Crafting Musketeers January 2015 Challenge #21 – Hats and Valentines

Hi Everyone


MJ here, get ready to enter this month’s fabulous challenge. This month’s challenge features ‘Hats and Valentines’. This month has been sponsored by Lacy Sunshine Digis and the prize is to win some digi images.

Here is a little about them.

" Lacy Sunshine Stamps offers beautiful and imaginative digital stamps for all your paper crafting needs. All images from Lacy Sunshine are hand drawn and designed by Heather Valentin , a professional artist, muralist and illustrator. "

We were lucky enough to be able to use some of Heather's images for our inspiration and here is my take on this month’s challenge for you.

I have used the Valentine Image from the Lacy Sunshine collection of Digi images and think she is so cute.  I enjoyed colouring her in with my pens and pencils.

 

 

I wanted to have frilled ribbon on the card to reflect the ruffles on her skirt and a glazed heart to match the ones on her hat. 

 

 

She is a lovely size to practice your colouring on as there is a lot of space to work with.

 

What Was Used

Lacy Sunshine Digi – Valentine

8” x 8” White Card Blank

Heartfelt Creations Arianna Blooms Collection – Papers

Neenah Card – White

Spellbinders Die Set – Lacy Ovals

Tonic Studios Dies – Acorn Swirl – 178E

Tonic Studios Die – Just Because Sentiment Set – 369E

Joy! Craft Die – Lattice Heart

Copic Pens and Spectrum Noir Pencils

Skin – E000, 00, 11 and 21/004, 089, 005

Hair – E11, 21, 31, 25 and 37/095, 091, 117

Dress – R22, 29 and 17/033, 027, 024, 117

Rangers Crackle Accents – on heart

 

This is my take on the challenge what will yours be?
 

The challenge this month will end on 29th January at 8pm.  Good Luck!

If you don't have your own blog , don't worry ,  remember we have a Facebook Page for you to post your entry onto. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crafting-Musketeers-Challenge-BLOG/320703981385124

See The Crafting Musketeers blog for challenge rules and lots of inspiration from the Design Teams. 


We hope you have been inspired. 

Thanks for Popping By

xx

Crafting Musketeers December Challenge #20 – ‘Use Bling’

 

Hi Everyone

MJ here and hoping that you get to read this and enter this fab challenge.  I have been having Blogger probs but looks like it’s sorted now…..woo hooo!

So this month’s challenge is to use bling so get all those glitzy, shiny embellishments out and go for it!  The more bling the better…..or is that just me?..lol x

This month has been sponsored by the lovely Jackie Western at Party Nights Creations 

 

 

Here is a little bit about them.

" We make good quality, affordable wedding stationery, greeting cards and jewellery.
Please check out the blog for further details and if I can be of any assistance then please just give me a shout!  http://www.party-nights-creations.blogspot.co.uk/   "

Here is the prize , which will also include some die cuts and gems and a bit of ribbon.

 

 

I fancied a little colouring for this challenge so decided to use the Crafters Companion Scruffy Little Kat stamp range together with my Spectrum Noir Pens and pencils (which I would be lost without!).

I stamped the image in Memento ink and coloured her in.  The list of pens I used will be at the bottom of this post.

 

 

I took an 8” x 8” white card, matt and layered with centura pearl card and a printed backing paper from Scruffy Little Kat CDRom that matched bubbles on stamp.  Then I die cut the image with a matching back panel.  I added a punched border wrapped with ribbon and glued all elements to front of card.  To finish (and this is my bling) I stuck some aqua coloured gems in the bubbles of the stamped image.

 

What Was Used

8” x 8” White Card

Centura Pearl Card – Darks

Scruffy Little Kat Stamp and CD

Neenah Card

Self-Adhesive Pearls - Aqua

Spectrum Noir Pens and Pencils

Skin: FS2, FS3, TN2 and EB2, FS8, 009, 004, 003

Hair – TN2, TN4, EB4 and EB8, 095, 091, 089

 

This is my take on the challenge what will yours be? 

The challenge this month will end on 29th December at 8pm.  Good Luck!

If you don't have your own blog , don't worry ,  remember we have a Facebook Page for you to post your entry onto. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crafting-Musketeers-Challenge-BLOG/320703981385124

See The Crafting Musketeers blog for challenge rules and lots of inspiration from the Design Teams. 

One last thing – Have A Very Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2015 xx

See you there.

