desert diva

It's a girl!

2012-03-03T16:28:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

My card for cas-ualfridays baby challenge!

Can you still remember the days of fabric diapers??? this one is made of felt ;-)

Super quick and easy card!

Also entering :

perfect sentiments ~ anything goes with a die cut
everybody-art-challenge ~ momochrome
lexis creations ~ monochromatic

Thanks for visiting me today!

You are special

2012-03-02T18:18:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

As I said in an earlier post... I just love this week's sketch at freshly made sketches... so here is my second take on the sketch!

The background panel was created by masking first with distress ink and then stamping the text in black on top of it.

Sketch :

Thanks for visiting me today!

Dragonflies

2012-03-01T13:21:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

I think this week's sketch at freshly made sketches is a real classic with SO many possibilities!

I already made 3 cards using it... so here's the first one...

I made the ''stripes'' the same way like I did * HERE *... just used a different kind of peel off!

Did I mention I LOVE the sketch... LOL!

Also entering

do you stack up ~ things with wings
crazy 4 challenges ~ make a 2 layer card

Thanks for visiting me today!

A mothersday card

2012-03-01T11:59:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

What a nice surprise to be asked by Jo to be their guest designer for March at C.R.A.F.T. Challenges blog!
We kick the month off by asking you to create a Mothersday card!

Some great prizes to be won as well! 3 sponsors to be more exact!
Sponsor 1 :
In 2 Stamps - 10 euro gift voucher to their shop

Sponsor 2:
Trimgym Digi stamps and paper - 3 digital images or 1 paper pack

Sponsor 3
Wild Rose Studio ltd - 2 stamps or paper packs of choice

My card to inspire you!

Thanks for visiting me today!

The Robyn's Fetish challenge has reached 400 followers!

2012-02-29T16:00:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

Great news!
We are so excited to share this news with you! We just reached 400 followers!
To celebrate this happy day we invite you to visit us every day this week... because Susan our DT coordinator has lined up special posts for the whole week!

***THIS*** is the place you want to be for the next few days!

Please pop over to

~Sue from Crafts by Sue, and

~Laurence from laurence cards memories to see what they have to show you today!

Sharing an earlier card I made with one of ROBYN'S images - called "an elephant never forgets''

Thanks for visiting me today!

Sketch time at Digi my world!

2012-02-29T15:10:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

Challenge time at digi my world!

This week we are using the lovely sketch of catch the bug blog...

My card... using "Brittney going to France"

Come join the fun!
Feel free to use my sentiment!

Entering some challenges:

ladybugs crafts ink challenge ~ pink and girly
sew many challenges ~ lets punch it ( the fleur de lis shapes - bottom row were punched)
pan pastel ~ use a ribbon
just some lines ~ girly

Thanks for visiting me today!

Last of the Spring sentiments

2012-02-28T07:43:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

12 Circle sentiments!!!
I know ...I got a little carried away... just had so much fun!!! Hope you also have fun using them!

Next in row will be Easter sentiments! So ... watch this space!
;-)

If you use my creations... please consider giving me credit? I won't hunt you down if you don't... but it would be kind... and please don't claim them as your own? They were created with love and a lot of patience!

Thanks for visiting me today!

Less is more with scraps

2012-02-27T14:49:00.003+04:00

Hi there!

This week Chrissie and Mandy challenge us to use our scraps.

Thinking of what one does with little pieces of fabric that's left over after sewing, I decided to make a paper "quilt".

Sentiment computer generated and printed on card stock first of all.

I used a triangle die to cut my quilt pieces, glued them onto a piece of card stock, trimmed, added the ribbon and buttons.
Used double sided foam tape to position panel on card.

I will however have to make a few more of these to really make an impact on my stash!
(Please click on photo for clearer picture)

Also entering :

scrappy frogs challenge ~ die cuts
stampin sisters in christ ~ use a variety of colors
2 sisters challenge ~ anything goes
makeit monday ~ anything goes

Thanks for visiting me today!

Digi my world sponsors Catch the bug sketch challenge

2012-02-26T21:50:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

This week digi my world is sponsoring the sketch challenge at catch the bug blog!

I made a card to showcase the lovely sketch, using ''my little lady bug'' from DMW
You can have a look here to see what the rest of our DT came up with!
Hop over to catch he bug blog and play along for a chance to win a $15 prize pack from the DMW shop!

The sentiment is one of my own, you can find it HERE!

The clouds were made using a small flower punch, punching a flower and dividing it in half, like this

Please come join the sketch fun!

Entering some challenges:

do it with digis challenge ~ Use a digi ( don't be square)
crafty catz weekly challenge ~ the letter B - blue, bug
crop stop ~ include at least 3 flowers
cute card thursday ~ things with wings
delightful challenges ~ use patterned paper

Thanks for visiting me today!

Challenge #96 at robyns fetish - people

2012-02-26T16:00:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

Yes it Sunday and time for another challenge at robyns fetish challenges!

Our theme this week is " people", and the sponsor is shellys images with a $9 voucher to the store for the winning card!

I used ''April showers'' to create my card.

To create the clouds, I used the flower punch as shown below, by dividing it in half, it works perfect in a small scale card like this one!

Sharing my computer generated sentiment with you...

Entering the following challenges:

simply create ~ sunshine
sarah hurley challenges ~ die cuts
paper pretties~punches / die cuts
the paper shelter ~ add a sentiment
the sisterhood of crafters ~ use a digi

Thanks for visiting me today!

Spring sentiments (2)

2012-02-25T08:07:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Here they are... as promised!

Click, right click, save and ... enjoy!
Remember to check the sidebar (labels) for more free sentiments!

I am working on a set of spring circle sentiments!!!

Thanks for visiting me today!

A friendship card

2012-02-24T14:48:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Just a quick post to share a card I made yesterday... Inspired by the sketch this week at freshly made sketches #23

I had a hard time choosing the color scheme... but in the end I love how it turned out!
Sharing the sentiment with my Afrikaans followers.

Directly translated it means that "friends are to people like sunshine is to flowers"

Sketch :

Other challenges:

art impressions stamps ~ CAS
crop stop ~ use at least 3 flowers on your project
craftyannschallenge ~ bold and bright

Thanks for visiting me today!

Less is more with die cuts/punches

2012-02-23T12:09:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

I decided to try the same as I did in this card for this week's challenge at less is more!
Same idea just different colors and I added a die cut for the top layer instead of just keeping it square!

In total 4 different dies were used.
Sentiment was computer generated... "just to say..." in Afrikaans.

Also entering

gingersnap creations ~ only 2 colors
paper pretties ~ dies and punches
crazy challenge ~ use a die/punch
pixie dust studio ~ case a card (my own as explained above)

Thanks for visiting me today!

A sketch at Dutch dare card challenges # 153

2012-02-23T11:00:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

We have a sketch for you today at dutch dare-card challenges!

So let's see want you come up with?

Our sponsor this week is Sassy studio Designs.

Thanks for visiting me today!

Celebrate with ribbons

2012-02-21T16:52:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

Since Friday I've been wondering how to approach this week's challenge at cas-ualfridays... tried several things but nothing seemed to work.
Went to the shops today, and got all inspired! I was waiting to pay at the cash register in Marks & Spencer's, when my eye caught a beautiful lamp shade... all dressed up with ribbon, simply tied around and around... and there came the inspiration!

