Sunday 4 November 2012

November themes



The first Sunday of the month again and time for new challenges at Craft a Scene with the theme 'Troubled Skies', at Penny Black and More it's all about dies 'Any Die Will Do' and  in case you haven't heard the news that change is afoot, we have a relaunched challenge called Stamping Sensations, same DT, same great themes and some fabulous new sponsors and this month the theme is 'Traditonal Christmas'.

It's a bit of a photo heavy post so I will try and keep the blurb to a minimum. The card above is the first of two DT pieces for Penny Black and More using Penny Black 4035K Letters and Flowers which I inked with distress markers and spritzed with water before stamping on to an oval cut from a new Marianne die which I inked whilst it was still in the die. Bo Bunny DP's, some lace and pearls to finish.


Initially I was a little bit uncertain about the troubled skies theme at Craft a Scene challenge but I knew I wanted to see some lightning, so I started by stamping some Stampscape images then added colour with Pan Pastels and drew in the lightning with a white marker pen.


My second Penny Black and More piece uses FlonzCraft Umbrella Girl which I paper pieced with Penny Black Madison DP's which are also used behind the Marianne dies. The sentiment is also Penny Black. 

Note added: I'll forget my own head one of these days, I need to tell you that both Flonz Craft and Indigo Blue are offering discounts to those who enter Penny Black and More and Stamping Sensations, full details on the respective challenge blogs.


My next piece is using a stamp from one of our new Stamping Sensations sponsors Indigo Blue called Lollipop Three. I heat embossed the image with detailed gold, then created a background using Pan Pastels and added a mixture of frantage colours to the bottom. I know this one is not particularly traditional Christmas, but I base my idea on a visit close to Christmas to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Basilica Church of the Nativity at Bethlehem, when at dusk everything looked purple, so you couldn't get much closer to the true meaning of Christmas I figure.


My final piece use a mixture of dies including the new Marianne holly one which I just 'had to have'. Sentiment is another from Penny Black.

I hope you all enjoy your Sunday and that you will join in with our challenges this month.

67 comments:

Caroline said...

WOW WOW WOW all of them are gorgeous. I love the little scene one and the drawing of the lightning is genious. Caroline xxx

Jacqui's little piece of England said...

Wow what a lot of lovely cards Brenda such a variety of styles, really nice

jacqui x

Anonymous said...

Oh, these are so gorgeous.

Stamps and Paper said...

Stunning cards Brenda all so different but equally gorgeous

Anne

Jane said...

Good morning Brenda what beautiful cards you have made for your DT work. My favourites are the girl with umbrella and the last with the holly but all of them are terrific. You have so many different ideas..great inspiration for everyone. It's pouring with rain here this morning, luckily I got my gardening done yesterday in the sunshine so I can have some crafty time in my studio.
Jane x

loulou said...

Wow you have been busy creating so many gorgeous cards. cheers Linda

Jackie said...

OMG what a wonderful selection of cards.
I love that PB letters and flowers stamp.
Wonderful fishing scene and your lightning is great.
Love the red/white card, I have ordered the Anja Squares set of dies.
The lolipop tree makes a beautiful card, love your background.
I love your last card too, love the diecut shapes and the colours you have used :o)
Jackie xx

Wendy L said...

Lovely set of cards, love the silouette one (not sure of spelling LOL), xxxx

ellyscard creatief said...

Wow, Beautiful cards.
Gr Elly, Roemenie

Mervi said...

Hi Brenda,
fabulous set of cards, love every of them,
great inspirations.
Hope you are fine;-))m

Unknown said...

Wow Brenda all your cards are amazing. I love especially the first one with the lightning. It is so real, a true piece of work of art. Love it. Wishing you a lovely Sunday xxx

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Wow B. these are simply smashing! I really dont know how you manage to do such crackingly good cards all in one week.. think I must be missing something :D
I cant pick which one I love best.. great idea with lightening.. will be tricky that one.. and love the two ones with dies and stamping .. and think your are so right about your Christmas card - after all the greatest gift of all was the Lord Jesus..thanks for the reminiscences with that, too. Shaz in Oz.x

Sally H said...

Wow, Brenda! Stunning creations all of them. I love that Marianne Die - will have to keep a look out for that! I am struggling to pick a favourite, as I can't choose between the Tree and the scene. Brilliant Lightning!

Crafty Lark said...

Waw, what a fantastic selection, I particularly love the lightening scene but they are all super. xx Flora

McCrafty's Cards said...

Wow Brenda these are all beautiful, I love the lightning on the troubled skies, the holly on the last one the beautiful flowers and lace on the first one,
Kevin xx

Always with a Sentiment said...

OH WOW, WOW, WOW, Brenda. My goodness, you have been busy. These are all fantastic. You simply make the most wonderful creations, and I love them all.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Lots of love, Sandra xxx

[Kasia] said...

