HUGE and EXCITING NEWS....

What an amazing week it has been for me - I have been keeping a secret and I am so excited to be finally be able to share it with you.....are you ready....

I am excited, honoured and so thrilled to be invited to be part of the Spellbinders Team, as a Spellblogger...can you believe that....to make it even sweeter I will be working alongside the lovely Kelly Loubet, with  Karen Taylor and Beate Johns - what amazingly talented ladies - you can read all about it here

Those of you who know me would know that I adore the Spellbinders Dies and use them on almost everything I create...and the embossing folders, they are divine....I am so looking forward to creating with them ALL.

Congratulations to the Team of  International Spellbloggers who will post once a week and give us a look at the styles and trends in their area of the world! 

Sylvia - Germany * Monika - Sweden * Trina - New Zealand * Astrid - UK

I thought I would show you some of my favourite projects created using Spellbinders Paper Arts Dies

Abide in Love

Shabby Elegant Love

Thinking of You

Butterfly Ornament

Dress Form Tags

'Family' House

To Know Him is to Love Him

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Stacey and those at Spellbinders Paper Arts who have given me this amazing opportunity - it is still very surreal, but quickly becoming a reality as I prepare projects to share with you and hopefully inspire you to use your Die Templates in many ways.

Thank you Holly, Julie and Kazan for all the inspiration you have given - I have loved each and every project you have shared - you have inspired me to think outside the square and it is a great place to be!  You leave very BIG SHOES to fill!!  I will be following your Blogs where I know I will find a constant source of inspiration!  Thank you!

Thank you too for visiting today - it always makes my day to see you, your comments make me smile and mean so much!!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

SSIC Beyond Measure

Weekends are wonderful - don't you think!?  We have had a lovely sunny one, which is a blessing after all the rain and flooding we have experienced....I could not resist getting out in the garden to photograph my card for this weeks Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge.

Our hostess this week is the beautiful Miesje who has chosen:

“You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.”

 Ephesians 5: 8-9

Miesje has challenged us to create a card or project that uses both dark and light. Opposite colors; black/white, brown/ivory, deep blue/baby blue, red/pink etc.

In keeping with this weeks challenge, I decided to not to sponge but to go 'crisp' keeping the contrast to the maximum - it was not easy can tell you, my hand kept wandering towards those daubers and inks...but...no, I managed to resist - the only thing distressed at the end of this cardmaking session was me! LOL!  The gorgeous ribbon is from my friend Ann - I love the flocking on it - so plush and elegant with the touch of silver. The Dp is from DCWV - La Creme Stack

My sentiment is from the Layers of Color Sweet Silhouettes clear art stamp set illustrated by Nina Brackett.  It has been stamped onto the Spellbinders Labels Sixteen Die and layered into the Spellbinders Parisian Motifs Die with foam tape between each layer. I have used the Spellbinders Grand Calibur to cut my Dies.

This card is for the following challenge:

Bloggers - 3D

Clearly Inspired -  Anything

 Stamp Man - Vintage

Totally Papercrafts – Favorite Things - Spellbinder Dies

Paper Crafting Journey - Anything made with paper goes

Divas by Design - Favorite things

Just Some Lines Spring Cleaning time, use at least 2 items that are at least 6 months old - Ribbon and DP
One Stop Craft -  Mother's Day with Ribbon

Thank you to our sponsor Pizazz Aplenty 

 Make sure you stop by the Designers Blogs are some amazing inspiration - these ladies are inspirational on so many levels!!

* Kristine * Linda (that's me) * MariLynn * Miejse * Peggysue * Traci M *

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

NinaB Designs - Exciting News

It is a very exciting day for me - finally I get to share something that I have had to keep quiet for what seems like an eternity - I am both thrilled and honoured to be part of the NinaB Designs Dream Team.

and what a Team it is, these ladies are amazingly talented, please make sure you pop over and visit each member of the 'Dream Team', but put on your seat belt - you are in for quite a ride!

Beate Johns * Beatriz Jennings * Clare Buswell.*

Heather Jensen * Jennie Harper * Julie Overby *

Lea Lawson * Linda Lucas  (that's me) * Mona Pendleton *

Viola Mahr * Nina Brackett

It is such a pleasure to be working with Nina, who I originally met on the Layers of Color Design Team.  I love her work and it is exciting to have the pleasure of working with Nina's creations

I have used the Butterfly Kisses set illustrated by NinaB Designs,  for The Craft's Meow

This set is adorable, inspired by Nina's girls.  It reminds me of my childhood - who doesn't love blowing Dandelion Flowers, or 'fairies' as we used to call them.  I have used the Spellbinders Lattice Rectangles Die as a frame for this card, cutting it with the Spellbinders Grand Calibur

The image has been stamped twice with Tsukineko Versafine Sepia Ink, cutting out the wings of the second image, colouring them with Scattered Straw Distressing Ink and popping them up with foam tape.  I have added some bling from Want2Scrap - and I have to say I am loving this stuff - another addiction coming on.....

