KISS - Keep It Sweet and Simple

Plays Well With Fabric

2012-01-29T11:59:00.000Z

I have something a little different to show you today.

My blogging buddy Lee has inspired me with her 'work in progress' to show you mine.

Now, be nice - this is my first EVA quilt!

Those eagle-eyed amongst you may notice that it's not actually a quilt yet.
That's just a teenie part of the process that I have yet to learn how to do :-)
Watch this space!

I started with the Moda Layer Cake above ( 40 x 10" Squares) and after cutting and sewing I ended up with 35 blocks.

Some blocks were just plain and others were made up of 3 strips.

These were then stitched into the rows you see below.

Can you spot my deliberate mistakes??

(The last block on row 3 should be horizontal and the very last 2 blocks should be swtiched with each other).
Of course, I never spotted this until all the rows were sewn together!

Now I have sewn the rows together and I am researching the 'quilting' process.

I'd like to do this on my sewing machine, but it seems that I need a special foot attachment for that, and finances won't stretch to it - so if you know any 'hand quilting for beginners' web sites, point me in the right direction ;-)

Have a nosey at what everyone else is up to at
Sassy Cheryl's Show Me Thursday
and Joy's Inspire Me Fridays

Vintage Style

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000Z

Just a quick post from me today, to let you know the new challenge at Totally Papercrafts.

It's the lovely Dora's first time hosting for us and the theme she has chosen is...

Pearls and Lace

This week we are sponsored by Crafty Emma. Check out the store for all kinds of crafting goodies, some great bargains in the sale, and have a sneaky peak at the lush papers that are available to pre-order.

Challenges

Papercraft Star Victoriana

Simon Says - Anything Goes

Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes

Supplies -

6 x 6 On the Edge Card Blank from Crafty Emma's

Dress Form digi from Stretch 'n' Bubbles, paper pieced with Bo Bunny, Timepiece.
(This digi stamp store is now closed, but I'm sure someone else must do a similar stamp.)
DP, Prima Printery Nestie Elegant Posts

Stamps from Papermania, Portabello Road

Cream Lace, ribbon and pearls from my stash

To Have And To Hold

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000Z

Over at Totally Papercrafts this week, the lovely Lols is hosting and we want you to...

Make Your Own Flowers

Argggghhhhh - I don't do flowers. I have tried - honest I have - with all that rollling and wrinkling, but it always ends up looking like something the dog chewed up!!
So, I can't wait to see what you come up with - and hopefully you will share your secrets with us!

I used this gorgeous digi image from Tiddly Inks, coloured with Copics and a sprinkling of Glamour Dust. In fact, quite a bit of Glamour Dust went on this card - it's not just for Christmas, you know! ;-)

Here's a close up of my flowers.

IRL they are very pretty, although I admit, not a lot of 'making' was involved!

If , like me, you're 'florally' challenged,

even you can give these a go.

I bought the lace flower trim from my local craft shop and cut out the flowers.

I punched a simple bloom from card and bent up the petals.

I used a glue dot to stick the lace flower on top.

The card helps to give the lace some shape, otherwise it would lay very flat.

Then I simply added a pearl or dew drop centre.

Easy, peasy :-)

Challenges

Papertake Weekly - Buttons, Bows, Bling & Blooms - Use any or all of them.

Ladybug Crafts - Bows

Digi Tuesday - Romantic Card

Bling It On (Jan) - New Beginnings

Stampalot Challenges (Jan) - Monochromatic

Supplies
6 x 6 On the Edge card blank from Crafty Emma's.
Tiddly Inks Digi Image, You and Me Baby coloured with Copics.
DP - Papermania, Heather. Glamour Dust. XCut Flower Punch
Sizzix Flourishes Die. XCut Sm. Heart Nestie. Sm. Lacey Circle Nestie
Sentiment LOTV. Pearls Coloured With Copic. Dew Drop. Satin Ribbon.

How do I love thee?

2012-01-16T15:31:00.000Z

Look at me... getting ahead and making my Valentine card for Mr. KISS ;-)

This year, to save me spending hours trawling for that perfect image, I have experimented with my nesties.

I admit, it's very strange not having an image as a focal point, but I kind of like the way this turned out.
It reminds me of those Cath Kidston prints.

And - shock horror - I even decorated the inside!

Challenges

Sketch Saturday - Sketch

One Stop Craft - On the Spot and Ribbon

Crafter's Companion - Love is in the Air

Secret Crafter - Anything Goes with Blue

Pollycraft - Bingo My line is Ribbon/Sparkle/Flowers

Supplies -

The DP is totally gorgeous, but I have no idea what make it is.

I used lots of dies -

Spellbinders - Circles / Scalloped Circles / Pennants (nesties)

Edgeabilities - Classic Bracket Fancy Tags 3 and Elegant Posts

XCut Heart Nestie.

DCWV Rub-on love quotes.
Fine red glitter on the heart, pearls and red satin ribbon, from my stash

Nobody Knows I'm A Genius!

2012-01-13T09:55:00.000Z

It's Friday 13th today - so don't risk going out - stay home and join in our new challenge at Totally Papercrafts :o)

it's my turn to choose this week's theme and, 'cos I'm still struggling to get back into crafting, I went with a nice easy one...

Spots and Stripes

This is a card I made for my dd's boyfriend - I just couldn't resist the cute Tiddly Inks image. He's coloured with Copics, cut out and popped up on foam tape.
The 'in' thing at the moment seems to be playing scrabble on their iphones - so I made up some little scrabble letters on my comp and added his name.

Challenges -

Crafty Cardmakers - No Flower Embellies

Papertake Weekly - Die Cute Special. The background shape and the little tag things with buttons on - don't know what you call 'em - were die cuts in the DP pack. I also used a Spellbinders Edgability on the striped DP and black card.

Tiddly Inks - Celebration

Simon Says - Spots and Stripes

Moving Along With The Times - Spots and Stripes

Supplies.

6 x 6 On the Edge card blank from Crafty Emmas.

Tiddly Inks digi image, coloured with Copics.

The football stamp is from a Woodware, Playtime set.

DP - My Mind's Eye, Ooh La La.

Craftwork Cards Sentiment / Buttons / Scrabble letters made on my comp.

G'day mate!

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year everyone. Hope you all had a fabulous holiday.

If you're like me and are finding it tough to get back into crafting mode, check out our first challenge of the year at Totally Papercrafts hosted by the lovely Anne.

We have a nice, easy sketch for you to follow, designed by our very own Sue.

I rotated the sketch to suit my design - as long as we can make out the original sketch on your project, that's fine.

For a long time my Mum & Dad spent the start of each year in Australia, visiting friends. Then, because of their health problems they haven't been able to go for the last 5 years, but they are now heading back there at the end of Jan. Wish I was going with them :-)

Soooo - this image is perfect for my Dad's Birthday tomorrow. That is just him (minus the beard) with his Aussie hat and thongs and a tinny in his hand :-)

Please head over to the main blog to check out the amazing work of my fellow teamies and, if you're playing along this week, you could win a $25 credit voucher to spend in the Simon Says Stamp Store.

Challenges

Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Goes

Papertake -Anything Goes (Optional 'new' theme)

Supplies.
Aussie Santa image from Make it Crafty, coloured with Copics.
DPs are Websters Pages.
Sentiment made on my comp.

Hot Choc

2011-12-21T11:02:00.002Z

Phew.... I think I'm nearly done!

The decs are up, the presents are wrapped and all that's left is the dreaded food shopping!

Merry Christmas to my brilliant teamies at Crafty Emma's and Totally Papercrafts - and also to my followers and those that take a little time to leave me a comment - I appreciate all your support.

Wishing you all health and happiness for 2012.

Here's a last minute gift I made for a friend.

This had me swearing - I can tell you, and several attempts ended up in the bin!

I started by making an insert, large enough for my mug and reindeer - using a nestie oval to cut a piece for the reindeer to sit in, and a nestie circle for the mug.

Then I made a shallow box around the insert, and stapled a piece of card to the back of the box, with a nestie oval handle.

The card box doesn't really support the weight of the mug, so I wrapped the whole thing in cellophane to make it easier to carry.

Challenges

Simon Says Stamp - Bingo. My line is Ribbon/Twine, Punches/Die Cuts, Multifold.

My Mum's Craft Shop - Anything Goes

Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Christmas and my Top Tip is "buy 2 chocolate reindeer, one to put in the box and one to eat whilst you are trying to make it". Ha Ha! Only kidding ladies :-)

Champagne Party

2011-12-17T08:00:00.000Z

How cute are these little mice, with their champagne fountain?

Just perfect for the last challenge of the year over at CES, where our theme is

Party, Party, Party!

This challenge will run til January 6th.

I used a 6 x 6 Petal Point card as my base, with GCD Ella Blue DPs.

The Lili of the Valley image is coloured with Copics and sprinkled with Glamour Dust.

I kept the card pretty simple and just added a few gems, pearls, card candi and a sentiment from Crafwork Cards.

Don't forget to pop over to the main blog for details of the £10 prize to spend in Crafty Emma's store,

and check out the awesome work of my fab teamies.

Challenges -

Party Time

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000Z

Here we are at our last Totally Papercrafts Challenge of the year.

Our host is the fabulous Lols and she has chosen the theme

Time to Party

We would like to see anything with a party theme.

The challenge is open til January 5th, so plenty of time for you to play along.

Our sponsor is Karen's Doodles, who will be giving away 3 digi images to the lucky winner.

