Purple Pimm's and some exciting news

Regular readers of Jane's Journal know that I am rather partial in the summer to a glass of Pimm's at the weekend in the sunshine. A few posts ago here I showed you that I managed to find a bottle of the Limited Edition Blackberry and Elderberry Pimm's which is delicious (although No 1 cup is still my favourite) When I first made up the drink it was too early in the season for blackberries so I used strawberries.

Now that we are in September the blackberries are ripening and I have some which grow behind my garden fence. Last weekend I walked round there to see if any were ripened and found these beauties.

I only needed a few so I just picked enough for one portion.

and yes I did munch a few walking back...mmm they are so sweet this year, it must be all the lovely sunshine we have had.
My Hb made up the  Blackcurrant and Elderflower Pimm's which is 2 parts lemonade to 1 part Pimm's. I added ice and my blackberries and my delicious drink was ready.

Isn't it a most glorious shade of purple.
It really does taste even better with the blackberries in you....cheers!

Now raising my glass also leads me onto my rather exciting news which I would like to share with you. I recently made a very sweet Kewpie card which went down very well in blogland. The images are from Nicecrane Designs, owned by Ignacio. I used the little girl sitting with a single Kewpie and you can see that card here

He recently made me a very kind offer to join his Design Team. Now I am very flattered to have been offered several Design Team (DT) posts over the last few months but sadly have always declined them, as due to my work I just cannot commit to their requirements. I have enjoyed being a Guest Designer (GD) for several card challenges in the past, as they tend to require at the very most, 4 cards to be make and sometimes just a single card. I love all the Nicecrane designs and would love to have worked with them but I wrote back saying that I just cannot commit to regular/weekly DT work. I added that I am always interested in occasional Guest Design work. Well the fantastic news is that I have joined the DT at Nicecrane as a DT Guest Designer! I am thrilled as that means that when I can make some cards I will but there is no pressure on me on a weekly basis.
Thanks so much Ignacio, this really is the perfect solution for me :0). If you have not see the huge amazing selection of designs that Nicecrane sells do pop over via this link There is also a great blog which has some gorgeous inspiration cards made by the talented DT team. Here is the link for the blog

 

So of course my card today is going to be my first as a GD for Nicecrane and it features another image from the gorgeous Kewpie set...you get all 5 images in the download and they are a dream to colour. I was inspired by the purple of my Pimms to make this birthday card.

I coloured the image with Promarkers and highlighted with my Prismacolor pencils. I have added some tags, vintage tags and a grunge sentiment  which are Lili of the Valley. I have coloured them with Distress Inks.
Just look at these cutie Kewpies in close up. You will notice that I made my pastel sky again with my cloud template and blue pastel chalk.

I have added glitter to their sweet little wings for a little bling.

I would like to enter my card into the following Card Challenges;

Crafts-Too Challenge you Texture, first twist; your style I am a girl who loves to experiment with lots of different styles but I think my card shows all the things I love...lots of layers,textures, die cuts, ribbon, charms etc. I do occasionally make CAS cards but really I am an all singing and dancing card making and I love to add lots to my cards.
Die cuts Divas Celebrate
A and T Emerald Fairies Magical creatures
Designed to color anything goes
Crafty Ribbons anything goes with ribbon
Loves rubberstamps anything goes
Bearly Mine anything goes
Creative Card Crew Things with wings
Crafty Little Fairies  Cute and cuddly critters
Country View Crafts Layers
As you like it favourite flower and why  My favourite flower I have used on my card is the rose. I adore roses and for special cards I like to use lots of mulberry paper roses.
Rhedd and Rosie For a lady
Make it Monday linky party #156

The forecast was correct and yesterday certainly was 10c cooler than Thursday. The rain was very welcome and we seem to have a mixture of sunshine and showers for the weekend. Enjoy your weekend and I hope you can find a little time for some crafting.

Take care,

Back soon, bye for now,

Jane x