The butterfly is also from the Butterfly Kisses set and has been stamped twice, cut out and popped up on a Seam Binding bow, on layers of  Seam Binding and lace.

Buttons, Mulberry Roses and pearls finish this card off.....

I am sure you are a great fan of Nina's too - this lady is so gifted, designing stamps for a number of companies, a newly Licensed Designer for Spellbinders and also designs for Want2Scrap - all the things we LOVE!! 

Thank you for stopping by today to share my exciting news, I hope you are inspired and join in this wonderful journey we are just beginning.  To add to my excitement, I have another two BIG announcements to share with you over the next two weeks - but all in good time! LOL!

God bless you

{{{hugs}}}

Thanks so much

I have been having a lot of fun creating lately, I have the luxury of being able to create everyday but seem to go into runs of being really productive.

Today I have something simple to show you, the simpler cards sell well at the two shops that sell my cards, which is great as it makes it easier to keep up the supply - this last month I sold 35 to one shop, 24 on facebook and over a dozen to the other shop - so my supplies were getting low.

This gorgeous image illustrated by NinaB Designs for Layers of Color Art Stamps was already stamped,  so I cut it out using the Spellbinders Standard Circle LG and layered it onto a Spellbinders Floral Doily Motif Die that has been sponged with Victorian Velvet Distressing Ink before being taken out of the Die - I love this Masking Technique!

The image has been coloured using SU Chalks/Pastels and a Blender Pen

A sentiment added from the retired Layers of Color Sentimental Banners clear art stamp set, illustrated by NinaB Designs. This coordinates perfectly with the Spellbinders Ribbon Banners Die.  All Dies have been cut with the Spellbinders Grand Calibur.

Finishing off with a lace bow and a white heart button from my stash.

Lots of dimension without too many layers, I was very self controlled in that department! LOL!

This card is for the following challenges:

Craft Room Challenge -  Shabby/Vintage

Deep Ocean Challenge - Spring

Paper Take Weekly - Anything Goes

Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes

Kaboodle Doodles - Flowers

Make it Monday - always Anything Goes

Pollycraft - Spring has Sprung

Smudgy Antics - Anything Goes

Stamp with Fun - Pink, Green

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

Shabby Love Note

I have been having some fun creating projects that I cannot show you yet - but it is getting closer...and I am getting more excited!

In the meantime, I have been making time to play with some sets that have not seen ink yet *head hung in shame!* LOL!  This set is illustrated by my dear friend Nina Brackett for The Craft's Meow, called 'Sent With Love.'

I have stamped the image, cut it out and adhered it to a Die from the Spellbinders Floral Doily Accents Die.  This has been inked while still in the Die to act as a mask and then popped up onto some Prima DP with foam tape.

The gorgeous border is from the Spellbinders Ironwork Accents Die - I love this border, it is so filigree and detailed, a pretty border on any card.  All of my Dies have been but using the Spellbinders Grand Calibur!

A sentiment from the Sent With Love set is added and some handmade lace, from my dear friend Maxine is highlighted with the addition of pretty pink pearls.

I have cut around the top of the card to match the shape of the Prima Paper, but left the base to enable it to stand firmly.

This card is for the following challenges:

Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes

Creative Mondays - Anything Goes

Smudgy Antics - Anything Goes

Amusing Challenges - Die Cuts

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

Angelic Love

Pink Paislee DP - so pretty and so easy to create with, don't you love those beautiful flowers...

Filigree does not come much prettier than the Spellbinders Ironworks Motifs Dies

 - I have combined two of them as an ornate frame for this darling Cherub from the retired Layers of Color Angelic Art Stamp set.

The sentiment is from the Sent With Love set designed by Nina Brackett for The Craft's Meow.  The die is also from the Spellbinders Ironwork Motifs and Accents Dies.  All Dies have been cut using the Spellbinders Grand Calibur - would you be surprised to know it gets a workout every day!

Soft layers and a Mulberry Paper flower, along with some pearls (of course) complete this card.

This card is for the following challenges:

Amusing Challenges - Die Cuts

Dream Valley Challenges - Mother`s Day (Female Theme)

Gingerloft - Spring

Let`s Ink It Up - Show Us Your Flowers

A Gem of a Challenge - Perfect Pastels

Catch The Bug - 3E, SIO - March Anything goes

Craft Your Days Away - Mother's Day

Just Some Lines - Girly Girls  

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

SSIC Love Takes Flight

Today is Sunday and this post is prescheduled as it is my birthday - I am spending the day with the family an being SPOILT!! 

