Craft, Life & Laughs!....

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

2011-01-02T11:54:00.008Z

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone for all your good wishes and sticking by my past uneventfull blog - I was somewhat quiet last year - sorry!!! :-(

BUT with one of my new years resolutions in mind - I hope to change that and am soo excited with everything I am planning for 2011! - stay tunned!!!

May the new year bring everyone good health, happiness, days filled with prosperity and lots of creativity!! lol xx

OMG!! - How long has it been???!!!!

2010-09-19T10:06:00.009+01:00

Far too long.......and not only on the blogging side of things either!!! To say I'm having withdrawal symptoms - is a total understatement!!!! However, I just had to break this awful pattern at least to give you this incredible news...............

Yes, you guessed it.......lil' o' me and a friend are going to this incredible event on the 25/2/11. Oh we are so super excited (thats an understatement too!!!!!) we're counting down!!!....

Let us know if you are coming too - it will be fab!!!

Will desperately try to update my blog as soon as I can - but it's also Ally Pally next week and we will be there working all weekend.........so do stop by the Particraft stand and come say hello........

P.S. Does anyone know how to stop these riddiculous comments I keep getting about buying flowers and chocolates - obviously a blog form of spam and very annoying!!!!

lol xx

So Proud!!!......and a "little" news?!

2010-07-18T16:23:00.010+01:00

Once again, I find myself so behind with my blogging! - I have to admit that a few weeks ago I had a little set back with it, some of you will know why :-( - I'm not going to bother with the details 'cause its just too crazy!! - BUT, I have just been itching to post this blog, for which I put together very quickly, this 'cricket' card.

Last week my oldest was selected to play cricket for the youths (u17) England team :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) (lots of smiley faces!!!). We are proud parents anyway, but after all the hard work, training etc that he has put in, its just such an achievement - he's excited and we are all excited for him too.......hence the reason why I had to put together this card so quickly, as we found out Tuesday (pm) and were going out for dinner Thursday to celebrate- not to mention how lucky I was to come across a cricket stamp plate, as I didnt have one and trying to find a card in the shops (yes, I'm afraid I have to admitt that I often find myself having to buy cards....a little thing called 'lack of time'!!! - except really special occassions!) was a dead end! - Anyway, I found one and managed to get it made by Thursday!....

Now I also do have a 'little' news, and if you're one of my friends/followers on facebook - (there's a FB link on side), you'll be able to see what I'm talking about! - sorry bloggers!!! - just takes too long to download pics on here!.

Anyway, all for now - hope to be back soon (always hoping!!!!) with some new Xmas projects...yes, I did say "Xmas" lol xx

A First and a Last!!

2010-07-06T22:30:00.031+01:00

A few weeks ago was Sports Day at my two youngest's school, and this year was a bit eventful as it would be Emma's last Sports day before moving onto High School, but also Nicholas's first! - I even let Michael (Big Bro) take the day out of school to come watch and support - (and to think it wasn't that long ago that he left there!!...and now at only 14 nearly 15 - he towers over me!)

Emma - ready for the beanbag throwing!

Just finishing a race

(Emma & Cherie)

John's House (i.e the yellow team!)

Year 6 - Class of 2010

Having a little break!

Beanbag throwing!!

Nicholas with his friend Luke.

Just about to start the egg and spoon race.

Nicholas with his friend Noah.

It was a good day, the weather was really great!

So, my little girl moves on to high school, and I have 6 more years ahead of sports day - and I'm going to enjoy them all and not miss a single one (haven't done so far!), because time flies too quick, kids grow up so quick and before you know it they're off leading their own lifes. lol

Hello Ladies!!

2010-06-22T08:05:00.014+01:00

I had every intention of having writing this post ages ago - but - you know have things get!!!!! anyway, a couple of weeks ago (maybe even more now!!), I did a workshop for Maxine, and I have to say - what a lovely group of ladies they were - hope you all enjoyed the project and that I see you all again soon! lol

And when I find my version of the completed project I will post that here too, however, in the aftermath of getting everything away....I can't find it!!! so for now, some more pics of the ladies at work!!

....and some smiling faces!!

Playing with Julia!!

2010-06-19T20:17:00.014+01:00

A lovely lady - Julia Andrus - (in middle of picture above) with a touching story and great products and we got to spend the whole day with her playing with her new Eco-green products and seeing all the different techniques and applications to do with them!!

And here is just a few of us.......the others left before we had chance to take group piccie!

Julia has been on both Create and Craft and Ideal World most of this past week launching her Eco-green products - check here if you'de like to know where to get your hands on these.

Back soon

And the winner is.........................and "Save the Date"!!

2010-06-11T08:12:00.017+01:00

Just dropping in very quickly to announce the long awaitied winner of last months blog candy. So without further-a-do...the winner is:

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CARMEN ("The Vintage Rock Chic")

If you could email me (email on my sidebar) so I can get it out to you.

I'm still rushed off my feet at mo, busy with work, workshops, sample deadlines, kids, My birthday (thank you to all those that sent me messages, lul) life!!!.......lol - and as promised I shall try and get back with some new projects soon and more candy (a very unique candy!)

Now for my SAVE THE DATE!! what's that, you're all wandering - well, it's just that....for now, if you don't want to miss out, keep this date free - I will be posting more details shortly, but for now, if you want to be a part of a very special "Crafting" day, put in your diaries the following:

2nd October 2010

Feering, Essex

All day Workshop! (10-5)

Lunch provided

4 very talented instructors

Fab projects/techniques - all in all a fun day doing what you love amongst like-minded people

You'll not be dissapointed!

I will post more info/details soon, but if you think you might be interested drop me an email here, as we are already taking bookings.

Back soon - lol

My First TGF & another Sweetpea!!

2010-05-26T16:53:00.011+01:00

I have been seeing quite a few images from this company The Greeting Farm, the first one that actually caught my eye was the Edward character used in quite a few Twilight projects, but even then I was still somewhat unsure and never made the plunge of buying them UNTIL a couple of weeks ago I came across three TGF's that are a limted edition - The Cheeky Cherry's....well I just had to have!!!.....

This is "Cheeky Rockabilly" - I searched high and low here in the UK to get them, but eventually had to order them here. Ive now also bought myself a couple of the other characters that I initially liked, including Edward.....projects with those to follow!!.....

And finally here is another Sweetpea project, I just really love these too!!!!

Back with more soon AND stay tuned as I will soon be announcing some very exciting news about an event that will be happening in October 2010!!!!!!!!

Candy!!!!

2010-05-12T12:31:00.004+01:00

I thought it was about time I posted some candy for you - and seeing as I'm just loving my Sweatpea Stamps at the mo, I thought it would be the ideal "sweat candy" They are 3 brand new, already mounted and cut for you rubber stamps, I used my stamps to stamp out for you to see what they actually look like as its not always easy just seeing the rubber.

Anyway, in order for your chance to win, as before all you need do is just leave me a comment in this post by 31st May, link me to your blog mentioning my blog candy - only if you want (but if you do it gets you double entry in the draw!) and that's it. I will announce the winner here on my blog shortly after. Good Luck!

Happy Crafting!

SweatPea!

2010-05-09T20:09:00.011+01:00

A project at last!!!......I was truly having withdrawal symptoms, in fact Im still not quite over it!! It took me a while to get me going. I've had loads of ideas bouncing around and some fab new stamps that I have just been itching to get using, along side a whole load of new other goodies, yet when I finally sat down to get crafting, I was a bit lost!!!!!....I guess I forgot to tell my mojo that the craft break is over!!!

Anyway, I have been itching to use these stamps, which I just adore - they are from Sweatpea designs, the artist is Ching-Chou Kuiks fantasy art collection, and although I have ordered some from this US site - only because the UK shop didn't have the particular designs I wanted, but the UK shop is Crafts and Me. I finished this one today and have started on another which I will hopefully have finished soon!

I'm sure I've not done it justice, but they are lovely designs (I think!)

So Much Catching up to do!!!

2010-05-09T19:03:00.017+01:00

I can't offer any excuses...it's a simple fact that it has just been a VERY busy time!!!....so much so, that I am seriously having withdrawal symptoms as not only has my blogging been slacking...so has my crafting!!!!!

However, today, for the first time in weeks, dare I say even months....I actually sat down to do some crafting (see my next post!). I have still been acquiring loads of new stuff, from new stamps, punches, papers, paints even a new cricut expression....so yes, today I thought, enough is enough!!!

Anyway, I will just post some piccies here just to kidda update you and will post my project in the next post.

Thanks for being patient and still dropping by! lol x

Stitches - February 2010

(From left to right: Lynne Gilbert, Me, TH as if he needs a mention!, Carol Jones, Karen Lines)

Watch out for these fab eco-friendly products launched at Stitches!

Day out at the show in Stevenage, despite the smile, I was feeling pretty low that day, but these guys soon put me to rights! lul xx
(Lynne, Me, Terry, Chris, Lynsay, and Lynne's Mum)

Ally Pally (April 10/11)
Picture courtesy of Pam (btw - check out Pam's delicious blog candy!!)

Thanks again to everyone lol xxx

BSSS - aka Ali Pali!!

2010-04-06T09:17:00.005+01:00

The April Show will take place on:

Sat 10th & Sun 11th April 2010

We look forward to seeing you there!

To find out more about the show log on to http://www.bssbs.co.uk/

Here’s what’s on offer:

■Over 60 retailers showcasing an amazing array of papercraft products
■FREE product demonstrations, offering advice and inspiration from the experts
■FREE prize draws and competitions
■FREE car parking, cloakroom and courtesy buses

I'm late, I'm late!!!!! for a very important................Blog Candy announcement!!!!!

2010-03-18T07:13:00.012Z

As the Mad Hatter would say!

So without, further ado, excuses etc etc the winner of my blog candy is...

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CIACCHINA in Italy - congratulations to Ciacchina

If you could email me (email on my sidebar) then I will get your candy out to you asap.

As always I would just like to thank everybody that participated and to everyone that takes the time to visit my blog, become followers and for all your wonderful comments.....without YOU it would mean nothing!!!

