Chocolate Baroque Colour Challenge #30

Welcome to the last Chocolate Baroque inspired fun for 2016: Chocolate Baroque Colour Challenge #30. We have a pretty colour swatch for you to use in your projects.  If you haven't played yet, now's the time to do so.

You can use any medium to create your projects: paints, inks, pencils, pens, stains, etc., as long as you stick to the colours from the colour swatch, using as much or as little of each colour as you wish.  You don't have to use Chocolate Baroque stamps to play along but if you do you will be entered into a random draw to win £15 to spend on Chocolate Baroque stamps. All participants will have a chance to be on the Design Team's Top Three list and proudly display the winner's badge on their blog.

Now that Christmas is over, I've had enough of Winter and the long dark cold nights. Time to look forward to Spring and all the beauty it promises. My card features the nesting bird from the Spring Bird Tulip DL sheet. I stamped it on Canson Watercolour paper with VersaMark Smokey Grey. To add some colour and texture to the background, I dropped little droplets of watered down Distress Inks in Spun Sugar, Antique Linen and Bundled Sage. As they dried naturally I added more droplets, and continued to layer it until I got the desired look.

I coloured the image with Caran d'Ache Supracolor Soft Aquarelle. I also mixed in some Perfect Pearls to add a little soft shimmer to the eggs. And you know me... it ain't over until I add a few bling!

Challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday: AG
TTCRD Dec 27: AG
Inspiration Destination #118: AG

Challenge #30 will close at 12.00 p.m. (UK) on Tuesday 17th January 2017, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday 25th January 2017. I hope you'll play along and run the risk of winning £15 to spend on Chocolate Baroque stamps.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you had fun this Christmas. I took a short blog break to spend time with hubby who is back for the holiday. His two weeks is almost over and he'll be flying back to Holland on the 1st. I'm making the most of our time together.

Beijinhos!

Chocolate Baroque: Winter Cottage

Good morning, friends! Today is the 4th Sunday of Advent and that means we are week away from Christmas. It's time of great excitement ... and extreme fear! Seriously, how many of you are truly prepared?

Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas. I wait for it all year. And when it's finally here... I want to run and hide! Every year I make a list of what to do to make next Christmas less nerve-wrecking. By the end of January they are promptly filed away in a shoebox and there they reside, forgotten and unfulfilled ... until panic strikes again in December. I even managed to lose the shoe box a couple of times!

Enough Gringe-ing, let's look at my latest effort at water colouring. For my last Chocolate Baroque DT post for 2016, I've gone back to the my very first stamp sheet. It's called The Gift Of Christmas and I bought it in October 2012. I stamped the image with VersaFine Smokey Grey and coloured it with Winsor & Newton water colours. The less intense colour of smokey grey ink gives the scene a misty feel, which was what I was going for.

And of course, I could not resist adding glitter and shine of every description! Out came the Stardust Stickles, Icicle Stickles, Perfect Pearls pigment, Nuvo Snow Blizzard and tiny red bling for the tree... and Frosty Flock.

Challenges:
Glitter & Sparkle #219: Christmas with Glitter
One Stitch At A Time #277: AG + Sparkle

That's all from me today. Thank you for stopping by and I wish you all a blessed 4th Advent of Sunday. Enjoy this most wonderful time of the year.

Beijinhos

ATSM #224: Clean & Simple

Hello again, friends! It's time for another challenge over at Addicted To Stamps and More. This will be our final challenge for the year and we'll be back next year with new challenges and a few new DT members too!

And so, for the last time this year we are playing Clean and Simple. Our sponsor is Happy Little Stampers and the winner will receive a $15 gift certificate.

Here is my CAS offering - a Christmas gift tag. It matches perfectly with this card I blogged yesterday featuring stamps from Lawn Fawn's Home For The Holidays.

Challenges:



Now it's your turn to link up your project for the Clean & Simple challenge. Don't forget to follow the rules to be eligible for the prize.

Thanks for stopping by and have fun with this challenge. 

Beijinhos!

Let It Snow!

Hello everyone. We are just under a fortnight away from Christmas and I am rushing to make the last few cards to send out. This card went out to a friend who is driving home for Christmas all the way from Copenhagen... that's quite a road trip!

