I Spy With My Little Eye.........Something Old and/or Something New (Challenge No. 10)

Hello everyone and welcome to another "I Spy With My Little Eye" challenge right here on my blog. It's the last one of the year, how time flies when you're having fun, and we are so glad you stopped by today! Hope you'll join us too and share your crafty makes with us following our theme. Also be sure to scroll down to see if you were one of our top two who will be invited to join us as guest designers for the next challenge.

It's Pauline's turn to select the theme this time around and it is:

I spy with my little eye...........................

Something Old and/or Something New.

So perfect for this time of the year and I think everyone can join in wether you use something from your stash or maybe you have some new goodies to showcase. We'd love to see all your wonderful creations and you may enter up to 5 times. 

My card (Ellie)

This post may include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links. As always, this is at no cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting this blog!

Something a little different from me today, as I don't usually use die cuts as a focal point but this new to me die set was absolutely perfect for the theme and I have both something old and something new :)  My "something new" are: new baby, a new die set and baby sentiment, also the white enamel dots. Everything else I used on this card is really old, especially the patterned paper, prima flower and scalloped rectangle die. The heart string die is by Penny Black and also several years old.

I was so lucky to win a prize from Honeybee stamps through the Cat Lovers Hop and absolutely did not need any baby things, but could not resist this cute die set with my gift certificate. It's available direct from Honeybee Stamps or at Scrapbook.com, and probably other retailers as well. 

 

Related Products:

I plan to share the above card with these challenges:

• Creations in Pink - Mainly Pink
• Happy Little Stampers - Dies 
• A Place To Start - New 
• Double Trouble Challenge - Dies

Pauline's Card

How cute and beautiful is this colorful creation??!! Please visit Pauline's blog to see how she created this wonderful card and what her "something old or something new is!

We're so excited to have a guest designer joining us this month too, and that is Carol from CarolG Creates. Thanks so much for being our guest, Carol!

Carol's Creation

How fabulous (and useful!!) is this Z-fold calendar card! Please visit Carol's blog to find out how she made this wonderful card!

Top 2 from Challenge No. 9 - Sparkle or Shine

Many thanks to all of you who played "I spy" with us last month. We had many fabulous entries and as always selecting our top picks wasn't easy but something that needed done so here they are in the order of entry. 

*To be in compliance with GDPR, Top Pick photos and links will be removed after the start of the new challenge. 

Remember, both Top Picks are invited to join us in the next challenge if you like to. That would be for challenge no. 11 starting January 17 ! Of course it's not a requirement but we would love to have you as guests!!

No. 9 Helen (Pauline's Pick)

No.11 Rosi (Ellie's Pick)

Congratulations to both of you!! Your top pick logo is below to display on your own blogs if you like to.

You are both invited to join us as guest designers (optional of course!) for challenge no. 11 starting on Wednesday January 17th. If you are interested in taking part, please message me (Ellie) at ellibellescorner at gmail dot com so I can give you all the details for our upcoming theme.

Now it's time to link up YOUR creations for the new theme! Anyone is invited to join us with your crafty makes following our theme - I Spy Something Old and/or Something New.

A few things to remember:

• You may share up to 5 different projects
• You may combine with as many other challenges as you like to
• No fully digital projects please
• Please include a link back to this blog
• Challenge ends Sunday January 14th
• Backlinking to a recent project is allowed

As this is our last challenge of the year, we would like to wish all of our participants a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

A Baby Card for Twins with a Button and Lace

Hello and welcome! I'm sharing a special card today made for a dear friend's daughter who is expecting twin girls. It's my first ever twins baby card and it was fun trying to come up with a design for twins, choosing the right image, etc.

Some affiliate links may be used in this post. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links. As always, this is at no cost to you! Thanks so much for supporting this blog!

I decided to use a digital image from LOTV I've had for some time. I did have to tweak it just a little bit by erasing what was inside the sign (the set I have comes with two images, one with baby girl and one with baby boy written on the sign) but I erased that part and instead stamped "precious" inside the sign using a retired stamp from Stampin Up.

The image  has been printed twice on Neenah 80lb card stock, I printed it twice because I wanted to add a second pacifier to the image.

Colored with Faber Castell Polychromos pencils and I used a clear Wink of Stella glitter brush on the ribbon. Nestabilities dies were used to cut it out and I inked the scallop circle with Tattered Rose Distress ink. The pattern paper is from my stash, I don't remember which brand. I added some cotton crochet lace. Mine is from May Arts, but if you're in the UK, do check out Wowvow for some pretty ribbon and lace. 

