Spring is in the air

Hi Crafting friends

I don't know about you, but I am bored of this horrible grey and wet weather we are getting in the UK.  I cannot wait for spring, when the bulbs start to appear and the skies start to show blue with a hint of the sun! 

I made this card to cheer me up - I figure if it's raining outside, I can still have sunshine in my craft room.

This is for our latest challenge over at Polkadoodles.  each week we have a new challenge, but it's always anything goes!  you can enter with any image (not just Polkadoodles) and using all kinds of mediums.  The winner gets three digital images for free, chosen from the hundreds in the polkadoodles library. This image is called cute chicken with balloon, from an artist called Lucy Monkman who has a very distinct line style.  Perfect if you're not confident at colouring. 

I fussy cut them out after using Copuics to colour, and mounted on some vellum.  I did this as the patterned paper in the background is quite busy, so the vellum helps the image stand out against the spots. 

So cute - it made me smile!

I'd like to enter this into:

Don't forget to hop over to the Polkadoodles block and check out other DT inspirations and we love to see what you make each week!

See you soon

Rachael 

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Winter pastels colours

 Hello crafting friends

Today is once again a new challenge, the last for 2024, before we take a short Christmas break! What a year it's been for me, lots of life-changing moments and an awful lot of reflection!

I find crafting helps with my mental health and certainly when I need to reflect or back away from a situation for some distance and just stop thinking for an hour or two.

Anyway - back to the challenge.  I made this for the challenge using Winnie and Penguin from the white Christmas collection. Our theme was a pastel rainbow, but I chose to just use a few of the colours.

The papers are offcuts from my scraps drawer, and the colours match perfectly with my image.  Do you colour to match your paper, or colour an image and then find matching paper?  I do both, but this time around I coloured first.

I used a Kraft card square blank and rounded the edges on two sides as a point of difference from a usual square card.

The image was coloured using Copic markers in pinks, blues and violets, and I used a white gel pen to add detail to her cheeks, and stickles for the snow and her wings.

I then fussy cut the image out and mounted it on top of the car using foam pads.

I'd like to enter this into:

Thanks so much for stopping by - there is more inspiration on my Instagram pages if you prefer this way. If you are here - I would you to leave me a comment.  

See you again soon

Crafting hugs

Rachael 

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Jingle all the way

Hello crafters!

Another two weeks has flown by and we are now into to December on the countdown to the big day!

I am dropping in to share this super cute card in nontraditional Christmas colours - after all, why can't Santa be pink, just because a large drinks manufacturer said he was red, he can be whatever colour you like! 

I made the backgournd using the smaller star stmaps in the set along with two different blue shades of copic for the spots..  Its called Jingle all the way.  I then stamped the main images and coloured them in before fussy cutting and adding on foam pads to my card.

I stamped the setmeiment int he top corner, but the card needed something else... so i doodled a border around the whole thing and around the sentiment.  When mounted on black it really pops off the page.  A really modern take on a traditional classic!

I'd like to enter this into:

Thanks for stopping by - please leave me a comment if you land here, i love to read them and please either follow me on here, or on instagram, facebook or pinterest! 

See you soon!

Rachael 

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Blue Christmas

 Hello Crafting friends.

It's time again for more Polkadoodles inspiration, and this week I'm using one of the latest releases.

This gorgeous poinsettia wreath comes coloured and in plain digis, which I adapted in my own colour scheme.  who said they have to be red or white! They are a bargain, you get loads for only £3.99

I printed the images onto smooth card and coloured using copic markers, then fussy cut them out.  The sentiment which is also in the bundle printed and die-cut using an oval die.  The background I decided to emboss for extra interest and I then mounted it onto silver mirri card.  I then layered the card up onto a 6x6 square card finished with silver glitter and Nuvo drops.

I think this is so elegant, I think I might send it to my Nan.

I'd like to enter this into:

Creative fingers - anything goes #266

My time to craft - use poinsettias #73

Cardz for gals - Dry embossing #212

Fab n funky - use blue hues #584

Thanks for dropping by - for more inspiration please do check out my other social media (buttons are top right!)

See you soon

Rachael 

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Pop up Bella bear

 Hello everyone. 

Time again for another challenge over at PD blog, and you can win some of the amazing images NIkky has.  There are loads of new ones, and a ton of oldies but goodies to choose from!

I used an image from the Bella Christmas bear release called 'Santa stop here'. Once I had coloured and fussy cutout, I used a pop-up die to add it to the inside of the card making it feel really special for the recipient. . The outside is decorated using the papers from the same release. The Christmas trees I took from the paper and enlarged them. Backing papers are more than just an accent behind the main image, have a close look and see what you can use in different ways!

