Butterflies

I've made several larger and more ornate butterfly cards during this spring, so with the challenge being Butterflies at The Rainbow Lady, I decided on small, soft and subtle for a change. I coloured the edge of the main card with Peeled Paint and stamped the agapanthus stamp (Stampendous) with the same ink. The ferns, were stamped with Crushed Olive.The butterflies from Lyndsay Mason, where stamped onto coloured card. the small Just for you is from a Crafter's Companions set which I find very useful for many cards.

The Great Outdoors

Cards for Men last Monday challenged us with The Great Outdoors, I recently made this card, for a demo and thought it would be suitable for this challenge. I used a brayer and the Waterfall Big n Juicy pad for the background. I used stamps from Stampscape, the birds are from Inkylicious. Thanks for this challenge.

Week 13 - Turkey Postcard Challenge

Here we are at Week 13 in Darcy's Postcard Challenge, which brings us to Turkey. I have needed to rely on a few search programmes to find out more of this country. Before I start on the pictorial side of my postcard, I think maybe after our first 3 months maybe it is time for me to refresh the story of Hermione and her parents, from the clues previously given. Sorry it is a long post.
The story so far .....................
If you are one of the few people in the world who know nothing about Harry Potter books, you may find this difficult to follow, or hopefully at least interesting. Hermione is a 11 year old girl who begins her witchery education at Hogwart's School. We know early in the book, Harry is an orphan, Ron his friend, has a large family and we frequently meet his parents Mr. Mrs. Weasley, however,  Hermione, the main girl in the story, her parents, as far as I recall are not mentioned in any of the books, so I wanted to create a family for her. It seems her parents are travelling the world, for they send her a postcard every fortnight from wherever they are. In turn Hermione, who of course, most of the time is in her boarding school, can not travel, but her Father sent her a huge bag of foreign postcards for her to use, with a packet of foreign envelopes to use as was needed.  In one post Hermione commented, 'No one will ever find me here.' Since the early days, they now use the Owl Post, but they still need to use the appropriate country's stamps in case they are intercepted.  Herminione's parents are Muggles, in other words, non witch/wizard, ordinary people without the gift. In another post Hermione commented how she found it hard sharing with a large class of pupils, so different to having a tutor.  Mrs. Grainger commented in Belguim how her wedding dress had been made with Bruges lace. (very expensive). Hermione has expressed curious interest into why her parents are travelling the world, she suspects it has something to do with her magical powers. Her mother has said she will explain all later.
Her father has spoken to the Annual Conference Meeting of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Switzerland and a local committee in Israel. The postcard from Canada gave a huge hint, "We learnt so much in Wales, to help us in our search, to secure your future, we can stay another week in Canada. Hermione and her grandmother in half term popped over to Amsterdam to visit some old family friends. ....................................the story continues.
Turkey, is an ancient country with some amazing and surprising facts, if you want to know more go here.
My postcard is a collage of some of the information I found.
The background is of a Turkish carpet. The Turks, introduced coffee and cherries to Europe, they gave the Dutch tulips. St. Nicholas, Santa Claus was born in Patara, Turkey, 70% of the world's hazelnuts are grown in Turkey, The Orient Express exclusive train ran from Paris to Constantinople (now Istanbul) from 1833 - 1977. Istanbul is the only capital in the world which stands between two continents- Europe and Asia.

Thanks to everyone who visits my postcard challenge, I hope you enjoy reading of Turkey, as much as I have.I always read and appreciate your comments. I again look forward to our next destination where no doubt I will learn even more of another country. I continue to enjoy visiting you all, but I'm sorry if I don't leave a comment, mostly it is because I can't cope with the verification which thinks I'm a robot.

Spring has Sprung at CD Sunday

Perfect timing for Spring has Sprung over at CD Sunday Challenges, isn't the weather just amazing. We in the North of England, actually missed a winter as we know it, so this could even be our summer. I haven't as yet spotted any butterflies but they surely will be out and about soon. The background of the card is a distressed sheet form Paint Fusion by Sheena Douglass. The main topper panel of butterflies is from Maria G. Designs which were bought on Ebay. The 3 additional butterflies and the sentiment are from Lyndsay Mason Tattered Butterflies, I hope these are allowed as embellishments. I struggled for a while for this one, not having the right CD's, but I dug deep and found a few old ones, I'd almost forgotten about. Thanks ladies for the challenge, I enjoyed it.

