Sparkle Cards

More Wedding Makes

2011-06-12T14:43:00.003+01:00

Back to work on Monday so trying to get as much done as possible this week, although its difficult sitting for too long at my craft desk, don't know how I'm gonna do 10 hours a day at my work desk!

I have made the thank you cards for our 3 Ushers and Best Man. They are all made the same, I printed an image i found online out on some white card and used MS Picture It Publishing (my fave programme for pic editing, so glad i found the disc and loaded it onto my laptop as sadly my PC has all but died, very tricky as its such an old version but I got there in the end!) and then paperpieced the waistcoat with black pearlescent card, and added pearls for buttons coloured black with Copics, easy peasy!

Any Bakers/Cake Makers Reading?

2011-06-08T17:11:00.003+01:00

Today I made cakepops for the first time, the first batch didn't work, I put too much frosting in the mixture and they slid down the sticks. The second lot however worked but I coated them in white chocolate which melts too quickly when they are stored out of the fridge.

So my question is: Is there anything that i can do to stop the white chocolate melting so quickly (after they are made not during) or is there something else i can use (i want them to be white/cream in colour)

Thanks x

I'm Getting Married!

2011-06-05T12:36:00.004+01:00

Its been ages since I last blogged! My job takes up soooo much of my time now i don't get a chance to make anything so all my lovely craft goodies are sadly neglected.

I have however had a chance to make my own wedding invites!!! Yay I'm getting married this September to my amazing fiance who proposed last September while we were on holiday

I have made over 40 of these cards for my invites, I didn't take a picture of the insides though, but they have a pocket with info cards inside.

I'm off work at the moment with Sciatica, it came out of nowhere and is the most painful thing I have ever known! arggh! I cant even sit and craft as it hurts to sit down! x

Alice in Wonderland Wedding

2010-07-02T20:33:00.006+01:00

`Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'
`That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.
`I don't much care where--' said Alice.
`Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.
`--so long as I get somewhere,' Alice added as an explanation.
`Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, `if you only walk long enough.'
(Alice's Adventures In Wonderland)

I was asked to make a wedding card with an Alice in Wonderland theme, I believe this was the theme of the wedding. Luckily I knew of these great images from Mo's Digital Pencil.

you wouldn't believe how long i just sat and looked at the image after colouring them to try and get some inspirations, seriously I think it was about 3 nights in a row just placing papers and the images down, shifting it around, adding flowers, taking flowers away...In the end this is my result.

Inside is the quote I've written at the top of this post.Thanks for looking x

Fathers Day

2010-06-19T13:37:00.005+01:00

I have made a card for my dad on Fathers day which is on Sunday using all new stash!The stamp is called Pride and Joy and is by Lily of The Valley, the papers are Hampstead by Papermania (well done Sarah for noticing I'd used the wrong name for the papers!), the tag die is from sizzix and the gromlets are from making memories.

I was so excited to get my first order from my Blog, I was emailed and asked if I could do something similar to this card for a 1st birthday, wow I never expected someone to buy one of my cards after seeing them on here!

I have a whole weekend to myself as my other half is on a stag weekend so I am going to craft all weekend, cant wait!

Thanks for looking

Sarah x

Something Special...

2010-06-12T14:47:00.005+01:00

My Niece Georgina was Christened on Sunday and me and my Boyfriend were God Parents to her. I bought her a silver clock in the shape of a teddy bear but also wanted to make something special for her to keep so when I came across the new Papermania chipboard albums I couldn't resist making her a scrapbook.

Luckily her parents had just had some pictures of her taken by a photographer so I used those.

I used MME Pretty Please papers throughout and have only shown small pictures as it would take up too much room on here. I loved making it so much I bought another one to do, just need someone to do it for now!

My SIL loved it and I hope its kept and looked back on with fond memories. The Christening was lovely and Georgina looked so cute in her dress, I'm so proud to be her Auntie!

Off to play with my new Lily Of The Valley Stamps that arrived this week!

Thanks for looking xx

Penny Black Happy Birthday

2010-05-28T15:24:00.001+01:00

The theme at Penny Black Saturday Challenge this week was Lots Of Dots. I have made this card with DCVW papers (the dotty paper is under the ribbon!) and a computer generated sentiment.

I love the big bow on it, its unusual for a card of mine not to be covered in flowers!

Thanks for looking and have a happy bank holiday weekend all in the UK! x

Have a Happy Day

2010-05-21T15:49:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone!
In total contrast to my last card I have made a tiny 4x4 note card.

The image is from the Dovecraft Pepper and Friends range and the sentiment is from Claire Curds range at Docrafts. The papers are from K&Co (Amy Butler Belle) and the card is DCVW.

I'm entering it into this weeks Colour Create Challenge which is green and aqua and this weeks One Stop Craft Challenge which is summer breeze

Thanks for looking. x

Enjoy!

2010-05-16T19:27:00.005+01:00

Using a sketch from Friday Sketchers I have made a large 8x8 retirement card for my boyfriends mum who retires from nursing this week,

The cute stamp is Popcorn the Bear.

The papers are from MME Bloom and GrowAnd the flowers are a mixture of Prima and WildOrchidCrafts.

The inside has the little duckie in it too.

I still have two birthday cards a wedding card and a christening card to make, so had better get a finger out!

Thanks for looking x

Mothers Day

2010-05-07T19:51:00.004+01:00

Here's a card I made ages ago for my mum for mothers day from Lucie (her Springer Spaniel) she's come to expect a card from Lucie now!

The stamp is from Wild Rose Studio and has been coloured to look like Lucie with Copics. The papers are K&Co (I think). Got a wedding card to make ASAP for a wedding tomorrow- oops, think it'll have to be an remake of an old layout!

Thanks for looking x

Sending You Hugs

2010-05-03T13:05:00.004+01:00

How cute is this Penny Black stamp! the Papermania sentiment stamp goes perfectly with it too.

The papers are by MME, flowers are Prima and Wild Orchid

I'm entering it into this weeks Pennyblack Challenge which is to use punches, I've used a MS Border punch and the MS monarch butterfly punch.

Thanks for looking.

Grandparents Card

2010-05-01T20:27:00.002+01:00

I made this card a while ago for my Mum and Dad on becoming grandparents for the first time, we didn't know what the baby was going to be at the time so it had to be appropriate for both a boy and a girl.

The image is from PC Crafter, my Dad used to have a moustache so it kinda looks a bit like him.

The papers are from a Papermania scrapbook kit, the rest is from my stash.

Here is the gorgeous Georgina, hope my SIL doesn't mind me posting a picture on here but she's too cute not to share with the world!

Thanks for looking x

Meljen's Designs

2010-04-30T12:34:00.002+01:00

I recently stumbled across this lovely digistamp site called Meljen's Designs, how cute are her designs! The bunnies used on this card are from Meljen's

The papers and tag are from MME, they were a free gift with a magazine, which is why I bought the mag! What a fab free gift!

Flowers are a mix of Prima and Wild Orchid Crafts (the best shop for flowers etc ever!)

Thanks for looking x

A Perfect Day

2010-04-25T15:45:00.005+01:00

I have just finished making my boyfriends birthday card.

He's a gardener so this image from Mo Manning is perfect, I added a beard to it so it look more like him! I'm sure its his perfect day at work!

The image has been coloured with Copics. The papers and tag are from a Papermania scrapbook kit, the card is DCVW and the flowers are from Joanna Sheen. The sketch is from this weeks Cute Card Thursday challenge.

