Phoenix Inspirations

Painted Harvest is a set that I wasn't going to buy. I don't know why but it just didn't grab me when I first saw it in the Holiday Mini. However - I began seeing what other demonstrators were doing with it and it began to grow on me. So I bought it! Here is my first play with the stamps My card blank was sponged with Soft Sky and Pear Pizzazz ink to create a soft background. I then stamped and fussy cut a couple of the flowers. These are '2 Step' stamping - one stamp is coloured with a pale ink and then a second image is stamped over the top with a darker ink to add detail.  Before the flowers were stuck down I added the dark green fronds. I then stuck down two of the flowers with glue and the third with Dimensionals. The paler leaves are 2 step stamped as well and these are cut out using the matching punch - very quick and extremely easy. The stamp set and punch can be ordered as a Bundle - this saves you some money as it's a little cheaper

Today I have a card to show you that I made quite a while ago. My wrists haven't been up to crafting and my hands don't like cutting much at the moment so it's lucky that I have a few cards in hand to put up on my blog! I've used Tranquil Tulips one of the fabulous Hostess sets - take a look My tulips are coloured with Fresh Fig ink while the little orange ones are Tangerine Tango. The leaves and grass are Always Artichoke. The sentiment is from Climbing Orchid. I am entering this card into the challenge over at The Joy of Sets To get this set you need to place an order of £150 or more OR host a party and have combined sales of £150 or more (excluding p+p). Please message me to place an order or to book a party. thanks for stopping by today - see you soon - J xx

So, it's been a while since I last blogged - my fibro has been playing up and it's been difficult to craft. However I have some new stuff to show you this week so please do come back! Today's card is one I made for a recent swap. It uses the Climbing Orchid set and the brief was a summery wreath. Well most of my orchids have been in bloom over the summer so I chose that as my inspiration and made this card I drew a circle on my card blank in pencil and then went over the top with the stem stamps. I then added my orchid flowers around the circle adding a few leaves and buds. The orchids are So Saffron card stock stamped with Berry Burst ink. These flowers are so quick and easy to make especially as there is a matching set of dies. Not only do the flowers die cut but the buds and leaves too - making a card like this is a doddle! If you wouls like to order the Climbing Orchid stamp set and dies or indeed any Stampin' Up product please do get in touch -

I have a floral card for you today - in fall colours - take a look The main large flower has been been cut out separately and attached with Dimensionals. Stamp set used - Blooms and Wishes. Colours used - Peek a boo Peach, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, So Saffron, Old Olive and Always Artichoke. I will be entering this card into the challenge over at Hiding in my Craftroom HIMCR #316 - Fall Colors! To order any of the above Stampin' Up products or request either of the current catalogues email me or go to my online shop HERE Thanks for looking - see you soon - J xx

CAS Colours & Sketches  have a 'Double' challenge this week - that is a colour challenge and a sketch together. The three colours of ink are all retired however I have them stashed away on my 'Retired Shelf'! So I dusted them off and got to work making this card. Actually only two of the inks were used in the end. The rose - from Graceful Garden, was stamped onto Pretty in Pink DSP, the leaves were stamped in the Certain Celery and the the band of Bashful Blue was created by masking off the band and stamping and sponging. It was lovely to re-visit the old colours but Stampin' Up have loads of current colours just as lovely. Just take a look through the catalogue in my side bar and you will see - Powder Pink, Wild Wasabi and Soft Sky would be perfect for this. Thanks for stopping by today - see you soon - J xx

The brand new Autumn/Winter catalogue has arrived and it's packed full of fabulous goodies for all your seasonal crafting. And if that wasn't enough for you - if you host a party during September or October with sales reaching £250 or place an order for that amount you will earn the Merry Patterns set completely free!! Request your copy now or browse the online version in the side bar. See you soon - J xx