Kips cards

The Challenge, the DT call and the Freebie

2011-12-29T12:11:00.000Z

Afternoon peep's, hope your all having a wonderful rest after the holiday....

Today I have a fantastic freebie offered by the super talented Barbara from Forgotten Scraps, all you need to do is become a follower. You can check out all the details over at Little Miss Muffet.There you will find a fabulous anything goes challenge a DT call and this wonderful freebie. And HERE you will see loads of gorgeous samples from lots of special guests.

Thank you for hopping over today, hope you all have a fantastic new year

xxx

Recolor an image from earlier in the year

2011-12-10T08:46:00.001Z

Good morning all, today I'me sharing my DT project, the last one of the year. Make it colorful's final

theme for 2011 is to recolor an image from earlier in the year and I decided to use the lovely gurguss girl with her fox.

Make it crafty images used are from the Winter Object collection, the large and small pine tree and the winter fence. For the tree's I used a tiny foliage stamp from Art Impressions and distress inks colors scattered straw, shabby shutter and peeled paint.Then lightly sprinkled heat it up holographic and seafoam white over the tree's and heated up from the back so as not to blow it all away.

For the girl I went with the pleats and folds coloring technique I have been learning over the last few months.

You can find Zoe's wonderful tutorial on this technique HERE

The challenge this week is running for a month because of the Christmas holidays, hop over to the gallery to check out all the beautiful samples from my team mates and I hope you will join us....

Thanks for visiting me today

xXx

2011-11-30T17:24:00.001Z

Tracy's Envelope Box's for sale and Fabulous Candy

I don't know about you but I hate having to spend time measuring out, cutting and scoring my envelope boxes to fit my embellished cards into. Soooooooooo, drum roll............ Tracy has had some made. Yayyyyy, Whoppeeeee, so exciting.......

They are professionally cut and scored ready for your glue/tape and are an absolute godsend. So if your interested please email Tracy: t.payne@homecall.co.uk for a quote. She can ship worldwide no problem, and you'll be as happy as we am.

To help spread the word Tracy is offering a pack of 25 as candy.

To find out all the details click HERE

Deck the Halls

2011-11-30T13:36:00.001Z

Afternoon all, I finally finished my DT card for this fortnights challenge at Make it Colorful, there's still a week left to enter so if you would like to join use here's the link to the gallery and the theme is called

"COLORING WHITE"

I added a short video only because I couldn't get a really decent photo showing the depth. Hope you don't think it's too naf a video...lol
( turns out it's not brill, didn't think the picture would be that small, ah well )

I used the beautiful Make it Crafty Mistletoe Archway and the Festive Lantern along with Heidi , I decoupaged the archway and created an easel card with the centre cut out with nesties. I coloured the mistlete arch with Spectrum Noirs and Heidi and the lantern with Copics.

Copic colors
Heidi's outfit
Red's R35, R37, RV29, E19
Green's G05,G09,G07
Fur C00,C0,C1
Hair YR20,YR21,W4

I hope you will join us with the challenge, please hop over to the gallery to check out all the gorgeous inspiration from my fellow team mates.

Thank you for dropping over today

xXx

1 DT Challenge and 1 for Fun

2011-11-13T11:29:00.001Z

Morning peeps, this is going to be a picture heavy post today, sorry I couldn't decide which ones to use because the dome kept catching the light.

I have two cards to share today, the first is my DT card for Make it Colourful.

This weeks theme is called

Lantern/Candle Light Source

I used the gorgeous Festive Lantern from the Festive Elements available from Make it Crafty

I really enjoys coloring these images, I had been having a few problems the week before, my coloring was awful....I was having a right game finding a combination for soft pink, I think I scrapped at least 10 attempts. In the end I did some research on the web and came across the Copic Color wheel which I knew |I had somewhere but never really bothered using it. Till now, now I use it all the time.

What I used......

Copic colors from light to dark....

Tilda's face....E0000,00,02,YR20,21,24,E25,27

Hair....YR20,21,W4,6

Outfit...BG0000,01,02,05,09,T0,03,05

Lantern....T0,03,05

Light Source....Y0000,00,11,YR20

Images

Festive Lantern from MIC

Tilda Magnolia

Papers Magnolia
Gesso
Glitter
Polar White Flowersoft

If you would like to join us this week in our challenge, hop over to Make it Colourful for all the details and a chance to win yourself $20 store credit with Make it Crafty.

Challenges...

Just Magnolia....Black/Grey, Red,White

Magnolia Stamp Lovers...Christmas

Magnolia-licioushighlites...Picture Inspiration

Magnolia-litious....Color Challenge

Papertake Weekly.....First Christmas

Cute Card thursday....Red for Rememberance

Totally Gorjuss.....Christmas Traditions

My second card was just for fun, I love this little darling Bobo from MIC and thought she would be perfect to add lots of flowers and make her look like one of those Precious Baby's by Valerie Tabor Smith

Copic colors

Pink...RV000,10,02,C2

To download your own Color Wheel HERE'S the link, it's invaluable honestly...

Oh gosh that took me a long time to write up.....

Thanks for dropping over today peeps, enjoy the rest of the weekend

xxx

MiC Challenge Add Texture

2011-10-31T15:12:00.002Z

Afternoon all, here's my card for this weeks theme at Make it Colorful, which is called

" Add Texture "

( which started Friday, slap on the wrist for me again..lol )

I used the Stunning Chantelle from Make it Crafty and tried to add texture to her hat and feathers. Not sure I pulled it off but I absolutely adore this image so am not going to moan about my coloring effort....lol

If you would like to see the the details about my card and visit all the lovely team at MIC hop over to the GALLERY, there you will find loads of inspiration from my super talented buddy's and join us too...

I am just getting back to normal, Hubby was home last week and and I have been ill with flu thanks to the boys in the house....

Feel much better today after an early night, I even resisted prattling about on my new i pad in bed because I felt so rough, now that proves how terrible I have been feeling...lol

Right I am off to add my details to the Gallery now, thanks for visiting and for all your lovely comments lately. I don't deserve you guys lately, my visiting has been appalling because of one reason or another.

Thank you everyone for sticking with me

xXx

Too many flowers?????

2011-10-26T13:21:00.001+01:00

Just thought I would test out my new blog format that my lovely team bud Ruby updated for me. I am a little nervous as I don't like change, I am a bit stuck in my ways... But have to face fact's that things move on and improve for the better..

Thank you so much for helping me Ruby, I owe you one hun

While I am here I thought I would share my latest make and enter a challenge with DP2,

their challenge this week is called " Favourite Mo image plus Sentiment "

I used this very sweet image called Make a Wish

The papers are from Raspberry Road Designs

Laercut chipboard shape from Make it Crafty

Copic colours

Hair YR21,E33,E99

Skirt R35,RV29,R37,E19

Top B60,B63,BV02,Bv04

Other stamps used

Magnolia

Whimsy

Now then, let's see if this works......

Make it Colourful Challenge "Colour Snow"

2011-10-19T09:21:00.005+01:00

Morning all, well I think today is a perfect day to post this card, it's absolutely freezing here. I am so cold I am sitting with my dressing gown and fluffy slippers on..... Sitting here looking at this card reminds me of the best parts about winter though, that being all the wonderful scenes this time of the year brings.

And to get everyone in the festive mood heres my sample made using the brand new Winter Collection from Make it Crafty. If you haven't seen these new images yet head on over to MIC now, Zoe has come up trumps again with this magical collection.

This card is also my sample for Make it Colourful with the theme of
" Colour Snow "

The challenge has already started but as I said before now we have two weeks instead of one to join giving us lots more time to colour and join in the fun. If you would like to join us heres the link to the gallery where you can upload your creations

What I used
Winter Objects Digi Stamps from Make it Crafty
Factory Elements from Make it Crafty
Urban Street Elements from Make it Crafty
Magnolia Papers
Midwinter Tilda

Copics

Tilda's outfit R35,RV29,R37,E19

You can find the fantastic video tutorial for colouring Red by Zoe Here

I think that covers everything today, if you have any questions or would like more details about anything, just leave me a message.....

Thank you for dropping by today, keep warm all...
xXx

Make it Colourful Sheer Clothing Challenge

2011-10-05T10:54:00.015+01:00

Hi guy's, hope everyones well, I am just getting back into the swing of things. Been having some time out with Hubby and the boys.

Since I have been away there have been a few changes with Make it Colourful challenge. The challenge will now be set fortnightly on Fridays to give everyone lots more time to participate and there will be a new monthly challenge. For all the details of the monthly challenge click HERE. And for this fortnight challenge click HERE

The theme this fortnight is Sheer Clothing so I decided to use the beautiful new Angelica Prays digi. I printed her out onto vellum and coloured her using Prismacolor pencils
( I don't think I did too bad for a first time using them )

Instead of making a card I decided to try making a paper lantern and I have added a step by step tutorial using a large brown envelope.

First I scored my envelope 2" at the bottom and two sides

Then cut it to 10" length

I places my nestie cutting side up inside the envelope and put it through my calibur

Little bit of advice, don't do what I did first time and glue it yet, it makes it more difficult to decorate...lol

While it's flat I stamped and embossed all over

Next I fixed my image inside the bag and let it dry

Now all you need to do is make sure all your score lines are crisp and press the two sides in and fold and fix the flaps at the bottom

Then all I did was add some sand and a candle. For indoors I would use the battery operated but if you wanted to make a few for outside it looks lovely with a real candle.

I think these would work brilliantly with a Halloween theme too, image them sitting outside your door on Halloween evening.

Before I go I just wanted to let you know theres still time to join in the Make it Crafty Christmas blog hop HERE.
The party is still in full swing with loads of inspiration and great give aways.

Thank you for hopping over today and putting up with a long post
xXx

Make it Colourful Challenge Orange and Black

2011-09-17T07:57:00.008+01:00

Morning guy's, this weeks challenge at Make it Colourful is called
" Colour with Orange and Black "
Perfect excuse to start creating your Halloween projects.

For my project I decided to make some treat box's, I popped on Youtube for some tutorials and found this double slider design which I altered slightly so as to fit in the treats.

What I used
Papers 12 by 12 MME Scary Sparkles
Images from Make it Crafty's Mini Monztas
Coloured with copics
I forgot to write down what colours I used for Mini Dracula.
Mini Gothilia and Mini Morticia were coloured using
Dress V99,95,91
Hair N0,3,5,7
Face C00,1,3

If you love halloween and these fantastic Mini Monztas check out the latest spooky images available right now at Make it Crafty

I couldn't wait to get my hands on all three and heres a peek at the fantastic Witch's house I am working on, don't you just love that thatched roof

If you haven't played along with Make it Colourful for a week or so you will notice things have changed slightly, we have a fantastic new gallery to upload all our MiC projects and challenge entries. All you need to do is register, wait for your email and start adding your lovely pictures
Our current challenge starting today is September 17th Colour with Orange and Black.

Thank you for dropping over today, I hope you will join us this week.

xXx

Make it Colourful Challenge. Colour Purple

2011-09-10T11:04:00.001+01:00

Morning peeps, we have another challenge for you over at Make it Colourful today called
"Colouring with Purple"
This weeks sponsor is by Some Odd Girl

For this weeks theme I created a scene using
Make it Crafty
Urban Fencing
Urban Street Elements

Some Odd Girl
Super Tobie

Create with TLC
Free
Sentiment
and
Statue of Liberty

With the 10th Anniversary of that unbelievable day in New York and Washington tomorrow my thoughts go out to everyone who lost a loved one in that unimaginable tragedy.

Make it Colourful Challenge No Black Lines

2011-09-01T09:45:00.016+01:00

"No Black Lines"

Morning guys, I have quite a long post today so I hope you can stick through it as theres a short tut that might be helpfull to some.

I will start with the challenge, this week Make it Colourful have a really fantastic theme called
"No Black Lines"
Sponsored by Make it Crafty

So what do we mean, simple, just by using an ink in a light colour or changing the brightness of you digi's. I used the lovely Cici from Make it Crafty which I brightened using a free programme called GIMP.

For a change I decided to alter a couple of things instead of making a card, I am all carded out at the moment.
So here I decorated a Jam jar and rolling pin.
I have got two giant pieces of crepe paper that I hadn't used for ages so decided to try my hand at making some flowers. They are so easy to make, all you do is cut little strips, roll it a few times then twist back and forth as you carry on around, then just glue

Here I have added a few pic's of how to lighten your digi images.

If you have gimp you may already know so this is for the guy's that may not. Firstly open your image in Gimp and on the top bar you will see the word colors, click that and it will open a box of options, you need to scroll down to brightness-contrast and click

This will then open another box with brightness and contrast, move the bar all the way across on the brighness as show then click ok

Now you are ready to save this in a new folder, remember to change the name of your image as you don't want to alter the original, so press save as and this will open another box

Here you can rename your image and save it either to your desktop or another folder.

"PLEASE READ THIS"

It's very important to remember when you save your image to save as the same type of image it came in, for instance PNG is an image with a transparent background so you don't want to save it as a JPG or it will give it a white background. So say for example your image is called Cici.png you need to rename it as your new chosen name with .png at the end and remember the dot before png. I hope that has explained it for you

Also please be sure you are allowed to alter your images, so read the company terms first, if your unsure ask for permission.

With the image above I have to stress I had to repeat the tut a second time to get it really light, after I saved the first one I reopened it and brightened it again.
Please let me know if this tut was helpfull or if you have any questions. I really hope you will have a go and join us at Make it Colourful this week.

