Bright Birthday

Hey everyone - I hope you had a great weekend! It's Riley challenge time again, and Cindy has challenged us to create a Child's birthday/party theme project. The newly released Circus images were perfect, so I inked up Clown Car Riley.

This is a pretty clean and simple card - I used Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch for this week. Riley was coloured with Copics and the paper is from MME. I picked up the Lacey Squares nestabilites recently so had to break them in!

I had a Riley order arrive yesterday and I grabbed the Everyday Sayings set - it's a great basic sentiment set. The balloon image is paper pieced.

Head on over to the Riley blog to see the full list of designers with cards for you today and to link up your creation, we hope you play along!

Stamps: Clown Car Riley, Circus Words, Circus Accessories, Everyday Sayings (Riley and Company) Cardstock: White, Kraft (SU) Paper: Lime Twist - Fly a Kite (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Tangerine Tango (SU) Dies: Lacey Squares & Square Nestabilities (Spellbinders)  Other: Striped Ribbon, White Gel Pen (SU)

Baby Girl

Hi everyone! Sorry my OCC card is a little late, we had a lovely sunny day here yesterday, and with  NZ heading into winter and colder weather hubby and I had to take advantage! We had a nice picnic and did some shopping (new shoes, woohoo!) it was just too nice to sit inside all day.

This week Sharon is our hostess, and she wants us to make baby cards using Kraft cardstock, at least one button and some kind of ribbon or trim.

My card uses the awesome MFT sketch for this week - this one looked scary at first, but some adorable new stamps, dies and papers meant it came together easily, I had fun with this one! The stroller image is from the Emma Playing Mommy set, I paper pieced and coloured with copics. I am LOVING that little notched tag die and stamp set - too cute!

I have to give a shout out to Jody - my cards had been lacking my usual dimension, because, well, I was almost out of foam dots! eek! However, Jody sells her "sticky stuff" at AWESOME prices...and would you believe my parcel arrived in NZ only five days after she posted it, including a weekend?! Crazy! So if you're low on all those fun adhesive bits and pieces, Jody's your girl!

Inside I've used another of the gorgeous new die-namics from Well Worn Greetings and a stamp from Clearly Sentimental about Parenting. This card also works for the Free For All challenge this week to use something free on your card - I was lucky enough to win both the stamp sets I used on this card at MFT release parties - another great reason to join in on the fun!

Don't forget to visit OCC to see all the amazing design team creations. Have a wonderful weekend - especially those of you celebrating Memorial Day!

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental about Parenting, Emma Playing Mommy, Notched Tag (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Vanilla, Kraft (SU) Paper: Lime Twist - Happy Go Lucky (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Brilliance) Dies: Well Worn Greetings, Notched Tag, Sweet Stack Labels, Double Scallop Border Die-namics (MFT Stamps)  Other: Pretty in Pink Ribbon and Button (SU) Rhinestones (Kaisercraft) Copics, Twine, Sticky Stuff

Winners!

First, the winner of my follower blog candy is.....Sharna Russell - congrats!

The winner of the free Riley stamp is.....Laurie Gibson - yay!

Congratulations ladies, I'll be in touch via email later tonight with more details!

In the meantime, the Riley circus release is live and available via this link - happy shopping!

Welcome to the Big Top!

FOR THE JULY RILEY HOP, CLICK HERE. COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THE MAY BLOG HOP!

It's time! Welcome to the Riley and Company blog hop! The new Riley release is live right now - visit the Riley store here to purchase all your favourite Riley stamps. With 16 images, sentiments and accesories, this is the biggest Riley release ever!

The design team are hopping, bringing you ever more amazing samples of all the adorable images. To start at the start of the hop please visit the Riley and Company blog here. Read on for your chance to win a free Riley stamp!

I saved two of my favourite stamps from this release to share last. This is Seal Tricks Riley! Isn't he cute? The papers are from Lime Twist - Life of the Party by MME.