I used this fun image from Karen's Doodles, coloured with Copics, some glamour dust on the soap suds and a little glossy accents on her mobile phone and cocktail.

Challenges

Ladybug Crafts Ink - Bingo (runs til Jan 2nd ) My line is Ribbon/Flowers/Punches, Die Cuts.
Stampalot - Bingo - My Line is Punches / Flowers / Pearls

Supplies

DP - GCD Love Tokens. Xcut Puncheed Blooms.

Party ticket made on my comp and using McGills Ticket Punch.

Martha Stewarts Lace Doily Punch.

XCut Botanical Leaves Punch. Glamour Dust. Glossy Accents.

Pearls. Craftwork Cards Sentiment. Ribbon from my stash.

Christmas Stockings

2011-12-13T12:08:00.000Z

It's suddenly got very busy here - and I am sinking under a pile of 'to do' lists!!
Hope all your Christmas plans are going well.

Today I am showing you some cute little gift stockings, that will hold gift cards or cash :-)

These are really quick and easy to make and much better than putting cash in a boring envelope!!

I used the great free template from Waltzing Mouse Stamps

I found a few sheets of these pretty, glittered DPs, in my box, but I can't remember what make they are.

And, because you can't have TOO much sparkle at Christmas, I added some extra glamour dust :-)

The stocking top is tied closed with some pretty, organza ribbon.

To this I added a glittered tag, with a button snowflake and some silver bells.

Challenges

Moving Along With The Times - Last Minute Christmas

2 Sisters - Christmas

Paper Sundaes - Anything Christmas

Cupcake - Don't Look At The Light

Top Tip - A Gift

**************************************

We Three Snowmen

2011-12-10T11:07:00.001Z

How are you all getting on with your Christmas cards - nearly done??

I have just a few more to make.

Here's a really quick and simple card that, I think, looks really effective.

I stamped the sentiment straight onto my base card.

The image comes from a sheet of DP in the First Edition, Festive Treats pack. I cut out the snowmen and used a round ended embossing tool to give them a little shape.

Then I stuck them onto the card with foam pads (the paper is already glittered, so there's no need to add any) and that's it... one quick card!

You can find this First Edition DP at Crafty Emma's

Challenges

Craft Your Days Away - Snowmen

2 Sisters - Christmas

One Stop Craft - Traditional Christmas Colours

Samuel Taylors - Anything Goes

Christmas Kisses

2011-12-10T10:00:00.000Z

Morning everyone, time for another challenge at the CES Challenge Blog,

but first there is an update from Emma and some new pics of her totally gorgeous princess. Pop over and check them out here.

Our lovely host this week is Carrie
and she has chosen the theme

Traditional Christmas

I went for the traditional christmas colours of red and green, with this sweet Mistletoe Kisses image.

The image is a pre-coloured die cut, so all I had to do was add a little glamour dust and stickles pearls.

I used a 6 x 6 On the Edge card blank,with red gems on the petal points.

The DP is Dovecraft Back to Basics and the snowflakes were die cut, and sprinkled with more glamour dust.

So, if you still have some Christmas cards to make, why not make one of them traditonal and enter our challenge.

You could win yourself a $10 voucher to spend at Crafty Emma's (excl p and p).

Challenges -

My Mum's Craft Shop - Traditional Christmas

ABC Christmas - Y is for Yippee!! Anything Christmas

Crafty Ribbons -Taditional Colours for Christmas

Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

I Wanna Be A Rockstar

2011-12-09T14:48:00.000Z

Over at Totally Papercrafts this week we are taking a break from all things festive ;-)

Our host is the lovely Vicky and we want to see

ANYTHING BUT CHRISTMAS

This 'Let Me Entertain You' Teddy Bo is great for 'guy' cards and I kept this one pretty simple.

I cropped the image and coloured it with Copics. I added a Tim Holtz ticket, a sentiment and a little die cut button, that I covered with glossy accents.

This card is definitely lacking something, isn't it? I just can't decide what! My head is so full of christmas stuff I struggled to make anything that wasn't covered in glitter, bows or snowflakes!!

This week our sponsor is Meljen and the winner will receive 4 digi images of their choice.

Supplies.
Teddy Bo Digi Image / DP Websters Pages / Tim Holtz Ticket/
Craftwork Cards Sentiment / Die Cut Button.

White Christmas

2011-12-07T09:31:00.001Z

I had such a scare yesterday morning when I reversed down the drive and didn't realise our whole cul-de-sac was covered in black ice. Don't you just get that awful sinking feeling, when you feel the car sliding and you can't do anything. I closed my eyes and hoped for the best (probably not top of the list of skid control ideas, said my hubby!!)

Somehow I managed to miss the neighbours car, the lampost and not end up in the bushes!!
So I am staying put today, with the heating whacked up!!

This project didn't start out as a card - my idea was to make a little wall hanging for my kitchen. I cut the letters and attached them vertically, to a strip of silver ribbon. It just didn't look right though - so off they came and I was pleased to discover that they just fit onto a 6 x 6 card base.

I found some silver reindeer stickers in my christmas stash, so I stuck them to white card, added a touch of glitter and cut them out.

The snowflakes are die cut and I made the little ticket on my comp.

I finished by adding some adhesive pearls and hung a snowflake charm from some organza ribbon.

Just want to say thank you to everyone who has visited me in the past few days and taken the time to leave me a comment. As much as my friends love my cards, they don't really 'get' my crafting obsession!! :-) I know you lot do - and I appreciate all your kind words and encouragement more than you will know.
Hoping to get round to you all today :-))

Challenges.

Simon Says Stamp - Christmas Photomontage Inspiration.

Crafting for all Seasons - White on White.

Ladybug Crafts - Snowflakes & Sparkle

Papertake - Anything goes with the option of adding something dangly!

Crafty Sentiments - Snowflakes

We three trees!

2011-12-05T16:12:00.001Z

Every year I place my christmas lights carefully into boxes, and when I get them out again, they are completely tangled up!! How does that happen??

I seized my moment yesterday, and when hubby was full of Tiramisu, I persuaded him that we need 3 Christmas trees :-) To be fair, he doesn't take much persuading.
And here they are - completely impossible to photograph - they are much prettier IRL :-)

Tree No. 1, for the living room, is a stunning 7 1/2ft Nordman Fir. The branches have drooped already, so I can't really hang anything on the lower ones, but we love it just the same. :-)

Tree No 2, for the kitchen is a 6ft artificial one. It's the first time I've used all red on a tree, even the lights are little red berries, and it looks stunning. (It's not as garish as the photo suggests)

Tree No 3, for the dining room, is a 6ft real tree. Not sure what type, but it's one of those we used to have when I was a kid - really spiky and you only have to look at it funny, for 1000 needles to drop on the floor!

I've shown you mine... now let's see yours :-)

xxx

Tiramisu - love it or hate it?

2011-12-04T15:55:00.001Z

It's one of those desserts that divides opinion. We love it though - in fact, it's my hubby's all time favourite!

So, over the years I have tried countless recipes, that just never seem quite right. This one is a winner though and not only is it going into our 'hall of fame', but it will take pride of place on our Christmas Day dessert table. (You all have one of those, right?)

I am sharing the recipe with you - gotta spread the joy :-) but it's not mine, it's from Nigella Christmas.

I admit, I didn't leave my dessert unfinished, overnight - who has the patience for that - I made it up completely and left it to set, in the fridge, for just a few hours.

If you want to, you can even make it ahead of time, wrap it in cling film and store it for up to 4 days, in the fridge. I challenge anyone to do that though, and not try just a little sliver!! :-)

Shared with Sassy Cheryls Show Me Thursday

... sleeps till Santa

2011-12-03T08:00:00.000Z

Brrrrr... it's cold here today, so no battling with the Christmas shoppers for me. A day in front of the fire with the telly on, is a much better idea :-)

Our lovely host at CES this week is Donna, and the theme she has chosen is

Bear Necessities

so we would like to see a bear somewhere on your card/project.

I made a little countdown calendar that can keep me up to date on how fast those days are slipping away!!!

I used a 6 x 6 petal edge card as my base and covered it with Prima, North Country papers.

I die cut some rectangles and numbers and attached them by punching holes through the card and tying them on with Divine Twine. This allows you to just flip the numbers over.

My bear is from Lili of the Valley, coloured with Copics and sprinkled with Glamour Dust.

I blinged the background paper up, by adding some Christmas gems.

Here's a pic of the little strip of card that I attach inside, to the front and back of the base card. This just stops it from splaying open, but allows you to fold the card flat, to fit in an envelope.

Now grab yourself a coffee and head over to the main blog to check out the amazing work of my teamies.

And, if you fancy playing along this week, you could win a £10 voucher (excl. p & p) to spend at Crafty Emma's.

Challenges

Stamptacular - Anything Christmas

Diva's by Design - Anything Goes

Simon Says - Anything Goes

Cute Card Thursday - It's just a Number

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Snow kitties!

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000Z

Well, here we are in December already - hope all your Christmas preparations are going well.

At Totally Papercrafts the lovely Cathy is our host and she has chosen the theme

Let it Snow!

I would love to get some snow for christmas, so this is one of my favouite challenges. I hope you find time to play along.

My daughter and her b/f have just started to let their kittens out on their own. One of them ran around the garden to investigate everything and the other put his little paws out of the door, and then ran back inside. He's not quite ready for the big wide, world yet!!

So I thought this LOTV image would be perfect for their Christmas card.
It's pre-coloured, so all I did was add a sprinkling of glamour dust.