Just before I go I need to tell you about the new Make it Crafty GALLERY . That's where you will find all the teams challenge samples and join us in the current themes there you can view all the fantastic MiC designs and upload your's as soon as you register. Making it's a great place for load's of inspiration for your MiC products.

I think that just about covers everything, please hop over to see all the beautiful samples from my teamies, till next time have a fabulous weekend guys.
xXx

Cici coloured with copics
Face, E000,00,02
Hair, YR00,20,21
Dress and Flower, RV23,13,25
Cherry, R14,8,27

Make it Colourful challenge...Sunset's and Clouds

2011-08-27T09:51:00.006+01:00

Hi guys, where does the time go....It's Saturday again and that means we have a new challenge at Make it Colourful. I almost chickened out of this one as my colouring skills are not brill when it comes to colouring sky but after a bit of tempting by my Team mate Barbara I couldn't resist trying, and when you see my team mates cards you will agree that it's definitely worth having a go.

This weeks challenge is called
"Sunsets and Clouds"
sponsored by Tiddly Inks

Like I said I am not strong on colouring sky so after a little head scratching I fell on an idea of colouring the reverse of my image so that the colour bled through to the front and then turned over and added more colour to Precious from Tiddly Inks one of the images from the recent joint release with Make it Crafty ( for more details click HERE ) and the free background from Digital Two for Tuesday. I added a beautiful Lasercut corner and flower from my stash and the papers from Basic Grey....
On the reverse of my paper I made a mask to colour the sun using FY1 copic then coloured the top half of the image with Y35 and the bottom with Y11 then went in with R14 to create the clouds. I turned over and coloured the sun again with FY1, the dress is using R14,08 and 27, Y11,35,17. The grass is using YG23 and 25.

The paper I used you can find in Barbara's Paper Project, it's W, White wove 100g, check it out guy's, Barbara is worked so hard testing loads of papers that work with copics.

Before I go I just wanted to show you some of the brand new, only released today images from Make it Crafty. Heres a link to check out these fantastic Mini Monzta's along with all the other awesome halloween images. I can't wait to get back from shopping today so I can have a play...lol

That covers everything I think but if you have any questions just drop me a comment. I really need to go now, Hubby's prodding me, he's waiting to go bike part shopping.

Have a lovely weekend guy's
xXx

Make it Colourful...Colouring Grounds

2011-08-20T11:00:00.002+01:00

Morning guy's, well I can't believe how fast this week has gone. I was a little unwell at the beginning of the week so had no interest in doing much. I spent most of the day's on the sofa watching cooking programmes and sleeping. I only made a start on this card on Thursday evening then all day Friday trying to get the colouring right. I am pleased with the end result.

It's my DT card for this weeks challenge at Make it Colourful and the theme this week is called

"Colouring Grounds"

For my card I decided to create a little cottage with a few elements from Make it Crafty, I used the gorgeous Open Window, Pebble Stone Patch and Urban Street elements which I merged to create this little cottage scene, I added shading using copics to ground the cottage and pebble stone patch and not forgetting the lovely Tilda....
The papers are from Nitwits and my little dragonfly is a gorgeous lasercut from MIC.

I really hope you will join us this week, for lot's of lovely inspiration hop over to Make it Colourful for all the dtails and to see at the team's beautiful designs.

Till next time guy's, have a fabulous weekend
xXx

Urban Collection Release Hop

2011-08-14T09:16:00.008+01:00

Morning guy's, well the day has finally arrived to showcase the brand new Urban Collection.

Whimsy Stamps & Make it Crafty have come together to create a fun Urban Themed digi collection!

Ann Vento has whipped up her magic and designed an incredible collection of
funky wall sayings, city landscapes and of course a range of super cool street signs.

Check out the Sentiments collection HERE

Make it Crafty is trying something new offering all the different elements for you to build your own urban backdrop.

Check out the Urban Street Collection HERE

Then of course, what better characters to incorporate into such a scene than the fabulous KennyK rubber stamps available from Whimsy Stamps!

Our incredibly talented Design Teams have had a blast playing with all the different elements to bring you LOTS of inspiration!

We have broken it in to TWO HOPS
HOP A Starts Here & HOP B Starts HERE!

There will be a winner for EACH HOP and if you hop your way through BOTH, you’ll go in the draw for the GRAND PRIZE TOO!

HOP A & B Winners will each receive a $15 voucher from both Whimsy Stamps and Make it Crafty

GRAND WINNER will win our full Urban Digital Collection
4 Digi Sentiment sets by Ann Vento & the Urban Elements Collection from Make it Crafty

You are currently on HOP A and should have arrived from Janes Blog HERE

( click on the image to enlarge )

( What I Used )
Make it Crafty Images
Urban Fencing Digi Stamps
Urban Object Elements
Urban Street Elements
Raindrop Echo Designs for Whimsy Stamps
City Talk
Cityscape Sayings
Party Time Street Signs
Kenny K Stamps
Club Kid
Troublemaker

Your next stop on HOP A is Debbie's Blog HERE, but before you go make sure you leave a comment below!

You have until August 21^st 8PM Australian QLD time to make your way through the hops!

Be there... or be square!

Make it Colourful Challenge ( Colour and object that looks Wet )

2011-08-13T08:50:00.005+01:00

Good morning guys, after having a lovely week off with hubby I am back this week with a brand new challenge from Make it Colourful. This weeks theme is called
" Colour an object that looks wet "

This weeks wonderfull sponsor is Mo's Digital Pencil

I have to admit I was worried about this challenge because I had never tried anything like this before. I think I must have changed images at least four times. My first thought was to colour an image with tears but it didn't quiet go to plan.

Then a few day's later Zoe started teasing us in the FB group with a sneak peek which had us all drewling. It's an absolutely stunning card which she call's " No Black lines " You can find the post on her blog HERE
I loved it so much I decided to have a go myself. First I opened the beautiful Rose Garden Image in GIMP and changed the the colour using the colorizer, I altered the HUE and SATURATION to a pale blue then printed it off. For the Magnolia image I inked up my stamp with Adirondack in Terra Cotta, because the ink is a little dark I stamped it on scrap paper till I got a lighter shade.

Copic Colours.....
Tilda
Hair....Y21,23,32,34
Skin....E0000,00,53,R12,RV42
Dress....Y0000,00,02,11,21

Background Raindrops...
Stamped with DI Tumbled Glass
and shaded with B91, 14
and outlined with an Opaque White Pen

I really hope you will join our challenge this week, for lot's and lot's more inspiration hop over to Make it Colourful to see all the beautiful design from all the team.

And before I go, take a look at my sidebar, there you will find a link to a fantastic colaboration from Make it Crafty and Whimsy Stamps, hope you will join us tomorrow.

Thank you for dropping over today, have a wonderful weekend guys...
xXx

Save the date.....

2011-08-12T15:28:00.003+01:00

Hi peep's, We have just been given the go ahead to let you all in on a fantastic new launch happening this weekend. I have just added the link on my sidebar so head on over for all the details.....I promise you are gonna be blown away....

So save the date guy's....Sunday 14th, you don't want to miss it!!!!!!

Just for the love of it

2011-08-01T12:12:00.005+01:00

Hi guys, heres a card I finished yesterday, I have been practicing my pleats following the brilliant video tutorial Zoe made the other week. I still have a lot to learn but I think I am on the right road.

What I used
Images....
Magnolia Tilda
Cobblestione path
Snap Dragon
Lasercuts

You can find the video tutorial and also the latest winners for this months prizes Zoe was running HERE

I haven't entered a challenge in ages so I found a couple that fit my card. The first one is with Sir Stampalot challenge, with the summer hols here this months challenge is a free and easy one called "What ever you Fancy".
And the second challenge is with Crafty Cardmakers, their challenge is called "Flutterbies" and would like to see Butterflies on your project.

That's about it from me except to say thank you to my DH. For making the team with Make it Colourful he's only gone and brought me set C and D copics from Sir Stampalot....What a sweety eh....He's too good to me, I don't deserve you hun xxxxxxxx

Thanks for popping over today
xXx

Make it Colourful DT card "Colouring Dark Skin"

2011-07-30T09:32:00.006+01:00

Was I dreaming, someone pinch me....Ouch.....
No it's not a dream, I really am a MIC design team member, what a dream come true, I am still in shock....

Heres my first card as a fully fledged member....

This weeks challenge at Make it Colourful is called
" Colouring Dark Skin "

Our sponsor this week is Chrissy's Art and Heart

Chrissy has several beautiful images that would have worked perfectly for this weeks theme, I chose Maya Making Wishes and merged her with two of the brand new images from
In the garden collection available now at Make it Crafty.

What I used.....
Copics....
Maya's skin: E00,95, 33
Dress: RV04,06,09
Hair: N3,5,7,9
Mushrooms: E43,44,49
Lasercut Dragonfly
Polar White Flowersoft coloured with Glimmer Mist
Crystal Art Glitter
Opaque white pen
Images....
Maya Making Wishes from Chrissy's Digi's from Whimsy Stamps
Fern Log Digi from Make it Crafty
Snap Dragon Digi from Make it Crafty
Mushroom rubber stamp from Magnolia

Zoe has a great offer on at the moment with 20% off lasercuts, digital images and stamps. The offer runs till the 31st of July and the Coupon code is JULY2011. You can find more info on Zoes blog here with a link on the sidebar to her FB group.

I think I have covered everything, thank you so much for dropping by today. Please hop over to MIC to see what the wonderful team have come up with for this weeks theme and I hope you will join us....

Have a lovely weekend guys
xXx

Yes!!!!! I am a full blown DT with MIC

2011-07-29T14:43:00.004+01:00

Senorita Elizabeth

Hi everyone, bet your wondering why I am posting on a Friday...Well, I have some fabulous new's that I have been dying to tell for weeks and I can finally announce that from today I am the newest DT member with Make it Colourful, I was absolutely blown away when Zoe asked me if I would like to stay on as a permanent member. I am still on cloud nine, all the guys at Make it Colourful are super talented and though it's a bit daunting to be working alongside such naturally artistic lady's I am really looking forward to working and learning more about colouring techniques. Thank you so much for having me as a team member guys.

Just from joining in with the challenges before I became a guest I learned more about colouring than I knew before, and over the last month I can totally see an improvement in my blending skills. Zoe and the team share loads of tutorials, video's and as much information about colouring as you can sink your teeth into.

The image above I was hoping to get finished and on a card today but time wasn't on my side....Hubby's broke up for a week and James was 21 yesterday, he's off to Zante in a couple of days so it's a bit of a mad house at the moment...but I hope you will drop back tomorrow to see my creation as a full blown DT member.....

Heres where you can get your hands on Elizabeth and all the other gorgeous Make it Crafty digital images

And if you look on the sidebar where it says find us on Facebook you will find a code to get 20% off your order...

If you fancy a giggle at my school pic, check out my questionnaire at Make it Colourful

Thanks for dropping by and thank's again Zoe and MIC xXx

My last project as GDT with MIC

2011-07-23T11:00:00.003+01:00

Morning guys, this weeks challenge at Make it Colourful is called.....

" Change the colour of your Embellishments "

As it's my last week as a GDT I wanted to create something special by using lots of lovely
Make it Crafty images

You remember when I told you last week I was off to cinema to watch the last Harry Potter, I won't give anything away but it was brill.....Anyway that got me thinking about the latest

Steampunk images launched last week, and how some of these images reminded me of Harry Potter. So my scene is based around the films....

Oliver is my Harry Potter character with the Sandstone Citadel as Hogwarts. Other images include Pirate Ship
Steampunk Flying Machine

Tiddly inks digi images
Owlette and Mermaid Miranda

For the changing the colour of my embellishment theme I created a porthole and the nuts or bolts I altered using guilding flakes, from a piece of card I cut out circles using a nestie then sprayed with a sray mount adhesive, after I let it dry just for a minute and then pressed each circle into the guilding flakes and brushed off the excess.

I can't wait to see what my team mates have done by way of changing the colour of their emblies...I know Sheila's idea is a cracker because thats how the idea for the theme came along....Be sure to hop over to the challenge for lots of tips and a look at the beautiful creations from the girls.....

Thanks for visiting today, have a lovely weekend guys
xXx

Make it Colourful GDT project

2011-07-16T11:00:00.003+01:00

Morning everyone, this weeks theme at Make it Colourful is called
" Colouring Hair ( Not normal colours ) "
Sponsored by Quixotic Paperie

I decided to use this lovely image called Sitting Jane, and after some experimenting with lots of different colours I wouldn't normally go for, I ended up really liking the colour I choose which are RV95, E04 and E71

What I used....
Images from Make it Crafty
Peaches of Plenty
Rainbow Dandelion Landscape
Stairway to Heaven
Ribbon Swing

I made up my frame card and placed the background behind then cut out all my images and placed the swing onto some acetate for more strength, then with some small ring findings I attached the swing to the card and then added the branches and dandelion over the top for more dimention. Below is a little video I made in the garden, that was fun because my cat was so curious he got in the way twice, after resorting to bribing him away with a treat I got there in the end...lol

I am actually writing this to shedule, I am off to the cinema in half an hour to watch the last Harry Potter with the kids.....I am so excited I hope I haven't forgot to add anything here...lol

Righty ho I am off to grab a good seat in the cinema, have a lovely weekend guys.....

2011-07-14T05:00:00.002+01:00

Good morning everyone, today's the day we've all been waiting for, I am so excited to be taking part in the launch of Make it Crafty and Tiddly Inks brand new Steampunk digital images. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to not only be this months GDT with Make it Crafty but to be asked to join everyone with the launch of these wonderful new images, well you can guess I was completely blown away.....

