Mint Leaves - one of my favourites!

I love these so cannot buy them because I will eat a whole packet in one sitting! They are sweet and sticky and minty and small, so you deceive yourself that it is only just a little temptation!  Love them with coffee.

This fortnight the Lollipop Ladies have an new challenge for you - Challenge #55!

This fortnight with the Aussie Spring we thought it might be time for some leaves and in particular green ones with that fresh minty flavour... yes, this fortnight it's Mint Leaves!

With the additional challenge of Glitter.

Guest DT spots are able to be won each fortnight

and our sponsor this fortnight is: Annabelle Stamps *

$10 Voucher (thanks to Andrea).

Please link up your entries in the sidebar :-)

* Prize will only be offered if 7 or more entries partake in the challenge.

My card is using an image by Margaret Sherry that I mentioned in this post, coloured by Copics. This one is of a dog - the soppy look on his face is so cute (yes, he is male, no female would do this!).  I have got sparkle on it s well - I used my Atya Spika pen on the flowers, heart, butterflies and his collar but it does not show up that clearly in this first photo so I had to go for another one to get the shine going!

Green background, and ribbon for the green in the leaves; mint = fresh = spring = butterflies and new flowers and an urge for love...........worked for me! The scroll is from Verve (stamp and diecut) and the sentiment is from Annabelle Stamps - Shape it Up. The card is SU Poppy Parade and Old Olive, and the DP is from My Minds Eye (I think). The ribbon was wrapped around a present received at ones stage. The stripped paper is from Basic Grey - Oxford. 

You can just see the sparkle and the ribbon is sparkly too. 

I will enter this in the Anything Goes sketch Challenge and the Shopping Our Stash Challenge #70: fur or feathers - dogs have got fur too!

Pretty in Pink

Annabelle Stamps has a Challenge on at the moment.  Shades of Pink......

I had to have a go - so I dug out my favourite Annabelle Stamp Belle - Tomorrow's Dream at the moment and paper pieced her, and coloured her up in Copic pens.  I then had to make a card to put her on, so I fiddled about a bit and came up with this!

I punched out the Happy Birthday with my Martha Stewart punch, and die cut and embossed the bow with the SU set Adorning Accents, cut the scrap of paper from SU Twitterpated (used that for her paper piecing too), DP is from MME's Spring Papers - Pretty Please, and added some SU Melon Mambo card onto a commercial blank. Add three flowers for balance, and the sentiment is from Annabelles, punched out with an SU punch and the ink is Melon Mambo also. 

Spring is sort of here - and today has been lovely - up to 24 degrees, but according to the weather forecast, winter is returning tonight and for the next few days! The orchids might be damaged with that so took some photo's to prove that they were looking a treat and the sun was shining!

Playin' with my Copics

I had a bit of colouring in time recently, using a series of images provided by the magazine Cardmaking and Papercraft, who gave away 15 images from Margaret Sherry.  This one is a cat with a big heart! Initially I had flowers and a great heap of stuff stuck to the card but I then reduced and reduced until I got this image!

I will enter this in the following challenges:

Shopping Our Stash #70: fur or feathers - cats got fur!

Through the Craftroom Door: Anything Goes

Cards for Men: Use an animal

Die cut it out and mounted it in front of the Joy die cut strip.  SU card - and a commercial blank. Sentiment will go inside.

The card below is cased and is made using scraps of Christmas papers and an old button, with  an embossing folder used behind the tree, on a scrap piece of SU Poppy Parade.  Great way to use up scraps. The card is layered onto SU Old Olive. 

This is being entered in the following challenge:

Use it Tuesday: Use Your Scraps

Mouse in the house

A few months ago I got a freebie with a magazine of some images to colour from The Margaret Sherry Collection.  This is one I coloured up last week with my Copics. I am entering this in the Colour Q Challenge, if I can get this done fast enough!

