2010 is almost here

As the 1st January quickly approaches I say goodbye to the High Hopes Divas. These are a group of very lovely and talented ladies, I will continue to feature High Hopes cards on my blog as I especially love their images.
A big thanks to the Divas for having me, I enjoyed my term immensely and wish it didn't have to end, but as they say "as one door closes another one opens"
To find out what is behind door number 2, pop back in a couple of days.
It will be 2010.

Until Next Time
Happy New Year
Michelle

Annabelle Stamps December Sale

As you are now becoming familiar with Annabelle stamps and you realise what great sets they are, I will tell you the fabulous news,
From December 26th until December 31st 2009 we are having an after Christmas Sale. All sets are 20% off.
Check out these sets and my cards that go with them, these are just some of what is available Click here to see all the sets

Holly Branch

I can Fly

Mum's Flowers

All Stamps are available from Annabelle Stamps

Until next Time

Inking of you All

 Michelle

Annabelle Stamps Challenge #7

It's time for another Bling and Sketch Challenge over on Annabelle Stamps Blog.
We are up to week 7 (ABSC007) this challenge will run for 2 weeks due to Christmas and as it is the last challenge for the month we have a PRIZE up for grabs. This month it is a $20 gift voucher from Annabelle Stamps
 All you have to do to participate is follow this sketch, use Annabelle Stamps if you've got them (if you haven't we know you will get them soon.)

A nice easy sketch for you

Now for my card

I have used stamps from two sets this card, the little girl is from 'I can fly' and the holly is from the 'Holly Branch' set.

I have stamped all images in Brilliance Graphite Black Ink, I have coloured with Prismacolor Pencils blended with odourless mineral spirits.

The red cardstock is Bazzill and the designer paper is SEI's Christmas range. This paper is really beautiful the border is cut from a 12x12" and it has foiled flowers.

The embellishments of course are Sprinkles in Chilli, these are from the mini

range. The mini's have 3 different sizes in each container

 I use sprinkles alot on my cards, they are just gorgeous bubbles of colour. I have found the Kindyglitz  'gem clear' glue is just perfect for adhering them to your project. I like this glue because it has an ultrafine nozzle.

Don't forget this challenge runs for a fortnight with a $20 Annabelle Stamps Gift voucher up for grabs. Click on the link at the top of this post to take you to the challenge blog.

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

High Hopes for Christmas

Christmas is even closer now and I just had to do another High Hopes Christmas card. This stamp is called Reindeer Games and it is adorable.

I have stamped on plain white cardstock in black Stazon ink and coloured with Prismacolor pencils. Although hard to see there is fun flock along the bottom for the snow.

The cardstock is SU soft sky and close to cocoa, The gorgeous designer paper is from Imaginisce.

I'll be back in a couple of days with another Christmas card for you to look at.

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Over the Top

I'm so Lucky, I am the proud recipient  of a new Blog Award. This 'Over the Top' award was given to me by Andrea of Annabelle Stamps

With this award I have to answer these questions and pass it on to 5 other exceptional Bloggers.

Your cell phone?  Nokia
Your hair? Dead straight with some nice foils in it
Your mother? In Sydney
Your father?  with mum
Your favorite food ? Nachos
Your dream last night? none
Your favorite drink? margarita
Your dream/goal? happiness
What room are you in? hubby's office
Your hobby? what else could it be??? LOL  stamping
Your fear? No money
Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
Where were you last night? Home
Something that you aren't? rich
Muffins? raspberry
Wish list item?  another USA vacation
Where did you grow up? Outer Sydney
Last thing you did? read a book
What are you wearing? t-shirt and  jeans, I don't sit around semi naked
Your TV? boring
Your Pets? cute dog called Mini
Friends? all wonderful
Your life? tiring
Your mood? up and down
Missing someone? Nanna
Vehicle? Toyota
Something you're not wearing? shoes
Your favorite store? any stamp store
Your favorite color? red
When was the last time you laughed? yesterday
Last time you cried? a couple of days ago
Your best friend? Hubby Steven
One place that you go to over and over? my friend Wendy's
Facebook? not yet
Favorite place to eat? Chinese restaraunt

Now passing something like this on is difficult because I would love to give it to lots of wonderful people out there, but here are my chosen five, Check out their blogs.
Lovely Linda
Amy  Stampin Stuff
Jeanette
Marks Finest Papers
Rene' 
Don't forget to pass this award on.

Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle

Annabelle Stamps Sketch and Bling Challenge

Where has this last week gone, when my Mum told me the older you get the faster time goes, I laughed. It turns out she wasn't wrong.

We are now upto week 6 in Annabelle Stamps Bling and Sketch Challenge. (ABSC006). Here is my card.  This is made using  'Mum's Flowers', I have made so many cards with this set, it is just so diverse. It's amazing how many different looks you can achieve with just one set of stamps. That is another great reason I love the Annabelle Stamps range.

Now back to my card. Today I have stamped my images with Versafine 'Smokey Grey' ink. This is to give a softer look. I opted for my Derwent watercolour pencils to colour the flowers. I have also stamped the pink cardstock with Versamark Ink for the watermark effect (it's there but not intrusive as we want the main image to stand out).
'I love you' (from the same set) is also stamped in Smokey Grey. Last but not least I added Annabelle Stamps Sprinkles in Blossom, We girls all love BLING.

Here is the stamp set I used

Until next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

High Hopes Challenge #56

I am sad to say that this is my final card as a High Hopes Guest Diva, Wow where have those last 3 months gone? I have had so much fun sharing ideas and learning from these very talented Ladies, It has been such an honour to be a Diva. Thanks girls for having me.
Now for this week's challenge (HHC56),  Amy L is our Hostess and she wants  us to create a tall card.  Here's mine.

I chose this great stamp as it was just the perfect size and shape. I decided to go with a rustic feel by using the pumpkin coloured cardstock and some (really old) corrugated card, It has been in my card stash for at least 8 years, but as I say, one day you will need it and that one day arrived. To embellish the card I picked out some star shaped buttons and tied them with some scrappers floss. I then added  dark green brads on the other 3 corners..

I coloured using Prismacolor pencils and blended with odourless mineral spirits.

I have highlted some places with a marvy gold glitter marker.

Here is a close up. You can just see a bit of sparkle on the beaver's tail, it is also on the antlers and the goose. In real life it looks great.

To visit the High Hopes Blog Challenge click HERE, don't forget there is a prize given away each week. A new challenge appears each week on Sunday.

It is SO easy to enter. Simply choose one of your High Hopes Stamps and create a card within the theme, remember this week is a tall card, link it to the challenge post and you are in with a chance, so why not go for it.

This is the last challenge for the year and the High Hopes Blog will be back on the 3rd of January with a new challenge.

I hope you have all enjoyed my High Hopes cards over the last 3 months and of course I will continue to keep making cards using their stamps, so just keep popping back.

Wishing you all the very best for the Holiday Season.

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Annabelle Stamps Challenge #5

Hi, it's time for this week's Annabelle Stamps Bling and Sketch Challenge (ABSC005). Andrea has come up with great sketch.    I love this one it's nice and simple but looks great

Now for my card

These 2 stamps are from the Wise Men set. This would have to be one of the easiest and quickest cards I have made.

I simply stamped in Black Brilliance Ink,  then watercoloured with my Derwent pencils.

The designer paper is from Kaisercraft and the cardstock is all from Bazzill.

Don't forget you too can take part in the challenges, for more info please check out the Annabelle Stamps Blog.

Until Next Time

Inking of You All

Michelle

Welcome High Hopes Guest Designer Jeanette

It is now time for High Hopes Blog Challenge #55, The other Guest Designer (along with me) is the super talented Jeanette, this week she is the Hostess with the Mostest.

Jeanette has designed a fantastic sketch for us to use. 

  Now for my card, It looks just like the sketch

I chose the adorable Wingin It Duck and the sentiment 'You Quack me up'.

I stamped the duck in Black Brilliance and then colored with my Prismacolor Pencils. The designer paper is called Citrus Spalsh by DCVW it comes in an 8"x8" paper pad. The solid cardstock is Bazzill.

The circles were cut out using nestabilities and the flowers were punched from the Bazzill teal cardstock using the Retro Flower in small, medium and large, some apricot brads were used for the centre. Last but not least some Kaisercraft rhinestones were used in the top right hand corner.

The High Hopes Blog Challenge is your chance to win a great stamp. To be part of the fun,  pull out your High Hopes Stamps and make a card using the sketch above then don't forget to link it to their blog, Just click Here to go to High Hopes.

