Baby Boy's 1st Christmas

With a toddler of my own I knew I had to have this digi as soon as I saw it! I expect this is exactly what is going to happen to my tree this year! I coloured him up adding some gold Stickles to give the tinsel added sparkle. Then I cut my sentiment using Spellbinders labels thirty two before distressing the edges of it and my image with Tim Holtz Peacock Feathers distress ink pad. I finished my card with a glittered gold Santa cut from glittered card stock with Christmas Flight from Britannia Dies and a wooden gingerbread man.

Paper - Hobby craft
Embellishments - wooden gingerbread men from Hobby craft
Sentiment - typed by me
Image - Geeky rascal pulls Christmas Tree from Make It Crafty coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Great Impressions - anything goes
A Gem of a Challenge - #159 anything Christmas goes
My Sheri Crafts - #171 Christmas Spirit
Send A Smile 4 Kids - winter fun for kids
Kitty Bee Designs - #62 Christmas
Christmas Stampin All Year Long - #61 Christmas Gift
Digi Designs Challenge Blog - winter holidays
Creative Knockouts - Tis the season

Baby Girl's 1st Christmas

With a toddler of my own I knew I had to have this digi as soon as I saw it! I expect this is exactly what is going to happen to my tree this year! I coloured her up adding some gold Stickles to give the tinsel added sparkle. Then I cut my sentiment using Spellbinders labels thirty two before distressing the edges of it and my image with Tim Holtz Worn Lipstick distress ink pad. I finished my card with a glittered gold Santa cut from glittered card stock with Christmas Flight from Britannia Dies and a wooden gingerbread man.

Paper - Hobby craft
Embellishments - wooden gingerbread men from Hobby craft
Sentiment - typed by me
Image - Geeky rascal pulls Christmas Tree from Make It Crafty coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Melonheadz Friends - winter holidays challenge
The Crazy Challenge - #211 Christmas
Pile it on - #98 anything Christmas/winter
Robyn's Fetish - #293 Christmas cards
Crafting From The Heart - #89 anything goes
Craft Your Passion - #291 always anything goes
Come and Get it Challenge Blog - anything goes Christmas
Glitter 'N' Sparkle Challenge Blog - #166 anything goes
That Craft Place Challenge Blog - Christmas
The Corrosive Challenge Blog - #239 Merry Christmas

Christmas Box

Wow where is the time going?? I have been so busy making and doing I haven't had a chance to post for ages!

My nephews made a bauble for their mum as a surprise Christmas gift. I made a box for it using Crafters Companion cupcake favor box template. I then added a spellbinders poinsettia to the front of the box with added gold stickles.

 This is how it looks once it is closed and hung on the tree.

Paper & Embellishments - Hobby craft ribbon

I'm entering my box in the following challenges:
Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge - #258 time to decorate
Hiding in my Craft Room - #228 Christmas colours
A Gem of a Challenge - #159 anything Christmas goes
My Sheri Crafts - #171 Christmas spirit
Sassy Studio Designs - #310 anything but a card

Simply Create Too DT card #98 Give Thanks

I'm very lucky to be a Simply Create Too Design Team member! Our challenge this week is #98 Give Thanks and here is my card. For this card I thought I'd try something new so I used Brusho crystal colour paints. They are a high pigment powder which are activated when water is added. I simply sprinkled some colours down and sprayed with water until the ink had spread over the page. After leaving it to dry this was the effect and I LOVE it! The photo does not do the colours justice as they are really vibrant. I didn't want to make this card to fussy so I added a simple butterfly digi and a strip sentiment to finish the card.

Pop over and see the other fantastic DT makes or join the challenge

Paper - none
Embellishments - Hunkydory angel whispers glitter
Sentiment - Craftwork Cards
Image - Sheena

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamps - Work it Wednesday (October)
Crafty Creations Challenges - #301 colourful
Simon Says Stamps Wednesday - Thanks/Thanksgiving
Creative Inspirations Challenge Blog - #334 sparkle
Crafting With Attitude - #9 anything goes
Sassy Designs Studio - #306 your choice
Dream Valley Challenges - #118 use the colour blue
Crafty Cardmakers and more - #151 thank you
Incy Wincy Designs - anything goes
Craft Your Passion Challenges - #286 anything goes

Christmas has started!

I created these two very different 5x5 cards with the same two dies from Britannia Dies. Skyline & Christmas Flight. I love how different they look.

For the gold card I cut out Christmas Flight from the patterned paper and then the skyline from black card stock for a silhouette effect. I mounted the skyline on foam pads for dimension.

