Helenes papercraft

Love is in the air

2012-02-12T08:22:00.000Z

This is actually one of my favourite Magnolia stamps. I think it's adorable.
The text on the left side is from a Pion Design paper and says "From my heart" while the text on the right is a stamp from Stempelglede saying "Thinking of you".
I've used patterned paper from Pion Design, flowers from Wild Orchids, lace, pearls and a charm.

I'm participating in these challenges:
Scrap a long: At least 1 stamp, 2 patterned papers and 3 flowers.
Simon Says: Love is in the air
Wild Orchids: Love is

Have a lovely Sunday :-)

Love

2012-02-11T04:22:00.001Z

In just a few days it's Valentine's, and as this is more of an American tradition than a Norwegian, I need to come up with alternative stamps to participate in all the love challenges around.
I think this image of a mother and child from Whiff of Joy is a perfect alternative.
This card was an order from a colleague because her sister just gave birth to a little girl.

The paper, from my heart text and butterfly is from Pion Design, I've used a punch from Martha Stewart and Spellbinders, flowers from Wild Orchids, bling and charm.

I'm participating in these challenges:
If the shoe fits - Anything goes
Fussy and fancy Friday challenge - With all my heart
Creative Inspirations - Lots of love
Anything goes challenge - Bingo board (I chose 2 or more stamped images, my choice and die cuts/punches)
Scrapperiket - Anything goes

Brown & Red

2012-01-29T06:58:00.000Z

This stamp from Sweet Pea is actually one of my favourite stamps. I wanted to make a brown card and used paper from Pion Design, text stamp from Stempelglede (saying "Hugs for you"), spellbinders, bling, lace, ribbon, charm and flowers. I think the red makes the card more dramatic and that's what I wanted. Her wings are painted with Stickles diamond and gold.

I'm participating in these challenges:

Moving Along With The Times: Blooming Marvellous

Simon Say's: Anything Goes

Creative Inspirations: Anything Goes

Lots of roses

2012-01-28T11:22:00.000Z

I bought some new stamps last week and prayed they'd arrive before this weekend. And they did! This gorgeous stamp is a Whimsy Stamp. I've always enjoyed fairy tales, and this cards makes me think of all the happy endings!

The paper is Pion Design (I rarely use paper from other companies these days), roses from WOC, die cut from Magnolia (first time I'm using it - is falling in love with dies possible???), charm, bling, ribbon, lace. Everything I love using, LOL.

The sentiment is very old and rarely used, but says "Greetings from the heart".

Have a nice saturday :-)

I'm participating in these challenges:

The Shabby Tea Room - Sparkly & Bright

Sentimental Sunday - Die Cuts

Scrap a Long - Anything Goes

Moving Along With The Times - Blooming Marvellous

Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes

New supplies!

2012-01-22T11:58:00.001Z

I've bought lots of new stuff lately. I LOVE the new paper from Pion Design. On this card I've used patterned paper, a gorgeous border, text and a butterfly from Pion Design.
I've also bought a couple of new stamps from Bildmålarna. This little girl is adorable.
Flowers are from Wild Orchids, and I've used some bling and a charm.

I'm participating in these challenges:
Scrap a long - Anything goes
Bildmålarna - Lots of flowers
Wild Orchids - Anything goes

A mother's love

2012-01-21T08:35:00.004Z

I wanted to make a baby card, and decided to use the adorable stamp from Whiff of Joy. I just received an order with the new paper from Pion Design, which I just love. And this paper is great for a baby card. I also used ribbon, pearls and flowers from Wild Orchids.

I'm participating in a few challenges:
Wild Orchids Craft - Anything goes
Kort O Mania - Søtt som sukker
Whiff of Joy - Love is in the air

A box of chocolate

2011-12-17T14:25:00.001Z

I just bought a box of chocolate - a gift for a girl. And being a scrapper, I obviously had to dress it up a bit, LOL.

I used my favourite paper from Pion Design, pearls, lace, ribbon and flowers.

The text is perfect for a box of chocolate - saying "My wish is giving you the best there is, and what could possibly be better than chocolate?!"

I'm participating in a challenge at Scrapperiket - white and blue as main colours.

A green christmas card

2011-12-12T16:01:00.000Z

This is the last christmas card of the season and just in time as well! I've never made a green christmas card before.
I've used the adorable stamp from Bildmålarna, paper from Pion Design, flowers from wild orchids and pearls.

I'm participating in a few challenges:
Simon Says: Photomontage (christmas)
Moving along with the times: Last minute christmas
Fussy and fancy: Inspirational christmas photo

Have you finished your christmas cards yet?

And one more christmas card

2011-12-04T11:36:00.000Z

Like I said, I haven't been blogging lately, and will therefore blog a second card today.
The beautiful paper is from Pion Design, and my favourite santa stamp is from Joanna Sheen/Giordano.

I'm participating in two challenges: Scrap a long: Christmas and Simon Says: Anything Goes.

Christmas card

2011-12-04T11:30:00.000Z

I made this christmas card a while back but haven't got around to do any blogging during the last week.
The beautiful paper is from Pion Design and the stamp is one of my Magnolia christmas favourites.

I'm participating in a challenge over at Just Magnolia: Anything goes with the option of sparkle, and a challenge over at Fussy and Fancy challenge: A christmas picture for inspiration.

Bildmålarna

2011-11-27T14:03:00.000Z

I'm not the first cardmaker to fall in love with these adorable stamps. They're so cute, and there're so many possibilities for masking them. Isn't the fence great as a background? Makes it even more christmas'ish than if stamping the girl alone.

Of 30 christmas cards for my mom I've only got 6 left to make. I almost can't believe it, and they're for christmas 2012.

