New Christmas Magnolia's

My new Christmas 2008 Magnolia stamps arrived while I was away visiting Marlene this week, and my darling Hubby went to the collection office on Thursday morning before work so that I had a chance to play...well in between creating with my November ScrapaGoGo DT Kit (and lush it is too). So for this card I have used the masking technique to make Tilda sit on the large bauble. I have coloured the image using ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Cinnamon (Hair)
Ruby (Santa Hat & Tights)
Moss/Rose Pink(Dress)
For the bauble I used the Metallic Silver ProMarker to go over the swirls and cap, and finally added Stickles to the shaded areas. The papers are all K&Co Peppermint Twist that I got last month at Ally Pally, and finally I have used a new Magnolia stamp for the sentiment, with a little bling to finish it all off.

Acetate Card

I made my first ever acetate card while visiting with Marlene this week. All elements (with the exception of the prima flowers, ribbon and bling) of the card were from the October 2008 ScrapaGoGo kit. The stamp is by hAnglar & stAnglar and was in the Winter Club Kit. I have coloured her with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Warm Grey 4 (Hair)
Vanilla (Dress)
Spice/Apricot/Gold (Scarf & Head Scarf)
Cinnamon (Basket & Shoes)
Ruby (Hearts)
The overlay is by Hambly and the patterned paper is by My Mind's Eye. The zig zig edge paper was part of a mini book that I pinched a page from. I actually made a mistake while colouring her face so instead of throwing it away, I decided to decoupage the face and hands....and I think it looks so cute. Finally I added a sentiment that came from a sheet of K&Co Maison paper that I pinched from Marlene when I was visiting.

Today I took Georgia and three of her friends to see High School Musical 3....and we had a fab time. We even dragged David with us, and were amazed at the amount of Dad's that were there. After the film and popcorn we had McDonalds for lunch and then went bowling.....finished off with an icecream.....and now Georgia is all dressed up as a Bat Girl dishing out sweets to the kids that knock at the door this evening.

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 34 "Cheers!!"

This weeks theme over on the Cute Card Thursday Challenge Blog is "Cheers!!". For my card I have used some embroidered patches that are cocktail glasses....they are full of sequins and sparkle. The papers are all from Sassafras Lass, and I have added some pink string an a tag with a Stampin' Up sentiment.

I really enjoyed this challenge and not stamping for a change. The DT cards are fab and all so different from each other. It was also great to be crafting with Marlene while she made her card/image wallet...she is a true artist.

A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge 23 "Sparkle & Bling"

This week over on the A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge Blog the theme is to use Sparkle and Bling on your project. Now for me, it would be a challenge NOT to use it...LOL. Again, this card was created using ALL of Marlene's fabulous stash, so I cannot tell you who the papers are by...apart from one small piece which was Basic Grey "Lily Kate". The image is of course a gorgeous Elisabeth Bell for Sugar Nellie, and I have coloured her with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Cocoa (Hair)
Cornflower (Jeans)
Amethyst (Top)
Lilac/Gold (Hat)
Aubergine/Lilac/Lavender (Flowers)
Grass (Grass)
For the sparkle part I have added Sakura clear glitter gel pen to the image...in her hair, to the flowers and the butterfly. I have also added a little bling to the top and bottom of the card.

Thanks for the inspiration lady....your work as always was stunning.

Ismaki Challenge #37 by Kiki

Here is a card I made for this weeks challenge over on the Ismaki Challenge Blog. This week the sketch was provided by Kiki with the option of using scallops. For my card I have used the new Sugar Nellie "Daisy" stamp. She has been coloured with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Pastel Yellow/Mustard/Gold (Hair)
Cool Aqua (Top)
Cornflower (Jeans)
Prussian/Turquoise/Marsh Green (Flowers)
I made this card while visiting with Marlene and her gorgeous family...so used all her stash...how lucky am I! The papers are from TLC, I also used velvet paper for the scalloped shape, finished off with Prima flowers, a velvet Heidi Grace flower and an assortment of flower punches.

We had such a wonderful couple of days. Marlene and I crafted together, I helped her re-organise her craft room.....well I gave her new storage ideas. We had such fun and I cannot wait until we get the chance to do it again.

Tilda & Friends ATC Challenge "Halloween"

This week over on Tilda & Friends ATC Challenge Blog the theme is "Halloween". For my ATC I have used a hAnglar & stAnglar stamp coloured with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Umber (Hair)
Ruby & Ice Grey 2 (Clothing)
Ice Grey 3 (Shoes)
Pastel Blue (Shadow)

I have used some old Junkitz papers from a couple of years ago. I even cut one of them into a coffin shape. The glitter pumpkin and die cut tags are by Making Memories and the bat brad is by Karen Foster. I also made my ATC into a mini card, it then fits into one of the new PaperMania ATC envelopes.

