Gin Oak Designs

R and RV - Happy 2nd Birthday M4M!

2012-02-24T11:05:00.002+11:00

We're still celebrating at Mad for Markers - In fact, we'll be celebrating all month long!!

As part of the celebrations I challenged myself to make sure that I've used all my Rs and RVs on some card that I've blogged (so I can justify getting more!!) as well as once again trying to colour a monochromatic image (just Rs and RVs).

This darling image is from the TGF Roll Call set which I love because each stamp can have such a different character and at $5 per image it's a bargin :-)

Copics: R00, R85, RV02, RV21, RV34, RV69

Sentiment: TGF OA Surprise

Remember to stop by the

Mad for Markers Facebook page and blog

for daily fun and extra competitions :-)

Guess who's turning two....

2012-02-21T21:06:00.000+11:00

Pop over to the Mad for Markers blog and the Facebook page for daily prizes and lots of fun :-)

It's a whole month of fun (Feb 22 to March 22)!

M4M R or RV challenge - mini cards

2012-02-10T09:00:00.036+11:00

Hi, it's great to be back posting in blog land. So much has happened since my last post which isn't too surprising since my last post was in Dec 2011. Now not only has 2012 started but a whole month has already gone and we are well and truly into Feb. During that time I've been travelling and in fact even my last post was scheduled for while I was o/s.

With how quickly this year is passing by, for today's inspiration I wanted to do something that should be attainable to everyone - that is, a very clean and simple card. What I love about CAS is it highlights how well you coloured your image as you can't hide it amongst a bunch of embellishments or DP. It also shows me how much more I want (*need) to practice.

Remember to head to Mad For Markers for all your Copic and Stamping supplies:

Copics: R000, R00, RV21, RV34, RV69

Stamps: TGF Lucky Bunnies

Card: X-Press IT

xox Gin.

M4M Christmas Challenge (again)

2011-12-23T09:00:00.002+11:00

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas

as we remember the best 'birthday party' of them all...

Copics from M4M:

R000/00 (skin), E31/33 (stable), Y06/08 (star), Y02/YG03 (straw), E35 (hair and heart), E08/33/37/57/G07/G17/R27 (clothes), 0/C1 (animals).

The Christmas challenge is still going at M4M Challenge Blog.

TGF HOP - Holiday

2011-12-20T03:00:00.001+11:00

Time seemed to get away from me the last couple of days, but I couldn't pass up and opportunity to share my love of TGF stamps. These images I managed to colour but unfortunately didn't get time to put them into a fun project to show you.

Hopefully in the new year these lovely ladies can find themselves a new background ;-)

Enjoy the rest of the TGF Hop :-)

In addition to the two Grand Prizes that will be drawn for the participant's creations, a random hoper will ALSO win the ENTIRE upcoming January Release! That's 6 sets in all - a HUGE prize...and the only way to win is by participating in the blog hop!

M4M Christmas Challenge (cont'd)

2011-12-09T09:00:00.005+11:00

The Mad for Markers Monthly Challenge for Christmas is still on... Have you got your entry in yet?

Copics (and Spicas):

Tree: G00, G07, G14, G17, G94, YG63 <- every green I owned at the time....

(I've since bought more ;-) )

Trunk: E18, E37, E59

Dirt: E18, E35, E37

Pot: G17, C7

Baubles: Y28, R27, Clear Spica

Streamer: R27, E08, YR07, Clear Spica

Star: Y08, Clear Spica

Tag: Y08, Clear Spica

Rinestones: R27

Lollipop Ladies challenge Mostly white + Milk Bottles

2011-12-07T09:05:00.002+11:00

Back in October when I began thinking again about cards/etc for Christmas, I stamped up quite a bit of this image trying to work out whether I should make gift-tags or place-cards for the family with them. I still can't decide but given the card is 'mostly white', this finished gift-tag-place-card is also inspiration for this fortnight's challenge at The Lollipop Ladies:

This card is of course coloured with copics from Mad for Markers... and to do the whole batch I had to stock up on some ink as I'd been going through the browns... but the added bonus is that Copic Rewards are happening so I can be rewarded for my colouring ;-)

Copicendium.... vol. 2.

2011-12-06T17:54:00.000+11:00

Check out the new Copicendium page 10 for two of my images (and my copic colouring of them)...

2 prizes up for grabs:
1. First person to correctly comment with the colours used for the meat will win that image.
2. First person to correctly comment with the colours used for the hat will win that image.
You can only win one of the prizes, so grab your copy of Copicendium today and choose your favourite image.... (NB: Sammi is excluded from this competition :-P )

M4M Christmas Challenge

2011-11-28T09:05:00.001+11:00

With Christmas just around the corner (well less than a month away),

it seems appropriate that the current challenge at Mad For Markers

should help you in your Christmas preparations

whether they be gifts, cards or decorations....

So my inspiration to start you off is a candle I coloured at the M4M Colour Conference earlier this year (and you can put your name down for the 2012 M4M conference already!!!)

Copics used: E31, E33, YG03, Y02, R27.

Happy colouring :-)

M4M Anything going, going, gone...

2011-11-25T09:00:00.022+11:00

This fortnight's Mad For Markers challenge is Anything Goes and somehow the card I made for it also went before I took a photo of it.... So instead, here's another card, this time inspired by the grey wet weather we've been having and the ray of life still running through it :-)

Copics used:

C1, C3, C5, C7 and of course 0.

Remember that Copics purchased at Mad For Markers

currently earn you reward points for great Copic products :-)

Challenge entry:

Ellephantastic - weather related.

