Sketch Saturday #54 and Party box Winner!!

Hi folks!!

Lots to share with you today... grab yourself a cuppa and some biccies. First things first, thank you to everyone who entered my Sketch Saturday Birthday Bash Box Candy. It was so much fun to visit you all. The winner is....(drum roll please...)...... Jennifer!! Congratulations Jennifer. Please email me (craftysandra.d@googlemail.com) with your details. Here's Jennifer's winning entry.

It was my turn to choose the Guest DT for weeks 54 and 55. No prizes for guessing who I asked... my good friend, and uber talented, Christine Dark. Her card is absolutely stunning for this weeks sketch. Can't wait to see what she conjours up for next week. The sketch was created by Mandy(*thanks Mandy*) as it's her DT week.

For my card I have used one of my new Kadoodle designs being launched today at The Craft Barn Extravaganza, Lingfield. Christine and I will be there demoing amidst 17 more demontrators (see here for all the details). I have used backing papers by 'three bugs'. The embossed and sanded panel is Co-ordinations whitewash. The corners and sentiment are Quickutz and Cuttlebug dies. The flower brads are by Making Memories and the ribbon was a freebie from a mag. I have coloured the image using my Prismacolor pencils, Sansodor and paper stumps.

Have a great day. Ciao for now!

Sandra x

Countdown to the June Extravaganza!!!

Hi folks!!

Sorry I haven't been about much lately. I have been beavering away having fun creating with my new Kadoodle designs that are to be launched at the June Extravaganza at The Craft Barn Lingfield, this weekend! There are two new Loupy Lou designs and two new Larger Ladies (see bellow for sneaky peeks) So I will have lots to share with you soon.

I made this card following the Sketch over on LOTV challenge, Cute Daisy May wanted to see some embossing (My image has been heat embossed with black ink and clear embossing powder and I have used my Cuttlebug to emboss the red circles) Charisma Cardz want to see dots and circles and Cute Card Thursday would like a bit of bling. I used Art Institute Glitter to colour little Loupy Lou's outfit and wings.

Can you spot the designs above by my uber talented friend Christine Dark?? We'll both be demoing at the Show on Saturday and Sunday. Please come along and say hi.

Ciao for now!

Sandra x

ps. Don't forget to hop on over to my digi stamp site to see my new designs that are perfect for Father's Day.

Dare U 2 Digi Stamp Challenge #8

Well, it's Friday again and time to print out those digi images and get creative with the 'Dare U 2 Digi Stamp' challenge.  This week it's 'One For The Boys'.  Have a look and see what the Design Team have come up with.  I'm sure you will find something there to inspire you and yet again they have come up with some stunning creations.

For my card I followed the sketch made by my fellow teamie Donna for the Cupcake Challenge.  I have turned it upside down to work better for my image.  'Daddy and Little one' will be available to buy from my digi-stamp blog very soon.  I have coloured the image with my Prisma colour pencils, Sansodor and paper stumps.   I used a text stamp, which reads 'Snips and Snails and puppy dogs tails', to create the background.  I think it's a Serendipity stamp but I've had it for so long I can't be sure.  I stamped the background with a versamark pad and dusted over with cosmic shimmer powder.  I have used tulle for the panels.  The ribbon and 'dummy' button are from my stash.  The frame I cut with my Nestabilities and the crystal brads are by Making Memories.  The font is 'fancy pants' which is a Cuttlebug alphabet.

I hope you are able to join in with this weeks challenge.  I would love to see your 'One For The Boys'.

Ciao for now!

Sandra x

A sneaky peek of my new 'Daddy' images

Hi folks!

Here's a peek at 'Bonnie and Daddy' one of my new designs that will be available soon at Sandra Dry Digi-Stamps.  Lots more fun designs to add to your collection coming soon. 

For this card I used the Paper Take Weekly sketch, the Colour Create 'Sky Blue, Tan & Ecru' combo and The pink Elephant theme of 'Letters'.  The papers are a combination of DCWV and Papermania.  I also used my Cuttlebug  to emboss the cream panel. I used my 'Go-Kreate' alphabet dies for the letters.  The Velvet ribbon is from American Crafts,  the butterflies are a Martha Stewart punch (I love these... you may be seeing lots on my cards ;o) and  I dusted off my Prisma Colour pencils, Sansodor and paper stumps to colour the image. I finished off the card with some self adhesive pearls.