The alphabet letters are from an old Alphabet set by Whimsy Stamps (no longer available). To finish off the card I added the second (fussy cut) pacifier and a pink button and a bow tied with natural jute twine.

Related Products:

I made this card to fit this week's theme at Allsorts challenge which is hosted by Kath. She picked the theme of "Numbers or Anything Goes". The numbers on my card are on the alphabet tiles. 

We have a fabulous prize to give away this week, by Wowvow, hope you'll join us for a chance to win!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!!

I'm also linking up here:

Anything Goes:

Inspire me Mondays // Spread the Kindness // Encouraging Hearts and Home // Crafty Creations // Creative Moments // Crafty Sentiment Designs // Digi Choosday Challenge // Lemon Shortbread // Through The Craft Room Door // A Bit More Time to Craft // A Perfect Time To Craft // Classic Design  Challenge // Crafts Galore Encore // LeAnn’s World 101 // The Creative Crafters // World Wide Open Design Team Challenge // A Place To Start // Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenges // Crafter's Castle

Themes:

The Card Concept - Welcome Wee One // 2 Sisters On The Blog - Birds // Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - Patterned Papers // Crafty Friends Challenge - Birds // Creations in Pink - Use Mainly Pink // Daisy Chain Challenges - Babies or Kids // Happy Little Stampers - Dies // The Crafting Challenge - Die Cuts // Double Trouble Challenges - 3 Layers and Lace //Get Creative Challenges - Use Pink // Incy Wincy Designs - Add a Button // Make The Card Challenge - Circles // Crafty Calendar - Dies and Twine

Imagine That Playground - Midmonth

Please click here if you are visiting for Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday Challenge.



It's time some mid- month inspiration at the Imagine That Playground. If you  have missed my first post for my Imagine That Guest DT spot, you can see those creations HERE. I did get to select two digi sets, and today I am sharing a card made with the cute set Ellie Tails. How sweet are those elephants!! I used the un-colored version, but this set also comes with colored versions, some pretty papers and wonderful sentiments to add to the banner.

Anyway, the Imagine That Playground challenge theme is "Anything Goes" and you have until June 5th to join in for YOUR chance to win a prize and maybe a Guest DT spot.

The white paper is Xpress it Blending card and copic markers were used for coloring the image. I used the gingham paper from the kit in turquoise (it also comes in pink and different pattern). The little die cut tag is part of Avery Elle's Wonky Stitches die set and the bundle of joy sentiment is from the Penny Black set Snippets, heat embossed with White Embossing Powder on black card stock. I think crochet ribbon goes so well with baby cards, so I added some May Arts cotton crochet ribbon and striped twine. An old corner rounder was used on the bottom corners and the little heart came out from the Avery Elle's tag, I inked it with some distress ink and made it sparkle with a clear Wink of Stella brush, but it's really hard to see the sparkles in the photos. An old Stampin Up punch was used to create the scallop border, this die set would be an alternative to the punch, I really should be getting it as my punch doesn't work as well anymore.

Related Products:

Imagine That Ellie Tails Digi Set // Xpess It Card // Copic Markers // May Arts Cotton Crochet Ribbon - Similar, Striped Twine - Similar // Penny Black Snippets // Avery Elle Wonky Stitched Die Set // White Embossing Powder // Versamark Ink // Wink of Stella Glitter Brush // Hero Arts Dove White Card Stock for Card Base // Stampin Up Scallop Border Punch - Retired, Similar as a Die

I am also sharing with these challenges:

Cutie Pie Challenge Bingo (I used the middle vertical row - I did heat embossing)

Stinkin' Inkers - All Tied Up // Through the Purple Haze - I've Got the Blues // Everybody-Art-Challenge - Lace or Pearls  // Colouring in Scrapland  - Coloring  

Anything Goes:

Digi Choosday Challenge // Crafting from the Heart // Get Creative Challenges // Dragonfly Dreams  // Lil Patch of Crafty Friends // The Corrosive Challenges // A Gem of a Challenge // Crafter's Castle // Crafting-With-Friends 

Thanks so much for visiting! 