Lollipop Ladies challenge Toffee Apples + Acetate

2011-11-23T09:02:00.000+11:00

And here we are at another challenge for The Lollipop Ladies, this time inspired by a spring fair favourite of Toffee Apples:

As I was creating this post, I realised I don't have a photo of the final card but I do have a photo of the image I used. So in the interim, here's my coloured image and I'll hopefully get the actual card up in the next couple of days.

Copics used:

E50/51/00/11 skin

B95/97/23/24 overalls

B24/29 top and hatband

YG00, Y11, E31 hair

B24/29/05 bow

E35/37 basket

R27/29, G94 apples

E31/29, R27, G94 ground

Happy Birthday Darcy!!

2011-11-20T18:01:00.001+11:00

At one stage I was wondering if I'd ever complete this project...

400 rows of 250 stitches

........but today I was able to hand it over.

Happy Birthday Darcy :-)

Photo quality using my ipod isn't the best, sorry.

M4M Orange and Black challenge...

2011-11-11T09:00:00.029+11:00

In roughly 24 hours the Mad For Markers Black and Orange challenge is closing - have you got your entry in! Here's my inspiration:

Copics from Mad For Markers (a registered Copic Reward Partner)

YR00, YR04, YR07, YR68

C3, C5, C7, 100

E50, E51, B29

Image and Sentiment: SOG Holly Day Gwen

Lollipop Ladies challenge Sour Worms + Sparkle

2011-11-09T09:00:00.004+11:00

The challenge this fortnight at The Lollipop Ladies is inspired by sour worms in all their sugary goodness (sparkle):

Here's my sparkly inspiration.

I love the leisure and laziness of this image (Tina Wenke - Mouse in Hammock),

and how versatile it can be as a card ;-)

Copics:

Mouse E11/33/35/37/57

Flowers G02/07/17, YR04/07/68, Y02/06/08

Hammock Y28, C3

Book YR00/04

Grass G02/07/17

Bees Y08

Spica:

Orange, Lemon, Melon, Olive, Peach, Buttermilk, Mint

A recipe from Ellephantastic...

2011-11-02T19:13:00.001+11:00

Scrapping in at the end of Ellephantastic's October challenge means that this card needs 3 embellishments, 2 colours (green and purple) and 1 image:

Such a fun little card, I do enjoy colouring Ruby (TGF).

This card is also for entry into OSCC No Sentiments.

A productive day...

2011-11-02T17:40:00.000+11:00

I thought it was about time I used another digital image for a card and given the Christmas challenge at Meljen's Designs, this little fella came to mind:

Copics: C1, C3, C5, E29, R27, R29, RV02, RV69, G17, G29, YG03

Image: Cherry Mouse

Thanks for stopping by :-)

Happy Birthday Martin!

2011-11-02T07:40:00.000+11:00

This card is for entry into OSCC No Sentiments.

Friday Sketch Challenge #4

2011-11-01T17:57:00.000+11:00

Until news went public I couldn't blog this and then I thought it would be better to wait till the card could be received in the actual post, which gave me a chance to make a whole new card to say:

Welcome Benjamin :-)

I always struggle photographing gatefold cards, they keep wanting to open on me. This time I decided to lie it down but that means I invariably get a square card looking like a trapezium....

Anyway, this card is made off the sketch by Tracey at Friday Sketch Challenge.

Copics:
Bear E31/E33/C1/B00
Butterfly B00/B02/BV02/B23/BG05
Ground C1 Edge C3

Enjoy :-)

Sketchy time - get in quick at M4M

2011-10-28T09:00:00.044+11:00

Today's card is brought to you by Susan's sketch... I couldn't decide on a sentiment so left that bit out.

I tried something different for by dog and nearly sent myself spotty...

Copics:
Skin: E00/E51
Hair: E31/E33
Shorts: B95/B97
Hat: B95/B97/B99
Top: YG03/C3
Socks: C1
Shoes: E57/E59
Dog: E33/E35
Collar + Bone: E29/E08

Stamp: TGF Oliver Buddy

Paper by Kaisercraft
Seam Binding (Bright Blue and Spring Green) by JLJ Designs.

Lollipop Ladies challenge Spiders + Thread

2011-10-26T09:00:00.021+11:00

This fortnight at The Lollipop Ladies the challenge is based on Chocolate Spiders:

Given the brown chocolate goodness, I decided to do an ATC using only E Copics and a simple background by wrapping thread around the card.

Copics: E00, E18, E29, E31, E33, E35, E37, E57, E59, E79

Mad for Markers Challenge - Favourite Copic Combinations...

2011-10-14T09:00:00.045+11:00

We've been seeing lots of great Copic combinations this fortnight, hopefully you've been inspired...

My inspiration for you is the card I made for my hubby for our anniversary. I love playing around with khaki green tones...

Hair: E29, E59, E79 + E08 for her

For something different, this time I did skin with E50 and R000.

Clothes: YG63, G94, Y28, C3, B97

and of course the colourless blender marker (0), and a 0.3 multi-liner for the writing on his top.

I often find myself using these greens and I enjoy contrasting them with Lionet Gold (y28).

Having recently acquired more Copics, I'm looking forward to possibly discovering some new favourites combos - If you're looking for a challenge why not try to colour some images using just the combinations listed by the Mad for Markers DT this fortnight - who knows, you might find a new favourite yourself.

If you need a marker or two to complete the combination, remember Mad for Markers is online and ready for your order.

Lollipop Ladies challenge Boogyman lollipops + Halloween

2011-10-12T09:00:00.001+11:00

This fortnight at The Lollipop Ladies the challenge is based on these hideous lollipops:

I decided to do a page in my Mad for Markers Copic Colour Conference Journal (yes, it's a mouthful but it was lots of fun) based on some memories from the weekend....

