Birthday Dreams at Ching-Chou Kuik

It's our second week of inspiration at Ching-Chou Kuik.  Don't forget the theme this month is Gems and/or pearls and you can enter the challenge here.

This week the team were challenged to use buttons, so I have incorporated these with some gems to make a birthday card.  I have used 'Dream of Dahlia' as I thought she worked really well with this theme. 
Products used:

• Cream card blank
• Coloured cardstock
• Tonic Tim Holtz paper distresser
• Papermania gems
• Buttons
• Papermania glitter outline stickers
• ProMarkers - Umber, Burnt Sienna, Cinnamon, Tan, Henna, Cocoa, Holly, Lush Green, Burnt Orange, Bright Orange & Mango

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Double D - Bling It Up
2. Let's Craft and Create - #137 Anything Goes
3. World Wide Open - #5 Anything Goes
4. Classic Design Team - #24 Anything Goes
5. Crafty Creations - #366 Anything Goes

October Challenge at Crafts Galore Encore

Eep how is it October already?  It's been so cold and dark in the mornings. I know snow will be falling here soon. 

This month at Crafts Galore Encore we are sponsored by the awesome Rick St.Dennis and as always we are Anything Goes.

I love a bit of Steampunk, so I chose 'Steampunk Rose Bug' to use for my card. There are so many images in the shop, I hadn't noticed this one until I saw someone else use it in another challenge. 

Product list:

• Kraft card blank
• Recollections designer paper
• ColorBox MICAMAGIC Antique Gold ink
• Papermania Chronology stamps
• Wow! embossing power, gold
• Whispers embossing pen
• Tonic Tim Holtz Paper Distresser
• Unbranded die
• ProMarkers - Pine, Olive, Forest, Moss, Burgundy, Cardinal, Ruby, Shale, Duck Egg, Cool Aqua, Burnt Orange, Spice, Ginger, Blush, Walnut, Henna, Cocoa, Cinnamon, Caramel & Sandstone
• Sakura Gelly Roll, White

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. The Ribbon Girl - October Card Challenge
2. Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - October AG
3. Classic Design Team - #17 AG
4. Creatalicious - #124 Anything Goes/Own Background
5. Simon Says Wednesday - Anything Goes
6. Sparkle and Glitter RSD - #5 Anything Goes

Rockabilly Birthday

I've had some Hannah Lynn freebie images for a while and not coloured them up, but a certain Mr.Kenny Kiernan's birthday was coming and gave me the perfect excuse to colour this gorgeous 'Rockabilly' image (from the Tattoo Darlings colouring book).  I happen to know that both Kenny and Elena are big fans of Hannah Lynn (Elena has already told me that she's stealing this card for her office!!).
I've coloured her in bright, bold tones to reflect the style of the image and to make the tattoos stand out, and teamed her with some camo paper and star eyelets to complete the look. 
Product list:

• White cardstock
• Kraft cardstock
• Recollections designer paper
• Star eyelets
• Tonic Tim Holtz paper distresser
• ProMarkers - Burnt Sienna, Cinnamon, Tan, Dusky Pink, Almond, French Navy, Aegean, Sky Blue, Shale, Crimson, Berry, Lipstick, Holly, Lush Green, Mint Green, Black, Cool Grey 1, 2 & 5, Warm Grey 4 & 5, Blue Pearl, Powder Blue, Midnight, China Blue, Cardinal, Gold, Canary, Arctic Blue, Cerise, Bright Green, Satin, Burnt Orange, Pumpkin, Sunflower, Caramel, Sandstone, Slate, Purple & Lavendar

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Creative Fingers - #137 Anything Goes
2. World Wide Open Design Team - #26 Anything Goes
3. The Sketchy Challenge - #127 Anything Goes
4. The Ribbon Girl - September Any Image
5. Colour Crazy - WK38 Anything Goes

Fall Colours at Ching-Chou Kuik

Well it's that time of year again - the kids have gone back to school, the days are getting shorter and the leaves are starting to change and fall - and we have a wonderful seasonal challenge for you over at the Ching-Chou Kuik Challenge Blog, 'Fall/Fall Colours/Pumpkins'.  Please pop over here and show us your wonderful makes. 

