Get Ready!

Welcome!

It's a new challenge at Crafting By Designs!

Our theme: Get Ready For Christmas.

My card using the beautiful Elaine Cox Christmas bird from Sweet Pea Stamps:

I used pencils to colour the image and added some glitter with a gelly roll.

Sadly, Sweet Pea Stamps closed, so in a way this is a great way to say thanks for all the pretty images through the years!

Come and join the challenge!

Do visit again!
Hugs
Rene

B & W Princess

Welcome!

My card using the progressive Freebie from Sassy Studio Design Face Book Group: Princess Feather Portrait.

I used the Sketch from Sweet Sketch Wednesday 2:

I kept it B&W with touch of glitter from my Gelly Roll.
3 little feathers add to the theme.
Pencils used: 4B, 6B, 8B

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Hugs
Rene

We see the star!

Welcome!

What a month!
All my plans to do the 30 cards were stumped by work!
Work puts food on the table, so I will continue as soon as things normalise.

It was fun to be the Guest Designer for November at Deedees Digis!

And, the progressive challenge at Deedees Digis I cannot miss!

Here is my card using the super cute Polar Peace!

There is still time to join!

 Do visit again!

Hugs
Rene

Day 5 - Remember them

Welcome!

11 November is observed as a day to remember the end of World War I, but also those who died in war and hostilities. In the USA it is Veterans Day. The day is also called Poppy Day or Armistice Day.

I want to use one image in different ways to create different types of cards. That image is the little church from the Now & Forever Set.

I've 'planted' some poppies in the garden.The image was layered on red and black card stock from my stash. I created the background with soft pastels. The punched flowers continue the poppy theme.

Pop in again tomorrow to see what I've done with the little church!

Do visit again!
Hugs
Rene

Day 4 - GDT Spot

Welcome!

The day has arrived when I am introduced as the Guest Designer for the month at Deedees Digis.

I'm rather excited, because one never knows what the reaction will be of the regular followers of the blog. I had a few ideas up my sleeve, but in the end decided to go with this card for the reveal:

I've used the gorgeous pre-coloured basket from the Autumn Harvest set. The patterned papers compliment the image and some 3D-gloss adds texture and interest.

The sentiment is from the Sending Love Set.

All the autumn colours are so pretty. I was born in autumn (April here in the South), that is most probably why I have such an affinity for autumn colours and leaves and pumpkins! ;)

Pop over to Deedees Digis and have a peek around. I've given Zella some information that you might find interesting. There are also links to challenges and of course the shop!

Do visit again!

Hugs
Rene

Day 3 - Seasons

Welcome!

The past few days we had a variety of seasons. It is supposed to be summer, but we had one of the worst rainstorms in decades. The Cape is a winter rainfall area and does not get that much rain in summer. We had the heat and cold and even the pleasant.

I love summer, but I do try to enjoy each season in it's own way.

That is what this card says:

I used the sentiment from the 'In Season' Set

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Hugs

Rene

Day 2 - Pitter Patter

Welcome!

 It's Monday and day 2 of my 30 Days of Cards/Projects. Keeping this one a bit more open, then I can slip in the odd tag or ATC or even a box or some other project.

The main idea is that I'm using a digital image from Deedees Digis for the month of November. That will enable me to use my prize as well as celebrate my Guest Designer spot.

Today's card is all about the rain that fell yesterday!
We are so grateful, because we really need the rain. Summer can wait, water is more necessary!

Here is my card:

Details of card: Umbrella : Chance of Showers
Coloured with pencils, background created with soft pastels and a silver pen, matted on blue gloss card.

Here you can see all the posts.

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

Day 1 - Feeling Blessed

Welcome!

Today is the first day of November. It is supposed to be summer in Cape Town, but it is pouring with rain and there are even flood warnings in certain areas. It is cold, not summery at all!

I have won a GDT spot at Deedees Digis with my entry in the World Card Making Day Challenge as well as a $10 coupon to spend in the shop! That means extra digis that I can use, but when? 

