April Challenge - Rhedd's Creative Spirit DT

And hello again!

I'm back with my DT piece for the April Challenge at Rhedd's Creative Spirit, and this month I decided to do a canvas, which was inspired by my fellow teamie, the fabulously talented Elaine.
She did a gorgeous metallic-look canvas over a year ago (before I'd even *looked* at a canvas in that way, lol) and was kind enough to give me a whole load of hints and tips to help me on my way.

And this (finally!) was the result:

Forgive my lack of adequate photography skills, lol.

I had originally used a picture in the centre of the canvas, but decided I didn't like it, do I used a set of alphabet dies to spell out a nice sentiment from gold mirri card instead.
This was a really great way to use up lots of bits and pieces, and especially those in colours I wasn't fond of! I can definitely see me making more such in the future.

Well, that's it from me for today, but don't forget to see what the rest of the team have been up to, and if you fancy it, why not come and play along? As always it's anything altered art goes (seriously guys, no cards please! There's always one... lol)

Have a fantabulous day!

Sammy-x

Anything goes - Rhedd and Rosie's DT

Good morning  Bloggaroos!

First of all, a dentist update - or rather - a depressing lack of one!
The other day, annoyed at how long it was taking for my appointment with the specialist to come through, I contacted the dentist to see if they could tell me what the hold-up is.
Turns out, they are busier than expected, and there's a good chance I won't hear from them until the end of July, at which point I'll receive my letter telling me when my appointment is, likely around three months from then! so chances are, it'll be October before I'll get anywhere!
Considering the fact that I have been in a lot of pain since February, I am needless to say not particularly happy about this!

Oh well, C'est la vie, no?

Now, on to better things. namely, the new Anything goes challenge going live at Rhedd and Rosie's this morning!

I used a digi from our sponsor Stitchy Bear, and prepared this for you all:

I started off with a blank pen pot from the MDF man, and covered it in white gesso. I then decorated with some LOTV papers, my Promarker-coloured image, and some lovely embellishments from my stash.
There's actually a lot of sparkle on the image, but it hasn't shown up in the pictures, I'm afraid.

I included some gem swirls from the Hobby House, and Joy Crafts butterfly die cuts.

I painted the inside blue to finish it off and add a little contrast, et voilà!

I managed to keep hold of it for all of about 10 minutes after taking the pictures, before my daughter whisked it off to her room. She happened to be tidying her bedroom at the time, and needed something to put her pens in, so the timing couldn't have been more perfect!

Well, that's it from me this morning. Hope you're all well (and not in pain!) and have some nice weather coming your way.

Have a fantabulous day.

Sammy-x

Back in time/vintage - Rhedd & Rosie's DT

Good morning everyone!

I must once again apologise for my absence. We spent a few days in London over the half term holidays, and I'm afraid I'm still recovering (or at least trying to!) from that. The kids had a really great time though, even though it was pretty wet and miserable for the most part!

Anyways, on to the new challenge at Rhedd & Rosie's! The theme this fortnight is Back in time/vintage, which is one I always enjoy, but I think I kinda surprised myself here by not sticking to my usual palette of browns for the vintage theme! lol.
In fact, I fancied doing something completely different, so did a centre step card, which I hadn't done for over a year!
And, there's absolutely no stamping whatsoever either! *shock*

Now, I couldn't stay away from all my favourite things, hence the lace and flowers and general shabby chic feel...
The image was from a vintage flip pad I picked up in the Works last time I had a voucher to redeem. It has both portraits and flowers, and is well worth the 99p even without a voucher! lol.
The dies I used to frame the portrait are from Crafts Too, and I picked up the butterfly pegs in Samuel Taylors. Flowers are of course WOC, and the lace is from Hobbycraft, and probably my favourite lace I own. I will likely cry when I run out! lol.
And I can't for the life of me remember where the resin roses are from. But I loves them :-)

Now, my fellow teamies have created some stunning eye candy for you all, as always, and there's a fab prize up for grabs for the lucky winner!

So pretty! I'm just imagining all the pretty shabby things I could make with those gorgeous papers! So off you go and join in, you know you want to!

Have an awesomesauce day!

Sammy-x

Nothing floral/no flowers - Rhedd and Rosie's DT

Good morning my dears!

And we've rolled back around to another challenge at Rhedd & Rosie's! This fortnight, we're challenging you to use nothing floral and to have no flowers on your project!

