IMAGINE THAT PROGRESSIVE CHALLENGE - DECEMBER

Hello Peeps,
I am beavering away this end making my Chrimbo cards - as, I suspect, is everyone else. !!!

Here is my piece for the IMAGINE THAT PROGRESSIVE CHALLENGE DECEMBER - JOY.
If you enter each month you get the next month's digi for FREE and this is my 3rd time.

I am so rushed this end that I nearly forgot to get this going - thank goodness for fabulous pre-coloured images I say !!! :-D

I printed out the image after using the PNG sentiment at the bottom. Then I enlarged and printed out 3 holly sprigs so that I could fussy cut then and decoupage them in the corner. I coated the berries with glossy glaze to make them shine.
The punched edge is using a new punch I got from a local (Greek) shop.... stands back in utter shock !!!!...... it's a HEYDA punch - never heard of this make but it's perfect. :-)

So - I have to whizz off now - cat/house sitting for a friend and not enough hours in my day just now !!!



Challenges I am entering:

Imagine That Progressive Challenge DEC - Joy
Christmas Card Challenge #
Pile It On Challenge #49 - Christmas
That Craft Place - Christmas

QUOTH THE RAVEN QUEST #39 - ANYTHING POES WEEK 2 + DT CALL

Hi there Peeps,
Here is my piece for WEEK 2 of the current challenge over at QUOTH THE RAVEN - #39 ANYTHING POES
I have chosen to create a piece about his poem to LENORE. 
I have used my new  Sizzix Thinlets die - Damask & Scallop Borders.
The image of Lenore is from IKEsART.

I printed out the poem to Lenore and made like a scroll and a feather quill - alike to finish as if he'd just been writing it.

This is the Prize for this Challenge #39.

There is a DESIGN TEAM CALL running with this Challenge, so if you fancy going up for a chance to join the DT, then just pop (DT) after your name when you enter your creation to My Linky.

QUOTH THE RAVEN CHALLENGE #39 - ANYTHING Poes + DT CALL

Hello Peeps,

Just popping in to tell you that our latest Quest #39 is up and ready over at QUOTH THE RAVEN. In case you don't know - this site is dedicated to the works of EDGAR ALLAN POE and we range from pretty/pretty to dark and gloomy .... a bit like his ever changing moods I guess :-D
So this latest Challenge is ANYTHING POES... get it ????? :-)
We accept all types of crafty creations - the only rule is that your creation MUST have some connection to EDGAR ALLAN POE in order to qualify for being voted Winner or TOP 3.

We are also having a DT CALL which will run through this Challenge - ie; 1 month, so if you want to try out for it, then kindly leave (DT) behind your name in the LINKY. :-)

There is a gorgeous montage of pieces made by the Minions of The Master in the past to inspire you and also show you the diversity of projects that have been made for QTR. I hope you will pop over and have a look and even better - play along with us :-D

Here's some of my schtuff.....

We have an ultra FAB prize for you this month, so please come on over :-D

Thanks for stopping by me here today. xxx

WOOHOO - I'M A GUEST DESIGNER

Hello Peeps,

I am here to tell you that I was chosen as a GUEST DT for CRAFTING BY DESIGNS and today is my day for the spotlight.
The theme was Fairies and I must say I was tempted to go dark and Gothic, but in the end I chose to use one of my pretty girls - SAUCY FAIRY. 

I used Paper Mania 'Contemporary Christmas' papers for my background and a new corner die from Marianne Creatables.

My Fairy was coloured with Copics and Promarkers and then her wings were done with Stickles  'Crystal Ice'. She was cut out and then put on the card with foam dots to give her added pop.

I am thrilled to have been Spotlighted by CBD and thank you very much for having me as GDT. :-)

IKE xx

CHALLENGE #27 AT IKEsWORLD CHALLENGES + FREEBIE

Hi everyone,
I am here to say that we have a new Challenge starting today over at IKEsWORLD CHALLENGES .... #27 - RAINING CATS & DOGS.

This one is for all our FurBabies and can be anything you like. If you use an IKEsART image, you will be entered into the Vote for Winner and TOP 3.There is a FREEBIE over there too for you to play along with.