Easy peasy! I have decided to make a card/project for every day of November using the Deedees Digis that I have. That means 30 days of showing something new. I'm definitely making a few Christmas cards, but I've decided to make a variety of projects. Using images in more than one way is also on my list, and I will be using pre-coloured images and colour some myself. Are you excited yet? I am!

The GDT posts will be published at Deedees Digis on a Wednesday and I will correlate my post on that day with some extra info on the making of the project. Yes, it might be a card, an ATC, an up-cycled something, really, it is still happening here in my workroom!

I am really so glad this month is starting on a Sunday. Deedees Digis have some lovely scriptures and sentiments. For today's project I have decided to use one.

Here is my card:

I have used the dove from the Endless Beginnings Set.
The sentiment is also from the Endless Beginnings Set.

The sentiment was layered on matte gold and green paper and added to a white card.
The dove was fussy cut, added with foam tape to the card. The beak and rose was highlighted with 3-D gloss.

I will add the links as they get published on the 30 Days Page.

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

Exciting news!

Welcome!

I have planned some fun for November and I will be starting tomorrow, the first!

Don't miss the fun!

See you tomorrow!


Hugs
Rene

Pumpkin Patch

Welcome!

If there is one vegetable that I loved and still love, it is pumpkin. I can eat it in any way be it cooked, baked, made into a soup or a fritter or a pie. Day or night, you can really twist my arm with pumpkin.

That is why this sweet Pumpkin Patch Set from Deedees Digis for the October Digi of the Month Challenge stole my heart. The scarecrow is cute, but oh my, those pumpkins bring up visions of delicious pumpkin with cinnamon and a dash of butter. No, beautiful soup with a sprinkling of pepper and a swirl of cream, what about some golden fritters with a sprinkling of sugar and some more cinnamon.

Hope you like my card, my mouth is watering for some pumpkin!


Do visit again!

Hugs
Rene

Pick your Pal

Welcome!

I've decided at the last minute to take up the challenge at Deedees Digi's: "Pick your Pal" World Cardmaking Day Challenge.
It is a Tic Tac Toe Challenge which means using the elements in a row or column.
Here is the Grid:




I have decided to go the whole way and do a blackout...I so love Deedee's Digi's that I couldn't pick just one pal to play for, and there wasn't enough time to think up 3 cards.

Anyway, here is my card:

1. My Pinterest link
2. Twine bow at the top op the wreath
3. Autumn Blessings : non-Freebie
4. Used Autumn colours for colouring
5. The postal service is very poor here in South Africa, so I am taking the card to a friend tomorrow.
6. Button on the wreath
7. I kept it clean and simple
8. I coloured the image with pencils
9. The scripture was printed in grayscale to the sides and in red in the wreath, something I wanted to try. Looks like it worked.


Hope you like my card and will join the challenge too!

Do visit again!

Hugs
Rene

Autumn is in the Air!

Welcome!

It is time for my Monthly Challenge card using the cute freebie from Deedees Digis! This month it is Leaf your Cares Behind.

I decided to print out the coloured image and add it to a card. I also added one of the sentiments and some silver and gold lines.

This was a bit of a quickie because of limited time.

Do visit again!

Hugs
Rene

Warm Wishes

Welcome!

It is time for my creation with the pretty DeedeesDigis Freebie we received for August: Seasonal Baskets

The rain started falling this afternoon, and it is cold tonight. Well, it is still winter here, but my heart longs for summer. That is why I picked the Summer Basket to create a card for the Monthly Challenge.

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

Time for Ice Cream!

Welcome!

This month we received such a fun image from Deedee's Digis: Ice Cream Truck

And here is my card for the July Monthly Challenge :

There is still time to join!!

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

Diving Fun!

Welcome!


It's time for the DeeDee'sDigis Monthly challenge again!

Diver Daniel is the super cute digi set we received last month just for taking part!
I made a collage type card and will decide on a sentiment when I have a recipient.