For my inspiration today I am using the gorgeous 'Autumn's Here' plus the following products:

• Kraft card blank
• Twine
• Tonic Tim Holtz paper distresser
• Unbranded leaf dies
• ProMarkers - Cinnamon, Coral, Blush, Satin, Burnt Sienna, Cocoa, Raw Sienna, Black, Gold, Tulip, Amber, Sunflower, Burnt Orange, Pumpkin, Olive, Moss, Pear, Henna, Spice, Ginger, Apricot, Primrose, Meadow Green, Soft Lime, Denim, Blue Pearl, Powder Blue
• Wink of Stella, clear

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Cute Card Thursday - #494 Autumn
2. Lemon Shortbread - #49 Anything Goes
3. Classic Design Team - #17 Anything Goes
4. Crafty Creations - #349 Anything Goes
5. A Perfect Time To Craft - #9 Anything Goes

Once Upon A Time at Ching-Chou Kuik

I couldn't resist joining in the Ching-Chou Kuik Facebook challenge this month. The theme is 'Once Upon A Time' so we'd love to see your story-inspired makes. 

One of my favourite books as a child was 'The Worst Witch' by Jill Murphy and I actually still have my original copy! I'm very precious about books, so it's in great condition.  I did give it to my niece along with all my other childhood books but now she's a teenager and I have my own children, my sister gave them all back to me.

I have used 'Big Pumpkin' to make a pop-up card for my inspiration.  I made one of these last Halloween and I really love the design.  It can be given as a card, or if you're like me and can't bear to part with it, used as a decoration!

Products used:

• Papermania cardstock
• Recollections 'Ravenshead Manor' laser cut card
• Recollections spooky house sticker
• Graphic 45 'Steampunk Spells' and 'Once Upon An Eerie Tale' embellishments and papers
• Papermania black gems
• Twine
• Tonic Tim Holtz paper distresser
• ProMarkers - Cinnamon, Tan, Dusky Pink, Satin, Umber, Burnt Sienna, Henna, Raw Sienna, Apricot, Black, Cool Grey 1, 2, 4 & 5, Warm Grey 3, 4 & 5, Aegean, Sky Blue, Sunkissed Pink, Cocoa, Pumpkin, Gold, Sunflower, Tulip, Bright Orange & Amber
• White Sakura Gelly Roll

These pop-ups do fold flat for posting (I had to hold it down for the photograph as it doesn't stay unless in an envelope!)

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Petal Lu Creations (FB) - September Anything Goes
2. Pammie's Inky Pinkies - #1735 Anything Goes
3. Crafty Gals Corner - #138 Anything Goes
4. Simon Says Wednesday - Anything Goes
5. Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - September Anything Goes
6. World Wide Open Design Team - #25 Anything Goes

Oh So Pretty

Come on crafters, tell me the truth - do you have some stash that rarely gets used because you keep on buying new stuff?  We're probably all guilty of that. I am making a bit of an excuse that since moving to Canada, my craft supplies are in a couple of big boxes under the stairs.  It's not easy getting to the stuff at the back, so I just use what is easier to reach! 
Saying that though, I have the complete Mint Julep collection from Basic Grey that I won a few years ago.  It's actually in easy reach, I just haven't used it for ages *shame face*.
Something else I won, more recently, is the gorgeous 'Braids In My Hair' image by Conie Fong.  I coloured her up in gorgeous red and pink tones, then did my usual sitting and wondering what to do with her.  So out came the Mint Julep. It's a really gorgeous collection and I was extremely lucky to win everything.  I hate it when I have part of a collection and not much to go with it. 

