Changito Birthday

Hello everyone, I went back to University today after my two weeks Easter break. I really wish I wasn't back!!! Anyway, on to the card. I have made this for my dad using the clear Changito the Monkey set. I have stamped him out hanging on to a vine and coloured him in with Copic markers. I have stamped the hat on to another piece of card seperately, coloured with Copics and cut out before adding to the image. I have then cut the image out and mounted to brown CS. This has been added to base with DST. The base has been made by simply layering up brown Doodlebug CS on to a large square card blank. I have stamped the sentiment (from the new PB Salutations set) and mounted this with CS and added to base with 3D foam pads. I have also added 3 brads to the bottom right hand corner to finish.

STAMPS: Changito the Monkey set - Stampendous, Salutations set - Penny Black. INK: Airondack Pitch Black. CS: Craft Creations card blank, Doodlebug, Craftwork Cards. ACCESSORIES: Copic markers, Papermania brads.

Expecting Congratulations

I have made this card for my brother and sister in law to say congratulations on their great news! I am so happy for them. I have stamped 'Prego gal' with Airondack ink and coloured her in with Copic markers. I have then cut her out using the oval Nestabilities. She has been added to the card with 3d foam pads. I have wrapped ribbon around the bottom of the card and added the message panel with 3D foam - I hope they like it!

STAMPS: A Muse. INK: Airondack Pitch Black. CS: Craftwork Cards, Doodlebug. ACCESSORIES: Nestabilities dies, Copic markers, grosgrain ribbon by Ribbon Oasis.

You Make My Day Award

I have received this lovely award from Tara, thank you Tara, I love your blog :0) I have also just been given this award back from Kerry, thank you Kerry, how sweet of you, I love your cards.

I would love to nomitate everyone on my blog list but I suppose I better do things properly this time! The three I would like to nominate are Vicki at Paperlicious Oasis, Gina at The Card Kabin and Kerry at Curly Girly Me.

Sue's Blog Candy Challenge

Sue at Slumber Cards is giving away some lovely blog candy. All you have to do is take a picture of your favourite spring plant, flower or tree and add it to your blog or send her an e-mail.

This is a photo of one of my lovely daffodils in my front garden, unfortunately what with the weather, they have almost died so I have only just about managed to get a shot of it!

Best Of Luck

I have made this card for my mum to say good luck in her new role at work. She has gone to having two staff work for her to eleven with the first three starting today so I just wanted to wish her luck! The image has come from Julia (thank you Julia!) and I have coloured it in with watercolour pencils and mounted to purple CS. This has then been added to base with 3D foam pads. I have made the base by adding a strip of lilac CS down the side of the card and popping the message behind the image. I have then added 3 little gem stones to finish.

STAMPS: Elzybells, Papertrey Ink. INK: Doodlebug Lilac. CS: Craftwork Cards, Bazzill. ACCESSORIES: Papermania Adhesive Gem Stones.

Happy Anniversary Mice

This card was made for my Nan & Grandad who's Anniversary it is today. I have made the card following My Paper World's Sketch #6 (yes I know I am behind!). I have stamped the mice out and coloured them in with watercolour pencils and mounted to some dark pink CS. I have then added this to the base with 3D foam pads. I have made the base by adding two strips of pink CS on to a card blank and stamped the greeting with metallic ink at the bottom of one. I have then wrapped organza ribbon around the front of the card to finish.

STAMPS: Snuggle by Penny Black, Tiny Phrases by Woodware. INK: Stazon Jet Black, ColorBox Metallic Ruby Silk. CS: Craftwork Cards, Bazzill. ACCESSORIES: Organza ribbon by Ribbon Oasis.

Tilda with Flowers

I have made this card for no other reason than I wanted to! I have stamped Tilda out and coloured her with Coloursoft pencils and Sansodor. I have then cut her out and mounted her to pink CS. She has been added to base with DST. I have made the base by wrapping two pieces of think organza ribbon around some patterned paper and then adding this to a card blank. I have then added the bottom flower with a button and the top flower with a brad. 3 small gem stones added to the top left hand corner to finish.

STAMPS: Magnolia. INK: Stazon Jet Black. CS: Craftwork Cards, Bazzill, patterned paper by Papermnia (Inspirations pack). ACCESSORIES: Prima Flowers, Papermania brad, Doodlebug button, organza ribbon, Papermania Adhesive Stones.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to everyone! Before I show you the cards I made I just wanted to share a bit of news with you ... I have just found out this weekend that I am going to be an Auntie! I am so happy for my brother and sister in law :0) So, on to the cards. They have all been made pretty basic as I just love the Elzybells NA images and I wanted to show them off. I have stamped each one then coloured them in with Copic markers. I have then cut them out with my Nestabilities dies and added them to the cards with 3D foam pads. The greeting is a stamp by A Muse. Apologies for the rubbish photo's some were taken very late at night!

STAMPS: Elzybells NA, A Muse. INK: Brilliance Graphite Black. CS: Papertrey Ink, Craft Creations, Bazzill. ACCESSORIES: Copic Markers, Spica At You glitter pen, Nestabilities dies.

