CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop: Inspiration

Good morning, friends! Just dropping off a little inspiration for the CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop. Too soon to think about Christmas? If you want Peace and Goodwill during the festive season, an early start is mandatory! Even better if you have a chance of winning some fabulous prizes for your efforts. The  CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop is offering just that. So head on over there and read all about it.

Here's another inspiration card from me. This time I'm using a non-Christmas stamp set by one of our sponsors - Chocolate Baroque - called A Little Bird Told Me. Inspired by my original CASE card, I've got the bird on a branch as my central focal image. Distress Inks in Chipped Sapphire and Peacock Feathers create the wintery background with snowflakes from Chocolate Baroque's Family Christmas stamp sheet, embossed in white. I've added sequins and bling for that inescapable festive sparkle.

The diecut circle reveals a greeting from Chocolate Baroque's Christmas Magic set, stamped with Versafine Deep Lagoon. To soften the look, I added some sheer white ribbon tied in a simple knot. The entire piece is mounted on foam before adhering on the card base.

I coloured the bird with Faber-Castell Polychromos ... and added a dot of Glossy Accent to his eye. I should have waited for it to dry before taking the photo! I assure you he is not suffering from an eye infection!

And here is the greeting. Why am I showing you this? Hint.. hint...

Challenges:
Winter Wonderland: All That Glitters
ATSM #152: Make Your Mark - Polychromos
Holly Jolly Christmas: Winter Wonderland
Retarte #55: AG
CHNC #236: Add A Sentiment

Supplies:

I hope you'll join the Blog Hop and play along with us. Details of prizes and rules is on the CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop. Head on over there and start from the beginning. Make sure you complete the whole hop for the most chances to win! The Blog Hop ends at 11:55pm (Central) on July 17th.

That's all from me today. During the course of the Blog Hop, I'll share with you more more festive inspiration using products by our sponsors. Thanks for stopping by and I'm looking forward to seeing your creation over at CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop.

Beijinhos!

Chocolate Baroque: Golden Cage

Good morning, friends! I've been playing with Chocolate Baroque's gorgeous July release stamps and I cannot wait to share my first card project featuring the handsome bird is from the Free As A Bird A5 sheet and the cage is from the A Little Bird Told Me A5 sheet.  I deliberately kept it simple so that the beautiful stamps will steal the show.

Here's how I made this card:

1. Heat emboss the bird cage from A Little Bird Told Me A5 sheet onto black card stock using WOW Embossing Powder Gold Rich.

2. Fussy cut the insides of the bird cage.

3. Stamp the bird from Free As A Bird A5 sheet onto bleed proof paper with Memento Tuxedo Black and colour with Graph'It alcohol markers in shades of orange and yellow.

4. Fussy cut the bird and adhere on the black card next to the golden cage.

5. Trim the black card to measure 4" x 5-1/2".  Punch out random holes measuring 3/16" around the image.

6. Layer the black card over blue foil paper measuring 4-1/4 " x 5-3/4". Optional extra: stitch with gold metallic thread. Adhere the finished piece onto white card base measuring 4-1/5" x 6".

Here's a close up of the bird and cage. I especially like the way the light catches the metallic card... although it was a real pain to photograph!

Challenge:
Fab N Funky #267: Inspired By A Song - A Bird In A Gilded Cage by Harry Anthony (1904!)
Word Art Wednesday  #191: AG Family Friendly
Addicted To Stamps & More #152: Make Your Mark - alcohol markers
TTCRD: AG
Papertake Weekly: AG

Supplies:

And don't forget to join the CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop. Details of prizes and rules is on the CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop. Chocolate Baroque is sponsoring a prize! Woohoo! Head on over there and start from the beginning. Make sure you complete the whole hop for the most chances to win! The Blog Hop ends at 11:55pm (Central) on July 17th.  I'm looking forward to seeing your creation over at CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop.

That's all from me today. Hope y'all are having a fab summer so far. Remember to stay safe and keep you furbabes safe too. Heat kills. My furbabes spend most of the day indoors ... asleep. Pretty much what they do in the winter too!

Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you tomorrow with a Chocolatey inspiration for the CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop.

Beijinhos!

Tuesday Throwdown #252: No Patterned Paper

Good morning, friends! Welcome to another Tuesday Throwdown Challenge. Our theme this week is "No Patterned Paper" and we sponsored by Robyn's Fetish. That means we get to play with their gorgeous digis. If you don't have anything by Robyn's Fetish you can still play along, as long as you follow our challenge theme.

In keeping with our theme "No Patterned Paper" I made a a Christmas card featuring the Christmas Scene 1 digi by Robyn's Fetish, using just cardstock. The image is mounted on foam tape and adhered directly on the a pearlescent brown top-folding card base. I'm keeping the design super simple with just some silver thread for embellishment ... and that is it.

Here's a closer look at the Christmas Scene 1 digi by Robyn's Fetish.  I did most of the colouring with Graph'It alcohol markers. For the background I also used my Caran d'Ache Suprasoft pencils.

Challenges:
Without Words July: Predominately Blue & Brown
Use Your Stash #200: AG
Craft Your Passion #269: AG
Crafting From The Heart #67: AG
Craft DeeBowz July: AG With Handmade Bow
Robyn's Fetish Challenge #271: AG (our challenge sponsor this week)
Christmas Card Challenges #31: Colour Combo / AG Christmas

Supplies:

Now it's your turn to create a project based on this week's theme: "No Patterned Paper". 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 Monday, July 13th.  And the most important requirement: Have Fun!

Beijinhos!

CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop: Inspiration

Well, hello there! Just a quick post to drop off a little inspiration for the CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop. If this is news to you, then you are definitely missing out on a chance to win some fabulous prizes. I urge you to head on over to CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop and read all about it.

But first, take a look at this cute little guy from Polka Doodles' Work and Play 5: Festive Hollybobs. The patterned paper is from Polka Doodles' Angelberry Christmas Collection. With the boy as my focal point, I don't need much on this card - just some ribbon, Liquid Pearls (Opal White and Baby Blue) and Stardust Stickles. I also rounded the corners with WRMK Corner Chomper 1/2" and blended in some Distress Ink (Tumbled Glass and Salty Ocean.

I coloured the boy with Graph'It alcohol markers.  Hollybobs Mistletoe is available as a separate download digi. The greeting is from Polka Doodles' Work and Play 5: Festive Hollybobs.

Challenges:
Christmas Card Challenges #31: Colour Combo / AG Christmas
Sparkles Christmas #54: Use Ribbon, Lace or Twine
Crafty Calendar: Christmas in July
Ribbon Girls July: AG + Option of Stars & Stripes
CHNC Extra July: AG Christmas
CHNC #236: Add A Sentiment

Supplies:

I hope you'll join the Blog Hop and play along with us. Details of prizes and rules is on the CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop. Head on over there and start from the beginning. Make sure you complete the whole hop for the most chances to win!

The Blog Hop ends at 11:55pm (Central) on July 17th.  There's plenty of time but don't wait too long to link up your project.

That's all from me today. During the course of the Blog Hop, I'll share with you more more festive inspiration using products by our sponsors. Thanks for stopping by and I'm looking forward to seeing your creation over at CASE-ing Christmas Blog Hop.

Beijinhos!

CASE-ing Christmas: JULY BLOG HOP

Hi, friends! Welcome to the CASE-ing Christmas "CHRISTMAS IN JULY" blog hop! There will be prizes from fabulous sponsors, and the challenge will be a bit different from what we usually do, but we think you'll like it! You should have arrived here from Mynn. Make sure to complete the whole hop for the most chances to win!

Here are our fabulous sponsors~

All Dressed Up

Chocolate Baroque

DeeDee's Digis

Graciellie Design

MHK Designs

Paper Sweeties

Polkadoodles

*********************************************

So now that you know we've lined up some super sponsors for you, there's no excuse not to play along! :) The theme of this blog hop is to CASE YOURSELF  - with a TWIST: CASE A NON-HOLIDAY CARD.