So what we waiting for.......
Below are all the CLUES to get you started in this fantastic launch....

It’s finally time to release the big Mix n’ Match collection from Tiddly Inks and Make it Crafty!

Together they have been craftily plotting behind the scenes for months (making us drool in anticipation) to bring you a fabulous collection of Steampunk creations with a Victorian theme! You’ll find little steampunk houses, bits and bobs background scenes, flying contraptions, gorgeous characters and the finest selection of digital papers!

We could send you on a little hop, but they are getting a bit boring... so we knocked our heads together and thought up a game to play instead!

‘I SPY’ with my little eye...

... hmmm what do you spy??

Well to find out, head on over to where it all begins!!

CLICK HERE

PLUS 15% OFF NEW RELEASE IMAGES FOR A WEEK!!

Start Mix n’ Matching with Tiddly Inks and Make it Crafty straight away as you grab the super bargain of 15% OFF!!

Just enter the coupon code MIXNMATCH at checkout!

And finally, here is my creation, I can't tell you how hard it was deciding which images to play with first, so be warned, your going to be seeing a lot more samples here using these gorgeous images.....

For the Clock I used....

Alexander: Make it Crafty

Precious: Tiddly Inks

Steampunk Flying Machine: Make it Crafty

Right then guys, lets all go check out all the fun and CLUES we can find....hehe

Counting down

2011-07-13T09:09:00.006+01:00

Morning everyone, I can't believe how close it is to the launch of these fabulous new images, only one more sleep...lol

Heres a reminder of where the fun is taking place with some sneak peaks and a fab freebie clue....

Mix n' Match with Make it Crafty & Tiddly Inks

and for all you Facebookers out there heres a link to the FB event page

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=162001123868162

There will be loads of fun to be had guys....See you there ;o)

Make it Colourful GDT card

2011-07-09T11:00:00.001+01:00

This weeks challenge at Make it Colourful is a really fab theme called

"Add Pleats and Folds"

This weeks sponsor is Magnolia-Licious

That gave me a great oppotunity to put into practice what I had been learning from some of Zoes tutorials. If you would like to see some of her tut's I have added a link to YouTube where Zoe has a wonderful tut on pleats and folds HERE.

My card is based on the film Tangled, I used the Mushroom House , the steps from Stairway to Heaven and Alvida the pirate digi stamps. I did a bit of work in gimp to alter my pirate, I removed the cross and bones from his hat and instead of a hook I added a hand to make him look more like the swashbuckler from the movie. The papers are DCWV and Nitwits, I added a few flowers and feathers and the sentiment was a gift from my friend Meeshka

Here are the copic colours I used for Alvida
Hair...E35, 37, 57, 49
Purples...V15, 09, 17, BV17
Gold...Y21, 26, 28

My Chibi Repunzel was from a colouring page HERE. It took me quite a while to colour those eyes because there wasn't any lines to refer to but after a bit of practice I am pretty happy with the final result.

Please drop by to see what the team have created and

I hope you will play along with us this week

And don't forget theres still plenty of time to enter MIC Celebrates 1 year special challenge,

the categorys are.....

Merge as many Make it Crafty images in one scene

Most creative combination of Make it Crafty images

Make it Crafty Rubber Stamp project

Make it Crafty Laser cut Embellishments

Make it Crafty images coloured in the Make it Crafty Logo colours

For more information about this special challenge just click HERE

And before I foget, have you seen what Zoe is also giving away this month. A live solo video link tutorial, that's right a one on one lesson, if you fancy a chance of winning this amazing prize HERES the link for all the details

On a totally different note, look what James came home on yesterday, I had the shock of my life when he pulled up, you know that saying " Don't do as I do, do as I say" Well that came straight to mind.....I am still in shock, eventhough I know he is sensible and has learned from his Dad all the does and don'ts I just can't pretend to be over the moon......Whinge over....sorry....lol

Thanks for dropping by today, have a great weekend guys.....

Guest designer with Make it Colourful

2011-07-02T11:00:00.001+01:00

Morning everyone, today I have some very exciting news to share, I was asked by Zoe at Make it Crafty if I would like to join the team over at Make it colourful as a guest designer, needless to say I was over the moon and said yes straight away. Its such an honour to be joinig all the girls for the next few weeks and though I am a little nervous, I am really excited.

Make it Colourful's
challenge this week is called
" Add reflections to water "

I used a sidestep card as my base and a 6 by 6 panel on the front, I merged the ship in place on patterned paper just offset so I could cut an apeture in the centre. I used three fabulous Make it Crafty digital images, the Sandstone Citadel,Alvida the Pirate, and the Treasure chest

I flipped and rotated the Sandstone Citadel using a free programme called gimp. The Helm is made using a gadget gear die with a metal press stud in the middle. I added a message in a bottle and some gauze and hey presto, there you go.....

I have some other news to share too, Make it Crafty and Tiddly Inks have joined forces and will soon be releasing some brand new images together, just click HERE to go see all the details, it's very exciting...I can hardly wait

Thank you for dropping over, please go see what the fabulous team have created and I hope you will join us this week....

Have a fab weekend everyone :o)

Try again......MIC card Video and a few pics of the kids

2011-06-29T20:38:00.009+01:00

Hi everyone.....My word am I a bad blogger or what....I am so sorry for not keeping up lately, I feel kind of selfish but I am hoping it's going to be for the greater good because I have been spending loads of time trying to learn in the crafty sence.....I have been studying,searching and basically stalking as much information as I can soak up in my little brain.....
Mainly getting more help colouring with copics....
The pic above was something I tried to follow from a challenge with Make it Crafty....All about colour casting...Sadly I never made the deadline but thats not a prob because I really learned loads experimenting.....

While I am here and blogger seems to be working I thought I would share some pic's of the boys, heres James looking oh so fabulous, I don't know who took that pic, one of his friends I think....What a great shot....Think I need to get some pointers....lol

Here he is again, this was a pressie from his friends for his 20th.....He's only a month off 21 and has been really busy with his new career that he just managed to find a weekend to fit it in only two weeks ago....I messed about with the photo and changed the number plate...I think he liked that...lol

Heres my youngest Adam....The next Steve Irwin....This was a day out with his gorgeous girlfriend B. He's so into Dr Who, he's fair haired normally but with the magic of hair dyes he's now much darker....Though I prefer his natural colour of course this new look doesn't look bad, I think it's fab.....Don't tell him that though....lol

And heres a pic of Adam and B.....Bless, aren't they gorgeous.....

With a bit of luck I should have added a video I made here with one of my last makes....Fingers crossed it works, I wouldn't blame blogger if it didn't because I have been away for ages....Not for long though, as much as I am terrified I will be back very soon, sooner than you think....lol

Thanks for dropping by, hope I didn't bore you all too much...xxxxx

Can you guess what it is and Candy thats full of suprises....

2011-06-25T17:49:00.008+01:00

" Zoe Celebrates "

Hey guys...Has anyone been having prob's with blogger lately...I know I haven't been here much recently but what a game I have had today.....Do you think he's trying to tell me something...lol

Hopefully this will work, I just need to sort the links out because my PC wasn't so friendly earlier....

Moans apart, just wanted to give you all the heads up about the celebrations over at Make it Crafty/Colourful..... Just click on the pic for all the fab details.

You really must visit....

Like normal I still have a way to go with my project but couldn't help popping in here.....I did a bit of altering with my working project....Can you guess the film and what I altered.....

It's got a long way to go yet but I miss posting here....Hope you don't mind the tease.....

Princess for a day...

2011-06-17T18:15:00.010+01:00

Hi all, heres my latest make thats finally finished....Oh boy this one was hard. I really worked my butt off colouring these images. Not that I am complaining really because I love the new Make it Crafty blending card I brought from Quixotic Paperie last week and have been colouring like crazy ever since.....I have tried tonnes of different card to colour on over the last three years and I can hand on heart say this is for me, the best I have worked with.

These photo's are using my new camera, the pic's are not bad but I really should read the handbook, the video feature works fab, I did make a short film to show the 3D effect but Mr Blogger won't upload it here, which is not so bad because you would have heard me jibbering on and on all the way through...

What I used....
MIC Images/ Lovers Pavilion and Stairway to Heaven
Digital two for Tuesday Image
sureya image
Copics
Nesties

Copic Colours
Dress...Bg000,B01,B21,B95
Foilage...G40,G82,YG21,G07,G85
Grays....C00,C1,C3,C5,C7

Challenge
Make it Colourful: Blues
I am cutting it fine entering but I am such a slow crafter,sorry guys...

If you would like any details about this card please leave a message. Thank you for hopping over and have a fab weekend all...x

Enchanted Forest story and my first video...

2011-06-12T12:04:00.015+01:00

Hey peeps....bit of a long post here.....lots going on in my craft room, been trying to take more time to learn stuff and not be so quick to just post here and there....
This is a card I spent hours over....I even tried to make a video...it works on FB but not sure if it will work here because I don't really know how to add it in a blog post.

[[[Edited...found out it works after I posted...I am so made up...lol]]]

These pic's aren't brill, my camera was playing up...I did get a new one the weekend, just gotta figure out how it all works now...lol

Anyway I am going off the point...Heres my card with a short story...I am no JK Rowling but you get the idea I hope!!!!!

Once upon a time in a land far far away lived a family of fairies who shared the forest with many other beautiful creatures..... fireflies, ladybirds, butterflies and all manner of insects and plants... They all celebrated every day the joy of nature. How they loved to wake up in the morning and tend the forest is a sight to behold....As a Human being it's hard to appreciate Mother Nature but I think if it were to be gone we would.....

There was a very old spider who lived at the edge of the forest and for many years watched the fairies and fireflies, he hated to see how happy they all lived so hatched a plan that would change everything forever....Or so he thought

One night he stole the magical flame that the fireflies used to light the night sky and locked it deep beneath his web, when all the fairies found out what the wicked spider had done they were so sad. A very brave faerie called Ebony could see how sad his friends were and decided to try and reason with the spider, when he got to his web he asked the spider very nicely if he would give back the flame but the spider said " I will, only on one condition, you take its place". Ebony agreed and slowly crept into the web to take it's place instead, once inside the spider weaved a thick web so neither could escape....." You tricked me" cried Ebony

Trapped and scared beneath the web Ebony tried to reason with the spider but nothing he said could change his mind... but still he tried

While the spider and Ebony were talking a beautiful butterfly fairy from another land was flying by, she heard the spider telling the faerie that the land would always be in darkness because he couldn't stand to see himself in the light, everyone in the forest was so beautiful, the fairies and all the insects were brightly coloured, the ladybirds, butterlies and fireflies, even the mushrooms were beautiful, the spider hated that...

After hearing this, Vixie the beautiful butterfly fairy flew down to the spiders web, she told the spider that if he let Ebony and the flame free she would turn the spider into a beautiful butterfly like herself, the spider mesmerised by the beauty of the Butterfly Fairy instantly agreed but thought he could double trick the fairy by planning to keep her captive too.
After hearing the spider was in agreement the fairy said a magic spell

" Spider, spider feel my might. Spider, spider take your flight "

with that she blew a magic kiss and turned the spider into a beautiful Butterly. As soon as the spider saw how magificent he looked he flew up into the sky singing "Look at at me, look at me..." As he flew back down he remembered his plan and burst open the web, Vixie climbed in to help Ebony carry the flame, while they were both inside the spider flew down and trapped them all beneath his new wings......

After seeing this Vixie quickly said another spell...

Spider spider feel my might...
you promised
you would keep your oath...
You lied to us you wicked beast
So I take back my spell at least

In this web you will stay
for all eternal and a day....

With the spell the spider came
inside the web
a moth so tame
To fly around a light so bright
left so kindly by those mites

And like all good endings
There he stayed
Never ever
to be seen again.......

The End.....

What I used...
Papers; MME: Scarey Sparkle 12 by 12
Grand Nesti 6
Make it Crafty Digi Images: Forest Flower
and Vixie Butterfly Fairy
Emerald Faerie Digi Image: Ebony
Magnolia stamp
Bug kit stamps
Fantasy Film
Bit of Foilage stole from base from my artificial tree...Shhhhh
Copics...

Challenge
Emarald Faerie Garden: Lot's of Bling

PS...Happy Birthday Today Jo, my friend (Dotty Pudding's Place), hope you had a fabulous day hun xxxxxx

So Excited!!!! GDT with Sir Stampalot

2011-06-01T07:00:00.003+01:00

Sir Stampalot challenge
Photo inspiration

I feel so honoured.....

A few months back I got an email from the uber talented Brenda at Floral Fantasies asking if I would like to be a GDT for the challenge at Sir Stampalot in June.....My goodness was I suprised......Not only to be asked to join the challenge but to take a place the side of those uber talented gals on the team was to me a chance not to miss.... I feel so flattered to be a part of your team ladys....Thank you so much for having me as a guest designer

This months theme over at Sir Stampalot challenge is a photo inspiration....I was a little nervous creating this first project as the queen of scenes to me is Brenda, as much as I try I can't manage to get those beautiful effects Brenda creates so effortlessly

I decided on a canvas scene with Tilda picking flowers....I printed a canvas effect paper and added Tilda and the flower path. I did a bit of masking and added flowers and grass using art stamps and clarity stamps then coloured with copics and distress inks...

This one was a suprise for Brenda, I only emailed it to her last night...I know you love your flowers and fairies Brenda....