The lovely weather we've been having has turned to rain today, I knew it was too good to last! Thanks for looking x

2010-04-18T18:15:00.003+01:00

First of all sorry about the picture, I took it literally as we were leaving the house to go to the engagement party, we were already late because my other half decided to use a felt tip to write the card and ruined it so I had to take the inside out and put a new one in. I'd love to be one of these organised people who have lovely photographs of their cards with petal and things placed around- but I'm not at all organised, everything is last minute and time is in short supply at the moment with work taking up the majority of my time :(

The colours are white and a pale purple, not grey like the photo shows. I made the card with a computer generated sentiment, circle nesties, a Martha Stewart punch (cut and placed round the edge of the circle), Marianne Creatable flowers dies and wild orchids craft flowers and DCVW card.

I'm hoping to get some of the cards i made whilst without a camera back to photograph tomorrow so will be back to show you those. Thanks for looking x

1st Anniversary card

2010-04-05T17:05:00.003+01:00

I cant believe its been a year since my brothers wedding, all those invites I made are a distant memory, this year I have two weddings to do invites for!

I made a simple but classic card for their 1st anniversary and used the same colours ass their wedding

Thanks for looking, and for your lovely comments x

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T20:10:00.003+01:00

It's been a while since my last post!

I'm back with a new camera and an Easter card for my new niece Georgina, she's so cute!

The image is by Stampendous and has been coloured with Copics, the paper is by Doodlebug

Thanks for looking x

Claire's candy

2010-02-28T14:53:00.002Z

No cards from me today I'm afraid, I don't have the camera at the moment, I had to give it back to my mum, but I should be getting a new one for my birthday from my gorgeous boyfriend.

Just a quick post to let you know about Claire's amazing candy click here to enter.

With Heartfelt Sympathy

2010-02-15T21:19:00.004Z

Sadly my Sister In Laws dad passed away on Friday so I've made a sympathy card for her and her sister

Its so sad as she's due to give birth at any moment to her first baby and her sister is getting married this year, such a shame their dad wont be there for these special occasions. x

Give me a kiss!

2010-02-12T20:43:00.004Z

This is the valentines card I made for my boyfriend.

The stamp is Huggable Hank by High Hopes, I bought it coz its fat belly reminded me of my dads (sorry dad!!) but I love it on this card coz its so sweet and I just wanna hug him!

The papers and stickers are from a DCWV card making stack called Valentines, the ribbon is by chatterbox, brads are papermania.

Inside:

I'm entering it into the following challenges:
High Hopes (metal/ wire)
Colour Create (red, white/off white, pink, chocolate)
Cute Card Thursday (love)

In Between

2010-02-09T21:29:00.003Z

How fab is this image by Mo's Digital Pencil! The challenge this week at Mo's Challenge Blog is wood so I have coloured the floor on the image to look like a wooden floor.

The patterned paper is from DCWV Blossoms and Butterflies stack, flowers are a mix of Papermania and Wild Orchid Crafts, ribbon, pin and button are all from my stash.

I'm going to try and get my valentines card done tonight, that's if I can stop blog hopping and looking at all the wonderful craft blogs and get on with it.

Thanks for looking x

Baby Boy

2010-02-07T14:03:00.004Z

I finally made the baby boy card just in time for Saturday morning! My mind goes blank when it comes to baby cards, My SIL is expecting this month but we don't know what its going to be, do I make a card for a boy and a girl or wait and make one at the last minute???

I used a digital image from PC Crafter and coloured it with copics.

The papers are from DCVW Citrus stack and flowers are Prima.

The letters spelling out boy are from Doodlebug.
I also decorated the inside:

Need to make a valentines card for next week now for my BF, we'll have been together a year on the 14th Feb and so he's taking me to London for the weekend for a trip on the London Eye and a riverboat cruise on the Thames, he' so sweet!

Thanks for looking x

Heidi & Madison

2010-02-03T19:13:00.005Z

I have made this card with one of my new High Hopes stamps called Heidi and Madison.

The sketch is from this weeks Sketch Saturday blog challenge Im also entering it into the High Hopes challenge which is Valentines

The papers are K&Co Berry Sweet, the flowers have been edged with stickles and are from from Wild Orchid Crafts, the cute image has been coloured with Copics. I've got to make a baby boy card by Saturday and don't have an image or an idea yet! eeek! I'd better get cracking!

Thanks for looking x

Perfect Day

2010-01-30T14:07:00.006Z

Here is my entry for this weeks Friday Sketchers.

I've used a Penny Black Teddy stamp coloured with Copics.

The papers are DCWV Latte and the flowers are prima hydrangeas and some new ones from Joanna Sheen (I forget what they are) the centers of the flowers are iridescent stones from Bunny Zoe's and I really like them as the colours are nice and subtle.I tidied my craft room and put a few stamps on ebay so I treated myself to some bits from Bunny Zoe's online store, why have I never shopped there before???!? I got some gorgeous High Hopes stamps that I've coveted for ages!

Thanks for looking and for the lovely comments you leave x

Distressed Tilda

2010-01-29T16:08:00.004Z

Something a little different from me today, I've had a go at distressing, I'm not very good at it I'm afraid!

I wanted this card to look like someone has taken the lid off an old box of someones keepsakes and found an old photo in amongst the letters and trinkets.

I'm entering it in the Just Magnolia Challenge and the Cute Card Thursday Challenge, which are both to use flowers this week and Magnolia challenge is to use hearts as well, hence the heart charm, well that's not hard for me as I love using flowers on my cards! I didn't go too OTT with the flowers today though, just a red and purple rose (that was white and was coloured with Copics).

The image is from the Magnolia winter collection, most of which have ended up on Ebay I'm afraid to say, it was the first time I bought the collection and probably the last :(

I put Tilda on top of the piano without thinking until I saw another card (I forget who's- sorry) where they sat her on the seat, which would have been much more appropriate! Oh well, we live and learn! I have seen a lot of discussion about the 'dressy older' type of Tilda and how people see her as a little girl, but I think she's still cute.

Thanks for looking x

Pretty in Pink

2010-01-26T19:48:00.003Z

This card is made with a cute Penny Black image called Guess What!? (That's the name of the stamp, I'm not asking you to guess! Hehe)

The papers are from a papermania scrapbooking kit and I have nearly used them all, If anyone knows if they sell them in a pack or something I'd love to get some more. Flowers are a mix of Wild Orchid Crafts and Prima.

I'm entering this card into the blog challenges below:

Penny Black Saturday Challenge

A spoonfull of sugar

Thanks for looking x

Rainy days

2010-01-25T20:34:00.005Z

Hello again, log time no post! I'm back with my first new card this year!

The stamp is an old favorite by Joan Elliot and I've coloured it with copics. I got two new sets for Christmas, one from my parents and one from my lovely boyfriend, so I now have all the Ciao markers, been eyeing up the sketch ones now!!!
Papers are from DCWV, ribbon, pins and gems from my stash, sentiment is WOJ. How I made a card without flowers on I'll never know!!!

More Christmas Santa Cards

2009-12-20T18:12:00.006Z

Yes its that stamp again! This time on an 8x8 card for my boyfriends parents.

It's been snowing a lot here lately, I love it but its a bit like my favourite shoes, great to look at but not very practical!

I hope everyone is ready for Christmas, I have finally finished all my cards!! Still got one more Christmas party to go tomorrow, then I'm off work over Christmas, yey!!

Traditional Christmas

2009-12-04T16:02:00.006Z

I've made two different cards with my Santa and Penguin stamps by Craft UK. I think these are my favorite stamps this year, normally I hate making Christmas card but have enjoyed making all of them this year... so far!

They both have papers by DCWV and flowers by Wild Orchid Crafts and have both been coloured with Copic pens and Copic Glitter pens. The tree is up, the presents are mostly bought and wrapped, still not finished all my cards though! every time I think I'm done, I think of another one that needs making!

