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Sunday, June 30, 2013

Happy 1st birthday Ella


Hello there LLC lovers! 
Long time no seen ;) I'm enjoying vacation here, sadly I can't brag about the stunning summer weather with a beaming sun so I wont...;) I hope I will get to enjoy it soon though. 
As you all know by now we have been swooning in birthday celebrations for a couple of weeks now and today I'm showcasing the last bday creation. Some of you may know that about the same time LLC was born the most adorable little baby girl (not that I am biased ;)) was born too, our little Ella. With this card we will wish her happy birthday for the first time. 

I've used the most cute little girl image I could find, isn't she just stunning? She is a Wee digi named Angie. OMG...my heart can really pound at the sight of a stamp I love and this made my pass out a little ;) lol! Angie is inked with my Copic markers. I'm still going into the "zone" when I'm inking. Poor family tries to talk to me and I'm just mmmm-ing. ;) It's so out of my comfort zone but I'm having fun! And without practice I wont get anywhere ;) I still have a loooong way to go but I'm happy my inklings goes onto creations now so I'd like to think there has been some progress. 

These beyond gorge papers from Pion Design are part of my all time FAVORITE paper collection, the "Studio of memories". Just look at those lush flowers on that 6*6 paper I used! Talk about making my heart skip a beat. Ella has always been very into music and every time she hears a tune she starts digging. The big metal music note is the perfect addition for her card, I added some shabby pink embossing enamel to that and the other metal ornaments, such as the love charm, the metal roses and the lovely number one embellie I added close to the image. 

And of course...I just had to use another one of those utterly beautiful frames from Melissa Frances again. They are addictive! 
I love that they are not that big, they fit onto a card really well. As always Ive added all the products I've used with the Inlinkz gallery at the end of my posting. 

Here are some more close ups: 






Thank you so much for looking in today! Make sure to stop by again tomorrow cause thats July 1st and we are announcing a new challenge! YAY!
Lots of love


Saturday, June 29, 2013

Loving Birthday Wishes

Good Eve Everyone,
It's Sandy here; sorry I'm late with today's post. I've been working on the website most of the day. Grrr...technology you can't live with it, you can't live without it! LOL
I'm working on implementing some changes to the international shipping charges that I've been wanting to do some for quite some time. I do apologize for the inconvenience with the website being offline, but I thought I'd try to get this done before Sofiero gets here...

Yes! I ordered Maja's new LIMITED collection as soon as it became available, and it has shipped from Sweden, so it should arrive mid next week or at the end of the week at the latest.

Over to today's card. It's a quickie, but I had fun combining Maja, Pion and Riddersholm:
The beautiful image is from Pion Design's latest collection, Vintage Garden. The middle panel is also from Pion, it's Purple Wallapapers from my favourite collection, Alma's Sewing Room. The borders were cut from the backside of Maja Design's 1922 and the large square is from "Love Conquers All" of the Crea Diem collection, which I'll be getting restock of next week. The gorgeous sentiment is from Riddersholm Design.
 Tried something new today, i.e. "schabbotaging" the satin ribbon with some frantage, as DT Member Louise would have said. :-) Also the bark hearts were fran-taged; I use Aged Rose and Shabby White.

 Thanks for stopping by today. Please visit us again tomorrow to see what our schabottager has come up with for the Birthday theme. :-)

Hugz,
Sandy


Friday, June 28, 2013

Kiitos Karita!

For those of you not familiar with the Finnish language, kiitos means "Thanks".
And that, my friends, is what today’s post is all about!

 Every Friday for a whole year now, we have enjoyed the most beautiful inspiration by our ever so talented Finnish Design Team Member Karita.

 As previously announced Karita has decided to step down from LLC Design Team, but we can’t let her leave quietly without thanking her properly, can we?!!!

