Colourful Thanks

It's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada, so I thought I'd make thank you card.  I've used the cute 'Passion Flower Sprite' from Aurora Wings (if you didn't know, this sprite was drawn in remembrance of Aletha, who was on the Aurora Wings DT until her passing).
I wanted to keep it bright and cheerful as a celebration of art and life, so I used a rainbow as my theme. 

Products used:

• Card blank
• Recollections Rainbow Chevron paper
• Coloured cardstock
• Thanks die
• Ribbon
• Spellbinders Decorative Labels 1 die
• Distress Oxide - Wilted Violet
• ProMarkers - Cinnamon, Tan, Sunkissed Pink, Putty, Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, Ginger, Bright Green, Lime Green, Purple, Amethyst, Aubergine, Leaf Green, Saddle Brown, Pine, Forest Green, Apple, Cocoa, Pumpkin, Yellow, Cobalt Blue, Poppy, Prussian, Amber, Gold, Apricot, Yellow & Lemon
• Prismacolor Pencils - Pink, Apple Green, White, Dark Green, Orange & Violet

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - #115 ATG
2. Let's Craft & Create - #152 ATG
3. I ♥ ProMarkers - #394 ATG
4. Creative Fingers - #172 ATG
5. Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - October ATG
6. Crafts Galore Encore - #68 ATG
7. {Pin}spirational Challenge - #249 Thanksgiving

Pansies For My Bestie

When your bestie is an awesome colourist and crafter, it's hard knowing how to wow her each birthday.  I love trying new fancy folds, but this year I went for a simple card with an awesome image from Aurora Wings - 'Pansy'.  I think combining her favourite flower with her favourite colour did the trick!

Products used:

• Card blank
• Black cardstock
• Sentiment die
• Ranger Liquid Pearls - White Opal
• ProMarkers - Cinnamon, Tan, Dusky Pink, Putty, Almond, Holly, Forest, Bright Green, Apple, Primrose, Aubergine, Violet, Amethyst, China Blue, Canary, Burgundy, Yellow, Cardinal, Ruby, Lipstick Red, Raw Sienna, Pine, Lemon, French Navy, Aegean, Sky Blue, Chestnut, Saddle Brown, Sandstone & Champagne
• Prismacolor - Black, Yellowed Orange, Dark Brown, Crimson Red, Tuscan Red, Blush Pink, True Blue, Poppy Red, Peach, White, Violet & Spanish Orange

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Pammie's Inky Pinkies - #1932 ATG
2. Colour Crazy - WK32 ATG
3. Crafty Creations - #396 ATG
4. Creative Fingers - #169 ATG
5. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - #112 ATG
6. (Facebook) Stamps by Aurora Wings - August ATG

Lovely Skull

I'm finally digging into my images that I haven't coloured yet.  It's not easy right now with the kids at home, but I'm determined!  I really love skulls, so it was a no-brainer for me to grab this Aurora Wings image 'Skull and Roses'.

As usual, I had no plan at all when I started colouring, but I had to do the roses in a blue-purple.  To really make the image stand out, I have used my very favourite card fold - the twisted easel.  I felt like the image needed to stand out, so I did a simple inked background, with shimmery purple card, gems, lace and ribbon for the bottom piece.  I haven't added a sentiment as I love cards that work for lots of occasions.   

Products used:

• Card blank
• Recollections shimmer card
• Lace
• Ribbon
• Recollections gem embellishment
• Distress Inks - Stormy Sky & Dusty Concord
• ProMarkers - Champagne, Holly, Pine, Lush Green, Leaf Green, Aubergine, Prussian, Violet, China Blue & Warm Grey 1-5

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Aurora Wings July FB Challenge - ATG
2. Crafts Galore Encore - #65 ATG
3. Creative Fingers - #168 ATG
4. Colour Crazy - WK29 ATG
5. The Paper Shelter - Summer Break ATG

A Rainbow for My Girl

I loved the cute 'Valentine Sprite' freebie from Aurora Wings, but I didn't get to colour her up in time for Valentine's day.  My daughter saw the image and wanted me to do something for her though.  Her favourite colour is basically 'Rainbow' as it seems to change every day,,, LOL, but this suited the new challenge very well. 

