Addicted to CAS Challenge - Code Word 'Anniversary'

It is the first anniversary at Addicted to CAS and it is all happening on their blog at the moment!  The challenge this time - needless to say - is 'Anniversary' and as usual the design team have done an amazing job with their inspirational samples.

My card is very simple.  I seem to be short of crafting time at the moment - this is what I came up with . . . .

Happy Anniversary

Supplies: Clearly Besotted Stamps - 'Mini Love Hearts'

This is perhaps too CAS - I will leave you to judge!  This stamp set is so versatile with the different shaped hearts.

After I had finished the card I realised that it did not have to be a one layer card.

This has meant I made it more difficult for myself than it needed to be.

That is all for now.

Thank you for visiting.

Margaret x

Less is More Challenge - Week 145 OLC Thank You

The challenge at Less is More this week is a one layer card and the subject is "Thank You".  

If everything goes to plan I quite enjoy the challenge of one layer cards but it can be hit and miss especially with the odd inky fingermark which manages to appear at the end of all the hard work!

This is what I came up with this time without  any mishaps with the ink!

Many Thanks

Supplies: Clearly Besotted Stamps  - 'Leafy Accents'

Sentiment - 'Honeycomb'

I don't think I need to explain how I made this as it is so simple - that is how I like it!

That is all for now

Thank you for calling in

Margaret x

Addicted to CAS Challenge 25 - Code Word One layer

I am beginning to realise that Christmas is creeping up on us and that means I have a load of Christmas cards to make.  As they have to be mass produced it will have to be a simple card and what could be easier than a one layer card - she says!

Actually I don't find this kind of card that easy because once ink and stamp meets card that is it - no turning back!

Anyway, this is one of the ideas that I have come with but I think that it will be a little bit time consuming for mass production even though it is simple but I thought it ideal for this challenge at Addicted to CAS.

We Three Kings

Supplies:  Stamps Clarity Stamps

I masked and lightly sponged the foreground in Versa Magic 'Persimmon', Brilliance 'Galaxy Gold' and Adirondack 'Butterscotch'.

The Three Wise Men were embossed - this does not show up very well in the photograph.

Hope this is CAS enough!

That is all for now.  Thank you so much for dropping by.

Margaret x

Dots and Hearts

I quickly made this card yesterday using as many spots as I could gather from various Clearly Besotted stamps sets plus a couple of heart stamps.

It is very simple but I thought that I would share it with you today. . . . .

Dots and Hearts

I started of by stamping three hearts from Clearly Besotted Mini Love Heart set and then built around it with circles and dots from other sets which are mainly centres of different sized flowers. 

I finished off with a couple of die cut hearts from the same set.

That is all for now - I hope you like this.

Thank you so much for dropping by.

Margaret x

Less is More Challenge Week 143 - String or Twine

It is all about String or Twine this week for the Less is More Challenge.
The only type of string I have is for the kitchen which would be best used for trussing up the turkey!  After rummaging  around I came up with some twine which I think is meant to be used for jewellery making.  

This is the  result . . . .

You are Amazing

Supplies:   Clearly Besotted Stamps

Stamps and Dies - Mini Love Hearts
Sentiment - You Are

This is the first time that I have used Kraft card - but I thought that it lent itself to string or twine.  This whole card is a bit of a hotchpotch I'm afraid as I had to scrabble around for most of the ingredients!

As you can see it was fairly simple to make - the only tricky thing was the knot and I have to say that that is unique to me - I have no idea how I did!

Thank you so much for stopping by.  It is very much appreciated.

Margaret x

Less is More Challenge Week 142 - Trees

Just a quick card to share today which I am entering in to the Less is More challenge. 
This week the theme is Trees and I thought that as a lot of my cards have been Autumnal
lately I would go for a different look and this is what I came up with . . . . .

Happy Birthday 

I have had this stamp for absolutely ages and I am afraid that I cannot remember where

I got it from.

I stamped the image twice on two identical panels in black Memento ink and used a black embossing pen and glitter to highlight parts of the trees - this is very subtle and does not show up on the photograph. I then trimmed a smaller square from the second panel and positioned it in the lower right hand corner for a 3D effect  - and it was a simple as that!

