Sunday 1 April 2012

Penny Black all the way............


 

Can you believe it's April already, for me March seems to have disappeared in a flash but what better start to the new month than some new challenges at Stampalot and Penny Black and More. This is a bit of a long post, but so much to tell you about so hope you can stay with me.................

It's our second Birthday at Stampalot...........yes 1st April to be precise.................and we have a very exciting month lined up, in total there are fourteen prizes up for grabs with a Blog Hop as well as the challenge itself where the theme just had to be 'Happy Birthday'.

To join in the Blog Hope you need to staRt off from the challenge blog here and make youR way down the list of DT's who all have prizes on offfer. To be in with a chance of winning the individual pRizes you need to leave each DT memberR a comment then collect a letter from each, arrange the letters into two words and send your answers to me brenda@ibas.co.uk and a winner will be selected at random from all correct answers. When you arrive at my blog on the Blog Hop route you should have come fRom Clare's blog and make youR way next to Ruth. In case you've not guessed, my letter is 'hidden' in this paragraph and here's the pRize for the lucky person selected from all comments left on this post.


And at Penny Black and More we are getting all cute with the theme 'Oh so Cute', what a toughie for me, but I know so many of you love that theme and create some stunning pieces of work with your pretty images and beautiful colouring so this months it's especially for you.

My card at the top was an 'extra' make as I was totally blown away by the cards Kathy Racoosin made which you will find on her blog here. That stamp Penny Black 3431K Lace Flower was not one I initially bought from the new releases, but when I saw what Kathy done with it I had to have it as it totally lends itself to the technique. In her post Kathy asked people to give it a go, but I felt it only right to ask her before I blogged it and she gave me her blessing, so thanks so much Kathy. I won't bore you with what I did to make the card as Kathy explains it so well in her post.

I added a Penny Black sentiment, Spellbinder leaves, seam binding bow and a couple of roses which I made with some lovely new organzie ribbon from Sarah at Pretty Little Ribbons, the quality is superb with a lovely sheen which picks up the light beautifully when scrunched together in flowers.


My second DT piece for Stampalot uses another of the lovely new stamps from Penny Black 40-099 Black Soft Wings. I must accredit the inspiration for this card to my friend Paula who gave me the will to get my head back into crafting last month when my mojo had gone totally off the boil. Paula does amazing things with inks and stamps and had made the most beautiful tag here which spurred me into action to break open my new Penny Black stamps which had been gathering dust since they arrived. Thanks so much Paula. 

I stamped the edges of a piece of Fabriano watercolour card with Penny Black 3857H Footnote using versamark and embossed with detail clear. I then inked the piece with TH peeled pain and spun sugar and over stamped with Hero Arts 2365H Old French Writing..............I know again.....with peeled paint. I stamped the butterfly out twice to decoupage the centre and coloured with Derwent watercolours. The swirl is an old Inkadinkado stamp and the sentiment Darkroom Door.


Penny Black 40-042 Good Friends forms the focal image of my Penny Black and More DT piece, this was actually a Birthday card for one of my DT's but I know she has received it now so I am safe to share it. The image is coloured with watercolours. The background Bo Bunny DP has been nicely distressed and a piece of cheesecloth which I died with tea to give it a bit of an aged feel, swirls and flowers cut with Marianne dies and the little sentiment comes with the slapstick stamp.

Have a good Sunday everyone and I really hope you will join us in the new challenges this month.

126 comments:

pinky said...

Plenty of ohs and ahs from me today Brenda, these are just gorgeous. I am in love with that last one, that is the cutest little image and I will have to have it lol. Happy April. Hugs
Pinky

Beryl said...

Three besutiful cards Brenda and my absolute fave is the butterfly one. I love the old French writing satmp so you can used it as much as yu like in my book.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Beryl xx

cheryl said...

oh gosh Hun what can I say wish I had half your talent as you really know how to create the most amazing cards,they are all just stunning,if I had to pick it would be the butterfly I adore them,and oh that is just amazing the background,and all the colours wow Hun,hugs Cherylxxxxx

Stamps and Paper said...

Lovely cards Brenda with the first one is just WOW....this technique looks absolutely fabulous and such a dramatic effect.

Anne

iReneM said...