One thing I like about monsters is that it doesn't matter if your freehand drawings aren't perfect ;-)

I drew the image with a 0.3 multi-liner, and both the image and background are coloured with a range of my copics (I don't think I made a list for this one but at a guess I'd say, YG63/67, G02/07/17/29, R27/29, C5/7, Y06(or 8), YR68, V17, and 100).

The stamp/etc in top-left was part of a gift from some new friends :-)

More M4M Colourless Blender Fun...

2011-09-30T09:00:00.018+10:00

As another fortnight draws to a close at the Mad For Markers Challenge Blog, I have another post for you for the Colourless Blender challenge. This time I've used the blender marker to highlight some of the dry-embossing on a Copic-coloured card...

Copics
B18 to colour background (on X-Press It Blending card).
Blender (0) marker to colour some of the dry embossed paper.
YR07 to colour noses of the snowmen (TGF stamp now available from M4M).

Lollipop Ladies challenge Red Frogs + Movement

2011-09-28T09:00:00.005+10:00

The Lollipop Ladies has a new fortnightly challenge of Red Frogs:

with the additional challenge of Movement.

My take on the challenge involved digital papers from JLJ Designs.

The sentiment stamps and googly eyes were from my stash.

Unfortunately I had no frog stamp or image so I taught myself how to draw a frog based on some examples from a Google search...

Then I made a pop up card to mount it all on and the results were as follows:

Also for:

Inky Impressions - Shape challenge

There's also 2 more days to enter Creative CAS september challenge of 'Spring has sprung'

M4M Colourless Blender Challenge

2011-09-19T09:00:00.007+10:00

Today starts a new challenge at M4M:

Colourless Blender - use your 0 marker to create an effect or pattern

As host I thought I'd throw together an example of just how simple experimenting with your blender can be...

Using the materials below (plus my scissors and a texture plate), I was able to create the following card:

I was going for an oriental layered effect for this piece of blending card.

First I coloured the whole area using B99 (a dark colour works best).

(*) Then I coloured my stamp with 0 (I only used the top half of the stamp).#

Before the ink dried on the stamp (it happens really quick) I stamped it onto the card.

I held the stamp there for a while to ensure transfer of 0 to the page.

Repeat from (*) as desired.

# Spritzing with 0 refill is another option to 'colour' the stamp.

Then I used a texture plate on the blending card before attaching it to the rest of my card :-)

The ribbon is Dark Pink seam binding folded in half held by double sided tape.

If your Colourless Blender is getting low,

now is the time to visit the Mad for Markers store!

Don't put it off cause you'll need it to enter the challenge :-)

Spring Time M4M Challenge

2011-09-16T07:30:00.010+10:00

Having recently bought a new bunch of stamps, I couldn't wait to get colouring with them and this particular image fits so well with the current M4M challenge - don't you just love flowers :-)

She is me in so many ways (not just the longish wavy brown hair and jeans).

Watering my plants becomes one of my daily tasks as this weather warms up so nicely :-)

Copics

B00,B05,B97,B99

BV000,BV00

C1,C3,C5

E08,E18,E31,E35,E37,E50,E51

G14,G17,G94

R00,R27

RV02

Y000

YG63

YR07

Image by Sarah Kay

DP by JLJ Designs (Stacie Paper Pack)

Remember to get your entries in....
and stop by the Mad For Markers store for all your Copic and stamping needs :-)

Paper piecing and Pink hair....

2011-09-06T16:18:00.000+10:00

This week I decided to do something I've never done and something I don't like doing...

For some reason I've been hesitant to attempt paper piecing before. Maybe because it means I don't get to colour that section or maybe it's because I don't like wasting a well stamped image. Whatever the cause I've finally done some and it wasn't too bad.

The thing I don't like doing is colouring hair in very unnatural shades (like pink!) and I'm still not sure that I'm convinced of the merit of it yet with this attempt - maybe I just need more practice.

Anyway, today's card features Camille by TGF, Copics from M4M and is paper pieced using DP Stacie from JLJ Designs.

E50/51, G17, R000, RV02/04/34

This card is also for entry in The Lollipop Ladies (Sundae Cupcake + Paper Piecing).

Create a Scene with MadForMarkers :-)

2011-09-02T07:30:00.030+10:00

As another fortnight draws to a close there's still time to add your creation to the M4M Create a Scene with Copics challenge. For this challenge I decided to restrict myself to digital images using some I'd won earlier in the year by Melissa Jenkins. This card is also in celebration of my youngest nephew who turns 1 today - Happy Birthday Calvin :-)

Images: Dragon's Little Friend & FairyTale Castle by MelJen's

Copics:

Dragon: BV02, BV04, G94, Y08, YG63.

Trees and shrubs: E35, G14, G17. Flowers: R27.

Grass and hills: G00, G07, G14, G17.

Butterfly: B05, R27, Y08.

Clouds: B000, B00, C1.

Castle: E08, E31, E35.

Spicas:

Clear, Orange, Lavender, Baby Blue.

Visit MadForMarkers.com.au for all your Copics and related supplies - they also stock stamps and a range of embellishments.

Blue

2011-08-25T14:45:00.000+10:00

Every so often I stop colouring and remember I still have a bunch of images I've already coloured that I should do something with. This particular image came to mind when inspired by the Inky challenge of 'inspired by a song'. In fact, two songs inspired me with this card: 'Blue' by Eiffel 65 and 'Blue Moon' particularly cause she's 'standing alone'...

DP Papers come from JLJ Designs

Copics: B000/00/02/05, E31/33/35, R000/00, RV02

Spica Challenge with Mad For Markers :-)

2011-08-19T00:15:00.000+10:00

The challenge at M4M this fortnight is to use Spica pens on your creation. Spica pens are really useful for adding subtle highlights to your colouring or more intense shine if layered. Even if you miss this challenge I'd recommend adding some to your next order from M4M :-)

On my card I used Turquoise for the grass and eyes, but then did the more intense layering of Clear for the nose and ball. Sorry about the blurriness, I tried to take the photo on an angle to show the Spica glitter more...

