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

Bouquet of Roses

 I have use a lacy background die from Carnation Crafts together with a new favourite from Tattered lace - Sash 3D Roses.

 The bouquet has 4 layers of decoupage including the base layer and I stamped the sentiment.  First time I have stamped anything for ages. I had to search for them.

I needed a background sheet in a colour to match the roses so again I used my graphics programme to scan one of the roses and make a huge border.  This border I kept increasing in size until the rose was a small dot in the middle of the sheet.   I have had this programme now for 11 years and still discovering things it can do that I hadn't noticed before.

There are 4 dies in the Sash 3D series but unfortunately I only have 3.  I am trying to track down the Tulip bouquet to complete my set.

If anyone knows of one going please let me know.

Hugs

Carol

xx

p.s. I have tracked down the Tulip bouquet die set and now just awaiting its arrival. xx

Another one for the Birthday box....perhaps!

I have had so much fun making the card that I am going to find it difficult to send it to anyone.

It started off with a stamped card I saw displayed at The Art of Craft.  The stamp used was of a single blossom designed by  Julie Hickey.  I loved it straight away and had to buy it.  I had just bought a new set of watercolour pens from Amazon and I could see these two being used together.

To start with I stamped 5 and coloured in five different single bright colours.  Added the gold detail around the edges and then just kept looking at them trying to decide what to do next.

I went through my stock of die cuts and found all sorts of leaves and things in all sorts of colours  (all left over from other projects)  and just started to put them together.
I won't bore you anymore - here is the card:

Now it is all finished I will put it in the box - for the time being.

I wish you all the fun I have been having.
xx

Creative Stamping

The latest issue of Creative Stamping arrived yesterday and I was bowled over by the free stamps this time.  They are a set of Wild Animals together with sentiments and embellishments.
Usually I admire the stamps,  read most of the magazine and then file them both for later use but this time I just wanted to play straight away.

So I got  out the stamping 'stuff' and started playing.   I managed one complete card and here it is.

The border took most of the time.  Several of the sample cards in the magazine used a border done with this stamp and it appealed to me.  Bold and very 'African' in design.   I tried stamping the border straight to the card but found it difficult to get a neat straight edge so after several abortive attempts I decided to approach it a different way and just stamped out about a dozen borders (3" long pieces) onto card and then cut them out neatly.  Having done that I then attached them to the card with double sided tape as a border.  Simples - as they say.
I then stamped the Elephant and baby onto card and cut them out and affixed them to the background.  The background was not stamped by me.  It is an image I have had for some time and used before and would like to give it credit if I could.
The sentiments were stamped next and  Voila  a 'Go Wild' birthday card.
I thoroughly enjoyed making it despite the resultant  mess everywhere -  and it is one more for the box.
If you get this magazine I guarantee you are going to want to use these stamps as soon as you see them.
Carol
xx

More Christmas 2017 and Parchment

I am afraid I am having to reduce the amount of 'true' parchment work that I can do whilst my hand is so troublesome but I am adapting and managing  with what tools and gadgets I have.
For this card I stamped onto parchment using Stazon ink and a Nellie Snellen stamp called 'Christmas Time'.   I then centred the image onto an oval grid and embossed and pricked out the border.  The grid was designed by Alison Yeates and purchased from her company Kingfisher Crafts.

I then embossed parts of the stamped image to enhance the snow and even coloured the deer.  The sentiment was embossed using a Groovi Plate.

Having got all this ready I then realised what an awkward shape I had made to fit on a card.  I die cut a larger oval from blue card as a backing and fixed with brads.   I fiddled with this for a long time trying to decide how to present it.  In the end I removed the blue oval background and attached it to a larger piece of blue card cut to fix to a white landscape card - with a small white edge showing.
I then played about with some Christmas die cuts for decoration but nothing looked right.  Then I found these two bows with tails which looked perfect to me.  A couple of Christmas roses are the finishing touch.

I think it has a hint of Wedgwood about it and I hope you like it.
Hugs
Carol
xx

CD Sunday - 'Take a stamp' - theme chosen by me.

