Sam By The Sea

Cupcake heaven

2011-11-15T20:28:00.001Z

For quite a while now I have been wanting trying to perfect the decoration of my cupcakes!! So you can imagine my delight when I discovered a lady less than 10 minutes walk away from my house who runs classes :D

Why not take a look - http://www.pimpmycake.org/

I can definately recommend taking a class or two- I hope to do some more in the New Year, quite liking the idea of the shoe class.

I had a wonderful day, learning far more than I anticipated, my main aim was to learn how to pipe the butter cream on top. I made all the embellishments - are they still called that on cakes? from white fondant icing.

I can feel another addiction coming on!!

I need to start collecting so much stuff to make them, just as well its my birthday soon!!

That's it from me today, off for a brisk walk round the block - gotta wear off some of the calories consumed over the last few days!!

Welcome Lewis

2011-11-14T23:37:00.001Z

I was asked yesterday to make a new baby boy card.

Its been a couple of weeks since I've made any cards as I've been busy beading, cupcake decorating, knitting and work!

I forgot how much I love it in my craft room, its so snug. I can only make cards, out there as there isn't enough room for any other craft stash so that has to be carried out in other rooms!!

I didn't getting so much use out of this stamp when I bought it.

I used the sketch from Sketch Saturday for inspiration, Nana's Nursery Baby Boy papers from DCWV, Vintage baby stamp from Funky Kits and assorted punches and peel off letters and numbers.

Beading between birthdays.....

2011-10-26T23:04:00.000+01:00

It was my daughter's 21st birthday yesterday and my youngest son's 16th birthday tomorrow so I took advantage of the peace and quiet today to recharge my batteries with a spot of beading.

I didn't make this bracelet today, it was one I managed to make last week, one of my friends at work ordered it, although I was so pleased with it, I was a bit reluctant to hand it over!!

I made this one today, another order from work, love the colour, its so fresh and reminds me of summer - despite the rain lashing down outside!

I am having a table at a 'Ladies Night' at a local gym soon so thought it was about time I made some items to sell. Love the heart on this bookmark, would have been really quick to make but I had a spot of bother with the jump rings!

A set of wine glass charms, the beads don't show up too well, they have turquoise and pink with a flash of silver running through them.

I had better clear the dining room table of beads now, as its going to be another busy day tomorrow. Hope to squeeze in some more crafting on Friday!

Cot quilt for Elliott

2011-10-25T21:54:00.000+01:00

I've not managed to post much over the last week, as I've been busy finishing off a quilt I made for a niece who has recently had a baby.

The dark blue fabric was so cute I didn't want to cut it up and its such a shame as the design I was using doesn't show it off properly.

I've taken some close ups of the different characters.

Here's the finished quilt, I was really pleased with it, although I now remember why I prefer working with the thinner wadding.

It's such a shame I won't get to see little Elliott wrapped up in it as he's up in Scotland - unless I can wangle a visit......

A bit of bling - a card and a bracelet

2011-10-18T20:34:00.000+01:00

First photo today is a card I was recently asked to make a card for a lady who will be 89 soon.

I've put the 89 on a circle to match the central greeting, along with 'Mum' on another circle for the person who ordered the card to position.

I randomly stamped the images from a Hobby Art set, Floral Sketches, using Stampin' Up! inks. I covered the stamping with double sided sticky and sprinkled generously with glamour dust. This is a style I saw Jenny Mayes demonstrate at Newbury last year and is always well received.

The second photo is a bracelet I was asked to make when I took some of my beading in to work recently.

That's one of them, another 2 to make yet, one in turquoise and one in purple. I had forgotten how fiddly these are to make!

Off to make a start on one of the other ones now.

Happy Birthday Gary

2011-10-16T21:22:00.000+01:00

Another birthday card today,

I used the sketch from Sketch & Stamp and this cute image from LOTV, papers are from a paper stack I've had a while, think they are Hot Off The Press.

I wouldn't normally put red, blue, orange and green together but as they were in one of the backing papers thought I would give it a go.

Did the usual trick with the glossy accents, stuck my finger in before it was properly dry - don't look too close!

That's it for me today.

Beads beads beads....

2011-10-16T11:47:00.004+01:00

I had a few presents to make lately so I've got beads all over my dining table, and at times the breakfast bar!!

Here's a couple of the things I have made. I really like these beaded lariat style necklaces, reckon I need to make a few more in different colours, especially as I am having a table at a Ladies night soon.

Some wine glass charms, a lovely idea I saw recently so thought I would have a go. Great for people who put their drink down and don't remember where!

The little silver beads are stardust beads and have a lovely sparkly effect to them that doesn't show very well in the photo.

I'm off to make a charm bracelet now, going to sit at the table by the french doors where the sun is streaming in - got to make the most of this lovely weather while it lasts.

Enjoy your day.

Fab and Fifty

2011-10-15T10:03:00.003+01:00

Here's a card for one of my friends who is celebrating her 50th birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLAIRE

I have used this LOTV image as we like to get together for coffee or even lunch from time to time! I used the sketch from Sunday Sketch & Stamp and am going to enter in into the LOTV challenge which is 'Warm & Cosy' as I think they look quite cosy! I am hoping the postman arrives soon as I've ordered some handbag charms and wanted to put one of those on their as she is quite partial to handbags!

Am off to sit in the sun now - indoors - its not that warm, and bead a christmas bauble or two to take to Gallery 77 where I am running a workshop next month.

Have a great weekend.

A new generation and a challenge card

2011-10-11T19:56:00.003+01:00

We had some wonderful news this weekend, my husband's niece and her partner had a baby boy, he arrived on Friday evening weighing in at a healthy 7lb 10.5oz. Welcome to the world Elliott, wish you lived nearer so we could have lots of cuddles, will have to try and get up to Scotland sometime soon.....

Its been a while since I made any challenge cards but thought I would use this opportunity to take part in the Secret Crafter Saturday challenge which is

'Anything goes as long as it sparkles'

Here's a close up, is that sparkly enough? I used quite a think gloopy glue and when it was partly dry, I smudged it around to give it some more texture and make it more cloud like.

Green beads....

2011-10-09T21:59:00.003+01:00

Here's a bracelet I made during my blogging break

The beads have been collected over the past couple of months - I just kept buying green beads so I've got enough to make another bracelet almost!

The beads are on wrapped loops, so a bit fiddly, especially when you're wrapping the last couple of beads as the bracelet is getting a bit heavy by that stage. Well worth the effort though, I took in into work and have got orders for 3 more.

I love the movement in the bracelet, I will probably make another one in a different colour for me, with crystals or crackle beads.

Sock it to me!

2011-10-08T23:09:00.000+01:00

Okay so not a very good start to my return to blogging - I've got so out of the habit of posting!

I bought a book about knitting socks after having browsing the craft books in Hobbycraft one miserable weekend last year. However I didn't find it very easy to follow the patterns so the yarn sat in my knitting bag until I was given a pattern by a friend (who funnily enough teased me mercilessly when I originally told her I was going to knit socks - YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!) This pattern is so easy to follow so have filled my knitting bag with sock yarn - watch this space!

Time to catch up - Beaded Baubles

2011-10-05T23:50:00.001+01:00

I've neglected my blog of late, although I have still been crafting and taking photos, I just haven't got round to posting them on my blog. I hope to update it with items I've made over the last few months over the coming days....

Let's start with a bit of beading - Christmas baubles

and I enjoyed making it so much I made one on a different colour way

The bauble is 4cm diameter but it used up a lot more beads than I imagined it would. I've stocked up on baubles to make lots more in different colours :)

Not so sure I like this new fangled blogger - suppose it will just take a bit of getting used to!

A card for a friend

2011-06-12T16:51:00.003+01:00

What a miserable day its been here in Gosport, windy and rainy, what an excuse to while away some time in my craft room!

This card is for one of my Mum's friends who has a birthday soon. I used the sketch from Sketch Saturday and the theme of Anything Goes from the Lili of the Valley challenge this week. Love this LOTV image and thought it was quite appropriate as they go out to lunch from time to time.
Image coloured with copics, papers from a DCWV glitter stack, ribbon from stash, card candy and sentiment from Craftwork Cards.

Short and sweet from me today, just got to check out my ebay listings as I had a massive clear out last week (craft stuff too!) while we were on half term holidays and a lot of the listings end today - more money for more crafty stash - like I need it!!

Catch up soon

Beaded bookmarks

2011-06-05T11:36:00.004+01:00

Here are a couple of beaded bookmarks I made recently.

Not the best of photos but wanted to show you what it looks like when not partly hidden in a book. The gold wavy section is approx 8cm long.

This is how is looks when being used. I really like this style bookmark as I often lose my bookmark when reading in bed, at least with these you can stick them in the back of the book and be able to find it when you need it!

Another one - this one is slightly larger, the silver wavy piece is approx 14cm long.

In action again, these would look quite decorative if you had a line of books all with bookmarks in them!

I'm off to order more of the metal pieces, as I really enjoyed making them and think they would make lovely presents. I may even try selling some on Ebay or Etsy.

My new necklace holder...

2011-06-02T11:43:00.004+01:00

What a beautiful day it is today.... I have something to show today that Barry made me recently. He was mooching around the house so I decided to set him a challenge :) I was tired of long necklaces on all of the wardrobe door handles, getting them caught when shutting the doors and having to untangle them! I knew what I wanted but just hadn't seen it in the shops.....

It looks like a bit of a torture contraption without any necklaces on but we had to add extra hooks on the edge so I don't have to have too many necklaces on each hook.

And here it is loaded up with my jewels!! Looks much better I'm sure you will agree?

The only trouble is now I think we will have to reinforce the wall where I plan to hang it! I didn't realise how heavy all those necklaces are....

Having a lovely crafty day today, been up since 7.30 playing in my craft room, decided a tidy up and using up some stash was the order of the day, its so peaceful, Barry at work and the boys off out with their mates - this is the life!!

Hope you're having a lovely day whatever you're up to, be back later with some of my cards.

British Racing Green Mini Boy Oh Boy

2011-06-01T18:53:00.005+01:00

I thought it was about time I made a card with one of the new LOTV stamps that have been uninked on my desk for nearly 3 weeks now!!

I love this image of teddy driving a mini, my first car, and I just had to colour it British Racing Green to go with the papers which are from a K & Co pad, Hopscotch. I thought it would make a great card for someone who has just passed their driving test. I've already started to colour another one to do a girlie card.
Coloured - copics
Sentiment - Hobby Art clear stamps
Punches - Stampin' Up!
Embellies - stash.