Here I used one of my favourite Hero Art Poppy background stamp, I embossed using Morning Glory/Azure Teal Two-Toned embossing powder and sponged the flowers with colours from Mountain Meadow big and juicy pad, then I added this gorgeous little Emerald Fairie coloured using copics.... Reds R02,R05, R08... Yellows Y13, Y17

The papers are a combination of some free downloads from Far Far Hill and Bo Bunny 12 by 12, I added some gauze between the layers, I came across that accidently by HAVING an accident...lol I put a knife into the dishwasher the wrong way up and when I reached in to place some other cutlery I cut my hand on the knife so went searching for the first aid kit for a plaster and found a huge bag of gauze which needless to say now lives in my craftroom ;0)

I'me off to Moms this morning, Adam and I are decorating her spare room today, I used to love to decorate till I started crafting, now it's a bit of a pain...would rather be playing with my stash...lol

For lots more inspiration hop over to see all the beautiful creations made by the lovely ladies at Sir Stampalot challenge HERE and for all your crafty essentials hop over to Sir Stampalot store HERE

Thank you so much for having me as a part of your team this month girls, I am so excited to be joining you all....

MIC Yellow and Purple

2011-05-29T14:40:00.005+01:00

Hi guys I finally managed to put these gorgeous Make it Crafty images onto a card, it's been on the go for over a week. I feel pretty happy though as it fit's there theme this week perfectly which is " Yellow and Purple "
I couldn't resist taking a clipping of the plant in the pic, I don't know what it's called but since MIL gave it to me as a tiny cutting it's bloomed and grown so beautifully over the years

What I used
MIC images
BG papers
Clarity stamp
D, Inks and Big and Juicy pad
Copics
Flowers from stash

Challenge....MIC: Yellow and Purple

Make it Colourful challenge

2011-05-22T13:57:00.008+01:00

Hi peep's, think you might have guest I am really into faux canvas's at the mo, this ones using the brand new digi images from Make it Crafty, I couldn't resist these, especially after watching Zoe do a live video on Friday night, watching and chatting to other crafters was brill, I haven't done one of those before, I felt sorry for Zoe though as she had to get up before 5 in the morning where she lives so as us in the UK could watch it in the evening here, I thought it was going to be about an hour long, it went on for 4 hours, it was past midnight by the time I crawled into bed, it was so worth staying up for though, I know everyone else really enjoyed it too, watching Zoe colour and explain techniques was fantastic, since watching her I have had to rethink how I colour and used all her tips on this canvas.

Zoe and all the team have loads of helpfull video's, tips and tutorials HERE and HERE

I coloured the mermaid's hair and skin with the same colours Zoe uses and for her tail I found a gorgeous card over at Barbara's blog HERE

copics I used
Skin....EOO, E11, E13
Hair....E50,E31,Y28
Tail and foilage...G20,G40,G82,G85
Water...B000, C3

I would like to enter this into Make it Colourful, this weeks theme is called " Colour a Water Scene"

Heads up Guy's, new images from Make it Crafty just released

2011-05-19T13:04:00.006+01:00

New from Make it Crafty, these have only been released a few minutes ago....Heres the link to see all the brand new images available now from Make it Crafty

A comment poll and some lovely doily's

2011-05-19T10:10:00.007+01:00

Just thought I would share a pic of my doily dies, these are brill, I love them so much...you can find them HERE

I have another reason for posting, since taking a break from blogging and just posting now and then I got to feeling that I am neglecting our community, I do visit you all still......I have just restricted myself from commenting as much. Because I take so long finding the words to describe my thoughts I never used to make the most of visiting as many people as I would like...

So I have added a poll to my blog to help me better understand what people would like from our community. I used to worry if I only had a small amount of comments, I wondered if I had any visitors at all at times but recently I got a counter for my blog and it's really boosted me knowing I am having visitors even if they don't have the time to leave a comment I know they like my work because they keep coming back...

I do wish blogger was a little different these day's though, people have busy lives, something like a like button at the end of a post would be more handy for everyone I think, that way you know all your hard work has been noticed....

If you have the time to comment "I WOULD" love to hear your thoughts but if like most of use who would love to spend hours writing all our thought but don't have the time, please just add your vote, it will only take a sec....
I am sure lots of you feel the same...

Fell free to add a poll of your own like this too.....just go to add a gadget and click on poll and add your own

Faux Canvas

2011-05-17T12:18:00.006+01:00

Hey peeps, heres something I have been working on for a few day's, don't be too impressed, it's not all it may appear at first because it's not actually a real canvas....For as long as I can think I have been longing to design and work with images and canvas but for all my attempts they never really worked out for me personally, you wouldn't believe how many times I have tried and failed miserably....but I have found a way it seems to achieve something on the lines and here is my first piece.....
It's actually a canvas paper download that with the help from the very talented Zoe from Make it Crafty, she very kindly helped me work out how to turn the insides of digi images into PNG's using a free programme called GIMP.....making my first faux canvas. This has just given me such a buzz, I am no artist but the versatility this has given me with what I am used to and am comfortable with is so exhilarating...

What I used
Canvas image...Far Far Hill
Digi Image: Ivy Swing from Make it Crafty
Other stamps: Clarity
Magnolia Tilda
Distress Inks
Copics

Hope you like....xxxx

If anyone likes FB, heres a link to the new Make it Crafty group

2011-05-08T16:13:00.009+01:00

Hey lovely blogbuds...Just thought I would hop over today, Moms away on holiday this week, I could have gone with them but I would have been worried sick just incase one of the boy's left the front door unlocked or left the oven on, I should give them more credit I know because they are only useless when I am home just to get out of stuff.... They think I don't know this...lol It's just getting up the courage to try it out......I wouldn't worry half so much if Hubby were home but he's working away....

Anyway's...Just thought I would hop on and say hello and share my latest make with a gorgeous Digi image from Make it Crafty, this is my first time colouring one of these lovely images, I used a free programme called GIMP to merge the images....

Yesterday I got invited to "Make it Crafty" on FB....though I am not too clever when it comes to technical stuff, I really wanted to add a link here to the group, if anyone would like to visit, heres the link....http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_158313307564879&id=158721337524076&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/home.php?sk=group_158313307564879&ap=1 I have had so much fun today, Zoe is such a lovely gal, so helpfull, I felt so at ease today, all my worries about working with digi's and colouring have been swept under the carpet since....

And to prove, heres my first Make it Crafty Make....What you think ?

I don't want to go....

2011-05-06T14:01:00.007+01:00

Hiya blogbud's, after some intence talking to myself and a few friends I have totally decided to stick around here, I might not post every day but I really would like to stay around guy's, I haven't visited anyone for weeks and I am so sorry for that, I will be catching up when I can, honestly... I have totally changed my thesis ( if that's the right word I was looking for )

I really do want to stick around and keep up with as many blog's as possible especially those who have become, and are more than....

I really need to say I can't post every day, even once a week is hard because I can't create thing's as quickly as most, I think that was one of the reasons I fell by the side. I do try hard to but theres no way, and after some thought I think I should be true to myself and to everyone, and stop being silly giving up the whole blogging thing because of....

So, here I am again, the pain in the rear that I am..... I can't promise to visit everyone often but I will, I might be short with words ( only because the more I write the more I need to spell check, I have never been good on the PC, that's something I don't like to admit ) I am OCD when it comes to this, you wouldn't believe how long I take...and still I make mistakes.....

I am not going to apologise anymore, you most likely sick of hearing it....and I don't blame you...

Heres my latest make with an added pic of my table...OMG, I made such a mess....

Can you see Smudge in the background sunbathing.

challenge...

Just Magnolia...Anything goes with optional extra of stitching

A quick hello...

2011-05-01T17:09:00.004+01:00

Hello strangers....I was a bit undecided whether to make this post as I had promised myself to take a break for a good while....I have to tell you I think I made the right decision, I really don't get stressed making cards these days and even have made cards for orders, that's something I haven't done for ages...which feels pretty good specially as it makes me a few pennies to buy more stash...lol
I am however considering doing away with my blog, only for the reason I don't have the time to post or keep up with everyone. I really do want a place to record my design's and lately have started to add them to my FB page, it feels a lot less pressure wise, I am still learning how to use it however...lol
I really don't know what to do for the best, I have made so many friends through blogging that I feel like I am letting people down but I know those people will tell me different if I am honest....

The last two weeks have been wonderful, having the family home over the bank hol's has been brill...as you know Mom's op went really well and all is good there, sadly she has other prob's which really takes her to the brink, if it's not one thing eh....

Last week I was up the vet's with my blog namesake Kip, she's got an alergy and though it's all cleared up now it's gonna cost about £ 700 to find the cause with blood tests and the likes...

Apart from all this wasn't the wedding fantastic, I had to do catch up on the news though because Hubby wasn't prepared to spend his short time at home infront of the TV which you can understand.... I thought Kate's looked beautiful, her dress was amazing...she's so skinny though don't you think....

I did have to smile at some of the outfits, lot's of fascinators.... some were rather outragous though, they could have done with looking in the mirror before wearing them...lol

Anyway I hope everyone is really well, heres a couple of my makes, the last one reflecting on the big wedding day and all those fascinators...lol

Mother's day Tilda....

2011-04-02T22:01:00.003+01:00

Hi guys , just wanted to say a massive apologies for not visiting lately, I have tried to keep up but it's been so hard these last few weeks truly.... So rather than let myself worry silly about blogging right now and keep up I really think it's fair to give up and admit defeat for a while, I really have tried to keep up here but with everything at home I really don't think it's fair to post on a hop and a catch without taking the time to pay you all the same respect....

Everythings ok, just need the time to focus on thing's outside of blogger, it's would be so easy to spill the bean's about feelings and family life but it's not the place and I really am no better or worse off than any of you, I just can't do both together that's all......

Heres a card I finished today, my Son's friend Face booked about wanting something other than a card from Tesco, I had something on the table and said I would do one for her, just hope her Mom likes it, I hardly ever make anything for other than family so I hope she likes it!!!!!

xxxx

Secret Garden....

2011-03-29T15:41:00.016+01:00

Hey guy's....seems so long since I blogged, life and everything, you already know the reason's so won't go into details there...but just to let my friends know Mom's home from hospital and doing well, still has pain from the op but all good so far...

Heres a little gift I made especially for her, it's an altered bird cage, the pic's are not brill because it's so hard to get a 3D feel, so added a few with the bit's outside, I haven't given this to Mom yet because I only just finished it, I am going to take it down to her Tomorrow. I had a helping hand with the sentiment I used which I haven't added here, some things are not needed here, and too personal to share but can I thank Jul's for the help with that, it's made this all the more special...

This little part was made using a Magnolia fairytale window as a water feature....I also used the magnolia lion and sign, I used peel offs on the sign and sponged over, then removed them....

I tried to create a secret garden with this project, heres the other side of the lion feature...

Sorry for all the pics but I have had a right game trying to get the details here...

If you would like any details about this project please leave a comment....

Challenge....
Magnolia-licious Highlites: Spring Poject
/Magnolia-licious store
Just magnolia: Distressing, Flowers and Paperpiecing

WOYWW today

2011-03-16T15:49:00.019Z

WOYWW....

Hey peeps, just managed to tear myself away and post some pic's of what's happening in my little room....I have several thing's on the go as you can see and I would have waited till they were finished but have to tear myself away from the computer and my crafting for a little while, it's mine and Hubby's anniversary next week so we have a few thing's planned, I will be back blogging in a week or so, sooner if I have my way....lol

But before I do, I really did feel the need to share this post because my lovely blogging and personal friend Jo brought herself and another for me, this super image this morning, she's called What's cookin? She's an image from Mo's Digital Pencil, she's only available for a little while, all the money from the image is donated to the Japanese crisis appeal.

If you would like to help please pop over to Mo's and to grab this image, and like my friend Jo did for me, add an extra one to your basket for a friend, it's all for such a good cause.....
Thank you Jo for buying an extra one for me....

So back to my desk, well there are a few unfinished things, a picture I plan to make as an easter gift, a picnic hamper I need to make a template post for and an easel card I started....

The cards below were inspired by the Less is more challenge, off the edge theme, this is my third go this week, they are so addictive...lol
Not sure everyone with see my sence of humour in the cards but I like them....lol

That's about it guy's, I hope the next time I am here I will have these all finished...lol If by chance you would like to know any details, just leave me a note....
Thanks for visiting, take care
x

Challenge Less is more: Off the Edge

I am so over the edge addicted!!!!

2011-03-13T14:19:00.016Z

Hey peeps, did I tell you I am becoming addicted to the Less is More challenge...lol
Heres a couple of idea's I have been messing with this morning. The first was inspired by the cute Forever Friends image, I have been meaning to make some gift cards for easter and this is my test run so to speak. I am very happy with it apart from the eggs that I stamped on patterned card, I will be rethinking that for the next attempt...
( the flower soft looks a bit bad too, the card was still wet when I took the picture, it looks better now it's dried, though I wish I had gone with the white I picked up first, why did I go for the yellow? Bunny/chicks are not the same colour, it must have been a mental brain block...lol )

I didn't find it very easy using this set of stamps, they smudge so bad, I was as gentle as I could be but the stamps were not doing what I hoped, might be because they are new and need a good run in first....

I think some kind of insert might help this gift card look better...

The next card was so quick to make, that's good for me I tell you..... I stamped the image off the edge and added the sentiment and then drew a banner outline, I don't know if I got the feel I hoped for but as far as CAS this is a breakthrough for me.....