This will be a short post as I have the dreaded lurgy from h*** and feel very sorry for myself.

I used my choice to make a card for my second Great Nephew who will be One in January. I used a Woodware stamp (my favourites as I have stated many times).
The background paper is from  Papercraft factory - Funky hand CD  - 'Happy Happy Birthday' folder - 'Blow out the candles' design..
I was so pleased to find it matched the Giraffes hat.

I know Arlo will be too young to appreciated his card but hopefully it will give him a colourful image to look at.
Here it is:

I had fun stamping and colouring.
I'll catch up with you all at some time.
Take care.
Carol
xx

Layering stamps by Nellie Snellen

I have fallen in love with a set of stamps.  Christmas layering stamps by Nellie Snellen. I have been using them with my Tim Holtz stamping platform and I did more stamping yesterday than I have done in a year or so.
Yesterday I made a dozen Christmas cards and here are some photos:

Here are  three individual ones as close-ups;

I think they make great cards. Hope you like them.
Hugs
Carol
xx

'ATC Swop UK'

Here are the ATCs I made for the current swop - 'Nautical'.

They look so cool - I wish I could join them. The 'seaweed' and the fishes and the seahorse are all die cuts but the sealions are stamped from a new set of clear stamps by Marianne.  When I stamped them I used my new Tim Holtz stamp pad for the first time and I was very impressed.  It worked just like it did on his video demo. I stamped using Stazon on smooth watercolour paper and then painted them with my Lyra Aquacolors - also new.

On days like today I wished I lived by the sea.

Keep cool - if you can.
xx

CD Sunday - Add a stamped image - chosen by Christine

I must admit I don't do a lot of stamping these days.  I still buy stamps though - mostly to stamp out onto card and then use as an image to trace for parchment work  - or for ATC's which is another passion of mine.
This time I have used stamps to make a background card to suit the image I found on an Ooh La La CD - Faithful Friends.
As you will see I have a really early Halloween card for my box of 'here is one I made earlier'.

The image is a pyramage with only the top layer using sticky pads to raise it.  The matting layer is red and not black as it shows in the photograph. The little stamped cats are 'Kitty Silhouettes' by Stampendous and the diecut larger cat is by ???.  I didn't keep the packaging so I don't know the manufacturer I am afraid.

As you will see on the CD Sunday Blog we are losing both Jenny and Christine from our Design Team and this will be their  last  challenge and choice.  Jenny and Christine were both  founder members of CD Sunday and the team are really sorry to see them go but we wish them both  all the best,  and success to Christine  in her venture as a Hobby Demonstrator for Stamping Up.
All the best Jenny and Christine.

Carol xx

CD Sunday - Stamp-It

Good morning.  The weeks seem to be flying by and do we really have only 10 days to go before Christmas Eve?
I am going to boast now as  all my cards are made and those that needed posting have been posted.  One in the post is my card for this challenge set by Sue - Stamp-It.  I don't do a great deal of stamping these days so it was quite a challenge for me.
Here is my achievement and I hope you like it.

I used a wooden backed stamp and a Versafine Onyx black ink pad with some added glitter for the image.The background came from Robert Addams - Christmas Trees CD and the tag from Carol Ann's Studio - Midi CD-11.  The bow is Sue Wilson's Itty Bitty Bow.
 I had cut out the image with the largest die in the set I was using but I wanted a mat for it so I drew around the outside of the die on the red card  and cut out by hand.  It just gave enough to frame the image.

As we are now posting fortnightly and and our next and last challenge for this year  will be on the 28th December I would like to wish all our followers and contributors a very Happy Christmas.

Hugs
Carol
xx

Christmas with Majestix

I am a great fan of the Card-io Majestix range of stamps and I have quite a few sets now.  I bought the new multibuy from C & C on Tuesday and they arrived yesterday and I have had a little play.
This is my first go and I was just copying one of the samples done by the demonstrator on the show.

