Lou's Card Creations

Hi Everyone

Its been a while since I made a card and I've lost my inspiration and cant think of anything to make really.............  so today I thought I would have a go and used a lovely pink flowery paper i bought while at the Doncaster crafty show last week.  This stamp is called start with a smile and I bought it from create and craft a few weeks ago.  its sold out though and I cant find it anywhere else to link to it, sorry.  The presenter on create and craft was using our Spectrum Noir Markers too so i thought i would have a go.  Colours listed below, with the addition of the Spectrum Noir Pencils I have used too.

The card base is made using Kraft card and ive matted a Pion card stock, called my precious daughter, baby doll onto plain white card.  The green card is from a a Nit wit pad called Beach Bliss and ive used a My freind sentiment from Lily of the valley.  Ive added a few brads and rose lace and diestreed the edges with frayed burlap distress ink, this is also added to the wooden butterflies too.

Pens used, FS1, FS3, FS4, TN2, TN2, TN3, TN4, EB1, EB3, EB5, CG2, PP1, PP3, BG7, BG5, blender pen
Pencils 41, 90,89,57,92

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

Crafters Companion are launching a new range of stamps and matching paper crafting items on 9th May and here is my first make.  The stamps are fab to use with my spectrum noir markers and pencils.  This lovely girly is called Pixie.

I've used watercolour card as my base and matted with Kraft card and matched some Wild Rose Studio Polka Dot dottie papers to the colouring i have done. I've not kept a list of colours used but when finished with the Spectrum Noir pens i highlight areas to add depth with my new Spectrum noir pencils.  I've then coloured two wooden flowers with my spectrum noirs and sewn around the outside of the matting,.
Don't forget to watch Leann on Friday as she will have the whole new range and the spectrum noir pens and pencils, ooo  and a new DVD for pens and pencils too.

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

Time to share my latest Spectrum Noir Tutorial with you.  This time i have kept my card very simple and I just love the finished result.

The stamp is from Indigo Blu and this one is called Rose Blush, how beautiful is it.  AND while trying to find the link for you I have just spotted more of the same type so I can feel my bank balance taking a hit, there is a clematis, anemone etc, stunning!!!

The colours i have used and a tutorial are all located on the Spectrum Noir Blog and I think I have only used 6 or 7 shades of Spectrum Noirs so not a lot of work required an i think the colouring took me 20 mins max. My card base is made with Watercolour card and I've used Neenah to colour on to, with a hint of black matt card to layer with.  The stamp is a Stamp it Australia stamp set, sentiment swirls, its such a useful stamp set to have and the font is beautiful.

I think this one will be used for Kevin s Mams next birthday.

Hope you like it

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

Just sharing with you today I card I have forgotten to blog about as it was shared on the Spectrum Noir Blog in February.

I found this stamp Alva Colour while browsing the web and treat myself at Christmas time I think on the Bunny Zoe website. I just love fairies and I think this goes back to when my sister and I read about the young girl who had photographs of fairies at the bottom of her garden, which of course all turned out to be fake.   It was one of the first sites I found when starting to make cards and I love it, there's so much to choose from.  The spectrum noir markers used are all listed on the blog and my card base is using, Kraft cardstock.  I've matted onto coredintations card and then used a sheet from a paper pad, Country Lady, Margaret and I shared a pack when we visited the NEC last year, so its a good way to feed my paper addiction but not have so many in my collection.  The roses and leaves are made using the same papers and card using Bitty Blossoms dies and the borders are Damask accents.

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

For the month of march the spectrum noir blog challenge has been green, something to do with a certain St Patrick i think.

Here's my challenge card and you can find more on the blog page.  I've used the Soar stamp from the Rachelle Anne Miller range and coloured her with Spectrum Noir markers.  The colours used are listed below.  The papers are from my stash and i matted them with Kraft card.  i made a couple of tags using my Favorite tags dies.  Then added a button and a few flowers.


blender, TN7, TN4, TN3, TN2, TN1, EB3, FS4, CT1, CT3, CT4, CG4, CG3, CG2, CG1, CR3, EB1

There's only today and tomorrow left so hurry if you would like to enter.

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

I cannot believe the last time i posted was 1st February, that must be the longest time ever for me............  I know i know its the old reason I've been so so so busy.  But i am still making cards and this one is for the crafters Companion blog challenge for March, Monotone.

