Vintage? - don't mind if I do.

I've always admired but been a big bit, little bit intimidated by the whole distressed look.  I didn't know quite where to start and whenever I tried, always ended up with a project that looked more "tatty" than "vintage".  However I may have finally conquered my fear.  I dusted off my my Tim Holtz paper distresser, which has been laying, neglected in a drawer for years,  finally used my distress inks (well one of them) with some cut and dry and inked the edges of anything with a straight edge and crumpled away to my hearts content - and had a ball doing it.

So what was different this time, well, I used scraps.  I think the thought of wasting or destroying something pretty was just too big a deal for me.  I mean, I know it's just paper but, I really really like most of the dp's I own.  I really like the paper I used, which was one of the first crafty purchases I made but the bits I used had been in a scrap box.  It took all the pressure off and I honestly can't remember enjoying making a card so much in a long long time.

 * For everyone else that has whole heartedly embraced this style I know my card is pretty lame but it really was a big deal to me :)

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges
Emma's Crafty Challenge #14 Vintage
Fussy and Fancy Friday #84 Flowers

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

You've probably already heard but if you haven't google reader is closing on 1st July.   I've found it a really easy way to keep up to date with all your blogs and was wondering what to do.  I need not have worried as people much more organised that me have it all under control   I read on a couple of blogs I follow that they have switched to bloglovin so I thought I'd give that a try too.  I've imported all the blogs I follow on google reader (which was surprisingly easy) and added a "follow my blog" button.

Many thanks to Nikki and Mandy for the info.

better photos ?

I blogged this card before but hopefully there should be some improvement in it.  Not only did I add the sentiment and some gems, I also took the advice of some facebook friends and made a  bit more effort taking a picture of it.

They were as blunt as to say "make more effort, they suggested using a white background and taking the pictures in better lighting or even outside - which I did.

Did it make a difference?  See for yourself.

before

and after.......

Still not perfect but a whole let better.  And my husband says I spend too much time on facebook :)

Mothers day take 2

I had another go at a Mothers Day card, using another Kanban image.  I'm not entirely sure about this one - I think maybe the orange is a bit strong.  Any how I followed this sketch so at least I'm happy with the layout.

This pic was added after I got some advice on taking pics.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges
Sketch Saturday #248
Kanban Crafts Challenge #1 anything goes

mothers day card

I had a few hours to myself today and for the first time in a long time I was able to make a card "just for fun" I decided to make a mothers day card because all to often when there's an occasion coming up and I do mean any and every occasion, I usually get caught up in orders and have to buy cards for me to send to my loved ones which, not surprisingly goes down like a lead balloon. Not this year though - I am determined to get my act together,  I'll decide closer to the day whether this is for my mum or my mum in law depending on how successful I actually am at getting my act together :)

The main topper is from a Kanban kit I got ages ago, the frames and butterflies are spellbinders dies purchased more recently.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges (and, if I have time tomorrow I'll try to take another picture of it that isn't so blurry) 

Crafting for all seasons #46 Dies and Punches

Divas by design Anything Goes

Crafts and me #122 Dies and Punches

The Cupboard Trilogy #9 A Mother Love

Delicious Doodles #25 Yellow

this pic also added after following some advice re taking pics