Thanks for looking x

Popcorn Christmas

2009-11-30T20:33:00.004Z

Another Christmas card made with a popcorn stamp.

I've coloured the image with Copics, papers are a mixture of Daisy and Dandelion and Basic Grey, the rest is from my stash.
I've nearly done my Christmas cards, just a few more to do. I have been waiting for the Magnolia winter kit for ages but it looks like they'll be here too late to make any Christmas cards this year with which is very disappointing and not very good for a 'winter' kit.

Thanks for looking x

Lucie's Greeting

2009-11-23T21:17:00.006Z

As soon as I saw this digital image, Honeys Greeting, from Mo's Digital Pencil I knew I'd have to get it for my mum's birthday card as it looks just like her puppy Lucie.

I've coloured it in with her markings and colours and am really pleased at just how much it looks like her!

This is Lucie so you can judge for yourself if it really does look like her.

The papers are from a papermania scrapbooking kit, border punch is Martha Stewart, flowers are from wild orchid crafts.

Thanks for looking x

Tilda toppers

2009-11-05T20:59:00.004Z

More toppers and not whole cards again I'm afraid. Not had time to make cards as I've been working shifts this week and for the next month, so I've made some Tilda toppers with various Tilda stamps and backgrounds, some nesties and flowers. The images are coloured with Copics.

More Popcorn Anyone?

2009-10-30T20:08:00.004Z

Just thought I'd share with you some popcorn the bear images I've coloured in. I love colouring these cute bears!

The images have been coloured with Copics
I've still got two I haven't yet inked up so will have to find time to try those out too!

Popcorn Christmas

2009-10-27T17:00:00.004Z

Another Christmas card, this time and 8x8 card with an altered popcorn the bear birthday image on, I stamped the 'Party Time' image but masked off the duck with the cup cake and stamped the duck in a Santa hat from the Christmas 'Just For You' set instead and coloured the presents in Christmas colours to match the Basic Grey backing papers.

The sketch is from this weeks Friday Sketchers challenge and I've also used stripes which is this weeks Papertake Weekly Challenge.

A Couple of Toppers

2009-10-25T15:13:00.003Z

I've had a mess about with some new stamps I got at hobbycraft yesterday, they're by Craft UK and are called Santa and Penguin.

Ive made them into toppers with nesties labels dies to see if I can sell them on ebay, nothing ventured nothing gained, maybe I'll earn a few pennies to buy even more stamps! x

Christmas Bear

2009-10-23T13:45:00.009+01:00

I'm finally managing to get on with making my Christmas cards! I've had a bit of a splurge on new xmas stash and couldn't resist this cute stamp by Stampavie
The sketch is from this weeks papertake weekly challenge. I'm trying a new way to upload photos so hopefully I'll get a bigger better picture of them on here
The papers are BasicGrey Eskimo Kisses, I love the mixture of traditional and non traditional colours in this pad.
The flowers are from Wild orchid crafts and papermania.

Ive just won some Popcorn stamps on ebay for £3.65 each with free p&p, what a bargain! I bought two from the glitter pot last week so have been having fun playing with those, I will post the results on here soon! x

You're The Best

2009-10-16T20:33:00.004+01:00

I've made a card using the Saturday sketch from The Sweet Stop Challenge blog and another digital image, this time from Squigglefly its by Chrissy Armstrong and is just too cute!

As usual the image has been coloured with Copics, I love how its turned out, I must have used all the shades of brown, tan and yellow in my collection! The papers are from DCWV Citrus Stack and are all lovely and sparkly! The sticker sentiment says 'You're The Best'.

I hope to crack on with some more Christmas cards this weekend but don't like doing Christmas ones as much as regular cards, I don't know why. x

Not Even A Mouse...

2009-10-14T16:17:00.003+01:00

Yay! I've finally done my second Christmas card of the year! So much for getting them done early this year eh!

I used a sketch from Friday Sketchers challenge blog. The image is from Mo's Digital Pencil, its called not even a mouse, its coloured with Copics.

The papers are from DCWV Christmas Multi Stack. Flowers are Prima and Papermania.

If Fishing Was Easy

2009-10-12T19:21:00.004+01:00

Here my card for my dads birthday, which is on Sunday. Its made with a sketch from Papertake Weekly

The image is from Mo Manning at Mo's Digital Pencil and has been coloured with copics.

The papers are again MME, I'm using these quite often at the moment! The rest is from my stash.

I've printed out lots of digital images to colour, and need to make more Christmas cards, so far I have only made one!! x

Trick or Treat?

2009-10-10T18:49:00.004+01:00

I have never made a Halloween card before but when I saw this digi stamp freebie from Mo's Digital Pencil I couldn't resist! I also had to colour it with some perple (purple) for the new challenge blog Bronte and Bella's Challenge Blog. I had such a hard time colouring the black though with my Copics, I think some more pens and more practice is required!!

As promised here is a picture of the sweet and adorable Lucie, my mums puppy. She's just had an operation on a leaky heart valve and isn't quite back to her mischievous self yet, but still full of cuddles and affection!

Also as promised a few holiday snaps, looking at the photos just makes me want to go back there right now!
I'm in the process of making my dad's birthday card at the moment with a sketch from a blog challenge so will upload it when is done. xx

Going to the dogs

2009-10-09T20:45:00.003+01:00

This card was made for my grandad who was looking after my mum's puppy Lucie while we were away on holiday, so I put a puppy (well two actually) on his birthday card

The image is from PC Crafter and is called going to the dogs by Debra Jordan Bryan, its been coloured with Copics. The papers are MME, the chipboard is from my stash.

Unfortunately I don't have a picture of the real Lucie to show you but will upload one tomorrow, she's so adorable!

I had an amazing holiday in Turkey, such a shame to be back to cold rainy England though! I'll also upload a holiday pic or two tomorrow, along with my card for Mo's Digital Pencil blog challenge. x

Something Different

2009-09-20T14:05:00.002+01:00

This card is for my Nan's birthday which falls while I'm on holiday. As my Nan is in her 80's I decided that cute girlie stamps were out and a nice sentiment was a better choice.

It also fits in with this weeks A Spoon Full Of Sugar challenge which is 'fall into autumn' as I've used autumnal colours.

The papers are from DCVW and the flowers are Prima.

I'm off on holiday on Friday to Turkey for two weeks, I cant wait!!! I didn't go on holiday last year so this one is long overdue!!! The only trouble is I'm gonna miss Ally Pally which I loved last year.

Spring Tilda

2009-09-13T18:02:00.003+01:00

Here is my entry for this weeks Just Magnolia blog challenge this weeks challenge is embossing. Its hard to see on the card but the MME spotty paper is embossed as is the Nestie Tilda is sitting on. The stamp is Spring Tilda and I have put her on a swing. Its coloured with Copics, I'm really getting to grips with these now after watching a few blog video tutorials on them.

I've got to make two men's cards this week for both my Grandads so I'm off to do that now.

Take care

Sarah

Penny Black Challenge Card

2009-09-06T17:57:00.004+01:00

Here is my card for this weeks Penny Black Challenge:

I made this card for my Nan's birthday as she loves teddies. It also fits in with this weeks Penny Black Challenge to use hearts, as I have two heart shaped buttons on the flowers.

Its another large 8x8 card, the stamps are from the Teddy and Co. clear stamp set and have been coloured with Copics. I love these teddy stamps and they are bigger than the usual stamps in the clear sets. Papers are Papermania Blueberry Hill, flowers are a mix of Prima and Wild Orchid Crafts ones, the rest is from my stash.

Inside:

1st Christmas Card Of The Year!