I've been so busy, it's unreal....but I shall try and get back with some new projects and candy as soon as possible. I also have a little something up my sleeve, and if all goes to plan you'll be hearing about it very soon.....and I think you're gonna like it!!!! - I know it's a little mean but thats all I can say right now!! lol

Happy Valentines!!!

2010-02-14T09:12:00.007Z

Go on.... Share some Luv!!

New Blog Candy!!!

2010-02-14T08:49:00.008Z

At last.....I hear you cry!!!!!!!.......Somewhat later than I had hoped, but it's been such a busy time, REALLY busy!- but don't worry, I'm not going to bore you with the details - Anyhoo, here is the new blog candy....

So, as per norm all you need to do for your chance to win is leave me a comment in this post by Monday 15th March, link me to your blog mentioning my blog candy - only if you want (but if you do it gets you double entry in the draw!) and that's it. I will announce the winner here on my blog on the Tuesday/Wednesday following. Good Luck!

Happy Crafting!

Quite simply 3D & Nesties!!

2010-01-19T21:36:00.008Z

That's what my two projects today are about 3d, nestabilities and very simple to do. My first one, I have used the Cross stamp from Holly Berry House stamped and embossed it three times and mounted - background is a nestability die (curved rectangles) dp Fancy Pants.

And here's a side view.

My next project is uses just a portion of a stamp from one plate and two smaller flower stamps from the same plate here. Again, I have used nestabilities (labels 4 and fancy tags) white embossed background is a cuttlebug folder - simple!

And here's a side view.

Back tomorrow with the new candy!!...

Love is in the Air!!

2010-01-18T18:01:00.007Z

Chocolates, flowers, hearts..........you guessed it - Valentines!

I have been busy putting a few projects together, but first up is my "Valentines" theme and below is a quick card that I put together for a 'Mums birthday'.

Will post some more for you tomorrow - as well as some new candy for you too!

Blog Facelift!!

2010-01-18T15:53:00.008Z

I decided to give my blog a facelift and some major updating!! - I spent ages trying to find a background that I wanted, and there is just so much choice out there that it didn't prove to be an easy task at all - Anyway, good or bad, after trying out several I decided to settle with this one, I was going to change the header too, but in the end just stuck with the one I have and perhaps later on I'll change the header.

I thought I would also share with you some more piccies of the snow that kept us prisoners in our homes for the best part of almost two weeks!!!! -

On our way to the local shop for some essential provisions - with a few snowball fights along the way!

Somewhere under all that snow is a road!!!!!

My Big Boy turned 5 on 10th Jan - how time fly's!!!!

Snow!!!....Projects!!.....and a Winner!!

2010-01-06T20:21:00.028Z

Firstly, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year to all!! - I must thank each and every one of you for looking on on my blog the comments you leave me, the emails you send me, the RAK's you send, etc etc THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!

I do again find myself apologizing for being a bad blogger, but truth be told, I have been extremely busy, and it doesn't look to get any better in the weeks/months to come, so do bear with me........now today, has been my first chance to chatch up as we are completely snowed in!!....now I know that for some of you (especially those in other parts of the world!) this will probably be nothing and you deal with this day in day out and probably a few times worse - however, here in UK, Berkshire we have come to a stand still. Last night I had to abandon my car (well, actually my husbands car) down the road as it just wouldnt grip and I was just slipping and sliding. Today we are stuck in, been without internet connection for a good part of the day, no tv/satelite and kids home from school - and tomorrow doesn't look any better!!

Just a little glimpse of what its like!

Ok, moving on, here are two recent projects for you.

This is a four sided matchbox draw box - the stamped images on the top/swirls are from Creative Expressions.

This little project is a pop up-style card that easily flattens for posting. I have used the new jungle plate stamps which you can see here or here.

AND now.......for the winner of my megaliscious December blog candy

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Jenny's Crafty Hideaway (1st prize) - Sweeden

Congratulations Jenny!!

and winner of second prize is

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Elaine A (2nd prize) - New York

Congratulations Elaine!!

If you could both email me (email on sidebar) then I will get your candy out to you. I cannot link to either of your blogs to leave you a message as Jenny's link ia a deadend and Elaine doesnt seem to have a blog!! - so if anyone knows Jenny/Elaine perhaps you could let them know too!! - If neither acknowledge within next two weeks I will draw again.

As always I would just like to thank everybody that participated and to everyone who takes the time to visit my blog, become followers and for all your wonderful comments - and this time round your best crafting tips have been fantastic to read - I think that one of my most invaluable crafting tips is when mounting unmounted rubber stamps (and I do quite a lot!!) is cut them out first then place them of the umount/ezimount (whichever you use) dust with baby powder on the remaining sticky bits and then cut around with craft knife/or scissors whichever you prefer, I prefer craft knife and I find that it makes it so much easier as the knife doesnt keep getting so sticky!!.

Anyway - thats all for now - hopefully back shortly with more candy, projects and some of the tutorials that I am desperately trying to get finished in order to post on here (fingers crossed thats soon!!)

lol

Christmas Gifts...

2009-12-05T11:29:00.008Z

Emma and I have been making Christmas gifts to hand out at school at the end of Christmas term, and what with the credit crunch this year it seems the right thing to do - and best of all they were really easy and great fun to do!

Emma attends a catholic school, so these candles, with tradional Christmas scene images along with a matchbox to match seemed just the thing.

We stamped and coloured our image - in this case a stamp scene from Joanna Sheen onto tissue paper to then be able to transfer the image onto the candle. When the image was transfered we just added some Twinkles glitter, and added a border to the candle which is actually a Martha Stewart design punch and some ribbon. The box is a template that I have used in various projects - anyone wanting dimensions - then, I will hopefully be putting up a tutorial for this with the dimensions and instructions!

Here is a close up of the image on the candles.

Megaliscious (if that's a word!) Blogcandy!!!

2009-11-29T11:46:00.041Z

Yes...it's finally here, the long awaited "Mega blog candy" that I have been promising you all.....so, are you ready for it??!!.......

There are quite a few goodies to this one, if you click on the picture you can get a close up of the goodies. Not to mention that there will also be a second prize!!!!!

Goodies include: A brand new Spellbinders "Wizard" a wizard impressability plate, set of Joanna Sheen dvd's, paper lace rolls, distress crackle paints, umount, glitters, bling, design papers, 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, beads, grungeboard, hitch fastners, mixed ribbon, Fancy Pants ribbons, Spritzer bottles, Empty glitter bottles, Anti-static bag, twinkling H20's, 13 unmounted stamps of various images and 2 large background unmounted stamps....

And this is Prize #2

The goodies here are: Some mixed ribbons, a Joanna Sheen Messy Rabbit stamp and Joanna Sheen's Vintage Christmas dvd (which is fab!!)

I will be running this blog candy over December and drawing the winner just after the New Year and this time in order to win these fab goodies all you have to do is leave your answers to the following question in this post. Question: What is your top crafting tip that you have found to be invaluable to you? And as per usual, in order to get yourself a double entry just post about my blog on your blog and thats it!!...

Ok Goodluck and see you back here soon with some projects I have on the go.....

It's been way tooooo long!!!!

2009-11-19T22:45:00.006Z

I can't believe how long it has been......I've been busy, I was just so wrapped up in it all that I didnt realise how busy and how long its been since my last blog!!.....Well, let me tell you, I AM STILL HERE, works are still ongoing in the new house (and probably will be for a while :-() Still been squeezing in the workshops, managed to get up to the NEC for the Hobbycraft show (my first time, and it was great fun!) Off to see NEW MOON with my daughter and friends tomorrow (yeaahh!! can't wait....I'm a kid!!!...yes I really am that excited about it!!!) and on Sunday leaving for Kettering to start my new job with Creative Expression along with my colleague Lynne!!.......Wooooof, I'm out of breath!!!!!

AND, just to let you know that next week I will be posting my last (and long overdue!) blog candy for the year, and as promised it's gonna be a wopper!!!!!...I have it ready, just need to take a photo and post about it....so, watch this space and by the end of next week IT WILL BE UP!

Thanks so much to everyone who has stuck by me and still visit my blog for your comments and emails lul xx however, I AM now back and will post that blog candy (super duper blog candy!!!) for you next week!

Thanks!
lol

Can you forgive me!!!

2009-09-21T21:28:00.019+01:00

What can I say.........but please forgive me........................

I have been abscent a long time due to having moved house (on the 4th/09) and despite the usual upheaval that goes with moving house the biggest hurdle of all - which we are still awaiting...is getting our broadband set up. The only reason Im posting now is that I have gone out and bought a mobile broadband dongle. I wont bore you with the details but our telephone line and broadband changeover have been "challenging"!! Im also still living amongst boxes and boxes and more boxes and dont even ask about my craft stuff!!!!!!!

Anyway, all this and just to add a little more pressure to the pot its Ally Pally this weekend, so getting ready for that is top of list at the moment and as Im still living out of boxes its not proving to be an easy task at all!!....but if you happen to be going do stop by the Particraft booth and say hello!!!....that would be really fab!!

BUT.........more importantly now, I have a winner to announce from my very overdue August candy, I was hoping to have done this on the Monday just after having moved as I was assured that we would have connection and be able to be up and running...but alas!!!! Anyhow, the winner of my August blog candy is............................

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Evelyn at "Evy's Crafty Creations"
congratulations to Evy

If you could email me (email on my sidebar) then I will get your candy out to you asap.

I just want to thank everyone SO MUCH for sticking by me in my absense and your patience. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and for all your wondeful comments and words of support (about my move!!!). As we are so far into September now, I wont be doing a blog candy this month, BUT will be making October's blog candy SUPER DUPER SPECIAL, just by way of saying "sorry" and "thank you"!!

A little bit of Christmas in August!

2009-08-12T09:06:00.007+01:00

Dont scream!!.....I know, it seems a little early to be thinking about Christmas and I have to admit it does take some effort to get in a Christmas creating mood, but I have already been asked to do some christmas workshops (in August) and Ive also some samples for Ally Pally in September to get ready!!....

The stamp image and the background images (snowflake & Holly) is from the new Christmas stamp plates from Particraft.