I think I'll save this card for my little girl to give to her 'Daddy'.

Ciao for now!

Sandra x 

Holy Communion Card

Hi folks!

Thought I'd share this card with you.  No challenges today but a commission instead.  Was asked to make a first Holy Communion card for my friends little boy.  My friend asked for a boy in a suit.  Unfortunately I didn't have any images or stamps that fit the bill so I set about drawing one.

This card is the largest I have made in a long time.  It's larger than A5 yet slightly smaller than A4. The patterned paper is from the DCWV luxury stack.  I embossed some pearl card with my swirly Fiskars embossing plate. The blue scalloped edge is a Doodlebugs paper frill and the ribbon is from my stash.  Lots of silver Mirri board on this card too.  The corners are a Cuttlebug die and I have used a Sizzlets alphabet, 'Night & Day' for the words.

Jake's mum is collecting it later today... hope she likes it :o)

Ciao fo now!

Sandra x

Birthday card for my Beautiful 'Belle

Hi folks!

My twins are 4 today..., where do the years go? I can't believe that they start 'big school' in September. Here is the card I made for Isabelle. Will share Ben's tomorrow. Another late night crafting for these babies.

I followed some challenges which really helped me to focus on what I needed to do. The sketch is from Just Magnolia. It's their launch week and I just had to join in (looks like everyone else in blogland is having fun with this sketch too :o) Cute Card Thursday is asking to see flowers. Over on the Saturday Challenge they want us to create a scene. Lastly my dear and uber talented friend Chris Dark has set the challenge over on Colour Create which is to use Pink, Black and white with the option of polka dots. A delish colour combo I 'm sure you will agree.

So 4 challenges for a four card for a little girl who is turning 4.... (fork handles anyone?...tee hee)

Back tomorrow with bonny Ben's card.

Ciao for now!

Sandra xx

Sketch Saturday #45 & a sneaky peek of Rosabella Flower

Hi folks!!

It's Sketch Saturday time again. This week is special as it's DT week and Tracie's turn to host. She has come up with a great sketch, and personally donated the fabby prize of two Penny Black stamps. Broceliane is our fabulous Guest Designer for the next two weeks. To see her gorjuss card and those of my talented fellow DT be sure to visit the challenge blog.

For my card I have used some yummy Imaginese papers, I just adore these soft colours and patterns. I have embossed the rectangle panel using my Cuttlebug. I punched another strip of vellum with the Martha Stewart Doily punch. I had fun stitching on some pink tulle and ric rac. I think you may be seeing lots more sticthing on my designs. Rosabella Flower will be available soon. I have coloured her using my Prismas, Koi watercolours and glitter for her wings. The leaves are a Woodware punch and the flower a little wooden embellishment I have has for ages (so nice to be using some of my ancient stash) I finished the card off with some pretty pink self adhesive pearls.

I've got a long weekend of work ahead of me :o(..... I'll be back soon with details of the new Kadoodle candy and the ,not to be missed, June Extravaganza at The Craft Barn :o)

Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Hugs
Sandra xx

Introducing the Meerkats...Simples!

Hi folks!!
I've been meaning to draw these little fellas for a while now. The Meerkats are available now on my Digi Stamp blog. Hop on over to meet Meerkat Amigos, Meerkat Dancer and Meerkat Youngster. Something a little bit different that can be used for male cards too.

I followed three challenges when making this card. The sketch is another great one from Friday Sketchers. Cute Card Thursday's theme is 'family affair' they are asking for cards made for a member of the family, here I have made a card for Dad. Lastly Charisma Cardz have challenges us to use our favourite things. My favorite thing at the moment is making cards with my vary latest digi stamp releases.

The papers and tag embellishment are all K&Co. I have used my Nestabilities and WRMK compass cutter to cut the circles. All the embossing has been done on my Cuttlebug. I printed 'Love You Dad' on some ribbon using my Xyron Design Runner and cut the sentiment from funky foam using 'Amsterdam' a Go-kreate alphabet. As I have already mentioned 'Meerkat Simples!' is a digi-stamp and I have coloured him using koi watercolours. I have added glossy accents to his eyes and nose. Don't forget you can re size Digi stamps and print them out to whatever size suits your project.