This post contains some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Penny Black and More - Midmonth Card

This month is flying by and it's already time to share my mid-month card for the Penny Black and More challenge. This month it's all about "New Beginnings", please do come join us if you you haven't already, and don't forget you can enter up to 3 creations for more chances to win one of the great prizes we're giving away this month!

My "New Beginning" this time is a New Bundle of Joy!

Penny Black Buddy and Duck // Memento Tuxedo Ink // Xpress It Blending Card // Copic Markers //

Designer Paper from stash // Sentiment by Whimsy Stamps (retired)

An easy to make card, I stamped the image from the Penny Black set Buddy and Duck with Memento ink and colored with copic markers. Cut out and framed it with dies from Nestabilities and I used a simple sketch. A little button and some white twine (from Stampin Up) finishes off the card. I also used a Wink of Stella glitter brush on all the hearts. 

I also wanted to make baby boy version of this card, but ran out of time. Maybe I'll have some time this weekend :-)

Sharing with these challenges:

Cutie Pie Challenge - Cute CAS

City Crafter Challenge - CAS

Paper Minutes - Peekaboo

Shopping Our Stash -  Hearts

Stinkin' Inkers -  It's News to Me (New Baby)

Fab 'n' Funky - For a Child

Simon Says Wednesday - CAS

Crafty Friends Challenge  - New Beginnings (week1)

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Anything Goes with PB or optional Something New

As You Like It Challenge - Pearls or Buttons (It's buttons for me. I love that I can add twine and tie a bow with buttons, and with buttons I don't have to worry as much about it falling off too easily like I do when using pearls.)

Moving along with the Times - Hearts

And that is all I have for today! Thanks so much for visiting! Hope you have a great Sunday!

This post contains some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Allsorts 470: Baby, Baby

Good morning and happy Saturday! It's time already for a new theme at Allsorts challenge, this week it's Wendy's turn to host and she chose the theme of Baby, Baby. Hope you can join us .... we have two wonderful prizes to give away this week, one is by our wonderful sponsor DigiStamp Boutique, and we also have cute Crafter's Companion stamp set from the Allsorts prize box.

I had to opportunity to select a set from Digistamp Boutique for today's card and I picked "Louie Love Set". This set contains 3 cute bear images, and I thought this one was perfect for a baby card. The hearts are blank, so you can fill them in with any 4 letter word you want, it could be Love, Baby or maybe even a personalized 4 letter name. I went with"Baby" to fit our challenge theme.

I colored this image using my Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils on Neenah Solar White 80lb card stock and used Blending Stumps dipped in baby oil for blending. I love to use baby oil as an alternative to Gamsol because there are no toxic fumes and I find it works just as well. The image panel was cut out using Avery Elle's Wonky Stitches die set and I inked the edges with Spun Sugar distress ink. The sentiment is from a retired Set by Whimsy Stamps and patterned papers are from my stash. I added some May Arts crochet pink lace, a button and Natural Jute Twine. The card base is Stampin Up's Smokey Slate card stock. An old corner rounder by Creative Memories (which I've had since my scrapbooking days back in 2001) was  used on two corners of the sentiment. It's amazing how well this tool still works!!
  
Here is another look at the cute image.

Also playing along here:
AuroraWings Challenge -  Joyous Occasions
Die Cuttin' Divas - ATGoes this week (die cut stitched frame used)
Fab 'n' Funky - For a Child
Simon Says Wednesday - ATGoes this week
4 Crafty Chicks - ATGoes this week
Crafty Catz - Anything Goes opt. Black and White
Crafting-With-Friends - ATGoes
Catch The Bug  - weekly- ATGoes
Di's Digis Designs - Weddings, Anniversaries, Babies, etc.


To play along with us at Allsorts challenge and to see what the rest of the team made, visit the challenge blog. We can't wait to see what YOU will create this week!

This post contains affiliate links, this means I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Little Bundle Of Love

Happy Saturday! Hard to believe it's September already, and it definitely looks Fall- like here in my area, although it's not quite fall yet. But squirrels have been busy throwing acorns down at us and especially at the cats, and when that starts happening then you know Fall is almost here. But we're still lucky enough to be able to enjoy Summer weather. 

Today is the start of the new Allsorts challenge. Our hostess this week is Tracy and she chose the theme of "New Beginnings" so baby, wedding, new home, new school, etc.

For my card today I used a digistamp set by LOTV (Baby Companion). Both the image and sentiment are part of the set. 

