So much for ....

.... March - tut tut - one post in one month is completely pathetic, isn't it?!!  March has been busy at school and also at home - we've had visitors, events and all sorts.  Went to a Mini friend's 50th birthday party at the weekend - great fun - some of our Swedish, German and English Mini friends had travelled over for the event and it was so lovely to see them again.  Also last week, I went to see "The Hunger Games" in the cinema with my book club.  I had devoured the books and wasn't sure what to expect of the movie.  General consensus was that it was good, but nowhere near as good as our imaginations!

Now it's April - and what's more, it's the Easter holidays, oh joy!  Two whole weeks off, and I've already made a few cards.  The first is my dear friend's birthday card - here's what I made for her:

Very bright, isn't it?!!  My friend's favourite colour is orange, not one I use often, but I went out on a limb especially!!  I used the sketch from last week's Papertake Weekly, but alas, I'm too late to enter that challenge - thankfully they're having an "Anything Goes" this week, so I can put it in there!

I'm also entering the following challenges: Lili of the Valley, Simon Says Stamp, Stampin for the Weekend and Joyful Stamper's Inspire Me Fridays all have"Anything Goes", Bunny Zoes Crafts ("Shabby Chic/Vintage"), and Creative Card Crew ("Spring").

I've used this cute "Lili of the Valley" image, coloured with distress inks.  I've been experimenting with them, trying for deeper colour contrast, and blending less smoothly - I'm happy with the clothes and skin on this girl, but am still struggling with hair.  Here's a closer look at the image:

Recipe:

Papers: Basic Grey "Picadilly"

Stamp: Lili of the Valley "Milly Just for You"

Colouring Medium: Distress Inks

Punch: MS "Arch Lattice"

Other: BG Mellow buttons, seam binding, needle + thread

Thanks for looking!