At first I figured I'd take the easy way out and do a male card, but I decided I wanted to further challenge myself and do something girlie, with still no flowers in sight!

Obviously, the recent "Annabel" release from LOTV was going to be perfect for this! I used Annabel - Music to my ears, and used some Basic grey papers for the background, and a strip of music score paper from the LOTV "Heartfelt" pad too.

I embellished with some butterflies cut with a Joy Crafts die, a musical note from Fernli Designs, ric rac, pearls and liquid pearls.

I'd say the result is definitely girlie, but not a flower in sight! No leaves, branches or any kind of vegetation in fact! :-D

And now I shall pass on the challenge to the rest of you. Can you make a card with no flowers of any kind present? Of course you can! But if you get stuck, my fellow teamies have some more gorgeous examples if you care to go take a peek...

And as always there's a prize to be won:

Hope to see you there and have an awesome day!

Sammy-x

It's all about texture - Rhedd & Rosie's DT

Good morning everyone!

Guess what? Another new challenge is starting at Rhedd & Rosie's this morning! It's a good one too, because this fortnight It's all about texture!

Now, I almost fell straight back into my favourite way of adding texture, Hessian or lace! However, I decided to take the challenge and try to work out of my comfort zone a little, so figured I wanted to try something with texture paste.
Could I find any anywhere? Could I heck! I didn't want to be dependent on online ordering and bank holiday delivery problems, but none of the nearby craft shops seem to sell the stuff, or were out of stock.

So guess what I did instead? I looked it up online and made some myself! Easy peasy, lol.

I had some stencils that came with a mag a year or so ago, chose a pretty flower and away I went...

I used paper from the Dovecraft Curiosity Corner pack (which my darling daughter got me for my birthday a little while ago) for the background and the other elements, including the frame I added around the flower.

Now, I decided the flower was too white, especially compared to the colours present in the paper, so I dabbed it with some mowed lawn and tattered rose distress ink, which also brought out some of the texture of the rose itself. I did initially consider making the rose completely smooth, but I figured as the challenge was about texture, it made sense to let it have a little more roughness in its finish.

So there you go. My take on texture. The rest of the gals all have some great takes on the theme too, so be sure to go check them out! And we'd love it if you'd come join us this challenge! Maybe you have a favourite texture, or maybe you'll follow my example and try something outside your comfort zone!
Either way, we look forward to seeing your project, and just look at the fantastic prize on offer:

Have a fantabulous day!

Sammy-x

Tag it! - Rhedd & Rosie's DT

Good morning everyone.

And it seems it's Wednesday again! I'm beginning to think the other days are going MIA and it's just a series of Wednesdays in a row. It would certainly explain why this year seems to be flying by so quickly!

Either way, this particular Wednesday sees a new challenge over at Rhedd and Rosie's, and the theme this fortnight is Tag it. Meaning we want to see a tag *on* your project, not just a tag (but it could be a tag on a tag if you like!)

I used the opportunity to have another play with my Distress Inks, and made both the tag and the card I put it on as per Mr. Holtz' instruction. I'm rather pleased with how the tag came out actually, and I figured it would work nicely with the neutral look of the hessian. I do love playing with these neutral colours, and am really fond of the vintage look it produces.

The background stamp on the tag is from LOTV, and the Big Ben stamp and stamps used on the card are all Papermania. The sentiment was made with Tim Holtz chitchat words, and I added some card candi and pearls to finish it off.

So there you have it, a tag as topper for a card.

As always, I urge you to go take a peek at what the rest of the teamies have created for you, and as always there's a fab prize up for grabs:

And once again I shall be terribly jealous of the winner! lol.

Hope to see your entry soon!

Have a brilliant day!

Sammy-x

Anything Goes! - Rhedd and Rosie DT

Goooood morning peepsicles!

We have a brand new challenge starting at Rhedd and Rosie's today, and you have no excuse for not joining in, as it's Anything Goes!

And of course there's no prizes for guessing where "Anything Goes" Led me... Straight to LOTV of course! ;-)

Here's one I made for you all earlier:

The stamp I used is called Bumble Bee Fairy. She's such a cutie, isn't she? I teamed her up with some of  the Baskets and Bunnies papers and went to town with my distressing tool. Some lace, Frantage, flowers (from WOC) and a tiny peg to embellish, and of course a simple but sweet sentiment, also from LOTV. Oh, and of course her wings are covered with Stickles, but that probably goes without saying by now, no?