Now that it's finished, it makes me think of party streamers and confetti... (that wasn't the intention though!!!)

Also entering:

CRAFT challenges ~ no designer paper
craft us crazy ~ fav color/ embellishment (ribbon)
the pretty little ribbonshop ~ anything goes with ribbon

Thanks for visiting me today!

Free Spring sentiments (1)

2012-02-21T09:14:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

I made a few Spring sentiments to share with you...

Just click on the image... right click,save... and enjoy!

Please leave a comment so that I know my effort was worth while!

Have a great day!

Ps... I will follow this up with more Spring sentiments
Looking for more freebies... check the side bar and help yourself!

Pretty in pink - challenge 95 at Robyns fetish

2012-02-19T16:00:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

Time for a "pretty in pink" challenge at robyns fetish challenge!

This week whoopsie daisy is sponsoring our challenge, offering the winner 3 sheets of digis of choice!

I'm entering this card to the following challenges :

delicious doodles ~ pink
fairytale-challengeblog ~ spring
guylous inimitability ~ girlie
the poodlesparlour ~ female card
totally papercrafts ~ ribbons and bows
DYSU ~ layers

Thanks for visiting me today!

A yellow hello!

2012-02-18T15:57:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

It's hello here from a very hazy Abu Dhabi! Hazy because of sand storms going on for the past few days.
There's a strong wind blowing outside and it looks as if the whole desert lies before our front door!
This means that summer is on it way... as the Shamal wind is starting to blow... not a nice thought!

Anyway , I have a card to share!

I used one of my own digital sentiments (you can find it here)
Text backing papers (digital) found here

Challenges :

freshly made sketches ~ Sketch

frosted designs ~ brads / eyelets
totally papercrafts ~ ribbons and bows
Through the craftroom door ~ CAS + sentiment

Thanks for visiting me today!

Monochrome bicycle card

2012-02-16T16:35:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

The sketch this week at freshly made sketches, holds endless possibilities! I think I will definitely try a few more options!

Speaking of options... I love this stamp set I bought a while ago... made about 3 cards with it, which all landed in the rubbish bin! This is the first one that escaped that route ... and even made it to the blog!!!

For the centre panel I masked a ''road'' with scrap paper and a mixture of 'Vintage photo' and 'Antique linen' distress ink.

The sketch:

Also entering :

sassy cheryls challenge ~ no designer paper
crafty cardmakers ~ monochrome
the crafty pad.~ the letter B

Thanks for visiting me today!

Pastel parade at Digi my World!

2012-02-15T15:34:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

This week we invite you to create a card with any of digi my world's images, and color it in pastel!

Winner will receive $10 store credit!!!!

No excuses as there are lots of free images available here! The image I used is also a freebie!
I decided to paper piece the whole image... just added a little pink bow and pearls!

Challenges entering.

cas-ualfridays ~ paper piecing
my craft spot ~ girly girl
sweet stampin challenge ~ CAS

Thanks for visiting me today!

A paper pieced ♥

2012-02-12T21:44:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

Almost bed time in this part of the world... so just a quick post before I'm off to dreamland!

I just realized that this is my 3rd post for today... and all in pink! The 2 nd post was a scheduled one, so that's a litlle coincidence, I guess!

As paper piecing is one of my favorite techniques, I just couldn't resist entering a second time to this week's cas-ualfridays challenge.
The image is digital one, found here. I printed it 3 times on this lovely paper from mel stampz, and did the paper piecing with scissor and glue (ie not digital)

I followed the lovely sketch from freshly made sketches # 21
The result!

Also entering:

catered crop ~ hearts
creative inspirations paint ~ hearts

Thanks for visiting me today!

Challenge #94 at Robyn's Fetish - square cards!

2012-02-12T16:00:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

Sunday again and time for a new challenge at robyns fetish !

This week an easy one... link up all those square cards and stand a chance to win 6 digis of your choice from the paper pretties store!
Yes ! A great prize from our sponsor this week!
My card to inspire you to play along....

The ''fan'' was created using a basic fold from teabag folding technique, instructions found here.
Papers downloaded here (freebie)
Image colored with promarkers.

Thanks for visiting me today!

One layer stripes at LIM

2012-02-12T11:34:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

Sharing my card for this week's less is more challenge to make a one layer card featuring stripes.

At first I didn't have a clue what to do, but after a bit of fiddling around in my craft drawers, I found my peel off stickers... don't use so much of them any more, so I decided to put them to work to mask some stripes.
The centre was masked with an oval die cut...( not shown in the pictures below) where I stamped the frame. All stamping done with Tim Holtz ''victorian velvet''
I added a die cut flower, I am a little concerned, hope it doesn't count as a layer , but rather as a single embellishment?

Also entering:

sweet stampin ~ CAS

Thanks for visiting me today!

Hello!

2012-02-11T17:17:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

As promised, the " hello"/ "hi there"sentiments!

Hope you enjoy using it... please let me now if you use it... always nice to know if someone find my creations useful!
If you are new to my blog... there are lots more free sentiments listed in the side bar!

Thanks for visiting me today!

It's a rainbow!

2012-02-11T16:48:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

I am a big fan of paper piecing (perhaps it's because of my coloring skills.... )!

Since I don't have a rainbow stamp, I turned to an online coloring page, where I found this image.
The lovely papers are from mel stampz (also free!)

Sentiment by me (computer generated)

Challenges

cas-ualfridays ~ paper piecing
citycrafter ~ colors of the rainbow
papersundaes ~ CAS
totally papercrafts ~ rainbows

Thanks for looking!

Last part of children's birthday sentiments

2012-02-09T16:52:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

For the 8, 9 and 10 years old!

Remember these will look best when sized between 4 and 6 cm.
Click, right click save and enjoy!

Come back soon for a cute set of "hello" and "hi there" sentiments!

Thanks for visiting me today!

Valentine's day at Dutch dare card challenges

2012-02-09T10:16:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

Yes... you guessed it!... Time for a Valentines challenge at dutch dare-card challenges.
You can create a valentine or love themed card this week using the colours red and/or pink and/or white.

My card to inspire you :

The hearts were cut with my oval dies as shown here. The sentiment is computer generated and available here for you to use as well!

Challenges :

just us girls challenge ~Sketch
crafting for all seasons ~ love is in the air
creative belli blog ~ hearts/ valentine
digi stamps 4 joy ~ love
divas by design challenge ~ love is in the air
fab n funky challenges ~ love is in the air
papercraft star ~ hearts
pennys challenges ~ love is in the air
the pixie cottage ~ red or sketch
simon says stamps ~ love is in the air

Thanks for visiting me today!

Less is more Aqua

2012-02-07T11:38:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

Taking on the color challenge at less is more, with the help of the sketch at
sketchbook-saturday-challenge-48

Thanks for visiting me today!

A recipe challenge at Robyn's fetish

2012-02-05T16:00:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Sunday again...that means it's time for a challenge at robyns fetish!

The recipe for today is... 2 papers, 1 ribbon , 1 die cut item and some bling.

Sponsored by our own Robyn, offering the winner 3 images from her store.
Some inspiration for you...

Image is hearts and flowers , colored with promarkers and bling added with foil accent and glitter!