Product list:

• Cream card blank
• Basic Grey Mint Julep papers and embellishments
• Tonic Tim Holtz paper distresser
• Ranger Stickles, Christmas Red
• ProMarkers - Cinnamon, Tan, Dusky Pink, Satin, Burnt Sienna, Oatmeal, Shale, Cardinal, Hot Pink, Lipstick, Antique Pink, Pale Pink, Almond, Pumpkin, Warm Grey 1 & 2

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Conie Fong Art & Design (FB) - Anything Goes or Die Cuts
2. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - #64 Anything Goes
3. A Perfect Time To Craft - #8 Anything Goes
4. Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - August Anything Goes
5. Colour Crazy - WK34 Anything Goes

Monochrome at Ching-Chou Kuik

I am so thrilled to have been asked to join the team over at the Ching-Chou Kuik Monthly Blog Challenge. It is always an honour to be chosen by a stamp artist. 

Our challenge this month is Monochrome

For my very first inspiration post I am using the image 'Poinsettia Fairy', which comes in a set of four images.  I figured why not do a 'Christmas in July' card as I rarely ever do them so early!

Product list:

• Kraft card blank
• Ribbons
• Gems
• MME designer paper from the 'Sleigh Bells Ring' collection
• Tonic Tim Holtz paper distresser
• ProMarkers - Cinnamon, Tan, Dusky Pink, Satin, Almond, Walnut, Cocoa, Raw Sienna, Cardinal, Rose Pink, Blossom, Burgundy, Ruby, Lipstick , Shale & Warm Grey 1
• Gold Sakura Gelly Roll

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. 613 Avenue Create - #199 AG/twist Monochrome
2. A Perfect Time To Craft - #7 AG
3. CCC Digi Creations - #76 Monochrome
4. Christmas Cards All Year 'Round - AG July
5. Classic Design Team Open - #16 AG
6. Simon Says Monday - Red, White and/or Blue

Dandelion Dream

It's a lovely sunny day today so I want to share a card that reminds me of being a kid; just sitting in the grass blowing dandelion clocks and watching the fairies fly away. 
I have used the beautiful 'Dandelion Dream' from Ching-Chou Kuik for this Z-fold Kraft card.  I don't often make this style of card, but I recently got a butterfly edge die and wanted to try something different. 

Product list:

• Kraft card blank
• Core'dinations cardstock
• Lace ribbon
• Sizzix butterfly dies
• Butterfly edge die
• Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Dusty Concord
• Little Darlings Rubber Stamps, Vintage Sentiments
• ProMarkers - Apricot, Saffron, Blush, Satin, Burnt Orange, Bright Orange, Pumkin, Amber, Cyan, Duck Egg, Plum, Mulberry, Fuchsia, Aubergine, Purple, Amethyst, Lilac, Pine, Forest, Bright Green, Black, Warm Grey 1, 2 4 & 5, True Blue, Sky Blue, Arctic Blue, Tulip & Buttercup
• Sakura Gelly Roll, White

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps (FB) - Create A Background
2. Cute Card Thursday - #480 Bugs and Butterflies
3. Passion for ProMarkers - WK398 Birds, Bugs & Butterflies
4. Power Poppy - Go Ahead - Bug Me!
5. Colour Crazy - WK22 AG
6. Crafty Catz - #373 ATG with Summertime
7. Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps - Butterflies
8. Butterfly Challenge - #79 L is for Layers and/or colour Cream
9. World Wide Open Design Team - #22 AG

Closing Party at Club KennyK

You may or may not have seen the announcement that KennyK Stamps is closing up shop.  The wonderful illustrator KennyK and his designer wife ElenaK are so in demand with the illustration side of the business that it wasn't viable to continue with the digital stamps.  

While we are all very sad at this closure, the Krafty Krew are having a party at Club KennyK to celebrate all the wonderful creations and people from the last few years.  We have showcase creations from current and past DT and GDT, plus games and other ways to win prizes.  There is also an amazing sale going on at the KennyK Stamps shop. 

Please note: all TOU still apply even after the shop closure. You must continue to watermark all creations posted online and not share or post any non-watermarked images. We will be monitoring and reporting any misuse. 

For my first showcase post I am sharing a new Steampunk card using Inspector Em. I coloured her up and showed her in the Club a little while ago, so thought it was about time she went on a card!