Im off to prepare for two more upcoming Christmas workshops and a Halloween workshop in between packing and getting ready for our house move in about 3 weeks...aaaggghhhhhh!!!!

Summer Bonanza Blog Candy

2009-08-05T22:22:00.008+01:00

My blog candy this month is a little extra special - just because its summer and also because I've hit over 50,000 hits which is great for little ole me!!....

Goodies include; Fancy Pants & Junkitz 12x12 papers, distress ink pad, Cosmic shimmer mist spray, embossing powder, Messy rabbit stamps, rubbernecker unmounted stamps, Creative Expressions unmounted girls stamp, ezmount, ribbons, fibres, emelishments, spellbinder nestability squares, glitter etc etc.....

All you need to do for your chance to win is leave me a comment in this post by Monday 31st August 11pm (GMT) link me to your blog mentioning my blog candy - only if you want (but if you do it gets you double entry in the draw!) and that's it. I will announce the winner here on my blog on the Monday/Tuesday following. Good Luck!

Happy Crafting!!

July's Blog Candy Winner!!

2009-08-04T19:32:00.006+01:00

The draw has been done and I now have a winner to July's blog candy!...............all were entered including those that emailed and those without blogs and nearly all twice!!!But alas there can only be one winner so without further ado the winner is......
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Simone at Simones Karten-Ecke congratulations to Simone

if you could email me (email on my sidebar) then I will get your candy out to you asap.

As always I would just like to thank everybody that participated and to everyone that takes the time to visit my blog, become followers and for all your wonderful comments.....without YOU it would mean nothing!!!

This months blog candy which I am just finishing putting together is a special Summer Bonanza Candy - just because its summer and I feel like it!! (although the weather at the moment would suggest otherwise!!) which I will be announcing tomorrow, so dont forget to check back......lol xx

Roses are red....or in this case 'Pink'

2009-07-30T10:08:00.006+01:00

Just thought I'd quickly show you a card sample that I have made for Particraft, using the 'Dream' stamp set - I think this is a really gorgeous and very versatile stamp set.

I have used distress inks and cosmic shimmer watercolours, incorporated some stitching and ribbon weaving. The background frame is a cuttlebug die and the main image has been stamped on a nestability shape.

A somewhat romantic feel but I have not added any specific sentiment leaving it open for various options.

Hope you're all enjoying the summer holidays!!

You Rock my World!!

2009-07-23T11:05:00.008+01:00

It seems that all I've been doing lately is apologising for my lack of bloging!! Unfortuntely, with kids on holidays and a number of workshops/demos and DT commitments - its not going to get alot better! BUT, I will hopefully be posting pics from those workshops/demos and DT's, plus some new tutorials, perhaps just not on such a regular basis until things get back to normal again - OHH and not forget that in between all these goings' on - I'm also moving house in a few weeks time!!!!!!!!!!!!...........(...luckily you couldn't hear me scream just then!! lol)

Anyway, here is a project that I did yesterday using a digi download image here and the papers are also digi downloads from here - the sentiment I created on my pc simply using wordart! - and I just love these new gothic brads which I bought at the Stamp Attick.

Dont forget to enter my blog candy this month - you can still enter and be in with a chance to win up until Friday 31st July - Good luck!

In His time.......

2009-07-11T13:59:00.001+01:00

I just thought I would show you a very simple project that I made with a group of church ladies that I do worshops with. It was such a simple card to make, yet I think its simplicity is what makes it stand out!!

Both stamps are from Particaft the butterfly is here and the flourish is here, the butterfly has been coloured using cosmic shimmer watercolours and I have added some stickles for the glitz effect! The sentiment I came across on the web somewhere but couldn't tell you where...'cause I can't remember, one of those things I see and jot down in my book!!

Another Great Rubber Plate.....Free!!!

2009-07-09T13:34:00.000+01:00

This is the new rubber stamp plate from Particraft which is being given away FREE to anyone who hosts a Particraft Party!

This months stamp plate, in accordance to the season we are in, has a glorious summer feel to it - there are palm trees, summer dresses, flip flops, bikini, sailboat, hula hula girl, some great sentiments etc etc .....its great!!

There are a few projects in the making that I am currently putting together using this stamp plate, the first one that I am posting today uses the larger palm tree and I have used the masking technique for the moon and background!

If you feel you might be interested in hosting a party or just want to find out a bit more then you can just email me here or visit the website here.

It's All About the Girl! - Blog Candy!

2009-07-08T09:39:00.000+01:00

At last, here it is July Blog Candy - and the theme is "All about a girl". There are some girly flowery 8x8 papers, a disc with over 5000 pin up girl images (very 50's) and 4 unmounted ladies stamps!

These are some of the images from cd

All you need to do for your chance to win is leave me a comment in this post by Friday 31st July 11pm (GMT) link me to your blog mentioning my blog candy - only if you want (but if you do it gets you double entry in the draw!) and that's it. I will announce the winner here on my blog on the Monday/Tuesday following. Good Luck!

Happy Crafting

I have a winner!!!.....................

2009-06-30T21:26:00.000+01:00

Lately I forever seem to be apologising for my lack of regular posting, I'd like to say I'm just being lazy.....(huh I should be so lucky!!!), but alas its been quite the contrary and I have had deadlines and a whole load of awkward situations thrown my way, that crafting has not been on top of my to-do list :-( unfortunately!!!

But, I'm here now and I know that you are wanting to know who the winner of June's blog candy is, so I have now drawn a winner ........................................

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Jodi of My Creative Expressions

Congratulations to Jodi, if you could email me (email on my sidebar) then I will get your candy out to you asap.

As per norm, because I think it really important....I would just like to thank everybody that participated and to everyone that takes the time to visit my blog, become followers and for all your wonderful comments.....as I've said before, without YOU it would mean nothing!!!

Once again, I am now in the process of putting together July's blog candy and will be announcing it this Friday the 31st, so dont forget to check back......lol xx

Anyone for Coffee!!

2009-06-12T10:36:00.001+01:00

Well I say that, but in fact, I dont actually like coffee!!!....but I did love this stamp set from Particraft when it came out last month......and had you hosted a party you could have got the A4 stamp set worth £20 absolutely free.........don't you wish you'd hosted a party now!!!

Well, not to worry this stamp set will be available to buy soon, so you haven't entirely missed out!!

I have used cosmic shimmer watercolours to colour the image the background papers are from Sweet Shoppe Designs as is the element image which I used to center in my bottle cap, which has been crushed with the wizard.

Just for your info, you can see the new June stamp plate worth £20 that the hostess will receive free here!!

A 'Twilight' treat.......

2009-06-11T13:07:00.000+01:00

You may think I have officially gone mad with my Twilight obssession, but I assure you I'm only a 'little' obssessed!!!!!

Anyway, I just did this for fun!!.......

The photo is from the cover of the film 'Twilight', which I downloaded and printed, the papers are also a digi download from Sweet Shoppe designs, which i think were just so approriate for this and the edges of the papers have been dabbed with a 'Hot Cinnamon' radiant paint dabber to give that 'bloody' look to it, I even had a friend email me the Twilight font!!!

Birthday Girl Cards!

2009-06-10T09:42:00.000+01:00

On Monday, was my daughters 10th birthday....where does the time go???

Anyway, I just thought I would share with you the two cards that we made for her, one from her brothers and the other from Mum & dad.

As much as I hate to admit this....usually I dont make cards to give (aagghhhh!!! shock horror!!) its true.....I make cards yes, BUT usually only for demo purposes, I do try to make cards, especially for close firends and family, but usually time is the issue....anyway, I did manage to get time for these, in fact I made sure I had time, of course only thing now is that I have my niece's 18th, my husbands, my oldest son, my dad, my sis-in-law, my best friend all with birthdays coming up.......aaggghhhhh!!! H E L P!!

I made this card using a stamp that I have had for years (literally!) and just never used (I have a few like that!!) 'Collecting seashell' by Stamps Happen. The papers are digi download from Raspeberry Road Designs. Ive colured her using distress inks and embossed and glittered the 10, but you can't really see that in the pic.

This image is a digi download from Cute Daisy May designs and the papers are also a digi download from Sweet Shoppe Designs. Ive colured her using watercolour pencils.

June Blog Candy!!

2009-06-06T23:23:00.000+01:00

Sorry guys, I was meant to post this yesterday but for some reason was having problems getting the picture to upload......Anyway, seems to be working now so here is June's blog candy for you.

It's a Toodles & Binks theme - there are 4 Toodles and Binks stamps and some ribbon.

These are the four stamp images and you can see some of the projects here, here, and here !!

All you need to do for your chance to win is leave me a comment in this post by Friday 26th June11pm (GMT) link me to your blog mentioning my blog candy - only if you want (but if you do it gets you double entry in the draw!) and that's it.I will announce the winner here on my blog on the Monday/Tuesday following. Good Luck!

Happy Crafting!!

And the winner is................

2009-06-03T19:38:00.000+01:00

The draw is done and I now have a winner to announce for my Blogaversary candy!..........the response has been amazing and hence the reason that it has taken me a little longer to print, cut and draw the winner and that includes all those that emailed me with the entry as they do not have blogs.....all were entered and nearly all twice!!!

But alas there can only be one winner so without further ado the winner is .......
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Julie at Julie's Craft Bits

Congratulations to Julie, if you could email me (email on my sidebar) then I will get your candy out to you asap.

Once again I would just like to thank everybody that participated and to everyone that takes the time to visit my blog, become followers and for all your wonderful comments.....without YOU it would mean nothing!!!

I am now in the process of putting together this months blog candy and will be announcing it this Friday the 5th, so dont forget to check back......lol xx

Messy Rabbit Bookmark!

2009-06-02T22:26:00.001+01:00

Here is my last project (for now) using the messy rabbits. Its just a simple bookmark which I have made using grungeboard - coloured with radiant dabbers and acrylic dabbers. I run the grungeboard through the sizzix using a cricut embossing folding and the papers are a mish mash from my stash - flower emelishment, sentiment from childrens poems on pc.

Messy rabbit has been coloured with copics and cut out.

Dont forget to stop by tomorrow as I will be announcing the winner of my blogaversary candy!!