I'm participating in these challenges:
Bildmålarna: Glitter
Sukkersøtt: Masking
Moving along with the times: Ribbon & Bows
Scrap a long: Christmas picture of candles for inspiration

Sweetheart card

2011-11-26T09:01:00.000Z

A girl asked me to make a card for her boyfriend. It's supposed to be a "Just-because-card" and I thought the idea is very cute, however I had a hard time making it. Normally when making cards for boys/men I try to keep them clean & simple. However that style didn't work out with this card. But hopefully it turned out romantic and a bit masculine anyway.
The sentiment is great for a "sweetheart/thanks for being the person you are card".

The stamps are from Stempelglede, and I've used stickles silver on the scrolls surrounding the heart, as you're able to see in the close up picture.

I'm participating in these challenges:
Creative Inspirations - Blue, Grey & White
If The Shoe Fits - Thankful
Simon Say's - Tag You're It

Ice princess

2011-11-21T04:45:00.000Z

I just love this stamp from the Magnolia christmas collection - it's so cute. This is the first time I'm making a purple christmas card, but I guess it turned out okay. My christmas cards tend to be traditional - red, green, blue and brown.
I also used paper from the Magnolia christmas collection. Flowers from WOC. Coloured with distressed ink and stickles diamond.

I'm participating in a challenge at Just Magnolia - using ribbon on my card.

A set of two cards

2011-11-19T09:15:00.000Z

This is an order - It's fun to have people order my cards, but also a bit difficult to know what they want the card to look like.
I've used Pion Design paper on both cards - I just love this paper - they're all very pretty. Flowers from WOC, painted with distressed ink.

Wish you all a lovely weekend :-)

Let it snow

2011-11-18T05:04:00.000Z

Another christmas card using the beautiful paper from Maja Design and my favourite snowman stamp from Giordano.
I used stickles diamond to make snow.

I'm participating in two challenges: Creatalicious and Moving along with the times.

Christmas card and my fave technique

2011-11-13T03:23:00.000Z

Those out there who have been following my blog, know that I'm making 30 christmas cards for my mom. I made 6 identical of this card, and I'm happy to say that I've only got 13 cards left. As this order is for christmas 2012, I'll start making cards for my aunt - she ordered 10 cards for christmas 2011.

When making this card, I used my favourite technique - masking. I love using Magnolia for masking, because using their stamps, there're so many possibilities.
Unfortunately I don't do masking as often as I would've prefered, because it's a very time consuming technique.

The white flowers are covered with stickles diamond, but you can't see it very well in the picture. The text is from North Star Stamps.

I'm participating in the Magnolia Down Under Challenge.

Gift bag and Norwegian text stamp giveaway

2011-11-11T04:28:00.000Z

A while ago I made a birthday card and because I've decided to give a girl a little something on her birthday, I decided to make a matching gift bag. This is the first time I've made a gift bag and I loved it - will make one again for sure.
It turned out very pinkish, but with all my christmas projects lately, pink was very much appreciated.
With this gift bag I'm participating in a challenge at Scrapperiket.

I've also been thorough all my text stamps and figured I'd make a huge giveaway. They're all listed in the picture below, and I'll decide who the lucky winner is on December 24th :-)
All you need to do to participate is to make a comment on this blog post.

Christmas card

2011-11-06T12:55:00.001Z

Another christmas card - big surprise there... I'm not making anything but christmas cards these days! Although.... I'm actually one year ahead!! My mom always orders 40 christmas cards and for as long as I can remember I've been one year ahead. Makes it more fun because there's no pressure when it comes to time limits.
For 2012 she has reduced her order from 40 to 30 cards, which makes it more fun for me. I'm making a few identical of each christmas card I'm blogging, and I've "only" got 19 left to make...

Today my aunt ordered 10 christmas cards for 2011, and I'll start making them next weekend. Fortunately I'm done making my own christmas cards!

With this card I'm participating in two challenges:
Magnolia Down Under - Charms and bling
Scrap a long: An inspirational christmas picture

Christmas card

2011-11-05T16:31:00.000Z

I'm making lots of christmas cards these days, and still enjoying the christmas stamps from Magnolia. I've also bought heaps of my favourite flowers from WOC - Wild Roses. I think they're gorgeous!

How many christmas cards will you be making this year?

I'm participating in two challenges:

Just Magnolia - Anything goes with the option of lace and pearls. I used lace, but no pearls this time!

Creative inspiration - Sparkle - Does this card sparkle or what?? LOL.

Christmas card

2011-10-29T18:26:00.000+01:00

There might be a bug in my blog - some people aren't able to post comments. If you want to comment and can't, would you please take one minute to e-mail me and let me know about it?

I'm trying to figure out what the problem is, and would appreciate the help.

Magnolia has so many adorable stamps in the christmas 2011 collection. Obviously I had to have them!!

I'm participating in these challenges: Sukkersøtt, Just Magnolia and Simon Says.

Small cards

2011-10-20T13:12:00.000+01:00

I've seen several bloggers make mini cards, and decided to give it a go myself. The format turned out to be a bit challenging for me, and I ended up making two. They're each 10x10 centimeter and it's a great way to make use of leftover paper etc.

One of them is a thank you card for my dad. He's been helping me out after a small surgery and I bought him some coffee and made a card. I love the small tea/coffee pot charm on the card, and figured it'd be perfect to go with a coffee gift.

Pink, white & gold

2011-10-05T10:51:00.000+01:00

Sometimes I don't feel like giving a card away and it makes me sad thinking about it being thrown away. Do people throw away the cards we're making? Have you ever dared asking?

This card turned out really cute, but I guess that was the point. My goal was making a friendship card using my new text stamp from North Star Stamps - "Recipe in happiness" (is the best translation I'm able to give you).