I used LF Stitched Hillside Borders dies to create the snowy hills, inked with Tumbled Glass and some Icicle Stickles. For the sky, I used Broken China and Milled Lavender. The snowflakes are from Frosty Friends, heat embossed in white, and I added little drops of Nuvo Snow Blizzard for texture and sparkle. The sentiment is from Winter Scripty Sayings, stamped with VersaFine Onyx Black.

The main images are from Home For The Holidays, cut with coordinating dies. I stamped the trees with LF Noble Fir ink and coloured the card and pressies with Copics.

Challenges:
Lawnscaping #143: Let It Snow
Simon Says Stamp Monday: Let There Be Snow
Cutie Pie #106: A Day In The Snow

That's all from me today. Thank you so much for stopping by and have an amazing day!

Beijinhos

MHKD December Release: The Write Stuff

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 5 - the last day of MHKDesigns' December Release Party. Head on over to the MHK Designs ETSY Store for lots of lovely vintage designs that suit all crafting styles.

This month, MHKDesigns is releasing FIVE new digital stamp sets. Mynn has also added more Digital Paper Bundles that coordinate perfectly with her digi stamps. These are available for purchase NOW at the MHK Designs ETSY Store. 

As a special treat to celebrate the December 2016 Release, Mynn is giving away sets from this release. More on how to win at the end of this post.

Today we have this versatile vintage set called The Write Stuff.

I just had to make a card with a hint of nostalgia. Remember back in the days we made our telephone with 2 cups and a string? That's the inspiration for this card but I used baker's twine instead. The patterned papers are form the MHKD's Serene Seaside collection.

How To Win

In order to get this new set OR the entire release for FREE, here's what you'll need to do:

1. Leave a comment on the MHKDesigns blog. 
2. Leave a comment on each DT member's blog (see list below) 
3. Join our MHKDesigners and Friends Facebook group and leave a comment there.

Asha (me!) | Donna | Katie | Judy | Jerrie | Jessica |  Julie | Lilian  

Lorie | Mynn | NanaConnie | Rocky | Sathya | Shawna

Mynn will randomly choose the winning comments from all these places after the release is over. The best way to win is to comment every day. 

Beijinhos!

MHKD December Release: Fanciful Feathers

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 4 of MHKDesigns' December Release Party. Head on over to the MHK Designs ETSY Store for lots of lovely vintage designs that suit all crafting styles.

This month, MHKDesigns is releasing FIVE new digital stamp sets. Mynn has also added more Digital Paper Bundles that coordinate perfectly with her digi stamps. These are available for purchase NOW at the MHK Designs ETSY Store. 

As a special treat to celebrate the December 2016 Release, Mynn is giving away sets from this release. More on how to win at the end of this post.

Today we have this delicate beauty called Fanciful Feathers.

Here's my card. Keeping the colour palette neutral with soft pastels for that light feathery feel. The sheer bow above the scripture verse is the perfect finish for this card.

A few gentle strokes with Copics, a dash of Stardust Stickles and several tiny pale blue bling and this card is ready to go to a friend who needs a gentle reminder that she is not alone in her struggles.

How To Win

In order to get this new set OR the entire release for FREE, here's what you'll need to do:

1. Leave a comment on the MHKDesigns blog. 
2. Leave a comment on each DT member's blog (see list below) 
3. Join our MHKDesigners and Friends Facebook group and leave a comment there.

Asha (me!) | Donna | Katie | Judy | Jerrie | Jessica |  Julie | Lilian  

Lorie | Mynn | NanaConnie | Rocky | Sathya | Shawna

Mynn will randomly choose the winning comments from all these places after the release is over. The best way to win is to comment every day. 

Beijinhos!

MHKD December Release: Stitched Tea Party

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 3 of MHKDesigns' December Release Party. Head on over to the MHK Designs ETSY Store for lots of lovely vintage designs that suit all crafting styles.

This month, MHKDesigns is releasing FIVE new digital stamp sets. Mynn has also added more Digital Paper Bundles that coordinate perfectly with her digi stamps. These are available for purchase NOW at the MHK Designs ETSY Store. 

As a special treat to celebrate the December 2016 Release, Mynn is giving away sets from this release. More on how to win at the end of this post.

Today we have this cute little set called Stitched Tea Party.