Another Moonlight Card

I have already submitted one card to the Moonlight challenge at Craft a Scene but I thought of another card I wanted to play with so here it is, my second entry. I love Lavinia Stamps, I don't have many but am trying to slowly build up my collection. I think you can make some wonderful scenic cards with them. I started by blending TH Distress Inks, Dusty Concorde, top and sides, Worn Lipstick more in the central area and Broken china at the lower end. The toadstools, bridge and all of above are from Lavinia, the foliage at the front is a mixture of various stamp makers, Elusive Images and Paperartsy. The moon has glitter on one side and the pixies are collecting moon dust to sprinkle around before the full light of day. thanks for looking and for your comments, which are always appreciated.

New Life/New Beginnings

This being our last week of our Spring theme at Make My Monday, our challenge is for New Life or New Beginning,. this leaves many options open for a spring card. Please do take a look at the blog for the DT have made some super cards to inspire you. I decided on a New Beginnings, with a wedding congratulations card. I thought maybe a new beginning for either a second marriage or it could be even suitable for a civil partnership wedding. My touch of spring are the new branches bearing fruit and the small white flowers.
The heart stamp is from Chloe Stamps. The sentiment is one from my stash, identity unknown. Your Spring, Spring cards last week were fantastic, I greatly look forward to seeing your last interpretation of our Spring Theme, which has given us all a fresh outlook leading into a beautiful beginning of spring over the last month.

Spring Is In The Air - FSC

It is Spring is in the Air time over at the Fashionable Stamping Challenges for two weeks. Please pop over to see the amazing talented work of the DT. We do have a regular sponsor, who provides us with a prize each challenge for the winner, we also have a Top 3 chosen by the DT. I decided to make my card a little distressed looking, a little worn and ready for a new season - Spring. I coloured my main card with Worn Lipstick Distress ink. Stamped all over with a leaf background stamp, using Peeled Paint D.I. A torn and crumpled sheet of copy paper, coloured with Old Paper and Antique Linen DI. Various stamps used, the main one from Dimensions. From my prepared stash of papers with Moonglow painted onto them, to give some bling, placed behind a piece of mesh, which has been tied with twine. a few flowers and leaves added. I also add a few feathers, from my stash. If you want feathers like these the best place to get them at a fairly cheap price is to go to a fishing tackle shop. I had a great time looking at your Bingo cards, and am of course looking forward to checking out your Spring cards. Most of all have fun.

Week 12 - Israel Postcard Challenge

Week 12, amazing, times does fly. Here we are on our journey via Postcards with Darcy's Postcard Challenge.
Week 12 has taken us to Israel, a country I truthfully know very little about. The State of Israel was formed in 1948, there are two main languages, Hebrew and Arabic. Jerusalem, the capital, is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is also regarded as a very important religious centre, not only for the Jewish religion, but for Christians and Muslims. The country is made up of many nationalities, due to it's short existence and the migration of Jewish people from countries with either a history of intolerance with the Jewish faith or the desire for folk to live in a Jewish community and country.  In the country there are also other important religious areas and town, including Bethlehem and Nazareth. There is a lot of political and conflict information available. The National Postal system features many butterflies on their stamps so I assume the country being such a warm area, positioned to the east of the Mediterranean, will have many flowers and butterflies. It is a wealthy country with impressive new buildings, an excellent education system. here is my postcard, which features a map of the country and one showing it's position in the middle east. A postage stamp of a camel, and transport, the national flag, some flowers and some pretty butterflies. I thank you for taking the time to look and to maybe even comment. I am now looking forward to visiting those who have already submitted their entries to Darcy's blog. come along and take a look there are some amazing postcards, some with fascinating stories to tell. Mr. Mrs. Grainger, Hermione's parents are visiting Isreal for her father to speak at the National
committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent section in Jerusalem.