These are the colours we had to use:

Ain't they so pretty! I have several sets of fine bone china cup, saucer and plate - not in this one but in similar and occasionally I will "play ladies"and use them!

Here is my card:

All SU card including the Pale Plum (I had just a few pieces of this left) and the sentiment is from LOTV - Dreamy Days.  The ink is Rich Razzleberry. The strip of paper lace is from a die cut I have just got from Joy Crafts - couldn't resist it when I saw it - so pretty. A bit of bling and some ribbon off a jumper (recycled) and I'm off to lunch with a friend! Cheers!

Stampin'Up stuff

You may be aware that I am an SU Demonstrator - I am having a workshop this afternoon, and we are making the following things.

A Christmas card using the Holiday Frame embossing folder and the stamp set Blissful Bird, which matches the bird punch. I also used the card Pool Party, Whisper White and Calypso Coral, and the ink markers Pool Party, Island Indigo and Lucky Limeade.  The stamp was coloured up with markers and the embossing was sponged with Pool Party ink.  I drew in the bird's feet with a pen. I did trim the RHS of the card after taking this photo to match the LHS!

This is a small tote to take four 3 x 3 gift cards and envelopes to match.  The set features the stamp set Quintessential Flower. The instructions for the tutorial for this 3 x 3 note card tote can be found on Split Coast Stampers and is by Regina Andari. 

I also used some  scraps of an older Designer Paper - a set that was probably in a mini and is now out of date. 

The cards are 3 x 3 inches and the flower was stamped four times in four different colours (4 x 4 = 16 flowers). I followed the instructions on page 110 of the catalogue, except I didn't have a 2 3/8 inch  scallop punch, so fussy cut four different coloured flowers first. I then used  my 1 3/4 punch, and I had a 1 inch circle punch and a 1/2 inch circle punch, so I used them to get four layers rather than five.  I used dimensionals to build up the flowers.  The small piece of DP was put on first and the flower added over that to the front of the card.  I mixed/matched the colours as I built each flower. 

I used Pool Party ink to stamp off in the corner of each small envelope.  The envelopes are made from a template made especially for this size card. If you want it, I can send it to you. 

My ladies this afternoon pay $15 for this workshop, and get to make and take the three things - card, tote and gift cards/envelopes. I am happy to run workshops either at my house or yours, or I can run a party where you as hostess get the benefits of any sales over $300.  A party is free for participants. Just email me. 

Wet or Dry Embossing?

Or perhaps both?  That is what I have used on this card - I did it for Unstampabelles Monthly challenge on embossing, where you cannot use stamps.  I thought dry embossing is obvious here, but you can use wet embossing as well, as long as you don't actually stamp! I now am the proud owner of a Tim Holtz Versamark dauber, but I didn't use that for this technique as I also have an SU Versamark pen and an ordinary Versamark ink pad.

This is how I did it:

I had gotten this booklet of templates as a freebie with a magazine several years ago but had not really used it much - so I got it out and use the cat.  I positioned the template over the white card scrap and swiped the Versamark ink pad over the shape.  After carefully lifting the template off, I filled in  any sections not clear with the Versamark pen - SU have one that has a brush end like their markers so it is easy to use in this situation.

I then sprinkled it with my ebony Embossing powder - from the Creative Stamp Collection. The powder comes in bags and I transferred it to this little glass jam jar to keep. Once I applied the powder I heated it up and it got that lovely sparkle.

 I thought I did a good job of the shape but decided to fussy cut it out anyway and put it onto a piece of card that I had run through a Tim Holtz embossing folder of cracked ice/glass which I had torn the edges of to create a distressed look.  I should have rubbed ink on it at this stage but didn't.

 I used a piece of SU Designer paper behind it from a set called Howlstooth and Scaringbone - isn't that a delicious name? All of that was then put onto a black card base. I used some sticker to create the sentiment.

After adding the spider and the web (stickers)  I took it outside to photograph in the Spring sun and got this lovely sparkle going!