{I have been asked about what I think of Copic markers. I have to say I really love mine HOWEVER I could do with a whole load more, but as they are quite pricey, I can't really afford them at the moment. It is a bit frustrating if I do not have the right colour. I also generally only use them on smaller images like A Muse or Stamping Bella as I haven't found the ability to blend with them YET! I hope this helps}

Easter Nest Egg Cakes

I just thought I would show you the little Easter Nest Egg Cakes I made yesterday, they are very yummy! They are chocolate fairy cakes with chocolate buttercream on the top, decorated with Cadbury's Flake and Mini Eggs!

Easter Treat Bag

I made this little bag for my friend Ruth, inside are little Cadbury's Mini Eggs - it was so funny because she sent me some too! Great minds think alike!! I have coloured in the cute little chick with Copic markers, punched out and added to the bag (from papertrey Ink) with 3D foam pads.

STAMPS: Elzybells NA, A Muse. INK: Brilliance Graphite Black. CS: Papertrey Ink. ACCESSORIES: Copic Markers, Spica At You glitter pen, Woodware 2" scalloped circle punch, Papertrey Ink bag.

I Have Been Tagged!

I've been tagged by Tracy and Tara, thank you ladies!

The rules of the game are:
* Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog
* Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, we all want to know them
* Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs
* Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. If I had the choice I would rather be cold than hot.
2. I love stationary (especially Paperchase) - I must have SO many unused notebooks and pens!
3. I only own about 7 pairs of shoes and 3 of them are trainers!
4. My favourite TV program is Friends with House coming a close second.
5. I really want to visit lots of places in USA including New York, Seattle and California.
6. I love DVDs - I have SO many of them!
7. I think I would like to be a Doctor one day!

Because many people have played this before I would like to tag anyone who hasn't played.

Arte Y Pico

I have been given the Arte Y Pico (Art & More) Award by Gia, Maria, Noleen, Sarah & Tara - aw, thank you so much ladies! :0)

The rules

1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogging community, no matter what language. 2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone. 3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself. 4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog , so everyone will know the origin of this award. 5) To show these rules.

I send it back to everyone who sent it to me and all that are on my links list --->

New Banner

So what do you think of my feeble attempt?! Don't get me wrong I LOVE the one that Jo made me I just wanted to see if I could have a go at making one myself! Quite pleased I managed it even if it is basic. I made it using Paint Shop Pro program and some free downloads off the internet. I'll have to have another play I think ...

Partygirlabella

This image has come from Natalie (thank you!). I have coloured bella in with watercolour pencils and mounted her to purple CS. This has been added to base with DST. I have made the base by adding purple CS to an Anita's card blank with a dark purple strip running accross. I have stamped the strip with polka dots using white ink. I have then stamped the sentiment onto more purple CS and added to card with 3D foam.

STAMPS: Partygirlabella by Stamping Bella, Polka Dot Basics by Papertrey Ink, sentiment by A Muse. INK: Stazon Jet Black, Stazon Opaque White. CS: Anita's card blank, Bazzill.

Changito Thank U

This image has come from Natalie (thank you!). I have coloured the Changito in with watercolour pencils and mounted to orange CS with the corners rounded with a punch. I have added this to the base with 3D foam pads. The base has been made by layering some yellow CS onto an Anita's cream card blank and I have added a strip of orange CS accross the middle. I have embossed this with the Swiss Dots embossing folder in my Cuttlebug. I have added two orange brads to two of the corners.

STAMPS: Changito Thank U by Stampendous. CS: Anita's card blank, Bazzil. ACCESSORIES: Papermania brads, Swiss Dots embossing folder by Cuttlebug.

Bunny With Flowers

This image came from the lovely Julia (thank you!). I have coloured the bunny in with watercolour pencils and added gem stones to the middles of the flowers. I have mounted her onto purple Doodlebug card then on to vellum and 3D mounted to the base. the base has been made by adding two purple strips of CS to an Anita's card blank. I have then swiped ink around the edges of a Craftwork Cards message and added this also with 3D foam.

STAMPS: Bunny with Flowers by Sugar Nellie. INK: Doodlebug Lilac. CS: Anita's card blank, Doodlebug CS, Vellum. ACCESSORIES: Craftwork Cards Mini Message, Papermania Adhesive Gems.

First Class Crafts Design Team

I am happy to announce that I have been approached to be part of the new First Class Crafts Design Team. I of course said yes! First Class Crafts is under new management and will be up and running soon. I am really looking forward to working with Tracy, Alex Eaton & Tara Deeney.

Thank you all so much for the lovely messages, they are really appreciated :0)

Winobella

I have made this card for my Aunt following Amy Rysavy's Friday Sketch # 6. I have stamped Winobella out and coloured her in with watercolour pencils, adding glitter to the glasses and bottle. She has been cut out and mounted to Doodlebug card with the corners rounded off with a punch. The base has been made by cutting out a peice of vellum using my Nestabilities die and adhering to card with Xyron adhesive. I have wrapped a piece of ribbon around the card before adding the image layer. 2 Prima flowers have been layered up and added to the card with a brad. I have swiped ink around a Craftwork Cards Mini Message and added this with 3D foam pads to the bottom corner.