I hope you like my Meerkats and look forward to reading your comments.

Ciao for now!

Sandra xx

Sketch Saturday #44 & 'Huggles' Kadoodle Candy

Hi folks!
It's Saturday and time for another one of Jo's fabulous sketches over on Sketch Saturday. Lots of lovely circles on this one. The Craft Barn are sponsoring this weeks challenge and the prize is, not one but, two splendid Whiff of Joy stamps. Our Guest DT, Dawn, has made a beautiful card to inspire you as have the rest of the Design Team so don't forget to visit their blogs for an abundance of creative ideas.

For this card I used Papermania designer papers from their 'Sweet Nothings' range. I added iridescent sequins to some of the dots on the patterned paper. The ribbon is by American crafts. I cut the circle and scalloped circle using my Nestabilities. I then embossed the lilac layer using my Cuttlebug and lightly inked with Crimson copper Brilliance ink. The fabric flower was a bit if a find. I was in my local Sainsbury's yesterday and they had reduced their Mother's Day lines. In amongst the chocolate and scented candles were a couple of kits to be made up as flower garlands for mum. The kit was £1.24 reduced from £4.99 and contained about 20 fabric flowers, in 4 colours, 1 yard of pink ribbon, some glitter glue, thread and a bag of sequins. Great value! (I just had to have it) I have layered the fabric flower with a felt flower cut with my Cuttlebug and finished off with a plastic pink dot (not sure what these are called) I cut the sentiment with Go-Kreate dies. The stamp, coloured in with Koi watercolours, is one of my own designs available at The Craft Barn. 'Huggles' is also being offered as Blog Candy on the Kadoodle blog this week.

That's enough rambling from me. Have a great weekend.

Ciao for now!

Sandra xx

Hanglar Cutie Challenge Card

Hi folks!!

Hope all you Mum's out there enjoyed your day yesterday :o) I managed to squeeze in some crafting time towards the end of the day and this is what I came up with. I followed the sketch over on Friday Sketchers. Colour Create have another great combo to use. I tried ever so hard not to use designer papers but I just had to give in to this piece of K&Co, it was too perfect for the Navy, Lime and Turquoise combo. It did make me get my embossing powders out, which is great for me as I haven't used them in ages (lost my heat tool in the craft room 'move' back in November... have just replaced it). Don't know about you but the card I'm working on is always my favourite, so I'm hoping it's ok to enter this one to The Saturday Challenge who are asking for card made with your favourite colour.

I stamped and embossed the first layer with a swirl stamp (those foam ones from QVC) the embossing powder is by Debbie Moore. There is a strip of vellum over the K&Co patterned paper which I punched using the Martha Stewart Doily punch. I embossed the blue panel with my Cuttlebug. I used Co-ordinations and so was able to sand it to reveal the core colour. I coloured theHanglar image (hope you like it Heike ;o) using distress inks (for the first time), my koi watercolours and glitter. Was a I had to cut his antennae off, so I made him, some new ones with wire and a couple of blobs of liquid pearls. I layered a button on more card. The leaves were also in my button box. Lastly the sentiment is K&Co.

Have just noticed I forgot to give this poor chappy his rosey cheeks... Doh!

Hope you like the card,

Ciao for now!
Sandra xx

Made on Demo Day

Hi folks!!

Please excuse my lack of coming to visit all you lovely crafters and leaving comments on your blogs. I have been so busy with family commitments. My eldest is on a residential school trip to an outdoor adventure centre (cannot believe the amount of 'stuff' he had to take!) so I should be back on form this week as I only have the twins gorgeous hubby here.

Anyway, enough about me. Here are some snaps I took at The Craft Barn of one of the cards I made last Saturday. It was great to be in the shop. I just love talking to people that share my passion for craft. I was thrilled to meet the uber talented Debby. I think she survived the big bear hug I gave her (sorry Debby, Couldn't help it.... was soooo excited to meet you!) I also met Ruby of Ruby 2 Shoes, another exciting and vibrant crafter... just check out her blog! (edit: thank goodness for spell check, or you would have been checking out her bog!) As well as lots more lovely ladies and gentlemen including Marie (*waves*) I think she actually lives at the shop and just goes home to sleep....only joking ;o)

For this card I used Basic Grey papers and some pink and brown Co-ordinations card. I embossed the pink panel with my Cuttlebug. The flowers were punched inked, curled, glued and finished off with a self adhesive pearl. I nabbed the Butterfly sentiment from the bit box in The Craft Barn Studio. I didn't have my QK flourishes with me so I used my Cuttlebug corner and double heart dies. Just a snip here and there and a little repositioning. The curly heart made the cute swirls at the bottom of the flower. The stamped images were Whiff of Joy. These are available to buy at The Craft Barn. I have coloured them with Coloursoft pencils, Sansodor and paper stumps.

