Christmas Crackers

Well, one day we were knee deep in snow and the next, it was completely gone!! Like magic :-)) Don't worry if you're missing it though - we could have it all over again at the end of the week!!!
Here's a couple of Christmas Crackers to show you - I made them using Karita's tutorial in the Christmas Magnolia Ink magazine. I have put an envelope with money inside mine, but they are a really good size for a small present - (very) roughly the main body is 7" x 2.5".

Try as I might, I can't get the ends of my top cracker to stay pushed out, but it still looks ok!

Challenges

Stamp Something - Digi Day.     I have used Cuddly Buddly Digi Images.

Cuddly Buddly Crafts - The Icing's on the Card.    I added Star Dust Stickles glitter to both images and the edges of the leaves, punched the flowers from glitter card and sprinkled Diamond Dust on the snowflake.

CES Challenges - Anything BUT a Christmas Card - I know it 'Christmassy' but it's Not a card!!   ;-))

Allsorts - Last Minute Christmas

Just Cute Bears & Friends - Anything BUT a Card

 

Digital Images - Cuddly Buddly - these were freebies available here  but check out their shop for some more adorable images and tons of crafting goodies.      DP - My Mind's Eye, Signature Christmas.

I'll just hang around the mistletoe, hoping to be kissed!!

Woohoo!!! I am soooo excited!   It's time to get the Christmas decorations up. I am waiting for the tree to drop a little before I start trimming it, but I have the fibre optic tree going, my christmas presents boxes on and strings of lights all over the floor that need checking. I better put a call into the National Grid, for when I flip the switch tonight!!!  :-))

Here's a card I made for my daughter and her b/f.   I just love these cute, kissing bears.

 I found the 'charms' in the jewellery section of my local craft store - these three came together on a piece of card, complete with the ribbon. They are made by Cousin and called 'Trinkettes' and they have some for sale on the Docrafts site.

 Challenges - 

Stamp Something - Christmas Colour Combo.  I went for the traditional red and green, but also tried to give the card a more modern feel.

Secret Crafter - Christmas

Image from Digi Stamp Boutique - Eddie and Jemima Xmas Kiss, coloured with Copics. Polar White flower soft on their hats and boots and some little white gems for their buttons.

DP is Dovecraft, Fancy Christmas.

 

Candlelight Friends

I love easel cards, but I have yet to master taking a decent photo of one, especially on an overcast day like today - so, apologies for this rubbish picture!

 I really enjoyed making this card - I think it has every kind of bling on there..lol** The image is coloured with Copics and I decoupaged the holly leaves and added some gems for the berries. I LOVE the way the 'candle wax' turned out - after colouring it, I added a thick layer of Glossy Accents.

 Challenges - 

Allsorts - A great sketch to follow this week.

Stamp Something - Digi Day - you can use any digi image you like.

Secret Crafter - Sparkle and Shine

Die Cut Dreams - Snowflakes

The image is a cute Digi stamp from Cuddly Buddly. I don't know why I haven't come across these before, besides having a fabulous range of craft goodies, they also have digi stamps and printable decoupage sets. There's even a great freebie section for you to give their stamps a try.

DP is a mixture of Memory Box Mistletoe and Spiceberry.

The crystal gems I used were clear, I just used a Copic to colour them red.

The snowflakes are an XCut punch, covered with Diamond Dust.

Behind the image is a narrow, glittered and embossed strip. I bought this thinking that it was stick on ribbon, but it turned out to be a transfer - it's from Daisy and Dandelion.

Sentiment is from Craftwork Cards.

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Andele! Andele! Arriba! Arriba!

Doesn't this cute guy remind you of  Speedy Gonzalez ? I loved that cartoon. This is actually Speedy's distant cousin... Chili Chihuahua from Meljen's Designs.
Instead of giving my girls sweeties this Halloween, I thought I would make them a Take-Away in a Box, and since Mexican food is one of their favs... that's what I went with.

The box came from my daughter's b/f  ( he got a birthday present in it ). I think he was a bit bemused when there was almost a punch up to see who got the box that he was just about to throw in the bin!!!
I filled it with some Tortillas, Guacamole, Salsa, Sour Cream, Enchilada Sauce, Cheese and even managed to squeeze some vegetables in there! All they will need to add is the meat.

I would like to enter for the following challenges...
Colour Create - 'Purple, Aqua and White'
The Wild Flower Patch - 'Twine'
Meljen's Designs - 'Anything Goes'
Stamp Something - 'Digi Day'
Craftalicious - 'Anything Goes'

 To decorate the lid of the box I used Papermania Capsule Collection, Aqua, design paper. The cute Chihuahua is by Meljen at Whimsy Stamps , and was coloured with Copics and stickles glitter.
The stars were cut on my Slice machine ( Fa La La Design Card ).  'Handmade' stamp is by Catslife Press.
Twine and buttons from my stash and I made the 'Mexican Take-Away' text on my comp.