(Have to thank Meesh for this set of stamps in my lovely parcel of goodies)

If you fancy joining in with this challenge just hop over HERE....it's a fantastic theme this week, perfect for the old mojo, mine has been on overdrive!!!!

Less is More Challenge...Off the edge

2011-03-12T13:48:00.008Z

Afternoon all, I hope everyone is getting the lovely sunshine we are having here today.....

This little card has been going around my head all morning, after dropping over to Chrissie and Mandi's challenge at Less is more earlier I have to say I was so excited, they have such a fantastic challenge this week called " Off the Edge " and I have to admit I couldn't wait to get back from tesco today, I couldn't consentrate on the shopping at all...it's a good job I had my Hubby with me to remind me what I needed.... I think he thought I was mad as I was in a dream state all the way around the isles....lol
Anyway, as I said the theme is off the edge and I hope you like my take this week girls, you know I am new to CAS cards but since joining your challenge I have found new confidence from your's and all the enties, the community spirit is just wonderful......

I had so much going through my mind about the design of this card, what images to use and colours to use them with, below is my practice run. And as Mandi and Chrissie are totally honest with their costructive criticism I would totally welcome your thoughts of improvement , that's the only way to learn in my book.....

What I used...
I brought several packs of DL cards from Asda over a year back, they had thank you guilded at the top of the card which I chopped off but for 21p for a pack of 8 I thought they would come in usefull.....
The image is from Magnolia, I mounted it on a clear acrylic block and line it up to the bottom edge of the card on the outside and inside to get perfect placement...
I coloured the stamp with Tombow pens....
Cut out a circle with a nestie....
The sentiment was one from the two I thought went with the image, they were both win's from a huge suprise of goodies I won with Sirstampalot's challenge in January....Thank you guys I loved everything.....

I think that covers everything. If you fancy having a go yourself just hop over to Less is More, you won't be disappointed, everyone is so inspiring and friendly.....I can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with this week.....

A room with a view.....

2011-03-08T15:46:00.012Z

Hi guys, hope you don't mind me sharing my latest make. I felt a little reluctant to share this card to be honest, I think I went way OTT with the foilage, and the colour of the sun is so much brighter than I first thought it would be. I think it's all down to me designing the image and colouring before picking out the papers.
I really got into the little girl fitting so nicely with the magnolia frame and just started to colour her last night. Then this morning when I got up I thought I would find a challenge and try to come up with card.
The only papers I had that came close to fitting were the Cappella pad from BG, they have a subtle hint of blue here and there which I wanted to tie into my image....I am so going to take more time and think before I start another card, you should see my room, it's a disaster....lol

I would like to enter this card into a couple of challenges, firstly Friday Sketchers, Rach has designed a beautiful sketch this week that I have followed almost to the letter apart from the sentiment, it just didn't look right at that angle, I think it was down to the font design but I really liked the way it seemed to go with the image...Hope you can forgive that part from me Rach...x

what I used...
Magnolia window...
Art Impression girl and foilage...
Stampman sentiment....
Nesties...
Wild Orchid Flowers...
BG paper Pad...
TH embossing folder....
Vintage Photo ink pad...
and bits and bobs from stash....

Challenges....
Friday Sketchers: Sketch by Rach
WOC: Anything goes
Sir Stampalot: Spring is in the air

Thats about it today peeps, just have a mega mess to clean up before I can start something new, thanks for hopping over today.

I have a task tomorrow, my youngest Son wants to make some cakes. Since I got all creative in the kitchen I have to say I have made a breakthrough with my baking skills and I can only put that down to taking the time to learn, and with a little trial and error I am getting better, well I think I must be because the cakes don't stick around long....lol

So, Adam wants to try his hand at it now. I think he wants to get his hands on all the sprinkly bit's you garnish with but we shall see....lol

Wish me luck....lol
xxxx

hello...

2011-03-06T10:07:00.004Z

Morning!!!!

I have to tell you I haven't done much crafting this week, my PC has been throwing a wobbly again. I think it's because I keep it switched on all the time and it's overheated, plus one of my graphic cards has bit the dust. I have been saved though...lol Hubby has reconditioned it yet again, it now has a new graphic card and even a water cooler....it's all mumbo jumbo to me though...lol
As long as it comes on and I can use it....eh

Anyway, enough needless chat, heres my latest make, I am not 100% happy with it though, I wish I had coloured it with copics because I am useless with watercolours but I thought just a touch of colour here and there would be more fitting for the Less is More challenge this week, the gals would like to see pastels as their theme....Looking at the card now I could have done with colouring the bear a softer colour and I would have made another but I have a pile of ironing that has to be done today, so I reluctantly have to do that before I can come back and play....

What I used
Magnolia Window stamp....
Art Impression Girl stamp....
Watercolour pencils.....

Challenges

Less is More; Pastel Colours

Just Magnolia; Anything Goes

Papertake Weekly; Anything Goes

Thats it for now gang, have a fab day, catch you later
x

Flowers, flower's everywhere....

2011-02-26T14:40:00.031Z

Hey guys, hope the weather where you are is better than it is here, the rain has been bouncing off the conservatory for two days....

Well I guess your wondering what I have been up to as I haven't blogged for a week, it wasn't on purpose, just life I guess... James my eldest was on nights for the first time this week so all went to pot in the house....I don't know about any of you but I can't face food first thing in the morning and making him his breakfast every day has turned my stomach.... he's worth it!!! x

Any how I digressed, I would like to say a couple of thank you's, first to Meesh, I was so suprised I had won her candy this week and feel truly honoured to have found such a lovely friend from finding her blog recently. Candy aside she know's how much I adore her work, I stalk her all the time...lol
Secondly I won top 3 at LOTV, how fab, I have even been asked by the very talented Bev if she could do a feature....What a surise that was....I have been pinching myself all week with all these lovely things happening....

Right I have had my five minutes of life this week, heres a little card I would like to share today, it's a bit different for me but a change is always good.... I get so inspired by looking around blogs and have picked up so many idea's and techniques, and would like to share my take on some of those things.... Scrapbooking is not my thing but you should visit people who do as they have some wonderful idea's that can easily be used on cards.....

So with that in my mind I came up with this card, I really hope I didn't over do it, I must admit I got so carried away....as shown with all the pic's.....

There is so much going on in this card I thought I would add some of the items I used....

This is a very old sizzix cupid cut on grunge paper, it works best if you paint it before inking....
Any white paint or primer will do...
After it dried I inked it with a dye base pad and then glittered using a dries clear glue...

I have a few chipboard pieces but to make them stretch I use some as templates...

Here I drew around the chipboard ( remember if you draw on the back of patterned paper it will be facing the other way when you turn it over ) but if you flip it you can make it face either side depending...

To add interest I stamped a swirl and inked the edges, makes such a difference...

The one I used on my card I added crackle accents and then a course glitter...

This below was just one of those playing about moments, I got the flower charms last year and never used them because I didn't have a brad big enough but I found a way around that with these paper pens, I placed the charm on a piece of acetate before adding the gloss pen, it does sink so you need to apply more than once but let each time dry....

On the one I used on my card I sprinkled glitter over the last coat....

This butterfly is on my card, you can't see it so well with all the details but thought I would show you how I made it, it's using a clear glue and twinklets, when it dries looks better if you ink the edges....

And finally I used the chipboard again as a template and stuck it onto double sided sticky sheet

Cut it out...

Removed the cover film and dipped into gold leaf flacks, this is a multicolour one...
Rub it all over with you finger till you get a nice finish...

The effect in the picture isn't as nice as it is in the flesh....and I went over with glossy accents and a fine glitter on the one I used on my card....

I hope I haven't out stayed my welcome and you were bored after the first few lines...lol

If I missed anything, please leave me a message. Right thats it then for today, I wonder what I will do with the rest of the day now....lol A bit more crafting shouldn't wonder....lol

Thanks for dropping by, have a great weekend
x

Challenges

Allsorts ; Make your own Flowers
Crafts and Me; Time to spread your wings
Stamp Something; Something with Flowers
CES; Flowers and Flutterby's
Creative Card Crew; Fantasy
SweetStamps; Flowers

What's in the box....

2011-02-19T17:03:00.006Z

Hey guys...I am visiting today with a project I really got carried away with. This little ditty took me days to finish, and I must admit it was never meant to be quite like it turned out but my little luggage bag ended up becoming a picnic basket with a sweet suprise....
Hope you likey...lol

It took me ages to make a template for the case/luggage/picnic basket....

But after I got my head around it I must admit it's dead easy and if anyone would like me to make a tut I can sort one out....

I have had a right game taking the pic's today sorry....I can't find my charger and after a lot of turning off and on my camera I managed to just about get these pictures, they are not the best and don't get the true pic's I wanted to share....Sorry.....
I have used several papers not to hand but if you would like any details about this project please leave me a message....

I would have liked to add some close ups as I have done such a lot of work but hey never mind....

I would like to take your attention to the little image at the back, it's one from LOTV, I altered them to sit nicely on the fence, it might sound cruel but I cut off the legs and glued them to the post below....I think it worked out well. I was undesided about what to put in their hands and had thought about a cupcake but I am so glad I went for the balloons on a bit of wire...

The little fella to the left is another LOTV image, I just cut him down to place him nicely against the beehive....
In the picnic basket is the bear with his eye on the honey...lol Behind him are some yummy Cadbury mini eggs...He's a new image from Fizzy Moon, I got him from Dunhelm, I only went to get some fabric and lace and came home with him too...lol

I made a blanket by cutting a square and fraying the edges and to tie it in added the knife and fork...
And at the front is a gorgeous LOTV fairy...Makes me think spring is already here...lol

Challenges...

LOTV: My Favourite Colours

Just Magnolia: Love you

Allsorts: Inspired by Nature

Thats all for now guys...please let me know your thoughts good or bad I can take it...
xxx

A quick post before I get rumbled...lol

2011-02-16T12:31:00.007Z

Hey peeps, huge apologies for not being around this week to visit. It's not easy keeping away but having time with the family is so precious as their work takes them away so much....
But while I have this moment , I couldn't help myself to hop on the PC and have a catch up with you all to see what you have been up to...

These cards are a few of the ones I didn't get to post the other day, they are not my normal style I know but I have so enjoyed making thank you cards for Mom lately that I seem to have got carried away....

I have DH home till Monday so I plan to make the most...lol

Thank you so much for hopping over, if you would like any details about these cards just leave a comment or mail me....
Thanks for visiting today, see you soon
xxx

So many cards.....

2011-02-13T15:25:00.016Z

ONE LAYER CARD

Hey guys... I really hope you don't mind lot's of pic's today, you know I have been making some thank you cards for Mom to send to her friends for all the support while she was in hospital, well here are some photo's of what I made....
Now I have to say I was worried about making these cards, because I craft so slow thought I would copy some the same to get them finished quicker. You might think that ok and great thinking but I hate to make two cards the same, don't ask me why, my only explanation is I get bored easy, once a card is made I want to try something different.....

I have been inspired this week though, I checked out the new blog challenge " Less is More " and I can't tell you how much inspiration I have gotten from the design team and all the entry's....
You would think clean and simple would be easy peasy but in my opinion it's so not......it's so hard to get it right.

I have been totally converted this week, less is more is so much more than just those words to me now and I am so going to be making many more cards with that in mind....

Not all these cards are clean and simple but it's a lovely feeling to challenge myself to try something new to me...
I won't go through all the details for these cards because it will take me forever but if you would like to know more just leave a comment or mail me.....

Now I don't think I totally understand the one layer theme this week at "Less is More" but my first card I would like to enter in their challenge, I printed on my card and embossed with a nestie and then followed the instructions from THIS POST I made a few days back.... I haven't added any dimentions but wonder if embossing still counts, I think it does though.....

Hope your all enjoying what's left of the weekend gang, I haven't visited anyone today sorry, as soon as I sort out these cards I will be back to catch up and then I think I will have a few days off, it's Hubby's b'day in a few days and he will be home so I might be awol for a short time but I will be back again soon x

Catch you later
xxx

Allsorts challenge: It's all about the Sentiment...

2011-02-12T10:45:00.005Z

Morning peeps, here a quick post before I go and do the weekly shop....
This is my Valentine card for Hubby made using Country Companion stamps, I adore this set called lovers lane...

The sentiment was a freebie from a mag I brought last year...

And this week over at Allsorts their challenge is all about sentiments so I am going to sneak this little one in there...lol

Sorry my post is short and sweet, hubbys giving me the eye so I best get my shopping bag....lol

Be back later
xxx

Clean and simple tutorial

2011-02-11T10:46:00.008Z

Hi peeps, just thought I would check in as I have not been a good blogger this week due to me taking my crafting away from my PC... I have been asked by Mom to make some thank you cards and so thought if I crafter away from the computer I would get them done in a jiffy....
Great idea at the time but I must admit I have still struggled to come up with some designs. Don't get me wrong I have made several cards but not to the standard I would like, I thought some clean and simple designs would be pretty straight forward but oh no, it's not as easy as that.....
How do you get a card with just a couple of element to look like something other than just a plain old card?

Like I said I have several other cards made, some are pretty nice but like my last card blogged are on a cute and young kind of feel, my Mom has so many lovely friends of all ages so I wanted to try and make a few different designs to fit all...
This morning I thought I would have a go at something a bit more mature so went for a stamp from Hero Arts, this is a beautiful stamp and I wanted to create something soft but with an impact as I don't want to add anything other than a sentiment...
So as you can see I tried it with a few inks and embossing powders and just a frame made by embossing a nestie...

I think the pic at the top has won me over so just to let you know what I used heres a quick tut on how to make....

