Teenager Christmas

I've combined a commissioned card with this weeks Dotties World Challenge which is:

Boy Oh Boy

I did, of course have to make a purchase especially and I bought the Mikey downloads. And of course they will be useful in the future too!

I used the wrapped up image and all the backing papers are from Funky Hand - Blue Christmas Download - I've just used the backing papers rather than the word book itself. I've rounded edges, inked them with blue and then brown ink and around the edges (although you can't see it) I've used a silver gel pen and dotted.

The sentiment is computer generated, the ribbon I found in my stash and the star charm is a recent ebay purchase. I think making male teenager Christmas cards is now going to be a lot easier!

• Backing papers: Blue Christmas download from Funky Hand
• Image: Mikey digital download - pre coloured
• Sentiment: Computer generated
• Ribbon & Charm: From my stash
  

New House

Another new challenge site for me - again found whilst looking at fellow Polkadoodle DT mate Saskia's blog (it's all your fault!) and I came across CRAFT challenges!

This week the brief is to:

make an unusual shaped card - no squares or rectangles allowed!

I was asked to make a new home card for a work colleague as her son and girlfriend have just moved house (he loves windsurfing, hence the board and strange shorts) and I was given a sketch of what their flat looked like - they are actually on the top floor and that's why I've only done three windows - it symbolises their floor.....!

I've used a template from Craftwork cards, and have used Fiskars embossing boards for the roof and bricks on the house, chalked and inked them and then added the windows over the top. The window frames have been cut with a concentric rough square Cuttlebug die with vellum added for the glass.

The little people are Sizzix die cuts and I've adapted some of the shapes so they would fit with the theme. The surfboard is my own template.

The sentiment has been attached with wire.

• Dies: Sizzix
• Embossing: Fiskars embossing boards
• House Template: Craftwork cards
• Ribbon: From my stash
  
  

Ahoy!

The Scrappy Frogs challenge this week is to use a downloaded image - a Dustin Pike pirate ship background.

So I downloaded the image, re sized it and coloured it with watercolour pencils and a bit of glitter glue. It is actually a commissioned card so I have not yet added the sentiment as its personal, but the idea is to use two small oval tags and tie them onto the jute string on the right hand side.


I've used a number of different Sizzix dies for the little person and elements of two Sizzlet dies for the fish and treasure chest. The anchor is a punch. The blue backing paper came from the scrap store and I cut it down to size.

I also downloaded the pirate dragon but will use that again on a different card!

Just about managed this one by the skin of my teeth!

• Background image: Dustin Pike free download coloured with watercolour pencils and a bit of glitter glue
• Dies: Various Sizzix and Sizzlet dies for the body, clothes, fish and chest
• Blue backing paper: Scrap store
• Everything else: My stash
  

Very Blingy!

The Secret Crafter Challenge this week is:

Bling

I made this card last week as a special commission for a returning customer and the brief was a Birthday Card for her Mum who has joined the Red Hat Society where they dress in purple with red hats or fascinators, and her nick name is Baroness Bling Bling! And I could add as much bling as I wanted - more the better!

The little person and accessories have been cut with Sizzix dies, the dress is made from organza, seed beads and glitter glue. The silver vellum background has been Swiss Dotted, sentiment is computer generated and all the ribbon and gems are from my stash.

I have been told that the little person looks just like the recipient, so I am pleased with my judgement!

• Dies: Sizzix and Cuttlebug Swiss Dots
• Everything else: From my stash
  

All That Glitters

The Pink Elephant Challenge this week is:

All That Glitters

And I think I've just made this one by the seat of my pants!

I was asked to make a card for a little girl who is going to be a big sister in early March and her Aunty did not want her to feel left out! Grace is a very girly girl and loves pink and I decided to combine the commission with the challenge (with permission of course!) and to go all out on the sparkle too!

Sorry for the photos - again they are lit by the kitchen lights but hopefully they will show the sparkle! I've used glitter glue and very glittery card and glittery ribbons throughout. The rosette is handcut with the scalloped edge being punched hearts glued onto the reverse of the circle. Letters have been cut using a Cuttlebug Baby Face alphabet set and the little girl is all Sizzix dies with my own touches.

The vellum backing has been run through the D'vine Swirls embossing folder to give the card a little more texture.

It actually looks a lot better in real life and I hope that Grace and her Aunty are pleased with it!

• Dies: Cuttlebug Baby Face alphabet, Cuttlebug D'vine swirls embossing and various Sizzix dies for the little girl and her clothes
• Glitter Card, Pearlescent Card & Vellum: All from my stash
• Ribbons: All from my stash

Fluffy Jumper and Charity Shops!

A recently commissioned card! Lynsey asked me to make a card for her Mum's forthcoming Birthday and gave me a few ideas of her likes and habits. And this is what I made!

