Jay Gee's Nook - A sad farewell...

I'm so sad to announce, that today marks my last post for Jay Gee's Nook Design Team...

In a need of concentrating on my new commitments, I had to prune some of my current assignments, and believe me, it wasn't easy. Along with the JG's Nook DT, I also stepped down from SFYTT. I absolutely loved the time spent on both!
Judith and I became friends and I will certainly keep 'stalking' her blog as well as the blogs of my wonderful Teamies, Ange and Angeline.
For today, I made a card featuring the gorgeous Poppy stamp from LaBlanche & the sentiment from Jane's Doodles Pretty Peonies.
The papers are from My Mind's Eye (what else?), and I also sneaked in a wee damask rub-on from Kaisercraft.
I spiced up the flowers by adding black lines with a grey Copic marker, and adding a touch of glitter to the centers.

Hop on over to the JG's Nook blog, to see the rest of the Design Team's creations! Thank you again, Judith, for hanging out with me. You rock! :)

Sketchbook Saturday Challenge #53

Seems like ages since I shared a sketch with you... and indeed lots have happened in the last two weeks to make me feel so! I'm so ready to live a bit less adventurous life for a while now... lol

I've been to Paperific today (a paper craft show in Melbourne), where I got to meet the two wonderful blogging buddies: Debbie Pamment and Karen Yates. I had such a lovely time, shopped my heart out (I even got a bonus Copic storage case, just what I needed for my growing collection!), but in the end I just couldn't get back into gear, when I returned home. It was meant to be such a productive day... :)

So, burning the midnight oil instead as I would, I'm bringing you... some layers, this time. I hope you'll feel inspired by this little number!

Lots of Spellbinders™ dies here... I used the S4-293 Lacey Circles combined with S4-114 Standard Circles LG for the circle frame, S5-086 Bitty Blossoms for the rolled flower and leaves (the largest die), and S5-057 Holly Motifs for the flourishes.
Also, I embossed the panel with the EL-004 Imperial M-Bossabilities™ folder.
The papers are from Basic Grey, My Mind's Eye & Crate Paper, and the sentiment from the French Country set by Waltzingmouse Stamps.

I took the colours from this gorgeous photo inspiration of CTD185:

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A few things to keep in mind if you decide to use my sketch:

- You're kindly asked to save the image onto your computer first, and if you make a card based on it, please link back to this post.

- If you upload your card to an online gallery, use the code SSC53.
- Feel free to share the link to your creation via the Inlinkz widget, so that I can come and check it out!
- The colours/elements mean nothing towards the card. All styles, colours and supplies, as well as slight alterations of the sketch are welcome.
- A new sketch and sample is posted every Saturday, but you're welcome to play any time! Just leave a link in the comments section after Inlinkz widget closes.

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Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge 91

I'm immensely sleepy tonight (being Friday evening, a day before this post launches), so this week's Waltzingmouse sketch was right up my alley. One layer, baby!
I'm also starting to dig this whole CAS thingie... after a few months' practice, I'd say better late than never! :)

As one-layer as it takes for me, I couldn't resist to pop up the said layer on the card base... lol!
Again, the prime inspiration was my good friend and an unbelievable talent, Debby.
I pulled out my brand new Waltzingmouse stamps for this number, French Country. With wild pleasure, might I add... purrrrr!

Hop over to the Waltzingmouse Sketch blog, to see more from the Mischief Makers! I hope you also have a chance to check out my blog on Sunday, lots of stuff coming! See you then,

Retreat photos!

Hi, friends!
It was pretty unfortunate, that I couldn't charge my phone while at the Spellbinders Retreat, so I have to rely on my fabulous Teamies in order to deliver you some sizzling hot photos... I'm hoping there are still some to come!
That's what our setup was... all pink with our Grand Caliburs! The boxes that you see underneath were constantly being filled with goodies... um yeah, that's what I call heaven!

Each of the countries represented by the DT, were acknowledged by the flags hung on one of the walls. I was pretty tickled to see a wee little Australian one to the far left!
Oh, and the hotel was full of chicks in cowboy hats throughout our stay... yee-haw!