I am going to enter this into the Charisma Cardz challenge this week which is 'Boy Oh Boy' and I'd better get a wiggle on as the challenge closes at 7.30!!

First Holy Communion cards and LOTV Fairies challenge

2011-05-31T11:05:00.005+01:00

I was recently asked to make 3 First Holy Communion cards, I was a bit concerned at first until I was told they could be cute ones....

A card for Sophie, using a Manga Girl 2 image from Funky Kits.

The cards for Cait and Lucy were made using the Dandelion Clock image from Lili of the Valley, and I have just discovered the LOTV challenge this week is 'Fairies' so I am going to enter these cards.

The patterned papers for all three cards were from various First Edition paper stacks, papers for matting were from core'dinations color core cardstock stacks and glitter card from stash. All images coloured with copic markers. The names were cut using George & Basic Shapes cartridge. All other embellishments from stash!

A class with Jenny Mayes and a cute lil' tote bag

2011-05-26T21:29:00.002+01:00

Where does the time go.... I just never seem to get round to blogging much these days. I did manage to fit in a class at The Glitter Pot on Saturday with Jenny Mayes. I was inspired by Jenny demoeing? at Newbury last July and have been hoping to get to a class ever since.

This is totally different from my usual style of card but I really enjoyed playing with the stamps, so much so I had to buy the set.

We used the Scene It Window set with some stamps from the Tuscan set on this card with coloured with a mixture of tombow pens and aquamarkers, finished off with distress inks around the edges.

We used the Scene It Window set again on this one, coloured with the same medium. I am looking forward to experimenting more with this set as it is so versatile.
I can see a few more purchases coming on, particularly the Coastal and Harbour sets as they will make great cards for those awkward male cards.

Finally we have a little tote bag I just had to make. I discovered the pattern on the web recently so when I had a couple of spare hours on Sunday I delved through my material stash and made this.

The material was from scraps left from a quilt I made for my daughter last year so she thinks she has to have the bag - how wrong can a girl get? I can see me making a lot more of these in different colours, they will make great presents with some smellies, sweets or craft stash in - what do you think?

Birthday card for Lucy

2011-05-19T21:37:00.002+01:00

I've been asked to make a birthday card for a little girl called Lucy who celebrates her 3rd birthday soon.

My favourite stamps of the moment are Lili of the Valley, they are so cute and just what is needed for a girly card. Coloured with copic markers, papers from a DCWV paper stack.! By the time I'd got the image, name and number on the card there wasn't any room for embellies, but that is probably as well as it's for a wee one...

My new LOTV boy stamps arrived on Saturday just as I had to do a dash to Devon, so hoping to get time to play with them this weekend.

Citrus manga birthday wishes

2011-05-14T09:41:00.006+01:00

Managed to grab some crafting time this week, its been so busy lately I'm fit to drop when I get in from work!

The Manga Girl image was coloured over a month ago.... just waiting to be put on a card! The papers are from a First Paper Edition paper stack, I just love the bright colours in this pack, although looking at the photo I've just uploaded they don't look that bright - must get a light tent! I used the sketch from The Sugar Bowl challenge and am entering it into the Papertake Weekly challenge which is 'Fancy a Punch'

Short and sweet post today, am off to hit the shops at Gunwharf Quays, they have just started selling Radley shoes in the Tula shop, now where did I put my credit card ;)
Have a good day....

Happy Birthday Dad S

2011-05-03T21:44:00.002+01:00

Yesterday was my father-in-laws birthday, so off to the craft room I go.... there would have been questions asked if the cards had not been hand made ;)
I haven't managed to get out there very often lately as I've been distracted by beading, patchwork and knitting, something I must put right!

This is the card I made for the kids to give to Grandad, he likes a beer or two, not that he would admit to it ;) so thought this image very apt....

and this is the card from Barry and I. One of his favourite pastimes is spending time on the water, or even in the water (a little slip earlier in the year!)

Like most crafters I struggle with cards for males, as I like to add the odd flower or two, some ribbon and a bit of bling but it never seems appropriate on cards for men.

Am off to sort out some cards for hubby to take into work, then a bit of sewing before bed.

Hope to catch up soon.

Even more beading!!

2011-04-25T22:52:00.004+01:00

I had a lovely couple of days in Plymouth last week with my daughter, some quality girly time together. She walked my feet off round the shops on Tuesday, even so, I could not be persuaded to have one of those fish pedicures!

I also visited Tavistock, to catch up with my Dad and a visit to Rockin' Beads! Other trips to bead shops recently have resulted in me buying more beading supplies so I felt it was time to get organised.

Here is one of the results of my 'tidying my bead trolley'

This necklace was based on a one I bought last year but while making it, I ran out of cord, (I didn't realise how much thread all the knots took up) so it ended up being a lariat style rather than one that fastened up at the back. I much prefer how this ended up. I must get someone to model it as it looks much better when worn but couldn't persude Barry to wear it! Ebay here I come to look for a necklace display stand for future makes and photo shots!

I also made a beaded bookmark and a keyring but just can't get the photos right, had better get tidied up now, got beading stuff all over the table and breakfast bar!

Back to work tomorrow after a lovely 2 weeks off, still its only for 2 days, then off for another week - loving all these bank holidays :)

xx

A bit more beading...

2011-04-18T00:24:00.004+01:00

Sorry, I've been AWOL again..... Had a busy couple of days, one at my sewing machine and the other 2 shopping :)

I have decided that its about time I finished off some of my UFOs before I start any new projects - hence being busy at the sewing machine on Friday. I NEEDED to visit a fabric shop so a trip to Chichester was the order of the day on Saturday. I didn't find anything to urge me to part with my cash :( so off to a Needlework Fiesta at Brockenhurst village hall on Sunday, 2 jelly rolls later and a lovely lunch in Burley saw my urge to spend fulfilled..... so sadly no cards made over the last couple of days.

Here are some keyrings I made last week but didn't get round to posting.

I thought it was about time I used these clips, so a few beads, some metal spacers, a charm and some tiger tail later - here they are.

Catch up soon

xx

A bit of beading....

2011-04-14T09:36:00.003+01:00

Here are some of the things I've made over the last couple of days.

I bought this glass pendant a while back to make a necklace. I intended to put it on something a bit more fancy than just a piece of cord but have yet to find something I like so thought in the meantime I would put it on the cord until I find that something special.

Same thing as the above necklace, been lurking in the drawer awaiting that something special but actually I quite like this on the leather thong - what do you think?

I saw this gorgeous metal heart in Rockin' Beads, a fabulous bead shop in Tavistock. If you are in the area it is well worth a visit. The faux suede thong was from my stash and the closure is also from Rockin' Beads.

This design has been cased from my local bead shop DD Beads who stock wonderful beads, findings and Troll jewellery. If you don't fancy making your own jewellery they sell ready made stuff too. I love this lariat style necklace, the beauty of it is that you can adjust where the focal bead sits. Needless to say I bought faux suede in all the colours - which have just sat in the drawer. The idea is to use up all your odd beads, but I just had to buy more and of course more charms and metal beads! You only need one focal bead and then the necklaces in various colours to go with whatever you are wearing. If anyone is interested in buying any of these I am happy to make to order, just let me know what colours you would like, £10 for 3 strands and the focal bead, £3 for any additional strands.

Here is a close up of the dangly bits!

Off to the dentist shortly, hope to be back with more crafty things later.
Thanks for stopping by.

WOYWW

2011-04-13T16:32:00.005+01:00

I had a lovely morning catching up with a friend over coffee and this afternoon I've been pottering about trying to decide what to do..... hence photos of 2 desks, or one desk and one breakfast bar!

I thought it was about time I started making up some jewellery projects that I have bought the stuff for but not got round to making up so seeing as my usual workdesk was cluttered up with a card in mid-construction I decided to use the breakfast bar. As you can see I've spread myself out a bit but have managed to make 2 necklaces and started on another - I will post photos later.

Left to right - essentials, telly mag to see what rubbish is on tonight and my mobile...

Middle shot - where its all happening - or not!

And the final shot, more craft stash, another wheelie trolley! and a spot of music to work to....

Cutting area in my craft room, I try to keep this area clear for cutting but it doesn't usually stay that way for long once I'm out there!

Main work area, not at its best nor its worst, hopefully I will get round to finishing this card later!

Why not join in the fun at WOYWW, post some photos of your workdesk and take a sneaky peek at other people's workdesks.

Catch up soon.

A missed challenge!

2011-04-11T22:06:00.004+01:00

First day of the Easter hols today and I had to go into work for a finance meeting :( I'm going in tomorrow to tie up end of financial year and prepare for next term, hopefully that should be it until after Easter. Its very quiet without the teachers and children but I sure get through a lot more work!!

This is a card I made recently following a sketch from a challenge, can't remember what challenge, all I do know is that I missed the deadline - thought I would share with you anyway....

This cute Tilda image was sent to me a while ago, coloured with copics, with a sprinkling of glamour dust on the wings and the rose - I just love this purple. Backing papers are from a ProvoCraft scrap pad I discovered during my recent craft room tidy up... sure it won't take me long to untidy it again! The layers are pearlescent purple card, picture doesn't do it justice. Thought I should get a bit more use of of this MS punch I think I bought back last summer from QVC but not used much yet.

Hope to catch up on some challenges tomorrow, especially as it is forecast that it will be colder.

A card I've managed to post....

2011-04-10T10:07:00.004+01:00

At last, a card I've managed to post! I have been busy with my cardmaking lately but just not got round to posting on my blog, so look out for a few posts over the next few days with some pictures, especially as I'm on my Easter holidays now - yippee a whole 2 weeks off....

I've been asked to make a retirement card for a friend to give, the first image that sprung to mind was the 'Lazy Afternoon' stamp from Lili of the Valley, as the recipient of this card is sure to have time to do just what is shown in the picture!

Image is stamped in Cocoa Brown Memento ink, my favourite colour as its not so harsh as black. Papers are from a Basic Grey Archaic paper stack, ideal for men's cards. The sentiment is from 'Congrats' a Stampin' Up! set that has fab sentiments for all occasions. Ribbon, brads and buttons from stash.
I used the sketch from the challenge this week at Sketch Saturday.
Am off to enjoy the sun now, catch up soon.

2 cards for you today.....

2011-03-23T08:34:00.004Z

Another week has flown by without any postings but here are 2 cards I made last night. I needed to unwind last night so went and did some colouring with my copics, browsed through the current challenges and this is what I came up with....

