Unforgettable

These little elephants are easy to colour and work well for lots of different occasions. I think this guy would be super cute on a baby card, or decorating the cover of a little photo book.

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Flowering Eucalypt

To make my eucalyptus branch look a little fuller, I stamped and coloured a second image, then fussy cut some of the leaves to position on the main branch as well as behind the image panel.

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Big Wishes

I've been enjoying some of my older designs, including this cute little elephant all dressed up for her ballet class. I've even given her some blue toe nails to match her tutu and head band.

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Year Long Challenge - January

This year I've set myself the challenge of creating a card a month using this little elephant image. I'll base each card on events that happen in the month they're created, although not necessarily for that particular occasion. For example, January has New Year's Day, but since I don't actually give away cards for New Year's, I'm just going to use it as inspiration. Can you guess what February will bring?

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Make 'em Pop!

Have you tried this technique yet? Bright colours on a dark background?

I personally prefer black, but you could also opt for a deep blue, green or purple.

Start by colouring the image or images and then add your background with dark coloured marker.

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Squishy Hugs

You don't always have to colour (or stamp) the entire image. Sometimes little pieces of the design can tell the story just as well as the entire picture!

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Chocolate Mousse

I always consider brown to be a foundation colour, one that doesn't necessarily shine on its own, but plays a very important support role for other colours. For example, the red and purple in this image are what really catch the eye, but I think that's in part because of the contrast with the brown. And if that doesn't sell you on this fabulous colour, then just remember it's also the colour of chocolate!

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Love, Laughter, Happiness

I really love contrast, such as dark and light, salty and sweet flavours, and complimentary colours. One of my favourite contrasts is between old, worn objects, such as a rusty watering can, and pretty, delicate objects like fresh flowers. Are you a contrast person, and if so, what are some of your favourites?

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Green Waratah

I've been feeling a little monochromatic lately, and decided to express myself in shades of green. A simple card to say "thanks", "hi", or to attach to a basket of gardening goodies for someone special.

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Tutorial - Angled Z-Fold Cards

Another quick and easy card fold that looks great on display,

folds flat for postage, and can be modified to suit your needs.

1. Start with a card blank. I used a piece of A5 cardstock, but you can use whatever size you have in your stash.

2. Score in the centre and fold to form a standard card base.

3. Score down the centre of the card front and fold it backward to form a Z-Fold (or S-Fold).

4. Make an angled cut from the centre score line to any position on the left-hand side of your card front, passing through the second score line you made. (Note: It really doesn't matter what angle you cut on, but for those who are curious, my cut extends from the centre score line to about 2" up from the bottom edge of the card. You might like to experiment with different angles for different looks.)

5. Now decorate! I decided on a double mat of gold cardstock and patterned paper. To cut the cardstock and paper on the correct angle, trim the width to about 1/4" less than the width of the panel, then place the gold cardstock in the centre of the panel, ensuring the borders on each side are even. Hold it in place (or use some repositionable adhesive), carefully turn it over and use a pencil to mark the top angle. Cut along the pencil line for a perfect fit.

6. Trim the excess from the bottom, leaving a small border. Repeat for the next panel.

Trim a larger piece of gold cardstock for the right-hand side of the card.

7. Use the same technique to cut your patterned paper, making them slightly narrower than the gold cardstock. Cut a large piece of white cardstock for the right-hand side of the card where you will add your stamped sentiment and hand-written note. Adhere the paper and cardstock in place.

8. You'll need a second decorative panel that is the same size as the centre panel but the angle must be mirrored. Secure this on the other side of the card front.

9. To decorate, I secured a circular image panel over half the first section. You can keep the image entirely inside the panel if you prefer. I also added a stamped sentiment to the right-hand side of the card.

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Chocolate Lover's Dream

Chocolate.

What more is there to say?

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Framed Waratahs

Waratahs are very striking, native Australian flowers. They come in a few different colours, but red is probably the most iconic. The red and green combination makes them perfect for Christmas and you'll often see them on Aussie cards and wrapping papers.

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