Don't you just love Diver Daniel and his cute fishy friends!

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

CBD Summer Blog Hop

Welcome!

It's time for the Summer Fun Blog Hop over at Crafting by Designs.

Show us what you like to do in summer, enter the challenge and stand a chance to win 2 prizes. (Chosen Randomly)

I have made 2 cards using the lovely images supplied by 2 of the sponsors!

First card:
Lisbeth on a Swing by Milk Coffee.

** Details of the card here soon **

Second Card:
Lucy Loo 'It's Hot Outside' by The Eastwind.

** Details of the card here soon **






The line-up of the DT Blogs:
Sharon:  http://www.sharonsscrappin.blogspot.com
Carole:  http://cjpcraft.blogspot.com/
Julia: http://paperandscrapscreations.blogspot.com/
Doris:  http://momsbeenscrappin.blogspot.com
Maureen:  http://maureenjscott.blogspot.co.uk
Lisa:  http://papercraftbliss.com
Rene:  http://craftlane.blogspot.com/
Crafting by Designs:  http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com

But wait, you have a third chance to win a prize:


• Visit all the blogs of the DT,
• leave a message at them all,
• enter the challenge and
• leave a message with your email address at the Blog Hop post.
• This will put you in line for the 3rd prize.

You have until 23 June to join in the challenge!

Have Fun and do visit again!

Hugs
Rene

Relax!

Welcome!

I'm joining the Deedee's Digis Monthly challenge with a fun card.

I'm sure it can be used for a Get well card, vacation or retirement, or just friendship.

The image & sentiment is the monthly freebie: Dad get's a Day off

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

Fairy in a sketch

Welcome!

 

Another card for the challenge at Crafting By Designs

where the theme is

Just One Layer.

 

My inspiration for the background & design comes from

Sketch Saturday Week #359:

 

Here is my card using Poinsettia Fairy



by Ike's Art

 

 

The image was printed directly on the card and coloured with pencils.
I created a stencil by printing the sketch on paper

and covering it with cold laminate and then cutting out the segments.
Soft pastels was used to colour the background.

 

You can still join the challenges!

 

 

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

Sketchy Spotlight

Welcome!

 

It's time for a new challenge at Crafting By Designs

where the challenge is

Just One Layer.

 

My inspiration for the background & design comes from
Sketch Saturday Week #359:

 

 

Here is my card using Showgirl Sweetie

from RoseyHearts

 

 

I imagined her walking onto the stage with a spotlight behind her.
I'm sure you can see the sketch,

even though I added some more rays.

The image was printed directly on the card and then masked.
The background was added with pencils and soft pastels.

 

There is still some time to join both challenges!

 

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

Going Opposite

Welcome!

 

Today my post title sound strange because I am joining the challenge at Shopping our Stash!

 

 

The theme for SOS #199 is Opposite Day

 

The challenge is to create a card opposite to our usual style.

Easy?
That made me think: What is my style?

 

I tend to lean towards the CAS side, but I do make a variety of creations.
The best thing to do was to make a list of things I never or seldom do/use.
What an interesting exercise.

 

My don't do list

At the top of the list was Shabby chic/Vintage Shabby chic.
Faded colours as well as browns don't really feature.

Lace and loads of flowers are seldom seen.
Although I do layers, I tend to stick to max 2.
I'm not a heavy user of embellishments and ribbons.

Large cards, square cards, circles.

Stamping - I've been lazy the past year

Here is my card:

 

Believe me, this card is the most different I could go, but I tried.
Unfortunately I didn't have matching flowers, although I was tempted to buy some.
That would have really defeated the purpose.

 

So what did I do?
I decided to make a large card (A4 folded in half).
I stamped the image 90336 from Inkadinkado with Vintage Photo Distress Ink on cardstock.
It was then cut, as well as the other 3 layers & the edges lightly distressed.
The doily was cut in half - I am still in 2 minds about this, but I think that circle thing kicked in.
Some more distress ink was used to give it some colour before it was added to the card.
Ink and soft pastels was used on the card edges as well.
The bottom layer was stuck down, then the double ribbon with bow.