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Annabelle Stamps- Challenge prize up for grabs

I can't believe a month has past since the Annabelle Stamps Bling and Sketch Challenge started.  We are now up to ABSC004. At the end of this month a prize will be won by one of our lucky sketch participants. So get out your thinking caps and create.  Here is this weeks sketch, I really like this one.

Now for my card.

This card is made using one of my all time favourite sets. It is so versatile.  I have used just 3  of the 12 stamps, but with the mix n match images the combinations you can come up with is enormous.

More about my card,  I have stamped in Brilliance black and then coloured with Prismacolor pencils. the red and yellow cardstock is Bazzill, the decorative paper is by Fancy Pants, This is the front and reverse side of 1 sheet. Great colours aren't they?

Now one of the most important aspects of a Sketch and Bling challenge is the BLING. I haved used Annabelle Stamps own brand of SPRINKLES, they are available in 24 different shades.

Here is a close up of just how good they look

Don't forget to check out what the other DT members are creating, their blogs are all listed on the right side bar

All Stamps and Sprinkles are available from Annabelle Stamps

a proud Australian Company

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Feeling Uninspired??

Hi Girls, Are you feeling uninspired, lost your mojo. Why not participate in a couple of Challenges.

The High Hopes Challenge Blog is giving away a great prize if you want to play. Just remember you need to use a High Hopes Stamp for you chance to win.

Next is Annabelle Stamps Bling and Sketch Challenge. Annabelle Stamps are quite a new company and we are looking for participants in our challenges.We would like to see creations with Annabelle Stamps but if you haven't got your Annabelle Stamps just yet, that's OK. You can still play, there will be a prize giveaway at the end of the month (that's next week).

You will see my cards at both these challenges of course being on the design team means I can't play.
Want to see what the other members are too. Check out their blogs all listed on the right
Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle

Santa Claus is coming to town

Yes, Santa Claus is coming to Town. I am so excited and honoured to be this weeks High Hopes Challenge Hostess.
Challenge #54 over on the High Hopes Blog is all about Santa and boy oh boy are there some terrific cards. Click Here to take a look.
By participating in the challenge you are in for a chance to win this great stamp . All details are on the High Hopes Blog With a new prize and challenge every week.

(The stamp is a lot bigger than this;

here is just a sneak peek)

Now for my card. I just love this Santa, he is so nice to work with.

I stamped Santa in Black Stazon and coloured him with Prismacolor Pencils then blended with Odourless Mineral Spirits.

The base card and the lighter green layers are Bazzill Criss Cross and the designer paper is the 'Peppermint Christmas' range from S.E.I.  The printed paper is just beautiful, although you can't see the stripes have metallic foil, the snowflakes are embossed, just gorgeous.

The card was finished off with some Merry Christmas Ribbon and some emerald sprinkles.

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Give Thanks

Here is my card for this weeks Ways To Use It challenge #245 over on Splitcoast Stampers.

We simply had to make a card or gift showing Thanks. This special card was made for the nurses who looked after me during my stay in hospital.

I chose the daffodil from Flourishes it is one of my favorite stamps. The thank you stamp caomes from a mix n match set from See D's (I think)

The background on the base card and the white layered panel. was stamped with the swirl from the Siberian Iris set and the yellow ink I used is a colorbox Vivid inkpad

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Sketch and Bling

Here is this weeks Annabelle's Sketch and Bling Challenge (ABSC003)

It is a nice easy sketch to work with this.

I made a slight variation with mine, here it is

I have chosen the Holly Brach set (my fave) and used 4 stamps to create my stamped centrepiece. It is stamped and embossed with fine gold embossing powder. I have watercoloured today using Lyra watercolour crayons.

The green base card is from a 12 x 12" cardstock I had in my stash, the designer paper is a new release from WebstersPages, called Home for the Holidays. It has a very vintage feel to it.

What's a sketch and bling challenge with out the Bling. I have used 6mm Sprinkles in Lime

All Stamps and sprinkles can be found here at Annabelle Stamps.

Don't forget to look at the other DTs blogs to see what they came up with.

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Seeing Spots or are they CIRCLES

Wow week 6 already of Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps blog challenge . I try to do a card each week because  it's a lot of fun and maybe one week I will actually win a prize. This week's theme is LOTS OF CIRCLES.
Here is my card with the fabulous and quirky Lilith

I stamped Lilith and {to you} (from Kraftin Kimmies Sentiments set) in Black Stazon ink. I coloured her in with Prismacolor Pencils blended with Odourless mineral spirits (gamsol).