Products used:

• Coloured pipe cleaners
• Distress Inks - Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Picked Raspberry & Peacock Feathers
• Ribbon
• ProMarkers - Sunkissed Pink, Blush, Coral, Cardinal, Hot Pink, Lipstick, French Navy, Aegean, Sky Blue, Sunflower, Yellow, Soft Lime, Violet, Aubergine, Slate, Prussian, Burnt Orange, Pumpkin, Amber, Indigo, True Blue & Cobalt

I am entering the following challenges:

1. CCC Digi Creations - #101 For The Girls
2. Crafts Galore Encore - #61 ATG
3. Incy Wincy Designs - #16 Let's use ribbon
4. Simon Says Wednesday - ATG
5. Aurora Wings - #75 Over The Rainbow

Mum's Chinese Lantern

It's almost Chinese New Year so I thought I would get on and colour up my 'Chrysanthemum Sprite' from Aurora Wings, as she fits this theme beautifully.    I wanted to make something totally different with her and it took me a while of thinking and mooching on Pinterest before I decided on a lantern shaped card.  
I had a themed wedding with Chinese lanterns as decorations, so it was definitely fun to make one out of card.  The stickers have been with me a long time... I bought them while on honeymoon in Malaysia and don't like to waste them!

Products used:

• Cardstock
• Spellbinders Big Scalloped Oval die
• Mind Wave stickers
• Distress Ink - Mustard Seed
• ProMarkers - Black, Cool Grey 5, Raw Sienna, Ginger, Saffron, Oatmeal, Olive Green, Forest Green, Pine, Sunflower, Yellow, Burgundy, Cardinal & Ruby

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Aurora Wings - #74 Anything Goes
2. Simon Says Wednesday - Anything Goes
3. Creative Fingers - #156 Anything Goes
4. TTCRD - WK Jan 29 ATG
5. The Paper Shelter - #368 Dies/Punches

Día de Los Muertos

I couldn't resist this too cute freebie from Stamps by Aurora Wings.  I love Halloween and I love making wedding cards, so Day of The Dead style sprites are just perfect for me.  I used to dream about having the full-on white wedding, but as I got older I changed my mind to a themed wedding. I actually had a Chinese-inspired theme, but I think a Day of The Dead theme would be amazing. 
The Facebook group has a colouring challenge for this image, but I couldn't stop there... I had to make a card too!
This is my very first bridge card.  I don't know why I haven't made one before as they're so easy.

Products used:

• Cardstock
• Tulle
• Core'dinations Glittersilk card
• Outline stickers
• X-Cut Scalloped Heart die
• Tim Holtz Doily stencil
• Distress Inks - Stormy Sky & Dusty Concord
• Distress Oxides - Wilted Violet & Fired Brick
• Recollections glitter skull sticker
• Petal Lu flowers
• ProMarkers - Black, Cool Grey 5, Burgundy, Cardinal, Red, Holly, Forest, Moss, Cinnamon, Tan, Dusky Pink, Cool Grey 1 & 2, Champagne, China Blue, Prussian & Violet
• Sakura Gelly Roll - White
• Wink of Stella - Clear

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Simon Says Wednesday - Halloween/Spooky
2. Simon Says Monday - Halloween/Spooky
3. Passion For ProMarkers - WK467 Halloween Colours
4. Morgan's ArtWorld - #10 ATG
5. If You Give A Crafter A Cookie - #105 Spooky
6. Aurora Wings - #72 Once Upon a Dream...or a Nightmare
7. Crafty Gals Corner - #177 Halloween Colours
8. {PIN}spirational Challenges - #227 Haunting Time of Year

Succulent Reflecting

I've had a couple of mirrors sitting in my cupboard forever (ok, well almost 10 years as it's my 10th anniversary soon!) which were spares from my wedding table centrepieces, so I figured it was about time to use one!

I haven't used a sketch for anything other than a card or scrapbook page before, so I thought I'd use the latest Aurora Wings challenge as an excuse to do something different.  Now I have a hot glue gun it is easier for me to work with glass etc. 

Products used:

• Round mirror
• Artificial flowers
• ProMarkers - Leaf Green, Apple, Meadow Green, Pine, Aubergine, Violet, Amethyst, Lilac, Plum, Purple, Red, Bright Green, Lime Green, Lush Green, Holly, Mint Green, Canary, Pumpkin, Hot Pink, Magenta, Carmine, Moss, Olive, Khaki & Warm Grey 1
• Prismacolor pencils

In my pursuit of not wanting a reflection, the mirror ends up looking like a bit of white card...so here's another photo with a purposeful reflection!

