Distress Style Christmas Card With Fancy Folds Flower

Tim Holtz Inspired
This is a Christmas card I made for a friend who likes the distressed look. The background is a blend of Tim Holtz Shabby Shutters distress inks onto white card, and a touch of Tea Dye distress ink overlaid in parts. I usually use a blending tool, but sponged the background this time, and quite like the effect. I still started from the edges as Tim shows, and find that works well.

I also sponged the edges of the flower with distress ink to make it stand out from the background. The background stamps are from Kaisercraft and the sentiment is a Verve stamp and I think they fit the Tim Holtz style as well.

The flower is basically 9 punched circles fancy folded then arranged  in a circle. I used a 1.5 inch scallop punch. The holly is cut from Designer paper with Glossy Accents on the 3 holly berries.

Fancy Folds
I saw the folds for the flowers in a book called Fabulous Folds For Card Making by Tanya Fox. Lisa Silver was the designer for the card that inspired mine. You can see her Happy Day card using this flower at her blog. I think hers is very effective with the 2 contrasting colours and the brad, so this flower fold is very versatile for all card styles.

Challenges
Simon Says Stamp & Show - Lord Tim Holtz technique
2 Sisters Challenge - Christmas

Gift Bag & Notecards Set

This is a little gift I made for a friend - a mini bag and 4 notecards. The bag is a variation of a Bagalope. There are numerous tutorials online for a Bagalope - a bag made from an envelope. The one I started with is a video from Dawn's Stamping Thoughts - a very talented lady.

I just varied it using Bazzill Black Swiss Dots instead of an envelope plus designer paper and ribbon to finish it off . The tag says "A Little Something For You" (Stampin Up) and cut with a Nellie Snellen Oval die.

The notecards are very simple layers prettied up with the Fiskars Threading Water Punch. The edges of the cuttlebugged (Birds & Swirls) white card are sponged lightly with pink stamp ink.  The base layer is black Swiss Dots, the same as the bag.

If you try this the only issue I had was that the folded card is hard to keep together underneath the bag as it wants to spring back. Next time I would add some strengthening pieces, but I'm happy with it for a first effort.

Do you have any fave gift bag designs you can recommend or point me to? I'm ready to try a few more now that I've dipped my toe in the water.

New Year Blogaversary Giveaway

Erika at Taylord Concepts is having an amazingly generous crafty blogaversary giveaway valued at $900 in the new year. To share the goodness around, there will be multiple winners sharing the prizes.

Not all the giveaway items are pictured here. These are just 2 pics of many you can see at Erika's blog of all the items in the giveway. The little dresses above are alterables and the second pic is an assortment of crafty goodness. Check out the amazing ribbon organizer too... love it. Thanks for your generosity, Erika.

Head on over to Taylord Concepts for all the details. Closes January 5th. While you're there, check out Erika's blog... one very talented lady.

May Your Day Be Filled With Beauty And Love... And Ribbon... And Cards

I have discovered a new (to me) challenge blog - The Ribbon Girl. How could I resist a challenge for the gorgeous colours of pink, lilac and white? I even managed to included some ribbon too.

I love the quote on this card  - May Your Day Be Filled With Beauty and Love and that is what I wish all of you. I look forward to your visits and appreciate your generous support. Thank you for the time you take to visit and comment.

Check out the challenge post at The Ribbon Girl to see all the beautiful DT samples. Lilac, pink and white is such a lovely colour palette. Closes December 14th.

Vintage Angel Christmas Card With Butterfly

Here is one of the first Christmas cards I've made this Christmas season.

The edges of the base card are brushed with Tea Dye Distress Ink and also the main image and edges and here and there. I do love distress inks. The image is layered onto gold card. I like the image - quite peaceful and reflective.

The image is from the very generous and talented Elisa at Digital Designs by Elisa. Explore the site and her shop. This image was free but prices at her shop are very reasonable.

The Seasons Greetings sentiment is done with a Cuttlebug folder onto bronze card. The butterfly is 3 stamped layers with Twinkling H20's on the wings.

Challenge:
Simon Says Stamp & Show - Distress Inks - Closes November 28th

Time You Enjoy Wasting Is Not Wasted - Card

The sentiment says

Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted (John Lennon)... a great sentiment for papercrafters.