Inside I've used a few images from the wonderful accesories set also released tonight. Alright, ready for some more Moose madness?!

For my second card I've used Carousel Riley...

Sweet right? Riley is coloured with Copics and I've used Sparkle n Soft flocking on the horses mane and tail. The sentiment is a cute one - and it also works well with a gorgeous lion image released tonight. The sketch for this card comes from this months SFYTT. The papers for this card are Cosmo Cricket Pixie-licious.

Inside I have used the banner image included in the accessories set!

Ok - ready to win some rubber?! Just leave a comment on this post to be in to win your choice of any of the new Riley images! I'll draw the winner tomorrow at 10pm EST (2pm in New Zealand). For even more chances to win, be sure to leave a comment on all the Moose Mate blog hop posts tonight!

It's time to head over to my friend and fellow down-under team mate, Frances - she's sure to have something wonderful to share with you!

Stamps: Seal Tricks Riley (Riley and Company) Cardstock: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, White (SU) Paper: Lime Twist Life of the Party (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Dies: Dizzy Doily and Open Zig Zag Border Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Circle Nestabilties (Spellbinders) Other: Martha Stewart Ribbon, Copic Markers

Stamps: Carousel Riley (Riley and Company) Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, White (SU) Paper: Pixie-licious (Cosmo Cricket) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Dies: Circle Nestabilties (Spellbinders) Other: Ribbon, Copic Markers, Sparkle n Soft Flocking, Cosmo Cricket Button, Twine, Basic Grey Brads

Hot Stuff!

Whew - it's the last day of sneak peeks for the Riley and Company release already, I so hope you'll join us tomorrow for the biggest Riley release ever - 16 new stamps, a sentiment set AND an accessories set! We'll be blog hoppin' and there will be free stamps to be won, so make sure you stop by!

Today I've used Fire Breathing Riley - and just like all the stamps in the Riley catalogue, it was a blast to colour. I'm still new to Copic colouring but I'm having so much fun playing with this adorable moose!

Cute right? This card is for my gorgeous husband who has been so supportive as I embark on a new stage in my creative life. The papers are from the Hippie Chic stack by DCWV. I drew in and shaded a little ground for Riley to stand on.

I adore all the sentiments for the circus release - they really make the stamps usable for so many occasions.

I'll see you back here tomorrow for the big finale! The design team will all be sharing two projects and everyone will have free rubber to give away - woohoo!

Stamps: Fire Breathing Riley (Riley and Company) Cardstock: Concord Crush, White (SU) Paper: Hippie Chic (DCWV) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Brilliance) Dies: Pretty Posies Die-namic (MFT Stamps) Labels 19 and Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Button, Twine, Copic Markers

I see your future...

It's day four of sneak peeks for the fabulous Riley and Company circus release happening this week - just one more day of peeks then a fabulous blog hop with lots of chances to win some free rubber! 

Today I have a card using Fortune Teller Riley. I knew I wanted to use purple and lots of rich patterns for a decadent feel, so I pulled out this Eva paper from Basic Grey.

As always, Riley is coloured with Copics and highlighted with a glitter pen. I've also shaded the sentiment. Lots of pearls and prima flowers add to the rich feel I was going for - a fortune teller deserves nothing less!

Inside I have used another sentiment from the fun Circus Words 1 set that will also release with the 16 new Riley stamps! See you tomorrow for the last of the sneak peeks, don't forget to visit the Moose Mates - you'll find a list in my sidebar!

Stamps: Fortune Teller Riley (Riley and Company) Cardstock: White, Old Olive (SU) Paper: Eva (Basic Grey) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Dies: Double Scallop Border Die-namic (MFT Stamps) Labels 4 and Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Pearls (Kaisercraft) Copic Markers, Ribbon, Prima Flowers, Twine

Uh-oh - Hang in There!

It's day three of teasers for the upcoming Riley and Company circus themed release - have you been checking out all the design team creations? With 16 new stamps there's a lot to see! My card today uses the super cute Trapeze Riley and Sophie.