Ooooh, these three are all soooo gorgeous, Brenda.
I am amazed by the first one - it is just wonderful.
x

Marja's Stamp Addiction en Marja's Creativity said...

What a beautiful details Brenda. Love the lacy flowers and motivs, also this wonderful butterfly. marvelous work and marvelous colors together.
Nice Sunday and lovely greet
Marja

Mary J said...

They are all so stunning Brenda - wow!!!

Cath Wilson said...

Such a great background. Who needs DPs? Lovely work x

MEGHA said...

brenda your all cards are lovely . i am your prefollower ,when you posteed first card ,i tried making it , but awhhh i failed ,but you are perfectionist .love your work.
megha
http://www.meghanuj01.blogspot.in/

cebelica said...

All your cards are amazing. On the first one I just love the vintage feel, on the second one I fell in love with that gorgeous butterfly and the last one is cute. Fab work! Hugs! xx

Jackie said...

What a beautiful selection, you have been busy :o)
Jackie xx

Always with a Sentiment said...

Hello. Absolutely stunning work as always. Simply gorgeous.
Love Sandra xxxx

Lynne K said...

All gorgeous, Brenda, but the butterfly is my favourite of course, just stunning, although I do like the technique on the first one.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Still sunny here, hope it is for you too. x

Марина_Кривчун said...

Какая красота!

Shirley said...

This is a Wow card for me Brenda.I love everything about it and you have used one of my favourite images.

Shirley

Mandy G said...

Hi Terminator,
I hope you are feeling better, I love your cards especially the butterfly it is totally gorgeous:)
I am loving the new look blog or is it that I have finally emerged from the dark ages and got a new lap top......!!? and I can see fancy graphics my ancient machinery couldn't see before!
Big Hugs
Mandy

susiestacey said...

Oh My you have been very busy Brenda, love your makes for today, l particularly like the butterfly it is stunning. Hope you have a well deserved rest today, take care x Susan x

Sally H said...

All totally gorgeous, Brenda! I particularly love the Butterfly one and the background you created is amazingly beautiful. You are one very clever lady xxx

Caz said...

Wow what a lovely card..

Caz xx

Paula (PEP) said...

You just brought tears to my eyes.........
PEP

Desire Fourie said...

These are once again packed with gorgeousness. Love how the butterfly seems to be alive with how the light caught the one jewel stone.
Hugs
Desire

Katherine said...

No wonder you have thousands of followers Brenda! All the cards are beautiful! How do you do that? Hehe! :) Very creative! Thanks for the inspiration.

fatmonica said...

These are simply stunning-so intricate and elegant.

Ruth said...

Brenda, these are superb cards - each so different in style and gorgeous in their own way, Ruth x

Unknown said...

Wow, your three cards are stunning. I really love the way you've used layers to add dimension and the muted colours are gorgeous.

Emma xx

chillin with Quillin said...

there all sooo gorgeous, love every detail on them!!!!
Paula

kaz_za's crafty corner said...

wow 3 stunning cards..... they are all fab... but i do love the 2nd one the most... thanks 4 a chance to win some birthday candy...
kaz_za

May said...

Fabulous creations Brenda, each different and each so beautiful, where does your wonderful ideas come from you clever girl, Love, Love, Love them Happy Sunday, Hugs May x x x x

walchowDesign said...

What can I say, Brenda! All three cards are totally fabulous and are of different styles! Wonderfully created!

Anonymous said...

wow, brenda! all of these cards are gorgeous! such beautiful soft colours and i like how you always add finishing touches like the rolled flowers and distressed edges.
linda

Anonymous said...

stunning selection of cards ,love the layouts and all the details tracy xx

Kat said...

Stunning cards Brenda, but which is my favourite? I think it must be the second one. But of course I love them all and there are bits I love in each one! Especially the flowers. I love the organza ones on the first card and the rolled ones on the third one. I am so bad at rolled flowers I really need to practice lol! I bought a new Spellbinders bauble blossoms set last week and I haven't made a decent flower yet.

I'm off to check out the two people who have inspired you to make these cards. Speaking of inspiration I loved your Easter basket and made one for Poppy after checking out your tutorial so thanks for inspiring me. Mhairi is going to visit Catriona this week so it's the ideal chance to get the Easter presents to Poppy and Oliver without them getting spoiled. Thanks for the tutorial it was lovely and clear.