Now then, my fellow teamies have been hard at work creating some gorgeous projects for you all, so I strongly suggest you go check them out. And don't forget to enter! There's a super scrummy prize up for grabs!

See you there!

Sammy-x

Trees/Wood - Rhedd and Rosie's DT

Good morning my bloggy friends!

Well, Blogger is still more hit than miss, but I have not been wasting the time I now seem to have on my hands! I signed up for Tim Holtz' Creative Chemistry 101, and am having SO MUCH FUN playing with inks and learning so many new techniques. Watch this space for some of the results!

But not today. Today is a new challenge over at Rhedd and Rosie's, and the theme is trees/wood. The full remit is on the challenge blog, but just to give you all a heads-up, this does not mean a token something made of wood will qualify! The focus has to be on wood, whether a tree stamp or die, or a wooden object of some kind...

I will be honest and say that initially this challenge stumped me. I was thinking trees, and just couldn't get anywhere with that. I ten tootled off to the Harrogate fair, and picked up so many wooden lovelies, I changed tack and suddenly it all fell into place :-)

So here's my altered wooden heart:

I covered it in core'dinations cardstock and sanded it, stamped with some Kaiserkraft texture stamps (which, I should add, I seem to have misplaced and have spent most of today hunting for to no avail... *grump*), and then embellished with some wooden bits and bobs from Cosmo Cricket, the edges of which were inked with vintage photo distress ink. A bit of string to hang it with, and voila!

Now, you know you want to go join in with this challenge. And you should also know that I will be extremely jealous of whomever wins, as this is what they will get:

Want!

Have a most fabulous of days!

Sammy-x

Aged/Distressed - Rhedd & Rosie's DT

Good morning all!

You know, if I see "You aren't following any blogs" one more time when I try to access my blog feed, I'll probably scream! Please bear with me, I'm sure it'll get sorted, but if things don't improve soon, I'll be asking you all to email me direct links to your blogs instead!

Now, onto more fun stuff. Namely the new challenge over at Rhedd & Rosie's! Our new theme is the brilliant Aged/Distressed, which is rather an awful lot of fun if you ask me!

I'm rather partial to a bit of distressing really...

So I made this:

The dress-form stamp was a magazine freebie, and I stamped it onto some Prima paper (mounted on distressed very pale pink card - looks white in the picture!). I then re-stamped it onto card, and coloured and fussy-cut the corset, then added it with foam pads to give some extra dimension. Finally, I covered it in crackle varnish, like thus:

Some Vintage Photo distress ink was needed on the edges of the paper, naturally, and I dug out some lace and buttons to embellish.
The sentiment is from LOTV, and was stamped straight onto the paper with brown ink rather than black, to add to the aged look.

Et voila!

Your turn! Go take a gander at the other, gorgeous entries, then come and bring us some distressed or aged projects of your own!

I look forward to seeing you there!

Sammy-x

Anything but a card - Rhedd and Rosie's DT

Good morning my dears.

Ohhh, I have another project I'm very excited about today! It's time for a new challenge over at Rhedd and Rosie's, and the theme this fortnight is anything but a card.

Now those of you that have been with me a little while, may remember my first mini album I did a little while back using the G45 Steampunk Spells collection?
Well, I have done another, again using G45 paper, only this time I opted for the French Country collection.

First, a view of the album laid out, sort of, lol:

For the front, I used one of the images in the paper pack, and fussy cut some elements to add dimension. I chose some flowers (and apples!) I felt matched the papers, and finally opted to bind the album with string, rather than metal rings, as I felt it added to the rustic theme...

On overview of the first two pages:

Page one is simply a "look at" page. I used a green ribbon I'd stumbled across in York during my Christmas shopping and was looking forward to having a use for. I thought it worked quite well with the set of three images on top.

Page two. I made a little pocket out of contrasting paper, and popped a journal card and photo mat inside. I also chose three buttons (red, to match the paper, though it doesn't show so well in this picture!) to add a little more interest.

An overview of the next couple of pages:

This one is my favourite... I adore the paper I used for the background and the layered pocket. This time I added a journal card and two photo mats inside, as well as a postage stamp from the collection on top of the pocket. Some black Hobby House pearls to finish it off.

This next page has a "lift the flap" photo mat, and a matching journal card next to it.

Finally, the back. I left it blank, to show off the gorgeous sunflower paper!

So there it is. My second mini album, and so much fun to make! Now I know I say this every time, but you really want to do yourself a favour now, and go see what the rest of the gals have made for the theme. You really won't be disappointed!
And then why not come join in?  There's an awesome alterable prize to be won!