Magnolia Down Under challenge - use pink, white & gold. I think such a gorgeous color combination had to turn out cute.
Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge - new technique. I've tried recessed window once before, but this time I wanted the text to dominate and tried doing the opposite of recessed window. It was fun!
Sukkersøtt - decorate all pages on your card. I always do that anyway.

Something blue

2011-09-18T09:24:00.002+01:00

"If the shoe fits" has a challenge called "Bejeweled Blue" where they want to see how the September birthstone, Sapphire, inspires us. They've uploaded a gorgeous necklace as a source of inspiration.
Immediately I thought I didn't have anything blue but somehow this challenge stuck with me and I started searching through my stuff.
To me, bejeweled blue is elegance which I hope I achieved, at least partly. The text means "You're unique! Take care of yourself".
"Simon say's" wants us to get inspired by a song text, and I thought of "I could've danced all night", which made me use this stamp.
"Creative Inspirations" - Anything goes.

Vintage, chocolate, brown & cream

2011-09-17T09:31:00.000+01:00

Lately I've been out of ideas, and today I searched through the challenge blogs I enjoy following. Challenges sometimes give me ideas, and today there were lots of fun challenges :-)

Magnolia - chocolate, brown & cream. I didn't have a chocolate in my apartment (would've eaten it) but made room for one under the text. I'll make more cards with room for tiny chocolates for sure. So much fun to give away!

Speaking of Magnolia, their newest magazine is amazing. It's got lots of tips on coloring. I gave one of them a try - I tried painting as if the sun was shining up on her from below right. I think I did okay, but need to practice!

Sukkersøtt has a challenge called "autumn". I think brown is as autumn'ish as it gets, and she's got her hat which indicates wind.

Moving along with times has a challenge called "sparkle". Does this card sparkle, or what? I used lots of gold stickles on it. Usually I only use stickles on the flowers, but sometimes it's fun to make it all sparkle. A girl thing, LOL.

The Pink Elephant has a vintage themed challenge. With all the brown, cream and gold, I think it turned out vintage, and will participate. I even think the stamp itself is a bit vintage'ish.

Wish you all a fantastic and creative weekend. I'll enjoy my homemade blueberry pie with vanilla sauce later today. And cocoa with marshmallows. Perfect on a day in the autumn :-)

Celebrating 2500 individual visitors

2011-09-14T16:22:00.000+01:00

Hi guys,

I've had 2 500 individual visitors since November 1st, and I appreciate all of you so much.
A while ago I started a challenge and promised to announce the winner when the number of visitors reached 2 500.
And I always keep my promises ;-)

The winner is......

Lisbeth, who has this amazing blog: http://lisbethskortogscrap.blogspot.com/

I do recommend you to visit her :-)
Lisbeth, please click on my e-mail icon and send me your address.

Christmas preparations

2011-09-11T10:26:00.000+01:00

Right, I finally got around to do some blogging and cardmaking again... I was delayed in finishing my christmas cards this year because the post office misplaced some scrapbook supplies I ordered. Fortunately it all worked out eventually.

I used one layout for all my christmas cards this year, and only stamps and flowers might vary. I bought some new stamps this year, aren't they both the cutest?? I adore them :-)

Pen pals!

2011-08-28T17:36:00.001+01:00

I've got a few friends abroad to whom I'm actually writing old fashioned letters. And when searching for new stamps I found this stamp which is actually called "Pen pals". I thought it'd be perfect to enclose in my snail mail :-)
The text means "For a friend".

Remember my challenge a few posts below :-)

For my dad

2011-08-27T18:06:00.001+01:00

October 4th is my dad's birthday. I suddenly realized that it's only one month away, and with lots of things happening at work I had to start making the card.
I think cards for boys and men are very hard to make because you can't use to much stuff on them or they will look feminine LOL.

However I do think this card turned out okay. I absolutely LOVE those tiny metal tool charms that I found in an online store a few days ago. Aren't they cute??
And they're perfect for him, because he's always doing some work on our house :-)

Remember my challenge a few posts below :-)

Wedding card

2011-08-26T19:02:00.000+01:00

I just finished a wedding card. This was ordered by an Australian friend of mine who will give it away when attending a wedding next month.

I think the Lily of the Valley paper from Pion Design is perfect for a wedding card. I painted her dress pale green and his suit grey to match.
Instead of painting her pearls and the buttons on the dress, I used golden pearls.
Flowers are from WOC and I used diamond stickles on all of them. And my favorite metal charm.

Don't forget to participate in my challenge below :-)

Giveaway :-)

2011-08-21T13:01:00.000+01:00

It's time for a new giveaway and as Anne (the winner of my last giveaway will confirm, I do ship international) :-)

If you want this gift of flowers, ribbon, charms, stamps etc please make a comment on this post describing your perfect day in the autumn and why the winner should be you.

You don't have to be a follower, and you don't have to make comments on my cards below, however I'd be happy if you are :-)

I'll announce the winner once my blog reaches 2 500 visitors! Good luck!

The lucky winner will receive:

1: Heaps of flowers

2: Penny Black - "Easter Bunnies" rubber stamp

3: Heaps of ribbon and lace

4: Sweet Pea Stamp - "Midnight Waiting" rubber stamp

5: Magnolia - "Prince Phillip" small rubber stamp

6: Magnolia - "Kiss me I'm a Prince" text rubber stamp

7: Pearls, Magnolia snowflake die, pins, metal and charms

8: Stempelglede - rubber stamp from the "Vintage Garden" collection

9: Magnolia - "Spellcaster Tilda" rubber stamp

10: Whiff of Joy - "Chocolate Girl" rubber stamp

11: Magnolia - "Tilda with Umbrella" rubber stamp

Too cute...

