My "Pink" fix

Do you know the feeling when you just neeeeeeed to make something fresh and new - that isn't Red or Green?

Well I had that feeling! and luckily for me La La Land Inspiration Monday is all about 'Flower Power' which meant that I could use my new flower die and a cute Marci image and create something without even a hint of Christmas.

Don't get me wrong, I do love Christmas and I enjoy making Christmas cards but I reeeeaaalllly neeeeeeeded Pink.

I think that I might be in serious trouble if I gambled or smoked.

Luckily for me, I only have a Craft addiction :-)

I am entering this card in the following:

La La Land Inspiration Monday Flower Power (Pink)

Little Red Wagon #113 Something New (using new product - with Pink)

Top Tip Tuesday #66 Anything Goes (totally Pink)

Shopping our Stash #32 Tie it up (with Pink ribbon)

Party Time Tuesdays #48 Anything Goes (more and more Pink)

Merriest Wishes

Recently, I popped on over to my friend, Jan's blog and she had asked this question of her followers:

Is it cheating to enter a card into challenges when you got major inspiration or if pretty much completely CASEd another cardmaker?

The general opinion was: Of course it is okay, provided that you credit where you got the idea from and link to their blog.

But when I read the 30 odd responses (and I am suggesting that you do too - here) it made me see that this blogging world of ladies (and some men) are truly a unique group of caring and sharing people.

I am not only inspired by your card making skills on a daily basis but also by your generosity, kind words and encouraging comments.

So, to all of you, lovely, lovely people, I wish you all a very happy Christmas and look forward to spending time with you all in 2012.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Stampin for the Weekend #23 Anything Goes

Crafting for all Seasons #16 Christmas

Divas by Design #17 Merry Christmas

Charisma Cardz #50 Anything Goes

Crafty Purple Frog Happy Christmas

Southern Girls #34 Lets Celebrate

Celebrate #100

We have good reason to celebrate over at Paper Sundaes as we have reached 100 challenges!!!

So now, our challenge to you is .... to 'CELEBRATE'.

It shouldn't be hard with that big event coming up soon - Easter! :) Or you could choose New Years, Birthdays or you could even celebrate Christmas.

Stamp and Create are our sponsors and I have chosen

Sweet November Josie's Misteltoe CC Designs 

cause she is just so so cute!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Whoopsi Daisy Sparkle and Shine

The Cutie Pie Challenge #7 Use a Sentiment

Party Time Tuesdays #46 Use Red and Green

Flutterby Wednesdays #183 Open

Divas by Design #17 Christmas

Crafting for all Seasons #16 Christmas

Charisma Cardz #49 Last minute Christmas

4 Crafty Chicks #68 Christmas card

Cupcake Inspirations #141 Photo inspiration

I will be back with another card to share with you before Christmas after I dig myself out of the pile of Christmas cards, gift wrap, sales dockets, store catalogues, gifts and hand written 'to do' notes. Lucky for me, I am so laid back and relaxed (and obviously delerious, if I believe that!)

Hooked on Christmas #14

Hooked on Craft are having a Christmas challenge. The prize this week is a $10 voucher from the Hooked on Craft on line store, which is where you can buy this stamp of Santa and his tree. 

Everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit. This is one more card done for me and only 17 more to go - give or take a few.

Easy!

There is still plenty of time... isn't there? I still have about 10 more days to get my cards in the mail.

10 days!!!! Short post today.

Anything Christmas #99

Over at Paper Sundaes this week our challenge theme is

"Anything Christmas".

Very appropriate for this time of year. We would look pretty silly having an Easter challenge now wouldn't we? Don't answer that!

We are sponsored by Simon Says Stamps and this cute little Tilda is available over at Simons along with a load of other Christmas stamps and embellishments.

If you are like me and still struggling to make all those Christmas cards, then head on over to Paper Sundaes for some fabulous inspiration from the team and then get that production line going. 

All you need is an idea to start ... oh... and then some card... and some paper... and a stamp or two... and some ink... maybe some colouring pens... possibly some tape... and you might need a bit of ribbon... and a few embellishments... definitely some bling... and you are ready to go!

