Annabelle Stamps August Releases

Hello everyone, I have made a couple of cards for the August releases from Annabelle Stamps.
Don't forget to check out what the rest of the design team have been up to, you may even win your self a new set.
the first set is called 'Thoughtful Stems'

Sympathy cards are hard to make but I found this set made it easy, the slightly different options in sentiments is also good. here is my card


the second set for august is called 'Party Animals 2'. This is so adorable you can't help but fall in love with it.I had so much fun making this card and it is just fabulous to colour. I chose my paper from Basic Grey and then cardstock to match. I coloured with my trusty Prismacolor Pencils blended with odourless mineral spirits.
There is another new release out tomorrow, i wont be ready but drop by the girls blogs and don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win. Just click on the names below.
Andrea, Kylie, Teresa, Jerusha, Sue, Ida, Rene, Tiffany


Until next time
Inking of you all
Michelle

I need some time

This is the first time I have done a personal post, my posts are always about cards and my craft. I thought I would let my followers and friends know what is going on in my life.
In the last 3 months my life had a very abrupt change. Most of you were somewhat aware I went into hospital, I spent 6 weeks (yes weeks, not days) in hospital as I was very unwell. A couple of days after I got out of hospital my husband asked me for a divorce.
Since that day about 6 weeks ago, my home has been for sale and we have dealt with real estates and lawyers. I had to pack up 1/2 my craft room so it looked at least a little neat and tidy and we have had several viewings for potential buyers ( thus the reason for a neat and tidy stamp room). I have also been out and about looking for a new place to live. The rest of my week consists of medical appointments, lawyer appointments, appointments dealing with all the Government Agencies and filling out their paperwork ( I'm sure some of the forms were the same only they call them different names, probably trying to trick you into making a mistake. If it wasn't so annoying It would probably be funny.)
My husband and my teenage Son are packing up to leave next week and I too have started to pack up. I have about 5 weeks until I have to be out. We were married for 21 years so there is alot of stuff to go through.
As you can see I have a lot going on in my life at the moment, cardmaking and blogging right now are not my priorities. Thus the 'need for some time'.

To my fellow DESIGN TEAM members and owners, I apologise as I can not do this right now. The computer is packed up and i have just got a new laptop which is as foreign to me as another country. I need time to learn how to use it. Time I do not have at present.
If you can be patient with me that would be great if not I understand completely. Please contact me via email, I do check that every few days, when I can.

Hopefully I will be back soon
Until then
Michelle

Bella Digi Studio's Monday Challenge

This week's Monday challenge over on the Bella Digi Studio Challenge Blog was set by one of our new Diva's, Sue. The challenge... use a girly image. I have chosen one of this month's New Releases called 'Sweet Messenger'. You can find all the new releases and many more gorgeous images HERE

Want to join us in the Challenge? We'd love to see your work

Here's How To Play: To participate in the Weekly Challenge, please create a *new* project using any Bella Digi image following the current week's theme. You must link to your project using the link tool at the bottom of the post on the main Bella Challenge Blog. A winner will be chosen via random.org and that person will receive the blog candy listed in the challenge post. In addition, the DT will choose their favorite three projects from all participants and ONE winner will be chosen to be the following week's Guest Designer. To be considered for the top three, you must have purchased an image from the shop (unless otherwise noted)...however, you don't have to use the purchased image in that week's challenge.

***Prizes can only be awarded if we have more than 5 entrants***

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

The Party Animals have arrived

Everyone loves are Party Animal and set one is the first of 2 gorgeous sets. Here is a sneak peek of PARTY ANIMALS 1 from Annabelle Stamps

Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to make a card yet but I will be back later to show one I promise,
In the mean time pop by the other DT's blogs (listed to your right). They have made some great cards for you to look at.

Would you like the chance to win this new set?

Simply 'hop' by each of the Design Team blogs and leave a comment on each.  One of the DT girls has been chosen to pick the winner from those who leave comments on their blog, but I can't tell you which one!

Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle

Monochramatic Magic

Here is another sneak peek for the July new releases from Annabelle Stamps. This set is called Branch Out. I love the simplicity of this set and was able to make each card in under 10 minutes.

Here are my cards, I have showcased several of the stamps out of this set and I hope you like the cards as much as I do.

 I stamped the flower 3 times in Black Brilliance ink and coloured them with a grey pencil. I penned in the dots around the edge to give a nice framed effect. Blackcurrant 3mm metallic Sprinkles were put in the centre of each flower. I added Silver metallic sprinkles on the top right hand corner. the Sprinkles are just gorgeous and are available from Annabelle Stamps
This next card was done in shades of cream and brown, It's hard to believe both these cards were made just using this one set of stamps.