The rest of layers was now added, as well as the wooden charm.

 

Final verdict?

Leaving my comfort zone was not only interesting, it was also fun!
The part I enjoyed most was making a list of what I don't do/use.
I will go back to the list and either use some of the techniques/stuff

or figure out why I don't. Working with squares and especially circles

is very difficult for me, but I'm sure it takes a bit of practise.
I'm really glad that I found this challenge and the blog

and I will definitely join in the fun again.
Maybe I can make a dent in my stash...eventually.
Oh well, we can dream, can't we?

 

Do visit again!

Hugs

 

Rene

Dressy Butterfly

Welcome!

 

All Dressed Up Challenge 33 is the reason for my card.

 

The theme is Anything Goes.

The Rule is use an All Dressed Up Image.

The image I'm using is the Butterflies Freebie that I've had for some time.

The right inspiration came along.

Here is my card:

 

 

 

I've coloured the image with pencils, added some soft pastels on the edges.
Finally a layer of yellow and blue completes the card.

 

This is really such a beautiful image, don't you think?

I found this lovely challenge to link my card to:
Crafty Boots Challenges : Things with Wings

Here are more fun challenges where I would link my card:
Craft your Passion - Challenge 259 - Always anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Anything Goes
Not just Cards - Challenge #18
The Pink Elephant - TPE296 - Anything Goes
 

Do visit again!

 

Hugs

 

Rene

Cozy Christmas

Welcome!

 

I've made another card for the

Christmas All Year Round April Challenge: Ornaments.

 

I just love the beautiful Tinsel Town papers from Stitchy Bear

as well as the lovely chair and sentiment from Birds Cards.

Paper piecing was the way to go!
The ornament paper makes a lovely wall paper.

 



I hope I have inspired you!

I'm adding my card to the following challenges:
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra - Anything Goes Christmas
Weekly Christmas Card Challenges - Challenge #21 - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Anything Goes
Not just Cards - Challenge #18

 

Do visit again!

 

Hugs

 

Rene

 

 

A Beautiful Scene

Welcome!

 

My card for Beccy's Place April Challenge 

was made using
Beccy's Place Free Silhouette Image

The base card and image was coloured with soft pastels.
The image was then layered on black card and added to the base card.

 



 

I hope I have inspired you!

I would like to link my card to these fun challenges:
Craft your Passion - Challenge 259 - Always anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Anything Goes
 Not just Cards - Challenge #18
Crafting from the Heart - Challenge 57 - Anything Goes

 

Do visit again!

 

Hugs

 

Rene

Christmas Ornament

Welcome!

Christmas Cards All Year Round is a challenge blog for Christmas Cards!
There April Challenge is : Ornaments

 

My card use an image from Birds Cards

It was coloured with pencils, layered on red and gold.

 

 

I'm adding my card to the following challenges
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra - Anything Goes Christmas
Weekly Christmas Card Challenges - Challenge #21 - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Anything Goes
Not just Cards - Challenge #18

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

CASE an ATC2

Welcome!

What a fun challenge at Wicked Wednesday ATC this week: CASE a DT Member.

This challenge really had my creative juices flowing! Just what I needed.

The second ATC I'm CASE-ing is Suzi's:

I have decided to use the same colours and some of the design elements (tiling and the heart).

The image is from Deedee's Digis: WholeLatteLove

The sentiment was written with a silver marker on black with a red card backing.

I hope I have inspired you too and that you will join the fun!


I'm linking my ATC to this fun challenge:Not just Cards - Challenge #18



Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

CASE an ATC 1

Welcome!

What a fun challenge at Wicked Wednesday ATC this week: CASE a DT Member.

This challenge really had my creative juices flowing! Just what I needed.

