Beautiful blossoms

I love my tiny garden and I really don't think I would have the time to manage anything bigger than my little outdoor space. I would need to have days with 48 hours in them! I only have one "large" specimen out there and that is a magnolia. We prune it hard after it has flowered in the spring to keep it relatively small and not to overpower the rest of the garden. Although I miss having big trees out there I can more than make up for this in my neighbourhood. I live in a London suburb and it is very leafy in my area and there are gorgeous trees everywhere.

I noticed how much glorious blossom there is around at the moment so I took my camera out for my walk round to my local shops over the bank holiday weekend to capture some photos.

This is a cherry tree in our road

and this beauty is just around the corner.

I am amazed at just how gorgeous these frillies are

It is not  just the trees which are showing off their beautiful blossoms. I also spotted others on my walk.

I was also amazed by how many shades of green nature has.....

the horse chestnut above is showing off its "candles" where my beloved conkers will ripen.

Such lush new leaf growth on this beech hedge above.

As I walked I was quickly inspired as to what card I would make when I got home. All those blossoms make me think of Cicely Barker's Flower Fairies. I bought a new fairy stamp at The Ally Pally Stamp show  last month  and decided it was time to ink her up and use some of my new stash. I also would go for really girlie pinks, just like that wonderful blossom I had seen. Here is my card creation

Those who remember the "small" new stash I showed you from Ally Pally may remember seeing the metallic gilding wax tubs. I bought 3 colours and here I have use the "pearl moon" colour to rub over the pink card which I embossed using a Spellbinder embossing folder. It gives a lovely sheen to the card which you can just make out in the photo. The fairy is a Lavinia stamp which I bought at the show. I lightly coloured her wings with my Promarkers and then added lots of glitter and Glossy Accents to them and to the moon. I can see me using this lovely stamp for lots of occasions including Christmas.  I also added Stickles to the stars. You will spot another new die, Memory Box's precious stars. I have the precious hearts dies and these are just as cute. Even my matting card is glittered. It is my niece's birthday on Sunday and although she will be 29 she still loves pink and fairies and I thought she might enjoy receiving this card. 

I used this great sketch on "A die for a Sketch Challenge blog" for my card. They are celebrating their first birthday and are also hosting a blog hop

You will also see some more of my "sewing" around my card. Don't be deceived, it is actually made by using a Sue Wilson piercing ruler which I also bought at Ally Pally. I pierced all around my card and I then created the "stitching" with a silver gel pen. I think it looks pretty realistic and no sewing machine was harmed in the making of my card ;0) 

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges;

A die for a sketch Birthday hop

Lavinia Stamps Challenge Pastel Colours #3

Stamping Sensations Embossing

Ribbon Girls add a button

Pan Pastels Fairyland #18

Cupcake Inspirations #209 I was inspired by the fairy and the pink and mauve colours.

My Mum's Craft shop spots and/or stripes I used fun stripey buttons

Penny Black and More Sew easy

Forever Friends pastel colours #61

Allsorts Challenge add some sparkle #205

Papertake Weekly anything goes

Divas by Designs anything goes

Simon says stamp things with wings

Natalie and Amy things with wings #9

Whimsy Stamps monthly challenge anything goes #59

Crafty Ribbons Challenge No designer paper #45

I would like to thank you all for your very kind comments you left me on my last post. You seem to like the GD card I made for Ladybug Crafts Ink new Billie Baby stamp release. I really enjoyed making it. I am working on my week 2 GD card as we speak and I show it to you on Tuesday. (A little insider info is that is a card for a baby boy this time and yes I have been making more patchwork! )If you missed that post do remember that you can win the image I used just by commenting  here. I will put all the names into a hat and announce the winner on Tuesday. Please make sure you leave any comments on that post by 8 pm on Monday night. 

After the most glorious May bank holiday weather we have some very strong winds to contend with today. I am sure that a lot of the beautiful blossom will be raining down today like magical fairy confetti. 

Happy Thursday,

Back soon,

Bye for now,

Jane x