Big Thank You!! And a couple more of the "wabbits".....

2009-06-01T23:35:00.000+01:00

Now that I am back from being away a few days 'again' (it was half-term AND my birthday!!) I have a couple more projects to share with you but first I wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone that sent me well wishes and cards and pressies for my birthday........I know this may sound soppy and cliche, but I am trully moved that people that I have never met before sent me cards and well wishes...you are all fabulous and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!

Here are those messy rabbits projects......

The background papers are from Nitwits. And tomorrow I will post my last messy rabbit for the time being!!

Just to let you all know also, that I am in the process of doing the draw for my blogaversary candy. There were so many responses including some email ones that it is going to take a little longer....but I will announce the winner on Wednesday!...So keep everything crossed until then!!!!

Some Awards!

2009-05-24T23:48:00.001+01:00

As usual I am always so flattered and honoured to receive awards, its a great boost and just lets me know that my work is helping to inspire others just as others inspire me!

These awards are the friendship and Lemonade stand awards which i have received from Gloria. So Gloria a great BIG THANK YOU to you!

The instructions for each award are as follows:

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated" It also says: "Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award." (Friendship)
and:
Nominate 5 to 10 blogs you feel show great attitude and gratitude. Link to your nominees within your blog post.- Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award. Link back to the person who gave you the award to show your appreciation. (Lemonade Stand)

So here is my list of those I'd like to pass this award onto, these are people whom through them and their blogs help inspire and motivate me:

Lynne
Lynsay
Michelle
Terri
Katharina
Marlene
Suzanne
Mel

Messy Rabbits & More Candy!!!

2009-05-24T21:12:00.000+01:00

I know, I know......Ive been absent again......BUT I do have some projects to share with you. I have been asked to do some demos and some workshops at a new craft shop that has just opened local to me and I have been given Joanna Sheen's Messy Rabbits to play with...

My first project is a gift bag and card set using DIY Messy Rabbit, dp papers are from stash. Images have been embossed, coloured with CS watercolour paints (which gives them a lovely sheen) and then layered. Video instructions for this gift bag (which is easy peasy!!!) can be found here.

In my second project using DIY messy rabbit I have made a gift box and card. The backing papers are from a new digital download website that my friend Lynsay told me about called NitWits (what a great wacky name!) Again the image had been stamped and embossed and coloured with CS watercolours.

In this picture is a view of the gift box open, which is exactly the perfect size for those pocket tissues!......I have a template for this gift box which for the life of me I can't remember where I got it from, but I shall try to have a look and get instructions to link.....its a great little box!

And FINALLY.....just to let you know that some extra goodies have been added to my anniversary blog candy I dont have piccies, but can give u a clue: cuttlebug, dp, and more stamps!!!!!!!!......its a biggy!!!.....and the only way to get your hands on it is to enter here.

Back soon with more Messy rabbit projects. lol x

There's gotta be a little rain sometimes!!!........

2009-05-05T21:00:00.000+01:00

Well, we certainly had rain/clouds and not alot of sun this long weekend, but then no surprise there!!!!!

However, along with the bad weather I have been tearing my hair out with our computers here at home, up until today we have been without!!! (thats 3.5 days without!!).....and its been a nightmare. Its not until you go without that you suddenly realise how much use and how much you rely on it!!......

So to everyone who has been waiting for me to send you replies etc., "Im sorry" but it really was out of my control! and Im getting back as quick as I can. Thanks xx

Anyway, I have managed to make another project for you, despite the weather we still had a really busy weekend, but I got to escape for a couple of hours.......

The stamped image is a 'little lovins' from Rubbernecker the background fence is a Magnolia stamp. I have doodled around the frame and the sentiment was printed on the pc. The dp is from my scrap stash.

Blogaversary Candy - 1 year old

2009-04-30T23:07:00.001+01:00

Well, it wont actually be a year old until May, but Im posting early.

It truly has been a great journey and just as I said in my previous post..........I have to say that I partly owe it to a lady that I also met about a year ago, who encouraged me to start it and gave me the guidance to get it up and running....so Thank you...you know who you are!!........

Through my blogging I have met some wonderful people, become very good friends with some of you and learnt so much from and been inspired by so many too. It has open up opportunities I never thought possible and I have enjoyed every minute of being here, albeit so time consuming at times. I truly thank you and appreciate all your comments, the awards, your emails, and a massive thank you to all those that have become followers.

So to celebrate this occassion, I have put together, what I believe to be a "very special" blog candy-versary, and which I will be adding to over the next few days..........

At the moment, there are 12 x 12 papers, 6x6 Once Upon Time papers, Spellbinder die cuts, Cuttlebug dies, ink pads, ribbons, fibers, embelishments, wooden stamps, various unmounted stamps, and image cd....

So, for your chance to win, all you need to do is leave me a comment in this post by Friday 29th May 11pm (GMT) (day before my birthday...OMG!) link me to your blog mentioning my blog candy - only if you want (but if you do it gets you double entry in the draw!) and that's it.I will announce the winner here on my blog on the Monday/Tuesday following. Good Luck! and................

Thank You

Happy Happy Crafting!

I love you just "bee"cause!

2009-04-28T22:27:00.000+01:00

At last a new project for you, albeit a very quick one. The stamp in this image is a new stamp that I got at Ally Pally. It is one of the new stamp sets from Particraft which you can see here.....and I must say....usually I'm terrified of bees/wasps.....but these little fellows are just adorable!!!..............The background papers are a digital download from Sweet Shoppe Designs. I have used cosmic shimmer paints to colour, but unfortunately in the photo, the shine doesn't show!!

A Fab Award!!!

2009-04-28T12:02:00.000+01:00

OMG....yes another award, this award has been given to me by Vanja at My Crafty Place, and what a unique award! As I keep saying, it is always amazing to receive these awards and it is truly appreciated - Thank You!

"The Renee Award was created by Bella (bellasinclair.blogspot.com) and Ces (cesandherdishes.blogspot.com) who wanted to show appreciation of the impact their friend Renee made on their lives. This award is meant, according to Bella, to be given to those that, like Renee, are like "the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns…".

"In Celtic mythology, the oak was the tree of doors, a gateway between worlds. So, I am passing this on to other artists that have inspired me with their art and their kindness in my growth as a papercrafting artist."

Katharina
Marlene
Mel
Lynsay
Lynne
Suzanne
Michelle (even though she doesn't have a blog!...yet!!)
And everyone else I visit....my list could go on and on.......

And the Winner is......................

2009-04-27T19:57:00.000+01:00

It's that time again....to announce the winner of this months blog candy, and I have now drawn a winner, but before I do, I would once again, just like to say a huge THANK YOU!. Thank you to everybody who has taken part and left some wonderful comments.

So, once again, without further ado, the winner is........................

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Angie - from Handmade by Lilacanglia

Congratulations to Angie, if you could email me (email on my sidebar) then I will get your candy out to you asap.

Now, next month (May) is my "First" Blogaversary, yes, my blog will be 1 year old.......and its been a pretty incredible journey.......I have to say that I owe it all to a lady that I also met about a year ago, who encouraged me to start it and gave me the guidance to get it up and running....so Thank you...you know who you are!!........

Through my blogging I have met some wonderful people, become very good friends with some of you and learnt so much from and been inspired by so many too. It has open up opportunities I never thought possible and I have enjoyed every minute of being here, albeit so time consuming at times. I truly thank you and appreciate all your comments, the awards, your emails, and a massive thank you to all those that have become followers.

In order to celebrate this occassion, I am putting together, what I believe to be a "very special" blog candy-versary, which I will be posting in the next few days........

So don't forget to check back soon for your chance to win!

An Award!

2009-04-27T12:03:00.000+01:00

As you are aware, I have been away, from blogland for a bit due to various things going on around, and I have been catching up over the last week......I was hoping to have started posting some projects, but had so much work to catch up with, it just hasn't been possible....but I have been reading up on all the comments that you have left me and also the emails that have been sent and trying to get back to all those had questions and queries, and now only have about three more left to get back to.

But I just wanted to post this award that Kim over at Poppy Petal Designs gave me, as I ve always said and maintain, it is always a privilege to receive these awards, they are motivating and VERY much appreciated.

I now need to pass this award onto five other blogs....so here goes........

Lynsay (not only her blog, but because she always makes me smile!)
Lynne
Moni
Suzanne
Katharina

I could go on and on..........but instead I will just say a big thank you to everyone!

Mini Scrap-Book Tutorial!

2009-04-27T11:14:00.000+01:00

I just wanted to let you all know that Lynsay has now posted her mini-scrapbook tutorial that she was demoing at Ally Pally.

It's a fab clear, step by step tutorial that you should head over and try.......

AND I will be back a bit later with the draw for my April blog candy, so check back later to see who the luck winner will be!...............

Holidays & Ally Pally!!!!......

2009-04-21T11:10:00.000+01:00

I hold my hands up in shame and confess and apologise at the same time for being such a bad blogger in the last few weeks.........but I had promised my kids that during the holidays that I would spend some quality time with them and that the only crafting I would do was the preparation for Ally Pally the weekend just gone....but I AM BACK NOW....and raring to go......

ALLY PALLY.....was a great show, it was busy, we run make and takes and demos non-stop and were always busy!!!......and of course, managed to get some shopping time (VERY IMPORTANT) and bought lots more new goodies and stamps which you will soon start seeing on here......I have also picked up some extra special blog candy prizes as it is almost coming up to a year that I started this blog........so watch this space for an "Extra Extra Special" candy next month!

The gang from left: Michelle, Me, Lynne, Lynsay

The project I am posting today, is one of the make and takes that I did at Ally Pally.....and I just want to say a big thank you to all the ladies that participated and I certainly hope you had fun, enjoyed and have gone home with lots of inspirations!!!

Essentially in this project I have shown how to make the flower tutorial which I posted a while back which you can see HERE.....the card consists of matting and layering, the stamped image is from Particraft which the ladies coloured using the distress inks, and the dp is Fancy Pants.

Thanks for sticking by me, thank you for all the emails and catch you all tomorrow! lol

If the Shoe Fits!..........