The first ATC I'm CASE-ing is Jenn's:

A few days ago I have printed out the lovely Syrena from Sassy Studio Designs, and now I can use her! That is the main element I'm using. The hair I coloured in a similar reddish colour. I used an aqua background paper, and colouring as well a stamp pad to edge the fussy-cut image and ATC. Rhinestones and glitter adds my own final touches.

I hope my creation inspires you!


I would like to link my ATC to the following fun challenges:

Craft your Passion - Challenge 259 - Always anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Anything Goes

Not just Cards - Challenge #18

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

Of CASE-ing, Sketching and Inspiration...

Welcome!

Some days the inspiration flows, on other days I can sit with all the beautiful papers and goodies and that’s where it stays, just there in front of me.
Nothing happens, nothing feels as if it works together.

Then a challenge comes along that shake up things a bit! Yesterday exactly that happened. The challenge at Wicked Wednesday ATC: Case a DT Member.

Before I create my ATC’s, I have a few thoughts on sketches and CASE (Copy and Share Everything) (I found the definitions here)

Sketches:
I love the idea of sketches, but I don’t like a circle on a sketch. An oval is fine, just not a circle. I have a circle cutter, so it shouldn’t be a problem. I think it is just my brain that finds a circle difficult to work with.
A sketch is a wonderful way to get the creative juices flowing. When I first came across sketches, I thought one has to copy the sketch exactly. It was very limiting in my mind and I don’t copy, but then I realised that a sketch is merely a guide. How wonderful!

CASE:
If my first encounter with a sketch was not good, imagine my thoughts about “CASE”-ing. Why would I want to copy someone else? For me it was a step down from a sketch. Well with time comes insight (sometimes) and to CASE a project is actually a compliment to the creator. As with a sketch, the original is just a guide. The added fun is that one can use all or just one of the elements as inspiration. This is such a great way to get going again when inspiration is lacking. In front of you is a pretty project in lovely colours, with a theme, a layout, some embellishments, lovely textures, name it. Suddenly ideas stat flowing again.

CAS:
This is one of my favourite styles, and easier said than done. CAS = Clean and simple. I just had to add this here so you do not confuse the two.

I’m creating 2 ATC’s which I’ll put in separate posts: Here and Here

Do visit again!

Hugs
Rene

Inspirational Word Art.

Welcome!

This is the first time that I join a challenge at Word Art Wednesday.
I used the Scripture Word Art that they supplied for challenge #180.
My card is simple and clean to showcase the words.



Hope you like it!

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

Mother's Day Inspiration

Welcome!

I've been a busy bee the past weekend and played some catch-up with my papers and cards.

The current challenge at Crafting By Designs is: We Love Mom!
This enables us all to have our Mother's Day cards ready in time.
Our generous sponsors are QKR Stampede and Aliciabel

My card using Digi 23301-Roses Digi-Stamp:

You still have time to join the challenge!

I would like to add my card to the following challenges:
{PIN}spirational Challenge #138


Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

Saying Thanks!

Welcome!

I'm joining the Deedee's Digis Monthly challenge with a Thank You card.

I used the Monthly Freebie, Blooming Blessings I received as well as some paper and a sentiment also from Deedee's Digis. Isn't it lovely how versatile her sets are!

Well I hope you like my card and that you will join the challenge!

I would also like to add my card to the following challenges:
{PIN}spirational #138 - Anything Goes!

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

Leaving on a Love train

Welcome!

Time for the March Monthly challenge at DeeDees Digis.

What a lovely set of digital images we received this month!

I used some of the pre-printed images printed on glossy photo paper.

You can get your own set of the Right on Track here.

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

Forever Friends

Welcome!

The card I made for the monthly challenge at Deedee's Digis

It is a very simple card using the monthly freebie I received for taking part last month.

The background was created with soft pastels.

Do visit again!

Hugs

Rene

Gone fishing!

Welcome!

I've made a card to enter in the Deedee's Digis Challenge:

I used the paper, image and sentiment from the set Ice Fishing that is a freebie download!
My design is maybe not the most original, but I still think it is a fun card!

Do visit again!

Hugs Rene