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.

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 # 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 #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

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

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

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #134 - hosted by Meg

The pattern I have used is a download purchased from Stitching Cards.  I think the flower under which the fairy is sitting is a Bluebell.  The blue and pink mat layers were cut using my favourite Carnation Crafts 'Shabby Dies'.

The sentiment - in gold - was cut using a die,  - but as usual I can't remember from whom I purchased it.  The stitched image sheet has been attached to the mats using very small pink and blue brads.

I think the fairy has a very pretty face and such a faraway look - and a figure I would die for!!

I hope all are well.  I have had a week of medical tests.  Just normal - including a  COVID 19  booster - and all is OK.  It's like waiting for buses - wait ages and then 3 come along at once. 

I look forward to visiting your blogs - as always and if you feel like leaving me a comment as you pass by, would be much appreciated.

Hugs

Carol

xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #131 - hosted by Aimes - Anything Goes

 

 

This Hibiscus decoupage image is from a La Pashe CD - The Big One - Vol 1 - Folder - Nice and Easel. The butterfly was made by me using a Carnation Crafts die and a rather special jewel like butterfly body.  Sadly it was my last one and I cannot remember from where I purchased them.

I used a Carnation Crafts 'Shabby' die for the pink background mat.

As I have said many times before I love all the La Pashe artwork.  You can almost always find what you need amongst the many hundreds of images.  Tis my go to supply.

I have mentioned before that I belong to the United Kingdom Stampers Network and one of the inter club sections is called 'Cards for Kindness'.  Each month a list of names is drawn and circulated and those on the list make a card for 'their' name.  I chose this one for April and I hope the recipient likes it.  It is winging its way - that is if the post does 'wing' these days.

I hope all are well and as always I look forward to visiting all your Blogs and admiring your handiwork.

 Hugs

Carol xxx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #128 - hosted by Jo

My card for this challenge is a mixture of digital images, photography and die-cutting.

Here is my card:

 The green and blue background mats were die-cut using my favourite 'Carnation Crafts Shabby Dies'.

The photographic scene is of a village house in the depths of rural France.  The photograph was taken many years ago by either myself or my sister on one of our many trips together in  France.  I have kept these old photos on my computer for many years and rediscovered them whilst looking for a suitable background for the ladies and gentleman from the Deco Follies folder from the My Craft Studio programme.

I had fun choosing which of the figures were most suitably dressed for the photo shoot. Then to complete the scene I turned to my Kate Hadfield downloads and found a pussy cat for the top of the steps and a beautifully behaved dog to sit neatly beside Doris.  Hazel is climbing the steps and Robert is trying to look very manly.

The final borders around the photo were made using my graphics programme and finished with tiny brads.

I hope you enjoy my scene. I had fun making it.

Hugs

Carol xx

Katy Sue - 3D die-cut decoupage

 I finished nearly all my Christmas cards quite a while before Christmas so I had time to devote to some 3D die-cut decoupage from a favourite supplier - Katy Sue.  Here are a few that I made for my go-to box.

I am sure that I have made and shown the third card before - the Hydrangea, but the others are new to me.

I hope that all are OK and dry.  We had a small leak but it will have to wait until better weather before it can be repaired.  They have now promised us some snow. What joy!!

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #124 - hosted by Jocelyn

 

I think that this is one of the most realistic animal stitching patterns that I have found.

It was made using a Sparkle Stitch card pattern -  downloaded from 'Add Some Sparkle'.  The pink and black mats were cut using Carnation Crafts Shabby dies. The sentiment comes from a box of various ones I must have had for years.

It looks so much more realistic in the 'flesh'.  The pattern seems to make the body of the cat seem rounded.  I know quite a few cat lovers and this will be destined for one of them.  I quite like cats but would prefer a dog - if I could cope with having a pet again.  My last dog was a beautiful black and white English Springer Spaniel.  He was gorgeous.  Ah well!!

Hugs

Carol

CD Sunday Plus Challenge - #123 - hosted by Margaret

This card is a first for me..  I have to admit I do not like Gnomes without faces.  It is not a new dislike - it has always been there.  There is a particular girl/doll image used on a craft CD - Gorjuss dolls that  I have never been able to use it because it has no facial features.  

I found this Gnome pattern on Stitching Cards, and with the addition of two black eyes (tiny wee black round peel-offs) and the pink nose I can cope with this.  In fact I think he is lovely and enjoyed I the stitching.

I even managed to find some super white/silver thread from Gutermann for his beard.

Tis funny I  know but I need to see facial features otherwise I get the shivers.  I even find it difficult as part of  the CD Sunday Plus Design team when I am making comments about entries to our challenges - beautiful as they are.   I don't duck my responsibilities but I do find it hard.  Now my fellow teamies know as I have not mentioned it before.

I hope all are well and getting busy with the cards for the period I am not supposed to mention (see card above).

I wonder if there is anyone else out there who doesn't like faceless images?

Carol xx