When I started planning for opening up the Live & Love Crafts Store, I made a wishlist of crafters I would like to have on my Design Team. I had for several years been an admirer of Karita’s work, so naturally she made it to the top of my list, and as the launching date of the store was creeping closer, Karita was the first person I contacted to ask if she would like to join my Design Team.

Gosh was I nervous when I sent off the message to her on Facebook…
It took a day, and then I got this reply back:
“ Thanks for contacting me. This all sounds so exciting and I´m very honoured by you asking me to be in your Design Team, thanks sweetie. And I will gladly say YES!!!! Your suppliers are my favourite ones so it´s easy for me to say yes to you. Oh I´m so excited about this. Thanks for asking me.”

OMG; I couldn’t believe my luck, that such a celebrity in the blogging world and such an amazing crafter like Karita had accepted my invitation!!!

Bear in mind, this is over a year ago, when nobody had heard about  Live & Love Crafts and nobody knew what the store would become… :-)

So on this note; myself and the LLC Design Team Members would like to take you on a trip down memory lane, showcasing some of our favourite projects by Karita.

Karita’s journey with LLC began on July 1st last year. Karita’s first project for LLC was also for our first challenge, Nautic:
 
With her second project she surprised me by using a vintage image on her card:

With time I learned that Karita is full of surprises; she always brings something new to the table.
We’ve watched her grow tremendously as a crafter over this last year.
She’s was an expert with Distress Inks when she joined LLC, then she decided she wanted to try out Copics, so she studied it for a short while and then stunned us all with this card:

Sandy on Karita:
"The fascinating thing about Karita is that she is always on the look out for something new in her crafting, whether it be colouring with Copics, using vintage images on her cards, making a scrapbook layout, altering an item or creating a mixed media canvas.

I think it’s only fair to say that she’s the most versatile Design Team Member LLC has had. I have often asked myself if there is something she cannot do. I honestly don’t think so, because if she doesn’t know how to, she puts her mind to it. She studies and then she practices it until she masters it. She’s a true artist with every medium she takes into her hand!"


I gave the LLC DT a very challenging task when I asked them to choose their favourite projects by Karita. In her year as a LLC DT Member she has created more than 60 projects, all beautiful, all unique.

Tracy on Karita:
"Where do I start.... firstly a very difficult choice to have to pick just ONE favourite.  Karita is a gifted artist who puts together the most beautiful vintage cards but is also gifted in being able to colour phenonimally well,  a jack of all trades us English would say.  A girl after my own heart with all that paint and messy stuff and her love for Sarah Kay stamps, I just love everything Karita creates and although she won't be on the LLC team anymore, Karita's blog will always be one I will look forward to visiting."

Tracy picked this vintage card, made by Karita in March for our weekly theme "Fussy & Fancy":

Elin chose Karita's "remake" card.
This card was also made in March, when the DT Members were recreating old cards they had made several years ago. Here Karita used one of her beloved Sarah Kay stamps:
 
Elin on this card:
 "This card just amaze me everytime I look at it. The transformation is just stunning, and the coloring on the girl is breathtaking!! As Karita is a huge Vintage Image fan  just like  me, it's really fun to see her coloring every now and then, as she gives her cards so much life and depth with her images. She does it to perfection."

Here's another Sarah Kay Card by Karita:

This one was created in August last year for our Riddersholm Design focus week.

As much as Karita loves her Sarah Kay stamps, she also loves Magnolia stamps.
Most of you probably know that for many years Karita was a permanent member of Magnolia's Design Team. Naturally she also created quite a few Magnolia cards during her time with LLC:
Elin's Words for Karita
"Dear sweat Karita. Thank you for all the inspiration and joy you have brought to our team, and to me! I am proud to say that I have been on a team with such a talented girl, and your creations will always inspire me to try new stuff and to try for perfection. You are a wonderful girl with loads of great humor and I will most definitely miss you happy smiles and comments here. I wish you all the best and good luck on you journey in both life and crafts. Keep in touch sweet thing <3 <3 <3 "



