A Passion for Papertrey - Love You Forever

Hello!

I just whipped up a quick card this afternoon in response to the A Passion for Papertrey challenge which ends in a couple of hours. I couldn't resist using the inspiration because it is one of my favourite colour combinations.

Here is my card.

I used PTI Think Big Favourites #11, Postmarks, and Tiny Tags II. The patterned paper is Plain Jane. I also used Hero Arts Envelope Pattern background. Colours are PTI Basic White, SU! Real Red, Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake. Twine is Maraschino by The Twinery.

I really tried to make it more "full", but my CAS leanings won out again. :-)

This was the inspiration.

Thanks for coming by!

Wishing you all a very happy new year!

Michelle
xxx

CASADIA (a CASE + an idea)

Hello!

Have you been following Wida Miller's CASADIA? I have been watching since day one, and it is such a fun idea! I finally built up the courage to ask to be one of the participants, and here I am!

What's CASADIA? It's a card chain, like the game of Chinese Whispers (or Telephone, if that is what you call it). Each time the "message" (card design) is sent, it is interpreted and then sent again slightly differently by the next person. I'm person number 24, following Kelly Griglione. The first person in the chain was Laura Bassen (and she didn't know what she was starting), who was CASEd by Jennifer Rzasa, who was then CASEd by Wida Miller, who then invited all of us to join in the fun!

The first card was this one by Laura. (Please, if you want to pin, go visit Laura's post and pin from there).

The most recent card was this one by Kelly (again, please visit Kelly's post if you want to pin this one).

To see all the cards that came in between, pop over to Wida's CASADIA page.

So now to my card. Kelly was a very hard act to follow. Pop over to her post to see just how she created those gorgeous trees! Amazing! It took me a couple of weeks (in between Christmas preparations and family visits) to think up my own idea. Finally I decided to use the three trees (only I used flowers), the colours, the dots, and the green sentiment. Here it is.

I used PTI Lovely Layers stamps and dies, Hexagon Cover Plate die, Aqua Mist patterned paper, vellum (between patterned paper and cover plate), and Basic White card. Colours are SU! Tempting Turquoise, Glorious Green (which I don't believe I've ever used before), and Garden Green. The buttons are SU! Itty Bitty Buttons, and they fit the central flower image on Lovely Layers perfectly! All topped with three rhinestones for some extra sparkle.

Thanks for coming by. If you want to join in this fun, contact Wida for more information.

Michelle
xxx

Papertrey Ink December Blog Hop

Hello!

I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas! I have had a fabulous week of family celebrations!

It's Papertrey Ink Blog Hop time again!  This time the theme is White & White. Oh dear! White on White (WOW) cards are a nemesis of mine. I can't say that practice has made perfect yet... it looks so simple, and beautiful, and how I struggle to get my own versions to look simple and beautiful, too!

This is my effort.

I used PTI Pretty Peonies stamps and dies. The grey is Memento Grey Flannel. Card base is PTI Basic White.  

My white butterfly looked naked without something stamped on its wings. So now it isn't as white as it once was, LOL! The butterfly is actually four die-cuts layered on top of each other to create depth.

This is the inspiration board.

So much inspiration there. So many ideas to use. I am going to be dreaming ideas all night tonight as a result. Perhaps I'll wake up in the morning with a second card to create. :-)

Right now I'm off to sleep. I'll link up in the morning when the Blog Hop is well and truly underway. ;-)

Thanks for coming by to visit. I look forward to coming by to look at everyone else's contributions to the hop this time... and perhaps pick up a few ideas on how to do these WOW cards! :-)

Michelle
xxx

RIC #25

Hello!

If you've beaten me to my editing, forgive the raw post. I made it with about 10 seconds to spare to enter Runway Inspired Challenge #25. Editing now. ;-)

Phew! That was another example of my speed card-making skills! This card was made, photographed, uploaded, and linked within 20 minutes.

Here is a closer look at the card, with my unglamourous sofa and cushion background, LOL!

I used PTI Pretty Peonies, Filigrie Border, and I forget where that little sentiment came from. The leaves are Sizzix small leaves. Colours are SU! Early Espresso, Poppy Parade, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, and Tempting Turquoise, and PTI White.

Inspiration was provided by this delicious outfit.