Check out the Blog and see what the other talented DT members have come up with....and have a Spooky Time....

Tilda & Co Challenge 41 "Over the Rainbow & PaperTake Weekly Sketch 1 by Dawny

I have done some more combining of challenges here....Tilda & Co Challenge this week is "Over the Rainbow" and PaperTake Weekly Sketch 1 by Dawny. I have used one of the new Magnolia Pink Collection stamps together with the Magnolia Rainbow stamp and Bench stamp. I have coloured all the images with my ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Cocoa(Hair)
Cool Aqua/Rose Pink (Tilda's Clothes & Hair Bow)
Rose Pink/Canary/Cool Aqua/Ice Grey 1 (Rainbow)
The papers are all KI Memories Love Elsie "Zoe" and finished off with a sentiment by PrintWorks.

Georgia and I have some craft stuff packed and are off to visit Marlene and her family....and we are very excited. Not sure what plans we have while we are there....but it will be
fun whatever we do.

A Couple of Halloween Projects...

While in Asda on Friday evening I stocked up on some of their 10p notepads. After a recent Stampin' Up evening with Michelle, I was inspired to decorate some, and with Halloween almost upon us, I made these for my Niece & Nephew (Hannah & James). They really are so simple, but my Sister couldn't believe they were just 10p notebooks. So I have covered them with Halloween papers by Junkitz (they are last years, possibly even from 2006...LOL). The images are both by hAnglar & stAnglar and have been coloured with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush(Skin)
Black/Amethyst/Pumpkin (Witch Costume)
Cocoa (Hair)
Cinnamon/Cocoa (Broom)
Amethyst/Ice Grey 1/2/& 3 (Vampire Costume)
Cocoa/Umber (Hair)
I have added some diecut stickers to the covers and also some American Craft & Bo Bunny ribbons. The kids were so pleased with them that they took them to the restaurant and were writing spooky poems and story ideas.

I still have plenty left (make that 28...LOL) but have plans for some for Christmas for Georgia's school friends.

Combined Challenges

Well as much as I love Penny Black Saturday Challenge Blog, this week it has given me such a headache......I don't own many PB stamps and have no stamped halloween images.....so a little lateral thinking was required, so I chose a stamped image of the cat wearing the Bee costume...he us ready to go trick or treating...LOL I have combined this challenge with the sketch provided over on Sketch Saturday. For the main image I coloured with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Gold
Apricot
Warm Grey 1,2 & 3
The additional stamped image is my Magnolia (treat bag) and coloured with the following colours...
Pumpkin
Poppy
Amethyst
Black
The papers are K&Co and Adornit Carolees Creations, with Making Memories glitter foam pumpkin and journal die-cut sticker, Doodlebug rubons.

Check out both Blogs as the DT samples are stunning....Penny Black Saturday Challenge are also looking for DT members...so go apply.

Friday Sketchers - Sketch 25 by Claudia Rosa

This week over on Friday Sketchers there is a lovely sketch provided by Claudia Rosa. Now I have played with this card since the sketch went up on Friday, and finally I got it too look how I wanted....biy was it giving me some grief. I have used one of the Autumn 2008 Tilda's (Standing Fall Tilda), she is coloured with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Cinnamon (Hair/Boots/Basket)
Moss (Hat/Scarf/Gloves/Trousers)
Ruby (Jumper/Heart/Flower/Hair ties)
The papers are all October Afternoon "Detours" and "DayDream", with flowers by Prima with added Stickes and some bling from my stash.

I am really pleased with the card, even thought the sketch gave me such a headache....it isn't the sketches fault...I just couldn't get it to work with the image I had selected and coloured. So go check out the Blog (link to the right) as there are some wonderful creations by the talented DT.

Tilda Think Pink Card

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month I have used my new Magnolia "Pink Collection" stamps to make this card. The image has been coloured with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Cinnamon/Cocoa (Hair)
Rose Pink (Rose)
Lavendar/Lilac (Dress & Tights)
The papers are all Blonde Moments "Sugar Dumpling" and I have used the "Totally Tabs" stamps and punch by Stampin' Up, with the sentiment made using my ATB tape writer and a Magnolia stamp.

My ScrapaGoGo November DT kit arrived yesterday, so I have a weekend of scrapping to look forward to.....the kit is just so yummy it really isn't a hardship.