2009-09-02T17:18:00.002+01:00

The 1st September bought with it rain and wind so I felt it was a good time to start on this years Christmas cards. With so many to make I decided to get an early start on them this year instead of the usual rushed job the week before Christmas. Its not like me to be organised so I can still see the rush happening, especially as I have so many new stamps that have yet to see ink that are not for Christmas, I must admit to a bit of a spending spree of late, there have been some great sales on so it would have been rude not to have bought any! The papers are by Papermania and are a change from the green and red traditional Christmas colours, I love the rich gold and blue and think it still has a festive feel but with a modern twist. The cute mouse stamp used in this card is from Elzybells and is coloured with Copics. The flowers are a mix of Prima and Papermania and the snowflake is a dress it up button. Fingers crossed I can keep up with this being organised lark, though I very much doubt it!

Another 1st Birthday Card

2009-08-16T14:34:00.005+01:00

This is the other card I've made for Emily's 1st birthday, its for my mum to give her.

As its such a lovely sunny day I've photographed it outside on my balcony. This is my balcony, not a great view! My boyfriends a gardener and he did the flowers and pots for me as a present, he's so lovely!

Back to the card, its a large 8x8 card and Ive used papers by K&Co called sparkly sweet. The stamp is from Sugarnellie its by Mary Hall and is called Party Parade.

This is the inside that I've only just finished this morning, the flowers are Prima, the middle shape is Nesties Labels One.

1st Birthday Card

2009-08-14T16:09:00.003+01:00

Here is a first birthday card I've made to give to my brothers niece. I used a new stamp from Pennyblack called team effort, I really love the bear and may have to add to my pennyblack collection with some more of these. The papers are Papermania, flowers are from wild orchid crafts, lettering is Sizzix.

I also did the inside.

I've got to make another one for my mum to give so that's my challenge for today.

Ladies Devine

2009-08-08T13:54:00.003+01:00

I'm back! Yes I am once again back in the world of crafting, thank God! Its been a long hard few weeks for me living out of a suitcase in Manchester for three weeks then Nottingham for two, I passed my course with flying colours thankfully and am now free to craft once again in my poor neglected craft room.

This card was made for my boyfriends sisters birthday, he wanted a cow on it (typical cheeky older brother!). The stamp is a pennyblack one called Ladies Devine, coloured with Copics, papers are K&Co Sparkly Sweet, flowers are Prima.

I making a new home card at the moment using a very cute Elzybells stamp that I've had for a while and has never been inked up, unfortunately my mum has the camera so I wont be able to take a picture of it before I give it to the recipient tonight at a house warming party, I must remember to get the camera back soon!

Summery Tilda

2009-06-26T13:38:00.003+01:00

With the lovely weather we're having at the moment I decided to make a summery coloured card and used this cute Tilda image on it, coloured with Copics, the background stamp is a WOJ one. The papers are from a Brenda Pinnick scrapbook kit. I've just got some new coated card to use with my Copics and am just about to try it out for the first time, hopefully it will make blending the colours easier- or so I've heard! I'm loving using my Copics and will have to invest in some more pretty soon!

Gold and Ivory

2009-06-22T18:44:00.004+01:00

That was the brief for this birthday card commissioned by my friend Ben for a pal of his. I hope he likes it!

The stamp is called New York Socialite and is by Stamps Happen, its been coloured with Copics and I've added a little glitter to her bling. The flowers are Prima and Papermania, the rest of the card is made out of stuff from my stash, which has had a bit of a makeover! I've had to make room in my craft room that was overflowing so have sorted a load of stuff to give to my boyfriends sister who is also into card making. Hmmm maybe that means I can buy more stuff now....

Thanks A Bunch

2009-06-16T21:36:00.004+01:00

I've made a small thank you card from circle nesties, using a Penny Black image received in an image swap ages ago coloured with Copics. The papers are from a Brenda Pinnick scrapbook kit and the flowers are Primas, I think the sentiment is by Whiff Of Joy but I'm not 100% on that.

Thank you Emma and Jo for your help on my earlier problem, it just stopped it its self after about half hour of doing it so I still don't know what it was.

I'm off to Ascot Races on Friday for the day so keep your fingers crossed the weather stays good for me, I'm wearing a purple dress so hope I didn't look too much like Barney the Dinosaur or a Ribena Berry, I'll post some pics if I get any good ones!

Problem

2009-06-16T17:04:00.004+01:00

Im having major issues with this web page, it keeps opening over and over again, is anyone else having this problem after being on here? it says #rpctoken=-588714218338933043 after my blog address. I assume its a virus but my scanner comes up with nothing. Can anyone help?

Raining Birthday Wishes

2009-06-12T10:52:00.005+01:00

Another card made with a Paper Makeup stamp, This time she's called Emma and has been coloured with Copics. The papers are Laundry Line, Papermania ribbon, DCWV coloured card, flowers are from X-Cut punches, the swirls from a Sizzix die. The sentiment is from Whiff of Joy.

Thanks for dropping by my blog and looking at my cards, I've got lots of dreaded housework to do and a lot of studying for my next course but hope to get time for some blog hopping today as well to see all those fab creations out there!

Hope

2009-06-10T18:45:00.004+01:00

I finally got a chance to make do some crafting and made 4 cards!! I'm uploading them one at a time though just to keep you in suspense.

I used my new stamps from Paper Makeup, this one is called Kirsten, I coloured it with my Copics. The sentiment is also from Paper Makeup Stamps, I had to get it when I read it as it is so sweet and inspirational. The papers are Laundry Line, flowers are Prima and brads are Papermania.

For as long as the cricket is on I get to spend the evenings in my craft room while my other half watches it, so I plan on making some more cards before I have to go back on another residential course for 8 weeks in July and August.

Do crafts card of the week

2009-05-29T17:37:00.003+01:00

My card is card of the week on Docrafts again so I thought I would put it on here also to show you. Its been made with all do crafts products and the dandelion decoupage packs.

I'm snowed under with work at the moment so no time to make any more cards, but i have just got 4 new stamps from America so I'm looking forward top some spare time to use them!!!

Wedding Card

2009-05-11T20:48:00.004+01:00

A quick post today, here is the card I made for my friends wedding last Saturday.

The image is from Stampendous and the sentiment stamp is from Cloud 9 Design. The pictures aren't that good as I took them literally just before we left to go to the wedding!

I'm away on a course for the next few weeks so wont be around in blog land for a while, looking forward to catching up on everyone's creations when I get back though.

Summer time cards

2009-05-04T22:57:00.002+01:00

With the lovely weather over the last few days its nice to make some summer time bright and cheerful cards. The picture doesn't do it justice, it is bright in 'real life'.

I used a Sugarnellie image with doodlebug papers and ribbon trim, prima flowers. The image is coloured with Copics.

I have some cards in issue 15 of the latest Creativity magazine, one even made the front cover!!! Although it does look like some of my cards are made by someone else as they are on the page under the lady from Hallmark's name, which I was sort of told about before I did them but didn't expect it to look like she made them. Unfortunately this will be the last of my work in Creativity for a while due to work commitments.

Gorjuss Card

2009-04-28T18:49:00.004+01:00

Here is a card I have made for my friends birthday in May.

I used Papermania brown card blank, DCWV teal card, Prima flowers with Papermania brads. The image is a grojuss stamp from Sugarnellie coloured with Copics.

I'm still getting used to using my Copics and have only made 4 cards with them so far, but am loving them!

I'm back!

2009-04-20T20:21:00.004+01:00

After a month away from blog land I'm finally back, although for how long I don't know!

It's been pretty hectic with my brothers wedding, Easter and my new job. I've not had hardly any time for card making, let alone blogging.

Here is the mothers day card I made for my mum this year, I only got round to photographing it today.