She likes charity shopping and shoes and a lager (although I've made it a pint of frothy beer!) every now and again. You can just about make out the glasses I've made from wire although the fluffy jumper hides them a little! The backing papers are Dovecraft Amethyst 6 x 6 pad with transparent vellum layer which has been embossed with Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder. Card and backing paper edges have been inked in pink.

Happy Birthday Lynsey's Mum!

• Backing papers: Dovecraft 6 x 6 Amethyst papers and transparent vellum
• Dies: Sizzix Original Red dies which have been customised once cut
• Embossing: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots
• Ribbon: From my stash
  

King (or Queen) For A Day! DCM Challenge

I had a card to make for a commission with a fairy princess brief so decided to combine it with the Daring Cardmakers Challenge which this week is:

... My Majestic theme is quite a simple one....

I would like you to incorporate a Crown (or Tiara) somewhere upon your card! Have fun and I can't wait to see what you create :)

And this is my response!

Crown cut from my own template (inspiration drawn from my new 99p Princess stamp) onto the silver card from the Scrap Store which has then been run through the swiss dots Cuttlebug embossing folder and edged with 3d silver glitter paint. The backing is pink tissue paper which has been ruffled a little!

The little princess was made from the commission specification and uses Sizzix dies and more of the pink tissue paper to make the floaty princess dress. The tiara and wand are Quickutz dies.

Apologies for the card angle - husband is in charge of taking photos at the moment as the daylight does not really extend beyond my working hours and he's not as 'thoughtful' with the photos as I am!

• Card: From the Scrap Store, tissue paper from my stash
• Dies: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, Sizzix and Quickutz
• Other Bits: From my stash

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 24 - Brights!

Would you believe it! Two challenges to date and no Christmas Cards!!! I have a feeling all the ones for this week (with one exception) will be non Festive!

The Cute Card Thursday Challenge 24 for this week is:

to make a card using BRIGHT COLOURS

I'll own up now and tell you that this is a slight cheat as I made this card a week or so ago as a commission for Lisa for her daughters 13th Birthday at the end of the month. But, I thought it was too good an opportunity to miss as I feel it fits the challenge perfectly!

The card is made from my own template and has been directly printed onto from the Now That's Funky cd and the Funky Diva colour collection (sentiment also). The vellum has also been printed on and has been layered. The ribbon (and this is going to be a shock!) I found in my stash and was a perfect colour match! Eyelets from Kath's recent generosity have been added around the edges of the vellum to give it a bit of weight. And I've added 13 pink seed beads to the sentiment and some on the wire attaching it to the handle.

The centre of the vellum flowers also have tiny silver seed beads added.

• Backing paper & sentiment: Funky Diva collection from Now That's Funky including sentiment
• Ribbon: From my stash (and I don't think Blackburn market this time!)
• Other Bits: Seed beads from my stash; eyelets from Kath

Inspiration Just At The Right Time!

Sometimes I really have to think about what to do when I've been asked to make a special Birthday card. This was no exception! And I did a lot of thinking!

However, inspiration came from of Kath's card! I'd been told that the recipient likes flowers, so I made a template for a largish flower, cut it from slightly patterned thick paper and then two from vellum. The edges of the black layers were inked with silver and then feathered. The vellum layers were inked with pink, with the top layer cut into individual petals.


Both bows were tied using my little wooden bow maker, with the one on the flower using the wide fuchsia pink satin ribbon and two strands of thin black satin ribbon. And I made the hat pin myself!!

The lacy strip was sent to me by Kath and I added a few gems plus the ones on the sentiment.

Happy Birthday Hayley's Grandma! And Thank You Kath!

• Backing paper: Dovecraft Charcoal Prints 6x6 paper; transparent vellum
• Ribbon: From my stash (and no doubt originated from Blackburn market!)
• Embellishments: Hat pin made by me!
• Sentiment: Computer generated
  

Sixties Chick

This was a commission made in a hurry! Made for Pauline from Wedding Toppers for her friend who would be 60 in early August. The hairstyle and dress were specifically asked for (and to include the large lace on the neckline and cuffs!) and that the recipient loved Cliff Richard and John Lennon, so I included two of their album covers.


The black background is from the charcoal pack from Dovecraft, and the number 60 is cut from one of my favourite papers from Funky Hand - Its Funky Too cd, which has been printed onto glossy photographic paper for a shiny feel. The letters have been mounted onto hot pink pearlescent card and then added to the backing paper with 3d foam pads, and the edges glittered with silver.

I added the ribbons, flower and gems as I felt the card lacked a little something and as luck would have it, I had everything to match!

I did have a bit of a panic as I didn't have any white lace and considered bleaching the black that I had, but realised that I didn't have enough time to do it properly and was not sure that it would work right. And then found a new string washing bag - the type you put the washing tablets in - which once cut up small enough worked perfectly (with some sheer white organza ribbon behind)!! Thank God for Persil eh??!!