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks for Popping By

xx

Crafters Inspiration Magazine Issue 4 - Makey Bakey Mice with Embossalicious and Kraft Card

 

Hi Everyone

Thought we would share a project that MJ has done for you using the FREE CD images that come within the Crafters Inspiration Magazine Issue 4.  The freebies are great and give you such added value with nothing taken away from the quality of the items enclosed. 

Today MJ has chosen to use the Makey Bakey Mice decoupage topper image into an easel card project.

 

She used the Crafters Companion Kraft Card together with two backing papers she chose from the CD.  MJ loves to work with Kraft Card and soft blues – it’s such a pretty combo.

 

 

The quality of this image is superb and the decoupage is so made so easy to cut out – not too many fussy bits and bobs.

 

 

On the tag shape she embossed the Kraft Card using an 8” x 8” Embossalicious folder called Flower Frenzy and then inked lightly over with Tea Dye Distress Ink and Frayed Burlap around the edges to darken.

 

 

The mini easel card is made from one of the greeting panels from a sentiments sheet.

 

 

She even decided to make a small box using her UltimatePro and Boxer Board – it’s so easy to make if you have the correct equipment to hand.  MJ hates too much ‘faffing’ as she calls it. She likes things to be simple to achieve for everyone.  To finish, all she did was pierce three small holes with her pokey tool through the top of the box and pushed in the candle holders.  The candles just store in the box below.

You can really go to town with your chosen decorations.  Have fun!

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks for Popping By

xx

A Majestic Creation Again!

 

Hi Everyone

Mandy-Jane decided that she needed to make one more card for you to see using the Spellbinders Majestic Labels 25.  She loves this set of dies now that she has taken the time to have some quick plays with it!

It is so easy to create quick and easy cards with this set of wonderful dies.  You can make so many mix-n-match combos – too many to think about without her brain hurting – a bit like brain freeze after an ice cold milkshake..lol

Rather than just straight white on white today MJ had some gorgeous scrapbook paper to hand that was a pretty mix of peach and pink.  A little touch of colour completely changes the look of the card.  Also keeping the soft look by stamping a greeting in Victorian Velvet Distress Ink.

 

 

MJ Used: -

Spellbinders Majestic Labels 25

Kaisercraft Scrapbook Paper – Enchanted Garden Collection – Entrance

Stamps by Chloe – Everyday Mini Messages

 

We hope you were inspired.

Thanks for Popping By

xx

White on White Half-time Christmas Card

 

Hi Everyone

Sounds odd?  Well, Mandy-Jane was banished to her craft room at half-time whilst hubby watched the rest of the footy!  Blooming cheek we say..lol

So this is a very quick post from MJ for you.

She has used her Spellbinders Majestic Labels Twenty-Five together with a Marianne Design Poinsettia Die.  The oval shape is from the Spellbinders Small Ovals and the leafy stems were cut on her Silhouette Cameo.

 

 

Finished with a little Spray and Sparkle, a bow and a pearl.  Very quick, simple and clean cut.

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks for Popping By

xx

My Second Makey Bakey Mice Card

 

Hi Everyone

We have another Makey Bakey Mice card project for you today that Mandy-Jane did recently for a Crafters Companion demonstration in Bristol.

 

 

He is so cute singing for his supper!  Sing your little heart out..lol

Here is a list of products Mandy-Jane used for this project most items available in store at Dandie Crafts: -

 

White 250gsm Card

Neenah Card

Makey Bakey Mice Stamp – Christmas Carols – Crafters Companion

Green and Red Core’dinations Card

Embossalicious Folder – 6” x 6” Petite Dot

Die’sire Die – Lace Border 4

Spellbinders Die Set – Decorative Labels 8

Spellbinders Die Set - Labels 28

Memento Ink – Rich Cocoa

Spectrum Noir Pens – DR1, DR5, DR7

         TN1, TN3, TN5, EB4, IG2, CR2, Blender Pen

Red Gingham Ribbon

 

We hope you have been inspired.

 

Thanks for Popping By

xx

Sweet Things and Sweet Treats - Crafters Companion

We love, love, love this set of Crafters Companion embossing boards and the CD papers are to die for!  The papers have that vintage floral theme that you see in all the top housewares shops and in the wonderful 50’s films.
 

Today Mandy-Jane is sharing with you a Large Milk Carton project that she made recently for the launch of this fantastic set. 
 