Don't forget that that this week Kadoodle have Blog Candy that's very easy to enter.
Hope the sun is shining where you are.

Ciao for now,

Sandra xx

Sandra Dry Digi Stamps is now Open!!

Hi folks!!

The fairies have finally landed. Sandra Dry Digi Stamps is now officially open!! Hop on over to see the Rosabella Fairy collection. I hope some of them will flitter and flutter their way by magical digi dust to your house.

For this card I followed a few challenges. The sketch over on Mojo Monday is another cute one which was fun to follow. Cupcake Craft Challenges has the theme of Spring this week. A little fairy with fresh flowers in her hair remind me of Springtime. The Cuttlebug Spot is challenging us to use embossed Serendipity's (see their blog for a tutorial). I have embossed my Serendipity panel, alas my photography skills are not advanced enough to pick it up for you. It's a pretty simple card. Lots of layers adhered with glue gel to add dimension. The papers are K&Co. The sentiment, from Crafters Companion has been cut with deckle edge scissors, matted and cut again. Then I shaped it to produce quite deep undulations and adhered with dimensional glue gel. Rosabella Sitting, has been coloured in using promarkers and glitters. I also highlighted the embossing by painting with cosmic shimmer Aurora Sparkle glitter paint. I finished of with a knotted ribbon.
That's all for now
Hugs
Sandra xx

Truly Scrumptious Challenge 2

Hi Folks!

A quickie card from me today. I needed a card as my twins were off to their friend Alfie's bouncy castle party yesterday. So I turned to the great sketch over on the Truly Scrumptious challenge blog for some inspiration. None of my usual little details on it but works fine as a card for a little boy.

For this card I used DCWV patterned papers and textured cardstock. I just cut a series of squares using my guillotine, inked the edges and layered them up. The circle and scalloped circle are cut using my Nestabilities and then embossed using my Cuttlebug. I knotted some ribbon and adhered to the circle using dimensional glue gel. I stamped Edwin (a Magnolia stamp) and coloured him with Koi watercolours. He has been closely cut out, shaped a little and also adhered with glue gel. I cut the name using my Sizzlet alphabet 'Night and day'. That's pretty much it.

For those of you waiting on news of my Digi-download site, I'm still working on it. It's taking a little longer than expected. Just wish there were more hours in the day! I'll keep you posted. Thank you so much for hanging on in there :o)

Hugs,
Sandra xx

Multi Challenge Card featuring Tara and more Awards!

Hi folks!!

I made this card following quite a few challenges. The First being the great sketch over on Mojo Monday. This weeks Cuttlebug Spot Challenge is to use Bows. Papertake weekly has set a challenge to use Orange, Pink and Brown. The Pink Elephant challenge blog is asking for Ribbons and die cuts and A Spoon full of Sugar is looking out for torn edges.

For this card I used DCWV designer papers, (one of them had all different words for 'Mother' on it) I thought it would make a nice Mother's day card. I die cut the corner flourishes with my Cuttlebug. I think the ribbon came free with a magazine. It's been in my stash mountain for a long time. All the layers are adhered with dimensional glue gel. The beautiful image is one of Chris' new release Digital Stamps. If you haven't used a digi-download before why not consider having a go for one of these challenges. They are easy to use. You can download them instantly (no more waiting for the postie) and one of the greatest advantages is that you can re size them to fit with your project. I coloured the beautiful Tara with koi watercolours and rubbed some 'fruit punch' stickles over the flower petals. I think you can just about see in the close up that I have used glossy accents on her eyes to make the most of her wonderful features. I finished off the card with some self adhesive pearls.

Awards!

