I have 2 cards for you to look at today - Sweet Stampin' and Totally Gorjuss.

Check out my cards below and thanks for visiting me today.  Merry Christmas to you all and big hugs. Janine xxx

Sweet Stampin' Challenge - A Little Bird Told Me..

Hello everyone, here's my last Design Team card for Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog. for 2013. The theme this week is A Little Bird Told Me... (or have a bird on it). Remember your card/project must have a stamped element on it. We hold a weekly challenge with a fantastic prize plus a monthly prize draw for everyone who enters a card/project throughout the month. 

Isn't she a cutie pie! She was such a dream to colour in and for this card I used my Prisma pencils and some solvent. I stamped her 3 times and coloured certain sections of her in, then I cut these sections out and layered them up. To draw your eye in I used my pan pastels to sweep colour around the edge to frame the image. Finally I matted her onto coordinating card stock and added my die cut flowers and banner.

Here's what I used:

Digi Stamps: Wee Stamps 'Peggy'

Cardstock: White card base, Green & Blue Cs, Blue Glitter CS, First Edition 'Up Up & Away'

Dies: Tattered Lace 'Embellishment Dies', Britannia Dies 'Small Multi Flower', Medium 'Multi Flower', Signature Dies 'Bunting' 

Prisma Pencils: Skin - Light Peach, Peach, Blush Rose, Burnt Ochre & Berol Verithin - Peach / Hair - Sand, Yellow Ochre, Goldenrod, Sienna Brown / Flowers & Bird - Light Cerulean Blue, True Blue, Copenhagen Blue, Flower Centre - Canary Yellow, Yellowed Orange /  Socks, Bows & Frills - Gingeroot, Sand & Crayola 'Sable' / Dress - Chartreuse, Spring Green, Apple Green, Olive Green

Other: Pan Pastels 'Phathlo Green', 'Turquoise', 'Bright Yellow Green',  MS 'Branch' Punch, Paper Stumps, Sansdor, Gems

So why not drop by Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog and check out what my fabulous Design Teamies have created to inspire you, and while you're there why not enter your card or project into our challenge. This week's sponsor and prize is from Crafty Ribbons and the monthly draw sponsor is The Ribbon Girl.

I look forward to seeing what you create.

Thank you so much for all your visits and comments throughout 2013, I really appreciate them.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year in 2014.  

Hugs

Janine x

Totally Gorjuss Challenge - New

Well here's the last challenge for 2014 from Totally Gorjuss.  The theme this week is ANYTHING GOES - NEW.  So to give you a little inspiration here's my DT card. I decided my card would represent 'A Brand NEW Day'

This was a relatively simple card. The base card and the sky were made by using 4 Pan Pastels colours.  I created the background hills using some torn paper and some Black 'Soot' Distressing Ink. To finished my scene I stamped foliage on top of the finished background with the 'Soot' DI.  Finally I used a black fineliner pen on top of the stamped images to give more definition.  I did add a sentiment but I removed it because it just didn't look right.

Here's what I used.
Stamps: Inkylicious  - 'Moonlight Foliage', 'Summer Morn', 'Spring Awaking' and Cart-Us 'Birds On A Branch'
Paper/Card: White, Black and Red CS
Pan Pastels: Permanent Red, Permanent Red Tint, Orange, Diarylide Yellow
Other: Torn Paper, Splodge Away Mat, Black 'Soot' Distressing Ink

So why not come along and visit our blog at Totally Gorjuss and check out what my team buddies have made to inspire you. While you're there don't forget to enter your card/project into our weekly challenge - remember it's ANYTHING GOES - NEW. There's a prize up for grabs and this week's sponsors is Dies To Die For.

As always I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

Thank you for all your visits and comments throughout 2013, I really appreciate them.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year in 2014.  

Janine x

Totally Gorjuss Challenge 215 - Eek! Quick Christmas Card

Yey, it's nearly Christmas and the big man in red is heading out way. Are you excited yet?  Anyway, here's my last DT card for TOTALLY GORJUSS before Christma,s and the theme this week is ANYTHING GOES - Quick Christmas Card.  So to give you a little inspiration here's my DT card.

This was a very quick card for me. I die cut a border from some blue snowflake card and added a little glitter. I attached my border piece to the cranberry coloured card, then wrapped some bakers twine around it and added some sleigh bells.  To finish I added some glitter to my topper (isn't he cute!) and stuck it to my card front.  Tada done!! All in all it took me 15/20 minutes to make.