There is a little glitter but it doesn't show well in the scan.  The die used was one of my favourites from Marianne.
I am looking forward to further playing.  Using the stamps on ATC's as well as cards.
Carol
xx

Crafts-Too Challenge You(C2cu)- Challenge #2 -Summer Days - Twist 2 - Beach Colours

Good Morning and welcome to Twist 2 of our August Challenge - Summer Days.  This time we would like you to use some beach colours

Here is my creation which I hope will give an idea of what we are looking for, or perhaps even give some inspiration.

For this easel card I have used from my pack from Crafts-Too  - buttons, ribbon and the striped backing paper. The Beach Hut and shell stamps used came from the free set with Creative Stamping (I think Issue 10).  I thought the beige buttons looked a bit like pebbles and I used the blue striped ribbon to look like a wave. The beach huts are coloured with Faber Castell Polychromos pencils.

I look forward to seeing more of the wonderful creations that we have been receiving.
Carol xx
C2cu DT

p.s.  I won't be making any comments for a while I am afraid but my fellow team members will be doing my turns for me.  

Crafts-Too Challenge You (C2cu) - Challenge #2 - Twist 1 - Fun in the Sun

Good Morning. We are so pleased to have received  many wonderful entries in the 1st week of our second challenge.  Thank you all for your continued interest and support.
Here is my second card on this theme of 'Fun in the Sun' and for this I have been doing some stamping and colouring.

This is 'Making a Garland' using Marianne 'Snoesjes stamp', Marianne backing papers and Crafts-Too buttons.  The Rectangle Parenthesis dies (X cut) and the  'Dancing Tulip' die (Memory Box) , purple and green card are from my stash. The butterflies are cut from a piece of backing paper in the selection I received.
We are looking forward to receiving many more entries.  I love looking at all the different styles used and of course what else is new to buy.

Carol xx
C2cu DT

The Foxtrot

This was my parchment project at the lesson on Wednesday.   The image was traced using black ink and white pencil  from the stamped image of a Kanban stamp by Yvette Jordan called 'Foxtrot'.  The oval border was made using Pergamano Grid No: 20 and the brads are white floral brads by Nellie Snellen. I used a little Glamour Dust and 3 tiny stick on pearls.

Crafts-Too Challenge You (C2CU) 3rd week of our Decades/Era. This time Twist 2 - 3 Layers

Good morning and welcome to the third week of our July Challenge.  This time we are asking you to use  3 layers.
Here is my contribution

Very 1950's style dresses on this piece of backing paper and I loved the colouring.  (seem to be liking red at the moment).
The  stamped lady in the pinafore dress came from the Marianne Clear Stamp set - Fabulous 50's.  Again I used flat water colour paper and diluted Distress Markers.  I chose the colours to match both the papers used - the background and the die cut piece, both from Crafts-Too.  All the papers we have used have been gorgeous to work with as they all have a good substance and finish.   The Rhinestone Sticker Dots are from Crafts-Too and the rest from stash.

I look forward to visiting your Blogs.  I am now back on duty after my week away.  Trust me to choose the hottest week for ages and the hottest day for my drive home on the M1.  But I did so enjoy my visit with my crafting friend and her husband. Wonderful time.

Please don't forget to use the full title of the Challenge Blog - 'Crafts-Too Challenge You'  in your posting and to tell us which Decade/Era you have chosen to represent with your work/project.

Carol x

Crafts-Too Challenge You (C2cu) 2nd week of our Decades/Era - Twist 1 - Anything Goes

Good Morning
This is a scheduled post this week I am afraid as I am actually managing to have a short holiday. I will catch up my visits and commenting when I get back.
To be a part of this new venture is very exciting for all of us on the team and I thought there were some great cards last week by my fellow teamies and I am sure there will be this week as well.  So please visit their blogs and get some ideas and join in with us .

I must confess that when I was first asked to join the team and received all my goodies to use it took a while for the brain to stop whirling.  I had ideas - certainly for last week -  but when it came to the second project my mojo just got up and left.  I was a bit panicky but did what I always do when that happens - make some ATC's.  It hasn't failed me yet - so here they are.

