Card Candy mini bloghop

Welcome to our Card Candy mini bloghop.

After our Stampin' Up! convention last November, our little crafting family agreed that we loved the card candy that we'd seen so much, that we should have our own mini swap 'n' hop. Well here it is. There's only three of us on the hop but hopefully what we miss in numbers, we'll make up for in inspiration.

If you've joined me from Joanne, then thanks for stopping by. Wasn't her set just so cute? I adore the little dresser, it looks so real. If you're starting here then don't worry you'll make your way round to Joanne and then back to here and you'll know that you've finished.

Now the set that I chose for the candy isn't very popular from just seeing it in the catalogue. You need to see what can be made from it to understand the potential. I think it's a great year round set, ideal for fella's cards and for anyone interested in nature and ecology. Here's the full candy bag:

And the individual pieces, with just a few brief details (email me if you need to know more - or want to order). The stamp sets for all, are Nature's Nest and Occasional Greetings:

Recipe

Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze

Ink: Versamark, Not Quite Navy

Punches: Modern Label, Word Window

Other: Gold EP, Basic Pearls

The shell was stamped in Versamark and heat embossed with Gold EP.

Recipe

Cardstock: Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

Ink: Old Olive, Versamark, Tempting Turquoise, Frost White Shimmer Paint

Punches: Scallop Trim Corner, Scallop Trim Border, 2" x 1-3/8" Oval

Other: Black EP, Basic Rhinestones

Shimmer Paint was mixed with separately with Old Olive and Tempting Turquoise and painted underneath the feather. The feather was then stamped with Versamark and heat embossed with Black EP. A rhinestone was added to the "eye".

Recipe

Cardstock: Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink: Black Stazon, Perfect Plum, Baja Breeze

Punches: 1-1/4" Circle, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle, Word Window

Other: Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds

The lilypad leaves had a little "v" snipped out of each and then veins added using a bone folder. They were joined together on the reverse with the Word Window shape. A blender pen was used to add pale shades of Perfect Plum and Baja Breeze to the dragonfly wings. Crystal Effects were added to the wings which were then sprinkled lightly with Dazzling Diamonds and left to dry.

Recipe

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Bashful Blue, Whisper White

Ink: Early Espresso, Black Stazon

Markers: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Old Olive

Punches: Scallop Trim Border, Corner Rounder

3mm Taffeta Ribbon: Early Espresso

The image was stamped with Black Stazon and coloured in. The sentiment was added at angles using the Stamp-a-ma-jig.

Recipe

Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, More Mustard, Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Ink: Old Olive, Black Stazon, Not Quite Navy

Markers: Old Olive, More Mustard, White gel pen

Punches: Spiral Border

Other: Crystal Effects

The tortoise was stamped in Old Olive onto Certainly Celery card and cut out. The eye was coloured with the white gel pen. Using Black Stazon the tortoise was stamped again onto Whisper White card, the shell coloured with markers, cut out and Crystal Effects added over the top before popping up on dimensionals.

Now I'll pass you on to Jan (click here), who's been busy with some beautiful floral creations.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Sara xxx

My Dad's Father's Day card using a non-SU stamp (shock, horror)

I nearly forgot to share with you the card that I made for my Dad for Father's Day. Although Father's Day is past, the elements can easily be adapted or reused for any man's card.

Now I admit that since becoming an SU demo I don't often use other stamps - I've been spoiled for the quality and usually have enough to pick from. But I spotted this stamp on my travels some time ago (sorry but can't remember whose it is) and thought it would be ideal for my Dad as he loves to BBQ and it's a stamp and a recipe combined.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Short Order Alphabet (retired)

Plain cardstock: Whisper White

Textured Cardstock: Really Rust, Not Quite Navy

Ink: Black Stazon

Punch: Scallop Circle

Other: Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets, Antique Brass Brads (Vintage), Twill Tape, Linen Thread

Non-SU: BBQ recipe stamp

I stamped the image using Black Stazon onto Whisper White card and matted it onto Really Rust Textured card. The corners of this Really Rust layer were punched using a single petal of the Scallop Circle and this was then layered onto Not Quite Navy Textured card and Antique Brass Brads added at each corner. This main image was popped up on dimensionals on the card front. For the sentiment I stamped Dad with my alphabet set using Black Stazon on the Twill Tape. The ends of the tape were folded to the centre and the I used my Crop-a-dile to punch holes and set the Jumbo Eyelets. Linen thread was knotted through the eyelets and secured around the back of the Not Quite Navy mat before popping up on dimensionals beneath the main image.