Don't forget to pop by the other Annabelle Stamps Design Team blogs (listed on the right hand side of this post under the Annabelle Stamps logo) and check out their cards. It's amazing how different each card is using just one set of stamps. Like me I am sure you will want to add this set to your collection.

Would you like the chance to win this new set?

Simply 'hop' by each of the Design Team blogs and leave a comment on each.  One of the DT girls has been chosen to pick the winner from those who leave comments on their blog, but I can't tell you which one!


Until Next Time
Inking of You All
Michelle

Annabelle Stamps July Sneak Peeks

Ballerina Rose, doesn't that sound beautiful. That is the name of this new release set from Annabelle Stamps. These sets are available from the end of the month but until then every couple of days you will see sneak peeks of the new sets

 I made 2 cards with this set, both completely different.The 1st one is in nice bright and cheery yellow.

 I have used 3 images from this set and the sentiment is from last months release 'Sentimental Bluebells'.First I stamped the bunch of roses  and the sentiment in Black Brilliance. I coloured with prismacolor pencils I cut out the flowers using the Elongated rectangle from Nestabilities.I then inked around the edges using 'tea dye' distress ink and roughed up the edge with the Heidi Swapp edge distresser.
The yellow panel was done using the small solid flower and the 2 open flowers. I stamped in Versamark ink and then coloured over top with a yellow pearlescent chalk to give the background a really nice shimmer.
I then cut out my green layers (SU kiwi kiss) with nestabilities. I layered it altogether also using kiwi kiss ribbon. The sprinkles I used were lemon and they look fabulous.

This time I went with traditional pink. The paper for this one is from Papermania and is just gorgeous. I embellished it with flowers and sprinkles from Annabelle Stamps.

Would you like the chance to win this new set?

Simply 'hop' by each of the Design Team blogs and leave a comment on each.  One of the DT girls has been chosen to pick the winner from those who leave comments on their blog, but I can't tell you which one!
So go take a look at some fabulous creations using the newest set from AnnaBelle Stamps - Ballerina Rose :)  You have until our next preview in two days - 17th July 12.00pm AEST.

Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle

Bella Studio New Releases

Today there are some gorgeous new images to have a look at  over at Bella Digi Studio's on line store,
I have chosen the all new  Sugar Balloon for this weeks challenge card. Isn't she sweet?

The challenge this week over on the Challenge blog is to use distressing on your card. There are a few different types of distressing so which one was I going to choose to go with my image ...UM?  In the end I went with the rough distressed edges of the paper. I started off doing the edges with my (very short and broken) fingernails but that didn't give a rough enough edge so I pulled out my Heidi Swapp distressing tool. A much better result.
The paper I used this week comes from Basic Grey 6x6" paper pad and all cardstock is from Stampin Up. I coloured with Prismacolor Pencils blended with odourless Mineral spirits.
 The sentiment 'Surprise' is also from Bella Digi Studio

Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle

Say it in... Chocolate and Orange

Yummy, doesn't this sound great chocolate and orange. That is the colour combination for this week's Annabelle Stamps Blog Challenge. Most of us took it one step further and decided to stretch the imagination to Christmas cards in Choc and orange.
Here is mine... it is also the spotlighted card this week.

 The idea for this card from my Secret Sister group, last month we had to make a nine panel square card.
I simply stamped the holly branches all over the light orange card then cut it into 1" scalloped squares, I then mounted them on the various brown and the darker orange layers.
This (I have said so many times) is my favourite Christmas stamp set, You can do so much with it.
Here is the set  called Holly branch and a few cards I have made previously with it.
You can buy the set Here at Annabelle Stamps

 

How SWEET she is

I have fallen in love with Sweet Pea rubber stamps. They are just so beautiful and such a joy to colour.
The girls at my local stamp club saw me working on this one so I thought I would show you all the finished card.
First I chose the designer papers, these ones are from the Utopia range  by Kaisercraft, next was matching cardstock (all Bazzill) I then coloured the mermaid to match.
I have used Prismacolor Pencils blended with odourless mineral spirits.
When I start out making a card I never have a plan in mind it just kind of happens. This one was very basic.

Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle

Create with Chalk

Today's blog challenge at Bella Digi Studio is to use chalk on your creation. I have chosen the image called Yorkie. I have coloured him using the pearlescent chalk pastels by i-kan-dee. They are simply gorgeous and add lots of sparkle.

