Wild Hare Kits: Little Cards

While I'm busy trying to finish off my Project Life album for 2017 (the end is so very *not* near) I took a little break and made some mini cards with the little bits and bobs on my desk. Sometimes making something simple is just what I need to motivate me for more!

I'll be back to share more makes with my latest kit from the Wild Hare Kits a little later in the month! Stick around!

Wild Hare Kits: The Monthly Sketch

My enthusiasm for all things Christmas knows no bounds. I am *still* crafting from my 'full on holiday' kit from The Wild Hare Kits and today I'm on the Wild Hare Kits Blog sharing my take on this month's sketch (created by our very own Jess!)

As usual, I've used the sketch to create a card - and was thrilled to use some of the little star dies that I've been obsessing over recently!

Thank You Cards {Rinea Foiled Paper}

Since it's nearly the season of Thanksgiving, I want to share some Thank You cards that I've made with my Rinea Foiled Papers in advance, to send to friends. Of course, I should really send them as soon as I have something to be thankful for but, in the moment, I don't often have a chance. 

Why not take the time now, to create a little stash of cards to have on hand? Or take the opportunity, in the season of Thanksgiving, to show a little gratitude?

Clean & Simple Watercolour Card {Swedish House Crafts}

Hello! Today, I have a 'Clean & Simple' card to share, made with some of my favourite Gummiapan and Crafter's Companion items from Swedish House Crafts.

I started with some Crafter's Companion Watercolour Sheets, adding a little bit of colour in some fresh, citrus shades! Leaving that to dry, I hauled out my dire-cut machine and made a little stack of die-cuts with the Gummiapan - 2 Diamonds Die.

When the watercolour was dry, I stuck the die-cuts onto the watercolour, with the Crafter's Companion Extra Strong Permanent Glue Tape (it adheres like a dream!) then cut carefully around the edge with some craft scissors. I added the bigger die-cut diamond to the card first, then layered on the smaller diamond. 

I cut some Solar White Cardstock down to 6in x 3 in (folded to create a 3in x 3in card) then cut some Printable Vellum to fit inside the card, sticking the top edge of the Printable Vellum into the fold.

Then I used the Gummipan Stamp, 'Shine Bright Like A Diamond' Stamp on the inside of the card, as a matching sentiment. Doesn't the Momento Tuxedo Black Ink look so crisp? (Please note that this lovely stamp is currently out of stock but should be back soon. In the meantime, there's also a companion 'You're A Diamond' Stamp.)

I love this combination of fresh colours with crisp white and am especially loving how easy I am finding it to use watercolours in my crafting now that I have broken them out of their box! 

Creating Cards With A Layout Sketch {Wild Hare Kits}

The Wild Hare Kits have introduced two monthly challenges, aimed at helping Wild Hare Kitters to make the most of their custom kits! Each month we'll have a Sketch Challenge and a Wild Challenge - and the Wild Hare Kits DT will be offering some inspiration! 

This month, I've worked with the sketch. I'll be the first to admit that, as a non-traditional scrapbooker, I don't often use sketches, but I want to share how I've taken inspiration from our lovely sketch, and applied it to something a little different. 

I was initially drawn to the lines of hearts and circles that dominate the sketch and decided that I would incorporate some machine stitching to emulate the lines. I also really wanted to use a repetitive element - like the hearts or circles - as the main focal, but wanted something a little more cheerful to work with the colours in my kit. In the end, I settled on the butterflies and am really happy with the result. 

Once I'd die-cut all of the butterflies (27 in total!) I took further inspiration from the square elements in the sketch and chose to use several, layered squares as the base of my card. To finish off the card, I took my final inspiration from the floral elements in the sketch and tucked some die-cut leaves behind the main section of my card for a little bit of depth and interest. Et voila! I love it so much, that I may even use sketches as an inspiration more often!

I hope that you'll find some inspiration in the sketch to help you make the most of your Wild Hare Kit. Head on over to the Wild Hare Kit Blog for more inspiration and ideas from the Wild Hare Kit DT.

Tic, Tac, Toe (Counterfeit Kit Challenge #1)

It's time for our first challenge of the month over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge with our own version of Tic, Tac, Toe. Have you ever played the crafting version? It's a simple idea, use three boxes to complete a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line to 'win'. 

I used this lovely, little dotted cardstock from the Jubilee Collection, by My Mind's Eye as the base of my card. It's subtle, but cute and I love that! I then used the Gummiapan - Stitched Banners Die from Swedish House Crafts to create two sizes of banner; then embossed the smaller of the two to create some texture. The Rinea Gold/Gold Glossy Foiled Paper I used truly looks incredible when it's embossed!