Take care,

Kat xx

Lau W said...

I love all your cards !!!! So soft colors, OMG love them !!!!
xxx

Mervi said...

OMG Brenda how fabulous cards, they are all so gorgeous,
greetings;-))m

Wendy Fraser said...

Stunning cards, just stunning! xx

xxxtglxxx said...

Oh Brenda - these look amazing hun! :) gorgeous work, and so inspirational too :)

Hope you have a smashing day,

hugs

xxalisonxx

Wendy L said...

What a gorgeous set of cards. I love the 1st one best though, it,s stunning. xxxxx

Heidi said...

These are brilliant Brenda, especially love the butterfly but then I would wouldn't I? Love the decoupage effect with it, and the cute girly and the vintage feel birthday card are beautiful. hugs heidi x

Linby said...

Absolutely stunning cards. I love how you made the first one. So much inspiration.
Lynnx

Rachel said...

Gorgeous cards Brenda, both so pretty. Happy Birthday Sir Stampalot! Wedgie xxx

Lynda said...

Your cards are really elegant and love the choice of colours :-)

Happy Crafter said...

Wow these are gorgeous i love the image on the last one so darn cute :)
Hugzz Val xx

Lindsay Craftymonster81 said...

Wow! These are all stunning cards Brenda, I love the butterfly one, such beautiful colours. Thanks for the heads up about the challenge in your comment today, unfortunately I think I posted it about 20mins too early and technically it would be back linking, it's ok though have been working on some other cards that I think will fit the challenge. Hope that you have had a lovely weekend
Lindsay xx

Lors said...

Lovely cards.....Happy Birthday Sir Stampalot xx

Lors said...

Stunning Cards.....x

Sandy S said...

Beautiful BRenda! I love all the caRds!

Thanks foR the chance to win...

Sandy S

Annmaree of Oz said...

totally awesome cards, love the little girl one and the butterfly!

Ellibelle said...

Your cards are all so beautiful and unique Brenda. I think my favorite one of these is the one with the butterfly, I just love those colors so much and the "script" you used behind the butterfly looks amazing. Of course the others are just as gorgeous too. Love the design on the first one, and beautiful details on your last card.
Have a great week!!

debby4000 said...

Brenda I'm not going to choose a favourite because they're all 100% gorgeous.
luv
Debby

jem (jane elizabeth middleton) said...

you can do cute Brenda ,very well,but your cream and brown floral is so gorgeous,beautiful and unusual design,love the embellishments too.janex

Lors said...

So sorry Brenda...took me ages to workout how to enter blog challenges, I didnt realise ...very sorry ....Lorsx

PinksyDoodles said...

Amazing cards Brenda. all so beautiful. The butterfly card is my absolute favourite. I hope you had a good weekend. I'm trying to get rid of bronchitis but I'm not letting is stop me enjoy the sunshine.
Hugs, Clare x

Zora said...

Wow! those tre cards are amazing. Love ewerything with them :O)

Claudia said...

Hi Brenda!!
WOW!!!Beautiful cards!!!!
hugs

Lorraine A said...

Gorgeous cards Brenda ! all of them are absolutely fantastic !! :-)

happy birthday !! :-)
luv
Lols x x x

Sarah said...

Wow, wow, wow, these are stunning! All so different but all very gorgeous x

nnalorac said...

Beautiful inspiration Brenda, the butterfly is just stunning. Super pics of your garden trees today, lovely to see everything spring into life isn't it. Carolxx

Isha Gupta said...

Love the softness of your cards. Beautiful!!!

Tracy said...

Wow Brenda, three fabulous creations, love all the swirls and flowers and the browns on the first.

The butterfly on the second is so beautiful, such a pretty creation. Do really love that butterfly, stunning.

And of course, seen as i've seen it in real life as it was my birthday card I can tell everyone what a fabulously composed card and every element is so beautiful. It was totally gorgeous Brenda.
Happy crafting
Tracy x

Elizabeth Allan said...

Stellar designs Brenda!

crafty-stamper said...

Three beautiful cards but the last one is my favourite in every was--carol x

Merry said...