First choose a stamp slightly larger than your nestie...
Make a mask on copier paper with the nestie and then emboss a piece of card with the same nestie...
Line up the copier frame over the card and stamp image and emboss ( I preffered the clear embossing powder for this card)
Then ink as desired.....

And there you have it...I have to make about 30 cards so I best get cracking....
Thanks for hopping by today, have a fabulous weekend
xxx

Another technique for creating a sky background....

2011-02-10T09:57:00.006Z

Morning all...Just thought I would show you another technique for creating a sky background by masking stamps... First of all I stamped a cloud (Magnolia ) onto post it notes as close to the sticky edge as I could get them, then cut them out and after deciding my design stamped a few clouds and an image ( Woodland Folk ) onto card and covered with the masks, then with a brayer inked it up in sky colour and rolled over the paper....

I've been playing all morning with some of these new Woodland Folk and as lovely as they are its such a hard job to get them to look like they do on the package art, even with copics its hard to get the brush marks really fine so I found my colouring pencils and sketch pencils and really think it's made a more realistic finish even though my artistic skills are not brill I like what I did...even if he looks like he fell on a cactus...lol

So there you have it, my first of many thank you cards for Mom

Thanks for stopping by today....
xxx

WOYWW? my handmade stamp

2011-02-09T14:39:00.009Z

WOYWW

Hey guys, I don't know where the time has gone today, and I am so behind, I haven't done any housework yet and haven't the first idea what to cook for dinner.
I've been out all morning, my youngest has been doing some painting for his Nan and I have done her a little shopping, as soon as we walked back in the house I made a quick sandwich for the boys and here I am sitting at my PC, I really shouldn't because I have tonnes to do but I need 5 minutes to recuperate...
I did have a nice suprise when I got home though, a nice little package my hubby ordered for me the weekend, I won't show you them yet though...lol
While sitting here though I was wondering about what kind of papers I would use with some of the items and my mind got to thinking...
So above is what I have made in the last few minutes, now don't go oh that's rubbish...lol It's my first try, it was made using some funky foam and an old and I mean really old sissix bubble die, that was the only thing I could find in my stash close enough to looking like a cloud...

So I popped it through the bigshot a few times and stuck it to another sheet of funky foam and with a glue stick stuck it to a block and tested it on a bit of copier paper, so above you can see it works pretty good....

This card was finished last night, would you believe it's taken me almost a week to finish, I wouldn't mind but it's tiny....lol I had to copy and shrink the Daisy image I used though as the image I was going to use didn't look so nice

I haven't got all the elements to hand but if you would like to know what I used just drop me a line....

Well thats my show and tell today, I must do some housework before I sit down again...Moms asked me to make her a load of thank you cards for all the lovely cards she got while in hospital, her living room looks like a card shop, it's full of lovely cards sent by her friends, and I was so suprised at how many were handmade... Though I felt ever so guilty as I hadn't made her one....ain't that typical of someone with a trade so to speak not using it for themselves, if you know what I mean.....

Right guys, thanks for stopping by and listerning to me rattle on and on...
Catch you ltr
x

Just a few links you might like....

2011-02-05T19:08:00.003Z

Meesh's Candy....

No post as such today guys but I would like to share some links you might find interesting...
Firstly is this one from Meesh's House of cards, I only found her blog today but have been blown away with her amazing talent, her blog is full of uber gorgeous designs, she has such an imagination it's so inspiring, I can't tell you....
She also has a massive candy up for grabs. I would just love one of her cards.........Honestly, you really need to hop over and see for yourself what beautiful creations she makes, her colouring had me dribbling...

Secondly is this link from Potter'z Paper Paradise, Angie has a gorgeous blog, her cards are gorgeous and she's so multi talented, you should see her Brambly hedge primrose knitting, it knocked me sideways....

Next I have a link from Shery K Designs, my friend Jane told me about this one, it's full of gorgeous papers....

Heres another lovely blog, full of gorgeous free downloads and templates called...
Don't Eat the Paste

And as I am so into trying my hand at chrochet I found this link too...
Amigurumi crochet patterns

I hope you find these links usefull, please leave some love and respect their rights and all that stuff....

I think thats about it today except to say hubby took me out shopping, bless the lovely Pinky got me all excited the other day with a card she made, heres the link to the wonderful card she made here... Oh hun what did you do to me...lol I was all good and ready to call it a day on spending till I saw your design, poor hubby's been sweating all afternoon....lol Bless him, since my Son has been working away from home so much I don't get the chance to go out shopping but I fixed all that today... I have a few new goodies to play with now though I do feel guilty but I am sure it will pass...lol

Laugh, it's the best medicine....

2011-02-04T14:09:00.010Z

Hey guys...Just pesty old me again...lol
Just an update, Moms home...hurray...still a bit poorly and taking antibiotics but to have her back is fantastic....She's not 100% and needs ongoing treatment but it's such a relief to have her out of hospital... I am not a fan of visiting hosy's, all the scarey storys you hear makes me such a nervous wreck
I know I'me a wimp and have a nervous disposition which makes it all the more harder for me. Your kindness and support over the last couple of weeks has been such a blessing to me...Thank you all so much x

While I was home today I managed to finish this, it's been ongoing for ages, I have played and scrapped so many attempts to get where it is now...

I found a gorgeous Mardi Gra image on the net a while back and it really stuck in my mind, only thing is I can't find the flaming thing to share with you but will keep looking to see if I can...
It was amazing and only wished I had saved the link...

I started off by trying to draw a mask, it's not brill, after scanning it on copier paper the image looks a bit messy but if you would like to print it you can cut it out and use it as a template like I did....

If you need more info about what I used just leave a note....

Sorry but I have been a bit behind today and need to rush off, as you can see below I am in the middle of preparing dinner, this is a recipe I stole from my hubby...
Pork in apple juice cooked in the slow cooker and to get a crispy edge finished in the oven...I so often fail at crackling because of the cut of the joint but today had a bit of a brain wave and found some skewers out....
We are not huge chip fan's in our house but homemade wedgies are a treat now and then, sliced spuds with a little olive oil and a shake of Jamie or two...lol. And a lovely crusty loaf....What a treat...lol
For all those cringing, I do do veg or rice...lol I have two young lads who really watch what they eat, sad but typical, I remember being a teenager.....

Thats about it from me, now I have to clean my mess up, my craft table is completely covered with everything from my madness....lol

Catch you later guys, have a fab weekend
xxxx

Challenge

Gingersnap Creations; Chestnut Theme Challenge: Kings and Queens....

Oh Baby, baby....

2011-02-01T12:08:00.009Z

Hey guys...Just to let you know Mom's still in hospital, she's still got an infection so they want to keep her in a bit longer to try and find out what it is. I am sorry for not visiting much at the moment but I wouldn't be much company right now to be honest...

I haven't done much crafting lately but I had a couple of things started and this morning finished off this card. It was an image kindly sent to me by my blogging pal Clare....thank you so much hun, I hope you like what I created...

I haven't made a baby card in ages and when I sat down to design it I wanted to keep it clean and simple so I went for a design I hope you will like, I have a tutorial here for the basic design if you fancy having a go....

The papers are from DCWV Nana's Nursery, image Penny Black, I used a few nesties, MS punch and flowers from Wild Orchid and Cuttlebug embossing plate. The sentiment was a bargain but not sure where I got it from....

Right thats me for now, except to say a huge thank you to Sir Stampalot, I found out yesterday I won their monthy challenge, I can't tell you how made up I was, it's come at such a time when I was feeling almost ready to give up blogging with the family situation...Not that I am in the game to win stuff but to be recognised for my designs is awesome as there are so many more talented people in this game these day's, I had been feeling like a needle in a haystack and thought I wouldn't be missed....

Thanks so much for hopping by, take care
xxx

Challenges for this card....

Penny Black at Allsorts; Say it with flowers...
Sir Stampalot; Creatures great and small...
Wild Orchid; Love is...

Thank you my friends....

2011-01-29T16:57:00.004Z

Can I take a moment please....

I would just like to say a massive sincere and uber thank you to everyone who got intouch and left comments for my last post....I was so touched by you all, I haven't been the best blogger lately but I know you understand the reason...

If I could thank you all in person I would honestly, I feel so humbled by your concern and haven't the word's to express how much they meant...

Can I just give you an update...Moms still in hospital, it took a few days to get to the cause and we thought all was bright the other day but since, an infection has set in so she's got to stay there for now.

I am sorry for not visiting you lately but hope to be back soon

Your all diamonds!!!!!!!

I haven't had much sleep these last few day's and even though telly's been pants in the evenings I came across an amazing person, and you thought reality tv was just recent...
You might know of this man but till this week I was oblivous....

Fred Dibnah....

I have been in awe!!!

Why....

2011-01-24T18:13:00.003Z

Hey guys, hope you don't mind me not sharing anything today...Ive just had a day from hell, you know the phone call you dread about a loved one....

My Mom was rushed into hospital this morning, I won't add the details as it's not really for blogger but I just feel so helpless, since getting home earlier I have been going out of my mind.... You know the feeling....You can't sit or think for a minute...

The hospital have a job to do finding out what's what but I could cry seeing my Mom laying their in pain not knowing why..... I know that the Doctors need to do tests and all that, and with the family standing over, worried out of our mind it's more for them to deal with...I respect that and thank them for it honestly...
It's just the whole system that I can't handle...Everything has changed so much, and not for the better....

Sorry folks for laying this here on blogger but I am so angry and out of my mind right now, and sorry for using you to express my feelings....

You know what I did when I got home today, I started baking....Flaming cupcakes and muffins....Why?

My own free digi KC BOXERS

2011-01-23T12:24:00.009Z

Afternoon everyone....Heres something you don't see often on my blog...

A Mans card, I don't know about you but I really struggle to come up with idea's for them.
After visitiing Allsorts yesterday and seeing all their gorgeous creations I was so inspired to at least give it a go. I sat and thought about my boys and was pondering about their likes and out of the blue by just looking at one of the lads had a brain wave....

Now I don't know if there are any of these kind of images or stamps out there but I haven't seen any so got my pensil out and started to sketch this image then went over with a Sakura pen, scanned it and here we have it.
I am not sure what you will make of my drawing but I hope I have achieved the effect...

You can see that I added stitching and letters seperatly so as you can add your own...

The CK design is not Calvin Klein, its actually my title Kips Cards...hehe
If you would like this image just click on the image and save, all I ask is you link back to my blog please....You don't need to become a follower but I would love it if you did...

Please let me know what you think and also if you have a better catch phase as I would love to know your take...

Thanks so much for dropping by today...
Take care...

Challenge...Allsorts...Male/Boys

Tutorial for last post...Cake Stand

2011-01-21T15:53:00.014Z

TUTORIAL FOR POST BELOW
Hi guys, just wanted to show you the card from my last post does fold down well and will fit into an envelope....

I got a lovely email earlier asking me if I would make a tutorial for the cake stand, and I hope these pictures will help me explain...

So here goes, I used two sets of nesties in three different sizes for the layers

For each layer I glued the circle and then cut into the outer layer...

Then I cut about a third off...

And with a scoreboard I scored a thin border and folded....

Then cut off the excess on the folded edge.....

Then just folded down the frilly edge...

Then just glue the back edge to your project and let dry....

I hope this explains a little, please let me know if its clear enough and I would love you to share your projects if you fancy giving this a go....

Time to Party....

2011-01-21T12:18:00.010Z

Hey Gang, just wanted to share my latest card before making a start on clearing the mess I created while making it...lol

Not sure if I have pulled it off but I wanted to create a cake stand filled with cupcakes but also be able to fold flat....All my elements should lay flat from the way I designed the card but I still need to let some bits dry off before I try that part....

I would like to enter this card in a couple of challenges...first being Just Magnolia who have a sketch this week and secondly Wild Orchid Crafts who have Sentiment's as their theme....

The papers for my project were gathering dust , I have a knack of not using lovely papers and this year have decided not to be so skinny or just admire my stash. I really want to get down and shake my phobia off...

Since I recently started getting down in the kitchen I have taken the inspiration for my card from there....My baking's not going bad, I have made cupcakes, cookies, rulade and even mince pies which were all a success in the house....The only major disaster were my marshmellows, I brought sheet gelatin and got the measurements all mixed up as the recipe was with the powder....Its not put me off though, as they say practice makes......

So here we have one of my better bakes.....lol
Gorgeous cupcakes and toffee apples for a party....

Hope you like....

Ingredients....

Stamps....
Magnolia

Papers....
Docrafts

Flowers...
Wild Orchid

Please let me know if you need more info on my project. I have no problem with anyone using my designs, copy them with my pleasure if you think they are good enough but please respect me by linking back any of my own ideas...They are far and few these days...lol

Thank you so much for taking the time to drop by, have a wonderful weekend guys...
xxxx

ps....let me know what you think of Tilda please....I have tried several times to give her a mouth and decided against it but I just wanted to give the impression she was blowing out the candle with this project....I haven't stuck her down so with a second opinion from you I will make my final decision......Thanks x

Room with a view...

2011-01-16T15:03:00.007Z

Afternoon all, just a quick update...My downsizing is going well, I have a huge box of stash ready for the off....I am going to take everything to my local charity shop ( fingers crossed they get lots of dosh for the hospice )

While I was sorting though I did feel a bit inspired so with some of my old stash, heres a little something....
I am going to enter this project into Just Magnolia challenge this week, they would like to see Favourite things....And even though it's took me some time to realize, I have to say my favourite thing is my scissors....