D - is Dry Embossing

Isn't time moving fast, I was so busy organising a Workshop yesterday, I forgot  it was the Friday to have a new challenge at the Alphabet Challenge  on to letter D  - Dry Embossing, time to get out your embossing folders or embossing tools. Please pop over to have a peek  at the lovely samples from the girls on the DT, there are lots of variations to inspire you. i chose to use a new embossing folder with butterflies and flowers, super for spring and summer cards. I first stamped direct on my white card with a Kay Carley stamp from The Stampman, coloured it with Promarkers. I embossed the frame, brushed it over with Tumbled Glass TH Distress Inks, cut out the centre to make the frame, added 3 d foam pads to raise it slightly from the white card. I added a few flowers and made a small concertina butterfly.  Many thanks for commenting on my blog, I always look forward to visiting and commenting on your entries. Welcome to my latest follower Jackie aka Bottledolphin, a long time friend from Do Crafts, who I have had the pleasure of meeting.

House and Home

I finished this Scrap book LO today, took a picture, I wondered if there would be a challenge it would fit, I am happy to say over at The Rainbow Lady, the challenge is for House and Home, now a dolls house may be lateral thinking, out of the box, but I'm sure it fits the challenge. The story of the House Painters  is on the piece of paper, which I have printed below, because it's too small to be read, even when enlarged.  I started with a 12 inch sq. piece of Kraft card and spritzed it, splashed it, made a good old mess of it with various inks. The title is made from a sheet of alphabet letters for scrap bookers, matted onto red card.  The paint pots are downloads from the internet. I realise not all my followers and visitors are into scrapbooking, I wonder, why not? I hope you still enjoy your visit and I thank you for all of your very kind comments.
If your interested to see more of my Dolls House Properties why not visit Cazro's Mini Properties.
'''I bought myself a small dolls house off E-bay for £8. My intention was to convert it into a Witch's Cottage. Once I had told James all of my plans. without any discussion or negotiations I suddenly realised that the house belonged to James. It was HIS Witch's Cottage, so, to be fair, to Matthew, (his brother), I gave him the choice of a few properties, and he asked for the Pub~ The Nag's Head. On one very hot day in the school summer holidays 2011, we had planned to paint the houses. Appropriate old clothes and hats were worn. Paint put into tubs, off ready to paint. Matthew had decided he didn't like the red bricks on the pub and wanted to paint it white. James and I planned to cover the house in grey, then to add splashes of other paints to make it look real dingy. Granddad helped to paint the difficult bits inside the cottage. Matthew had a great suggestion to add a Broomstick landing pad on the roof, like a helicopter landing, and James said not with a H, it would have to be a B. A great time was had by all.''

Challenge 64 Time

Over at Crafty Cardmaker's for two weeks the Challenge No 4 is Time. A precious thing is time, the old I seem to be, the faster it seems to pass. For my entry, I have concentrated on time itself. The background sheet is the remains from a previous project, where I made an A4 mastercard,  but by stamping some pocket watches and fixing some metal cogs, it bring it all together with the new topper. I first coloured it with DH Distress Inks and stamped from a Paperartsy set. I decoupaged the clock face, and added Glossy Accents
I am also entering this card into Simon Says.Stamp and Show  your own background.

Cards and More - A Sketch

This is my third post today so please check on Home Page or two items below. I am really enjoying sketch challenges, I wasn't so interested, until recently. I was looking for a sketch and  found, with the help of
 Feline Playful an interesting blog with a lovely sketch, at  Cards und More, which has a Google  translate, very helpful ladies. Another interesting blog I found is Use It Tuesdays, now I along with many other crafters, have decided this year to use up our stash, it is amazing how much is accumulated, so this could become a useful practice, to use it up. Their challenge this week is to commemorate St. Patrick , by using GREEN on your card. therefore I have combined the two in this one card.
I used from old stash the background papers, I stamped with a golden oldie Lily of the Valley fairy stamp and used Promarkers to colour the image. added some glitter, of course, all fairies must have glitter added, and some pearls. A few swirls from  a Marianne die. Tied with a pretty ribbon. Again all old stash. I will add these two blogs to my favourite blogs on my Challenge Blog page here.
Also entered into Light, Airy Spring Colours at Crafts and Me
Anything Theme- at Flutterby Wednesday

