Weekend-Chores- Card Making -Catching Up

A very good morning to you (just where has the morning gone and I was up very very early!)its a day of chores, food shopping and crafting for me as we are out all day tomorrow.Its been a while since I did a weekend post and as I’ve the weekend off this week I’m determined to catch up with some of the cards I’ve made but not and the chance to post...I’m sure I won't get them all posted but I will get to share my favourites given time.Today's card was made for my sister’s recent birthday at the end of August,its the second 8x8 card I’ve made.I found the size quite daunting initially but was happy with the finished result. I am a big fan of Ann Marie Designs and could watch her all day she creates the most beautiful cards and projects I've seen and has a unique style which I love…stunning...her Facebook photo gallery is inspiring.I would have all her products if given half the chance as well as great quality they are also great prices. Although I am still waiting for an order which I placed 2 weeks ago!... is which is unusual as I haven’t had any issues in the past…the opposite actually customer service has been ace. Hopefully it will be here very soon.

Birthday wishes

I love flowers as you may have noticed and I love this colour combination.. it's one of my favourites,teal,cream and brown ...they work so well together .My sister is a bit of a shopaholic and loves a bit of bling so I went with the shoe as the focal point. It also the first time I have masked and stamped which I decided to do after I had finished colouring the shoe…. note to self for next time- mask straight away and over stamp then colour! - in the event it may go wrong! I made it a bit more stressful than it needed to be...LOL 

Flowers 

bit of bling 

I used the following products -

Anna Marie Designs 

8x8 cream card 

Brown and beige spotty card-distress ink to edges ,white acrylic paint 

Teal and cream mini shabby gingham card-distress ink to edges ,white acrylic paint 

Blooming Shoe stamp Special Birthday  stamp 

Floral stamp -from Blooming shoe set fussy cut and glittered 

pearl spray 

black  and turquoise stamens 

Dies and Sentiment used -

Heartfelt Creations die -Arianna Blooms -  same card as above stamped and embossed 

Die cut flourish -white pearl card stamped teal dots 

die cute lace ornate shape - Arianna Lace Dies white pearl card 

Sentiment- from Tatty Twinkle set die cut label 

From stash -

shoe charm 

pearls and gems various sizes 

glitter 
crochet ribbon 

I would like to take part in the following challenges -
Alphabet challenge- P is for Pretty Petals
Artbymiran Challenge#14- Anything Goes
Crafts For Eternity Challenge #193- Favourite Colour Combinations
Delicious Doodles Challenge #101 Fancy and Frilly 
Wags 'n' Whiskers Challenge #137 For The Girls 
That Crafty Challenge # 5th September-Girl Power
Sister Act Challenge #74-Anything Goes 
Crafty Girls Challenge#26 Anything Goes


Off now to carry on with today's chores .Hopefully it won't be too long before I'm back again,I hope you have great weekend and thanks for visiting. Crafty hugs Andrea X

WOYWW 275

A  very good morning to you and I hope you are having a good day whatever you are doing and wherever that may be. I cant believe its Wednesday again...it has came around so quickly yet again.I did get to visit quite a few people last week but not as many as I would have liked to; so hopefully I will do better this week...that's the aim....visit?..who?.. why you ask?...its Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday- of course the fantastic weekly blog hop of crafty and creative sorts sharing their workdesks and creative spaces; thanks to the superb host Julia at the Stamping Ground...go take a look.you might just decide to take part:-)...once you do there's no going back your hooked...I've just finished a quick and simple birthday card for my sister-in-law who's birthday is later in the week; I can't post it as I forgot to take photos before sending it off! Today's desk offering is an extra card I made at the same time... it's almost finished and an addition to my "ready to go" collection...sounds grand its not!.. it just means I'm a bit more prepared than usual with some cards all ready to go when I need them

work in progress

I used the same basic layout as I did for my sister-in-laws card and just changed the colours, papers and elements I used...  I just have the the flower to complete and then glue/tape it all together.My sisters birthday was at the end of August and I really love the card I made for her...I think its my best yet.I haven't posted any of it whilst I was making it as I wanted it too be a total surprise and I haven't really had the time... I'm really pleased with it and hopefully will be posting it at the weekend(this time I did remember to take some photographs before sending!).

