Baby it's cold outside

Hi everyone!  I'm here today to share this fun Christmas card...

I love this little guy!  He's from the Brrr stamp set for A Jillian Vance Design and I also used the snowflake stamp from the set too.  I used K and Company papers and created the snowline with some Glossy Accents sprinkled with American Crafts glitter to make it pop.  Here's a look at the whole set...

Isn't it fab?  I love the little outfits and the igloo and the sentiments are so cute!  I can see I'll be making quite a few of my Christmas cards this year using this set!  I'm off now - enjoy the rest of your day!

Create your own sunshine

Have you seen the sneak peeks of the Stamping Bella March release yet?  Check them out on Bloggabella here - you will love the newbies plus we have a new artist too!  They will be available in store TODAY!!! 

And any orders over $55.00 will receive  a surprise KETTO goodie bag (stamps will be randomly chosen) the value of the goodie bag will be approximately 30.00!!  I love the Kettos - you can see one of my cards using one here.

And today is also Bellarific Friday and this week's theme was to use banners.  So here is my card using one of the new Uptown Girls called Sunny is Stylish...

Isn't she fabulicious?!  I can just imagine that's off to sunnier climes - St Lucia or the Maldives perhaps!   I matched her up with Karen Funk So Happy Together digi papers, a Crafts Too polka dot embossing folder and Little Miss Muffet party banner die.   I am entering my card into the Simon Says Stamp anything goes challenge.

I paper pieced her outside and then shaded them with my Copics.  I added some Stickles Glue in Star Dust on her clothes trim and hearts and some Glossy Accents to her glasses.  Here's a closer look...

The new Bellarific Friday is the sketch below to follow.  Email your creations to Em by next Thursday 7 March for a chance to win $20 Bella Bucks (either by submitting a project or simply commenting on next week's Bellarific Friday post)!

You can also join with our Bellarific Tuesday with the theme of Make It Pretty for a chance to win $20 Bella Bucks!

I'm off now - thanks for visiting!

Stamping Bella new release!

This is a VERY exciting week for Stamping Bella!  Not only are there three new Uptown Girls and two Mo Manning stamps, we have a new artist joining the Bella family - Diane Duda with four new stamps!  And they are ALL gorgeous!  Check out all the sneak peeks on Bloggabella here!  They will be available in store on Monday (or perhaps a little earlier - I'll let you know if so!).

So, I am going to show you my card using one of the new Uptown Girls called Opal the Optimist...

Oh, that's me on a Friday night out - well, less skinny and not so tall though!  I matched her up with Sara Schmutz Nursery Rhymes digi papers.  I used my Nestie to die cut the heart out of the paper then popped it on foam pads to give some depth.  I stamped the matching sentiment onto a MFT DieNamics Designer Label 4 stax die cut.   I am entering my card into the Simon Says Stamp anything goes challenge.

I can see I'll be using this lady a lot!  I'm off now but I will be back tomorrow with my Bellarific Friday card using one of the other Uptown Girl newbies!

Spotlight on BLD Beachboy Cole!

(Please scroll down for my Sparkles Creations Rubber Stamps and TLT DT posts!)

I know, I know, how many cards can a gal make in such a short amount of time?!  Four it seems!  Yes, this is my fourth post today so I hope you are all hanging in with me and not getting bored!

This post is to showcase Beachboy Cole from the new By LoRi Designs new release!  This is what I made with this uber cool guy...

 

I told you he was uber cool!  The bucket and spade also comes with him -the perfect accessories!!  I matched him up with papers from the new Cosmo Cricket Salt Air paper pad (from Quixotic Paperie here) and I used thin cork to create a [sort of] sand effect.  You can't see it well from the photo, but I stamped the cream card with a Hero Arts checked background and the sentiment is from the My Favorite Things Happy Thoughts set (from Dies to Die For here).

You can also see spotlights from the other DT here - you won't want to miss their sweet takes on Cole!


I am entering this card into the following challenges:

• My Mum's Craft Shop - one of the boys
• The Paper Shelter - fun in the sun
• Wags 'n Whiskers - summertime fun
• Kraftin Kimmies - make a splash

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock, Bazzill Bling cardstock, Cosmo Cricket Salt Air paper pad (from Quixotic Paperie here, currently with 10% off)

Stamps: By LoRi Designs Beach Boy Cole, My Favorite Things Happy Thoughts set (from Dies to Die For here)

Mediums: Copics, Glossy Accents on sunglasses
Accents: Dew Drops, clip from stash
Tools: My Favorite Things notebook edge die (from here) and jumbo scallop die (from here)

Spotlight on BLD Beach Girl Hannah!

(Please scroll down for my Sparkles Creations Rubber Stamps and TLT DT posts!)