Mandy-Jane was shopping in Cardiff with her mother and had to pop into one of her favourite shops on the Hayes, The Kath Kidson store.  What a wonderful array of goodies they have and so inspired her to make this clean simple look.  A fabulous way to present a gift and make it so personal.
 

Mandy-Jane has used the the CD and printed both side of 2 pieces of A4 white card and the roses have been cut from another A4 printed sheet cut and decoupaged.  The die used for the windows and frame is the Spellbinders classic small ovals.  She just added ribbon to finish.  How easy is it to make every box unique.
 

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks for Popping By

xx

She's So Cute! Card Project for You xx

Hi Everyone

Today Mandy-Jane has been playing with the Hobby House Topper Pack using a Mo Manning design.

She is so cute (and we mean the image and not MJ!) and the colours are so soft.

The scrapbook papers make such wonderful backgrounds for cardmaking.  And you can get four 6" x 6" mats out of one sheet....brilliant!

What We Used: -

 

 

Hobby House Topper Pack - HHM0010

 

Exotic Orchid Core'dinations Card

 

Kaisercraft Scrapbook Paper - The Lake House Collection - Serenity

 

Dies from Spellbinders, Memory Box, Cheery Lynn and Joy!

 

McGill Punch - Pine Branch

 

Aged Mahogany Distress Ink

 

Distress Glitter - Spun Sugar

 

Paper Blossoms/ Lace





 

 How We Did It: -

• The card base is 7" x 7".
• The exotic orchid card has been cut to a 6 3/4" square.
• The green printed paper is cut to a 6 1/2" square.
• The floral paper is cut to a 6" square.
• Distress all the squares using the Distress Ink.
• Mat and layer these together.
• Cut a piece of lace and wrap around the above.  Glue to front of card.
• Die cut fancy circle for topper to sit on. Glue together.  Attach to centre of card with 3D glue Gel/foam pads.
• Punch some pine branches out in a toning green, arrange on card and glue into place.
• Add paper blossoms and die cut elements.
• Add glitter highlights where wanted to finish card.

 

We hope you have been inspired.

 

Thanks for Popping By

 

xx



 



 

 



Pretty in Pink with Chloe and Bo Bunny

Hi Everyone

Today Mandy-Jane is sharing a card that she made during a demo at Dandie Crafts on 6th July.  She thoroughly enjoyed the day and loved working with the Chloe Designs stamps.
  
 
She made an easel base card from white card stock so that base card measured 15cm x 15cm.

Next using silver mirri card she cut 2 x 14.8cm squares and attached to front and inside bottom of card.

Take Bo Bunny paper and cut 2 x 14.5cm squares.  Adhere on top of silver card.

Cut a 6.5cm x 14.8cm piece of silver mirri card and a piece of pink paper at 5.5cm x 14cm.  Mat these pieces together.  Add foam pads to rear and attach to bottom of card approx 2.5cm in from edge of card.  This will be the stopper for easel.

Take the Chloe small daisy stamp and ink with Versamark, stamping onto pink card x 4.    Then use WOW embossing powder in silver pearl over the image and heat.  Once cool cut all 4 daisies out.  Layer in pairs.  Add one to raised stopper and one to front of easel.



To finish add some due cuts.  Mandy-Jane has used the Heartfelt Creations Bella Rose die set for the swirly bits.



Mandy-Jane chose an Inkylicious verse and stamped onto a Spellbinders shape.

We hope you have been inspired.

 

 

Thanks for Popping By

xx

Maggs Barrett–June Guest Designer

 

Hi Everyone

We are so pleased to introduce our fabulous Guest Designer Maggs Barrett.

Maggs makes the most gorgeous Shabby Chic cards so please take a lingering look at her blog which can be found here: - http://dizzysdecoratives.blogspot.co.uk/

“I have been crafting for approx. 2 years now – have never done anything ‘arty crafty’ in my life, but always wanted to, but never had the confidence in myself. After bringing up 4 of my own children plus over a 17 year period, fostered many children, I felt it was about time I had some ‘me’ time, a place to escape to.

There were no classes nearby, I didn’t have a clue where to start, so bought a job lot of cardmaking stuff from the local paper – then started watching you tube – that’s it, I was addicted. I then attended a class at Dandie Crafts for brayering. I really couldn’t get the hang of it, but Mandy made it look so easy, and yes, she was right, once she taught us the technique, we were well away. Also attended Dandies layering/matting classes, again this was something I struggled with, it was a fab class, very friendly people, so welcoming.