Product list:

• Kraft card blank
• Core'dinations cardstock
• X-Cut Tri-Boss folder - Cogs
• Sizzix Tim Holtz embossing folders - Clocks & Diamond Plate
• Brads
• Key
• Twine
• Sakura Gelly Roll - Silver
• ProMarkers - Burnt Orange, Coral, Dusky Pink, Almond, Black, Warm Grey 1-5, Olive, Moss & Pear

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Simon Says Wednesday - Anything Goes
2. The Crafter's Cafe - #174 Anything Goes
3. Simon Says Monday - We're Going Round In Circles
4. Creative Fingers - #131 Anything Goes
5. Classic Design Team Open - #15 Anything Goes
6. A Perfect Time To Craft - #6 Anything Goes

Ready for Action? at Club KennyK

As our May challenge draws to a close at Club KennyK, it's my turn to offer some more inspiration.  You still have time to get your entry in and request the challenge freebie.

I shared a card using the freebie at the beginning of the month, so this time I am using the awesome Captain Locke.  Continuing with the trend of using the DP I bought at Michaels, and seeing as the DT theme is Masculine, I have coloured her in green tones and paired her with the camo paper and some metal embellishments. 

Product list:

• Cream cardstock
• Camouflage designer paper
• Core'dinations tag
• Sizziz Tim Holtz embossing folder - diamond plate
• Screw brads
• Metal gears
• Twine
• Tonic Tim Holtz paper distresser
• ProMarkers - Burnt Sienna, Cinnamon, Tan, Dusky Pink, Caramel, Henna, Cocoa, Cool Grey 1-5, Black, Cardinal, Ruby, Lipstick, Khaki, Pastel Beige, Satin, Pine, Olive, Moss, Pear & Lime
• Sakura Gelly Roll - white & silver

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. World Wide Open Design Team - #22 AG
2. Passion For ProMarkers - WK396 Make It Manly
3. Not Just Cards - #44 One for the Boys
4. Morgan's ArtWorld - #10 AG
5. Crafty Creations - #342 AG
6. Creative Fingers - #131 AG
7. Glitter 'n' Sparkle - #241 AG
8. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - #58 AG
9. A Gem of A Challenge - #195 For The Boys/Men

A Vintage Wish

Hello there! I haven't blogged for a bit as been on holiday, but I'm home now so it's back to the grindstone... lol

Do you ever start colouring an image with a card or style in mind then it goes somewhere else completely?   I can't even remember what I originally had in mind for this mermaid, but as I don't usually go for green I decided I would for a change. Once she was finished I thought she would actually work really well on a vintage-style card.  Of course I still had some of the DP I bought on a whim in Michaels, so it turned out really well to use some up here. 

Product List:

• Digital image 'Magic Wish' by Ching-Chou Kuik
• Kraft card 
• Vintage-style DP (Michaels)
• Paper flower (Michaels)
• Ribbon - sheer and satin
• Lace (Etsy)
• Tim Holtz vintage embellishments 
• Tonic Tim Holtz paper distresser
• ProMarkers - Burnt Sienna, Caramel, Sandstone, Pastel Beige, Cinnamon, Moss, Pear, Lime, Pine, Forest, Apple
• Sakura Gelly Roll, gold

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Ching-Chou Kuik Facebook - May 'Beauties of the Sea'
2. TTCRD - AG WK of May 23
3. The Ribbbon Girl - May 'Use Any Image'
4. Stamping Sensations - Butterflies, Fairies and Fantasy
5. Creative Fingers - #130 AG
6. Ching-Chou Kuik - May 'Ribbon and Lace'
7. Classic Design Team Open - #14 AG
8. Crafty Creations - #342 AG
9. A Perfect Time To Craft - #5 AG
10. Allsorts - WK416 Happy 8th Birthday Allsorts
11. Pammie's Inky Pinkies - #1721 AG

A Wonderful Delivery

Who can resist an adorable little penguin? Not me, especially when there's a few versions of this image by Conie Fong.  'Snowy Delivering Presents' comes with and without a hat, but for this card I have chosen to go without the hat. 