Our sponsor this week is the amazingly talented Mandi, who you probably know from her Less Is More Challenge, but she is also a Stampin' Up Demonstrator.

Challenges
Paper Sundaes - Winter Wonderland
Sassy Cheryl's - Winter
Simon Says - Anything Goes

Bling It On - Christmas

St Luke's Charity - Let It Snow

Supplies.

LOTV Die Cut, Christmas Cuties with glamour dust

DP - Prima, North Country. Marianne Die Snowflakes

Pearl brad, snowflake charm, silver bells and gems. Silver ribbon.

A little Tart

2011-11-30T11:38:00.001Z

Just sharing this VERY easy little Cheescake Tart with you today.

These are scrumptious - hubby polished off 3 of them in one sitting!

I will definitely make these over Christmas.

You can keep the ingredients on hand and rustle them up in no time.

I used shop bought little pastry tarts (these were Sansburys).

In the bottom of each tart add a spoonful of berry sauce. I used raspberry coulis, which was a little runny, so you only need a dessert spoonful.

Then mix together a couple of tbsps of philadelphia (about 2/3 of a 200g tub) with one tbsp lemon curd and put a dollop on each tart.

Pile on the berries (I always keep a bag in the freezer - defrost them first!!)

Finally dust generously with icing sugar.

These are lovely and tart, which makes them quite refreshing, but you can add a dollop of cream when serving them!!

Special Birthday

2011-11-26T08:00:00.000Z

Forget about your Christmas shopping - you have loads of time left for that - join us instead over at CES for our new weekly challenge :-)

Our theme this week is

special, milestone birthdays

Think, 18th, 21st, 40th!!

I made this card for my niece's daughter - what does that make her?? My great niece??

Anyhoo, it's her first birthday next week.

I used a 6 x 6 Petal Point Card Blank and this cute Fancy Pants, Baby Mine paper - aren't those little birds adorable? The piece that looks like a tag, with the 1, on it, was cut from the DP too.

Teddy Bea is coloured with Copics, with pearls on her shoes and arm.

You can see the amazing work of my teamies over at the main blog and don't forget, if you join in the challenge, you could win a lovely £10 gift voucher to spend in the store (excl. p & p).

Challenges -

Papercrafts Star - Anything Goes

Sassy Cheryl's - Anything Goes

Supplies

Teddy Bea Digi Stamp, coloured with Copics / 6 x 6 Petal Point Card Blank
DP Fancy Pants, Baby Mine / Pearls / Natural Lace / Sentiment Craftwork Cards
Fancy line and dot stamp from the Papermania Tweet Set

Winter Wonderland

2011-11-25T08:00:00.000Z

We have a nice, easy 'Christmas' challenge for you at Totally Papercrafts this week.

The lovely Sarah is our host - pop over to her blog and check out her amazing Christmas Cake. If you leave her a comment she will send you a piece of cake in the post!!

Ha ha! Okay, I lied, she won't be sending out any cake. Even though I begged!! :-))

But I'm sure she'd love a comment :-)

Right, enough chit chat - I have loads of pics to show you, good luck on making it to the end!

I made an easel card, plus box, for my Mum & Dad.

They don't 'do' cute - so I was really pleased to find these pre-coloured, die cuts from Lili of The Valley.

I stuck some strips around the image that I had border punched, then, because the corners don't really match, I covered each one with an embellie.

All I added to the image was a liberal sprinkling of Glamour Dust.
Do you see the house with the red door - that's mine!
I wish :-)

The easel is held in place with a foam backed strip - and the banner is also' popped up'

I made a simple box, decorated with deep blue ribbon and a little tag.

Did you make it to the end? :-)

Don't forget to head to the main blog and check out the brilliant work of the DT.

We have 2 fab sponsors for you this week, Simon Says Stamp and Digi Stamp Boutique.

Fab challenges I am entering...

Lili of the Valley - Anything Goes
Ladybug Crafts Ink - Winter Blues
Top Tip Tuesday - More than 1 Fold - (see the fab tut from Janette on how to make a tri-fold shutter card.)
Party Time Tuesdays - SNOW us what you got!
Crafter's Companion - Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Supplies -

Lili of the Valley, Snowy Town Die Cut / DP Anita's Classic Christmas Blue

6 x 6 On the Edge, Card Blank / Glamour Dust / Marianne Snowflake Dies

White Gems / Martha Stewart Border Punch / Ribbon from my stash

Xmas Tree Embellies / Snowflake Button / Papermania Scrolls and Sentiments Stamp (for the banner)

Silver Letter Stickers / Craftwork Cards Sentiment

O Christmas Tree

2011-11-21T08:54:00.001Z

Here's a set of Christmas cards that my daughter Annabel asked me to make for her.

She told me exactly what she wanted - I just bought the supplies and made the cards!!

Annabel chose this gorgeous font, that I printed out on smooth, white cardstock. I went over the letters with a glue pen and sprinkled on some fine, silver glitter.

Then I stamped the silhouette tree (Kanban) and mattted onto black card.

Very simple, but very pretty and my pics don't do them justice at all.

Entered in the Less is More challenge - Silhouettes

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Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2011-11-19T08:00:00.000Z

Ok - hands up who wants snow this Christmas - everyone, right? :-)
According to the latest report, here in the north, we have a 35% chance of snow. If you're in the UK give santa a shake here, and see what your chances are :-))
So, it's time for another challenge at the CES Challenge Blog.

Our lovely host this week is Kaylou

and she has chosen the theme **Snowflakes**

This is the first time I've used Pickle with Tipple, isn't he just the cutest? I've kept the colouring really light and sprinkled him with glamour dust.

Here's a close up of those snowflakes.

Usually I glitter the snowflakes and keep the leaves plain, but this time I did it the other way round. The leaves and card candi are covered in glamour dust and the snowflakes were die cut from the DP.

I'm looking forward to seeing all your pretty snowflakes this week, and if you need some inspiration check out the challenge blog and the amazing work of my teamies.

The winner gets to spend £10 at Crafty Emma's and if you haven't snagged a bargain yet, get yourself over there whilst the sale is still on.

Challenges -

ABC Challenge - D is for Dazzle

Do You Stack Up? - Dash of Blue

Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Anything Christmas with Pearls

The Paper Shelter - Snowflakes
Winter Wonderland - Awww, what a cutie!

Supplies from Crafty Emma's
6 x 6 On the Edge Card Blank / Glamour Dust / Card Candi / Pearls
Other Supplies
Wild Rose Studio, Pickle with Tipple / DP GCD Ella Blue /
Martha Stewart Leaf Border Punch / Marianne Snowflake Die
Copics/ Ribbon

Black and White

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000Z

Morning everyone, we have a cool Black & White challlenge for you at Totally Papercrafts this week.

Our lovely teamie Mel has chosen the theme, in honour of her new puppy, Harley - who is wreaking havoc at puppy training classes!! :-)

So, any papercrafting project is allowed as long as you stick to black and white only (you can add a little skin colour if needed!)

This challenge tested my photography skills too. This is probably THE most photographed card in my blogging history!

It's been shot from every angle, in every room in the house, over several different days. And this is the best I could come up with :-)

Because of the dramatic black and white, I have kept the design pretty simple.

Even Teddy Bo is just printed out like that - I haven't added any shading. Which makes it a great image to use if you want to make a quick card.

We have 2 generous sponsors for you this week,

Crafty Emma, with a £10 voucher to spend in her store and

Amber Ink with a $15 Gift Certificate.

Check out the challenge blog to see the excellent work of my teamies and we are joined this week by a couple of the Amber Ink DT, who have made awesome cards.

Challenges -

Divas by Design - Monochromatic

Bearly Mine Challenges - One for the Boyz

Supplies.
6 x 6 Card Blank and black pearls from Crafty Emma's
Digi Papers from Pink Petticoat / Digi Image Teddy Bo / Maya Road Calendar Stamp /
Sentiment from Craftwork Cards / Ribbon and heart button from my stash

Cinnamon Swirls

2011-11-13T13:36:00.001Z

When I am searching for something sweet,

when the biscuit tin is empty, the cooking chocolate is gone and someone has even raided the trifle sponges,

then, and only then, will I eat a mince pie!

Does anyone really like mince pies?

That's why, I ditched the mincemeat in this recipe, and experimented. :-)

Theses are VERY easy to make Cinnamon Swirls.

Just delicious with a cup of coffee.

Jus-Rol Janet is my new best friend :-) and I have plans for these swirls in all sorts of flavours...

Cranberry & Walnut,

Nutella,

Marzipan and Raspberry Jam

Spinach and Sun-dried Tomato

Pear and Stilton

Ham, Cheese and Tomato

If, you've got any flavour suggestions, let me know :-))

I linked these up to Sassy Cheryl's Show Me Thursday pop on over there to see what Cheryl's working on.

You can link up your projects, baking, sewing, card making etc, and see what everyone else is making.

Angel Delight!

2011-11-12T08:00:00.000Z

I think my head is about to explode!!
I have finally ditched my old phone - affectionately known as 'the brick', and plunged myself into the world of 'Blackberry'.
I am now slower at making a call, or text, than the average 10 year old!!

Anyway, it's time for another challenge at the CES Challenge Blog.

Our host this week is the enormously talented Julie
and she has chosen the theme...

Roses and Ribbons

Eek!! If you visit here often, you will know just how rubbish I am when it comes to flowers,

well, ha! I think I've found the perfect flower embellie for me. :-)

I made this card for my Niece's little girl - it's not really her 1st Christmas, but she was only a few weeks old last Christmas, so this time around she will be much more aware of what's going on.