I love this image from Funky Kits, a great one for male cards, added glossy accents to the glasses and guitar. The paper is from a K & Co pad I've had for ages. The musical stamp is a magazine freebie, cut out with an SU! punch as is the star that has been trimmed down from the flower punch. Sentiment from Craftwork Cards edged off with a bit of stickles, still not managed to add these evenly - practice practice practice I guess!!
The layout is from this week's challenge at Dutch Dare, the theme from Cute Card Thursday which is Music and/or Dance - reckon he's dancing here, what do you think? and hoping it qualified for Charisma Cardz challenge of using die cuts - the sentiment is die cut and hoping the punched out shapes count also?

The other card is for a lovely lady who works with my husband, I only found out last night it was her birthday today so it was a very quick make.... Happy Birthday Roni x

Paper from a Kay & Co paper stack, organza ribbon from stash. Sentiment from an SU! set which is often in use.

Day off today so off to catch up with some chores, hoping to fit a bit of cardmaking in later although with the sun out I may be in the garden!!

2 posts in 2 days!

2011-03-14T07:30:00.001Z

On a roll now, really enjoyed making the card yesterday so rather than waste time on the laptop browsing craft stash, thought I should use up some of what I already have. After a quick squizz round challlenges I came up with this...

Love this Butterfly Tilda image which was already stamped up - yep, got a little box of UFOs that I intend to use up soon, as its clogging up my workspace! Some more lovely papers from First Edition Papers, this one is called Desert Blooms, some of my favourite colours in this stack. Coloured with copics, am I the only craft who has a problem when colouring with reds, they bleed something rotten? Anyhow managed to cover it up, I hope, with a little glamour dust!
The layout is from Create 4 Fun challenge, I am also entering this into the Magnolia Stamp Lovers which is 'to use die cuts' - the swirly bits although they are punched - hope this counts and finally the Magnolia Down Under challenge this is 'Two of anything' - I have gone for 2 patterned papers, 2 squares, 2 flowers and 2 layouts as I have repeated the LO on the inside of the card as shown below

Hope you've had a lovely weekend, roll on the next one!! Just realised we will be halfway through the half term then - only 3 weeks to go until Easter hols woo hoo!! Mind you I've got so much work to get through before then that perhaps I shouldn't wish those weeks away...

Escape to the craft room...

2011-03-13T11:29:00.006Z

You may have noticed I've not managed to make many cards lately... but managed to escape to my craft room today.

Another LOTV stamp that has been on my desk for a while waiting to be inked up, soon sorted that, coloured with copics, thought I had better start to use the new set of copics I had to have a couple of weeks ago :) The papers are from First Edition Papers Love Letter stack I bought from the Range a while ago but not used - can you see a pattern emerging here!! I really need to get back into my cardmaking, I've still been buying stash just stock piling it.. although I did have a good sort out over the half term holiday recently.

I am entering this card into the following challenges
Totally Gorjuss - Pearls & Lace
Saturday Challenge - Flowers for Mum, card for a female with flowers on
Sketch Saturday - sketch.
Just discovered I can enter this into the Lili of the Valley challenge this week too which is 'Say it with Flowers'
Gotta run, need to go and collect my son from football now, catch up soon.

Happy Birthday Sis

2011-03-02T07:36:00.003Z

I know it's been a very long time since I lost posted. I had hoped to manage some cardmaking over the half term holiday but I decided to sort out my craft room!
Here's a card I did manage to make, it's for my sister who is 40 today, HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATS XXXX I even made a boxalope for it, first time I've made one of these and I was really pleased with how it turned out, thanks Rica for the tut.

Don't you just love this cute lil' LOTV image? The colour scheme has been inspired by Bev who has made a couple of cards recently in these colours. The layout is from the sketch at Cute Card Thursday and I am also entering it into the challenge at Lili of the Valley which is to use circles.

Anyhow that's it for me this morning, better get ready for work.

Edwin in love....

2011-02-10T17:54:00.004Z

I finished this card yesterday but haven't managed to post it here until now, should be cooking the dinner but need to get this on in time for a couple of challenges...

I made the patterned paper by randomly stamping over some Whisper White card with Real Red ink using 3 different heart stamps, not that you can see much of them on here! I covered the cards with double sided sticky, covered with a layer of glamour dust and mounted on Real Red card. The greeting was from a studio g set, again stamped in Real Red onto Whisper White card, mounted on Real Red card. Love the cute Edwin with rose image, coloured with copics, edged off with Fired Brick distress ink and Berry art institute glitter. The main image has been mounted on Real Red card edged with white art institute glitter. I was going to add a heart border but didn't want to cover any more of my backing paper, so settled for a seam binding bow in white.

Here's a close up of the backing paper, as the glitter is not very clear in the larger photo.

I am entering this card these challenges...
Just Magnolia & Hanglar & Stangler - Anything goes and ribbon
Stamping for the Weekend - Valentine
Secret Crafter - Valentine
Magnolia Down Under - Love
Magnolia Stamp Lovers - Glitter
Sketch & Stash - sketch, will use this layout again...

Nearly the weekend, let's hope I can fit in some more crafting then!

Gorguss Pink & Purple sketch

2011-02-06T22:06:00.003Z

Another weekend gone already!!

I did manage to make one card this weekend and there's another one under way....
It feels like an age since I used one of my Gorjuss Girl stamps so thought it was time I inked one of them up. I used the sketch from The Sugar Bowl challenge, just changing the shape of the middle layer but the stamp just lends itself to an oval shape, and the Pink and Purple challenge at Creative Card Crew this week was one not to be missed. I felt it needed a little something along the right hand edge but not sure what so settled for 3 crystal flowers after rooting through my stash.
Papers are DCWV glitter stack, Whitewash and sparkly one I've had for ages. I used my new heart embossing folder on the whitewash card, really pleased with the result, think I'll try it the other way round next time.

That's it from me today, hope you've had a great weekend.

Lili of the Valley, Anything but a square..valentine card

2011-02-02T17:53:00.004Z

By the skin of my teeth or what!

I had hoped to get away from work a little early today, time I'm owed but it never happened so consequently I am very late with this post, nearly never made it!!

The challenge over at Lili of the Valley this week is 'Anything but a square.'
It took me a while to decide what to make when in a flash of inspiration I remembered I had some large scalloped circles I bought ages ago from The Glitter Pot, a quick slice later and I had my card base.... The stamp is one I bought from the recent release of LOTV stamps, coloured with lots and lots of copic markers. The next task was cut the mats for the card, I couldn't find a compass for love nor money so had to resort to drawing round the edge of a dinner plate, but I quite like the frilled effect on the edges.
The papers are by First Edition Paper, Desert Blooms from The Range, I bought recently, lots of gorgeous papers I can see these becoming a favourite of mine! The postman delivered a package from The Ribbon Girl today, which was beautifully wrapped and fast delivery, I only ordered on Monday evening! I used some of the seam binding and some dew drops that I stuck onto upside down card candy.

I am also entering the following challenges
Charisma Cardz - Valentine/Love
Fussy & Fancy Friday - Valentine - no pink or red.

Better get some dinner on now...

Sundays with Santa

2011-01-23T22:16:00.005Z

Pops has set up a just for fun group on Facebook - Sundays with Santa, so we can get one step ahead of the game with our Christmas cards.
Every Sunday there is a new theme so we should have at least 52 cards by the big day this year.... thats the plan anyway!!

I missed the first 2 weeks, so this is my first card for the group. The snowman stamp is one I've had for ages but he is still a favourite of mine, this one has had 3 different hats and scarves on, thank goodness for copics, at least you can colour on top of a colour if you don't like the original one IYKWIM... I used gunmetal gems for the eyes and buttons then covered the snowman with glamour dust.
The papers are from a My Minds Eye, Wonderful Winter stack, really lovely papers.
DCWV cardstock run through a CB snowflake embossing folder and sanded, bit of raffia ribbon - job done!!

Hope you've had a good weekend, the next one will be here before we know it!!
That's it from me today, off to do a bit of sewing now.

In the pink wedding card

2011-01-23T14:19:00.005Z

I thought it was about time I inked up another one of the LOTV stamps I ordered recently, but which one??

I had the patterned paper on my desk as I was going to make a valentines card but decided to make a wedding card using my new wedding stamp. The Lili of the Valley challenge this week is a wonderful sketch by Dawny P, one I will use again, and the Secret Crafter Saturday challenge is 'It's a Couple thing'

Sentiment is from SU! as are the punches, apart from the Martha Stewart heart punch, pearls and gold heart from stash which I am gradually working my way through!!

I've finally managed to work out some of the settings on my camera, only had it since last summer!! My pictures should be a bit brighter now....

I've just realised the Cupcake craft challenge this week is 'Weddings' so I'm entering it there also.

Just for you

2011-01-22T18:10:00.005Z

Thought I would get my entry for Just Magnolia & Hanglar & Stangler in early this week, as more often than not I miss the deadline!! Had a lovely time colouring the image then thought I would use my cricut to cut an oval shape to mount it onto.... only thing is it wouldn't work! The power supply/adapter was broken so had to find an alternative, thank goodness for my EK Success circle cutter!

Love this cute Magnolia image, coloured with copics, the papers are from a magazine a year or so ago, must rummage through the pile of mags and see what other lovely papers I can unearth! All the embellishments are from my stock pile of stash, had the crochet flowers for ages, I really must learn to crochet, then I can make my own. The little hearts are from Paper Cellar, I filled them with Glossy Accents as I didn't know how else to stick them to the card, then added a bit of glitter to bling it up.
I ran a glue pen round the edge of the circle the main image is on and sprinkled a bit of glitter on there. I've tried to do this with stickles but haven't managed to get a nice fine line, more practice required!!

I am going to enter this into 3 challenges
Just Magnolia & Hanglar & Stangler - a fabby sketch from Donalda, lovely to work with
Stamp Something - Something Cute, can't get much cuter than this image
Cute Card Thursday - 1,2,3, 1 pearl brad, 2 patterned papers and 3 blooms.

I am off to decorate the card on the inside with layers similar to the front and think I may list it on Ebay. I need to find out where to get my hands on some boxes to post cards, just in case anyone buys any of my cards!! If anyone knows of a good supplier can you let me know please.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

May all your wishes come true...

2011-01-18T22:41:00.005Z

This Hanglar & Stangler image was one I received from a blogging buddy when I first started blogging. My wish, that H & S stamps were more readily available in the UK, not just on Ebay where they go for silly money!!

