Wednesday 31 August 2011

Bang goes August!

Well, that's the summer well and truly over.
I spent yesterday putting my summer dresses away and getting out my thick jumpers, woolly cardis, and knitted scarves.
I LOVE winter clothes :-)

Here's a card I made for my niece.


I used this gorgeous First Edition, Birdsong paper. You can probably just make out how pretty and glittery the background piece is. 

I think this has to be one of my fav House Mouse stamps - I just love the cheeky look on that guys face as he goes to pop the balloon.


Challenges - 
Papertake Weekly - A Dawny P Sketch
Pollycraft - Felt - the flowers are punched from felt.
Crafting For All Seasons - Bingo. I used the line ribbon/glitter/flowers

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Saturday 27 August 2011

Hey Girly

Happy Saturday everyone. 
Time for another challenge at the CES Challenge Blog.
Our lovely host this week is Jane  
  
and she has chosen a colour combo theme...
We want to see your cards/projects using  

Brown, Pink and Aqua

How girly is this card?  I don't know what came over me. :-)
To get back to normal, I think I need to go and change the oil in my car, re-insulate the loft and put some shelves up !!  ;-)



I have used one of these fab 'on the edge' cards from Crafty Emma's, along with  First Edition 'Birdsong' papers. These papers are so pretty - they are either glittered or glossed, or have a double sided design.
If you love papers (don't we all) check out Emma's new stock.



 The image is a Kenny K digi - 'Download Diva' - coloured with Copics and sprinkled with Glamour Dust. I also added a little glossy accents to her lips.





Don't forget to check out the awesome work of my teamies - they really are a talented lot, and join us this week, for your chance to win a £10 gift voucher 
to spend in the store (excl p&p).
 

Challenges
Digital Tuesday - Cute and Girly
Truly Scrumptious - Rocked Up Pink
Charisma Cardz - Glitter It

Other supplies - 
'Just For You' Catslife Press Stamp 
Heart - XCut die and dots embossing folder.
Flowers - XCut punch, glamour dust and pearls.
Pearls / Ribbon / Button / Beads
Ribbon Tag Nestie.

Friday 26 August 2011

Back to Skool

Morning everyone...
here in the UK it's fast approaching that 'back to school' time.
I don't envy those of you who have to go uniform shopping, buy games kits and hockey sticks, maths sets and pencil cases and sew names into everything!
So, you must have guessed this week's Totally Papercrafts Challenge - it's

Back to School



I found this fabulous image by Anne Bodil.  Check out her blog - she makes beautiful cards and has some free digi stamps that she has drawn herself.
I used Copics here, and this was my third attempt at colouring this schoolgirl!


 Challenges
Party Time Tuesdays - Back to School
Sassy Studio Designs - Back to School
Papercraft Star - Back to School

Other Supplies
6 x 6 On the Edge card / DP Fancy Pants 'it's the little things'  - available from Crafty Emma's Store. 
Label Nestie / McGills Ticket Punch / Staples / Clip / 
Computer generated sentiment.

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Little Robin Redbreast

Today I'm showing you a really simple Christmas card.
I did intend to put a bow above the image, which is why it's not quite central, but it just didn't look right.



From all the Christmas cards I make, I usually pick 3 or 4 designs that I like the most and then make more of those. 
I think this CAS style is a winner, it's quick and easy to make and flat enough to cost me less to post!!    ;-)

The sparkle is gorgeous IRL, just so difficult to photograph.

Challenges.

Less Is More - Things That Move.
Card Ideas - Anything Goes
Secret Crafter - Create A Scene
Crafter's Companion - Glitter and Glitz
Sir Stampalot - Whatever You Fancy


Supplies.
6 x 6 Card Blank and Glamour Dust from Crafty Emma's
Woodware Stamp Set 'A Winter's Day'.   Copics.


Saturday 20 August 2011

Xtra Sweet Stuff

Ok, I confess - I CANNOT make jelly.
I follow the instructions, but it NEVER sets.
A fact that my family finds hysterically funny!
So, when I see a recipe that calls for 'gelatine', I usually give it a miss, but I sooo wanted to try this one.
Ha! not laughing now, are they? 
No, they are begging - yes begging, for my marshmallows ;-)


If you're a regular visitor, you'll know that I don't do complicated - and this recipe is easy peasy (if a little sticky!).
I used my swiss roll tin for the mixture, which is the perfect size.  I did find the thick marshmallow a bit awkward to spread - the best way was to put dollops on with a spoon and then use a palette knife to level it.