The image is an adorable Teddy Bea Angel, coloured with Copics, glitter and Glamour Dust.

So how do you like them roses?? ;-)

I found this fabulous ribbon at my local craft store, with these pretty roses all along the length. You can snip off the roses to use individually or leave them as they are.

I snipped a few off, mounted them onto punched flowers and added a little pearl to the centre.

I think I need to go back to the shop and buy this ribbon in evey colour they have!!! :-)

Don't forget to pop over to the challenge blog and check out the amazing work of the DT and,join us this week for your chance to win a £10 gift voucher

to spend in the store (excl p&p).

There's still a huge clearance sale on at Crafty Emma's, so go and grab yourself a bargain whilst you still can.

Challenges -

Samuel Taylor - Nov. Challenge, Christmas (2nd entry)

Papertake - Christmas or 1st Christmas

Digi Tuesday - Anything Goes

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Supplies - available from Crafty Emma's
6 x 6 On the Edge Card Blank     Pearls      Glamour Dust
Other Supplies -
Teddy Bea, Angel coloured with Copics.    DP - Memory Box, Spearmint.
Ribbon and Lace from my stash    XCut Punched Flowers Silver Star.

He's making a list and checking it twice.

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000Z

We have a fabulous challenge for you at Totally Papercrafts this week -

something you can really get creative with.

The very talented Victoria has chosen the theme

Victorian

I admit - I was stumped when I first saw this theme, but my teamies helped me out and I also browsed the web.
The Victorians had such an eclectic style that there is something there to suit everyone - so, I can't wait to see your cards.

I went for a distressed, lace and pearls look.

My Santa came from the Graphics Fairy, I just printed him out in sepia tones.

I used a distressing tool on the edges of my DPs and some gold ink.

I sprinkled glamour dust around the image and on the little die-cut snowflakes. I used gold ink on the Catslife Press stamp and added a few pearls in the corner.

I took a deep breath and cut into my favourite, brown, velvet ribbon - added a pearl slider and stuck it on top of some cream lace.

I really had fun making this card - and all the different textures and glitter look way better IRL - cross my heart. :-))

For more inspiration check out the stunning work of my fellow teamies, on the challenge blog.

This week's sponsor is Meljen's Designs with a fabulous prize of 4 digi images.

Challenges -

Crafty Calendar - Winter Wardrobe.

Do You Stack Up - Song Inspired. The song I'm going for is 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'

Samuel Taylors - Nov. Challenge - Christmas Cards. This month's prize is a super Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch.

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Sweet little Rosie

2011-11-08T12:07:00.000Z

Here I am blogging, when I should be getting on with the ironing mountain!!

I just wanted to show you this card, made with my gorgeous candy from Cathy. (thanks so much, hun).

This cute little girl is Rosie, from Sugar Nellie - I tried my best at shading some pleats on her dress, but I need a little practice with that!

I'm not sure what the papers are, but aren't they gorgeous?

Cathy included some pretty pins in with her parcel, but I haven't used them before and I'm not sure how to add them.

Do I just push them through the ribbon and hope that holds them in place, or do I need to use some sort of glue???

Let me know if you're a proficient pinner!! :-)

I'd like to enter the following challenges -

Bunny Zoe - Lace

Birthday Sundaes - Include birthday wording on the card front.

2 Sisters - Ribbon

Supplies.
Sugar Nellie, Rosie stamp, coloured with Copics and Glamour Dust.
DP - ?? Lace and sheer ribbon. Liquid Pearls on scalloped circle.
Craftwork Cards Mini Sentiment. Adhesive Gems.

Cookies and stamping, what more could a girl want?

2011-11-05T15:52:00.000Z

I had some cookie dough left over from the Haunted House,

and thought I would have a play with it today. :-)

So, I rummaged through my craft room to see what I could use - and here are the results.

I had so much fun making these that I got carried away with the photos,

so good luck on making it to the end! lol**

I cut out and baked various shaped cookies, then used warm apricot jam to stick the fondant on to them.

NB: Putting jam in the microwave for 3 minutes, not only fills your kitchen with smoke, but also coats your glass dish in burnt jam that will take a jackhammer to remove. 30 seconds is plenty!!

I just LOVE the way these turned out. They would be so pretty for Christmas presents, in a cellophane bag tied up with ribbon.

I left some icing white and coloured some pale lilac. The white cookies are really gorgeous, they just don't photograph as well.

Once the icing was rolled out, I dipped my stamp in some icing sugar, shook off the excess and then pressed it into the fondant. I added a few white balls to decorate.

Below, the lilac cookie uses another tree stamp from my set.

For the white cookie I rolled out the fondant, and pressed a swirly embossing folder into it.

I think the swirls embossing folder works the best. You can 'stamp' your icing and the cut it to the shape you want.

I used my embossing folders on the trees - the dots one doesn't really work very well.

The snowflake is a Marianne Snowflake die and the flowers are a Stampin Up wooden satmp.

I found that cling stamps worked better than those on wood, because you can easily 'peel' them off the icing and they are easy to clean in a little warm water.

I am adding this to the

Inspire me Friday's Linky Party - check out the entries for lots of fab inspiration with all sorts of different crafts.

Supplies
Gingerbread / Fondant Icing and colouring / Cookie Cutters
Trees - Kanban Christmas Trees Set. Marianne Snowflake Die.
Cuttlebug Swirls Embossing Folder. Dpts embossing Folder. Stampin Up Flower Stamp.

The Usual Suspects

2011-11-05T08:00:00.000Z

Happy Bonfire Night everyone - if you're having a bonfire and fireworks have a great time and keep safe.
I am making up a little bed, in the downstairs loo, no.. not for hubby!! - it's where the dog runs to, when she's feeling stressed!!

It's time for another challenge at the CES Challenge Blog.

It's my week to host and I haven chosen the theme...

Song or Film Inspired

It seems like a tricky challenge, but trust me, it's not that bad :-))

There are lots of options and I really hope you will join in and give it a go.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

My card was inspired by one of my favourite films - The Usual Suspects.

One of the tag lines for the film is

'Five Criminals. One Line Up. No Coincidence'

and it just so happens there are five rascals on this House Mouse stamp!!

After I stamped the image, I cut around some of the mice and the jar, then mounted it onto my DP, so that the DP became the background.
Does that make sense?? You can see from the pic what I'm trying to say..lol**

I used a 6 x 6 'on the edge' card blank, some Prima flowers, Card Candi, black gems and a Craftwork Cards Mini Message - all available at Crafty Emma's Store.
The DP is Bo Bunny, Timepiece.

Join us this week for your chance to win a £10 gift voucher

to spend in the store (excl p&p)

Challenges -

Moving Along with the Times - Food and Drink

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'Bear' ing Gifts

2011-11-04T08:00:00.000Z

Hello peeps, how are you all?

Have you got your sparklers ready for tomorrow night?

No fireworks for us I'm afraid - apart from the fact that last time we let dh arrange some, he came home with industrial sized bangers that nearly set the whole street on fire - poor Suzie turns into a nervous wreck at the slightest sound.

It's a new callenge at Totally Papercrafts today.

Our lovely boss lady Cathy (*grovel *grovel *curtsey *curtsey )

is our host this week and the theme is

Stitch it!!

We'd like to see some real OR faux stitching on your card/project.

We also have 4 new amazing ladies joining us this week.
3 new DT members and our Spotlight GDT. So please pop over and say hello to them.

I am cracking on with my Christmas cards and I used a LOTV teddy stamp here. He's coloured with Copics and a sprinkling of glamour dust.

I used a zig-zag stitch around my DPs and I even managed to run some plain, white ribbon through the machine

I bought some Marianne snowflake dies recently and I've been having trouble getting the DP out of them. Someone suggested putting a piece of greaseproof paper between the die and my DP - so I tried it. It worked a treat. It also gave me some delicate, greaseproof paper snowflakes, that look really pretty with a dab of glamour dust.

Pop along to the challenge blog to see the amazing work from my teamies and the fab prize from this week's sponsor Die Cut Dreams.

Challenges -

Really Reasonable Ribbons - Christmas

St Lukes Charity Cards - Christmas

Do You Stack Up - Teal

Crafty Ribbons - Bingo (Glitter/Punches or dies/Lace) For the lace I used a Martha Stewart Lace Doily Punch - hope that qualifies.

Supplies.
LOTV Stamp. Catslife Press Stamp. DP Prima, North Country.
Martha Stewart Border Punch. Marianne Snowflake Dies. Glamour Dust.
White Grosgrain Ribbon.

A Pastel Christmas

2011-11-02T12:20:00.000Z

My cold is finally on it's way out - it's been a real stinker, but quite short lived - I'm just struggling to get my brain into gear now!

I keep having to call my mobile to find out where I left it!!!

I did manage to concentrate long enough to make this card.

I followed the sketch over at Bling it On - well, I though I did lol**

Just looking at it again, I have missed off the 'swag' along the bottom and haven't added the optional butterfly. I hope it's close enough to enter though. :-)
I went for pastel colours, which is the theme at Teddy Bo right now and I would also like to enter the Papertake challenge (anything goes, plus a bit of bling if you want!) and Digital Tuesday (cute and cuddly).

Supplies -
Teddy Bo coloured with Copics and Glamour Dust and popped up with foam tape.
Happy Christmas stamp from the Papermania 'Sleigh' Set Gems
DP - DCWV Nana's Nursery Marianne Snowflake Die. Mini Xcut Punch (snowflake centres)

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000Z

Gingerbread Halloween House

2011-10-30T10:52:00.000Z

Just a quick post from me today - I have a stinking cold!

