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Avid Crafting Collective – Tutorial Bundle

I have joined with a couple of ladies, Tracy Held and Julia Quinn, to bring you the Avid Crafting Collective (ACC) and a wonderful tutorial bundle.

The Tutorial bundle includes 9 projects – 6 standard cards and 3 fancy fold cards with video presentations. We will each do assembly presentations of all 9 projects on our own Facebook pages starting on the 13th July. No measurements will be given in these presentations – you will need the tutorial for the measurements. Once we have completed the presentations, video links will be added to the written tutorial.

We have a number of options for you to choose from for this tutorial:

1. The Ultimate Package: This comprises the Framed Violets bundle (stamp set and coordinating dies), the tutorial kit (all the card stock to complete the nine projects in the tutorial plus five 6 x 12″ pieces of the Violet Dreams DSP, a pack of the Adhesive-Backed Blooms, 1.5 metres of Fresh Freesia Satin ribbon and envelopes for all the cards) and the PDF tutorial with full instructions and both metric and imperial measurements and assembly videos for the cards.) The cost for all of this (including postage) is $160.00. You will also receive $10 off your next order.

2. The Kit Package: This option gives you the tutorial kit (all the card stock to complete the nine projects in the tutorial plus five 6 x 12″ pieces of the Violet Dreams DSP, a pack of the Adhesive-Backed Blooms, 1.5 metres of Fresh Freesia Satin ribbon and envelopes for all the cards) and the PDF tutorial with full instructions and both metric and imperial measurements and assembly videos for the cards.) The cost for all of this (including postage) is $85.00

The above two options are only available to Australian residents. If you love all the projects and would like to make more than one set of the cards, additional kits are available for purchase for the discounted price of $70.00.

3. The Virtual Package: If you live overseas or don’t want to purchase the products, you are also welcome to join us. This option gives you the PDF tutorial with full instructions and both metric and imperial measurements and assembly videos for the cards. The cost for this option is $35.00.

CONTACT me on email: n.crandall@windowslive.com or 0437 343 366 to RSVP with your option.

Colour Combo, Just Add Ink

Just Add Ink # 788 – Colour Inspiration!

Just Add Ink have a Colour / Inspiration Challenge this week. The colours are a beautiful combination of cool blues, soft neutrals, and striking black. The colours are fresh and modern.

For my card, I started with an embossed background and a panel of stripes on the right-hand to bring all the challenge colours together.

The focal point is a cluster of layered die-cut foliage and flowers. I wrapped a blue ribbon around the card and finished it with a bow.

I hope this card inspires you to join the Just Add Ink Challenge this fortnight.

Challenges, Just Add Ink

Just Add Ink # 787 – Choose Two!

Today I’m sharing a bright and cheerful birthday card that I created for the Just Add Ink Choose Two Challenge (# 787). The challenge is to select two (or more) elements from the following:

Patterned Paper, Animals, People, Twine or Shadows.

I chose Animals and Patterned Paper.

I started with the fun and vibrant patterned paper – these papers are so beautiful, they are hard to cut! Haha!!

From the same collection I picked out an adorable colourful owl, bringing the animal element and some oversized flowers. I added a bit of sparkle with glitter accents.

To add even more interest, I cut a circular frame in the front of the card and placed the largest flower on the inside of the card. I finished the card off with a delicate white ribbon and a sweet sentiment, “sending sweet birthday wishes” I love the vibrant patterned paper and cute little owl.

I hope this project inspires you to join in the Just Add Ink Choose Two Challenge!

Challenges, Designer Series Paper (DSP), Just Add Ink

Just Add Ink # 786 – Polka Dots!

Today I’m sharing a pretty floral card that I made for the Just Add Polka-Dots Challenge.

Polka-dots are cheerful and playful and they pair perfectly with soft florals and pastel colours.

For this card, I created a background using Polka-Dot patterned papers in a patchwork-style layout

I coloured in a floral die-cut, added some extra white leaves and a delicate white bow.

I like how the polka dots bring everything together without overpowering the flowers. They add just the right touch of fun and whimsy!

Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I hope this card inspires you to add a few polka dots to your next project! You can join this Challenge at Just Add Ink

Blending, Just Add Ink, Stencils

Just Add Ink # 785 – Dies, Stencils or Both!

The Just Add Ink Challenge this week is Dies, Stencils… or both?

Following on from my last Blog post… I’ve been creating different backgrounds this week. I decided to focus on stenciling for this background and it was also perfect for this Challenge. I had so much fun creating it. It is the perfect example of how stencils can shine.

I blended first with light ink onto the card stock and then used slightly darker inks with the stencil. The result is a fun rainbow effect. One of my favorite things about stencils is how easily you can customize color—no two backgrounds ever turn out exactly the same.

Over the background, I added a vellum band and a soft velvet ribbon for a bit of texture. The sweet, little birds are from the Cutest Crew stamp set. Keeping the focal point clean and minimal lets the stenciled background really do the heavy lifting.

What about you? Are you team stencils, team dies, or happily somewhere in between?

Be sure to head over to Just Add Ink to check out all the amazing inspiration from the design team, then join in the fun and link up your creation.

Blending, Blog Hop, Designer Series Paper (DSP), Rainbows

Let’s Craft Together Blog Hop!

I am joining the Lets Craft Together Blog Hop with a group of talented crafters who love sharing their love of stamping and card making.    The Theme for the blog hop is Background Techniques.     