This image is such a focal point I kept the rest of my card clean and simple. The sketch is Karen's Sweet Sunday for this week. Riley and Sophie were coloured with Copics and Sophie's costume was highlighted with a glitter pen. I've paired them with this fun new Lime Twist Fly a Kite paper from My Mind's Eye.

Nice and simple on the inside too! All the moose mates have samples for you today - you'll find the list in my sidebar. See you tomorrow!

Stamps: Trapeze Riley and Sophie, Circus Words 1 (Riley and Company) Cardstock: White, Kraft (SU) Paper: Lime Twist Fly a Kite (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Dies: Jumbo Scallop Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Long Rectangles (Spellbinders) Punches: Word Window, Modern Label (SU) Other: Twine, Button, Copics, Seeing Spots Embossing Folder (Provocraft)

Juggling Riley

Ready for another peek at the spectacular circus release from Riley and Company? I have a card made with Juggling Riley and a couple more of the adorable sentiments being released this week.

Riley was coloured with Copics and his juggling balls were given some shine with Diamond Glaze.  I cut a little off the width of this card for a slightly different look and so I could hang my oval layer off the top of the card. This is one of those layouts that I sketched in portrait orientation but ended up looking better landscape - love that!

Inside my card I've shaded Riley with a C-1 Copic to make him "pop" a little. All the Riley Moose Mates have amazing peeks for you today - you'll find a list in my sidebar. See you tomorrow with another new Riley!

Stamps: Juggling Riley, Circus Words 1 (Riley and Company) Cardstock: White, Kraft, Early Espresso (SU) Paper: Stella and Rose (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Dies: Jumbo Scallop, Double Scallop Border, Pretty Posies Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Scallop Oval and Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Seeing Spots Embossing Folder (Provocraft) Copics, Spiral Clip, Twill, Button

Roll Up, Roll Up!

It's time for Riley to go to the circus! Today begins the sneak peaks for the mammoth Riley and Company release on Thursday 26th May (that's Friday here in New Zealand)

Riley and Sophie are heading to the big top with 16 brand new images, an accessory images set AND a sentiment set!  After five days of wonderful sneak peeks, all the festivities culminate with a wonderful blog hop where you can win a new Riley to call your own!

Today I'm bringing you "Stilts Riley" - All the new images are SO fun to colour! Riley was coloured with Copics then cut out and adhered to the background layer with foam dots. The flag banner is one of the accessory images available, I paper pieced each flag and added a little rhinestone. Banners are so on trend right now!

Inside the card I finished with a scrap of paper, more Prima Flowers and a button as well as that cute sentiment.

Be sure to check out the Riley Design Team on my sidebar for lots of amazing peeks at the new stamps! I'll see you soon with another adorable circus design!

Stamps: Stilts Riley, Circus Word Set 1, Circus Accessories Set (Riley and Company) Cardstock: White, Basic Gray (SU) Paper: Tickled Pink (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Dies: Jumbo Scallop Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Labels 4 and Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Prima Flowers, Copic Markers, Buttons, Ribbon, Rhinestones (Kaisercraft) Dots Embossing Folder (Provocraft)

Frame It!

Happy Saturday! This week at OCC Linda has challenged us to create a frame on our projects using chipboard, cardstock or whatever you can think of! I created a frame using various nestabilities dies.

This one is pretty self explanatory - some gorgeous paper, a beautiful sentiment and die cut accents. The scallop layer is created using five die cut strips of the Jumbo Scallop Die-namic from My Favorite Things.

For once I haven't finished the inside of this card (yet) We went to the zoo this morning and I ran out of time!  Be sure to stop by Our Creative Corner and see what the design team have cooked up this week - I'll be back tomorrow with the first of the Riley and Company sneak peeks!

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental about Music (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, White, Basic Black (SU) Paper: Emma's Shoppe (Crate Paper) Ink: Real Red (SU) Dies: Dizzy Doily, Musical Notes, Jumbo Scallops Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Labels 4, Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Real Red Ribbon (SU) Rhinestones (Kaisercraft)

Playing with lots of new goodies....