Masking No 2. at LIM

Masking at Less Is More, this is card No 2. Sadly, I do miss some weeks, so making up for it with a second entry. I stamped the flowers in the vase ( Penny Black) first, then masked it, over stamped with a favourite and useful standby block stamp, from Anita's.  I used the Foliage Big n Juicy ink pad. Matted onto red and black card. Punched a strip for the edge of the card from a Martha Stewart punch ( my one and only). Hope you ladies like them. Thanks for the lovely comments from visitors and to all of my followers and welcome to the two newest ladies, Sally H and jdegussem.

Masking at LIM

At Less Is More this week the challenge is to use masking on your card. I will be entering two, this is a Congratulations card, an understated small card. I stamped the champagne flutes first, with Perfect medium, added Wow! Silver Bells E.P. then heated it. I then masked them, and repeated the process with the text stamp. Matted onto silver mirri, a few punched out white flowers with gem stones to complete.

Spots and Dots

The new CD's available have really got me back to using them for my card making and scrapbooking. The challenge this week at CD Sunday Challenges is Spots and Dots. I love spots and dots, they are like gingham, fresh and pretty. Here is my card.

The background paper is from Sheena Douglass Paint Fusion CD. The remainder are from Debbie Moore Shabby Chic - Haberdashery C.D.  A pretty pyramaged lady . A little spotty ribbon, a couple of buttons and two doilies added. I love to add a little tearing here and there whenever I think I can fit it into the card. Thanks ladies I am so enjoying this challenge now every week, once I've made my card, I can't wait for the next week's challenge to come round.
N.B. Voted 2nd on 25th March. Thanks ladies, much appreciated.

Spring - A Spring Card

This week at Make My Monday we are asking you to rekindle the memory of a sweet Spring type card or to learn how to make one by following the very simple and easy to follow tutorial prepared by Jacqueline.  If you pop over to the main blog above, you will find all the information you need. have fun, I did. For my card I used some pink gingham paper which I think always looks so fresh, a Nellie Snellie die, a lovely circle stamp of flowers from a Spring set - Aspects of Design from the Stampman. It was after I added the roses I realised they were more a summer flower than for spring so I apologise to any puritans. I look forward once again to visiting our many talented entries to check out how many have you have accepted the challenge.

Week 11 - Kingdom of the Netherlands Postcard Challenge

I'm late this week, I normally manage to add my postcard on a Friday but life has taken over from the fun time. I know it isn't a problem, we have till next Friday really but I hate being late, one reason being, I resist the temptation to look at others entries for the week, until mine is finished and uploaded, I would otherwise maybe not enter mine, for there are so many talented artists who are taking part in Darcy's 52 week, this being Week 11 of the Postcard Challenge. The Netherlands bring back many happy memories for me. My husband and I and two friends spent a wonderful weekend in Amsterdam and a seaside resort, touring various places en route. We visited a diamond merchant's and my darling husband bought for our Pearl Anniversary, a pearl and 2 diamond, platinum ring, which incidentally cost a lot more than the whole holiday put together and then some. I tried on clogs, tasted cheeses, visited tulip fields,  windmills, dykes, a wonderful time spent with good company.

I water coloured the background of the card, the tulip stamp is from Chloe Stamps which I embossed with Wow! gold embossing powder, then painted with Mica powders. I have a crown to represent the Royal family, the national flag, the stamp is a commemorative stamp of their famous painter Van Gough. Thanks to everyone who visits and makes comments. I am now off to load this, add it to my  extra page, and then later this evening I will be able to relax and visit everyone (I hope). 