I am entering my mirror into the following challenges:

1. Aurora Wings - #70 Sketch
2. If You Give a Crafter a Cookie - #102 ATG
3. I ♥ ProMarkers - #367 ATG/No Patterned Papers
4. Morgan's ArtWorld - #9 ATG

Festive Bow

I like to mooch for inspiration on Pinterest and kept seeing these fantastic bow cards, so I had to try one for myself.   I actually made the bow a little while ago, but it got put aside for other things as I didn't really know what I wanted to do with it.
Being a fairly small space on the front, I figured a sprite would be the perfect image to use.  So finally I have finished it using 'Holiday Wreath Sprite' from Aurora Wings.

Products used:

• Recollections cardstock
• DoCrafts glitter card
• Sizzix Tim Holtz Festive Greenery dies
• Spellbinders Big Scalloped Oval die
• Distress Ink - Stormy Sky
• ProMarkers - Warm Grey 1&2, Cinnamon, Tan, Dusky Pink, Almond, Indigo, True Blue, Cobalt, Arctic Blue, Berry Red, Holly, Lush Green, Pine, Forest, Burgundy, Cardinal, Gold, Canary, Cool Grey 1, 2&4, Moss & Bright Green
• Sakura Gelly Roll - White
• Prismacolor pencils

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Aurora Wings - Anything Goes
2. Get Creative - #71 Shaped Card
3. Simon Says Wednesday - AG
4. Passion For ProMarkers - WK454 Dies/Punches
5. Cut It Up - #153 Christmas In July
6. Crafty Gals Corner - #170 Christmas In July
7. Crafty Creations - #371 AG
8. Card Mania - #106 AG
9. Crafting By Designs - AG
10. C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - #477 Christmas

The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo

There's an Aurora Wings image I've had for a while but kept putting off colouring; 'Dragon Lore' has such a lot of details, it's quite daunting to look at!!
However, I really love dragons and with the latest challenge being Once Upon A Time I had to go for it.   
I haven't based this one on any particular fairytale, rather the many Chinese tales based around dragons.  Although, I do love 'The Dragon & The Phoenix'.  I had a Chinese-themed wedding and this was the name I chose for my top table because of the symbolism - "Dragon is "yang" while Phoenix is "yin", and they complement each other in creating yin-yang balance to harvest successful matrimonial bliss. This celestial couple is the symbol of everlasting love and they being together is the ultimate symbol of marital happiness".  

I coloured the image with ProMarkers - Tan, Dusky Pink, Putty, Almond, Black, Cool Grey 5, Cardinal, Berry, Red, Lipstick, Shale, Holly, Pine, Forest, Apple, Pumpkin, Amber, Sunflower, Tulip, Warm Grey 1-3, Blue Pearl & Powder Blue.
Some added details with white Sakura Gelly Roll.  
Background using Distress Ink 'Stormy Sky' & Distress Oxide 'Worn Lipstick', with chunky gold embossing powder sprinkled over.
I framed the image and added a couple of 3D dragon stickers that I've had forever and can't remember where I bought them!!

I had to take the photo on an angle so to avoid reflections!

I am entering my picture into the following challenges:

1. Aurora Wings - #68 Once Upon A Time
2. Crafts Galore Encore - July Anything Goes
3. TTCRD - WK 3 July Anything Goes
4. Classic Design Team - #27 Anything Goes
5. Crafting By Designs - July Anything Goes

Mermaid Dreams

When I was little I loved the story books with the cassette tapes that would 'ping' when you needed to turn the page.  My favourite one was 'The Little Mermaid', the proper story where she dies at the end, not the fluffy Disney version! I don't have it any more unfortunately, but I found a picture of the exact one on Google and someone has even put the recording on YouTube.  That really brought back memories. I love the music they use. 

I love making different things and lately have been making some bookmarks.  So with my love of this story and Aurora Wings' gorgeous image 'Happy Little Mermaid' I thought I would make a mermaid bookmark.   I have used an Ariel quote, as I think it really suits a bookmark.  I'm definitely a dreamer!!  

It's not so easy to see in the photos, but I coloured a bubble background all over. 