I coloured it ages ago, before I had my copics and can't remember what I used to colour it with! I rediscovered it in a pile of projects to complete, which I am working my way through in a bid to clear some worktop in my craft room!
The papers are from an MME Magnolia stack, there are some gorgeous papers in there, look out for some on cards over the next few days, they are all autumnal colours, my favourite colourway. I found a bottle of Cosmic Shimmer Mist in Rich Gold which I'm not sure has ever been used so thought I would give that a go. Flowers, ribbons and pearls from stash. Sentiment is Craftwork Cards.

I am entering this card into 2 challenges
Just Magnolia & Hanglar & Stangler - My favourite things, well I love using ribbon & pearls on my cards, not that you can see much of the ribbon, my Martha Stewart border punch and I reckon the shimmer mist may become a favourite!
Papertake Weekly - Ribbons and Pearls

That's it from me tonight, am off to catch up on Wanted Down Under.

Thank you card

2011-01-17T22:49:00.004Z

Thought I was going to be late with this one.....

I've had a few thank you cards to make for the kids to send, wanted to make something clean and simple. I dug out some of my SU! stash, Sweet Always papers, one of my favourites, still got a pack unopened! The card blank and envelope from stash, sentiment from Paula Pascal set, Martha Stewart border punch, think this is the first time I've used this after I just had to have it back in the summer! All other items are SU!

I am entering this card into A Spoon Full of Sugar challenge this week which is Thank You.

Quietly crafting....

2011-01-16T13:16:00.004Z

I've had a quiet morning crafting - the rest of the house were sleeping or out!!

The image, one of the new LOTV stamps, has been on my desk for the last few days, I just couldn't get the hair colouring right - anyone got any hints for copic colours for blonde hair, I would very much appreciate them. I'm thinking I need to buy some more shades :)

I am going to start using up more of my stash this year rather than keep stroking it and putting it away for best.... have managed to use a fair amount on this card.
Papers are DCWV Nana's Nursery Baby Girl, LOTV image, I used nail gems on the skirt. Sentiments are from SU! and Whimsy Stamps and my favourite punches from SU!

I'm entering this card into the following challenges

Creative Card Crew - a card with more than 1 fold
Flutterby Wednesday - sketch
Lili of the Valley - things with wings
Stamp Something - LOTV stamp

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Give us a b...... bright birthday card

2011-01-11T23:35:00.003Z

After my pastel shades yesterday, thought I would make a bright birthday card today!

I liked the look of the sketch at The Sugar Bowl challenge this week, so had a flick through my Sugar Nellie stamps..... haven't used this one in a while, pulled out an old DCWV Glitter stack and used Martha Stewart and SU! punches, Cuttlebug embossing folder, card candy and sentiment from Craftwork Cards. The optional extra at The Sugar Bowl is Ribbons and Bows - here's hoping one is enough!
The Winter Wonderland challenge is to go dotty, hope the embossed dots and card candy will count and finally Charisma Cardz are celebrating their 2nd birthday so a birthday card is the order of the day. Add a 2 to the card and you get a 2nd entry into the draw.

My dear friend Lili...

2011-01-11T00:09:00.004Z

Up late tonight, I had to order my new Lili of the Valley stamps before I went to bed to make sure I got the ones I want! I am trying to order while writing this post, the site is really slow so I'm guessing lots of crafters have the same idea :)

Here's a card I made this evening to while away the time...

Love this cute LOTV image, reminds me of my daughter when she used to clomp around in my shoes.... oh how long ago was that, too scary to think about! Coloured with copics, I dug out one of my old papers pads, another DCWV, spring stack and an old corner punch which has been tucked away in a draw for some time.
I couldn't decide what sentiment to use when I discovered this in a pile of new rubber that hadn't been inked up. Time I used some of my flowers, instead of stock piling them and these ones matched the papers quite well I thought.

I am entering this card for 4 challenges
Lili of the Valley - sketch
Cute Card Thursday - Out with the old - papers and punches
Stampin' for the Weekend - New and blue - new sentiment stamp
Cupcake Craft - Something new - new sentiment stamp.

Am still struggling with the LOTV site, let's hope I can get this order processed soon otherwise I shall be falling asleep at my desk tomorrow!!

Bloom & Grow Tilda

2011-01-06T21:14:00.003Z

What a busy day... but I can relax now, the house has been de-Christmassed and cleaned through, washing up to date so that leaves me free to craft all weekend :D

I made this card for a very special friend who celebrates her birthday today. I was hoping to enter it into 4 challenges but as I am late posting, I've missed the Magnolia deadline :(

Not sure what this image is called but it was from the Autumn Magnolia kit in 2009. I used MME Bloom & Grow papers, I bought loads of these as I love the colours, so still working my way through them!
The 3 challenges I am entering this card into are
Totally Gorgeous - Someone Special
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes - lace option, hope my raffia ribbon counts!
Create 4 Fun - sketch.

Have a great weekend.

Catch up Christmas card challenge - one that I forgot....

2011-01-05T23:19:00.003Z

I'm playing catch up with a challenges at the moment, trying to get back into the habit of cardmaking and blogging on a more regular basis than I ended up doing last year...

This next card is one I made for my Mum for Christmas this year, now I am fairly organised with sending out general cards but then I guess that because its easy to open a pack of shop bought cards and write and send them. I don't make all my cards, just wouldn't have the time so I only send handmade cards to family and close friends.

Yes another LOTV stamp, just love love love this image, that bear is so darn cute! Copics and DCWV (a christmas stack this time) are the order of the day again, I really should treat myself to some other papers but am trying to use up existing stash before stocking up with more. I end up with so many DVWV pads because every time I go to The Range they just keep jumping in my basket :) Nearly forgot about the wonderful snowflake die from Whimsy Stamps, the detail is just wonderful.
I saw the idea on the EK Success website, so put in circle cutter into action! I have used it quite a bit since then, I had managed to bury it under papers and other crafty loveliness.

I am entering this card into Stamping for the Weekend and A Spoonful of Sugar challenges as they both have Christmas as the theme.

Made another birthday card this evening but forgot to photograph it in my haste to send it... just one more to make for this week.

Am so looking forward to my day off tomorrow, need to finish de-Christmassing the house - why does it take so long to pack all the decs away? May just chuck it all in the boxes and get on with some crafting - quilting, cardmaking or beading???

See you soon

Thanks a bunch!!

2011-01-04T23:50:00.003Z

Well as first days back go, that wasn't too bad.... Only tomorrow to go then its my day off, can't decide whether to do housework or crafting??
Anyway on to my card,

I suddenly realised I had a thank you card to make today, well a few actually but one pdq.... yep, you guessed it, my LOTV stamps came out along with my copics and another old DCWV paper stack, the glitter stack. The sentiment is from a Personal Impressions set I bought back in the summer which has only just seen ink, great everyday sentiments in several different fonts. Dusted down my SU! scalloped square punch, rooted around until I found the box of card candy et voila.....

I am entering this into 3 challenges,
Cute Card Thursday and Winter Wonderland whose theme is 'Thank You' and I used the sketch from Sketch Saturday for the layout.

Still got 2 more birthday cards to make so hope to be back tomorrow.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-03T22:45:00.007Z

Happy New Year to one and all... hope you had a fab festive season and that 2011 brings you all you wish for :)

I had hoped to have made a card before now but had a busy couple of days. I was determined to make a card though before I return to work, its another one of those busy birthday weeks on my calender, 3 birthdays to celebrate so will be busy!!

Here's the first one,

This is another of my stamps that has not been inked up yet, another cutie from Lili of the Valley, not long now until the launch of the new stamps!!
Reckon I need to find a tut on colouring with red copics, not a favourite colour of mine, but sometimes you have to move out of your comfort zone, and the colour combo at Colour Create this fortnight is Red, Pink and White. The papers are from a DCWV stack I've had for ages but can't remember the name of, Sweet Collection or something like that. I really liked the clean lines of the sketch at Friday Sketchers so thought I would combine the 2 challenges.

Anyhow guess I should have an early night as I'm back at work tomorrow, should be a challenge in itself after 2 weeks of lie ins!!

Just noticed I seem to have lost my name, will work out what I've done tomorrow...

Sam x

My last post of 2010 - New Beginnings - 2 challenges

2010-12-31T18:15:00.003Z

My last post of 2010, not managed many posts this year, 63.... must do better next year, a new beginning maybe?? Well that is the theme of 2 challenges this week that I have made this card for.

Love this cute stamp from Lili of the Valley, really looking forward to the new releases next month. The papers are from a DCWV stack I bought some time ago with a view to scrapbooking our wedding - not sure why I bought these as the colours are grey, lavender and pink, nothing like the colours we had, peach and ivory. Still practicing some tips for colouring with copic pens from the You Tube tutes....Sentiment from Scrappy Cat, SU and Martha Stewart punches. I ran a thin line of silver stickles around the edge of the paper hoping it would stick down the vellum layer of punched hearts but no such luck!

The challenges I am entering this card into are Lili of the Valley and Dutch Dare, both of which have the theme of New Beginnings.

Just realised I can also enter this into the Stamp Something challenge which is 'something with glitter', ok so the stickles may not have done what I wanted them to but it gives me entry into another challenge so all is not lost!!

Wishing you all a Happy Healthy 2011.

Another challenge card, made it by the skin of my teeth this time...

2010-12-29T23:55:00.002Z

While browsing through challenge blogs this evening I saw the Sugar Bowl challenge.... yep you guessed it, deadline tonight, midnight but I just had to enter as there is a fabby prize. I never win prizes but you've got to be in it to win it, I really liked the sketch and though it would give me a start on next year's Christmas cards :)

Love this Sugar Nellie image, coloured with copics, Dovecraft paper I think from a few years back, have been really good this year and not bought any new Christmas paper - only because I've been buying material for patchwork and quilting. I've got so much craft stash I need a bigger room, keep trying to condense things but it never seemed to happen !!

The sentiment will be added later as I was up against the clock - again!!

Just discovered I can enter this into the Crafty Purple Frog challenge which Christmas themed. Closing date for this challenge is 5 Jan and there are 6 prizes up for grabs, the first three are Kenny K downloads, I've been wanting to try these for a while, fingers crossed!

That's it from me today....

My first challenge card for ages and now its too late!!

2010-12-29T20:05:00.003Z

Thought it was about time I made a card for a challenge. I rather liked the sketch from Cute Card Thursday so thought I would make a card using that. However it took a bit longer than I thought, so I'm too late - by 10 minutes - thats about par for the course for me!! Maybe a New Years Resolution??