For the red card I cut both dies from the patterned paper and mounted it onto red glittered card stock. I added a hand tied ribbon for extra Christmas glamour. 

Paper - First Edition - Gilded Winter
Embellishments - red ribbon from Hobby Craft

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Merry Monday Christmas Card Challenge - #177 Christmas lights and glitter
A Snowflakes Promise - #8 Christmas/winter
Fab 'n' Funky - #279 Christmas
Whimsy Stamps Challenges - Fall colours or Christmas
Allsorts Challenge Blog - #335 Christmas
Simply Create Too - #97 baby its cold outside
4 Crafty Chicks - #270 anything goes
Craft Your Passion Challenges - #285 always anything goes
Crafting from the Heart - #83 anything goes

Pumpkin Exchange Blog Hop!

You have reached your FINAL stop on the hop! We hope you all enjoyed looking at our amazing goodies (maybe you could play along next year too). 

So what is the PUMPKIN EXCHANGE? This year Betty organised for us to spend at least 25 dollars on Halloween inspired goodies for a secret partner. She provided a fantastic image which can be found HERE in Simply B Stamps store (look in the exclusives section and grab it before its gone forever). We found out who our partner was and set off buying gifts for them. My secret partner was Liw and I did a little bit of stalking to find out what her style was. I found out she made jewelry so I sent her over a beautiful bracelet with her other goodies. See what else I sent her by visiting her blog! 

Then something wonderful happened! My package arrived! I was sooo excited and couldn't wait to open it! 

I wasn't disappointed! My PUMPKIN EXCHANGE partner was Liw and here is her amazing card!

I couldn't believe how many goodies she managed to cram into the bag! It was stuffed full with decorations, confetti and my favourite thing in the world... CHOCOLATE and Sweedish chocolate at that! I have enjoyed eating every single cube! Thanks Liw!! Here's what was inside my package:

Now pop back to stop number 1 and maybe even visit the store ;)

Here's the Hop list incase you missed it: Make sure you visit every stop along the way!

Betty: simplybstamps.blogspot.com

Angela: angelsheartsnmemories.blogspot.com

Holly: dbcraftgirls.blogSpot.com 

Melissa: craftymeerkat.blogspot.ca

Donna: no blog will be featured on the SBS blog

Lea: leawilkin@gmail.com

Keri: keris-kreativity.blogspot.com

Teresa: tazmadazz.blogspot.com

Carline: kinamkreations.blogspot.com

Janell: no blog will be featured on the SBS blog 

Megan: inspiredbycolor.blogspot.com

Liw: llpearls.wordpress.com

Sharon: Angels-ephemera-attic.blogspot.co.uk 

Rj: Thriftycraftermale.blogspot.com

Jenn: no blog will be featured on the SBS blog

Kerri: theoccasional-crafter.blogspot.co.uk

A Betty Special

Betty over at Simply Betty Stamps had some fantastic news recently and released this special image. This card is for her son Christian and his NEW bride Yazmin. I didn't want to post my card till after their wedding. Their colour scheme was lime, black and cream so these were the colours I chose for my card. I selected some papers from Far Far Hill and distressed the edges with the help of Tim Holtz using the tool and old paper ink pad. Next I printed some Halloween paper from Michele R Designs onto vellum. I cut out the spider and added it to the top corner leaving the spider free to jiggle in the wind.

Paper - Far Far Hill, Halloween 6x6 digital papers by Michele R Designs & Paper Pizazz HOTP Vellum Swirls
Embellishments -Hobbycraft gemstones
Sentiment & Image - Simply Betty Stamps coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Chocolate, Coffee and Cards Challenges - #102 Halloween
Crafts 4 Eternity - #249 Halloween
Crafty Catz - #298 Monsters - Spooky or cute
That's Crafty Challenge Blog - Haunted Halloween Challenge
Dragons Lair Designs - Halloween
Pattie's Creations Design Challenge - #115 Fall/Halloween
Deep Ocean Challenge Blog - #115 Halloween
Art with Heart - Hauntings & Holidays
Inky Chicks - #58 Halloween
4 Crafty Chicks - #269 Halloween

Congratulations Monster

In the spirit of Halloween I used this cute monster for my congratulations card. I chose pink as its breast cancer awareness month here in the UK. I layered up lots of pink papers and added some glossy accents to the monsters glasses. I finished off my card with some coordinating pink candi. 