Hope to see you there!

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges:

Altered Eclectics - Anything goes
The Hobby House - Anything goes (used HH pearls)
And oldie but a goodie - Buttons (The red buttons I used on the first inside page are not only more than 6 months old... They're vintage! I got them from my aunt about a year ago, and she apparently removed them from a dress she'd bought in Paris not long after the war.)

Have an awesomesauce day!

Sammy-x

Love is in the air - Blogoversary - Rhedd and Rosie DT

Good morning my dears!

It's that time again over at Rhedd and Rosie's... The start of a brand new challenge. And this week the theme is, aptly, Love is in the Air. (and yes, before you ask, I did have the song stuck in my head the entire time I was making my card, and I do believe it's back again now, lol.)

Now, it goes without saying that I absolutely had  to have a play with the new "James Big Heart" stamp from LOTV. He's just so very adorable!

Afrer colouring him with my Promarkers, I teamed him with paper from the Antebellum pad, and also included a LOTV sentiment. I have to say, I'm still really, really fond of pink and green colour combinations at the moment!

Now, this challenge is a very special one, as it's Rhedd and Rosie's Blogoversary! There is an amazing candy up for grabs. Look:

I am so very jealous I can't join in! You'll need to share the picture on your blog and link back to us to be eligible. You'll also need to leave a comment on the Blogoversary post.

Now off you go to see the rest of the stunning DT makes, and then get crafting!

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Natalie and Amy's - Love is all around
Craft Mojo - Love, love, love
Live & Love crafts - Love N Lace
Craft room challenge -Ribbons and lace
Crafty Little Fairies - Love
The Ribbon Girl - Lovely Lili - Romance
Bunny Zoe's - Hearts, love
Papertake weekly - With a heart

Have a fantastic day!

Sammy-x

Rhedd & Rosie's DT - Anything goes and some exciting news!

Good morning everyone!

Before I show you my Rhedd and Rosie's DT piece for this fortnight, I have something really exciting to announce!

Sandie, our intrepid leader over at Rhedd and Rosie's, is starting a new altered art challenge blog called "Rhedd's Creative Spirit", and she has asked me to be on the design team!

This will be an "anything goes" altered art challenge that runs monthly and awards some really awesome prizes! I for one am super excited to be a part of this, and I hope you'll all come and play along! The first challenge goes live on the 1st of Feb, so watch this space!

But in the meantime, you can play along with Rhedd and Rosie's challenge this fortnight, which is Anything Goes! So again, No excuse for not coming to play!

The prize this time is a $10 voucher for Stichy Bear's digi Outlet, and they gave us some fab images to play with! I chose the image "new jeans", and this is what I came up with:

I used Prima papers (mounted on ivory pearlescent card), and went to town with my distressing tool and my white gel pen to add faux stitching. The flowers are from WOC and the seam binding is from The Ribbon Girl. Lace and pearls from my stash, and of course the obligatory Stickles and my new love, liquid pearls.

And now it's your turn, but first, you must go see what my fellow teamies have been up to, because they're such an incredibly talented bunch!

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Incy Wincy - ribbon and pearls
The ribbon Girl - anything goes
Craft-Dee BowZ - Anything goes with a handmade bow

Have a fabulous day!

Sammy-x

No white! - Rhedd & Rosie's DT

Good morning bloggers!

I've got something different for you today... I made a tag! The theme over at Rhedd & Rosie's this fortnight is No White, which it turns out is actually easier said than done!
I managed it in the end though :-)

The background paper is from the Prima "Delight" pad, and is in fact a pale pink, just in case you were wondering why  it looks white, lol. The picture of the girl was cut from the same pad. The roses are Hobby House, seam binding from The Ribbon Girl (Who, by the way, are having another fabulous giveaway over on their challenge blog!) and a Papermania eyelet. Finally, the sentiment was made up with some letter stickers. Unfortunately I can't remember where I got them from!

I quite enjoyed making this! I normally prefer making mini cards for tags to put on gifts, but this made a nice change. I did find I had to ink the edges (with Tattered Rose distress ink), in order for it to work, but either way I'm quite pleased. And, apart from the creamy yellow roses, the WHOLE thing is pink! (I feel I should apologise to Susan... lol)

Anyways, it's your turn to make us something without white in it! There's plenty more DT inspiration over on the blog if you get stuck for ideas, and look at the fabulous prize you could win!