I coloured in to match my designer paper from the 'Fun in the Sun' range by Kaisercraft, The base card is SU rose red, and the blue layer is the Bazzill embossed spots.

This was a very quick card for me to put together even with the colouring. It took from start to finish about 30 minutes.

For those of you just beginning to colour, remember PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. You will get faster as your skills improve.

Until Next Time

Inking of You All

Michelle

High Hopes Challenge #53

Hi and Welcome to this weeks High Hopes Blog Challenge. Each week there is a new challenge and a new prize to be won. It's easy to be part of the fun, just click on the link above.
Week #53 is a recipe challenge. 

Fabulously talented  Diva Karen  is our Hostess and she has given us some ingredients.

3 flowers

2 brads and

1 sentiment

we have to incorporate these 'ingredients' into our final masterpiece.

my method:
I chose the stamp 'Heidi and Madison' I stamped them in Black Stazon Ink and coloured with my prismacolor pencils.

I coloured to match my designer paper. The stripe is by Three Bugs in a Rug. The jade and lilac cards are bazzill.

The sentiment is part of HH's  'Happy Birthday from the Party Animals'. I simply inked up a portion of the words.

The ribbon is one that I found in my enormous ribbon stash and it was just the perfect colour.

The image was cut out using my new nestabilities Labels 2 and a ribbon tag.

Next week can you guess who the 'Hostess with the Mostest' is?

Until next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Annabelle Stamps Friday Sketch #2

It's Friday here in Australia and that means it's time for Annabelle Stamps Bling and sketch challenge #2 

This is what this weeks sketch looks like. Since I don't have the 'Jewelled Tree' stamp set, I had to get creative.

Here is what I came up with

I was pretty happy with this card. All stamps are from the Holly Branch set

 

This is a set of 10 gorgeous stamps and I love how they mix and match.

So I hear you ask how did I make this weeks card.

First I used an old Confetti bazzill cardstock in red, I stamped one of the holly branches in each corner.

On white card stock,  I drew a triangle. Then using 'Versafine Smoky Grey' Ink I stamped the holly randomly and coloured in using Prismacolor Pencils. I cut out the triangle then placed on to green cardstock and drew another triangle and cut out.

Next I inked up ONLY the word 'Christmas' from the Merry Christmas sentiment. I layered this onto the same green cardstock.

Last but not least I used the  'chilli' mini sprinkles  to look like holly.

The best glue I have found to adhere these sprinkles is the new Kindyglitz 3D gem glue, it has the same ultrafine nozzle as normal kindyglitz and is just perfect for adhering your bling. I love it.

Here is a close up of the sprinkles on my card. The minis come in 5 colours and the 6mm sprinkles come in 24 colours. WOW!! and they are only AU$3.90

 

 

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Burt's Bath

This here is Burt and he is just gorgeous don't you think.
I have created this card for this weeks High Hopes Blog Challenge #52 ... Sketchy time. Lacey came up with this fabulous sketch and I think it's fabulous. Don't forget that you too can play. You just need to create a card with the theme for the week, use High Hopes Stamps and you just might win yourself a prize. A new prize is given away each week. To check it our click HERE.

Now for my card: The stamp is called Burt's Bath. I have done him in nice bright cheery colours as it reminds me of summer and here in Australia summer is fast approaching.
I have stamped Burt in Black Stazon Ink and coloured with my prismacolor pencils blended with odourless mineral spirits.
Here is a close up of my colouring

As always my colouring reflects the designer paper I have chosen, This paper is from an 8"x8" paper pad called 'citrus splash' by DCVW.The red base card is bazzill cardstock.

To embellish the card I used some paper flowers and the bubbles have been done with Kindyglitz, The bottom right hand corner has  6mm sprinkles in 'pineapple and chilli'. The sprinkles are available in Australia from Annabelle Stamps.

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Quirky Charlotte

This here is another great image from Kraftin Kimmie Stamps, this is Charlotte and her dolls.This sis for the Kraftin Kimmie Blog Challenge. I love these new stamps they are quirky and lots of fun. They are made from rubber, stamp easily and are fabulous to colour in.