Come to think of it - if you have left it late to make your cards then maybe add a friend or two into that production line. I'm free!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Tuesday Throwdown #77 Celebrate the Season

Moving along with the times #127 Last minute Christmas 

Colour Create #85 Red White Green

Stampin for the Weekend #22 Christmas

Card Makin Mammas #35 Christmas
One Stop Craft #161 Traditional Christmas
CES #65 Traditional Christmas
2 Sisters #69 Christmas
The Squirrel and The Fox #7 Christmas

Sundae Bar #98

This week over at Paper Sundaes we have a Sundae Bar for you to follow. All we ask is that you use 2 or more of the following: Red, Stripes, Die Cuts and Stitching.

My Favourite Things are our sponsors this week and they certainly are - my favourite things. I love colouring these little cuties and the MFT Die-namics are also a favourite of mine.

I have some red and some stripes and a grass die-cut - 3 out of 4 aint bad.

Hope to see you at Paper Sundaes!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Party Time Tuesdays #44 Anything Goes

Deep Ocean #13 'C' as in ... cutie

Fab 'n' Funky #101 Anything Goes

Divas by Design #16 Anything Goes

Card Makin Mammas #34 Sentiments

2 Sisters #68 Punches and/or Dies

Hooked on Winter #13

Over at Hooked on Craft this fortnight, we are having a Winter Wonderland challenge. Perfect for me 'cause I can use my new snowflake punches and this cute little charm and image - both from the Hooked on Craft on line store.

I am entering 'frosty' here in the following challenges:

Ladybug Crafts #47 Winter Blues

Crafty Sentiments Metal

Bearly Mine #24 All my favourite things - Dots, Stripes and Bling

4 Crafty Chicks #65 Snowflakes

Charisma Cardz #46 Snowflakes
Just Inspirational #4 Snow theme
Dream Valley #21 Sparkle

Winter Wonderland #97

Michelle's Scrapbooking and More are our sponsors this week at Paper Sundaes where we are having a 

'Winter Wonderland' theme.

I bought this so so cute Magnolia and thought that she would look perfect in her winter whites.

Living in Melbourne Australia, we have been known to have four seasons in one day. (Quite often actually). So I raked up some Autumn leaves, planted some Spring seedlings, soaked up the Summer sun and then came inside to put the heater on and make this Wintery card. And that was just this morning!  

I have used my Copics to colour in and the Echo Park Dots and Stripes 6 x 6 paper pad.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Shopping our Stash #27 Christmas or Winter

Partytime Tuesdays #43 Snow us what you got

Bearly Mine #24 All my favourite things: Dots Stripes

and Bling

Little Red Wagon #108 Winter Theme

Aud Sentiments #42 Winter Sentiments

4 Crafty Chicks #65 Snowflakes

Charisma Cardz #46 Snowflakes

Moving Along with the Times Ribbons and Bows

Simply Create Too #1 Christmas

Craft your days away #34 Ribbons or Bows

2 Sisters #67 Festive Holiday

Stamptacular #140 Anything Christmas

Dream Valley #21 Sparkle

Beautiful Bows #96

IF by some chance you are expecting a Christmas card from me this year - LOOK AWAY NOW! Cause this may be it.

I have a group of friends and we all make each other cards for Christmas and exchange them at a Christmas dinner (you know who you are).

Don't we all love that surprise of opening up the envelope to see what each of us has created for each other.

Well, if you dont look away now, then you are going to miss out on that surprise feeling.

You will just end up with a 'oh, I have seen this card before' feeling.

Dont worry, I will surprise you all with $50 cash inside each card.

Yeah right! 

If I were you, I would be looking away now :)

Beautiful Bows. That is our theme this week at Paper Sundaes. We are sponsored by Simon Says Stamps and the image I have used is from the new Magnolia Sweet Christmas Dreams 2011 collection called 'Something for you Tilda'. The green roses are courtesy of Hooked on Craft and the bow was made by ... me ... me and and my bow easy. Is there a different one for left handed people cause I think that I have a right handed one :)

I am entering this card in the following challenges: 

Incy Wincy #120 Pop it up/Sentiment/Flowers

Just Magnolia #133 Ribbons

Divas by Design #15 Monochromatic

Winter Wonderland Cute Christmas image

OLLCB #93 Ribbon/Die Cut/Sparkle

Creatalicious Challenge #28 Christmas and Sparkle

2 Sisters #66 Let it Sparkle

Hooked on punched shapes #12

Over at Hooked on Crafts challenge we are hooked on something punched or diecut.

