29 Again???? Birthday time at Die Cut Divas.

Hi there.  It's my day to share another birthday card at Die Cut Divas today.  Our theme is BIRTHDAYS and Bugaboo Stamps are our sponsor. 

 Here is my project

My friend, Suna, had her birthday yesterday and this was the card I sent her.    I used the 29 Again Stella image and coloured it with watercooler pencils.  I added some Sharpie Gold ink pen to the Again and added gold Wink of Stella over it.   I die cut my patterned paper and the layer behind it with Gina K Master Layouts,

Do come and join us at Die Cut Divas. 

Gnome is were the heart is....

 I've been seeing a few gnome cards around blogland and remembered that I had purchased some Whimsy Stamps digi stamps with gnomes.... in particular this one - Gnome Sweet Gnome.

So a card came to mind.  Now I have to say... this one caused me some issues.... First I decided to make it a mini slimline and only had a long die I wanted to use... of course I didn't take into account that it was a double layer die....

I had to do a bit of die surgery and gluing back together on the right hand end.  Doesn't look too pretty...but it's done.   I had printed out the image and the sentiment before die cutting and used some washi to hold the die and when I took it off it of it tore the card 😟  I decided then to add the stencilling so printed the gnomes seperately and then used the computer to make the sentiment black with white letters.  I trimmed it out and layered it over the messed up bit.  I coloured up my gnomes... I had melded them together to be holding hands.  I fussy cut them to add to the card.  Next I decided to add some little die cut flowers and leaves to the wall.  I made the little bee and then lost it!  Several hours later after making another one.. I found it stuck to the top of my slipper.... so I added it for dimension over the other one.... The middle panel has some dimension added behind.  So after a bit of a mission... it was done.  

Did some babysitting last night... I went to over to Grace's house as she has been sick this week.  Hubby came over with some tea and a play.

He went back home around 9.15 and I stayed till her Mum and Dad came back at 10.45.  Such a poppet, went off to bed like a little gem... although I didn't manage to get her to eat much supper.  

Birthday Bear - for Die Cut Divas Birthday challenge.

 It's time for me to share a card with you over at Die Cut Divas... 

Our sponsor is Bugaboo this month and our theme is BIRTHDAYS.  Winner will receive a $12 voucher to the Bugaboo store.  

Here is my project.  

I did some paper piecing for my card using two co-ordinating papers.  I used my Gina K designs Master Layours to cut my layers.  I printed the image onto white card and also onto the patterned papers and fussy cut them to piece on the card.  I die cut some Simon Says Stamp hearts and added to the sentiment circle. 

Do come and join us at Die Cut Divas with your birthday cards. 

Let's Squash it - take three!

 I'm back with a final entry for Let's Squash It.... Nature and watercolour

Many of you know I have heaps of embossing folders.... but I couldn't not get a new 3D one from Altenew - Decroative Florals and it arrived yesterday.  I LOVE my folders and use them lots. 

I took a piece of watercolour paper and my folder.  I used some Ultramarine ink from Altenew to swip and blend onto my folder, spritzed with some water and ran it through my trusty Cuttlebug.  I then spaltter it with some of the blue ink watered down and some bronze Nuvo drops diluted.  I used some bronze metallic card stock to die cut the Slim Sentiments die.  I cut it into two sentiments as it is a really long die cut.  

At long last I am almost well again.  Still a slight cough rattling around my chest but definatly better.  I had my hearing tested today and although there is some slight loss of hearing in the high frequency range it's still in the acceptable range.  Just need to check again in a year.   And I've got my appointment for my first COVID injection - 12th July.  

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope the week is going well for you.  

Wedding Photos

 I thought I'd share a few of the photos that Kieran and Erin have got back from the photographer...

and a few photos taken by friends

 My daughter and son in law

Me and Hubby 

My daughter was MC for the night...with her two helpers

Parents

Our two little people

Hope you enjoy this little peek at the special day. 

Shaped Card - NZ swap group

 This month's swap at my NZ group - our theme was make a card with layering dies and with a nice sentiment.... '

I have a lot of older Spellbinders nesting dies so pulled out a couple of sets and this is what I came up with. 

I used a plain nesting die to make the base and used some Patterned Paper to add on top.  I then used an ornate die for the centre.  The sentiment is from a Catherine Pooler set.  I added some blending around the edge.  Added a couple of gems in the corners.

I am slowly getting better.  Still coughing and full of phelgm.  We had a lovely quiet weekend up at Mangawhai.  The forecast was for heavy rain - but it stuck to just the nights and most of Saturday was really nice.  Today was nice in the morning but by lunch time it had clouded over and started spitting.  We went out to dinner at one of the local restuarants to celebrate my birthday.  I was too sick on Monday to go out so enjoyed the company and food last night.  

Thanks for stopping by. 

WWC 318 - Kath's Challenge: All About Occasions

 Hello there, it’s time for another Watercooler Wednesday Challenge.  Kath is our hostess this week with an All About Occasions challenge. 

