#43 Friday Sketch Challenge

Magnolia images, coloured with copics and distress inks.  Papers are DIY Shop by Cratepaper, a recent purchase from TK Maxx and the sentiment is computer generated and heat embossed with gold EP.  I followed sketch #43 at Friday Sketch Challenge. :)

50th birthday

Once again, not the best picture in the world but I am pleased with this card.  I used a lot of my spellies on this design and the chandelier is cut from the home decor cart on the cricut.  The papers are DCWV Linen Closet, the flowers and corners are from Wild Orchid Crafts and I used a JustRite stamp on the front of the card (the pattern on the labels 20) and a Kanban stamp inside (the chandelier).

I'm entering this card into Papertake weekly Challenge - Bingo, and went with the bottom line using blooms, ribbon and gems.

Happy birthday matey

I'm really happy with the way this card turned out, although as usual my photography skills are letting me down.
I added an acetate cover to the front of the card and attached my LOTV stamp, computer generated sentiment, ribbon and bling - following this week's sketch at Friday Sketch Challenge. Behind that I used a Delicious Doodles digital stamp, which I printed onto a parchment type paper cut out and then had a good play with some distress inks and my distressing tool.  (I also added layers of dp on the back of the acetate to tidy it up a bit)


I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges :)
Friday Sketch Challenge #40
Delicious Doodles #29 (1,2,3 recipe)
Papertake Weekly Challenge (Anything goes)
Paula Holifield Crafts #1 (Anything goes)

Vintage? - don't mind if I do.

I've always admired but been a big bit, little bit intimidated by the whole distressed look.  I didn't know quite where to start and whenever I tried, always ended up with a project that looked more "tatty" than "vintage".  However I may have finally conquered my fear.  I dusted off my my Tim Holtz paper distresser, which has been laying, neglected in a drawer for years,  finally used my distress inks (well one of them) with some cut and dry and inked the edges of anything with a straight edge and crumpled away to my hearts content - and had a ball doing it.

So what was different this time, well, I used scraps.  I think the thought of wasting or destroying something pretty was just too big a deal for me.  I mean, I know it's just paper but, I really really like most of the dp's I own.  I really like the paper I used, which was one of the first crafty purchases I made but the bits I used had been in a scrap box.  It took all the pressure off and I honestly can't remember enjoying making a card so much in a long long time.

 * For everyone else that has whole heartedly embraced this style I know my card is pretty lame but it really was a big deal to me :)

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges
Emma's Crafty Challenge #14 Vintage
Fussy and Fancy Friday #84 Flowers

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

You've probably already heard but if you haven't google reader is closing on 1st July.   I've found it a really easy way to keep up to date with all your blogs and was wondering what to do.  I need not have worried as people much more organised that me have it all under control   I read on a couple of blogs I follow that they have switched to bloglovin so I thought I'd give that a try too.  I've imported all the blogs I follow on google reader (which was surprisingly easy) and added a "follow my blog" button.

Many thanks to Nikki and Mandy for the info.

better photos ?

I blogged this card before but hopefully there should be some improvement in it.  Not only did I add the sentiment and some gems, I also took the advice of some facebook friends and made a  bit more effort taking a picture of it.

They were as blunt as to say "make more effort, they suggested using a white background and taking the pictures in better lighting or even outside - which I did.

Did it make a difference?  See for yourself.

before

and after.......

Still not perfect but a whole let better.  And my husband says I spend too much time on facebook :)

Mothers day take 2

I had another go at a Mothers Day card, using another Kanban image.  I'm not entirely sure about this one - I think maybe the orange is a bit strong.  Any how I followed this sketch so at least I'm happy with the layout.

This pic was added after I got some advice on taking pics.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges
Sketch Saturday #248
Kanban Crafts Challenge #1 anything goes