White Christmas

Managed to photograph my card finally although the weather is so grim I am not sure it is much lighter than last night! Very dark and wet here today!

The Papertake Weekly Challenge was to make a card predominantly white, although an accent colour or 2 were okay.

Supplies: White and black cardstock, Angel stamp by Panduro, flourish stamp by Basic Grey 'winterland' set, ribbon was a freebie from a magazine, mulberry flower from stash, pin from haberdashery, beads from a child's jewellery making set, tiny half pearl things from my daughter's old Fashion Polly set.

I won!

Yey, I won the Papertake Weekly Challenge for my 3 Reindeers card, I am ecstatic! This is the first time one of my cards has won a competition, I had even forgotten it was a competition when I loaded up my card so it was a lovely surprise! Thanks to those of you who have already congratulated me, I think you knew before I did! Also, special thanks go to the Papertake Weekly design team who chose my card!

I have just finished my card for this weeks challenge which is White Christmas, to make a christmas card with lots of white. It is so dark here already that I don't want to photograph it yet so will post it tomorrow morning!

Tagged

I have been tagged by the very talented paperbabe Kim, pop over and look at her blog, not only does she make fabulous cards but you should see her drawing!
I have done this before so I shall keep it short and sweet!

the rules:
-Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
-Share 7 random and or weird things about yourself.
-Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
-Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I make every greeting card I send, I haven't bought a card for at least 2 years!
2. I love mountains, just as well living amongst them.
3. My first crafting was making tiny clothes for my dolls with scraps of material and lace.
4. My fave christmas song is The Pogues and Kirsty McColl's Fairytale in New York.
5. I love Christmas and my tree is already up.
6. My fave way to relax at night is to curl up infront of a log fire.
7. I love silence and often sit and craft in complete silence.

I will bend the rules as I have already tagged people for this one but please let me know if you haven't done this one yet and I will tag you!

Tweet Tweet

The DCM dare this week was:

This week its Rhi here to Dare you... and the theme is to do with our feathered friends!(Are you remembering to feed them now it's chilly out)Robins, love birds, cartoon birds, stamped birds, paper pieced birds, dingbat birds. Its up to you. I dare you to make a card with a bird or birds on, it doesn't have to be a real species, the more weird and wonderful the better!

My bird is tiny but I wanted another excuse to use this stamp which is one of my favourites this year!

Supplies:white and burgundy cardstock, Basic Grey clear stamps Winterland', Basic Grey Figgy Pudding paper, Versacolor inkpads in green, pinecone and burgundy, organza ribbon from stash.

Gingerbread people

It was my friend's birthday yesterday so I made this card for her. She bakes the most delicious cakes and her gingerbread people are the best I have ever tried so this paper from Love Elsie Noel range was so perfect for her card!

We have had a great but very busy weekend, had a retirement party on friday to go to for our wee one's teacher and we were all out last night til late too so the kids are all having a lie in, it is so lovely and peaceful here this morning!

Supplies: White and pink cardstock, People handdrawn and cut from Bazzill, Love Elsie Noel patterned papers- measuring cup and quilted, Doodlebug tiny bloom, Dovecraft brads, freebie rub-on, ribbon from stash.

We 3 Reindeer!

This is my entry for the Scrummy Stash Cafe challenge set by Samm:

It's my turn, Samm, to set the challenge today.
I challenge you to make a card or layout using just ONE colour, you can use different shades of the same colour, but just the one. I'll allow patterned paper, as long as the majority of that pattern contains the colour you choose.

I cheated a bit stamping onto cream cardstock but I have actually chalked the background in brown, it looks darker inreal life!

It also fits into the Papertake Weekly Challenge to have 3 images on your card! I haven't had much time this week so I have needed to double up my challenges!

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, stamps by Studio G, Paper I think is Sandylion, ribbon from stash, Dovecraft brads.

RAK from Jackie

I received this RAK from Jackie yesterday for guessing the song on her DCM song without words card. It is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for cheering me up during an otherwise strained week! Thank you Jackie!

Thank you to all who left kind messages yesterday wishing the kids better!

My younger 2 children have returned to school but my eldest is poorly today...I think they will be putting an exclusion zone around us soon! Luckily at 14 she takes to her room and quietly watches tv, coming down occasionally for calpol or drinks. Yes I did say calpol, at 14 she still can't swallow pills! it is such a relief to have the sick bed removed from my sofa!

I am hoping to get a card made today so might have one to share soon! Thanks for visiting!

O holy night!

I haven't been around as much lately due to various illnesses doing the rounds just now. I have 2 little ones off school today and one has been off all this week! I haven't made a card at all since friday! Luckily, I had this one I made last week to show and it fit into one of the challenges for this week too!