Despite eating testing a few blackberries, I still ended up using about double the amount the recipe called for. I wanted some berry in each piece of marshmallow :-)

If, like me, you've only ever eaten that hermetically sealed, shop bought, pink marshmallow then you MUST try this recipe.
It is melt in your mouth GORGEOUS and the burst of blackberry cuts through the sweetness perfectly.







I am adding this to Joyful Stamper's Inspire Me Fridays
linky party.

Drivers, start your engines!

Happy Saturday everyone.
Is summer officially over?
Can I get out my jumpers and thick woollies now? :-)

We want you to play along with another CES Challenge this week.
Our lovely host is Kaylou 
and she has chosen the theme 

 Banners, Bunting and Flags

If you need some inspiration check out the awesome work from the DT

I needed a 50th Birthday card for a friend, so flags and bunting were perfect.


I know this image is a bit different for a 50th birthday, 
but the person it's meant for has a car like this, that he and my hubby take circuit racing, so there is method in my madness!

I have used one of these 'On the Edge' card blanks from Crafty Emmas
Have you seen them? They are 6 x 6 smooth white card and you can get different edge designs.
DP is Fancy Pants 'It's the little things' also available at Emmas


The image is AJ the Racing Driver from the Stamping Boutique
coloured with Copics and some glossy accents on the tyres.
The numbers were cut on my slice machine - basic elements card
Bunting is a Molly Blooms stamp, paper pieced with the DP.

Pop along to Crafty Emma's this weekend and check out the 
GORGEOUS NEW STOCK that has just arrived. 
And, you know what 'new stock' means -
it means there is a massive SALE to make way for all the new goodies.
Grab yourself a bargain whilst you are over there.



And remember,  if you join us this week, you could win a £10 gift voucher 
to spend in the store (excl p&p).

Challenges.
Scrappin' Chics - Pennants or Banners
Cards For Men - Anything Goes
The Stamping Boutique - Stripes and Dots


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Friday 19 August 2011

Winter Tea Lights

Hello crafters, time for another Totally Papercrafts Challenge
and this week our theme is

Christmas in August

Just perfect for adding to that Christmas pile 
and if you haven't started your Christmas cards yet,
I don't want to panic you, but there are only 18 weeks til the big day! Eek!!

I made this little tea light gift.



I started with a 144mm x 144mm card blank and scored it 20mm from the centre score line. When folded this leaves one side longer than the other, so I just trimmed off the excess length to make them equal.

I decorated the front of the card with the cute Penny Black, Mademoiselle Noel stamp and a Christmas DP from last year K & Co, Peppermint Twist.
Remembering to place a piece of ribbon between the mat black card and the card blank.
The 'winter' stamp is stamped in silver and embossed.


I made a little box to fit my four tea lights. 
To create the 'window' I cut out a piece from the lid with a label nestie and covered it, on the inside, with a piece cut from a clear plastic bag.

When I went to cover the base in my red DP, the only piece I had left, had a little flower shaped punch cut into it,
this meant I had to place my box to one side, but I think it looks ok.


Remember again, if you're making this, to put a piece of ribbon between the mat card (black in my case) and the card blank itself.
 



Here's a close up of that image - coloured with Copics and with some added sparkle to her 'fur' trim.
It doesn't really show up well, but it's there!

The little doggy was cut from a label that was in the DP pack.














I hope you will join our challenge this week and don't forget to check out the fabulous work of the DT.

Challenges.
Make it Monday - Linky Party
Penny Black at Allsorts - August Challenge Free & Easy
Aud Sentiments - Anything Goes
Craft Us Crazy - Anything Goes

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Supplies used.
Penny Black Stamp - Medemoiselle Noel, coloured with Copics and Crystal glitter.
DP - K & Co Peppermint Twist.
Catslife Press Stamp 'winter', 'just for you' stamp and twine available at Crafty Emmas
Snowflake punch and stickles glitter
Ribbon and card candy from my stash.
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Sunday 14 August 2011

All of my hearts...

Is there such a thing as die-cutters elbow??
I think I have it!!

We have been updating our bathroom for months now - 
hubby says you can't rush these things! -
and I wanted something to hang on a plain white wall,
but it had to be blue, to match the edging tiles.
I've seen frames like this on the net and thought I would try making my own.
 
