Metallic look snowflakes

Our latest challenge at 52CCT is Embossing. Everyone's favourite. You can use heat or dry embossing or both as I have. 

I made this by embossing with a snowflake folder then rubbing on ink in different colours. I can't tell you what they all were but I kept sponging on more until I was happy with the colour. There is definitely some pink, blue and purple. The final layer is silver to give the metallic look I was after.

I do like the mix of colours. 

The embossing folder came with a craft magazine and the sentiment is Inkylicious.

We've had plenty of snow and I really don't want any more. So what I mean is don't let it snow!

We hope you have time to join in. As there are 5 Saturdays in March, you have an extra week to be inspired. 

Thanks for visiting and enjoy your day. X

Spring colours

Hello Lovely Crafters.
There is a yummy sketch at CAS Colours and Sketches this week. I do like the simplicity of their sketches and this week I've managed a card. 

I've used Stamplorations stamps. The colours are subtle but look a little washed out here. they are Danube Blue, Teal Zeal and Lulu Lavender. 
I'm not spending any more time taking photos but if someone has a good lamp I'd like to know what it is. I never seem to get enough light in my pictures. 

I'm also linking to the Spring and Faith Challenge at Stamplorations. We are a foot deep in snow but can pretend it's spring. 

 and

Thanks for visiting and Enjoy your Day. x

Not sew easy

Hello Lovely Crafters, 
I've been meaning to have a go at stitching on my cards. Some people make amazing creations, not wanting to single anyone out (Jules - you are the queen of this! x)

The reason I've been putting it off is because I thought it probably wasn't as easy as it looks. It's not but I'm sure I'll get better with practise. Also the tension was wrong on my machine and I've turned my house upside down looking for the instruction book to no avail. I've put it somewhere safe. 
I should confess the flourish is covering a stitch too far but no-one can tell!

Anyway my card turned out OK and I only made it once, a new thing I'm trying. 

I've been doctoring an embossing folder too. 
I saw a post about using narrow embossing folders and gasket to give an embossed image in the centre of a card with no lines from the folder. Here. I found that I could use my embossing mat to give the same effect. 
I have a few narrow folders but they hinged at the side so could only be used on the edge of card. 
Knowing no fear, I snipped the 'hinges' and taped the folder together at the ends. You do need to snip off all the bits of hinge as they can make a mark. If your folders open at the ends already, it won't be a problem. 

I hope this explains. I cut the hinges from the long sides. 

Now I am able to emboss anywhere I like as long as I line up the folder correctly. I only undo the tape from one end. 

For my Big Shot the sandwich is:
Tab 1
Folder with card
Embossing mat/gasket
Cutting plate
Sometimes a card shim is needed. It seems to be trial and error to find out. 

I think this makes the folders more versatile which is always good in my book. 

Our theme at 52CCT this week is Santa which I'm sure will be popular.

You have a week to join in the fun and get ahead on your Christmas Cards. 
Thanks for visiting and Enjoy the Day. x

I'm joining in with ABC Christmas - E is for Embossing

Spring colours

Hello Lovely Crafters
I've made a card using spring colours and I think it's very cheering. My daffodils are starting to flower which certainly lifts the spirits after all the bad weather. 

I made this by embossing the image in clear powder, using Brushos to colour then ironing off the embossing powder when the paint was dry. (Between pieces of scrap paper - please don't blame me for sticky irons). I know I've described this technique before and I'll try and find that post.  I didn't paint with Brushos but rather sprinkled them in the general area where I wanted the colour and allowed them to spread with water. 

I have not added a sentiment to this yet as recently I wanted a card and found that my whole stash said 'Happy Birthday' or 'Congratulations'. I think I wanted 'Sorry you are leaving' so congratulations didn't strike the right note. 
I think perhaps it looks a bit unfinished but maybe not. 
I used a Woodware stamp which I won in the Playground several years ago. It still comes out from time to time and is great for this technique.
I'm popping in with this card as I have used snippets of card and ribbon. 

Also Mrs A's Butterfly Spin the Wheel.

I haven't managed many of these choices.I tried to make the card rectangular but still finished up with a square. I tried adding navy but is was better without. So just two colours and a butterfly. 

Thanks for visiting and enjoy your day. x

Embossed kraft

Hello Lovely Crafters, 
Sometimes a quick card is needed and that is what this is. It is not very inventive but is what time allowed. 

This week we have a colour challenge from Fabiola at 52CCT.

These colours are particularly Christmassy so do see what you can come up with and join in with our challenge. 

I've used an Inkylicious sentiment stamp, a Sizzix embossing folder and everything else is from my stash. I think the snowflake is saved from an old Christmas Card! I've finally found a good use for it. I've also used DP inside to strengthen the card a little and make it easier to write on.

Thanks for visiting and Enjoy your Day. x

I'm linking this to ABC Christmas. The challenge is E for Emboss, F for Frill  or G for Glitter. I've used embossing, obviously  and there is a fair amount of glitter around from the snowflake. Some of it is still on the snow flake. 

Candlelight

Hello lovely crafters, 
I tried a new technique for this card. There are so many interesting things to try but often I go back to the same ideas. 

This is the Bokeh technique which turned out to be surprisingly easy. I watched a couple of You Tube videos then used a template of my own making. 

I used a white Brilliance ink pad to sponge circles of different colour intensity over the yellow background. Some practice will give even better effects. This inkpad gives a nice shimmery effect but not very white. It's now yellow anyway!

I'd like to know if anyone has a really good white inkpad they can recommend which stamps well?

It's a new month and a new set of challenges at 52CCT. This time Fabiola has a sketch for us. 

I originally made this using the sketch in this orientation but then realised it made much more sense to turn it round. Luckily I realised before I glued it down. 

What have I learnt? It is good to try new things, sometimes they are easier than you imagine but might also result in new purchases!

I hope you have time to join in the challenge and do visit the rest of the DT whose cards are always varied and interesting. 

Thanks for visiting and keep warm. x