I went with the colors cream/light brown and blue because the starry wrapping paper reminded me of gift wrap for a baby boy. I colored with my Faber Castell Polychromos. Not my best coloring as I am still not able to be in the same position for a longer time, and not sure how soon my neck will feel 100% better. (But hopefully soon, so I can get to work de-cluttering my kitchen, craft room and closet, something I like to work on every fall and spring.)

I used two different embossing folders on the card and some cute bashful blue gingham ribbon. The sentiment was fussy cut and I put an eyelet through it for the twine. A pop-up dot keeps the sentiment in place.

This week we have two wonderful sponsors: Digistamp Boutique and Crafty Ribbons. We'd love for you to come join us for a chance to win!

Thanks so much for visiting!

Allsorts 424 - Lavender and Lace

Hi everyone and thanks for visiting. I scheduled this post in advance so hopefully blogger will behave and post this as planned, as I am not sure I'll have online access this weekend.

It's time for a new challenge at Allsorts, this week we'd like to see "Lavender and Lace". Some wonderful prizes are ready to be sent home to one or two lucky winners, so hopefully you'll decide to join us!

For this week's card I used a cute fairy stamp from the Penny Black clear set Fairy Sweet. It's been heat embossed on xpress it blending card and colored using copic markers. The pretty designer paper is from Whimsy Stamps, unfortunately it's discontinued. I embellished with cotton lace trim, cotton twine and a punched out butterfly using a Martha Stewart punch. Wink of Stella was added to the fairy, flower and butterfly to make them sparkle. The sentiment is from another Penny Black clear set.

And below are this week's prizes...

Be sure to stop by the challenge blog to see what the rest of the team is sharing!

Thanks so much for visiting!!

Allsorts 413 - Embossing

This week at Allsorts we would like to see some embossing, heat or dry, it doesn't matter which you choose, you can even do both. We have a great prize up for grabs generously sponsored by Sizzix, I hope you'll come join us for a chance to win!

I decided to make two baby cards for today using a cute stamp from LOTV. This is a new stamp to me, so much for my new year's resolution of not buying new stamps ... oh well, maybe next year 😁

The image has been stamped onto xpress it blending card and colored with copic markers. A hearts embossing folder was used and I embellished with cotton crochet trim and silk ribbon. Wink of stella was brushed over the balloon. The sentiment is from a set by Whimsy Stamps. 

I also made a boy version of this same card:

Exactly the same, I just switched up the color and used gingham ribbon in place of white silk ribbon. Not so sure I like the bows, but I guess the do go well with baby themed cards.

And that would be all for today, I hope you enjoy your weekend. I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend. Started up again with my daily Pilates and Yoga routine this week and my body is so sore, but have really enjoyed getting back to it after a 2 months break (because I had a cough that just wouldn't go away).  And last weekend we planted 3 trees and some new flowers and so it will be nice to relax this weekend. Although a little bit of sunshine would be nice too, but I don't think it'll happen this weekend!

Critters & Creatures Linky Party 7

Happy Monday and Welcome to the September Critters and Creatures Linky Party!!
 Lots of wonderful entries again last month, it's always so nice seeing many of you join in! Be sure to scroll down to see if your entry was a top pick. 

 As usual, anything goes here as long as you feature a Critter or Creature.

I used one of my newer Penny Black stamp sets today, Buddy and Duck. I also have this set available brand new in my Etsy shop for US shipping if you are interested. 

I thought this cute duck was perfect for a baby shower card or new baby card, and that's what I decided to make. 

Image was heat embossed using versafine onyx ink and embossing powder on bristol vellum card stock, then water colored using my Zig Clean Color bush pens. An old SU stamp was used for the random dots on the white background paper. Designer paper I  believe is by Authenique, picked up at Hobby Lobby. Sentiment is from the Penny Black clear set Snippets, another set I have available brand new on Etsy. 

I added a little button and twine for embellishments and did some zig-zag machine sewing to finish it off. 

Dimensionals were used to adhere the the image to make it pop up a little. I also used clear wink of stella on the umbrella, but you can't see it in the photo, because I've done that after I took the photos :-) :-) 

The card is listed here in my Etsy shop if you're interested. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now onto the top 3, as always it's super hard to choose, but I did manage and here they are in no particular order. 

Sarah

A stunning design using mostly black and white!

Mindy Baxter

Mindy is talking about light source in her post, some great tips!