Bardzo mi się podobają Twoje prace :)

Sue said...

WOW!!! Such a delight to pop along to your blog today Brenda.
Your cards are all wonderful. I love the images and the layouts and colours used are gorgeous

Hugs Sue

Gail said...

You've certainly been busy!
They're all great....really like the Stampscapes one! Good job!

Lau W said...

Oh love to see all your creations ! My God, you're so busy !!
Love the fisrt card, love the lace, so romantic !
The light on the scene is fantastic,
Love the paoer pieced, the girl with the umbrella is so cute !
...love them all !!!!!
Have a nice day !
xxx

Tanya said...

These are all so beautiful Brenda! I really love the lightning sky, it's so real looking! And the easel card is so pretty and vintage too, it's fantastic :D Well, they're all fantastic actually haha, you're so talented.

Tags xx

May said...

WOW!!! Brenda you have been a busy girl... Wonderful selection of beautiful cards.. A feast of beauty for my eyes...Fabulous projects all of them.. I can't pick a fav as all are Gorgeous.. Have a great Sunday.. Hugs May x x x

walchowDesign said...

Amazing cards, Brenda! I was in awe of how you did to do the lightening effect!!

Gerrina said...

It's a pleasure to visit your blog today; you're spoiling us! Love the lightning on the scenery card; you draw that just like it is! Think the card with the umbrella-girl is a favorite too, but the golden tree-card is so perfect embossed; like the technique...Well, just have a nice sunday (here a start with lots of sun and now rain again; just right for crafting...) Hugs, Gerrina

Anonymous said...

wow, brenda! these are all so beautiful and so different; you're very creative. my fave is the last one for the colours, typeface and your new holly die. enjoy the rest of the weekend.
hugs, linda

Unknown said...

Wow, what a wonderful selection of cards and variety of techniques. You really are a very talented lady Bremda and it's been a real,pleasure to visit your blog today. I particularly love your stamped,scene. Really atmospheric. Maddy x

Linby said...

Yet another stunning set of designs Brenda. Troubled skies - yikes, not sure what I am going to do for that!
Lynn x

Ellibelle said...

Wow Brenda, these are all stunning, don't know where to begin, so I just start with the first one. Love how you created the "troubles skies", I bet that was challenging but you did an amazing job creating the lightning, beautiful scene and so beautifully colored.

Gorgeous flonz stamp on the second card, love the paper piecing, and the dies you used are just beautiful!

Beautiful sponging/brayering on the 3rd card and such a beautiful different shape to it.

And the the last one is so pretty, with a touch of vintage with that beautiful PB sentiment. Beautiful dies again!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend too!

Aud said...

Youve been busy Brenda, a lovely set of cards well done you. Aud x

susiestacey said...

Hi Brenda, l don't know where to start with my commenting - you have been so busy. Penny Blacks in the pink definately love them both. The scene card WOW is amazing and the lightening looks fantastic. Love the Gold embossed tree and Oh My Word the Holly Die - l want it NOW, hope you are having a lie down today after all this work, take care x Susan x

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

Brenda, I cannot imagine how you found time to do all these great cards. Love your interpretation of a Troubled Sky. I think we all panicked at the idea, but then ideas came at a fast pace, and yours is perfect. Your lightmong is brilliant. xx Maggie

scrappymo! said...

So many cards today...you have been very busy! I like every single one but have to say that lightning sky with the fisherman patiently standing with his cast rod, is my favourite.
When we are up at the RV at the lake, I bring some cardmaking kits as DH goes out fishing most days...the only exception is if he has a friend come up to golf!
It is his turn time to sit patiently with his rod cast and mine to create!!!
Fab cards today!

Crafting Queen said...

Wonderful set of card, love them all. Have a great week. Hugs Anesha

Wendy Fraser said...

Wow, yet more exceptional creations, you are just sooo talented. xx

Kat said...

Wow Brenda, these are all stunning. You have been a busy girl! Love your lightning in the second one. I'm really struggling here..... the first one is very pretty but the fourth one is just so tranquil. I really love it.

I'm thinking about a 21st card for my great-niece and a birthday card for Oliver who'll be 3 on Friday. Unfortunately I'm well into Christmas cards just now. I think I have 57 now. But it's November now so I'm not confident about being early. It would be nice though, especially since Royal Mail are trying to persuade people to post early this Christmas!

Take care,

Kat xx

pinky said...

Oh my goodness me these are just amazing. I just don't know how you do it Brenda, way too much talent for one person!! I never heard of Flonz before so must check them out.

Lorraine said...

These are all so different and so gorgeous! I absolutely love the scene and the stunning sky on the first one.
Lorraine x

Sharon said...

Stunning cards. All as different as they are gorgeous. If I had to pick a favourite, which would be very difficult, it would have to be the first card. Love the atmosphere you have created.
Hugs Sharon. x

Sharon said...

