A Perfect Time to Craft Open Challenge Blog - July 2020

  Today sees a new challenge over at the A Perfect Time to Craft Open Challenge Blog.

The topic is always "ANYTHING GOES" and you are allowed unlimited entries into the challenge.

This month we are lucky to have two sponsors:

 Bugaboo Stamps

and

Charlie's Stamps.

 For my male card (as they are notoriously difficult cards) I have used the Charlie's Stamp called "Cool French Bulldog with glasses" - now who could resist him?

I have coloured my image in with Promarkers and added a stamped heart to each side of the sunglasses.

The backing papers are nearly 8 years old as I bought them just after the London Olympics in 2012!!  One of the backing papers also had little mini postcards so I used two of those as well as a Union Jack die-cut topper from the same paper pad collection.

I have used my Creative Expressions Lisa Horton Ticker Tape Sentiment Stamps.  I have used a mix of the everyday set and the Christmas set to say around the image "Wicked Cool Smile" (which this dog has) and "Happy Birthday Wishes".  I love these ticker tape sentiments as you can make you own words up.

I have finished the card off with a twine bow and a decorative button.

I am entering this card into the following challenges: 

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything goes

Allsorts - So cute

Cardz 4 Guyz - Red, white and blue

Crafty Sentiments - Anything goes

Passion for Promarkers - Make us smile!
Digi Choosday - Anything goes
Lemon Shortbread - Anything goes
Creatalicious - Anything goes with the option to add texture
QKR Stampede - Anything goes
Crafts Galore Encore - Anything goes
2 Crafty Critters - Anything goes with critters
Word Art Wednesday - Anything goes
A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything goes
A Bit More Time to Craft Extra - Anything goes
Paper Funday - Anything goes with the option of outdoors
Crafty Creations - Anything goes
Crafty Hazelnut Patterned Paper July Challenge - Anything goes
Classic Design Challenge - Anything goes
The Paper Shelter - Use a sentiment
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything goes
Morgan's Artworld - Anything goes
Simon Says - Bright and cheerful
Cute as a Button - Anything goes with the option to use your favourite sketch
Love to Scrap - Anything goes
Love to Craft - Anything goes

Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps July 2020 Facebook Challenge - DIE-CUTS OR PUNCHES OR BOTH

Today also sees the start of the new Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Facebook Challenge.  

This month the topic is "DIE-CUTS OR PUNCHES OR BOTH".

Here is my inspiration post with this theme.  

 For my card I have used the Ching-Chou Kuik image called "Fall Squirrel".  I have coloured the image in with Promarkers.

No designer papers for me for this card.  The mount under the image is a scrap piece from a gelli plate image.  The bottom layer I used a sunflower stamp and also a greenery stamp, both of which were magazine freebies.

I have finished the card off with lots of die-cut leaves, stamped and die-cut sunflower with some parts of each layer cut away for layers for dimension, Debbi Moore glitter used for the centre of the sunflower (I shall be seeing glitter everywhere for weeks after using this!!), glittery gold/pink ribbon and a die-cut sentiment.

I am entering this card into the following challenges: 

World Wide Open Design Team - Anything goes
Sweet Stampin' - Create your own background

Crafting Happiness - Anything goes

Crafty Sentiments - Anything goes
Digi Choosday - Anything goes
Lemon Shortbread - Anything goes
QKR Stampede - Anything goes
Crafts Galore Encore - Anything goes
2 Crafty Critters - Anything goes with critters
Word Art Wednesday - Anything goes
A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything goes
A Bit More Time to Craft Extra - Anything goes
Paper Funday - Anything goes with the option of outdoors
Crafty Creations - Anything goes
Classic Design Challenge - Anything goes
Fab n Funky - Sunshine colours
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything goes
Morgan's Artworld - Anything goes
Cute as a Button - Anything goes with the option to use your favourite sketch
Love to Scrap - Anything goes
Love to Craft - Anything goes
Simon Says - Bright and cheerful

Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps - New releases

 There is a new set of images in the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Etsy Store:

  This set is called "Winter Spirit Set".

In this set you will get three greyscale images:  Aurora Woods, Holly Fairy and Winter Warmth.

 This image is available at a special introductory price of $4.00 (original price of $6.00).

Hurry as this offer ends on 5 July 2020.

Happy Birthday

Here is a cute 5 inch circular easel card I have created using the Ching-Chou Kuik image called "Above the Dirt".  I have coloured the image in with Promarkers.