Paper - Craftwork Cards
Embellishments - Candi from Craftwork Cards
Sentiment - Tattered Lace mini die set
Image - Pinwheel Monster from 2 Cute Ink coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Crafty Boots Challenges - Pink
Oh La La Creations - Pretty in pink
Cutie Pie Challenge Blog - #92 Pretty in Pink
Glitter 'N' Sparkle Challenge Blog - #158 use some pink
Di Di Designs Challenge Blog - too cute to spook
Crafty Catz - #297 anything goes
Southern Girls Challenges - let's celebrate
As You Like it Challenge - Monochrome or colour and why?
Fab 'n' Funky Challenges - #277 make it square
Create and Inspire - #31 anything goes
Creative Moments - #79 anything goes spots and/or stripes
Craft Your Passion - #283 anything goes
Chocolate, Coffee and Cards Challenges - #102 Halloween

Simply Create Too #96 Halloween Colours

I'm very lucky to be a new member of Simply Create Too Design Team! Our challenge this week is #96 Halloween Colours and I just had to use one of my new Halloween Digis from Simply B Stamps (Betty is the queen of Halloween and has some fantastic digis) paired with some beautiful papers from Michele. I coloured her up in typical Halloween colours and love how she turned out! 

I used my Tim Holtz distressing tool and old paper ink pad to age the edges. I finished off my card with some bat embellishments from my secret pumpkin (find out more about this on Oct 25th) and a flower created with Heartfelt creations tattered blossoms and Spellbinders foliage and a beautiful rhinestone. 

Inside:

Pop over and see the other fantastic DT makes or join the challenge

This beautiful card is listed in my shop - The Occasional Crafter on Zibbet

Paper - Halloween by Michele R Designs
Embellishments - Rhinestone from Hobby House & Bats from my secret pumpkin (find out more about this on Oct 25th)
Sentiment - Simply B Stamps
Image - Witches Brew Portrait from Simply B Stamps coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Fab 'n' Funky Challenges - #276 sassy ladies
Wicked Wednesday - #179 Trick or Treat
Whimsy Stamps Challenge Blog - #86 atg or Halloween
The House That Stamps Built - Repeat Impressions WIW Color Challenge ~ Orange, Lime & Purple and/or Black
The Shabby Tea Room - #261 BOO-riffic
Fan-Tastic Tuesday - atg twist 2 different patterned papers
The Corrosive Challenge Blog - #234 Halloween bingo (I went diagonal) 
Crafty Calender Challenges - Halloween
Scrappers Delights Challenge Blog - fall/Halloween
Dragons Lair Designs - Halloween

'Aurora' Spring butterfly

I've always loved this image and I was lucky enough to win her! I waited until I was on my advanced skin lesson on my Kit & Clowder course as I wanted to do her justice.

I wanted to keep this card simple so I only embellished it with gemstones and a little glitter.

Paper - Core-Dinations
Embellishments - Gemstones & waterfall Stickles glitter
Image - One of my challenge wins - Aurora Spring butterfly from The East Wind coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Aurora Wings Challenge Blog - #18 anything goes
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - teens and tweens
Robyns Fetish - #283 Square or rectangle cards
Craft Your Passion - #281 always anything goes
Eureka Stamps - #160 anything goes
Sweet Stamps Blog - October anything goes
Through the Craft Room Door - anything goes
Tuesday Throwdown - #264 CAS
Addicted to Stamps - #164 CAS
Addicted to CAS - Dream

Vintage Gangster

I wanted this card to have a vintage feel so I paired some coordinating papers & a sentiment before distressing the edges with my Tim Holtz distress tool. The edges were inked with old paper distress ink. Finally I added this fab digi from Simply Betty Stamps.

Paper - Hunkydory & Far Far Hill
Sentiment - Craftwork cards
Image - Shoot em up Chris from Simply Betty Stamps coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Crafty Ribbons Challenge Blog - #126 happy birthday
Crafting with Attitude - #7 anything goes
Chocolate, Coffee and Cards Challenges - #100 celebration
Southern Girls Challenge - layer it up
Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge Blog - anything goes... twist vintage shabby chic
A Gem of a Challenge - #153 boys, boys, boys
Crafty Calender Challenges - anything goes
613 Avenue Create - #142 anything goes

30th Hockey

A request for another Hockey card. This time for a 30th. I used Tagxedo to make the word cloud and this time also used it for the inside of the card.  I distressed the edges of the word cloud with Tim Holtz Faded Jeans.