It actually looks quite small in this pic, but the frame is 12" x 12", 
Of course you could make it any size, any colour to fit your decor. :-)


 For more details check out my post on the CES Inspirational Blog


Challenges - 
Allsorts - Anything Buut A Card
Fussy and Fancy - Use a Lot (3 or more of your fav. embellie) Is a heart an embellie? Not sure - if you don't think so ladies just delete my entry - no worries. :-))
Make It Monday - Linky Party
Inspire Me Fridays - Linky Party

Saturday 13 August 2011

Travel light

Great British weather!
Up here in Yorkshire we have had rain most of the week  - I love it!
I can't wait to get out of my flip-flops and into my boots :-)

Just perfect for you to all stay indoors and join this week's new challenge  at CES.
Our host is the lovely Julie and she has chosen the theme

Mix and Match
Papers from 2 different manufacturers

Check out the awesome work from my teamies - 
they are such a talented bunch.

I went for a little project - 
it's been a while since I made anything other than a card.


I have made this Suzanne Dean case before, but this time I scaled the measurements up to make it a little bigger.

The DP's are a mixture of Prima Botanical and Websters Pages. 
Pop on over to Emma's Store to grab yourself some of these gorgeous papers in her SALE, or treat yourself to something NEW. :-)


 I decorated my case with blooms, pearls and Baker's Twine - all available at Emma's.   The little eiffel tower stamp is from Penny Black, J'aime Paris and the tickets and postage stamps are cut from the Prima DP.
The handle is attached with brass look brads.
  

 I was so happy to find this Chocolat label at the Graphics Fairy - it was just perfect for the inside.
I confess - these choccies are actually a little too big for the case - the lid won't close! So, unfortunately I will have to eat these and find some others - and it might just take me a few attempts before I get it right!!
 

Challenges - 
Charisma Cardz - Distressing
C.R.A.F.T -  Gifts
Bling It On - ABC (Anything BUT a card / Buttons / Chocolate
Craft Us Crazy - Anything Goes


Friday 12 August 2011

If it's no fat, no sugar, no dairy... throw it out, it's no good!!

No surprises for what my specialist subject is, 
over at Totally Papercrafts today...

Food & Drink

We'd like to see food and drink related cards. 
At this time of year, I am on the look out for Christmas ideas too - so maybe you have a cute/clever idea for some food/drink packaging that you would like to share with us ;-)

We were given some fab images from this week's sponsor Meljen,  and I chose this Topsy Turvy Cake. 
Isn't it fab - I could definitely have a good go at eating my way through that!


Well, the cake just HAD to be chocolate and vanilla, didn't it? 
So that's what I based my card around.
 


I coloured it with Copics and used Glossy Accents on the 'icing'.
I used quite a lot of gloss so IRL the 'icing' is a nice thick layer.

There's also a dab of gloss on the flames, that the camera doesn't pick 

up very well.






















Challenges
Divas by Design - Birthdays
Spoon Full of Sugar - Happy Birthday
Meljen's Designs - Use Black



Supplies -
Meljen's Digi - Topsy Turvy Cake.       Copics/Glossy Accents.
DP - GCD Studios Ella Blue                 Martha Stewart Doily Punch
Adhesive Pearls                                    Craftwork Cards Sentiment
Ribbon from my stash.
6 x 6 Card Blank from Crafty Emma's Store.

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Wednesday 10 August 2011

Simply Red

With money being so tight right now,  I haven't been buying any new stamps. So, it's great when I discover a new way to use the stamps I already have. 
Digis are perfect for this - cropping, rotating and merging are all so easy to do.

I used Pollycraft's Marley Mouse here - rotating him and printing him out much larger than I usually would.


I coloured his hat and jumper with Copics and then used some white, crystal glitter to his hat. IRL it's very sparkly!
I ummed and ahhed about whether to add a sentiment or not, and finally went for this Penny Black one, stamped in red.



Challenges - 
LIM - Colours of your nation's flag. I chose red and white for the St George's Cross.
Make it Monday - Linky Party
Fab 'n' Funky - It's Christmas
Allsorts - Red
Bee Crafty - Cropping and Chopping Images



Saturday 6 August 2011

Water, water, everywhere

Oh, be gentle with me girls... it's my first time hosting the challenge at CES and I have chosen the theme...

Water it!