christmas bits n bobs 

Christmas bits 'n' bobs are still in the corner of the desk which seems to be growing daily...even more magazine freebies and a few teeny tiny new purchases waiting for some action...this is definitely the next project on the agenda... that's my lot for this week, not the most creative of desks although definite progress on last weeks! off to work as early start again today so will be catching up with you all later...mmm that sounds familiar! have a great week and thanks for visiting its very much appreciated.crafty hugs  Andrea X   

WOYWW 274

A very happy WOYWW to everyone... its that day where crafters of all sorts get to share there crafty workspaces and creative wares thanks to the wonderful Julia and we all get to have a good look around. I've been missing out on all the crafty sharing for a few weeks but hopefully I'm back in action now...well almost.We had a great week on holiday at Jersey and since our return a few weeks ago work has had some issues and its been a bit hectic to say the least, unfortunately it's not likely to settle any time soon, so posts will be few and far between. I will try and keep in touch with regular visitors and I'm sorry if I miss you out I will try to keep up. The plan is to start making Christmas cards ASAP...my favourite time of the year. I've been getting all prepared moving around my crafty bits n bobs to make my Christmas crafty stash accessible..its amazing how quickly you forget what you have in your stash I've had a great time finding forgotten treasures I can't wait to use again.! As for my desk this week there's not that much action... I've a few new magazine freebies all ready and waiting to be tried out and I've been messing about with a free paper bow template so not much to entertain you although it's ready for action...

Christmas Prep- ready to go 

Go check out Julia at the Stamping Ground and see a wealth of crafty pleasures that await.I hope you are well and having a good week whatever you've been up too. Thanks for visiting...I will come visit soon;I can't promise it will be today; off to work now but it will be soon. Crafty hugs and it's good to be back Andrea XXX

WOYWW269

A very good morning to you and a happy WOYWW its great to be back after being missing in action for what feels like forever. I have a rare weekday off and as I've been early starts and late finishes at work for weeks I couldnt miss the oppurtunity to take part in WOYWW; The fabulous weekly blog hop of crafty workdesks and spaces. Go visit the wonderful  host Julia at The Stamping Ground ... you won't be dissapointed.I have been working on a thankyou card the last few days on and off whenever I get some time. I have kept it quite simple using a panel from the Heartfelt Creations Arriana Blooms paper pack as the background layers are all completed and the work is done for you.I stamped and coloured one of the smaller pretty flowers stamps and I'm nearly there.

flower production in action 

lots of pink 

I just have to finish making some flowers(I think I have too many!) and put it all together...I can't resist a bit of glitter and sparkle ...its a very pink and girly creation and is a Thank You card for one of hubbys colleagues. I havent been up to much other than work of late and have missed visiting my favourite blogs hopefully work is finally settling down and I can get back to some sort of normality. Next weekend I finish work and go on holiday for a week....I cant wait although its a mixed blessing as my daughter moves away the same weekend we leave for our holiday and won't be here when I get back which will be very strange indeed...bad planning!. I hope you are having a good week whatever youve been up too.Thanks for visiting... it's good to be back and I will hopefully get around to visiting everyone today.

Big crafty hugs Andrea X 

WOYWW266

A very happy WOYWW to everyone, it’s Wednesday again that day when we get to nosey look at everyone’s creative crafty workdesks and spaces around the globe. Hop over to the Stamping Ground, Julia the host will make you most welcome and there’s some fab sites you will not want to miss visiting. 

I have been busy with work and haven’t been around much the last few weeks, sorry that I also haven’t been visiting my regular favourite blogs recently either...I will be back to normal soon (I hope) I am still managing to make the odd car here and there and have made a few special birthday cards which I will post soon and the simple baby card below. 

latest card 

My desk isn’t too exciting this week as you can see in the pics taken yesterday before work there’s some magazine freebies to put away and a pile of scrap papers to sort. I had planned to do more scrapbooking this year...so far it hasnt gone to plan and theres a pile of photos that I plan to start with...so far I have finshed one scrap page in two years!... so progress is slow to say the least! I’ve also been doing some colouring with the cute Tatty Twinkle stamps,I don’t have any particular card in mind but I do enjoy colouring them and its something I can dip in and out of when I don't have much time. I have just finished and sent a baby card for one of my hubbys work colleagues, I kept the designs simple and decided to send the cute stork one above so I now I also have a spare card for the next baby girl that arrives(hiding in pile of scraps on desk), as usual I couldn’t resist using a button or two!