Here's what I used.
Paper/Card: Kraft card, Kanban Christmas card and topper (free gift from Create & Craft)
Dies: Memory Box 'Ornament Border'
Other: Glitter, Bakers Twine, Sleigh Bells

So why not come along and visit our blog at Totally Gorjuss and check out what my team buddies have made to inspire you. While you're there don't forget to enter your card/project into our weekly challenge - remember it's ANYTHING GOES - QUICK XMAS CARD. There's a prize up for grabs and this week's sponsors is Ribbon Girl and Heather's Hobbie Haven.

As always I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

and a wonderful and happy 2014

Hugs 

Janine x

I have 2 DT cards for you to look at today - Sweet Stampin' and Totally Gorjuss.

Check them out below. Thanks for dropping by. Hugs Janine x

I have 2 DT cards for you to look at today - Sweet Stampin' and Totally Gorjuss - Please see below!

Thanks for visiting and taking the time to check out my cards. Hugs Janine x

Sweet Stampin' Challenge Card - Last Minute Christmas

Hello everyone and welcome, today it's my turn to create my Design Team card for Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog. The theme this week is LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS and  remember your card/project must have a stamped element on it. We hold a weekly challenge with a fantastic prize plus a monthly prize draw for everyone who enters a card/project throughout the month. 

My DT card this week was made for my hubbie a day before he went back on the rigs in the North Sea - basically I erm, forgot! I thought I had loads of time but I didn't hence the last minute bit.  So my contribution this is was apt.  Hope you like, I know he did.  It's a 8 x 8 card so the digi stamp on it is really large so it looks fab. I used a simple background to keep it simple.  The digi was printed 3 times, coloured with Copics, cut out and layered up.  The base layer included the sentiment and his hand. I finished it off with a tag die and some holly.

 Here's what I used:

Digi Stamp: Make It Crafty 'Cheery - Santa'

Cardstock: Kraft Card, Red CS, First Edition 'Nordic Christmas', Velvet CS (for markers)

Dies: Spellbinder 'Scallop' Border, Sizzix 'Tag', Memory Box 'Mini Holly'

Copics: Skin - E0000, E000, E00, E11, R30, R20 / Fur - W-0, W-1, Tongue - R20, R22, R30 / Jacket & Hat - R17, R22, R27, R37, R59 / Belt Buckle - Y00, Y17, Y35 / Belt, Buttons & Boots - C-1, C-2, C-3, C-5, C-7

Other: Tumbled Glass and Tea Dye Distressing Inks

So why not drop by Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog and check out what my fabulous Design Teamies have created to inspire you, and while you're there why not enter your card or project into the challenge. This week's sponsor and prize of a £10 voucher is from Cuddly Buddly and the monthly draw sponsor is The Ribbon Girl.

I look forward to seeing what you create.

Update: I have entered this into the following challenges: 

Created with Love - Anything Goes

Deep Ocean Challenge - Santa Is Coming To Town

Hugs

Janine x

Totally Gorjuss Challenge 214 - Special Christmsa

Hello everyone, this week's challenge at Totally Gorjuss is ANYTHING GOES - SPECIAL XMAS.  So to give you a little inspiration here's my DT card - this 8 x 8 card was made for my daughter.  Unfortunately she can't make it home this Christmas due to work commitments - she works as actress at The London Dungeons attraction. This is the first year ever she's not been at home to celebrate it with us, which is sad. I posted this card off to her today so I hope she likes it.  I tried to keep the lines clean and simple as she doesn't like anything too fussy.

To make the card I simply matted my gorgeous First Edition paper onto blue card, then cut another piece of blue card and die cut at the bottom using a new die I bought from Signature which is lovely die and was such a great price at £5.99. I stamped my LOTV sledging pair and coloured them with Copics, and then matted my image onto both cream pearlised card and blue card.  To finish off I added snow with my pearl pen, glitter, gems and a die cut poinsettia, tag and flourish.