Grown with love - LO

Firstly welcome to my two newest followers, JayBe and Crafty Moosey, so pleased to see you blogging girls.
This is the second week for Crafty Cardmaker's current challenge which is a sketch. I entered a card last week, but yesterday I was in a scrap booking mood so made this LO following the sketch, the best I could on such a larger scale. The flowers, anemones, I think, are from Imag-e-ination or La Pashe, meant for an easel card.  I chose them to add some extra colour and because the actual colours match the boys T-shirts. The  butterflies were stamped with my all time favourite butterfly from Stamp It. A small journal label with,     who, where and when, with the title, Grown With Love. Thanks girls, for giving me the inspiration.

From Me To You

Well, it looks like I've re-kindled my interest in CD's. I must admit they do seem to have improved greatly since I last bought any. The CD Sunday Challenges have left the choice open this week, with the request for, 'From me To You' to be included. I am fortunate I have a cute stamp with those very words. I compiled this card using Debbie Moore CD.s Shabby Chic Paper Delights and Shabby Chic Vintage Flowers. I've also ordered the new Shabby Chic Botanical Flowers and Haberdashery CD.s so bring it on girls, I've got the mojo and the CD,s.  (My #2 post today)

A Windy Rainy Day

It's great when you have just bought a stamp and found a challenge that suits. Over at the Cheerful Stamp Pad
they are asking for a project with  a theme of , 'A Windy Rainy Day', not sure about the windy day but here is a Rainy Day. I used Kanban card, white card stock, TH Distress Ink Frayed Burlap, Debbie Moore Stamp from a set, another recent bargain purchase. Tan and Burnt Orange Promarkers. Why don't you have a go? We are all about Spring and flowers at present, but don't forget we need the rain to make it all look so fresh and beautiful. See you over on the Cheeful Stamp Pad. Thanks  to everyone who visits and for your comments. At least 3 entries today so please check my above entries too.

One Layer Card - Script

Yesterday, at the Ross Papercraft Show I bought this lovely B Butterfly stamp. As I have just had my brayer out, I thought I would make this card for Less Is More ~ this week the girls are asking for a One Layer Card with some script in clear view. I used a Big and Juicy Foliage ink pad, masked the card and brayed on the ink to the card. I don't think it looks straight, if not I apologise.  Stamped with my lovely new stamp.

Give me the Moonlight

There is no doubt about it here in the UK Barbara Grey is the guru when it comes to brayering. I have so tried and failed since she inspired me to buy a brayer. Everyone has their own ways and techniques in using a brayer and sadly  I must admit I couldn't work it, as instructed by Barbara. Yesterday I had a revelation. I attended a Ross Papercraft Show at Nissan Social Club, where I was mesmerized by the lady demonstrating brayering on the
 B & J Crafts stand. I of course had to try, what I thought,was a simpler method of using the brayer. Many will say there is only one way, but believe me, the way you feel comfortable, and even start to feel confident is right for you. So a huge thank you to the lady for increasing my confidence.The stamps I used are from Stampscapes Nature Set 6, and  their eclipsed moon. The bull rushes are from a  set by a friend Barry of BarjanB stamps. I am entering this card, my third new attempt with the brayer for the Moonlight # 3 challenge at  Craft a Scene Challenges.

Challenge 40 at MMM

At Make My Monday we are, during March, continuing our theme of SPRING. For the next week we would like to see either a MOTHER'S DAY or a THANK YOU project. I decided on a Thank You card, it is always useful to have a small stock of these tucked away for when you need them. I love the crocus stamp which was another one of my bargain buys, so many of the wooden stamps are being sold, usually at half price, it is worth looking out for them. the image was stamped onto a die cut  I used paper from a designer stash for the backgrounds. Coloured the stamp with Promarkers. Added a few Card Candy. Stamped a Thank You from my words stamps box. I do hope you will visit the blog to see the few rules, may I ask for you to check your Word Verification is switched off, I do have great difficulty coping with it. The samples from our Guest Designer Victoria and the D.T. are truly inspirational. Mainly have some fun.
Crocus Stamp by Personal Impressions.
I am entering this into the St. Luke's Charity Card Appeal for Spring into Spring No 3

Bingo at Fashionable Stamping.

For the next two weeks at Fashionable Stamping Challenges we are playing craft Bingo, it is all explained on the blog, please pop over to see the instructions, the few rules we have and of course the awesome samples made by the Design Team. Here is the Bingo chart for a reference if needed.