 I simply printed him out on ivory cardstock and coloured him (maybe it should be her) with some white and grey chalk with a touch of pink. Blue and green chalks are added around the image to make it stand out a bit more and to give some depth.

The base card is ivory and I just added  black and grey layers of cardstock. I embellished the card with some natural twill ribbon printed with little paws.
The 'gimme hugs' sentiment is also from bella digi studio and was cut out using nestabilities.
This week's monday challenge has a sponsor and a great prize to give away Here are the rules but you need to link your card to the challenge blog HERE

Here's How To Play: To participate in the Weekly Challenge, please create a *new* project using any Bella Digi image following the current week's theme. You must link to your project using the link tool at the bottom of the post on the main Bella Challenge Blog. A winner will be chosen via random.org and that person will receive the blog candy listed in the challenge post. In addition, the DT will choose their favorite three projects from all participants and ONE winner will be chosen to be the following week's Guest Designer. To be considered for the top three, you must have purchased an image from the shop (unless otherwise noted)...however, you don't have to use the purchased image in that week's challenge.

***Prizes can only be awarded if we have more than 5 entrants**

Until Next Time
Inking of you all
Michelle

Bella Digi's Monday Blog Challenge

It's time for the Monday Blog Challenge over at Bella Digi Studio and this week I'm the challenge boss meaning I get to choose what we do.

I have chosen the image called Dancin Chick, it is so fun and cheery and makes me smile each time I look at it.

I have printed him out on white cardstock and coloured with Prismacolor Pencils. I cut the image out using a Spellbinders nestabilitie.  The cardstock is from Stampin Up and the decorative printed paper is by DCWV.
Don't forget to drop by and see what the rest of the Design Team have been upto. Their blog links are on the right under the Bella Digi Logo.
You might also want to check out the Bella Digi Studio challenge blog and see all the cards

Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle

My Last Squigglefly DT card

My last Squigglefly card as a Design Team member.(**sniffling**) I don't know where the last 6 months have gone, but my term is up and if you go to the squigglefly blog you will see a whole bunch of new DT members. I am sure they will have as much fun as I did.
So onto this week's Squigglefly Blog Challenge #55... use the 'Retro Tulip' image.
here is my card

I did a long (DL) card for this Happy Thanksgiving card, (sentiment is also from Squigglefly).
I coloured with prismacolor pencils in tones to match the designer striped paper by Kaisercraft.
The ribbon is from Stampin Up.
Here is a card I did previously using the same image, although much smaller. It looks so different when you change the colour scheme
the paper in this card is also from Kaisercraft

I'd like to say I will miss you all at Squigglefly but I will never be too far away, A special thank you must go to support staff extraordinaire Holly.
Holly has been there every step of the way with help or an encouraging word, God Bless You.
Drop by and check out Holly's Blog she has some great stuff to look at over there.

Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle

Annabelle Stamps - Floral Silhouettes

Floral Silhouettes is the fourth and final set for this month and it sure is worth waiting for.

This is just perfect for those of you who do not have time to sit and colour in. I however still managed to use my prismacolor pencils on my card.

I have stamped 3 images from this set in Chestnut Roan chalk ink by colorbox and shadowed the flowers with dark umber prismacolor pencil. All cardstock  and decorative printed paper is by Stampin Up. All the beautiful embellishments on my card are from Annabelle Stamps on line store. I have used metallic cocoa sprinkles in 4mm, flowers from the Brown Petals kit and the cream pearl heart finishes the flower off nicely.

Here they are once again.

tree MEN dous

Rockin Instrumental

Sentimental Bluebells

Floral Silhouettes

All these fabulous stamp sets are on sale 30th June at

Annabelle Stamps

Until Next Time

Inking of you all

Michelle

Sentimental Bluebells

Hello everyone, I am sooooo sorry my post is late, No excuse is a good excuse but if it helps I am going through my own personal crisis right now.
Here is our next preview 'Sentimental Bluebells'. This is my all new favourite must have set. Who am I kidding this months releases are all must haves LOL.
This one is to die for

 Now I used all three flower images and the 'thinking of you' sentiment stamp and turned it into this card

All cardstock is Bazzill and the decorative printed paper and tag is from the Kaisercraft 'Lilac Avenue' 6x6" paper pad. The floral background came pre-glittered and is just gorgeous.
I embellished the card with some sheer lilac ribbon, a Martha Stewart border punch and miniature pearls. The miniature pearls I used are white 3mm and are from Annabelle stamps.


Want to see some more cards here is a sneak peek of Andrea's card, she's our head Diva.