'

 waiting for action !

bits 'n' bobs too sort  and put away

I’m off too work soon and will be visiting when I get back later today, as usual at the minute it may take me a few days to come visit everyone but I will. I hope you have a good week ahead and are having lots of crafty fun.I will return the visit very soon and appreciate you popping in...crafty hugs Andrea X

Topper card and NBUS Challenge

Hi another quick post today as bonus I am working later today than planned so had the morning to have  a little play and as I get up usually at silly o'clock I  made the most of it and its just in time for the NBUSchallenge. It’s another quick and easy card made using a cute topper which is from another magazine freebie set bought recently. The bright colourful papers including the happy days sentiment (cut out from same paper pack ) I think where from a  Kaisercraft Confetti freebie set, and the background banners paper was an old set sorry I don’t know what it is.  I couldn’t resist this sweet little mouse after the enjoyment I got making  my last card when I used a topper for the first time.

"Sending Smiles "

Close up 

A great quick and easy card using lots of unused stuff which fits perfectly with Darnell’s NBUS challenge this ends tomorrow noon (PTD)… Go check it out as its fab and it’s a great site to…You will want to be a follower and go back for more fun. The flower was die cut from my new Heartfelt Creations Ariana blooms die, stamps and paper pack set which has been sitting on my desk waiting to be used for a couple of weeks ...I have been itching to try out since I bought them...so I just had to add one to my card... I love the stamens and couldn’t resist adding some buttons too…you can never have too many I say!

I hope you have a good week and hope to be back real soon. Crafty hugs and thanks for visiting Andrea x

WOYWW 264

A very happy WOYWW to everyone, I haven’t posted anything the last few weeks and it’s good to be back  hop over to Julia at the Stamping Ground to take part in this fab worldwide weekly hop of creative desks and workspaces. Work commitments have limited my crafty time so I’ve not had much to show for my time away and as you a can see not a very exciting desk either! I do have some fab new stamps and dies that I can’t wait to try though …as usual it was a deal I couldn’t resist even though I promised myself no more purchases!!! Also some great magazine freebies that I want to try out too …So I haven’t put them away as they are great to look at and stroke until I can get my hands on them!

"Arty shot" - New Stash 

front desk shot-ready and waiting to be used 

The card below was a quick a card I made for my hubby last night just to say a big thank you; he’s been fab the last few weeks as it's been quite stressful and he is very very supportive which I do really appreciate but it isn’t always obvious that I do ! 

I don’t usually use pre made toppers so this was a first for me; It was quick and easy and I really enjoyed it. It was a magazine freebie kit.I’ve a big stash of different toppers and pre made kit type card bits that I thought I wouldn’t ever use (in the big to charity shop box)so I think now I  need to have a little look through them and take out the ones I really like and put them to use. I only had to add some red and craft card, a sweet sentiment stamp, a few buttons and a postage style stamp and job done a quick cute card which hubby loved …perfect.

quick "topper" card 

I hope you have been having a good week and enjoy the week ahead too.I’m off for a quick nosey before work…I’m working until late tonight and it’s the same for most of the week so it may take me some time to come visit you but I will. I hope you have a super week ahead whatever you get up too and a very big thank you for visiting it’s very much appreciated. I will return the visit very soon … crafty hugs AndI would like to take part in the following challenges- 

Everybody Art Challenge 284- Postage Stamp 

Through The Craft Room Door- Challenge TTCDJune 24-30-Anything goes 

WOYWW 262

A very happy WOYWW to everyone, I didn’t make it last week but pleased to be back this week.. As always Wednesday seems to come around very very quickly… Not that that’s a bad thing as it means I get to have good snoop look at workedesks around the world go to the Stamping Ground to take part in one of the biggest blog hops around… Julia will make you most welcome… following the mammoth anniversary hop two weeks ago I didn’t get around to everyone but I did make a valiant attempt ; sorry if I didn’t get to you, work commitments have limited my time recently so hopefully will do better this week. It was great to see everyone expressing their gratitude to Julia and her commitment to WOYWW it certainly has made the world a smaller place and created lots of new friendships.  My desk hasn’t seen much action this week so I thought would spare you an empty desk and instead i have  aphoto of  the first lot of ATCs ( out of their wallets this time!) which should have all by now arrived safe and well. Some have only recently been sent sorry If you haven’t yet received yours yet as I decided to make cards and pockets for the "new" batch too so there’s been a bit of a delay.  

