Sunday challenge again - as promised

 This weeks challenge was a sketch.  Everyone loves a good sketch, it gets the creative mind working :) 

I've created with the retired snail mail papers.  These were on my desk so it gave me a good excuse to do a clean up and create at the same time. 

Here is the sketch from Tracy, please join along and post your version onto her FB page too :) 

Happy creating

Rachael xxxa

Sunday Challenges

 

Last weeks challenge was to use punches. I've used the new Elegant tag punch on this card, but not as a straight punch out as it is intended.  I used the top section to punch out several foil card pieces and arragned them to the side panel to create a boarder.  Then I use a strip of white card that was the width of the punch to add 2 ends the same as the rounded end of the punch.  This was easy, just add the card from the bottom of the punch, rather than through the slot as normal.

Another sunday challenge has been posted, so that means more creating to do... 

Happy stamping, 

Rachael xxx

Technical difficulties

 Technology is great - until it isn't.  Always the way isn't it? 

So I'm finally back up and blogging.... with new passwords and email accounts. 

I've been plodding along with creating, mainly because I've found myself really time poor this year. Many of my cards have been posted onto my Facebook but here is some stamping spam for you all to enjoy :) 

Can't wait to show you what I've been up to this weekend...

Rachael xx

Happy New Year!

 And just like that, we begin a new year!

I've taken a break over the Christmas Holidays from most of my creating.  I have been playing with a new toy (Cricut Maker) and that has been a huge learning curve.  

Today I got up and decided it was time to open some of my new stamps.  I've used one of the stamps from the mini catalogue to create a Thank you card.

The mini catalogue is bursting with cute stamps and launching today is the Sale-A-Bration catalogue which means you get loads of FREE goodies too.  I'm about to place my order and get the coordinating papers and another stamp set that match these yummy strawberries.

I am hoping to get lots done today, although the inks are calling to me already!

Happy Stamping, Rachael xx

Ink & Inspiration Blog Hop December - New Mini Catalogue

Welcome to the Ink & Inspiration Blog Hop. You are currently visiting Rachael Merrick from Australia. I hope you enjoy my Mini Catalogue project.

I created a simple card to showcase this beautiful paper which is FREE in the Sale-A-Bration catalogue and a matching box to hold a small gift.  

-"You are Amazing" stamp set for the sentiment from the Mini Catalogue

-"Flower & Fields" designer Series Paper from the Sale-A-Bration catalogue

-"Potted Succulents" die for the label from the Mini Catalogue

I hope the projects you've seen here on my blog today have inspired you & brightened your day. 

You are currently visiting Rachael Merrick. Please see the list below & hop through all of the people on the list to see all our projects. You don't want to miss any!"

Colour INKspiration Challenge #91

 

Challenge number 91 is out now for Colour INKspiration.  The above image and the colour palette provided plenty of inspiration for my card. 

This is a mini card, which I guess could double as a gift tag too.  I have used Granny Apple Green, Bermuda Bay, Pretty Peacock and Magenta Madness.  I didn't include glitter but did add some sparkle with some gemstones. 

I've stamped and used blender pens on the envelope too.  I have been trying hard to use my Paper Pumpkin stamp set for plenty of cards, ensuring its not just sitting unused after only a few cards.  I'm really happy with the simple layout and how cute this turned out.  The colours worked well together.  

Thanks for popping by, hopefully most of your Christmas creating is slowing down and you can relax for the Christmas break.  I plan on doing some baking to go with handmade cards over the next few days which will go to our neighbours.

Happy Holidays INKspiration peeps, Rachael xxx

Let's Get Hopping #38 - Coordinating Envelopes

Welcome to The Let's Get Hopping Blog Hop Round 38 where our theme is to create a coordinating envelope.  

You've probably joined me from my lovely friend,  Tracy's blog.  Please pop into all the blogs to say hi and leave a comment, I'm sure the lovely participants would love to hear from you.  

I chose to use the Simply Succulents bundle for this months hop, which comes with a huge intricate background die.  I really wanted to show this off and what better way that to create a vellum envelope and line it with the die to create a shadow effect.  This bundle is in the upcoming mini catalogue and will be available from next month.  

For those who don't know me, I'm a little succulent obsessed, and have a big collection which I spent some time this week repotting ready for the warmth that is here currently in Queensland.  I did manage to get burnt in the process!  

Click on the photos to see a bigger image, this shows how the vellum really allows your card to shine even during the postage process.  A word of warning though...when using vellum to create something folded:  If you score, be very gentle.  It will tear easily.  Its a very durable paper product however doesn't take kindly to rough scoring.  