This is a free digital stamp from Beccy's Place which I've coloured with Twinkling H2O's and layered using the Martha Stewart doily punch on the edges. I've added a cute yellow flower to the flowerpot.

Vintage Bird On Glimmer Card - A Little Bird Told Me

Here's a card I was quite happy with. It's on glimmery pink card. The sentiment is a computer generated font. I'm starting to see different ways to use the doilies, so am experimenting with that at the moment. And which punch would you use with a doily? Martha Stewart's doily lace punch of course - mainly because I don't own any others yet. ;)

I quite like using this larger square format... sort of a bigger "canvas" to work on.

Sweet Friend Party Girl Card

I've been experimenting with paper piecing. The stamp is a digi from Sassy Studio designs and the Sweet Friend sentiment stamp is from the gorgeous Flourishes Apple of My Eye set. I distressed the card after cuttelbugging with Divine Swirls. I added some gorgeous bling and Kaisercraft flowers for a finishing touch.

I used the Nestabilities Labels 4 die for the main image and a smaller version for the Sweet Friend sentiment. I also used my Martha Stewart doily punch for the borders and added some red ribbon.

Challenges:
Simon Says Stamp - Punch 'Em (Punches & Dies)
Flourishes - Anything But Buttons & Bows

Calling All Australian Cardmakers - Can You Help In Any Way?

Can You Help?
CURRENT CARD TALLY = 848
CARDS TO MEET TARGET= 152
 
Tracey Hanshaw has been keeping me posted on progress for this amazing initiative to provide handmade Christmas cards for troops overseas to post home to loved ones. Currently, there are 3 700 Aussie armed forces personnel in peace keeping missions throughout the world.

Appreciated By The Troops
Last year there was so much positive feedback from personnel. They really appreciated that people back home were thinking of them. And that crafters would go to so much trouble for people they didn't know. It's wonderful for these men and women to be able to send a special handmade Christmas card to someone back home, when apart from loved ones at Christmas.

Tracey says  

Just thought I would let you know with 3 weeks to go, we now have as at today, I have collected 858 cards, I know that Karen has collected another 200 odd down there in Sydney, and I know that one of my girls has another 250 with her and we still have two big days scheduled in.  

Tracey also says there are some still to come in and not counted/confirmed, so the total is likely to be much higher.

CURRENT CARD TALLY = 848
CARDS TO MEET TARGET= 152

How You Can Help (even if you're not an Aussie)

• Spread The Word in forums, blogs, in your local card groups and with friends
• Contact Tracey to find out where to send spare handmade Christmas cards you have around
• Get together with friends and have a cardmaking day for the cause
• October 26th - If you live in the Maitland, NSW area, you're invited to come along to Tracey's making cards for the trooops day

More details, including contact details can be found at Tracey's Stampin Up Blog or Karen's Paper Lady. Thanks ladies for co-ordinating such an amazing initiative.

Michelle Philippi's In The Bag Giveaway

It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas with all the generous crafters emptying out their goodie bags,. Or in the case of Michelle Philippi, a super goodie box.

Check out the fab gift bags Michelle has made... so creative and inspirational. And she's giving away not a bag of goodies, but a box of goodies ... too many to fit in a bag... so generous! And the range of goodies  is amazing. I"m just dabbling in mini books, so noticed those right away, plus stamps, ribbons, brads, paper, diecuts and more.

Head on over to Michelle's site to find out all the details and while you're there, take a look around her fab site.

Shabby Chic Quilted Heart Card

Another square card. I quite like this size and shape... a bigger "canvas" to experiment with. I like the  shabby chic or vintage look of the quilted heart (papers from a craft magazine). I've added a button and embroidery thread.

The sentiment is on an oval using a Nellie Snellen Multi die. It's been a rainy day here, so again, I apologise for the photo quality due to poor light.

Does anyone have a reasonably priced source for envelopes for square cards?

Beatrix Potter Bunny Card

I'm experimenting with square cards. Apologies for shadow on the photo. It's a rainy day here so very little nice natural light.

This is a Beatrix Potter image. I've added a Cuttlebugged border, a gold tie and a button. Very simple, but I thought it might make a nice card for a child, or even a new baby card.

Papertrey Ink Blog Candy

I followed the recent Papertrey release and loved the stamps, especially the Wreaths For All Seasons stamp set, so was excited to see Monlight Creations is offering the gorgeous Wreath stamp set as a generous giveaway. It's such a versatile set. There is also Papertrey cardstock and ribbon.