I'd like to enter this into:

crafty catz - Anything goes

Creative fingers - anything goes

Jingle belles - christmas card with an animal

Most magical time of the year - Christmas

Creative inspiration challenge - anything goes

Thanks for stopping by today - please leave me a message so I know you have stopped here!

lots of crafting hugs!

Rachael 

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Octopus kisses

Hello crafters

Another fortnight has passed so it's time again for another Polkadoodles challenge over on our blog.  You can choose any theme and any project to share with us for a chance to win images.

I have today used one of my all-time favourite images - Winnie Octopus kisses   I have seen some comments recently about people not feeling confident to colour, so just as a reminder - Polkadoodles also do pre-coloured versions of most of the images, so if you lack confidence, or even if you need a quick card in an emergency, the pre-coloured images are amazing!

If you do like to colour - then for this image I used Copic markers for a base colour.  I used a couple of shades but didn't do much blending.  Over the top, I then used polychromos pencils to add depth to the shadows and texture across the image.  They are great for adding small detail too such as flicks in the hair. It really helped with the effect of pearlescence on the tail.  it looks like it shimmers between the purple and the turquoise. Finally, I added a white gel pen for a glittery effect

The papers are from my polkadoodles stash, when I print out digi images that have matching papers I keep them in a pile on my desk so I can pull them out when needed so I don't waste anything.

All then finished with twine, stickles glitter and some Nuvo drops.

I'd like to enter this into:

Creative fingers - Anything goes

Creative Inspiration challenges - Anything goes

Ally's Angels - anything goes

Crafts galore encore - Anything goes

Love to craft - Anything goes

Thanks so much for joining me - I hope to see your entries o our blog.

If you like my work then you can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest of facebook - the links are above.

See you all soon

Rachael 

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Breaktime!

Hello crafting friends

Once again our blog challenge over at Polkadooldes starts again today.  I have gone right out of my comfort zone this week and coloured a whole scene with my copics

This image is called Breaktime with a theme for picnics, but never mind the food, he looks super comfy having his nap in the sunshine!

I enlarged the digi image to fit a 6x6 square card and then coloured with copics

I hope you like it!

I'd like to enter this into:

Thanks you for stopping by here, there are many ways to show you appreciate my work on social media the links are top right, or just leave me a little comment.  It really makes my day to read them!

See you again soon

Rachael 

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May Flowers

Hello fellow crafters

Just dropping in with a quick post to remind you about the polkadoodles challenge that is live now!  You have two weeks to enter but there is a new challenge every week meaning you have extra chances to win some of Nikkys gorgeous images!

 This week I went back to the Blooming lovely USB, which is also available as a digital download.

Because they are digis you can increase the size, and angle to make a gorgeous flurry across the page.

For this one I also decoupaged it to I fussy cut those flowers that appear to be on top for extra dimension, but if you don't want to do this, you can just print the flowers along with the sentiment, cut to size and you're done  The package also comes with recoloured flowers for a really quick and simple card 

I coloured it with Copics and added a black matt layer so it popped, but otherwise - a really simple but effective card, that could say anything from happy birthday to I'm sorry

I'd like to enter this into:

Allsorts - April showers bring May flowers

Kraftin Kimmie - flowers and purple

sisterhood of snarky stampers  flowers

CD Sunday - anything goes as long as it's from a USB/digital

Lil Patch of crafty friends - Anything goes

Thanks so much for stopping by - I'll see you soon with more card-making inspiration - but if you can't wait for my next installment (or don't like all the chat!) please follow me on Instagram or pinterest (links are above)

See you soon and crafting hugs

Rachael 

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Magical pony

 Hello everyone

As it's the 22nd, it's time for the new release inspiration from all dressed-up stamps.

There are two stunning girlies for you this month, perfect for those little (and not so little) girls in your life.

The two new images are available here from etsy  and are:

Magical pony

Watering time

Aren't they adorable?

I'd like to enter this into:

• Craft rocket Challenge - Layer it up
• Through the purple haze - girls
• unicorn challenge - add an animal
• Dream valley challenges - four legged friends

Don't forget our challenge is still on over at Facebook with the theme die cut and you can enter the blog challenge too as it's 'anything goes'.  We don't have many rules only that you must use an  All dressed up image!

See you very soon

Crafty hugs

Rachael 

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Birthday bunny

 Hi everyone

Once again it's time for a new Polkadoodles challenge.  This week I used a pre-coloured image.  These are absolutely amazing if you want a quick make, or if you are not confident in your colouring skills.

If you are new to colouring, these can help you determine where light and shade should be and help you plan your colours! This one is called 3 little bunny rabbits and you can buy it here

So versatile!!

