First Christmas Card...

But no need to panic as it's not even December yet!!  I can't take credit for the idea of using upturned hearts to create a Christmas tree.  I think I saw someone use this idea either in a magazine or maybe on Pinterest.  Anyway this is my version which I created using a tiny scrap (3 by 2 inch) of lime green glitter card from my scrap box and a small hearts die by Spellbinders.  
The pot I cut out free hand, embossed and then added a touch of the green from the tiny bit that was left and a small bow. Silver peel off and some mat and layering on silver mirri card complete the card.  Yeah only a few more to make now - LOL!

The challenge that inspired me to make this was Pixie Snippets Playground - I wanted to help out in reaching the challenge of 60 entries, but it's taking me so long to get the time to create my card that she doesn't need my entry anymore as there are already 73 entries.  Wow maybe the challenge will hit the 100 mark - I sure hope it does.
Additional Challenges...

• Charisma Cards  Christmas
• Use it Tuesday  anything goes (die used to cut the hearts came in box with my very first Wizard die cutting machine and green glitter card has been in scrap box for an eternity)

Off to create some more cards - I'm on a roll.
Annie xxx

Downton Abbey...

Everytime the title came up while I was watching this series the dramatic title page with black and white lettering on contrasting background blew me away.  I kept thinking I'd love to try that on a card or a scrapbook page and then one day while meandering around Pinterest I saw someone had given it a try.  I loved what they had done and was even more determined to have a go myself.
Apologies for the not so good photo - had to take it at night before my daughter ran off with the card to send to her sister on her first wedding anniversary.
I'm not usually good at 'clean and simple', but I'm quite happy with this card even though I say so myself.  

Materials...

• heart die cuts from a tiny die that came with my original Wizard machine
• sentiment dies by Britannia 
• black and white card 
• a single gemstone

 Challenges...

• Crafty Cardmakers  Clean and simple
• Simon Says Stamp   Anything Goes
• Party Time Tuesdays   Anything Goes

Hope everyone is enjoying Thanksgiving and having a wonderful time with your friends and family.

Annie xxx

Variations on a theme...

Sometimes it so easy to spend ages planning out a design it seems such a shame to do only one version so today I'm show casing two versions of a very similar card.  One made for my own mum's birthday and one done for an order.

 

Both use items that have been in my stash for an eternity.  The Storybook cartridge by Cricut, a flower and leaf punch from the archives and a brand new sentiment die by Britannia. Oh the butterfly dies are new too - eeeeeeeeeeek seem to have bought a lot of stash lately.  Love these butterflies by Joanna Sheene though - so delicate.  If anyone knows a good way of sticking the Britannia sentiment die cuts on projects please let me know as I am still experimenting.

Challenges...

• Use it Tuesday  anything goes - old stash Cricut Cartridge and punches
• Crafting from the heart  anything goes

 and probaby a thousand more challenges but as I am newly returned to blogging two is enough - so wish we could go back to the days when it was possible to enter every challenge each week.

Have a good day tomorrow everyone.
Annie xxx

Fabulous Frou Frou...

Tiny photos from now folks, but at least they can be clicked to enlarge and in any case it's so long since I did any posts most of my followers probably fell asleep last year. 
I actually had two comments on my last post.  Thank you Abi for your very kind offer of help I may be heading your way soon if things don't work.

My first card on my return to blogging is one made a week or so ago using the Crafter's Companion CD Frou Frou and planned using Serif Craft Artist before printing out the bits needed to make up the card.

I think it's perfect for the challenge at CD Sunday where their theme is F is for ....Frou Frou !

and ...

Allsorts . Bring on the Bling

Have a good day all.

Annie xxx

To blog or not to blog that is the question?!!!

Should I trawl though all my pictures making them small enough so I have space to carry on - maybe I should.  It would be nice to be in Blogland again - I seem to have lost touch with so many creative people.  Watch this space - I'm off to delete some posts and shrink some others!!