 Both Louise and Eulanda chose this gift box, made by Karita in February when we were working with Pion Design's new collection Alma's Sewing Room:
Louise on this project:
"It was this gift box that made me, the most pink obsessed loony there is, realize that there are other colours. There's lilac! Karita has in this way opened my creative horizon! Just check out her inventive use of every single centimeter of the paper and how she measured and composed her project so that all the beautiful details can be seen at their best. I just don't love pink, it has to be shabby as well, and just look at this box, it doesn't get more shabby than this! ;)"

Eulanda on Karita
"Over the past little while I have been visiting Karita's blog and OH-MA-GOODNESS this girl is LOADED with talent!!  She knows how to layer with just enough layers and embellish with just enough embellishments to make the perfect card or project.  It feels like whenever I look at something, I can go back again and see something else.  My eyes feel so good when I leave her blog.  LOL!  She also has different idea's for very project she makes and it's like she has a river of creativity that just keeps flowing and flowing.   If ever I get stuck I always bounce over to her blog to get some inspiration and will keep going over.  She is one of the reasons I have learned how to make a vintage card. Karita - I wanna be just like you when I grow up!!"


Louise on Karita
"Karita is a warm, generous and wonderful person, who furthermore creates THE most amazing projects! She is so versatile; she does LOs, mixed media and 3D. She always puts her heart and soul into her projects, so that the rest of us get to enjoy them to the fullest. I will miss her on the team, but I do have her blog address,  so also in the future I'll be following every step she takes. ;) "

As Becky said to me, one could easily choose all of Karita's creations, but here's Becky's choice, a Christmas card Karita created in January this year for our theme "Winter Wonderland":
 
 Becky on Karita:
"Karita is one of the most lovely, sweet and talented ladies I know. Her cards and creations are truly inspirational, I look at everything she makes in awe, there are always so many pretty details, and I have taken quite a bit of inspiration from her work. Her colouring is outstanding, but she can also make the most gorgeous cards, boxes, cases, well pretty much anything, with printed images and also pictures off design paper that I just could never think to use.
I am so sad to see her leave our team, she will be missed behind the scenes as well as on the blog. But, cyberland is so small, I know I will see her and her gorgeous creations around in blogland and on Facebook. Goodbye Karita, I'm going to miss you here, but I wish you the best of luck in everything that you do. Hugs, Becky x "

Tina on Karita:
"Wheather it's a cute card or a mixed media canvas, I love all Karita's creations. Also her layouts are enchanting. Karita is a very dear friend and I will miss her greatly in the team. I wish her the best of luck and many creative ideas. Of course I will continue to visit her blog and let myself be inspired by her. All the Best, and a Big Hug, your Tina"
This Scrapbook LO of her daughter Karita created in April this year when we were working with Maja Design's Vintage Spring Basics Collection.

Alyce picked Karita's Shabby Suitcase, a project made in April for our travelling theme:
Alyce on Karita:
"I have always admired Karita's wonderfully shabby style. Her projects always look so soft and magical and very well thought out. Karita - I am so sad that you are leaving just when I am joining, but of course I will always stop by your beautiful blog. :-) Thank you so much for the wonderful inspiration and good luck with all of your new adventures!!!"

 Sandy on Karita
"For me Karita will always be the "White Lady". She very early made it clear to me that white is her favourite colour, so I never had to think twice about what material to send her. :-) All the white laces and flowers were sent Karita's way and she'd always get the design papers with the least amount of colour. And if they were too colourful for her taste, she'd "shabbytaze" them with gesso, her greatest trademark!:-)  I don't know anyone who works the gesso as well as Karita  and can create such incredible projects all in white".

So to prove my point, check out this card that Karita posted a week ago for our Romance theme:
(Here she's been playing with snow tex though).