Image from Sliekje.blogspot.com
Copics: B00, G07, G14, G17, E31, E33, E35, R27, YR07
Spica: Clear and Turquoise
All Spica and Copics are available from Mad4Markers online store

If you need more inspiration, some older posts of mine that include Spica pens are Polkadots and Bows, Shiny Spesch Fun and the raindrops, flowers and bird on 4U.

Dad's Birthday

2011-08-14T00:01:00.001+10:00

Spica - Sky Blue (from M4M)

Copics (from M4M):

Shoes - C3, E33

Pants - C5, B97, B99

Top - C1, C3, B05, Y28

Skin - R00, R000, E50, E51

Hair - E37, E59, E79

Background - C1, C3

Rinestones - B05

Mouth - Multiliner 0.3

DP Black & Turquoise (from JLJ Designs)

Birthday's galore...

2011-08-12T13:04:00.000+10:00

As we move through July and August, birthdays seem to appear from out of the woodwork... as such I haven't been blogging all the cards. Here's some that I've made recently...

In the green/orange one I've coloured the white ribbon with Copics to blend it more with his pants.
For the pink/purple one I've used Pink Spica on her bow, cupcake, candle and hairband as well as handwriting the 30 to make it seem even more personal.

All Copics (and Spica) used on these cards came from M4M and their current challenge is to use Spica.
These cards are also for the current Inky Impressions challenge is Birthday.

Cheers!

2011-08-02T20:09:00.000+10:00

As August gets underway it's time to say 'Happy Birthday' to myself, and thanks to everyone for their kind messages so the Farm Fresh Friday challenge seemed particular appropriate: 'Gratuity Please'.

This card is also based on the sketch by Mad for Markers.

Ribbon and ribbon flower coloured with RV34

Oval airbrushed with R85 and BV11

Skin: R000/E50/E51

Hair: E18/E59/E79

Clothes: BV00/BV02/RV34

Socks: Y000/Y02

Ugg Boots: C3/C5

Happy Birthday Mum with TGF Farm Fresh

2011-07-14T18:44:00.000+10:00

Today's the birthday of a very special lady to me: my Mum. Happy Birthday Mum! This is the card I made for her that was entered in last week's Sketch challenge at Farm Fresh Challenges.

Image: Hats Off Anya (TGF) available from Mad4Markers
Copics from Mad4Markers: (skin) E50, E51, (hair) E59, E79, (rest) B000, B00, B05, BV00, BV02
Craft Pin (004) from JLJ Designs
Ribbon (Bright Blue) from JLJ Designs
Steampunk DP from JLJ Designs, other paper from my stash.

Today, I also spent time with the wonderful Sammi as I wanted to replenish some of my craft supplies as well as have a bit of craft time and so created this second card to enter another Farm Fresh Challenge.

Copics:
Hair: E09/13/19/37/39 (just choosing random markers)
Skin: E50/51
Clothes: G00/09/17/28 (random selection again)
Boots: E31/35/37
Scarf: R37
Lamp-post: N3/4/7 and Y02/11/23 (hand-drawn with Multiliner)

Patriotic August Calendar Page

2011-07-08T09:45:00.000+10:00

Over at Anyone for Anya?, the current challenge is to do a patriotic project or a calendar page for August. So instead I decided to do both but chose the green/gold Australian option rather than the red/white/blue just for a change. This project was a little harder than I expected as the paper pinwheels didn't want to be attached and keep tearing in different ways. Hubby got to watch my frustrations with the fiddly bits as I wouldn't cook dinner till it was done! As August is my birthday month I wanted this page to be quite fun and happy - I think Twirl Anya does that well and she even uses Copic marker Y28 (Gold) on her top so she's very patriotic as she twirls to the August winds.

Copics (from M4M)
Hair - E08, YR07, R27 (M4M current challenge Red Hair)
Skin - E50, E51
Other - G94, YG63, E31, Y28, Y000, Y02

Papers from JLJ Designs: I'd printed these off ages ago but the store currently has 25% all items so well worth the look. Plus new stuff gets added regularly so revisiting is a must!

M4M Red Hair Challenge

2011-07-07T23:44:00.000+10:00

Here is a card made from an image I coloured when I was first getting into Copic markers, so much so that he was stamped on some old light yellow cardboard that I had lying around at the time rather than Xpress IT stock that I usually use. As such I don't have a full list of the colours but I'm pretty sure his hair was YR07, R27, E31, E33. The sketch is based on a MM at Farm Fresh Challenge (which I won a few weeks back - yay!) and is also being entered into M4M current red hair challenge.

with this card:

Licking the beaters...

2011-07-05T11:22:00.000+10:00

The Lollipop Ladies current challenge is 'licking the beaters' so I thought this TGF Anya stamp would be just the thing as she's very happy about the cake she's wearing ;-)

Copics from M4M

DP from JLJ Designs

M4M Big COPICal Blog Hop

2011-06-24T09:00:00.002+10:00

Hello and welcome to the Mad for Markers BIG Copical blog hop! We are excited today to be hopping around the blogworld with bloggers from all over the world who all LOVE colouring with COPICS!

If you can here from Janet's blog then you are right on track.. if not then please go to Sammi's blog to start at the beginning!

I decided this hop was a good excuse to do some projects I'd been thinking about for a while...