At this time of year we think of beach scenes and boating, but, with the weather we've had up here in Yorkshire, umbrellas and wellies might be more appropriate!  :-)



I got to play with these gorgeous Echo Park, Country Drive papers, from Crafty Emma's.
I cut out some wave shapes and used foam pads to attach them, then coloured my Cool Cat with Copics and nestled him amongst the waves.
Something makes me think that this cat is a guy! I know - he's got flowery flip-flops on, but I think he's borrowed those, 'cos the ground is too hot for his delicate little feet!!!



I added some glossy accents to his sunglasses and the ice in his drink.
I covered a piece of card with Bakers Twine and added the Catslife Press stamp - both available from Crafty Emma's. - and attached it around his paw, as though it was a little kite. Oh, and the little birdy is cut from the DP.

Here's a picture to show you the layers better.


I know it's a busy time of year, but it would be great if you could find time to enter the challenge this week.
(I don't want them booting me out if we get no entries!)
and don't forget you could win a £10 voucher to spend at Crafty Emma's Store (p & p not inc)


Challenges - 
Stamp Something - August Digi Day
and a challenge that's new to me - (check it out if you haven't seen it) -
Crafting For All Seasons - Beach/Ocean

I would also like to enter this card for the St Luke's Charity Cards Challenge
and thank you to Jenny for pointing me in the direction of this great challenge and fund raising blog. I will post this card off to you, and I'm sure I can find some others to go with it. :-)

Supplies -
Catslife Press Stamp
Plus...    Cool Cat digi stamp from Hambo Stamps
Papermania Shimmer Dots (on the waves)
Button from my stash.

Friday 5 August 2011

Snow Fun

Hello crafters 
it's time for another Totally Papercrafts challenge 
I'm sure the week's are getting shorter!
Our lovely host this time around is Cathy (pop over and say hello)
and the theme is...

Holidays

Now, I instantly thought of the Christmas Holiday season, 
but you could make your project any type of Holiday theme.
Check out my teamies fab work on the challenge blog
for some inspiration.


 Our sponsor this week is the terrific Karen's Doodles and I used their cute First Snowfall digi.
 I cut my background black card to fit my card blank and then made a patchwork up with the DP. I have lots of little scraps of paper, so this is a great way to use them up.


The image is coloured with Copics and some fine silver glitter and then popped up, onto a piece of dot embossed card. I also added a little glossy accents to the snowman's 'coal' pieces.



I found a really old snowflake stamp in my Christmas box, so I stamped it with silver ink and then embossed it with clear powder.
IRL it looks really pretty
and adds a bit of texture.










Challenges - 
Aud Sentiments - Use 'Merry Christmas' sentiment
Simon Says Stamp - Christmas In August
Die Cut Dreams - Holiday Fun

Supplies - 
Karen's Doodles Digi Stamp.       DP - Dovecraft, Xmas Fancy.     Copics
Embossed Dots Folder.           White Gems  Glossy Accents.   Silver glitter.
Making Memories Chipboard Sentiment.
Martha Stewart Doily Punch.       
Silver Ink stamped snowflake - clear embossing powder.

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Happiness is a long, hot, bubble bath.

Here's a card I made for my BFF.
She has a chronic illness that she refuses to give in to, so she runs on pure adrenaline most of the time. It means that when she crashes, she usually ends up with a few days in hospital.
I wanted to remind her to chill out, relax and take care of herself.


I started with the bubble bath image from Sassy Studio designs. It's actually a full image of a lady in the bath, but I cropped it down and then paper pieced the bath and used stickles glitter for the bubbles.
The chandelier, was a free digi from Shery K Designs.

I couldn't find the right shade of gold ribbon in my stash, so I cut some little ribbon style pieces from the DP and finished off with the card candy.
DP is My Mind's Eye, True Blue.

Challenges
Make it Monday - Linky Party
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes (use metal as an optional extra)
Allsorts - Free & Easy
Fab 'n' Funky - Friendship.   Hope this qualifies, but I know I haven't added a
'friend' sentiment anywhere, so just delete it, if it doesn't. No worries!


Monday 1 August 2011

Perfect Pear

Just a very quick and simple notecard to show you today.



I made this for the Less Is More, 'Feeling Fruity' Challenge.

After seeing Katina's fabulous 'Partridge in a Pear Tree' card,
I had 'pears' on the brain :-)
I found this image at The Graphics Fairy and just added a little sparkle to it.

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