Here's what I used.
Stamp: LOTV 'Sledging Buddies'
Paper/Card: First Edition 'Slient Night' Paper Pad, Papermill 'Pearlised' Card, Blue CS, Velvet CS (for markers)
Copics: Beak & Foot - Y11, Y17, Y15 / Hat & Sledge - R000, R11, R20, R22, R27, R32, R30 / Sky - B0000, B000, B00, B02, B05, 0 / Trees - G07 / Blades & Bear - C-1, C-2, C-3, C-5, C-7, 0
Dies: Spellbinders 'Poinsettia', Sizzix 'Banner2', Joanna Sheen Signature 'Lace Edge', Marrianne Design 'LR0120 - Flourish'
Other: Gems, Glitter, Distressing Ink 'Tumbled Glass', Wooden Snowflake from First Edition 'Slient Night' Embelishments

So why not come along and visit our blog at Totally Gorjuss and check out what my team buddies have made to inspire you. While you're there don't forget to enter your card/project into our weekly challenge - remember it's ANYTHING GOES - SPECIAL XMAS. There's a prize up for grabs and this week's sponsors is Crafters Companion.

As always I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

Update: I have entered this into the following challenges: 

Created with Love - Anything Goes

Craft Your Passion- Challenge - Let It Snow

Paper Playtime - Winter Fun

Simon Says....Wednesday Challenge - Let it Snow

Hugs

Janine x

Sugar Bowl Challenge 111 - Fairies

Hi everyone, well not long now to Christmas Day and OMG where has the year gone, it doesn't seem 2 minutes since I was getting ready for last Christmas.

Anyway, to add a little Christmas magic sparkle to your day the theme for this month's challenge at The Sugar Bowl is FAIRIES. You can create anything you like but it MUST include a Sugar Nellie rubber or digi stamp both of which are available from Funkykits. There's a great prize on offer as always.

So to get you in the mood here's my Fairy DT card for you - it's quite a simple card really.  I matted Xmas paper onto my 5 x 5 kraft card base and die cut a doily in pearlised card. Then I printed my little Sugar Nellie Fairy onto Neenah card (isn't she gorgeous) and die cut it into a circle.  I coloured around the edge of the circle with pan pastels and stamped snowflakes randomly around the image with some distressing ink. I coloured my fairy image with copics and matted it onto a green scallop circle. To finish I added a die cut poinsettia and used a touch of glitter and a pearl pen to add a little dimension.

Here's everything I used:

Stamps: Sugar Nellie 'On The Wings Of Love' Digi Stamp from Funkykits, Butterfluy Kisses 'Snowy Christmas'

Paper/Cardstock: Kraft Card, Cream Papermill Pearlised Card, Neenah, Papermania Pink & Green Card, Dovecrafts 'Back To Basic Christmas'

Copics: Skin - E0000, E000, E00, E11, R30, R20 / Hair & Basket - YR0000, YR000, YR00, E13, E99 / Hat, Skirt & Holly - G21, G82, G94, G85, G99, 0 / Flowers & Presents - R20, R22, R30 / Coat & Boots - E50, E51, E53, E13 / Wings & Buttons - E00, 0 / Tights - E50, E51, G21, G94 / Birds -E50, E51, E13, R22

Dies: Spellbinder 'Petite Circle',  'Petite Scallop Circle', Marianne Designs 'LR0112 - Doily', Marianne Designs  'Poinsettia - LR0142', 

Other: Ribbon, Glitter, Pearl Pen, Distressing Ink 'Peeled Paint', Pan Pastels 'Phthalo Green and Bright Yellow Green'

So don't forget to drop by at The Sugar Bowl and have a look at what the rest of my fab DT sweeties have created to inspire you; and why not join in with this month's challenge while you're there. It's open to everyone, and the theme is 'FAIRIES' so  come on give it a go but remember to include a SUGAR NELLIE STAMP (either rubber or digi) otherwise it will be removed...sorry!.  

Have fun, and I look forward to seeing what you create.

Hugs

Janine x

Totally Gorjuss Challenge 213 - Anythings Goes - Santa

Hellooooo everybody, only 2½ weeks to Crimbo....yey!! So to get you in the mood the challenge this week  at Totally Gorjuss is ANYTHING GOES - SANTA.  So to give you a little inspiration here's my card or should I say tag. Isn't he a handsome chap!

I love making tags, they look good and they're so simple to make as well as being really useful.  So here's what I did - after printing a computerised sentiment out I die cut it into a circle and added red pan pastel to it. The circle was added to a  red scalloped circle along with die cut holly leaves.  My digi Santa was printed off 4 times onto Velvet card and coloured in using my copics.  I then cut out certain sections and layered them up and finally adding him to the circle.  To finish I added glitter and a ribbon.

