October Card Chain Challenge Reveal

This post reminds me of one of those 'Spot the Difference' quizzes I played as a child!

Once again, Card Chain Challenge Reveal has rolled around with amazing speed. The lovely Deborah is still unwell so Gail is keeping the wheels turning over at her blog. Thanks, Gail, this challenge means so much and it's great you've taken-up the reins while Deborah has some time out.

Here's the card I sent to  my recipient, Nathalie in Quebec:

And here's the photograph I sent to Gail for the main reveal post:

Can you spot the difference?

Yes, it's that tiny alteration on the banner. After photographing the card I decided to swap the gem for a little bird as it seemed more in keeping with the Autumnal feel of this little number.

The beautiful leaves are from the set In Bloom: Renee's Leaves by Winnie and Walter. They have some beautiful inspiration cards on show alongside this set to tempt you into making a purchase!

I received this super, fun card from Gail.

If you'd like to join us for the final CCC of 2016, you can still sign-up at Gail's blog.

Creative With Stamps Challenge #8 - Use a Bird Stamp

Hello crafters, we've got a lovely challenge for you this month over at Creative with Stamps: 'Use a bird stamp!'

I am seriously in 'stamp-love' with thes images from Pinkfresh Studio. I stamped, masked and over-stamped the main image with a beautiful Hero Arts background stamp. I cut my mask really close to the images yet they still have a weird 'aura' going on... I guess I can live with it. I know the little girl is the star of this scene but isn't that sweet bird a beauty? I love listening to the birds singing in my garden each morning and this image makes me think of how happy they make me feel.

I added the sentiment, some Wink of Stella and three tiny gems and left this as a single layer card. (Mmmmm, note to self: round that top-left corner!)

My teamies have created some beautiful inspiration cards and, once again, we have some fabulous sponsors so please follow the links and join the fun!

Naughty or Nice Challenge #33 - Don't Pull Your Punches!

This month it's all about punches, dies and die-cuts over at Naughty or Nice Challenges. 

Turns out the phrase 'don't pull your punches' is a boxing term, when you pull a punch you don't hit the other fighter as hard as you can. It also means to hold back from doing or saying what you really think, not being completely honest so you won't hurt somebody's feelings. When you don't pull any punches you are frank, honest!

My card makes use of this gorgeous die cut from Happy Trio by WPlus9, which simply screamed 'shaker card' from the moment I opened the packaging! 

I smooshed some yellow, orange and pink Distress Inks on a large stamping block to create the background. The sequins are a random mixture of spares and leftovers from previous projects so I can't really give a brand name. Sadly, the card hasn't photographed well as it looks lovely IRL.

Think you can punch your weight in our latest challenge? Why not drop by at Naughty or Nice Challenges and join in all the fun!

The Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers Challenge #71 - W is for Watercolour

Welcome, welcome, welcome! For Challenge #71 my fabulous sistahs have pulled-out their watercolour paints and got busy!

I struggled a little with this challenge, making card after card but not being satisfied with any of them. I'd had the idea for a Wizard of Oz style card in my head for ages but it wasn't until I saw this card, made by Lydia at Understand Blue, that I had a 'sentiment' to match with the image. 

The background was made with Brushos. Brushos are tiny tubs of crystallized/powdered watercolour paint and believe-you-me, a little goes a very long way! The shoes are from a cute Hero Arts set that I used before to make this card.

I made this card for the lovely Shirley Brampton: hope you had a fun day, sweetie!

The Sistahs and our fabulous GDT, Lauren, have created some watercoloured wonders for your delight and delectation, so why not head on over and take a look...

Naughty or Nice Challenge #32 - Reminder

It's time for our mid-month post over at Naughty or Nice and the gang have created yet more inspiration to get you in the mood for our current, fun challenge. 

My card is focusing on wild women... And true friendship!

Head over before Tuesday 25th October to play along.

Creative With Stamps Challenge #7 - Reminder

And now for something very CAS: a simple die-cut greeting and stamped dots!

It's still all about the sentiment over at Creative With Stamps this month.

My teamies have created some truly beautiful inspiration cards for this challenge. You have until the end of October to play along with our 'Sentiment Only' Challenge.