Here's a close up of the twine and the 'Handmade' Stamp. Can you believe I actually practiced writing 'Mum' before I added it to this stamp? My writing is terrible!

Never eat more fudge than you can lift!

It's official... I now have the European Fudge Mountain spilling out of my fridge!!
Does anyone want to come and help me eat it???

I like to stick to a balanced diet, so this fudge contains dark AND white chocolate!

I would like to enter my packaging for the following challenges...

Just Magnolia - Dawny's  Sketch

Stamp Something - Fall Colours

Stampin' for the Weekend - Tag It!

I took a plain white box and distressed the edges with some orange chalk. I stuck my design paper all around the box and a piece on top.The tag was cut freehand and layered onto black card, punching a hole in the top and adding some ribbon. I stamped my text on one side. Then I added the layered DP and stuck Tilda on top with foam pads. Tilda is coloured with Copics and a glitter pen. Finally I added the 'Handmade' stamp.

Stamp - Magnolia Tilda
Design Paper - Memory Box, Blackbird.
'Just for You' and 'Handmade' stamps are from Catslife Press

The fudge is delicious and easy too make - no boiling and checking temps with a sugar thermometer!!
It does make quite a lot, but the recipe says it can be frozen, so it would be great to make some up for Christmas gifts.

Happiness is a long, hot, bubble bath!

Morning everyone,

did you all have a good weekend?

The weather was glorious here, 

 we headed off to Flamborough Head in the Mustang,
and walked our little legs off, along the cliff path.

I wanted to show you some pics, but hubby has deleted them from the camera already!!

I will have to get them off his comp later.

For now, here is my latest card.

I used a cute digital stamp from Sassy Studio Designs

(chosen as part of my win over at Aud Sentiments).

I coloured it with Copics and added stickles glitter to the bubbles.
I cut out an extra bath tub and added it with foam pads,
so 'in real life' this has a much more 3D look!

I just noticed I forgot to add some stickles to the little pool of water

on the floor... better do that in a mo.

I followed the great sketch over at Friday Sketchers (rotated)
and I would also like to enter this for

Aud Sentiments - Anything Goes

Stamp Something - Digi Day

Stamp - Sassy Studio Designs - I'm Every Woman, Bubble Bath.
Design Paper - Memory Box, Spearmint
Stickles Star Dust. Card Candy.

Sentiment from Penny Black 'Bubbly' Set

Blooms from Wild Orchid Crafts

Leaves - X Cut embossing botancial punch.

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My Favourite Things and a New Challenge Blog

 

Calling all you challenge-a-holics,
have you seen the new blog

Craft Your Days Away.

They opened the doors on Saturday,
and because they are a fortnightly challenge,
you still have plenty of time to get your entry in.

The first challenge, set by Joanne, is

'Favourite Things'

 

As you can see from my card, my favourite things are

mice cakes !!!

 

I have followed Claire's great sketch over at Sketch & Stamp
and I thought my Penny Black stamp was perfect for the
photo inspiration challenge at Stamp Something,

I 3D'd the little hedgies (and their feet) and coloured with Copics.

I added glitter to the icing, and the flowers
and think I might go back and add some
around the candles too.

Stamp - Penny Black Party Pooped.
DP - My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary (magazine freebies)
Sentiment - Craftwork Cards

One Frosty Morning

I so wanted to try this challenge over at Winter Wonderland.
I thought that using
'NO DESIGN PAPER'
would be easy.... silly me!!
This took me ages!

I was going to pick a couple of my fav Xmas card designs
and make more of them nearer the time.
I think this one will be good to use -
it won't take long to run a batch of these off and I could
always try it with a different stamp.

I would also like to enter this for Stamp Something's
'CHRISTMAS IN JULY' Challenge.

Stamp - from Woodware 'A Winter's Day' set - coloured with Copics
Stickles Glitter 'Crystal' added around the edges of the papers and on the stamp
Large Silver Pearls from Crafty Emma's Store
Ribbon from my stash.
--------------------------------------------

Gone fishing

Give a man a fish.... feed him for the day.
Teach a man to fish... get rid of him for the weekend!!!
:-)

I just love this 'Great Day to Fish' digital stamp
from Whimsy.
How cute are those two guys together?
I coloured with Copics, 3D'd the characters,
and added some black thread for the fishing line.
The little sign is also Whimsy,
stuck on with foam pads.

I would like to enter my card for this week's
Stamp Something Challenge,
where the theme is
'Something Digital'.
They have some fabulous sponsors this week,
so join in if you can.

Digital Stamps - Whimsy
Design Paper is Basic Grey 'Granola', purchased from Emma's store.
Keep checking in with Emma, as she is getting new stock in, all the time.
The string and button are from my stash.

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Christmas Bear and Robin

Are you in a panic over your Christmas preparations yet?