I used one of the lovely Lili of the Valley stamps I bought earlier this month but haven't had time to play with until today. I watched a few you tube videos to pick up some tips for colouring with copics and have tried to put them into practice today.... Papers are a hostess gift from Stampin' Up!

I tidied my workshpace on Christmas Eve, look at it now, only one card later!! Am I the only person to get into such a mess making one card??

Am off to have a tidy up again and see what challenges I can enter tomorrow....

Bye for now.

Another scarf, another colour and a patchwork cushion

2010-12-13T21:03:00.005Z

It's been a while between posts again but hope its worth the wait - here's the scarf in the other colour as promised in my previous post.

Love knitting these, so easy to knit and it makes me sit down otherwise I seem to spend the evening pottering about the house doing chores....

Also completed another Christmas present....

Cooking on gas with my christmas preparations this year, not worked out how come, but long may it last!! Got a couple of cards to make, so had better be off to crack on with them as they should be in the post soon.

A bit of knitting

2010-12-03T14:40:00.002Z

I had planned to do go Christmas shopping yesterday but the snow put the paid to that plan so I decided to stay in the warm and not being one to be idle, thought I would knit up some of the lovely wool I bought earlier in the week.

Apparently this yarn is very hard to come by, they had just had a delivery in the shop and were rationing it! Had to buy it in a couple of colours so watch out for the other one soon. It's great as it doesn't take too long to knit up as there's only 9 stitches to a row and only uses 1 ball of yarn. I love the ruffled effect you get,at the moment it is about 90cm long but I imagine it will stretch a little when you have worn it a few times.

Am off to do some sewing now. Take care and keep warm.

A wedding in the sun - wish I was there....

2010-11-30T22:13:00.003Z

This card is on its way to warmer climes - my cousin in Australia is getting married on Saturday, let's hope it gets there in time! If only I was able to take it in person and get away from this blooming cold weather.....

I used the Bev's sketch from the challenge at Lili of the Valley this week, papers from a wedding DCWV stack, and a Martha Stewart punch. I didn't add too many layers or embellies to keep the postage down and in the hope that it would get there quicker - you know me, last minute dot com :)

Hope you are all keeping warm and managing to fit in lots of crafting.

Even longer time - no see....

2010-11-11T22:42:00.006Z

My posts on here are very few and far between these days.... I haven't stopped making cards, I don't make as many as I used to and when I do manage to make them I either give them away before photographing them or miss the challenge the card was made for!!

On to a card for which the challenge is still open....

This uses the sketch at Sketch & Stamp which runs until this Sunday. I adore this cute LOTV stamp, just itching to get some more, wondering what the new releases are like, only have to wait till midnight! Still trying to use up some of my stash, the papers are from a HOTP pad I've had for ages but just love the bright colours, the image was coloured with copics, so relaxing colouring with these.

And here's another reason why I'm not making so many cards - another hobby to keep me occupied!

This is quilt the same size as the top of a double bed, so I hope the people I've made it for have got a double and not king size.... It was made with fabric from a jelly roll.

and this is what I made with the bits that were left.

I've got several more of these to make up, just don't know what design to make, got a stack of books to browse through and will probably do that this weekend as it looks like the weather is going to be rubbish.

I'm back....

2010-10-06T00:23:00.004+01:00

I know its been a long time - again!! but I've been sidetracked by my quilting, nearly finished a double bed quilt, hoping to have it finished by the weekend and I've been sorting out and tidying my craft room. I have decided I need some new storage as what I've got at the moment just isn't working so I don't tend to spend a lot of time out there. I went off to Staples at the weekend ready to buy some RUBS but when I got there wasn't sure what size to buy so thought I had better come back and do a recky?!

Anyway onto my card....

This image has been coloured a while, with none other than copics - is there anything else to colour with?? I used the sketch at LOTV this week and having a gander through blogland there are a couple of other challenges I can enter it into as listed below.

Lili of the Valley - sketch by Bev
Charisma Cardz - Christmas crafting
Winter Wonderland - Xmas card for a male
Stamp Something - Something to celebrate
Secret Crafter Saturday challenge - easel cards

Thats it for me, should be in bed already, gonna be tired tomorrow, still lie in and day off on Thursday yippee!!!

A spot of baking - calorie free of course!!

2010-09-21T23:35:00.003+01:00

When I was in The Works this weekend a book caught my eye 'Cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery'. After a quick flick through, my tastebuds were working over time so I had to buy it. There are so many delicious recipes in it I didn't know where to start but managed to decide this evening....

Here we have Malted Cup Cakes with Marshmallow icing

Dark cake cases are def the way to go, look much better than the white ones which make the cakes look anaemic! I guess I should try the taste test but as its almost midnight should wait until tomorrow...

The marshmallow icing is tasty but very sweet. The recipe was supposed to be enough for 12 cakes with a little left over.... perhaps I'm a bit tight with my icing but I've not even used half of it so I suppose I'll have to bake again tomorrow night, sure my family will be devastated!!

A 40th birthday, some beading, Top 3 at Lili of the Valley!!!!

2010-09-20T20:34:00.005+01:00

Where did the weekend go? Oh yes, football, shopping, unshopping, a party and its Monday night already!!

It was a friend's 40th party on Saturday so of course I had to make a card.

The background paper is pink and black not that it shows in this photo and I can't take another one now as I don't have the card any more! Love making easel cards, shame I can't photograph them very well....

I went to the local bead bar, Destinctive Designs last weekend, which has recently moved into Silver Springs nursery. If you are in the Titchfield area be sure to make a visit. Debbie who owns the shop is lovely and nothing is too much trouble. Needless to say this has reignited my interest in beading and I only went to look at Troll bracelets and beads!!

I saw this design as a sample of one of the workshops they run and just had to have one. I am ashamed to say I copied it, even down to the colours used, but they are lovely, green is one of my favourite colours. Yes, so my bead collection has had an airing, my mind is working overtime and I don't know what to do next, cards, scrapbooking, quilting, knitting or play on the computer...

I managed to fit in some quilting on Friday evening, its coming together nicely now and I hope to be able to show you some pictures soon.

Off to catch up with some challenges now.

WOO HOO, I've just discovered I made the Top 3 with my entry for Lili of the Valley challenge last week, that's made my day!!! I just adore their stamps, they are such fun to work with. There are several coloured images sat patiently on my desk waiting to be put on a card.

Second card this week, on a roll now!!

2010-09-16T14:55:00.004+01:00

Managed to escape to my craft room today.... I was supposed to be going to 2 classes at The Glitter Pot with Jenny Mayes but sadly it was cancelled as Jenny has had a fall and couldn't get there :(. Get well soon Jenny, hope I can get to one of your classes soon.

Anyway here's the card I made today, did a bit more colouring with my copics and dug out my Magnolia stamps that have been tucked away somewhere safe for a while.

I used the sketch from the Just Magnolia challenge this week and colours from the picture inspiration at Papertake Weekly.
The pink paper is MME Bloom and Grown, not sure about the purple paper.

Am off now to knit some more of my socks, might not be back for a while as I get in a tangle with 4 needles!

Back in the swing of things.....

2010-09-14T23:57:00.003+01:00

Its been a long time since my last posting, where have the last few weeks gone?
We had a holiday in Devon, at the Manor House Hotel in Okehampton. A great place to go, craft, sport and pampering with the odd bit of alcohol thrown in.... what more could a girl ask for?
I've been back at work a week now, things are still a bit hectic, trying to remember where I left off at the end of July!!

I thought it was about time I made a card and entered a challenge or two.... I've been trying to avoid my craft room as its a bit untidy :( I did a bit of tidying, or should I say cleared a space to craft and here is the result.

The image is a Lili of the Valley image I have been admiring for a while, so treated myself while I was off work, along with some of the new Christmas stamps. I inked up some images and they had a lovely trip to Devon and back but never saw the light of day!! Anyhow, I've coloured some of them now so expect to see them on a card here sometime soon...
I coloured the image with copics, the papers are from stash and an MME paper stack I think, label has long gone! Sentiment from Stampin' Up! The ribbon was tied round a throw I bought recently, buttons are from stash.

I am entering this card into the Lili of the Valley challenge this week which is 'One for the Boys' and Sketch Saturday as I used this week's sketch.

Hope to catch up with some of your blogs soon

A gift, not a card

2010-08-22T19:22:00.002+01:00

The challenge this week at Simon Says Stamp is to 'Make A Gift' and the challenge at One Stop Craft challenge is to make something 'Not A Card' so I am entering this little gift box for both challenges.

The box is made from only one sheet of card and paper to decorate (the instructions can be found on the scorpal website).

The box is held closed by the belly band and when this is removed the side pieces fall open to reveal the gift inside.

I visited Hobbycraft this afternoon hoping to find a book with some patchwork patterns for table mats and other small projects. Couldn't find one but did find a lovely book about knitting socks, I'm in the mood for quick fix projects at the moment so have come home and ordered the book and wool to make 2 pairs of socks, just need to get some needles now, going to have fun working with 4 needles, watch this space!!

Hope you've had a great weekend, can't believe its Sunday evening already...

Back with 2 challenges

2010-08-20T18:23:00.003+01:00

I decided to make another card for a male, I often struggle with these but this image is just so like a lot of teenagers I know and as I haven't used it for ages, felt it was time it got inked up....

I used the sketch from Creative Inspirations challenge and hoping that this will qualify for the ABC challenge which is B for Blue, the card has to be 80% blue, hoping there's enough blue on here....
The papers are from a Basic Grey pad I've had for ages, image coloured with copics and edges distressed with Weathered Wood distress ink. Decided to make an easel card as its a long while since I've made one of these. Star dies are made by trimming the rounded edges from an SU! flower punch.

Just a quick post as I need to get dinner on. Have a wonderful weekend, whatever you're up to.

Busy day in the craft room....

2010-08-17T21:26:00.003+01:00

I shut myself in my craft room today, after a bit of tidying up!! It was time to clear some of the chaos out there and catch up on a few challenges...

The first card is one I made for the Anyone for Anya and Papertake Weekly challenges this week. I had several stamped images which had surfaced during the tidy up so coloured one of these with copic markers, then what paper to use???? After pulling out most of my paper stacks, apart from the fact that I couldn't find one that matched the colours I'd used, it didn't look like I had tidied at all, it actually looked worse than when I started!! Then I remembered that somewhere safe, I had this gorgeous paper from blonde moments, more mess but I found it....