TGIF! Things have been crazy busy around here - last night Shan and I took some time to catch a basketball game. This weekend we have a zillion things to do but have a movie date planned - whew for those relaxing moments. We live for the weekends and the two days spent just the two of us, sappy but true!

My order of the new MME Lime Tart papers finally arrived a day or so ago - and I'm in loveeeee - My Mind's Eye is without a doubt rocking my world lately! Expect to see lots of gorgeous prints from them on my cards! So I had to play - I also pulled out some of my new MFT goodies from the last release - new stamps and paper and dies? stamping heaven!

I used MFTWSC20 for my sketch (I flipped the sketch) and I also embossed for the LilyPad Cards embossing challenge and used Kraft cardstock for Krafty Thursday. I'm (re)addicted to Kraft cardstock at the moment, my other addictions are that Seeing Spots embossing folder and the Pretty Posies Die-namic that I'm using on 90% of my cards - yup, it's that good!

I omitted the heart from the sentiment and used a mini heart cut from the Notched Tags Die-namic, covered in Crystal Effects. The flowers were cut from white felt. 

Inside my card I used more of those gorgeous papers, another sentiment from the FANTASTIC Well Worn Greetings set and some rhinestones.

Have a wonderful weekend! I'll have a card for the OCC challenge tomorrow, and on Sunday sneak peaks start for the next Riley and Company release! With five days of teasers and a blog hop (with free stamps to be won!) there's a lot happening....in fact...you could say it'll become a circus around here *wink* 

Stamps: Well Worn Greetings (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Kraft, White, Orchid Opulance (SU) Paper: Lime Twist - Happy Go Lucky (MME) Ink: Celery, Not Quite Navy (SU) Dies: Well Worn Greetings, Notched Tag, Open Scallop, Pretty Posies Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Other: Seeing Spots embossing folder (Provocraft) Button (Cosmo Cricket) Rhinestones (Kaisercraft) Twine, White Felt, Jumbo Eyelets

Riley Giftbox + Blog Candy!

It's time for another Riley Challenge and I have a little giveaway to celebrate all my new followers too! This week Silke has challenged us to make a giftbox. I've used Stamping Riley to make a box filled with lots of fun things for a stamping friend.

The box is made from 4 scallop envelope die cuts adhered together. I coloured Riley with Copics then cut him out with nestabilities. I used circle punches to cut out a space for my bow and tag.

My colour combo came from the gorgeous CR84FN challenge this week - isn't this image inspirational?

The box is filled with lots of fun embellishments - Martha Stewart ribbon, Prima flowers, brads, buttons, eyelets, bakers twine and lots more.

To win - simply follow my blog via Google Friend Connect on my sidebar and leave a comment on this post. I'll draw the winner next week. If your email address is not connected to your blogger profile, please leave it in your comment so I can contact you!

Don't forget to visit the Riley and Company blog for a list of designers with gorgeous creations to show you today!

Stamps: Stamping Riley (Riley & Company) Notched Tag (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler (SU) Paper: Stella and Rose Gertie (MME) Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight (SU) Dies: Pretty Posies Die-namic (MFT Stamps) Scallop Envelope (Sizzix) Other: Button, Baker's Twine, Ribbon, Copics    

You're Vintage!

Hi everyone - I hope your weekend was great! I've been busy writing essays, but I found time (over the course of three days) to put together a card for a fun Flourishes challenge - 3 in a Row.

I love innovative challenges like this....the problem was, I couldn't decide on which row to do - so I used them all!

I've used a button, the colour pink, scallops and lace with my new high tea doily die. My bling is homemade glimmermist on the flowers, pretty posies die cut flowers, crumpled seam binding for my ribbon, and finally I added pearls - I love the shabby chic effect all those elements created!

I love the vintage yet modern take in the this stamp set - it's just the perfect way to do vintage for a modern loving girl like me!

