Be Merry

Hi there and welcome.

Yes ...It's another Christmas card!!

Papers
Prima 'Sweet Peppermint' collection

Embellishments
Prima Sweet Peppermint Flowers. Prima Sweet Peppermint Crystals

Dies
MFT - Postage Stamp Stax
Sizzix Triplits - Balloons
Poppy Stamps - Stitched Buttons
Magnolia Doohickey - Sprawling Ferns
Magnolia Doohickey - Lace Edge

Other
Ranger Distress Inks in 'Cracked Pistachio', 'Candied Apple' and 'Worn Lipstick'. Stampendous Shabby White Frantage. Splatters of Gesso. Ranger Distress Glitter 'Clear Rock Candy'. String and pom pom trim from stash.

Very many thanks for taking the time to stop by,
Have a lovely weekend,

Nicola x


I wish to enter card to the following challenges:

Prima Product Pick - December Challenge (Sweet Peppermint papers, flowers and crystals)

Scrapyland - Anything Goes (with brand of die carried by Scrapyland)
We Love Vintage - Anything Goes
Country View Crafts - Christmas
A Snowflakes Promise - Winter Time
City Crafter - Christmas Things that Float or Fly
52 Christmas Card Throwdown - A previous challenge (May 2016 Die/Punch)
Live & Love Crafts - Smörgåsbord - G Tic-Tac-Toe (Vintage/Glitter/Heart)
Kort o Mania - Jul / Christmas
Simon Says Stamp - National Christmas Card Day

Velvet Mittens

Greetings to you and thank-you for your visit during 'the busy countdown'...

What else but a Christmas card ...

Papers
SEI Velvet paper in 'Blaze'. Bazzill & Neenah cardstock. Music paper, text paper and corrugated card from stash

Dies
Spellbinders - Mittens
Magnolia Doohickey - Sprawling Ferns
Sizzix / Holtz - Mini holly
Sizzix / Holtz - Holiday Words
Memory Box - Winterberry Sprig
Poppy Stamps - Stitched Buttons
Elizabeth Craft - Stitched Circles
Martha Stewart edge punch

Embellishments
Wycinanka Chipboard Stockings

Other
Ranger Distress Ink in Tea Dye. Ranger Stickles 'Vintage Platinum'. Ranger Glitter 'Clear Rock Candy'. Lace from stash

That's It!

Many thanks for stopping by!
Nicola x


I wish to enter card to the following challenges:
Country View Crafts - Christmas
Ribbon Girl Card Challenge - Anything Goes
Scrapyland - Anything Goes (with die brand carried by Scrapyland)
We Love Vintage - Anything Goes
Inky Chicks - Christmas card, Traditional colours
Crafty Gals Corner - Anything Goes
Alphabet Challenge - U for Use Something Red
Simon Says Stamp - National Christmas Card Day
Come and Get It Challenges - Christmas

Merry & Bright Deer

Hello! Thank-you for visiting (and likely taking time out from some sparkle).

Well I must commend Santa's Reindeer for all the test-runs they're doing this year. This is why I'm featuring so many deer on my cards - it's not fair for Santa to hog all the limelight!

Papers
Prima 'Sweet Peppermint' collection and Bazzill cardstock

Dies
Sizzix / Tim Holtz 'Reindeer Flight'
Sizzix / Tim Holtz 'Birch Trees'
Poppystamps / Memory Box - 'Merry & Bright Channel'
Kaisercraft 'Holly'
Marianne Design Snowflakes

Stamp
Artistic Outpost 'Snowy Woods' (for background branch)

Embellishments
Chipboard berry sprig. Wyncinaka chipboard 'Reindeer Border' (around neck) - Thank-you for idea Karen. Jingle bell and berries from stash

Other
Ranger Distress Inks in ' 'Candied Apple', 'Cracked Pistachio' and 'Ground Espresso'. Ranger Archival Ink 'Veridian'. Waco Red pearl pen. Mint and pearlescent acrylic paint. Ranger Distress Glitter 'Clear Rock Candy'. Black Ecoline for splatters.

As aways, I very much appreciate your visit, especially during such a busy time for crafters.