The backing papers are from The Works.

I have finished the card off with some Sizzix die-cut swirls, die-cut butterflies and a LOTV digital sentiment.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

CCC Digi Creations - Anything goes

613 Avenue Create - Anything goes with the option to make blended backgrounds
The Corrosive Challenge - Anything goes

Creatalicious Challenge - Anything goes with the option of no designer paper

Crafter's Castle - Anything goes

QKR Stampede - Anything goes

Simon Says - Anything goes

Penny's Paper - Anything goes
Krafty Chicks - All occasions
Creative Fingers - Anything goes

Lemon Shortbread - Anything goes

As You Like It - Digis or rubber?  (I do like both rubber and digital stamps.  My preference for images has to be digital stamps as I can print them bigger than normal due to problems with my eyesight and can even go bigger depending on the size of the card I am intending to make)

Crafty Sentiments - Anything goes

Passion for Promarkers - Use a die

Digi Choosday - Anything goes
I Love Promarkers - Anything goes with the option of embellishments
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything goes

Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the option of friendship

Polkadoodles - Anything goes

Colour Crazy Challenge Blog - Friday 26 June 2020

It is time for another challenge over at the Colour Crazy Challenge Blog.

The weekly topic is always "anything goes".

This week we are lucky that we are sponsored by "Jan's Digi Stamps". 

This week I decided to make a Christmas card as this fun image called "Brighten the Holidays" spoke to me.  I have used the image and a sentiment you get with the image.

I have coloured the image in with Promarkers and added Stickles glitter glue to the penguin's mittens and also the earmuffs of one penguin.  I used a light bauble stamp for the corner and coloured them in red and green like the image and went around all the lights in Glossy Accents.

The backing papers are from my "Here Comes Christmas CD" by Polkadoodles.  It is one of my go-to Christmas CDs as I love the backing papers.

I have used a Lisa Horton banner die and cut out banners from the scraps of paper and card and layered these underneath the image.  

I have finished the card off quite simply with some red Nuvo pearl drops.

I am entering this card into the following challenges: 

Jan's Digi Stamps - Anything goes

Crafty Hazelnut Patterned Paper - Anything goes

Love to Craft - Anything goes

Cute as a Button - Anything goes with the optional twist of tag you're it!
Creative Craft Cottage - Anything goes
Ally's Angels - Anything goes
A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything goes
World Wide Open Design Team - Anything goes
The Creative Crafters - Anything goes
Creatalicious Challenge - Anything goes with the option of no designer paper
Crafter's Castle - Anything goes
Lemon Shortbread - Anything goes
Winter Wonderland - Christmas decorations
As You Like It - Digis or rubber?  (I do like both rubber and digital stamps.  My preference for images has to be digital stamps as I can print them bigger than normal due to problems with my eyesight and can even go bigger depending on the size of the card I am intending to make)
Scrapping 4 Fun - Anything goes
QKR Stampede - Anything goes
613 Avenue Create - Anything goes with the optional twist to create your own background
Word Art Wednesday - Anything goes
Crafty Hazelnut Christmas - Anything Christmas goes with the option of washi tape
A Gem of a Challenge - Anything goes
CD Sunday Plus - Anything goes with a CD, USB or anything digital (Polkadoodles "Here Comes Christmas CD")
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything goes

Creative Moments - Anything goes with the option for the girls

Crafting Happiness - Anything goes with the option of under the sea
Crafty Sentiments - Anything goes
Passion for Promarkers - Use a die
Digi Choosday - Anything goes
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything goes
Fezziwigs Festive Frolics - Photo inspiration (I have chosen a colour scheme from this picture of red, green and gold and the fact that once the lights have been untangled by the penguins they would go on a tree!!)

Simon Says - Anything goes
The Paper Shelter - Going digital
Fab n Funky - Christmas
Krafty Chicks - All occasions
Penny's Paper - Anything goes
Creative Fingers - Anything goes
Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the option of friendship
Polkadoodles - Anything goes

Another year older - does this face look bovvered????

Here is a fun card I have made using an image from CraftsUPrint by Janet Briggs and is called "Another Year Older Does This Face Look Bovvered 7.5 Mini Kit".  In the kit you get toppers/sentiments/decoupage.

I have used some backing paper from The Works.