I printed the image onto a piece of 6x6 smooth printing paper.  Then, using a die-cut sentiment (not a Polkadoodles one, it's from my stash) and layered the word underneath.  Finally finishing with a wishes word from the sentiment stamp set called special occasions

I just love a clean and simple card and this is one of my favourites this year

I'd like to enter this into:

• Krafty Katz - AG with option celebration
• Creative fingers - AG
• Creative inspirations challenge - AG
• Krafty chicks - clean and simple
• Through the purple haze - for girls
• The cutie pie challenge - bunnies and blooms

Thanks so much for stopping by - if you do I'd love to see a comment from you or join me on Instagram - the links above!

Thanks again for stopping by - crafting hugs

Rachael 

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Up. up and away!

Hello crafting friends

Its time for another new release over at all dressed up and although valentines has passed, this release can be used for so much more.

Here is my inspiration using valentines boy

I coloured him with a combination of copics, then using polychromos pencils for extra depth and detail.

The papers are from a Nitwit digi kit that I layered together, and then fussy cut the cute image and added with foam tape for dimension

Here are all of the new releases

Looking good (re-release)

Valentines boy

Valentines girl

Our Facebook challenge is still ongoing here  with the theme of celebrations, or hop over to our challenge blog where the theme is anything goes!

Thanks so much for stopping by today - it really does mean the world when I get emails with your comments on them.  Follow me on Facebook, or instagram for more

See you again

Crafting hugs

Rachael

 

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Springtime

Hello crafting friends

I just love this time after Christmas when you can put away the frosty blues, reds, and greens and pull out the pastel shades!  Spring is my favourite time of year and the colour palette we can use is just the best!

This card was made for our latest blog challenge over at Polkadoodles.  It's always anything goes, so you can be in with a chance of winning some amazing images from the lovely Nikky, but you have to be in it, to win it!

I made this using some papers from the Winnie sugar sprinkles springtime collection and that is also where the digi image is from.

She was coloured using Copics and Spectrum noir brush markers, then fussy cut out before being laid on the papers using a die from my stash.

As the sentiment was printed in black, I thought it needed another bit of black to make it pop, and found this ribbon off-cut in my drawer.  

Isn't she super cute!

I'd like to enter this into:

Thank you so much for stopping by - it really makes a difference to know people are interested in my art.  Any comments, likes of follows I get are always appreciated! 

See you again soon

Rachael 

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Bundle of Joy

 Hello crafters

Today I'm sharing the latest DT inspiration for our Facebook challenge over at all dressed up.  Each month on the 1st we have a new theme for you to make projects for and enter for a chance to win some images from the fabulous Wendy Burns.

This month our theme is clean and simple.

I do love a CAS card, and here is mine using a stamp called night night little one 

I printed the image and coloured with copics and Spectrum noir tri blend brush markers

The paper is from my stash and the sentiment stamp is from a waltzing mouse set that I have had for around 15 years!

The only other finishing touch was a clear glitter sparkle pen on the flower and on the pads of her feet.

I'd like to enter this into:

• CAS on Sunday -A greeting card
• Creative fingers - Anything goes
• Passion for markers - anything but Christmas
• Through the craft room door - Anything goes
• Cutie pie challenge - four legged friends

Thank you for dropping by - please check out my other SM channels too for more inspiration and crafting fun and leave me a comment if you land here! 

See you soon

Rachael

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Memory book

 Hi everyone

Today is the latest Challenge over at Polkadoodles.  The DT are sharing ideas for gifts and packaging as the polka doodles products range can be used for much more than cards

I made this book using the last Christmas release of the cute gingerbread people.  I used the stamps and the papers to make a memory book I can fill with photos over Christmas to gift to someone in the new year.

Its so cute.  I'm adding photos but you could put recipes, memorabilia, or just journal your festive period.

The full download pack can be found here.

To join our challenge, nip over to our blog here, I can't wait to see your makes! 

I'd like to enter this into:

I'll see you all again soon, thank you so much for commenting and following me!  

Crafting hugs

Rachael

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Christmas postbox

Hello everyone

it is time once again for the latest all dressed up Facebook challenge.  Our theme is seasons greeting, meaning anyhting festive goes!

Our challenge runs for one month and if you share your card and add to the gallery, then you'll be entered into the draw to win some of Wendy's amazing images - including the new releases!

This stamp iss called Christmas stamp and is available here from Etsy

 I made an inky background with distress oxides and a sentiment from my stash of stamps.  The image is coloured with Copics and fussy cut out before being popped p using foam pads.

Finished with some splatters of ink and some nuvo drops.

Head over to our page to see the other DT inspiration, or our challenge blog is running an anything goes competition in case you have something you want to share that's not festive! I can't wait to see what you make! 

I'd like to enter this into:

See you again soon

Rachael 

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Birthday Boy

 Hello everyone

I hope you are all safe and well out there!

Its time for another challenge on our Facebook page this time the theme is boys.  One of my all time favourite all dressed up images is for boys, and I have used him in the past for many cards, so I thought I would dig him out again and make him into a birthday card using Autumnal colours.