Here's what I used.
Digi Stamp: Sassy Cheryl 'Better Not Pout Santa'
Paper/Card: Red and White Card, Velvet CS (super smooth card for alcohol pens)
Copics: Skin - E0000, E000, E00, R30, R20 / Hat & Berries - R20, R22, R30, R27, R29, R59 / Holly - G21, G94, G99
Dies: Spellbinder - Small 'Circle' and 'Scallop Circle', Memory Box 'Holly'
Other: Glitter, Ribbon, Permanent Ref Pan Pastel

So why not come along and visit our blog at Totally Gorjuss and check out what my team buddies have made to inspire you. While you're there don't forget to enter your card/project into our weekly challenge - remember it's ANYTHING GOES - SANTA. There's a prize up for grabs and this week's sponsors is J & C Creations.

**Sorry about the photo my tag looks a little wonky - I think santa's been on the sherry already!

As always I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

Janine x

Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Black, White And One Other Colour

Hello everyone, today it's my turn to create my Design Team card for Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog. The theme this week is Black, White And One Other Colour and  remember your card/project must have a stamped element on it. We hold a weekly challenge with a fantastic prize plus a monthly prize draw for everyone who enters a card/project throughout the month. 

My DT card this week is not really my usual style but I'm really pleased how it turned out.  As I mentioned the theme is Black, White and one other colour and I decided to add a hint of red. I only added a little red because I didn't want it to overpower it.  I'm so pleased with how the baubles turned out, considering the stamps were a craft magazine freebie (costing me £4.99). The stamps are from Spellbinders, there's loads in the free set plus they're a good size with caps and sentiments included and the stamping quality is amazing 

 

So I stamped and embossed them in Black Tinsel embossing powder and added a little red pencil to highlight certain areas.  The background was done using an embossing folder and the white/red frill was cut using a border die. To finish it off I added bakers twine and gems.  So now it's all done and  I've taken my photo this card is winging it's way to Amsterdam to my cousin for Christmas.

Here's what I used:

Stamps: Spellbinders 'Heirloom Ornaments' freebie stamp set from Simple Cards & Papercrafts

Cardstock: Black, Red, White

Dies: Spellbinders Border Die

Embossing Folder: Papermania 'Snowflakes'

Other: Prisma Pencils, Black Tinsel Embossing Powder, Bakers Twine, Gems

So why not drop by Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog and check out what my fabulous Design Teamies have created to inspire you, and while you're there why not enter your card or project into the challenge. This week's sponsor and prize is from My Mum's Craft Shop and the monthly draw sponsor is The Ribbon Girl.

I look forward to seeing what you create.

Hugs

Janine x

Totally Gorjuss Challenge - 212 - Snows The Way To Go

The challenge this week over at Totally Gorjuss is ANYTHING GOES - Snows The Way To Go.  So come on and join in with us, I'd love to see your creations.  There's a fab prize from Lili Of The Valley.

So to give you a little inspiration here's my DT card. I used a Humphrey's Corner freebie stamp from one of my Craft mag - isn't he adorable.  I've been dying to use him for ages and this theme was perfect.  The kraft card background was given a snowy feel using white pan pastel, white and blue pencils and a touch of glitter.  I added snow drops by drawing irregular circles with a fineliner and filling in with a white gel pen.  Humphrey and friend was stamped and coloured using my copics on white Neenah card to make the colours pop, and cut out them out. Finally I stamped a sentiment and die cut a flag.

Here's what I used.

Stamp: Humphrey's Corner 'Elephant and Reindeer', Polkadoodles 'Snow Sentiment' (both stamps were magazine freebies)
Paper/Card: Neenah, Red CS and Kraft Card
Copics: Y00, Y02, Y06, Y07, Y17, R32, R35, R37, R59, R000, R00,C-1, C-2, C-3, B0000, B000, B02, BO5, E33, E35, E50, E51, E53, 0
Dies: Sizzix 'Banner 2'
Other: Gems, Glitter, White Pan Pastel, White Gel Pen, Black Fineliner, White and Blue Pencil

So why not come along and visit our blog at Totally Gorjuss and check out what my fab team buddies have made to inspire you. While you're there don't forget to enter your card/project into our weekly challenge - remember it's ANYTHING GOES - SNOWS THE WAY TO GO. There's a prize up for grabs and this week's sponsors is Lili Of The Valley.