I really like being able to use copic markers to choose my embellishment colours - especially when I can wipe the colour off and try another as I did a few times for this project before letting YR07 set ;-)

Copics from M4M, DP from JLJ Designs (Falling Leaves - 3), Image from TGF

Copics: E08, E35, E50, E51, G94, YG63, Y000, Y02, Y08, Y28

Copics: B02, B05, C3, C5, C7, 100, E31, E33, E35, E37, R000, R00, R27, YR07

Challenges: OSC (stickers), M4M (brown hair), TGFFarmFresh (inspired by MM Paula)

Once you have completed the hop please leave a comment and vote for your favourite creations... and you and the person you voted for might receive a little surprise prize!!

But to get there make sure you follow the hop and leave some love for all the participants... your next stop is downrightcrafty .....Have a colourful day!!

Long Weekend Fun...

2011-06-13T16:57:00.000+10:00

Well, it's currently a public holiday in Sydney but hubby has to work so I get to craft....

Copics:
(Boy) BG15, BG49, G00, skin E50, E51, hair E31, E33, E35, E37
(Girl) RV02, RV34, skin R000, R00, hair E18, E29, E59, E79
(Other) 0, 100, B000

DP: Summer Paper Pack by JLJ Designs
Image: Love Bubbles by Penny Johnson
Button, sequins and seed beads from my stash

Challenges:
Pink and Aqua - Inky Impressions
Brown Hair - Mad for Markers

Dad

2011-06-10T20:21:00.001+10:00

Challenges:

Anyone for Anya? - Father's Day

Ellephantastic - Sketch

Copics: E50, E51, E59, E79, B97, B99, G94, C3, C5, C7

Image: Special Autumn by TGF (now selling at Mad for Markers)

DP: Stars and Stripes and Traditional Christmas Paper Packs from JLJ Designs (was going to use the Dad's Day pack but my ink had run out...)

Mooey

2011-06-09T22:19:00.000+10:00

Tonight it was time to crack open my new stamp and give it a colour.

Turns out I found this card a bit harder than I expected...

As I couldn't find my acetate, I cut up a plastic sleeve for the glitter pocket. Unfortunately it is very flimsy and very reflective so I only got one photo that was 'usable'.

Challenges:

One Stop Crafts - Textures - chipboard, glitter layer and buttons...

Lollipop Ladies - Pink, Purple, Yellow and Swirls

Copics: BV000, BV00, BV02, BV04, Y000, Y02, R000, RV02, RV04

Image: Moooey from Some Odd Girl (now selling at Mad for Markers)

Chipboard from M4M, Buttons and Glitter from my stash

DP: Summer Paper Pack from JLJ Designs.

Polkadot Buttons and Bows Shine On...

2011-05-31T18:28:00.000+10:00

I've been in a bit of a card-making craze recently (probably go back to my knitting/etc again shortly)...

For this card I coloured the chipboard with spica (both from M4M) as well as colouring the TGF image with copics from M4M. DP is from JLJ Designs, which I fiddled with the colours a little.

Realised I hadn't used my teapot buttons before - such fun- I do like tea.

Challenges:
Anyone for Anya? (Polkadots)
One Stop Craft (Buttons and Bows)
Inky Impressions (Shine On)

To Everything....

2011-05-30T20:53:00.000+10:00

To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

This particular card was based on the TGF Farm Fresh WOW sketch challenge.

Using DP from JLJ Designs (Steampunk).

Coloured with copics from M4M.

And I think today I've been on a button craze... :-)

More Spesch M4M Fun :-)

2011-05-30T18:58:00.000+10:00

Once again this project involves copics from M4M and an image from Spesch stamps.... which I won as part of a blog hop - definitely worth doing them if you have the time :-)

M4M are also having a sketch Tag challenge for this fortnight and so once again it is a style of card I don't usually do...

A bit of Shiny Spesch Fun :-)

2011-05-27T20:00:00.001+10:00

As it was Tracey's birthday this week, M4M decided for a bit of fun to ask for cards made with Spesch stamps.... and with images like these who could refuse :-)

It's such a fun image so I thought I'd try a different style of card from my usual.

Plus I do like the new Steampunk DP from JLJ Designs

(though I did change the colour from blue to a little purpler a benefit of DP!!!)

I've also tried to ensure that it was shiny enough for the current Inky Impressions challenge.

Mad for Markers #2

2011-05-25T17:17:00.000+10:00

I've been trying to work at keeping my cards relatively simple this year while still experimenting with new techniques. I'm still not sure what I think about my shading when I try to keep things monochrome. For this card I've coloured the chipboard behind the image with Copic marker 100 (from M4M) as well as the rhinestones in the corners. I like the way the chipboard lifts the image out without using the foam tape/dots but I'll probably go back to the foam again. This is also one of my favourite images from TGF as I like to imagine all the different places he might be going.... :-)

Mad for Markers #1

2011-05-25T17:10:00.000+10:00

Initially I created this little reminder as part of the 'grey' challenge at M4M but given the technical issues at the time it was never posted. I used both the Warm and Cool families of Copics. The rhinestones are also coloured with Copics which fits with the current 'colouring embellishments' challenge. Hopefully this little easel will help me remember to be thinking of others more.

DP by JLJ Designs, Copics from M4M

Another good reason....

2011-05-05T18:56:00.000+10:00

Here's another good reason to buy Copics from Mad For Markers (M4M).... ;-)
As I visited Sammi today I decided it was time to get creative again and stamped up a couple of TGF images (Abbey). The image itself had so much detail that I decided to leave one of them uncoloured, while the other shows a little of the enhancement these markers are able to give to your artwork...

Both of these cards use the same image (TGF Abbey), DP from JLJ Designs and embellishments.
They also follow the current challenge at TGF.

