Less is More for Christmas

The challenge at Less is More last week had me stumped so I'm going to look forward to the challenge favourites but this week its a sketch and hopefully this card is OK. Not up to the standard of my favourite entrant of LIM Brigit/Biggan if you haven't seen her work you need to go over there straight after me of course.

I picked this stamp up from HobbyArt possibly from The Craft Barn and its been gathering dust but I've realise I have a few lumpy Christmas Cards and not many CAS ones for the post. This card goes through the slot, phew thats a relief.

The Holly leaves are a Marianne die thanks to my friend Nikki helping me spend my money at Ally Pally. I dusted some green ink on the leaves before I took the die off. Personally I don't think the die works otherwise. Tiny red pearls for berrys but I needed a sentiment and I thought the cute tiny tags with some red twine would work pity about the dodgy writing.

In the end I made a total of three cards all the same but the rest had an extra blue mat.

Penquin Parcels

I knew I should of schedule this post I've had to such stupid nights sleep and waking up at silly o'clock and unable to get back to sleep, probably why my mojo has disappeared but last night I actually had a good night sleep.
Now to my card I've used the Papertake Weekly sketch with an added banner for the sentiment. The papers are Nitwits download called Polar Pals. I insert them as a picture in Word change the size to 13.7cm and I can get two on a page. You might think this is a strange size but then the main mat is 14cm and my square cards are actually 14.5cm easy to remember and quick to find on the rule of my cutter.
Of course the little chap is from LOTV isn't he cute he wasn't hard to colour but it would have helped to know what a colour my contrasting mats were before I coloured the parcel so my top red one isn't lost.
Then it was a case of a Icicle punched border and some MFT snowflakes.

Here's the jaunty angle photo. Plans for today a trip to Hobbycraft want to get some beads for a present and hopfully some time in my craftroom. I made six quick CAS cards yesterday admittedly it was 3 designs but they all go through the normal slot for posting.

Nature Trail Ted

This is a sketch from somewhere just need to work out where. But it had a strip in the middle with a dot in each side but I decided to use a new Marianne die I brought at Ally Pally. The reason I brought it cos I saw a card made with it one that I plan to case in the future.
Not sure why I decided to used these papers from Prima I simply don't get on well with them and my Mojo had deserted me.
So when one has a clue what to do use butterflies and if you don't fancy them, then use flowers or even both.
Of course my little bear is Penny Black since its Saturday.

I'm hoping to get some time in my craftroom at least to finish off a card that been taking ages to finish, maybe use that die again too.
Thanks Marianne the sketch is from Sketch and Stash

Ladybirds

There's been a run of ladybirds in my Craftroom so much so I have a few left over and I couldn't possibly bin them or put them in a safe place where I can't find them. Obviously had to turn them into a card.
I used the Bricked embossing folder for my background and the Spellbinders window (well thats what I call it) to give it a more realistic look of building.
Then I used the Memory Box foliage die for my Elizabeth designs ladybirds actually they call them ladybugs.
To finish the icicle punch for grass and some green twine.

Angle shot of a card that I acutally can't find any fault with, better publish before I do.

Elf with Parcel

Finally a card that can be entered into its challenge on time, I've used the this week Sketch Saturday although I did have problems with strip going across. Originally it was just going to the MFT fence with the the icicles underneath but had to add the Memory Box scallop die to give it a nicer finish but then I discovered my elft was floating and had to add frozen grass (icicles border going the other way) to bring him to earth.

The papers are some gorgeous one from Stampin Up but in hindsight I should have coloured my parcel mainly in green so it stands out.

The cute Elf comes as a set from Mo Manning called North Pole Employees.

Here's the angle shot, it was all finished with twine and some handwritten tiny tags and some holly using a punch.
So far the quiet week I've suppose to be having hasn't lived up to it expectations but we had a lovely man come round and is going to sort out the building regs for the outhouse conversion and I think my builder nephew by marriage is hoping to doing during the winter has a lot of the work is indoors.