Today I have a little birthday card to share with you.  This cutie was the one that made it's way to Australia for my Grandson Archie's birthday back at the end of April.

Although I did not know it, one of Archie's birthday cake was themed... Train your Dragon.  So he was over the moon to get a card from his Nanny that had a dragon on it.  I stamped this sweet dragon from My Favourite Things onto some textured dark kraft card and used metallic paints to colour it.  I used a Penny Black speech bubble die to add his age.  The sentiment is from a Tim Holtz set. 

Come and join in the fun at  Watercooler Wednesday Challenge and check out the project from the other designers.  Then take our challenge and link up your project to the challenge post.    We'd love to have you join us.  You have until Monday 28th at 5 pm Mountain Standard Time (Tuesday at 12.00 noon NZ time ) to link up your project.

Floral Frenzy at Altenew Fan Group.

 Hi there.  Today is my last day of sick leave and I have been doing some more crafting.  Over at the Altenew Fan Group on Facebook, there is a new challenge taking place.  Each month there will be a two week challenge.   The first one is this month and it's "Floral Frenzy"  I made a couple of cards today...

First up -

For this one I used Altenew's "Natures Blossoms" set as my main flower.   I used Martian Terrain inks - Pastel Sunrise, Sunrise Burst, Red Canyon Clay and Mahogany Bark and Nature's Wonders - Misty Moon, Marshland, Sea Forest.  I also added some Almond Butter, Milk Chocolate and Expresso inks for the centre.  I used the simple colouring stencil to add the Pastel Sunrise as a base layer.   I decided I want a frame so I cut a simple frame with some layering rectangle dies.  I trimmed the bits where the frame would have covered the flower.  I added a sentiment from "Our Friendship Blooms" and added some black gems.  I layered the panel onto a black layer and onto a leather textured base. 

I'm adding this to The Flower Challenge - CAS

and my second card is a slimline one

 My main floral is from "Our Friendship Blooms" and I used a total of 12 different inks  from Altenew to stamp my layers. I used the co-ordindating die to cut out the floral.  When I added the Coral Berry to the lily, I forgot to condition the stamp and I ended with a little spot that didn't get coloured, so I fixed it by adding some white gel pen dots and was really pleased with the outcome.  I die cut a panel from white card with a Sunny Studio die and used a Tim Holtz Burlap with some Hazelnut ink.  I then lightly blended Vanilla Cream over the whole panel before adding a black layer behind it. The sentiment is from the same stamp set.  To make my vase I took the tall vase from "Mod Vases" and stamped in onto the back of some patterned paper and fussy cut it out.  I added some white gel pen around the edge.  I stuck this to the base card and then after trimming off the stems, added dimensional tape to the back of the floral.  I added 4 layers of card behind the panel to give it some extra dimension onto a white base. 

I really enjoy playing with my Altenew florals....and loved today's cards.   I'm much better today, but still not 100%, however it's off to work again tomorrow.  With annual leave and sick leave I have been off for 2 1/2 weeks.  It's going to be a long day! 

Let's Squash it - Nature and Watercolour - Take 2

 Hi there.  Thought I'd better do a card for the challenge at Let's Squash it... following the theme correctly 

So today I took some watercolour paper and embossed it with a Darice folder. 

After embossing I took my Altenew 36 pan watercolour pallette and took the aqua to add a wash of colour to the background.  I allowed it to dry and then added the light green for the leaves and yellow and orange for the daisies. I added some orange splatters.  Once it dried fully I added the sentiment from Couture Creations with Altenew Obsidian ink.   Added a few little black gems and it was done.

Today is my birthday and as I' still off on sick leave, it was great to spend some time in the craft room making this card.  I also tidied up a couple of my drawers.  I got a nice parcel delivered today from my son and daughter-in-law and grand daughter. 

Isn't it gorgeous.  I've eaten a couple of chocolates already.   And can't wait to have a hot bath and use the bath ball an the soap.  

Thanks for stopping by.

Grown with Love

The lastest challenge is on at Let's Squash It....

I'n not sure if my card really fits the challenge as my folder is not a nature one - other than it is a  weave pattern and my card is the Nature theme.  I used some watercolour pencils to colour it in.    So I am pushing the bountries a bit. 

My stamps come from a freebie set with Simply Cards and Papercraft #214.   The background panel is coloured by smooshing Old Paper distress ink onto my glass mat and spritzed with water and dipping my panel through the watery mixture.  I added the burlap and added the embossed panel over the top then added the pots of herbs.  My panel is added to a dark green card base. 

So ladies, if this doesn't fit the challenge... just let me know. 

Update on my health:  Still coughing a lot and stuffed up.  Doctor's advised me to stay home till Wednesday.  So more time resting up and reading and crafting. 

