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.

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 #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 #118 - hosted by Margaret

I have a stitched Christmas card to show for this challenge. It is one of my own favourites of those that I have made this year.

I downloaded the purchased stitch pattern - by Linzoos - from the internet and after finishing the stitching I completed the card with a 3D decoupage central image.

Here it is:

I love the stitch pattern which enhances but doesn't detract from the image used. I was pleased with the colouring and the glitter background mat that toned with the threads that I used. 

I hope all are well and doing well with your own Christmas card making.

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #114 - hosted by Jocelyn

 

 

For this card I used an image from Docraft - Tatty Ted.  The bluish mat at the back was cut using a new set of dies by John Next Door  called Postage Frames.  I bought them from The Art of Craft.  

I used my graphics programme for the pink edging to the image, and for the words, and then stuck on some enamel gems in the corners.

I love all the Tatty Ted images on the Docraft Digital Designer.  I remember seeing Tatty Ted first in card shops.  Usually Hallmark Cards I think, if memory serves.  In those days I never dreamed  that I would one day be making my own cards - let alone using Tatty Ted.

This card was made for a friend of my son - for her birthday later in the year.  I think I have decided that the Happy Birthday will be put inside the card.

I have only one more Birthday card to make for 2023 and I have made quite a few Christmas cards so I am reasonably up to date so ......I can do some more jigsaws - with a clear conscience.

If you feel like dropping a line as you pass, I would love to hear from you.

Carol xx

3D die-cut decoupage and stitching

I find card stitching very relaxing and can do it whilst watching or rather listening to the TV.  It also helps me feel that I am not wasting crafting time whilst the TV is on.  I have some more stitched cards to show you.

On the following three cards the central 3D die-cut decoupage comes from Katy Sue Designs and the pre-pricked stitch sheet was bought from Add Some Sparkle.

 

 Here is a 4th  card and this time the stitch pattern comes from Ann's Paper Art and the central decoupage comes from a sheet of 3D pushouts by Yvonnes' Creations.

 Carol xx

An unexpected birthday card required.....

My lovely hairdresser Amanda visited me yesterday - obviously to do my hair - and when we fixed up my next appointment I discovered it will be on Amanda's birthday.  We usually only exchange Christmas cards but how could I not give her a card on her birthday, when she will be here.

Now, funnily enough, on my last delve into my hoard of La Pashe decoupage images I had found something suitable for a hairdresser so I made up the card, without any sentiment.  At the time I had no idea who it could be for but just liked the making of it.

So I have added the Happy Birthday sentiment and some enamel gems for the corners etc and Voila!

I used my Carnation Craft Shabby Dies for the mats and to cut out the sentiment. The image comes from 'La Pashe Splash Double decoupage.

I hope she likes it. She had been doing my hair now for 25 years and at 8-9 times a year that is quite a few visits.