Thought I would tart the insert up a bit as they look a bit boring, so pulled out a couple of swirly stamps, need to get some more tho!!

During my tidy up I made a couple of quick cards for males, having 2 footie mad sons, I often have to have a card to hand at short notice, so thought I would be prepared. I've had these peel offs for a long time, so thought it was time they were used up.

And for those non sporty types....

Quilting

2010-08-12T17:14:00.005+01:00

Here's the black and white quilt I made for my daughter during my blogging break.

The pattern is from a Jelly Roll pattern book but I used fat quarters of 4 different patterned fabric in white on black and black on white. I'm not very good at doing random, I like there to be some kind of sequence.

I'm working on another quilt at the moment, nearly finished the patchwork, I just need to put the squares together but have spent the last day or so trying to work out some kind of pattern while keeping the random effect :S.

Long time no see.....

2010-08-09T23:38:00.003+01:00

I can't believe it's been nearly 2 months since I last posted - where has the time gone!! The summer term is always long and busy term and just to add the the chaos I have been helping out at another school on my day off, added to which I've been busy with craft orders so blogging has had to take a bit of a back seat. I have remembered to take photos though so watch out over the next couple of weeks for updates....

It was Barry's birthday this weekend so thought I would use the opportunity to take part in the Sketch Saturday challenge, I had the house to myself on Saturday afternoon and had a great time making this card and a couple of others, not for challenges but in a bid to use up some stash - so that I can buy some more without feeling too guilty ;)

Anyway here we go, with a Manga stamp I bought a while back, coloured with copics, I had forgotten how relaxing it is colouring, perhaps I should have done a bit more over the last couple of months! I used an embossing die I bought at Newbury which hadn't found its way out of the packet, some football brads which have been in my stash forever and the fab EK Success circle cutter which will be getting a lot more use in the future.

Hope to be back tomorrow, especially as I've seen the weather forecast, there won't be any sunbathing, sounds like craft is the order of the day!

xx

A couple of cards I've made this weekend

2010-06-13T23:03:00.003+01:00

It was the school summer fair on Friday and I had a stall selling my cards. Sold a few cards, not as many as I would have liked but a few is better than none....

I didn't have many wedding cards which seemed to be what people wanted so I got cracking this weekend and made these which were ordered.

Its been ages since I've made iris folding cards, think I should have made a couple more for my stock while I was at it.... oh well something to add to my list to do this week!

Hope you've had a great weekend, not sure where it went!!

The Sugar Bowl has caused me a headache!!

2010-06-10T00:03:00.006+01:00

Oops, nearly missed a day. This card has been a while in the making, I started it last night, kept fiddling with it and decided it best to look at today..... still couldn't find the thing for the strips or the embellishments to go on the end, if you could see my workspace now..... it looks like a bomb has gone off, there are drawers open, and stacks of stash around me!!

Anyhow here we finally are, after much deliberation, lip chewing and head scratching! I am going to enter it into The Sugar Bowl challenge which has a wonderful prize on offer this time to celebrate the launch of the new look blog and 2 new DT members.

Image - Cheerleader - Funky Kits
Coloured with copics
Papers - black & white paper - Imaginisce, black leather look paper - Paper Mill
Buttons & Ribbon - The Range
Black gems - Kaisercraft
Greeting - Craftwork Cards
Punches - SU!

I am running a stall at the school summer fair on Friday, so hope to sell some of the cards in my stock, ready to buy new stash at Newbury next month :)

Off to bed now, catch up soon.

Nothing to show today :(

2010-06-07T23:55:00.002+01:00

I'm trying to keep up with my challenge to myself of posting every other day this month.

Sadly nothing to show today though as I did some sewing and unpicked that, made some cakes and they've all disappeared! I'll try and post tomorrow night.

70th birthday star card

2010-06-05T21:30:00.003+01:00

Here are some photos of the star card I was asked to celebrate a 70th birthday.

The card box.

The front and back pages.

I put some punched shapes in with the card for journalling..... a bit difficult to do when they're not your photos!!

I really enjoy making these cards/mini albums, really must get round to making a couple with my photos!

Retirement invites

2010-06-03T23:43:00.003+01:00

Well here's my second post this month, nearly missed the every other day time limit I've set myself but as you can see I have been a bit busy....

I've made 60 of these so far for a retirement celebration, only a few more to go, at the moment, but the list does seem to grow on an almost daily basis!

Here's a close up of the invitation.

Stamp sets and punches used are Stampin' Up!

Ribbon from The Range

Cardstock from The Papermill.

I've been busy working on a star card today, will post pictures once I've finished it.

Its been a long time......

2010-06-01T23:37:00.003+01:00

A new month and a new challenge...... I am challenging myself to TRY and post every other day at least this month. I don't know where the time has gone the last couple of months, I've been busy but just not managed to blog. I've had computer problems and a new camera which I am still trying to get to grips with as well as my mojo going on holiday, so bear with me :-)

I thought if I treated myself to some new stamps my mojo would come back but its taken me 2 weeks to get this stamp inked up! I've been after this stamp for ages but its only just recently he hopped into my shopping basket along with a several others which will be seeing ink over the next couple of days.

The image is coloured with copics, papers from a Papermania pad. The star embellie is cut from an SU flower punch with the petals trimmed, the top star, the sentiment and the framework of the bike have been given the glossy accents treatment.

I am entering this into 3 challenges

Magnolia Stamp Lovers - Summer - bit of a fair weather cyclist myself!

Papertake Weekly - Fun, Fun, Fun

Cupcake challenge - Summer Delights

Catch up soon
x

Create4Fun Candy

2010-05-10T23:26:00.001+01:00

Look at this wonderful candy that is up for grabs from Create4Fun, as they have hit the 50,000 visitors target. Congratulations.

Go and visit the blog to be in with a chance of giving this piece of kit a new home....

Help please!!! and a card

2010-05-09T12:55:00.003+01:00

Help - I have to make about 80 invites for a retirement do, although it could be more as the list gets longer by the day!
Has anyone out there have some ideas for quick and easy invites please, am off to check out splitcoast stampers as there are usually a lot of ideas there but I would be very grateful for any suggestions. Hope to hear some fabby ideas soon - please :-)

Onto my card for today.....

The layout is from the sketch at Papertake Weekly. The image is one of the Magnolia stamp club kits, last autumn I think, coloured with copics. Papers from an MME paper stack. Flowers punched with X Cut punch finished off with a lil' button tied with linen thread from SU!
Not used to working with such pale colours, but I'm sure this card will grow on me - let's hope it does anyway.

I'm off to do some cupboard clearing, hope to squeeze in a little crafting later. Have a great Sunday whatever you are doing.

xx

At last a card....

2010-05-08T18:12:00.004+01:00

I started colouring this image on Monday and its only just made it onto a card...

The layout is from Create4Fun but unfortunately too late for the challenge as a new one was launched today :-( but all is not lost as I've discovered I can enter it into the Secret Crafter Saturday challenge which this week is to use 3 embellishments, 2 papers and 1 image. I am also entering it into the Roses on Paper challenge which is to have pink, yellow and orange on your card.

Image coloured with copics, with a little bling added with Glamour Dust, a silver glittery gelly roll pen and a little glossy accents added to hair bobbles and lollipop. Papers are DCWV, can't remember the name of the stack, sentiment from Craftwork Cards. SU & MS punches, ribbon and brad from stash.

Off to put my feet on the radiator under the worktop in my craft room. Catch up soon.

xx

Citrus Manga Girl

2010-05-03T22:59:00.004+01:00

When I saw the challenge at The Sugar Bowl I just had to give it a go, especially as there are 6 fabby stamps on offer for the lucky winner this week, don't hang about though as you've only got until Wednesday to enter. It's a sketch challenge with lots of layers and you have to use punches, I have used SU circle punches to the mat the sentiment on.

I decided to use the DCWV Citrus stack as it is so bright and cheery. I coloured the image with copic markers and distressed the edges of the layers with Tea Dye distress ink. Blooms are ones I got on Saturday, sentiment from Craftwork Cards, the rest of the goodies are from my stash.

Hope you've had a great weekend....

xx

Pirate Edwin gets distressed

2010-05-02T12:00:00.003+01:00

I hope you are enjoying the long weekend, even though the weather isn't very nice today... but what better excuse to get crafting!

I had a wonderful day yesterday, we went for a drive and ended up at Crafts U Love and The Glitter Pot, I love online shopping but sometimes a girl has to have a stroke of craft goodies before you buy! I was pretty restrained, ended up with quite a few papers which I hope will end up in scrapbooks rather than on cards, some embellishments and a couple of stamps. I also bought a bag to store my copics in that is more easily transportable than the plastic boxes they are in at the moment - not sure they are all going to fit in there tho so I may have to buy another!

Here's the stamp I bought, which just had to be inked up as soon as we got back! Then it had to go on a card which I designed to meet a couple of challenges.

I am pleased with the way this turned out, I often struggle, like a lot of crafters, in making cards for males so when this stamp jumped into my basket yesterday, how could I put it back on the shelf?
I dug out my distress inks, haven't used them for ages, and got painting. Perhaps I should have bought some of the new colours on my shopping trip yesterday! Best start a shopping list....

I'm loving my EK Success circle cutter, it is just so useful, as you can cut so many different size circles, I used it to cut the circle Edwin is on and the ones used for the sentiment. The stars are made with my SU flower punch with the rounded edges trimmed off, finished off with buttons tied with elastic cord.
The patterned papers are from an SU stack that was a hostess gift, other goodies from stash.

I am entering this card into 2 challenges,
Quixotic challenges - How distressing
Sketch Saturday - layout.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

xx

Summer time - if only!!!

2010-04-29T17:31:00.003+01:00

Hey second post of the day....
I was really chilly this afternoon so shut myself in my craft room to play (after turning the heating on!) I thought this summery image might warm me up, but not as much as my feet on the radiator under my worktop! What a very co-ordinated young lady we have here, with her rubber ring matching her swimmers!

I love these stamps which were from the Magnolia summer kit last year. Coloured with copics, forgot how much I like working with these, and I cut the circles with my new toy, an EK Success circle cutter which I bought recently when I was at a scrapbooking workshop. It is so easy to use, so expect to see a few more circles on my cards in the coming weeks!

I had a browse round some of the challenge website this afty too and am entering this card into 4 of them.