I will enter this in Through the Craftroom Door again. 

Challenges

Thought I would have a go at some challenges.  All materials are from SU unless otherwise stated.

My first one is for Anything Goes Challenge #75 - Early Christmas.  I made some tags for a swap at an SU Demonstrators meeting yesterday, using the Big Note die and the new set Scentsational Season.  This set has a die set that goes with it as well that I used to cut out the shapes.  I embossed with SU embossing powder, including the two scented ones - Sugar and Spice and Peppermint. The snowflake die is also from SU.

I used the Sugar and Spice EP for the star and thought it was too dim so tried to colour it with an SU  pen (should have used the Copic!) but it just rolled off the embossing, so I added a bit of bling.

The snowflake is die cut from sparkling silver card. Pool Party EP used.

 Bling and extra silver snowflake added.

Sented steam - doesn't really show up clearly - and some bling.  I added a To/From stamp to a punched shape to the back of each tag and obviously there would be ribbon or string added. 

This card used Dasher (out of new catalogue- boo hoo) and the Joy stamp comes from Perfect Punches.  It is punched out using scallop punch.  Bling was added to the antlers.  The background card is embossed with a Cuttlebug folder  Stars and Snowflakes. Ribbon was added.  This one will be entered in the Tuesday Throwdown Challenge #115 - You're a Gem.

The next one is a colour challenge and I used a set I have had for a couple of months but not used until today.  It is Fresh Vintage - the sentiment comes from another set called Outlined Occasions.  I coloured and cut out things, and used Dimensional Magic to highlight bits, including the letters.  The background paper is from My Minds Eye - Nostalgia 6 x 6 pad. 

I am entering this in Colour Q's Challenge #154

Here is the colour chart - I didn't have Bravo Burgundy ink so substituted an OOD one from SU called Cranberry Crisp. However, one of the mountings is BB as I had a bit of the card left. 

The whole card is folded So Saffron, as is the button.  I stamped up the background and then just layered up the flowers.  It is hard to see where the Dimensional Magic is in the photo but it shows up well in real life. 

The ribbon is orange and green and tied together before adding the button. 

Gobstoppered!

The Lollipop Ladies next challenge involves Gobstoppers.  For those of you who have no idea what they are, they are big, round and very sweet (a bit like me!) and once you have one in your mouth you cannot talk for a long time!!!!!!

Challenge #54 - Gobstoppers!

A year with Gin!  She says-

"The last year has flown by. I've enjoyed coming up with a range of challenges and seeing so many of your creations rise to the challenge. In light of the fact that the Lollipop Ladies has managed to be 'everlasting' for a little longer, this fortnights challenge is (once again): "

 With the additional challenge of Monochrome!  

Choose your favourite colour and away you go!

Guest DT spots are able to be won each fortnight
and our sponsor this fortnight is: Mad for Markers*

(thanks to Sammi).

A choice of 3 of her digi stamps.
So cool :-)

Remember to link up your entries to be in for the chance at the prize and Guest DT spots...

* Prize will only be offered if 7 or more entries partake in the challenge.

I took one look at this photo and my eyes were drawn to the green.  However I knew which stamp image I was going to use, so I didn't think green would go that well and perhaps I should use yellow. When I looked at the Copic pens I had my yellows were low in number and I had more greens than any other colour family. So green it was!  The stamp is from one of four I got as a freebie from Craft Stamper magazine when I renewed my subscription - they arrived with no explanation out of the blue one day, and I fell in love with them but have only managed to ink one up so far - this one! It is by Michael Powell - Square Individual Urban Stamps (Docrafts). I used about 16 different greens, going over into the aqua's as well (blue-greens) - too many to mention by number. 