With my table-mate, the lovely Christine Emberson. LOVE this girl!!

My fabulous roomie Leslie Langdon, with Teresa Horner, showing their projects. One of the techniques we learned is how to transfer photos on canvas. Can I say FUN??! And incredibly easy, too. I had a major light bulb moment.

More of my favourite peeps... Windy Robinson, Theresa Momber and Heidi Van Laar. I miss these girls already!

Stacey Caron and Kim Hupke, doing their thing... these girls are DA BOMB!! It really did feel like being a part of a big, loving family. Plus, having lots of fun :)

This one was taken after the class with Donna Salazar. She's just the sweetest, and her talent is seriously humbling. Meeting her was one of the major highlights of the event.

Lastly, this one was snapped at one of our outings. Girls just wanna have fun, right?? :)

If there's one thing to say about the Retreat, it's that it was short and intense. I would totally hang out with all of these gorgeous girls for as long as it takes! It was a pretty ground-breaking experience as well, that opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. I hope that I won't forget everything I learned... ha!

I {heart} Glitz Design

Yep. I'm hopelessly in love with Glitz Design products, and so blessed and fortunate to design for this fabulous company! Today is the time for another one of my DT posts, and I hope you'll enjoy my cards :)

In terms of bulky, I certainly beat the record here... lol! I had in mind these bunches of roses coming out from behind the flourished label. I cut them out of the patterned paper from Laced With Grace, it's one of my favourite floral papers ever.

Glitz Design "Laced With Grace" papers: Polka, Rose, Floral
Glitz Design "Laced With Grace" Whatnot
Glitz Design "Laced With Grace" Titles Cardstock Stickers
Glitz Design "Laced With Grace" Peek-A-Boo
Glitz Design "Laced With Grace" Glitzers

Other: cardstock: PTI (Fine Linen); sewing machine; ribbon: PTI; button; border punch: Fiskars

Another much loved paper used here, Damask from Dance In Sunshine (in my favourite teal colour), made its way into this card, along with some pleated strip of Paper Layers and more goodness from the same collection.

Glitz Design "Dance In Sunshine" papers: Damask, Stripe
Glitz Design "Dance In Sunshine" Paper Layers
Glitz Design "Dance In Sunshine" Titles Cardstock Stickers
Glitz Design "Dance In Sunshine" Journaling Cardstock Stickers
Glitz Design "Dance In Sunshine" Clear Stamps

Other: cardstock: PTI (Pinefeather); ink: Versa Magic (Oasis Green), Memento (Tuxedo Black); house die: PTI; sewing machine; buttons; paper doily

Thanks so much for looking! Happy crafting :)

CASE Study Challenge #84

As we are launching a new CASE Study challenge today, I'm also sad that it's the last one with the inspiration from the one and only Laura Bassen. I'm a HUGE fan, and I was having a magnificent time this month. Thank you, girlie!!
This week's card is one of Laura's show-stoppers: impeccable execution, superb techniques and an eye-popping colour combo.

I didn't want to change much from the original, obviously. The only thing I would change is the pink felt, though... it's far too thin and some of the black card shows up from underneath. Damn these cheap craft store supplies. Ha! Let's agree that you didn't notice ;)

I used the Spellbinders™ S4-312 Blossom Three die template, for the negative die-cutting. The sentiment is from Waltzingmouse Stamps (Cameo To Go).
I also used this lovely FTL183 sketch:

The Design Team prepared some beautiful samples today as well, click on any of the links to be taken to their blogs:

Laura Bassen (March Muse)
Amy Wanford
Christina MacLaren
Clare Buswell
Debby Hughes
Jean Martin
Julie Lacey (on a break)
Maureen Plut
Teneale Williams
Teresa Kline

Then hop over to the CASE Study blog, where you'll find the challenge details and an link list to share your creation!
Until next time,

I'm back!!

Hello, friends! Long time no see... I missed you!!
I'm starting to get around things, back home after the Spellbinders Retreat, however hard it is 'cause I think the jetlag is kicking in! We didn't have time for things as trivial as a jetlag back there, with our schedule full to the brim and lots of excitement, but as I'm now settling back into the routine, my system is begging me to slow down for the time being :)

Heck yes, that's my plan for the coming months! You know that I'm a busy crafter and I do like it this way, but upon taking this new amazing opportunity that being on the Spellbinders Design Team is, I feel the need to concentrate more on learning and trying new things, growing in my skills.
Hence, I will be making redundancies in my existent assignments, stepping down from a couple DT's, and reorganizing the way I blog.

There will be more of other things than cards - scrapbook layouts and mixed media, these will be also more technique-laden and more educational. At least I hope so... bear with me! ;)
I also hope that you will continue on this journey with me, as I'm excitedly taking another path... you're the best!

One more thing that you'll notice, is that I won't be including lists of supplies under my projects any more. I was often getting emails from my readers, asking for them anyway, which made me wonder if they are being noticed at all.
I will be highlighting the supplies that I find important, in the description of the project, and whenever you would like to find out more, feel free to email me and I'll be happy to help. Sounds good? :)

With the boring part done, I would like to share a card, fresh out of the oven!
(and kudos to those who are still with me, after that elaborate intro! lol)

I put it together with the papers from My Mind's Eye's On The Bright Side, Waltzingmouse Stamps (Asian Gardens & Fancy Flourishes - Scallops & Dots sets), May Arts ribbon, Basic Grey stitched brad, and I used the following Spellbinders™ die templates:
S4-335 Star Circles
S4-324 Ribbon Banners
S5-086 Bitty Blossoms (for the yellow flower)
LF-005 Grand Peony Creations (for the salmon flower)

I'm entering this card into Card Patterns challenge 158 (sketch), The Ribbon Reel challenge #24 (colour inspiration), and RCC46 - Anything goes.

I'll be back tomorrow, with the CASE Study post! Mwah,

The Shabby Tea Room March Guestie - Week 4

Sadly, my Guest Designer term at The Shabby Tea Room, comes to an end this week. I had a blast playing along! Some of the most delightful photo inspiration can be found in their challenges, and this week's one is definitely one of my favourites...

It makes my heart skip a bit... what a gorgeous mix of colours, and how I wish I had that glassware... *happy sigh*
Our challenge is to create a card or project inspired by the attached photo using lilac, yellow, blue, kraft and a butterfly.
I'm having a blast lately, utilizing the papers with collages on them, like this one from MME. Isn't this image lovely??

Supplies: cardstock: SU! (Baja Breeze); papers: My Mind's Eye (Follow Your Heart - Be Amazing), DCWV, October Afternoon; die-cut label: SEI; MFT Dizzy Doily Die-Namics; lace trim; brads; flowers; sewing machine; butterfly: Collections

Hop on over to The Shabby Tea Room for more inspiration, and to link up your entry, if you wish to play along! Cheers,

Jay Gee's Nook - every book...

Hello, hello! It's time for a Jay Gee's Nook post, and today I would like a show you a bookmark, that I made for myself!

As soon as I received the I Love Books stamps from Hero Arts, I knew that a new bookmark is due soon. I absolutely adore the old world images in this set. And I adore my new bookmark :)

Supplies: cardstock: PTI (Rustic White); papers: American Crafts; stamps: Hero Arts (I Love Books); ink: Memento (London Fog), Versafine (Onyx Black); Nestabilities Circles/Lacey Circles; lace trim; Liquid Pearls (Platinum Pearl); button

Hop on over to the JG's Nook blog, to see the rest of the Design Team's creations! See you later,

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge 90

Ready for a new Waltzingmouse sketch, peeps? Here it is...

I hope you can see the layout on my card... Firstly, I turned it on the side. I stamped the rose from Roses In Bloom in the middle bottom, and the bud & leaf on the sides, so that they reflect the elements in the sketch.
I kept the card very simple and concentrated on the colouring. I was considering drawing a thin border line around the panel, and I settled down for the silver pen, that adds much subtler effect, than the one I'd get with a black multiliner. It's more apparent in real life, I just couldn't 'catch' it on the photo.