2011-08-21T10:10:00.000+01:00

To compensate for all the christmas colors, I decided to make a pink card. It turned out very pink, LOL. Guess I was done with red, green and brown for now!

I've masked several Magnolia stamps together. Like I've said before, masking is one of my favorite techniques, and magnolia mini's are perfect for it!

I've used a butterfly punch twice. I love butterflies and I'm going to buy the "new" magnolia butterfly die in a month - it's gorgeous!! Until then I've got to use my Martha Stewart.

I can't get enough cherry flowers. Especially the two-colored are gorgeous! And I've used some stickels on them.

What do you think of the charm? I think this tiny bottle of wine is adorable. There's a small text on it saying "wine". Perfect for a birthday card, or what?? :-)

New patterned paper from Fabscraps, text on the card is part of a norwegian birthday song (A spoon Full of Sugar challenge), cupcakes (Simon Say's Challenge).

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Christmas card

2011-08-20T08:44:00.000+01:00

Wow I just made my first christmas card this year. Normally I don't make any for my own use, but this year I decided to do so.

The stamp (actually the santa, bear and text is one stamp) is from Giordano and I bought it from Joanna Sheen. I just love it!

The paper is from Magnolia, and I used a snowflake charm, some bling, flowers and stickles.

I can't believe I'm preparing for christmas - LOL.

Singing in the rain

2011-08-19T18:55:00.000+01:00

Magnolia has this oh so fun challenge "Inspired by a song". From the moment I noticed it, I knew I'd participate! And the song which inspired me was "Singing in the rain" from the musical. And maybe the weather inspired me too, LOL. It's raining a lot, but then, it's autumn (my favorite season)!! People tend to go crazy when I tell them that I actually enjoy the rain, but I guess it's because I enjoy being indoor making cards :-D

I'm also participating in a challenge there the colors are supposed to be monochrome. I think I made it, however for some reason I thought this was very hard today.
I noticed that in the picture the ribbon almost looks brownish, but obviously it does match the rest of my purple card!
I decided that a silver charm would be allowed. I love this, I just bought heaps - the little heart with a flower above.

Wish you all a lovely weekend!

For a friend

2011-08-13T13:12:00.001+01:00

I'm finally back with a new card. I've been on summer vacation and haven't made any cards until now. I just love the Sweet Pea Stamps and the Maja Design Paper.
I've also used metal hearts (charms) on the front and inside. I'm participating in a challenge where the challenge is using metal, which is good for me. I get to practice!
The text on the tag means "For a friend".
Wish you all a nice Saturday :-)

Light a candle

2011-07-24T04:48:00.001+01:00

My thoughts are with the victims of the shooting and bombing which happened in Norway last Friday.

6 X 6 Tag Card

2011-07-16T16:23:00.000+01:00

Tag Cards have always fascinated me, but I enjoy making 6 x 6 cards (inches). Suddenly it hit me that I could make a tag card only much bigger than they usually are.

Others have probably done this before, but I loved it anyway, and will make more of them for sure :-)

The paper is from Pion Design, the stamp is from Stempelglede and painted with Distressed Ink. I framed the patterned paper with gold stickles, used a spellbinder die for the frame around the image, lots of flowers from Wild Orchids, some pearls. The inside is very simple because I want to make enough room for the greeting. However I stamped "Happy Birthday" in Norwegian with a stamp from Stempelglede, and put a butterfly above it. The butterfly punch is from Martha Stewart.

I wish you all a nice weekend :-)

Napkin fold card

2011-07-12T19:10:00.001+01:00

I'm back with a new card. The unusual about this card is that there's no stamping - neither a painted image nor text. I came across this folding technique in a blog and decided to give it a try. And I decided that the folding technique was enough and I wouldn't need any stamping.

I spent quite a while on the folding, and I'll probably only make one again for a very special occasion. My cousin is getting married, and my parents will bring this card to the wedding.

Like before: The beautiful paper from Pion Design and flowers from Wild Orchids.
Will you give it a try?? ;-)

Easel Card

2011-07-09T14:57:00.000+01:00

Normally I wouldn't show two cards in my blog in one day. I'm afraid the one below will be overlooked. Please take a look at the next card, too :-)

The reason is that I wanted to participate in the Magnolia Challenge where they're asking for an easel card. I love easel cards, although they don't have any space for a personal note.

I used my newest patterned paper from Pion Design (forget-me-not is also one of my favorite flowers for real - I adore them), my new flowers from Wild Orchids and one of my favorite Magnolia stamps. The text says something like "Friendship is the poetry of life".

A tent card

2011-07-09T09:06:00.001+01:00

It's Saturday and I'm soon on vacation, which I look very much forward to. Meanwhile I've been making a card and I'm participating in two challenges.
The real challenge for me was to find somewhere to make room for a personal note. I decided to create something on the back of the card. Then I put a ribbon around it to make sure it wouldn't open easily. The blurry part is my personal stamp that I didn't want to show on my blog. Sorry about that :-)
The text says "Good friends are the real treasure in life"

Wild Orchid Crafts has a challenge where they want to see tent cards, and obviously their own products in use. This is the first time I've made a tent card. I had decided not to participate in the challenge, because I didn't want to make a tent card. However after thinking about it for a while I decided to give it a go. It turned out to be fun! Also, using lots of the flowers I recently bought in their shop made me happy. They're so pretty :-)
Whiff of Joy has a challenge where they want to see lace and pearls. To me that was easy because I love using lace and pearls on my cards! And I thought it'd be fun using them on the tent card. The stamp is obviously a Whiff of Joy stamp, and one of my favorites too.