Art Impressions

Hi all and welcome to another week on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge !! Thank you for joining us for the Blog Hop and used a product available in Simon Says Stamp  and we hope you will all join us again this week too :-)

This week the challenge is ,,,,,,,,

ANYTHING GOES

We are showcasing Art Impressions stamps this week. You don't have to use them to join in but if you have some we would love to see them used :-)  We certainly had a LOT of fun with these images this week!

Art Impressions are also sponsoring this challenge and will be giving this fabulous prize to one lucky entrant !!

As always Simon Says Stamp will be giving away $50 voucher to shop at the fabulous Simon Says Stamp Store!

So this week you have 2 chances to win a fabulous prize !! 

AND if you go over to the Art Impressions Facebook Page, click 'like' and leave a comment to say that Simon Says Stamp have sent you, you will be entered into a prize draw where you could win this pack of Christmas Stamps worth over $100 !! Woo Hoo !! 

Sorry folk but this is going to be a long post but hopefully worth it in the end. We at the Simon Says Stamps Wednesday Challenge team were lucky to be able to chose one of the amazing stamps from Art Impressions. 

I'll be honest by the time I got there most of the ones I would have chosen had already picked so I went for the Set Uptown Girls a stamp I wouldn't normally go for just thinking of all those layers sent chills down my spine.

But I actually love making the girls come to life bit a headache working out how to colour the parts I needed but it was so worth it. Now I want them all!

Here are girls in their glory, I used a bit of flower soft for boa and their glasses have all had a drop of glossy accents on. Since the image is quite large I've had to keep the card simple but used a busy piece of My Minds Eye Cambridge Court this balance all the white space of round the girls.
The swirl is Harrington Vine from Simon Says Stamps which I'm unable to find in the shop but its still a favourite. The Lovely Aster is from Memory Box and the mini scallop die for along the edge.
The sentiement is one of three that come with the girls.

This is the side view

I  layered the girls one at a time so I didn't get confused and here you can see how they two of them came to life. Sorry for such a long post but I do hope you can join our challenge this week and pop over to the Challenge Blog and check out the team.

Stars and Stripes

I made this card with out the Simon says Stamps MediumTag dies and this card made me to decide to get them especially has I had to cut the white bit freehand.
I've used some Doodlebug papers for the strip across the top and the I paper pieced the balloons, one advantage of clear stamps you can see what you're stamping on so each balloon I manage to line up a star.
The tag is made with the Tag Sayings from Simon Says Stamp, the outline star stamp is from Friend Flags stamp set again from Simon Says Stamp.
The star die cuts yes are Simon says Stamps but I really hand set called Large Holiday Shapes and so it the Happy and the sentiment are both from the Happy Sentiment set.
I made sure that some of the stars go off the page, many years ago I was told this looks good visually and they were right.
Remember there's lots happening at SimonSaysStamp during their Stamptember I would definitely recommend subscribing to the blog to keep up with all the tutorials and inspiration and give aways.

I'm back 2pm with a chance to win not one prize but two at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.

Blanket and CAS Tags

 I finally worked out how to get petals not sure if its the right way but it looks OK. I do enjoy making Granny Square crochet blankets even better if they're baby ones cos they not too heavy to work on. Having made myself and my DD blankets I've now making them for a couple of her friends.
The wagon wheel one I showed a few weeks ago and this one is for the friend who been told she is expecting a girl.
Still have problems when I crochet around added too many stitches to the corners will resolve that for the next one I make.

DD wrapped both blanket to give to her friends at the weekend and she told me I had to make tags (don't make tags unless forced) but these were really quick since I received a parcel from Simon Say Stamps. First of I have the stamp set called Tag Sayings and I decided I needed the Medium tag dies to go with it.
First I stamp my label and I added sayings from the Baby set then I use the dies. Some matching Doodlebug twine and I've the fastest tags ever. Just need to find some Christmas sentiments to fit the dies and that my Christmas tags sorted.