Challenges

one stop craft challenge ~ for the one I love
do it with digis ~ hearts
card makin mamas ~ valentines
crafty anns challenge ~ love is in the air
delicious doodles challenge ~ all loved up
fussy and fancy ~ polka dots
fairytale-challenge ~ love love love
polkadoodle ~ show some love

Thanks for visiting me today!

Letters to Juliet

2012-02-05T10:55:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

On the red carpet with cas-ualfridays!

So many movies to choose from... in the end I decided to go for romance!

I just love this movie. Thought this paper represent the old romantic feeling of the story!

Designed with the help of the sketch from just us girls!

Also entering:

city crafter ~ you've got mail

Thanks for visiting me today!

A special birthday wish

2012-02-03T12:57:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

Sharing a birthday card I made yesterday... using the sketch of freshly made sketches #20.
Color inspiration from color throwdown #177

The flower was printed 4 times (re-sized) from a digital image, and painted with an acrylic pearly paint. Finished off with a pearl in the centre.

Also entering :

whimsy inspires ~ make your own flowers
sassy cheryls challenge ~ use a punch and something shimmery

Thanks for visiting me today!

Challenge #3 at Digi my world

2012-02-01T11:11:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

It's time for a birthday card challenge at digi my world!

Use any of Annie's lovely images and create a birthday card! There are lot's of free images available,so no excuses!

I used the girl from " lift me up" mini set. Isn't she lovely?

The winner of this challenge will receive $8 store credit.

Colored with promarkers.

Challenges :

crafty sentiments ~ punches/dies
die cuttin divas ~ anything goes with a die
sassy cheryls challenge ~ punches and something shimmery (ribbon)
kaboodle doodles ~ something girly
make it monday ~ anything goes
hotshot craft ~ flowers
phindys place challenge ~ birthday card for a child

Thanks for visiting me today!

Part 4 of the birthday sentiments

2012-01-31T14:22:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

Here they are...5, 6 and 7... and I added a few without ages... enjoy!

If you are new to my blog, remember to check the side bar for more free sentiments, or use the "search this blog" facility also in the sidebar!

Click, right click, save as...

Hope you will have so much fun in using these, as I have in making them!

Less is more week 52

2012-01-31T13:12:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Firstly... a big congratulations to simply less is more with this milestone!

My card says "thanks a million" for the inspiration every week!

I remember the day, long before I started blogging, that I discovered Chrissy's blog... and a very clear thought came up in my mind... THIS is what I like... love... and this is the type of cards I want to make!

It took me some time then to start a blog, and even more time to start entering the LIM challenge, because I felt a little bit intimidated by all the wonderful talent!
But now... after almost 5 months of playing along... I really feel at home!

For today's card I punched 7 rows of tulips, colored them with promarkers, and placed them according to the sketch . Added the sentiment and that's it! Clean, simple, and easy!

Hope you like it!

Also entering:

challenge up your life ~ thank you project
crafts 4 eternity ~ CAS
365cards ~ simply stated, 2 word sentiments
paper-crafting journey ~ floral

Thanks for visiting me today!

Part 3 of the birthday sentiments

2012-01-30T07:51:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

Time today for the 3 and 4 year old birthday sentiments!

Please let me know what you think ... and come back soon for the next part of the children's birthday sentiments!

Thanks for visiting me today!

Make it sparkle at Robyn's Fetish - challenge #92

2012-01-29T16:00:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Time for a new challenge at Robyn's Fetish!

We want to see some "sparkle" on your cards this week!

Sponsored this week by gingerloft Digi's.
The winner receives 3 digi's from the sponor!

Hope to see you play along!

Thanks for visiting me today!

Sent with love

2012-01-28T16:19:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

With all the love that's in the air this time of year.... a card to celebrate love!

Sentiment reads "sent with love".

I am sharing it with you in English and Afrikaans today!

Challenges :

cas-ualfridays ~ sketch
allsorts challenge ~ one or more hearts
crafts 4 eternity ~ clean and simple
scrapbookersparadise ~ CAS with hearts

Birthday sentiments for 2 year old's

2012-01-27T15:40:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

Just to remind you that there are lots of free sentiments available on my blog. It is listed in the sidebar
under the label "free sentiments". If you are looking for a specific sentiment, try the "search this blog"

gadget also in the sidebar.

Now for today's freebies!

Click, right click, save and enjoy!

Thanks for visiting me today!

Another mini gift set

2012-01-27T11:36:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

After I finished this mini gift set , I decided to make a few more ! I find it easier to create a CAS card in a smaller format.

The cards measure 74x52mm (+- 3 x 2 inches), and I made a matching envelope with "stamp".

The sentiments are in Afrikaans.

above and below ... wrapped up and ready as a gift!

Challenges :

MAWTT ~ flowers
365 cards ~ mini card
paper-crafting journey ~ flowers
shellys images ~ text /sentiment

tuesday taggers ~ "in the mail"

stampin royalty ~ picture inspiration

The inspiration

Thanks for visiting me today!

All pink!

2012-01-26T12:28:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Sharing a card I made this morning that was inspired by the sketch at freshly made sketches

I rotated the sketch 90 degrees to the right.

I created the scallops the same way as I did HERE.
The "frame" for the flower was also created by masking
.

The sketch:

Other challenges:

my mums craft shop ~ flowers
sir stampalot ~ monochromatic
creative inspirations paint ~ pink

Thanks for visiting me today!

Buttons galore at Dutch dare card challenges!

2012-01-26T11:00:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

I want to invite you to join us this week in our ~button~ challenge at dutch dare card challenges!
Yes, show us your buttons!

Our sponsor this week is robyn's fetish, and the image I used is called " Loretta Angel"
Image colored with promarkers, and dress paper pieced.
Free papers from jak heath

Entering :

flutter by wednesdays ~ fairy/butterfly/angel + embossing
karens doodles ~ paper piecing
make it monday ~ anything goes
paper sundaes~ paper piecing
2 sisters challenge ~ embossing
sketches by carly ~~ sketch

Thanks for visiting me today!

Free sentiments for baby's first birthday

2012-01-24T16:03:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Birthday sentiments for that special first birthday!

I am planning a few follow up posts for second, third etc, birthdays... so keep looking ;-)

... in color today!!!

Click, right click, save and enjoy!
Please leave a comment if you find it useful, and a link back if you use it, would be appreciated!

A BIG thanks to those of you who recently contacted me and showed me your creations!!!

I ♥ it!!!

Greetings

Three things will last forever

2012-01-24T11:46:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

As promised... another black and white card.

I think the possibilities with black and white are endless!

I made a little gift set in 3 different sized polka dots.
Cards sized 74mm x 52mm (A8)

In black and white for cas-ualfridays #36, and with an aperture for less is more week 51 .

The words inside : "geloof, hoop, liefde" is in Afrikaans, and means "faith, hope and love"

I used the cut out to decorate the envelopes.

All wrapped up and ready!

Also entering :

sew many challenges ~ circles
sentimental sundays ~ die cuts

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Love - challenge #91 at Robyns fetish

2012-01-22T16:00:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

This week at Robyns fetish we want to see those cards that show your LOVE!!
Yes Valentine's cards, please!

Our sponsor is Bearly Mine Designs and Robyn's fetish shop.
Bearly dreams Design offers the winner a gorgeous digital paper pack called "LOVE DREAMS" and Robyn offers the winner one digital valentine stamp!