I've used some gorgeous DP I bought when Michaels had a sale on and I just grabbed a few bits not knowing what I would do with them! I've made a gorgeous girly card with some ribbon and bling.

Product list:

• White cardstock
• Purple designer paper
• Ribbons
• Gems & Pearls
• Tonic Tim Holtz paper distresser
• Crafter's Companion sentiment stamp
• Memento Tuxedo Black
• ProMarkers - Pumpkin, Amber, Warm Grey 1, 2, 4 & 5, Black, Walnut, Henna, Cocoa, Cool Grey 1 & 2, Duck Egg, Gold, Tulip, Plum, Purple, Amethyst, Lavendar, Antique Pink, Coral, Sunkissed Pink, Canary, Lemon, Soft Lime, Mustard, Buttercup, Orchid & Blossom

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Conie Fong Art & Design (FB) - May AG or Add Some Bling
2. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - #57 AG
3. Passion For ProMarkers - WK394 Bingo Anniversary Challenge (square, bling, text)
4. The Corrosive Challenge - #5 AG
5. Creative Fingers - #130 AG
6. Crafty Gals Corner - #122 Bling
7. C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - #415 Birthday
8. Classic Design Team - #14 AG

Love, Laughter and A Dream Dress

I won a little 'guess the image' challenge in Sheepski Designs Facebook group a while ago and chose 'Dream Dress' as my prize.  I love this gorgeous image, but DT commitments and birthdays took over and I never coloured it up.  Andrea has now started her own blog challenges though, so I thought it was time I got my arse in gear!
I love different colours for weddings (my own dress was red) and I once did wedding make-up on a young girl who wore a beautiful pale pink dress.  I've taken this idea and also given it some sparkle with a CAS card. 

Product list:

• Kraft card blank (Michaels)
• Sequins (Walmart)
• Gems (Papermania)
• Sakura Gelly Roll, White
• ProMarkers - Cinnamon, Tan, Dusky Pink, Satin, Gold, Mustard, Buttercup, Antique Pink, Pastel Pink, Sunkissed Pink, Burgundy, Cardinal, Ruby, Moss, Pear, Khaki & Soft Lime

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Sheepski Designs (Facebook) - #11 AG
2. Sheepski Designs Blog - #2 AG
3. Simon Wednesday - A Hint Of Pink
4. The Crafter's Cafe - #172 Feminine
5. Crafting By Designs - May AG
6. Crafting When We Can - #143 Clean and Simple
7. Crafty Gals Corner - #121 CAS
8. Creatalicious - #114 AG/twist For The Girls/Mother's Day
9. Cute Card Thursday - #476 AG
10. Fab 'n' Funky - #349 Lovely Ladies
11. Come and Get It - Make It Square

May Challenge at Crafts Galore Encore

We thought spring had finally come, then got more snow at Easter. Luckily it's back to warmer weather now though and time for a new challenge at Crafts Galore Encore. 
This month we have two sponsors - Star Stampz & Ppinkydolls!

I have the cute 'My Sweet Rose' image from Star Stampz to use and decided to go with an orange and turquoise colour scheme.  I always end up colouring roses pink or red, so wanted to do something different this time. 

Product List:

• White cardstock
• DoCrafts Ribbon & coloured cardstock
• Tim Holtz Core'dinations Distress Collection cardstock
• Gems
• Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations embossing folder
• ProMarkers - Burnt Orange, Coral, Dusky Pink, Blush, Rose Pink, Walnut, Cocoa, Cinnamon, Sandstone, Tan, Black, Pine, Forest, Moss, Bright Green, Pumpkin, Amber, Apricot, Turquoise, Duck Egg, Cool Aqua, Warm Grey 1-5, Gold, Tulip, Buttercup & Cool Grey 1-3

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Work It Wednesday - April Showers Bring May Flowers
2. Simon Says Wednesday - Anything Goes
3. The Crafter's Cafe - #172 Feminine
4. Allsorts - WK413 Embossing
5. Classic Design Team Open - #14 Anything Goes
6. Crafty Catz - #368 ATG
7. Crafty Creations - #340 Anything Goes
8. Creatalicious - #114 AG/twist For the Girls/Mother's Day

Thorns & Roses

Happy Sunday to you all. The sun has been shining here for a week or so and it has even been as warm as summer on a couple of days!  I'm sure it won't last though as there is snow forecast for Friday. 

