Thinking of You, Happy Birthday

I got some time in the Craft Room, yay!

Card #1 

I used my ProvoCraft Happy Birthday embossing folder - one of the very first embossing folders I bought back in the 90's - to make the background, inked the edges and then attached to the front of 300 gsm card base with 3d foam tape. 

Die Cut some balloons out of snippets of DSP in my stash and added to the cardfront with foam tape.  I then hand drew the streamers.

 

Linking with  

Snippets Playground #540 

 

AAA Birthday   Use patterned paper

 

Card #2

For my next card, I used a handmade stencil with circles cut out and ink blended some circles, and stamped some Kaisercraft Butterflies in black ink.  

The cardfront was attached to a cardbase that was inked around the edges.

A final addition of black gems for a touch of bling!

Allsorts challenge - All Creatures Great & Small

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Best Wishes, To My Friend

Time for another card swap - CM June swap cards – Christmas & Sketch (once again, I was extremely late in making and sending these cards)

Card #1 – Black & White + 1 colour

I knew which direction I was going to go with this one - black & white + Gold

 

Thanks to my swap partner for taking the photo :)

 

I die cut a selection of flowers, leaves and stems from the Spellbinders Be Bold Blooms die set using my Cuttlebug.

 

I die cut a black cardfront using my Waffle Flower A6 Nesting Rectangles.

 

I played with the layout of flowers for a while until I was happy, then proceeded to attach flowers using a combination of glue and foam squares.

 

I attached the black cardfront to the white cardbase, then finished with gold sticker 'best wishes' sentiment.

 

No added bling for this card.

 

Linking Card #1 with the following challenges:

 

AAA birthday #88 - flowers 

 

 Just Us Girls #835 - Die Week

 

 

Card #2 – Tic Tac Toe

I went with the middle column - Bright Colours, Friend, Gems

 

 

I settled on the 'bright colours' option and knew I wanted to utilise a rainbow and as I was browsing through my stamps, I came across my Altenew Mini Delight Mini Paintbox .... perfect!  I have had this stamp in my stash for a little while, and I don't think I have used it yet!

I positioned the paintbox and sentiments then stamped using the Couture Creations stamp positioner so that I could stamp twice and get a good impression.

 

I coloured in the 'paint pots' using Altenew Inks and then stencilled the background using the same Altenew Ink colours, then added Crystal Accents to the paint pots.   I then trimmed and attached the cardfront to the cardbase.

 

I added gems with glue, the final element in the Tic Tac Toe.

 

This card came together quite quickly, and I am very happy with the way it turned out.

 

Linking Card #2 with the following challenges:

NBUS Challenge #89  - 'stencils'  I have had a huge pile of stencils in my stash for quite some time now and have only used 2 or 3.  I am aiming to use each stencil, at least once before Christmas!  LOL

Neglected Stuff Challenge - August 2026 

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Swap Cards - April - Fun Fold & Sketch

Time for another card swap - CM April swap cards – Fun Fold & Sketch

Card #1 – Fun Fold

I struggled to decide on which ‘fun fold’ I was going to use, but then settled on a ‘Z-fold’.

I utilised some more the DP & embellishments received in my Secret Santa swap.

I used black cardstock for the base, and white cardstock for features.  I die-cut ‘hello’ from Honey Bee Bitty Buzzwords in white (x2) and black for the shadow.

The sentiment and butterfly were mounted to the front with 3d foam tape and a final touch of bling added.

I think this card is ‘CAS’ …. Well it is for me!  LOL

I kept the two inside panels blank for writing a personal message.

Items Used:

Stamps &/or Dies:  Honey Bee Stamps Bitty Buzzwords

Adhesives/Tapes:  Double sided tape, Gina K Connect Glue, 3D foam

Card stock:  Blue Edge Crafts 300 gsm cardbase, Blue Edge Crafts 210 gsm background and die cuts

DP:  American Crafts – Vick Boutin ‘Bold & Bright’

Tools:  Cuttlebug, Couture Creations Mini Guillotine Trimmer

Embellishments:  American Crafts – Vick Boutin ‘Bold & Bright’

 Linking Card #1 with the following challenges:

Triple B: April Challenge - Butterflies 

 

Card #2 – Sketch

We had a sketch provided – although I did not stick to it precisely …

I used a die set I have had for quite some time now, but don’t seem to reach for it very often.  I thought it might work for this sketch.

I cut up some DP to suit the background (once again using my Secret Santa present) and die-cut the BBQ & sentiment from coloured cardstock, the food & flames from white cardstock and the tools & wheel from silver mirror cardstock.  I then coloured the flames & food items with Copics, finishing with Kindy Glitz on the flames.