For Janne ;-)

2011-06-24T13:44:00.000+01:00

One of my best friends is moving and I wanted to make her something special. I bought this huge jar made of glass which I'm going to fill with chocolate chip cookies before giving it to her.
I decided to make a label for it. Quite a project, but fun. There're so many cute stamps from Magnolia that are perfect for a cookie theme!

I've masked Magnolia Mini's and used regular Magnolia stamps - painted with distressed ink. The butterfly punch is from Martha Stewart. The beautiful paper is from Pion Design and I've used lace, ribbon, pearls, flowers from Wild Orchids, stickles. I think the back is pretty cool. I used the Magnolia die and some text stamps that I though would be good. They say: "Enjoy the moments which make you smile" and "Some say you can't buy happiness - they've never tasted chocolate"!

It's hard to make good pictures but I've tried....

Birthday card

2011-06-12T09:31:00.001+01:00

I just finished a birthday card for a friend. Her birthday is in July and she loves cupcakes. I thought this would suit her very well.

I've masked the cupcake and a magnolia mini and used the folding technique that I also used on my last card. I really enjoy this technique.

Patterned paper from Pion Design, flowers from Wild Orchids, charm unknown, two text stamps saying "Happy birthday". I've used some gold stickles on the flowers and painted the images with distressed ink.

Have a nice Sunday! Nice to know tomorrow's also a holiday :-)

New technique - does this way of folding have a name?

2011-06-05T09:28:00.001+01:00

A few weeks ago I came across this way of folding a card when blog surfing, and yesterday I decided to give it a try myself. It takes such a long time making it, but I think it was worth it when it was done. I'll probably make something like this again one day when I've got the time. (Note to self: Patience...) And with all the corners, it's perfect for using the beautiful patterned paper from Pion Design.

The stamp is from Stempelglede. The roses are painted with "Antique Linen". And when using paper from Pion Design, I always stamp with brown staz on instead on black. I think black would be too dark to go with this paper.

Friendship card

2011-06-03T15:42:00.000+01:00

It's Friday and the sun is shining. I've made a card today - the theme is friendship, and again I've used the beautiful patterned paper from Pion Design and a Magnolia Stamp. I will participate in a Magnolia challenge just for fun.

I've used the Magnolia Stamp "Hello little butterfly" which I think is adorable. Inside the card I made a criss cross envelope with a lace on it and put a small card inside where I can write a note.

Wish you all a lovely weekend :-)

New supplies :-)

2011-06-02T06:06:00.000+01:00

I've talked about getting new supplies for ages, but didn't get around to it until a week ago. Then I ordered heaps! Flowers from Wild Orchids, patterned paper, some stamps etc. Yesterday I picked up the first package from the post office, and it sure gave me the motivation for making a new card.

I've used the gorgeous patterned paper from Pion Design. It is pretty, don't you think? I tried keeping the colors light when I painted the stamped image to match the paper.

I'm a season scrapper

2011-05-22T12:26:00.000+01:00

My dear faithful followers...

Thank you for following my blog, which I haven't updated in months! The reason is that spring/summer is finally here. Norway's such a cold and grey country during winter, I just don't feel any motivation at all to sit inside and make cards while the sun is shining...

So hopefully you'll forgive me for rare posts during my "off-season"...

Here's a new one anyway (yeah - it's raining). I went for something blue - and Magnolia. This represents summer very well, don't you think??

Sweet Pea again

2011-03-06T07:53:00.000Z

I really like those sweet pea stamps. I recently bought 3 of them, and this is the second. I think this is going to be one of my favorite stamps :-)

I always use distressed ink (re-inkers) for painting. Recently I've started mixing colors to get the exact look I want. For her hair I used black soot, for her dress milled lavender. For her wings, the heart she's holding and the rose in her hair I mixed milled lavender with dusty concord. The designer of this stamp originally though her dress red, but I think she looks just as good in pale colors.

I matched using white flowers and pale lavender roses, white ribbon and silver hearts.

The first day of spring, sweet pea and winner of my giveaway

2011-03-05T11:44:00.000Z

Today is Saturday and the first day of spring I think. The sun is shining, there isn't a cloud anywhere and the snow is melting. I wish I could sit on my balcony, but it's still full of snow and I can open the door wide enough to get a table or/and a chair outside. With this weather, though, it won't be long :-)
I live in the capital of Norway, where we this week are arranging the world ski championship. I bet my friends who are out cheering love today's weather. It honesty can't get any better!

I've made my first Sweet Pea card today. I love the Sweet Pea stamps, but this is my first try. It's very hard to paint it, with all those details. I guess I think it turned out ok, however, I'll have to practice to make it fantastic. Also I should have used black instead of brown on her to go with the patterned paper, but I totally forgot, because I was so into the difficult coloring. Next time ... ;-)

And the winner of my giveaway is.....
Anne Marie! Congrats to you - I do hope you'll enjoy it :-) It was so hard to pick a winner, but Anne Marie has been a follower for a while now, making lots of appreciated comments. Besides, she seems to really want those pencils and would love to learn to use them, which counts a lot.
Anne Marie, I think I saw a link for your e-mail address on your blog and I will e-mail you today or tomorrow to arrange it all.
Please don't stop following my blog, as there will be more giveaways coming up. But not just yet :-)

Giveaway!!! 1000 visitors :-D

2011-02-28T16:39:00.006Z

I didn't expect any visitors at all and haven't been blogging for more than a few months. I decided to arrange a giveaway to celebrate. Please answer the following question by making a comment:

I'm giving away a large set of aquarelle pencils which is almost never used. Why do you want them?

If you havent tried coloring with aquarelle (water color) pencils before, i recommend it. When mixing the colors with water youre easily able to create depth and shadows on an image. This set is expensive and great working with.