I  have also posted a photo of the fabulous ATCS and beautiful cards I have received so far thanks to Angela,Darnell, Nikki, Rosa and Claire for their beautiful work,I do love how each is so unique and must also point that Nikki  and Darnell also sent them in great envelopes too,Nikki your drawing skills are amazing .

I hope you have been having a good week and had the opportunity to get creative. I’m off now to have a quick nosey before work and see what everyone else has been up to. Have a great week and thank you for visiting it’s very much appreciated and I will return the visit very soon … crafty hugs Andrea X

New Challenge to Check Out ...No Card But Still Here

A short post tonight just to say I'm still here it feels like I've been missing in action for ages but only been a few weeks ...I have missed catching up with my favourites and regulars and hopefully business willl resume as normal soon.. so sorry if ive not been around i'm still here and hope to be back soon. I have been to see Darnell who has started aa fab new challenge  NBUS which is ideal for us crafters who have so much unused stash.. go check it out... the prize is fab too and Darnell's site is ace.. she wil make you LOL and is a real tonic when your feeling blue ..so go have a look to see what your missing link on side bar or above. Hope you are having a good week and I will catch up with you all real soon .

I have no card tonight  so thought I would post a pic of the lovely iris's that I took last week that where in my garden until the tropical rainstorm we had got them..I did get to enjoy them first though...It's the best they have ever been this year must have been the mild winter we had... have a great week crafty hugs Andrea X 

HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY -WOYWW 260

Today is a very special day as its WOYWW number 260 which can only mean one thing...the 5th Anniversary...A very big congratulations and well done to Julia at The Stamping Ground for being an outstanding host ...as without her we wouldn't be here celebrating today

.

It also means its the big ATC swap and I've excelled myself this year(last year I made just one)...I had made 10 in total 

this year ...initially I made 6 ATC's ...all but one has been posted to their recipents...I Still have the the one for the big swap. Last night I made another four which are still avaliable to swap...so if you would like to swap just let me know and I will foward my email address so we can make the necessary arrangments.No desk today as its a bit boring !...I've had a week off work and been away for a few days; so other than last night I have had no crafting time at all!...so instead here is a sneaky peak of some of my ATCs all of which are unique...a couple are similiar but none are identical

some of the "first" bacth of ATC'S 

Oops I forgot to take them out of there covers! not ...sorry I do not want to spoil the surprise for those who have not yet recieved .The first six I made have little covers; the ones I made last night don't,I unfortuantely run out of time ...I will be better organised next year!

So what does WOYWW mean to me? ...The pleasure of meeting a wonderful kaleidoscope of very artsitic,talented, kind and genuine people from all around the world. I have made some very good friends and look forward to my weekly hop ...its the one post I try not to miss each week and even if I do not post myself I still try and visit as many people as I can. I looked back to see when I first posted it was Oct 2012 ...my stash and enthusiasm has grown somewhat since then! ...but most importantly my friendships have grown and without WOYWW and Julia I probably would not have those friendships...So Julia a very big thank you from me and congratulations ...enjoy your day and I look forward to the next 5 years! Crafty hugs and best wishes to everyone Andrea X

PS I'm working a long day today so very unlikley I will get back in time to visit later ... but I  promise I will catch up with you all  in the next few days or over the weekend .

WOYWW 259

Only a week to go to the big event not sure what I'm talking about ...want to know more ?... go to the Stamping Ground and find out all about WOYWW and the 5th anniversary ATC swap I'm all set; my extra ATC's have been sent and almost all received, now I am just waiting for the big day for my last one to go to its new owner. I haven't posted any of them and keeping them all a surprise to next week; all will be revealed together on Wednesday. I am off work this week and last night had a great crafty session doing more of the online watercolour course and making cards from my growing supply of homework pieces. Sorry pics are a bit dark they where taken at 11pm last night. My desk  is quite messy for me as I was card Making whilst waiting for my latest painting to dry and watching the last few days lessons to see what I'm going to do next...I like to multi task where possible !

arty angle shot ...- note interesting "shelf "for laptop- no where else to put it! 

long desk shot -lots of finished homework in folder for making into cards 

My latest project is at the front of the desk waiting to dry and be die cut next; as I stamped the sentiment at an interesting angle! ...We are on to free hand now.. eeek scarey.. no stamps or props to use. This was a splatterer technique -definately needs practice to get right !

Most recent card -sorry not quite this bright in real life -note to self stop taking photo's at night time with flash and artificial light ! 