As always I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

Janine x

Totally Gorjuss - 211 - Child's Christmas

The challenge this week  over at Totally Gorjuss is ANYTHING GOES - CHILD'S CHRISTMAS.  So to give you a little inspiration here's my DT card.

For my card I printed my sentiment onto white card and die cut a circle in the middle. I put some foam tape behind my cut card to give it a bit of depth, this was then laid over some Christmas paper. I printed 3 of the child images out and coloured them in, these were then cut out and layered then up. To finish I added it to the edge of the aperture with my die cut poinsetta.

Here's what I used.
Digi Stamp: Charmed Cards & Crafts 'Waiting for santa'
Paper/Card: White CS, Papermania 'Traditional Christmas'
Copics: E0000, E000, E00, E02, E11, E135, E35, R00, R14, R20, R22, R27, R30, R32, R37, R81, YR07, YR15, Y21, B000, B00, G14, G28
Dies: Spellbinder Circle Die, Marianne Desaigns' Poinsetta'
Other: Gems, Glitter, Leaf Punch

So why not come along and visit our blog at Totally Gorjuss and check out what my team buddies have made to inspire you. While you're there don't forget to enter your card/project into our weekly challenge - remember it's ANYTHING GOES - CHILD'S CHRISTMAS. There's a prize up for grabs and this week's sponsors is Bugaboo.

As always I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

Janine x

Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Tags

Hello everyone, today it's my turn to create my Design Team card or in this case a Tag for Sweet Stampin Challenge Blog - and if you've not already guessed it, the theme is TAGS (a card with a tag/s on it).  We hold a weekly challenge with a fantastic prize plus a monthly prize draw for everyone who enters a card/project throughout the month. 

So for my DT project this week I decided to a make a simple tag but cute tag something that would be perfect to attach to a present.  I stamped the sweet santa 4 times (this is an old wooden stamp that I used loads in my early cardmaking days), I coloured him, cut sections of him out and layered him up. I stamped snowflakes around the edge with distressing ink and glittered them, and finally I added a handcut tag with a stamped sentiment and added die cut embellishments.

Here's what I used:

Card: Red and Kraft card

Stamps: Father Christmas (I don't know it's name but I think it's a Stamp Addicts stamp which I bought it from Create & Craft years ago), HobbyArt 'Butterflies Kisses' Snowy Trees,

Dies: Spellbinders 'Circle', 'Scalloped Circle', Marianne Designs 'Poinsetta', Memory Box 'Holly Leaves'

Other: Prisma Pencils, Glitter, Tea Dy Distressing Ink, Ribbon

So why not drop by Sweet Stampin Challenge Blog and check out what my fabulous Design Teamies have created to inspire you, and while you're there why not enter your card or project into the challenge. This week's sponsor and prize is from The Stamp Fairy and the monthly draw sponsor is The Ribbon Girl.

I look forward to seeing what you create.

Hugs

Janine x

Totally Gorjuss Challenge 210 - Patterned Paper

OMG, how quickly is this month going...it must because I'm getting older or something as I'm sure I've lost a month somewhere .LOL  Anyway back to business the challenge this week  at Totally Gorjuss is ANYTHING GOES - PATTERNED PAPER.  So to give you a little inspiration here's my DT card.

I made this 8 x 8 for my mum and stepdad for their anniversary.  I decided to keep it simple but elegant. Using the leafy swirl stamp and a versamark ink pad I stamped onto the pink paper, and then added mica powder over the top. My patterned paper was mounted onto cream card which I'd fishtailed, and I die cut my sentiment created in CraftArtist 2 and mounted it.  To finish it off I added a ribbon and my handmade flowers.

Here's what I used.
Paper/Card: First Edition 'Love Letter', Cream and Pink Card
Stamp: Clarity 'Leafy Swirl'
Dies: Spellbinders 'Floral Oval', Britannia Multi 'Large Rose', Martha Stewart Leaf Punch, Marianne Design ' Swirl Rose'
Other: Gems, Ribbon, CraftArtist 2, Versamark ink, Cosmic Shimmer Mica Powder

So why not come along and visit our blog at Totally Gorjuss and check out what my team buddies have made to inspire you. While you're there don't forget to enter your card/project into our weekly challenge - remember it's ANYTHING GOES - PATTERNED PAPERS. There's a prize up for grabs and this week's sponsors is Heather's Hobbie Haven.