When it comes to cardmaking, backgrounds are where the magic begins. They set the tone and give your images a place to shine. I had so much fun experimenting with different techniques and styles when making these cards. As well as that – I crafted along side my sister, Nadine.

I used the Cutest Crew bundle for all of the cards I made.

For my first card, I created a blended background with a masked ripped edge. The rainbow-inspired background is vibrant and fun. I added a strip of glitter paper – because a little sparkle never hurts! The adorable little cats are so cute!

I then went on to create some backgrounds with alcohol inks. I put some ink onto a cotton ball, spritzed it with isopropyl alcohol and then dabbed it over some shiny card. I made a couple of different coloured panels and then created a couple of cards with them.

I used the little dogs from the Cutest Crew Stamp Set for both of these cards.

The first alcohol ink background uses earthy tones and a fun layout. I added a strip of heat embossed paw-prints on vellum down the side. This card really shows how backgrounds don’t have to be bright to be impactful—they just need to complement the overall design.

The next card background features another alcohol ink panel teamed with an embossed panel.

For the last card started with a bright green base and some matching DSP. I layered a vellum circle to soften the background and create a gentle landing spot for the cute little birds.
I finished that card off with a strip glitter paper and a feather embellishment. This background is simple, but shows that even minimal layers can create depth and dimension.

I hope these cards inspire you to play around with your own backgrounds and try something new. Don’t forget to keep hopping for even more creative ideas!

Next Blog
1.Carolina Evans – Studio Evans
2.Cheryl Hurst
3.Annette McMillan
4.Julia Quinn – Handmade by Julia Quinn
5.Tracy Held – Trace Of Creativity
6.Chantell Randall – Ink Everywhere
7.Sharni Green – The Stamping Green
8.Cathy Pinchbeck – Stampin’ Cat
9.Nancy Hoetker – Nancy’s Nifty Notes

Big Shot, Butterflies, Challenges, Just Add Ink, Sketch Challenge

Just Add Ink # 784 – Sketch Challenge!

There’s something especially fun about working from a sketch—just enough structure to spark ideas, but plenty of room to make it your own. This week’s sketch challenge was suggested by Tristan and has playful elements around a focal point.

For my take on the sketch, I leaned into a soft, shabby chic vibe with a mix of layered circles and floral shapes.

The patterned paper I used already had a distressed look and a slightly vintage tone. From there, I built up the design using patterned papers in coordinating colors. To add interest and dimension, I incorporated a few stitched details, die-cut flowers, butterflies and hearts.

I finished it off with a simple sentiment—“You’re fabulous!”—because sometimes a card just needs a cheerful, confident message.

If you’re joining this challenge, follow this link to Just Add Ink. We look forward to seeing what you create.

3D, Swaps

Umbrella Themed Swap

Hi there,

You know it’s special and fun to receive happy mail? Well….recently I joined a swap and what I received absolutely made my day!

The Swap theme was Umbrella embellishments. Tarns from Paper, Scissor, Crop hand delivered my swap to me.

Tarns made an umbrella shaped caddy – that was filled with crafting goodies. It’s beautfully crafted with delicate folds of patterned paper. I love the soft, romantic color palette and lovely blush-toned tulle. It has a wonderful vintage style.

At the top, a layered embellishment steals the spotlight – with a glittery butterfly perched on an intricate doily backing, a soft gold bow and tiny dangling pearls. Every detail is thoughtfully placed.

But the creativity doesn’t stop at the umbrella caddy – it was filled with a treasure trove of goodies—beautifully packaged and color-coordinated to match the overall theme. There are ribbons and trims, delicate lace pieces, charming embellishments. I especially love the little handmade touches.

I’m so grateful to have been part of this swap and that Tarns was my partner! Now I just need to decide: do I display it as-is (because it’s gorgeous), or do I start incorporating some of these lovely goodies into my own projects?

Arrhhh – probably both! Thank you Tarns.

Big Shot, Challenges, Colour Combo, Designer Series Paper (DSP), Just Add Ink

Just Add Ink # 783 – Colour Combo!

I’m excited to share my latest project, that I made for the Just Add Ink Color / Inspiration Challenge!

The colour palette is a mix of coral tones, neutrals, and subtle accents—perfect for a floral design.

For my card, I decided to create a layered floral arrangement. I love how dimension brings a card to life, so I built up the bouquet using multiple die-cut elements.

I added a lightly speckled background for a touch of interest with a striped panel at the bottom.

I really like the sentiment —simple, heartfelt and in a lovely font. I finished everything off with a few enamel dots and a bow.

I enjoyed working with this color combination and made another card using the colours too.

Challenges like this are such a great way to spark creativity and try something new! You can follow this link to join the Challenge too.

I hope this inspires you to join in with the challenge too!

Birthday Cards, Challenges, Designer Series Paper (DSP), Just Add Ink, Painted Poppies

Just Add Ink # 782 – Choose Two!

For this week’s Just Add Ink Challenge, I created a bold floral card featuring striking red poppies layered over lush greenery.

The Challenge is Choose Two or More. The elements you can choose from are Twine, Ribbon, Sequins, Buttons, Brads, Rhinestones.

I chose to incorporate sequins, twine and rhinestones. I scattered the sequins and rhinestones for subtle shine and used twine to make a soft bow.

I’ve made a few cards with this layout over the past couple of days. Here is another one.

To join this Challenge, go to Just Add Ink