Check out the details at Moonlight Creations. Closes October 10th, 2010.

While you're there, check out the main site as Moonlight Creations makes some stunning handmade wedding invitations and stationery.

Do You Know Of Any Nestie Friendly Stamps - I'm Making a List

As I start to slowly build my collection of Spellbinders Nestabilities Dies (love them!), I'm on the hunt for stamps that fit the Nesatabilities frames. I'm coming across more and more, so thought I'd start a list as a reference for myself and for anyone else who may be interested.

Do you know other companies who make Nestabilities compatible stamps? Please leave a comment, and I'll add them to the list. I'll update this list as I find more.

Nestie Friendly Stamps Listing

• Just Rite Stampers (Download Die Punch Compatibility PDF) 
  
• Waltzng Mouse Stamps (direct link to Nesties Friendly stamps)
  
• Papertrey Ink (Don't claim Nestie Friendly but similar  shape to Labels 1 - Check size) - Also have their own range of dies- Fillable Frames
  
• Gina K Designs (direct link to Nesties Friendly stamps - also for punches)
  
• Flourishes
  
• Heartfelt Creations
  
• Stamping Scrapping (direct link to Nesties Friendly stamps)
  (Not sure of Manufacturer For These as also available elsewhere. Do you know?)
  
• Blockheads Stamps (direct link to Nesties Friendly stamps)
  
• Layers of Color (direct link to Nestie Friendly stamps) 
• Scrapbook dot com (then search for Donna Salazar Compatibles) 
• Sparkle n Sprinkle Combo Dies & Stamp Sets 

Nestie Friendly Digital Stamps or Frames Listing

• Lindsay's Stamp Stuff at My Grafico (direct link to Vintage Christmas themed Nesties Friendly Digital Stamps and Vintage Halloween themed Nesties Friendly Digital Stamps)
  
  
• Raindrop Echo Designs at Whimsy Stamps (direct link to Nesties Friendly Digital Stamps)

Any others?

Update: Spellbinders has announced further partnerships with Flower Soft,  Our Daily Bread, Quick Quotes,  Sparkle N Sprinkle, Taylored Expressions, Technique Tuesday, The Rubber Café, and Unity Stamp Co.

I haven't had a chance to look into these yet, to see if they have Nestie Friendly Stamps. Will update the list as I get to them.

Credit:
The pictured set  is from Gina K Designs by Nina Brackett - works with Spellbinders Labels 1,4, 8 and 9

I Love Papercrafting Blogaversary Candy

Jerusha at I Love Papercrafting is celebrating 2 years of blogging with a super blogaversary giveaway.

I have my eye on the wonderful Spellbinders and Provocraft goodies, but there's also an amazing selection of fab stamps, stickers, ribbons, prestamped images, embellishments and more. Jerusha calls it her Every Occasion candy, covering all sorts of occasions and holidays. Wonderful! Thanks Jerusha... and Happy Blogaversary.

Head on over to find out more. Closes October 23rd.

Man's Card - Hello

I don't make many men's cards, so thought I'd better try them more often. This fab image is a free one from The Frugal Crafter. Thanks Lindsay.

A simple card with an embossed sentiment and layered with a black matt onto designer paper. The image is on watercolour paper and so is the stamped sentiment, which is edged with distress ink. I like using watercolour paper. It seems to give it a bit more depth or texture.

Challenge Entry:
Fab n Funky Challnege #42 - Is it black or is it white (with a twist)? (black, white and brown) (Closes Wed October 6th.)

Thank You Card For Heart To Heart Alzhemiers Support Card Drive

It's rewarding to make cards for friends and family, but equally rewarding to reach out to those who do so much... the unsung heroes of the world.

Cammie's grandmother, Mamo, suffered from Alzheimers. Cammie is organising an Alzheimers Support card drive, rallying us to send cards to say Thank You to Alzheimers carers to celebrate her Grandmother's birthday, as well as World Alzheimers Day. I heard a man speak just the other day about the impact on the carers as they care for loved ones. Of course, there are many helping professionals who do so much for Alzheimer's patients too. My card has been sent to the staff at the Artman Home where Cammie's grandmother was.