Have a lovely week,
Nicola x


I wish to enter card to the following challenges:
Country View Crafts - Christmas
Ribbon Girl - December Card Challenge - Anything Goes
52 Christmas Card Throwdown - Previous 2016 Theme / May 28th Die/Punch
Dies R Us - Christmas
We Love Vintage - Anything Vintage Goes
Crafty Friends - Merry Christmas
Simon Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Alphabet Challenge - T for Trees
Kort O Mania - Let It Sparkle & Shine
Christmas Cards All Year 'Round - Anything Christmas / Holiday

Prancing Deer

Hi there and thank-you for stopping by!

The Christmas cards just keep on coming...

Papers:
Inkido
Red cardstock by Bazzill

Embellishments:
Wycinanka Chipboard 'Bauble with Reindeer'
Prima crystal
Button by Amy Butler for K&Company
Little peg from stash

Dies:
Lawn Fawn - Stitched Borders
Yvonne Creations - Merry Christmas (thank-you Ger)
Marianne Designs - Snowflakes
Martha Stewart 'Branch' punch

Stencilling:
Dutch Doobadoo stencil and Faber Castell Texture Luxe in 'Pearl'

Other:
Chipboard inked with red marker and dabbed with Ranger Stickles in 'Ruby Slippers'. Merry Christmas painted with PaperArtsy 'Nougat' and coated with Ranger glitter in 'Clear Rock Candy'. Paper edges inked with Distress Ink in 'Iced Spruce'. Ribbons and trims from stash.

As always, your visit is most appreciated.

Warmest wishes,
Nicola x


I wish to enter card to the following challenges:
Deep Ocean Challenge - Santa is coming to town
Allsorts - Anything Christmas
Scrap & Craft Inspiration - Christmas Time
52 Christmas Card Throwdown - Stash - Glitter
Christmas Card Challenges - Anything Goes
Christmas Cards All Year Round - Santa and / or Elf
Crafty Creations - Christmas
Aud Sentiments - Anything Goes + Sentiment
Creative Inspirations - Christmas Creations
Simon Wednesday - Anything Goes

Christmas is in the Heart

Hello and thank-you for your visit.

It's begun to snow Christmas cards in crafting blogland! So, here's another to join the flurry...

Papers:
Prima - Sweet Peppermint Collection

Floral Embellishments:
Prima - Sweet Peppermint Collection

Dies:
Lawn Fawn - Stitched Borders
Poppy Stamps - Stitched Buttons
Elizabeth Craft Designs - Stitched Circles

Stencil:
Memory Box 'Tiny Snowflakes'

Other:
Prima / Finnabair Snowflake paste. Prima 'Sweet Peppermint' Say It In Crystals. Distress Inks 'Candied Apple' and 'Cracked Pistachio'. Distress Glitter 'Clear Rock Candy'. Pearl Stick Pins, Sequins, String and Embroidery Floss from stash.

Thank-you for spending time at my blog.
Enjoy your weekend,
Nicola x


I wish to enter card to the following challenges:

Prima November Sketch for Cards and Tags

We Love Vintage - Vintage Christmas with Children
The Ribbon Girl - November, Use Any Image
Aud Sentiments - Anything Goes plus a sentiment
Simon Wednesday Challenge - Christmas To Die For
Winter Wonderland - Poinsettias or Snow is Falling
52 Christmas Card Throwdown - Old Fashioned Christmas
Kort o Mania - Anything Goes
Die Cuttin' Divas - Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon - Sparkle & Shine

Angel Wishes

Greetings to you and welcome. I hope this day finds you well.

A quick post to share another Christmas card ...

Papers
Pion Design

Dies
Joy Crafts 'Square & Chandelier'
Sizzix Framelits 'Majestic Labels #2'
Memory Box 'Star of Wonder'.

Stamp
Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous 'Mini Holidays'

Embellishments
Clay wings by Agnieszka Barska
Bell, ribbon, string and stars from stash

Other
Stampendous Shabby White Frantage, Ranger Tea Dye Distress Ink, Ranger Archival Ink 'Sepia', Ranger Embossing Powder 'Vintage Photo', Ranger glitter 'Clear Rock Candy'

That's It!

Thank-you for taking the time, I hope the week ahead is kind to you,

Nicola x


I wish to enter card to the following challenges:
Anything But Cute - Rustic Glam
Craft for the Craic - Two Colours
ABC Christmas Challenge - W for Wishes
Country View Challenges - Stars
Aud Sentiments - Anything Goes plus a sentiment
Kort O Mania - Anything Goes
Scrap From Your Heart - Christmas
Stamping Sensations - Christmas Greetings

Sweet Peppermint Sleigh

Hi there, thank-you for stopping by. All are welcome.