It's time to showcase another of the new By LoRi Designs uber cutie release!  This week we are showcasing Beach Girl Hannah and here is the scene I created with her...

 

 

I just love her sweet curly hair, uber cool sunglasses and dinky flirty skirt!  And the lickle ickle fish and starfish comes with her!  I matched her up with My Minds Eye Fine & Dandy True Blue papers (from Quixotic Paperie here) and the sun and cloud stamp is High Hopes' Summer Sunshine (from Bunny Zoe's Crafts here).  I free hand cut the curves and ripped Core'dinations cardstock.  I wish it was hot enough in the UK to be on the beach right now!!


You can see the rest of the sweet DT makes here - you won't be disappointed!


I am entering my card into the following challenges:

• Paper Pretties to use summer as your inspiration
• Totally Papercrafts for summer
• Prairie Fairy Fridays for summer fun
• Mad for Markers for brown hair

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock, Bazzill Bling cardstock, My Minds Eye Fine & Dandy True Blue papers (from Quixotic Paperie here), Core'dinations cardstock

Stamps: By LoRi Designs Summertime Hannah, My Favorite Things sentiment, High Hopes' Summer Sunshine (from Bunny Zoe's Crafts here)

Mediums: Copics, Glossy Accents on sunglasses
Accents: none
Tools: Fiskars border punch

Spotlight on BLD Summertime Hadley!

(Please scroll down for my Sparkles Creations Rubber Stamps, TLT and ASOS DT posts!)

I know, I know, how many cards can a gal make in such a short amount of time?!  Four it seems!  Yes, this is my fourth post today so I hope you are all hanging in with me and not getting bored!

This post is to showcase Summertime Hadley from the new By LoRi Designs new release!  This is what I made with this uber cutie...

 

I told you she was uber cute!  The little ickle fish and starfish also comes with her - they are even cuter if that's possible!!  I matched her up with papers from the new Cosmo Cricket Salt Air paper pad (from Quixotic Paperie here, currently with 10% off!).

You can also see spotlights from the other DT here as well as spotlights on Summertime Christian (who is also an uber cutie!!).

Right, that really is it from me today, I promise!  Back tomorrow with a very special preview for Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps!


I am entering this card into the following challenges:

• Meljens Designs - coastal fun
• Prairie Fairies - summerfun
• Catch the Bug - anything goes
• Sweet Stampin - playing in the summer sun
• Crafty Emma's - clean and simple

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock, Bazzill Bling cardstock, Cosmo Cricket Salt Air paper pad (from Quixotic Paperie here, currently with 10% off)

Stamps: By LoRi Designs Summertime Hadley, Ladybug Crafts Ink sentiment from the flip flop set

Mediums: Copics, Glossy Accents on sunglasses
Accents: string from stash, BasicGrey button, Doodlebug paper trims
Tools: Nestabilitie label die

Cutie Patootie Mermaid!

Just a quickie to post my card for this week's Michelle Perkett Studios challenge for mermaids!

 

 

I used this Cutie Patootie Birthday Mermaid - she really is, isn't she?!  I bought my digi from Bunny Zoe's Crafts here.  I matched her up with the gorgeous new Cosmo Cricket Salt Air paper pad that I recently got from Quixotic Paperie (here).

I am also entering my card into the Wags 'n Whiskers challenge for circles, Copics Creations to use Copics from the yellow family and I also used this week's sketch over at Sketch Saturday...

And before I go, have you seen Elaine's gorgeous card here using one the new Carmen Medlin for SCACD Stamps preview on her blog?  Those of you who know Elaine's work will know she is one of the true masters of colouring!  Please go and take a look (there's also candy to be won!) - you won't be disappointed!

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock,  Cosmo Cricket Salt Air paper pad (from Quixotic Paperie (here).

Stamps: Michelle Perkett Studios Cutie Patootie Birthday Mermaid (from Bunny Zoe's Crafts here), CC Designs sentiments

Mediums: Copics, Glossy Accents (on heart)

Accents: web ribbon, dew drops
Tools: Fiskars wave border punch, heart punch, Nestabilitie label die inside card

Totally Ladybug Tuesday goes monochromatic!

(Please scroll down for my A Spoonful of Sugar DT post!)

Today over at Totally Ladybug Tuesday, the wonderful Gaelle is challenging us to create something monochromatic!  I opted for the traditional and went for black and white...

 

I think Magnum is soooo funny!  I love this Add-On Magnum and you can get an Add-On set with this little fish skeleton and mouse as well as a balloon, present and other uber cute goodies! There is even a sentiment set dedicated to Magnum here - talk about co-ordinated!  I've been dying to ink him up since I saw this version of him on the very talented Gail's blog here. Loved those stripes so just had to have a go myself!  Thx for the inspiration Gail!