Giveaway
I hope you'll join in the card drive too by sending a card or cards to someone you know, a local group or to the Artman Home. Lots of fab companies have come to the party too in very generously supporting this card drive, by providing prizes for a super mega giveaway. The sponsors list reads like a Who's Who of Papercrafting.... over $1000 worth of craft goodness. Some include Just Rite, Spellbinders, Gina K, Taylored Expressions, Papercraft Magazine and many more. Lots of individuals have contributed too, including making handmade cards, all part of the giveaway.

Join The Heart To Heart Alzheimers Support Card Drive
Head on over to Cammie's blog to find out more and to join this very worthwhile cause. Closes October 3rd. Thanks for organising this wonderful concept, Cammie. I'm sure the carers will really appreciate it, and it bring attention to a very important issue. I'm pleased to be involved.

Gwen's Busy Little Hands Giveaway

Gwen is celebrating a technology win (always cause for celebration!!) and is also doing a craft room clear out.
She is generously hosting a giveaway at her blog, Gwen's Busy Little Hands for goodies including

• a Cuttlebug embossing product
• a Sizzix die
• Papers,
• Stickers
• Ribbon

Thanks Gwen. Closes September 30th. Head on over to find out more and to enter.

While you're there, check out Gwen's blog. I love her banner and tagline... A Place To Spread Your Creative Wings And Fly... a perfect sentiment for crafters. Gwen will be hosting monthly giveaways.

Blogging Keeps My Mind And Heart Dancing - From Cathe Holden

The fabulously talented and generous Cathe Holden at Just Something I Made has come up with this amazing little animation. Great fun.

Talk about mixing the old and the new. Cathe scanned every page of an old time flip book, and with the wonders of modern technology, turned it into an animation.

If you want this for your sidebar or want to check out her other animations or other creative crafty and design ideas, head on over. It's one of my favourite sites to visit.

Autumn Card For A Man

Love these Autumn colours and thought this would make a good man's card with the darker russet tones and the olive green ribbon.The background is stamped with autumn leaves and one additional leaf is popped with multi dimensional tape. The die for the sentiment (stamped onto watercolour paper and heat embossed) is a Nellie Snellen oval from the Multi series.

As an aside, I'm finding watercolor paper with its extra thickness is great for stamping onto, for die cuts and especially for embossing as it leaves deeper impressions than regular paper. I'll be using it a lot more from now on, although I won't go overboard, as it's more expensive than regular card.

Challenges:
Cards For Men Challenge #20 - Autumn (Closes October 10th)
Squiggle Stamps September Challenge - Anything Goes
Everybody Art Challenge - Autumn (Closes September 27th)
Stamp Something - Fall Colors (Closes September 30th)

Birds and Nest Congratulations Card

Apologies first off for the quality of the first image. Can you tell it is birds and a nest - a beautiful image let down by my dodgy photography. The image is from The Graphics Fairy. It's printed on gloss paper and cuttlebugged.

In "real" life it is quite delicate and the embossed Swiss Dots enhance the look rather than detract from it. The second photo shows my first attempt at stamping on ribbon and the layering of my tiny scraps of card with my much loved Martha Stewart doily punch. Next time, I'll leave off the exclamation mark, I think... learning all the time.

Challenges:
Crafty Sentiments #36 - Use Your Scraps (scraps of ribbon and scraps of card)
Stamp Something - Digi (Digi birds and nest) (Closes Thurs September 23rd)

Starving Artistamps Backlit Blooms

I love silhouettes and haven't seen too many around in stamp form.

So I was excited to discover the Backlit Blooms series of stamps from Doodle Factory. I was even more thrilled to discover that the full 6 sets of Backlit Blooms stamps are up for grabs. This is a generous blog candy at Starving Artistamps where they are promoting their new releases and where birthday celebrations are in full swing.

Don't you love the card above made with one of the stamps? It looks almost like the Chinese cloisonne effect on the flowers. That's from adding special Prima flowers to the stamped images. Beautiful. And how about the stamps themselves, pictured below. I could really have a ton of creative fun with those and my distress inks. They're a generous 5.75 inches tall and come with sentiments.

If you want to join in the giveaway, head on over to Starving Artistamps and find out more. Closes September 25th.

Created With Love Blogaversary Giveaway

Carin from Created With Love is celebrating her 1st Blogaversary.