This super cute reindeer stamp is available from the Hooked on Crafts on line store as well as many other fabulous stamps. 

The papers I have used are from Echo Park 'Seasons Greetings' range and I have punched those circles out of one of these papers. Plus, thank goodness for my square punches - would hate to be without them.

Rather than fill this sleigh with gifts, I thought that this little sentiment was more fitting and I think that Rudolphs friend here agrees.

Don't forget - you have two weeks to enter!

Off to drive to work - by myself!

Pink Cat digi #95

Pink Cat Studio are our sponsors this week over at Paper Sundaes and our theme is "Use a digi" - another easy one for you all. This little cutie is called "Betty Tree Costume".
Pink Cat Studio have very generously offered 5 digis of your choice to the random winner.

I decided to combine my love of dots and stripes by using this 6 x 6 paper pad from Echo Park called - funnily enough - 'Dots and Stripes'.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Tuesday Throwdown #74 Favourite colour combo

Top Tip Tuesday #59 Anything Christmas goes

Charisma Cardz Cutesy

C.R.A.F.T. #128 Cute
Stamptacular #138 Punch It

The Secret Crafter #160 Spots and Stripes

By the way - the driving went well. We had no mishaps with other cars, there were no pedestrian injuries, no curbs were mounted and no trees came to any harm. So, maybe next time we will venture out of the vacant car park - mmmm - maybe not just yet.

Honesty is the best policy

Do you know what it is like when you just want to step out of your comfort zone .. do something a little bit different ... take a chance .... try something new?

Well that is exactly what this card is all about.

I chose a paper that I wouldn't normally work with.
I wet (under the tap - wet!) paper flowers.
I crumbled and I scrunched.
I distressed edges with my new 'Gathered Twigs' ink pad.
I added bits that I wouldn't normally add and
I chose 'rarely used' Copic markers. (Yes I do have some of those).

I did however, grant myself one luxury and that was using this adorable image from CC designs and ..... this is what I came up with.

Finished and sitting on my desk (the card - not me) I pondered whether or not my 'taking a chance' also included posting the card on my blog.

I knew that I could rely on an honest and constructive opinion from my daughter (since I asked her not to use the phrase 'euk' when critiquing).

"Oh no. I don't think so!" she said

She would really like me to take her practice driving on Saturday but,

"Oh no. I don't think so!" I said

Amazingly, since she has taken a second look at my card - all of a sudden it has some good elements to it. The bow looks good - the image is cute - that little fence is adorable.

So, we are off driving tomorrow and I cant wait to show her my next card because I really value her honest opinion. :-)

I will enter this card in the following challenges:
Cupcake Craft #167 Textalicious
Make my Monday #23 Christmas
Top Tip Tuesday #59 Anything Christmas goes
Deep Ocean #12 Vintage
Crafting for all Seasons #13 Texture

A Rectangle #94

So all you have to do is .... a rectangle. Gee, we make it so so easy for you to join in over at Paper Sundaes.

Tickled Pink are our sponsor for this week and that is where I picked up this little cutie - Party Pinkette Coraline. She looks as if her feet are not touching the ground so up in the clouds she went.

I am really loving all my twine that I purchased from the Twinery. Fabulous colours! and now everything is getting wrapped up in twine! Plus those 6 x 6 paper pads are still a favourite of mine and this one is Vanity Fair by My Minds Eye. A friends cloud punch came in handy (thanks Kerry) and .... goes without saying - Copic markers feature as always.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Allsorts #128 Anything but a square
Little Miss Muffet #21 Clouds
4 Crafty Chicks #62 Die Cuts
Tickled Pink #44 Anything Goes

Hooked on Halloween #11

Hooked on 'Halloween'. This week at Hooked on Craft we are having a Halloween theme.