Here's my Non-Holiday subject - a Thank You card from my Blog Post 8 October 2014. Today I'll show you THREE takes on this card. I have drawn on various elements from this card to make my Christmas card featuring products by our sponsors.

First up is Chocolate Baroque. Here I've blended the shades of warm yellow Distress Inks (Wild Honey, Fossilised Amber, Scattered Straw) for the background. There's also Liquid Pearls (Daffodil), a winged creature (the bird), nature image (the tree), colours (green, red, blue) and a stamped greeting. The image is from Chocolate Baroque's Turtle Doves A5 stamp sheet and the greeting is from Chocolate Baroque's Peace On Earth A5 stamp sheet. I coloured the image with Graph'It alcohol markers.

My second sample features Polka Doodles on a top-folding landscape card.  The focal images are from the Work & Play 5: Festive Hollybobs Collection.  They are actually two separate digis which I've put together. The girl (Hollybobs Presents) and the elf (Hollybobs Little Elf) are also available as separate downloadable digis. On this card you'll see how I've taken a few steps to the side, but still retaining elements from the original card: elements of nature (holly), colours (red, green, yellow, blue), ribbon, Distress Ink for the background (Squeezed Lemonade) and Liquid Pearls (Silver). I coloured the image with Faber-Castell Polychromos.

Girl: Why have I only got this paltry piece of ribbon?

Elf: Look 'ere, Missy. You ain't on Santa's list!

And finally, a card showcasing an adorable image by All Dressed Up called Christmas Postie, in which I took a turn, lost my way and got stuck in snow! A whimsical, fun square card with the focal image in the middle and in keeping with the playful look - no fancy colouring, just simple strokes with Graph'It alcohol markers. I blended shades of blue Distress Inks (Tumbled Glass and Faded Jeans) for the snowy background. I've got Liquid Pearls (Baby Blue) and the colours (red, green, yellow...ish and blue). The greeting is by MHK Designs.

Three diverse samples and as you can see, CASE does not mean you have to reproduce an exact copy of the original. Be inspired by the various elements on your card and let your imagination run wild. Be creative and you'll come up with a new look on your previous design.

During the course of the Blog Hop, I'll share with you more more festive inspiration using products by our sponsors. So bring on the Christmas card frenzy!

And now, here's the hop list~

CASE-ing Christmas

Mynn

Asha

Donna

Rocky

Steph

Cohenna

Daen'Ys

Judy

Your next stop is Donna, so get to hopping!  Afterwards, come back and link up with us.  We cannot WAIT to see what you create for us this month!  Remember, the Blog Hop ends at 11:55pm (Central) on July 17th.  Merry stamping, friends!

Beijinhos!

Polka Doodles #27: Add Some Embossing

Good morning, friends!!! It's FRIDAY.... at last, so brace yourself for another fortnight of challenges, friends! A new theme starts today: "Add Some Embossing" - wet or dry... as long as it actual, real, proper embossing and not "digital embossing".

My card features a fairy called Serenity Blossom from the sweet Serenity Fairy Collection. The patterned paper is from the Work & Play 10: Country Life Collection. I embossed the background paper with the Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirls folder and inked it Picked Raspberry Distress Ink to make the swirly design stand out. The ticket tag is also from the Serenity Fairy Collection, which I inked with Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink. To finish I added lashing of Stardust Stickles and pale blue bling.

Serenity Blossom and is also available as a separate download digi. I coloured her with Faber-Castell Polychromo pencils. She is a joy to colour. Yesterday, I posted another fairy from the Serenity Fairy Collection called Serenity Fairy Kisses. You can see her in this blog post.

Challenges:
Crafting With Friends #1: AG
Simply Papercraft #8: AG
Sister Act Challenge #113: AG Cards Only
Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper: July AG
Creative Moments #71: Embossing
C.R.A.F.T. #318: Embossing

Supplies:

Now it's over to you, my friends. Create any project - card, tag, lay-out, box, bag, etc. You have until Noon (UK Time) on Friday, 17 July 2015, to link up your entries over at the Polka Doodles Challenge Blog. You don't have to use Polka Doodles products to enter, but if you have it, by all means, flaunt it! One randomly selected winner will receive downloads worth $10 from the Polka Doodles Online Store. In order to qualify you must follow our Rules. Remember, you are only allowed TWO entries per challenge.