STAMPS: Winobella by Stamping Bella. INK: Brilliance Graphite Black, Colorbox Aquamarine. CS: Anita's card blank, vellum by Craftwork Cards, Doodlebug. ACCESSORIES: Nestabilities dies, Craftwork Cards Mini Messages, Prima Got Flowers Deux, Prima Bubbles, ribbon by Ribbon Oasis, Brad by Paperarts.

Just For You Tilda

These are the cards that I sent out to accompnay my PIF candy last week. As you can see they are all made from the same 'ingredients' but different colours!

STAMPS: Magnolia. INK: Stazon Jet Black. CS: Anita's, Doodlebug, all patterned paper by Doodlebug. ACCESSORIES: Angelina font on PC, Prima Got Flowers, Papermania Adhesive Gems, X-Cut Corner Rounder Punch.

Colour Pencils and Sansodor

Another colouring technique that I have actually only fairly recently starting using is using Sansodor mineral spirit with colour pencils. I personally use Derwent Coloursoft pencils but I know a lot of people use Prismacolor pencils from USA. Sansodor is a make of mineral spirits by Winsor & Newton. When I first started, I used an odourless mineral spirit but for some reason it didn't seem to blend the colours that well which is why, with the help of Sue, I managed to get hold of some Sansodor.

First of all, like how I do my watercolouring, I see where I want the shadows and the light and then in the case of this image, I want the shadows around the edges with lighter in the inside to give a roundness to the character. I have gone around the inside of the lines with the pencil.

I then dip my paperstump into the Sansodor. A paperstump is just a rolled up bit of paper that has a blunt end is great for using with mineral spirit to blend the colours in. I have used a paint brush before which also works well but I like using the paperstump better. With the paperstump dipped into the Sansodor I use the end to blend the colour into the centre of the image. I find that circluar motions work best for me! As you can see in the first picture I have just coloured half of the ducks tummy in.

I then carry on with the rest of the image. I generally colour all the bits that are the same colour and then go on to the next. I also usually go from light to dark as some of the colour does stay on the end of the paperstump.

I would say to use farly thick card or watercolour paper as the mineral spirit do seep through a bit on to the back of the card, it does dry qucikly though. So that is it! again, I hope that it has helped a few of you! Happy colouring!

Watercolouring

Since I started up this blog people have always been complimentary about my colouring (thank you!) and a few people have asked me how I colour my images in. I thought I would do a couple of quick tutroials about how I colour my images in. I would just like to say that I am no expert at all and I would still love to improve my own colouring technique!

First of all I thought I would show you how I colour using watercolour pencils. I first decide where I want the lighter areas and the darker ones. If I want the image to be lighter in the middle, like for this image, I go around the insides of the outline of the stamp using my pencils.

Then taking my waterbrush I drag the colour into the middle of the image whilst blending. If I want to add more colour afterwards I then either colour directly onto the image again with the pencil to build the colour up or take some of the colour off the pencil directly with my warebrush and colour onto the image.

I hope that this may have helped some people. With regards to the paper I use, I actually rarely use watercolour paper, mainly because I cannot find a colour that matches my cardstock. I usually use fairly thick card so that it doesn't warp with the water. The great thing about watercoloring though is that lots different types of card work well, smooth or textured. If I am using my Whispers brush markers to colour in an image I usually use this method too! I love watercolouring and it is probably the technique that I use the most.

Butterfly Bear Just For You

I made this card to accompany some images to Julia. She doesn't have a blog but makes the most gorgeous cards! I have stamped 'Butterfly Bear' with Stazon then coloured him in with watercolour pencils. He has been cut oout, mounted to CS and attached to base with 3D foam pads. The base has simply been made by layering a piece of Doodlebug paper on to a Craftwork Cards card blank. I have stamped the sentiment using my Karen Foster Snap Stamps.

STAMPS: Buttefly Bear Penny Black, Mini Casual Snap Stamps by Karen Foster. INK: Stazon Jet Black. CS: Craftwork Cards, Doodlebug, 'Scribbles' patterned paper by Doodlebug.

PIF

I received some gorgeous PIF (Pass It Forward) from Vicki and Natalie this week - thank you so much ladies! The top one is from Vicki (apologies for forgetting to take a photo of the ribbon!) and the bottom one is from Natalie. They are both really great :0) So, you know what to do, the first 3 UK entrants to leave a comment on this post will get some PIF from me too! As most people have had a go now I am happy that those people do not have to pass it on as well as this thing could go on forever!!

And the PIF goes to ... Tracy, Natalie, Sarah and Pam - I know that there is four but it was my fault for not modertaing my comments quick enough! Ladies, could you please e-mail me your addresses and I will get them out to you as soon as possible! :0)