Recipe

Stamp Set: Occasional Greetings

Cardstock: Whisper White

Ink: SU Markers in Really Rust and Not Quite Navy

For the inside I used markers direct to stamp to selectively colour the sentiment.

My Dad doesn't take a lot of interest in my crafting (thinks I must have too much time on my hands, lol - totally forgets how much he likes building things) but he seemed to like this one, at least he looked at it for more than 2 seconds.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

A quick last minute card for Fathers Day

Here's a quick and easy last minute card for Father's Day that uses just one stamp, some black and white card and a coloured ink.

Recipe

Stamp Set: Occasional Greetings

Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Gray, Real Red

Other: Craft knife, Stamp-a-ma-jig

I started by stamping the main sentiment on the Whisper White front layer, at an angle, in prime position. I then cut this out using a craft knife and using the stamp-a-ma-jig, stamped the sentiment in rows around the aperture using Basic Gray to give a newsprint look. Using the aperture layer as my template I pencilled where the window should appear on the black card front and cut this out with the craft knife just a fraction smaller than the original (about 1mm on each edge) to create a frame. The Whisper White insert was adhered to the inside back, the window pencilled in place and the stamp-a-ma-jig used to position the stamped sentiment in Real Red. All pencil marks were erased to finish.

Here's the inside - plenty of room to write your personal message to Dad.

Have a great weekend.

Sara xx

Yikes! Where did Father's Day come creeping up from?

I actually started preparing for Father's Day weeks ago and got my Dad a few little gifts ... and then figured it was ages away and I could forget about it again. Big mistake. All of a sudden it's this Sunday and I still haven't made the card. Luckily I had got a few ideas in mind.

I've been wanting to have a go at one of these little origami shirts for ages and honestly, they aren't too difficult. A bone folder does help get the creases crisp though.

Recipe

Stamp set: Occasional Greetings

Cardstock: So Saffron, Elegant Eggplant, Barely Banana

Ink: Elegant Eggplant

DSP: Perfect Plum Patterns

Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon: Elegant Eggplant

Other: Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool

For the shirt, I followed the excellent instructions provided by Diane over at Lakeside Stamper for her Father's Day card last year. I used the same dimensions of DSP but left the shirt front whole (as I was covering it with the tie anyway). To make the tie, I tied a knot in a length of narrow grosgrain ribbon and then folded one end over, trimmed it short and stuck it behind the "tie knot" with a glue dot. I then trimmed the other end of the ribbon to a point. The corners of the shirt background were decorated using the paper piercing tool and the mat pack template.

I'll try and fit another one in before Sunday if I can, just in case I'm not the only last minute card maker :-)

Sara xx

Shabby and distressed friend for the Mojo Monday challenge

Tonight's MojoMonday challenge has taken me a little longer than usual to put together. I've been practising some of my distressing and shabby chic techniques ready for the Vintage Vogue class I'm doing on Saturday 8 May.

This is the sketch challenge from MojoMonday - you can choose to do the round, or the square, or both:

Here's my square version:

Recipe

Stamp sets: Occasional Greetings, Vintage Vogue

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Very Vanilla

Ink: Close to Cocoa, Versamark, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint

DSP: Tea & Crumpets

Punch: Scallop Circle, Eyelet Border

Taffeta Ribbon: Chocolate Chip

Other: Gold EP, Gold Elastic Cord, Latte Designer Button, Cutter Kit

All the layers are distressed using the cutter tool and then sponged with Close to Cocoa ink. The Eyelet Border and the bloom are sponged with Champagne Mist Shimmer paint. I stamped off the Close to Cocoa ink twice before stamping the Vogue frond on the Vanilla card. The sentiment is heat embossed with Gold EP.

The Vintage Vogue class has grown and so I've moved it to another venue instead of my home, as more than 5 around my dining table just gets too cramped. That means that I've got a few more spare places now if you'd like to join us. We'll be at the Tankersley Welfare Hall, a few minutes from Junction 36 of the M1. Just email me if you'd like to book a place.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

A man's xmas card for the sketch challenge at Stamp With Us

We had a great beginners class yesterday (thanks for being great company ladies *waves*) though it did go a bit beyond beginners. It was a three hour class rather than my usual 2 hour version and so I'd added in more use of the wheel and even the rock and roll technique - sorry if I pushed too hard but you got beautiful results!

