.  All are so kind and generous with their thoughts and wishes.  All I can say is a really big thank you to all.

Hugs

Carol xxxx

Christmas Cards - 2025

Here are a couple that I have just finished.  As I have now completed all my Birthday cards for this year - both personal and group ones - I am now concentrating on Christmas cards.   They are all being stitched as I haven't yet got the strength to tackle die-cutting or anything that doesn't involve just crafting, sitting quietly.

These are both using patterns from Stitching Cards.  Over the years, I have bought so many of their patterns that I have more than enough to use just theirs alone.  But I don't, as I have also collected many from other sources that I like as much.

Here are a couple that use patterns from other designers:

There will be more to show quite soon, as I have completed the stitching, but have not made the cards yet.  

Hugs

Carol

xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #165 - hosted by Jo

 I am slowly getting back into the team, and here is my card for this challenge.

Another stitched card - as promised.  I do love making them, so it is no hardship.  The decoupage is again from Hearty Crafts.  They do make so many sets that it is hard to choose.  It is one of the set of 'Flowers in Glass vases'.  The stitch pattern is by Linzoos (G82).

I am looking forward to browsing more entries in our challenges.

Hugs

Carol

xx

p.s.  Thank you all for your good wishes last challenge. xx

Good evening everyone

 I thought I would like to show you a couple of the stitched cards that I have been making whilst I convalesce.  I am not allowed or even able to do much of anything physical, so once I have taken my stack of pills and done my daily exercises, I am free to stitch.  

This is pattern  602  from Laura's Design.  The central image is a 3D decoupage from Hearty Crafts.  I used a variegated thread to tone in with the colours of the flowers in the teacup.  I also found a picture of similar coloured flowers and made a background sheet using my Kaleidoscope programme.  I will add a sentiment when I decide when to use the card.

This second card is a design by Linzoos.  Pattern Z77.  

Again, I have used a 3D decoupage image in the centre.  I think it is from the same source as the one above, but I am not sure.  Different threads, though this time.  These are K.O. threads.  They are perfect for card stitching, but I do wish they had a bigger colour range.  

I have made so many such cards over the last few weeks - including Christmas ones - that I think I will have enough for my lists next year.  I am usually fairly ahead with my card-making, but I think that I will break all records this year.

I am enjoying the fact that I am now able to join in with CD Sunday Plus again - and of course, my contribution to the team cards will be stitched.  Now there's a surprise.

Hugs

Carol

xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge#164 - hosted by Meg

Well, here I am.  I am so pleased to be back with the team.  I have so missed the cut and thrust of CD Sunday. 

Pamela has been brilliant in taking over everything, having received no notice at all.  I was rushed off in an Ambulance and couldn't tell her anything that was happening.  I am just going to be a teamie for the time being and take things carefully and slowly.

Here is my card for this challenge:

The peacock is a decoupage image by Mary Rahder, which I have had for some time.  The stitch pattern is Laura's Design no 413.  A good pattern, as I can see possibilities of it being used also as a Christmas design, perhaps as a bauble.

I think - or in fact I know - that my next few cards will be of the stitched variety.  It is a craft that I can sit and do whilst resting in my armchair.  The fact that I love the stitching helps a little.

Great to be back.

Hugs everywhere.

Carol

xxx

For Christmas 2025

 I have managed to stitch three more cards while I have been resting. They are all using Linzoos patterns - which I love - and they are:

Pattern R29

Pattern X20

Pattern i69

Although the last one is a birthday card, it is for someone whose birthday falls around Christmas, so I tried to make it a little Christmassy.

Hugs

Carol xx

Hi

 After having been absent for about 16 weeks and with so much happening, I am afraid 'Hi' is about the only greeting I can muster.

Sometime at the end of March, I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance as I wasn't very well.  I don't even remember the date or the actual arrival.  I have since gathered from several of my friends that I was 'proper poorly' and looked as though I might not survive.

But I am here to tell the tale, or rather what I can remember.  I was struck by something called discitis and psoas.  Yes, I had to look it up.  Several medics that I spoke to hadn't heard of it either.  In layman's terms, it is an infection in the spine, but it is not necessarily known where it comes from, or came from.  It needs serious antibiotic treatment, which is what I was given - 54 doses to be exact.  I also had some very serious pain killers that really sent me loopy.  I can still remember some of the serious and unpleasant thoughts I had, and I don't ever want any of those medicines again.  How anyone takes them for fun I can't comprehend?

I have slowly recovered. Part of that was learning to walk again with a walker. I still have to use one when I am outside the house.  The antibiotics and pain killers have been stopped, but I have had several medical appointments.  I cannot praise the NHS enough for the wonderful treatment that I received and am still receiving.  There was a time when I thought that I may not make it.  I gather that my family and friends were very worried.  I had many visitors in the hospital and since at home.  I would like to thank them all for their kindness.

I have now - TG - managed to return to crafting.  I was getting so sick of the TV.  I couldn't do anything else.  Not even concentrate enough to read or listen to my audiobooks.  I have picked up my stitchcards again and am now thoroughly enjoying my days of enforced leisure by being productive.  Here is a card that I have been working on for a couple of days.

This is a "Laura's Design" - no 1401.  I have done it a couple of times before and it has become a favourite.  I have used K.O. threads and some enamel drops from my stash.  The  3D decoupage in the centre is also from stash.  I have had it for some time and cannot - at the moment - remember where it came from. I have remembered - Hearty Crafts from the Toptoppershop.