I have been chosen by fellow Sketch Saturday DT member Ria for the above two awards, thank you so much!, and would like to pass them on to:

Phree over on Ink Stain Survivor

Brandi over on Barely banana days

Dawn over on Crafty Ramblings

Lyn over on MickysMate

Poupette over on Le Blog de Poupetteval

Pinky over on Pinky's World

Alison over on Ali's Stamping Heaven

Desire over on Doing Life

Tara over on Happily Ever Crafting

Tara over on Inking on the Edge.

We are so lucky to have so many talented ladies blogging and sharing their ideas. You are such an inspiration to me. Keep up the good work.
Hugs
Sandra xx

New Look Blog & Bobo kickin' back

Hi Folks!!

What do you think of my New Look Blog? It as all courtesy of my fabulous friend Christine. I couldn't have done it without you...thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!!

For this card I followed the sketch over on Cutie Sunday. It's a great one if you are partial to circles. I have used one of my new stamps available at The Craft Barn called Kickin Back. I wanted to create a dreamy, floaty feel hence the calm serene colour pallet. The designer paper is Cosmo Cricket. I have inked the edges with blue brilliance ink pad. I stamped and coloured the image with my Koi watercolours; cut it out with my scalloped circle Nestabilities and inked the edges with black ink. I cut a two vellum circles with Nesties, embossed them with my Cuttlebug. I adhered using wacky tack and added a little glitter glue to the velum. This did crinkle the vellum slightly but I quite like the effect. It glistens much more in real life. The sentiment is die cut using the Amsterdam Go-Kreate die adhered to a metal rimmed tag which has been threaded with ribbon. I finished off the card with white brads in the corners.

My new Digi-Download-Design blog is near completion...I'll keep you posted regards the launch!! (I'm soooo excited..... can you tell? :o)

Hugs
Sandra xx

21st Birthday Card & Award

Hi folks!!

I made this card for my niece's boyfriend who recently celebrated his 21st birthday. I followed sketch over on Lili of the Valley Challenge blog. Quite an imaginative sketch which was fun to use.

The backing papers/card/glitterboard are from my stash mountain.... sorry but I can't remember where they are from. I have used my Cuttlebug to emboss two of the panels. I have coloured Edwin (Magnolia) using a mixture of Copics and koi watercolours. I have not been able to pick it up on the photos but I have added glitter to the glasses. The '21' is die cut using a Cuttebug alphabet and i added the name 'Steve' which is cut using the Go-kreate 'London' alpha. I attached the ribbon with a star brad. I added most of the elements with glue gel to add dimension.

An Award

Huge thanks to Pamela for this wonderful award. I am delighted and honoured that you like the cards on my blog.

I have to pass this award on to 10 people.... here goes:

Chris over on Sketching Stamper

Mariska over on Sending you a little smile

Jeanette over on Happy thoughts and inkspots

Jacqui over on Cats whiskers

Joey over on Joeys world of stuff

Heike over on kreative-stempelwelt

Debby over on A Scrapjourney

Kim over on Cards by Kim

Poppet over on Poppet's Place

Janet over on Pink Gem

Thank you so much for the wonderful inspiration ladies
Hugs
Sandra xx

Sketch Saturday #40

Hi folks!!

Lots happening today, I'll be posting again a little later about the launch of my new collection, Kadoodle Loupy Loo & Bobo, at the Craft Barn.

But for now here's my DT card for the Challenge over on Sketch Saturday. This week we are being sponsored by The Craft Barn who have kindly given some Paper Artsy mini stamps as this weeks prize. Hop over to the Sketch Saturday blog for lots more details and to be inspired by the wonderful creations by my fellow DT. Not forgetting Susan, our fabulous Guest DT who has come up trumps again with this weeks sketch designed by Jo.

For this card I needed to use a smaller image which meant I had to abandon my usual style of cutting closely around the character and adhering with glue gel. It would have been impossible to cut out all those tiny flowers! I couldn't resist a bit of dimension so the little bird is adhered with dimensional glue gel. The images themselves are Precious Moments. I just adore these. I was lucky enough to get these from the US via ebay. I have coloured them using my Koi watercolours. The designer papers are Paper Adventures and I have used pastel green glitter board for the matting and layering. My Martha Stewart border punch had finally made an appearance. It's been sat on the side for a couple of weeks. I'm very naughty..... I think I just like 'getting' hot products. It then takes me an age to use them.