As I wanted the image and sentiments (bit cheeky I know) to be the main focus I have simply finished this card off with some decorative card candi and an "uncle" peel-off sentiment.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Polkadoodles - Anything goes

The Paper Funday - Anything goes with the option of masculine

Crafty Creations - Anything goes

613 Avenue Create - Anything goes with the option to make blended backgrounds

Creative Craft Cottage - Anything goes

A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything goes

The Creative Crafters - Anything goes

Through the Craft Room Door - Anything goes

Scrapping 4 Fun - Anything goes

Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the option of black, white and one other colour

Polkadoodles - Anything goes

Word Art Wednesday - Anything goes

Creative Moments - Anything goes with the option for the girls

Digi Choosday - Anything goes

CD Sunday Plus - Anything goes with a CD, USB or anything digital

Crafting Happiness - Anything goes with the option of under the sea

Ching-Chou Kuik's Digital Stamps Inspiration Post - Wednesday 17 June 2020

 Here is my weekly inspiration post for the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Monthly Challenge Blog.

Before I do I'd like to remind you that our challenge this month is:

 "UNDER THE SEA OR FUN IN THE SUN OR BY THE SEA".

Here is my inspiration post with that theme. 

This week I thought I might make a wall hanger for a friend.  I have used the Ching-Chou Kuik image called "The Tender Angie".

I have coloured in the image with Promarkers.  I have used chalks for a subtle background.

The backing papers are from The Works.

I have finished the wall hanger off with some Marianne Designs die-cut shells, real shells, stamped sentiment, Joanna Sheen die-cut seagulls, some Crafter's Companion die-cut netting and finally some Crafter's Companion thick twine.

I am entering this project into the following challenges: 

Love to Craft - Anything goes

Mix it Up - Anything goes with the option of acrylic block stamping

Creative Craft Cottage - Anything goes
Aud Sentiments - Anything goes and sentiment
Ally's Angels - Anything goes
A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything goes
Crafting Happiness - Anything goes with the option of dads
World Wide Open Design Team - Anything goes
The Creative Crafters - Anything goes
Creatalicious Challenge - Anything goes with the option of no designer paper
Crafter's Castle - Anything goes
Crafty Sentiments - Anything goes
Digi Choosday - Anything goes
Lemon Shortbread - Anything goes
The Paper Shelter - Colour it
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything goes

Happy Birthday Layla

It is my niece's 14th birthday today so I have made her a bright and cheery card.  The image I have used is from Paper Shelter and is called "Have Fun in the Sun".  I have used the black-and-white image and coloured in with my Promarkers.  I added Glossy Accents to the sunglasses and the ice lolly.

The backing papers are from The Works and some scraps from my stash.

I have die-cut the numbers "1 and 3" and the letters "LAYLA" 3 times and stuck them on top of each other to gain some height and dimension.

I have finished the card off with Lisa Horton ticker tape sentiments and some gems.

I am entering this card into the following challenges: 

Word Art Wednesday - Anything goes

Through the Purple Haze - Wedding/Anniversary or Anything Goes

More Mixed Media - Anything goes with the option of purple

Crafty Friends - Anything goes

A Gem of a Challenge - Anything goes
613 Avenue Create - Anything goes with the option to make blended backgrounds
Lil Patch of Friends - Anything goes

Crafting Happiness - Anything goes with the option of the beach
I Love Promarkers - Anything goes with the option for a boy
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything goes
Penny's Paper - Anything goes
Aud Sentiments - Anything goes and sentiment
Ally's Angels - Anything goes
Polkadoodles - Anything goes
My Time to Craft - Summertime
Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the twist to add a number (number 14 added to my card)
Sweet Stampin' - Die-cuts and punches (die-cut numbers and letters)

Ching-Chou Kuik's Digital Stamps Inspiration Post - Wednesday 10 June 2020

 Here is my weekly inspiration post for the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Monthly Challenge Blog.

Before I do I'd like to remind you that our challenge this month is:

 "UNDER THE SEA OR FUN IN THE SUN OR BY THE SEA".

Here is my inspiration post with that theme. 

Sun, sea and serenity.  That is my card today.  I have used the Ching-Chou Kuik image called "Sea Breeze - Greyscale" (which comes in a set along with 9 other images).

I have coloured the image in with my Promarkers and added Crafter's Companion clear sparkle pen to areas as a mermaid and dragonflies need some sparkle.