Did you see the work in progress?

Well, here is the finished house - lots of photos.

I had to take these in my kitchen, where the lights give everything a slightly orange glow.

This is a BIG house, and I assembled it on a large baking tray, covered with silver foil.

I used white icing to stick it all together, and then went over a few lines with chocolate icing.

I am VERY messy - so don't look too closely at my lines!!

The roof was a little tricky, with the gable piece at the front and a chimney.
The tiles are Golden Grahams cereal - but I would never make a tiler would I ? With a roof like this I should be on rogue traders!!

I used liquorice allsorts, jelly beans and little ghost sweets to decorate.

My favourites are the little graves, with gingerbread headstones and a little mound of brown sugar!!

The icing on the tray is green IRL, but the camera hasn't picked up the colour.

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Baby Grow Bouquet

2011-10-29T07:00:00.000+01:00

I have something a little bit different to show you today.

I made this for Crafty Emma, whos gorgeous baby daughter, Olivia Roni Britton,

arrrived on October 23rd.

When it comes to making things like this I am all fingers and thumbs,

but I persevered with this and I'm happy with the way it turned out.

Just as tricky was getting a good photo of it!! :-)

The bouquet is made up of Baby Grows and socks, with some artificial flowers and leaves added in and I got the idea from this Martha Stewart video.

The baby clothes are rolled up and then attached to some florists wire with florists tape.

Florists tape is a must - I found it really difficult to use because it only sticks to itself, but this is so that you don't get any tacky residue on the baby clothes.

The picture below shoes a bloom made with a single baby sock.

I love how the lacey edge looks.

And here's a pink Baby Grow - when rolled up and folded in the centre this gives you a double bloom!!

Despite my struggles, I really loved making this and would definitely try it again.

But if you want to see some really gorgeous versions, just google 'baby grow bouquet' and check out the images.

Don't forget that over at CES we are in the second week of our 'New Beginnings' challenge.
Your card/project doesn't have to be new baby, it can be new home, new job.. etc.

Challenges.

Inspire me Fridays - Linky Party

Have Your Elf A Merry Little Christmas

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000+01:00

How is everyone's Christmas card pile coming along?

PLEASE don't tell me you haven't started one yet - I will get stressed out for you!! lol***

Our Totally Papercrafts challenge this week is...

Glitter it!

Sorry about the rubbish photo - the flash has washed the colours out a little.

Our sponsor this week is the fabulous Sassy Studios - I love their digis - and they kindly sent me this cute Santa's Helper to play with.

She's coloured with Copics, some fine green glitter and white opal Liquid Pearls.

Please check out the gorgeous, glittery creations from my TPC teamies

and I hope you find time to glitter something up this week :-)

Challenges -

Party Time - Anything Goes
Simon Says - Anything Goes

Paper Shelter - Anything Goes

Supplies -

6 x 6 On the Edge Card Blank from Crafty Emma's

Digi Stamp - Santa's helper from Sassy Studios

Copics / Green Glitter / Liquid Pearls.

DP - Echo Park, Merry Christmas Kit. (The holly and lights were stickers from the kit)

Twine and bell from my stash.

Merry Christmas Stamp - Catslife Press.

Can you tell what it is yet?

2011-10-26T13:59:00.002+01:00

A work in progress...

and just to let you know

that it IS entirely possible to eat your own body weight in gingerbread dough!!

Congratulations Emma and Steve

2011-10-24T08:45:00.000+01:00

CongratulationsTo Emma and Steve

on the safe arrival of their gorgeous baby daughter,

Olivia Roni Britton

Sugar and Spice

2011-10-22T08:00:00.000+01:00

We have something a little different for you over at CES today,

we are are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of Emma's little princess.
She should have made her appearance on Thursday, but is obviously still keeping all warm and snug.

So, the appropriate theme for the challenge is New Beginnings

and it will run for the next 2 weeks.

I love this adorable Mo Manning image - she is just perfect for new baby girl cards.

Here she is coloured with Copics and some fine, silver glitter added to her wings.

Please head over to the challenge blog to see the amazing work of my fellow teamies - their cards are always an inspiration.
Check in with the challenge blog for details of the prize.

Challenges -

Simon Says Stamp - Inspired by Nursery Rhymes and Fairy Tales

Flutter By Wednesdays - Anything goes as long as it includes a butterfly, fairy or angel.

Supplies
6 x 6 Card Blank / Card Candy / Gems all from Crafty Emma's
Digi Stamp - Mo Manning, Baby Fairy Flora
DP - DCWV Nana's Nursery / New Baby Stamp, Personal Impressions
Punched Flowers and Leaves / Ribbon from my stash

Layer Cake

2011-10-21T08:00:00.000+01:00

Morning bloggers.. hope you are all well.

Have you checked out our fresh, new look over at Totally Papercrafts?

Do you think you could be part of our chatty, friendly team?

Head on over there to check out the DT call and this week's new challenge.

Our host is the fabulous Anne -

with a Layer Upon Layer theme.

Stickers!!! Do you use them?

When I first started card making stickers went on everything, but, for years now they have been confined to the back of a drawer.

I have been a sticker free zone!

I got them out again for this card and just added a thin, gold strip around one edge.

What do you think? Should they make a come back?

Please check out the amazing work of my fellow teamies over on the challenge blog and our sponsor this week is the fabulous Bugaboo

Challenges -

Digi Stamp Boutique - Monthly Challenge

My Mum's Craft Shop - Food and Drink

Stampalot Challenge - Food Glorious Food

Supplies -
Digi Stamp - Zoe and Cake from Digi Stamp Boutique, coloured with Copics.
DP - GCD Tea Time / Glamour Dust / Pearls / Ribbon
Gold stickers / Craftwork Cards Sentiment.

Vintage Bear

2011-10-18T15:16:00.000+01:00

I have fallen in love with TeddyBo & Co images -

they are just so adorably cute, without being too fluffy and frilly - if that makes sense!!

AND they are digis - so I can play around with the size of them.

I printed out this Teddy Bea twice, using the second image to decoupage her arms and letter, with foam pads.

She is coloured with Copics and a sprinkling of my favourite Glamour Dust.

Sorry about this fuzzy picture(below), but you can just make out how 'popped up' her arms are.

I am entering her into the following challenges -

Sketch & Stash - I just rotated Angie's fabulous sketch and this is my new Teddy Bea image.

Cupcake - Buttons and Bows

Stamptacular - You Choose!

Crafty Cardmakers - Cute with a Dark Twist. I took the 'dark' part literally and used black card and ribbon, as opposed to making it 'halloweenie'. Hope this qualifies!

Make it Monday - Linky Party

Supplies - Digi Stamp Teddy Bea from Teddy Bo & Co. coloured witb Copics and Glamour Dust
DP - Prima Printery / Sentiment Stamp, Whimsy Circle Postmark Collection/
Martha Stewart Border Punch. Ribbon, pearls and button from my stash.

Monday Laughs

2011-10-17T12:57:00.001+01:00

:-)

Eat, drink and be cherry!!

2011-10-16T16:53:00.001+01:00

Hic!!

I'm not as drink as some thinkle peep I am.

Do not drink brandy syrup.

Pour the lid down the brandy and drink the sink.

Do not drink machinery or operate children.

Seriously good.

These would be great for Christmas presents.

I did go a little over the top with the white chocolate - they would probably look better plain, but no-one's complaining!!!

Forever Autumn

2011-10-15T08:00:00.000+01:00

Well the weather, here in Yorkshire, has definitely changed over the last week or so - wet, windy and cold.

So our FOREVER AUTUMN challenge at CES is an appropriate theme for me.

Karen is our lovely host this week, and we would like to see your autumn inspired images or colours.

I combined a couple of images for this card, a Gorjuss Girl and the Open Window, both coloured with Copics.

The DP is one of my favs - My Mind's Eye, Mabel.

To the window box I added a couple of punched leaves and various blooms, with pearl and gem centres.

Don't forget to head over to the blog to see the amazing work of my teamies - their work always blows me away. And, if you enter the challenge you could find yourself with a £10 voucher to fill your CES basket with goodies.

Challenges -

Papercraft Star - Inspirational Picture + leaf (my leaves are tucked behind the blooms)
Pals Paper Arts - Fall/Thanksgiving
Fussy and Fancy - Fall / Halloween

Stampin' for the Weekend - Colours of Autumn

Wags 'n ' Whiskers - Fall Colours

Supplies -
Available from Crafty Emmas (just click on the links to be taken to the store page)
6 x 6 Card Blank / My Mind's Eye, Mabel DP / Pearls / Gems / Blooms
Other Supplies -
Gorjuss Girls Stamp / Make it Crafty Open Window Stamp / Ribbon /
Martha Stewart Border Punch / Craftwork Cards Sentiment

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Snow Much Fun

2011-10-14T08:00:00.000+01:00

FUN!!! I don't think so.

Who chose ACETATE as our Totally Papercrafts challenge this week?

I am going to blame our original host Mel - 'cos her comp is out of action and she can't get me back ;-)

I can't wait to see your cards/projects this week.

And, if you're like me, and don't know what to do with acetate, just give it a try.

I followed this fab shaker card tutorial from Beate Johns at Splitcoaststampers. You don't even need to rush out and buy crafting acetate - I used a piece of old packaging.