Great prize as you will see... all papers used by the design team this week is from this lovely paper pack and images from Robyn's fetish!

Image colored with promarkers

Sentiment computer generated, and shared with you!

Click, right click, save as... edit to taste (in MS Word, Paint, etc)

Challenges:

allsorts challenge ~ needles and pins
drunken stampers ~ love
Saturday challenge ~ food and drink
Cardmadfairy's ~ ribbon/bow
the poodles parlour ~ love/valentine
simply create too ~ love is in the air
wags n whiskers ~ love/ valentine
craft us crazy ~ valentine/love and/or animals
pixie dust studio ~ polka dots

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Black&white for CAS friday (1)

2012-01-22T14:59:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

Mmm... I love black and white, so I guess there's a reason for the #1 in the title of this post... if time allows, there will be a few more cards for this week's cas-ualfridays challenge!

I love the way this card turned out! It was designed with the help of freshly made sketches #18. LOTS of inspiration over there!

The image is from floppy latte designs, and it's called "Ribbons and roses" from the hat silhouette series.

Also entering :

365cards ~ worlds collide { vintage in a CAS style}
charisma cardz ~ CAS

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

Together forever with Digi my World challenge #2

2012-01-18T12:00:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

With all the love that's in the air this time of the year, we are celebrating love for the next two weeks at
digi my world!

Not only romantic love, but if you're in it together... this challenge is for you!

Create a card with any DMW image for a loved one, family member, co worker, friend or team member!
EASY!
Annie offers the winner store credit of $8!

Come on... go and have a look, there are lots of freebies available too!

I used one of the images of the "little birdie" mini collection.
It was colored with Promarkers.

Sentiment computer generated and shared with you!

Click, right click, save as and enjoy!

Challenges :

make it monday ~ anything goes

nettie g's'~ Whispers of the spring to come (pastels)

paper creations ink ~ love romance

there she goes ~ back to nature

that craft place ~ home sweet home

Thanks for visiting!

Free valentine's sentiment part 5

2012-01-17T18:52:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

I think this is the last of the Valentine's sentiments... I am suffering from a bad case of "computer shoulders". Sore stiff neck and shoulder muscles, ouch!
Too many hours of creating and blogging... not even yesterday's massage helped :-(

But here they are... "Love is in the air" in 10 different ways!

Click, right click , save and enjoy!

Please let me know if you find them useful... and a link back if you use them will be appreciated!

Thanks for visiting!

Inspired !

2012-01-16T07:33:00.002+04:00

Hi there

I bet you can tell there's a few challenges going on that got me all inspired??

They are :

simply less is more ~ one layer birds
just us girls challenge ~ create a stamping collage
cas-ualfridays ~ scallops

Also entering : lets ink it up ~ anything goes, rubber stamps only.

Since the 3 challenges are some of my favourites
{ :-D} in blogland...I thought... why not combine it and see what happens?

The scallops were created by masking with a template which I have cut from plain paper. Stamped with a damask background stamp.
Sentiment in Afrikaans, finished off with the little swallow stamp, and metallic embellishments.

Thanks for looking!

Robyns fetish challenge #90 Animals

2012-01-15T16:05:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

Sunday means it's time for a new challenge at robyns fetish challenge blog!
An easy one today... Animals!

Our sponsor this week is di's digi downloads, offering the winner of the challenge a $10 voucher to her shop!

The image I used is from robyns fetish shop, and it's called "an elephant never forgets"
I colored it with promarkers. The flowers were punched from white card stock, and also colored with promarkers.
Sentiment computer generated, and yours too if you like it!

Challenges :

totally papercrafts ~ spots and stripes

cute card thursday ~ you're having a laugh

moving along with the times ~ spots and stripes

i love promarkers ~ cute and cuddly

lil red wagon .blogspot.com ~ yellow polkadots

one stop craft challenge.~ on the spot and ribbon

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Blue bird

2012-01-15T09:05:00.003+04:00

Hi there

A wonderful cool Sunday morning in the desert... an occasion to celebrate... as soon the days will get longer and hotter :'-(

I made this card for the "one layer-birds" challenge at less is moore. I only had this one challenge in mind, but as I took the pictures and started with the post, I realized that in a CAS way this is also a collage of stamps, so I decided to enter it to the just us girls challenge to create a card by using the collage stamping technique.

My cousin sent me this gorgeous gift all the way from South-Africa. I just love the birds... and not only was this the inspiration for this card, but also the template!

The ink, stamps and template used

The technique:

My card:

A close up:

Also entering:

crazy 4 challenges ~ monochromatic in blue
pennys challenges. ~ Birds
craft-roomchallenge~ CAS
addicted-to-stamps-challenge ~ blue

Thanks for visiting!

A stamping collage for JUGS#119

2012-01-14T13:18:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Back with my second post on this lovely tranquil Saturday morning!

It's a technique challenge...

. . . and hopefully not too noticeable that it is out of my comfort zone!

But I tried , and here it is...

I used Tim Holtz distress ink "vintage photo"

Also entering :

card makin mamas ~ use something new (new stamp set)
polka doodle ~ vintage
crafty creations challenges ~ something new (new stamp set, new technique)
anything challenge ~ anything goes
incy wincy designs ~ vintage
hooked on craft challenges ~ try something new (new technique)

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Scallops for CAS challenge 35

2012-01-14T10:33:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Sharing my card for this week's challenge at cas-ualfridays

This one got me thinking and digging deep in my craft drawers... to find this paisley stamp with it's scalloped edge. I LOVE paisley and the stamp inspired me to make this card!

Other challenges:

the stamp man challenges ~ use red
i brake for challenges ~ clean and simple
craft-room challenge ~ clean and simple

Thanks for looking!

Dutch dare challenge ~ for the boys

2012-01-12T11:02:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

At last... my first card for the dutch dare Design Team!

Our theme this week ~ 'for the boys'

Our sponsor ~ karens doodles! Karen has THE most GORGEOUS images! So difficult to choose !!!
I used "Bigsby juggling" to create a birthday card for a boy.

A close up of the digi... colored with Promarkers.

Sentiment... computer generated .

You are welcome to use it on your projects... if you are new to my blog, please browse the "free sentiment" label in the side bar for more sentiments!

The corner was decorated using one tile of teabag folding... instructions to fold found HERE!

Challenges :

sketches by carly ~ Sketch
crafty cardmakers~ no floral embellishments
make it monday ~ make it monday
birthday sundaes ~ Birthday sentiment + something new (the brads are new)
marks finest papers ~use brads or eyelets
celebrate the occasion ~ child's birthday

Thanks for visiting my blog!

A little reminder

2012-01-12T08:21:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Just wanted to remind you about the Sketch challenge this week at robyns fetish challenge!

The generous prize is 4 digi's sponsored by delicious doodles.

The sketch :

You still have 2 days to enter!

Thanks for looking!

Free Valentine's sentiments part 4

2012-01-11T13:06:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

After 3 weeks of having some family over from South-Africa, our home is very quiet today.
So I thought... today is the day to get crafting ... just to find out my mojo is on strike!

So... no card today, only more sentiments for your Valentine projects.

Here it is... LOVE in 10 different ways!

Click, right click, save as... and enjoy!
Don't forget to check the sidebar for more sentiments!

Please let me know if you find it useful, and if you use it, be kind to link back?

Thanks so much for visiting my blog!