So..........  i couldn't resist a new Rachelle Anne Miller stamp brand new this month from Crafters companion this one is called Squeeze.  I've chosen very pale mauve colours for the main card and matched this colour scheme into the lovely image too, with my spectrum noir pens.  I've used watercolour card for the base and last weekend i helped out in retail packing in the cc warehouse, which might've been a good idea before i started looking on the shelves to see what i fancied.  so i ended up buying lost more stash and the paper on the card below is from a six by six paper pad by Wild Rose Studios, called Antique Library.  I've matted with Kraft Card card and then added a couple of paper roses to match and then sewn it all together.

Colours used,

TN7, TN4, TN3, TN2, TN1, EB3, FS4, CR3, EB1, EB2, BG1, BG2, HB1, HB2.

I've just got back from a demonstrator training event which has run over the last 3 days that Leann and I delivered and its been absolutely brilliant (yep that's my opinion) i've met lots of lovely crafters who are all willing to become our demonstrators and both Leann and i will be getting back to them soon with details.

The back to work tomorrow but on weds night I'll be off to the Hobbycraft show at the NEC Birmingham for 4 days.  I'm looking forward to seeing what new stuff there is, although i don't need one single thing, but i cant resist a little look just in case.  Dawns coming with me too so i should have some photos to share.

Hope you like it and pop over to take part as you may just win a prize.

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

Today's card to share with you is a card I made for the Spectrum Noir Blog, showing how I created clouds on the card below.  There's a full step by step picture tutorial on the blog so why not give it a go.

The image is called Meant to be and i just love it.  I've used backing papers from my paper stash, the polka dot is from Anna marie designs and the black and grey is from a papermaker pad.  The dies set I've just for the image is the cameo frame.  I've added a sentiment from my stash and the dies for the flowers are bitty blossom, a Marianne flower fantasy die and also a Britannia leaf die.  For the base I've used my favourite crafters companion matt black card and i even got my sewing machine out to edge the matting.

There is a full list of the spectrum noir markers used on the blog.
I have to say i love the clouds and you can add as many or as few as you like.

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

Today i am sharing you the card i made for the Crafters Companion Challenge Blog and Januaries theme is hearts.

I've used the fab new Bebunni stamp range, this one is aptly named Hearts and coloured with Spectrum Noir Pens, I've used IG1, IG2, IG5, IG7, PP1, PP3, PP5, EB1.  The die cut heart is from the Heart Doily Die set on coordination's card and the backing paper is from a nitwit collection, embossed with the A4 Patchwork Quilt folder.  The sentiment stamp is from the same stamp set and i have finished off with some white lace from my stash and a xcut paper punch.



The challenge does not finish until the end of January so pop over and take part to win a fab prize.

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

Ok so this year I decided I would make every single Christmas card that I send.  What I normally do is only make a few special ones for close family and friends and then use bought ones for the rest.  So I needed something quick and easy as I only started on Sunday afternoon.  Et voila, (I love it when Raymond Blanc says this on his cookery programmes), 5 hours later I have 25 matching Christmas cards and I have to say I love them.

I've used Crafters Companion Matte Black  card along with Crafters Companion Kraft card as the base and the main matting on the cards.  The matting and die cut piece is embossed first using an A4 snowflake embossing folder and then cut using a memory box die Grand Merry Christmas.  The folder is no longer available but they will be back next year ad there are lots of other snowflake folders out there.  I have to say using an A4 folder was a complete easy peasy way to batch make cards as it was less passes through my ebosser.  To complete I have added a die cut and stamped penguin, using Poppy stamp Arctic penguin and matching die set, coloured with my Spectrum Noir Markers and then the last thing is a wooden heart button I bought at the NEC.  I coloured the ones on the kraft background in black and they look fab but the photograph hasn't come out very clear.

Colours used, DR4, GB6 and CR3


Hope you like them

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

The Spectrum Noir Blog Challenge for December is food............  So i have chosen a Lily of the Valley stamp i bought ages ago and had not even used once............  This one is called Icing the Cake.

All of the colours of the Spectrum Noir pens used are on the spectrum noir blog page and I've used crafters companion black matt card stock for the base.  Then some red card from my stash and the patterned paper is from Colemans when i demoed a couple of weeks ago.  Claire and i bought 2 packs and shared them.  Its an A4 paper maker pack in cream and black and its gorgeous, we also got the pink and blue too....  Then I've cut my coloured image out with the circle die from the Chantilly lace diesire die and used the black card stock for the matching Chantilly lace die.  I've also used some Frantage on the edge of my image, the smallest tag from the scalloped tag  diesire set and finished with a bit of matching black ribbon.