Below you can see some pictures of what's waiting for you: A large set of aquarelle pencils. A couple of small copper flowers. A selection of flowers. Magnolia pink garland. Magnolia Charleston Tilda stamp. Magnolia mistletoe die (not the snowflake die which also shows in the picture). Spellbinders butterfly die. +++

I'll announce the winner on Saturday :-)

Magnolia card & giveaway coming up

2011-02-27T10:14:00.002Z

I made a new Tilda card this morning. I've run out of water color paper, and the last few days I've had to stamp on white Bazzill instead. Which isn't the same at all. However, last weekend I was playing with the masking technique, and had this image ready for use today. Painting on water color paper is much more fun, because making shadows and depth is much easier.

The beautiful paper is from Maja Design. Until yesterday, I hadn't used lace in a while, but as I was very satisfied with yesterdays design, I did a similar today.

Next week I'm going to have a giveaway to celebrate 1000 visitors!! Not very many compared to other blogs out there, but then again, it's only 4 months since I started blogging for real. My counter only counts visitors once, which means those of you who are visiting more than once wont be counted every time you stop by. That makes it more fun.

(I will ship abroad if that's how it turns out).

Enjoy your sunday and do come back for my giveaway ;-)

Tilda with hearts

2011-02-26T18:12:00.000Z

I've wanted this stamp since I first saw it. It's adorable. Unfortunately it's a valentine's stamp, but I think it can also be used on cards for friends, right?? For girls obviously.
I really enjoyed making this card, and almost want to keep it myself ;-)

I had so much fun painting this image, because I love it so much. It made me creative, and I mixed some colors to get it right. Her dress and shoes are a mix of worn lipstick and victorian velvet. The hearts are actually a mix of worn lipstick, victorian velvet and black soot!! In the picture, the hearts look purple. They're not really, but dark/dirty pink.

I think I've used about all girly stuff there is - pink ribbon, white lace, pink flowers, white roses and pearls. However, I still think this card can be used for a friend.
What do you think?

Birthday card

2011-02-26T07:30:00.000Z

It turns out I do like Magnolia. They have so many cute images. This is probably one of my favorites, Tilda with a small gift. For a birthday card.

I decided to go for blue this time. The pictures unfortunately turned out a little greyish I think. I'll show you the inside first...

And finally... This is how I decided to decorate the front of this card...

I wish you all a nice Saturday :-)

Just for fun

2011-02-22T16:41:00.000Z

All my cards are made just for fun. Well mostly anyway. But this time, I wanted to make a fun card - like a real birthday card or something. I told you that my resolution for 2011 is doing more masking. I've realized that Magnolia stamps are excellent for this technique, and I got this idea from a member of the Magnolia design team.

The idea is good - instead of masking several stamps you mask one stamp lots of times.

Do you believe in fairy tales?

2011-02-19T16:57:00.000Z

A couple of weeks ago, I was at a restaurant with some people I know. We had a few glasses of wine... And one of the girls told me that when she was a little girl, she went out in the woods and started kissing frogs, because she thought they would turn into real princes! She did this many times and her mom found out. Her mom got so mad because frogs can be very poisonous.

I decided to make a card, using stamps from the Magnolia fairy tale collection. I had to buy Prince Philip, but it's worth it! I used Tilda and Prince Philip + I also bought the text stamp from Magnolia saying "Kiss me I'm a prince". I think the story is rather hilarious, and hopefully the girl I know will think so too. Because obviously this card is for her!

This is the first timer ever I'm using stamps from Magnolia. I've been known to dislike them, but I think I'm actually starting to like them. I bought a few Tilda stamps today, and I'm actually looking forward to make more cards using Magnolia stamps.

Joy Fold Card

2011-02-04T10:36:00.000Z

I tried making a Joy Fold Card for the first time, and it sure was a joy. I have so much fun trying out new techniques, and this is one I'll use again.
I used distressed ink for painting. The roses are colored with "Antique Linen" which I rarely use, but I think the result is satisfying. The pretty paper is from Maja Design.
How wonderful to have a friday off (and of course saturday and sunday) and be able to fill it with hobbies that I love! I went to the gym, made this card and as I've recently bought an iPad and some e-books from Amazon, I'll probably do some reading as well.
Wish you all a nice weekend :-)

I received a blog love award!

2011-01-26T17:50:00.010Z

I received a blog love award from Shazsilverwolf who makes so pretty cards. You will see her pretty art if visiting her blog: http://silverwolfcards-shaz.blogspot.com/ Enjoy :-)
I'm honored to be chosen for such an award, because there're so many to choose between. Thank you very much, Shaz! After a crappy day, I appreciate it even more.

Conditions are:
Create a post where you post the "blog love award" image, and blog the link to the person who gave it to you. Inform me that you've accepted the award.
Then choose 3 - 5 people that you think deserve this award and inform them.

http://luckystamper.blogspot.com/ Kathy B and Lucky. We share the love for Shih-Tzu dogs, and Kathy (and Lucky) - you always leave very nice comments on my blog. I appreciate those comments very much, and for being you, I think you deserve this award. And I really enjoy the cards you're making.

http://kristispapercreations.blogspot.com/ Kristi. You were one of my first followers, and I appreciate that you've followed me ever since. Followers makes my days :-) I also admire your stylish cards, and I'm trying to stop by and have a look.

http://piashobbylering.blogg.no/ Berit. Thank you for following me through my card making ups and downs in real life. I have so much fun going to exhibitions with you, and it's great to have someone to talk to about important questions like "Should I paint Henry the Mouse grey or brown?"

Just another card

2011-01-26T06:15:00.000Z

I made another card using a stamp from "Stempelglede" and the new pretty paper from Maja Design. Oh how I love both of them! This is a new technique for me, and I really loved making this card. I'll actually probably make many more. There's more to decorate, which means it takes more time and it's more expensive because of all the supplies that are used, but I think it's worth it.

