Natures Workshop

Our competition on Love, Heart, Home ends tonight at 8pm

2011-03-13T06:50:00.000Z

Last Saturday I posted a competition on here to mark 2 events, firstly we had reached 1.000 followers on our facebook page and also to celebrate our shops 1st Birthday.

To enter you simply have to follow our shop blog and leave a comment on our Birthday post telling me what your ideal Birthday present would be, simple..
... and this is what you could win

a beautiful Apron made with fabric from the Clark and Clark Teacup range.

Well the competition ends at 8pm tonight and the winner will be announce at 9pm so what are you waiting for?

This is whats been keeping me away for so long....

2011-03-06T07:49:00.000Z

Yes Love, Heart, Home is 1 year old today!!!.

Its been a fantastic first year and even if I say so myself I am proud of everything we have achieved during this time. It has been hard work and some would say I was mad starting a business in what is a luxury market with the economy being as it is but we have finished the year in a good place to start year 2.

We have come a long way in 12 months, we now run 3 craft clubs a week for up to 20 ladies, this had to be cut down from 4 sessions to make way for the 2 sewing groups that run on alternate Saturdays, these are 2 groups of 4 ladies at a time learning basic sewing skills and having a great time doing it.

As well as the adult classes we hold regular craft sessions for Children from age 8, these have been a huge success and kits for these classes being sold to 2 local childminders which are up to 10 kits at a time.

As with all businesses we have area that are more popular than others, the personalised items we make for Children have been hugely popular and are in fact one of our best sellers, our kitchen section is constantly having to be re-stocked and the Home ware section is getting extremely popular.

I have also had some commissioned orders for larger pieces of furniture, in fact 2 I have at the minute are to re-cover an old ottoman in some new fabric and to re-vamp a chest of drawers. Pieces I have undertaken have ranged from small trinket boxes to large toy boxes.

All in all it has been a great first year, I couldn't have done it without the love and support of all my family and Friends, some old friends and a lot of them are new friends I wouldnt have met without the shop, they have been a rock in times when the stress levels were high and orders were pilling up, you know who you are and I thank you from the bottom of my heart, without you all my journey would have been tougher.

Well enough of the chatting now to the celebrations!!!

To celebrate our first year coupled with gaining over 1,000 followers on Facebook I am doing a giveaway.

The prize will be an Apron made using this beautiful fabric by Clark and Clark called Tea Cups. I love this, it is a gorgeous Cotton Duck fabric which is just so pretty and was calling my name when I saw it in our local fabric shop.

I will give additional prizes if we get lots of people who enter to give everyone a fair chance of winning.

So what do you need to do??

To be entered all you need to do is follow my shop blog and leave me a comment as to what you would like as a Birthday present, the draw will take place next Sunday the 13th at 8pm when the entries will be counted and the winners/s chosen. Results will be given at 9pm.

So if you want to be in with a chance of winning pop over, follow my blog and just leave me a comment!

p.s I promise not to be away for so long in future. xx

I am still around

2010-06-27T07:14:00.000+01:00

How long has it been since I posted on my blog? Too long and I am sorry but things and life have been hectic as usual.

Well I was really busy with my Niece's wedding, I had a lot of orders for the wedding from different members of the family and most of them to kept as a secret and none of which I have photo's of, I must remember to take pictures of stuff as I make it. Even though it was a busy time I thoroughly enjoyed the wedding, it was a lovely day and nice to be able to relax a while. Thanks to Karen for looking after the shop for me.

So where are we up to now? The shop has been busy first with craft club which has now been extended to 3 sessions a week with a 4th session in the planning stages, then we had father's day with lots of special orders for that.

Then it was time to re-stock with Candy Bouquets, these are a few of the ones we have in stock at the minute

Then the birth of our new Granddaughter to prepare for, Katie Jayne was born on Thursday weighing a healthy 8lb 9oz, Mum and baby are doing fine and both came home yesterday. Well with a new baby it was time to stock up on the baby section so Nappy Cakes were first on the list

This one was made for Katie

These are a few of the others we have in the shop

The items on the Baby section sell out really fast so its a constant battle to keep the shelves stocked. The nappy cakes are really popular with our customers as are the personalised canvases we make

These are a couple I did remember to take photo's of although I have made some for orders which I have no pics of.

So another busy week in the shop but today I shall be enjoying the day off to watch England play, some of the family are coming round for that and we shall be having a BBQ later and just enjoying the sunshine.

COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!

Sorry but I have been very busy....

2010-04-25T10:54:00.001+01:00

I firstly have to say how sorry I am that I haven't been on here for such a long time but I have just been so busy with the shop that I just dont seem to find any time.