Here are a selection of my pretty plants which were great to reference when colouring to ensure I got the highlights and colours correct.  

Thanks for popping by.  Click the link to go to the next blog post by the wonderful Shelly Wadge.  

My Melleny card...

 I have this wonderful long standing friendship with a lovely lady called Melleny.  She used to be on design teams with me and feature in magazines.  That was back in the day when we both had more time, younger children and scrapbooked.  Our time is a lot less now even though the kids are grown.  ANYWAY.... When I saw the Pretty Perennial set in the new mini catalogue, I immediately thought of my friend as they are very much her 'style'.  

I've gone with my non-go-to colours again, and created a very pretty card for a friend.  I totally love it that it may take me some time to part with it.  If 2020 has taught us something, its to appreciate and hold those who mean a lot to us close.  I hope you find time to create a card that reminds you of someone special in your life too soon, its a different sort of creating joy that you get from the project.  

Happy stamping, Rachael xxx

PS.  I can hear Mel rolling her eyes now and not liking that I've dedicated a whole post and card to her.  Too bad my friend ;)  xxx

No time for creating

 I'm trying my best to find time to play with paper but there is so much to do at this time of year.  I've reverted to more 'simple stamping' lately so that when I do get some time, I can whip a card up in the short amount of time I do have. 

This card is on a Granny Apple Green base with some watermark stamping using a Versamark ink pad.  The sentiment is stamped and embossed in white, on the speech bubble (also a stamp) which is tone on tone pink and fussy cut by hand.  This card took little time and I pushed my comfort zone with the colour choices too.  

This stamp set comes from the new Mini Catalogue which starts in the new year.  I love all the sentiment choices, most of which are bold and screaming out to be the feature of the card.  

Happy stamping (even with limited time), Rachael xx

Stampin Dreams - the new Mini Catalogue and Sale-A-Bration is coming

Welcome to the December Stampin' Dreams Blog Hop.  Our theme this month is to show off some of the new products from the upcoming Mini Catalogue and Sale-A-Bration catalogue coming next month.

Australia Post has been soooo slow the last few months and I only got delivery of my new products yesterday.  I ordered several sets from the new Mini Catalogue and was pretty overwhelmed when it arrived, not knowing which one to start with.  I chose to go with a birthday card seeing there are many coming up in January and February next year.  

I've used the Pretty Perennials Stamp and bundled Die set for this Happy Birthday card.  

I just love how the dies are so easy to use and really was drawn to the fact that these ones were able to be layered! not only the overlapping peek-a-boo dies but also the velum, the card has several 'layers' to it.  

Thanks for hopping with me and please pop over to the other blogs and leave some feedback.  

Happy stampin to everyone, Rachael xx

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In need of a sympathy card

I had a call the other day, saying a family member had passed away after a long battle.  I knew I had to make this card, but waited for my delivery.  

A touch of ink is a free stamp set in the upcoming Sale-A-Bration promotion, which starts in the new year.  

I always find these cards bitter sweet - difficult to make because its never a nice reason to make a card but then hopefully something cherished because its been made by hand with comfort and sympathies in mind. A virtual hug in paper form.  

Thanks for stopping by, Rachael xxx

 

Just Add Ink #535 - Magical Creatures

 I have to admit that I had to dig into my old stash of rubber to find some images and in fact, I coloured 2 images for this challenge but this one stood out and screamed to be made into a card first!

I made an easel card of sorts, popping up this huge image by Penny Black.  

Of course, very fitting being the Silly Season that I chose an elf as my magical creature.  

I coloured using Granny Apple Green, Real Red, Ivory, Grey Granite, Old Olive, Pool Party, Poppy Parade and Pumpkin Pie (for his hair!)  

I added some twine and watermark stamped some backgrounds.  He twinkles because I couldn't resist adding the snow flurries as background in Pool Party and good old Kindy Glitz got some use on the fur.  

As always, a great challenge that was lots of fun to create for.  Click on the image to go to their blog and be inspired.

I am wrapping presents today, with all Christmas Parties under our belts and finally some time to stop and relax.  Happy creating, Rachael xx

International Highlights Blog Hop

 The ongoing theme over at Kylie Bertucci's International Blog Highlight is THANK YOU.

I've used a combination of DSP, the Grey Granite flower from the Peony Garden and the red dot from Trimming the Town.  I've also used Real Read and Grey Granite cardstock to die cut the leaves.  A simple yet always striking colour combination,

Here is my December entry.  There is so many lovely cards by fabulously talented cardmakers.  The blog highlight is voted on and the top 10 take place in a special blog hop.  Pop over HERE to vote.