Recessed window card

2011-01-22T15:40:00.000Z

I bought some new stamps from "Stempelglede" yesterday. I've wanted them for months, and almost couldn't wait until today to start making cards. With a stamp like this, you can't go wrong! At least I don't think I can... The stamp is gorgeous!!
This is the second time I'm making a recessed window card, it's fun to do cards with different techniques now and then.
What do you think of the card and the stamp?

Do you have a New Year's resolution when it comes to scrapping?

2011-01-09T08:24:00.000Z

I normally don't do resolutions for the new year, because they're rarely fulfilled. Still, I do have one when it comes to my hobby. I want to use a technique called masking more often. So far I've only used it twice, and both times the results have been good. To me this is difficult, because I'm not used to imagine which stamps could look good if masked together. But I look forward to give it a try!

Now it's your turn! Do you have a resolution? Tell me about it!

January christmas cards

2011-01-08T14:12:00.001Z

Being extremely busy with work in the autumn makes me try making christmas-cards in winter / spring every year. I'm trying to make them in winter, because even if I do make some in spring / summer, it's so nice to sit in my much loved kitchen making cards as the snow is falling on my balcony.

Here are 3 christmas cards I made last week. I'll also enter them in a new norwegian challenge blog that I think is so cute - they challenge us to make 3 christmas cards every month of the year. The idea totally got me going, and imagine how much inspiration we'll get by visiting there at the end of 2011! Take a look http://hjertebodensjuleblogg.blogspot.com/ and I'm sure you'll be inspired already :-)

On the first card, the main image is a christmas poem. Hard to translate and get it right, but it's lovely really.

On the second card, I found an image on a patterned paper that I suddenly realized would look much better as a main image on the front than being used as regular patterned paper. And I was able to use my new spellbinder dies that I got yesterday.

On the third card is Henry the mouse. This is the first time I've painted him grey, earlier he's been brown. From here I might go for grey more often.

Baby-card

2011-01-08T07:52:00.000Z

A colleague of mine had a baby the other day, and we decided to buy a gift and I made a card for him / the baby. Since I'm working with the baby's dad, I decided on light purple colors instead of pink, which I thought would be a bit too cute. I used the oh-so-pretty new patterned paper from Maja Design.

40 Cards

2010-12-27T16:21:00.000Z

I didn't get around to take a picture until now, but here are the cards. I can't believe I made 40 of them in just over a weekend. I'll probably never do that again ;-)

I've just made 40 cards!!

2010-12-19T17:59:00.003Z

No, there wasn't any spelling error - I really made 40 cards this weekend. I got an order and figured I'd go for it. Now I don't even have the energy to photograph them. However, I might do just that in a few days. Hang on...

Chocolate for a friend

2010-11-28T18:43:00.000Z

I made a card with a box inside today. I'll put chocolate in the box and give it to a friend. I think this is a perfect christmas present for a neighbor, colleague etc, only I'm done with christmas cards and presents already :-)

Black & White

2010-11-21T13:12:00.001Z

This morning I was all up to make a white card. White only. There're so many stunning white cards out there, and I honestly wanted to make my own.
Thing is, that didn't work for me and I didn't know what to do with all that white.
Then I decided to go for black & white. When I was done putting the card together, and all that was left was to decorate it, I couldn't find any matching flowers. I tried white (boring), blue (too blue), purple (wrong purple) etc etc. Finally I decided on pink. I'm not quite sure what to think of this card, but I guess I've decided I'm done...
What do you think?

Easel Card

2010-11-20T12:36:00.001Z

This is the first time I'm making an Easel Card and I enjoyed it very much. If you're into cardmaking, this is fun! The stamp is from "Stempelglede".

Recessed Window Card

2010-11-20T08:46:00.000Z

I recently came across the "recessed window" technique on a blog, and decided to try it out. I really enjoyed it. It's different from other cards I've made, and the size is 8 x 8.
I've used a stamp from "Stempelglede", and glitter (Stickles) on the swirls around the heart and on the flowers. I stamped the heart twice, cut one of them and stuck it on top of the other heart using 3D glue dots. Unfortunately the picture doesn't show that very well.
Thank you for looking.

Exploding box

2010-11-14T21:48:00.000Z

I finally came around and made my first exploding box. I made one with 3 "layers" - light colors only to make them match. I doubt I'll make more of these boxes in a while, but it was fun giving it a try.

What do you do with all your boxes?

2010-11-14T13:23:00.000Z

I've been making quite a few boxes lately, and I've no idea how to use them.

I don't have enough friends in this city, and I don't feel like sending the boxes to friends by post.

Do you store them until you need them, or do you give away small gifts to neighbors and colleagues?

I don't even think I have enough room for storing them all...

Box for chocolate hearts

2010-11-13T19:00:00.000Z

Freia has been making boxes containing thin chocolate hearts for years. They're really good, and decorating the box has been popular with scrappers for a while.
I finally gave it a try, although I didn't decorate the box, I made a new one. It's easier than decorating the original, and it turned out exactly like it. I took the original apart, and used it as a template.
I didn't spend very much time decorating the inside of the box, however I might do that the next time. I'm quiet satisfied, as this is my first box, and I'll make more of them for sure. It's the perfect gift!

New card

2010-11-09T03:53:00.000Z

Originally I wanted to make a vintage card, but decided on black and purple instead, and they aren't vintage at all. I enjoy using ribbon and lace, pearls and flowers on my cards.

Christmas 2010

2010-11-07T08:44:00.000Z

I started making christmas cards a while back, but never got around to paint them. I finally did, and here they are :-) I love Henry the mouse - stamps. He's always cheery and makes me smile.
I've also uploaded a picture of the inside. I bought this beautiful christmas poem (stamp) a while ago, and I wanted to use it inside of all my cards.