Products used:

• Papermania card
• Eyelet
• Twine
• Shell charm
• ProMarkers - Cinnamon, Tan, Putty, Almond, Holly, Marine, Mint Green, Bright Orange, Pumpkin, Gold, Burnt Orange, Blue Pearl & Powder Blue
• Wink of Stella - Clear

I am entering my bookmark into the following challenges:

1. Aurora Wings - #68 Once Upon A Time
2. Crafts Galore Encore - June AG
3. Creative Fingers - #148 AG
4. Simon Says Wednesday - Bright & Cheerful
5. Crafty Catz - #421 AG
6. Card Mania - #105 Nautical/Marine

Making Waves

After making a sea-themed shaker ages ago, it kinda got left in my craft box waiting for the right moment to make an appearance!  Also my poor little 'Summer Sprite' from Aurora Wings has been sitting lonely (I got a huge card order so have been really busy with that), so I decided to pair them together to create a fun mermaid shaker card.  
I had a little cutting party with my friend a while ago, as she's got some awesome dies that I don't have.  There was a big swirl that I'd cut in white and I thought it looked just like a wave.  I tried to make it fit in one piece but it was just too big, so I cut it in two.  I really like the effect it gave with some Fran~tage to look like sea spray.

Products used:

• Kraft card blank
• Coloured & Kraft cardstock
• Recollections designer paper
• X-Cut nesting circle dies
• Eyelet Outlet anchor brad
• Sequins
• Small starfish
• Seashell die
• Swirl die
• Stitched hill die
• Happy Birthday die
• Core'dinations card
• Stampendous Fran~tage - Aged Ivory
• Cuttlebug acetate
• Ranger Liquid Pearls - White Opal
• ProMarkers - Cinnamon, Tan, Sunkissed Pink, Putty, Almond, Holly, Marine, Turquoise, Mint, Forest, Pine, Apple, Crimson, Berry, Lipstick, Mulberry, Cerise, Pink, Carnation, Gold, Pumpkin, Canary & Duck Egg
• Wink of Stella - Clear

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Aurora Wings - #67 Joyous Occasions
2. Card Mania - #105 Nautical
3. Classic Design Team - #26 AG
4. Crafty Gals Corner - #166 AG
5. Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - June AG
6. Cute Card Thursday - #532 Hello Summer
7. I ♥ ProMarkers - #360 AG/optional circles
8. Simon Says Wednesday - AG

Blue Christmas

Do you all remember Shakin' Stevens? He kinda popped into my head when I was thinking of a title for this blog post.  His was one of the first albums I ever had and I loved the song 'Blue Christmas'.
I generally leave it until November before I start making Christmas cards, but I have the cute 'Winter Sprite' from Aurora Wings so decided to do at least one now!

Products used:

• Card blank
• DoCrafts patterned paper
• Coloured cardstock
• Assorted snowflake dies
• Papermania shimmer dots
• Snowflake ribbon
• Crafter's Companion sentiment stamp
• Memento Dew Drop 'Tuxedo Black'
• ProMarkers - Tan, Sunkissed Pink, Putty, Almond, Denim, Blue Pearl, Powder Blue, Midnight Blue, China Blue, Cobalt & Indigo

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Aurora Wings - #67 Joyous Occasions
2. Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - May Anything Goes
3. Simon Says Monday - Inspired By A Song
4. Crafty Catz - #418 Anything Goes/Christmas
5. Crafty Gals Corner - #166 Anything Goes
6. Crafting By Designs - Get Ready For Christmas
7. Colour Crazy - WK21 Anything Goes
8. Christmas Crafts All Year Round - May Anything Goes

Guest Designer at Aurora Wings

Eeep I'm so excited to have been chosen as Guest Designer at Aurora Wings this month.  The challenge is Black & White with a hint of colour and I've gone all-out with a set of ATCs using flower sprites. There's seven cards to represent the whole rainbow. You don't even want to know how long it took me to decide on which sprite for which colour 🤣🤣🤣
You can enter the challenge here

Products used:

• Cardstock
• Core'dinations Chalk Core cardstock
• Embossing folders - 
• Embossalicious 'Floral Frenzy' & the one used for Poppy Sprite - I can't find the name of it so if you know please tell me! (It's 6x6")
• Crafts-Too 'Hearts'
• Cuttlebug 'Textile'
• Sizzix Textured Impressions 'Dots'
• Daisy Chain (free with magazine)
• DoCrafts (floral - free with magazine)
• ProMarkers - All Sprites - Black & Cool Grey 1-5
• Poppy Sprite - Shale, Crimson, Berry & Lipstick
• Tiger Lily Sprite - Pumpkin, Amber & Apricot
• Sunflower Sprite - Canary, Lemon & Soft Lime
• Orchid Sprite - Pine, Forest & Apple
• Pansy Sprite - Midnight, Denim & Powder Blue
• Iris Sprite - Indigo, True Blue & Cobalt
• Violet Sprite - Purple, Amethyst & Lilac

I am entering my ATCs into the following challenges:

1. Colour Crazy - WK15 Anything Goes
2. Crafty Catz - #412 Anything Goes
3. Love To Scrap - #108 April Showers Bring May Flowers
4. Passion For ProMarkers - WK439 Blooming Days
5. Simon Says Wednesday - Add Some Texture
6. The Crafter's Cafe - #194 World Art Day
7. Classic Design Team Open - #24 Anything Goes
8. A Perfect Time To Craft - #4 Anything Goes
9. Allsorts - WK463 Spring Flowers or Showers
10. Card Mania - #103 Spring

Day of the Dead Birthday Twist

Well I actually had this card made for a while, but I was waiting to post it.  I made it for my Mum's birthday - she shares my love of skulls, so Aurora Wings' 'Day of the Dead Sprite' was just perfect.  

If you follow me you will know how much I love twisted easels. There's just something about them - impressive to look at, but so easy to make.  

Products used:

• Card blank
• Cardstock
• Patterned paper
• Recollections gems
• Leather thread
• Skull beads
• Stitched hill dies
• Petal Lu flowers
• ProMarkers - Warm Grey 1-5, Black, Shale, Crimson, Berry, Lipstick, Indigo, French Navy, Aegean, Burnt Orange, Pumpkin, Sunflower, Canary & Lemon
• Sakura Gelly Rolls - Blue Star, Metallic Silver & White

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Stamps by Aurora Wings - Sprite Delight V 
2. Simon Says Wednesday - Anything Goes
3. World Wide Open Design Team - #3 Anything Goes
4. A Perfect Time To Craft - #4 Anything Goes
5. Classic Design Team Open - #24 Anything Goes
6. Love To Scrap - #108 April Showers Bring May Flowers
7. Crafts Galore Encore - #50 Anything Goes

Lilacs For You

Ooh how could I resist this gorgeous freebie 'Lilac Sprite' from Aurora Wings?
Thought it was about time to do another gift tag as I haven't made any since Christmas. I do love that finishing touch to a nicely wrapped present.

Products used:

• Papermania cardstock
• Stitched tag dies
• Stitched banner die
• Grunge corner die
• Foliage die
• twine
• Papermania gems
• Distress Oxide 'Wilted Violet'
• ProMarkers - Amethyst, Lilac, Lavender, Holly, Lush Green, Leaf Green, Violet, China Blue, Blue Pearl & Purple

I am entering my tag into the following challenges:

1. Aurora Wings - Sprite Delight V
2. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - #78 Anything Goes
3. Creative Fingers - #144 Anything Goes
4. Simon Says Wednesday - Floral Frenzy

Welcome Little Bunny

It's been a while since I made a baby card, so I thought it was about time.  It gave me an excuse to use this gorgeous 'Sleepy Bunny Elf' from Aurora Wings too! 
I've gone with a very classy and neutral theme of grey, white and yellow and I'm very pleased with how it turned out.  

Products used:

• Cream card blank
• Recollections designer paper
• Papermania buttons
• Brad
• Fancy stitched oval die
• Tag die
• Revel & Co ribbon
• ProMarkers - Tan, Sunkissed Pink, Putty, Warm Grey 1 & 2, Lemon, Soft Lime, Primrose, Cool Grey 1 & 2

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Stamps by Aurora Wings - #64 Bingo (diagonal - ribbons or bow / die cuts / sentiment)
2. Simon Says Wednesday - Add A Die Cut
3. Let's Craft and Create - #134 Anything Goes
4. Passion For ProMarkers - WK431 Add an embellishment
5. Crafty Catz - #404 Anything Goes/Pretty Ribbon
6. Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - February Anything Goes