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 33 "The Stars at Night"

This week over on the Cute Card Thursday Challenge Blog the theme is "The Stars at Night". so for my card I have used one of my new Pink Collection Magnolia stamps and she has been coloured with ProMarkers using the following colours...

Ivory/Blush (Skin)

Cocoa/Umber (Hair)

Cocoa (Dress)

Cool Aqua (Socks & T-Shirt)

Rose Pink (Heart)

The sentiment that I have stamped over her head is my Stampin' Up and is part of the "Crazy for Cupcakes" set. As with the last card the papers are all Chatterbox "Botanico", the ribbon and base of the card are both by Stampin' Up and I have added three layered Prima blossoms and a stamped tab by Stampin' Up (I used their new "Totally Tabs" set to stamp the tab punch). The star was cut by using one of the Scenic Route diecuts to draw around and cut out.

Again I really enjoyed the challenge this week, and love the card made using my favourite colours....thanks DT, your cards as always are amazing.

Whiff of Joy Challenge Blog "Sketch by Heather"

This week over on the Whiff of Joy Challenge Blog there is a lovely sketch provided by Heather. For my card I have used WOJ stamp; Melinda blowing kisses, and I have coloured her with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Cocoa (Hair & Trousers)
Cool Aqua (Top & Hairband)
Ruby (Hearts)
The papers are all by Chatterbox "Botanico", I have added a sentiment by Hero Arts, but I have stamped all the words out separately and spread them around the card. The tab was made using the Stampin' Up tab punch, and finally I added some Prima blossoms with a Doodlebug glitter brad and a spacer from eBay and some buttons from an old Jenni Bowlin kit.

I am pleased with the card, as I loooovvvveee the colour combo (teal and turquoise are my favourite colours).

A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge 22 "Halloween"

This week over on A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge Blog the theme is "Halloween". For my card I have used the Sugar Nellie Halloween collection coloured with ProMarkers using a mixture of the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Black/Pumpkin/Amethyst/Warm Grey 1,2,3,4 (Clothing)
Cocoa or Apricot (Hair)

The papers and diecuts are by Little Yellow Bicycle, the Spooky Eyes are by Heidi Grace and the glitter pumpkin is by Making Memories....Georgia loved this one so much (because of the cat - she has been a cat at Halloween for the past two years) that she wants to receive this next week....LOL

Lovely challenge again this week, and as always the DT cards and ideas are stunning.

Tilda & Friends ATC Challenge " Golden Tones"

This week over on Tilda & Friends ATC Challenge Blog, the theme is "Autumn Tones". For mine I have used one of the new Christmas 2008 Tilda's that I received in error....I ordered "Staning Fall Tilda"....and got this cutie instead....decided to keep her anyway. Tilda is coloures with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Apricot/Cocoa (Hair)
Ruby (Jacket)
Cornflower (Trousers)
Spice (Shoes)
Pumpkin (Hat & Gloves)
The papers and all embellishments were scraps left over from my October ScrapaGoGo kit....which was full of Pink Paislee "Vintage Moon" lushness.

Check out the challenge as the colours of the trees cannot fail to inspire you to create some gorgeous golden creations....

Papertake Weekly Challenge "Frightful but delightful!"

This week over on the Papertake Weekly Challenge Blog the theme is Halloween "Frightful but delightful!" and I have made a pyramid card (well it was a ready made pyramid from PaperMania...LOL). I have used Making Memories flocked web paper which was from last years range. The stamps are all by Doodlebug and have been coloured with ProMarkers using the following colours...

Warm Grey 4 (Bats)
Warm Grey 2 & 3/Silver metallic/Gold (Haunted House)
Warm Grey 1 (Ghost highlights)
Pastel Blue (Shadow)
Pumpkin (Pumpkins)

I have also added Doodlebug buttons to the front of the card (Moon & Pumpkin). Georgia liked this one so much, she said she wants to keep it for herself....she is always so sweet, loving my creations.

Tonight is Parent Consultation night at Georgia's school, so at 5.30pm we will be meeting with her teacher to see how she is getting on. I have a couple of concerns, but they are more to do with another child in her class (who until yesterday was her friend, but said friend has since told Georgia that she doesn't like her). Georgia is such a sensitive soul that she was upset, although I told her that she would probably have forgotten by today.....you know how kids are....