Pink ribbon

2010-10-31T10:52:00.005Z

I want to tell you about a very special blog created by a lady called Manuela. Firstly she's making the most amazing cakes I've ever seen, and her step-by-step explanations are very easy to follow.
Secondly, all through October she's had a pink ribbon campaign on her blog, focusing on breast cancer. And take a look at the cake she made today, in which she gave away to the hospital for people suffering from cancer in her hometown. I would advise all of you to visit her blog Passion 4 Baking because you'll probably enjoy it just as much as I am!

Girly card

2010-10-31T01:26:00.001+01:00

To me this is a new style, but I've seen it on different blogs when blog surfing (I think the decorating is quite similar on all the cards of this style, maybe I'll try to come up with something different). Instead of decorating the card I've made and decorated the envelope, and then put a rather simple card inside (not on the picture).
It's nice to try something different once in a while.

Vintage card

2010-10-31T01:19:00.000+01:00

I love the stamps from Stempelglede, especially the textstamps and the Maribel stamp (used on this card). I used distressed ink vintage photo and stamped on photopaper.
Wanted to make it vintage style, and hopefully I succeeded.

Card

2010-10-30T17:03:00.001+01:00

I recently made this card for a friend. I love the black and white dots and roses (the paper) and thought it'd look good with a few blue flowers.
I usually make 6x6 cards, but it's nice to try something different once in a while.
This card was made for one of my best friends, and I've used stamps from Stempelglede.

2009-10-02T06:38:00.004+01:00

I bought a huge bouquet of lillies for the table. I LOVE lillies, and they do look amazing with all the white, glass and porcelain.
I thought they wouldn't turn into flowers today, but take a look at this!!

Raspberry Cheesecake Brownie!!!

2009-10-01T18:15:00.007+01:00

It's a beautiful day, and I'm preparing to celebrate my dad's birthday this weekend. I've made a cake today. (Raspberry cheesecake brownie). It tastes good, I cut a bit of a corner..... ;-) I'll make the raspberry cream tomorrow, though. And probably take pictures of it later.

I want to recommend this book. I love the recipes in it. I've tried out a few, and they're really good. This is where I got the recipe for the cake I've made tonight. Wow, it's way too long since I've made a cake. I almost forgot how much fun it is!

This is the first time I'm not using my own photo in my blog, but when cake is involved, everything's allowed, right??? (With the exception of this photo, I'm only using my own pictures in my blog).

Before leaving for now, I've noticed that my blog's started getting followers. You really make blogging more fun :-)

Candlestick Makeover

2009-09-12T08:22:00.008+01:00

Sometimes I visit my local used store to see if they have any hidden treasures. Until now, I've only bought this one candlestick.
What's spesial about it, is that it was originally in brass. Now, brass doesn't go with my interior at all, and I had to do something.
What I did was buying a can of white spraypaint. I had to do four layers on it for the color not to show through, but finally it got all white.
And it was so worth it, don't you think?
The picture is a little dark, because I didn't use flash. When not using flash you can see the beautiful strucure of it.

Post-it holder

2009-09-12T08:14:00.007+01:00

I've always thought about making a notebook.

I made this really simple one using my bind-it-all. And inside I just have a post-it pad, and then I can use the cover again and again and again...

I used two patterned papers, ribbon and lace, pearls and flowers. I think it turned out really nice and go with my romantic shabby chic interior.

Mother & baby

2009-08-10T15:28:00.008+01:00

It's Monday again! I've been working at my homeoffice today, but now I've got the rest of the day off. I decided to upload a few cards.

I really enjoy using silhouettes as main motives on my cards, but rarely get around to it. I think this card is perfect for a woman who's recently given birth.

I'm also very much into envelope cards these days. The blue one is a friendship card, and the white one is a wedding card.

Envelope cards

2009-08-10T15:27:00.003+01:00

A flower to cheer me up

2009-08-01T11:08:00.006+01:00

Today is Saturday and truly a beautiful day. I've just walked some friends from the US to the trainstation here in Oslo, because they're flying back home today. Kimber, I know you'll read this. I miss you already. But we'll mee up again for sure.

On the way back home, I passed a store with so many beautiful flowers. I was originally looking for a green plant for my bathroom, but then I saw this amazing Hortensia with a charming white basket, and I just had to get it. The very nice girl in the store told me how to keep it inside, since it's actually an outdoor plant. I had this lamp in my livingroom, which didn't actually go with my style, and now I put the flower there instead. I wish all of you a nice weekend.

Hi

2009-07-15T18:03:00.010+01:00

Welcome to my new blog. I'm a bit new to blogging, but I wanted to give it a try. I discovered shabby chic a while ago, and for the last months I've been trying to adapt the style.

I've had so much fun, although I've sometimes been working way too hard. Like the time when I put together too many furnitures and my hand hurt so bad from using the screwdriver... And one of my best friends got so worried and said "Helene, you need to stop screwing..."!!!

Oh, or recently, when my feet turned white. I wanted to spraypaint a chair white and placed it on my balcony. I was so careful, put paper on the floor and everything. What I didn't take into consideration, was the wind and how it was blowing the spraypaint away from the chair while I was working on it. And blowing it onto my feet when I was walking barefeet around. Which means my feet got totally white from oilbased paint. You bet it looks charming!

I also believe I happen to be on some kind of IKEA home delivery hate-list. They surely have one...?? Right??

I've bought so many furnitures there lately, and the same guys (there're two) have been here every time. The thing is, I live on the fifth floor without an elevator, which makes the delivery guys reeeaaally happy!

Hope some people will visit my blog, and find it interesting.