 It is also time for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge - this week it is being hosted by our dear Sistah Kris.  The scripture she has chosen is:

 "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." Psalm 91:4a

Kris' challenge is Things with Wings (Images of birds if you have one, otherwise... angels, butterflies, other things with wings)

Don't you love these roses - they are a free image you can find here.  I cut around it and layered it onto a Circe cut using a circle from the Spellbinders Ironwork Accents Die, this has been layered into a Spellbinders Lacey Circle Die.  I love the look of multi layers.  All dies have been cut with the Spellbinders Grand Calibur.

The sentiment is from the retired Layers of Color The Love Chapter clear art stamp set.  Each end has been 'dove tailed' and a pearl added.  The wings are also from Layers of Color and the DP handmade using the Layers of Color Merci Bouquet clear art stamp sets.

Lace, shimmer and layers complete this card. 

This card is created for the following challenges:

A Gem of a Challenge - Perfect Pastels

Allsorts - Spread your Wings

Catch The Bug - March Anything goes

Crafty Emma - Flower Frenzy

Just Some Lines - Girly Girls

Little Claire's - Romance

Clearly Inspired - Anything

Crafty Catz - Punches and Dies

Delicious Doodles –  Inspired by a Song / Album (I love you by Olivia Newton John)

Guylou's Inimitability - Things with Wings

Creatalicious Challenges - Lace
Cupcake Craftroom - Spring Bouquet

I Brake for Challenges - Love

Sparkles Forum Challenges - Things with Wings

Tando Creative Challenges - Spring is in the air

Thank you to this weeks sponsor Digi Doodle Shop

Make sure you stop by the Designers Blogs are some amazing inspiration - these ladies are inspirational on so many levels!!

* Kristine * Linda (that's me) * MariLynn * Miejse * Peggysue * Traci M *

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

SBH Teisha Layout

I thought it was time I shared a layout with you, I created this one when I was a Guest Designer for The Scrapbooking Haven in February.

I could not resist this photo of the newest member of our tribe - Teisha, that was taken by my DH, who just happens to be a photographer.

The DP is from Echo Park and some of the flowers are Prisma

Chipboard letters - don't you love it when things you have sitting around on your desk come together on a project!

I have cut two of the Tim Holtz Birdcage and created an open door, adhering this over a picture of a bird, from a card....I love the way it looks like she is eyeing up the bird, cause in real life, she would be! LOL!

This layout is for the dollowing challenges:

4 Crafty Chicks - Anything but a card

Little Miss Muffet Challenges - Fancy or lacy

Paper Crafting Journey - Anything made with paper goes

 Paper Play - Something old, something new

S J Papercrafts - Flowers plus include red or pink

House That Stamps Built - pastels

Scrapbook Sisters - Spring Flowers

Simon Says Stamp - anything goes

Scrapalicious - anything goes

It is Friday afternoon and very wet here in Canberra...although I am grateful we are not one of those who have been affected by the flooding, so many places have been either evacuated or are on alert! 

We did have our own little drama, our paving filled up with water and came right up under the windows.  , it ended up needing a visit from the SES, who were wonderful and helped ease the situation very quickly! 

These wonderful guys are great and have helped so many people who stand to lose so much!

they were in and out so quickly...and headed off three houses down the street - a busy day in our little street!

Thank you for visiting today - I always appreciate the time it has taken you to come and leave a comment - I read each one and you know I love to see you! I hope you are having a great day and finding a little 'you' time!' God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}

Fairy Whispers

I am back with another Fairy card to share with you today.

using a sticker I was given some time ago.  Stickers are not something I create with very often...

but I love the way they look when cut out with the Spellbinders Labels Eight Die and some sponging with Distress Inks.

The Spellbinders Labels Eight Die has been cut with the Spellbinders Grand Calibur and popped up on foam tape to add some dimension.

Pearls, lace, Mulberry Roses, buttons - all beautifully vintage and help create a nostalgic feel to this whimsical card.

This card is for the following challenges:

Crafts and Me - pretty in lace

Little Darlings Challenges - Pearls

Scrapbook Sisters - Spring Flowers

Simon Says Stamp - anything goes

Ladybug Crafts Ink TLT Challenge - Pink & Girly
Partytime Tuesdays - Anything Goes

Crafty Bloggers Network - Spring Time

Make it Monday - always Anything Goes

The Crazy Challenge - Anything Goes

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}