This card has gone to my friend Audrey who called me the other night to say she loved it. I'm just about to lock myself away in my craft room to make some more Christmas cards.  I am not allowed out until i am done as i have left it far to late this year.

Hope you like it and don't forget to pop over to the blog and take part for a fabby prize.

Louise xx.

Hi Everyone

There have been a few gremlins in the works on the Crafters Companion Challenge blog and last months posts or entries etc disappeared.  I believe that most issues have been ironed out for this months post but you may need to add links to the comments section rather than linking it as normal.  I'm sure it will be back to normal soon.  Also Octobers will be posted again next week.

So, how can it be nearly Christmas again?

This time i have made a fold back card using a Mulberry wood image.  The base is made from Kraft card and matted with plain white neenah.  Then using a brand new Diesire Elegance die i have cut two out in red coredinations.  I've mounted the Mulberry wood image sent with love that I've coloured with Spectrum Noir pens , using the square die that comes in the same back and distressed the edges with fired brick distress ink.  (I coloured this image quite a while ago and didn't keep a note of the colours sorry)  The sentiment is using the Jingle Bells sentimental stamp set and then I've found some red matching paper in my stash.  Then I've just added to sprigs if ivy using the smaller of the two ivy dies and finished with a small red ribbon bow.

Hope you like it and please pop over to the blog and take part to win a fabby prize.

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

Have you got your copy of the Crafters Inspiration Magazine, Volume 3 yet???  If not its still available on the website and I'm sure you will find it in shops out and about.  However it will also be at the Nec next week on Pink Frogs stand.  Leann will be there Thursday and Friday and Dawn Saturday and Sunday.  Plus I'll be there Thursday till Friday too and then i have a whole day shopping on the Sunday.  I love the NEC.

Its packed full of fab tutorials from all your Crafters Companion Favourite team and there's also £45 worth of free product inside just for you.

Here's my tutorial that's in the magazine and i just loved making these.

There's 3 separate items to make so take your pick and they are all using the Barkley Everyday stamp range.  There's full written step by step instructions in the magazine and all products are listed.



Hope you like it and i cant wait for Volume 4...........

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

My first post since vie returned from hols and this card has been ready for a month, just no time left in the day...............

So the them is orange this month and it would have been easy to make a Halloween card but i decided to colour this image in as ive had her for ages and not even tried. She's called Fairy Fae from Tiddlyinks and i just love her, she is very delicate and sooooooooo pretty.

All of the colours ive used are listed on the Spectrum noir blog, where you can find details of how to enter but October is nearly gone so get moving.

I've used paper from my stash and i think these two are from K&Co, backed on coredinations and a centura pearl card base.  The die is a sissix die that i bought in belgium and not sure of the name. I've used spray and sparkle iridescent on her wings and the cloud background is done by masked a cloud cut out and using tumbled glass distress ink.  It so easy to do but not got time to show you today.  If you would like details please leave a comment below and i will find some time to add it.


Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

My card for October is using a beautiful belles and whistle image that I've not even stamped before, shameful.  (I've searched for this one on-line and can't find anywhere to buy it now, maybe I've just not searched enough) However i wanted to show how spectrum noirs could be used for other things and not just colouring images.  My blog challenge for September was using the refill inks direct to make a background paper and this time i have used my pens direct to vellum to colour tint a quilled flower.  This one is a small sunflower but you could use any of your choice.

I've used my favourite black card, Crafters Companion new Matt black cardstock, Spectrum Noirs and the patterned paper i picked up on one of my demo days at a local craft shop but i think i got the last pieces. However i have searched on-line and here's a place you can find them, the black background, the yellow polka dot, but I'm sure if you search more you could find single sheets.

Then I've added some black lace from my stash, leaves using leaf 2 and some black pearls.  The sentiment is printed from my pc.



You can find a full list of the colours used on the Spectrum Noir Blog.

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

The September Spectrum Noir Challenge is Travel, and it is nearly at and end, only tomorrow left to add your entry.  So i have chosen a stamp set from Stampit Australia, Around the world.  The base card has been made using the matt side of centura pearl white card. First i stamped several of the images in versamark ink and embossed with black embossing powder. I have used 3 distress ink pads, vintage photo, frayed burlap and peeled paint.  Then once the inks are applied i've used a bottle of spectrum noir refil blender ink and EB5 and randomly dropped the ink onto the surface.  Once i trimmed the background to the correct size for my card i have use black soot distress ink on the edges to remove the white edge.

