2 Sketches 4 You cards

This is another card challenge blog that I’ve been reading for awhile, but this is my first time giving it a go.  I’ve made a card for Laura’s Sketch 16, and the Bonus sketch.  I was inspired to make more baby cards, so I’ve made one for a boy and one for a girl.

Have a great day,

Anthea

I’ve taken the Christmas tree down,

the yo-yos are all gone, the half price wrapping paper bought for next year.  Now we look to next year… I’ve never really got into the New Year party thing, and I remember last New Year’s when the heat was unbearable and the power went out for a few hours. Let’s hope there’s no repeat this year! 

I’ve already begun using my Christmas gift vouchers and crafty things I got for Christmas.  Having something new to add to the mix somehow breathes new life into the stuff I’ve already got. Here’s a few cards I’ve made in the last few days:

The baby card was for a couple who had a baby last week, so I’ve already posted it off.  I cut the squares of paper and sewed them to the felt like a baby quilt, and I used my new Sizzix star dies for the chipboard embellishments.

The others are all made with Basic Grey papers, and I’m experimenting with embossing, and how to show up the embossed patterns.  The chipboard heart I cut with my Cuttlebug, and I’ve covered some layers with paper, as well as painting it and covering with Kindyglitz.

Thanks for looking,

Anthea

So another Christmas has come and gone…

and I’m sitting here eating my leftovers from lunch yesterday.  Another thing I love about Christmas; eating all the leftovers!  I had a lovely Christmas, for which I’m grateful.  All the planning and preparation and it’s over so quickly. We had lunch at my house, and everything went smoothly.

I went to have a look at the sales today and came back with next to nothing!  I don’t like crowds for too long, but I was still surprised at my lack of purchases.  Mind you, my sister bought enough for about 5 people…:)

I was very lucky to receive some Cuttlebug items from my Mum (because I put the details on my list), so I’ve already started using them.  Here’s my latest cards:

I hope your Christmas was great and you grab a few bargains!

Anthea

CPS#96 Bittersweet card

I love love love the colours of the new Bittersweet Basic Grey range.  I bought the papers a couple of days ago, and couldn’t wait to start using it.  My first card with this range is based on the sketch for CPS this week:

This is my card:

I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder on this one, as well as machine stitching around some edges.  This could be for a wedding, engagement, or as a ‘just because.’  Can’t wait to make more with these papers!

Here’s another birthday card I made:

This one has Fancy Pants and Pink Paislee papers, with a Heidi Swapp label and a Melissa Frances rubon.  I like the little cupcake, from Kittyrobot.

Christmas has been very good to me, as I’ve sold 15 cards in 2 days!  I’m absolutely thrilled, as it’s all just been word-of-mouth that has caused people to inquire about my cards. Now I’m going to have to work to build my stock levels up again!  I’ve already got ideas…

Have a very merry, blessed Christmas,

Anthea

I finished

my Christmas shopping today; what a great feeling.  I was in and out of town as quickly as possible, I can’t stand to be in crowds for very long.

We had the annual Carol service this morning at church, it really brings home just how close Christmas is. As it’s the fourth Sunday of Advent the last candle on the Advent wreath was lit, and a few people spoke of their personal reflections on Christmas, and what this season means to them. It really gets you thinking about what really matters; the birth of Christ is paramount.  Christmas memories are lovely, but there wouldn’t be any of this if Jesus hadn’t been born.  That’s what the joy and happiness of Christmas is all about!

I’ve been baking again; last night I made heaps of yo-yos. Yum.  Now I wonder if they will last until Christmas Day…

The weather is heating up again which makes me hot and disinclined to do much, but I did manage these 2 cards today:

How are your Christmas preparations coming along?  Thanks for stopping by,

Anthea

I can see clearly now

because I’ve got my new glasses!  Very exciting, because I got both reading glasses (to replace my old frames), and my much-needed driving glasses.  I always thought that driving should be easier…:)

So I made these cards this afternoon:

I’ve combined some new stuff with older stuff.  I bought some new embossing folders today, and I used it on the pastel card, then sanded back the top layer.  I’ve had the floral paper for ages, but as I don’t believe in saving stuff for later, I’m using it now.  That way when the new stuff comes… I get to buy that too.

Have a lovely pre-Christmas weekend,

Anthea

So I spoke to soon…

I wasn’t finished making Christmas cards yet. But I think I am now, but don’t quote me on that…

I’ve spent another quiet time creating today; two more Christmas cards with the We R Memory Keepers papers, and my next Basic Grey Challenges card.  I’ve learnt to take time with my cards, to focus on the details. For instance, I cut the little Christmas tree from chipboard, then covered it with paper, sanded the edges, and decorated it with pom-pom braid. This makes them more individual and special.

Bye for now,

Anthea

It’s getting closer…

Christmas, what else?  I’ve just been doing some shopping, and it’s really picking up.  I don’t miss working in a department store, especially at this time of year.  I’ve been wrapping presents (because noone else in our house will do it, but I love to), and I’ll be doing some baking. 

I’ve just about finished making Christmas cards, but Julie showed me the Christmas range by We R Memory Keepers, and I decided to try something fun.  They’re bright, so they didn’t need much added to the papers:

I’ve used my Christmas templates for both of these.  I traced the snowman and cut him out, then decorated him with a paper hat and nose, rhinestone eyes, and braid for a scarf.  The second one is a reindeer with a rhinestone for his nose. 

I know we don’t have snow for Christmas in Australia (or snow in Geelong at all for that matter), but it’s a fun Christmas motif, and why not?

Have a great week,

Anthea

And the rain came down…

For ages and ages and ages! What a huge blessing all this rain is, especially at this time of year! 

I’ve had a busy few days with work at Chandon, work in the church office, and our youth Christmas breakup last night.  It’s been full-on, but very worthwhile.  Sugar and Spice is now finished until next year, so what will I do with my Friday nights?

Christmas shopping has kicked in, and we’ve had a couple of busy days in the shop, with people buying their presents, gift vouchers, (and presents for themselves . There will be some very happy scrapbookers come Christmas Day!

The latest Basic Grey challenge went up today, and here’s the challenge for this week:

‘For this weeks challenge we would like to see you use some recycling on your creations, eg, cardboard, parts cut from another card, material from old clothes, postage stamps, it can be anything you like, the list is endless, also its not essential that the recycled item has to be old and used, you could simply use the inside of a business envelope for example as i know they can have some lovely patterns that can be used as backing papers etc, so have fun and of course not forgetting to use at least one item from basicgrey somewhere on your creation’

Here’s the card I made:

For the necessary Basic Grey products, I used papers from Sugared and Recess ranges. As a keen op-shopper, I’ve used recycled flowers, a page from an old book, and a silk picture from op-shops, and the diamante buckle came from a pair of shoes I wore out!  I love this challenge of finding new ways to incorporate used things; and it’s the perfect way to use my little special finds.

Have a lovely rainy weather weekend!

Anthea

So I’m still making

inroads into my stash of Christmas papers.  I just finished this card this afternoon:

For this one I’ve used Cosmo Cricket papers, with a verse cut from Making Memories paper. The embellishments are a metal snowflake, paper poinsettia, gingham ribbon, and red brads. I’ve also zigzagged down the sides with my machine.  I wish it was set up permanently instead of having to bring it out each time I want to use it!

I’ve also finished my Challenges card for this week, so I can post it in a couple of days.

Hope you’re having a great week,

Anthea