I stamped the dotty border with a HOTP stamp. The corner flourish is my fav Cuttlebug die (can you tell) and this time I have cut pink funky foam. The sentiment is a metal embellishment that says 'That face!' which I thought was quite apt and I have finished the card of with some self adhesive pink pearls.

That's all for now folks!

I'll be back soon.

Hugs

Sandra xx

A Multi Challenge Card

Hi folks!
For this card I have followed the sketch over on Friday Sketchers and incorporated the theme of 'Spring has Sprung' which can be found on The Saturday Challenge blog. I thought this little Hanglar girl would be perfect for the theme, and so the card evolved. It Also had a lot of Glitter and is quite 'blingy' so I thought it would be perfect for this weeks 'All that Glitters' challenge over on The Pink Elephant.

The papers are DCWV, from Nana's kids stack. The design had some really cute little pink ladybirds on it. The papers are glittered and quite sparkly but I couldn't catch that on the photo. I used my Nestabilities to cut the oval and scallop. I then embossed the oval with my Cuttlebug.
The flowers are Prima with some added punched flowers in the middle and finished off with a brad. The flourishes off the flowers are a Quickutz revolution die.

I coloured the little Hanglar with mixed media. For the flesh and green tones I used Promarkers, her cheeks are chalked, the pink tones are koi watercolours but I felt they looked a bit flat so I covered with translucent glitter. All except for the pink heart and the black dots to which I added glossy accents. The Key is coloured with a silver galaxy marker and I made the highlights with a white uni-ball signo pen.

I finished the card off with a Papermania butterfly (freebie from magazine) and some pink gems.

You should have seen the state of my craft table when I had all that lot out!! :oO

Have fun crafting!

Hugs

Sandra xx

Sketch Saturday #38. Sponsors - 'The Craft Barn'

Hi folks!

Saturday has rolled around again and Jo had provided another wonderful sketch to play with over on Sketch Saturday. This weeks sponsors are The Craft Barn. I am thrilled to say that the winner of this weeks challenge will receive Dan & Daisy, both part of the Kadoodle range (which is exclusive to The Craft Barn) and both designed by me! I hope you like them :o) Please be sure to check out all the wonderful designs by my fellow DT, another mixed bag with inspiration for everyone.

I had a comic strip in mind when making this card. I wanted Daisy to be thinking about Dan ( like the comic strip thought bubbles) and of course she had a huge crush on him, hence the heart shapes and all the doodles.
The patterned paper is Hot Off The Press. The notepaper down the side I cut using a Sizzix die from cardstock. I doodled the Daisy & Dan messages onto it before adhering to black card using glue gel to add dimension. The blue circle is cut from funky foam using my Nestabilities. The heart and scalloped heart are from the Doodlebug Cricut Cartridge. I then embossed the white heart using my Cuttlebug. Both the characters have been coloured using my Koi watercolours. I finished the card off with tiny hand tied bows for Daisy's plaits, a button in the shape of an apple and some red gems.
This card took quite a while to make but I had a picture in my head as to what it should look like. I'm quite pleased with the results.
Hope you are able to join us in this weeks challenge.
Hugs
Sandra xx

Hanglar & Stanglar - Love

Hi folks!

It's been ages since this little beauty has been inked. Isn't she adorable! I followed three challenges to make this swirly girly card. The Sketch is from Ismaki, A Spoon full of Sugar is calling for 'Doodle-do's' or swirl stamps and the first challenge over on The Pink Elephant is 'Pink, Black and White' I'm sure they won't mind some flesh tones and hair colour too.

The papers are from Basic Grey Two Scoops range. I have used my Nestabilities to cut the centre rectangle and scalloped rectangle. I have also embossed the white panel using my Cuttlebug. The swirl stamp was a freebie from a magazine. I have coloured the image with my Koi watercolours and highlighted the heart with glossy accents and sprinkled some glitter on. Hopefuly on the second picture you can see that I have decoupaged her arms and heart. I tried this out having been inspired by the talented Debby. You need to hop on over to her blog, her creations are amazing. I think maybe I should have decoupaged the little Hanglar girl's face and hair, but I'm pleased how it turned out. The letters are a Quickutz alphabet and I finished off the design with some black brads.

Thanks for looking.

Hugs
Sandra xx