Oh wow....each of these cards are just amazing Brenda. I just love all the details. Off to check out what else I have been missing out on. I need eight days a week....one day just for blogging.

Crea Astrid said...

Wowwww, what a beautiful cards. Nice colors you used.

Hugs Astrid.
http://creaastrid.blogspot.com/

Marlene Atkinson said...

Hi, three beautiful cards. Marlene

enrica said...

hi brenda!!!! beautyful card!!!!

perelka111 said...

three fabulous creations

Kathleen said...

What a set of stunning cards, they are all perfect.

Kath x

Unknown said...

Wow Brenda stunning cards as always, they are all so beautiful. Love the butterfly one mostly, so elegant xxx

Diamond Doll said...

Gorgeous cards Brenda! I just love that butterfly one.
Hope you are well.
(hugs)
Trish (-:

Oksana said...

Absolutely beautiful cards Brenda! So inspiring! Thank you for your comment on my blog, very much appreciated!x

Karin Åkesdotter said...

WOW! Your cards are amazing - love them all - so many wonderful details I could stare at them forever!!
/Karin

Luanne said...

all cards are gorgeous! so love the details you put on them.

m.margarita said...

все открытки красивые! но мне особенно понравилась вторая- с бабочкой!

CraftyJo said...

Looks like your 'mojo' returned with a vengeance :) Three gorgeous cards.

Unknown said...

Me again Brenda, hopping along now with my fingers crossed he he :D

Bhawana said...

wow fabulous cards creation. m already following you and love your style. Keep up the great work.

Zoechaos said...

Gorgeous cards, so glad your eyesight has not stopped you creating. Adore the butterfly one completely inspired. XOXO Zoe

Mel said...

OMG! Wowsers!
This is utterly beautiful!
I adore your stunning wee cards! So lovely!
Hugs Melly xxx

Tkat said...

your cards are absolutely STUNNING! i especially love the one with the butterfly and the swirl! :) thanks for the chance at a fabulous stamp set :)

Marianne said...

You have been busy, Brenda. All three cards are beautiful, but the butterfly is definitely my favourite!

nuschinka said...

Your cards are so elegant and your choice of colours is beautiful!

nuschinka

DesignerDiva said...

OMG Brenda! 3 stunning cards - how can us mere mortals keep up with that lol
Finally found 5 minutes to do your hop - I love Sir Stampalot
Hugs Laurie xx

Daria said...

I love the small girl, who is listening to the bird. Like Alice in Wonderland...

Minidoe said...

brenda....what beautiful cards!!!! I love elegant cards!!

deesdesigns said...

OMG! All of your cards are AMAZING! Each one is unique and just gorgeous. Happy Birthday and thanks for the inspiration!!!

Helen said...

Beautiful cards Brenda - really elegant!
Helen x

Suzanne B aka brookfies said...

Hi Brenda,,,,I am hopping lol:) More beautiful cards from you .... they are always so perfect. You know I love joining in with you ladies at Sir Stampalot,,,the DT inspiration is always outstanding. Thanks for the blog hop also! Suzanne B x

MAKKE FOAR DY said...

WOW! I love your cards! They look very elegant. I love all the details!

Thanks for a chance to win a lovely prize!

Greetings Aly from the Netherlands

Grá O'Neill said...

Great cards, tfs :)

Scrappy Scatty said...

ohhhhh your cards are amazing Love them all
love Jan
xx

Lady E said...

wow what a lovely cards! first is just amazing!!!!

Anonymous said...

All your cards are so beautiful and elegant; thanks for the inspiration. Kat x

Anonymous said...

All your cards are so beautiful and elegant; thanks for the inspiration. Kat x

Betty said...

3 stunning cards love them all especially the butterfly. Thank you for the chance to win a lovely prize
Bettyxxx

Is said...

Hi Brenda, your cards are so beautiful! I can't say which one I prefer... maybe the third one, I love the brown and turquoise combination and the piece of cheesecloth, it turned out great!
Greetings from Spain

Nannieflash said...

Wow Brenda those cards are all stunning, I do love the first one, that background is just gorgeous. hugs Shirleyxxxx

Teresa said...

Good Morning Brenda and Happy Birthday Stampalot! Thanks for all the great challenges, Your DT card is beautiful.
Hugs Teresa xx

Craftnut said...

