Black and white Edwin

At http://magnoliachallengeblog.blogspot.com/ the challenge this week is make a card using at least one Magnolia stamp and only the colours black and white! Phew not easy and I haven't cheated - honest! I decided to use Rocker Edwin and a music theme. The backing papers are the cuttlebug music folder and I think the printed music pattern is DCWV. The plan for the card is a slight variation on the sketch I did earlier in the week for one of the sketch challenges.

Edwin is coloured using a black lyra crayon and water. I've used a black Sakura glaze pen to accentuate his hair and belt buckle and a clear stardust to touch the edge of the jacket up slightly.

The card also fits in with the challenge on http://www.mytimetocraftchallenge.blogspot.com/ which is 'Dark Hair' - another interesting challenge. I just wish I had more time to do lots of different versions for each challenge.

Ismaki Sketch 19

As soon as I saw the sketch for this week at http://ismaki.wordpress.com/ I knew I wanted to use one of my mandala peel off sets to create a centre focal piece.

The layers of the mandala are built up on vellum using silicone glue in areas that are eventually hidden by the next layer.

I love the sketch for this week (well I do every week) but I would really like to have time/chance to do a different version later in the week.

Cute Cats

Well this card is for two challenges which are both new ones this week. At http://stampchallenges.blogspot.com/ the challenge is 'Firsts'. Well my card has lots of 'firsts' in it...

the first time I have used this stamp (new from Handy Hippo)

the first time I have used a stamp that needed so many colours to complete it (found that quite challenging as I like to stick to couple of co-ordinating colours)

the first time I have used the orange stickles sent to me as present from my good friend who wanted me to know how brilliant they are for the centre of flowers.

the first time I have entered this challenge and last but not least the first time I have entered the sketch challenge on

http://fridaysketchersblog.blogspot.com/2008/05/friday-sketchers-sketch-number-1_07.html.

It could also be the first time I have achieved a double whammy (without cheating on the challenge criteria) when entering challenges!!!