Free Valentine's sentiment (part 3)

2012-01-09T16:06:00.004+04:00

Hi there!

I made a few circle Valentine's sentiments to share!

Remember to check the side bar for more free sentiments

Click on the image, right click , save image as... and enjoy!

If you find it useful, I would like to know... if you use it... be kind to link back ?

And a BIG thanks for visiting for blog!!!

A sketch challenge (89) at Robyns Fetish challenge blog

2012-01-08T16:00:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

We have a great sketch for you this week at robyns fetish challenge, designed by our team member Cindy!

The sketch:

I turned the sketch vertically.

Our sponsor this week is delicious doodles. The winner will receive 4 images of choice!
I used the 'cupcake fairy' for my card.

Image colored with promarkers .

Challenges

2 sisters challengeblog - things with wings
card crafters circle - make it colorful
frosted designs -cardstock only (no patterned paper)
crafting for all seasons - fairies
flutter by wednesdays - fairy , angel or butterfly

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Valentine's sentiments (part 2)

2012-01-04T17:07:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

As promised ...

While uploading these... I realised that I have posted more than 100 free sentiments!

Milestone !!!
Enjoy... and please ... let me know if you find them useful !

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Digi my world challenge 10 - light up my life! (includes tutorial 'how to use an oval die cut to create a heart shape')

2012-01-04T14:34:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Challenge time at digi my world!

Theme this week is 'light up my life'. We challenge you to make a card for that someone you just can't life without!
Prize this week is $10 store credit ! Use any DMW image and create a card for that someone special!

Image colored with promarkers

Sentiment computer generated says "Vir jou" in Afrikaans or "for you" in English

The heart shape was created by using an oval die cut... ( my top tip for TTT)
Here's how I did it.

Start by folding a piece of card stock in half. Position your die cut carefully as shown.

Run through your die cut machine

You can go further and create a frame, using a smaller die cut inside the shape you created.

You can deal with the fold that forms, creatively! I worked with the fold rather than trying to disguise it... but there are other ways to deal with it as well. If you use printed paper/ card stock, the fold is hardly visible!

Challenges

make it monday - anything goes
the pink elephant challenge - anything goes
sentimental sunday - anything goes with a sentiment
delicious doodles challenge - anything goes
bearlymine-challenges - anything goes
craft-room challenge - anything goes
crafty sentiments love and romance
stamp-n-doodle - anything goes
top tip tuesday - anything goes
heart song inspirations - anything goes
incy wincy designs - anything goes

Thanks for visiting my blog!

News to share!

2012-01-02T21:16:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

Just wanted to let you know that I was chosen to join the design team of dutch dare-cardchallenges

I am so excited !

I will contribute my first card on the 12th of January!
Challenges posted every Thursday!

Thanks for visiting!

Freebie time again! - Valentine's sentiments

2012-01-02T10:11:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

{click on the balloons in the sidebar to read about my birthday celebration}

With New years day something of the past, I guess it's time to get the freebies on the go again!
The next big day on the calender for card makers must be ... Valentine's day!

Here is the first of a few Valentine's sentiments for you. I am planning to post more in the upcoming days/ weeks... so be sure to come back and get some more!

Enjoy!!! And please let me know if you take something or think it is useful!

For more free sentiments check the label 'free sentiments' in the sidebar!

Thanks for visiting!

Always there... challenge 88

2012-01-01T16:00:00.003+04:00

Hi there!

Yes it's Sunday...and a very special Sunday... the first day of 2012!

So... happy new year! may you be blessed in the new year!

Sunday also means time for a challenge at I did it creations. To kick of the new year with a bang we have a 'anything goes' week!
Our sponsor this week is robyns fetish and the lucky winner will receive 3 images of her choice!

My card to inspire you...

Image used - angie angel - colored with promarkers . Dress and bow paper pieced with polka dot paper

Sentiment computer generated

Challenges :

charisma cardz - anything goes
digi doodle - anything goes
crafting for all seasons - fairies
i love promarkers -anything goes
my mums craft shop -anything goes
tanda stamps - pink
city crafter - make the cut
top tip tuesday -anything goes
prairie fairy fridays. - things with sparkly wings
crafting when we can challenges. - friends
pile it on challenge- Anything goes

Thanks for visiting my blog!

A gingerbread Christmas at IDIC (challenge #87)

2011-12-25T16:00:00.002+04:00

Hi everyone!

Before anything else... MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May you have a blessed day with your families all over the world!

Today's challenge is sponsored by robyns fetish.

Prize : 1 image of the winner's choice from the Robyn's Fetish store, or 2 images if the winner has used a Robyn's fetish image.

Short and sweet today... my card :

Colored using promarkers... dots and stripes created by simply dotting and making stripes with the blender pen while green and blue ink were wet!

Challenges :
card crafters circle ~ Christmas
crafts 4 eternity ~ embossing
crafting for all seasons ~ Christmas
crafts and me challenges Christmas
i love promarkers ~ anything goes

Thanks for looking!

A bright new year with Digi my World ( Challenge # 9 )

2011-12-21T20:31:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

With Christmas only days away, it means that 2012 is very close!

We invite you to share a card using any DMW image , colored in your brightest colors, for the CHALLENGE running over the next two weeks!

Winner receives $20 store credit! Now that's a BRIGHT prize!

My card to inspire you...

Image colored with PROMARKERS.
Sentiment computer generated.

Challenges entering:

craft your passion challenges ~ thing with wings
theres magic in the air ~ anything goes with a bird
Christmas inspirations ~ new years card
hot shot craft ~ use promarkers
make it monday ~ anything goes
i love promarkers. ~ anything goes

Thanks for visiting my blog!

I did it creations challenge 86 ~ thank you

2011-12-18T16:00:00.005+04:00

Hi there!

Sunday again and time for a new challenge at I did it creations !

This week we want to see your thank you cards!

We are sponsored by stitchy bear stamps!
Winner receives 1 image of choice from Stitchy stamps and 2 images if you used a Stitchy stamps image to enter the challenge!

So come on... show us what you can come up with!

For my card I used "the kiss". Her outfit was paper pieced... and the rest colored with PROMARKERS.

The sentiment is my own (computer generated) ~ shared with you!

For more sentiments to use on your cards, check the " free sentiment" label in the side bar!

Challenges

meljensdesigns ~ no rectangles
shellys images ~ anything goes
scrapbook sisters ~ 2 colors
the paper variety ~ anything goes
craft-roomchallenge ~ die cuts and punches
the poodles parlour ~ thank you

Thanks for visiting my blog!

On a CAS musical note

2011-12-18T13:23:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

When I saw this week's theme at less is more , I just couldn't resist using one of the sentiments I created last week.

{click HERE to view post "1 sentiment ~ 10 different ways".

... and with limited time for crafting this time of the year...I combined the musical theme with the "signed, sealed, delivered" theme of cas-ualfridays and came up with this!

The inside of the card...

Also entering : the poodles parlour ~ thank you

Hope you like it!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

One sentiment - ten different ways!

2011-12-16T11:55:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

{remember to click on the balloons in the side bar to join in the birthday fun!}

***

Hope you are doing fine? Only 9 days to Christmas .... can you believe?

I played with "just a note" and came up with several interpretations!

Enjoy... and please let me know if you take something!

Thanks for visiting my blog... have a great day!