A square card for the Arty Girlz challenge this week! I took this idea from Rose Ann's beautiful starburst card here. The instructions for the original starburst card by Donna Moore are here.

The shape of mine is obviously different as I didn't have the tag punch that Rose Ann used so I used the Sizzix circle frame instead. I have a added staged photos underneath so you get the idea.

Supplies: Cream cardstock, blue vellum, Basic Grey Figgy Pudding 'silent night' paper, Rub-on by Provocraft, Sizzix Circle tag die, charm I have had a while but I think it is Karen Foster.

Some photos to show how the flower/star is made up.

Toy shop

This card is made for Caardvarks challenge to use Rub-ons. I recently bought these fabulous rub-ons by Love Elsie in the Noel range. The pack was a Toy Shop theme so I thought about lining them up on shelves just like a toy shop! My daughter recognized what it was so hope you can see it too!

Supplies: White cardstock, Love Elsie Noel Quilted Paper, Love Elsie Noel rub-ons, Doodlebug flowers and brads, ribbon from Ribbon Oasis.

Jewels!

2 in 1 challenges for this one. First, wednesday stampers asked for diamonds so I kind of had this in mind, then today the DCM dare is:

This weeks theme is brought to you by Lythan
Song without words
I would like you to create a card inspired by a song or a carol - it could be for Christmas or not! (you may have got all your Christmas cards done by now...) BUT there is a twist. the words of the song are NOT to be seen on the front of the card. You could leave it to us to guess! Have fun!

Hopefully you can guess the song I have based this on, I will leave a clue under the photo!

I was going to do 'When Santa got stuck up the chimney' but my chimney was pants so I abandoned the idea of doing a Christmas card. I was going to do Rudolph but I used my stags head yesterday and didn't want to show the same stamp twice in two days. Anyway, when I thought about this card that I did make, I kept singing the song so I had to use it! I know exactly who to give this card to, a friend who just loves her jewels!

Clue: Shirley Bassey

Supplies: White and navy cardstock, Basic Grey Lily Kate paper, Navy velvet paper, Navy organza ribbon from Ribbon Oasis, Punched out flowers - Woodware punch, Papermania 'diamonds' adhesive stones and wire from my stash.

Stag in a pub?

DCM Santa's little extra helper no. 5 was this:

This week we'd love to see you making cards on the theme ofBaubles, Bells & Bows See how much of a dent you can make in the "I need to make X number of Christmas cards" list with this one.

I have no bells or baubles and really I do bows all the time so I was struggling a bit until I came across my new stamps. They are a bit small but there are baubles on there, really! I played around with this one last night for ages not really happy with where it was going. I think that although I like the paper, the stripey paper reminds me of an old fashioned pub wallpaper so I kept thinking that this looks like a framed picture of a stag on a pub wall!

Supplies: White and brown cardstock, DCWV The christmas stack 6x6, Dovecraft brads, Basic Grey clear stamps 'Winterland', Provocraft rub-ons 'Christmastime Sentiments', Maya Road ribbon, Organza ribbon from Ribbon Oasis. Versacolor inkpads in Pinecone and brown. Old eyeshadows for 'chalking'.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas!

This week the Arty Girlz challenge is to use ribbon or fibres on your projects. I used this gorgeous thin organza as the boot laces on these hand drawn and cut ice skates. It was tricky getting the ribbon through the tiny eyelets and I have ruined a needle threader, I think I will have to make a new one with some stronger wire!

Supplies: White and brown cardstock, DCWV patterned paper from The Christmas Stack 6x6, Versacolor inkpad in Pinecone, Making Memories eyelets, Ribbon from Ribbon Oasis, Rub-on is Provocraft Christmastime Sentiments, beads from stash.

Oh Christmas Tree revisited!

The Papertake Weekly Challenge this week is Christmas Trees! I have this fabulous Basic Grey Forest paper which I just had to use! I have also been waiting for just the opportunity to use the fab rub-on sentiment which I love. Unfortunately, the first letter went squiffy so I had to use the sticker as a stand-by but I think it blends in quite well!

Supplies: cream and green cardstock, Basic Grey Figgy Pudding and Dasher papers, CardArt die cut trees, Provocraft rub-ons Christmastime sentiments.

Doodled lovebirds!

The Scrummy Stash Cafe set a challenge at the weekend to use doodles! My doodling could be better but here is my effort. Doodled robins/lovebirds with a doodled frame, not sure I will do this too often but it was fun!

Supplies: green and white cardstock, DCWV patterned paper, Prima flowers, Dovecraft brads, Papermania ribbon.

Deck the Halls!