Isn't it cute? :-) I'm not sure about those socks/tights and flippers, but the dress itself screams PARTY to me!

Now, back to writing out those Christmas cards... some might arrive before Christmas...

Thanks for coming by!

Michelle
xxx

Shimmer, Shine, and Sparkle!

Hello!

This is my second card today.

It was a challenge to photograph, so here is the other angle.

I used PTI Happiest of Holidays, Hero Arts Envelope Pattern Background, and Hero Arts Collage Music Background. Colours are PTI Fresh Linen and SU! Soft Suede. I used Silver paper for the sentiment frame. There are pearls and rhinestones all over, and the card itself sparkles with glimmer mist (although you can't see that in the photos). That beautiful button is SU! The ribbon is from my stash.

This card is in response to three challenges.

Tuesday Trigger this week is: Shimmer and Shine. My silver frame is that tray, and I've added gold, silver, rhinestones, and pearls.

CASology is SPARKLE

and CASE Study #120 is this gorgeous card by Windy Robinson. I used the central die cut and the bow and the symmetrical layout.

Okay, now I'm off to do the ballet preparations!

Thanks for visiting.

Michelle
xxx

Blue Birthday

Hello!

A couple of quick posts today. I have to get my little one to her ballet concert and am still yet to do hair and make-up or get myself ready, eek!

This card is my entry to CAS(E) This Sketch #8 and Play Date Cafe Challenge #160.

I used Jane's Doodles Pretty Peonies, and PTI Strawberry Sentiments, and Hero Arts Envelope Pattern Background stamp. Colours are SU! Not Quite Navy and Bashful Blue, and PTI Fresh Linen.

The sketch over at CAS(E) this sketch is this one.

And the colour scheme at The Play Date Cafe is this one.

Thanks for coming to visit!

Michelle
xxx

Dynamic Duos #31

Hello!

This is the last card for this week-end. Once this post is up, I'm off to collapse into deep sleep!

I made a card for Dynamic Duos challenge #31.

I used PTI Harvest Berries, and Think Big Favorites #20. Colours are SU! Certainly Celery and Real Red.

This card is very simple, but it appeals to me deeply! It's one layer, so easy to post. It's bright, but with lots of white so it isn't overpowering. And it uses Harvest Berries, which would have to be one of my all-time favourite stamp sets. :-) It may be that red sentiment, also, I thought a long time before deciding on the red (such agonising over such a little decision, LOL!).

I hope you like it.

Michelle
xxx

Christmas Baubles

Hello!

It's Christmas card season. I have to get some of these posted this week. I do want some of my overseas friends and family to actually receive cards from me this year, and BEFORE Christmas would be great!

I made this card for three challenges.

I used PTI Peace, Love, Joy, and Snowflake Serenade, as well as SU! Ornament Keepsakes. Colours are SU! Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla. I embossed the sentiments in gold. Twine is Twinery Cappuccino. 

I can't tell you how long I have been watching Papertrey Ink's Make-It-Monday, and I don't think I've ever entered, despite being endlessly inspired! This is challenge #93, and it is all about splitting die cuts. For these baubles, I stamped the baubles, then I cut top and bottom of the centre strip, and then I die-cut (and the centre fell out). By doing this, I wasn't trying to hold that little bauble in my paper-trimmer and keep a straight line.

Over at Addicted to CAS, for their challenge #2, the code word is BAUBLE. I don't think further explanation is necessary on this one. :-)

And just before I made this card today, the new inspiration board was published at Jay Gee's Nook. This is challenge #26. I loved those coppery-gold baubles, and the creams, and hot chocolate. I couldn't resist!

Thanks for coming by to visit!

Michelle
xxx

Tuesday Trigger: Frame by Frame

Hello!

Today I get to show off some of my new stamps that haven't had a blog outing yet. I bought Mama Elephant's Nursery Deco set when it was first released, because it is totally irresistible! Here is today's card.

Stamps are Mama Elephant Nursery Deco. Patterned papers are a variety from Stampin' Up! and Papertrey Ink. Colours are PTI Berry Sorbet, Aqua Mist, Fresh Linen, SU! Pretty in Pink, Daffodil Delight, Coral, Barely Banana. Ink is Memento Tuxedo Black and SU! Early Espresso.

