Just Add Ink - Blog Hop

Just Add Ink 198 - Blog Hop

Firstly, Happy New Year! 

This is my first blog post for 2014 and what better way to celebrate than thanking a friend for their friendship. I am so blessed to have beautiful friends and sometimes with the craziness of life we can forget to thank them for being there. Thank you to ALL my family, friends, blog followers, supporters and people in my life who make it so special.

Secondly, this is a Just Add Ink Blog Hop. And might I add, my first ever Blog Hop! (Big smiles)

 What is a blog hop? A blog hop is where a group of 'bloggers' post a topic and share links to other blogs and you the reader/follower move from one blog after another seeing all the entries. 

You should have just 'hopped' here from Kim Badelt. If this is your first stop you can hop all the way around from here or start at the Just Add Ink page. The inspiration for our blog hop is to make something using either the new Stampin' Up! Envelope Punch Board or the new Thinlits Card Dies. 

 

I chose the new Thinlits Card Dies using the circle card die. 

If you are a follower of my blog you will know I used the stamp set 'Kind & Cozy' from page 82 in my last Just Add Ink challenge! Yes, I am loving this little flower stamp, it's too adorable. 

Your next stop or 'hop' is the ultra talented Mae Collins and I am sure you will love her beautiful creations using both the Thinlits and the Envelope Punch Board!

Thanks for stopping by,

Lou X

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Mojo Monday - 40 & Fabulous!

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I thought I would quickly play along to a challenge I haven't played in a long time, Mojo Monday.

It's a sketch challenge blog and gives loads of ideas for card layout and lots of people usually play along, so it's easy to get tonnes of inspiration.

My card has been made for my close friend Nicole, who does not resemble 40 at all!

Happy Birthday my sweet.

Thanks for stopping by,

Lou X

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Just Add Ink - Colour Combo

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 The Just Add Ink challenge this week is a colour challenge and even though I wouldn't usually put this colour combination together, I quite like it! That's what I like most about challenges, they make me step out of my comfort zone. You should play along too, it's lots of fun!

 

 Kim from our design team came up with this colour combination which was inspired by this image and it reminded me of a pretty garden tea party, so I tried to get some inspiration from the image also.

I love the little scallop bunting and ruffled trim, I had fun making this card. Sometimes though the photo doesn't show all the pretty details, but I did my best and took a close up to show the tiny twinkling details, I hope you can see them?

I also got some inspiration from one of my favourite UK demonstrators, Michelle Last. I have been stalking Michelle's blog for years and was blessed to get the oppotunity to meet her at Grand Vacation this year. She is just the sweetest and I love her work, I am sure you will too!

There seems to be so many birthdays this time of year. Between our daughter and son I think they have been to quite a few this past month! It's a little ironic that I am using the stamp set called 'Remembering Your Birthday', when I seem to have forgotten a few lately! I still very much love you all, please forgive me. (Insert giant hugs here!)

 Remembering Your Birthday (pg16)

 Kind & Cozy (pg82)

Stamp Sets: Remembering Your Birthday, Kind & Cozy

Accessories: Ruffled Trim, Bakers Twine, Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Markers, Scallop Edge Border Punch, 7/8'' Scallop Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch, Pearls, Dazzling Diamonds

Designer Series Paper: Subtles Designer Paper Stack

 Colour Combination: Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Blushing Bride, Soft Sky, So Saffron

Thanks for stopping by,

Lou X

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Just Add Ink - Photo Inspiration

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'Joyful Wishes'

A phrase I want to share with all my blog friends. It's coming into what many call it as the 'silly season' and I, along with many I'm sure tend to feel as though we are turning 'silly' or crazy! (Yes, I am putting you in that basket too, just so I feel better!) I want you all to remember the JOY that this season brings, even if you may not follow Christmas traditions, I'm sure most of you will be with loved ones and this will bring love and joy.

The Just Add Ink challenge is a photo inspiration this week given to us by Kim on the Design Team. Thanks Kim, I love it!

When I was given this photo challenge I knew I just 'needed' to reach for the new 'Christmas Star' from the Single Stamps Holiday Collection. Some of the JAI Design Team had the same thought, be sure to pop over to Just Add Ink to see how versatile this stamp is.
Yes, this can be purchased as a single stamp! Christmas Star - $16.95. 

*Note that all single stamps are only available as clear mounted.

Another favourite stamp set is 'Joyful Christmas' on page 27 of the Holiday Catalogue and I'm hoping to be back soon to show you some cards I have made using this set - but don't hold your breath because you know what I'm like! ;)

Page 27 - $39.95 wood mounted / $31.95 clear mounted

Also from the Holiday Catalogue on page 24, the new 'Pretty Print Textured Impressions' Embossing Folder: $13.95

I made this card for my good friend Mehgan, who I met this year at the North American Convention. (You can read about Mehgan >HERE< - Stampin Up Convention - Part 1)

 I do miss Mehgan and a little piece of my heart, along with my card, will be spending Christmas in Arizona. Now to get it in the post, because you know how terrible I am at making things and not getting them to the desired person. Add that to my New Year's Resolution list!

Stamp Sets: Christmas Star, Joyful Christmas

Accessories: Seam Binding Ribbon, Pretty Print Embossing Folder, Stampin' Write Marker

Designer Series Paper: Modern Medley - the newsprint piece

 Colour Combination: Crumb Cake and Cherry Cobbler

Thanks for stopping by,

Lou X

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Just Add Ink - Sketch Challenge

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'We Blend Well'

I made this card not only for the Just Add Ink challenge, but also for my best-friends kitchen tea. I think it's appropriate! I'm not a huge fan of circles or things that sit off-centre, however I must admit that I'm pleased with how it turned out. I went to a 'retro/vintage' look. Hope you like too!

Here's the sketch challenge designed by Delys.

The stamp set I used is from 'Crazy Mixed Up Love' - it's a cute set. 

 

 Thanks for stopping by,

Lou X

P.S - For my devoted blog followers, I am sorry that it's been a while between posts. I have still been busy crafting as I recently did the Sydney Craft Festival and will be back with some photos of some of the lovely things. Thanks for all your love. Lou xx

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