Thank you so much for visiting

Margaret x

Clearly Besotted Challenge 5 - Colour Inspiration/Autumn Theme

The challenge at Clearly Besotted Stamps this time is Autumn.  I am hoping that you will not think that this is too much like the last card I posted - I am certainly giving this stamp set a really good work out at the moment!  

This is what I came up with . . . 

Autumn

Supplies:   Stamps and Dies  Clearly Besotted  'Leafy Accents' and 'Set the Scene'

I randomly stamped the leaves in autumn colours and filled in with the dots.  There is a stamp in the Set the Scene set that I have interpreted as a dandelion but I think that it is meant to be a firework! 

I then die cut the leaves and covered them in Glossy Accents and a little glitter.

Well that is all for now.  I hope you like this.

Thank you so much for visiting.

Margaret x

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge

I  thought that it was about time that I entered a Simon Says Challenge .    I am an avid follower of their blogs and I have learned so much from the wonderful design team - especially their videos which are so informative.

This Wednesday's Challenge is to use a rubber or a clear stamp and one of the companies being showcased is Clearly Besotted Stamps.    I am a great fan of this UK company, they offer beautifully designed stamps and amazing customer service.

This is what I have come up with . . . . . .

Autumn Leaves

Supplies: Clearly Besotted Stamps and Dies 'Leafy Accents'
Sentiment Clearly Besotted Stamps 'Its Your Birthday'

The background was created by lightly sponging with Versa Magic Chalk Ink in 'Red Brick',  Persimmon',  'Mango Madness'   and Memento 'Pear Tart'.  The leaves were then stamped using the same colours. 

I masked off a narrow strip at the bottom of the card which I then sponged with 'Red Brick' and finished off with some twine and a few crystals.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Margaret x

Less is More Colour Challenge Week 140

The Challenge at  Less is More this week is to make a card that is Christmas related and it has to be White on White.   

This is the first time that I have done a card like this and I found that the only way to make any definition was to use dies, embossing and glitter - hope this works!

Luckily I have some Clearly Besotted Christmas stamps and dies - surprise, surprise!

This is what I came up with . . . 

White Christmas

Supplies: Clearly Besotted Stamps and Dies 'Signature Christmas'
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder 'Tiny Bubbles'.

This was as simple to make as it looks.   I embossed a piece of white card and cut it to make a hill shape.

I then die cut the trees and positioned them on to the embossed piece of card and then decorated them with Glossy Accents and a sprinkling of Glamour Dust.

Using a post it note I used the same technique to make a stripe on the scalloped edge at the bottom. I think that perhaps I could have used some ribbon along the bottom but did not have anything appropriate.

I then finished off with some pearls.

I hope you like this.

Margaret x 

Addicted to CAS Challenge - Autumn/Fall

This is the first time that I have been able to post for a few weeks as I have been enjoying a break in not so sunny Devon.  It was good to get away and get some sea air and enjoy the lovely scenery.

Anyway, here I am with a card that I am entering for the Addicted to CAS 23 Challenge  -  the theme is Autumn/Fall.  

This is the first time that I have entered one of their  challenges although I am always looking for inspiration from their amazing designers  - I hope this is up to standard!

                                 Autumn Leaves

Supplies: Clearly Besotted Stamps
Stamps and dies - 'Leafy Accents'
Sentiment - 'Butterfly Wishes Additions' 

I just love this 'Leafy Accents' set of stamps from Clearly Besotted Stamps .   I have used it so much and now that the dies are available it makes it even more versatile.    I stamped the leaves in Adirondack Butterscotch and Versa Magic Red Brick for the orange tones and Adirondack Lettuce for the green leaf.

The Tag is hand cut and embossed on the lower edge with a Cuttlebug embossing folder 'Wicker Weave'.   I finished off with some yellow twine and a little bit of bling.

I hope you like it and thank you so much for visiting.

Margaret x

CAS on Sunday Challenge Week 16 - Welcome Home

The challenge at CAS on Sunday this week is to make a 'New Home' themed card and this is my version using a cute little stamp that I have had for ages.

I hope you like it . . . 