I used Beate's weekend sketch #28 for the layout of this card. I used my new Basic Grey Figgy Pudding 'pepperberry' paper and Basic Grey Clear Winterland stamps.

Supplies: white and dark green cardstock, Basic Grey Figgy Pudding paper, Basic Grey clear stamps Winterland, Versacolor inkpads in brown, evergreen and burgundy, ribbon from Ribbon Oasis, Rub-on - Provocraft Christmastime Sentiments, Dovecraft brads, Sizzix circle frame.

OH Christmas Tree!

4x4 friday challenge this week is to use a tree on your card. It just so happens I took delivery of these fabulously gorgeous papers, rub-ons and stickers this week from Love Elsie's new Noel range. This paper is Toyland and I love it lots! Couldn't wait to use some but only wanted to use a little, it is a dilemma isn't it? Luckily, the 4x4 cards are fairly small so still have lots left! It is such a cute card, not sure I will be able to give it away, might have to send it to myself! If anyone is after the Noel range I got mine from Scrappydo's, they were fab, I received them the day after ordering, how is that for service?

supplies: White and brown cardstock, Love Elsie Noel paper, cardstock sticker and rub-on, ribbon by Craftwork.

Golden Wonder!

I almost didn't share this one as I think it is OTT, I am not good with gold and tend to avoid it but this week the DCM dare was to use gold. I wish I had stuck to a bit of gold ribbon but no I had to go all the way and now I don't have time to do another one, so many chores to do this afternoon! Here is the dare by Keryn:

Going back over my cards I seem to have a liking for gold as an accent colour. So this week I'd like you to make a card for any season or occasion but must include gold somewhere. It could be a brad, metallic card, heat embossing, ribbon, anything at all as long as it's gold.

Supplies: White and bergundy cardstock, Basic Grey Clear stamps 'Winterland', gold embossing powder, dovecraft brads, Making Memories gem brad, Papermania chipboard tag triple embossed and then stamped with EK Success stamp, Patterned paper from DCWV The Christmas stack, ribbon from a box of chocs!

Getting Corrugated!

The DCM dare was set by Jo and was to use corrugated card on your card!

Hi all :) This week it is Jo here to set the dare...
I seem to have developed a little bit of a fixation with old cardboard boxes....! My dare this week is to use some corrugated card on your card - it could be corrugated craft card or an old box etc. taken to pieces :) You could make the card blank from it or die cut shapes etc...

I am very late with this challenge as I couldn't find any corrugated card anywhere. Luckily, I received a delivery on tuesday and the packaging was made up of tons of the stuff!

Supplies: white and brown cardstock, K & Co patterned paper, mesh from a Papermanic kit, corrugated card flowers made with Woodware punch, Dovecraft brads, buttons, ribbon, string and safety pin all from stash.

handstitched hearts!

I finally got around to doing some hand stitching on my card! I used hearts for the Arty Girlz challenge this week and paper pierced them then hand stitched them with embroidery thread. The hearts are made from felt paper in a lovely rich navy blue colour. The handstitching is for both Caardvarks and also the Scrummy stash cafe challenges. Although the paper I used is Doodlebug Christmas range I actually think I can get away with using this card either for an anniversary or valentines. What do you think? does it look Christmassy?

Supplies: White and blue cardstock, Doodlebug patterned paper, Felt paper, Dovecraft brads, ribbon and cord were freebies from a while back. Hearts are hand drawn and hand cut.

Christmas Convertible

Today's card is just for fun! After I made the train a couple of weeks ago both my youngest children asked for it to be their Christmas card. I decided that I would make another but in more girly colours as I felt the train was a bit boyish. The girly train then became a car, a convertible suitable for a little princess!

Supplies: White, red and black cardstock, handrawn car, sizzix circle wheels, EK Success snowflake punch, Personal Impressions holly punch, Doodlebug paper frill, Making Memories gem brad, Papermania adhesive stones, Dovecraft brads, DCWV Paper from the Christmas Stack. Eyelets, ribbon and wire from stash, tiny label made on computer and printed.

Rustic Santa

I used the CPS sketch # 39 for the layout for this card. I am not totally satisfied with how it turned out, I am having one of those days I feel - creative block or missing mojo! I found these cute stickers last week in WHS and couldn't wait to try them out.

Supplies: Cream and red cardstock, Stickers from WHS, sewing machine for paper piercing, Papermania adhesive stones, ribbon from stash.

Speedy Recovery!

The Papertake Weekly Challenge was to make a Get Well card. Conveniently, I just happened to need one for next week!

Supplies: White and brown cardstock, Pink Petticoat image, Patterned paper by Creating Keepsakes, Dovecraft brads, Scissor Sisters Sweet Bella Blossom, ribbon from stash.