The backing papers are from The Works.  On  the harlequin paper I have over-stamped with some Crafter's Companion shell stamps.

I have finished the card off with Marianne Designs die-cut shells, Crafter's Companion bubble dies, die-cut sentiment and some pearls.

I am entering this card into the following challenges: 

Jan's Digi Stamps - Anything goes

Die-cut Divas - Anything goes

We Love to Create - Anything mixed media goes

Morgans Artworld - Anything goes

Digi Doodle - Anything goes

Get Creative - Fantasy

Through the Purple Haze - Wedding/Anniversary or Anything Goes

More Mixed Media - Anything goes with the option of purple

Polkadoodles - Anything goes

Let's Craft and Create - Anything goes with the option of punch it!

Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the option of CAS

Crafty Friends - Anything goes

613 Avenue Create - Anything goes with the option to make blended backgrounds

Creative Moments - Anything goes with the option of summer sports

Creative Craft Cottage - Anything goes

Lil Patch of Friends - Anything goes

Crafting Happiness - Anything goes with the option of the beach

The Corrosive Challenge - Anything goes

Crafty Sentiments - Anything goes

Digi Choosday - Anything goes

I Love Promarkers - Anything goes with the option for a boy

Through the Craft Room Door - Anything goes

Penny's Paper - Anything goes

Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps - New release

 There is a new image in the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Etsy Store:

 This image is called "Hope and Faith".

You will get both images in the set shown.

 This image is available at a special introductory price of $2.80 (original price of $4.00).

Hurry as this offer ends on 15 June 2020.

Kym

Here is a thank you card I have made.  It has taken many hours but I am pleased with the outcome.

I have used a Ching-Chou Kuik image called "Sakura in March".  In this set you get a greyscale image and a black-and-white image, it is the latter that I have used.

I have coloured the image in with Promarkers and edged around the image with Tim Holtz's Old Paper distress ink.

The backing papers are from Summertime Designs (sadly no longer available) and from my stash.  I have inked around the edge of every single layer inside and outside of the card with Tim Holtz's Old Paper distress ink.

I have stamped my John Next Door Christmas Rose stamp with a grey Hunkydory Prism ink pad and used my Tim Holtz stamping platform so I could re-ink three times to get a crisp image on scraps of the two different backing papers.  I used the matching die to cut the rose layers out and then inked around the edge with the Old Paper distress ink.  I then shaped the flowers, stuck them together and added pearls to the centre.

I have finished the card off with this amazing piece of decorative lace a crafty friend gave to me, some grosgrain ribbon, die-cut greenery, large organza bow and a Sara Davies stitched "thank you" sentiment.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

More Mixed Media - Anything goes with the option of purple
Let's Craft and Create - Anything goes with the option of punch it!
Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the option of CAS
Crafty Friends - Anything goes
613 Avenue Create - Anything goes with the option to make blended backgrounds
Creative Moments - Anything goes with the option of summer sports
Creative Craft Cottage - Anything goes
Lil Patch of Friends - Anything goes
The Corrosive Challenge - Anything goes

I Love Promarkers - Anything goes with the option of circles

Lemon Shortbread - Anything goes

Moving Along with the Times - Things with wings

Crafty Sentiments - Anything goes
CCC Digi Creations - Anything goes
The Paper Funday - Anything goes with the option of masculine
Crafty Creations - Anything goes
Krafty Chicks - Stamp act - rubber or digital
Cute Card Thursday - Anything goes
Through the Purple Haze - Wedding/Anniversary or Anything Goes
Lil Red Wagon - Patterned paper or create your own background paper
Daisy Chain - Flowers
The Cutie Pie Challenge - Layer it up
Polkadoodles - Anything goes
A Gem of a Challenge - Anything goes

Ching-Chou Kuik's Digital Stamps Inspiration Post - Wednesday 3 June 2020

  Here is my weekly inspiration post for the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Monthly Challenge Blog.

Before I do I'd like to remind you that our challenge this month is:

 "UNDER THE SEA OR FUN IN THE SUN OR BY THE SEA".

Here is my inspiration post with that theme. 

 For my seaside themed birthday card I printed off the Ching-Chou Kuik digital image called "Magic Wish" and then die-cut with a stitched circle before colouring in.  I then coloured the image in with Promarkers and added a stamped sentiment.

The backing papers are Sara Davies' Crafter's Companion nautical range.