To finish, I added a small sentiment that I'd included in the June Counterfeit Kit - Watermelon Whimsy - and some cute, little sparkles! 

Head on over to the Tic, Tac, Toe Challenge to see if you can spot my winning combination!

It Takes Two {Counterfeit Kit Challenge: February Challenge #2}

Inspired, indirectly, by Valentine's Day, our second challenge of the month 'It Takes Two' over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge is to make two of something - anything - as long as they work well in combination. Having recently moved home, I have a lot of people to thank, so I decided to add to my little stash of handmade cards. 

Deciding to use a little bit more of January's Counterfeit Kit, I started by choosing two off-cuts of similar, but not exactly the same, cardstock and trimmed them down to 3x6. Folded, this size makes such a cute, mini-card. Then I found two similar sized sentiments. One a really, really old sticker from American Crafts. One a more recent addition to my stash from Elle's Studio. 

I adhered both sentiments to the cardstock using some foam stickers, to add a bit of dimension, then added some embellishments and voila! Two dinky, little cards ready to send on their way!

Kitted Out!

Recently, I shared some tips and techniques for Creating DIY Planner Kits From Your Own Stash, with Amy and Jenn over at the Planner Squad. Over the last week, I've finally had the time to sit down and make something with the kit that I created and I am thrilled with the results. Want to see?

The base for the kit was a small ring-binder, which came with some standard (rather boring dividers) which I replaced using some of the bright, colourful cardstock that I had in my kit. You'll notice that I didn't add tabs, as I like to move my dividers around when I'm bored! Normally, I'll use clips on the tops or sides of my dividers as 'bookmarks' instead. 

I've added some cute notes to the dividers/dashboards - and the front pocket is the perfect size for a small set of alpha stickers, die-cuts and a few additional embellishments.

The binder is perfectly sized to hold a set of lined notecards, so after punching them all to fit, I decorated about a third of them using the craft tapes, stickers, tags and stamps from my kit. I love including a wide selection of embellishments when I make mini-albums, because I love how wonderfully fat these little beauties become when full!

This beautiful, button clip is easily my favourite item from the kit (the chevron washi from DoCrafts is a very, very close second) because it's stunning! I bought it at a local haberdashery such a long time ago, but wasn't sure how to use it. It looks so lush in the binder - and I'm thrilled to have found the perfect spot for it! 

I'll be using the rest of the kit to decorate the remaining notecards, but I think I'll also end up using some of it for cards (it's such a bright, happy mix of colours!) So, I've stored some of the more substantial cardstock and embellishments in the little binders that I use for 'Keeping Kits' and there's a small selection in the binder, to use 'as and when'. 

I'm really looking forward to using the binder - and am wondering whether I might use it as the basis for a small mini-album all about my planning obsession! Watch this space! 

Frosty Festivities

If you’re joining me from Annie at ArtyFartyAnnie then you will already know that today (in fact, the whole weekend) is dedicated to Frosty Festivities, but if you aren’t familiar with festivities of the frosty variety, then let me tell you what we have in store for you this weekend. Frosty Festivities is an annual weekend event, organised by the lovely Jennifer Grace. Over the course of the weekend Jennifer’s blog, Jennifer Grace Creates, will be home to seasonal craft projects, articles and lots of sponsored giveaways!

 

There’s also a seasonally inspired blog-hop (which includes this post from me!) full of craft projects, tutorials and giveaways. If you comment on all the blogs in the hop, finishing at Jennifer Graces Creates  (to let Jennifer know you've been all the way around) then you'll be in with a chance to win an amazing  prize of Simple Stories 'December Documented' and Elle’s Studio 'Noel' goodies, worth over £28! I’ll make sure that you know where to head to next, as soon as I’ve shown off my own little craft project!

 

These little 'mini-cards' are my favourite way to make a little something from the mess that's sat on my desk after a scrapbooking session. It's much more fun than tidying away all of those random little leftover strips of paper, stickers and die-cuts - and it's an excellent way to stretch your stash!

My favourite size for mini-card bases is 3x3. It's cute and dinky, but it's also makes it easy to find leftover pieces of cardstock large enough to turn into a card base. Alternatively, pull out a new sheet of cardstock and make eight 3x3 bases all at once. It's my favourite for such well rounded reasons! :)

 

Usually, I'll start by finding a few co-ordinating pieces of patterned paper, cutting them down into strips approximately 1cm wide. Then, using a simple old glue stick, I'll add them to the front of my mini-cards. I don't worry about lining them up with the edges of the card, as long as they look 'level-ish' then I'm happy enough. It all adds to the charm!
 

