Sometimes you only need a simple image and a simple sentiment to get your message across. Although, a ribbon bow and pretty papers help too!

Stamps: Simple Sentiments

I love the pained expression on this guy's face, I think it matches perfectly with the sentiment. He really does look as though he's trying his best to be sincere!

Stamps: Feathered Friends

I've been making lots of these piggy cards lately, I think these guys are so cute, but I promise that this is the last one for a little while... I've even put the stamp set away so I'm not tempted to make more.

Stamps: Doris & Daphne

I was in the mood for bright colours today, and these Doodlebug papers fit the bill perfectly. A couple of lines of (wobbly) sewing, a scattering of bright buttons and a little tab finished the card nicely.

Stamps: Candy Shoppe by Beccy's Place

Four new clear stamp sets will be hitting

our shelves in less than two weeks!

The September challenge at my card making group was "A Bug's Life", where we had to create a card featuring some kind of insect. This little guy, which you might remember from a couple of days ago, seemed like the perfect choice to adorn the front of my creation. 

Stamps: Cuddlebugs by Beccy's Place

Yesterday I printed a sheet of digital stamps, chose some patterned papers, laid out some Copic markers, and set to work to create a page full of card-ready images. I have to say, there aren't many things more pleasurable than having a fresh project in front of you, all your housework done and nowhere to go!!

Right up until this morning, the skies have been a gorgeous expanse of bright blue for the beginning of spring. I thought a lovely blue, monochromatic card would be perfect to celebrate the warmer weather and bid a relieved adieu to winter.

Stamps: Celebrations

Apologies for my absence over the past week, I've been battling a pretty solid case of the flu. It's been a long time since I've had a proper dose, usually I just whinge my way through head colds and I'm good to go, but this year I think I was one of the many who ended up with influenza. I still whinged, but I didn't get better any faster! Anyway, enough moaning, time to get down to some serious crafting with a tutorial on Kite Fold cards. 

TEMPLATE

1. Start with a piece of card stock measuring 11" long by 4" wide.

2. Place the card stock horizontally on your score board and score at the halfway point - 51/2".

3. Using a pencil and ruler, measure and mark 2" from either side of the centre line you just scored. Repeat on the other edge of the card.

4. Now measure and mark the centre of both ends of the card stock, which is 2" from either side.

5. Use a ruler to connect the marks you made. The four marks on either side of the centre line will form a cross. The lines should intersect in the middle of the score line. Now join each diagonal line to the mark you made at either end of the card stock. Refer to the template above and the photo below for correct placement.

6. Score along the two diagonal lines.

7. Use a craft knife or trimmer to cut along the other lines.

8. Fold back and forth along all the score lines. Now fold the triangular sections on either side of the middle line into the centre of the card.  Press firmly to form the card base.

9. When folded, your card should be a kite shape.

10. Decorate with some patterned paper or stamps and whatever embellishments you like. Don't forget to add a little tail!

Yesterday, I was a gift tag diva, creating over 40 little tags with various images for different occasions. I pasted a whole bunch of pre-coloured digital images into a word document, shrunk them to 3cm (11/4") and printed a few pages. Then came the punching and gluing, followed by a hearty round of string tying!

I'm not exactly sure what occasion I can use this card for, but I loved making it! Fortunately, I have a sister and a friend who are both crazy about pigs, so I know it will come in handy at some point.

Stamps: Doris & Daphne

Last month I shared some photos of a colouring project I was working on that included areas of stippled shadow. I was asked by Kathy, one of my readers, to put together a little tutorial to explain how it's done.

1. You'll need a coloured image and some graded markers. I like to use either warm or cool greys for my shadows, but other colours work too. And although I'm using copic markers, this technique will work with other pens and mediums as well.

2. Apply dots of the darkest colour to the deepest area of shadow. In my case, that's below the body of the gnome and under his feet. Notice that my dots vary in size. Keep them larger and closer together in the main shadow section and a little smaller and further apart as you move outwards.

3. Use the next lightest marker to colour over the dark dots. Colour in small circles but don't overwork the area as you don't want to lose the dots you initially placed.

4. Using the same marker, add dots around the edge of the coloured area. Again, keep the dots larger and closer together when you're near the darker areas and smaller and further apart as your work outward.

5. Repeat step 3 and 4 with your lightest marker, remembering to vary the size of the dots. If you wish, you can use the blending pen (0), to gently fade the edges of your shadows if you feel they are too harsh.

Done! If you want shadows all around an image, like I did with the floral colouring from last month, simply use the same technique keeping the darkest dots in the deepest shadow areas where there is lots of shade, such as between and under flowers and leaves. As always, practice makes perfect, so drag out those pens and set to work!

Stamps: Gnomes in My Garden

Dog Tales Too