The inspiration came from Moxie Fab World's Tuesday Trigger: Frame by Frame

I went a bit bolder in the colours that I used, but I think I still ended up with a card that reflects the trigger. :-)

Those of you who have been hanging out with me for a while will know that I'm not a fan of fussy cutting, but this card is full of it. I can say that I feel that, in this case, it was worth it. ;-)

Thanks for dropping by.

Michelle
xxx

Runway Inspired #24

Hello!

I'm back! And so soon! I had to pop back quickly because the clock is ticking the countdown for entries to Runway Inspired Challenge #24.

This was a tricky one. It has taken me from when the inspiration photo was posted until tonight to figure out just what to make! This is what I came up with.

I used PTI Guidelines II and one of the Think Big Favorites (for the sentiment). The lines are Mama Elephant Basic Borders. Colours are PTI Berry Sorbet, SU! Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise. I muted the colours and softened the edges by overlaying the background with vellum, on which I stamped the black (Stayz On).

This is the inspiration.

Whenever I am faced with inspiration that shows soft/blurry/watercolour style images, I panic, and I get crafters' block! Combine that with start black stripes, and I was completely unable to think of anything, LOL! But, I AM known for liking a challenge, so I couldn't let this one pass me by.

I hope you like it! :-)

Michelle
xxx

A simple Christmas card

Hello!

Long time, no see! I've had such an overwhelming few weeks. The last six weeks of school always involves several concerts (solo violin, solo piano, string ensemble, choir showcase, choir carols... and it goes on), lots of activities (swim carnival, junior school graduation, chapel), and add on top of this a couple of swim meets and three music exams (piano, violin, theory) - and that is all just for one child... Luckily for me, the smaller child only has a few things - ballet concert and Christmas concert at Kindy. That will change when she starts school next year, I'm sure. Anyway, that is my long explanation for why it has been a little quiet around here lately.

This week-end we will put the tree up and the kids and I will trim it while my hubby climbs all over the house putting lights up (weather permitting, crossing my fingers right now). That is the start of our relaxation for the holidays. Even though I am still working, there are no more school lunches to make, no more concerts, and we can spend lots of time in the pool soaking up that Summer sunshine. :-)

Anyway, onto the reason for my post. I made this card for three challenges.

I used PTI Snowflake Serenade and Happiest of Holidays, SU! Christmas Deer, and Hero Arts Collage Music Background. Colours are SU! Pool Party, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, and Pretty in Pink. Die is PTI Fillable Frames #10. 

Addicted to CAS is a new challenge blog, and this is their challenge #1 - SNOW. I have made a snow white card, added snowflakes to the stamping, and have stamped snowflake ornaments on the sentiment panel.

I used a sketch from Retro Sketches #39. I had to swap the sketch to the opposite direction due to a stamping error...  As soon as I saw this sketch, I had my idea in mind. I'm amazed how well the idea translated to reality. :-)

The colour scheme comes from Just Add Ink #146. I couldn't resist, they are so soft and pretty!

Thanks for coming by and brightening my day!

Michelle
xxx

Teacher Thanks

Hello!

I omitted this card from the previous post! It is a thank-you card for one of my daughter's teachers. She has two classroom teachers who share the teaching duties (2 days/3 days).

I used PTI Teach & Inspire. Colours are PTI Berry Sorbet, SU! Poppy Parade, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, and Early Espresso.

It's quite a bright card, but I like it! :-)

Thanks for dropping by.

Michelle
xxx

Teachers' Gifts

Hello!

Today has been a last minute crafting day. School ends for the year for my daughter in a couple of weeks. I have been slowly making cards for teachers over the past few weeks (there are a few teachers to consider!) and today I covered some notebooks for classroom teachers and music teachers.

First, a music teacher card.

The background stamp is Hero Arts Collage Music Background. The sentiment is PTI. The die is Sizzix for SU! Colours are SU! Eggplant, Perfect Plum, and Pale Plum.

Now for the notebooks. These notebooks are a little bigger than A5 and have a clear plastic cover, so the decoration had to be flat, which suited my one-layer, CAS-loving style. The photos aren't so great, but you'll get the idea. :-) I used PTI Teach & Inspire stamps to create all of these.

Now, back to work for more teacher cards...

Thanks for coming by to visit.

Michelle
xxx

Runway Inspired Challenge #23

Hello!