Creative CAS Inspiration

2011-04-18T18:12:00.000+10:00

For more info, check out http://CreativeCASChallenges.blogspot.com

4U

2011-04-15T11:52:00.002+10:00

Copics (M4M) - RV02/34, BG15/49, B00/05, BV000/00/02, Y02/28, YR07, E35/37/51
Spica (M4M) - Sky Blue, Clear
Image (Tina Wenke) - Hedgehog with Umbrella
Paper (JLJ Designs) - Dots Paper Pack

Challenges:
* Flowers - Inky Impressions
* Easter Eggs with Glitter - Lollipop Ladies
* Colour: RV, BG & YR - Mad 4 Markers
* Flower Frenzy - Incy Wincy Designs
* Cute & Girly - By The Cute And Girly
* Fluffy - Totally Gorjuss

You Always Stand Out

2011-04-11T19:04:00.000+10:00

Well, once again I'm experimenting....

This time with mix-&-match, as well as with airbrushing die cuts (for the Inky Impressions Challenge)...

All heads and bodies are from TGF. Can you work out which ones?

I've used many different Copics sourced from M4M but particularly on the 'stand out':

I've used YR07 (blended with E08), BG15 (blended with G00)

and RV02/4/34 because of the challenge at M4M.

Thanks for stopping by :-)

Monochrome Madness

2011-03-21T19:09:00.000+11:00

Making up for lost time..... I've been experimenting with greys lately so the current challenge at Inky Impressions and TGF fit right into my current scheme. I've used Twirl Anya (TGF) and the DP is from the Dads Day Packs by JLJ Designs (although I printed them in B&W).

Back to business....

2011-03-19T10:28:00.001+11:00

With technology upgrades, my posts took a bit of a holiday but now things are all up and running again (...well...mostly). During which time I'd done plenty of colouring but hadn't been inspired to finish any cards as I couldn't share them with you. Last night that all changed as I finished a bunch of my Christmas cards off.... A total of 10 cards in one night - slightly easier cause there were only 2 styles of cards ;-)
Each card uses images from the Stampavie Laurence Collection, DP from JLJDesigns Traditional Christmas Pack, and Copics from Mad4Markers.

Creative CAS Challenge

2011-02-25T15:37:00.001+11:00

Alas technical issues mean there are no new photos of cards or craft.... but there are still 3 more days to enter the February challenge at Creative CAS Challenge - what are you waiting for.... just come up with your best Clean And Simple card with a Corny Sentiment and you're done :-)

Confusing and irregular

2011-02-17T20:39:00.002+11:00

The weather in Sydney has been far too irregular recently so I decided to make this card with such a summer-y image on such a winter-y background... Hope you enjoy.

The image is from The Greeting Farm (which Mad for Markers is starting to stock) and the digital papers are from JLJ Designs. The copic markers are from Mad for Markers :-)
Given the craziness of the hair colour I'll also enter this card in the M4M Challenge this month :-)

Also remember to check out this month's Creative CAS Challenge where your clean and simple cards are always welcome and there are prizes to be won :-)

March Calendar...

2011-02-13T10:30:00.000+11:00

The time has come for another calendar page/etc for Anyone For Anya so in keeping with my other pages, here is my card file divider for March.
DP is from JLJ Designs Falling Leaves Paper Pack.
Image is one of the lovely stamps I received as candy recently - Yay :-)
And of course the image and leaves are coloured with copics from Mad For Markers!

Fun with Numbers....

2011-02-11T21:51:00.002+11:00

This first card is one my grandmother requested for a friend of hers. I based it off the One Stop Craft (Numbers) and The Lollipop Ladies (Mint Fudge/Polkadots) challenges.

The second card is also a 'number card' as it is going to a beautiful little girl this weekend :-)

Yay - candy :-)

2011-02-09T15:54:00.000+11:00

So the lovely Kristy was giving away candy not too long again and I happened to win it. Having received it on Monday and been awed again by the generosity I just wanted to say thanks. Thanks Kristy. Soon you should be seeing the results of some of my attempts to use such stamps. Yay :-)

DT Call @ The Lollipop Ladies

2011-02-08T09:47:00.000+11:00

Each fortnight the Candy Stripes at The Lollipop Ladies bring such scrumptious challenges and inspiration that I often feel like cooking as well as crafting.

As such, I thought I just had to try for their DT with a recipe card.

The copics and spica pens all came from M4M.

Why don't you try your hand also at becoming a Candy Stripe?

Check out the blog: TheLollipopLadies.blogspot.com

Another card....

2011-02-06T13:29:00.000+11:00

Image: TGF Sheriff Ian
Copics: Mad For Markers
Green DP: JLJ Designs
Sketch: Anyone for Anya

More than cards....

2011-02-05T13:09:00.000+11:00

As I was looking through the photos on my camera I realised that I had some craft photos that I hadn't posted yet and they weren't cards. Yes, I like making more than just cards.... This scarf (and others like it in different colours) were made during the Easter school vacation last year. I like the really soft feel of the yarn.

For Christmas, I decided I'd hand make some of the gifts for my colleagues and so each of the females got a pair of earrings (the males still got shortbread).

I also had 4 pairs of Christmas earrings so I was wearing a different pair to work each day but then had the issue of what to do on Friday, so I whipped up this last pair very quickly...

Making a scene ;-)

2011-02-01T21:59:00.000+11:00

TGF image - Hippie Anya
Copic markers - lots on Anya, G17/G07 on the ribbons, Y08 on the sun (all from M4M )
Patterned paper - DP by JLJ Designs
Cardstock - basic black
Buttons - for the 'flowers'
Ribbon - stem of the 'flowers'
Punched - flower punches to make the clouds
Stitching - sun rays
Flower - the punches or the buttons/ribbons or the flower in Hippie Anya's hair
Sparkle - the sun and spica pens on Hippie Anya

My first ATC....