But really! How can I go dark and scary with this super cute little teddy who by the way I have named "Milly" cause she just looks like a Milly dont you think!

Maybe in her dark days - she was MiLLicEnt!!!! (You have to say that with a scary voice to get the effect).

Check out what the other girls at Hooked on Craft have to show you.

Also don't forget to check out the Hooked on Craft On Line store for fabulous flowers, stamps and embellishments.

And keep practicing that scary voice.

I am entering Milly in the following challenges:

Fab'n'Funky #96 Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble

Divas by Design #13 Something Spooky

Crafting for All Seasons #12 Halloween

Paper Play #43 Halloween

Do You Stack Up #43 Halloween

Stampin for the Weekend #19 Spooky

Cherry Pip #93

This week at Paper Sundaes we are sponsored by Funky Kits and we are making Bookmarks.

The girls over at Paper Sundaes have created different types for you to see and to be inspired by.

I recently purchased a few images from Sugar Nellie's Sherbet Pip Home Grown range.

(In my world 'a few' = 5 and then again it can sometimes = 8 or even more and very rarely it can = 3. Actually come to think of it - it never = 3).  

I was thrilled to be able to use this little cutie called "Cherry Pip".

I have made a magnetic bookmark which is a bit tricky to photograph cause it looks like there is a big black blob inside my bookmark - but trust me - this little bookmark slips into your pages and stays nice and snug with the help of those magnets.

Doesn't work so well with my Kindle tho' :)

I am entering this cutie into the following challenges:

Partytime Tuesdays #39 Anything Goes

Creative Craft Fancy Edges

Bearly Mine #22 Anything but a card

Crafty Purple Frog #27 Sparkle

One Stop Craft #155 No Sentiments 

Card Makin Mammas #32 Cut it out

The Squirrel and The Fox #4 Hats or Flowers

Dream Valley #19 Anything Goes

Sundae Bar #92

This week Paper Sundaes has a Sundae Bar for you!

Just choose two or more of the following:

Black, Sparkle, Flowers and Distressing.

I managed to use all four (showing off, I know).

Stamp and Create are our sponsors this week and they have some fabulous stamps (and lots of other stuff too). Dont forget to pop on over to the Paper Sundaes site to see some fabulous cards made by the team.

I will enter this card into the following challenges:

Fussy and Fancy Black, Border Punch and Bling

Top Tip Tuesday #56 Layer it up

Fab'n'Funky #95 Distressed or Torn

Divas by Design #13 Something Spooky

Crafting for all Seasons #12 Halloween

PaperPlay #42 Use Black

Delightful Sketches Halloween

4 Crafty Chicks #60 Marker it up

Stampin for the Weekend #19 Spooky

Party Time Tuesday #38 Totally Spooky

Dream Valley #18 Halloween

Allsorts #126 Halloween

Thanks heaps for visiting. 

Hooked on Spooky #10

Over at Hooked on Craft this week - we challenge you to make "Something Spooky".

The winner this fortnight will receive a $10 gift voucher from Hooked on Craft on line store.

I went through my stash of stamps to find something scary, frightening or spooky and came up with ..... nothing!

I discovered - very quickly - that I don't do 'spooky'.

BUT, I can do 'cute' so this little bear from Hooked on Craft was perfect for me for the challenge. I think that he is way "too cute to spook" and he was really fun to colour in. 

Check out the rest of the design team here, for their spppoooooookkkkkkyyyy creations.

Paper Sundaes #91 Halloween

'Halloween or Fall' is the theme this week over at Paper Sundaes and there is a $15 gift certificate from our sponsor - Simon Says Stamp to be won.

I have been really wanting to try the "distress ink around a circle moon with an owl on a branch and a spider" technique thingy.

You know what I mean.

I decided that this card needed to be plain and simple.

Unfortunately I was under the misguided idea that this also meant quick and easy.

Not so! (Not happy)

But sometimes you just have to go with your instincts - take a chance - risk it all - have a go - run out of time to make another one!