Just three - called '1950's Little Misses.
The little girls come from the Marianne Clear Stamps set - Fabulous 50's.  I stamped them on flat watercolour paper and painted with diluted Distress Markers.  All the beautiful background papers, the spotty tape, Rhinestone sticker dots and blue buttons are from Crafts-Too.  Little bits of ribbon and lace are from stash.
My mojo duly returned for the next challenges (at least I hope you think it did) and I look forward to showing you those in due course.
I hope to see you on my visits.  Happy crafting.
Carol x

CD Sunday - Awash with flowers

Good morning.  This is a timed posting as I am busy today at Sandown Park, Esher on the last day of the craft show.
The theme this week is my choice and I am hoping we have lots of entries from which to choose the top three.  I will be looking out for a 'little something' at the show for a prize.

For my card this time I decided to do some stamping because I saw this gorgeous stamp at The Art of Craft when I was there for a Parchment lesson - and I couldn't resist it.  Two other ladies at the lesson saw what I had bought and promptly added them to their own shopping basket.  The stamp is by Woodware.  I have coloured using Sakura pens. Added a little glitter and glaze and some flat backed pearls from stash.  The parchment/card  butterfly is from my stash made using Artylicious - Butterfly Bliss CD.
Hope you like it.  I thoroughly enjoyed  making it.

 The two ovals were cut using a Go Kreate XXL frame dies and the green card is from a Create and Craft special offer of linen look card.
My fellow teamies have made some fab cards for this theme so please visit their blogs.  Any comments you care to leave are always much appreciated.

CD Sunday - Mainly Men

I had such fun with this one that I wonder if it is a bit over the top.  I love Steampunk but strive for a slighter softer side hence putting a Steampunk style flower on a  manly card.  Nothing to say a man can't like flowers.
I used MCS - Tinkering with Steampunk - which is just what I have been doing.  This is the last of  my 'ones I made earlier' so I am hoping my arm will be recovered enough to manage one for next week.  I am making quite rapid progress but finding it hard to come to terms with the lack of muscle power.  Caused by the fact that they had to move them etc to get at the bone to plate.
Here is my fun offering and I hope you like it

We had a great selection of cards in our 'A is for...' challenge and I was pleased to have visited and managed to comment on them all.
I look forward to your visits and please feel free to leave a message so that I know you have called.
Carol xx

CD Sunday - 'A' is for............. Artist

Good Morning everyone.  I am making good progress and now able to do some typing albeit it in short bursts.  But at least I can now get back to some commenting on the Challenge Blog entries and feel that I am taking part again.

'A' is for..... is our theme this week and all the team have chosen something different.  All without planning I must point out.  For my own 'A' is for Artist I decided to do some stamping.  I think it is a Penny Black stamp  but I am not 100% sure. I coloured with Faber Castell Polychromos pencils and then mounted and matted on to a most appropriate background paper from Messy Rabbit Cd by Joanna Sheen.  Not sure where the sentiment comes from either - put it down to my fragile condition.
Here is my offering - and I thoroughly enjoyed the making:

I will have been to see the Consultant for the first time since the op by the time this is posted and I am keeping my fingers crossed for a good report and being told it is healing well.
Physiotherapy will be the next stage and the sooner the better.  I need to get back to crafting.  TV and Jigsaws are proving  tedius.  Also I am running out of 'here's one I made earlier', and money - cos I can still shop with one arm.

Addendum.  The Hospital made a mistake on my card  and my appt is next Wednesday not yesterday.

Oodles of Doodles

Not my title but the name of some new  (to me)  stamps by Hobby Art Ltd that I found at The Art of Craft on Wednesday.  I was there for our monthly Parchment workshop and of course I went shopping.
I love doodles and Zentangles so I was pleased to find these.  I had a great deal of fun making some ATC's with the flowers etc made using the stamps.  They were stamped on some fabulous Tim Holtz papers from his 'idea-ology' pad of 12 x 12 papers.  I added sequins, beads and  wood cut-outs etc all from my stash and just let my imagination run away.
There are a couple of parchment ones in the last photo - made at the workshop - so I did do some work.
Hope you like them