Darlene

Visit her blog post to find how how Darlene used acetate to create this beautiful card.

Congratulations ladies, your top pick badge for your side bars is below.


Now it's time to feature another Critter or Creature. Can't wait to see what you create this time around!
Simply link your creation below.

ETA 5/20/18:
To protect the privacy of those who entered this challenge, the linky tool has now been removed.

In a Nutshell for Penny Black and More - August Challenge

Good morning and Happy Sunday!

It's time already for our monthly challenge at Penny Black and More. We're still continuing with the easy themes over the summer so many of you can play along. Anything with a stamp goes, and as always all rubber/clear stamp manufacturers are welcome, you don't have to use a Penny Black stamp to join us.

I was in need of a baby card and so decided to use the cute stamp In a Nutshell for my card.

The cutie has been colored using copic markers on xpress it blending card. Card has been kept rather CAS, I did end up using a dotted stencil on the white paper, but silly me thought I had enough light from outside and didn't turn on my daylight lamp. Ended up overlapping some of the polka dots, but I really didn't want to start over again. I only added the dots after the whole card was complete, which would have meant a start from the very beginning.

I embellished with some soft cotton crochet ribbon and twine, added the little tags with sentiment and sewed the edges. Wink of stella was applied over the flower but you can't really see the shimmer in the photo.
The sentiment is from Whimsy Stamps and I used a stitched tag die also from Whimsy to add it to the card.
Come join us over at the challenge blog for a chance at one of the great prizes. This time we are being sponsored by Penny Black, Crafty Ribbons and Crafts U Love, so several wonderful prizes are up for grabs.

Thanks so much for visiting, hope you're having a wonderful day!!

Penny Black and More - February Challenge

Good Morning and thank you for stopping by! It's already the first Sunday of February and that means time for a new challenge over at the Penny Black and More challenge blog. This month we're making it pretty easy -
 Anything goes with a stamp and a die.  

Before I forget, both cards and the baby hedgehog stamp I used are listed for sale (brand new) in my Etsy shop,  if you are interested. I have also just recently received my first shipment of some pretty cotton crochet lace and burlap twine, which I now stock. And a few more Penny Black stamps from their upcoming release will be listed soon too :-) Still just shipping to the US only, just checked international shipping cost again, and the prices are out of this world...

I hope you'll come join us for this challenge, don't forget you can use any make of stamps, just be sure it's an actual rubber or clear stamp and not a digi. We have some fun prizes to give away and you can enter up to 3 times for more chances to win. 

For today I made two cards, using the same stamps and same sketch, I just switched up the designer paper and small detail.

First up a card for a baby girl. If you are following me on Instagram then you might have already seen it.

Here is the baby boy card I made.

The image has been stamped on xpress it blending card and colored with copic markers and a brown pencil for some shading on the nutshell. 

I used some dies and punches to create the design. Papers are from DCWV and Debbie Mumm. Not sure if you can tell, but on the blue and pink card stock I used large background stamp to add a subtle pattern to the paper.  

I found the pretty pink lace in my box of ribbons. The color matched the light pink perfectly, so I used it. To the boy card I added some sheer ribbon from SU. Punched butterflies with pearls ware added to both cards and a touch of glitter on the flower center. 

Some product links:

In a nutshell

Snippets (this set is sale priced!)

Stitched border die set (Whimsy Stamps)

Playing along in these challenges:

Alphabet Challenge -  Y for You Choose

Crafting-With-Friends -  Anything Goes

PDE Linky Party - Anything Goes

Really Reasonable Ribbon - Anything Goes with ribbon or trim

Simply Papercraft -  No. 22 (W2 of 2) - Anything Goes

The Stamping Boutique -  Use Die Cuts/Punches (runs till Feb 11)

Crafty Ribbons - 143 Animals 

Crafty Girls Creations - Always Anything Goes

Crafting With An Attitude - Always Anything Goes

Digital Delights By Louby Lou - Always Anything Goes 

Crafting By Designs -  February Anything Goes

Fresh Brewed Designs - Anything Goes 

2 Creative Chicks -Anything Goes

ABC Challenge - A is for Animals

That would be all for today. Hope you enjoy your Sunday and maybe you'll have some time to come join us. We have some wonderful prizes to give away, this time by Penny Black, Crafts U Love, Sizzix and Crafty Ribbons. Lots of prizes to win!!