I decided upon the diagonal from left to right - Show some metal, Distressing and Vintage. 

Any excuse to use my Kanban Jasper stamp set. The metal started life as a drinks can, cut, and placed with a script embossing folder into my Cuttlebug. I then coloured it with some alcohol ink. I have distressed two sheets of Debbie Moore Shabby Chic papers. Added a die cut flourish, a few flowers. I also made two butterflies using Shirley's template, I followed her You tube instructions which were an enormous help- here 

A detailed close up. I used Promarkers and Sakura Gelly roll Pen to add colour.

Please check out the blog, I appreciate all of your comments and equally enjoy visiting your blogs. 

I am also entering this into The Stampman Vintage Challenge

and to the Vintage challenge at The Craft Room Challenges

C - Celebrate at Alphabet Challenge

Doesn't time fly, here we are already with the letter C at Alphabet Challenge. For the next two weeks we are asking you to join us to C - Celebrate St. Patrick's Day or to make a Good Luck project, which must have the words Good Luck on the project. Remember it can be any paper crafting project, not just a card. .
For my card, I decided on a Good Luck  in your New Home card. The houses are stamps from Lavinia. The trees and birds are from Inkylicious.  Please pop over to the blog for the design team have made a wide variety of wonderful cards to inspire you. I look forward to visiting you over the next two weeks.

Wk 10 Postcard Weekly Challenge

Week 10 in the Darcy's Weekly Postcard Challenge, see logo in side bar, has taken us to Canada. This is the second largest country, second to Russia. There are some amazing facts and figures of this remarkable country with two main languages French and English. I was interested to read Canada is the world's largest consumer of macaroni and cheese. My postcard depicts a few of the interesting details.
The dry embossed background of snow flakes represents a large area of the country which is most if not all of the year covered in snow. The white crystal gems indicate the diamonds found in the Northern Ontario region. The 3 emerald stones, bottom right represent the emeralds found in the Yukon area. The Cree Indian chief represents the Cree Nation from northern Quebec, which is one of  many indigenous Indian tribes. The Beaver waving the national flag with the maple leaf is a national symbol. The map of Canada. The Canadian ocean to ocean railway system, is shown because if I ever won the lottery this is a trip I dream of making.

Once again, many thanks Darcy for the opportunity to visit Canada, even if it was a virtual visit, I had fun. Now of course, I am looking forward to where next we go. I have a feeling it could be somewhere in the Orient. As you have said you have had your list of countries made out in advance maybe we should have a guessing game. No prizes awarded, just for fun. Take care. Thanks to those who visit my blog who have left/or leave comments, which I greatly appreciate. 

Imagine...........your a Showgirl

This is my first entry to the CD Sunday Challenge - I have mentioned before my aim this year is to use some of my stash, then I can justify it when I buy more, instead of just buying it and storing it. I was interested in the title Imagine.... I found this wonderful lady on a CD - Fashion by Maria G Designs. I kept to the black and red to enhance the main image. Added a few gems,  flower gems, ribbon and of course she needed to have glitter. I am entering this and of course the title is Imagine........Your a Showgirl!  Thanks for your comments, which I always appreciate.

Another Sketch-

Crafty Cardmaker's has long been a favourite challenge group of mine, it was one of the first I took part in, and I was a DT member last year. However, I haven't until recently enjoyed sketches, but I'm getting used to them and are actually starting to enjoy them. I think sometimes, I forget the word 'challenge' is there for a reason, it's not just a title.for a change I decided not to open the stamp cupboard but I dusted off an old CD of mine Hinny Bob's Dreamy Flowers Collection,

Retro Time

Crafty Bloggers Network this week have asked for Retro. I checked on  Google to be sure which decades fit into the retro period, the answer being anything during the 1950, 60, and 70,s so my card represents the excitement of foreign holidays for the lady from the 50's. Most of the stamps are from Tandastamps, the design paper is from a K&Co. Basic Grey paper pad.
I am also including this into the Craft Room Challenge for Shabby Vintage.