Today's a new challenge day over at Stamp With Us and we have this sketch:

I've been looking for an excuse to break out my new Christmas set from the Mini and figured this was ideal. Serene Snowflakes is a set of 4 stamps but has 6 snowflakes in total, the three dinky ones in the bottom right hand corner are on a single stamp.

I found that the small snowflake (top right hand corner) fits perfectly in the 1-1/4" Circle punch. I chose Not Quite Navy, and Very Vanilla with a hint of Basic Gray to create what I hope is a more manly christmas card. I'm glad that Not Quite Navy will be staying when we swap over in Autumn, it's my go to colour for men's cards.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Serene Snowflakes, Occasional Greetings

Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Basic Gray

Ink: Platinum Shimmer Paint

Punch: 1-1/4" Circle

Other: Silver Brads, Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool

The snowflakes and sentiment were stamped with Platinum shimmer paint added direct to the stamp with a sponge dauber. After leaving to dry for a few minutes they were then punched out with the Circle punch. Squares of Very Vanilla were decorated at the edges with paper piercing and then layered onto Basic Gray card to meet the sketch. Silver brads to tone with the Platinum paint were added at all the corners before layering onto the card blank. The snowflakes were popped up on dimensionals.

Please check out the rest of the Design Team samples here - they're all gorgeous but I especially love Natalie's Window Sheet design, it's stunning.

No class for Bessie this morning - she's had a flare up of her allergy again so we're keeping her in. We're not sure whether it's because she fell into the field that's beyond our garden (she was trying to chase off a cat that was on her territory) or whether it's because we've just cut the grass, we'll have to monitor and see. This is the first time in about six months that we've had a bad flare up. We thought that was down to the de-sensitising injections she's having but it could just have been the time of year.

I'm off to Cardiff again this afternoon for another training course but it won't be a craft free week. I'm meeting a friend from the In Love With Stamping forum tomorrow and I'm taking some stamped images with me to colour. I've also made a few more cards to blog about while I'm away so please pop back soon.

Sara xx

A mans birthday card with candles

Home again! I feel pretty pleased with what (I think) I've taken in over the week's training. The exams aren't until June which could either be a good thing or bad. Plenty of time for revision ... or for it all to fall out of my head again, lol.

I'm glad to be back though and able to get crafting again :-)

As you may have spotted from my post last Sunday, our challenge over at Stamp With Us is male cards. It's always good to have a stock of male cards in for when birthdays etc. roll around and as I loved my team mate Natalie's sample, I thought I'd do a variation using the same stamp. This is one of my favourite stamp sets - the candles used here are just 1 stamp in the set of 6. I had placed a bumper order after Christmas to get it (it's a level 3 hostess set which means you get it free when you have a workshop/customer order of £500 or more) but I haven't had chance to play with it much yet.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Queue Up, Occasional Greetings

Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Really Rust

Ink: Versamark, Versamarker, Not Quite Navy

Other: Silver EP

I stamped the candles 3 times with Versamark ink. The first was left to dry to provide the bottom watermark effect. I added heat embossed the second with silver EP to create the middle line of candles. for the top line I used my Versamarker to "colour in" all the flames and various spots and stripes before added the silver EP and heat embossing again. You need to work reasonably quickly with this last one but the Versamark is fairly slow drying - just don't leave it and come back again ;-)

I used my stamp-a-ma-jig to position the sentiment and then everything was matted and layered.

Have a great weekend.

Sara xx

A whimsical Mothers Day card and filigree gift

OK, now I'm really peeved (and that's not quite the word I used I'll admit). My head's reeling with credits and debits and balance sheets so I took a quick break from the homework to add this post. I spent about half an hour typing it all up and then my mobile internet connection broke off and nothing's been saved. I've had to come out of the hotel to get a reliable signal and start all over again. Is it just me or does anyone else think it's a bit off when hotels block

the mobile internet signals that you've already paid for, just so they can sell you their own price inflated service? And to add insult to injury I've still got homework to finish when I go back. Happy, I'm not.