2011-02-01T18:02:00.001+11:00

Today I made my first ATC. An ATC is an Artist Trading Card and measures 2.5" by 3.5".

After working out the size of the stamp I found there was not much room for anything else....

I'm really enjoying playing with the Copic Markers I got from M4M. I even used one to ink my stamp for the sentiment.

Markers: B000/B00/B02/B05, Y000/Y02/Y08, E33/E35/E37, YR07, R000/R00.

Ceanne's Birthday Card

2011-01-31T07:56:00.000+11:00

Uses ribbon, dp by JLJ Designs, copics/spica from M4M and quilling.

I'm going to enter this card in The Lollipop Ladies: some black and M4M Challenge: crazy hair colouring

M4M Patriotic Challenge (Australian Flag Colours)

2011-01-27T23:08:00.000+11:00

As the current M4M challenge draws to a close I thought I might make one more entry, while attempting to keep it CAS in line with my aim for this year (even if I don't have fireworks on this card!)

I've used the following markers:

And here is my card:

With a close up of the cake :-)

Some crafty links....

2011-01-23T12:34:00.000+11:00

A photo of a finished throw rug I completed is posted here.

A card I made for my grandmother is posted here for inspiration of my Creative CAS Challenge blog.

New challenge at M4M...

2011-01-13T12:30:00.020+11:00

Given that Australia Day is just around the corner, M4M's current challenge is to use Red/White/Blue or Green/Yellow. Australia Day is another of those January dates when Australia celebrates with Fireworks so don't forget to enter this months Creative CAS challenge - prize is a $10 gift voucher to The Stamp Spot.

Using my new Copics from M4M : B00, R00/27, E31/33/35
Image: Sliekje Digi
Papers: Red DP from JLJ Designs, Blue leftover over from my wedding stock :-)

Too much excitement...

2011-01-11T14:34:00.000+11:00

I had a new batch of stamps arrive in the post yesterday and I was itching to ink them up. So this morning I did but part way through I noticed that I'd gotten a little carried away and forgotten to refresh the card I was stamping on so a number of them end up on paper.... so then I had to make sure I coloured those ones in first so I wouldn't forget ;-)

As usual DP is from JLJ Designs ;-)
Stamp by TGF: OA Buddies
Sketch based on FFF Sketch by Mercy
Challenges:
* One Stop Craft - A card for a child
* TGF FFF - Sketch

Far too organised....

2011-01-07T15:55:00.000+11:00

Decided I'd start my Christmas cards already given lots of the embellishments are on sale.
DP by JLJ Designs: Traditional Christmas Paper Pack
Stamp by The Greeting Farm: Oliver
Embellishments thanks to a gift certificate I had to use up - thanks Gary & Mel.

Challenges:
* Glitterbabe - Sketch + Sparkle
* Lollipop Ladies - Glitter or bling
* Mad 4 Markers - Anything Goes

Getting organised.... February Calendar Page

2011-01-07T12:04:00.000+11:00

Using my new Copics from M4M : B00, R00/27, E31/33/35, G14/17.
Stamp is Oliver from The Greeting Farm.
DP from the Dots Paper Pack of JLJ Designs.
Challenges:
* Anyone For Anya? - Calendar Page for February
* Mad 4 Markers - Anything Goes
* Creative Cowgirls - Something New
* One Stop Craft - New Beginnings
* Ellephantastic - New Beginnings

And don't forget to check out my new Challenge Blog: Creative CAS Challenges

A card and some links...

2011-01-04T23:46:00.000+11:00

First link:
You can view some of my Christmas sewing here! Had to wait until they'd been received and then so much else was happening that I just didn't get to post photos of them online...

Second link:
As I've mentioned previously my new challenge blog is up and running so I thought I should include some inspiration... This month's clean and simple challenge is Fireworks!

A card:

Third link:
As I can't really enter my own challenge, I've decided to enter this card in the Anything Goes challenge at M4M.

Time flies...

2011-01-04T17:40:00.000+11:00

Feels like ages since I've done any craft although it was really just under 2 weeks. Currently waiting on some ink for my printer to complete some projects but at least I was able to do some cutting out today. Stay tuned for some more cards soon and a link to some of my Christmas sewing...

Happy New Year (and a challenge)

2011-01-01T10:42:00.000+11:00

Happy 2011!

Hope the good out weighs the bad this year and that you have plenty of time to craft!

I've begun a new monthly challenge blog with prizes for this year,

so check out Creative CAS Challenges and get crafting :-)

Merry Christmas :-)

2010-12-25T09:32:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas to you all!

"For unto us a child is born"

May your time with family and friends be joyful as you reflect on the wondrous gift God gave in Jesus.

Card for Manda...

2010-12-14T16:49:00.000+11:00

Given Manda lives in the mountains (where it might snow) and loves rainbow colours, I thought I'd use the Oh Alice! challenge of 'red, green + 1 colour...' for Manda's card... The '+ 1 colour' I chose was yellow cause I remember it vividly from her wedding :-) If she happens to look at this blog before Christmas well at least she'll know there's something fun heading her way ;-)

Pixie Dust Studio Challenge

2010-12-14T16:11:00.000+11:00

Pixie Dust Studio is looking for white with non-traditional coloured cards for their 'Let it Snow' challenge. Although snowing in Sydney would be a little weird at Christmas time, I thought I'd join them for this challenge cause I like this digi image so much.

Shabby Chic Christmas....

2010-12-14T16:06:00.001+11:00

Pastels really aren't my thing, but having seen Trevor in a bucket from CC Designs, I just had to take him out of the bucket and make him a present ;-) This card is for Anyone for Anya?

Once again I've used digital paper from JLJ Designs (as the box).