I hope you enjoyed my little fella and you can see the other gorgeous DT makes here.  Thanks for stopping by!


I am entering my card into Paper Pretties challenge for masculine cards (I've made this for my brother), the Paper Romance challenge for black and white and one other colour (grey!), Cupcake Craft challenges for 'monochromatic' and the Cupcake Craftroom monthly challenge for black and white monochrome.

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock, BasicGrey Black Tie paper

Stamps: Add-On Magnum, Add-On set, Magnum sentiments

Mediums: Copics, Glossy Accents (for his nose!)

Accents: Stampin Up ribbon, button from stash, Divine Twine (from Quixotic Paperie here)

Tools: My Favorite Things border die, Nestabilities square dies

If elephants could fly...

Happy Sunday everyone!  That sounds more upbeat than I'm feeling - the grey, grey, wet weather in the UK is dampening my spirits!  Hey ho, I complain vigorously about the weather about this time of the year and do you think anything's changed?  Nope!  You'd think I'd learn...

Today's card did put a smile on my face when I put together this morning - fresh and bright, the way I like my cards!

I made this card for this week's Totally Stampalicious challenge to make a card with the theme of Monday Blues.  I've had this little cutie coloured in for about a month but never had the inspiration to make a card with it - it was obviously fate for it to be made especially for this challenge, lol!!

You can see in the close up those small white pearly dots in the background - I've found this amazing stuff called Viva Decor at Quixotic Paperie,  These mediums come in gloss gel, pearl and glitter and are amazing because they hold their 3D shape.  Also, unlike the some other makes - it dries properly rounded without the usual peaks you need to tap out.  They come in tubes with small nozzles that are really easy to squeeze so you can create just the right size of pearls you want and are easy to draw lines with too.  I've used white opaque gloss gel - it's even more gorgeous in real life!  You can buy them here.

Those eagled eyed out there will notice that I haven't done the inside yet - I've forgotten which blue ink I used for the background so I'll have to find some time to find it again!  That'll have to wait to later on as we're off now to walk the dogs - yep, in the pouring rain, hmmph...


Paper/cardstock: Papermania white cardstock, DCWV vibrant blue cardstock

Stamps: Bugaboo Critter Balloon elephant (digi you can buy here), Hero Arts background
Mediums: Copic markers, Glossy Accents (on balloon), Viva Decor glossy pen in opaque, Versamagic blue ink
Accents: ribbons from stash, American Crafts rub on sentiments

Tools: EK Success border punch

Totally Gorjuss sparkle!

It's Saturday which means it's another Totally Gorjuss challenge!  This week we challenge you to make your creation **SPARKLE**!  Well, I know you all love your glitter so this should be an easy one and it's sponsored by Crafters Companion (and I'm sure you NEED more stash, right?!). 

I got my trusty Glamour Dust out and went a little mad with this one.  I know Kerry is going to LUUURVE this card - she just can't get enough of shiny things!  

Unfortunately, the camera always lies - well, alright my photography skills suck so you can't see the sparkle that well, but I promise you it's sparkling away!  I even used my precious Bazzill Bling cream cardstock to add to the shimmer.  Not sure if I like this card much, perhaps because I love my bright strong colours, but it is growing on me.  Can't help thinking that it needs something else, but not sure what - any advice gratefully received pleased!

Before I go, just wanted to remind you that you can win some [much needed] Xmas stash if you sign up for the new Ladybug Crafts Ink challenge blog here - you know you need want it!

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:

• The Sweet Stop Sketch - sketch with sparkle (but I think I've missed the deadline!)
• Moving along with the times - use Promarkers with anything goes theme, which is being sponsored by Letraset

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill textured and bling cardstock, Cosmo Cricket Earth Love paper pack
Stamps: Magnolia Fairytale Danelion background
Mediums: Promarkers, Glossy Accents, Glamour Dust
Accents: none!
Tools: Nestabilities label die and EK Success border punch for inside card

Ladybug Crafts Ink new release celebration blog hop!

Yes, another blog hop for Ladybug Crafts Ink for a chance to win stamps from the new release!  There are 4 new cuties and believe me - they are super super cute!  There is a first prize of the whole Cupcake Cutie release of 4 stamps and then 4 runner up prizes of one stamp each!  I wish I could join in, but I'm not allowed  :(

So here is my card using the cupcake cutie!