Paper - My stash, free paper from Far Far Hill and personalised word cloud from Tagxedo
Image - Hockey by Kenny K and coloured with Pro Markers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Incy Wincy Designs - one for the boyz
Without Words - for the boys
Ruby's Rainbow - #112 its a mans world
4 Crafty Chicks - #263 Birthday
The Cats Pajamas - #298 anything goes
Tuesday Throwdown - #261 anything goes
Through The Craft Room Door - anything goes
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge Blog - #244 anything goes
Creative Knockouts - #106 CAS
Crafty Ribbons Challenge - #126 happy birthday

Simple Orchid

I adore this sprite digi from Aurora Wings and really enjoyed colouring it. I didn't want to distract too much from the digi so I went for a CAS card.

Using Spellbinders orchid die I created my 3d orchid adding detail with my ProMarkers & Worn Lipstick distress ink from Tim Holtz.

Paper - Kim & Co
Embellishments -Papermania capsule collection ribbon
Image - Orchid Sprite by Aurora Wings coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Crafts Galore Encore Challenge Blog - September anything goes
Creative Ladybirds Creations - #7 always anything goes
Lia Stamps - #92 anything goes
Crafting From The Heart - #76 always anything goes
Craft Your Passion Challenges - #278 always anything goes
Die Cuttin Divas - #232 3d
Through The Craft Room Door - anything goes
Fan-Tastic Tuesday - #102 atg twist make it feminine
Addicted to Stamps - #161 anything goes

Foxy Mama

I LOVE this card and it was so simple to make! My mother in law loved it so much, its now framed in the hallway. She loves foxes so when I found this digi I knew I had to use it for her. I coloured it with ProMarkers and fussy cut it out. I mounted it on the backing paper using some 3d craft foam for dimension. Finally I added some gems to finish it off.

Paper -Craftwork Cards (I have 3 of this paper pad so really need to use it more!)
Embellishments -3mm gemstones from Hunkydory Crafts
Sentiment -Craftwork Cards
Image -A freebie from Polka Doodles coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Fan-Tastic Tuesday - #101 anything goes with a twist ... make it cute
Through the Craft Room Door - anything goes
Clear it out Challenge Blog - anything goes using your stash - my stash is my paper!
The Cats Pajamas - #298 anything goes
The Craft Barn - animals
One Stitch at a Time - #244 anything goes with 4 legged friends
Crafting from the Heart - #75 anything goes
Craft your Passion - #277 anything goes
Incy Wincy Designs - anything goes
The Cutie Pie Challenge Blog - #90 cute and girly

Lucky Cat

Again I thought I would try something new for this card so I created my own background using pastels. I then used Sheena "A Little bit Oriental" lantern stamps and heat embossed them on to the background. Next I distressed inked the sentiment using Tim Holtz seedless preserves & worn lipstick. The digi was coloured with ProMarkers then I used Glossy Accents & some glitter to give the fish a wet look. I finished it off with some gold Stickles.

Paper - Core-dinations & Be Inspired
Embellishments - Sheena "A Little bit Oriental", Glossy Accents & Stickles
Sentiment -Desert Diva
Image - Japanese Good Luck Cat Digi FREE from Crafty Moments coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Paperminutes - #397 eye catching backgrounds
Passion for ProMarkers - #311 animals
Addicted to Stamps - #159 clean and simple
Creative Knockouts - #104 anything goes
Fussy and Fancy Challenge Blog - #146 Birthdays
Simply Create Too - #93 its a special occasion
Simply Papercraft Challenges - #12 anything goes
Through the Craft Room Door - anything goes

Flirty 30's

I've always loved Jessica Rabbit and when I saw that Jade Draggone had made her into a lineart I just had to colour her! I mounted her on some black glitter card stock that I die cut using Spellbinders Triple Tear. To finish the card I added some beautiful flowers that I recycled from a flower garland.

Paper - HOTP
Embellishments - Recycled flowers from a headband
Sentiment - Me
Image -Jade Dragonne coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
613 Avenue Create - #139 anything goes optional twist girls night out
Robyns Fetish - #238 Use a digi
The Corrosive Challenge - #231 utterly feminine
Craft Your Passion - #276 always anything goes
Incy Wincy Designs - Birthday Wishes
Melonhedz Friends - Hand coloured image
The Cutie Pie Challenge Blog - #90 cute & girly
Not Just Cards -#23 anything goes
Stamp and Create - One for the girls
Whoopsi Daisy Challenge Blog - make it girly

Decorating Dad

A very male card for the DIY dads. I decided that I wanted the sentiment to burst out of the wallpaper so this gave the card dimension. To do this I cut my paper into strips and curled it around a pencil in varying places.

I added some extra rolls of wallpaper at the bottom.

Glossy Accents was used to make his glasses look real and also for the wallpaper paste in the tin and on the roller.

