A favourite LOTV stamp

Last november I managed to get to the NEC and while there I could not resist one of my favourites,  Lily of the Valley.  The trouble is I love their stamps so much I couldn't decide which 4 to treat myself to,  so I spent ages just walking back and forth repeatedly looking at them all, my daughter by now beginning to sigh heavily in frustration.  Well to cut a long story short, I didn't buy this one and regretted it when I got home.   So, to salve my crafting broken heart I went online and treated myself to a few more stamps, the one I have used on todays card included.  So now.......  a happy chicky again and no daughter sighing over my shoulder!  lol!!   I am so grateful to my daughter, she is a darling and without her I wouldn't have been able to go to the show in the first place.

What do you think of these papers, aren't they beautiful?  They are from a pad of My Minds Eye glittered papers and I can't get enough of them, especially this rose one, it gives Pion papers a run for their money I think.    Well that's it for today folks, I am a very busy girl today;  I have my grandson then I am also making the cake decoration for my nieces First Communion on Sunday (remember the invites I made for her), plus I will be helping her mum and brother make cards for her too.
I hope you all have a lovely day.  I will do my best to catch up with all your blogs tomorrow, its the only day I have free so I have lots to cram in.
Oh, before I go, I have updated the Freebies (Tab at top of the page)  it includes a varied mix of papers from Donna at a wonderful site called Bearly Mine Designs.  I just adore the shabby chic and distressed papers.  If you have a couple of mins, stop by and take a look, I think you will find it worthwhile.
Hugs Linda xx

My Recipe:- Base card- ivory linen Papermill Direct.  Pastel green card- Anna Griffin scrapbooking kit.  Paper- MME Lost & Found Market Street glittered papers.  Rosy Posie stamp-  LOTV.   Ivory vintage seam binding ribbon- Sam Poole.  Metal embellishment, Tulips, 10mm & 25mm rose- WOC.  Spellbinders Border die Damask Accents-  Sam Poole.  Peach rose cluster from my stash.

Mini Rosette Card

Good morning all,
Well after a fussy day yesterday, I managed not only to finish my Nevaeh card but also make my mini card below.  I thought I had better get stuck in while I was in a good place, crafing wise, so I had a long hot bath to ease my back and then got straight back to my desk.
Last november, my friends daughter and I were making old book trees ready for Christmas (doing our bit for recycling) and I made up tons and tons of mini, midi and maxy sized rosettes to use as trimmings for the trees (Note to self:- do a tutorial for trees closer to Christmas).  Well I looked in the box this evening and there were two pretty pearlescent ones that just seemed to 'fit' together in more ways than one.  They basically gave me the idea for this card.  At first I was going to use a full sized rosette but it looked a little heavy on the mini card, so I halved it and bobs your uncle, the design took shape.

I used scalloped 8x8 card and folded it to make a 4x4card, so cute!  I layered white card and mini dogstooth (houndstooth to some),  then added the half rosettes.  Now came the problem of how to be able to cover the depth of the folds in the rosette and get a smooth look.  Well I solved that by cutting a strip of scallops off the waste piece of the 8x8 card, (decorated with Tonic Studio flower punch) then I doubled up 2mm foam pads under the main section of the border strip but only 1 layer on the ends.  This covered the rosette and gave it a slight domed shape also.  The pennants were attached again using double foam pads under the center sections and only 1 under the outer ones, to echo the domed shape.

Next I wrapped white vintage ribbon around the top of the pennants and secured it behind the white matt before attaching the layers to the base card.  Last I added a treble bow with the same ribbon (made using the Keepsake bowmaker) and added a pearly button and two small decorative pins to finish it off.
So there we have it, my Mini Rosette card.  I am really pleased with this one.   I think it would also be prefect for a corner bookmark; just change the shape of  the base card.  Which reminds me, please try to take part in the Bookmark challenge.  I have extended the date to the 25th May and I would be thrilled to see what you can do.  I don't have any silly rules other than only two different entries maximum. You can enter it into as many other challenges as you desire.  It's just for a bit of fun for us, doing something a little different and I have some lovely papers from MME for the winner.

Ok well that's it for today, have a good one and thank you all again for your wonderful words for baby Lee.  I haven't any further news at the moment, I think it will be same for a while.  I am just so happy he is strong and fighting to live.
Be happy and craft if you can.    Linda xx

My recipe:-  Papermania 8x8 Scalloped card in rose pink.  White 300gsm Kanban card.   Dogstooth from my stash.  Kanban pearly card for rosettes.  Vintage ribbon from Sam Poole.  Spellbinders Banner Basics Two from Once upon a Stamp.  Pearly button from the Hobby House.   Decorative pins handmade by me.