Lovely Cards Brenda. I had a go at the borwn lace flower after seeing it on the penny black blog. Tracy x

Natka said...

Wow! Amazing cards, Brenda! I love butterflies and the swirls also...

ang said...

wow beautiful cards but i love the butterfly best I think thanks for sharing angxx

Unknown said...

Very beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win! Love the butterflies!

Eret said...

Ooh, wow! All these cards are so amazing. I love every single one of them. I wish I'd be half as talented as you are :)Your cards are gorgeous.
Eret xx

RoseC said...

Oh, Brenda, your cards are beautiful! TFS. Hugz, ~ Rose

Cazzy said...

Those are three gorgeous cards Brenda, I really love the first one because it looks so elegant, but I like them all.

Cazzy x

Sonia said...

Wow! I love your sweet cards! You are very good scrapper!
If you want visit my new born blog(leave a comment,became follower or only visit),I'll very happy.
Hugs,
Sonia

Riti said...

FANTASTIC CARDS BRENDA. EACH OF THEM IS A PIECE OF ART IN ITSELF. SIMPLY GORGEOUS. IT'S VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO PICK OUT MY FAVOURITE. LOVE THEM ALL.

Thanks for the Hop Fun!
Hugs,
Riti

Randi WS said...

Oh WOW Brenda, your cards are awesome! Beautiful, elegant, lovely!! Those words came to me :)
Thanks for sharing your fantastic pieces of art!

Hugs,
Randi WS

Sazzle said...

Loving the cards Brenda, all these different techniques make my "to try" list even longer :-)


xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

Sazzle

http://sazzlecraft.blogspot.co.uk/

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

WOW! Everything is so beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Brenda,
What a beautiful cards you are showing! So different but all 3 so pretty!
Liselot

Whisper said...

They are all absolutely stunning in their own ways - the butterfly is such soft colours and i'm loving the distressed look of the girl with the bird and you had done an amazing job, following Kathys demo too ,Luv Sam x

Annie said...

Brenda your cards always blow me away and these are no exception.
Happy Birthday to Sir Stampalot and gang.
Ann xxx

Planetsusie said...

These are all soooo nice and so different. I especially like the colours on the first card. The ribbon really is a nice touch.

Hugs Sue Pass x

Suzi Mac said...

Wow Brenda, these three cards are amazing. Such a variety and all so different. Happy Birthday to you all and here's to many more fab hops.
Hugs
Suzi x
Ps. I didn't click the right link the first time, but found you in the end. lol xxx

McCrafty's Cards said...

Wow Brenda, both cards are beautiful, the butterfly is stunning, I like the colour combo on the second card, the distressing and the sweet image. Thanks for a great blog hop.
Kevin xx

Auntie Em said...

Your cards are so pretty! I love the elegance of your designs and colour choices you used.
Thank you for the awesome inspiration! :)

Anonymous said...

i'm back! for the blog hop. lol. brenda, these are beautiful! i love the sheer flowers on the first and the pink and green on the second, plus all the details - wow.
linda

Anonymous said...

Beautiful cards, that butterfly is just lovely
Hugs Julie P

bubbleSHY said...

Wow...I especially like the detail of the sides of the white paper!!!

BubbleSHY

СВЕТЛАНА said...

Мне очень понравилась открытки, а в особенном фаворе открытка с бабочкой!!!

mags said...

Gorgeous creations Brenda. You always manage to amaze with something different.
Mags
x

Ina said...

All your cards are amazing, but the butterfly is my favourite.
Fab work!

Kirsty said...

Hi Wow I am having fun on the Birthday Hop ! Congratulations on your second Birthday ! I do love the challenge and try to enter as much as I can !! Wow the first card is so beautiful I love the colors of the flowers with the white LOve it !!! The butterfly is out of this world I must try that out it is so pretty ;0) The girl with the birdie is so sweet and the sentiment is perfect ! I love that design too ! Thanks for the chance to win any of these amazing prizes and here's to another super year ;0)

Linda W said...

Hi Brenda, lovely cards and great colours. I love the first one with it's dimension. Linda x

Maxines Craft Room said...

Two absolutely beautiful cards, WOW. Love Maxine. xxx

Unknown said...

All your cards are beautiful, Brenda!