I made it with a new penny black stamp, coloured with whispers pens, papermania papers, nesties and prima flowers.

I do have some cards I have made using my new copic pens and hope to get them uploaded sometime this week. Hopefully it wont be so long until my next update!

1st Copics card!

2009-03-20T15:25:00.003Z

I got two sets of copics for my birthday- how lucky am I!! I also got the stamp I used on this card and a Stampavie Lelo Design one.

Here is my very first attempt at using my copics. Its not as hard as I thought it would be, however I have just ordered a Brilliance ink pad as the Versafine one has bled slightly. I loved using them and read several tutorials on it before I started, trouble is I want more already!

I defiantly wont give up using watercolouring techniques as sometime a subtle look is better but I think at the moment copics is my first love!!

The sketch is from this weeks Friday Sketchers Challenge, its been ages sine I entered a blog challenge, I used papers and letters from Doodlebug, prima flowers and Papermania brads.

A big thank you to Laura and Amanda for the fab cards and the stamped images you sent me, they were lovely!

Pink Wedding

2009-03-16T21:14:00.006Z

Its been a busy few weeks for me at the moment so I haven't been able to craft very often let alone update my blog!

I have managed to make a wedding card for an order.

I used a cuttlebug embossing folder, prima flowers, computer generated sentiment, lace and ribbon.

I'm looking forward to my birthday on Wednesday, and hope to get lots of crafty stuff! I still have stamps yet to see ink, flowers I'm dying to use and lots of other bits that I've bought and not had time to use. I start my new job on Monday and still have orders of service and place cards to do for my brothers wedding so I don't think I'll get a chance to play with it very soon.

Thank you to Laura and to Kelly for giving me the top ten favourite blog award, i have it in a post below so wont put it back on here.

I had a fab time in Milan, Here are some pics for those who were kind enough to enquire and wish me a good time.

Published and More Gorjuss

2009-03-05T12:56:00.002Z

Here is another Gorjuss Girls card I made this week, I hope you like it, I'm loving these stamps so much!

I have finally got my hands on a copy of Creativity 14 that has the two articles I did in it. I seem to be the last one to have seen it, someone at work who had seen it came up to me on Wednesday and was asking me about it but I hadn't seen it yet. I have taken some pictures and uploaded them here for you if you haven't got the mag, I so pleased with how they turned out.

Gotta go as I'm off to Milan for a hen weekend and am leaving in and hour and a half and haven't packed yet, unorganised-me?

Party Parade

2009-03-02T20:16:00.005Z

I managed to find some time today to make a card with my new stamp Party Parade. I accidentally ordered two of these (must have been having a blonde moment) but luckily its now on its way to a good home with Amanda who I'm sure will make some fab creations using it.

I used DCWV papers and card, Prima flowers and I coloured it with whispers pens, however its my Birthday on the 18th so I have my fingers crossed that I'll be lucky enough to get some Copics, I cant wait to try colouring with them, the results I've seen look so fab!

I also received this award from Amanda, thank you its much appreciated. I'll have to have a think about who to pass it on to.

Gorjuss Girls

2009-02-26T18:04:00.005Z

I had a chance to play with my new Gorjuss stamps yesterday, here are the results.

I love these stamps, they are so cute but in an edgy kind of way. I used DCWV papers and card and prima flowers.

I also got some fab news today, I got a new job!! I'm so pleased, excited and nervous all at the same time! I'm off out to celebrate tonight.

18th Birthday Card

2009-02-25T14:13:00.004Z

An update at last!! I've been bad at updating recently, sorry about that! I've been busy doing another commission for Creativity magazine with Forever Friends toppers and have had little other time to craft, which is a shame as I have so many new stamps! I've got the Whiff Of Joy spring collection, the Gorjuss Girls collection, 2 Sugar Nellies and 1 Pennyback all waiting to see ink! I also have a new fella so not much time left for crafting at the moment.

I did manage to make an 18th Birthday card for my little cousin, no prizes for guessing her name!!

I used Craftwork Cards chipboard numbers as templates, DCWV card stock, K&Co Berry Sweet papers, papermania alphabet stickers and prima flowers on a folded card base from Craftwork Cards.

Hopefully I wont leave it too long till my next update!

DoCrafts Project Of The Week- Best Wishes

2009-02-18T22:39:00.005Z

Another card of mine is up on the docrafts site as project of the week if you fancy a look here. Its done using the new papermania clear stamp sets and anita's paper pack. Once again they have photographed it excellently, I need some photography lessons I think!

Pink and Brown

2009-02-16T20:11:00.005Z

Firstly apologies for the lack of posting lately!

I have had an order from a friend for some birthday and wedding cards, one of which is needed ASAP so I have made this one tonight based on a card I made here but using pink and brown.

For this card I used papers and frame from Funky Fairys, sizzix swirl die, prima flowers with papermania brads in the centres, chipboard letters with brown doodlebug sugar coating on.

Thanks to all who left a comment on my last card, the ribbon blossom tutorial can be found here for those who asked.

I'm off to the Make It show at Farnborough on Friday afternoon, so if anyone else is going let me know and we may bump into each other!

And The Winner Is...

2009-02-09T12:57:00.002Z

Joy! Who said

Neve38 said...
Wow, I wish I had that many hits. Fabulous blog candy too, it's lush. I will put a link on my blog and tell everyone.Joy xx

Well done Joy, email me with your address and I'll send the candy out to you soon.

Thanks to everyone who entered, I cant believe how many entries there were!

Blog Candy!!!- now closed

2009-02-08T14:00:00.002Z

Now closed, winner to be announced.

Here's what you could win:

A Dovecraft Embellishment kit that includes buttons, ribbons, brads and flowers.
Papermania 6x6 inspirations paper pad warm tones
Papermania 6x6 inspirations paper pad cool tones
5 reels of ribbon
A selection of pink die cut handmade paper tags
A selection of Tilda stamped images
Sizzix Thin Cuts Hearts#3 Die
Sizzix Sizzlits Tag with Heart

You have until the 8th February to enter when I will pick an entry at random, good luck every one!

A Little Birdie Told Me...

2009-02-05T21:43:00.003Z

I made a card today with the stamps I won in the elzybells Christmas card competition (more info on this post) The papers are by DCWV, I also had a go at a ribbon blossom- what do you think? Not as good as some I've seen but not bad for a first attempt I recon.

This is the inside:It's also my entry for the Cute Card Thursday challenge blog, the challenge this week is to use metal on your card so I have used metal brads in the corners.

Colour Create Challenge

2009-02-03T21:40:00.004Z

Here is my entry for the new Colour Create Challenge blog, I was asked to be on the design team but had to decline due to other commitments, hopefully I'll get to be a guest designer for them soon though!

The colours were pink, green and brown with optional butterflies, that's a good colour combo but I'm not too sure about this card, hmm I don't think I like it much...

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

2009-02-02T12:49:00.005Z

What a lot of snow we've had! I'm working from home today as I couldn't get in to work today. In England we get a bit of snow and the country goes into melt down! Here is the view from my window at 8am this morning, its still snowing hard now! Its probably normal to some of you but its not snowed like this here for 20 years!

Hope you're all snuggly and warm and are enjoying the snow if you have it.

Pinky and Porky

2009-01-31T21:51:00.005Z

I can now show you the anniversary card I made for my mum and dad, I couldn't post it before as my mum visits my blog at least daily (I'm sure she's checking up on me!) we had a lovely family meal out and I'm very proud of the fact they have been together for 33 years.

I used the Penny Black stamp Pinky and Porky, an Anita's papers pack, a woodware punch, hoobycraft ribbon, WOJ sentiment stamp and edged it all with dots of pink liquid pearls.