I liked this lesson,in this one glimmer mists /sprays where used to paint with instead of using water.I used Mister Huey ...will be doing this again ...definitely 

I hope you have a great day and I'm now off to have a nosey before hubby gets up and we plan today's day out...will catch up over next few days although I am away tomorrow until Saturday Thanks for dropping bye it is very much appreciated and I will return the visit.Have a fab week crafty hugs Andrea x 

Sorry Julia got a bit carried away again !..it would have been short and sweet if no photos ;-)

Cute Card and Annual Leave

Morning I am officially on annual leave as of today for one week...yipeeeee!...so to celebrate we have a new card...it's not made using watercolours' for a change...athough I do have quite a few still to post I am now at day 9 of the course...and stll very much enjoying it. I havent coloured a Tilda stamp in ages...so this cute Tilda stamp caught my eye and was begging to stamped and coloured...I do love the sweet bows in her curly hair. Sorry about the quality of the photos taken last night.

"best friends"

close up 

products I used

White base card

Lilac green and white cardstock layering and die cuts

Papers-floral-Riverbank Revels sorry not sure where spotty paper came from  

Rectangle die,Flourish die

Banner die,stamp used from magazine freebie Fancy Border edge die

Tilda -Ribbon Hair stamp coloured Promarkers /Copics , gel pen used on cheeks,

purple glitter on rose as I didn't like the pen colour I initially used !

From Stash

Best friend stamp- magazine freebie

Lilac organza and satin ribbon 

Buttons 

Mulberry and satin ribbon roses

I have lots planned for this week, alhough I am not expecting this wonderful sunny weather we have had the last few days to last...but not to worry, I will still enjoy it...we are off to London for a three days on Thursday including Chelsea Flower Show on Friday which was a Christmas pressie from hubby...I am really looking forward to that.I hope you have good week whatever you are up too and a big thank you for visiting...crafty hugs Andrea X

I would like to take part in the following challenges-

Artistic Inspirations -Challenge#92- Anything Goes Punches and or dies 

The cheerful stamp pad - Challenge#86-A bouquet of flowers 

Dutch Magnolia Lovers #81- Spring use flowers on your card

Timbroscrapmania Challenge-#94-Ribbons and Bows 

Allsorts Challenge#259 - Purple Passion

Kit and Clowder - May Challenge- Flowers 

Paper Creators Challnege#24 - Flowers and Bows 

The Ribbon Girl -May Challenge -Lilac and Purple 

More Watercolour Cards

Good morning today I'm posting a few more cards that I completed following the online watercolour course I've been doing. The actual course lessons have now stopped but is still accessible; which is great as I didn't get much opportunity this week to do any painting and I still have 4 days of lessons to watch which is 12 lessons !..so lots still to learn...I have really enjoyed it and have created several cards that are not in my usual style but I really like. 

 soft watercolour wash background card

The cards today are using some of the first techniques from day 1 and 2; creating watercolour washes and watercolour backgrounds.I found that dye cutting or shaping the watercolours was a much better for me to see a way of using the 'art pieces 'in a card. there are a few that I haven't altered from the finished piece but mainly I have either trimmed or die cut as I like a neater finish ...one day I will be a bit more loose and free and go with the flow.

The card above was a bit of a struggle initially on what to do with it ?...as I wasn't keen on the black splats and felt it was much nicer before I added them...but with the addition of the sentiment, black card and Candi ... its growing on me.

"catch your dreams" 

This card was created using bright coloured inks; I used distress inks creating bands of colour across a acrylic stamping block then spritzing with water and  placing directly onto  the watercolour card and when you lift it off you have this bright bold background... I wasn't sure initially how I would use this but once I die cut it and mounted in onto some bright coordinating card stock I had the plan of adding a bright die cut butterfly.I finished it off wth some stamped stars,a sentiment and a couple of co-ordinating biutons .

That is it for today... I'm hoping to get some craft time over the weekend... although I have lots planned..so we shall see how it goes ...I hope you have a lovely weekend whatever you get up too. thanks so much for visiting and I hope that my new found enthusiasm for water colouring encourages you to think about getting those  paints /inks out and using them in an alternative way crafty hugs Andrea X

I would like to take part in the following challenges- 

Catch your dreams Buttrefly card -

Splenidferous Creations- Bloggers Challenge-Things With Wings

Card Makin Mamas Challenge-#CMM87- Over The Rainbow 

Craftitude Challenge-#65-Use a Die

Crafts 4 Eternity-  Challenge #176 Use a Die

Bright Silly Happy Card 

Fantastic Tuesday -Challenge#35-Clean and Simple 

WOYWW 258

Wow its Wedensday already, I can't believe a week has passed again and its now almost mid May ...wher does time go?...that does mean its  WOYWW time for us inquisitive nosey lot to check out each others workdesks/crafty spaces; hop over to Julia the generous host at the The Stamping Ground to take a look for yourself. As you can see from my desk all is quiet and looking a liittle bit neglected again!

long desk shot 

I've not had any oppurtunities for craftying  the last couple of days.The online watercolour class is still ongoing and my current project when I get the time !...I have so far made 4 complete cards, have another 3 almost finished and a pile of "art" all ready to make into more cards which is pretty good going for me in just over a week so I  cannot complain really... I am now also 2 days (3 if you count today!)behind with the course, but I am under no pressure as you get have unlimited access to the lessons so hopefully it won't be long until I'm doing the next one.

Pile of finished ready to go and die cut "art peices "

I've learned so many new techniques and skills and I have developed a new card style which I like...so all is good. the latest lesson peice is on my desk...you can just see it in the right hand side, stamping with white embossing powder and the best bit was using a shimmer spray instead of water.I used a Mister Hueys colour mist which is all I had...the effect is pretty good...very shiny and shimmery; the stamping and painting wasn't perefct but the effect is very nice.Sorry the photo doesnt show the shine!...who would have guessed you could paint using a mist or shimmer spray instead of water!...fab technique. What  hasn't changed unfortunately is my  need to tidy up once I've finished for the day...I cant leave a mess...which means I spend a lot of time tidying when I could be crafting...oh well you can't have everything. Oops I do go on a bit...it's supposed to be short and sweet! I need to get ready for work too; but I will visit  over the next few days, I can never seem to do it all in the one day!...I hope you are having a good week and lots of crafty fun...take care and thanks for visting...crafty hugs Andrea x 

Birthday Card and Watercolour Update.

A very good morning too you I had a great craft session yesterday helped along by the foul weather we had.( still having ) as the craft room was definately the best place to be. I have two cards today so apoligies its a bit of a long post !

I bought these Tatty Twinkle stamps sets a few weeks ago and have had fun colouring all four sets in ,all blue I may add...different shades but all in my favourite colour!...another set has now been launchd and are on my wish list!...they are such fun characters to stamp and colour and the extra stamps you get are also great;especirally the fabulous butterflies in each set. This card is for my step daughters birthday at the end of the month (she doesn't read my blog so safe too post).I went to town a bit with the embellishments and even stamped the spots on the white card for the flowers to keep the dotty theme as I did not have a suitable dotty card to use.Its also the first time I have used my circle cutter...I need practice! I also made 3 cards using my homework peices from the online water colour course I started this week ...thats a record for me by far !

Happy Birthday 

Close up stamp

They are very diffrent form my ususal style but Iv'e enjoyed making them and would use the techniques again. Great for simple card designs and as I have found making male cards which I struggle with so that is a great added bonus.Today is a housework and food shopping day so I don't think I will be as lucky to spend a lot of time card making or painting !

Tatty Twinkle card -I have used the follwing products-                                                             White linen effect square base card 
White,blue and silver mirri card for layering and diecuts
Stripe and spotty papers for layering 
Tatty Twinkle ,butterfly stamps and sentiment coloured Promarkers and Copics
Dies used - ovals.English Roses, pinwheel posies ,chinese rose and flourish 
from stash-
large and small pearls 
organza ribbon 
blue sparkler jewel
silver candi 

This is one of the three watercolour cards I made yesterday.I'm really happy with this one sorry about the poor quallity photo! ...you can barely see the bottom right hand corner of the card !...the background was created using paint directly onto a stamping block spritzing with water before placing on the card and lifting off...It is one of easiest techniques I have tried so far and one of my favourites, ...the only thing I would change next time is too stamp the balloon at more of an angle its a bit too straight. I think this would make a good male card design...I am going to do another similair card but colour in the balloon this time .