I decided to play along this time and here is my piece....

You don't have to make a Christmas piece - I have loads of other Animals in the SHOP, but I thought as it's creeping closer towards us that I would do a festive one :-D  I have used one of my images called 'CRACKACAT'.  I coloured him with Promarkers and Spectrum Noir Pencils.

The backing pieces are from my stash of bits and bobs :-D

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you will come over to plat at IKEsWORLD CHALLENGES.

Challenges I am entering:

Too Cute Ink Challenge #120 - Pets
Artistic Inspirations Challenge #119 - Anything Goes
Card Mania Challenge #60 - Use a Digi
Cutie Pie Challenge #81 - Festive Furry Friends
My Craft Creations NOV/DEC Challenge 
Oooh La La Creations Challenge OLLCB #170 - Christmas
Love To Create Challenge #143 - Colour Inspired
TTCRD Nov 25 - Dec 1 - Anything Goes    **WINNER**

BRRRRR - IT'S GOT CHILLY

Hello Monday Peeps,
Well - it got mighty chilly here last night and I have had to break out the bed cover - you can't really call it a Duvet as it has thin stuffing in it.... a bit like a thin quilt I guess !!!!     I was doing with just a sheet and a very lightweight coverlet, but last night seemed cold - at least at 4am when it seeped into my hip joints :-(  Well, maybe it's just me cuz I feel like I am going to get a cold or something !!! :-(
Anyhoos - I wanted to make some things today for Challenges and schtuff but I must say my blending skills went totally out the window !! I reckon I should just give up and go back to bed LoL

I'll show you this one anyways - the main image is from STITCHYBEAR and is called "YIKES". He is FREE in their Shop just now - so if you are quick, you can nip over and snag yourself one :-D
His background is made from snippets and clippets from my bits box. :-)

I did some more 'pretend' stitching and a lot of scritching and scratching with my Making Moments distress blade thingy :-D

That's me for the moment.... I am creeping off now for a hot lemon.

Thank you for dropping by and I hope you didn't catch my germs !!

xx

Challenges I am spreading my germs around  entering:

Scribbles Designs Challenge #23 - Penguins

Come & Get It Challenges - Winter

That Craft Place - Anything Goes

The Cutie Pie Challenge #81 - Festive Furry Friends

Make It Monday Challenge #199 - Leftovers

StitchyBear Stamps FaceBook Challenge - NOV Anything Goes

NEW IMAGE AT IKEsART

Good Morning Peeps,

I have been doodling again and I have the first of a batch of New Images to show you - available at IKEsART.

This is "HOLLY FAIRY" and she can be found in the main Latest Images front page.

There are 6 sections to browse through there, so I bet you can find something you like :-D

I have coloured her up for a project, but I can't show you that until the weekend :-D

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget you still have until Midnight tonight to enter our latest Challenge over at IKEsWORLD CHALLENGES # 26 - COLOUR/PHOTO INSPIRATION.

A new Challenge will start tomorrow morning :-D 

FLUTTER BY BUTTERFLY

Good morning Peeps,
I am just popping in to show you a card commission I had for a young lady who like purple/pink and frilly stuff. Now you know how I struggle with that ?!!! LoL

Anyways - I raided my snippets box for papers and I made the background using my Hexagon punch from STAMPING UP.

I had some oddments of lace and some feathers and this is what I came up with. :-)

Distressed edges too and some Stickles all the way around the outside but they don't show so well in the pic. I also did some faux stitching around the hexagon pieces (which took me forever !!!) :-D

Thanks for stopping by.