Ismaki Challenge #36 by Manue

This week over on the Ismaki Blog there is a lovely sketch by Manue, complete with the option of using "pearls"....mine are missing as I couldn't find them....but will be adding them later. I have used an image available from DewDrop Crafts which has been coloured with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Cocoa/Apricot (Hair)
Pastel Pink (Dress, but only highlights)
Warm Grey 2(Suit)
Warm Grey 4 (Shoes)
Ruby (Necklace & Heart)
The papers and embellishments are all from the KI Memories Love Elsie "Betty" range. and the sentiment has been added via an epoxoy sticker from the same range and a barcode stamp by Autumn Leaves.

I love the simplicity of the sketch, and think it turned into a fun but understated card....so thanks Manue and the rest of the DT for your inspiration.

Cards from the weekend...

So I made a couple more this weekend. It's the one good thing about feeling ill...means you can curl up on the sofa and craft....
For this card I have used one of the new Magnolia "Pink Collection". I have been experimenting with different skin tones, and this one has a gorgeous cafe au lait tone. I have coloured her with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Satin/Dusty Pink (Skin)
Umber (Hair)
Rose Pink (Dress & Tights)
Pastel Blue (Shadow)
The papers are all KI Memories Love Elsie "Betty", and I have added a Heidi Swapp blossom, Stampin' Up Choc Chip Taffeta ribbon with a circle sentiment by Catslife Press

Still in the mood for crafting and with no challenges to do I decided to ink up my new Stampin' Up "Crazy for Cupcakes" set...

I have coloured the image with ProMarkers using the following colours...

Silver (Cake Stand)

Cocoa/Rose Pink/Ruby (Cupcakes)

Pastel Blue (Shadow)
Along with the Stampin' Up stamp, I have used Choc Chip cardstock and also Choc Chip taffeta ribbon. The papers are all KI Memories Love Elsie "Betty". I have also used an SU tab punch, Doodlebug glitter brad and finally I have finished off the cupcakes with Stickles glitter glue.

I saw so up to date, that I have done my DT ATC for the next Tilda & Friends ATC Challenge and also the one for the week after.....LOL

High Hopes Challenge #4 "Anything But!"

This week over on the High Hopes Blog we have been challenged to make "Anything but!"....a card. So I made a little gift parcel which contains some crayons for my Newphew. I have used the new Baby Dragon stamp and coloured it wth ProMarkers using the following colours...

Moss/Marsh Green/Olive Green(Dragon)
Cornflower (Dummy/Pacifier)
The papers are all Basic Grey "Archaic" and the ribbon is Choc Chip Taffeta by Stampin' Up. I made the tag by using a 1.5inch circle punch and then the Stampin' Up Scalloped Circle Punch.

This is a very simple project, but much nicer than just handing over a pack of crayons.

Sketch Saturday - Sketch #21

This week over on Sketch Saturday there is a fab simple but stunning sketch to follow. I love it when the sketches are not too complicated...as the complicated ones tend to scare me and put me off. This week I have used one of my new Pink Collection Magnolia's as I have been practicing with different skintones here is another. I have coloured her with my ProMarkers using the following colours...
Cinnamon (Skin)
Umber (Hair)
Rose Pink/Lavender (Clothing, Socks & Bow)
Cinnamon (Bench)
Pastel Blue (Shadow)
I have used a sentiment stamp by Hero Arts and the tab was created by using on new Stampin' Up "Totally Tabs" and punched out with the SU tab punch. The papers are Blonde Moments "Sugar Dumpling" and I have inked the edges with a Brilliance DewDrop pad. Finally I added some Prima flowers with Doodlebug brads and some bling from my stash.

I am enjoying playing around and trying out different skintones....it is so satisfying when I have finished and accomplished something new. I was a bad girl yesterday and placed an order for 4...yes 4 of the ProMarker folders that hold 24 pens per folder (leaving me room for new colours) I am spending too much time searching for the colours, when I want to be colouring so decided it was a wise use of the money sitting in my Paypal account....well that's my story and I am sticking to it!

Friday Sketchers - Sketch 24 by Heidi

This week over on Friday Sketchers there is a fab sketch provided by Heidi. For my card I used one of the new Pink Collection from Magnolia, which finally arrived from Sweden this morning. They made mistake with my order and sent me 2 stamps incorrectly...although I now have one of the new Christmas 2008 stamps before they are available....and have just ordered the missing one from a UK store. Anyway, back to my card, for the first time I have tried my hand at colouring a different skin tone, and for a first attempt I am really pleased with it. The stamp is Tilda in Striped Tights coloured with my ProMarkers using the following colours...
Cinnamon (Skin)
Umber (Hair)
Rose Pink (Hairband, Dress & Tights)
Pastel Blue (T-Shirt & Shadow)
Cinnamon (Bench)
I have used Kelly Pannaci papers and stickers by Sandylion, ribbon by Stampin' Up and American Craft.