She is inviting us to join in the fun with a generous giveaway. I am in love with Distress inks. And do you spy those gorgeous dragonfly and butterfly stamps and other stamps too? I'm just starting to use punches and I spy 3 border punches. Wow... look at what Carin is offering.

• 2 moleskine books (1 sketchbook, 1 watercolour notebook)
• 5 sheets mulberry paper in assorted colours (tan, cream, green, lilac, peach) 
• 5 illustrated pages from classic vintage children's books. '
• 3 border craft punches (1 musical notes, 1 ribbon heart, 1 daisy)
• 4 rubber stamps (1 border of hearts, 1 designed by, 1 brush dragonfly, 1 shadow wings)
• 3 Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads (old paper, faded jeans, pumice stone)
• 1 bottle Glamour Dust

Head over to Created With Love to find out more.  Closes September 24th. Drawn September 26th.

Vintage Distressed Bird Card With Text Background

This is a card I've just finished making for my first ever card swap. The brief was to make 6 cards the same, using birds plus any distress technique.

The coloured background is a digital image from the very talented Vintage Catnip. I overstamped it with a text stamp. I stamped and embossed a bird plus a bird cage on a punched circle popped with multi dimensional tape. Then it was layered onto card coloured with Dusty Concord distress ink and stamped with postmarks.

I'm a bit nervous sending my cards to other cardmakers for the first time, but hope they like them. Best of all, I get cards back and can't wait to see how others have interpreted the brief.

Challenge:
This is my entry into the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #101 - Anything Goes
Also - The Shabby Tea Room Week #27 - Inspired By Nature

Prima Goodness - The First Prima Ideas Book

Don't you just love all the Prima goodies?

Well now Prima has brought out their first ever idea book. It has lots of inspirational ideas, techniques and yummy photos to showcase what can be done with their products.This includes scrapbooking, card making and even fashion.

Of course, you could buy one, and here's the info about the new Prima book from their site, if you just can't wait to get your hands on one

• 18 Artists from all around the World
• Over 130 Projects
• One Brand
• Item #540081

Want to win one?
Just head over to this Prima post to find out more. Closes September 21st.

Hello Across The Miles - Vintage Style Card

I was quite pleased with this card - a bit of a vintage feel to it.

The postmarks background is a digital image overstamped in parts with a background stamp using dark pink ink. I used the Martha Stewart doily punch to edge the layered tag (love that punch).

The gorgeous butterfly is from a Crafty Secrets Pad of images - beautiful and glossy. Then, I stamped a sentiment, added olive green ribbon for the tag, and that was that. Lots of fun. I think I'll use it to send a note to a friend I regularly correspond with by "snail mail".

The blue background is NOT part of the card. I need to refine which surface is best to sit my cards on when photographing, so apologies.

This is my challenge entry for
Shabby Tearoom Challenge #26 - Tag, You're It (Sept 13)

Upcoming 2010 USA Craft Fairs

I was exploring the CHA site and came across this listing of upcoming USA 2010 Craft Fairs. A girl can dream...

Which is your favourite craft fair... anywhere in the world?

SEPTEMBER

September 17, 2010 - September 18, 2010	Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention	San Marcos, TX
September 24, 2010 - September 26, 2010	TACA Fall Craft Fair	Nashville, TN
September 24, 2010 - September 26, 2010	The American Sewing Expo	Novi, MI
September 25, 2010 - September 26, 2010	Heirloom Rubber Stamp & Paper Arts Festival	Anderson, SC
September 30, 2010 - OCTOBER October 02, 2010	Original Sewing & Quilt Expo	Chantilly, VA
October 01, 2010 - October 02, 2010	INDIEana Handicraft Exchange	Indianapolis, IN
October 02, 2010 - October 03, 2010	Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Expo	West Springfield, MA
October 02, 2010 - October 03, 2010	Heirloom Rubber Stamp & Paper Arts Festival	Fort Wayne, IN
October 08, 2010 - October 10, 2010	Whole Bead Show	Providence, RI
October 08, 2010 - October 09, 2010	Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention	Kansas City, MO
October 09, 2010 - October 10, 2010	Heirloom Rubber Stamp & Paper Arts Festival	York, PA
October 09, 2010 - October 10, 2010	Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Expo	St. Paul, MN
October 14, 2010 - October 16, 2010	Georgia Quilt Show	Atlanta, GA
October 14, 2010 - October 17, 2010	Pacific International Quilt Festival XIX	Santa Clara, CA
October 15, 2010 - October 17, 2010	Whole Bead Show	New York, NY
October 16, 2010 - October 17, 2010	Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Expo	Milwaukee, WI
October 17, 2010 October 17, 2010	"Sunday, Crafty Sunday" Gift Bazaar - Dia de los Muertos Celebration!	San Diego, CA
October 20, 2010 - October 24, 2010	Creativ Festival	Toronto, Canada
October 22, 2010 - October 24, 2010	Great! Scrapbook Events Crop & Shop	Gaylord, MI
October 22, 2010 - October 24, 2010	Original Sewing & Quilt Expo	Kansas City, MO
October 30, 2010 - October 31, 2010 NOVEMBER	Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Expo	Las Vegas, NV
November 06, 2010 - November 07, 2010	Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Expo	Denver, CO
November 11, 2010 - November 13, 2010	Original Sewing & Quilt Expo	Minneapolis, MN
November 12, 2010 - November 13, 2010	Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention	Seattle, WA
November 13, 2010        - November 13, 2010	Holiday Craft Fair & Car Show	Jacksonville, NC
November 21, 2010	Make it Indie	Cobourg, Ontario
November 27, 2010 - November 28, 2010	Bliss Holiday Gift Market	Oklahoma City, OK
December 18, 2010 -	City of Craft	Toronto, ON