I totally wish I could enter myself!

Over to you guys!

I'd like to enter this tag into the following challenges:

Inky chicks - Anything goes

Lexi's creations - Anything goes

All crafts challenge - Anything goes (no cards)

The Hobby House - Ribbon

In the Pink - Anything goes

Have a great one!

Sammy-x

Going dotty! - Rhedd and Rosie's DT

Hi all,

Happy new year! It is 2014, which is of course one year more fabulous than 2013! I'm so looking forward to a fantastic year filled with crafty goodness!

Anyways, for the first creative sample of the new year, I have my Rhedd and Rosie's DT creation to share with you. The theme this week is Going Dotty, and I decided to go the non-card route with this one.
I know! Straight off the block with a non-card project... I wonder what this will spell for the rest of the year?

Well, here it is:

I took a pair of MDF hearts and covered them in spotty paper before sanding the edges down and applying vintage photo distress ink.

The flowers are WOC, though the trio of small ones started their life off yellow... I gave them the vintage photo distress treatment too, and love how it turned out.

This creation is currently hanging in my kitchen, and has already received much admiration for my daughter. Well, you know teenage girls and hearts! lol.

So, how about you? I'm sure you're all a bit dotty too... wink. So why not join in the fun at Rhedd and Rosie's and make us something to suit?

I'd like to enter this creation into the following challenges:

Altered Eclectics - Alter Something

All crafts Challenge - anything but a card

Have a fabby day folks!

Sammy-x

Rhedd and Rosie's DT post - Let it snow

Goooood morning everyone!


I was MIA yesterday, sorry about that. I was on my annual Christmas shopping trip to York, and by the time I got back I was so tired I couldn't move. The jury is out on whether or not I'll be able to be on my feet today!

Anyways, I would like to share with you my DT card for the new challenge at Rhedd and Rosie's. The new challenge is Let it snow, so break out your glitter, snowflake dies or stamps or other snowy items, and join in the fun!

For my card I chose a Papermania stamp, which I believe was either a magazine freebie or part of a grab bag... I can't remember! I do know I've had it since last Christmas and have never used it before!

I decided to go with browns, as if it is a sepia photograph, but then to add pops of red where appropriate. And there's plenty of Stickles and Glossy accents too!

The background is kraft card with Sizzix snowflakes stamped on with white ink and heat embossed, and then a sprinkling of frantage here and there too.

I'm not 100% sure about the ribbon... I believe I either found it in the offcuts bin at the habby's in Leeds market (where I get most of my ribbon and lace!) or from my mum's sewing stash!

The result is altogether pretty snowy!

So, what say you? Can you manage one more Christmas card this season? Sure you can! Just make it a snowy one, and come play with us! In the meantime, please go have a peek at my fellow teamies' creations, as they're gorgeous!

Hope to see your entries there!

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges:

Papertake weekly - Last Christmas card of the year
Inky Chicks - Christmas 
Oldie but a goodie - Winter (Stamp is over a year old, ribbon older still!)
Lexi's Creations - Snow
Dream Valley Challenges - Christmas

Have a good one!

Sammy-x

Use your old stash - Rhedd and Rosie DT post

Hi all,

I am proud to tell you all that I am officially here today with my first DT post for  Rhedd and Rosie's Challenge blog. This fortnight, the challenge is to Use your old stash, so we'd like to see you use stash that is at least a year old!
This is a great challenge for us hoarders, and you never know what treasures you may rediscover hiding in the back of the cupboard!

For me, it was easy to decide what to use. When I started cardmaking back in June last year, it was after picking up a Docrafts grab bag, which had loads of supplies for father's day in it. What is left of the content of said bag is literally my oldest stash, so it made sense to use that!

My "old" stash, are the papers and the flowers, both from the Papermania Capsule collection.

I also used my oldest LOTV girlie stamp (ok, so not that old, but I only started stamping a few months ago!), coloured it with my Promarkers and used at X-cut die to cut the image panel and finished it off with a LOTV sentiment.

And now it's your turn! Find us something pretty in your old stash. I can't wait to see what treasures will be unearthed. And if you need a little more encouragement, how about the chance to win this fabulous prize:

Also, be sure to check in with the rest of the DT, as they have some gorgeous projects to share with you!

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Papertake weekly - Anything goes
Clear it out challenge - Anything goes
Bunny Zoe's - Shabby Chic/vintage
Challenges 4 everybody - Anything goes


Have a fantabulous day everyone!

Sammy-x