As soon as I saw the photo for Runway Inspired Challenge #23, I just knew I had to make a card. Apart from the crazy handbag, the black and white with a touch of red theme appealed, as did the circles and stripes. Just an aside here - after seeing the DT examples, I was feeling slightly intimidated, they are SUPER this week. I got over the intimidation, mostly...  :-)

I made two cards, just to see which one I liked better. The first is my entry.

This is the inspiration photo.

 

Back to that handbag... I don't think this handbag would fit in my car. If I could fit it through the door, it would need a seat for itself! Do you think anyone would actually carry this ANYWHERE? I like Chanel, but I'm hoping this handbag was just for theatrical effect on the runway, LOL! I do want those shoes for myself though, I LOVE them. :-)

Back on topic, here is the second card. Same as the first, only more red.

Both cards use PTI Heart-2-Heart #4 and Mama Elephant Basic Borders. Colours are Black, White, and Poppy Parade.

Thanks for coming by to visit.

Michelle
xxx

Dynamic Duos #27

Hello!

I was inspired by Maureen Merritt's card this week, and decided to CASE her for the Dynamic Duos Challenge #27. I used to put up the photos of the inspiration cards on my post so that you could compare directly, but I found people were pinning these from my blog, and I would rather that people's beautiful work is pinned from their own blogs and accredited correctly. So take a little journey across to Maureen's blog to take a look, and if you haven't visited her before, have a big look around, it's worth it!

This is my card.

I used Mama Elephant Basic Borders, PTI Stylish Sentiments: Holiday, PTI Christmas Friends. Colours are SU! Garden Green and Real Red. Oh, and the sentiment die is SU! Holiday Keepsakes.

The colour inspiration was this.

Thanks for coming by. I hope to be back with some more cards over the next few days.

Michelle
xxx

For Your Inspiration DT Call

Hello!

Just dropping in quickly to let you know that there is a Design Team call over at For Your Inspiration Challenge blog.

Applications are open until November 23 and the new DT is announced December 1.

For Your Inspiration is a photo inspiration challenge - Steph chooses the photos, and we get to make a card (or other crafty project) twice a month in response to those awesome photos. It's always fun to see what everyone comes up with! :-)

If you are interested in applying, head on over to FYI for all the details.

Michelle.

Christmas is coming!

Hello!

I am not organised for Christmas, at all. But I want to send out a few cards this year, unlike last year where very few actually ended up being sent! Crazy! I make cards, for goodness sake! I should send a few, LOL!

Here is one of my Christmas cards for this year.

Stamps are PTI Happiest of Holidays and Fillable Frames #10. I used SU! embossing folder Northern Flurries. Colours are PTI Vintage Cream, Fresh Linen, and Memento London Fog. Ribbon is SU! Soft Suede taffeta. Patterned Paper is My Minds Eye All Is Bright.  

The light is a bit dodgy this afternoon and has a very blue cast. I probably should have used the OTT light instead of sunlight.

I used CR84FN #66 colours.

The sketch was from Retro Sketches #36.

I will admit to having another inspiration this afternoon. I saw THIS CARD by Jen Rzasa and decided to immediately CASE it. The card above is the second version. This next one was the first.

Stamps are PTI Happiest of Holidays and Snowflake Serenade. Embossing folder is SU! Northern Flurries. Colours are SU! Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Whisper White.

Thanks for coming to visit!

Michelle
xxx

Tuesday Trigger - Ready For Red

Hello!

I am at home, waiting for a doctor's appointment to see about an allergic reaction I had over the week-end. Don't you just love the puffed up face and eyes that accompany the maddening itch of allergy? Ugh!

Anyway, other than putting on a load of washing while I wait, I thought I'd whip up a card for this week's Tuesday Trigger over at Moxie Fab World, Ready for Red.

I embossed Hero Arts Collage Music Background in cream, the SU! Ornament Keepsakes are clear embossed. Colours are PTI Fresh Linen, SU! Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Real Red.

After cutting about five different card bases, the Fresh Linen was the winner. In the photo, it doesn't look like it quite matches, but trust me, in real life it does. :-) None of the dark card bases worked, which is what I was imagining during my design phase on this one.

Anyway, this is the trigger photo. So elegant!

Thanks for coming to visit!

Michelle
xxx