My first pencil colouring

Evening all,
UPDATE:-  BABY HAS BEEN NAMED LEE.  
Sorry I am a bit late posting this;  boy has it been hectic here today.  My grandson was here till 4.45, then I came straight upstairs to my craftroom to finish my card.  Next thing my daughter telephoned could she come and see me for a cuppa.  That was ok as she will talk to me as I craft, but the next thing we had to make urgent phone calls for my sons University funding and you know what that means -yea, hanging around on the telephone waiting for this dept and then lots of checks before they tell you they can't help you afterall. They needed to talk to my son.  Well he's in Leicester!!  To cut it short, I've told him to ring tomorrow and sort it out.  Phew... now to my card...at last, I know!!! :¬D
Well I managed to finish it and here she is.  Little Nevaeh from the wonderful drawing hand of Krista Smith at Saturated Canary.  Boy I wish I had a finger full of her talent!  If only aye....lol!

This is my first attempt at pencils in over 20years.  I am quite happy with it, but I need to practice the shading and softening more. I will get there I am determined, as I really enjoyed doing it.

Here is a close up of the image for a good look; see what you think...

I think the light interfered with her face a bit.  It honestly isn't as patchy as it looks here.  Maybe I used too much top lighting.

Here's another picture from the side to show you the dimension.  I used a pink patterned vellum butterfly over the top of the pink paper one to give it a bit of extra dimension.  The flower is made from a piece of lace curtain I cut into strips.  I use them to make lace ribbon and flowers.

I hope you like it.  It is something a little different and I think I am going to enjoy exploring this medium more and more.

Well that's it for today, I will try to get something done after my cuppa for tomorrrow.
Thank you all again for your best wishes, not only my little nephew but also the get well wishes sent to me.  I really appreciate them all.  Baby is the same today, holding on thankfully!
Hugs Linda xx

My Recipe:-  Base card Centura Ice white pearl.  Papers are Pink Petticoat downloadables (Baby blue and Blossom pink), All blue cards - The Paper Mill online.  Spellbinders border die (discontinued),  Spellbinders Fanciful Flight Butterfly.  Gems- Bobbity Boo Gems online.  Pearly ribbon slider-WOC.  Metal Embs -Ebay jewellery.  All other embellishments are from my stash.

Colour Blocking

Good morning everyone,
First may I apologise for the missing challenge.  I managed to find out about the Linky tool that is needed for the entries and I immediately applied to use it; however, it said I had to wait for an email with which to activate the account.  I am still waiting!  As I know nothing about this tool and I have been so busy getting my son back to university, I haven't been able to find out any further info.  So, as soon as I am able later today,  I will do web search for some help.  Until that is sorted of course,  I cannot go ahead with the challenge details here. however you can carry on creating your lovely bookmarks in readiness.
Bookmark entries:-  You can enter up to two designs for the challenge, but only if your designs are different styles  eg: Corner and Ribbon wrap.  Anyone entering two identical styles will have the last one they entered disqualified from the challenge.  That makes it fair for everyone who enters.
Who can enter:- Anyone
    Bloggers, link your entry to your blog please using the Linky tool as soon as it is available.
    Non-bloggers, email me the pictures with any details you want included and I will add it to the challenge for you.
As soon as I have the Linky info, I will write up the challenge here and we will get underway.
I hope you will forgive my naivete, I really should have looked this up before mentioning a challenge instead of keeping everyone waiting.  I am truly sorry.

Ok, lets get on to todays card.  I have recently been looking at some of the clothes on the catwalk etc (via the web) and notice that Colour Blocking is still really big and it gave me the basic idea for todays card.  I was quite surprised as it really inspired me and it also allowed me to use some of the decoupage I had cut out months ago and had left just sitting about in a box.  So here it is, very different for me and therefore, a bit of a challenge at first, but I really like it now it's finished.  What do you think?

 The background layers are embossed using the new M-Bossabilities folders from Spellbinders (No EL-005).  The embossed falling flowers seemed to be the perfect backdrop for the little Geisha girl.  Also I added some diecut swirls over more embossing using the inside of the M-Bossabilities folder.  These double sided embossing folders are just lovely, they are easier to store (less of them) plus they are of a larger size too making it easier to emboss bigger areas.
Here is a close-up of the embossing and swirls and another of the little flower spray:

The flowers I added to the side, were from Wild Orchid Crafts, however, I didn't have any orange roses, so I used some plain white ones and coloured them with promarkers.  I used Soft Peach and Orange for the roses and Gold (yellow) for the stamen with Turquoise added to the stems to make them a bluer shade of green to coordinate with the backing card.
I did try adding a little bit of purple to the mix, to bring in the colour of the Geishas hair, but it became too overpowering for me.  I do like colour blocking but sometimes the mix of deep and vibrant shades can be a little too strong for me.
Well, I am now being called by my 3year old grandson, so I had better go now before he decides to come and jump all over me and I end up losing all my hard work to his inquisitive fingers! 
However, before I go I would like to welcome all the new followers and also thank you all so much for the wonderful comments you have left for me recently; I have been blown away by the response to my New Candy.  I am so thrilled that you think it a good idea. 
Thank you again for your patience with me concerning the challenge, we will get it sorted asap I promise.  Have a good day whatever you are doing.  I hope you will be back soon to see what I have for you next time.
Big hugs and best wishes Linda xx