Over on Facebook there was a Trick Or Treat Around The Blogs challenge hosted by Markers! Papers! Digis! so I grabbed this fabulous dollar digi from The East Wind called 'Thorns & Roses'.  I coloured her up for the colouring competition in the group, but I've only just got around to making a card with her.  

Since joining the Facebook group and investing in a class over at Kit & Clowder I've been more into colouring backgrounds for my images. I often just fussy-cut them, but when I leave them in a square or rectangle I now don't always like all that white space! (I also didn't used to have the confidence to colour a background).

So, I bring you one of my favourite card styles - the twisted easel.  Since making my first one I now hardly ever make a straight easel.  I love the extra dimension that the twist gives and you get so much more space to work with than just making a square card. 

I have used the following products to create my card:

• Kraft card blank from Michaels
• Core'dinations Tim Holtz Kraft Core Nostalgic Collection & Glittersilk card
• Tonic Tim Holtz Paper Distresser
• Gems & butterfly brad from my stash
• ProMarkers - Umber, Khaki, Pastel Beige, Satin, French Navy, Aegean, Sky Blue, Warm Grey 1-5, Black, Burgundy, Cardinal, Ruby, Olive, Moss, Pear, Indigo, Midnight & Cobalt

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

1. Fab 'n' Funky - #326 Get Krafty!
2. Glitter 'n' Sparkle - #214 AG
3. I ♥ ProMarkers - #321 Distress Those Edges
4. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - #45 AG
5. The Crafty Addicts - #28 AG/Winter Blues
6. Brown Sugar - #224 AG
7. Crafty Catz - #346 AG
8. Crafty Gals Corner - #97 Use A Sentiment
9. Creative Fingers - #120 AG
10. Dark 'n' Daring - #7 AG
11. The East Wind (FB Group) - #33 Come Over to the Dark Side

Vintage ~ with 4 Crafty Chicks

It's my second week with 4 Crafty Chicks and for this challenge (#324) the theme is Vintage.  

I already had the gorgeous Savannah Belle from KennyK Stamps coloured up, but I didn't know what to do with her at the time. Seems I was saving her for this challenge! I have recently been getting into canvases so decided I would make something for myself as I cannot bear to part with this image...lol.

I started with using Distress Inks and a stencil to colour the whole canvas, then Texture Paste with a different stencil on the left side.  Once that was dry I inked over again to make the texture stand out. I added some vintage lace down the left-hand side, then attached a key to some twine and glued next to the lace. I attached the image plus some flowers with brads in the centre. I finished off with some black pearls in the top-right corner and some more twine for hanging. 
Products I have used to create my canvas:

• Canvas, flowers, key, stencils & black/white twine from Michaels
• Jute twine, pearls & brads from my stash
• Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Dried Marigold, Vinntage Photo & Walnut Stain
• Ranger Texture Paste
• Vintage Lace from Normas Treasures on Etsy
• ProMarkers - Coral, Sunkissed Pink, Blush, Rose Pink, Cocoa, Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, Gold, Indigo, True Blue, Cobalt, Mustard, Sky Blue, Arctic Blue, Caramel, Sandstone, Black, Cool Grey 1-5, Dusky Pink, Satin & Walnut

I am entering my canvas into the following challenges:

1. TTCRD - AG w/c 8th Nov
2. Get Creative - #51 AG
3. Pearly Sparkles - #10 AG
4. Crafty Awesomeness - Nov AG
5. Crafting with an Attitude - #21 AG
6. Classic Design Team Open - #8 AG
7. Craft Your Passion - #337 AG
8. 613 Avenue Create - #191 AG