Clean And Simple (CAS) Christmas

2010-12-12T11:05:00.001+11:00

A clean and simple Christmas tree for YNS using JLJ Designs Traditional Christmas digital papers....

(and the stamp is the star which I cut out from the gold paper - bit of a cheat I know but it was CAS!)

Honeycomb + Glitter bling....

2010-12-11T18:29:00.000+11:00

Stars are a freebie from Glitterbabe. They have a current challenge of 'Christmas with no green or red'. Some of the 'bling' was a little too reflective in my photo, oh well, it's nice and shiny :-)

Colour theme is based on The Lollipop Ladies current challenge of 'Chocolate Honeycomb + something hidden'. The 'something hidden' is:

Calendar Page

2010-12-09T14:37:00.000+11:00

Recently I was inspired to create a card box with partitions for each month and also each style of card. I had gotten no further than choosing the box and cutting the partitions until I was challenged by Anyone For Anya? to do a calendar page and so I thought, 'This is it - I can at least do one month's decoration!' I used Sheriff Ian from TGF and digital papers from jljdesigns in the Rainbow Paper Pack. In order to decide on the layout of the rest of the card I CASE one for ClubAnya's Mystery Monday. And I suppose I should finally get to the card, right? Here it is:

Flowers for Oh, Alice!

2010-12-08T17:09:00.000+11:00

Oh, Alice! Challenge

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2010-12-06T23:29:00.001+11:00

Yesterday I decided it was time to actually put up the Christmas tree (rather than just have it lying around). One of my nephews gave me lots of help decorating the tree (aged:2.5, he also helped take the ornaments back off again!) On top of the tree I put one of these angels:

They are made of cardboard with a string to hang them. The white cardboard of the angel body and message from Luke 2:11 was run through a photocopier. Then the star stickers were attached and finally the silver cardboard wings were stuck on the back... Very simple, but quite effective :-)

This post is contributing to the Jesus Is The Reason For The Season Blog Hop (http://paperaddictcatherine.blogspot.com/)

Just a reminder about what Christmas is really about....

2010-12-02T16:48:00.000+11:00

Yes, you've seen this card before (see previous post about M4M Challenge) but I thought I'd repost it to help me focus on what makes Christmas so important: Jesus.

TGF Holiday Hop

2010-12-01T11:50:00.000+11:00

Yay! It's hopping time :-) Thanks for stopping by.
I decided to make 2 cards particularly for this hop. Firstly, for the challenge 'Let it Snow':

and some close up shots....

Inside the card:

The snowflake punches:

Secondly, for the 'Santa, Baby' challenge:

and some more close up shots...

Ho! Ho! Ho! umm... little help?

The quilled candles on the mantle-piece:

I had lots of fun making these cards. Hope you enjoy the rest of the blogs in the TGF Holiday Hop!

Lollypop Ladies Cupcake Challenge

2010-11-30T22:18:00.000+11:00

For this fortnight's challenge at The Lollipop Ladies, I coloured in Cupcake Anya from TGF. She is coloured with Copic markers from MadForMarkers. Skin: E000,R000,R00. Mouth: R11. Hair: E17, E27, E29. Dress/Hairband: BV000, BV00, BV01. Shirt/Bow/Stockings: R81, R83, R85. Shoes: T1,T3. Cupcake: R89, E70,E79, BV02, BV08.

Thanks to this challenge, I then felt like baking....

I'm also entering this card for a DT call on Anyone For Anya.

And they shall become one...

2010-11-30T18:00:00.000+11:00

Copic Guide:
Bride: Skin: R000, R00, R11. Dress: E000. Hair: E13, E15. Flowers: B16, B26, G14. Shoes: 0, C1.
Groom: Skin: R000, R00, R11. Suit: C3, C5. Shoes: T3, T7. Belt: Y13, Y28, Y38. Hair: E29,39. Shirt: 0, C1.

Football (Soccer) digital stamps....

2010-11-26T19:18:00.000+11:00

(showing their main differences from the other variations in bold)

Variations on a theme....

2010-11-26T18:27:00.000+11:00

More digital stamps....

Left: The not so new one.

The new variations...(Below)

Mad For Markers Challenge Entry

2010-11-21T23:44:00.000+11:00

This month at Mad For Markers the challenge is to make a Christmas Card with Non Traditional Colours that use Copic Markers.

Given I like blue I decided to make a birthday card with a Christmas twist... Now I just have to decide which nephew to give it to ;-)

TGF Holiday Hop (a sneak peak)

2010-11-21T22:51:00.000+11:00

There's a feeling of holidays in the air... and for a special treat here are some clues as to what is coming...

A Card for Oh, Alice!

2010-11-21T20:46:00.000+11:00

Having coloured an image based on Alice in Wonderland, I thought what better to do with it than enter it in the Oh, Alice! challenge....

This week's challenge was

"Our challenge this week is to use either a caterpillar or a butterfly in your project.

If you'd like to go one step farther, use a definition or dictionary paper in your design (any subject is fine)."

I decided to sneak a little butterfly into my decorations but I particularly liked using definitions (as you might have guessed...) :-) Now just have to hope my friend enjoys receiving it as much as I enjoyed making it :-)

Stamping

2010-11-17T17:31:00.000+11:00

Recently digital stamps have been getting my attention so thought I'd post one I made not long ago and its variation...

Some scarves I've made a from 2007 onwards...

2010-11-17T16:32:00.000+11:00

Each scarf is for sale... although some have already sold... but I do have others that I haven't photographed yet...

Welcome to the new home of my crafty ideas and creations...

2010-11-17T16:28:00.000+11:00

Yay! My craft has a new home...

Hope you enjoy and feel inspired.

Gin.