The Stockings are Hung

I have been very unwell this week.  I picked up Archie's cold and it's turned into a nasty Chest Infection.   I had Tuesday off to have another cortisone injection in my shoulder which I'm happy to say seems to have worked... and then I had rest of the week at home.  Finally made it to the doctors this morning and have been advised not to go back to work till Wednesday next week.    So I've been resting and reading and of course spending a little time in the craft room. 

Today's card is for Christmas Kickstart Challenge.-   All about the Christmas Stocking - optional with a Chimney

I have a freebie set that has this cute stocking so I decided it use it.  Actually I had the three stockings already stamped and cut with my Scan'N'Cut in my pile of prestamped images.  So it made a really quick card.  I used Gina K's Master Layout 4 cut the centre panel and layer.  I ran the panel through an Embossing folder.  The circle sentiment was also in my prestamped and cut pile so a quick flick of some Copic markers and the bits were all coloured.  I layered some white and silver bakers twine along the top of the panel and added the stockings with some red gems. I added some glittery sparkle to the top of the stockings.

I'm hoping to feel well enough to spend a bit more time in the craft room as I've got a big commission to do a photo box.- by the end of next week.   Plus get a head a bit in my design work.  

Faux Metallic Textured background - take 2

Hi there.  I'm back to share another couple of my Faux Metallic Texture backgrounds.  These were all inspired by Jennifer McGuire in her recent video.  I did a few background pieces.  

First up is another piece using the pink embossed panel - using an Altenew 3D folder.

While looking for my metallic cardstocks I found a packet of black glossy card I had forgotten I had.  So I used it to cut out some leaves and the Altenew Thanks die.  The sentiment I'm sure is part of a Altenew strip sentiment I had in my "magic mug" (a la Laurel Beard)  A few black gems and my card was done.

My second card uses a soft green embossed panel

I trimmed the panel on an angle, added a stripe of silver card and a black shiney sentiment die cut.  It's a Couture Creations die.  A few pearls finished it.  

I am missing having the family around, but have been suffering from a cough, sore throat and head cold thanks to young Archie who had the snuffles and passed it on to several of us.  Added to that yesterday I had another Cortisone injection in my left shoulder.  Today I spend the morning in bed, having a good 2 hour sleep before rising and doing some ironing.  I am still feeling unwell so am staying home again tomorrow.  

Faux metallic texture card with a New Zealand flavour.

 Recently Jennifer McGuire did a blog post and video using a technique she called "Faux Metallic Texture"  It uses an embossing folder and some speciality card stock.  I found some coloured metallic card in my stock and used some pink and green to emboss it.

This is one of the 4 cards I made over the long weekend.  The kids were off shopping and hubby was at the local rugby game so I had a bit of time to myself. 

I used an Altenew 3D embossing folder Beautiful Bergenia and did some sanding on it.  This piece was left over from the 6"x6" piece of card that I had embossed.  I have a pack of New Zealand Ephemera and I pulled out this Wood Pigeon and NZ flowers.  I kept the sentiment simple - from Altenew's Birthday Builder stamp set.  

I'll share the other cards over the next little while. 

The family has left now... Dad and Ngaire on Saturday afternoon and Emma, Andrew and Archie this morning.  I've heard from them - they arrived safely after their 7 hour flight.  A long time for an energiser bunny of a 5 year old, to sit still.  I had printed him out some line art Pokemon images to colour in which kept him happy for a bit.   

We had visited the newly weds on Sunday and the little ones got to have a last play and bath together.   I will miss having the little man come running into our room and jumping up between us in the mornings.    - Only 6 months and we will be heading over to visit them. 

WWC 317 - Heidi's Challenge: All Things Masculine

 Hi there.  Time for a new challenge at Watercooler Wednesday.  Heidi is our hostess with an All Things Masculine challenge.

Today I'm sharing a geometric masculine card.

I used Altenew "Sohcahtoa Stamp Set" in a variety of Altenew blue inks. A very CAS card.  I used Gina K master layout dies to add my panels.  

Come and join in the fun at  Watercooler Wednesday Challenge and check out the project from the other designers.  Then take our challenge and link up your project to the challenge post.    We'd love to have you join us.  You have until Monday 14th at 5 pm Mountain Standard Time (Tuesday at 12.00 noon NZ time ) to link up your project.

Altenew Flower of the Month.... Lily

 Hi there.... I made this card for the May Flower of the Month - Lily for Altenew.... but think I've missed the deadline.  It's the 1st of June here but think I missed the deadline for USA.   Oh well.... I had fun making it anyway. 

This is a mini card.  I stamped and embossed the lily stamp with Rose Gold powder onto the little Kraft card.  I used Prismacolor pencils and some Gamsol to colour it.   I used a gold pen to added a little ink around the edge before adding it to the base card.   I stamped the sentiment onto some white card and fussy cut it before adding over the flower.  

Today I took my visitors to the Chelsea Sugar Cafe for morning tea.  It was awesome.  The food is stunning and we took Archie to the playground outside the cafe. 

A bit of a collage of our time there.