Our sponsor this week is Meljen and the lucky winner will get to choose 4 of her fabulous images. I used her cute snowman - normally it's sharper than this, but my printer is just about to die and is only printing out in pale purple!!

Challenges -

Meljen - Use a ribbon. (I know it's just a little piece of ribbon, but hope it qualifies! )

Wild Rose Studios - Christmas Card/Creation and a Blog Hop.

Supplies -
Meljen's Snowman digi image, coloured with Copics and Stickles.
The 'snow' in the shaker is Diamond Dust.
DP - Hot off the Press, Forever Christmas
North Pole stamp was a magazine freebie.
Buttons from my stash

Instant Human: Just Add Coffee!

2011-10-12T10:55:00.000+01:00

I swear, I am in serious danger of ending up in casualty?

How do you get a decent photo in this dark, autumn light?

I have placed my card atop a jenga-style, tower of odd boxes and packages,

hung myself halfway out a 1st floor window,

and balanced precariously on random pieces of furniture!!

All to no avail - I end up with a photo no better than the one I started with!
At least I have amused the dog!!

Just a quick and simple, girly card here.

I used my new 'Latte' stamp, that I chose as part of a Quixotic Paperie prize.

I'd like to enter the following challenges -

My Mum's Craft Shop - Remind You of a Song. I love these challenges. I like to see what songs people have chosen, they are so clever.

When I looked at my card the Billy Joel song, Uptown Girl, popped into my head!

Tuesday Throwdown - Think Pink

Crafter's Companion - Pink & Green to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My mum is a breast cancer survivor, so this is a theme that's close to my heart.

Link Up For Pink - Thanks Yolie, for pointing me in the direction of your fab linky party - supporting Breast Cancer Awareness.

Supplies
Stamp - Elisabeth Bell for SCACD 'Latte', coloured with Copics.
DP - First Edition Bird Song.
Happy Birthday Stamp Personal Impressions.
Martha Steart Border Punch. Ribbon and gems from my stash.

Right, I'm off to practice my photography skills -

and if you here a CRASH,

that's me falling off the back of the sofa!! ;-)

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Treacle Toffee

2011-10-09T12:09:00.001+01:00

I whipped up a batch of Treacle Toffee yesterday,

so we could sit and chew through the X-factor.

Have you been watching?

We are armchair experts here :-)

What is Louis thinking?

I feel sorry for his acts, the styling and songs he gave them, looked very dated.

There's going to be lots of tears tonight - Kelly in particular, has a really tough decision.

Back to the toffee ;-)

This is gorgeous - so rich and treacly and VERY easy to make.

Give it a try.

Good Morning Mr Robin

2011-10-08T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hello peeps!
I really must get a wriggle on with my Christmas cards -
I made a list this week and scared myself at how many I have to make!
That's why this week's challenge, chosen by Jenny
at the CES Challenge Blog is just perfect for me.

The theme is SEEING RED

Now, you don't have to go down the Christmas route,

but please make sure that red is the main colour of your card/project.

I started with a 6 x 6 On the Edge card, matted and covered with Dovecraft Back to Basics Christmas DP.

I used a couple of stamps to create a little snow scene - paper-piecing some parts of the bear, colouring the rest with Copics and adding a sprinkling of my favourite Glamour Dust.

I don't have one of those fancy 'punch around the page' punches, so for my frame I used a Fiskars border punch, cutting the corners as best I could, and covering the joins with Card Candi, a Catslife Press stamp and a bow.

Lots of my supplies came from Crafty Emma's. Just click on the links to be taken to the store.

Hop along to the main CES blog,
to see the amazing work of my fellow teamies

and join us this week, for your chance to win a £10 gift voucher
to spend in the store (excl p&p).

Challenges
ABC Challenge - Anything goes ( great to see this challenge back, with fab work from the new DT)
Simon Says - Sparkle and Bling
Forever Friends - Use Sentiment.

Supplies.

Forever Friends Stamp / Alota Stamps Snow Fence

CatsLife Press Stamp.

6 x 6 On the Edge Card.

Glamour Dust / Card Candi / Fiskars Border Punch

Ribbon & Button from my stash.

Animal Antics

2011-10-07T08:00:00.000+01:00

Are you an animal lover?

We hope so, 'cos that's the theme we have for you at Totally Papercrafts this week.

From pets to wildlife, we want to see Animals on your card/project.

What a great excuse for me ink up my brand new stamp -
this is my very first Gorjuss Girl.

Am I the only sad person who gets scared about colouring a stamp for the first time?
I think it's 'cos I really want to do it justice!

Challenges

Papertake - Anything Goes and 4th Birthday Blog Hop

My Mum's Craft Shop - All Creatures Great and Small

Aud Sentiments - Happy Birthday

The Paper Variety - Forest Friends

Supplies
6 x 6 On the Edge Card (available from Crafty Emma's) / Gorjuss Girls Little Foxes, coloured with Copics.
Whimsy Stamps, Postmark / Martha Stewart Leaf Border Punch
DP, Papermania Heather / Buttons and ribbon from my stash / Gems, coloured with a Copic

Supersize Me

2011-10-06T12:08:00.000+01:00

My daughter has a big Halloween party planned and

when she saw these pumpkins she wanted some.

BUT, she asked for super-sized ones!!!

We had fun making these!

I just scaled up the design - using 23" strips of orange card, 2" wide.

The card was stamped all over using metallic gold ink and a Hero Arts, Deco Border stamp. So IRL they do have a bit of shimmer.

To support the weight of the card we threaded the ribon through a kitchen roll tube, that was covered with the orange card.

I would like to enter these for the following challenges.

Crafty Ribbons - Boo-tiful Halloween Projects - Pretty Spooky

Make It Monday - Linky Party

Stamp with Fun - Halloween

Crafting for all Seasons - Fall Flowers/Pumpkins

Crafty Creations - Create a Crafty Decoration

Gingerbread basket

2011-10-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

A nip and a punch - the first of the month!!!
Wow! Here we are in October already, (although you wouldn't think it with this warm weather we are having) and we have another challenge for you at the CES Challenge Blog.

Our lovely host this week is Shell
and she has chosen the theme Totally Gorgeous - Pretty Girls

A good excuse to get out all your pretty, girly papers and embellies.

I'm not really a girly girl, but I did my best.

I made a simple box from card and used a large, doorplate die to cut the shapes, that I stuck to the front and back. I covered the basket with First Edition, Festive Treats DP from Crafty Emma's.

It's hard to make out from these photos, but the little gingerbread hearts are all glittery.

The handle is a piece of card, punched on both sides, with a strip of the DP down the middle and finished off with a little satin bow.

I decorated the front with some pretty blooms, dew drops, card candi, sheer ribbon, swirls and a Catslife Press stamp.

Tilda is paper-pieced, coloured with Copics and sprinkled with Glamour Dust.
I didn't have time to make some real gingerbread men, so, just for fun, I cut a paper one using my Slice machine, inked the edges and added black gems for his eyes and buttons :-)

I thought afterwards, I should have cut a little gingerbread man from the DP and replaced Tilda's cupcake with it - next time!!!

Don't forget to check out the awesome work of my fellow teamies - they have outdone themselves this week -we are also having a little change to the prize this time and the winner will get one Whiff Of Joy Stamp from Crafty Emma's
There's also a great SALE on right now - so head over there and grab yourself a bargain..

Challenges -

Party Time Tuesdays - Anything Goes

The Paper Shelter - For the Girls

Simon Says - Anything Goes. - they are trying for 1000 entires this week!This is my second entry.

Sweet Li'l Pumpkin

2011-09-30T08:00:00.000+01:00

I LOVE Autumn - the changing colours,

walking the dog in the woods, with the smell of burning leaves in the air, and spending long, dark afternooons cooking in the warmth of the kitchen. Bliss!

So, I love the challenge theme that Sue has chosen for us at Totally Papercrafts this week... we want to see your AUTUMN cards/projects.

I've been searching for some twig style pumpkins for ages (to go with my hearts), but had no luck - so I decided to make some paper pumpkins instead.

I followed the amazing tutorial by Dawn at Dawn's Stamping Studio - honestly, these are so easy to make.
I just love the way they turned out and they look so cute on my mantelpiece.

Don't forget to check out the amazing work of my fellow teamies,

and this week we have 2 fabulous sponsors for you -

Simon Says Stamp and The Stamp Fairy.

Challenges
Make It Monday - Linky Party
Ladybug Crafts Ink - Fall and/or Fancy Folds

Simon Says - Anything Goes
Crafting for all Seasons - Fall Colours

DP - My Mind's Eye, Ooh La La.

This was from Crafty Emma's Store. I don't think she has this paper right now, but check out the CES Inspirational Blog for more of these pumpkins, and a heads up on what's new in store.

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Micely Opening Presents

2011-09-28T11:48:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post from me today -
I don't know what happened with this photo, I'm really disappointed with how it looks.
IRL it's very glittery and, the greys on the image and the background paper are a much better match.

I made this for the House Mouse Challenge, which is *Sparkle on your Christmas Creations*.

There's really is lots of sparkle on here - I edged the papers with glamour dust and used silver stickles on the image.

Supplies -
DP - First Edition, Festive Treats.
House Mouse Stamp coloured with Copics and stickles.
Marianne Snowflake die with dew drops
Martha Stewart lace border punch
Glamour Dust / Silver Ribbon / Tiny Bell.

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Reuse Renew Recycle

2011-09-24T08:00:00.000+01:00

Happy Saturday everyone.