Doodling Away - Zentangles

This card, for a change, isn't for a blog challenge, I have been a member of a Yahoo swapping cards group for many years and this card is the last in our ABC of cards over the past two years, -Z for Zentangles. I've only done this once before, check it out on my labels list. I started out using a pear stamp designed by Sheena Douglass for Creative Expressions, then the doodling began. I even added a little butterfly for fun and a border. i do hope my partner likes this card which I  will be posting tomorrow.

More detail here or click for a close 

I have decided to add this to the Charisma Cardz Challenge for the Masking Technique, I did mask the standing pear to stamp the lying down pear. Hope it is acceptable.

Make My Monday - Spring

A new month - a new theme at Make My Monday. March 1st. brings in the spring. For the next four weeks we have a Spring orientated project to look forward to. This, the first week we are looking forward to visiting your blogs where you have made a project/card with Spring Flowers- snowdrops, daffodils, crocus, bluebells or any other spring flower. Please may I remind you to switch off Word Verification, if your not sure how to, check up last week's entry on MMM in the Older Posts, we do appreciate it for it makes it so much easier when visiting so many blogs. For my card, I used an embossing folder which is actually called Christmas Vines , which looks just as good for spring with the leaves. I lightly brushed over with TH Peeled Paint. The floral bouquet is from Dimension Stamps and the butterfly is another of my favourite stamps Stamp It ~from Australia. I used Promarkers to colour the flowers and butterflies. Again I look forward to visiting you all.

Spring into Spring 2

No 2 card for Spring into Spring over at St. Luke's Charity Card Challenge. I love to add embellishments to cards, but really being sensible and thrifty, those cards which need to be posted with the ridiculous method of postage stamps nowadays, it is an important part of the design of a card, whether it is to be posted or maybe hand delivered. The forthcoming increases in April may even have a more devastating effect. I kept this card simple. I painted the background with watercolour  inks made with Mustard Seed and Peeled Paint TH Distress inks, when I mixed them with water, I threw in a touch of mica powder which gives it a pretty sheen.
the daffodil stamp was stamped with black ink direct onto the background.
Daffodil stamp~ Wooden from Creative Expressions.

Spring into Spring 1

Many challenge blogs over the next few weeks will be concentrating on the coming spring. I love to enter challenges but truthfully, the time I spend looking for what fits what challenge, I could have made a few more cards, which is why I tend to only join one or two blog challenges with a card. I congratulate the dedication, inspiration and hard work which the ladies apply to  St. Luke's Hospice for their St. Luke's Charity Card Challenge.  I will as usual try to send to them at the end of the month, a few cards for their charity. A few of them I will include in the current challenge Spring into Spring.
For this card I thought the first job when spring comes is to tidy the garden, so my first card is a lovely wheelbarrow from Flowersoft which I have coloured with watercolour pencils. The Spring stamp is from Inkylicious. Shading is Tumbled Glass TH Distress Inks. Thank you ladies.
PS If you click on the pic to enlarge, the first to spot the snail I will send you a very small prize.

Postcard Weekly Challenge 2012 Wk 9

Here we are Week 9 in Switzerland, well most of the Postcard challenge travellers are but of course Hermione is still in Hogwart's School, she rummaged in the box of postcards her father sent to her, to find one of Switzerland. I am not very happy with this week's postcard, I feel it's a mess. I seem to have slipped into regularly making collage cards, for I am no artist, I am a crafter. My only  knowledge of Switzerland began  when I was a child, I adored the book 'The Story of Heidi' and other books of her later adventures. Other bits of information are collated on the card.
As a retired nurse I have a great interest in the history and organisation of the Red Cross.
Other pieces of knowledge of Switzerland are it is a politically neutral country, an extremely wealthy country. Banking is a large industry - hence the money on my card. Perfumery and chocolate making of course. I'm late and I don't even like my Swiss postcard, this has not been a a good week for me, but I will continue.
Hermione's postcard message to her parents.

Thanks to those who visited my Cuba page, I greatly appreciate your comments. I'm off now to look at as many fellow travellers as I can, hopefully over the next few days I'll get to visit more than the last few weeks.