I still have loads to sort through but at least I am making progress..lol

I hope your all having a wonderful weekend, thanks for dropping over
xxx

Less is more....

2011-01-13T14:41:00.006Z

Hey peeps, how ya all doing eh? I just wanted to share my card today, it's going to be the last for a wee while, I know and can see you laughing and saying ye right because I am a total blogger addict but I really need some time off here, I have been getting well upset over nothing lately, such as my coal fire, as lovely and needed as it is this time of year, its making a right mess in the house, I am as carefull as I can be but picking up papers from my craftroom covered in soot is something I don't like, so I am packing and sorting everything away for now...

I noticed today how much stash I really have and the money spent to see it get bleached by the sun or ruined by neglect got me really thinking....
I am going to have a real downsize....Blogging has made me a freak in a sort of respect...Not that I have turned my back but I personally can't keep up with so much coming out and wanting everything. I dare say I won't stick like glue to this revelation but I want to try. I have brought so many beautiful things over the years and they sit neglected, I went through some of my stash today and some of my beautiful papers have browned at the edges due to me not wanting to cut them up and leaving them in the conservatory...

This card was made from old card stock and download paper, the image is from LOTV...

I will stick around blogger but I really need to sort my craft room and downsize..I am hoping I will have more to show for it because looking back I fell I was so much more creative will fewer things....

Thanks for visiting me and I will be visiting you all while I am sorting out...
xxx

On a lighter note, my eldest comes home for keeps tomorrow, I can't wait...x

Challenge...LOTV: Things with wings

20% off at Secret Crafter

2011-01-11T15:39:00.002Z

Just a quick post here today gang, my mojo is well and truly deflated lately, I haven't had much time to blog over the holiday. I hoped after everyone went back to work I would step right back here and have loads of inspiration but sadly not, so I hope your not disappointed...

I had got all excited by my pal Tracey sending me a lovely note the other day, she's part and parcel of Wendy's shop over at Secret Crafter and as shy as she might apear in blogland she's so not in life, infact she's a total joy and inspiration in person, with an uber gift of a personality, and while she tends to keep herself to herself in the land of blogging its because she's working so hard at Secret Crafter...She has become a part of the SC design team but I think she's a bit shy, so please peeps just go over HERE and give her a kick...lol Bless, she works nights so hardly gets any sleep, so I think she would love a visit and comment or two to brighten her vampire nights as she puts it...lol

Also, just a quick note to say although Wendy from Secret Crafter is away taking a well deserved holiday, she still has a sale over at Secret Crafter with 20% off all stock excluding already sale items...for details click HERE

A couple of challenges

2011-01-09T15:09:00.008Z

Evening all... I have a card for a couple of challenges here.
I really wanted to join in with Sir Stampalot this month, the challenge is a great one and I put a lot of though into this project, for all the details and a chance to join their blog hop before the closing date tomorrow night just click HERE. I haven't done the hop yet but with everyone going back to work later I will be joining in as soon as their off....
My card was inspired by the theme of " A Winters Tale " and my quote is one from the Daughter Perdita who was banished and thought dead, she was rescued and raised by a shepherd

Heres a link to a short snippet of her tale

The other challenge I would like to enter my card in is with Crafts and Me who want to see paper tearing

( I stamped the image with distress inks Faded jeans,
hence my light use of copics on the image )

What I used
Stamp Eternity from Crafts and ME
Papers gcd studio ella blue
Sentiment computer generated
Flowers following Brenda's tutorial HERE

What could it be!!!

2011-01-08T18:52:00.005Z

Just me again, I forgot I made this card till my Son came home and opened a parcel with a watch for his Birthday...
This was a trial and error card, I had meant to have another go at one and give it a better finish because like you do you always see things you could have done better. At the time my Son wanted a card for his friend and I spent so much time with the mechanics I let it down with the over all finish on this slider card.
Next time I will definitely put more effort especially on the topper, I didn't have a watch stamp and feel I let myself down there, though it might have needed something totally different, I don't know, I have tonn's of stash but I have a feeling thats the problem lately. I have been thinking lately I should down size as my work has gotten sloppy because I have so much stuff...

Anyhow, heres my prototype so to speak

A fancy challenge at Allsorts....

2011-01-08T16:06:00.007Z

Afternoon all

Heres a card I made today for Allsorts Challenge, the lovely gals over there have a cracking challenge of " Fancy Folds ". I must say gals I have made a right mess making this card, the floor is still covered in bits of paper and that might be hard to believe considering this card fold is so simple to make...

I clocked this card fold on Create and Craft a while ago and even though it's so easy I hope it's ok for the challenge!!!!

What I used....

Stamp from Crafts and Me: Crimson Rose ( I have had this stamp for months and this is it's first time inked )

Papers are downloaded from Jessica Sprague the pinfeather collection
Flowers: Wild Orchid

Challenge: Allsorts

I think thats it for now guys but if you see anything I forgot to add just kick me...lol I mean leave me a note....

Thanks for dropping by
xxx

WOYWW 2011 calendar

2011-01-05T15:38:00.012Z

WOYWW?

Hey peeps, Happy 2011 to you all, sorry for not dropping by much lately, having Hubby and the kids home has been lovely over the holiday and as they mostly work away right now I wanted to give them my 100% attention, James went back to The Isle of Sheppey yesterday, Hubby doesn't go back till next week so we have been doing a few jobs in the house. Yesterday we brought a chimney sweep and cleaned out the flu, it wasn't as bad as last year but no matter how carefull you are the soot gets everywhere, I spent most of last night cleaning and all today....
I have a black bin bag full of soot and my poor vacuum cleaner is in disrepair ( I was wondering wether there was a use for soot but I am sick of the sight of it...lol)

Anyway back to my pics, this is a working progress, I did wonder why I started it because it's seems to be taking forever. I wanted to make a calendar for my Mom, I don't get the chance to make her many things as she's a Jehovah Witness and doesn't do Christmas or Birthdays and some stamps I have are not right so after some thought and a bit of work on the PC I am hoping to get this finished by the end of the week...
I will fix it together with my zutter hopefully, I haven't used it yet and am a bit worried but I think I will punch the holes before fixing the images in place...

All the images are from Sugar Nellie the Gorguss collection, I don't think Mom gets the magnolia images so I am just glad I had enough of these images with some kindly sent to me by my blogging bud Kat, thanks babe x
The image below is my all time favourite because I found a gorgeous card made by my uber gorgeous talented and since pestering from me friend Lily...lol

Items used...
Papers Jessica Sprague.com
Sugar Nellie Gorguss Girls
Calendar Cutting Cafe'
Colouring Copics
Nesties

Well thats about it for now guys, thanks for dropping by my blog today
xxxx

Handmade XBOX for my Sons 18th.....

2010-12-30T15:56:00.007Z

Hi all, this is a last minute thing here....I don't usually do Man cards and admit to buying my Son Adam a card but felt so bad especially as it will be his 18th new years day, so after a bit of a brain wave last night I sat down today and came up with this....

XBOX is his fav and I can guarentee if I was to get up from my chair I could find him playing Black Opps online with his buds....

So with some research online I got out my trusty embossing board and hey presto.....
I have to admit its took me all day to make and I still need to add a couple of things but I am well chuffed...lol I just hope he likes it because after popping in the living room earlier I found his XBOX is a newer addition but I think this ones a classic and am sticking with it...lol

Sorry for the poor pics, this time of year is a pain....

So what you think of my XBOX then eh...lol
I am being brave posting it now as Adams not seen it yet so a big Shhhh for now...lol

All the best for 2011.....

2010-12-28T16:07:00.003Z

Hello all, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and your all enjoying this festive time, ours was quiet, kids all grown up now.....
Though it's been a comfort to have everyone home with all the dodgy weather, though it's been pretty mild here, I bet it will turn for the worse again as soon as everyone has to go back to work....Sod's law eh.....

Anyway back to post... Heres a card made using some of my new download papers and Tilda, it's not too fussy, I tried to add a few flowers but they just didn't seem to work so added a charm instead.....

I have a busy few day's ahead, my youngest is 18 on New Years day, doesn't seem possible, I don't know where the time goes.

I would like to wish you all a Wonderfull New Year, be safe, take care and all the best for 2011

Items used.....

Papers...Jessica Sprague. Pinfeathers collection

Distress inks with watercolour paper and Digital images

2010-12-21T14:43:00.006Z

Hey Peeps, OMG has Christmas come early or what.... I can't believe how fast this year has gone by and now here we all are with just a few days to go...

I, like others am not prepared but it will come and go like usual so I keep my chin up and blag everything I forgot...lol

My boys are grown up now so it's time together with the family for us this year thats going to mean the most for me, though I do miss the old days....

I have Hubby safely home now, the weather has made things hard for all. My Son is still training on the Isle of Sheppey, it was hit and miss weather last weekend he would be able to travel back there on Sunday but he and his pal who he met through the course traveled back together for moral support....They got back down there ok and I have everything crossed they come home safely tomorrow...x

I have been without a pc for ages it seems, both mine and hubbys pc's have been a pain, all I can see in my consevatory is bit's and pieces, I haven't the first idea with computers so leave it all to hubby to get me up and running, the computer below is his, it looks like a shell as all the components have been removed to make room for a new motherboard and allsorts...Long story......

So as I am able to get online today I would like to wish all my friends out there the best Christmas ever, have a fab one....And all the best for 2011....

My card today was one I managed to make from turning my hand to distress inks...And I was so pleased as the image is a digital one...
I love digi images and with copics they work really well but I wanted to try and water colour so from some time and effort I finally managed both I hope.....

HOW I WATERCOLOUR WITH DIGI'S

To water colour with digi's you need to print out your image and then run the image under the tap to bleed the colour out before colouring....

I used Saunders Waterford paper, it's a pretty thick paper but it went through my Canon inkjet printer fine, as soon as it printed I cut the image out with a nestie and then run it under the tap to bleed out the ink, then I set it aside for half an hour.
Then coloured with distress inks.....

I am not the best at colouring and have had several issues with watercolouring but I think I am making a breakthrough, in the past I have used too much water so my advise is to go gentle, it's time consuming but its worked for me from past experience

Poor PC....

Image from Sassy Cheryl; Flat Bottom Snowy

Happy Christmas to all my lovely friends out there and everyone, have a fabulous time and stay safe this winter

Huge hugs

looky here.....

2010-12-12T17:27:00.008Z

Hey peeps....This post is one I wasn't going to make as I have been so involved with the family lately and also the fact I hate making Christmas cards and haven't made many in the past because I hate to make more than one card the same....

And also my blogging has been nil, I haven't visited any of my pal's for ages....HOPE YOU ALL FORGIVE ME!!!!!

So I have no right to expect a response and don't deserve one but please read on a little because I have found a fabulous link to a site, you may or may not of heard of but I thought I could at least share my find today with those who are not familiar.

It has nothing at all to do with my pic's, if I am honest these photo's are me making a mess with distress inks, I love copics but depend on them so much, so thought I would have a go at watercolouring again, this is as far as I have got.

And with no christmas papers to match I went on the search today and OMG was I amazed and well happy with the site I found....

I am totally new to this site but I love it, and think you will too. I will leave a link to the paper pack page but just click home to start from the top.....

I know most of you will recognize some of these papers and to get them as downloads rather than pads is a massive plus, cosmo crickets my fav, I have downloaded loads.....

Heres the link to the Paper Packs

hope you like....

Sweet tooth......

2010-12-01T10:33:00.005Z

Hi peeps, sorry I haven't been around much, my mojo has taken a real turn for the worse and I haven't had any success at making any complete cards for weeks, I have tried but everything I started ended in disaster so gave up in the end and just hope my mojo will return really soon as I am getting a horibble feeling I have run out of idea's competely....

So I hope you don't mind me sharing what else I have been up to. I have turned my hand to some crochet, this is all new to me so after coming home with three balls of wool and a set of crochet needles I turned to Youtube for help, there are hundreds of step by step tutorials, each giving a really easy to follow stitch by stitch.
This little creation took me two days to make from scratch, I did make mistakes but the best thing with crochet is you just unravel the wool and start again.

Like I said I had three balls of wool so my cherry on top is looking a bit anemic...lol
But I am so proud of myself and can't wait to go shopping for lots of different coloured wool to make a batch of these, I think they would make lovely pin cushions gifts

Heres my second proud achievement, my first attempt at making yorkshire pudding, this was a real proud moment as I am the worse cook ever and usually leave the creating in the kitchen to Pete

For tutorial for the cupcake click HERE....

TTFN
x

Stick to what your good at...

2010-11-24T14:03:00.012Z

just practicing here....No excuse, I need to get the hang of the tension and adjust for being left handed......

Hi guys...Just a little post today, I don't have any cards to share. I think the Mother in me is taking over, my eldest is away training for his new job hundreds of miles away from the comfort of home and I have been the worse blogger ever so thought it best to keep from posting. No one wants to listen to me going out of my brain worrying...

Though I have to say I think I was worrying more than needed because James is doing fab....I think he pull's my strings because I am his Mom and takes advantage of the fact....He has added me as a friend to MSN and Facebook this week, he knows I haven't the first clue with them but to see him on my TV screen the other day in his hotel room was so wonderful, if I am honest I think he should be looking after me because I am so behind the times....lol
I was amazes to sit in my room at home and him on the Isle of Sheppey with his laptop giving me the tour of his room.....

These are a few pics of me passing the time away lately, I have never crocheted more than a square before or baked a cake in my life....I think I should stick to what I am good at but it's been a nice change....

Crochet flowers were found on youtube: Crochet for beginners

Can't find the words.....