I have stamped Charlotte and 'Hugs' from (from Kraftin Kimmie's sentiments) onto white card in Black Stazon Ink. I have coloured  Charlotte with prismacolor pencils and blended with odourless mineral spirits (OMS). As always, I chose my card and designer papers first. I then coloured in to match the papers as close as i possibly could.

These designer papers are from Kaisercraft's new Lilac Avenue 6"x6" paper pad. they are also avaiable in 12"x12".

The border was punched along purple DP using a Fiskars border punch. I then finished off using paper flowers and mauve rhinestones both from Kaisercraft. This was all layered onto a dark mauve (not really purple) base card.

Kraftin Kimmie Stamps are available from Stampin Stuff- link on right side bar.

I sure hope Kimmie likes this card, and I would love to hear what you think, please don't forget to leave a comment.

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Annabelle Stamps Blog Challenge

Welcome everyone to the first ever Annabelle's Bling & Sketch Challenge #01 (ABSC01 for short).

Here is my card

I have used 4 stamps from the Holly Branch set , the main feature image is actually made from 3 different stamps, I love how you can mix and match.

I have stamped these images using versamark ink and silver embossing powder, after heating the powder I then coloured using twinkling H2Os. it was then cut out and layered onto  shiny silver card with a linen finish, a scalloped border was punched from some green bazzill cardstock.

The red base card has been stamped on one side only with Versamark ink using a different holly image.

The designer paper is from Kaisercraft.

Finally for the bling. I have used Chilli 6mm Sprinkles.

All items are available from Annabelle Stamps on line store.

For more details on the card sketch challenge go to Annabelle's Blog.

There is also a chance to win some Blog candy over there. Check it out now.

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Annabelle Stamps Blog

The new Annabelle Stamps Blog has been launched  along with the new Christmas Stamp Sets and Sprinkles (bling)

To celebrate both these monumental events we are giving away this great  Blog Candy, it consists of the THREE new stamp sets PLUS the FIVE new Sprinkles
For your chance to win CLICK HERE
I will be back in just a couple of days with our first ever Annabelle Bling &  Sketch Challenge
Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle

Snowflakes and Snowpeople

Hello everyone,  It is November 1st and that means the Christmas Season is not too far away. For me it's a little scary as I have not yet done anything to get ready.

Here in Australia it is starting to warm and by Christmas it will be very hot, however for all you lovely people in the Northern Hemisphere it is getting cooler.

In Canada (home to High Hopes Rubber Stamps) I guess you guys will be expecting snow. Thus we come to this weeks High Hopes Blog Challenge #51... Snowflakes.

I really enjoyed working with this theme as it is certainly not one I am used to doing.

I chose this cute adorable stamp  called Snow Family. I have stamped in Black Stazon and coloured with Prismacolor Pencils. I then cut out the circle with nestabilities.

This was then layered onto this bright and cheery coordinating Christmas paper and bazzill cardstock.

I used the ticket corner punch on 3 corners and embellished with pale blue bazzill brads. On the 4th corner I used crystal snawflakes decorative 'buttons'. The ribbon is a pale blue satin grosgrain ribbon with little polka dots.

Don't forget to checkout what the other Diva's have been creating. There links are on the right side bar under 'High Hopes Design Team'

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Joy to the World...Annabelle Stamps NEW RELEASE

Welcome to Annabelle Stamps Christmas Release.

There are 3 brand new stamps sets and new mini sprinkles (bling) in 5 different Christmas colours. Each pack of mini sprinkles contains 3 sizes.

Here is my first card using the new Christmas stamps, this is from the "I must have" set called 'Holly Branch'. There are 10 gorgeous mix n' match stamps in this set. It is my new favourite set at the moment

Now for the card details. I have used 4 separate stamps. All are stamped in Black Brilliance Ink and embossed with a clear sparkly powder. I have coloured the holly with twinkling H2Os, they have a lovely shimmer which unfortunately is not visible in this photo. There is also some red bling on the holly berries.
The base card is a very deep bottle green followed by a white layer then the red bazzill. I have stamped and embossed another of the holly images in the top left corner. I have added a black scalloped border across the middle with a decorative green and white gingham ribbon. The plain and scalloped ovals were made with the classic oval nestabilities.
This is a nice and quick Christmas card to make, took about 10 minutes at the most, even faster if you get a production line going.

Would you like to see these complete sets, then click here
Also don't forget to check out what the other DT members are doing with their Christmas Stamps. You will find their links on the right side bar under Annabelle Stamps Design Team.

Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle