Sympathy Card Inspired by 2 Cricut Cards

When I first saw the sympathy cards posted on this cricut thread by Pinklady and Dj, I knew that was the style card I needed to make for a couple that we know. I used portions of both of the cards.

I don't have the cricut cartridges needed to make the cards above and even considered buying one or two but time was a factor. So I needed to rethink things a little. I remembered that I have a Christmas stamp by Rhonda Farrer that I could use if I masked out some of the design. Then for the background I could use the stylized flowers cuttlebug folder. The flowers are the retro flower punch by ek success.

Here is my version of the sympathy cards in the link above. I also added a subtle sparkle effect to the bird with midnight black glitter. I didn't have a sympathy stamp that I liked so I used a suitable font on my computer and printed it out on some card.

Flowersoft 3D Scenic Summer Window Birthday Card

This is a card I made recently for my Mum's birthday. She loves English gardens so I thought this flowersoft scenic 3d window card would be perfect. I have not seen these around before now so I am presuming they are new releases, not bad to find them here in Australia already.

I really love how the flowersoft looks on this card and I even made a few of my own colour combinations to get the mixes exactly the way I wanted them.

I added the sentiment to the inside of the card instead of the front in case Mum decides to frame the card later on.

There 4 style windows in each pack with 2 copies of each. They are not die cut but they don't take long to cut by hand. I sat in front of the TV and cut this one out! Then when I had a few minutes here and there I added foam dots and layered them before adding the flowersoft.

Papermania Honey and Hugs Owl Birthday Card

This was a fun quick card to make. I used the owl from the Honey and Hugs collection designed by Stephanie Dyment. I just love this range and ended up driving to 3 different scrapbook shops in search of it. Thankfully I found a new shop that is more like a crafters cave than shop.

The owl and happy birthday sentiment are adhered to patterned paper using foam dots to add a little dimension. I then added some stickles to the card but unfortunately it is not showing up in the photo.

I originally intended to give this card to my niece who will by turning 13 soon, but I am wondering if it may be a little too cute looking for her. I may just make another card in case I change my mind at the last minute. I would love to hear what you think.

Valentine's Day Baking - Double Chocolate Heart Cupcakes

Here are some yummy double chocolate heart cupcakes dd and I made and then decorated with delicious pink icing.

We cheated and used a chocolate cake packet mix for the cakes and added a good handful of chopped chocolate pieces and choc chips before spooning the mix into the heart shaped baking mould.

The icing is made from butter, icing sugar with a tiny splash of milk and a few drops of food colouring. The cupcakes were then sprinkled with some heart shaped cake decorations.

I don't think these will be making it to Valentine's Day, LOL so thankfully they are quick and easy to make.

Back from my unexpected Blogging Break

First I would like to thank those of you that have emailed me. It has been lovely to hear from you and read your messages. My sincere apologies if I have not replied to you. I have been unwell for a few months and only now just getting back to a normal routine. As things settle down I am hoping to share a few projects with you. So be sure to check back or subscribe(button on the right) to keep up to date.

Christmas Wreath Cards with Cricut and Design Studio

Here is a Christmas card I made for another card swap. Actually I made 6 the same, but forgot to take a photo of them all together. I really wanted to use a leafy wreath and I didn't have the Joys of the Season Christmas cartridge for my Cricut so I designed one similar using Walk in My Garden and Design Studio. I wanted to also challenge myself not to use Christmas paper or traditional colours to make a card Christmassy.

Once I cut the wreaths I embossed them in my cuttlebug using the textiles embossing folder and then inked them before adding a lace bow. The Merry Christmas cut in gold metallic paper from Wild Card cartridge.

The lace type card at the base is cut using the Martha Stewart zig zag border punch and the flourish corners are stamped and brushed with pearl-ex.

Twisted Pyramage Card Using One of My Own Photos

I made this card recently for our local vet as thanks for her saving Bell, one of our little dogs. I created it using a free program called Inkscape and downloaded a how to tutorial from here. You will need to join this ukscrappers to download the tutorial. This card was my first attempt at using inkscape and making a pyramage card. It took me a little while, but with practice I think I could whip one up in no time.

I used a photo of Bell taken a few weeks prior to her surgery where she happened to be chewing on a rock. I used pearl-ex for the thanks and stamped some paw prints on the front and inside the card.

It was Bell's chewing on a stick that got her into trouble where she needed veterinary care and major abdominal surgery. Tinker was lost without her sister until she came home. Thankfully Bell is back to her normal self now chewing on anything small enough to fit in her mouth.