Stamps: Just my Type (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Soft Suede, Kraft, Very Vanilla (SU) Paper: Bright Dots Collection (MME) Blushing Bride DSP (SU)  Ink: Graphite Black (Brilliance) Dies: High Tea Doily, Pretty Posies, Sweet Stack Labels Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Punches: Mini Scallop (SU) Other: Pearls (Kaisercraft) Seam Binding, Prima Flowers, Baker's Twine, Button

Do not adjust your screen....

...You're not supposed to be seeing any colour here! Today's challenge at OCC is monochromatic neutrals with lace and buttons! I used the challenge to push myself into trying a little monochromatic colouring, something I have long admired and wanted to try. As luck would have it, the MFT girls provided a bit of inspiration in this area recently too!

Funky right? I love the Addams Family-esque look! I coloured my image with Copic Markers W-1, W-3, W-5 and W-7 and added some sparkle with a glitter pen. Two of my prima flowers were sprayed with silver bells glimmermist, the top flower was sprinkled with some Martha Stewart glitter. Wide ribbon, a scrap of crochet lace, black rhinestones and bakers twine finished the shabby goth look.

Inside I used the faux crochet die-namic for a pretty border. My die-namics collection is growing ever larger - I don't have much creative time at the moment (too many essays to write!) but I should have some amazing new things to show you soon!

I hope you'll head on over to OCC to see all the design team creations and play along!

Stamps: With All My Heart PI (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Basic Grey, Basic Black, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla (SU) Paper: Newsprint DSP (SU) Ink: Basic Grey, Basic Black (SU) Dies: Faux Crochet Border Die-namic (MFT Stamps) Top Note (Sizzix) Other: Striped Ribbon, Button (SU) Rhinestones, Textile Embossing Folder, Copics, Lace, Twine, Glitter, Prima Flowers

A Birthday Blog Hop for Tanya!

Happy Birthday Tanya! Tanya owns and runs Riley and Company, and today the design team are surprising her with a birthday blog hop featuring our main moose, Riley!

I created a jumbo triangle box - you can get the instructions here. Balloons Riley was just perfect for a birthday celebration. Riley was coloured with Copics and sponged around the edges. My paper flower was scrunched and sprayed with smooch spray.

Have the happiest of days Tanya - I hope seeing Riley in action has bought a huge smile to your face!

Now it's time to visit with my team member, Kelly! And here is the list of all the blog stops:

Riley and Company Blog

Cindy Haffner

Frances Byrne

Silke Kittmann

Therese Boyd

Sarah Gough

Kelly Santi

Margie Cortina

Laurie Clout

 Stamps: Balloons Riley (Riley & Company) Happy Thoughts (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Brocade Blue, Regal Rose (SU) Paper: Bright Dots (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Dies: Dizzy Doily, 1/4" Rosette, Cloud Trio, Faux Crochet Border, Perfect Posies Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Labels 4 (Spellbinders) Other: Rivets, Copic Markers, Brads, Silver Smooch Spray, White Felt, Ribbon

Shoot for the Moon

Hi everyone - hope your weekend is off to a good start! It's time for this weeks OCC challenge. This week Jen has challenged us to weave something on our projects - paper, ribbon, it's up to you! I created a woven panel that I die-cut into a circle.

My card uses the current MFT sketch. The central panel was woven then die cut and embossed. I've decorated with various die-namics, other diecuts and pierced a border around the card.

Inside I added another awesome and inspiring sentiment, offcuts of the paper, and a die-cut leaf to tie it all together.  

I hope you'll play along at OCC this week, please be sure to pop over and see the other design team cards!

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental about Success (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Whisper White (SU) Paper: Stella and Rose (MME) Ink: Graphite Black (Brilliance) Dies: Dizzy Doily, Rolled Rose, Mini Rolled Rose, Polka Dot Greetings Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Circle Nesties (Spellbinders) Little Leaves (Sizzix) Punches: 1/4" Circle (SU) Other: Piercing Tool, Black Rhinestones, Brads