Sue (Bearhouse) please can I have your permission to show some of your cards?  You can email me at lindascreativeharmony@gmail.com, or just put your reply in a comment below. Thanks Linda x

Communion Invitations

Hi everyone,

I am sorry I haven't been about for couple of days but I had to finish the First Communion invitations for my great niece and they had alot more work in them than I first thought.   The specifications given to me were to somehow incorporate a Tiara, small roses, bling, pearls and a cross, of course  (she is under 10 so I had to allow for this also).  It took a bit longer than I allowed and that is why I had nothing to show on my blog the past two days.  I do hope you understand.
I do have a picture to show you at long last.  Now, we already know about my photography skills (yea, I know... 'what skills?'), well I actually managed to get a good clear shot, but realised, only on cropping, that there are more shadows on the card than there are under my eyes!  So have a  little giggle and tell me what you think. 

Here's a close up of the floral piece, with the 'Tiara' beneath it.

I also took a picture of the flowers in the 'make-up' stage, with the dies I used  (only 'cos I want a bit of sympathy :)   I had to cut 7 layers for every single flower, which meant 350 layers with only two dies, it's no wonder I don't want to see another flower;  well at least for a day or two anyway!  Woe is me......!!!!!  (now come on guys, help me out here, I am... really.. really woeful.....ahhhhh!) hee hee hee.

 

My recipe - Base Card 300gsm Centura Pearl,  Fretwork mask,  Pearls &  rhinestones from my stash,  Spellbinders Rose Creations, Labels twenty, and Antique fframes & accents  Spellbinders Spades border die (I think it is out of production)

NOTE The cross is made from two pieces of the Spades border die and interlinked.  I have searched high and low on the Spellbinders blog to find the number for you but cannot find it anywhere on there.  I purchased it from Create & Craft on a show Sue Wilson did back in 2011, but after checking they don't have it either.  So, I will contact Sue to see if she knows anything about it and I will let you know in due course.  I am so sorry about that.  

Well I hope you liked my invitation and think that it passed muster.  I have another card for you tomorrow, so I hope you will pop by.  Don't forget we only need one more follower to have the next candy draw, so tell your friends and make sure you have left a comment on the new Candy post, then I can send out another parcel of goodies.

I hope that today has found you well and you are not getting that 'cant wait for the end of week' feeling quite yet.  I don't know about you, but the only thing I can't wait for at the moment is a steady week of warm sunshine.  The rain was so miserable yesterday, here in South Wales.

Ok, bye for now and enjoy your day, whatever it finds you doing.  Regards and best wishes Linda xx

My first 'Not sure about this one' card

Hi everybody and welcome to my newest followers.
I apologise for not posting this card yesterday as planned.  I needed to take my grandchildren their Easter baskets as I couldn't see them Sunday and we ended up having such a lovely time I was later home than I expected to be.   So, here is the missing post- 
Some time ago I fell in love with the MME Lost &Found Union Square paper pad so much so that I had to buy an extra one..., just incase.  You know what we crafters are like:- 'oh, I can't use that one- just in case' or 'I must have one piece left (just to look at)'.  Not long after acquiring them Sue Wilson did a Spellbinders show on tv and (you've probably worked out the rest....) I bought some.  Oh come on, don't tell me you haven't gone a bit nuts now and again.  I mean,  how can you say no when Sue shows us so beautifully how well they can be used..lol!!  Well that order contained the adorable butterfly and somehow it called out to me the very same time the new papers did.  The result is this:-

My recipe:-  8" x 8" Base Card Ivory Linen 280g, MME bp,  Spellbinders Parisian Motifs & Accent dies, Fancy Tags 1 and Fanciful flight butterfly die,  Metal butterfly,  Red matting card & eyelets from my stash.

So what do you think?
I wasn't too sure about it at first as it lacked all the lovely flowers, ribbon & bows I adore so much and, there's not a gem in sight.  I was in fact, so unsure that I had to ask my daughter for her opinion, she said she loved it so I decided I would share it with you and get your opinion too.   I love constructive critism; sometimes someone else can point out a flaw that we ourselves have somehow overlooked. So please be honest with me but gently so if you would.
I have, again, been thinking about more ways for us to interact within my blog and a comment left by Christine Harrop yesterday helped me to make up  my mind.   How about us sharing some of  YOUR work or thoughts.
Christine mentioned that she recently added box frames to her crafting repertoire and I thought how lovely it would be to see some of them;  this in turn, had me thinking about sharing some of them with you.  So. how about it?   Shall I dedicate a day to showcasing some of your bits and pieces?   Maybe it could be a quote you love or a favourite line from a film/book/poem that has some meaning for you etc.   For those without a blog maybe it could be a picture of a new creation that you are really proud of.   If anyone has any ideas that could help me get a 'Showcase Day' going or has something they would like to share then send me an email,  I would love to hear your ideas.   Who knows,  we could start something really good and truly share this blogging experience.
Well that's it for today.  Hope to see you again soon.  Linda x

(ps  May I just remind you that the '20followers' draw has been done and the winner was  announced last saturday.  I will do a redraw Friday night if it is not claimed before then.)