Huge thanks for your comments and admiration for my Christmas house in post below. I also made a sleigh to match the house in the same 'Sweet Peppermint' collection. Here it is...

This sleigh must only be just setting off from the North Pole as it sure is laden down!

Papers:
Prima 'Sweet Peppermint' collection.

Dies:
Sizzix / Tim Holtz 'Prancing Deer',
Sizzix / Tim Holtz 'Sleigh Ride',
Marianne Design Creatibles ' Oval & Pop Up LR0371' (to make little square boxes),
Poppystamps 'Stitched Buttons'.

Around to the other side

Embellishments:
Flowers and green berries from various Prima 'Sweet Peppermint' embellishment packs,
Druzy stones from Prima 'Sweet Peppermint' collection,
Prima velvet baubles 'Paris' collection,
Idea-ology wreaths (sprayed with Distress Stains in 'Candied Apple' and 'Cracked Pistachio'),
Box feet by Graphic 45 (painted with a 'custom blend' of white acrylic and 'Candied Apple' distress stain and then coated with Paper Artsy Metallic glaze),
Candy canes by Wycinanka inked with red
Sequins, berries, string and trims from stash.

A peek at the rear...

Other media:
Distress Glitter in 'Clear Rock Candy',
Frantage in 'Shabby White',
Stencilled texture paste through a Heidi Swapp 'Tiny Snowflakes' stencil,
Distress Inks and Stains - 'Candied Apple' and 'Cracked Pistachio',
Snow-Tex and Gesso.

Finally, a side approach...

Many thanks in advance for your visit and any comments that you may leave.

Wishing peace to all ...

Nicola x

I wish to enter sleigh to the following challeges:
Prima Product Pick - (I've opted for, Sweet Peppermint flowers with mint/pink/neutral colourways)

Simon Monday Challenge - Shine Bright Like a Diamond
Scrapyland - Anything Goes - using die brand carried by Scrapyland
Allsorts - Feature A Creature
Deep Ocean Challenge - Use Die Cuts or Punches
Scrap & Craft - Christmas Time
Crafty Creations - Animals
Inky Chicks - Winter Wonderland
Christmas at Sweet Stampin - Anything (Christmas) Goes
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Up, Up and Away (These Reindeer Fly!!)

Christmas on Sweet Peppermint Avenue

Hello! Thank-you for visiting.

If anyone out there needs cheering up then hopefully you've come to the right place! Several weeks ago, when my postman delivered papers by Prima 'Sweet Peppermint' collection, they certainly made me smile (I'm a simple soul at heart!). I hope my altered chipboard Christmas house will make you smile too.

As above, all papers are from Prima 'Sweet Peppermint' collection - I used both 12*12 and 6*6 sizes. The papers have been variously gilded, stencilled, splattered, Frantaged, inked, painted, gessoed, Snow-Tex'ed and sparkled to within an inch of their lives!

Flowers / leaves are from a few of the Sweet Peppermint floral embellishments sets. Little holly leaves are diecut and all the berries are from stash. The Christmas tree is Idea-ology.

Twirling to the right side ....

Chipboard house itself is by Melissa Frances, fence is by Dusty Attic, lamp-post is Kaisercraft, box feet are Idea-ology. Other chipboard elements are Wycinanka. All have been painted / decorated to match the candy colour theme. The Christmas tree was dyed using 'Cracked Pistachio' spray stain.

Thank-you to Ger who gifted me sequins (amongst other goodies) that were a perfect match to project. There are also Sweet Peppermint druzy stones dotted about - they're like little sparkly jelly tots! Ranger DIs in 'Cracked Pistachio', 'Wild Honey' and'Candied Apple' were used throughout. A whole lotta Distress Glitter 'Clear Rock Candy' and Finnabair's Art Sugar 'Light Pink' coat surfaces.

Check out the rear ...

Lots of dies were employed throughout project including:
Sizzix 'Mini Reindeer' and 'Reindeer Flight'
Sizzix Thinlits 'Woodland'
MFT Die-namics 'Scalloped Edge' for roof
Poppystamps 'Stitched Buttons' (I've threaded each and every one with embroidery floss)
Lawn Fawn - 'Stitched Borders'
Memory Box 'Stitched Landscapes'
Creative Expressions - Holly

The remaining side...

As usual with my Christmas makes I've added little metal toy charms and jingle bells from stash. Various trims and ribbons adorn the house too. To watch over the scene is a Prima resin angel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please pop back in another few days when I'll be posting a matching 'Sweet Peppermint' sleigh - it's rather cute!