I am trying to stay calm,

but I have lists EVERYWHERE.

:-)

Here are 5 cards I made this weekend -
only 3 left to make!
I am entering this card for the

Stamp Something challenge,

where the theme is

Winter Wonderland.

There is a fabulous sponsor this week -

In Style Stamps -
so have a go at the challenge to be in with a chance to win.

Recipe:
Stamp - Forever Friends, Bear and Robin, coloured with Copics.
Design Paper - My Mind's Eye,
Signature Christmas for background and

Wild Asparagus for the folded tree.

Sentiment from Craftwork Cards.

Ribbon and star bead from my stash.

Bling It Bear

I can't resist a bit of bling -
so I had to have a go at this week's challenge
over at Stamp Something,

where the theme is 'Bling It'.

There is also an awesome prize this week,
of some Copic Spica markers.
Who wouldn't love to win those?

I don't often make shaped cards,
but thought I would have a go at this simple, 'z-fold' style,
and I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out.


I find it hard to photograph glitter,
but I hope you can see that there is plenty of 'bling'
on my card.
The background paper is gorgeous and has a pretty glitter finish.
I also added some stickles glitter to the bear's dressing gown.

Recipe:
Stamp - Forever Friends, coloured with Copics.
Design Paper - K & Co, Peppermint Twist
Ribbon from my stash.
Sentiment from Craftwork Cards
xxx

Jungle Pals

Afternoon everyone,
hope you are all enjoying the bank holiday weekend.

My daughters have gone off to festivals,
one is at Leeds Fest and the other is at Creamfields;
hubby is playing golf,
so I have had lots of time to craft.

Here is my entry for this week's

Stamp Something challenge,
where the theme is 'Animals'.

The challenge sponsor is Digital Delights

where you will find lots of cute digi creations.

Check out the fab DT work and you can get some idea
of what's on offer.

Recipe:

Stamp - from the Woodware, Jungle Pals set,
coloured with watercolours and whispers pens.
Design Paper - My Mind's Eye, Bloom & Grow
Card candy and sentiment from Craftwork Cards
xxx

Pink Birthday Somethings

The challenge over at

Stamp Something
is in honour of one of their leaving DT members -

Melissa.
Since Melissa's fav. colour is pink,
she has asked for 'Pink Birthday Somethings'
and she has donated a fab prize for the winner.

My project is a little criss cross box,
filled with bath salts.
The box template and instructions can be found
on the awesome blog of Nichole Heady

Get yourself a coffee,
pull up a chair and go and investigate her blog,

it is just full of wonderful projects.

Recipe:

Design Paper - Papermania, Blueberry Hill
Stamp - Penny Black, Critter Party,
coloured with whispers pens.

Ribbon and hearts from my stash.

xxx

Double Challenge

Hello,
I have suprised myself today,
I have managed to combine 2 challenges in one card.
A great sketch from Stamp Something,
and stitching from Secret Crafter

It was a party night last night, and I awoke this morning
to little men with hammers, runing riot inside my head!

So, I am amazed that my stitching is anywhere near straight.

The stamp is Magnolia - Guitar Edwin,
coloured with whispers pens.

Design paper is Dovecraft - Masculine

and the sentiment is from Craftwork Cards.

xxx

Favourite Somethings

This week's challenge over at Stamp Something
is to create a project inspired by your favourite something.
My project uses my favourite stamps,
my favourite papers and one of my favourite things -
scented candles.

This was my very first attempt at putting stamped images on candles,
and I am amazed at how easy it was to do.
I have a feeling everyone will be getting
stamped candles next christmas...
lol*

These were rose scented candles I picked up for £4 each at Matalan,
I added the stamped Whiff of Joy image,
the name, and some ribbon.
Then I wrapped them in a cellophane bag and added more ribbon.
(Excuse the terrible photo, the light is not good today.)

The card is made using the same Whiff Of Joy stamps,
and my favourite papers right now -
K & Company, Classic,
with brad and blooms from my stash.
xxx

Chocolate Challenge

Hello,

now, this is my kind of project.. lol**

Over at Stamp Something
they have a 'Something Chocolate' challenge.

So you need to create something with chocolate in mind.

Not too hard for those of us who always have chocolate in mind.

Check out the gorgeous designs by the DT
and I can't wait to see the challenge entries.

Here's my project.
Valentine Heart Biscuits dipped in Dark Chocolate.

I made the cookies with a basic cookie recipe and then
dipped them in dark chocolate and wrapped them in cellophane bags,
tied with ribbon.
I cut the lid off a plain white box and used a strip of card,
fastened at each end with brads, as a handle.
The boxes are decorated with papers that were free from craft magazines,
and ribbons and blooms from my stash.

The little hedgehog stamp is from the transparent Penny Black Bubbly set.

And of course, as quality control I got to sample several cookies before I

decided they were ok

Have a Happy Valentine's Day everyone
xxx