I decided to combine both theme choices this week  ... this is my 'Halloween' card with a spider who looks like he is about to 'fall'. (he he)

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Scrapalicious Black Orange and Purple

Paper Crafting Journey #21 Black White and Orange

Fussy and Fancy Fall or Halloween

Crafts 4 Eternity #41 Orange and Purple

Card Makin Mammas #31 Halloween

One Stop Craft #153 Halloween

Dream Valley #18 Halloween

Cupcake Inspirations #132 Photo inspiration

Just popped over to the Paper Sundaes website and saw all of the amazing creations that the girls have made this week. Ohhhh - they are fabulous! Check them out.

Paper Sundaes #90 Fav colour

 Letraset are our fabulous sponsors this week over at Paper Sundaes and all you have to do is choose your favourite colour combo. Oh! and then make a card. EASY!!!

Without a doubt - my favourite colour combo is Black/White and Pink.

But then I really do like Black/White and Blue and don't you just love Black/White and Green together.

So choosing my favourite wasn't as easy as I first thought.

I know! - My favourite colour combo is:

Black, White and a splash of colour!

Such a cute image from My Favourite Things - a la modes - Cheers.

Check out the favourite colours of the rest of the team here.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

The Crazy challenge #87 Think Pink

Incy Wincy #114 Think Pink

One Stop Craft #152 Anything Goes

Mad for Markers Fav Copic colours (R81,83,85)

If the Shoe Fits #93 ...where my Girls at?

Hooked on Anything but a card #9

This fortnight, Hooked on Craft has a new challenge.
We want you to create 'Anything but a card'.

Now I know that you are looking at the photo below and thinking - it looks like a card - I think it is a card - who is she trying to kid - did she not read the challenge title?

But wait!

 Open it up and Voila!

It is not a card at all - it is a card HOLDER.

In particular - it is a gift card HOLDER.

Seeeeee! and you doubted me. Huh! 

Okay... possibly, just maybe, sort of, perhaps, you could...call it a card.

I said YOU could call it a card - I am calling it a card HOLDER.

and entering it into the following card challenges. (ooooops)

Party Time Tuesdays #35 Anything Goes

4 Crafty Chicks #57 Anything Goes

Charisma Cardz #39 Love

Paper Sundaes #89 Lots of Layers

This week over at Paper Sundaes, Lili of the Valley are our sponsors. They have some of the cutest stamps you have ever seen. Hang around here for a minute (please) and then go and check them out!

This week the theme is 'Layers' which I was thrilled with, cause I just love to layer and layer and layer. I counted 9 layers on this card and I think that I will have to ask the postman to send out the heavy lifting equipment when I am ready to post it.

This teeny tiny little girl is called 'Milly Flower Power'.

So layer up everyone! and come and join us at Paper Sundaes this week.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Partytime Tuesdays #35 Anything Goes
Crafts and Me #54 Flowers
Aud Sentiments #38 Happy Birthday
4 Crafty Chicks #57 Anything Goes
Stampin for the weekend #17 What a cutie!
Deep Ocean #9 Happy Birthday
ABC A=Anything Goes

Paper Sundaes #88 Anything Goes

Ooooh I love an 'Anything Goes' challenge and that is exactly what we have for you over at Paper Sundaes this week.

Our sponsor is Michelles Scrapbooking and More and I have used 'Veronica' by Mo Manning.

What could be better than a bit of retail therapy on your birthday?

Okay, birthday, retail therapy and chocolate would be better.

I will enter this card in the following challenges:

Southern Girls #28 Anything Goes

Anything Goes #50 Anything Goes

Oh La La #89 Punches and Dies

Paper Shelter #32 Anything Goes

Moving Along with the Times # 117 Recipe

Crafts and Me #53 Stripes
Crafty Sentiments Happy Birthday
Card Makin Mammas #29 Punches

Hooked on Ribbon and Lace #8

Ribbon and Lace

That is the challenge to you from Hooked on Craft this fortnight. 