Challenges I am entering:

Butterfly Challenge #18 - Butterfly + 3 designer papers

Snippet's Playground Week #151

A PRICKLY CUSTOMER

Hello Peeps and Happy Monday,

I have taken a break from making Chrimbo card orders as I am fed up with the sight of snowflakes and schtuff !!!
I have been itching to use this gorgeous HEDGEHOG set which comes with the gorgeous papers too -  I got it from COOSTY CREATIONS at StitchyBear

I love the turquoise blue in these papers that goes so well with chocolate brown. I did some ziggy stitching around to attach the background paper to reflect the spiky Hedgy and used a layout I saw done by Ellen Parker  who is a DT for Doodle Pantry and her card totally inspired me with the fabulous layout. I think the card should have been a little taller to make it just right as mine looks a teensy bit odd compared to her layout !  Hey - Ho  :-)

My Hedgy is popped out on foam pads to give him extra ooooomph !! :-D 

I also distressed the edges of my hedgehog backing paper to give it a little something extra.

Thank you for dropping in :-D xx

Challenges I am entering:


That Craft Place Challenge - Anything Goes

Challenge Up Your Life Challenge #2 - Banners, Garland or Wreath.

Paper Creators' Crafts Challenge #32 - Anything Goes

A Crafty Mess Challenge #1 - Anything Goes

Creative Fingers Challenge #56 - Anything Goes

Just Add Ink Challenge #240 - Add Texture.  (stitching + distressed edges)

OH, HOW I CHORTLED :-D

Hello - well I guess I was just struck by a bought of utter sillyness when I saw the latest Challenge over at STAMPOTIQUE DESIGNERS CHALLENGE - BLING IT OUT.  Something just clicked in my head and I got this crazy idea for a play on words. I chortled to myself all the way through the colouring and basically from start to finish on this creation and here it is......

I put 2 photos in cuz I was trying to show the Bling but it's heard to catch that on photos !!!!!

Images :  Heads and Prom Queen by STAMPOTIQUE.

I coloured my images with Promarkers and Copics and cut round them to mount them on foam pads. They were accented with Stickles for glitz. The background paper is from the 'Absolution Deferred' Set by CRAFTY CHAOS.

Thank you for dropping in today :-)

Challenges I am entering:

Stampotique Desiners Challenge SDC173 - Bling it Out !!

LEST WE FORGET

Hello Peeps,

I am here with my piece for Remembrance and I really enjoyed colouring my poppies. I used my Promarkers. I really love poppies and I'm very pleased that they do grow out here in my garden :-D

I used a FB Freebie from DELICIOUS DOODLES  for the main image and Poppy Paper also by DD for the background. The handsome young man pictured in the corner is my late Father at the Burma Star Veterans' chapel on the Isle of Wight for the Remembrance Day memorial service  a couple of years back now.
I loved seeing Father so proud wearing his medals and now they are safe with me :-)
We shall be forever grateful for what they did for us. All gave some but some gave all.

The image was printed out 3 times and then fussy and mounted with foam pads to make it 3D. The red card is from my stash.

Thanks for visiting today.

Challenges I am entering:

Crafty Boots Challenges - Remembrance

Aurora Wings Challenge #8 - Heartfelt Thanks   **** TOP 3 ****

Cardz4Guys #44 - Thankful or Thanksgiving

Path of Positivity Challenge #20 - Gratitude

Craft Room Challenge #89 - 3D

CHRIMBO CARDS 1

It's me again today :-D

Here is my card for  the IMAGINE THAT PROGRESSIVE CHALLENGE. The set we were given this time is called JARS OF CHEER and I used "Jar with Holly and Peppermints" - precoloured for my card.
I printed it 3 times and fussy cut it to make it 3D and then coated it with Glossy Accents to look like glass.
The background paper is from A & T DESIGNS and is called Christmas Holly.
The doily is a new one I just bought from the SILHOUETTE Store.
I enlarged 3 of the sweeties for my embellishments.

The other pieces are snippets and scraps from my stash box :-)

Looking at it now, I think I should have stamped some Christmas carols or something onto the green card cuz it looks a bit bare :-( 

Challenges I am entering:

My Crafts -  Shirley's November Card Challenge

Imagine That Progressive Challenge - November 

ATC SWAP

Hello again,
Here I am with my latest ATCs for Shirley's NOVEMBER ATC SWAP over at MY CRAFTS.
The Theme this month is FLAGS and I opted to use Greek influences for my design (of course) !!! LoL
Here is my ATC - I made - and little envies for them to go in to keep them nice :-)

The picture is a bit off-centre cuz I had to edit out the Christmas ones that I have made for December which I sent at the same time :-D 

These are the ones I made for OCTOBER - I forgot to post them here. The Theme then was BEACHES.