2009-04-03T23:40:00.001+01:00

Hooray its FRIDAY!!!......the kids have broken up from school and we are now all in 'chill out' mode! although , no doubt before the two weeks are up, I'll be pulling my hair out!!!

I have a quick project for you today, the image is another one from Particraft; - trust me, Its definitely worth a visit to the online catalogue as there are so many new stamp sets to chose from!

The background papers are Pink Petticoat and I have coloured the image with Cosmic Shimmer watercolours. The embossed layer is a cuttlebug folder.

Have a great weekend!

It's Candy time again!....................

2009-04-02T15:49:00.000+01:00

OK, so here is ....April's blog candy. This month up for grabs is another assortment of things; there are 2 unmounted 'little lovins' stamps, K&Co 6x6 pad, ribbons & fibres, some embelsihments/buttons etc, some glitter, a vintage kids image cd, a Sizzix & a Cuttlebug embossing folder.

All you need to do for your chance to win is leave me a comment in this post by Friday 24th April 11pm (GMT) link me to your blog mentioning my blog candy - only if you want (but if you do it gets you double entry in the draw!) and that's it.

I will announce the winner here on my blog on the Monday/Tuesday following. Good Luck!

Happy Crafting!

Vibrant Colours!.........

2009-04-01T18:36:00.000+01:00

My post today, will be a short one, as Im out later attending a street dance production that my daughter is in. So, my project for you today, is the remaining lady from the unmounted ladies plate from Particraft.

Ive used some 'vibrant colours' i.e orange, yellow and green, but today the sun was shining, it was such a lovely spring day that those were the colours that sprung out at me, together with her Springy dress and flowers in her hair!.....

And the Winner is..........................

2009-03-31T15:58:00.001+01:00

I have now drawn the winner for my 'extra special' March blog candy. But before I do, I just have to say a huge THANK YOU!

To all those that entered and left such wonderful comments. So without further ado, the winner is...................................................

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Kerry - from 'A Load of Old..........Pickle'

Congratulations to Kerry, if you could email me (email on my sidebar) then I will get your candy out to you asap.

And as always I will be posting my new blog candy for April on Thursday this week, so don't forget to check back then for your chance to win!

A Friend...........

2009-03-30T22:20:00.000+01:00

My project for you today, uses one of the new stamp sets from Particraft - the unmounted 'Ladies' - I am making up a few projects with these ladies as I will be demo-ing and doing some make and takes with this particular set at Ally Pally on 18th/19th April '09, and I really do love this particular set!

For a quick run down on how I put this card together - well, stamp is 'Ladies' stamp set from Particraft, background papers are digi downloads from Sweet Shoppe Designs, Spellbinder nestabilities, Distress inks: Peeled Paint, Adirondack dabber: Lettuce, Sentiment from internet quote site, Basic Gray flourishes stamp stamped a-round the sentiment, Flower & ribbon embelishments from stash, Stickles for sparkle, coloured with watercolour and distress inks, white dots w/inkessential opaque pen and a crushed bottletop achieved with the wizard. Voila!

See you tomorrow - with the blog candy winner!!

One more Easter & a New Baby!....

2009-03-29T18:13:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post today, as I've a few 'non-crafty' things that need doing before the week starts! My first project is another Toodles & binks stamp.

The papers are from the Sweet Shoppe Design collection, the flourishes background stamp is from Fancy Pants clear stamp 'Bella Blush', Nestabilities, glossy accents added to the egg, faux grass cut with 'fringing scissors'.

My next card is a New Baby card - which I am not too happy about, because I did not have any baby sentiment stamps (aaahhhhh!) except for the one in picture and it just didn't suit it, but I went ahead and stamped it anyway, and kind-a ruined it!!!!! - but I wasn't going to start again, and it just shows - mistakes happen!!!

Must make a note to myself to look for some new baby theme stamps at Ally Pally next month! - Background papers from Raspberry Road Designs - button embossing with cuttlebug folder, teddy bear image is stamp from Particraft which has been stamped onto acetate, coloured in circular motion with 3D crystal lacquer, cut out and glued onto white card - with added buttons, beads and ribbon embelishments.

Enjoy your evening - catch up with you tomorrow.

Its beginning to feel alot like Easter!........

2009-03-28T20:01:00.001Z

Hi All, hope you are all enjoying your Saturday - I have managed to spend a couple of hours this afternoon in my craft room (although over an hour was spent just trying to tidy it up a bit!) and I have finished two more 'Easter' projects for you today, using the new stamps from Toodles & Binks.

The first one is the bunny stamp from Toodles & Binks, I have used Sweet Shoppe Designs papers' and here is the finished card.

The second is the new 'Chick' stamp from T & B and again, the papers are from Sweet Shoppe Designs.

Well, thats it for today, I will be back tomorrow with a few more projects. Enjoy your Saturday evening lol.

And here she is........

2009-03-27T13:44:00.000Z

Here is the project that I was unable to show you yesterday.

The image is a new release from Toodles & Binks, the background papers are from Sweet Shoppe Designs I have coloured the image with copics - Im not really happy with how its turned out, but its all about trial and error - she says!!...... and I have added some glossy accents to the eggs which you probably can't really see in the picci, some faux stitching all around and the sentiment is also from Toodles & Binks.

I will have more samples for you, hopefully over the weekend!

And today is the final day to enter my 'extra special' blog candy - only a few more hours left, and I will then be preparing to do the draw and announcing the winner either Monday or Tuesday. Good Luck!

Easter Wishes!

2009-03-26T20:39:00.000Z

Another quickie post today, as it is my wedding anniversary today (15 yrs!!!! - OMG that long!!!) and as both hubby and were at home, needless to say that today, I didn't get alot of 'craft' time - but I had a lavish lunch, some gorgeous cards from kids and other family members, all in all a really nice day!

BUT also, yesterday, I had two little cuties arrive on my doorstep - they are the two new designs from Toodles & Binks and they are adorable!!! - I did manage to make a quick project this evening, but wont be able to post it 'till tomorrow as whichever way I do it, I just cant seem to take a good picture! its late and the light is awful! - so sorry guys, I'll post it tomorrow.

AND dont forget, tomorrow is the last day for your chance to enter my big blog candy! - who will it be?????........................

Twilight!......

2009-03-25T13:19:00.000Z

I'm sharing something totally non craft related, but just thought I'd share this with you anyway.......As I mentioned, I was away for a while as I was unwell, and one of the things (or only thing!) that I managed to do was read.......I had been given by a good friend the 'Twilight' books - yes all four of them - I had them a while and just hadn't got round to reading any - I heard about the film, saw the trailer, meant to go see it, but didn't get round to that either!!!!! Anyway, I started reading Twilight (the first book in the series) and to cut a long-ish story short - I read all four books within 5 days - I have NEVER read so much in so little time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To say I was hooked, is an understatement - I loved the books/story from start to finish and now I just cant wait to see the film which I believe is out on dvd on 6th April. If you're into the whole fantasy/Harry Potter type thing I believe you will love it!

Back to the land of blog...........at last!!

2009-03-24T19:59:00.000Z

Im so sorry for having been away for so long, but unfortunately I was really unwell, but glad to say that I am now back on form! - Thank you to all who stuck by and for those that sent me emails regarding my whereabouts and subsequently your good wishes - it's truly touching! - Thank you. I will try to get back to everyone to answer your questions asap!

Of course, when I did get back in form, the amount of neglected chores were a liitle overwhelming i.e. housework - ironing - kids - work - which I'm glad to say that I have now also caught up with, so now Im left with catching up with my blog, some dt work and also co-ordinating the Particraft stand at the Big Stamp & Scrapbook Show at Ally Pally on 18/19 April '09! - I do hope that some of you will get chance to come along and say hi, as it would be great to meet you in person - but I will post about this again nearer the time.

I do have a quick project to show you, which uses one of the new stamp plates from Particraft, which I will also be running a demo/m+t workshop at Ally Pally. It is a 'ladies' unmounted A5 plate and this particular lady is my favourite! I have added my paper rose to it too - and thank you all so much for the wonderful comments that you left me about my tutorial - I'll be sure to get some more together for you shortly - but first let me get Ally Pally out the way!

And just on a final note.......An Award!, I just wanted to share this award with you that was given to me by Cardmaking Galore, it was such a pleasant surprise - It is so great to know that you like to read my blog and that it inspires you. This fab award is given to blogs which:
- inspire you
- make you smile and laugh
- or maybe gives amazing information
- a great read~ has an amazing design
- and any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!

The rules of this award are: Put the logo on your blog sidebar or post. Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing and let them know. Share the love and link to this this post and to the person you received your award from!

It's not easy to list merely 5 people as there are so many of you out there who do all of the above, but here are 5 ladies(and a gent) that I have selected:

Valem, Pam, Becki + Alan, Lynne, Lynsay

Strength, Cure, Hope!

2009-03-16T19:46:00.000Z

Just a quick post for you today, of a project that I have put together for a workshop that I have coming up this week, the group will be making this card and gift box and selling them on at a church event to raise money for breast cancer.

The template I used for the bag was a template that I picked up from a craft magazine, I have decorated the bag inside and out, and added a small velcro piece to easily open and shut - the stamps are Magnolia's 'Tilda with rose' and the circle sentiment stamp is also from Magmolia. The papers are a digi download from Raspberry Road Designs called 'Alive & Kicking' - perfect for obvious reasons. I made one of my paper roses from the same papers and have also added a bottle top embelishment to the gift bag which has been squashed with the wizard machine and then coloured with alcohol inks, the small bead on the card was also coloured with alcohol inks to match.

I will let you know how they turned out and how much the ladies managed to raise.

Paper Flower Tutorial

2009-03-12T20:47:00.001Z

I have been asked many times to show how to make this very simple flower tutorial, I actually saw a similar-ish one being made a few years ago, when I attended a small local crafts event and when I came home, got straight to making my own version (so that I wouldn't forget) I adjusted it here and there adding my own tweaks to it. I've been making them ever since for projects (for example recently here) and workshops and now finally, Ive put it in writing (and pictures) and alas my paper flower tutorial is born!!