As always I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

Janine x

Sugar Bowl Challenge - Sparkle & Shine

Hello glad you could drop by. I can't believe that we're at the end of November already and Christmas is slowly sneaking up on us.  Mind you I have 2 birthday's to concentrate before I can even think of Christmas. One is my daughter's on the 27th Nov, and she'll be 25 (OMG how old do I feel!) and my hubbie's 50th birthday at the beginning of December. So I've been busy making cards for them both inbetween my DT cards.

So on that note, here's my DT card for this month's The Sugar Bowl challenge. The theme this month is fab, it's SPARKLE & SHINE. I made a CAS card for this month's challenge. I used CraftArtist2 to design the layout and were I added the text, main image and stars, this was then printed off.  I coloured the images using my copics, made some fishtail stripped of glitter card and added glitter to the stars and her wand.  Finally I added glossy accents to the little gingerbread man.

So come on have a go and join in  - get your glitters out and get sparkling.

Here's everything I used:

Digi Stamp: Sugar Nellie 'Gingerbread Cookies' available from Funkykits

Cardstock: Neenah, Pink CS, Glitter Card

Copics: Skin - E0000, E000, E00, E11, R30, R20 / Hair/Gingerbread Man/Boots - YR0000, YR000, YR00, E13, E99 / Scarf/Skirt - B0000, B000, B00, B02, B18 / Ear Muffs/Jumper - R20, R32, R22, R35, R59 / Socks- E000 / Snow - BG000, BG01

Other: Glossy Accents, Crystal Glitter, Snowflake Gems, CraftArtist 2

So don't forget to drop by at The Sugar Bowl and have a look at what the rest of my fabulous DT sweeties have created to inspire you; and why not join in with this month's challenge while you're there. It's open to everyone, and the theme is 'SPARKLE & SHINE' so  come on give it a go. You can create anything you like but it MUST as the theme suggests include a SUGAR NELLIE STAMP (either rubber or digi) otherwise it will be removed (sorry!).  

Have fun, and I look forward to seeing your creations on my return.

Hugs

Janine x

Totally Gorjuss Challenge - 209 - Remember

Hello everyone - glad to see to you again.

Well here's this week's challenge over  at Totally Gorjuss is ANYTHING GOES - REMEMBER.  So to give you a little inspiration here's my DT card.  I thought it was appropriate to made a a Remembrance card ready for this week's Remembrance Sunday here in the UK. This day is to remember everyone who has served any conflict both living and past on. I decided to make a CAS card.  If you want to enter a card into the challenge remember it doesn't have to be a Remembrance card, it just has to include something that relates to the theme 'Remember'.

Here's what I used.
Paper/Card: Black, Red and White Card, Black Glitter Card
Dies: TH 'Tattered Florals', TH 'Tattered Leaves', Sizzix 'Banner #2', Sizzix 'Flower Layer Set', Marrianne Design (Circle Die) LR0112,
Other: Cuttlebug 'Swiss Dots' Embosing Folder, Computer Generated Senitment

So why not come along and visit our blog at Totally Gorjuss and check out what my team buddies have made to inspire you. While you're there don't forget to enter your card/project into our weekly challenge - remember it's ANYTHING GOES - REMEMBER. There's a prize up for grabs and this week's sponsors is Crafters Companion.

As always I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

Janine x

I have 2 new DT challenge cards posted today - one for Totally Gorjuss and Sweet Stampin'

Sweet Stampin' - Shaped Card Challenge

Hello everybody, well another 2 weeks has past and it's my turn to show you my Design Team card/project for the Sweet Stampin Challenge Blog. This week's challenge is to create a SHAPED CARD (No squares or rectangles allowed) with a stamped image or element on it.

