Crafty Cardmakers Challenge 167

This time, at Crafty Cardmakers, our challenge is Shabby Chic/Distressed. And we're sponsored by

See the challenge blog for details.

I must admit, I don't get 'shabby chic' as a style. It always seems like a contradiction to me, and I'm definitely not a fan of distressing or ageing techniques. So, this challenge was definitely a challenge for me, and I just hope that what I've come up with fits the bill.

I've used a vintage image from a CDRom from Crafty Computer Paper, and mounted it on a mat cut using a Spellbinders die, through which I threaded some ribbon. For the background, I've used some Coredinations card - some from the Chocolate Box collection and some from the Whitewash pad. I've used the same warm pink inner colour in both cases, and, in fact, used an offcut for the mat (turned the wrong way round.) I embossed both pieces together so the pattern was continuous, then sanded both pieces of card. To finish, I've used some sticky lace and some flowers and bits from my stash. When I did a sort through of my craft stash I found so much stuff that I've bought and then found out how to make for myself. As a result, I don't use the pre-made bits, so I'm on a mission to actually use pre-made embellishments and papers!

I hope you can join us this time.

Crafty Cardmakers Challenge 166

This time, at Crafty Cardmakers, our challenge is to make something for a special man. In this case, that's my husband, who's put up with me for 30 years!

The image is a lovely stamp from Crafty Individuals which I've had for a while. This time, I stamped it in Versamark ink, and then coloured it with Perfect Pearls in blues, coppers and golds. I mounted it onto a mat cut with a Spellbinders die and added a sentiment. In the background, I've used a pretty paper from the Me to you range which brings out the greeny blues in the image. I've then added a piece of card which I embossed with a pattern of vines.

I hope you can join us this time.