New Home

The dog was stamped on to a tag and coloured with watercolour pencils.  I then used  some co-ordinating paper from Craftwork Cards to paper piece the house and to finish off.

Perhaps this could only be sent to a dog lover - but then who doesn't like dogs?


That is all for now

Thanks for visiting

Margaret x

Less is More Challenge Week 135 - Use a Rubber Stamp

The challenge at Less is More this week is to use a rubber stamp with watercolours if possible. The design team joining in is from Penny Black - you can find loads of inspiration on the Penny Black Blog.

The watercolour aspect of this is a bit of a challenge for me as I have been trying to master the art for years without much success but I did find it a slightly easier using Distress Inks.

This is the final result . . . .

Thinking of You

The rubber stamp is a very old one from The Stamp Man and the sentiment is from LOTV.

I stamped the image with Distress Ink 'Aged Mahogany' and 'Shabby Shutters' on to watercolour paper and then using a damp brush I hoped for the best and pulled the colour in from the edges of the image hopefully giving a watercolour effect.

That is all for now. 

Hope you have a good weekend.

Thanks for visiting.

Margaret x

Less is More Challenge Week 133 - Round and Round

This is a last minute entry for the Less is More Challenge - Round and Round.   I was convinced that I did not have anything in my stamp collection that would qualify for this challenge as it has to convey movement but then I thought that 'Bubbles" might work.

This is what I came up with . . . . .

Many Thanks - Bubbles

I am afraid that I have no idea where these stamps came from. They have been sat in my drawer for a very long time but came in useful in the end. 

I am not very good at de-cluttering my craft stash.   I always think that I shall 'need' everything
and it is surprising how you can utilise all sorts of bits and pieces.

Hope this fits the bill!

Have a good weekend.

Margaret x

CAS on SUNDAY Challenge 15 - Floral Fantasy

This card is very similar to the one I posted yesterday.  I hope that this qualifies for entry  into
CAS on Sunday Challenge - Floral Fantasy.

This is the first time I have entered this challenge.  

Hope this is CAS enough!

Many Thanks

Clearly Besotted Stamps

Stamps  and Dies - Leafy Accents, Fancy Florals, Background Builders
Sentiment - Honeycomb

The leaf die was cut and stamped in Adirondack 'Lettuce' and I used Big and Juicy "Happy Birthday Rainbow'  ink pad to get the two tone effect on the flowers.  

The check background was inked in Versa Magic 'Pink Grapefruit'.  I lightly sponged a piece of card with the same ink to make the border down the side.

I hope you like this.  Thank you so much for visiting.

Margaret x

   

Clearly Besotted Challenge Wk 3 - Colour Inspiration

This is the third Clearly Besotted Challenge and this time there is a lovely colour palette to choose from.  After making this card I realised that  I did not have to use all the colours - I must read the rules properly next time!

This is what I came up with . . . .

With Love

Supplies:   Clearly Besotted Stamps

Stamps - Leafy Accents, Background Builders, Fancy Florals, Framed Sentiments, Happy Everything.
Dies - Leafy Accents, Fancy Florals

The leaves were die cut and  stamped in Adirondack 'Lettuce'.   The larger flower was die cut from pink dotted paper from Craftwork Cards which I also used for the punched border.
The smaller flower was stamped in Versa Magic 'Pink Grapefruit' and I used Versa Magic 'Spring Pansy' for the butterflies.


Thanks so much for visiting

Margaret x

Less is More Challenge Week 132 One Layer - Numbers

The Challenge this week at Less is More is numbers.   You can use as many as you like or you can just make do with one.

The only number stamps I have is from Clearly Besotted 'Full Steam Ahead' and a Numbers Die so I did not have too much to play with.  

I am absolutely hopeless at anything numerical but I can just about count up to 9!!

This is what I came up with . . . 

Supplies: Clearly Besotted Stamps

Stamps - Just a Note,  Framed Sentiments, Full Steam Ahead.

The note was stamped in Memento 'Tuxedo Black'.  I then used Distress Ink 'Barn Door' and Memento 'Bamboo Leaves' for the sentiments.

One layer cards can be a bit tricky - one smudge or misplaced stamp can be a disaster.

Or am I exaggerating?  -  I think I might be!