Penny Black Saturday Challenge 19 "ATC"

This week over on the Penny Black Saturday Challenge Blog the challenge is to make an ATC featuring at least one Penny Black stamp. I have used an image that I received in the post today from fellow GoGo Girl Jenny. I have coloured it with ProMarkers using the following colours...

Berry Red (Letterbox)
Ice Grey 1 (Letterbox sign)
Moss (Scarf)
Sandstone/Cinnamon/Cocoa (Hedgehog)
Cinnamon/Berry Red (Robin)
Pastel Blue (Shadow)
I have used Doodlebug white flock for the snow and Stickles diamon glitter glue for the snow.

A Whiff of Joy Blog Challenge 4 "Autumn Colours"

This week over on the Whiff of Joy Challenge Blog the theme is "Autumn Colours". I have used one of the newest release stamps and coloured her with my ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Pastel Yellow/Mustard/Gold (Hair)
Cornflower (Jeans)
Apricot/Moss (Top)
Ruby (Hair bows)
Moss/Ruby (Umbrella)
Pastel Blue (Shadows)

I have used October Afternoon papers from the "Daydreams" and "Detour" ranges and Core-dinations cardstock. The sentiment was done using core-dinations cardstock cut into strips and put through my ATB tape writer. Once the letters are embossed rub a piece of sandpaper over the top to reveal the lighter core... For the colour choices I just looked out of my lounge window and the colours I can see are blue (sky) green/orange & red (leaves)...I love Autumn, it is easily my favourite season....so much beauty and we always seem to have clearer blue skies than we do in the summer....just without the heat.

We had to cancel our plans to visit the Sacrewell Lodge Farm to pick a pumpkin as my cold has gotten a lost worse, and my head feels like it might explode....so instead I am having a cozy day crafting in my PJ's.

A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge 21 "Lim's Sketch"

This week over on A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge Blog a sketch has been provided by Lim. For my card I have used a hAnglar & stAnglar image coloured with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Pastel Yellow/Mustard/Gold (Hair)
Cornflower (Dungarees)
Moss (T-Shirt & Shoes)
Ice Grey 1 (Socks)
Cinnamon (Basket)
Maroon/Sandstone (Bottle)
Turquoise/Sandstone (Blankets)
The papers are October Afternoon "Daydreams" and Scenic Route "Sumner". The circles were cut with my nestabilities and I have added Doodlebug glitter brads and some bling. I have finished the card off with a sentiment by Printworks.

Georgia and I were just getting ready to head to school when my mobile rang, it was my friend (one of the parents of Georgia's friend) who is a Governor at the school...and now the Schools Office Manager...to say that the school is closed today as they have no water and don't know when it will be back on. Georgia thinks it is great as she gets the day off school...but it screws up my working day and now I have to contact my client and rearrange. Not so easy when you have half term in the month meaning there is already a week when you are not working....oh well...all good fun, and now we can go to HobbyCraft.

Tomorrow we are planning a visit to Sacrewell Farm out near Peterborough....Pumpkin picking. I thought it would be a fab photo opportunity and fun at the same time.

Sneaky Peeks......Christmas Magnolia's

HERE is a sneaky look at the new Christmas Magnolia's. This dutch website has them on pre-order.....I am waiting until they are available direct from Magnolia, but it is great to see the new stamps....there are so many, and some/loads of the theme are fab. Magnolia DT member, Andrea has been showing designs with them on her blog, and they are fab.....come on Magnolia release them already, or how will I ever get all my Christmas cards made in time.

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 32 "Autumn/Fall"

This week over on the Cute Card Thursday Challenge Blog the theme is "Autumn/Fall".

Whenever I think of that time of the year I think of Halloween, followed by Guy Fawkes Night, and so on....so I have made a Halloween card....blame the blog candy giveaway I just ran, stamping all the cute images made me want to make a card. So anyway I have used Little Yellow Bicycle "Frightful" papers and diecuts, Heidi Grace epoxy "bat" stickers and Making Memories glitter foam pumpkins (they are lush). The stamped image is by hAnglar & stAnglar and I have coloured it with ProMarkers using the following colours...
Ivory/Blush (Skin)
Cocoa/Umber (Hair)
Ruby (Bow Tie & Waistcoat)
Ice Grey 1 (to highlight the white shirt and garlic)
Black (Shoes)
Ice Grey 4 (Suit)
I have added white highlights with a Inkssentials pen.

Go and check out the Cute Card Thursday Blog....the designers are so talented and the cards are stunning.