Easy Origami Men's Shirt Card

This simple male card is inspired by a card sent to me by the talented Sue Laufer at Left Handed Crafter. Sue very generously sent me 5 gorgeous cards as her blog giveaway prize.

I've been wanting to make one of these little men's origami shirts for ages after a friend showed me how. You can find origami shirt video insructions here if you want to give it a go.

The cream layer is cuttlebugged and a little loop of Stampin Up ribbon peeks out from under the layer above it.

This card is for the following challenges -

• Corrosive Card Challenge #79 - For The Guys
  
• Simon Says Stamp & Show Your Layers (Sept 7)

Paper Rosette Pearl & Lace Challenge Card

I tried my first paper rosette for this baby card. The paper was first edged with the Martha Stewart doily lace punch. Then it was pleated and folded and made into a circle.

Keeping the rosette together was tricky. Any tips? I need to experiment with the width and length of the paper strip to perfect this. Here's a paper rosette video tutorial if you want to give it a try yourself.

The circle was cut with a Nellie Snellen multi die (love these). The edges were lightly sponged with Shabby Shutters distress ink and some pearls added.

I'm entering this into the

• Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Pearls and Lace (Pearls plus punched paper lace edge)
•  
• All Sort Challenge - New Beginnings (New Baby)
•  
• Simon Says Stamp & Show Your Layers  (Sept 7)

Simple Vintage Card

This card is a very simple vintage style one.

The main images are a two digital stamps merged. They are free digital vintage images from Tid Bit Trinkets, The background is also a vintage digital image.

The computer generated sentiment (obcsured a little by the ribbon, sorry) says "Be good, and if you can't be good - be stylish."

Challenges I'm entering this in are
Cute Card Thursday - Challenge #127 - Dieing for a punch (no punches or dies allowed) (Sept 2nd)

Cupcake Craft Challenge - Challenge #106 - Let's Get Digital (September 5th)

Stampin For The Weekend - Challenge 45 - Anything Goes

Crafty Girl Designs Celebrations

Crafty Girl Designs is celebrating her blogaversary. 

She has a great idea to spread the celebrating around.. She's doing 5 small, easily postable giveaways for 5 separate people. Lighter things can be sent anywhere less expensively - makes a lot of sense and very generous. The stamps pictured are just one of the giveaways over 5 separate posts.

Other prizes include Cuttlebug Folders and a gorgeous cling stamp.

Head on over to Crafty Girl Designs to find out more. Some close on Monday August 30th, and the rest on September 6th.

How Many Types Of Ribbon Are There? A Roundup

I've been reading The Complete Photo Guide to Ribbon Crafts. 

They list ribbons I hadn't thought of, so just for fun, I thought I'd explore. Here's a bit of a list of the different type of ribbons and tying fibres available these days. Still a lot I need to try out.

Isn't it wonderful to have so many crafty choices? Any others?