I die-cut several different sizes of circles from vellum/parchment paper and placed according to sketch layout.  I then attached the BBQ elements to front of card using Gina K Connect Glue.

I am quite pleased with how this card turned out.

Items Used:

Stamps &/or dies:  Creative Expressions – King of the Grill, Spellbinders Circles

Ink:  Copics, Kindy Glitz

Adhesives/Tapes:  Double sided tape, Gina K Connect Glue, 3D foam

Card stock:  Blue Edge Crafts - 300 gsm cardbase, white 210 gsm cardstock, mirror cardstock, vellum

DP:  American Crafts – Vick Boutin ‘Bold & Bright’

Tools:  Cuttlebug,  Couture Creations Mini Guillotine Trimmer

Linking Card #2 with the following challenges:

Crafty Calendar Challenge April - Dies/Punches 

Neglected Stuff Challenge April  

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Guest Designer Post - CAS on Sunday Challenge #329

The card I submitted to a recent CAS on Friday Challenge #327 was selected as a Top Image, and I have been invited to be a Guest Designer for their next challenge - which is Challenge #329

 

We were provided with a sketch for this particular challenge and here is my take on that sketch.

 

I confess I do struggle a little with 'CAS' ...... I always wonder whether a card looks 'finished' enough LOL

 

aNYWAY .......

 

I recently purchased some new Spellbinder number dies - 'Classy Numbers' and was looking for an excuse to use them.  

 

As soon as I saw the sketch, I knew I wanted to use some lovely ribbons I have had in my stash for as long as I can remember, so I pulled that out.

 

I also came across the last of some lovely 'red mirror/foil cardstock' and die cut several copies of numbers from it.  I layered those numbers three times, and mounted onto a circle die cut. 

 

I cut some 210 gsm white cardstock with Waffle Flower Nesting rectangles, then embossed using the ProvoCraft 'Number Collage' embossing folder, and smudged some Candied Apple Distress Ink along the outer edge of the cardfront and across the top of raised numbers.  I then applied the two strips of red crossgrain ribbon and glued to the back of the cardfront.  The Cardfront was attached to 300 gsm white A6 cardbase with foam tape, and the white circle with the '60' was placed on the front with foam tape as well.

 

this is the sketch we were provided:

 

I would like to thank Janneke Dijkstra - de Jong  & Team for picking my card as a winner and for the invitation to be a Guest Designer.  I look forward to seeing the other Design Team's cards.

 

Please visit the CAS on Friday blog to see their new challenge.

 

Linking with:

AAA Birthday #83 - Use Die Cuts 

Can you Handle the Pressure 2/2026 - Anything goes

Allsorts Challenge #844 - Ribbons & Bows
 

 

 

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Monotone Christmas & Shaped Card

Another crafting session, another card swap completed.

 

Card #1 - Shaped Card

 

I struggled to make a new card - I wanted to make a 'teepee' card, but no matter what measurements I used, it would not come together, so that idea was put on the back burner.  I pulled out my Klik n Kut to use but 'old technology' got the better of me  LOL

 

Time was running out and I did not want to be late AGAIN!

 

So I reverted to a card I had made previously, using my CraftROBO (before it went to crafty heaven) and kept in my 'to use' pile waiting for the right moment to send it.

 

I designed the card using a pretty font and applying offets, the cutting from SU Cardstock and some pretty DP with just a touch of glitter!

 

I threw in an extra one to make up for not making up a new card :)

 

 

Card #2 - Monotone Christmas card with Tag 

 

I decided to utilise some 'emboss heat resist' for this card and stamped a 'Kaszazz' christmas bauble (I think - if anyone knows for sure, let me know please) with Versamark and heat embossed with White powder directly onto the front of the cardbase.  I then ink blended using green Distress Ink over the stamped image. 

 

Using the Cuttlebug, I diecut a circle out of an A6 cardfront (cut with Waffle Flowers A6 Layers) and then embossed it with Couture Creations 'Scattered Notes' folder (singing along all the way).  I swiped the same Distress Ink over the raised bits and finished with a bit of ink blending around the circle aperture.  The cardfront was then mounted to the cardbase using foam tape.

The tag followed the same embossing and colouring process, but instead of heat embossing, I diecut 'Merry' from Hero Arts Stamp & Cut several times, layered, inkblended then attached with glue.

 

Linking the above card with the following challenges:

As You Like it - Anything festive 

Can You Handle the Pressure? Anything goes with twist of 'any holiday' 

 

I also made a little 'card' for my swap partner. 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

White on White Christmas

more swap cards for my CraftMad swappers group

 

This Christmas Card swap was a 'white on white with a tag' swap.   I confess, I really struggled with an idea for this one.  It took several days to come up with a design that I thought fitting of a 'white on white' challenge, and it was very late getting to the recipient.