I have witten step by step notes and taken lots of pictures to match, in the hope that it fully explains and covers it, but email me if you have any probs. or need me to explain further. You can also click on the picture to enlarge it. So here goes.....

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1. Here are the main materials you will need; paper – I have used just plain red construction paper (of course you can use any colour!), dries clear glue, large 6 petal flower punch (or any six petal shape, sizzix, craft robo etc etc), glitter or stickles glitter, Fired brick distress ink pad, small piece of cut ’n dry foam and a cocktail stick (image 1)

2. Punch out 3 of the flower punch, make folds in them as in the picture to obtain the center (image 2)

3. In the first flower, just snip down the side of one of the petals to the middle, in the second flower punch cut away one petal and in the third flower cut away 2 of the petals (image 3)

4. At this stage using your cut ‘n dry foam with the fired brick ink pad, distress all the flower petals around the edges (image 4, 5)

5. Then using your dries clear glue, place some glue onto one of the petals of each of the three flowers and glue one petal over the other as in the picture - make sure you do this on the wrong side of the petals so that when they are glued down you do not cover the sides you have just distressed - (image 6,7,8)

6. Using your cocktail stick, curl all of the petals of each flower, of which there should be 3 (image 9,10,11)

7. You will now need to snip pointy ends off the two smaller flowers – do not snip the biggest flower as this is your base flower (image 12,13,14)

8. Then take the largest flower and add some dries clear glue to the middle, place the next size down flower and place on top, again, place some dries clear glue to the middle of that and place the smaller flower on top and just hold them in place a few second for the glue to adhere. (image 15,16,17,18)

9. With the two petal (i.e the heart shaped piece) again with the cocktail stick curl the petal edges and then keep one curled but, straighten out the other (image 19,20)

Now bring the shape together to make a funnel shape, but not too tight (image 21)

and place some clear dries glue to adhere the edge in place (image 22,23) (if at this stage the straight side of the petal is too straight, using your cocktail stick just gently curl that petal)

and as before snip the pointy end off (image 24)

10. Finally for the single petal, using the cocktail stick, curl the petal at the sides this time (image 25,26)

and also snip the pointy end off (image 27)

and place it in the middle of your flower, securing it in place with some dries clear glue as before (image 28)

The rose is almost complete, now for the final touches.

11. Cut out two leaves either with a die cut, or a punch or even draw it by hand and cut it out, I have used my wizard flower set die in this instance, but any similar leaf shape will do (image 29)

with a bone folder give the leaf some shape (image 30)

decide where you want to place them add some dries clear glue and adhere them in place (image 31,32,33)

12. And finally take your stickles glitter and randomly place some around the petals or even add some dots of glossy accents to resemble raindrops (image 34,35)

YOUR FLOWER IS COMPLETE - now you have the basis of constructing you can adapt it to suit your projects, I have made smaller ones, different colour, different papers i.e patterened & tissue papers, distress some of the petal edges with a distress tool for a worn look it goes on and on......

I do hope you enjoy this tutorial, I would love to hear your comments and what you think about it, and I'd absolutely love to see any of your projects created with this tutorial.

Merci!

2009-03-10T23:00:00.000Z

Just made it before the stroke of 12.........here is my last project for today that I have made with another download image that I got yesterday from Pink Petticoat. I saw a stamp set by Inkadinkado (I think!) that was a selection of chandeliers and the likes, which I guess I should have bought, because now I can't find them, and I don't know why I find a chandalier appealing??? but I did, so when I saw this new collection from Pink Petticoat, great and in the meantime I'll keep an eye out for that stamp set - perhaps Ally Pally??!!

This was an extremely simple card (doesn't get much simpler than this one!!) printed image, added some stickles glitter (which hasn't shown all that well in the photo!) matt and layered and voila!!

I'm out all day tomorrow, so not sure if I'll have time to stop by, but if not I'll be back for sure Thursay - see you then!

Muchas Gracias!

2009-03-10T16:30:00.000Z

As soon as I saw these 'Holly & Maddison' images from Charmed Crafts I was totally hooked and when they released their new 'World Tour' collection yesterday, I absolutely had to have them!

I was so hoping to have been able to finish the project yesterday to show you as I mentioned in yesterdays post, but alas, my eyes just wouldn't stay awake! (and I had a friend distracting me on Skype!!!!! - you know who you are - hehe!! lol) but I have completed my project now and this is one of my favourites the Spanish Senorita!!

I have printed her onto the thickest cardstock my printer will take and coloured her in both copics and watercolour pencils. The papers are also digital downloads from Pink Petticoat and the image has also been stamped with Basic Gray flourishes stamps. The sentiment was created in word doc and printed and I embelished it with a paper rose that I made

-I saw them making them at a local craft shop a few years ago, came home and made one so that I wouldn't forget, whilst it was still fresh in my mind - and Im so glad I did as it has really been useful - I will try and make up a tutorial for it, and I'll try to do it sooner rather than later - I'll try!!

Now, I did mention yesterday that there were two projects, so I will come back later tonight to post that one too!

Some Enchanted Evening!...

2009-03-09T17:36:00.002Z

I was sorting out my stamps this weekend, and whilst going through them, it was almost like 'going down memory lane.....' and every so often I was finding myself saying "oh, I'd forgotten I had that stamp?!...." and quite a few, I hadn't even used, hence my project today is stamps that I have not before used, although they have been sitting in my collection for some time!

You may recognise them anyway, as they are from Joanna Sheen, including the sentiment. As for the rest of the card, the film strip is a sizzix die cut, the papers are from my stash, I embossed the image matted layer with the cuttlebug 'script' embossing folder and the edges have been distressed with the 'Antique linen' distress ink pad. The image itself I have coloured with copics and the dress has been painted with CS mica powders to add a subtle shine, although I dont think the camera has really picked that up!

Later, (if you're lucky -and if I have time to finish) or alternatively tomorrow, I will be showing you 1 or 2 projects with two new acquisitions, but I'm really gonna keep you guessing with not even a peak or a clue (sorry!!!...lol)

I've been playing with 'Mica'!

2009-03-07T18:20:00.000Z

I decided I wanted to do something different today, I didn't want to use any design papers (as gorgeous as they all are!!), so I played around with some cosmic shimmer powders to create a background for my card and also as a main feature for the image - which I then also stamped on acetate, simply coloured the hearts and placed it so that it highlighted the image.

I used two different techniques for this card, first for the background I used a 'dusting technique which meant that I stamped the image with Perfect Medium onto the black card and using the brush, dusted on the cosmic shimmer powders and just tapped them in, I removed the excess with a used tumble dryer sheet and set it with a fine mist of water using a spray bottle.

The second technique which I have used to create the main focus of the image i.e. the 3 trees, has been done with a 'lifting' technique, by rubbing clear Perfect Medium onto the black card, dusting on my chosen cs powder colours with the brush, and removed the excess powder. I then inked up the stamp with the clear Perfect Medium and stamped back onto the same card. I masked the tree and stamped with the same image on either side and again set with a fine mist of water, finished by some matting and layering and voila!

The mica doesn't really show very well in the photo, but it really creates a stunning and different effect. The stamp that I used is a Toodles & Binks stamp 'Grow a little love'.

I was hoping to have time to finish sorting out my craft room, but alas, it was not to be, maybe tomorrow!!!!

Another Gorjuss Girl!

2009-03-06T21:46:00.000Z

I have to say that this is my absolute favourite 'gorjuss girl' in the collection, and I have stamped her out a few times and will be doing various projects with her, the one posted here today is the first.

I've used her in conjunction with a WoJ stamp which is the background grass and flowers, I must admit that I have used this stamps in conjunction with a few others as it is so adaptable for images like this sitting Gorjuss girl. I also decided to go through my box of 'left-over' papers and start using them up - which is what I have done here - so I couldn't possibly tell you where my dp papers are from other than they are from my stash box! - sorry! I have coloured my image with 'copics' and 'prismas' and added some stickles.

I'm making this post short and sweet as I am absolutely shattered today, I have been up since 5am (had to take hubby to station!) had a workshop later in the morning, have been catching up with some crafting projects which are overdue and also serve as taxi, taking kids to and fro!

Hopefully back some time over the weekend with more!

Because you're 'Gorjuss'!

2009-03-04T09:56:00.000Z

I had been itching to make a project with the 'Gorjuss' girl collection ever since I received them and of course, as its been lately with one thing and another I've only just managed to now complete one. I seem to have so many projects on the go at the moment, and I'm so desperately trying to catch up with my 'craft' to do list, that I could really do with a few days just shut away in my craft room, with no interruptions!!!.....yeh like that's going to happen!.....

Anyway, I have managed to complete this 'Gorjuss' girl from Sugar Nellies designer Suzanne Woolcott which you can get at Funky Kits - if they're not sold out already!! Again I've attempted to use my copics, but ended up using a mixture of mediums as I don't yet have all the colours that I needed. The papers are from Raspberry Road Designs from the 'Too cool school girl' collection, but the background script is a Pink Petticoat download. I've added a crushed bottle top which is so simple to do with the Spellbinders Wizard - ONE of my favourite tools!

I also just have to mention Annabelle, my very good friend's daughter, as it was her 18th Birthday yesterday, we all popped over to theirs for drinks and to wish her a 'Happy Birthday' before her and her friends then disappeared off to some night club!.........those were the days!!!

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY!

Mark & Milo!

2009-03-02T14:02:00.000Z

At last!.....a project for you. I am so behind in my crafting due to a few things that have been going on behind the scenes that I was starting to have withdrawal symptoms! So, now that I am starting to get back on track my project today has been created using a Toodles & Binks stamp 'Mark & Milo'

I was hoping to use my copics to colour the whole image, but unfortunately I don't (yet) have the variety of colours that I wanted for colouring this image, I need to get some basic colours, red, green, brown etc...So instead I half coloured with copics and the rest was with my watercolour pencils. The background papers, which so suited this image are from Sweet Shoppe Designs a set called 'are we there yet!' even the luggage tag is from them which I have just added the wording to.

I also used my distress ink pads to add a distress look to the project, the wording 'world traveller' and the US car plate are also from the same download - its not apparent in the photo, as I couldn't get the camera to pick it up, but the car plate has been accented with glossy accents.