Lazy Town with Diamonds

The title was a poor attempt at a recreation of a Beatles song. Didn't really work did it?! Anyway, two recently commissioned cards for Pauline's Daughter and Granddaughter, personalised to their interests!

The detail on Joanne's card is shown as its hard to see it on the other picture - stamped with silver ink from a clear Studio G stamp.

Both my boys were particularly impressed with the Lazy Town card and wanted one!!

The little characters will be available to buy from my website in August.

Warrington & Minnie

Was asked to make a card for a 30th Wedding Anniversary. My brief was that they both supported Warrington Rugby League, loved Disneyland and she liked flowers. The backing vellum paper I bought on a whim ages ago from here, knowing that I'd be able to use it at some point!


As it was a Pearl Wedding Anniversary, I've used fake pearls strung onto wire and threaded through the organza ribbon. And I've used an eyelet too!

Madonna, West Ham & Maroon People Carrier Anniversaries

Recently commissioned Wedding Anniversary cards. The one above was requested by a West Ham supporter and he wanted his wife to be dressed as Madonna wearing the cone bra. Apparently she is a Madonna fan.

And the other, commissioned by Pauline had to feature the couple's son who supported Manchester United and their new maroon people carrier!

Happy Fathers Day!

And here are some I made earlier! Commissions for Fathers Day. Have a guess which football teams they are from.......

The red one is actually a rugby team, if it makes it any easier!

I actually quite enjoy making these and probably can do any team!

Driving Test!

Was asked to make this card by CreativeClare from the Crafts Forum for her friend who had just passed her driving test, loved to shop and had a little red car! Her son is also shown on the card as he starts school in September.

Thank you Clare!

Bowling and Football

Recently commissioned Birthday card by Amanda (Colourart from the Forum). Evan is having a bowling party and he's just had his bedroom redecorated in a football theme (with wonderful paintings by his very talented Mum!)


Happy Birthday Evan!!

Anniversaries and Ice Climbing

Two cards commissioned by my hairdresser Karen.

The first one is for her son Thomas who will be 18 at the end of June (I now feel really old as I remember him as a toddler!) and I made the Party Invitations last month in the rock climbing theme. Karen wanted the Birthday card to have an ice climbing theme. So this is what I came up with! The 'ice' is made from very shiny silver card and also glitter card with a bit of matt silver card thrown in.

Wire and brads make up the 'rope' and foothold things.












The second card is for friends of theirs who are celebrating their 20th Wedding Anniversary.

Sue loves to shop and Trev always gets to carry the bags!

I'm dropping both cards off tonight when we have our hair cut, so I'm hoping she and the recipients like them!

New Baby Card in Lemon

This is a bit of a picture heavy post - sorry!

Was asked to make this new baby card for Clare (from the Crafts Forum) as she is due to be an Auntie in the next few weeks. Incidentally, Clare makes the most fantastic Jewellery - so go and have a look www.poisonedapplejewellery.co.uk Inspiration came from Enfys - thank you!

I had an idea before I started of what I wanted to do but it changed a little as I was not happy with it.

The actual card stock came from the big bag of stuff from Lynsey and her craft room clear out and I've used clear / translucent vellum embossed with baby hands and feet (one of the Fiskars board things - quite impressed but I feel like I've been using an industrial drill afterwards hehehe!)

The little baby on board lopsided square is one of my own little creations! All the letters were printed directly onto the card and I cut them out by hand. I think it was Times New Roman font used via wordart and then enlarged.

Lightly chalked around the edges of the card, letters and some of the embellishments.

I've used backing paper from The Funky One - its good to get the older cds out and have a good play! Rediscovered some little gems in there!

All the die cuts with the exception of the bundle of joy one I've cut.

I've punched holes equally spaced across the top and bottom of the card so that the ribbon weaves through and is not fixed so it can be pulled tighter so the card can be closed.

The two tags on the back are for writing the message on. And they can be taken off and written on. I've included two just in case she makes a mistake on one of them!

And this is how it all looks closed! I've sealed the ends of the ribbon with glue as they are prone to fraying. It doesn't come with an envelope as I think that would spoil the effect.

What do you think??!! Will do some in pink and blue when I get chance, but I don't think future ones will take as long now I know what I'm doing and where I'm going with it all!

Really enjoyed making this! Thank you Clare!

Pinky Dinky Do

Commissioned Birthday card for a little girl who will be 3 at the end of May and who likes Pinky Dinky Do. Had to do some research for this one as never heard of the character. Still none the wiser either!

Pink card from Swirly!

Scottish Man Utd & ACDC

Pauline from Wedding Toppers asked me to make these two Birthday Cards for male family members with personalised details. And as this type of card is proving very popular at the moment, I did these the same! Plus male cards can be quite hard to do sometimes! Hope they like them!