Then i've added a sentiment from the same set, some twine and a charm and a black border using a spellbinder edgebility from my die stash.  The base is Crafters companion Matt black card, i love this new card from CC, its really sturdy to make card bases.....

 Why not pop over and take part, there will be a fab prize and all you need to do is follow the them and use your Spectrum Noirs.      

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

My tutorial for the Spectrum Noir Blog is now up, well I'm a day late..........  I love love love Sheena's little bit floral stamp as flowers always come in handy for all sorts of occasions so i have chosen the beautiful Dahlia to colour.

The full technique and the spectrum noirs colours used are on the blog if you would like to have a go.  The background is using 3 different distress inks, squeezed lemonade, picked raspberry and peeled paint.  First i embossed the card with versamark and then used white embossing powder. Then when you add the ink with cut and dry foam the white powder resists where the embossing powder is.  Then just a few bits and pieces to finish and a tag from the Scalloped Tag pack of dies.

I was demoing a similar card at Strikes Stokelsey yesterday, and this week i am demoing at Crafty Nook in Durham on Thursday, details below.  Please pop in if you can it would be lovely to see you.............

Event:	Demo Day at Crafty Nook
Date/Time:	Thursday 5th September
Location:	Durham
Description:	Demo Day at Crafty Nook in Durham with Louise Welsh. 10am - 4pm Please call 0191 374 0877 for more information. Address: Unit 27 Durham Indoor Market Durham DH1 3NJ

Hope you like it

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

This months (August) challenge on the Spectrum Noir blog was to create a project but not a card.  So while out and about i scouted for something i could decorate and this is what i found at Houghton Hall Garden Centre on Saturday gone when i was demoing.  The frame only cost me £2.40 and i think it will be a perfect addition to Gracies bedroom.

I have covered it with Gingham paper from the Party Paws cd and some purple braiding,  i also bought from the same craft shop.  The link takes you to a full pack but in each shop its sold separately for only £1.00 per roll.  Then all i have done is coloured two lily of the valley images, Lovley Lilies and My Best Friend  in with my spectrum noir pens in matching colours. and cut them out and stuck onto the frame.  To complete i have just added a few liquid pearl drops.

 Colours used

hair EB1, TN2, TN3, TN7, EB3, EB8, BG7
Skin, FS2, FS3, TN2, CR3, CR4
Dress & Hairband HB1, LV1, LV2, LV3, JG1, , JG3, JG7
Flowers and leaves DG2, DG4, GB1, GB5, EB3
Cat IG1, IG3 & IG6

Pop over and take part, you just might win......

Hope you like it

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

Its animals as the them for this months Crafters Companion Challenge Blog and I've chosen this fab little stamp, Bambooks Favourites, coloured with Spectrum Noir Pens.  I made this card while at the glitter pot on my demo day out of bits and pieces i had been demoing with so it was a bit impromptu and not at all planned but i love it.

Ive sanded the red Coredinations after embossing with the rose garden folder and then for the centre piece i have used aged mahogany and brayered the folder before embossing some white centura pearl card,. For the card base and also for matting i have used black centura pearl card.  The flower is made using the small sunflower diesire quilling die using white neenah card.


Dont forget to pop over and take part and also take alook at the other DT members inspairation.

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Hi Everyone
A really really quick post from me today as i need to go and pack for my London trip.........  i can't wait after the match last night as Murray did amazing against Janowicz.

This card is for the July Challenge on the Spectrum noir blog challenge and this month it is friendship.

I've not coloured many Bamboo images so i chose this one party with Bamboo, coloured with spectrum noirs.  The backing paper is from the party paws papercrafting cd and a panel of coordination's using the perfect paisley embossing folder.  Then to finish i have used a sentiment stamp from the party paws range and tag die, then a few bits and pieces from my craft stash..
Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Hi Everyone

Goodness me i forgot to share this card with you.  I made it for the Spectrum Noir Monthly Challenge in June but its been and gone now.  (Whoops)

So, I've used a belles and whistles stamp planting some love (isn't it just gorgeous)  and the reason i picked this for summertime is as have always loved gardening in the summer and still do.  I hate it when its windy and cold but in the summer when the sun is out i can spend all day in the garden tidying things up

Coloured with Spectrum Noirs and the papers are raspberry road from a a pack free in a  magazine i bought ages ago.  The dies are Marianne, Rectangle and Heart and stamp set from the collectable range.  i have then used a Martha Stewart border punch along the edges of the centre piece of card with added liquid pearls.   The large pink flower is using a small sunflower quilling die and the other two are out of my crafts stash.

Hope you like it.

Louise xx