Clam Diggers

I've think I've photograph this card three times and this is the best of the bunch. I absolutely love this design from Mo called the Clam Diggers and I needed a suitable image for the new challenge on Everybody Art Challenge.
The papers I had chosen to use with the image has roses on it and that's the new challenge for Roses.
I started using a sketch but couldn't decide on the another pattern piece of paper so I only used two but flip it for the inside mat I think it works out well.
Another card I've kept simple possibly because I didn't want to hide the fab image, just added a piece of lace and ribbon in keeping with the almost vintage scheme. My favourite Cuttlebug Corners and them some roses out of my stash.

Do pop over and check out the team, hope you can join in too.

Baby Fairy

edited not sure it looks any different but it is suppose to be straighter!
Now I know the side panels are not that crooked reason why because they were and I had to careful lift everything to make straight with a ruler. Looks like the photographer is getting worse not better I'll have another go in daylight because its bugging me.
Anyway you can see what I mean that I'm going the Clean route maybe not that Simple but definitely not too many paper layers.
Not sure of the manufacture of the papers but the little Baby Fairy is a Mo image available has digi or as a Penny Black stamp set.
The leaves are from Memory Box and flowers are an old EK success punch. The fabulous ladybirds are from Elizabeth Designs but the Baby die and sentiment is from Simon Says Stamp Exclusives. The Fishtail banners are W9plus but I used the die as a template for the red mats.

Remembered the angle shot it now looks straight!
I had a fab time at Ally Pally I managed everything off my list didn't avoid the stamps on Inkylicious and a few came home with me along with the Memento coloured pads so I reckon there will be various Snowflake medallions coming up soon. Quite a few dies came home especially when you can see the cut outs in real life and you have to have them!
We met Julie and Lesley but mostly it all went without a hitch although there was a moment when I thought my sister wasn't holding the wheelchair by some steps which would have been fine but there's an issue with the brakes they don't work. Lost one of my nine lives but I have a feeling someone know exactly what she was doing.

Medallion Snowflake

I probably will be up to do my post this morning but since I'm having a bit of pants day (Saturday) I decided just in case to schedule my post.
My list of draft cards is looking scarily short but at least I made two cards today but I seemed to be going CAS even on my cards that are not suppose to be.
But this card is definitely CAS and the idea came to me when I was checking out the new season mini from Stampin Up and hunting for a particular Christmas stamp I saw the Snowflake Medallion stamp. Possibly Creative Expression  pretty sure that was the stall I go it from but I've had for years.
I stamped 3 of them in Smoked Slate and used Pool Party I think or it could be Coastal Cabana painted some of the details in.
Then cute the layers used a retired Stampin Up sentiment and some gold string to make it look like it hanging. Who need dies!!!! (I do)

Here's a side shot you can just make out a bit of glitter, well you have to its a snowflake. Hope everyone has left me some goodies at Ally Pally I am going with a list.

Fly with Me

It's so funny how I haven't seen this stamp around lately and when I had it coloured and was going to make it into a card for today I saw him on one of my blogging friends blog. This little chap is called Fly with me from Penny Black and I've coloured him colours that I seem to be doing a lot lately since they work for every day and Christmas.
The papers I think are American Crafts certainly had my moneys worth out this pack.
The fence is from MFT not the large one which has like a woodgrain pattern but the next one down, I folded the ends down so it looked like a gate.
It seemed only right to have some clouds and I decided to use the flat bottom clouds from Simon Says Stamps cos they actually in a box which is easier to get out.
Wot no ribbon!

I remembered to take a photo at a jaunty angle. Thank goodness it warmed up a bit yesterday I had recently finished an shawl for an outfit but had taken to wearing round my shoulders cos I couldn't get warm.

Masking Wetlands

Apologies for the wonky card blame the photographer. This was the card I made that wasn't going to get pass the LIM girls. I've seen cards using inked up masking tape which was then placed on the card and pulled away.
Of course I didn't have any masking tape and when I made this card it was pouring down with rain, wasn't convinced I could get my Hubby to go down to the shed to get some. So I used some scotch tape first time it actually stuck to the card then I didn't like it after about three attempts I settled with this one.
So I used Pool Party, Coastal Cabana and Bermuda Bay Inks and the same stamps as the card on the post below. Again not happy with my placement of the Reeds but lesson learnt.