As I am slowly getting back on track hope to be back tomorrow with another project for you. Thanks

March Blog Candy - Xtra Special!!

2009-02-27T23:30:00.000Z

Here is my March blog candy - I have made it an extra special one as I have now reached over 10,000 visitors - which is absolutely PHENOMENAL!!!!

So, as well as running the usual monthly blog candy, I thought I would make it an extra special one, by way of saying "Thank You" to all who stop by and to those who stop by and leave comments. I really do appreciate every single one!

My blog candy ranges from unmounted stamps, Rachelle Anne Miller stamp, Image cd, Tim Holts/Ranger products to include ink pads, grunge board, dabbers etc - die cut letters/shapes, papers, ribbons, embelishments, pro-marker pens - glitter and so on and so on and all new!!

As per norm, all you need to do for your chance to win is leave me a comment in this post by Friday 27th March 11pm (GMT) link me to your blog mentioning my blog candy (that gets you double entry in the draw!) and that's it.

I will announce the winner here on my blog on the Monday/Tuesday following. Good Luck!

Gorguss Goodies & a Card!

2009-02-25T18:43:00.000Z

No, its not a spelling mistake, I have indeed today received some Gorguss goodies - the new Gorguss Girls collection 1 from Funky Kits and they are to die for!! as you can see I've not yet got round to mounting them, but after dinner when all my rugrats are in tucked up in bed, thats what I shall be doing and if time allows I mean even nake my first project with them.

The card I have for you today, was started a week or so go just before I got the call about standing in and doing the Make-It show for Particraft, so obvisouly it was put on hold until this afternoon when I just managed to squeeze in some time to finish it.

The idea had been to enter into the new challenge blog The Pink Elephant for the first challenge which was create something using the colours pink, black, white; hopefully by next week I will have caught up with everything again, be back on track and enter the next challenge - at least thats the plan!

For my card I have used Pink Petticoat download papers, the stamped image is from Rubber Romance, the hat pin, I made and the sentiment is from my stash of word stamps from miscellaneous collections.

Thanks for stopping by

Blog Candy WINNER!

2009-02-24T14:16:00.000Z

The draw has been done and I now have the name of the winner to anounce, but first I just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who participated and for all your lovely comments, they are as always very well received and appreciated!

But without furtherado the winner for my February blog candy is......

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VALEMS - Vanja

Congratulations to Vanja, if you could email me (email on my sidebar) then I will get your candy out to you asap.

Don't Forget - to check back soon as my next blog candy will be a bit "sweeter" as I have had over 10,000 visitors, that's amazing! So thank you to all who have visited and to all who have left comments and that is why I am putting together a "sweeter" candy for you! - I shall try to have it up by the end of this week!

Blog Candy!

2009-02-23T22:17:00.000Z

Just to let you know that I have today been printing all the names for my February blog candy draw I will be doing the draw tomorrow and will anounce the winner tomorrow too, so don't forget to check back to see if you're the lucky winner!

I have also just realised that I have hit over 10,000 visitors - Wow!......so next months blog candy is going to be "extra special" - so stay tuned for that one too, hopefully I will have sorted that out by the end of the week!

Thanks so much to all who have taken part and see you all back here tomorrow with the winner.

Back from Make-It!

2009-02-23T21:34:00.000Z

The last four days have been jam-packed with a mixture of busy/fun/interesting & exhausting - not necessarily in that order! The show is now over and its been really good, it was great to meet up with friends and meet new ones! and met some lovely people that came along to our workshops.

"The Three Musketeers!"

(Michelle on the left, Pam in the middle and me on the right w/white shirt!)

Of course, how could I resist doing some shopping myself, although I must admit I was exceptionally good and didn't overspend at all! I restocked on a couple of tools and basic craft pieces that I was running low on, a few papers, I even bought a couple more new stamps.

BUT my "special" buy is something I have been toying with for some time and now I have done it.............I've gone Copic - yes, I have bought myself some copic markers to try out and if I like and above all actually get to grips with and achieve the results I expect then I shall be putting them on my birthday wish list! so any tips/advice from fellow copic users will be greatly received and appreciated!

My new babies - I'm just itching to start playing!

Still Busy at Make-it, Farnborough!

2009-02-21T19:30:00.000Z

Sorry for being and away and not posting anything recently, but as you're all aware from my previous posts I am away at the Make-It show in Farnborough and have had no time to craft!

However, I can tell that Farnborough has been really busy, I have managed do a little shopping myself in my break and I have bought myself something REALLY special, but I will tell you all about that when I return to blogland full-time again - sorry to tease!! lol

Piccie from my make 'n take this morning!

Not to forget that my blog candy is now closed and I will be drawing the winner early next week and will announce the winner Tuesday - so don't forget to check back to see if you have won!

Make - It, Farnborough

2009-02-18T19:40:00.000Z

As of tomorrow I will be busy at the Make-It show in Farnborough - I hope that some of you can come along as it would be great to meet you in person - and of course, not to forget what a great time is to be had at the show - ALL THOSE CRAFTING GOODIES!!!!! ...............

Happy Valentine's!

2009-02-14T11:40:00.001Z

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Valentine's!

Make-It & Some Awards

2009-02-13T20:08:00.000Z

Just wanted to post that I am still here - just been REALLY busy with some personal bits- of course half term is now upon us and that's going to add to my "busy-ness" and now preparing for Make-It at Farnborough 20, 21 & 22 (Feb.) as I will be there with my collegue Michelle running and demoing for Particraft and we will also be doing make 'n takes - if you can come along, pop down and say hello it would be great to meet you.

I also received two awards a few days ago from Lynne - Thank you Lynne! - Receiving awards is always such a boost and so appreciated.

The 'Measure Up' award decrees:- 'Say one nice thing to the man in your life' and also 'List at least 6 ways you measure your success in your life.' and of course pass on the award - and I will come back tomorrow to do that!

Chim Chim-a-ney!

2009-02-09T19:53:00.000Z

I am trying to get round a few challenges this week (which in itself is a challenge!) and this is my entry to the Whiff of Joy challenge which was this sketch:

And so here is my take on it:

For this card I have used Whiff of Joy stamp, Basic Gray flourish stamp set, papers from Sweet Shoppe Designs, embelishment is made from shrink plastic.

The Only thing worth Stealing..........

2009-02-08T22:15:00.000Z

Told you I'd be back!......... Well, albeit only just, but nonetheless back and with a finished project for another challenge blog - this time its ABC challenge blog and they are now on the last letter Z - being this weeks challenge - Zzzzzzz sleeping.

This is my take on the challenge and I was really determined to enter this one as I had just the stamp in mind and it was one that I've had a while, but just not got round to using - sound familiar??!!..... the stamp is from Third Coast stamps and I think she is just adorable! The sentiment I found on a poem and quotes website and thought it just right for this image.

Back tomorrow with more - so long as we're not snowed in again!!!

Friendship!

2009-02-08T12:54:00.000Z

A quick post for you today, as unfortunately due to the weather we've been having - schools closed and kids at home, unable to make it to work etc etc., crafting I'm afraid had to be put on the back burner!! (at least until later today!).

So I'm posting a card which I made sometime early last year, but never got round to posting - don't know why!!??

So for now, I'm just leaving you with this, hope your all having a good weekend - be back later (I hope?!)

'Sketch & Stash' + Snow!

2009-02-05T22:11:00.000Z

Its been another snowed in day for us here in West Berks., kids off school and unable to go to work! There may be people from places such as US, Canada, Finland, Sweden etc etc etc reading this right now and thinking to themselves 'what is the fuss all about??!!' and I ask myself too - how is it possible? not a HUGE amount of snow and yet we seem to have come to an absolute standstill!!??

Still, despite the chaos going on around we had loads of fun, I got our ski-wear down from the attic - we took the dogs for a long walk, had snowball fights, tried to build a snowman and a giant snowball (that after a few rolls, was just to heavy for us!) and it looks like tomorrow its more of the same.

Needless to say that with three kids at home (or should say four, DH was home too!) crafting time is 'very' limited however, I have been determined to try and enter at least one of the blog challenges this week and yiippeee!!! I actually did it!

I have made a card for 'Sketch and Stash' - this is a great challenge blog for me as it really does challenge me to get out some of those recently new and not so recently new stash and use it - and believe me - there's quite a collection!!!

Here is the sketch

Here's the card

The stash used - I used my never been used before Whiff of Joy stamp, a recently new paper set download from Sweet Shoppe Designs, the frame around the image is from my Fancy Pants clear stamp set which I have not used before either and I even got to decorate the inside.

Hope the weather is not too bad wherever you are - stay safe.

Ooh la la!

2009-02-03T19:53:00.001Z

Well, we were almost back to normal today, two out of three kids back at school and I did manage to retreat into my craft room for a while and made this card using a stamp which I absolutely love and find very stunning, but have only used the once before today. The rest of my time in my craft room has been spent trying to get better organised with all my "stuff"!

For this card I have used Sweet Shoppe Design papers, cuttlebug dots embossing folder and the stamp is 'beaded bodice' from Stampendous.

Snowed in!....

2009-02-02T19:46:00.000Z

Like alot of people today here in the UK we have been snowed in, unable to get to work and all school's closed for all three of my little monsters.

So after a busy, family packed weekend and just when I was looking forward to today to get house all back in order and possibly at the end of the day manage to sit down and do some crafting - no chance!!.....BUT the kids have been having fun in the snow (which considering the standstill we've come to - doesn't look like much), I did manage a little housework and now I've about half hour to post this before I get behind the ironing board and do the ironing I didn't get to do earlier! oh what fun!!

Hopefully everything will be back to normal tomorrow, kids back at school, work and some me time to be "creative"!

Two Cards, One Theme

2009-01-30T19:51:00.000Z

I shall be busy this weekend with family visitng, so I know that means that I shan't be doing any crafting. However, I had a few hours all to myself this afternoon and managed to make not one, but two cards, both with the same theme love/wedding/anniversary...that kind-of theme!