Very many thanks for taking the time to visit - I appreciate every one, together with any comments that you leave.

Nicola x


I wish to enter house to the following challenges:

Prima Product Pick - (I've opted for, Sweet Peppermint flowers with mint/pink/neutral colourways)

Simon Monday Challenge - Shine Bright Like a Diamond
Scrapyland - Anything Goes - using die brand carried by Scrapyland
Winter Wonderland - Add ribbon / lace and or Christmas Flowers
Deep Ocean Challenge - Diecuts / Punches
We Love Vintage - Make a vintage creation with sweet image
Mixed Media World - Assemblage / Altered Art
ABC Christmas Challenge - V for Vertical
Scrap & Craft - Christmas Time
Alphabet Challenge - R for Recipe (Flowers/Dies/Embossing)

Set of Christmas Angel Cards

Greetings to you and thank-you for visiting. Sorry I've been absent from blogland recently but life is rather demanding at the mo'.

I'm sharing a set of 4 cards I made to add to my Christmas reserves.


These little angels sure look like they have the sweetest temperaments - lovely company to be in for sure.

Papers are by Inkido (firm no longer in production).

Cardstocks by Neenah and Bazzill.

The white background has been dry embossed with a snow pattern.

I've used dies by:

Simon Says Stamp 'Holiday Frames',

Joy Crafts - Ice Crystal Snowflake 

Marianne Designs Snowflakes

Sizzix decorative strip 'Snowflake Garland'

Edges are punched with punch by Martha Stewart

The SSS holiday frame has been well coated with crackle glaze and then sprinkled with Finnabair silver microbeads.

Stampendous Shabby Silver embossing enamel (Frantage) is added to each image.

Most edges are inked with my Krylon silver gilding pen, as are the chipboard stars.

Added lace and trims to finish.




Very many thanks to you as always for stopping by.
Wishing all a lovely weekend,
Nicola x

I wish to enter cards to the following challenges:
Simon Monday - Powder Power (used Stampendous aged silver embossing enamel)
Live & Love Crafts - Photo Inspiration challenge
The Ribbon Girl - Use Any Image challenge
A Vintage Journey - Create Within a Frame
Simon Wednesday - Anything Goes
Winter Wonderland - Tic, Tac, Toe (Snowflake, Blue, Ribbon)
Christmas Card Challenges - Anything Goes
Aud Sentiments - Anything Goes plus a sentiment
Deep Ocean Challenge - Anything Goes
Christmas at Sweet Stampin' - Christmas Die Cuts

Countdown to Christmas Begins!

Hello and Welcome!

Did you know that there are 103 days left till Christmas? Just Sayin'! So I'm getting my skates on (!) and really getting stuck in to Christmas crafting.

I've made 3 very similar cards by using up most of my leftovers from the gorgeous Melissa Frances paper collection 'Countdown to Christmas'...

I've used very little media and just concentrated on utilizing the papers with dies.
Dies Used are: Sizzix Ice Skates, Sizzix Tabs, Simon Says Stamp Ribbon Banner, Dienamics Stitched Fishtail Flags and Memory Box Precious Stars

I coated the skates with Ranger crackle paint in 'Clear Rock Candy' for that icy surface. The heels are inked with Krylon Silver gilding pen and the blades are covered with Krylon Gold gilding pen. Blades and other parts of cards have been sparkled up with Ranger Distress Glitter in 'Festive Berries'. Also dotted red stickles around.

For extra texture I added twine in red/ white and green/white as well as a plain white cord, some pom-poms at top of skates and some lace too. Various elements are layered up on foam pads for extra dimension.

I hope these cards bring you cheer even if it is still only September.
Thank-you so much for your visit, it's always lovely to see someone has taken the time.

Nicola x

I wish to enter cards to the following challenges;
Simon Says Stamp - At The Movies (White Christmas)
Scrapyland - Anything Goes (with brand carried by Scrapyland - Sizzix
The Crazy Challenge - Burlap and / or twine
Scrap + Craft - Red, Green and Yellow
Winter Wonderland - Lots of Layers / Wish Upon A Star
A gem of a challenge - Ribbon, Lace or Twine
Christmas Card Challenge - #40
Christmas Cards - All Year 'Round - Shabby Chic or Monochromatic
Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes plus optional sketch
Crafty Cardmakers - Layer It Up