My absolute favourite card by Karita though is this Christmas card she made back in September when we were working with Vilda Stamps' images:
Is this colouring amazing or is it AMAZING?!!!
Here Karita has really put the gesso to use and I think this card is just magical; it's one of the most beautiful Christmas cards I've ever seen! It's so well composed and Karita has managed to create great focus on the image by her placement of the embellishments.

Karita, I don't have words to express how much I will miss you and how grateful I am for everything you've done for LLC and for me personally... but I'll try anyway. :-)
You helped putting LLC on the map and the truth is the store would not be what it is today without you.
Thank you for believing in me right from the beginning and all your support and help.
Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration, thank you for the laughters and fun we've had together.

Thank you for being such a wonderful friend.
Thank you for being you.


 /Sandy


So there you have it; some of the cards and projects Karita has created for LLC during her year as a Design Team Member. There are many many more to admire and get inspired by, so if you have the time, why not check out a few more HERE?!!!
And to make sure you don't miss any of her future creations, please make sure you stop by Karita's Blog and become a follower.

Best of luck on your mixed media path, Karita!
We will all miss you dearly and come visit you as often as we can.

Hugs from Sandy, Alyce, Becky, Elin, Eulanda, Louise, Tina, and Tracy.


Thursday, June 27, 2013

The celebration goes on!

The celebration goes on!
It's LLC's birthday-week, in case you haven't noticed ;) The actual birthday was June 25th, which sadly means that the birthday candy and blog hop are over. Did you miss the lucky winners? You can find them HERE along with the Top 4 from our last challenge: "50 Shades of Lilac."

 1000 millions and billions of thanks for all the amazing comments on my card, I really appreciate  each and every one of them!<3

Now on to today's contribution, a birthday card of course!
This one I have made with my sister in mind; she's turning 40 this Summer and that calls for a special card:
In well known "Elin style"; I have punched and played with a paperbag again. :-)
  And my all time favorite paper collection "Studios of Memories" from Pion Design is once again at use;)
As you might see, I have used a picture from the lovely Vintage Garden collection, also from Pion Design. This collection has definitely grown on me... the sheet "Images 12x12" has more then one great image, and I think it's soon time to get another sheet, haha!
I have used a few stamps on my papers this time; mainly from Kort & Godt, but also some from Inkido, and the Inkido stamps can be found at the LLC store.
I keep printing off my own sentiments. I find it genius to fill up a sheet (or 10!?!) with my favorite words and sayings; I mix and play with all kind of fonts and sizes and make them suit my projects. You should try it, it's great! :D
And if you haven't noticed yet, I'm a bit hooked on pearls again.. These ones are from Inkido <3
I adore the angel charm too, with a little coat of gesso of course.
That's today's inspiration, hope you've enjoyed it.
Hugs & Kisses
Elin



Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Love, Love, Love

Hi everyone, Becky here today with my birthday card.


A different colour for me, but I have recently just got a Life In The Country 6x6 pad from Maja Design and I thought I'd go for the greens in there. The edges have been distressed with both Walnut Stain and a Tim Holtz tool.


The paper on the inside is also from the pad. Love, love love Tilda has been coloured with distress markers, with glamour dust in the hearts. Around the image there is Shabby White Frantage and on the butterfly there is Shabby Green,


There are links to everything at the end of the post.


The roses are from my stash.


My arty shot, lol.

Hugs,

Becky xx

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Winners Birthday Candy & Hop & Top Picks May Challenge

Good Eve Everyone,
It's time to announce our WINNERS from the Birthday Blog Candy and the Birthday Blog Hop. :-)

Let's get started with the Candy...
 

We had 172 participants and the lucky random winner is...


No. 53 Suzi of Sugar n Spice.
Congrats Suzi!



Myself and the DT Members are absolutely amazed by the overwhelming response to the Birthday Blog Hop

Thank you, thank you, thank you
to the 77 crafters who completed the hop during the 4 days it was active.
By judging from the comments you left both here on the LLC Blog and on each Designer’s Blog, you thoroughly enjoyed the hop and we are thrilled that so many of you took the time to celebrate LLC’s first birthday with us this way.