When the glue has dried, I'll run each card through my sewing machine to add a little bit of extra texture. I like the simple look of a straight stitch, but more decorative stitches do look awesome, so experiment a little. 

Once the stitching is done, it's onto the fun bit - decoration. I like to find all of the little random, leftover stickers, die-cuts and bits of bling that are left on my desk - the ones that would be such a chore to put away - and stick them on my cards. And honestly, I try not to think about it too much. There's not a lot of space to fill, so keeping it simple seems to work!

 

I've finished off this little set of cards by stamping a simple, holiday sentiment from Dear Lizzy's 'Wonderland Collection' on the inside but, most of the time, I'll be making these little cards at the end of a scrapbooking session and I won't necessarily have an occasion in mind for using them. There's no need to add sentiments until you need to send a little card - just leave them blank and add a sentiment when you're ready!

 

So, before I send you onto the next blog in the Frosty Festivities blog-hop, I just want to mention that I’m sponsoring a giveaway as part of the festivities – where you could win a £12.50 ($20.00) voucher to spend in my little etsy shop, Obstinate Pursuit. You’ll be able to use the voucher on anything in store. And, for this weekend only, I’m also offering a 15% discount on everything in store – just use the voucher code FROSTY15. Now, head on over to Dapfnie Designs for more Frosty Festivities fun!

Counterfeit Card Kit {Counterfeit Kit Challenge}

I love the process of putting together my kits for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge each month so given the opportunity to put together a Card Kit, based on this month's Inspiration Kit, I became a little bit excited! Another kit to put together? Where do I sign? 

I wanted a card kit that would work well with my main kit because I knew that I'd eventually want to start mixing things together, especially when it comes to all the little leftovers. With that in mind, I started with some 6x6 papers from Studio Calico's Heydey and Dear Lizzy's Neopolitan, which will co-ordinate perfectly with the selection I put into my main kit. Some amazingly awesome patterned papers from Lawn Fawn's Dewey Decimal Collection and Ils' Summer Dreamer, along with some plain cardstock in complementary colours added more options, but not so many that I'll feel overwhelmed!

I used this 3 x3 Envy Template to emulate the cute, little envelopes in the Inspiration Kit. Then used the rest of the sheets to make some card bases to fit - I do like my mini-cards! 

As I still had a lot of embellishments, including ribbon and buttons in my main kit, so I went with an ecelectic mix of little stickers, rosettes, resin flowers and leaves that were just 'hanging around' on my desk and then threw in a couple of plain washi tapes for good measure. 

No card kit is complete without some multi-purpose stamps, so I've included two sets from Lawn Fawn's recent release - Happy Everything which literally covers all eventualities - seriously, no card-maker should be without this little gem of a stamp set -  and A Birdie Told Me, which makes a lovely change from using banners and labels.

So, although it might be nearly the end of the month, I still have some counterfeiting to share with you before the next inspiration kit is revealed on the 5th October. Stick with me.

Positive Negatives {Counterfeit Kit Challenge}

Oh man! I am absolutely loving the Counterfeit Kit Challenge this month. Well, really, I love it every month but I've really had to stretch myself a little during my stint as their Guest Designer. And, of course, I've also been stretching my stash! 

Master Forger Challenge #3 was to use the negative space from a punch, die-cut or die-cut machine. Having made quite a mess whilst making my earlier layouts, I gathered up all of my little leftovers to make some cute cards. For my first card, I chose to simply use a piece of scrap patterned paper that already had a little star punched from one corner; then added a little bit of twine, some stickers from my kit - and voila!

For my second card, I gathered up all of those long, strips that were lying around on my desk and attached them to a piece of white card. Then, using a large scalloped circle, punched the edge of my card to leave a negative space. I attached the card behind the punch-out and, because it was all layered onto white card, the inside still looks nice and neat! An Elle's Studio banner and a couple of handmade flowers finish off the card!

There's some amazing ideas from the Master Forgers DT already on the Counterfeit Kit Challenge, so do head on over to have a look. And don't forget that if you've been inspired by any of the challenges, you can link up your projects so we can all stop by to say 'ooh'.

It's Autumn. Believe.

Over the weekend, I delved into one of my boxes of scraps (the large one full of long, thin strips of patterned paper) to make a sweet and simple card. The combination of colours that I chose reminded me instantly of autumn - although I could, of course, have been thinking about it subconsciously when I chose the colours. Who knows?