For my first card I have used a stamp that I have had for a while, but just haven't got round to using (sound familiar!?) from Whipper Snapper, I also used small wedding theme embossing plates from cuttlebug, sentiment is from Particraft.

For my second card I have used a vintage image from my Tuscan Rose cd collection and the heart and sentiment are clear stamps from Crafty Secrets and the frame stamp is Fancy Pants clear stamps.

Mothers Day & Hatpins!

2009-01-29T14:40:00.001Z

I had started out with the intention of making another Valentine theme card, however, as it started coming together, I wasn't getting that 'Valentine' feel and, as you can see, by the end it became a Mothers Day card (which isn't that far off either!). I also felt that by the rose and ribbon something was missing?! I have seen on a few cards, some kindof hatpins and I have made it a point in the past to look around for some, only to find that they are often too expensive (as a card embellishment goes) or too big! I really thought that the hatpin was the missing element here and so set about making it myself and after a trip down to my local bead shop I am now making my own hatpins - this is my first! - but watch this space...

Here is a close up of the pin, which I found very easy to make and a really effective finishing touch for a card.

For this card I have used Particraft stamp, dp are from Raspberry Road Designs, distress ink pad - vintage photo.

February Blog Candy!

2009-01-28T21:37:00.001Z

And here is it....February's blog candy. This month up for grabs is an assortment of things; there are 20 sheets of dp from Sweet Shoppe Designs - I've been using these so much lately that I thougt it only fair to share, so you can see for yourself how great they are! - there is some fibres and ribbons, some glitter, some flower and button embelishments and the 'Pièce de résistance' is two gorgeous ladies (as you will have seen in my past project) from Particraft - unmounted stamps.

All you need to do for your chance to win is leave me a comment in this post by Friday 21st February 11pm (GMT) link me to your blog mentioning my blog candy (that gets you double entry in the draw!) and that's it.

I will announce the winner here on my blog on the Monday following. Good Luck!

Happy Crafting!

For the Boys!

2009-01-27T22:15:00.001Z

One of my favourite era's is the 50's/Vintage, so when I came across these stamps from Bombshell Stamps - they were a must (I've had them about 6 months now, but we wont dwell on that!!).

I was going to make this card to enter a challenge (Sketch & Stash) due to the never before used 6 month stamp, and I did start out using their sketch, but I played around with the sketch to the point that it no longer looked like the original sketch, so I wont be submitting it - I'll try next time!

It fits the up and coming Valentine theme, and I thought it appropriate for a male card. I also added to the back a "handstamped by..." which perhaps I should do more often, but often don't bother!

For this card I have used Bombshell stamps and the flourishes are Basic Gray clear stamps, papers - you guessed it - are from Sweet Shoppe Designs - I'm really loving these papers and they are so easy to download and print (as many times as I need - at no extra cost!) - distressing with Ranger distress ink pads - black soot.

I thought I'd also post a card I made ages ago (probably 18 months ago?!) which is from the 50's era and an image (which is from a craft vintage image cd which I bought on ebay about 18 months ago - and that had loads - 1000's - of similar and other vintage images) which I love!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for February Blog Candy!!!

Missing You!

2009-01-26T18:28:00.001Z

This is my card for today, I had set out to make some cards to enter some of the challenges, but this is an image which I had stamped and coloured awhile ago and not done anything with, so when I was tidying my desk (a bit) today, I came across her and had to finish her. I do love the Elisabeth Bell stamps and I was hoping to order the surprise kit over at Whiff of Joy, but with money being tight at the moment, I really do have to cut back and unfortunately, haven't ordered (no doubt I will regret it, but c'est la vie!!).

My stamp here is from Whiff of Joy, my dp papers are digital downloads from Sweet Shoppe Designs which I thought so appropriate for this image - if you click on the picture and have a closer look, you'll see why.

On a separate note, I have been visiting both Suzy and Suzanne's blogs seeing their updates on CHA - and in a word 'Wow' they must be having an absolute "fandabydosy" time. I am soooo jealous - I would love to go to CHA!! - Maybe - one day - a girl can dream!!!

And the Winner is.........

2009-01-26T12:08:00.000Z

Hope you all had a good weekend, our weekend was quietish!!

Anyway, I have now drawn the winner for my January blog candy and can now announce the winner to be..........................

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Heike - Congratulations!

Send me your address to my email here and I will send your goodies out to you asap!

Once again, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to stop by my blog and took part, your comments are always great motivation and it's a great inspiration visiting your blogs in turn. Thank You!

February blog candy will be posted this Wednesday (28th) so don't forget to check back, I have posted a tiny sneak peak for you!....

and these cards here are a big clue!!

School Book Makeover!

2009-01-24T18:47:00.001Z

My project for today, has been to convert a plain, school exercise book into a note book for Emma for her skating. She has up until now been using a large A4 folder which is not practical and not necessary - its just to make notes on moves, remember what needs to be practised any coment from or to the coaches and somewhere to keep her cd with the music to her routine - so from this..............................

To this.............................................

And this.........................

Some detail........................................

To this inside................................

And finally, the back.....................

I have a large quantity of these exercise books which I bought a while ago at Dunelm for £1 for a packet of 20 (I bought 5 packets!?). I was quite pleased with the outcome of this and even more so that I have now actually come up with a use for the exercise books!

It was also really easy to 'makeover' - the trickiest was actually cutting the book down to size, I started using my craft knife which was perfect if I had made sure that my blade was 'sharp' - I had to change it as I was cutting the bottom which meant it didn't turn out as smoothly as it could have, but all in all its not really noticeable.

Ingredients: stamp from Toodles and Binks and DP are from Sweet Shoppe Design

Lots of 'Love' and not a stamp in sight!!

2009-01-23T19:53:00.000Z

I only had a very short time (really short!!) today to do any crafting, so I knew I wouldn't have time to stamp and colour any image and put the whole thing together - so instead I made this really quick card that just involved some matting and layering, a die cut, some glue and some glitter!

All papers and sentiment from Pink Petticoat.

Notelet Gift Set!

2009-01-22T20:49:00.001Z

I made this notelet gift set, which is based on the same template pattern as the ladies set one that I did here, although the ladies one was a DL size this one fits A6 cards. I've kept this one really simple and simply used some leftover pattern paper from my stash some black card some white card some ribbon, nestability die and the stamp is from Stamptivity

Don't forget tomorrow is the last day to enter my January blog candy here!

Peacemakers!

2009-01-21T23:26:00.000Z

Today, I met with the church group ladies, I had a really great chat with them where we talked just about everything - they are amazing ladies and the work that they do is phenominal! But I'm also glad to say that they were impressed enough by a few of the cards that I had made for them, that we shall now be meeting every three weeks to do some crafting, which they were really keen to get started on - so I will be looking forward to that and I will keep you all posted.

The card I made here for them uses a ODBD stamp and papers are download from Raspberry Road Designs.

So Sweet!

2009-01-20T18:54:00.001Z

I'm still waiting to receive my DT stamps from Toodles & Binks (post huhh!!!) but in the meantime a fellow crafter (unfortunately, not a blogger!) has sent me some stamped images from Toodles & Binks - here, so what a great opportunity to great cracking with a DT project!
Ingredients: Stamp from Toodles & Binks, papers from Sweet Shoppe Designs, I made the lollipop from fimo, sentiment has been printed from pc and the imade has been coloured with my prismas.

An Award from "Ribenaruby"

2009-01-20T18:37:00.000Z

I was truly honoured to have received this award from Ribenaruby - a lady whose blog is equally as inspiring as the ladies to which she has passed them onto! - Thank you. There are, I'm sure bloggers who receive awards left, right and center, so much so that it's probably no longer a big deal to them - but I can honestly say, that to me receiving a blog award is a real boost and so incredibly motivating! - I will go away and think about who to pass this onto and come back soon! - Thanks again!

Tooth Fairy - aka 'Celeste'

2009-01-19T14:08:00.001Z

I came across a tutorial for this box at splitcoasts, I've tried a few boxes that I have come across, but in all honesty found most of them to be too small, however, this one was just the right size and I was actually surprised with its final size which is quite big for a box made of one sheet of 12x12 paper - anyway I made a 'Tooth Fairy' box for my Emma (who just lost another baby tooth!) using a Toodles & Binks stamp - 'Celeste' - the perfect stamp for this project!

Here is a close up of the saying inside the box.

Just a Quickie!

2009-01-18T21:44:00.000Z

Just a quick post today, as our weekend has been a bit busy - but here is another card that I have made for the church group ladies.

The Lords Prayer!

2009-01-15T20:18:00.000Z

I have been asked by a group of church ladies that are interested in starting some crafting, if I would put together and show them how to make some cards, but that would really only focus on a religious theme - as they are finding it hard to find such cards. I hunted around for some religious stamps without much success and it was only through talking to a very good friend just before Christmas, in the US (that is also quite religious) who said leave it to her, as she new just the thing and would send me some stamps asap and that they would be a gift - this alone was a beautiful gesture! - Not knowing what I was going to be receiving a few weeks ago the new stamps arrived in the post - and they are perfect! - all religious based images and words - I am meeting with the church ladies on Monday and so have been putting some cards together for them - here is my first one.

Completed!

2009-01-13T21:28:00.000Z

Front & Back

You've seen the cards with the matching envelopes and now here is the project completed. It is a set of six cards with matching envelopes (here) which I wanted to make into a really special gift, so I played around with an old writing set which I had, took it apart, made a new template with the new measurements to fit the cards which I made (DL size) and voila!

I will be making this card gift box set at my various workshops (here). Although it has taken me a few days to work out and put together, now that I do have the measurements etc it is a really easy project to put together and one that can be made to match whichever card size you decide to use, be it DL, A6, A5, square etc and I will be showing how to do that in the workshops.

For my project here I have used six lovely lady stamps from Rubbernecker/Creative Expressions - some can be bought here, and the papers are from Pink Petticoat, the heart pendant on the spine I made from Fimo. I also used nestability die shapes and my cuttlebug embossing folders.

Here are some more pictures.

Front view open

Front views closed

Inside views

I have also made another project using this template, but again changing the size and a slight variation on the use. I shall post that later when its complete.