For the inside I used the same papers and a cuttlebug heart die again with liquid pearls.

What is it with valentines challenges at this time of year??? As I'm sure your aware from previous posts I am currently single at the moment, so why would I want to make half a dozen love/ valentines cards just to remind me that I'm single?? Just to leave them sitting in a box beside me mocking my single existence?? I enjoy entering challenges and know of 3 at the moment that have a 'love' theme, how many will it be in a week or two's time? I guess I'll just have to bypass these challenges until they return to normal- am I alone in thinking this or is everyone a 'happy couple'??

Sugar Nellie CAS Card

2009-01-28T18:23:00.011Z

Over on the sugarnellie blog Karen set a challenge to make a CAS (clean and simple) card with a sugar nellie stamp, so here is my try at it, its not my usual multi layered patterned papers over embellished type of card but I like it all the same!

I used Carefree stamp coloured with whispers pens mounted it on foam pads to a white card that I embossed at the bottom with a cuttlebug border embossing folder and cut round, added some purple papermania card underneath it and Anita's ribbon across it.

I have been tagged by Becky Lee, Pauline C, Helen and Vicky.

The rules are: go to "Pictures" on your PC, select the 6th album and the 6th picture, upload it to your blog and explain what its about, then select 6 people to do the same!

So here is my 6th picture, its my brothers dog Tilly, she is my most favorite thing in the world, I love her to bits and would love to steal her from him! Isn't she so cute!!!!

I am going to pass it on to Elaine, Amanda, Gina G, Michele, Kelly and Jan

I have also received this award from Gina G, Lyndsey Marie...

...and this award from Aardvark pest

Thanks so much girls its really appreciated. I am going to pass it on to the same people as I tagged so Elaine, Amanda, Gina G, Michele, Kelly and Jan

Christening card

2009-01-27T20:13:00.004Z

As promised here is the christening card I made for baby Emily. The photos didn't come out too well but as I no longer have the card I cant take anymore!

I'm being really indecisive about my blog background at the moment, I cant decide if I like it white which is clean looking and easy to read or if I prefer a coloured/ patterned background, I'll probably change it again next week, I get bored with things way too quickly!!

Thanks to everyone who has entered and linked to my blog candy, if you haven't entered it yet there is still time!

I have decided to stand down from the funky fairys DT, I'd like to thank Shaz for giving me the chance to be on the team and wish all the fairies the best of luck with the DT- I'll still be keeping an eye on all your blogs!

Wedding Invites

2009-01-23T13:12:00.003Z

I have at last finished the day and evening invites for my brothers wedding in April!!!

I used white and silver card embossed with a cuttlebug embossing folder and silver ribbon.

The designs and colours were chosen by my SIL to be after I made several samples for her to choose from. The save the dates were similar to the evening invitations and were sent out last summer.

Only the table plan, order of services, menus, place cards, thank you cards and flower girl cards to go!

I'm off to Wales this weekend to give all 3 boxes of them to Rhiannon (my brothers fiance) and to go to a christening (I'll upload the card I made for it when I come back as I don't want them to see it).

This afternoon I am making chocolate brownies to take with me for Andrew and Rhiannon who are putting us up for the weekend. After the success of my chocolate cake I now have an obsession for baking!

Forever Friends Docrafts project of the week

2009-01-21T20:10:00.005Z

I have done another project of the week for the DoCrafts website and it is now showing. Its using the new Forever Friends Decoupage, not what I would normally choose to use, but I think it turned out quite well and love how they have photographed it!

for more info on how its made and products used, or to leave a nice comment (quite often people feel the need to criticise the docraft designers cards of the week and leave negative comments, everyone is entitled to their opinion I suppose but I might cry if I get too many horrid ones!) please go here.

I've just finished another one for February for them using the new papermania flower stamps so keep a watch out for that.

Sugar, Sugar, Sugar

2009-01-20T12:11:00.007Z

Here is my card for this weeks Sugarbowl Challenge, this weeks challenge is 3 and you can only use 3 different patterned papers and 3 different types of embellishments. If you use 3 different Sugar Nellie stamps you get 2 entries.

The embellishments I chose to use are flowers, buttons and ribbon. The stamps I used are Cheddar, Braveheart and Pringle from the soft centres range.

This is the front:

And the back:

The papers are by k&co. I cut the swirls on my slice and with a sizzix die, I didn't count them as embellishments as you are allowed to use coloured card and I cut them from coloured card. The sentiments I did in MS Picture It! Publishing.

And some close ups:

Watch Out Nigella!

2009-01-16T19:42:00.006Z

No card for you today as i have been busy making wedding invites.

Today I made my first cake!! A normal person might try fairy cakes or maybe a plain sponge cake for the first ever time they make a cake, oh no not me, I though 'how hard can it be' and made a huge chocolate cake!I think cooking is going to be my new hobby, I had so much fum making it, in fact there was more chocolate on me than in the bowl at one point!

Its all in the preparation they say, well I had all the ingredients prepared in front of me and read in the recipe that I needed an electric whisk, so a quick trip to my nans house and I was once again ready to rumble. Ahh so how do I know how much 100g is hmm well in the absence of scales I just guessed and I think I must have guessed right as its delicious!!!

Sorry for the bombardment of photos of what is to some just a regular cake, but for me this is a monumental occasion, I'm so proud of it that it seems a shame to eat it! Considering I live on my own and am meant to be on a diet I don't know who's going to eat it, anyone for a slice....?

Thank you to Elaine and Semsee for this award. On her blog Semsee says 'Sarah ... Sparkle Cards (the very first blog I followed! The fabulous card she made for her mum's birthday was the catalyst for me starting card making - thanks Sarah!)' How lovely is that! Its the second person today who I have heard that I have inspired to start card making, I made a card last year for someone who's sister saw it and started making cards because of it. I feel so amazed that people would look at my work and are inspired by it. I also am amazed at the lovely comments people have left recently, I appreciate them so much, thank you.

Sugar Bowl Challenge

2009-01-13T11:52:00.007Z

Here is my card for the Sugar Bowl Challenge, which has an amazing prize of 3 sets of pro markers!

I used Pen Pal stamp from Sugar Nellie, papers from K&Co, card from DCWV. The image is coloured with whispers pens and the flowers are primas, I also added gold Liquid Pearls to the edges of the blue card.

I also decorated the inside

I have received this blog award from Pauline and Lisa, thanks girls its really appreciated. Thanks for looking x

New York Socialite

2009-01-10T22:01:00.005Z

Something a little different, a step away from 'cute', something sophisticated? Hmm not too sure about the sophisticated part but I am sure that I love this card! I think its my favorite...

I bought this stamp a while ago, its called New York Socialite and is by Stamps Happen, and knew I wanted to do something with feathers.

I used this weeks Sketch Saturday sketch, it is under all the embellishments I swear! Its also for the new Charisma Cardz challenge which is pink.

I used papers from DCWV, Prima flowers, Papermania brads, sizzix swirls die, the rest is from my stash. I enjoyed making it so much I may have to buy some more stamps from this range, I was looking at the Paris one when I got this one ...

Question Time

2009-01-09T18:30:00.008Z

You know when you say a word over and over it loses all sense and meaning, well the same goes for making bows, by the time I had finished this lot I couldn't even tie a bow and had to give up, my mind just went blank!
I still have the other half to do! They are for my brothers wedding invites.
Thank you for all your comments on my cards, I would like to answer some questions left on the comments on the last couple of posts, so:
Amanda asked:

Q: 'What watercolour paper do you use?’
A: I use WHSmiths watercolour paper, just the standard type, nothing fancy. I prefer to use watercolour paper as it allows for the ink from my whispers pens to be moved around a bit more freely than on plain card.