Sorry. I meant the second card.
Hugs Sharon. x

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Three times wow, Brenda, you've been very creative and all of your cards are really beautiful.

Paula (PEP) said...

An absolutely striking creation your first card with a gorgeous example of how pretty lace is when ruffled & how to ink a die-cut. The colours are so soft & pretty.
The combination of moon & lightning in the second is spectacular & I love the detail of the lights shining in the hut.
Your third I classy & pretty with the most amazing use of the patterned papers to complement the lattice die-cut. The eyelets really echo the polka dots & your parasol edging is gorgeous.
Your background story of the golden tree arch card makes utter sense & I agree absolutely how traditional it makes your creation.
The last one I think has to be my favourite - classy sense of Georgian vintage about sums it up.
Goodness you've been busy.
Paula (PEP)

Rufus said...

Oh my....... they are all breathtaking. I've actually got number of the items you used to make them, not that mine would come out looking remotely like yours! Love the trouble skies scenic card...so wish I could be a little fly on the wall to watch you create it. Simply stunning.
R/

Beryl said...

Fabulous selection of cards Brenda.Your lightening is fantastic.
Beryl xx

Shelly said...

Hi Brenda, wow your cards are beautiful! And so many! I really love the lace and the colours on your first card! The scene is fabulous, great lightening! A really stunning bunch of cards! Shelly x

Merry said...

Wow, wow, wow.....all of these cards are very special. The lightening in the sky looks terrific and how cute is the girl with the umbrella. Love your christmas cards and I especially like the real piece of holly. :-) Have a wonderful day.

NancyD said...

These are really super cards, Brenda. Love that first one with the lace - it is so lady-like. Your skies are wonderful! NancyD

Tracy said...

All these are truly amazing Brenda, that boat scene is spectacular. I love them all.
Happy crafting
Tracy x

Craftnut said...

What a lovely bunch of cards B! Happy Monday Tracy x

Rachel said...

Wow Brenda, what a lovely collection of cards! Such great inspiration! Wedgie xxx

Lynne K said...

Well, what a stunning set of cards, Brenda! They're all gorgeous, but I love the first one especially, it's just so pretty. (Don't know why I haven't got the PB stamp!) Love how you've coloured the diecut. Might have to get that die too!

Lynne x

Mrs.B said...

Hi Brenda, (dont think my comment registerd y'day-internet problems - delete if necessary)
A stunning set of cards. Love the sky in the Stampscapes, esp the reflective moon!
The die cuts on the Christmas card are beautiful. - Something for the wishlist!
Avril xx

Dobra said...

Your cards are always beautiful, artistic and wondwerfuly designed
This is a lovely card, what a beautiful image.

Nannieflash said...

Oh wow Brenda youve certainly been busy, all those cards are just stunning, I love each one in a different way, the first is beautiful but the serene lake scene is just gorgeous. hugs Shirleyxxxxx

jem (jane elizabeth middleton) said...

wow such an assortment of gorgeous cards, all super, I have the stamp you've used in the pretty pink card, love what you did with it. janex

Elizabeth Allan said...

Your collection of designs is wonderful Brenda!

ribenaruby said...

Hi Brenda, having a wander around..what a busy time you've had. All these cards are amazing, the red/white is certainly a winner. Ruby x

Whisper said...

All are stunning, especially loving the PB one and the shape you've used to frame it, Luv Sam x

nnalorac said...

Stunning cards Brenda, amazing sky on the second one, love it. Under the weather at the mo so a bit slow getting round everyone. Carolxx

Nicole Doiron said...

Beautiful card! :)

Anonymous said...

These are so stunning Brenda!

I hope you are doing well, I am getting there :-)

Nice to see you keeping crafty busy!

Anna-Karin said...

Wow Brenda, such a post full of inspiration. All the cards are absolutely wonderful. Love the troubled sky and your lightning is awesome. TFS!!

Lindsay Craftymonster81 said...

Wow! These are all stunning, I absolutely love the lace, the pearls and the layout on the first one and the scene with the lightning is fabulous too
Lindsay xx

Demae said...

lovely cards, the first one are awesome

Sarah said...

Absolutely stunning cards Brenda, the scene on the card with the lightning is just amazing x

Shirley said...

Oh my goodness Brenda these are all such stunning cards. I love the lace work and mini pearls on the first card. The scene you have made on your second card is so realistic and the drawn lightening is perfect.Your third girlie card is right up my street. I love the colour scheme and the paper piecing makes it stand out. Your Peace tree is so pretty and I love the frantage colours.I love the soft muted shades on your last card and the cute le bead embellishment is so pretty.

Shirley

Anna_Merry_Journal said...

Очень красивая работа!!

Anonymous said...

beautiful cards and love your scene!