Anyway, enough of my complaining. As promised yesterday, here's the card that I made for my Mum for Mother's Day, though of course it could be used for any other occasion simply by changing the sentiment. It's a little larger than my standard ones as I used an A4 sheet folded as a gatefold.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Whimsical Wings (hostess level 2), Occasional Greetings

Cardstock: Cameo Coral, Creamy Caramel, Whisper White

Ink: Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Versamark

Other: Clear Rhinestone Brads

I used markers direct to the stamp for the main image and stamped more of the flowers and cut them out individually. To get the shading on the flowers I used a Blush Blossom marker across the solid flower and then dabbed Cameo Coral ink around the outside using a sponge dauber. The watermark background was created using the outline flower stamp and the larger flourish with Versamark ink. Clear rhinestone brads add a bit of bling.

And here's another bit of bling. This handcrafted brooch is silver filigree set with a semi-precious stone and was our present to my Mum on Mother's Day. You can watch artisans making these beautiful pieces of jewellery at the craft village on Malta.

Now - nose back to the grindstone.

Bye for now.

Sara xx

March sketch challenge at In Love With Stamping take 2

I loved the March sketch at In Love With Stamping so much that I chose it as one of my ones to repeat. In case you missed it, here's the sketch:

This time I've inverted it so that the embellishment (the hummingbird) is on the opposite corner:

And then I've turned it into an easel card for my MIL for Mother's Day:

Recipe

Stamp sets: Garden Dream, Occasional Greetings

Cardstock: Certainly Celery (textured), Summer Sun, Whisper White

DSP: Pink Flamingo

Ink: Taken With Teal, SU Markers

Other: Crystal Effects, Rhinestone Brads (Circle Ice)

Non-SU: Die Cuts

I used markers direct to stamp for the flower (this gives a softer look than stamping with black and grey) and then shaded with more markers. The flower was die cut with an oval and then matted onto a scallop oval, die cut from textured card. This was raised on dimensionals onto the mats of Summer Sun card and DSP. The base easel card is Celery textured card to match the scallop frame. The insert was stamped with the sentiment and the brad stoppers added before adhering it to the inside of the card. I used markers direct to stamp again for the hummingbird and then cut it out and snipped and shaped the wings. Crystal Effects gives the glossy, lacquered look. After it had dried fully, I raised the bird above the level of the flower with stacked dimensionals.

Here's a closer look at the glossy hummingbird:

Hope you're all set for Mother's Day.

Sara xx

Some projects from last nights workshop

Last night's workshop was great fun as usual, though it was a bit hairy getting home afterwards. It had started snowing a little before the end and there was a light covering when we came out. The closer I got to home, the thicker the snow and there's a steep road to go down on the last mile. I'm not sure who was most worried, me or the car in front that was going even slower than I would have preferred to do. Anyhow, I got home safe and the workshop was well worth it, I just love getting together with other crafters.

If you've stopped by for a look ladies then - Hi, nice to see you here! *waves* Please leave me a comment so that I know you were here.

Here are a couple of the projects we covered.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Greenhouse Garden, Occasional Greetings

Cardstock: Regal Rose (plain and textured), Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Ink: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip

Punches: Eyelet Border, 1-1/4" Circle, 1-3/8" Circle

Wide Grosgrain Ribbon: Regal Rose

Other: Pretties Kit

I used the stamp-a-ma-jig to line the flower detail up within the solid flower stamps. A piece of ribbon is wrapped around the chocolate border and then a shorter piece of ribbon tied around the first. The textured card and the halfback pearls (which I nearly forgot to add, lol) give the card a luxury feel.

This little Easter basket was the make and take that everyone had a go at. I had wondered if it was too early in the year to share it but I was assured that it was ideal timing.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Vintage Labels, Forest Friends, Occasional Greetings

Cardstock: So Saffron, Almost Amethyst, Whisper White

DSP: Tea Party

Ink: Perfect Plum

Punches: Scallop Circle, 1-1/4" Circle

Vintage labels was used to decorate the scallop background. The Easter bunny is on one side of the basket and on the other, is the sentiment Easter Wishes from the Occasional Greetings set.

The snow's melted here now, thank goodness.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Sara xx

A summery sunflower for a happy birthday

I've used a bit of summer sun today to try and counteract the miserable weather we're having at the moment. Hope it's better where you are. We've had a combination of sleet, light snow and freezing fog for the last couple of days.