Just Magnolia - anything goes
Sketch Saturday - sketch, deviated from the sketch slightly, only by replacing the rectange with none other than a circle and put my embellies vertically rather than horizontally but hope this will be OK.
Secret Crafter Saturday challenge - use distressing, you can see some there if you look hard enough, used distressing inks on the image and lilac layer and distressed the edge of the white/green cardstock - honest....
Copic Colour challenge - use B02, BV02 & YG03.

That's me for today, catch up soon.

xx

WOYWW

2010-04-29T08:18:00.004+01:00

I know its Thursday but here's how my craft room looked last night when I had finished out there! It's more untidy than usual as I've recently started scrapbooking so some of the worktop that's out of shot has photos and work in progress on! I don't know about you but I love having a nosy at other people's workspace, why not join in the fun at The Stamping Ground.

I guess one of my first jobs today is to tidy up the mess. Am off to WW this morning, haven't been for ages so gonna see the damage Easter did then to local habby shop to buy some wadding and material to back a quilt I've recently made. Should be back later with a card.

See you soon, have a lovely day whatever you are doing.

xx

Long time no cards and some news

2010-04-27T21:50:00.003+01:00

I have decided to step down from my DT post at the Creative Card Crew - I really enjoyed my time on the team but found I was spending far too much time on the laptop and not enough time with my family or crafting! It was great working with the team who are very talented. I hope you will check out today's new challenge, who knows I may even join in this week!

Here's the first card I've made for about a month now, forgot how relaxing colouring was :-)
I am going to take my return to cardmaking slowly, so have not checked out the ever increasing number of challenges this week. I am entering this card into the Anyone for Anya challenge which is a fab sketch by Dawny.

I dusted off my copic markers, dragged out a paper stack from the bottom of the pile and began creating. Not colours I would usually put together but I'm pleased with the end result. Think I definately need to stock up on flowers, any suggestions for good places to shop for flowers? Added a little touch of glamour dust on the wings, a card is not complete without a bit of bling is it?

Hope everyone is keeping well and enjoying the sunny weather, wish I could work outside when its like this!

That's me for today, am off for a wallow in the bath now. Take care, catch up soon.

xx

Back in the world of blogging

2010-04-26T22:16:00.003+01:00

It's been a while since I have posted anything on my blog, I felt I needed a break as it was beginning to take over but I certainly haven't been idle! I will post some pictures of my recent makes sometime soon.

I've been checking out a few blogs over the last couple of days and discovered this wonderful candy Rach is offering

If you want to be in with a chance of winning this scrummy candy, you need to visit Rach's blog at the above link before 10pm on Sunday 2 May.

STAMPIN' UP! STASH FOR SALE

2010-03-31T22:33:00.000+01:00

See my post HERE for details

xx

Drum roll please.......Creative Card Crew blog candy winner

2010-03-18T23:06:00.005Z

Apologies for the delay in announcing this but if you are the lucky winner hope its worth the wait!! The

The number was generated using Random.org but I can't suss out how to show the gadget on my post so you will have to trust me on this one

The lucky winner is No 7 Mary Demmons - well done Mary, if you email me your snail mail address I will get your goodies in the post to you.

xx

Going dotty....

2010-03-16T09:00:00.001Z

The challenge this week is sponsored by Heather of Crafty Addicts
and there is a gorgeous stamp on offer for one lucky crafter..... why not visit the Creative Card Crew blog to see it.

The challenge this week is 'Going Dotty'

and these delicious papers just happened to be out on my desk.... I love the fresh tones of this card, makes me feel very summery. The adorable Miss Anya image is from my bloggy buddy Susie, these images you stamped up for me go on and on :-), coloured with copics, is there anything else to colour with??
Not sure where the papers are from, but they played havoc with my eyes while I was making this card!!
Punches from SU! & Martha Stewart
Sentiment from a Woodware set.

I am entering this card into a couple of challenges,
One Stop Craft Challenge have a 'Spots & Dots' theme going on this week,
Create 4 Fun - sketch.

Looking forward to seeing your creations.... Happy crafting.

xx

On a roll now....

2010-03-15T09:00:00.001Z

Posting 4 days in a row... can't remember the last time I managed that. I've made a few cards over the weekend, during the big tidy up.... Clare, I keep thinking of you, and chuckling at your comments on your WOYWW post recently! I am now tidying up mid card - it's working at the moment, although there is still another area on my worktop that I have to tackle - maybe next weekend, but I think its the NEC show and its a long time since I've been there.....

Anyhow, onto my card. I've had this image coloured up on my desk for a while but haven't been able to find papers to put with it but while sorting out one of my paper piles I came across this bee glitter cardstock I bought from Hobbycraft eons ago! It's very glittery and sparkly IRL and I'm glad to have used some of it finally.

The stamp is one I got in a swap with Tasha, thank you, I just adore it, she is so cute, gonna try it in another colourway sometime soon. Coloured with copics and finished off with some glamour dust. Other cardstock is from DCWV citrus stack, sentiment and punches SU! except the swirl punch which is EK Success and the Martha Stewart border punch. Raffia ribbon from Hobbycraft, sticky gem butterflies from The Range.

I am entering this card into 4 challenges

Cute Card Thursday - Celebration, they are celebrating their 2nd birthday

Charisma Cards - Butterflies, I know they are small, but they are there...

Just Magnolia - Sketch, lovely one to work with

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Anything goes.

Back tomorrow with a DT card for a fab new challenge at Creative Card Crew.

Have a lovely day.

Just a birthday card.....

2010-03-14T18:03:00.010Z

I hope you are all having a lovely Mothers Day, the weather has been gorgeous here and I've had a wonderful day. I had some lovely presents from the children and went out with my daughter to do a spot of craft shopping, managed to fit in a visit to Starbucks for a yummy vanilla latte.....while the boys went to football.

Here's a card I finished off yesterday during my tidy up.... I found some images already coloured, this is one I started last week at the demo at the local library.

Love this cute CC design stamp, and just had to bring out the MME Bloom & Grow papers seeing as the weather has been spring like here over the last couple of days. Prima flowers finished off with a matching pearl brad and a cute lil' bead cap I bought from a bead shop in Devon, must get some more of these. The layout is from the challenge at Just Christmas and Birthday cards. The edges are distressed with spiced marmalade distress ink, one of my favourites, sentiment from Cuddly Buddly and punched shaped made with SU! punches.

Am off now to enjoy a lovely roast dinner, have a great evening.

Anya in the Pink (and Lilac)

2010-03-13T17:33:00.003Z

I've had a very productive day in my craft room today, had a bit of a tidy, made a couple of cards, discovered stash that I forgot I had .... and made a star card for a 21st birthday. Here's one of the cards that I made and I am entering it into the Anyone for Anya challenge this week, which is

'Mum's The Word'

I just love this cute Miss Anya image, which my lovely friend Susie sent to me recently, thank you so much, you know I'm going to have to buy these now!! I coloured with some girlie pinks and lilacs today, which is not my usual colour selection but I enjoyed working with them. I raided my paper cupboard and found this lovely lilac pearlescent paper from Craftwork Cards, the flowers paper is DCWV and the pink cardstock from the Paper Mill cut with my lovely Martha Stewart double loop punch set. I added a couple of prima flowers, I really wish I had bought a couple of packs of these in other colours - more for my shopping list ;-), a pearl brad from Papermania and finally a sentiment banner from Lakeland and I was done....

If only it was that quick, I had different pads of pack and cardstock all over the place while I was making this card!

I am also going to enter this card into the Cupcake challenge which this week is

Flower Power.

Am off to make my DT card for Creative Card Crew now and fit in a spot of sewing, mmmm or shall I bead?

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Gorjuss Cooking Tilda

2010-03-12T19:36:00.002Z

I had a get well card to make for our school cook

so there was only one image to use - Tilda with wooden spoon and a couple of rolling pin images, coloured with copics.
Papers from K & Co, and DCWV colour stack
Sentiment - SU!
Punches - SU! & Martha Stewart.
I used the sketch from Totally Gorjuss, so off there to add a link before I'm too late!!
Have a wonderful weekend.

Girly Whiff of Joy

2010-03-09T19:29:00.002Z

Here's a card I made for a couple of challenges.....

I used one of the City Girls stamps, such fun images, coloured with shades of cream and brown copics, as per the challenge at Whiff of Joy, I used some lovely paper from my paper mountain which is cream with gold splodges running through it, plain cardstock from DCWV mat stack. Raffia ribbon from Hobbycraft and liquid pearls. Sentiment and punched shapes from Stampin'Up!
I am entering this card into Simon Say Stamp and Stamp Something challenges which are 'Girly' and used the layout from Sketch Saturday.

Stampin' Up! stash for sale

2010-03-07T13:16:00.003Z

With my craft room bulging at the seams I thought it was about time I had a sort out!
I've started on my Stampin' Up! corner. I collected quite a stash of SU! stuff while I was a demo but stopped when they introduced a new Demonstrator Agreement which restricted what we were allowed to promote on our blogs.

Heat & Stick Powder and Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter - used only once - I prefer my Art Institute glitter.

£5.00 + P & P at cost - cost new £6.50 + 5% P & P (£6.82)

Polka Dot Punches - New
This set was part of the Sale A Bration promotion at the beginning of 2009 and not available for purchase, only available when you purchased £45 worth of product.

£10 + P & P at cost.

Cause for Celebration - New
This set was a level 2 hostess gift on the 2008-2009 catalogue, so was only available if you hosted a party with sales of £300+. 9 lovely stamps in this set.

£10 + P & P at cost.

Circle of Friendship - used a couple of times
This set is on the current catalogue at £15.95 + 5% P & P (£16.74)

£12.00 + P & P

Fun & Fast Notes - used several times
This set is on the current catalogue at £29.95 + 5% P & P (£31.44)

£20.00 + P & P

Stampin' Pastels - lightly used
These are wonderful for chalking images. Available on the current catalogue at £19.50 + 5% P & P (£20.47)

£15.00 + P & P at cost.

EK Success 1 3/8th circle punch - Brand new in box
This is not an SU! punch but manufactured by the company that makes the punches for SU, so the same quality you would expect from SU! These are on the current catalogue at £12.50 + 5% P & P (£13.12)

£9.00 + P & P.

These are just a few things for starters, there are a couple more stamp sets and the pretties kit (BNIB) to follow.
If you are interested in any of the above please leave a comment on this post or email me. I am happy to combine any of the above and as stated will only charge P & P at cost.

Got the house to myself at the moment, so off to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

What a busy week....

2010-03-06T19:51:00.004Z

Another busy week for celebrations, 4 birthdays and one wedding anniversary and in my haste I haven't photographed all of the cards as I've been like a production line getting them out!