The image is mounted on some Gumball Green SU, and the background paper is from a Basic Grey Hello Luscious pad.  I wanted it to have the feel of a paining hanging on the wall. The sentiment will be inside.  The  base card is one of the few remaining pieces of Handsome Hunter by SU I have left.  Such a good colour that one was. The ribbons came in a pack of small green ribbons purchased at some stage last year as I though they would be useful for Christmas cards and never used! A green brad and a bit of repurposed black cord completed the card.  

This photo is taken in a brighter light (you can see the sun was out). 

Mad for Markers have a challenge to use green, so thought I would enter that as well.

Maritime Theme

I decided to use one of my free stamps from Michael Powell  - Tall Urban - Harbour Master - and to use my Copics to colour it in in a sort of watercolour style.  It is stamped first with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. This is the result.  I will be entering this in Cards Und More Challenge #64 - Maritime.

I have backed it with black and orange card, and the background paper is from Basic Grey's Hello Luscious pad. The base card is black Bazzil and the anchor is die cut from the same, with a little twine added.  The sentiment is from There She Goes - By the Sea set and is also stamped with Memento TB ink.

I will enter it also in the following:
Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes
Try It on Tuesday - Anything Goes

I am soooo late for this!

Thinking I had a week that I didn't have, I was consequently too late for the start of Unstampabelles new challenge (see details below).  I can only apologise to Merry and the Belles for being so late!

Challenge #15 - Embossing 

We would like to see all your paper creations using embossing.

Remember no stamps (rubber or digital).  

We have had an amendment to the rule concerning sentiments.  This is how the rule reads now:- 

Sentiments - are restricted to the use of, at most, four (4) words only.  The sentiment is not to be the focal point of your creation.  We applaud the use of rub-on's, stickers, punched/diecut letters or handwriting.  Stamps may be used but not encouraged.

This month our fantastic sponsor is Sticker Store.  They have kindly donated a wonderful prize.

The business is located in Adelaide, Australia but their shoppers are from all over the world. Sticker Store have no shops or showrooms to visit so, buying directly on-line from them helps keep their overheads low and the savings get passed on to you.

Plus 10 sheets of acetate which don't show up too well in a photo.

Now, my card for this month's challenge on embossing uses the embossing folders, and some flowers. 

I used all SU card and papers, and a commercial 15 x 15 square base card.  The frame is the Tulip embossing frame from SU and the circle was die cut and them embossed using a Tim Holtz distress folder.  The background paper was put through a Couture folder and the white top was put through a Cuttlebug folder. The sentiment is a rub-on.  The flowers were in a small packet with no makers name on them that I purchased a few months ago. Probably Kaiser. The butterfly is definitely Kaiser. The ribbons are from SU.  I sprayed gold shimmer all over the card and when I took the first photo, the sun was not shining and you can not see it sparkle.  So I took another shot in a different position and the colour changed on me! But you can see the shimmer!

Lollipop Ladies and Sherbies

Lollipop  Ladies have a new Challenge! Challenge #53

This fortnight we're back with some more wrapped lollies...

 Sherbies!

With the additional challenge of Embossing.

Guest DT spots are able to be won each fortnight

and our sponsor this fortnight is: Annabelle Stamps *

$10 Voucher (thanks to Andrea).

* Prize will only be offered if 7 or more entries partake in the challenge.

This is my take on the challenge:

I have embossed with clear some script onto the shiny white SU card. I have then sponged some SU tangerine Tango over this through a rectangle template.  I  then used TH Soot ink (which takes ages to dry on this surface so will not use again) to stamp the foliage from SU Hello set, and SU Pacific Blue for the Hello.  I mounted this on the SU Pacific Blue card which had been embossed through a Couture folder. I add some ruffled ribbon and five bits of bling from Annabelle Stamps.  The SU set Bliss provided the little bird. It was meant to look a bit edgy but looks just a bit off to me! The whole thing is mounted on an off-white commercial card.

I will enter this in the follow Challenges:

The Paper Shelter: Layer on Layer (ink on embossing on embossing!

Paper Crafting Journey: Anything Goes