To see the whole card and what the rest of this fabulous design team has been up to go Annabelle Stamps Blog


Now don't forget to pop by tomorrow to see our final set for this month.







Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle

The new sets are Rockin

Our 2nd new release preview  from Annabelle Stamps is here. Preview #2 is 'Rockin Instrumental'. I love it. As a mum to a teenage boy I can see lots of use for this one.

Here is my card. I decided to create something a little different from usual style and was really happy with this. This is going to be my son's 16th Birthday card as he is really into music right now.

 I used 4 stamps from the 'Rockin Instrumental' set to create this card

The card is a standard postcard size. I water coloured with my Caran D'Ache watercolour crayons and have used a silver marvy glitter marker on the cymbals.

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Annabelle Stamps New Release Preview

Here we are, and we are so excited to show you the first set for this month!  Named Tree-MEN-dous it is a set for the men in our lives.

Here in Australia we don't celebrate Father's Day until September, but this set is about more than just Father's Day, and is perfect for so many other occasions.

Now folks you can be in with a chance to win this set.

To win you need to find the DT blog that has a 'sneak peek' of the next set we'll be showing you on the 24th.  Find the blog then come back here and add the name of the DT member in a comment.  A random winner will be selected and announced on the 24th!.

You will find the Design Team names listed under the Annabelle Stamps Blog logo on the right hand side of this page. 

How easy is that?

 Here is my card, I have used 6 stamps from the set, 

On the brown background card, I stamped 'tiny' DAD, 'large' DAD and single leaf with versamark ink. To do this quick and easy I put all 3 stamps on one acrylic block

For the tree I pulled out my trusty old colorbox pigment inks in brown and moss green and I embossed. Don't fall off your chair, I know it's been a long time since I embossed anything but it looks really good, I should do it more often. I then coloured over the leaves with chalk pastels. (YES long time since I used those as well)

As it is a masculine card  you can't tizzy it up like you can for women so I just embellished with some eyelets (I know long time too, LOL)

Until Next Time

Inking of you

Michelle

Making a start on Christmas

Yes I do know it's only June but I decided for this week's Annabelle Stamps Blog Challenge I would make a start on my Christmas cards.
This week for the challenge it is a sketch (ABSC024) which means... because it is a sketch challenge there is a prize up for grabs.

This weeks sketch could see the following prize sent out to you, so be sure to get your entry in!
-A jar of 6mm Rose Sprinkles
-1mtr 16mm Double Faced Hot Pink Satin Ribbon
-1mtr 9mm Hot Pink Floral Ribbon
Be sure to include some bling on your project - bottom right corner - and any stamps or bling you have on hand

make sure you link your card up at the Annabelle Stamps Blog Challenge post

 Now for my card, I decided to turn the layout sideways into a horizontal format

 

 I have chosen my favourite Christmas set of all time, this is the most versatile set I have seen It is called Holly Branch (not true size)

I have stamped and embossed all images in Gold and watercoloured using Twinkling H2Os, I embellished using Chilli coloured Sprinkles and the luscious Red Satin Ribbon all available from Annabelle Stamps

Don't forget to drop by and see what the other design team members have been up to. The cards this week are truly amazing. The design team also want to see what you can do. (You may win the prize)
Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle

the colour perfect card

Hi everyone.
Are you one of those people who can't get their colours to match when making a card? You are NOT alone


Come and see my Tutorial over on the Bella Digi Studio Challenge Blog

Squigglefly Challenge #53

It's time again for a new Squigglefly Challenge and this one is great. we have to incorporate a piece of NEWSPAPER into our card.
Here's my card

I chose Ragtime Reader by Cheryl Alger as my image, that was the easy part (i love this image) I chose the colours I wanted to use. Then I had to pick a piece of newspaper. I went through about 6 newspapers trying to find just the right piece. LOL. I didn't want anything political, best not put any personal/ relationship ads either (not really appropriate for a little girl to read), I didn't want anything with pictures or photos. At last I settled on this piece. I tell you it took so much longer to find this piece than it did for me to put the whole card together.
Squigglefly has got some great new releases out now just click HERE to go and take a look

Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle

a BLOG HOP, a challenge, a freebie, and blog candy. WOW!!!

WOW!!!  a BLOG HOP, a challenge, a freebie, and  blog candy. READ ON

Bella Digi Studio is having it's very first BLOG HOP and  we also have this weeks challenge. Not to mention the various prizes and your chance for become a Bella Digi Guest Diva

FIRST  the Blog Hop; if mine is the first blog you have stopped at you need to go and check out the other Design Team. Leave a comment on each Blog and become a follower for your chance to win some BLOG CANDY from Bella Digi Studio.
LORA
DAWN
COLLEEN

KATIE
Michelle you are already here
TAMMYLEE
 

NOW The challenge this week is ... make a sentiment the focus of your card.