A few friendship/feel good sentiments!

2011-12-14T15:04:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

{Remember to click the balloons in the sidebar if you want to join the birthday fun!}

With today being the last school day of the year for our high school daughter, and our other daughter (studying in Switzerland) coming home in 3 days... it is the first time that I have the "feeling of the season" !

Something for you to make you smile ;-)

Enjoy the freebies!

Please make me smile and let me know if you take something...

Thanks for the visit!

His and hers sentiments

2011-12-11T16:44:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Just by changing the font you use for a sentiment, one can change the whole 'feeling' of that sentiment.

For today , I created 2 groups of sentiments...

The first group (girly) is available for everyone... the second group (manly) only for those already following my blog, as well as the first 5 new followers...

So, if your not a follower and you want to receive the second group of sentiments, hit the follow button and leave a comment saying that you are a new follower, add your follower name, and e-mail, I'll e-mail them to you...

Those already following and interested in using it... please feel free to let me know, also by leaving a comment with your follower name and e-mail address.

To take a closer look... click on the image... if you like what you see... right click... save as... you know the story!

Group 1 ~ girly sentiments

Group 2 ~ male sentiments.

I really hope you can use it!
If you do... Enjoy!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Santa's getting ready at IDIC - challenge 85

2011-12-11T16:03:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Yes... in 2 week's time it's Christmas!!!

And Santa should get ready!

This week the design team at i did it creations is sponsored by gingerloft digi stamps!

You want to know what you can win?? The lucky winner gets 3 images of her choice from our lovely sponsor!

My card to inspire you...

The image is called 'reindeer carousel' and was colored with PROMARKERS.

Challenges:

2 sisters challenge #69 ~ Christmas
Crafty Emma #65 ~ traditional Christmas
creations by gill m #21 ~ red and green
one stop craft challenge #161 ~ traditional Christmas
card makin mamas #35 ~ Christmas
hotshot craft #1 ~ use promarkers
colour create challenge #85 ~ red white and green
for ever friends challenge #12 ~ Christmas & include an animal
paper -crafting journey ~ Christmas

Thanks for visiting my blog!

CAS-ual Friday challenge # 31 ~ In the Mist

2011-12-10T14:45:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

{if you arrived here from the free digital stamp blog, and you are looking for my free winter sentiments, please click HERE!}

Hope you are doing fine on this lovely Saturday morning?

Sharing my card for this week's cas-ualfridays technique challenge! ~ 'misting'

I lightly sprayed my background paper with silver paint from a spray can. The bottom layer of the card has a mandala printed on it - can be found HERE.

Sentiment computer generated. Yours if you like it!

Other challenges:

phindys place challenge ~ clean and simple
crafting for all seasons ~ white on white
cupcake craft challenges ~ create you own backing paper

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Christmas time at Robyn's fetish!

2011-12-07T16:01:00.003+04:00

Hi there!

{if you arrived here from the free digital stamp site, and you are looking for my free winter sentiments, click HERE! , or scroll down... thanks!}

Time to show some new images at robyn's fetish shop !

I used the 'Christmas cottage' which you will find in the holiday section under Christmas! There are LOVELY images available!!!!

You can visit The I did it creations challenge blog for more inspiration by my DT members!

My card!

Colored with PROMARKERS...

Sentiment used is one of my own... you can find it (and a lot more) HERE
For something to print INSIDE your Christmas cards... look HERE!

Challenges:
ooh-la-la-creations challenges ~ lots of sparkle
cutie pie challenge ~ pastel Christmas
the ribbon reel challenge ~ anything goes
shellys images ~ snow
some odd girl ~ easel card
digistamps4joy ~ Christmas - no animal
stampavie and more ~ easel card
creatalicious challenges ~ sparkly Christmas
lia stampz. ~ fancy folds
the hybrid chick ~ make it sparkle
come and get it challenges ~ anything Christmas
i love promarkers ~ a shaped card

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Challenge time at Digi my world!

2011-12-07T06:00:00.005+04:00

Hi there!

If you arrived here from "Free digital stamps'... and you are looking for my winter sentiments, click HERE!

I can't believe that 2 weeks can pass so fast!

This week's theme... A Winter wonderland !

You can use any DMW image related to Winter, snow... etc! and WIN!! ~ $10 store credit!
That's worth a try... Annie has really lovely digi's in her store!

My card:

I colored the image with my PROMARKERS. Tried something I saw somewhere in blog land... After I colored with pink, I used my blender pen to create the polka dots on the boots , and the stripes on the scarf.
I just love the effect!
The sentiment is my own... and as usual, I'm sharing it with YOU!
You can find more of those in the side bar labeled "free sentiments"

Challenges :

dream valley challenges ~ Sparkle
ginger loft challenge ~ Christmas/winter
pink gem challenge ~ monochromatic, non Christmas with sentiment
designed 2 delight ~ snow
drunken stampers ~ monochromatic
marks finest papers ~ favorite embellishment (ribbon)
one stop craft challenge ~ let it snow
sweet stampin challenge blog ~ snow
Cardmadfairy's ~ winter wonderland
totally papercrafts ~ let it snow
4craftychicks. ~ birthday
delightful challenges ~ let it snow

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Another try at...

2011-12-06T20:04:00.004+04:00

Hi there!

{If you are looking for the free winter sentiments , click HERE!}

.... shabby chic vintage!

Yes, every now and then I challenge myself to break away from the CAS - ways to do something like this~

Successful? I don't know, but I think this is as close it can get !
The image is from the graphics fairy, and the sentiment my own (computer generated).

.... yes, I'm sharing it with you! Mine is in Afrikaans, saying 'wishing you luck' or it can also mean 'happy birthday' ~ so yours in English!

The version you see on the card was edited in MS Word.

Challenges

stamp and create ~ Vintage
mojomonday ~ sketch
stamps & fun=creativity ~ pearls
crafts and me challenges ~ pearls and swirls
i brake for challenges ~ vintage
anything challenge ~ cutting corners

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Free winter sentiments

2011-12-06T10:53:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

{ To read about my blog's first birthday celebrations and how you can win by being a follower.... click on the balloons in the sidebar }

Although it's Winter here in the Northern hemisphere... it's never really winter here where I live ;-)

This is however the most wonderful time of the year (weather wise) with day temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees C and night temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees C!

For those of you experiencing REAL winter... and those of you who want to make a card for someone in a cold place... Here's a bunch of free winter sentiments!

I used "open fonts" in some of them. They are so versatile, as they can be colored, paper pieced or used as is, depending on how big or small you choose to use your sentiment!

To show you how you can use these sentiments, here's a few examples :

You can find this sentiment HERE! It was paper pieced...

More... this was colored with PROMARKERS...

This was colored and dotted with the blender pen while the ink was wet...

This was also colored with PROMARKERS, and crosses made while the ink was wet...

Colored with different shades of PROMARKERS...

Enjoy!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Happy birthday to you!

2011-12-05T08:56:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

{ To read about my blog's first birthday celebrations, please click on the balloons in the side bar!}

It's color challenge time at less is more this week ~ color : green.

I think I have enough Christmas cards, so I decided to make a birthday card with the sentiment as main feature.

The sentiment is computer generated. What is nice about this type of open font, is that you can do so much with it. If you keep it small, you can leave it as is, or only edit the color. If you use it in a bigger format, you can color it with markers or paper piece it like I did in this card.

