Hello. Long time no see!

Hi All
I don't know how many posts I have started to write on scraps of paper by the till, only to get home and fail miserably in any attempt at posting them on the blog.
At this rate I will have to post at least 3 times a day to even begin to catch up with myself.
The problem seems to be that although I am addicted to making cards, and even sending them (even if they are usually a little late) I really can't seem to get my act together when it comes to sharing them with you.
Maybe if I tried to write a little less? That just seems a bit rude................... here's my card, bye!!
So lets try again shall we and see how we get on.

These are a couple of cards that I sent out this week.

The background has been created using a handmade embossing folder, plenty of dye based ink and Gilding Wax.

It also uses my favourite Large Fennel stamp designed by Jane Gill.

This second card uses a similar piece of background

 and a lovely Stampendous Dragonfly.

I added some glitter glue to the wings.
Lets see how soon I manage my next post lol.
Bye for now.
Hugs Kimx

Some Leafy Birthdays

Evening Everyone,
A few birthday cards to share with you tonight.

 These are all part of my efforts to use up bits and pieces left over from class.

 These were all made using background card embossed with a folder that I made myself.

 They are all fairly masculine cards I think, which is perfect for a few cards that I need to send this week.

 I have sponged the backgrounds with assorted shades of green dye based ink,

 and added some fine text,

 before stamping and embossing with a variety of leafy stamps.

 Some had sentiments added directly to the trimmed panels

while others had it added on a raised panel.
I had fun finishing these, I hope you like them.
Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs Kimx

Is it a Butterfly or Moth?

Hi All
Well it was a matter of much debate when we played with this fabulous Magnolia stamp at SirStampalot at the end of last year.
Several people were insistent that it was a butterfly, but I have it on the authority of one lovely lady who had one as a pet when she lived abroad (there's no accounting for taste Anne) and Google, that it is indeed a very HUGE moth, namely the Atlas Moth. (Look HERE for pictures)

I have used a Kaleidacolour inkpad to stamp and emboss the main image,

and also to colour wash and stamp over the white embossed images in the background.

I also added some chunky white Frantage powder around the edges of both panels.

The main panel on this card has been created in a similar manner to the first card, but with a bit of extra stamping and sponging.
I love the die that I have used to create the dotty panel on the right hand side of the card. It makes fabulous homemade tiny Card Candi.

This card was made using a bit of the left over white embossed background card. 

The background to the card was created using a homemade embossing folder and plenty of sponged ink.

Today has been beautiful here, a sunny if chilly day after some initial rain. A little too cold for butterflies or even moths, but wonderfully springlike nonetheless.

Let's hope that it continues into tomorrow. Not that I will get to see any of it as I have to work until 7pm, so all I will want to see is dinner and a sit down.

Oh well never mind, I don't really do sunshine anyway lol.

Have a great evening.

Hugs Kimx

Dies and/or Punches at CCM

Afternoon Everyone.
We have a new challenge starting today over at CraftyCardmakers.
Maike is our host this time, and her chosen theme is Punches and/or Dies.

I had a fabulous time recently creating my own embossing folders using die cut or punched shapes, so it seemed the perfect card to share with you for this particular challenge.

The sentiment is also a die cut so that counts as well.

The flowers use the same fabulous Sue Wilson die set that found its way into my shopping basket when I was at SirStampalot last year.

I have also used a stencil and some clear texture paste on the background.

The leafy swirls are by Sue Wilson as well.

 As usual I got a little bit carried away using up all of the leftovers.

 I used Frantage powder on the leafy swirls this time,

and here I used the leftover pieces from the die cut sentiment.
I hope that you enjoy our challenge. Why not pop over and see what the rest of the team have made to inspire you.
Happy Crafting and hugs
Kimx

Punched Christmas at Woodware

Morning All
It's my turn on the Woodware blog again today, and this week Dorothy is looking for Christmas cards made using Punches and Dies

I have been staying at SirStampalot this last week and so I had to make my card with things that I could find in Janice's workshop. I had enough of forward planning last week lol.

I gathered together several crafty items,

and decided to create my own embossing folder using the Holly Leaf Punch. 

This is a fantastic way to get additional use from your punches, I used  2 layers of punched shapes stuck down on some thick card.

I embossed the leaves through a machine with a rubber mat, the way that you would with a stencil.  

 I then inked and stamped over the top to highlight them.

The foliage and main sentiment comes from Jane’s Clear Magic stamp set Deck the Halls. The Happy Christmas  greeting in the background comes from Jane’s set Holly Tree. 

 I also punched the leaves from some green card stock and shaped them before adding them to the card. The berries are red brads, and off course there is a liberal brushing with gilding wax.

The card that I sent Dorothy was actually made from the left overs of my original project, made using all the same elements except the berries made using liquid pearls. . 

I decided that I liked the leftover card better. What do you think?
Back to playtime now, and I think I have a parcel of crafting goodies being delivered here today so that is definitely something to look forward to. Thank You Dorothy.
Have a wonderful crafty day.
Hugs Kimx