I planned where the image was to sit on the card and drew a feint pencil line around the edge so I knew where to lay some shell images.  I then used different shell stamps, coloured in with Promarkers, fussy cut out and laid onto the backing paper.

I have finished the card off very simply with just some pearls.

I am entering this card into the following challenges: 

Crafts Galore Encore - Anything goes
Jan's Digi Stamps - Anything goes
Crafty Hazelnut Patterned Paper - Anything goes
Morgans Artworld - Anything goes
Love to Craft - Anything goes
Digi Doodle - Anything goes
Cute as a Button - Anything goes with the optional twist of tag you're it!
Get Creative - Fantasy
Crafty Sentiments - Anything goes
Passion for Promarkers - A celebration
Digi Choosday - Anything goes
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything goes
CCC Digi Creations - Anything goes
The Paper Funday - Anything goes with the option of masculine
Crafty Creations - Anything goes

Look! It's Your Birthday

I recently won a prize over at the Polkadoodles Challenge and got to pick my winnings from the store.

Crumbs I thought it would take a long time to look through all the images but recently I used a Polkadoodles image as a Colour Crazy Design Team Member and I was hooked on "Helga Hippo"!!!

For my prize I chose some design sheets and it is the Helga Hippo - Sheet 9 Duo Download I have used today.  There are two sheets in the set but I have used one sheet.  It came with a background, beautiful Helga Hippo topper and lots of embellishments like banners, corners, flowers etc.  I 3D'd the main topper.

I have finished the card off simply so it can be posted easily and have added Nuvo pearl drops to the doily/centres of the flowers and added some Stickles glitter glue to the stalks of the flowers.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Simon Says - Anything goes
Penny's Paper - Anything goes
Krafty Chicks - All occasions
Creative Fingers - Anything goes
Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the optional twist of at least two layers
Polkadoodles - Anything goes
Creatalicious - Anything goes with the options of birthdays
A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything goes
A Bit More Time to Craft Extra - Anything goes
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything goes
CRAFT - Decoupage/3D
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - Anything goes with critters
Digi Choosday - Anything goes

Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps - New releases

 There is a new set of images in the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Etsy Store:

 This set is called "Hello Mermaid Set".

In this set you will get three greyscale images:  Green Sea Turtle, Deep Sea Siren and Tender Luna.

 This image is available at a special introductory price of $3.00 (original price of $6.00).

Hurry as this offer ends on 6 June 2020.

A Perfect Time to Craft Open Challenge Blog - June 2020

 Today sees a new challenge over at the A Perfect Time to Craft Open Challenge Blog.

The topic is always "ANYTHING GOES" and you are allowed unlimited entries into the challenge. 

  This month we are very lucky to be sponsored by "Dr Digi's House of Stamps".

 I decided to make a Father's Day card for my youngest son to give to his dad.  As my husband loves his tea (normal tea, peppermint tea, berry tea, lemon and gingers etc) I thought this Dr Digi's digital image called "Feet up and a Cuppa".  Yes my hubby is younger than this chap but he has started growing a beard again so will look like him soon!!

I have coloured the image in with Promarkers and inked around the edge with Tim Holtz's Peacock Feathers distress ink.

The backing papers are from The Works and every backing paper and die-cut has also been edged with the Peacock Feathers distress ink.

I have used an alphabet die set to cut out the word "DAD" and layered it up twice for some more dimension, used a Sizzix circle die and some tag dies a friend bought me which I added some Viva Declor chrome pen to the centres of the tags to look like brads.

I have finished the card off with a stamped sentiment and some spotty grosgrain ribbon.

I am entering this card into the following challenges: 

Creative Fingers - Anything goes
Cut It Up! - Boys will be boys and die-cuts
Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the optional twist of at least two layers
Creatalicious - Anything goes with the options of birthdays
Crafts Galore Encore - Anything goes
Die-cut Divas - Anything goes

A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything goes

A Bit More Time to Craft Extra - Anything goes

Pearly Sparkles - For the boys/men
Crafty Hazelnut Patterned Paper - Anything goes
We Love to Create - Anything mixed media goes
Girlz Creative Crafts - Men's card
Always Fun - Layers
Cute as a Button - Anything goes with the optional twist of tag you're it!
Classic Design Challenge - Anything goes
Morgans Artworld - Anything goes
Love to Craft - Anything goes
Love to Scrap - For the boys
Digi Doodle - Anything goes