For my challenge card I create a handbag - this is my take on a Fendi bag. All the templates I searched for were designed to be cut out of one piece of A4 card - making the final bag really small. So after finding a template shape I really liked (this was a download file) I adapted it so that the front panel and each bag side including the folding vent could be cut out of an A4 pieces of card, making the completed bag a good size. I stamped the body of the bag with my leafy swirl stamp and versamark ink as I wanted to create a delicate watermark look. I used a Velcro dot on the top of the bag so it could be opened and closed easily, and because I used a valley fold vent inside it also stands up perfectly. I also diecut some embellishments to hang from the bag, one of which has a greeting on it.

I made a small envelope pocket and attached it on the inside, and I stamped a small greeting card to pop inside. I wanted the inside of the bag to look neat so I lined the top clasp section and covered the ends of the ribbon with the same paper as the front.

Here's what I used:

Template: Becky Roberts  - Tres Chic Handbag

Papers: Deep Cream CS, Parchment Cream Paper, First Edition 'Desert Blooms'

Dies: Spellbinder Shapeabilities 'Damask Accents' and 'Persian Motifs'

Stamp: Clarity - Leafy Swirl

Other: Ribbon, Versamark, Cutting Machine

So why not drop by Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog and check out what Shaped Cards my fabulous Design Teamies have created to inspire you. While you're there why not enter your card or project into the challenge - don't forget it must include a stamped image/element on it. This week's sponsor and prize is from THE HOBBY HOUSE and the monthly draw sponsor is The Ribbon Girl.

I look forward to seeing what you create.

Hugs

Janine x

TOTALLY GORJUSS - 208 - SNOW

Welcome to this week's challenge at Totally Gorjuss is ANYTHING GOES - SNOW.  Snow to give you a little inspiration here's my DT card. :)

I wanted to make quite a simple card.  To start with I matted a piece of blue card onto a scalloped 5 x 5 card base, then stamped the 'snow' image 3 times onto white card and coloured sections of it in with my Derwent Pencils and Baby Oil. I usually use Sansdor with soft pencils but I thought I would give the BO a go, I was very surprised as I found it to be quite good particularly as there's no odour whereas Sansdor's smell can be quite strong. To add a bit of sparkle I added glitter to the word 'Snow' on one of the stamped images layers, then cut out sections from each layer and mounted them on the card with foam pads.  I drew small irregular circles on the background card and coloured them in with a white gel pen.  To finish I added a strip of ribbon and some gems, and 2 diecut glittered card snowflakes with a big red brad on top.  

Isn't this 'snow' cute! I've had this wooden stamp for years, when acrylic stamps weren't even a sparkle in someone's eye.

So here's what I used.
Wooden Stamp: Whipper Snapper Designs 'Think Snow'
Paper/Card: Plain Blue Card
Pencils: Prisma and Derwent Coloursoft Pencils
Dies: Cuttlebug Cut/Emboss Snowflake, Marianne Designs LR0125
Other: Johnsons Baby Oil, Copic Black Fineline, White Gel Pen, Crystal Glitter, First Edition 'Nordic Christmas' Embellishment Pack, AC Ribbon, Gems

'Snow' why not come along and visit our blog at Totally Gorjuss and check out what my team buddies have made to inspire you (sorry I'll stop saying it now). While you're there don't forget to enter your card/project into our weekly challenge - remember it's ANYTHING GOES - SNOW. There's a prize up for grabs and this week's sponsors is J & C CREATIONS.

As always I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

Janine x

Billy Joel and My Handbag

Afternoon everyone

I've just come back from seeing the lovely Mr Billy Joel. Wow, he was fab and much better than I ever expected.  I took my hubbie to see him as an early birthday pressie for his 50th in December, and he loved the it.  There was such a great atmosphere and everyone was singing along and dancing along to his memorable hits. His 'Piano Man', 'Uptown Girl'  and 'She's always woman' was epic.

He's a few photos for you.

Our hotel the 'Renassiance' was brilliant, we had a huuuuge room and a huuuge bed. The staff and great location were spot on, it was 2 minutes away from the Arndale Shopping Centre and 5/10 minutes walk to the Arena.

We had a fantastic time, but I did however have one 'little' hiccup....erm I lost my handbag!!  Yep, inside my bag I had my mobile phone, purse (containing cash, my credit and debit card) and my house key plus a the hotel receipt with my address on it. So as you can imagine I was distraught. I lost it around 2.30pm on the way back to the car to travel home, I was battling to hold all my bags and inadvertently put my bag down on a wall to take a breather (long story). So instead of getting home at 4pm ish we got home around 11.30pm. We spent all afternoon retracing out steps, going back into the hotel and the Arndale Centre and to report my lost and fill out forms. Followed by a visit to the local  the Police station to report it there and also to get all my cards and phone blocked.  The police officer on duty (Sandra) was brilliant - she was so helpful and understanding.