I decided to have fun with this set and make a bright and whimsical card, reminiscent of countless the tea-parties my sister and I had with our pets, soft toys and reluctant adults ... many many moons ago. The background paper is from MHKD's Stencilled Roses paper pack.

I coloured the images with Copics, popped up the teacup on some foam taper and finished the card with Liquid Pearls.

How To Win

In order to get this new set OR the entire release for FREE, here's what you'll need to do:

1. Leave a comment on the MHKDesigns blog. 
2. Leave a comment on each DT member's blog (see list below) 
3. Join our MHKDesigners and Friends Facebook group and leave a comment there.

Asha (me!) | Donna | Katie | Judy | Jerrie | Jessica |  Julie | Lilian  

Lorie | Mynn | NanaConnie | Rocky | Sathya | Shawna

Mynn will randomly choose the winning comments from all these places after the release is over. The best way to win is to comment every day. 

Beijinhos!

MHKD December Release: Realistic Roses

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 2 of MHKDesigns' December Release Party. Head on over to the MHK Designs ETSY Store for lots of lovely vintage designs that suit all crafting styles.

This month, MHKDesigns is releasing FIVE new digital stamp sets. Mynn has also added more Digital Paper Bundles that coordinate perfectly with her digi stamps. These are available for purchase NOW at the MHK Designs ETSY Store. 

As a special treat to celebrate the December 2016 Release, Mynn is giving away sets from this release. More on how to win at the end of this post.

Today we have another floral beauty called Realistic Roses.

I made a pink friendship card. I was toying with the idea of making an shaker card but in the end decided to simply frame the roses. The lovely background paper is from MHKD's French Country paper pack.

Here's a closer look at the image. I coloured it with Copics, no fancy shading and finished the card with sheer ribbon and tiny sparkly stars.

How To Win

In order to get this new set OR the entire release for FREE, here's what you'll need to do:

1. Leave a comment on the MHKDesigns blog. 
2. Leave a comment on each DT member's blog (see list below) 
3. Join our MHKDesigners and Friends Facebook group and leave a comment there.

Asha (me!) | Donna | Katie | Judy | Jerrie | Jessica |  Julie | Lilian  

Lorie | Mynn | NanaConnie | Rocky | Sathya | Shawna

Mynn will randomly choose the winning comments from all these places after the release is over. The best way to win is to comment every day. 

Beijinhos!

MHKD December Release: Pretty Petunias

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 1 of MHKDesigns' December Release Party. Head on over to the MHK Designs ETSY Store for lots of lovely vintage designs that suit all crafting styles.

This month, MHKDesigns is releasing FIVE new digital stamp sets. Mynn has also added more Digital Paper Bundles that coordinate perfectly with her digi stamps. These are available for purchase NOW at the MHK Designs ETSY Store. 

As a special treat to celebrate the December 2016 Release, Mynn is giving away sets from this release. More on how to win at the end of this post.

Today we have this floral beauty called Pretty Petunias:

I made a very simple card by framing the petunia using Spellbinders Floral Oval diecut against a purple background using a paper from MHKD's French Country paper pack.

I coloured the flower with Copics and finished the card with a few pale green bling.

How To Win

In order to get this new set OR the entire release for FREE, here's what you'll need to do:

1. Leave a comment on the MHKDesigns blog. 
2. Leave a comment on each DT member's blog (see list below) 
3. Join our MHKDesigners and Friends Facebook group and leave a comment there.

Asha (me!) | Donna | Katie | Judy | Jerrie | Jessica |  Julie | Lilian  

Lorie | Mynn | NanaConnie | Rocky | Sathya | Shawna

Mynn will randomly choose the winning comments from all these places after the release is over. The best way to win is to comment every day. 

Beijinhos!

Tuesday Throwdown #322: Christmas Baking

Good morning, friends! Time for a new challenge over at Tuesday Throwdown. As we are very close to Christmas, the theme for this week "Christmas Baking", sponsored by Robyn's Fetish.

My festive contribution features this darling digi called Mouse with Christmas Cookie. I am pretty certain this little guy did not do any baking but he sure is running off with a Christmas cookie.

I coloured with Copics, fussy cut and adhered him to the card. And finally (don't judge!) lashings of Wink Of Stella Clear for that festive shimmer.