Claire asked:

Q: 'How do you find the time to make such wonderful creations?'
A: This may have been a rhetorical question but I will answer it as at the moment I am finding that I am busier than ever with crafting. I work full time as a civil servant (VAT Inspector, but we'll let that pass!) so I tend to craft in the evenings, even at weekends I find I am most creative in the evenings. I'm a bit of a night owl so will stay up till the small hours crafting away. However I don't have a family of my own and live on my own so my free time is just that, all mine to do whatever I please with. At the moment I have just finished 2 articles for Creativity! magazine that took me quite a while, the write up was the hardest part as I'm not that great at putting what I want to say in an entertaining format, but it was enjoyable and an experience I hope to repeat in the future! I am also making my brothers wedding stationary, which is taking up quite a lot of my time.

Amanda asked:

Q: 'Could I ask what adhesive you use to stick things such as your string of bead flowers?'
A: I stuck the flower beads on with normal double-sided tape as they are flat backed. Sometimes I use silicone glue to stick buttons on but most of the time I just use DS tape or foam pads, so far I've not had any embellishments fall off!

Vicky asked:

Q: 'Can I ask you, how do you manage to get your ribbon threaded through your button holes??'
A: I tend to poke it through with a craft knife or a needle. I have found that its best to go from the top side of the button through to the underneath of the button and then up again to the top side as you use the same end of the ribbon for threading through so if it frays a bit you only need to cut off one end as waste.

Sorry if I have missed anyone else’s questions, if anyone wants to know anything else about my work just leave me a comment and I will do my best to answer!

Double Take

2009-01-08T11:25:00.005Z

I made this card for the Magnolia Vs Stampavie Challenge blog sketch challenge I used DCWV Vintage card stack (I've used the ones I got for Christmas so much already!) a new Tilda stamp called Well-dressed Tilda, chatterbox ribbon and prima and papermania flowers along with some I had in my stash.

I realised after I finished it it was meant to be a thank you card, well I guess you could send a thinking of you one for thank you, as in thinking of you in thanks or something err maybe not...

I like it so much that I also made a desk calender for my desk at work! This time I used a Sarah Kay stamp called My Sweet Lili, but used the same layout, papers and embellishments. Its very unusual for me to actually want to make the same card twice but I really like the colours of these ones.

Yes I know I still haven't finished my main calender yet, I still have December to do but am all Christmas'd out so really don't have the enthusiasm to do it yet!

Sweetheart

2009-01-06T16:33:00.005Z

I have no idea who I have made this card for so I guess it will just stay in my craft room! Anyway I got this Sarah Kay stamp for Christmas from my mum, I think its really sweet that she went to the glitter pot site and chose some Penny Black stamps and this Sarah Kay one as a surprise for me, I think she is getting bitten by the crafting bug and will soon be 'stroking papers' that are too good to use!

The stamp is called A Kiss For Chloe and I have watercoloured it with Whispers Brush Strokes pens on watercolour paper. The paper and card is again by DCWV and is from the love card kit. The flowers are a mixture of prima, a bead one and one from my blog candy from Jill. I have used a pearly button in one and brads in the other two. the button in the corner has lace tied through it (and I think I stuck it a bit high up on the card). I also used my new oval nesties that I got for Christmas from my brother and his fiance (he could not understand what they were or why I wanted them and thought I was mad). I have added a string of pearly flowers to the bottom corner of the oval and a sentiment sticker from the DCWV kit.

Its such a sweet stamp, I love the whimsyness (did I just make that word up?) of the image and distressed the papers and card with a brown ink pad to give it a vintage feel.

Another Joan Elliot Stamp

2009-01-05T15:15:00.004Z

I love the Joan Elliot images! Here is my second new Joan Elliot stamp by ladybug and friends.

I have used a DCWV card kit, Prima flowers and an old sketch from a previous Sketch Saturday challenge.

Marie asked on my last post what I use to colour my images, well I use my trusty whispers brushstrokes pens on water colour paper, I have contemplated buying some copics or pro markers but the water colouring is the most enjoyable part of making the card for me so I don't think I would like using the copic pens. I tend to colour the image directly with the pen where I want the darker shading and then use a brush and water to drag the colour out to the lighter areas, I also colour onto an acrylic block and take the colour from there to the image with a paint brush sometimes.

An Update at Last

2009-01-04T19:19:00.004Z

Happy 2009 everyone, I hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year.

I have finally managed to start using my new stash bought before Christmas! I also got loads of new stuff for Christmas and won a blog candy, so I have loads to be playing with at the moment.

I have used a sketch from Friday Sketchers for this card but have rotated it 90°. Its also for the Daring Card Makers challenge which is to make a thank you card.

The stamp is from Ladybug and Friends and is by Joan Elliot, the papers and card are from DCWV Thank you card kit in a stack, the flowers are Prima and the swirl is from a Sizzix die.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T13:26:00.004Z

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

I am going to be celebrating tonight as I have just received and signed my first contract as a freelance ‘journalist’ (their words not mine) and am now working on my first 2 magazine articles for Creativity! magazine. 2008 has been an amazing year for me as far as my crafting is concerned, I have been privileged to be a guest designer for Sugarnellie who make the most fab stamps and a designer for Funky Fairy’s Papercraft who make great downloads. I was chosen by Do Crafts to make a project of the week for their website, and since then have been asked to do two more for the new year. My brother and his fiancé have put their faith in me to make all of their wedding stationary, which I am so very honoured to have been asked to do.

I hope you all had a good year and a big thank you to everyone who visits my blog, especially the people who leave such lovely comments. It still amazes me that people want to read my ramblings and see the cards I have made. I did plan to do a blog candy for my 10,000 hits as a thank you but sadly the company I ordered some goodies from missed them out of my delivery and then couldn’t replace them as they had sold out, so it will have to wait until the new year now.

My Brother's Birthday Card

2008-12-22T20:24:00.004Z

Here is the card I made for my brother, it was his birthday yesterday so we all went up to Wales to see him for the day and had a really lovely time.

I used papers from Papermania's for him pack, an Edwin/Tilda stamp that my blogging friend Laura sent me coloured with whispers pes. The stars are cut on my Slice and have button holes in them so I threaded a piece of blue ribbon through three of them to make a decorative corner embellishment, I also added one to the ribbon at the bottom and a larger one to the side of the image. The letters are from the neon mini alphabet sizzix die.

My New Toy!!!

2008-12-19T12:09:00.003Z

I got my Slice that I ordered today and have it sitting here beside me ready to be played with!!! Ooh I'm so excited, I also got 2 Joan Elliot stamps I ordered from Crafts U Love, the bears are sooo cute you can see them here, I got the umbrella and dog one and the bike ones, I also got a new Tilda! Oops a bit of a spending spree, I'll justify it by saying its my Christmas pressie to myself!

Thank you to Vicky, Gina and Lesley for this award, its greatly appreciated.This awards rules are:- You have to give it to 5 others and link to those people as well as who gave it to you, Those 5 shall also pass it on to another 5 people, Plus you have to write down 5 things you are addicted too!

Well 5 things I am addicted to:

1. Buying craft stuff

2. Crisps

3. Shoes

4. Junk Food

5. Cute stamps

Im passing it on to Dawn, Lana, Lydia, Emma and Bex

More Christmas Cards

2008-12-16T17:21:00.007Z

I finally managed to finish my Christmas cards for my work mates, I made them all with either nesties or from some small blue cards I've had for ages and never used. I used papers from Summertime Designs and stamps from penny black, forever friends, and pc crafter images all coloured with whispers pens and watercolour pencils.