2010-11-20T18:16:00.005Z

Just a small post here..

It's hard to explain in words and type how much I want to say today...It's a year since we lost Pete's Mom, and here on blogger I feel it's not the place but yet it is.....
So without getting too emotional I would just take a moment here to log...

The above picture is taken from a personal memory and this song is something I think she would like...if she is out there, she know's what I mean....

Pic above is me failing miserably at making flowers...

WOYWW not in my case...lol

2010-11-17T10:54:00.007Z

Hi peeps...Just a short post about WOYWW , not much here other than a nervous wreck ME...lol
I feel I have been neglecting all my blog buds lately, with everything changing around here I am finding it hard to deal with. My eldest Son has taken a huge responsible job with the prison service and since he started on Monday I can't seem to function properly....

My card making has taken a back seat for now, as you can see from the picture I don't have anything to share there.
I can't seem to keep still for a minute, my house has been cleaned from top to bottom more than once so far this week and my washing machine hasn't come up for air, even the kitchen has never seen so much of me either...lol

This week James will be able to come home every night so I have been focusing on keeping him well fed before he has to take his leave to do the rest of his training...The trouble with me is I have done everything for my boys and the thought of them fending for themselves is difficult to handle, I know faced with whatever James will be ok. He is really enjoying the experience but cutting the apron strings is working out harder for me....

You should have seen me the other day, seeing James in his uniform I was bursting with pride, though I felt a bit nervous at the thought of keeping it all washed and pressed, thats one job I know I have, James has only used an iron once and then handed the thing back to me before he finished...lol

His favourite foods are those not so good for you, pizza, burgers and the likes, though I don't cook them often, his Brother is the opposite, what ever I make he eats...He's wonderful

So for a treat today I am making home made burgers with spicy wedges, everythings prepared so I thought I would come on blogger and try and catch up...

I hope to get back to normal soon, I am not doing myself any favours right now worrying I know but thats the way I am and I deal with things by trying to keep busy, my card making hasn't helped to be honest, I really thought it would be a great way to keep my mind off things but not so at the moment.....

So heres whats NOT on my work desk...lol

Thank you for all your best wishes and kindness
xxx

My Family....

2010-11-14T17:00:00.011Z

Hi peeps...just thought I would let you know I survived last night...lol My Brother, his lovely Wife and all 5 girls were such a joy to have over for the evening, to be honest it came at the right time for me, what with James leaving next week I feel at such a loss, I know he's 20 and all grown up but I miss having little ones around, makes me feel redundant to a degree...
Bet lot's of Mom's out there know exactly how I feel....my consolation is my youngest Son, it's me and you babe for a little bit xxxx

Anyway...back to last night....I can't say enough about all my Neices...we don't get together enough but when we do I lap up every second, Hannah, Holly, Georgia, Maisie and Grace you are all a credit to your parents, even though my Bro has his hands full I know he's so proud to have such a beautiful family and most of that credit goes to Ness his Wife, your a special lady, with a wonderful attitude, your girls are blessed to have you both...

My post today is just to share my lovely family and also to ask a favour....I just love Lark rise to candleford and all those fabulous period programmes so much and wanted to create a scene on the lines but I am not sure if the carraige is doing justice here, I have a vintage car but can't put my hands on it and even then think I just need an element more fitting...I plan to add a lot more detail...A Christmas tree for sure but its a long way off....

With James off tomorrow I have tried to bury my head, I know I am out of sorts because I tried to add something on my blog yesterday and realized I put it in the wrong place and after I deleted it I realized I did it wrong, I lost all my blog friends from my sidebar....

Silly me...

Anyway guys, I will be back here again soon, your such a life line....
Heres a few pic's of my lovely Neices playing on the playstation, I love this new gadget, a real family thing.....

xxxxxx

I don't usually do christmas....

2010-11-12T17:59:00.004Z

Here I am again guys though I am not sure if I should post this picture, its never a good thing to take photo's in the evening and this card even though its no masterpiece looks a lot better in the flesh....

I wasn't sure where I was going here...to be honest I felt a bit lazy and didn't put too much effort but I love this stamp so much, its a pb stamp called lace flower and like in an earlier post went in the same direction as one of pb's sticker sets
I really would love to add a link but I have hubby home any min so really need to keep this post short before he walks in the door...lol

I was inspired by the theme at Penny Black at Allsorts with my card, I have to say I don't do christmas usually so don't have many christmasy items but I searched through my stash and when I saw this stamp thought could I.....

I think if I add another element I might just crack it with this card, I have the word and the snow but it just needs something...you know what I mean, a bit of holly or something other, just to seal the deal...

I have to tell you I am smiling here....I have the radio on as I blog and this is the first christmas song I have heard this year....The one by the pogues, just googled them, would you believe that was from 87....They don't make them like that anymore do they....

Challenge...
Penny Black at Allsorts... It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Humble....

2010-11-11T14:08:00.017Z

Hi guys, bet some of you are wondering what the heck happened to my last post here, so before I get into that I think I should say a bit about these cards....
They were both a design and build as my hubby would say, though I got some help from a blog bud.
I really wanted to come up with something special as its my lovely Neice Graces birthday today and with both these cards I am wondering which one to give her as she's such a character, the youngest of 5 girls and the boss in the house, all her Sisters run rings for her.....lol
They are all coming over the weekend for a visit, my poor dog will be smothered with love and affection all night....

My cards are both made with the new LOTV stamps that I couldn't resist buying from the NEC last week, and to celebrate the launch, Lily of the valley have a theme of anything goes this week with loads of stuff going on including a fab blog hop, well what can I say, timed perfectly with my cards....lol

This shape of card is kind of a card within a card, I was just mulling through my craftroom and came across a card I received months ago from my blog bud Liz, I have to tell you guys I never throw any of my gifts away, for one I know as a crafter how much effort we put in and besides that they are all a work of art, a one off, made with love...
So here I have a couple of inspired by Liz cards, hope you like them hun...lol

I did try and come up with something different though, this tag was an inspiration from one of those mails you bin....Even with the free gifts they don't get my custom, though they did give me the idea to alter my tag so I guess they are not all bad...lol I have taken a pic of the said item below, made a great template and after trying this with my nesties and some shop brought tags I think this idea is going to be played with a lot more....

Free item above....junk mail turned into something.....

What papers I used...
card 1....sugar rush by basic grey
card 2 ....quite contrary by my minds eye....
Stamps, LOTV, Magnolia....
Copics
Distress inks...
Linen paper...

Right back to my stupid last post....Why I deleted it was for the simple reason I was moaning about me, I had a right game with the plumbing and left alone to sort it I felt at such a loss, hubby was at work and I didn't know what to do, long story short, I did eventually...Took some going....
After I wrote my post about it I turned on the tv and was watching the pride of britain awards and it put everything in my silly brain into perspective, I didn't feel such a hero for unblocking a drain....and after watching this programme felt quite ashamed of myself for posting it at all....

Hope this explains everything.....

Challenge...
LOTV...Anything goes....

Candy winner.....

2010-11-08T07:58:00.002Z

Morning peeps, thanks to all that entered my little candy, the name that came out of the hat is.....
Lil Daffodil, please could you drop me a mail with your addy and I will nip them in the post...

Thats it for now, have a fab day guys
x

challenge and candy....

2010-11-07T16:15:00.006Z

Hi peeps...just a quick post here, been playing with some of my new buys from the NEC on Thursday, this is a card made with a brand new gorgeous LOTV image and a new stamp card ( Neenah used by the uber talented Rach ) I need to get used to this card though, it has such a smooth finish to what I am used to but so far so good...... I have to say LOLV have really come up trumps, their images and sentiments are totally gorgeous, and as their challenge this week is one for the girls I thought I would join in the fun....

I still have a LOTV candy up for grabs, this is the last day so if you fancy a chance of a few of these gorgeous stamps just check out my post below....

Thats about it from me today except to say my lovely Son James has left his old job and is getting ready to leave home to persue his new venture, this house is going to be sad to see you go away to do your training Son but I wish you all the best in your new job and miss you already...xxxxxx

Challenges....

LOTV....One for the girls
Stamp something....Sketch

Candy closes at 10 tonight.....

Candy time....LOTV stamps

2010-11-04T18:19:00.008Z

Evening all....OMG what a day I have had at the NEC, so many goodies are sitting on my table now, I feel so lucky living in the Midlands.

No doubt you will be seeing loads of my goodies in my future posts and to celebrate such a lovely day I thought I should share my happiness by adding a candy for all those who couldn't get to the show....
All you need to do to get your hands on these lovely, not available till later next week Lily of the Valley stamps is....
become a follower if your not already....
add a link on your sidebar...
and leave a comment...

thats about it....

I will pick a winner on Sunday the 7th of November, so the winner should get these gorgeous stamps well in time for the release date, this candy is open to all.....

I will be back soon to fill you in on my day at the show, I am cream crackered at the mo so forgive me for not filling in the gaps, though I have to say I was a bit disappointed that Magnolia wasn't at the show today, don't know why.....Can anyone fill me in

Till next time x

ps...have to share this, Brenda it was lovely to meet you, I knew it was you as soon as I saw you but got a bit nervous and didn't want say hey are you Brenda but glad I did....Your lovely.....

WOYWW

2010-11-03T16:25:00.008Z

Hi guys, I am happy to say whats on my work desk doesn't look like this now, I decided I better clear it before posting this. As you can see I was in a right old mess, every stamp I got out to use I changed my mind and put them aside. How I ever managed to finish this card is beyond me today....and where on earth the idea came from is another story, I was altering a note book to begin with but got bored of it, nothing I did to it looked in the least bit nice, so I will save that for another day....

I stuck my scarecrow onto a twisted wire so he looks like he's blowing in the wind when you flick him.....

I am swaying more towards Autumn at the moment, I blame my blog bud Lou for this. I can't wait to see what the NEC has on offer tomorrow, I do feel the need for some Autumn stamps, sentiments and the likes

This little chap is a free colouring page I found though Google and the papers are Basic grey Pyrus pad. I coloured the image with copics and shaded the edges with DI. I also distressed all my layers with Walnut stain and memento black on the very edges. I have just made a note of all my DI's, seems I haven't got half so I have a list for tomorrow of all the ones I haven't got. I wasn't planning on making a list but I consider these essentials. Hubbys coming along with me, he's definitely essential, he's picking up the tab....lol

Right I am off before Hubby throttles me for hogging his computer...lol, will just have to see if James will let me use his laptop instead

Challenges
Allsorts; Gold, Cream and a hint of Red
Friday Sketchers: Sketch by Claudia

My PC has died.....

2010-11-02T12:56:00.003Z

Hi guys, just a quick post to share whats up!!! here....

My PC has died....can't even turn the darn thing on without seeing a scary poltogist type of screen....Whats worse my PC has even decided to turn on by it's self...Scary or what....

So here I am on Hubby computer.... this might seem hunkydory but his PC is totally different to mine so I feel like a fish out of water and along with that how do I expain all the images I just downloaded....lol. I forgot to delete all my old pic's so now he has a folder full of card designs....

So hence my post, just thought I would see if I could post from another PC, nothing much to show really, I have been getting inky, I haven't done much stamping for what seems like ages.....

Me and my shadow....I can dream....lol

2010-10-31T12:51:00.013Z

Happy Halloween!!!!!

Just thought I would share some pic's from last night, picture me sitting at my desk messing about on the PC, it's pretty dark and for some reason I turned around and when Idid I nearly jumped out of my skin, not from the fact I was looking at my shadow, 20 years ago I might have looked like that but no more...lol
This little sod James frightened the hell out of me, I only aked him on the morning if he had any Halloween plan's, and he said not, so imagine the shock....lol
I have recovered now, I did think to myself, should I try on his suit but I don't want to scare myself anymore than I have...lol

Not so scary looking in the pictures I know, you had to be there....

And here he is unzipped, is that more scary...lol
All he was bothered about was if his hair looked ok.....Never mind poor Mom.....lol

Onto my project, this has been sitting on my shelf for weeks, I have been picking it up and adding bits here and there for over a month...And so today thought I should get it finished...

I have added lots of pics sorry but couldn't make up my mind which ones to use so added them all....
Hope you like, I forgot to add the template for the lampost but if you would like it just drop me a line.......

Thanks for dropping by and Happy Halloween
x

Just for Lou....

2010-10-30T15:13:00.009+01:00

Hi guys...Just thought I would pop a post to share a little card I have been meaning to make for ages, and this week found the perfect paper pad for my project...All will become clearer as you read on, you see I have been stalking the very lovely Lou, at Crafty Lou's small world for ages, her creations are so, so, so inspiring, her design's are second to none, how she keeps her nerve to stamp over patterned paper is something I just don't have but love the effect it makes... how she can picture all her layers before doing so is something I would love to be able to do as easily as she makes it seem....

Why I decided to have a crack at Lou's style this week was seeing this paper pad called pyrus by Basic Grey....I have a feeling Lou loves Autumn...lol and this pad cryed Lou all over, so after days of thinking, stamping and getting very inky I have come up with this card....Now be gentle Lou, I know it's not a scratch on you but I put all my heart into it honestly, if you have any pointers I would be forever greatfull....and hope you like it a tiny bit...x

What I used....

Papers Basic Grey, pyrus...
Distress inks
Magnolia owl, to get the family effect I scanned and reduced each one....
Sizzix leaf
Woodware stamp set, Birdsong
Art Impression stamps
Perfect Pearls
Nestie

Challenge....

Basic Grey...Sketch