Thank you for all your lovely comments on the DT’s work; they all do a marvellous job of showcasing the LLC products and they loved sharing their LLC favourites with you. They are always happy to hear that they inspire you; comments on their work is their greatest reward, and several reported that they have gained new followers as a result of the hop, so thank you! 

Thank you also for your giving our two new members, Alyce and Eulanda, such a warm welcome and for leaving so much love and appreciation on our departing member, Karita’s blog.

I would also like to thank everyone for all your well wishes, left for me personally and for the store.
I’ve loved reading all your comments, of which many brought me to tears. I simply cannot thank you enough for your support! ♥ ♥ ♥ 

Over to the Hop Winners...


The randomly drawn winner for the grand prize, the £20 Store Voucher
said this:

“Congratulations Sandy, and all the DT - super creations what a treat to hop round. Thank you for bringing us all the lush goodies we love to play with too. What would we do without you for our fix of vintage/shabby chic loveliness <3 Jen xxx”


Thanks so much and congrats Jenny Hodges from Design by Jenny!

You might recall that we also had four "hidden prizes".

PRIZE 1 - The Melissa Frances Hanger was hiding on Tina's blog
Randomly Drawn Winner: Elfi of Federchen's Bastelkram
"Hello Dear Tina, yes also I can hardly believe that a whole year has gone by with this wonderful shop. You're the one to blame!! ! Through your blog I became aware of LLC and I’m always thrilled by the great offers from Sandy. And it’s also your “fault” that I love these book cards so much. On your blog I saw the first one; I fell in love and instantly made one myself. Also this book card is beautiful. You have again incorporated so many loving details. This card shape allows for so many wonderful ingredients, that we can find at LLC.  All the best, Elfi."

PRIZE 2 - 5x Skeins of Seam Binding were hiding on Becky's Blog
Randomly Drawn Winner: Tracy of Playtime Creations
"Stunning card Becky, loving the colours and embellishing. I'm sure Grace will love this card.
Tracy xx"

PRIZE 3 - LLC Embellishment Pack was hiding on Louise's Blog
Randomly Drawn Winner: Chantal of Cards made by Chantal
"Hi Louise! Here I am again and hopping to all the blogs and Yes now on your blog with such an amazing project did you make! I am drooling on my computer keyboard! Sooooo stunning! Soooo amazing and you do great work voor Live & Love Crafts! Hugs, Chantal"

PRIZE 4 - PACK OF LACES was hiding on Karita's blog
Randomly Drawn Winner: Jenny of Jenfa Cards
"Gorgeous Karita, all the lace is so divine : )"

Congratulations to all our winners. Please contact me, Sandy, to claim your prizes!

And while I'm at it, I thought it was about time we announce the DT's Top Picks from the May Challenge "50 Shades of Lilac". It feels like ages ago, and it is. I do apologize for the delay; I have to admit that the Birthday preparations got the best of me this month, sorry.

This time we've got a TOP4:


Congratulations Ladies!!!

That's it from me today
Please stop by again tomorrow to see Becky's Happy Birthday Card!

Hugz,
Sandy

Happy Birthday LLC, 1 TODAY!!!

Good Morning Everyone,
Today's the day; LLC's Official Birthday!!!
In case you'd like to check out last year's post, made on June, 25th after the store went live, you can check it out HERE.

There are still a couple of hours left to enter our Birthday Candy...

...and also to complete the LLC Birthday Blog Hop

...but you need to hurry. Both Inlinkz collections will close at 12 PM today!!!
The winners will be announced here on the blog tonight.
Good Luck Everyone!

For today Tina  has made a very special Birthday Card...

 This is what the complete card looks like:

Here's another view with the card displayed on a Melissa Frances hanger:


Thanks so much for stopping by today.
Hugz from Tina & Sandy