Recently Mandy asked me if I would like to do a guest spot for them, I was so pleased, so off I went to collect the materials to use – now this was going to be a challenge, have never used toppers and I have always used quite pale colours, and here I am with a strong colours of green and pink!

The papers were lovely quality and fab to use.”

             

This is the recipe for my card: -

From Dandie Crafts

· Cardstock – Co-ordinations ‘Mantis’ – this was awesome to rip and distress

· Bo Bunny ‘Isabella’ – such pretty paper and gorgeous quality

· Topper – Mo Manning – Little Divas

· The Large flower and ALL leaves on card are ones I made from dies I purchased from Dandie’s quite a while back (sorry cant remember their names – but am sure Mandy will be able to tell you).

· The inks I used are Ranger distress ink (again all from Dandies) – picked raspberry, mown lawn and peeled paint.

· The centre of the flower was a pack of pretty embellishments I also purchased from Dandies.

The Nesting dies are Go Kreate (from Dandie’s)

Rest of items were items in my stash

What a fabulous card Maggs has done for us.  Here’s hoping she’ll do more for us later.

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks for Popping By

xx

Brambly Hedge – Sneak Peek - Crafters Companion –Launches on Create and Craft – Friday 14th June 12 noon

 
Hi Everyone

Today I would like to share with you a sneaky peek from the World Wide launch from Crafters Companion of Bramley Hedge stamps and CD range.



Many of you may remember these characters from when you or your children were young.  They were lovely little story books.

Crafters Companion have brought these characters to life for us crafters.  The CD-ROM is packed full of printable elements for your cardmaking and home decor projects.  

Please tune in to Create and Craft for all the scheduled shows with Leanne and check out the Crafters Companion website for more inspiration.



So many gorgeous images to let your imagination run wild with.  I have used printable toppers taken from the Autumn/Winter section of the CD, Core’dinations card and Die’sire corner dies to make this card sample.



Don’t miss the launch and your chance to get these wonderful  images.

We hope you have been inspired.

Thanks for Popping By
xx

Autumn Colours - Prepping Early! with Sheena Douglass Stamps

Hi Everyone

Today Mandy-Jane is sharing with you a card she made a little while ago.  We have been thinking about Summertime the last couple of days but this doesn't mean we are not thinking that 3 months ahead for the next season.....lol

Looking through the Core'dindation card stock the oranges, burnt sienna and golden yellows were shouting ....'use me, use me' then it came to Mandy-Jane that she had done a card previuosly using those colours.  She dug and she dug and low and behold she found the photo!

 

 

We Used

 

Core'dinations Card

 

Darice Embossing Folder - Stripes

 

Spellbinders Die - Leaves

 

Sheena Douglass Stamps - Silhouette Country Lane

 

Versfine Ink - Onyx Black

 

 

Only a quickie but effective.  Great for a man's card.

 

We hope you have been inspired.

 

 

Thanks for Popping By

 

xx

Special Day Card - FlitterGLu

Hi Everyone

This time Mandy-Jane has been sparkling stamped images using FlitterGlu and Glamour Dust to create a pretty backround useful for a wedding card.

Ingredients Used

8" x 8" Card Base

Ditsress Ink - Tumbled Glass

Inkessentials Ink Blending Tool

Inkylicious Ink Duster Brush

Inkyliciuos Stamp - Special Day

FlitterGlu

Mega Flakes - Sheffield Steel

Glamour Dust - Diamond

Spellbinders Die Set - Decorative Labels 8

Creative Expressions - Beaded Elements Stamp Set

• Cut a piece of white card to 7.5" x 7.5" and colour using the Tumbled Glass Distress Ink and an Ink DusterBrush.
• Using the FlitterGlu and one of the Beaded Elements stamps, stamp around the edges of the inked panel. Cover stamped images with Glamour Dust.
• Add ribbon around centre of panel and adhere this to your 8" x 8" card base.
• Die cut 1 large and 1 small label, ink edges with Tumbled Glass. Stamp 'Special Day' greeting using FlitterGlu onto small label and cover with Sheffield Steel flakes.
• Using 3D Glue Gel or foam pads attach both labels to front of card.

We hope this has inspired you.

Thanks for Popping By

xx