To decorate my card, I've used some of the teeny, tiny leaves and flowers from Lawn Fawn's Flutterby set; finishing off with a cute sentiment (which is part of the main sentiment from the same set.) Quite simple really. 

I'm thinking that I might just sit down and make a whole batch of cards, all with little strips, stitching and some stamping. It could be the perfect way to whittle down my box of scraps, while wasting away a happy, little autumn afternoon.

Mini Lovin', Card Makin' {August's Counterfeit Kit}

It might seem a little late, but my Counterfeit Kit is finally ready for it's reveal. I've had hugely hectic month - and my little craft room looks like the four riders of the apocalypse stopped by for a spot of fun - so trying to find the time (and, um, find the supplies under all the mess) has made putting my kit together a little more difficult this month.

As Stitching On Paper (my very first paper-crafting class!) will wind down next weekend, I'm looking forward to starting Shimelle's annual class - Learn Something New Everyday - at the beginning of September. Having taken the class for the past two or three years now, I know that the best way for my to finish the class - with a complete album - is to prepare everything in advance. So, I've designed this month's Counterfeit Kit with that in mind.

I've once again pulled out my (now dwindling) box of scraps and have chosen papers from American Crafts, Echo Park, We Are Memory Keepers, Crate Paper and Bazill which echoed the colours and patterns from the inspiration kit - Summer Lovin'. I've then cut these papers down to 3x5 inches, chomped the corners and punched a hole in the end - creating the base for a mini album.

I've saved all of the scraps from cutting the pages for my mini-album and, as I'm hoping to have a card making session with a good friend very soon, I've added in some extra cardstock and that beautiful, chevron fabric paper from American Crafts. *swoon*

In order to choose my extras I made a small list of the embellishments in the inspiration kit and then set to with my stamp sets from Make The Day Special. I've used stamps from Say Cheese Too, Admit One,  Learning Year By Year and Blossom Stackers to create stars, circles, cameras and tickets. Then added a healthy dose of alphas, sequins, ric rac, sentiments, ribbon and twine. 

All based on the inspiration kit, but with my own little twists! You know how it is, right?

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Cross Stitch

After spending most of the evening fiddling around with manuals, plug sockets and wiring, I have internet again. Hurrah! How did anyone cope before Google, Twitter and Facebook? Maybe I have a little bit of a problem?

And, moving on! Who's ready for some more Stitching On Paper? In today's installment, Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Cross Stitch, I'm joined by Guest Designer Sian Fair, as we take a look a contemporary twist on a traditional craft. 

I've been so amazed and gratified to see people starting to create their own Stitching On Paper projects this week, based on some of the earlier lessons in the class. It really makes all of my hard work seem worthwhile, so thank you so much!

Check out the Stitching On Paper - Introduction to see some of the projects that have been linked up so far, or link your up your own project using stitching to have the chance of winning a pretty little package of paper-crafting supplies.

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Embroidery

In today's installment of Stitching On Paper, I'm joined by Guest Designer Lisa Hausman, as we expand our stitching credentials and get Inspired By Embroidery. There are inspirational projects, tons of tips and a collection of lovely links to help you learn. 

I'd recommend getting yourself a cuppa - and maybe a packet of biscuits - before settling down to read through today's download. You'll head off to look through all of the links and I guarantee that it could be hours before you resurface! Enjoy! x

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Stamping

Morning! Ready for some more Stitching On Paper? We've learnt the basics of hand and machine stitching, but now we're going to start looking at how our stitching can be inspired by some more familiar crafts like stamping, embroidery and cross stitch. 

In today's part of the class, Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Stamping, I'm joined by Guest Designers Julie Kirk and Mel H. We've all interpreted our use of stamping and stitching a little differently, so there's plenty of inspiration. 

Remember that if you've been inspired by the class, I'd love to see what you've created. You could win a little something! Have a lovely weekend! x

PS Last week's Guest Designer, Jennifer Grace, has a little stitching template available on her blog. It's the cute cloud from last week's layout. Go get it!

Stitching On Paper - Inspired To Stitch By Machine

Hello! Hello! Are you ready for a little bit more Stitching On Paper? Today's element of the class, Stitching On Paper - Inspired To Stitch By Machine, we look at the basics of machine stitching, with lots of tips and techniques for getting started and a perfect finish. There are also inspirational projects from Guest Designers Jennifer Grace, Jemma Sharrock and Mel H - and let me tell you, they blew me away!