That's all from me today. Thank you so much for stopping by and for your lovely comments.  See you in a bit with an EXTRA SPECIAL festive post!  Have a fabulous Friday, friends.

Beijinhos

June Card Chain Challenge

Hello friends. Ever get the feeling like you need more hours in a day with more days in a week? I' running behind on just about everything! While in this fragile state, one of my blog buddies had the audacity to spring another spine-chilling surprise - Christmas is 175 days away!!! Run and hide..... but before you do that, take a look at this:.

Today's post is about the June Card Chain Challenge. 36 girls made and exchanged cards across the globe! You can see the full reveal here: June 2015 Card Chain Challenge Reveal.  I got a gorgeous card from Lisa of Massechusetts.

If you're new to the Card Chain Challenge gig, check out the CCC FAQs over at Debi's Society of Stampaholics. Basically we send out card a card a month and receive one in return from anywhere in the world. It's fun getting something other than bills in the mail. You should try it!

For the June challenge, we were given a choice of Colour or Sketch or Theme (Patriotism / Sports / Friendship) or Products (Bling). I picked Friendship and Bling and made a card for Jerrie of Wisconsin.

The image, paper and greeting on this card is from Polka Doodles Serenity Collection. I not one for cutesie fairy images but I am in love with this collection. She's pretty, a joy to colour and suitable for adults too! This fairy is called Serenity Fairy Kisses and she is available as a separate download digi.

Here's a close-up. I coloured her with Faber-Castell Polychromo pencils, added Liquid Pearls to the flowers in her hair, Stardust Stickles to her wings and little purple Bling everywhere else!

Challenges:
Mod Squad Challenge Blog: Patterned Paper
Addicted To Stamps #151: AG
Tuesday Throwdown #151: It's In The Stars
Crafting By Design July: AG

Supplies

That's all from me today. While the rest of Europe is melting with temperatures well over 30ºC, here in Lisbon it's a cool 24ºC ... go figure! :)

Thanks for stopping by, chums. Tomorrow is an extra special day.... Blog Hop ... Christmas ... PRIZES .... I will say no more!

Beijinhos!

Eclectic Ellapu July: Travel

Hello July! It's time for another month-long challenge over at  Eclectic Ellapu.  Thank you so much for playing along with us last month. So many gorgeous entries! I hope you'll join us again this month.

As always the 2 teams - Pinks and Purples - are playing together, but they have own themes. The Pinkies are going places with a "Travel " theme and the Purplies are having fun with "Favourite Holiday".

My "Travel" themed card showcases this cute little Scooter by Hot Off The Press. I ordered this stamp back in April 2013 because it reminded me of the hours of fun Snoopy and I had riding together. Sadly the stamp arrived a week after Snoopy died and I haven't been able to look at it without breaking down ... until now.

I wanted to make a fun, bright, summery card and this pattered paper from Fancy Pants Beach Babe 6x6 pad fit the bill.  

Here's a close up of the image, stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and coloured with Faber Castell Polychromos. The sentiment is stamped with VersaFine Satin Red. I stamped the grass with Memento Bamboo Leaves and added a few more blades with Faber Castell Polychromos. Snoopy would have loved to ride on this Scooter.

Challenges:
Addicted To Stamps And More #151: AG
Crafter's Fun #123: Summer Fun
Crafting By Designs July: AG
Crafting For All Seasons #105: Cute & Summery
Mod Squad: Patterned Paper
Wonderful Wednesday: AG
Word Art Wednesday #190: AG / Family Friendly
Inspiration Destination #40: AG

Supplies:

Now it's your turn to create and link up your labour of love over at the Eclectic Ellapu Challenge Blog. Remember, we have 2 concurrent challenges: "Travel" for the Pink Team and "Favourite Holiday" for the Purple Team. You can enter one or both challenges as many times as you wish, but make sure you link up your projects by 11:59pm UK on 31st July 2015.

Thank you for stopping by today. Here's to a fabulous month of July!

Beijinhos!