This blog is still very bare.  I am having trouble getting up badges etc at the moment but I am sure all will come right in the end - I just need one of my 'technical advisors' to have a few minutes to spare!

Well, that is all for now.

Thank you so much for visiting.

Margaret x

Dynamic Duos Challenge 64

This is a card that I would like to enter into the  Dynamic Duos Challenge 64. Two Colour Challenge.  

The colour scheme is Strawberry Slush and Daffodil Delight - or the nearest match you have to these colours.

This is what I came up with . . . .

Happy Birthday

Add caption
Supplies: Clearly Besotted Stamps

Stamps Set - 'It's Your Birthday'
 Dies - It's Your Birthday Die Collection

The nearest inks I had to the suggested colours were Memento Dye Ink 'Rhubarb Stalk' and ''Cantaloupe'.

The cherries are actually covered in Glossy Accents but this does not show up in the photo.

Well that is all for now.

Thank you for visiting.

Margaret x

Less is More Challenge Week 131 - Colour

There is an Autumn look this week over at the Less is More Challenge.  Although I love the summer it is quite a refreshing change to look ahead to the colours we shall be experiencing in a few months time - so trees seem to be the thing of the moment!

This is what I came up with . . . 

Just for You

Add caption
Supplies: Stamps - Inkylicious
Sentiment - Clearly Besotted Stamps

The background was lightly sponged in the closest colours that I have that match

the challenge colours.

I then stamped the image of the trees and added a bit of sparkle which unfortunately does not show up in the photograph. It was finished off with a piece of ribbon and yellow card.

That is all for now

Thanks so much for visiting,

Margaret x

 

CAS(E) this Sketch Challenge Week 39

This is my second post of the day and it is my first ever entry to CAS(E) this Sketch Week Challenge.

I hope that my effort will be up to the mark - everyone seems so talented. The design team

come up with some amazing ideas to inspire us.

This is what I came up with . . . 

Congratulations

Add caption
Supplies:  Stamps - Inkylicious
Sentiment and Die Banner Clearly Besotted Stamps
Embossing Folder - Cuttlebug 'Pinking Stitch'

I embossed two pieces of card with the Pinking Stitch embossing folder.  On one of the pieces I stamped the image in Hero Arts Butter Bar and then trimmed around the inside row of stitching. This was than matted onto a piece of green card and then finally onto the other piece of embossed card.

I finished off with a little glitter - which does not show up in the picture - and the sentiment.

That is all for today

Thank you so much for visiting,

Margaret x

This is a card I quickly made the other day for a challenge - left it too late to enter and now I cannot remember which challenge it was for! 

It is a sweet little card which I thought I would share with you.  Just to confuse the issue even more it is a very old stamp and, guess what, I cannot tell you where it came from!

Here it is.   A little bit too CAS perhaps . . . . .

Hello -  Happy Birthday

Add caption
Sentiment: Clearly Besotted Stamps
Stamp - Unknown
Die - Memory Box Parker Numbers

This was simply a matter of stamping the image in Memento Black ink and then colouring in with some Promarkers.

I then stamped the sentiment and added the die cut number.  I think that I should have added a bit of bling or ribbon or something just to add another dimension.

I am afraid that my colouring is rubbish.  However much I try I cannot do basic shading which is a bit of a drawback!  So I go out of my way to avoid any kind of colouring if possible!


That is all for now.

Margaret x

Less is More Challenge Week 130

The inspiration over at  Less is More  this week  is a beautiful image of a pair of very glamorous black shoes.  I am not sure that I was ever able to wear shoes quite as daring as these but I do remember the days when I squeezed my feet into a pair of very pointed stiletto heels but those days are long gone - the flatter the better now!

Anyway, I have managed to come up with something vaguely like the image and for once I happen to have the appropriate stamp which is quite a change for me.

This is the result . . . . .

                      You can never have too many

Add caption
Supplies: Clearly Besotted Stamps
Stamps sets - ' Stepping Out' and  'Building Blocks'
Sentiment - 'Stepping Out'

The stripes are stamped in Black Memento Ink on to a square piece of white card and 
then mounted on to the black card with foam pads.  I then stamped the shoe in black, cut it out and positioned it with foam pads.  It was then finished off with some red pearls - and of course the sentiment.