This cutie is called 'Baseball Bear' and I coloured him using Spectrum Noir triblend brush markers.

The star dies I have had forever - I don't even know where they came from I've had them in my stash for that long. Otherwise I used creative expression Lisa Horton stamp set for the sentiment and the letters are from Lawn Fawn Oliver's alphabet.

I hope you love him as much as I do.

I'd like to enter this into:

Thanks for dropping by - if you want to see more of my work, and less of my rambling  - then maybe Instagram or Facebook are the places to check me out - links top right!

See you very soon

Crafty hugs

Rachael 

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Fairy hugs

 Hi crafting friends

I'm popping in today to share this sweet card I made using a lili of the valley image.

Its a digi image that I printed in grey and coloured using my Spectrum noir water colour pencils and inktense water colour pencils.

 

I die cut a circle around it, and layered it on another tattered lace die cut (I inked the edges a little).  I also used various other dies for the background.  The papers are from Anna Marie designs.  The banner is from Elizabeth crafts design and the flowers are from my stash..

I printed some lilac spotted paper and using my graphics package, wrote the sentiment, then spaced the letters so I could cut them apart.  I finished the card with more ink and some white gesso.

Not my usual style and I did look on Pinterest for some inspiration - there are so many gorgeous cards like this, and I'd love to make more. 

I hope you like it.

I'd like to enter this into:

• 613 Avenue create - anything goes
• Creative fingers - anything goes
• Craft rocket challenge - flowers
• Through the craft room door - anything goes

Thanks for stopping by - leave me a comment if you do land here.  I have other social media platforms too - link is top right if you want to follow me elsewhere.

See you soon

Crafting hugs

Rachael

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Friends forever

 Hello lovely people

Today is another new challenge over at the polkadoodles blog.  There’s a chance of winning three super images from the huge digi range that the shop has.  The tough part is choosing which three.  Even runners up get one image each! 

Here’s my inspiration for a friendship card.

I used  Missed you to make this.  I firstly stamped the background using the stamp set 'Love hearts' adding in in the hearts as well as the border stamp.  I then use my copics to colour the image and fussy cut it out.    The hearts were cut out and then glossy accents applied as well as on her hair grip. The paper behind is a piece from my scrap folder.

I just love how it turned out! 

I’d like to enter this into:

Aud sentiments - anything goes

Two sisters on the blog - anything goes

Clever dexter - anything goes

Creations in pink - Anything goes with lots of pink

Creative fingers - anything goes

Remember you have to be in it to win it, so I look forward to seeing your entry! And if you like me style please check out other social media pages in the link above

See you soon!

Rachael

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Footie mad

 Hi everyone

Now this card has been received I can share with you on my page.  I made this for my sons friend who has just turned 11 and is an Aston villa fan

I printed him out and coloured him using Copics in the team colours.  I used a photo from the tinternet so I could reproduce as close to the strip as possible.

The papers are from a digi kit i downloaded from Etsy around 5 years ago, as are the embellishments, but I find I use this kit time and time again for boys cards.

I hope you like it!

I'd like to enter this into

Passion for markers - more than 3 layers

Try it on Tuesday for the man in your life

Crafting Happiness - Anything goes

Use your stuff - Anything goes

Taylormade cards 4U - masculine

Creative knockouts - for the kids

Thanks so much for stopping by - please leave me a comment and follow me on other social media channels - the links are in the top right to make it easy for you.

See you soon!

Rachael

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Dancing Queen

Hello everyone

I'm back today, from the desk in the glittery pink craft room, I'm sharing this cutie I made using an image I won over at the Polkdoodles blog.  She is called Dancing queen and isn't she just so adorable!

As I was going through a stash of papers I came across an old 12x12 paper pad and found it had some absolutely gorgeous papers in.  I cut them into 6x6 squares and added them to my 6x6 storage.  I always forget what some lovely papers because they are a larger size, so I’m going to make an effort to use them, or like I have here, cut them up.  I tend to head for the 6inch pads more often…

I coloured this cutie using copics and layered her onto a scalloped die cut.  It’s a lawn fawn die that creates a frame, so I popped up the outer ring, but including the middle.  I matted the patterned paper, but didn’t layer it, so after I had added the image, I realised it was lacking a bit of focus around the edge.  I used an acrylic marker pen in pink to create a sketchy border.  The sentiment is from a polkadoodles stamp set. 

I hope you like her!

I’d like to enter this into:

 C.R.A.F.T challenge - Anything goes

Creative knockouts - Anything goes 

Moving along with the times - Birthday

The sisterhood of crafters - think pink

Digi Tuesday - Anything goes

Through the craft room door - Anything Goes

Shopping your stash - Pastels (my paper pad I rediscovered was my stashed item!)

Thanks so much for dropping by it really does mean a lot when people comment and follow me on social media.

See you soon

Rachael 

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