 

Cuttlebug to the rescue with some Christmas Trees die cut, and an aperture cut from the front of a card to make a window.  There is such a gorgeous amount of texture in this card. 

 

And of course, the matching tag!

I have to wonder why I am drawn to snowflakes when making Christmas Cards ..... here in South Australia, we don't have snow .... if it does snow in winter (July/August) it makes front page news!  LOL

 

And a Gift Card Holder - this was created using a prize I won from Christina, of Flowers, Ribbons and Pearls - Christina was most generous in sending it to me, even though I was in Australia and she is in the UK.  This is the second time I have used the die set - the first time was used to hold a small present, but I forgot to take photos.  So thank you Christina, I will be using my prize again very shortly.
 

Sadly, my Gift Card Holder does not fit a gift card!!  Note to self:  check measurements before committing to design.  LOL  It may not fit a gift card, but it will fit some Cash ..... everyone knows, Cash is King!  and it is perfect for holding special small presents.

 

 

Linking with the following challenges:

AAA Cards #305 - white on white (not sure if the card is CAS, but the matching Gift Tag is :) )

Crafty Calendar Challenge December - Winter/Christmas 

Christmas Kickstart Challenge - Anything Christmassy Goes 

 

 

 

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary

Here is a card I made for my sister for her 50th Wedding Anniversary.

 

Using the Spellbinders Be Bold Blooms die set, I cut out a number of elements in Gold and white and set about making up some flowers.  The gold cardstock is some that I have had for quite a while now (read really old) and the last of it was in my 'offcuts' tray.  Some of the white pieces were left overs from my tray too!  This is my 'old' element for the Creative Inspirations Challenge.

I am finding the Be Bold Blooms die set is excellent for using up the smaller leftovers/snippets.

 

 

For the background, I embossed a 210gsm white cardstock with ProvoCraft 'Victoria' embossing folder and cut to size using Waffle Flower A6 Layer dies, then mounted the background onto a 300gsm white cardbase.

 

I used my computer to print up the sentiment using my laser printer, then foiled it using the Mini Minc & gold foil.  I then diecut the sentiment with one of my stitched circles dies. I am kinda pleased with how the sentiment turned out!

Sentiment was mounted to cardfront using 3d foam and then I played with the layout and layering of the flowers until I was happy with them, and finally placed some gems randomly around the cardfront.

 

I must say, I am really pleased with how this card turned out - all in all, a great afternoon crafting session!

 

Linking with the following challenges:

Beautiful Blossoms Challenge - Anything Goes

Creative Inspirations: January challenge 'old/new' 

Snippets Playground Challenge #497

Cut it Up Challenge #320 - anything goes

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Happy Birthday my incredible friend

Another crafting session, and another birthday card for an incredible friend.

Using the Spellbinders Be Bold Blooms die set, I cut out a number of elements in white and ink blended using blue to add interest and dimension to the flowers, and ink blended with green for the leaves.

 

 

I played around with the layout and layering of the flowers until I was happy with them, and then added them directly to the 'Leathergrain' cardbase.  To finish off, I placed a lucky 'ladybird' on a leaf and some gems randomly around the cardfront.

 

I couldn't decide which sentiment to use, so I ended up with none, but I did write a birthday message on the inside.  

 

Linking with the following challenges:

Beautiful Blossoms Challenge - Anything Goes - Optional Mood Board (I picked the 'blues')

 

Cut it Up Challenge #320 - anything goes

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Cheers - celebrate the New Year

With the Cricket on the TV, I get to spend some time in the craft room ...........
Mr Fixit is happy, I'm happy!

Using my own handmade stencil cut with Spellbinders circle dies, I made my own background by ink blending some random 'bubbles' on 210gsm cardstock, highlighted with white gel pen for the background, which was then trimmed with Waffle Flower A6 layer dies, and added to Green 300gsm cardbase.

 

SugarPea 'Cheers to You' Champagne bottle and glasses stamped in black and clear heat embossed, hand coloured with Copics, then die cut with matching dies, placed strategically on the cardfront with foam squares.  

 

Sentiment 'Cheers' stamped directly onto background in black and clear heat embossed with a final touch of Kindy Glitz added to bubbles for sparkle.

 

Linking with the following Challenges:

Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog - Something New (celebrate the New Year)

Just Us Girls Challenge #756 - Die Week

My Time To Craft #550 - Something New (celebrate the New Year)

Time Out Challenges #279 - New Beginnings (New Year)

 

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.