Here they are a bit closer up: I've still yet to make a birthday card for my brother, family Christmas cards, a funky fairy's project, 2 do crafts projects of the weeks and my first magazine piece for Creativity! magazine, which is now in fact two kits and articles, I cant believe I'm getting paid to make cards!!!!!! I also have to work up until 23rd Dec so I'm going to be busy busy busy for the next few weeks. Luckily I don't have any present buying or wrapping left to do! Hope you're all sorted for Christmas and not rushing around too much! x

Christmas Joy

2008-12-11T16:28:00.004Z

My Mums name is Joy and so at Christmas time she always get lots of joy decorations and cards. I have made her this card using the word albums from the Funky Fairys kit Chocolate covered Christmas.

I'm still busy making Christmas cards and have yet to finish my calendar, I had better get my finger out! Hope your all enjoying the festive season x

Cards For Baby Emily

2008-12-09T18:10:00.009Z

Emily is my brothers niece and she is gorgeous! My mum asked me to make a card to give to her for her 1st Christmas, and I have made one for myself to give her.

This one uses nitwits papers and elements from the Joyful Hearts Collection. I used the snowman from the kit and added wire arms and clear gloss on his nose and buttons.

The second one I have used a Sarah Kay stamp called My Sweet Lili, papers from funky fairys lets get traditional kit and Hot Off The Press Cardmakers Christmas Creative Pack. The lettering is from a Sizzix die called Monde de Blonde, and the swirl is from a Sizzix die called Swirly.

This is also my entry for the dutch dare challenge which was to use scalloped edges on your card.

Thank you to Laura who gave me this blog award, I will have to have a think about who to pass it on to.
And the winner of the stickers was Annette AKA Sandra from the docrafts forum so I will send them out ASAP. x

Magnolia Vs Stampavie Challenge

2008-12-06T19:54:00.004Z

I made this card last night for the Magnolia Vs Stampavie sketch challenge, Its only just in time!

I used papers from Pink petticoat, Tilda with Rose stamp coloured with whispers pens and watercolour pencils as there isn't a good red in the whispers set, and Whiff of Joy sentiment stamp.

I was going to upload a baby's 1st Christmas card tonight to show you but I haven't edited the photos yet so will have to show you it tomorrow instead.

Don't forget you can still enter the draw for the stickers in the post below, not many entries so far, does everyone hate stickers that much?? lol x

Free stickers and stuff

2008-12-05T21:29:00.008Z

** NOW CLOSED**

I got some peel offs with the stuff docrafts sent me and just found them stuffed in a draw while looking for a sentiment for a card. Well I suddenly had a thought, I'm never going to use them so wondered if any of my blogging friends would like them? At this point I looked through other draws and found various stickers and die cuts that I'm never going to use.

If you would like them please leave a comment on this post and i will randomly pick someone to send them to in a couple of days, if you don't have a blog email me and I'll add you to the draw (my email is on the right side bar).

This isn't a blog candy as such, I am going to do a blog candy when i get to 10,000 hits and have ordered some stuff for it but it was missing from the delivery so I hope it gets here on time.

I DO HAVE ONE CONDITION THOUGH~ I want this to go to a good home with someone who will use it and not stuff it in a draw like I have! Hahaha

The stuff included is:

* 3 pack Anita merry Christmas peel off stickers lilac, blue and silver
* 3 packs of Craft For Occasions stickers
* 1 sheet corner, frames, tags epoxy stickers
* 7 sheets gold peel offs
* 2 sheets multi coloured peel offs
* 1 sheet black peel offs (kangaroo's, I'd like to see what you do with these!!! haha)
* 1 sheet blue baby peel offs
* 2 wedding bells die cuts
* 1 sheet foiled pictures (god knows what they are!)
* 1 sheet Christmas stickers
* 1 sheet happy birthday stickers
* 1 sheet spring die cuts
* 1 sheet brown and gold mat die cuts
* 5 sheets of Cute Christmas decoupage

Calendar 2009 November

2008-12-05T14:33:00.003Z

Wow it seems like ages ago I started this calender! Well I'm nearly done now, here's November. Just December to go now.

*Penny Black Wishes For Kisses, coloured with Whispers markers

*Papers from DCWV Blossoms and Butterflies Stack
*Swirl is from Sizzix die Swirly
*Snowflake buttons are by Craftime Dress It Up

*Small snowflakes are from a fiskars punch
*Lettering, Sizzix Monde de Blonde

* Pearls from Papermania

*Ribbon and pin, from my stash

Do you like my new wintry blog? I used elements from Nitwits Kit Winter Wishes. I put my Christmas tree up this week, I still haven't made all of my Christmas cards!

Whiff Of Joy

2008-12-02T14:30:00.006Z

Whiff Of Joy have a Guest DT Call going on until the 6th Dec, you can find out more info and enter here.

Its a sketch challenge and you can make as many entries as you like. As I only have one WOJ stamp (well I have some text ones and a background one but only one image one) I have done two cards using the same stamp.

The first one uses papers from Nitwits Happily Ever After Kit, Willow with Umbrella stamp, the flowers and grass is also a WOJ stamp as is the sentiment.

And some close ups:

The second card uses papers are a download kit from Simply Clean Digi Scraps, and the same stamps as above.

And some close ups:

Having seen the other amazing entries I very much doubt I stand a chance but I had great fun taking part and hope you like the cards I made.

Oh, and this is the second post for today so don't miss the one below. x

Funk Fairy Challenge # 44

2008-12-02T14:11:00.004Z

Firstly sorry for the lack of updates and secondly sorry this is a day late, I'm off work sick at the moment with a horrible cold. I made this at the last minute, its ok but I'm not that pleased with it, its a bit plain. When I feel better I might take another look at it and see if I can improve it, I think it needs some sparkle somewhere.

I used the Funk Fairy Sketch which can be found here on the forum. The papers are from the free blue Christmas kit that can be found on the inspiration blog here.

Happy Birthday Mum

2008-11-27T12:31:00.005Z

It was my mums birthday on Tuesday so I thought I would share the card I made for her with you all.

The papers are from a digiscrap download from 2peas, the letters are 'adapted' from chipboard letters (I say adapted because I added the swirly bit to the 1st m), the hearts are from a cuttle bug die, they have been glittered with doodlebug sugar coating. The sentiment is computer generated, bottom flowers are prima hydrangeas with a rose on top, and the rest is from my stash. I decorated and did a verse in the inside but didn't have time to photograph it. The colours are not actually as bright as they looks in the above photo.

Close ups:

DoCrafts Project Of The Week

2008-11-26T18:07:00.005Z

A while ago I was approached by Docrafts to make a card using some goodies they sent me for their 'project of the week'. It's now showing on their home page!!!!! Here is the link if anyone wants a look, feel free to leave me a comment on the docrafts page as well! All the products used are listed on the docrafts website so I wont rewrite them here. It was quite hard for me to only use the docrafts products, and hope you all like it! Also anyone is free to use the design of the card to make your own as that is the point of the project of the week to give crafters some ideas on what to do with the products. Can anyone tell I'm really excited hehe, I saw it on there while I was at work, I don't think anyone else at work was that impressed though :( x

Here are some close ups and the inside:

Funk Fairy challenge # 43

2008-11-24T18:31:00.005Z

Here is my DT card for this weeks challenge, which was a sketch and/or a pink and blue theme.

I used Funky fairys Cherish and Hope papers which are available here , the image is from elzybells, The sentiment is computer generated and says Once upon a time.I wanted to make a whimsy fairytale card with trailing roses and vines, and one that the more you looked at it the more little elements you see. I coloured the image with sparkly watercolour paints and whispers pens.

You can join in the challenge via the forum here, there is a great prize on offer so good luck!