My card features 2 new releases from Bella Digi Studio the beeeeautiful flower background and the lovely sentiment.
This was such an easy card to make.As you all know I like to colour BUT if you are in a hurry you can choose any one of the new backgrounds and print them in colour or on decorative speciality paper,  layer your sentiment on top and you are done.  SIMPLE
Now if you are the lucky 50th follower on the Bella Digi Challenge Blog, you will win your self a freebie.
I would like to see you all participating in the Bella Digi Studio Challenge and the best part is the winner of the challenge will get themselves a $10 gift voucher for Bella Digi Studio and the chance to become a guest Design DIVA, sounds cool doesn't.  You will find more info at the challenge blog, just click on the link above.
Last but not least, tomorrow is Technique Tuesday over on the Bella Digi Studio Challenge Blog. I will be your tutor and show you how to put together the 'colour perfect' card.  Y'all come back now you hear. LOL

REMINDER: Don't forget to go check out the Bella Design Divas BLOGS for your chance to win.
 
Until Next Tomorrow
Inking of you all
Michelle

Say it in... Pink and Green

Say it in... Pink and Green is Annabelle Stamps Blog Challenge for this week.
I chose the stamp set Helen's Party it is such a fun set to use ( Andrea used her for my get well card she looked great. 'Get well soon' was written inside the balloon. It's always good to have other uses for your stamps, everyone likes to get their money's worth.)

I decided to go with lime green and a couple of shades of pink. I chose my designer paper from Stampin UP and the cardstock is Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette and Rose Red. I coloured using Prismacolor Pencils.
I embellished with Sprinkles (bling) in lime, both 4mm and 6mm,  some pink flower ribbon from my stash and used an EK sucess punch for the swirls
Here is a close up of the sprinkles. Don't they look fabulous?

Now for some sad news.
This week we also say goodbye to one of the Design Team. Farewell to Deanne we wish her all the best for her future.
Don't forget our last week's sketch challenge is still open for your chance to win some sprinkles. Check here for the details. Every sketch challenge on the Annabelle Stamps Blog  has a prize up for grabs but you must be in it to win it.

Michelle's all new PRODUCT REVIEW

 Annabelle Stamps Petal Kits are one of the most gorgeous embellishment kits I've seen in a long time. In each kit,  what you see is what you get. But just so you know,
1 x Petals Pack (includes 36 Mulberry Paper flowers in 48mm, 28mm and 20mm)
1 x Jar of Gem and Pearl mix – Approx. 18 x 8mm, 18 x 6mm and 120+ 3mm
3 x 1metre lengths of ribbon on our handy storage cards.

  They currently come in 3 different colour themes and sell for only $11.95 Aussie dollars, (that cost's even less if you are in the USA approx US$9.90 + handling)

The paper flowers are of the very highest quality and in all honesty the best quality in my flower draw. (The large white packet, and the small brown packet are Annabelle's flowers)
This is my flower stash and you can only see some of it. There are so many layers of flowers in this draw it's bordering on OBSESSIVE. Can anyone else relate to this? Like, do I really need to ask, silly question LOL

Now for the real comparison test






                            These flowers on the right cost me $18.95 a jar

The Annabelle Stamps flowers (aka Petals),  also come in individual colours. You can find every thing here including ribbon, pearls and sprinkles (bling) at the Annabelle Stamps online store.

Would you like to see more product reviews? I'd love to know
Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle

Squigglefly's Latest Releases

Squigglefly's latest releases are here and there are some fabulous ones to choose from.
I have chosen to showcase an image by artist Cheryl Alger aka Sassy Cheryl. I have made several cards previously with Cheryl's designs because I think they are just gorgeous.
This one is called Birthday Cupcake

 I have printed the image on SU confetti white cardstock (those 'dirty' little spots are actually in the cardstock unfortunately it doesn't look so good in the photo).
Today for something different I opted to watercolour. My watercolour medium of choice is Lyra watercolour crayons, they are nice and vibrant plus they are easy to blend.

The designer speciality paper is from Basic Grey and  I coloured my image to match these papers.
What do you think? I think I matched pretty well. Colour matching does take a little practice but I have been colouring for a long time now, so my advice to you is practice practice practice.

Until Next Time
Inking of you All
Michelle