If you’re inspired by any of the techniques and tutorials featured in Stitching On Paper, please feel free to post your projects on your own blog, in your own online communities, anywhere! You can post a link to your projects using the Mr. Linky in the Stitching On Paper – Introduction - I would love to see them! And at the end of the month, I'll be randomly choosing one lucky participant to receive this rather pretty collection of papers, embellishments and stamps.

And one last note, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has commented, e-mailed, downloaded or joined me as a follower recently. It really does mean so much to me and makes all of my hard work (and endless worrying) worthwhile. I hope that you're enjoying the class! x

Stitching On Paper - Inspired To Stitch By Hand

Well, it's a little later than I expected but I'm having a little bit of a manic weekend - and am busy juggling house guests, far too many loads of laundry and ... um, a craft class. When I over-commit myself I really like to do it properly. Let's move on swiftly, shall we?

This morning’s Stitching On Paper - Introduction looked at all of the tools and supplies that you’ll need to start hand stitching. Hopefully, by now, you’ll have rummaged through your craft stash and will have everything that you need to hand.

If stitching on paper is something new to you, you might still be feeling a little apprehensive – so how about a little bit of inspiration to whet the appetite? In the next part of our class - Inspired To Stitch By Hand - you'll find projects from Guest Designers Jennifer Grace and Lara Watson. There's also a tutorial and template for creating your own hand stitched card. 

If you’re inspired by any of the techniques and tutorials featured in Stitching On Paper, please feel free to post your projects on your own blog, in your own online communities, anywhere!

You can post a link to your projects using the Mr. Linky in the Stitching On Paper – Introduction so that I, and all of the other class participants, can ‘ooh and ahh’ over your project.

And – just in case the recognition of your fellow classmates isn’t enough of an incentive to share – at the end of the class, I’ll be picking one participant at random to receive the rather splendid prize pictured above. The prize includes patterned papers from Crate Paper, Prima, American Crafts and We Are Memory Keepers,; American Crafts 'Fellow' Thickers; Elle's Studio Pink Pennants; Embroidery Threads; Organza Ribbon; Doilies; K & Co. Diecuts; A Clear Mini Frame; Floral Embellishment - and the latest edition of Scrap 365. 


Also included (but not pictured) is this super cute, Papersmooches Stamp Set - Summer Grooves - kindly sponsored by my lovely Design Team Co-ordinator, Emily from Make The Day Special.

So, what are you waiting for, get stitching!

Stitching On Paper Class - Sneak Peeks

The idea of stitching on paper might be nothing new, but I'm still amazed by the amount of e-mails that I receive asking me how I've managed to add hand stitching to my cards, or the people who leave me comments telling me that they wouldn't have the confidence to start stitching on their own layouts. 

Rather than reply to each and every one of those e-mails and comments individually, I started to think about the idea of hosting a class - for free - to share my own tips and techniques. It's been a long time coming, but I'm ever so proud to announce that Stitching On Paper will start on the 4th August, with tutorials every Saturday and Sunday throughout August.

I'll be exploring how to stitch on paper - covering the basics of hand stitching and machine stitching - then taking those techniques further inspired by stamping, embroidery, cross stitch, string art and quilting. Each element of the class will include tips, techniques and inspiration projects. 

Of course, I have a few Guest Designers joining me - Sian Fair, Mel H, Julie Kirk, Kim Dellow, Lisa Hausman, Tricia Simmons, Jemma Sharrock, Jennifer Grace & Lara Watston. Pretty amazing line-up, right? Each of these talented ladies will be sharing their own interpretation of my basic prompts - and I guarantee that you'll be inspired to start stitching on paper to create your own projects. Oh, and did I mention a prize?

Hey, Hey, Hey!

I know, I'm always featuring cards that use greetings like 'Hello', 'Hey' or 'Hi', but really, I don't know that many people who happen to be getting married, or have just had a baby. These more generic greetings are perfect for just reminding someone that I care about them - and I send them all the time. Just because.

I'm currently in love with the Samantha Walker Blossom Stackers from Make The Day Special - I simply cannot get enough of the amazing circular and doily style images. I've used two of the larger images on this card - cutting them by hand and 'stacking' them with some dimensional tape.

The cute 'Hey' sentiment from Boob Tubes by Paper Smooches, is also one of my favourites and, surprisingly, seems to work well with some of the more intricate doilies in the Blossom Stackers set. 

It just goes to show that combining your stamps successfully is all about playing around with colours and styles. So get out your stamps and your inks - and start messing.