This actually looks better in real life as it has a 3D effect but unfortunately I could not  show this very well in the photograph - think I will have to go on a photography course!

It is raining here at the moment I must say that it is a nice change to feel a bit cooler!

That is all for now.

Margaret x

CAS(E) this Sketch 37

I made this card a few days ago for Case this Sketch but I have only just got around to posting it.

This is the first time that I have entered this challenge but I think that I shall be back for more.  The blog is packed with inspiration and the Design Team are amazing. 

With Love

Perhaps this is just too simple.  Just one leaf from a Clearly Besotted Stamps Set  'You Are'  and a Sentiment from another set 'Happy Everything'.

These stamps were inked in Versa Magic 'Sea Breeze' and 'Sahara Sand' with a touch of  Hero Arts 'Butter Bar'.  What more could I do than finish off with a few sequins?

Sahara Sand is very relevant to the weather here at the moment although I think that we are building up to a thunderstorm which will hopefully clear the air a bit.

Well that is all for now

Thank you so much for visiting

Margaret x

Clearly Besotted Challenge Week 2 - Seeing Spots (2nd entry)

I thought that I would just quickly post this card - a second entry for the  Challenge over at Clearly Besotted Stamps.    I made this sometime ago and I thought that it would fit the bill today.

I don't know about you but I am finding it a little bit warm for crafting at the moment - what a good excuse for sharing yet another little thing I made earlier!

Hope you like it . . . .

Happy Birthday

Supplies: Clearly Besotted Stamps

Stamp Sets - Background Builders, Leafy Accents, Full of  surprise,
Flower Arrangement

Sentiment - Happy Everything



The polka dot background was stamped first in Versa Magic Chalk Ink 'Spring Pansy'.

The large leaf was then stamped over the top in Memento 'Bamboo Leaves'. The flowers

and butterfly were then added using Versa Magic Chalk Ink 'Perfect Plumeria'. 

It was then  finished off with a strip of scalloped dark green card, some pearls and twine.

Well that is all for now. Perhaps I can come up with something fresh for next time!

Margaret x

Less is More Challenge Week 128 - Not Square or Rectangular

The Challenge at Less is More  this week is for a card that is not square or rectangular.

Recently I have got into the habit of making my own card blanks out of A4 card that I buy in bulk and of course because I usually go for the easy option I usually end up with, guess what? . . . square or rectangular!

Anyway I dug deep into 'my box' and found just one  pretty cream shaped card blank that I have had for ages - I could only have one go at this as it had to be a one layered card.

This is it . . . .

Just for You

This did not involve too much talent!

The centre of the card was lightly sponged with Versa Magic Chalk Ink  'Sea Breeze'  and 'Persimmon' with a touch of 'Pear Tart'.

I then stamped the image with Versa  Magic Pink Grapefruit

 (This is a very old stamp - I am afraid I do not know where I got it from)

The sentiment is from Clearly Besotted Stamps. 

Well, that is all for now.  It is even hotter here today - doing this before the sun gets to me.
Hope you are all surviving!

Margaret x

Polka Dots are all the rage at the moment and I thought that I would kill two birds with one
stone with this card as there are two Challenges,  Clearly Besotted Challenge Seeing Spots and CAS-ual Fridays CFC109 Polka Dots, asking for this theme.


I think that I am being influenced by the sun at the moment  -  there seems to a great deal of 'sunny yellow'  around in this creation!

Sunny Side Up

Supplies: Clearly Besotted Stamps

Stamps Set - 'You Are',   Sentiment 'Honeycomb'
Dies - 'You Are'

I started off by stamping the swirl for the stem of the flower in Memento 'Bamboo Leaves' - I have had this stamp for ages -  the polka dots circles were  randomly stamped around it in Hero Arts 'Butter Bar'.

The flower was then die cut from a piece of Hero Arts Hues Card, stamped and embossed with white embossing powder.

To finish off I attached a piece of matching Yellow card which had been punched with a scallop edge punch.

That is all for now. 
Hope that you are all coping with the heat wave in the UK!

Thank you so much for visiting.

Margaret x