The image, the lace doily and the flowers are all from the hookedoncraft on line store. The yellow flowers are new in stock and I just had to have them (along with a couple of others) Then I just kept going and going and couldn't stop myself with the whole yellow theme.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Stamptacular #129 Just sayin'

The Squirrel & The Fox #1 Anything Goes

Ladybug Crafts #37 Flowers

Paper Play #37 Punches and Dies

Paper Sundaes #87 Use some felt

This week at Paper Sundaes we are sponsored by Simon Says Stamps and we would like you to use felt on your project.  

I hadn't used felt before - but now - my local craft store needs to replenish their stock and I have lots of different colours of felt at my house.

I really wish that we could do a Diamond challenge next 'cause I don't have any of those either and I can always justify a craft spend.

I might just suggest that to the team and see what they think.

This image I have used is Stamping Bella - 'Florence the Flowerpot' and is available at Simon Says.

Pop on over to Paper Sundaes for some fabulous inspiration.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Top Tip Tuesday Birthday

Ladybug Craft #37 Flowers

Southern Girls Layers/Birthday/Blog hop

Paper Play #37 Punches and Dies

Card Makin Mamas #29 Punches

One Stop Craft #149 Girlie

Picture Perfect!

Don't you just love other peoples holiday snaps?

Don't answer that!

I did want to share one tranquil relaxing photo with you all and let you know that I achieved my goal.

My holiday goal that is - to read, sit, relax and eat. Although I possibly may have focused a little too much on the "eat" goal.

My partner and I stayed 8 nights in Port Douglas in Northern Queensland - a beautiful destination - with perfect weather every day.

I wasn't able to comment on anyones blog while I was away which was due to a problem I had with my Google account or it could have been the fact that the internet cafe was also an icecream shop. (I am sure it was Google tho) 

Now I am back and very relaxed so I cant wait to see what you have all been up to.

Scroll down to see the other 265 photos - Joking!!!

Challenge #86 Finishing Touches

Paper Sundaes would really like you to - Show us the INSIDE!

It nomally takes all my effort to decorate just the front of a card - so this was definitely a challenge for me.

After I stopped obsessing over my Copic colouring I opened up the card and began. I began.....colouring cause I just cant stop myself.

By placing the diecut shape down on some card and colouring around it with a light copic marker you get the negative image. Wow! Look at that! I was so excited - it is like I just invented this technique myself isn't it!!!  Doesn't take much to make me happy. (he he) and I am still enjoying my holiday in the sun. Dont you just love internet cafes - Not! 

Hop on over to Paper Sundaes because this week we are sponsored by My Favourite Things and you will see some ultra fabulous images from the rest of the team.

If all goes well I will enter this card into the following challenges:

C.R.A.F.T. challenge #119 Children

Ladybug Crafts Ink Anything Goes

Little Red Wagon #97 Diecuts

Crafting for all Seasons #9 Birthday

Stamp Something Final Challenge - Anything Goes

The Crazy Challenge #83 Spots and/or Stripes

Hooked on Spring #7

Still coming to you from my holiday destination!!!

Awwwww Cute! Well my daughter thinks so anyway. What an adorable image from Hooked on Crafts on line store and I think that it is perfect for our challenge this fortnight of "Spring has Sprung". For those of you who dont live in Australia then this is a chance for you to dust off those spring images. You can use anything to do with flowers, sunshine and things that grow. Check out the Hooked on Craft challenge blog and get some amazing inspiration from the design team.  

Entering this card in the following challenges:

Stamptacular #127 The sky's the limit

Partytime Tuesdays #31 Anything Goes

Challenge #85 Paper Makeup

Really short today as I am coming to you from my holiday destination!!!

Welcome Welcome Welcome. We have three new team mates over at Paper Sundaes. Julie (a fellow Aussie) Kat and Shanna all join this fabulous team of girls. Pop on over to their blogs and have a look at their amazing creations for this weeks challenge. This week, Lisa has created an easy sketch for us to follow. All the details are over at Paper Sundaes. Our sponsor is Paper Makeup and they have some great rubber and digital stamps so check them out too. (Gee - you are all going to be busy) But, dont forget to join in on the challenge as well.

 Entering this card into the following challenges:

Stamptacular #127 The sky's the limit

Card Makin Mammas #28 Digi image

Partytime Tuesdays #31 Anything Goes

Stamp Something Digi day