I paper pieced each letter with a different patterned paper (great way to use scraps!)

As always... I'm sharing it with... YOU!

There are more like this one in the side bar labeled "free sentiments". You are welcome to use it. A link back would be appreciated!

Other challenges

make it monday ~ anything goes
pink gem challenge ~ monochromatic, non Christmas, with sentiment
drunken stampers ~ monochromatic
4 crafty chicks ~ birthday

Thanks for your visit!

I did it creations challenge 84

2011-12-04T16:00:00.005+04:00

Hi there!

I am so excited today! This is my first card for the IDIC design team

So here I am to inspire you for this week's challenge...flowers! If I cant inspire you, I am sure this lovely prize from floppy lattes designs will inspire you!

Prize ~ 1 image of your choice, and 2 images if you used a Floppy latte Design image!
So come on... get those creative juices flowing!

I colored the image with my PROMARKERS, and the sentiment was computer generated.

You are welcome to use the sentiment...

Challenges

divas by design challenge ~ anything goes
fab n funky challenges ~ anything goes
do you stack up ~ ribbon
crafty purple frog challenges ~ for someone special
a gem of a challenge ~ monochromatic, non Christmas with a sentiment
catch the bug blog ~ anything goes
craft your days away ~ buttons or bows
drunken stampers ~ monochromatic
marks finest papers ~ use your favorite embellishment (ribbon)
card makin mamas ~ sentiments

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Made with love

2011-12-04T10:50:00.005+04:00

Hi there!

The moment I saw the sketch Elise gave us this week at the "just us girls challenge", I knew exactly what I wanted to do! In my mind I saw the back pocket of a pair of jeans... and came up with this card!

The lovely denim texture paper is available (free) at scrapdot, and the sentiment my own.

I colored the background of the sentiment with my PROMARKERS (poppy) to create the effect of a label.
You are welcome to use my sentiment...

There are more listed in the side bar ~ labeled "free sentiment" .

The sketch

Challenges :craft your days away ~ buttons or bows

cardmakin mamas ~ use a sentiment

frosted designs~ music ( my card inspired by " baby makes her blue jeans talk")

ai Factory ~ something red

charisma cardz ~ spots

DYSU ~ ribbon

the sisterhood of crafters ~ polka dots

shopping our stash ~ digi sentiment

stamp with fun ~ stitching

Thanks for your visit... I'll be back later today with my first card as IDIC DT member!

The best things in life are free!

2011-12-02T12:56:00.001+04:00

Hi there with my second post for today!

The first post didn't feature a card , but something about the special day celebrated today in this part of the world. You can read about it HERE!

On to my card for today...

The sentiment is one of my own, you can find it (and others) HERE!
More free sentiments available (see side bar - labeled 'free sentiments') - you are welcome to use them!
A link back to spread the news would be appreciated!

Challenges :

cas-ualfridays ~ tic tac toe (I chose : pink,chevron,aqua for my card)

DYSU ~ tie a ribbon

southern girls challenge ~ ribbon
pennys challenges ~ tie one on

Thank you for visiting!

National day in the UAE

2011-12-02T08:57:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

Today the UAE is celebrating it's 40th birthday!

It is a big day here for the UAE Nationals, and with it being 40 years today... everything in the city is colored in the colors of the flag.

The UAE is a very small country in the Middle East. It is a federation of 7 emirates - Dubai ( perhaps the best known to the world) , Abu Dhabi (where we live), Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al- Khaimah, Sharjah and Um al- Quwain. The capital is Abu Dhabi. Islam is the official religion, and Arabic the official language.

The country rely on its oil reserves for its income, as well as tourism, these days.

The climate is sub tropical-arid with hot summers and warm winters. In summer time, temperatures easily hit 45 - 53 degrees C. (113 - 127 deg F)

The UAE is also known for its cultural diversity.

That's just some interesting facts for those not familiar with the place!
Now for some photos to show the patriotism of the people!

Thanks for visiting!

Motivational word art

2011-12-01T10:20:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

I have 4 new quotes in word art for you today!
These are quotes I stumbled upon, and the authors unknown to me...
I therefor don't claim these as my wisdom at all! I only transformed them into word art for your personal use!

Enjoy!

For those interested in winning while celebrating my blog's first birthday ~ click HERE !
PLEASE help me reach my goal ;-)

Please be kind and link back?

Thanks for visiting my blog!

A bookmark

2011-11-28T22:15:00.003+04:00

Hi there!

This bookmark was inspired by the lovely bookmarks made by blogging friend Sharon!

I thought it was time to break away from card making !

Before I started my blog, I used to make lots of cards featuring teabag folding, a technique I love.

Now I try ways to incorporate teabag folding as a way of making embellishment, or using just one tile (in a bigger format) in an interesting way!

For my bookmark, I used a square of 15x15 cm. (teabag tiles usually measure between 3 and 5 cm)

This is a basic fold, which I decorated, and since it makes a "pocket" it is ideal to serve as a bookmark.
Here you will find the instructions for this fold!
I just added the eyelets, ribbon, pin, flourish, flower and button!

So easy and effective!

Challenges :

make it monday ~ anything goes
creative inspirations paint.blogspot.com ~ anything but a card
pile it on challenge ~ sugar and spice
sketchy colors ~ pink and white
ribbon girls ~ ribbon + pink and white
craft your days away ~ buttons or bows
fussy and fancy challenge ~ make a gift... no cards
moving along with the times ~ ribbons and bows
paper-craftingjourney ~ anything goes
divas by design challenge ~ monochromatic
the sisterhood of crafters ~ polkadots
craftybloggers network ~ something other than a card (3D)

Thanks for visiting my blog!

CAS wedding anniversary

2011-11-26T15:43:00.000+04:00

Hi there!

We have a few upcoming wedding anniversaries in the family , so I decided to create 3 cards using the same design, just different coloring!

I saw the sketch at clean and simple stamping, and knew that was the right design. Only to finish all 3 cards and then noticing I should have used a sentiment where I used an image!
I decided to post it anyway, because after all... it is only a fun challenge!

Which color do you like most?

I decided not to color the whole image...only a few accents ... as to strengthen the CAS feeling!

The damask paper is digi paper from dbs digi scraps, and the image is from a coloring page!
Never under estimate digital coloring sites! They have GORGEOUS images... all free!
The sentiment reads "a wedding anniversary" in Afrikaans.

I am sharing that ( and a few others) with you in English!

For more free sentiments, look under labels in the side bar !

Other challenges :

dutch dare-card challenges recipe (ribbon, image, patterned paper, pearls)
moving along with the times ~ ribbons and bows
papercraft star ~ anything goes
quirky crafts ~ CAS

Thanks for visiting my blog!

New year sentiments!

2011-11-24T09:50:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

{To read how you can win with my blog's 1st birthday celebrations, click on the balloons in the side bar!!!}

2012 Still seems so be very far... but in fact, just a little more than a month... and then we are there!

So for those of you who want to make a few "happy new year's " cards - here's something to help!

Enjoy the freebies, and please link back / hit the follow button if you really feel thankful!

Thanks for your visit!

Challenge time at Digi my world

2011-11-23T06:00:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

Hope you are doing fine on this Wednesday morning!