Paper - Free members gift from Create & Craft
Sentiment - Craftwork Cards
Image - Dunderton Decorators LTD coloured with ProMarkers from Doctor Digi

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Digi Choosday - #33 All about the men
Sweet Stamps Challenge Blog - #235 Masculine card
Ooh La La Creations - #187 One for the boys
I Love ProMarkers - #238 - Anything goes
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog - #241 Anything goes
Create and Inspire - #27 Anything goes
Crafty Sentiments Challenge Blog - Anything goes
Craft Your Passion - #275 Anything goes
613 Avenue Create - #137 Anything goes
Scrapper's Delights Challenge Blog - #47 Anything goes

Rock Star

For this card I used the same papers as my GDT card so it matched. I cut out the beautiful digi using fancy labels die from Sizzix, before distressing the edges using Tim Holtz Peacock Feathers distress ink pad. Finally I added Spellbinders Contemporary Circles die cut in mixed colours to match the backing paper and mounted the sentiment in the middle.

Paper - HOTP
Sentiment - Craftwork Cards
Image - Rockin' Heavy Metal Jude from Simply B Stamps coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge Blog - #92 anything goes with a twist ... celebration
Scrapper's Delights - #47 anything goes
Brown Sugar Challenge Blog - #158 anything goes
Creative Finger Challenge Blog - #89 anything goes
Simply Papercraft - #10 anything goes
Crafting For All Seasons - #107 bright and beautiful
Addicted to Stamps - #156 anything goes
Craft Your Passion - #273 always anything goes

4 Crafty Chicks GDT card - Anything Goes / Crazy Egg Challenge

Today is my final week as July guest designer over at 4 Crafty Chicks and I've had a great time designing alongside some very talented ladies for the challenges. I coloured up another fantastic digi from Simply Betty Stamps before cutting her out using Sizzix fancy labels. I then distressed the edges of the image and sentiment using Tim Holtz worn lipstick distress ink.

For the flowers I used Heartfelt creations 'tattered blossoms' dies and stamps on lime & orange card. I also added a layer of matching HOTP paper so they matched the background perfectly.

Paper - HOTP
Embellishments - Handmade flowers using heartfelt creations tattered blossoms dies and stamps
Sentiment - Craftwork Cards
Image - Material Girl Rio from Simply Betty Stamps and coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
I love ProMarkers - #280 3 or more layers
Create and Inspire - #26 anything goes
Creative Inspirations - #323 flowers
Simon Wednesday Challenge - anything goes

4 Crafty Chicks GDT card - Sun, Sea and Sand

Today is my fourth week as July guest designer over at 4 Crafty Chicks. Our challenge is Sun, Sea & Sand. I chose to focus on the sea. I adore this digi from Simply B Stamps and knew she was perfect for this card! I coloured her with ProMarkers before distressing the edges with a mix of Tim Holtz worn lipstick & seedless preserves.

 I added some glitter to her tail using Hunkydory parma violet diamond sparkles and some waterfall stickles to the bubbles.

 I cut a slit in the top of the card to tread the pink wool through and finally added some sea embellishments from Hobby House.

Paper - Craftwork Cards
Embellishments - shell mix metal charms from Hobby House
Image - Octivia limited digi from Simply B Stamps coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps - #289 Beach
A Gem of a Challenge - #149 Birthday Wishes
Brown Sugar Challenge Blog - #155 Girly
Digi Design Challenge Blog - Hand coloured image
Fan-Tastic Tuesday - Anything goes with a twist ... a day at the beach
Crafty Cardmakers and More - #143 Water
Sparkle N Sprinkle - July anything goes
Robyns Fetish Challenge Blog - #273 Under the Sea
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - Sparkle and shine
Natalie and Amy - #34 Sumertime

1st Birthday Boy

I love this image from Bugaboo digital stamps and thought it was perfect for a boys card. I coloured the edges of the card using Tim Holtz peacock feathers distress ink and the edge of the image with a mix of peacock feathers and faded jeans.

Paper - HOTP
Sentiment - Tattered lace oriental letters die & Dees Deelights
Image - One of my challenge wins - Birthday monsters from Bugaboo coloured with ProMarkers

I'm entering my card in the following challenges:
Catch the Bug - BINGO
Open Minded Crafting Challenges - #41 Kids want to have fun
My Sheri Crafts - #161 Child's Birthday
Send a Smile 4 Kids - Bright colours
A Gem of a Challenge - #149 Birthday Wishes
Digi Design Challenge Blog - Hand coloured image
Creative Inspirations Challenge Blog - #322 Lets colour
Wags 'n Whiskers - Birthday
Scrapper's Delights - #46