Types of Ribbon Roundup

• Satin
• Taffeta
• Picot Edge
• Grosgrain
• Twill
• Jacquard
• Sheer - Organza, Georgette etc.
• Velvet
• Chenille
• Silk
• Metallic
• Wire Edge
• Synthetic (Curling Ribbons etc.)
• Paper, Jute, Raffia, Other Fibres including recycled
• Knitting Ribbons
• String, Baker's Twine, Wool
• Cord
• Lace
• Ric Rac
• Wrinkled Ribbon
• Suede
• Fancy - Pearls, Sequins, 
• Shaped - Leaves, Flowers etc.
• Punched Metal e.g. Sequin Waste

 And that's without thinking of patterns and other variations such as stitched ribbon etc.

Can you think of any other types of ribbon I've missed?

Cute Teddy Thank You Card

This cute Teddy Thank You card opens out with the double half fold. Not sure if that is called a gatefold?

I used a Nelllie Snellen Multi Die for the circle. I love these dies. They are so versatile, reasonably priced and give a nice effect. The edge of the circle is sponged with blue ink and the plain blue paper is cuttlebugged with one of the Asian Cuttlebug folders.

The teddy is a digi stamp from the wonderful Mellissa at MelJen's Designs


Challenges I'm entering this card in are
CES - Challenge #1 Anything Goes
Bee Crafty - Challenge #37 - Anything Goes (September 11)
Aud Sentiments - Challenge #9 - Anything Goes (August 31)

Clean & Simple Challenge Card

I've made this card for my sister's birthday. She likes clean, stylish but simple lines. Apologies for the shadow in the photo. You can click to enlarge it, to get a better idea if you like.

It was very easy, but I like how it turned out - quite elegant, I think.

It's white Swiss Dots paper layered onto a black edge. The Martha Stewar doily punch softens the lines. The flower is from Dover.

I rubbed a spoon on the back of the flower to curl it a bit, for more of a dimensional effect. I added a single pink rhinestone in the middle, and kept the ribbon simple too.

I'm entering this into the Totally Papercrafts Challenge 31 - Let's Keep It Clean & Simple.
If you want to enter the challenge, it closes on Friday, September 3rd.

Pink Card Making Inspiration

 

Aren't they gorgeous?

I photographed these beautiful pink begonias in the Begonia House in Ballarat, Australia.

I was all set to come home and grow begonias myself, I was so in love with the delicate blooms. Alas, I found out they won't grow in my area, as it's too hot.

Pink Inspiration Card Making
Next best thing, make some pink flower inspired cards, and a good excuse to buy all things pink. I've gathered yummy pink ribbons, flowers and paper in all shades. Oh and yes, of course pink bling.

I have the pink inspiration and the card making materials. Now, I just have to get to and actually make the cards.

I may not have pink begonias in my garden, but I still have the gorgeous photos to inspire me. Can you grow begonias in your area?

Etsy Wish List Craft Gossip Giveaway

Who wouldn't want a blank cheque to spend at Etsy?

The Craft Gossip Etsy Wishlist Giveaway
I bet we all have an Etsy wishlist. It's a great place to browse at all the wonderful goodies.

Craft Gossip is a network of craft blogs, including Scrapbooking and Stamping. They are giving 3 people a chance to win a $100 gift voucher each to spend at Etsy on their Etsy Wishlist. Check out my Wishlist for the Giveaway below.

They cover shippping too, which is a real bonus. Find out more at the Craft Gossip Etsy giveaway post on their site.

What I'm Looking At
I'm keen to make some more cards and papercraft projects, especially experimenting with Vintage, French inspired and Oriental themes. I found the perfect selection for my Etsy wishlist for the Craft Gossip giveaway.

Here's my $100 Etsy Wishlist
Cute Japanese Stamp - Traditional Pattern - $10.50
Wooden Stamps In A Can - Bird  - $26.00
Wooden Stamps In A Can - Paris - $26.00
Duet Stamps - Bird & Bird Cage - $9.00
Duet Stamp Set - Angel - $9.00
Duet Stamp - Lace - $9.00
Cute Japanese Stamp - Flowers - $10.50

Comes to $100 exactly and all from the one Etsy store... Karaku - one of my favourites.

Gosh. that was fun choosing. Hard to stop though! It would be so fun to play with this little selection of goodies. I have some ideas already.

Do you have an Etsy wishlist?
Head on over to Craft Gossip to find out how to make your own Etsy wish list. Winners announced September 1st and open worldwide.