Make a wish!

The Scrummy Stash Cafe Blog has some great challenges at the moment. Samm set a challenge asking for scallops!

Yes, it's day two of the challenges and today I, Samm, get to set the challenge.I would like you to use scallops somewhere in your card or layout, they don't need to be perfect so grab those scissors, die cutters, scalpels and go to town, you can even use pre made scallops, we just want to see your wonderful creations. You can use your own stash for the challenge, it doesn't have to be from a particular kit, we just want to have some fun!

I have a scallop template which was a magazine freebie recently so I drew around it and handcut my scallops. I made the other wording in Word and printed out before adding the chipboard word.

Supplies: White and pink cardstock, Creating Keepsakes patterned paper, K & Co chipboard word, Scissor Sisters sweet bella blooms, mulberry flowers, buttons from stash, Papermania adhesive stones, velvet rikrak from Ribbon Oasis.

In a sky full of stars

I haven't managed to complete any challenges today as I needed a male birthday card. I find them so difficult to do but I found this very masculine paper and took some inspiration from it.

Supplies: Brown and white cardstock, Sandylion patterned paper, Dovecraft brads, rik rak from stash.

Blingy Snowmen

This card works for 3 challenges this week! First of all I used Dawn's sketch which can be seen here. Thanks Dawn for the inspiration it is a great sketch! If you haven't already seen this hop over to Dawn's blog, you have til friday to get your entry in, she is giving away a RAK for the winning entry!

The DCM Santa's Little Extra helper is Snowmen and Snowflakes! I have added both to this card!

This card also fits into the Arty Girlz challenge which is to use bling! Made for me this challenge as I rarely make a card without bling! Anyway, I added a little extra bling to this card speshly! Look closely and you will see some tiny shiny stones on the snowmen's noses and hats! Aswell as the big stones in the brads running down the side of them!

Supplies: White and navy cardstock, Basic Grey Dasher papers, corner rounder for scallops, Studio G stamps, Making Memories Bling brads, Papermania adhesive stones, organza ribbon from Ribbon Oasis, Dovecraft brads.

Merry Christmas Postage

The 4x4 challenge is to use faux postage and Saturday Stampers was collage. For some reason I usually think of these two together, I think they go so well so this card is for both challenges. I don't often think of doing a collage so it is great to be set one as a challenge.

Supplies: White and green cardstock, Paper from a pack I have had ages, Documentation label is a freebie from a magazine, stamps are from an INkadinkado set 'Merry Christmas Postage', Primas, Dovecraft brads and some ribbon from my stash.

Angel of Peace

After a busy weekend I finally got around to doing Beate's weekend sketch #26. Yet another Christmas card but I am hoping to have them all made by early December as I will have lots to mail this year.

Supplies: White and burgundy cardstock, DCWV Christmas stack paper, Stamp by Panduro, Papermania ribbon, Dovecraft brad, wire and beads from stash.

Partying Lolas!

I made this last week for some friends having a joint birthday party but couldn't share until after the party!

Supplies: ~White and black cardstock, Lola images from Pink Petticoat, Circular wording made in word, ribbon from Ribbon Oasis, Making Memories cheeky flat clip, Papermania adhestive stones, button and beads from stash.

and Cut....the Santa Express

I made this train template back in the summer for a card for my friend's little boy. Earlier this week I was thinking about it and thought about making it into a Christmas train. When I saw the DCM dare this morning I thought it was the perfect opportunity to use the template again as Tracie asked us to do some handcutting. This card took a fair bit of handcutting and it took ages to make! It was great fun though!

Here is the dare:

This week its Tracie setting the dare and it is to make a card and CUT!
Any theme goes, so for those of you needing a break from Christmas crafting this is the perfect opportunity to have a change. All styles are welcome but there MUST be an element of handcutting somewhere. It could be a greeting, a shape, letters printed on your pc and handcut, anything goes as long as you did it by hand.

Supplies: Cream, red and green cardstock, DCWV patterned paper for background, Doodlebug paper for presents, Doodlebug paper frill, Sizzix circle frame die, Santa express made on pc, Holly punch by Personal Impressions, Dovecraft brads, Papermania adhesive stones, other items from stash of unknown origin.

Winter Warmers

I decided to try doing the Papertake Weekly Challenge which for this week is Winter Warmers! This is the first time I have even seen this challenge but I am sure I will be back! I used the Sketch this:cards layout for this week.

supplies: White and dark green cardstock, paper is DCWV Christmas Stack, Clear stamps by Will n Way and Studio G, Flower is Prima, ribbon and jewelled brad from stash.