Supplies: cardstock: PTI (Lavender Moon, Rustic Cream); stamps: Waltzingmouse Stamps (Roses In Bloom, Sweethearts); ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black); Copics; silver ball pen; gems: AnnaBelle Stamps Sprinkles

Pop over to the Waltzingmouse Sketch blog, to see more from the Mischief Makers! Inky hugs,

CASE Study Challenge #83

Hi, friends! I'm at the Spellbinders retreat, and if you're reading this, it means that Blogger didn't flip out from all that scheduling last week after all :P
This week at CASE Study, we have a beautiful, toned-down card from Laura Bassen, our March Muse. Everything about it is dreamy, including the setting, and I couldn't deny myself choosing it as one of our inspiration pieces.

I tried to channel that softness, but the trouble began, when I chose this damask paper from Pink Paislee. lol
I did run with the popped up panel, though. It's something that I gradually grew very fond of, but also what I can rarely do right. It seems like it shouldn't be hard, and yet the perfect composition still evades me...

Supplies: cardstock: white, scrap green; paper: Pink Paislee (365 Degrees); stamps: PTI (Blooming Button Bits, Big & Bold Wishes); ink: Fresh Ink (Tuscan Olive, Provincial Gray), Versa Magic (Pink Grapefruit, Aquatic Splash, Malted Mauve); EK Success corner rounder; buttons

It was good to revisit the PTI Blooming Button Bits set... such a fabulous one, yet almost forgotten these days. Do you like giving love to your forgotten stamps too??
The Design Team prepared some beautiful samples today as well, click on any of the links to be taken to their blogs:

Laura Bassen (March Muse)
Amy Wanford
Christina MacLaren
Clare Buswell
Debby Hughes
Jean Martin
Julie Lacey (on a break)
Maureen Plut
Teneale Williams
Teresa Kline

Then hop over to the CASE Study blog, where you'll find the challenge details and an link list to share your creation!
Until next time,

SOG Clear Stamp Release - Gwen

Welcome to the Some Odd Girl March Spring Clear Stamp Release! Today is the last day of previews, and we're sharing projects featuring the Gwen In Bloom stamp set.

This is my favourite from the release. Gwen not only has the most gorgeous, wavy hair (what a joy to colour!), but she comes with no less cute - bunny, bee, birdie and some flowers, too! So much to love!

I decorated a glassine bag and made a sweet little seed packet.

Supplies: cardstock: SU! (retired burgundy), white; papers: My Mind's Eye; die-cut label: Pink Paislee; stamps: Some Odd Girl (Gwen In Bloom); ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black); Copics; white gel pen; baker's twine; border punch: Martha Stewart; pinking scissors; twill ribbon

Thank you for joining us, for this fabulous release! Visit the Some Odd Girl blog, for the list of today's participants. See you again soon,

The Craft's Meow March Release Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to The Craft's Meow March release blog hop!!

If you came here from Amy Kolling's blog, then you're all set! If you'd like to join in, please start at The Craft's Meow blog.

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Nina Brackett's designs, and I wanted to revisit the two new, absolutely fantastic sets called Beautiful Spring and Cherished. Squeal!
You want to get them in your hands, inky friends... gorgeous flowers, butterflies, beautiful sentiments, and much more... all of that you will find in these.

Supplies: cardstock: SU! (Tempting Turquoise), PTI (Rustic White), various scraps; stamps: The Craft's Meow (Beautiful Spring, Cherished); ink: Memento (Potter's Clay, Summer Sky, Rich Cocoa), Fresh Ink (Pear); glitter glue; red Copic

Just by hopping with us today, you can win the entire March Release!! To be eligible, you need to visit & comment on each blog on the hop. The deadline is 9:00pm PDT, Friday, March 23rd.
Remember, that you can also play with our anniversary challenges! Each of them came with the release days, and you can look them up on the TCM blog.

The deadline for all 4 challenges for the birthday week is 9:00pm PDT, Saturday, March 31st.

Now it's time to head on over to Jean's blog! Happy hopping!