{To see how YOU can WIN and I can reach my goal for my blog's first birthday, click HERE!}

{If you are looking for my Christmas sentiments, click HERE!}

On to the challenge...

It is time for 'anything goes' with a DMW image. Yes you can use anything from the shop, or even one of plenty freebies. Just come and play along and win store credit!

I used this image before for a previous challenge, but couldn't resist using it again. I love this cutie.If you want to see what I did the previous time, click HERE!

My card for today...

The sentiment was computer generated and reads " happy birthday - to someone special"

I made one in English to share with you :

For more free sentiments, check labels in side bar

Challenges :

birthday sundaes ~ Birthday card... use old neglected stock (I 've had this silky flowers for a long time - I colored it with my promarkers to match this card's color scheme)
crafty card makers ~ recycled { - flowers recycled by coloring it with promarkers }
sir stampalot challenge ~ blue and green
sketchy colors ~ sketch
the hybrid chick ~ birthday theme

Thanks for visiting!

Less is more - silhouettes

2011-11-22T12:04:00.003+04:00

Hi there!

(Please scroll down if you are looking for my Christmas sentiments or look in the side bar , labeled 'free sentiments')

Sharing my card for this week's 'less is more' on this lovely Tuesday morning!

One of my favorites ~ silhouettes!

The stamps are digi's from shery k designs

Sentiment computer generated - font used is LainieDaySH.- (for other free sentiments check sidebar - labels)

Other challenges :
crafting when we can challenges ~ female birthday
quirky crafts ~ CAS
patties creations challenge ~ birthday
make it monday ~ anything goes

Thanks for visiting my blog

Great news to share!

2011-11-21T16:00:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

(for free Christmas sentiments - scroll down or check the label 'free sentiment' in the side bar)

Just a short post to share my great news!

I was chosen to join the I did it Creations challenge blog.'s design team!

This really is a great place to be, because it is not only a challenge blog, it is also the perfect place to meet new people, and learn a lot with weekly tutorials!

Please pop over and see for yourself! My team members are listed in the side bar if you want to take a look at their work!

I hope you'll join me from Sunday , December 4th , when I start this new experience with my first DT card for IDIC !

Thanks for reading!

Free Christmas sentiments

2011-11-20T10:35:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

I had time this weekend to create some Christmas sentiments for you!

***To read how you can win while celebrating my blog's upcoming birthday, click HERE !!!***

Be sure to look in the side bar for various other sentiments/word art. If you are stuck with what to print on the inside of your Christmas cards , click HERE!

So here they are!
4 Circle Sentiments :

and 4 rectangles :

Thanks for looking... hope you enjoy the freebies... I'd LOVE to see what you can create with it!

A Christmas Birdie

2011-11-19T20:02:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

Winter time here in Abu Dhabi reminds me of Summer in South-Africa, where I come from. Today was a great 'winter' day with temperatures still up to 32 degree Celsius! So with that Spring feeling in mind, I headed to the nursery and got some Petunia seedlings to plant. Our 'garden' here is restricted to a few containers, as garden soil is a scarce commodity ... sand a plenty, yes, but that doesn't work so well to get something growing!

So , with my gardening finished (and my back aching) I headed to the craft room for a quick Christmas card!

I did some word art for the inside of my Christmas cards... you can find it HERE!

Various other word art/ sentiments are listed in the side bar (top).

The sentiment is computer generated and reads 'Merry Christmas' in Afrikaans.

Challenges :

cas-ualfridays ~ sketch
winter wonderland ~ what a cutie
paper pretties ~Christmas in non traditional colours
forever friends challenge~ Christmas is coming (include an animal)

Thanks for visiting my blog!

More free sentiments!

2011-11-17T09:57:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Time flies when you're having fun! My blog's first birthday is coming up! Yes... on the 3 of March 2012 it will be one year since I published my first post !
If I look back I know that I have learned so much during this time. Not only did I learn more about card making, I have also met a lot of new people all over the world! And although the chances are slim for me to meet anyone in person... it really feels as if I know them all !

To celebrate my blog's first birthday, I want to try the following!

If I can reach 100 followers (Facebook followers included) by the 3rd of March 2012, I will throw all the names of my followers in a hat, and draw 5 names. The 5 lucky ones can e-mail me with a greeting or sentiment of their choice, and I will use that greeting/sentiment and transform it to word art according to their instructions! (to the best of my ability ;-)

Good news...

If I don't reach my goal... I will still do a draw to reward a few followers!

So let's see what we can do! I know it's still a long way to go to 100... but ... it's worth a try!

To kick of the attempt... here's some new ones I made! I will have new ones on a regular base!
(Some more sentiments listed in the top of the side bar)

Thanks for visiting my blog and enjoy the freebies!

One layer leaves at LIM

2011-11-14T17:23:00.003+04:00

Hi there!

Like Chrissie said in this week's post... a one layer card made me shiver only a few weeks ago... but now I really enjoy the challenge!

She also challenged us to interpret the challenge creatively! I only have one leaf stamp, so I suppose I could have used it, but I wanted to try something else !

So... My card is all digital ! (except for the pearl embellishments).

There is no short way to explain what I did (looks complicated , but it took only about 30 minutes). So please bear with me ;-)

I downloaded this beautiful free paper from cardmaking and paper craft to make my card. The format of the paper is a pdf document, so I did the following after the download :

1) Click on 'edit'
2) Click on 'take a snapshot'
3) Choose the paper you want to work with, and select the area by clicking and dragging the required area you want to work with.
4) Copy the selected area to a the program you want to edit it in. I copied it to MS Word.
5) It looks like this :

6) Add your sentiment ( I used 'new garden' font for mine - it reads 'it's your birthday' - in Afrikaans)
7) print your document on plain paper

8) Prepare your card front and position it on the printed paper exactly where you want it.

use a light box or a window...

9) Stick your card front to the paper with double sided tape, and print again . Make sure which way your printer feeds...

10) Remove the card front from the paper (careful)

11) Measure and score the back of your card, and attach it to the front with double sided tape.
12) Embellish (if you wish to)

I am sure there are other more sophisticated ways to achieve the same effect, but this is what I have at my disposal, and this is the way I used it.

The tutorial was tested on my hubby, and he said he would be able to make a card just like mine!

And ... at last!! The end result!!

Also entering :
outlaws ~ CAS ~ favourite patterned paper
make it monday~ anything goes

Thank you so much for visiting my blog!

A birthday wish

2011-11-13T12:14:00.002+04:00

Hi there!

Sharing a card for a 4 challenges today. . . + sentiments for your birthday projects!

The cas-ualfridays challenge

As well as ... wee memories challenge

dutchdare-cardchallenges ~ punches and dies ( punched tags)
and
little miss muffet challenges ~ simplicity

The sentiment on my card is in Afrikaans and it says " a birthday wish"

As with my last few posts, I'm sharing the sentiment I've made, with you in English
( as well as a few others you might be able to use on your birthday cards.)

Thank you for visiting my blog... please let me know if you think you can use my sentiments!!

Something for the inside of your Christmas cards !

2011-11-10T10:34:00.001+04:00

Hi there!

Are you stuck sometimes with what to write/print INSIDE your cards?

Here's something I made to use inside my Christmas cards, and I thought I'd share it with you!

There are more free sentiments listed in the sidebar (top)!

Please leave a comment if you think you can use it ;-)

Enjoy!