This card is for my friend's son Ian, who is 19 today, HAPPY BIRTHDAY IAN.

I used Ian, from TGF, coloured with copics, as per the challenge this week over at Copics Colour Challenge. I am also entering this into the Roses on Paper challenge which is to make a card for a male and as I'ved used the layout from Sketch & Stash, the newest craft stash is the MS punch, brads are old stash I discovered recently during a sort out.
The papers are from K & Co, Hopscotch pad, and blue cardstock from DCWV card stack, SU and MS punches as usual, don't know what I would do without these!!

I'm off to do some sewing now, just bought some lovely black and white material to make a quilt for my daughter but need to finish off the cushion to go with the quilt I recently made - gotta use up the material otherwise I will end up with more craft stash to store!

Be back tomorrow with another card, have a lovely evening.

Better late than never!!

2010-03-03T21:26:00.005Z

Apologies for the delay in posting this, it's taken me forever to get it posted!

Creative Card Crew is turning one year old this week and we're having a celebration! That's right and it's a celebration for YOU. Because without you, our loyal participants, we wouldn't have made it this far. The festivities this fortnight include:

3 digital images of the winner's choice from Sunshine Stamps

These two stamps from Bunny Zoe's Crafts:

A $20 gift certificate from Simon Says Stamp

and (...drumroll please...)
A One Month Guest Designer Opportunity with Creative Card Crew
And that's not all folks. Our design team has blog candy on their blogs. So start hopping and sign up for your chance to win individual blog candy from:
Paula, Owner
Claire
Janna
Linda
Linda C.
Maria
Pauline
Sam
Victoria
and welcoming back Sharon,
one of our original founders who is making a return visit
just to celebrate with the Crew.

So as you may have guessed by now the challenge for this fortnight is

'Celebration'

so on to my card for the celebration....

Another new stamp, from the City Girls collection from Whiff of Joy. I made the flower kind of along the lines from Bev's tutorial, using 3 flower shapes cut with my cricut, scrunched them up and sanded them to give the distressed look. Used my newish Martha Stewart punches and some SU! punches.

There are lots of pictures already on this post, so I am going to make mine a surprise candy! All you need to do is participate in the challenge this fortnight, don't forget, no linking back to old creations, and leave a comment on this post.

Looking forward to seeing your take on the challenge, come on and join the party.....

Black and White

2010-03-01T18:33:00.004Z

I made a few cards this weekend with some of the images I've coloured up recently.

Love this Miss Anya, which I received as part of a RAK from my bloggy buddy Susie, yes, I'm still working my way through them thank you. I was drawn to my black and white papers and used the sketch from Papertake Weekly.
Papers - black & white -Imaginisce, have a feeling I am going to have to stock up on more of these or similar ones. Black shiny paper - Paper Mill shop.
Blooms & brads from stash.
Punched shapes and sentiment - SU!

Cosy and warm...

2010-03-01T09:00:00.000Z

at least that's what I hope to be now I've finally finished my first lap quilt! Anyone who reads my blog regularly will have noticed that I've not been around as much as usual lately and this is the reason why....

This has taken me some time to complete, several sewing machines and lots of unpicking... until I was lucky enough to get a fantastic, all singing, all dancing, super dooper patchwork sewing machine which made quilting a dream rather than the nightmare it had been before.

I have a stash of material building already and have been perusing a pile of patchwork books trying to decide which one to make next!

Welcome Baby Boy!

2010-02-28T21:53:00.004Z

Here's a card I made earlier using the cute Vintage Baby stamp from Funky Kits. I needed to make some cards for new display and thought it was about time I made a card for a boy using this stamp.

Coloured with, you've guessed it.... copics. Papers are DCWV Nana's Nursery boy stack, distressed the edges with Distress Inks, Broken China.

My craft room looks like a hurricane has hit, I've been out there crafting all weekend, the best place to be with the grotty weather we've had.
Hope you've had a great weekend.

It's been a while......

2010-02-22T21:50:00.005Z

since I posted a card. I had a lovely half term holiday the only problem was it went too quickly and I didn't manage to do half the things I had planned to do.
I escaped to my craft room this evening and made the following card for 2 challenges.

,

I haven't made an easel card for a while, then discovered that challenge was the Magnolia Down Under challenge, so I'll have to make another one for that - shame ;-)
I have used blooms as per the Totally Gorjuss challenge and used the sketch from Create 4 Fun.

I used some old HOTP papers, a mixture of blooms, a Gorjuss girl stamp, Miss Attitude, been a while since I used this stamp, coloured with copics.
Just looked at the picture in preview, it doesn't look so pale and washed out IRL.

2 posts in 1 day, 3 challenges in 1 card!

2010-02-16T18:25:00.003Z

It's been a while since I've managed 2 posts in one day, must be something to do with being on holiday.
This card has been made with 3 challenges in mind

Copic Colour Challenge - R29, RV23 & B12
Cupcake - Keep It Simple
Sketch & Stash - sketch

I used the CCC colours, kept it quite simple as per Cupcake challenge and the sketch from Sketch & Stash.
Papers are ones I've had for ages, DCWV stack, stamps for a while and the blooms are new stash.
Thanks for looking, have a lovely evening.

Creative Get Well

2010-02-16T09:42:00.005Z

Running a bit late with this posting today, I tried to schedule it last night but silly Mr Blogger wouldn't play the game.....

The challenge at Creative Card Crew this fortnight is Get Well Soon, a good choice Claire Ellen with all the germs around at the moment. The sponsor this week is Truly Scrumptious Crafts, see the pics below for the wonderful prize on offer

Here's my card for this challenge. Love this new stamp which is from the City Girls collection from Whiff of Joy, I ordered a couple of these stamps on release day Thursday 4 Feb and it arrived 2 days later, how's that for delivery, thanks Katharina.

The papers are from a new paper pad I treated myself to on Saturday, they are just delish, got matching flowers but thought these prima ones matched better. The layout is the sketch from the Whiff of Joy challenge this week.

Papers = Papermania Aqua capsule collection
Brads & ribbon from stash
Coloured with copics
Punches - Martha Stewart double loop and Stampin' Up! super oval and scalloped oval.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with this fortnight.

Valentine's Day peace and quiet

2010-02-14T15:18:00.003Z

Got the house to myself again.... what luxury, DD has yet to come home from her night out last night and DH and DS x 2 are out at football......it should be peaceful but have got music blaring out, no one to tell me to turn it down!! Listening to The Annie Lennox Collection which just jumped into the shopping basket yesterday while we were out :D

I've not managed much blogging lately and this is the reason why...

it's my first completed patchwork and quilting project, I have several on the go at different stages but this is the first one past the finish line!
I have been neglecting my blog lately due to this new hobby, I've still made quite a few cards but not got round to posting them, and I've coloured up a stack of images using the new shading techniques I discovered recently.

Here's a card I have managed to photograph, using another new stamp - so much for stash diet!! A paper pack and some blooms also found their way into the shopping yesterday and I've used them on a DT, so look out for my card on Tuesday.

Anyway had better be off now as there's a mountain of ironing to do and dinner to get started as they will all be starving when they get home.

Take care, catch up soon.

Another new stamp....

2010-02-09T23:15:00.004Z

Here's another stamp from my lil' shopping spree the other day, isn't she just adorable? I couldn't wait to get her inked up and coloured, just discovered some fab tutorials on You Tube for creating shadow effect using copics, I will post the link later, when I can find it again!!

The layout for this card is from last week's challenge at Spoon Full Of Sugar, too late for the challenge but I enjoyed making the card anyway and there are so many valentine challenges out at the moment that I can enter it into. Love the layout, will definately use this one again, will try it with snowflakes sometime.

Angel hair and cardstock from stash, hearts cut using Sissix Heart die and Cricut George & Basic Shapes heart, Martha Stewart border punch. Sentiment shapes cut with SU! punches.

I am entering this into the following challenges
Stamp Something - Love Something
Charisma Cards - I Love You
Simon Says Stamp - Photo inspiration - red
Cupcake - Red & White all over, there is only a lil' bit of silver there....
Stampin' for the Weekend - Valentines

Totally Gorjuss

2010-02-08T20:00:00.002Z

Its been a while since this stamp has seen any ink but when I saw the sketch at Totally Gorjuss I knew I had to use this stamp and ribbon which has been in my stash for a while but I've not been brave enough to cut yet!!

Goth girl stamp from Funky Kits, coloured with copics. Paper from DCWV Glitter stack, sentiment from Craftwork Cards mounted onto die cut shapes made using SU punches.
Another outing for my new border punch and another auburn haired character.....

Spring is in the air

2010-02-07T22:34:00.004Z

The glorious weather this afternoon inspired me to make this card.

I treated myself to some new stamps recently and this is one of them, I have admired them on other people's blogs but would prefer to stamp rather than using a digi download. Coloured with copics, just treated myself to some copic sketch markers, so you will see a lot of auburn haired characters on my cards for a while, just humour me!!!
I am supposed to be on a stash diet, but a girl has got to have new stamps from time to time, a few new punches and more copics, the only thing I haven't bought recently is papers, I have my very own paper mountain and I am determined to make inroads into it before buying any more.... watch this space!

I am entering this into 3 challenges
Get Sketchy - sketch
Dutch Dare - Summer in Winter
ABC - N - New, stamps and border punch

Creative Card Crew - Valentine challenge

2010-02-02T09:00:00.007Z

Love is in the air ..... my turn to choose the challenge this week at Creative Card Crew, so with Valentine's Day nearly on us there really was no other choice to be made!!

This week's Sponsor is Crafty Addicts and there is a wonderful Rachael Anne Miller stamp up for one lucky crafter.

This is about the third attempt at my DT card.... It's been a busy couple of weeks and crafting has been put on the back burner :-( probably at a time when I could do with it most!

I dusted off some of my much neglected SU! stash to make this card, rooted out the Simply Said stamp set, Whisper White and Real Red cardstock, Real Red ink and my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig. I decided on a Z fold card as I haven't done one of those for ages. On the left of the Whisper White ribbon I have stamped Love using Versamark ink but it's not showing up too well, you'll have to zoom in to get a better look.
I couldn't make a valentine card and not use the lovely Martha Stewart heart border punch could I? so that's the only non SU! product used here. I've just had another look at the photo, think I was a bit heavy handed with the dabbing on the edges, another one destined for the bin I think!

Looking forward to seeing your entries for this challenge. Happy crafting.