Didn't I tell you she was super sweet?!  And that Glamour Dust glitter makes it look so yummy!!!  For a chance to win this cutie or one of the others, here's what you need to do:

1. Display the blog hop banner on your blog
2. Starting from Kerry's blog, leave a sweet comment on each DT blogs in order and then leave final comment on Kerry's blog
3. Along the way collect a letter from each DT blogs and then email Lisa Jane with the word - lisa.coe@btinternet.com

The blog hop ends at midnight on Sunday 10th OCT and the winner will be announced on Kerry's blog on 12th Oct.  Easy peasy!  Here is the order of the hop....

Kerry
Tam
Sue
Lisa Jane
 Michele
Mary J   - me!
Ang (our lovely Guest Designer for October)
Hayley
Gaelle
Anita
then back to Kerry

Don't forget to start at Kerry's blog to begin collecting those letters!  My letter for you is "N".  You will probably have got here from Michele and you now have to hop off to Ang's post!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Make it Monday - anything you want to share!  This is such a cool weekly challenge!

Stamp Something - something to celebrate

Stamptacular Sunday - layer it on (at least 5 layers!)
Paper Sundaes - Something From Your Stash
Pollycraft - Anything Goes

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock, DCWV Nana's Kitchen paper collection

Stamps: Ladybug Crafts Ink Cupcake Cutie, Elzybells sentiments

Mediums: Copic markers, Glamour Dust, Glossy Accents (on the cherries), white gel pen for highlights

Accents: Bazzill border die, ribbon from stash

Tools: Nestabilities label die (inside)

Pink, glorious pink at Ladybug Crafts Ink!

Our Head Ladybug this week has charged us with creating a card using pink plus one other colour. I have chosen "white" - now some have said this is not really a colour, but I wanted to use it with this cardstock I've had in my stash for years. It has glitter pre-glued on it too - and you know how much Kerry loves her glitter! I'd do anything to please her! We aren't expecting anyone to join in with our Tuesday challenges yet but do feel free to join in if you'd like. You know I love visiting your blogs and seeing your creations so if you do want to join in, either link them in my comments section or put your link in Kerry's post. If you haven't got any Ladybug Craft Inks stamps yet (and why not, might I ask?!!), you can get them here.


See the other gorgeous DT's cards here:

• Kerry - Head Ladybug
• Lisa J - Deputy Ladybug
• Pinky
• Tams
• Sue
• Anita
• Hayley
• Gaelle
• Michele

Kerry recently had a post asking about cs that minimises bleeding from Copics. I use Sir Stampalot's Copic Premium Seriously Smooth cs so I sent her a couple of sheets to try and she kindly sent me 3 different cs to test. So I decided to do a test with all four.



You can't see how well the Copics performed in the photograph, but here are my results. I used bright pinks that I find can bleed quite badly. When using strong colours I colour slightly within the line so that the colour has a little space to bleed up to the line but not over it (if that makes sense!!).

• Neenah's - this is white with a tendency towards grey. I found that it bled quite quickly even when I coloured slightly within the line. It is also quite thin which doesn't suit my style of cutting the image out.
• Ryman's Bright White - the whitest of the bunch. A bit stark, but quite good depending on the style of your card (I wouldn't use it for shabby chic/distressed style cards) and it was excellent at showing the Copics at their truest colours and passed my bleed test. Nice and thick too. I would definitely use this again if I was creating CAS / contemporary / modern styles.
• Sir Stampalot's Copics Premium Seriously Smooth white - I rarely get bleeding with this especially if I colour in slightly within the line. It's a thick cardstock too so great for cutting out the images, although can create big creases if you wanted to shape the image (I sometimes use a rounded end tool to give the image more movement). Some people might prefer this to Ryman's because it's off white
• Reeves (Tesco) - this was practically the same as Sir Stampalot's. It is slightly less thicker, which isn't a bad thing if you want to shape it and it passed the bleed test very well. I actually used this one on my card!

I don't know how much the other cost, but Sir Stampalot's is very reasonable at £2.50 for 10 sheets. I would definitely go for Ryman's and Reeves too if they are a similar price. So there you go, Mary J's advice on cs for Copics - hope that was useful! If you have a favourite cs that you use, please share your views by leaving a comment - I'll collect them all into one post for everybody.
I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

• Make It Monday - what a fab place Michelle has set up just to share any of your creations!
• Creative Inspirations challenge - #43 pink and black (her sunglasses are coloured in black!
• Crafty Ann's challenge - #23 monochromatic

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock, DCWV Blossoms & Butterflies paper pack
Stamps: Original Nikki
Mediums: Copic markers, Glamour Dust (on the butterflies on Nikki's dress), Glossy Accents (on Nikki's sunglasses) Accents: chipboard tag, ric rac ribbon and floss from stash, Doodlebug spot ribbon, American Crafts rub on sentiment
Tools: Nestabilities label die (inside card), Fiskars border punch, Corner Chomper