Get Well

Needed a one layer Get Well card for Less is More but this is my second one cos I wanted to try a technique that's going around and decide there wasn't much white space on it.
I used Coastal Cabana I think with Bermuda Bay inks and I used Inkylicious brushes because they're easier on my hands its still hard but I can dust longer than I can blend.
Made a bit of a mistake with the reeds stamp from Inkylicious should have done the corner first then the  one above it and I love the Wetlands wading birds from Stampin Up. Hopefully it looks like they hiding in the reeds.
The sentiment is Stampin Up too.
I plan to get more brushes if they're at Ally Pally possibly trying to avoid the stamps!!!!!

Dream Team Blog Hop

It's BLOG HOP for Mo's Dream Team and this month Gretha has chosen the theme of circles. I have to thank Jak for the inspiration for my card. I wanted to cheat and have circle of snowflakes and was told I was pushing my luck but was offered how I could use snowflakes instead but when it came to use them with my card it was obvious that I had to use stars instead.
I've used the adorable sweet Little Elf Kit and paper pieced her star and used Holiday Shapes Stars die from Simon Says Stamps to go on my circles, which I used a Creative Memories circle cutter.
I may have to photo the card again cos I think my poor little Elf has a layer of flock over her face where I haven't brushed it off well enough after using it for her hat. Photo taken again, that better her face is not so wishy washy.

So you should of Hopped, Skipped and Jumped to me from Julie and now you need to Hop, Skip and Jump over to Heidy don't forget you need to comment on everyone on the hop to be in with a chance to win one of the two vouchers to spend in Mo's Store. If you've got lost pop over to Gretha to the start.

STAMPtember®

Welcome to the Simon Says Stamp STAMPtember® Wednesday Challenge Group Blog Hop!
 

This week the challenge is ,,,,,,,,

Celebrate  STAMPtember® and use a product from the Simon Says Stamp Store.

Simon Says Stamp was founded in 2002 with an interest in exclusively selling rubber stamps. It didn’t take long until we realized we couldn’t stop there. During the past 11 years we celebrate rubber stamping in its full glory by giving access to people around the world to a one stop shop. Rubber stamps still remain the heart of our business and we are celebrating by hosting a “STAMPtember®” event intended to inspire, educate, and celebrate the greatness of rubber stamping. Part of the enticement of rubber stamping is that stamps can be used in creating or complimenting ANYTHING! From stamping dates on bank documents and postage parcels in the early 18th century, rubber stamping has dramatically expanded to include card making, life documenting, art journaling, scrapbooking, mixed media and many forms of altering and expressing art.
To celebrate the 4th annual Simon Says Stamp STAMPtember® event, we're 'hopping' along sharing some great projects featuring the new STAMPtember® product releases!
It's one of the biggest releases to date and features new stamp sets, dies, flair and stencils!!
The hop begins at the newly designed Simon Says Stamp Blog, so if you encounter any broken links while 'hopping' you can head back there for a full list of participants.

 For this challenge, to help celebrate STAMPtember® ,we would like to ask you all to use a product that is available in the Simon Says Stamp Store and state what you used on your blog post to be eligible in the prize draw. 

As always Simon Says Stamp will be giving away $50 voucher to shop at the fabulous Simon Says Stamp Store!

CLICK HERE to start the hop !

Happy Hopping !! :-)

Now it wouldn't be right with out posting a card using the amazing new STAMPtember® products and I have used the Stamp set from You and Me flags, along with the Nautical Borders especially love the bow and last of all used the new sentiment set Hand written Sentiments.

Apart from the inkpads and a piece of coordinating card stock and not forgetting the mini scallop border die it was all made with stamping. 

Providing you arrived here from Laura you need to know now who you need to HOP SKIP and JUMP to well that would be Heather  

Once you have BLOGHOPPED don't forget to join in with the challenge this week.