watercolour painting - birthday card 

Tatty twinkle Card- I would like to take part in the following challenges -

A Gem of a Challenge-Challenge #119 - Your Favourite Colour Combo
Crafting At The Weekend -Challenge#1-Anything Goes 
Di's Digi Designs - Challange #- Use Those  Markers
Open Minded Challenge#10- Use Some Ribbon
Crazy 4 Challanges -Challenge #235- Bingo- Flowers- Sentiment - Bling  
Creative Fingers Challenge #35- Anything Goes 
Stampin With The Dragon May Challenge-Flowers 
Wags'n'Whispers Challenge#128- Ribbon and Bling


Ballon card - I would like to take part in the following challenges -
Left of Centre Challenge#31- Card for a Male
Addicted to Stamps and More Challenge#94 -CAS


Sorry for such along post. If I get the time after my chores etc I will post my other two finished cards later today.I hope you have a nice relaxing and enjoyable day thanks for visiting ...Crafty hugs...Andrea X

Progress Update Online Watercolour Course- Day 2 and 3

The online watecolour card course is going really well.I started on Monday and there has only been one day where I havent taken part...in a week that's really good for me; some of the lessons I'm finding easier than others and same goes for the techniques but where possible I'm tryng them all!.I've finished two complete cards and have at least 10 peices of work that I can use...not bad at all.

Day 2 masking techniques

The masking fluid technique above was from Day 2 watercolour backgrounds - I enjoyed all of the techniques and using the maksing fluid was easy once it dried !!!...the effect is good, not sure about the stamp I used though...need to give that more thought next time; but I would definately do it again .The buttrefly background and card below is made using the stamping background technique I dont have that many background stamps too choose from which was the hardest part...what do I use?...but I really like the results; again it was mixed some had too much water some not quite enough and the effect is very diffrent in each one;  but I do really like the effect. I think this so far is my favourite.

Day 2 backgrounds stamping

Day 2- background stamping  

Day 3 has been the most diffciult so far which began with stamping with watercolour. I found quite difficult and had very mixed results...but I am still working on it and will show all finished pieces at the weekend. I'm not sure wether its the techniques I don't like or the results, not helped that I dont have many stamps suitable and I was really struggling with ideas...again water issues...some had too much and not quite enough on others... so I havent quite got the balance right yet...but I guess practice makes perfect!...it has given me the oppurtunity to use my paints and inks diffrently which is not a bad thing at all. below I used diffrent memento ink directly onto the stamp.The one on the left was stamped second was spritzed with extra water  and gives a much more watercolour effect than the other.

day 3- stamping with watercolor/ink - I used memento ink pads

Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a great weekend.I know what I'm likely to be doing :-)...it's not somehing I would ever have thought about signing up for and the first online course I've ever taken part in; I am very grateful to the kind friend who signed me up for it...who ever knew painting could be so much fun!...I will keep you posted of my progress over the weekend !...Crafty hugs... Andrea x 

WOYWW 257

Well its the wee small hours again that I'm posting this is becoming the norm and not in a good way I've been awake since 1:30am ... that's even earlier than yesterday eek!...I'm sure it wont last !...So a very early and happy WOYWW...I will link it up to Julia later this morning...What's WOYWW... The very addictive weekly Wednesday snoop of desk and crafty spaces around the globe go check it out here

On a positive note getting up early it does mean I get to share with you my latest online creations from the online watercolour card course before I go to work this morning...its now day 2( three I suppose now!) and I'm doing very well for me; I've not completed all the lessons (close-still one form each day outstanding and the finished cards to create) as yet but managing a couple of the lessons a day. As you can see from today's photos my desk is in shock as has never seen such a mess for so long(must confess I need to tidy everything away each night...I really did try leaving it all out I can't do it yet!) today's lessons included resist techniques using embossing powders and masking fluid(I'm still waiting for the fluid to to dry !...think I used it too thick!.)

day 2 -light colour wash and embossing resist resist 

masking fluid...still not dry !!!

I'm  quite happy with the resist technique but I dont have that many suitable stamps to choose from but I will definitely be giving it another try.  The last photo is a bit strange I know it's my paint brush  holder  creation...my brushes are kept in a fabric wallet which means it takes a lot of room when open and falls over when propped up so...lighbulb moment, I rolled it up with brushes on the outside and used a roll of finger lift tape to keep in neatly rolled up and in place...taaadaaa... a handy holder with everything in easy view /reach

"new" paint brush holder

I hope you have an awesome Wednesday and  will visit you soon. Apologies about last week as I didn't get back to everyone I had hoped to...will do better this  week...promise...Crafty hugs and thanks for visiting...Andrea x