I will be back with CD Sunday Plus soon.  Hopefully joining in with Challenge #165.  The girls have all been so kind, taking on my duties and keeping me up to date with 'stuff'.  Thank you, teamies.

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #154 - hosted by Margaret

Just for a change, I am slipping in a 3D die-cut decoupage card from amongst my many recent stitched cards.  Here is my card:

This is all from a  Katy Sue Spring die-cut decoupage sheet.  I have added downloaded butterflies from Carnation Crafts.  The mats are all cut using Carnation Craft dies.

I love almost all of Katy Sue's designs and this is one of my favourites. The spring flowers look beautiful and perfect for the upcoming month of April.

I look forward to visiting your blogs and discovering new things to try or buy.

Carol  xx

More stitching patterns

 It must be obvious by now that I love making stitch cards. I am mostly using patterns from Linzoos (the site link is in my sidebar) and Laura's Designs, but quite a few other designers as well, such as Stitching Cards.

This one below is a Linzoos design and I love the simplicity and style of the pattern.  The central image is a 3D pushout by Amy Designs from Find It Media:

I have not yet added any sentiment to the front. I quite often do that when I am ready to use the card - or, in fact, not at all, preferring to add any sentiment and/or message to the inside.  

Something I have started to do is to increase the size of the patterns from the seemingly standard  12 x 12 and 13 x 13 cms to a 6" x 6".  This makes it much easier to use the central space for an image.

The one drawback is that this will increase the postage costs, but as I am almost always just sending a card and not a gift, and this is my hobby, I think I can bear the cost.

I hope you like the card, and I am sure I will be back showing some more.

Hugs

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #153 - hosted by Jo

 My team card for this challenge is another stitched card.  I am really enjoying making them.  Choosing patterns from a myriad number of designers and then deciding on occasions, images and colours.

Here is my card:

The design for this card is a download from Linzoos.  I found the flower to use in the centre of the card in my book of  'bits I have saved to use later'.  Sometimes I just stitch the card and then search for something appropriate for the centre, which is what I did on this occasion.  The flower seemed perfect.  I had stamped, painted it and cut it out ages ago.  It must have been quite a while ago as I haven't stamped anything for yonks.

I am so pleased to have found all these wonderful stitching patterns. Finding something to replace my love of parchment work has been a blessing. During the day, I do the housework and other chores that I can manage, and in the evening, I sit and relax, stitching.

I have also discovered that my son Chris has a keen eye for colour and often helps me decide what threads and images will complement the patterns I have chosen.

I will catch up with you all on your blogs and look forward to seeing what you are making.

Hugs

Carol xx

STITCHING...........

 Since Christmas time I have been creating stitched cards instead of die-cutting.  After doing a few daily chores, I can sit, relax, and stitch.  I find it very therapeutic.  Keeping busy but not stressing the neuropathy.  I am very unsteady on my feet some days.

Anyway, that is enough complaining.  I have managed to make about 30 cards using stitch patterns from people like Linda from Linzoos, and Laura's Designs.  As well as on their own sites, they both sell patterns on 'Add Some Sparkle'. (on my sidebar)

Here are two very different cards made using the same pattern (Y9) from Linzoos.  I have been experimenting with new to me variegated threads.

The centre image on the 1st card comes from a digital set I purchased from Aliexpress.  I played about with the colours and contrasts to get as close in-depth as I could to the thread I had used.

The image on the second card is a Christmas digital image that I printed on the card before I pricked out the pattern. This was an experiment to see if I could manage to get it all in the right place.  99% OK I think.

Part of the fun is finding and matching the right image to use on the card to complement or complete the stitching.  It is also the hardest part.  I have been searching the crafting internet and think I have found most of what I need.  Watch this space.

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #152 - hosted by Meg

I hope you won't be bored with my design team card for this challenge as I did a similar exercise for this challenge as I did for our last - #151.

I took the image of this stitched card that I made back in July 2023 - see below:

Then to make my new card I used my Kaleidoscope CD to create a pattern of the image and removed the Pansies so that I could add a central sentiment and a double border, as shown.

 

I have already chosen the prospective recipient and it is now in my 'cards to go' box -  at the bottom of the stairs.  My son always checks the box when he goes out to see what needs posting.

I look forward to my visit to your blog to see your cards. I will see you then.

Carol xx

A treasured gift

 I recently admired a beautiful parchment card made by Avril Gardner, which was shown on Facebook. It is truly gorgeous, and I wish I could still make parchment cards as I used to before the dreaded Carpal Tunnel struck.

The pattern is by Judith Maslen. Pattern No: jm287

Anyway - to cut a long story short - Avril sent me her card.  What a wonderful thing to do.  I have now framed it and here it is to show you.

Isn't it beautiful?  Thank you again Avril for your generosity.

Carol

xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #151 - hosted by Pamela

 I had fun with this card by combining different 'disciplines' to create a card -  digital, CD and stitching.

Firstly I used my Kaleidoscope CD with one of my older (favourite) stitched cards that you have seen before.

Here it is:

I then added the sentiment into the centre of the resulting kaleidoscope and finished with a border using my new ACDSee24 graphics programme.  

The 'digital' part of the project was the original digital download of the stitch pattern.

I have been making many stitched cards recently and hope to show them to you when I have done the finishing touches.  I have had to rest more recently and I find stitching a perfect way to combine rest and crafting.

I will catch up with you all on your blogs and perhaps you may let me know if you have passed by.

Hugs

Carol

xx