Freshly Made Sketch #410

Hi folks,

It's been a while since I've had a play along with Freshly Made Sketches. Linda's lovely layered sketch really caught my eye this week so I've used it to make an 80th birthday card for my Mum. She really is quite amazing for 80 and still plays tennis twice a week - in fact she seems to have the energy of someone 20 years younger!

I've coloured this Clearly Besotted bloom called Beautiful Friend with Copics and added a gold embossed sentiment from MFT. The background has been stamped using MFT's Bundles of Blossoms using Grout Gray ink on the same coloured card stock. It's given it a subtle amount of texture without detracting from the flower I think.

Thanks for stopping by and happy stamping!

Claire x

Still Finding my Mojo...

Hello, happy weekend to you!

I'm still struggling to find my mojo after being away for a few weeks. I always find that happens when I've been on holiday - it takes me ages to get back into crafty mode and find some creativity. Maybe I left the right hand side of my brain on the plane!

So I've done a couple of challenges to try and kick start my mojo. The first is for AAA Cards using maxi white space and an optional twist of geometric:

I used a small Avery Elle stamp of 3 triangles from a set called All Squared up. After playing around I created a diamond shape and made a simple engagement card using gold and silver embossing powders for some metallic sparkle. 

The second card is for Time Out's inspired by words challenge 'dream big, be grateful, give love, laugh lots.' I've done a thank you card using a die from Stamplorations. I struggled with the placement of the sentiment - it just wouldn't sit right on the flower...don't you hate it when that happens?!

Anyway, fingers crossed I can get back into the crafty swing of it soon...hope you find your mojo this weekend!

Claire x

MFT Sketch and Colour

Hello bloggers!

It's been a while since I made a card - 3 weeks in the UK, the worst jet lag I've ever experienced and a  complete lack of mojo have all contributed to my severe lack of craftiness!

What better way to get back into the inky swing of things by using a new stamp I ordered from MFT just before I left - Happy You Day:

I was inspired by the latest MFT sketch and colours but added a neutral background to the colour mix Grout Gray card stock, stamped with matching ink using Happy Birthday Background.  I also added some paper from the Sweet Celebration Paper Pack.

Thanks for stopping by!

Claire x

Clean and Simple - MFT Design Superstar 2019

Hello bloggers!

It's that time of year again - the MFT Design Superstar 2019 competition is up and running with 3 different categories in which to show off your inky skills.  I've done a clean and simple card for the Clean and Simple Genius category (please note, in my case I use the word 'genius' very loosely...)

I've used Fluttering Friends, coloured with Copics with a sprinkle of holographic glitter on part of the wings. For the background I used the Mini Square Shaker Window and Frame Die-namics.  This was a freebie I got with one of my (many) orders - I used it with white card stock and matted it on to aqua card stock to make it 'pop' against the background.  The die cut panel is from Blueprints 24 (no longer available.)

There won't be many cards from me for the next 3 weeks - I'm heading back to Old Blighty tomorrow to visit family and friends with my youngest son...I am beyond excited!

Hope you get time to get inky whilst I'm away!

Claire x

MFT Sketch #454

G'day folks!

Time for another sketch from MFT to practise my colouring skills.:

I used BB You're Super. After stamping and colouring this sweet, little superhero, I used the teeny, tiny star in the same set to create a colourful, starry patterned panel. The clouds were stencilled using the Cloud Stencil.

Happy stamping!

Claire

Seeing Pink

Hello inkers,

I'm just sneaking in with a last minute entry to Addicted to CAS' challenge to use pin and purple:

Not two colours I would normally put together,  but even I like the purple with the splash of bright and pale pinks. I stamped Paper Smooches Curls and Swirls on the left side, then made a cut through the middle and matted it on pink card stock. The die cut butterfly is from Stamplorations and the sentiment's PTI.

Happy stamping!


Claire x

Silly Fun Birthday at Your Next Stamp!

Hello again!

I'm delighted to be back on the Your Next Stamp blog as a Guest designer to help them celebrate 10 years and a brand new release:

Today they are showcasing Silly Fun Birthday and Circle Bursts. Those fun, birthday critters really do look as though they've had a major sugar overload! I coloured them with Copics and framed them in the larger Instalove Polaroid Die. I stamped behind the image with Circle Bursts which is a great set to create a quick and easy background.

I also wanted to see how how different the Circle Bursts looked when embossed,  so made a second card using metallic embossing powders on black card stock. I added a gold sequin to the centres for some added sparkle.

The DT have lots of inspiration for you. And don't forget, head over to the Your Next Stamp blog and Instagram, make a comment and one random comment from each preview day will win one of the products previewed that day. All comments must be left by 15th September and the winners will be announced on the 17th.

And that's not all! To celebrate its 10 year anniversary Your Next Stamp are having a birthday sale from September 12th until September 17th. Put in an order over $30.00 and you'll receive a free Celebration Gumdrop pack! You can't get better than that!

Thanks for stopping by,

Claire x