Images used;

Cool Karl - Scribbles By Sandy

Agnes at the beach - MelonHeadz

Scuba Bear - Meljen's Designs

Wood embellies, shells and sand crystals from my stash of bits !! :-D 

Thank you for stopping by :-D 

PURR-FECT CHRISTMAS

Good Morning,

I have been playing with my colours again on a couple of fabulous images I got FREE from SPYDER's CORNER.
I have used Purrfect Christmas Pudding Pussy and Christmas Reindeer for my piece.
I coloured them with Promarkers.
Both of these images were Freebies and you can snag a Reindeer for yourself as this weeks Freebie HERE.
Whilst I was putting it together I got a silly funny idea so there are two versions of the card - one with the silliness and one without :-D

I was going to enter it for the Quirky Charades Challenge (song/film or book) but I missed the darn deadline !!! :-(
I was going for Song: Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer and Film: Spartacus  hahahaha LoL

All the images were coloured and then cut out and mounted with foam pads.  I have also used an embossing folder I got free with a magazine for the top piece.
Pud Puss is no longer a Freebie but hopefully will be in SPYDER's shop soon.

Thank you for stopping by.

Challenges I am entering:

Robyn's Fetish Challenge #237 - Cats   ***WINNER***

Challenge Up Your Life #1 - Anything Goes

Kit And Clowder November Challenge - Christmas

The Krafty Hands Challenge Nov - Christmas Cheer

Paper Creators' Crafts Challenge #32 - Anything Goes

SAS4K - Happy Holidays 4 Kids

Craft A Scene Challenge - Trees 

GDT SPOT AT LOVE TO CREATE

Good morning and happy Monday to you,

I recently won a Guest DT spot over at LOVE TO CREATE and my spot is up today. The theme this time is for Challenge #140 is GIRLY & LACY and  the Sponsor is WHOOPSI DAISY.
I was given a lovely little image to play with from Sheet 515 and you know me ..... I could just do straight girly + lacy, so I zombied her up a bit. :-D

I got inspired and did two pieces - here's the 2nd one...

I coloured her up in two different colourways using Copics and Promarkers and then I scanned her back into the computer and made digital backgrounds for her.

I used;

Flower King skulls by Smeared Ink.

'Cold Dawn' papers from Kakleidesigns at Digi Design Resort

Background papers by Crafty Chaos (no longer trading)

Thank you to LOVE TO CREATE for having me as GDT. :-) xx

Challenges I am entering:

Challenge Up Your Life #1 - Anything Goes

Digi Sketch Challenge - Lace or Pearls

MarkerPop Challenge #55 - Anything Goes    *** TOP 3 ****

Digi Choosday Wk #43 - Lace

Inspiration Destination Challenge #5 - Anything Goes

Imagination Crafts NOV Challenge - Anything Goes

CARDS I MADE

Hello Sunday Peeps,

Here are a couple of cards I made for my Brother and SiL - it was her birthday and their 2nd wedding anniversary on the same day. Now that their cards have safely arrived I can publish them :-D

Recently I have been heavily influenced by a lady who makes fantastic cards - Tajanna at The Other Side of Me..... such visual awesomeness. !!!!

I don't usually do 'pretty-pretties' but she certainly inspired me to try :-D

Top card I used;

Kaiser 'Twig & Berry' paper collection

Handmade die cut flower

oddments from stash

Bottom card I used;

Do Crafts Papermania 'Oyster Blush' Capsule Collection

Embossing folder - Cuttlebug 'Kassie's Brocade'

Tonic border punch

Various cutting Dies

Ribbons & bits from stash

Challenges I am entering:

Through The Craftroom Door - Anything Goes 

Papertake Weekly - Sketchy Free for All

OOOOOOOOOH - HALLOWEEN !!!