Challenges:
Dream Valley #146: Christmas
Kylie's Twelve Days of Christmas 2016: Day #2
TTCRD Dec 6: AG

Now it's your turn to create a project based on this week's theme: "Christmas Baking". For ideas and inspiration, take a peek at what the rest of the DT members have made. Remember to link up your project at the Tuesday Throwdown Challenge Blog by 3pm Pacific / 11pm UK on Monday, December 12th. And the most important requirement: Have Fun!

Have a super sweet day, friends!

x Beijinhos x

Chocolate Baroque: A King Is Born

Hello, friends!!! Welcome to my third ART JOURNAL collaboration with a very dear and special blog friend - VICKI PARSON of Stamp Smiles. We are both passionate about art journalling and decided to inspire and encourage each other a monthly show and tell.

Today, on the Second Sunday of Advent, I want to share with you a festive Art Journal page. My project showcases stamps by Chocolate Baroque: the Angel is from A Child Is Born and the Gothic window in the background is from Texture Fragments. 

I stamped the Angel with Memento Tuxedo Black, coloured her with Copics and fussy cut her before adhering her to the page with Ranger Multi Medium Matte. I applied Perfect Pearls - Pearl  to her dress and Nuvo Glitter Drops White Blizzard on her sash and the borders of her skirt. And if that wasn't enough shine, there's Star Dust Stickles on her wings and Wink of Stella Gold for that subtle shimmer on her hair.

To create the magical night sky, I first primed the page with Faber Castell Gesso. When completely dry, I applied Folk Art Acrylic Paint with a baby wipe, building layers and texture until I'm happy with the result. I started with the lightest colour in the middle of the page, getting darker as I worked my way out. The colours I used are: 481 Aqua, 401 True Blue, 484 Brilliant Ultramarine and 964 Midnight. When completely dry, I stamped the Gothic window from Texture Fragments with Ranger Dye Ink Cool Graphite.

For texture and dimension, I applied Ranger Texture Paste over Tim Holtz Flourish stencil at the edges of the page. When completely dry and firm, I dabbed on some Crystal Stickles for extra shimmer. I finished the background with some white splatters of watered down gesso and let it dry before assembling the page.

The quote is a reference to Luke 2:11. I used two alpha sets for this: Echo Park Allison and Claire Brennan (Waltzing Mouse) Victorian Alphabet, stamped with Ranger Archival Jet Black. I adhered the angel down with Ranger Multi Medium Matte. When dry, I added some soft shading with Faber Castell Pitt Brush Marker Cobalt Blue  and this helps the Angel stand out.

Challenges:
CHNC #310: Vintage or AG Christmas
Craft fo Craic December: Anything But Christmas Card
Creative Artiste #21: Anything Mixed Media
Winter Wonderland Dec 2: Night Scene
Stamps and Stencils: Christmas Wishes
Come And Get It: Christmas
We Love To Create #25: AG Mixed Media

Now please head on over to VICKI PARSON of Stamp Smiles and check out what she has made. I have no doubt she would have created a fabulous page.

Thank you so much for stopping by and have a beautiful day!

x Beijinhos x

Blog Hop: Here For You Always

Hello, my friends! Welcome to a SPECIAL SURPRISE blog hop for a friend and design team mate, Julie Odil.

Julie was recently diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma, so this hop is our way of letting her know that we are here for her. You should have come here from Mynn Kitchen. If you didn't, please hop over to THIS POST for a complete list of participants! 

Along with this hop, there is a special release Get Well Flowers digital stamp set and coordinating paper pack from the MHKDesigns Etsy shop designed specifically for sending get well cards to those struggling with different forms of cancer. The colors of the paper pack are lavender (all cancers awareness), lime green (lymphoma awareness), pink (breast cancer awareness), teal (ovarian cancer awareness), and peach (cervical cancer awareness).

Here is the card I made for Julie using one of the lovely floral images from the Get Well Flowers set. It's on it's way to Julie and I hope she'll find comfort in knowing that we are all rooting for her speedy recovery.

I coloured the image with Copics and added a few dusty pink pearls.

Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends! I know that Julie needs our support now more than ever, so let's band together and show her that we are here for her! Your next stop on the hop is the lovely Donna Thielker.

Have a lovely day!

Beijinhos