Time for another challenge at the CES Challenge Blog.

Our lovely host this week is Sheena

and she has chosen the theme RECYCLE

You can use re-use something for a project or add a recycled element to your card, just let us know which part of it is recycled.

If you're anything like me, you will have a drawer full of odds and ends that you just CAN'T throw away.

Why not have a rummage in there and see what you come up with.

I have turned some small cereal boxes into mini file holders.

This is what I started with -

I marked approx 1 inch out from the top left of the box and 2 inches up from the right side of the box, drew a diagonal line to join these marks up and then cut it out.

On the other side mark from the right 1 inch out and up 2 inches, from the left side.

I'm making this sound so much more complicated than it really is. ;-)

Just check out the photo below and you will see better how it's cut.

Once it was cut out, I used Fancy Pants 'It's the Little Things' DP to cover it. This is a really great paper, and I've found it so versatile, you can get it now at Crafty Emma's and if you're popping over there check out the other fabulous papers she has in stock.

To finish I added some silver tape, card candi and a label.

Usually, when I stamp an image, I stamp it 2 or three times, so that if I mess up with my colouring I have a fresh one, ready to start again. Now, instead of just dropping these into a drawer, I can keep them neatly organised.
Well - that's the theory! ;-)

Don't forget to pop on over to my teamies blogs,
to check out their awesome work (you can find their blog links in my sidebar).

Join us this week for your chance to win a £10 gift voucher
to spend in the store (excl p&p)

And here's a quick look at one of the gorgeous new Authentique papers that Emma has available to pre-order.

Challenges -
Inspire Me Fridays - Linky Party
Fab 'n' Funky - "It's a hard theme" (Something that you find hard to do. I think re-cycling is a tricky one. Trying to turn something that you would throw out into something useful can be difficult.

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Sweet Boys

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000+01:00

Huge THANK YOU to everyone who plays along and supports us over at the Totally Papercrafts Challenge. We love to see all your entries... so please keep them rollin' in. :-)

This week the fabulous Lols is our host, with the theme....

Thank You

Now, I bet if you think about it, there is at least one person in your life that deserves a thank you this week.

Why not make them a card, or a little gift, to show your appreciation.

I am always making little treats for my girls - so it was high time the boys got something!

These are very quick and simple to make - I used cello card bags for the sweeties and the topper is just a rectangle of card, scored and folded down the centre and stuck onto the bag with DS tape.

I coloured Teddy Bo and Bea with Copics, and made a little thank you banner, cutting triangles from the DP. I went for these autumn colours, that I think are great for guys and they matched the sweeties ;-)

The silver stick on letters were coloured orange with a copic pen.

Challenges -

Make It Monday - Linky Party

Crafting For All Seasons - Fall Colours

The Paper Shelter - Anything Goes

Supplies -

Cello Bags

Teddy Bo & Bea Digi Images

DP - My Mind's Eye True Blue

Bakers Twine / stick-on letters

Don't forget to check out my fab teamies creations - you can see them all listed in my sidebar.

And this week our lovely sponsor is Stitchy Bear Stamps who are offering 5 digis as the prize. Visit their new and improved site.

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A little birdy told me

2011-09-22T18:44:00.001+01:00

... that the ladies at LIM would love to see 1000 entries this week.

so far they have reached around the 530 mark,

so if you haven't joined in yet, you can enter ANY CAS style card.

Here's my entry.

I used a birdcage stamp from the Papermania 'Tweet' set, cut out and mounted onto blue card with foam pads.

The bird is a stamp from the same set, covered in fine glitter with a little gem for it's eye. IRL this is really gorgeous - honest injun :-)

Challenges

LIM - Anything CAS

Truly Scrumptious - CAS

Crafty Sentimments - Happy Birthday

Supplies

Papermania Stamp Set 'Tweet'

Making Memories Scrapbook Shimmer, Aqua

Tiny Gem, coloured black with a Copic.

Happy Birthday Stamp - Kanban

Ribbon from my stash

Proud Mum

2011-09-22T14:38:00.000+01:00

Today I'd like to shamelessly brag about my daughter Maria.

She has just called to say that she has had her final results.

Not only has she passed her degree,

but she nailed it and got a FIRST :-))

I am so excited for her - it's been 4 years of hard work.

I admit, I made this card a few weeks ago - I knew she'd do it!!

I know it looks a little strange, but it will make her laugh

and if I tell you her course was Clinical Physiology Cardiology then it makes more sense. :-)

Maria is going to be working as a Clinical Cardiac Physiologist.

I would like to enter this for a couple of challenges

Creative Inspirations - Let's Celebrate (this is dfinitely something to celebrate and I have the fizzy in the fridge!)

and Simon Says - Dies to Die For ( I used a nestie circle and scalloped circle and a Martha Stewart Lace Border Punch).

Supplies -

The image came from The Graphics Fairy

DP - Kaiser Craft, La Di Da

Black Gems / Martha Stewart Doily Punch / Ribbon from my stash

Yer 'avin a giraffe!

2011-09-21T12:51:00.000+01:00

Just had to run up a quick card today, for a 1 year old.

I don't make many cards for little ones, so I was a bit stumped.

Hope that this giraffe fits the bill :-)

When I need to make something quickly I usually turn to a sketch for inspiration - and this fab one came from Tracy Shultz over at Card Patterns.

I am also entering this for the challenges at Papertake, who have a 'Creature Comforts' theme and Ladybug Crafts, where the theme is 'Animals'.

Ladybug Crafts has gone Digi this week, so they also have a new release and a fun blog hop.

Supplies -
Digi Stamp - Dustin Pike, Birthday Giraffe, coloured with Copics.
DP - DCWV Nana's Nursery, Baby Boy/Girl
Martha Stewart Lace Border Punch
Sentiment from Craftwork Cards.
Ribbon from my stash.

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Embelish Me More

2011-09-17T08:00:00.000+01:00

Happy Saturday everyone.

Time for another challenge at the CES Challenge Blog and our lovely host this week is Claire, with the theme...

Embellish Me More

We want to see AT LEAST 4 different embellies on your card/project-

so go crazy with them :-)

Check out Crafty Emma's Store for a whole load of gorgeous embellies.

Pearls and pins, ribbon and buttons, blooms and gems... so many things to pretty up your cards.
My 4 embellies are ribbon, pearls, gems and a glittered chipboard sticker.

I coloured Teddy Bo with Copics. I wish I had made him a bit bigger, so I think I will try this layout again.

Here's a close up of the chipboard, which is all glittery IRL.

If you join us this week you could win a £10 voucher to spend in store

(excl p&p)

Just think of the lovely embellies that could get you.

Challenges

Digital Tuesday - Celebrate the Season
Crafty Ribbons - Anything Goes

Papercraft Star - Anything Goes

Supplies from Crafty Emma's

6 x 6 On the Edge Card Blank / Catslife Press Stamp / Lg Pearls / Dovecraft Back to Basics Gems / First Edition DP Festive Treats /

Other Supplies - Making Memories Chipboard Sticker / Teddy Bo Digi Image

A Night On The Tiles

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000+01:00

Morning everyone, we have a new challenge for you at Totally Papercrafts today,

Vicky is our lovely hostess and she has chosen the theme

Clean and Simples!

Ha ha! Don't you just love the fact that Alexandre's catch phrase has become part of our everyday language? Those ads always make me laugh.

Anyhoo... I'm waffling... back to the challenge and we would like you to keep your card/project nice and simples! So, keep those embellies to a minimum, or see if you can do without them altogether :-)

Our sponsor this week is the awesome, Mandi, who you probably know from her challenge blog Less Is More, but she is also an Independent Stampin' Up demonstrator.

I made this card for my daughter Annabel, her 2 gorgeous kittens are doing really well, but she is stressing about the day that she will have to let them out on their own. We've never had cats before - do they really just find their way home??

Here's a picture of the partners in crime, Benga and Nero. Can you tell that Nero is the cheeky, inquisitive one? :-)

Challenges

Simon Says Stamp - Song/Film Title.
I went for the Tom Jones song 'What's New Pussycat'
which will now be stuck in my head all day.. lol*

Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes

Supplies

Stamp - Little Claire's Silhouette Cats

DP - Basic Grey, Max and Whiskers

Ribbon and black pearls from my stash.

I won an Oscar!

2011-09-13T15:35:00.000+01:00

I'd like to thank my family... my friends... my agent...

oh, hang on... not that kind of Oscar,
this cute little Birthday Oscar from Digi Stamp Boutique :-)

I kept this really simple, colouring Oscar with Copics and a touch of stickles glitter.
I was a little disappointed with my new Dovecraft Ruler. I bought it 'cos it has piercing holes in it, so my lines would be straighter, but then found out my piercing tool won't go through the holes, so I had to resort to using a pin!!!

Sketch 'n' Stash have a great challenge on right now. You can choose any sketch from their catalogue, and use your new or neglected stash.

My new stash was the digi image and I used sketch 42

I am also entering the Digi Stamp Boutique challenge - this is a monthly challenge and you can enter any new card, using one of their digis.

Go and check them out - they have the cutest digis. I have my eye on Oscar in his Halloween outfit. :-)

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O Christmas Tree

2011-09-12T10:32:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone... it's a bit blustery here today.

I nearly got blown away with the dog on our morning walk and is there anything worse than wearing lip gloss when it's windy?
Arrgghhh - I was forever peeling hair from my lips.

Here's another Christmas card for the pile.

I've just bought this little tree stamp - it's so pretty, I couldn't resist it.