Anyway to cut a very long story short whilst we were sat in Wetherby Services grabbing a quick coffee, when we received a phone call from a lovely lady called Louise who'd found my handbag. Ironically she found it in the place I thought I left it.  Anyway she phoned the last number on my phone which was my hubbie - who'd left a voice mail saying if anyone found my bag and phone to ring him. We agreed to meet her at the services just outside Manchester - so I got my handbag back intact around 9.30pm last night.  I bought her some flowers and card with a little something inside to say thank you.

Wow, doesn't it give you faith in the belief that the majority of people are good, kind and honest.  My husband and I are still gobsmacked and so grateful to Lousie for contacting us - she was definitely my angel! !!

So today I'm not venturing outside instead I'm going to concentrate on my DT's card that way I can't get myself into any more trouble :) Plus my hubbie has gone back on the rigs today, a week early - I'll miss him like crazy.  So I'm off to make a card - watch out for it on Saturday morning.

Hugs Janine xx

Spooky - Totally Gorjuss Challenge 207

It's almost Halloween here in the UK, and to get you in the mood the challenge this week  at Totally Gorjuss is ANYTHING GOES - SPOOKY.  So to give you a little inspiration here's my DT card.

 

My 8 x 8 card was quite a simple make.  The background was created in CraftArtist 2, basically I created a square with a gradient fill of black and orange, then I added the sentiment and digi image.  After printing off the background sheet I printed the digi image off a further 4 times, and coloured sections in with my copics. The coloured elements were cut out and layered up.  SIMPLE!  Lol, well maybe not that simple, it was a bit of a devil to cut out as some layers contained quite a large scene and some bits were really fiddly.  Anyway I love how it turned out - although sadly my photo isn't the best as you can't really see the depth in the picture.

I made the card for my sweet daughter as she loves, loves Halloween, plus she now works as an actress at the London Dungeon - which is quite apt.

Here's what I used.
Digi Stamp: Bugaboo 'Scene It Halloween Witch'
Copics: Face - E000,E00, E11, R20 / Pumpkin  & Windows - YR00, YR15, YR16, YR07 / Stalks - YG23, YG67 / Fence & Broom Handle - E11, E99, E37, E59 / House, dress, Shoes, Hat, Broom - C2, C3, C5, C7 / Dress, Hat, Tights - V01, V04, V05
Other: Serif CraftArtist2

So why not come along and visit our blog at Totally Gorjuss and check out what my team buddies have made to inspire you. While you're there don't forget to enter your card/project into our weekly challenge - remember it's ANYTHING GOES - SPOOKY. There's a prize up for grabs and this week's sponsors is The Ribbon Girl and Milk & Coffee. 

As always I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

Janine x

Sweet Stamping Challenge - Monster Birthday

Well another 2 weeks have gone past - omg where is the time going. So today it's my turn to create my Design Team card for Sweet Stampin Challenge Blog - and if you've not already guessed it, the theme is MONSTER BIRTHDAY.  The girl's hold a weekly challenge with a fantastic prize plus a monthly prize draw for everyone who enters a card/project throughout the month. 

So here's my monster 8 x 8 'monster' card for MONSTER BIRTHDAY. The background was all created in CraftArtist 2, and although the letters all look 3D everything is actually flat.  The fab digi stamp monsters were printed twice and coloured with Copics. They were both cut out and layered up, then to bring them to life I added glossy accents to their eyes. They're sooooo cute! 

Here's what I used:

Digi Stamps: Pretty Grafik 'Monsters'

Copics: V04, VG03, VG06, Y000, Y17, B000, B02, B05, RV21, RV13, RV14

Other: CraftArtist 2, Serif 'Birthday' Digikit, Glossy Accents, Black Fineliner

So why not drop by Sweet Stampin Challenge Blog and check out what my fabulous Design Teamies have created to inspire you, and while you're there why not enter your card or project into the challenge. This week's sponsor and prize is from Sir Stampalot  and the monthly draw sponsor is The Ribbon Girl.

I look forward to seeing what you create.

Hugs

Janine x