Fantasy Card

I was sorting through some cards in my 'here is one I made earlier' box for a selection of cards for upcoming birthdays when I found this one that I don't think I have shown you before.....

It comes from one of the many parchment books in my library - 'Sweet Designs' by Nadine Guenard and is just called 'Fantasy card'.
Not an easy one as it involved quite a bit of pen and ink work - not my favourite medium.

As it is such a glorious day today I took the photograph in the garden and whilst I was doing my David Bailey bit I was being serenaded by a bird way above me in the hedge. I couldn't see him clearly so I just pointed my camera in the general direction and snapped and here is who was singing his heart out.

Enjoy the sunshine.
Carol
xx

CD Sunday - Pearls and Lace

Good Morning.   Our challenge for the next two weeks has been chosen by team member Wynn.   Pearls and Lace are embellishments that we all use a lot on our cards so we at CD Sunday are hoping to see many beautiful creations. But please don't forget to use a CD somewhere in your creation.
Here is my very simple offering.

These are 3 decoupaged ATC's made using Joanna Sheen's CD - ATC Assistant. The hats and or roses have been decoupaged and  toning half pearls have been added.  Such elegant ladies in pretty colours.
Again Pauline and Meg have done us proud with their designs.  Please visit their Blogs  - and of course those of the rest of the team.

Thank you all for your Gorgeous Gowns and I will be choosing my Top 3 which will  be revealed in a couple of weeks.
Happy crafting.
Carol
xx

Red and Purple for Christmas?

I had to miss my trip down to Barton on Sea yesterday for Judith's workshop.  I love going and was very cross about it.  A reaction to some medication (which has now been changed) was the cause.
So rather than sit and mope I started on some parchment for my Christmas cards.  I found a border pattern on Pinterest which I liked so I had a go.  I had to use my PCA Bold Diagonal Grid - not one of my favourites - but generally pleased with the result.

Unfortunately the scanner chopped off the scallop edges  and it is too miserable to go outside for a photo.
The decoupaged wreath was made up many years ago and in fact comes from a sheet of Mary Rahder Christmas decoupage.  Working on my plans to try and use up all the stuff I have already I was determined to use it. Hence my adding the red and purple half pearls to match the wreath. I hummed and hawed -  and then stuck it on.
Do you think it works?
Carol
xx

Another Gorgeous Gown

This time it is from the new La Pashe CD - 'The Wrinklies at the Movies'.
My copy arrived yesterday and I had a quick browse and found this wrinkly with her gorgeous gown from 'My Fair Lady'.  I just had to make up the card.  I also remembered that I was lucky enough to be taken to the 2nd night of the original West End Show.  I won't try to remember how long ago that was.
Here is the card:

I used another of the music notes die cuts  that I purchased from Ebay and my Sue Wilson Itty Bitty Bow die for the black bows. The rest is all from the CD.
Now just have to find a recipient with a sense of humour.
Carol
xx

CD Sunday - Gorgeous Gowns

Good Morning. It doesn't seem possible that it is now September. The weather has been so bad that August seems to have slipped by unnoticed.
To cheer us up though we have 'Gorgeous Gowns' as our theme.  My choice this time and perhaps somewhere in the back of my mind I was hankering back to the days when I might have had the figure for one of these lovely creations.  Vaguely I remember.
Here is my 'Gorgeous  Gown'  in parchment.  A pattern by Judith Maslen called 'Beatrice'. One of three in her 'Edwardian Charm' series

The background card was made using Carol Ann's Studio 'Flutterby Purple' CD.  As usual I can't remember who made the die that was used for the flourishes.
Our team have made beautiful cards for this theme and we are especially pleased to welcome Meg and Pauline as our Guest Designers for 3 months.  They have made a couple of gorgeous 'Gorgeous Gowns' and we have been impatient to show them to you (here).
I know the team and our Guests would be delighted to receive a visit from you and any comments you care to leave will be avidly read and appreciated.
Carol
xx

ATC Swop UK

Time for our September 2015 ATC swop.  I am afraid the theme of Easel ATC's was my idea so I felt I had to make 5 and make a good effort so here are the ones I am posting off today.

Theme - Easels  - any subject.
I have used photos from our groups various trips to Wisley over the years  as backgrounds and then added Man and Ladies from MCS Deco Follies.  Can't believe I actually decoupaged those tiny figures. I covered them in Joanna Sheen's Glossy Transparent film (bought years and years ago) to stop them catching as you take them in and out of the sleeves.
I love these background photos I have taken at Wisley RHS - which is a glorious place - and use them quite often for different projects.  A group of us have been visiting  there for some years now and always have a great day.
It will be interesting to see how all the Easel ATC's are going to be displayed by the organisers - Sue and her husband - affectionately known by all as "The Slave".