Just hope that I can also spread a bit of sunshine at the workshop I'm giving tonight and that we don't get snowed in!

Recipe

Stamp sets: A Flower for all Seasons, Occasional Greetings

Cardstock: Summer Sun, Whisper White, Old Olive, Certainly Celery

DSP: Pink Flamingo

Ink: Black Stazon, Always Artichoke, Markers

Punches: 1-3/8" Circle, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle, Corner Rounder

Other: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer

The sunny circles were punched, matted and then arranged around my stamped image and the whole set raised on dimensionals. I used my stamp-a-ma-jig to position the sentiment around the corner.

Take care and keep warm.

Sara xx

Exams are over so I'm into guilt free crafting time

Well this morning's exam went a little better than Tuesday's. I (think I've) answered 2 questions well, 1 question OK and 2 questions not very well but hopefully that will be enough to get me a pass and after Tuesday's fiasco I'd be happy with that.

Thanks for all your kind comments. They really cheered me up when I was at a low ebb.

Anyway what this all means for me now is that I can put the study books away until January (when I have to start on the next couple of subjects) and enjoy weeks of guilt free crafting (forgetting all the housework of course, lol). I placed another SU order for myself at the weekend so that it would be delivered today. Unfortunately it was delivered whilst I was at the exam, a kind neighbour has taken it for me and is now out herself. So now I'm itching to get at my new goodies and having to content myself with what I've already got (I'm so hard done to you know, lol).

Recipe:

Stamp sets: Tree Trimmings. Autumn Days, Occasional Greetings

Cardstock: Old Olive, Whisper White

DSP: I Wish Simply Scrappin' Kit (retired)

Ink: Real Red, Old Olive, SU Markers

Punches: Corner Rounder, Eyelet Border

Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon: Real Red

I used the stamp-a-ma-jig to position the sprigs of fir tree in the top corners, the baubles below them and the sentiment. The middle bauble is raised on dimensionals.

Now I'm going to have a play at a new technique (if it works then I'll show you the results tomorrow) and then it's off to the vets for Bess's stitches taken out.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

Christmas duo for the Stamp With Us challenge

It's Sunday so it's Stamp With Us challenge day. This week's challenge is on the theme of

Christmas

so I hope that everyone will play along especially as you get two weeks to do this challenge. There is a Stampin' Up! convention in Germany next week (I can't go because I'm on an exam revision course, boohoo - but I'll still be blogging) so the Stamp With Us challenge will return to normal in a couple of weeks.

For the challenge this week I made a card and gift tube in a less traditional colour scheme.

The card is similar to a previous version here but the gift tube is a new design that I got from the SWU online class. It's small enough to hang from a tree or would make an excellent table gift on Christmas day. One of the lovely crafting ladies from St Saviours (more on them later in the week) suggested rolling a lottery ticket to go inside it as a gift for the men - great idea.

Recipe

Stamp set: Tree Trimmings, Occasional Greetings

Cardstock: Real Red, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla

Ink: Real Red

Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon: Real Red

Recipe

Stamp set: Tree Trimmings

Cardstock: Real Red, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla

Ink: Real Red

DSP: Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit

Punches: Eyelet Border, Scallop Circle, 5-petal flower, Boho Blossoms

Other: Gold Elastic Cord, Gold Brads

Please go take a look at the creations by the rest of the Design Team.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Sara xx

Recipe for sneak peek 4 Tree Trimmings

I think (and hope) that this card looks rather elegant. It could be done in any colour scheme that you choose, I went with purples (already admitted as one of my favourite colour sets for christmas) but traditional reds or greens would look equally good. Even better, why not make a set as a gift, in different colours?

This card uses the full set of 4 stamps from the Tree Trimmings stamp set.

Recipe

Stamp Sets: Tree Trimmings, Occasional Greetings

Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant, Lovely Lilac, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark, Elegant Eggplant

Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon: Elegant Eggplant

Other: White EP

I used my stamp-a-ma-jig to place the the smaller baubles in the background. The largest bauble is stamped with Versamark onto dark cardstock, heat embossed with white powder, cut out with a narrow border and raised on dimensionals.

Off again to do a quick bit of revision and then out for a curry with my classmates. Last day tomorrow and then back home - phew, thank goodness.

Sara xx