I have paper-pieced it and then used a silver pen to highlight parts of the pattern.

IRL this card is very glittery and sparkly - I scattered glamour dust everywhere! I think I am going to have to order a case of this stuff. :-)

Challenges

Sketch Satduay - I followed their great sketch.Those stripes had me stumped for a while, but I quite like the way the glittered DP turned out.

Challenge Up Your Life - Paper Piecing.

Supplies.

Stamp - Red Gingham Designs - Cold Crisp Kisses

DP - Hot Off The Press, Forever Christmas (magazine freebies)

Sentiment - Craftwork Cards.

Glamour Dust and Pearls from Crafty Emmas

St Luke's Challenge

2011-09-10T16:04:00.000+01:00

Ooh, I had a lovely win this week and I just want to tell you a little about the challenge blog, incase you haven't come across it.

St Luke's Charity Cards Challenge

This is a monthly challenge and not only do they have a wonderful DT and fab sponsors, but they also have a great cause.

The blog was set up to help promote the good work of St Luke's Charity.

St Luke's is a hospice, which cares for people aged 18 and above, around the Sheffield area, who have an incurable illness.

If you enter the challenge and can spare the card,

they would be happy to receive it, so they can sell it to raise funds.

Maybe you even have a few other cards that you could send along with it :-)

Check out their blog for full details.

This month's challenge is a Buffet.

We all love a good buffet, don't we?

xxx

It's A Kind Of Magic

2011-09-10T08:00:00.000+01:00

Happy Saturday everyone.

Time for another challenge at the CES Challenge Blog.

Our lovely host this week is Carrie
and she has chosen the theme

Make it Magical or Spooky

I admit, the theme threw me this week - several cards ended up in the bin and I'm still not entirely happy with this one.

So, I need you to enter the challenge and give me some inspiration :-)

I used an 'On the Edge, Petal Point card blank, - isn't this shape great for halloween cards?

The DP is Fancy Pants, It's the Little Things

I really don't have any Halloween images, so I googled and found this owl freebie. I used purple chalk for the night sky and a touch of yellow for the moon and finished off by running my white gel pen along some branches.

The image was then mounted onto black card with stickles silver glitter for the dots.

I love Glamour Dust, and I found a great new way to add it

- new to me that is - you've probably all been doing this for years :-)

I used my glue pen to add a line of glue all around my DP and then just sprinkled the glamour dust on.

I sooo love having a nice big bottle of it, instead of one of those tiny, fiddly pots.

Finally I added some black pearls to the petal points. Job done :-)

Join us this week for your chance to win a £10 gift voucher
to spend in the store (excl p&p).

If you haven't popped over to Crafty Emma's recently - why not? lol**
There's still a fabulous SALE on, plus some gorgeous new papers have arrived.

GIVE AWAY

We all like to be in with a chance of winning something, right?

So head on over to Emma's own blog and see what she's offering :-)

Challenges -
Crafty Sentiments Designs - Halloween.
Pals Paper Arts - Halloween
Stamp Insanity - Black and Purple

Tag, you're it!

2011-09-09T08:00:00.000+01:00

How is everyone getting on with the new blogger interface?

Have you been brave enough to try it?

I am starting to get used to where everything is and I like the much larger post editor page.

Hopefully, they've corrected the timing bug, and this scheduled post will go out ok.

This week at Totally Papercrafts the lovely Marion is our host and she has chosen the theme,

Cute with Buttons

Everyone has buttons, right? And if you can't find something to match your project, you could always try making your own.

How adorable are these Teddy Bo & Co's - I couldn't resist them any longer.

I think they are going to be really versatile too.

Here's a close up of one of the tags - it's my first time colouring them, so I haven't got them quite right yet.

Challenges -
Papertake - Anything Goes

Crafty Ribbons Challenge - Festive Cheer in September. This is a new challenge blog, so check it out if your haven't seen it yet. The DT work is awesome.

Supplies.

Digi Stamps - Teddy Bo & Co, coloured with Copics.

DP - Dovecraft, Christmas Fancy

Button and ribbon from my stash

Bakers Twine from Crafty Emmas

110 Days To Go

2011-09-06T10:30:00.000+01:00

Yep - that's right folks - just 110 days til Christmas! Eek!

I always like to have some little thankyou cards on hand at Christmas,

they come in very useful and this little box is cute enough to leave out on display.

I used these gorgeous Prima - North Country papers from Crafty Emmas

The 3" x 3" box is very quick and easy to make following Laurie Schmidlin's tutorial at Splitcoaststampers.

Even without the thank you cards, this box would be great for packaging a little gift.

I kept the cards very simple, to show off the DPs - just adding the sentiment and a little gem.

Challenges -

Make it Monday - Linky Party + Birthday Blog Hop

Crafter's Companion - Xmas Wishes

St Luke's Charity Cards - Card Buffet (Patterned Paper, Gems, Ribbon, Punches).

Ta Very Muchly

2011-09-03T00:00:00.000+01:00

At CES this week , our lovely challenge host, Donna, would like you to

Raise Your Glasses

we want to see your drink related card/projects.

Ahhhh drink - another of my favourite subjects :-)

Actually I'm a total lightweight - not like my girls, who can drink any guy they know under the table - glad that their expensive University education wasn't wasted!! ;-)

I have gone for a little wine and chocolate thank you set.

I just LOVE this Prima, Printery paper and I had to take a deep breath before I cut into it. Even then, I really didn't want to cover it up too much, so for my card I used a patchwork design.

Emma has some gorgeous papers in store right now - but be quick - they are selling out FAST!

I used a Letraset Fineliner pen to add some faux stitching and distressed the edges with black chalk.

The Prima flowers and card candy centres were sprinkled with Glamour Dust.

I stamped the 'Thanks' onto a piece of cream card, cut it into a ribbon shape at one end and added a couple of black pearls.

The treat holder was made following Christina Fischer's tutorial at Splitcoaststampers

I kept this pretty plain too - using my nesties to create a frame for the 'just for you' stamp, adding a little more glamour dust, some ribbon and a fancy corner.

I know it's back to school week for a lot of you, so hopefully you will have a little time to join in the challenge.

Don't forget you could win a £10 voucher (excl p&p) to spend at Crafty Emma's.

Check out Emma's MASSIVE CLEARANCE SALE - UP TO 80% OFF

and grab yourself a bargain.

Challenge -

Die Cut Dreams - make a gift box/bag.

Supplies -

DP - Prima Printery. Prima Blooms. Card Candy. Glamour Dust.

Black Pearls. Ribbon. Sizzix Corner Die 'Architectrual Accents'

'Thanks' stamp Wild Rose Studios.

'Just for you' stamp Catslife Press.

A Nice Cup Of Chai!

2011-09-02T00:00:00.000+01:00

Morning everyone.

I have a cute little project to show you today and...

drum roll please... a mini tutorial!

I made this for our new challenge at Totally Papercrafts, where the lovely Sarah is hosting this week's theme of...

Not A Card

My favourite challenge and I can't wait to see what you come up with.

We have 2 fabulous sponsors for you this week

Crafty Emma's Store and Di's Digi Downloads.

I bought this new drink a few weeks ago and, when my DD said she'd like to try it, I remembered I had some paper cups in the cupboard and came up with this little gift for her.

I also wanted to play with this lush Bo Bunny paper. This is out of stock at Crafty Emmas right now, but check out all her other gorgeous new papers - Prima, Fancy Pants, My Mind's Eye... don't hang around though, these lovelies go quickly!

This is really easy to make and if you give it a try I would love to know how you get on.

Supplies -

1 piece card for the box 270mm x 185mm

1 piece card for the cup holder insert 205mm x 122mm

1 piece card for the handle 168mm x 152mm

2 paper cups (the base of my cups had a diameter of approx 55mm)

Box - score at 50mm on all sides.
Snip into corners as shown, tape or glue and fold up into box.

Tip - I use DS tape and run a pritt stick over it. This not only makes it stick better but also makes it slide a little,so it can be lined up perfectly.

Cup holder insert - score at 20mm all the way round.

Cut 2 circles for the cups - I used a 60mm diameter nestie die.

Snip into sides as shown, tape/glue and fold up as box.

Handle - cut an oval shape, in the top, for the handle - I used a small nestie.
And these are the pieces you should have.
I decorated the handle piece with my DP before putting it into the box and stapling them together at the bottom.

Then you can decorate as you like.
I placed the tea in small cello bags, inside the cups.

I'm already planning another one of these -

I'm thinking Christmas papers, hot chocolate, and marshmallows!!

:-)

Challenges
Party Time - Anything Goes
Make It Monday - Linky Party
Paper Shelter - Anything Goes
Charisma Cardz - Anything Goes

Supplies -

DP - Bo Bunny, Timepiece Collection.

Martha Stewart Border Punch

Circle and scalloped circle nesties

Buttons and black pearls from Crafty Emmas

Ribbon and twine from my stash.

Bang goes August!

2011-08-31T16:56:00.000+01:00

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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Hey Girly

2011-08-27T08:00:00.003+01:00

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.

Back to Skool

2011-08-26T08:00:00.062+01:00

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.

Little Robin Redbreast

2011-08-23T12:35:00.000+01:00

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.

Xtra Sweet Stuff

2011-08-20T16:06:00.002+01:00

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!

2011-08-20T08:00:00.003+01:00

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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Winter Tea Lights

2011-08-19T08:00:00.019+01:00

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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All of my hearts...

2011-08-14T08:00:00.003+01:00

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

Travel light

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

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