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

bella digi studio's 1st new release

bella digi studio's 1st new release is here and she is adorable. Her name is Pickle and the image is called Wishes. The challenge on the new bella digi studio challenge blog was to create a card using this image and the theme wishes
Here is my card, she is such a delight to colour.

bella digi studio is as the name suggests digital images. I downloaded 'Pickle wishes' then printed her in the size I wanted.
The designer speciality paper came from a 6x6" pad called Cottage Rose from Paper Mania. I picked matching cardstock all from Bazzill. I then coloured in Pickle with Prismacolor Pencils and blended with odourless mineral spirits.
I cut all ovals and the beautiful swirl in the top right hand corner with nestabilities. The sentiment is one I created.
After assembling the card with all it's layers I added the glitter to her wings. I applied dimensional magic/ crystal effects etc then liberally sprinkle glitter all over.
NOTE: MICHELLE'S ADVICE  If you do this card at home... don't tip excess glitter off until your glue base is dry.
For a little extra bling (you can never have too much) I adhered 6 teeny weeny rhinestones on the swirl.
Bella Digi Studio is having it's big Grand opening next Monday the 14th (USA time, Tuesday 15th if you are in Australia with me), so please come back to visit.
Our blog will be exciting with lots of fun and info and the shop will have lots of new images for you.

Where do you find us??? Here are the links to take you straight to the store or straight to the blog.
bella digi studio online store  and
bella digi studio challenge blog

Until Next Time

Inking of you All

Michelle

Annabelle Stamps Blog Challenge

It's that time of the week where we have an Annabelle Stamps Blog Challenge (Did you check out the blog last week? I was the featured designer with my card showing a different way to use ribbon.)
Back to this week. It's a sketch and bling challenge (ABSC023). I've modified mine a little and you know, that's OK as long as the basics are there.

This weeks sketch prize is a jar of each of the 3mm and 4mm Blackcurrant Metallic Pearl Drops. 
You have two weeks to complete the sketch below for your chance to win.  You can use any stamps and bling you have on hand.

 Now for my card

This is a great layout if you need to make a card in a hurry, there are lots of possibilities. I can see some ideas in my head as I 'speak', you could turn the sketch horizontally or put a sentiment in one of the boxes. Great sketch to do some male themed cards. So many of us struggle with those, and just sometimes you don't want to put in too much hard work cause they just don't appreciate it. ( Am I right or am I right, although there is always an exception to the rule LOL)
Don't forget to check out what our other wonderful design team members are to. Andrea - head diva
Jerusha  Kylie  Ida   Teresa  Sue    Rene  Tiffany . Just click on their name.

Until Next Time
Inking of you all
Michelle

My EXCITING news

Hello , have I got some great news to share with you all. Have you seen my new blinkie on the sidebar?
I am now on the Design Team for a fabulous, brand new digi stamp company called bella digi studio. 
There are only a few design available at the moment but new designs are on the way and will be released when we have the official launch on June 7th.
There is also a bella digi studio challenge blog .
Here  you will find a variety of challenges throughout the week. You will see work from the wonderfully talented team members and the gorgeous whimiscal images by owner and artist Daphne Hardy.
Under the cute bella digi blinkie on the sidebar you will see the blogs for the design team, pop by and check these out, the talent is amazing and it's not just all cardmaking.
Want to see my first Bella Digi Studio card?
Here is  Daisy from the Lil Bits range

 I have printed her on white card stock and coloured with Prismacolor Pencils. The cardstock is Bazzill and the designer paper is from Kaisercraft. I embellished the card with co-ordinating ribbon and paper flowers from my stash. You can never have too much of either LOL.  I think I have just about every possible colour in ribbon and flowers ( and cardstock and pencils and....... need I say more.
I hope you like Daisy,  I think she is adorable. So pop over to bella digi studio and check out the other images available now and get ready for the big release next week.
How exciting
Until next time
Inking of you All

Michelle