Hello scary Peeps,
Here we are at last at Halloween - such a pity we don't celebrate it in Greece :-(  Sob !!! :-(
I have been playing with stamps and red ink, so my hands look like I've murdered someone just now LoL
I have made a scary ATC and wanted to enter the Junk Funk Challenge over at SMEARED & SMUDGED FORUM, so my piece had to incorporate Q Tips/Cotton Buds... whatever you call them.

My background is from Crafty Chaos (no longer trading) and I tore the paper and edged with red Copic.

The main image is from the rubber stamp set "As Death" from SMEARED INK. I printed him and then scanned him into the computer so that I could resize him to ATC. I spritzed him with 'Fireworks' - Pan's Dust and Pink Sherbert alcohol ink, which matched my Q Tip sticks. I had to cut down and rewind ends on some of my Q Tips to make them fit, and then I dipped them into blood red ink and stuck them round for my border. Voila !

Challenges I am entering:

Smeared & Smudged Forum - Junk Funk Challenge

Wicked Wednesdays ATC Challenge  - Things That Go Bump In The Night  *** TOP 3 **

HALLOWEEN NEVERMORE RAPPORT BLOG HOP

Rapport: a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other’s feelings or ideas and communicate well.

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to my little section of the Halloween Nevermore Rapport Blog Hop.

This is all about fans of EDGAR ALLAN POE and I have made a mixed media piece about the ill fated ANNABEL LEE. If you would like to read the Poem then go HERE.

I used a square frame - my friend gave me 3 of these with some awful naff pictures in the middle - so I painted it white and got to work with my home-made texture paste and assorted nick nacks.
The digi in the centre is one of my digital stamps from IKEsART and is called "Annabel Lee". She was coloured with Copics and printed several times then fussy cut and 3D with silicone.

This is my first real 'bash' at a full mixed media project and I am fairly pleased with it. 

Note to self..... make some sort of spray booth, cover up what you don't want sprayed (including my spare glasses), remember to turn glue gun off !!!!

While I am here - for the EDGAR ALLAN POE fans - why not pop over to play along with our Colour Challenge over at QUOTH THE RAVEN. It runs for a month and you still have 3 weeks left :-D

(Sorry - I don't understand how this linky thing  below works - this came up with the code we were given but I'm not asking you to submit anything ???  The people shown are - I assume - the other Blog Hop participants !!!?) 

Sorry Guys - this Blog Hop thingy isn't quite what I thought it would be when I signed up for it - it's not all crafters.  I think it's more like one of those Blog Train thingies :-D However, there are some interesting stops along the way :-)

1.	Annie Walls	2.	Black Heart Reviews
3.	Little Gothic Horrors	4.	Gina Morley
5.	Clarissa Johal - Author of Paranormal & Gothic Horror	6.	Zombiegirl Shambling
7.	Blackdragon	8.	IKE
9.	Easel & Quill	10.	Holly's Horrorland

PET PORTRAITS

Hi Peeps,
Just by way of a change, I wanted to show you a couple of commissions I did that have stories to tell.
This one I was first asked to paint these two dogs on top of a cake I was making for someone's birthday. !!  I did it - painting in cocoa mixed with water and coffee to get the shades I wanted. I did it on Pastillage (a type of icing that when it dries it goes hard like porcelain). The customer carefully prised it off the top of the cake and kept it aside in her kitchen to really dry and was going to have it framed - until her husband opened the cupboard above it and dropped a tin of baked beans on it !!! LoL.  She then asked me for a painting - which is what this is (in Guache)

This one is a picture of my cat Grizwald - sadly no longer with us for many years now :-( This is also in Guache, and I must admit I got a bit carried away doing his fur and then ran out of paper !!!! Can you believe it ???!!!  Had to cut him off short with a book - I only picked that one cuz it was what I was reading at the time. LoL  :-D  Anyhoo - this one was published in a calendar for 2012, so is my claim to fame there :-)

I just realised too that I have been Blogging for 4 years now so I thought I might ferk out some goodies for a Candy Give-away, so keep your eyes peeled for that..... coming soon. :-D

Thanks for dropping by :-) xxxxxxxxxxx