Well what have I been doing? I have been very busy with orders and making new stock for the shop so thats my excuse for not having visited my blog in such a long time.

The shop is doing really well and is keeping us very busy at the minute, we have taken some wedding orders for the upcoming months which is really nice.

We have craft club well established now and have now had to extend this to 3 sessions a week to give everyone a place, we have met some lovely people since opening the shop and the craft club is proving to be very popular. Our ladies are all different crafting abilities but they all seem very keen to have a go at anything we throw at them. Her are the first 3 Ladies who have been with us since the first week

Susan with her first attempt at crafting, Susan had never made anything before but started with a blackboard, she has since made another for her DIL.

Tina with her first shopping board, Tina was another lady who had never crafted before but has now made a number of items with us

Christine with her first shopping board, both Christine and Tina now plan to make as many Christmas presents as they can.

Wednesday now seems to be family night which is really nice as us girls dont seem to get together so often now, there are 6 of us all chatting and crafting, 2 of my DIL's have never crafted but both are planning to start scrapbooks of their Boys. Marie is a little more into crafting and has made things with me before this is one of the blackboards by my DIL Marie, she made 2, one for her and one for her Mum.

So thats some of the things that have been keeping me away from my blog, you need to go and look at Karen's blog to see some of the beautiful cards she has been making for the shop

I promise I will try and visit more often and bring you more of the items we have been making very soon!

My new shop opens today!

2010-03-06T06:23:00.001Z

Well its been ages since I posted anything on here but I havent been watching daytime tv or lazing around, not at all I have been very busy getting my new shop ready and it opens TODAY!!!

I also have a new blog that my DIL will be helping out with, It's called Love, Heart, Home as thats the name of my new shop. The new blog will tell you all about the daily going on's, the workshops we will be holding and anything else we can think of.

I have to say a few Thank You's and some of them are to people who will never read my blog but I want to say it anyway:

To my family who have helped make my idea into a reality. Sarah, who has helped me get the shop ready and who is always there to help when needed, Ryan my Grandson who has put up with late dinners and being bored especially this last week and to my fab hubby Tony who works long days in his job but never moans about coming to help me after work.

To Lincoln, my DIL's brother who has made all the beautiful units for my shop from picture in the laura Ashley book, the shop looks gorgeous and I couldn't have got here without him. xxxxx

To Karen, my DIL. Karen keeps me going when the stress sets in by reminding me 'It is a good idea and everything will be fine' Karen has also made a fantastic selection of cards for the shop so Thank you Karen.

To everyone and anyone else who has been involed in getting the shop ready for today, a HUGE thank you, you know who you are.

Before I go I just want to add that today is also 26 years to the day since my Hubby and I moved in together, we have been married for 24 years of those years so Happy Anniversary Tony, I love you!

Well thats all the soppy stuff done with, I am off to get ready for the day. Hoping to be back later with news of opening day and some pictures of my NEW SHOP!!!

Wedding Invitations for my Neice

2009-11-02T16:26:00.004Z

Today I want to show you the Wedding Invitations I have just finished for my Neice's Wedding next year.

Not a massive order just 50 pocket invites together with acceptance cards.

The outside of the invite

Outside, inside and the acceptance card

The invites were made using white card that I cut and scored myself, the paper is from Pink Petticoat Doodles range in Lilac and White. I added Silver to back both the sentiment on the front and the panel inside.

That's another order completed, back to my never ending 'To Do' list

Look what we got yesterday!

2009-11-01T11:01:00.004Z

Yesterday we went to get a new puppy, she is a 6 week old Brichon Frise.

My Son bought one for my DIL and when I saw her I just melted so yesterday we went to get one from the same litter.

Her name is Angel.

Dont you think she is just gorgeous?

The countdown to Christmas and pictures of my box!

2009-10-31T06:11:00.015Z

As promised I want to show you a few pictures of something I have made recently, I have decorated this box to be given as a present, the box is from Ikea. I am only responsible for the decorating and not for the stunning piece of stitching that adorns the top.

I lined all the drawers out using papers to match the colour of ink I used and added a length of tape measure along the bottom as this will be used as a sewing box.

I used a set of Rubber Stamp Tapestry peg stamps along with a set of flourish stamps by Rhonna farrer to make up the design. I then used a brown pen to add the small branches and added pearls to the finished design.

A few close up pictures of the hardanger used on the top

The hardanger was designed by a very talented lady called Colly who has an online shop which you should go and have a look at.

I used small wooden reel to make handles for the drawers which I painted and stamped to match the box.

I have orders for 2 more of these, the first one is for Colly and I am going to start this one today so hopefully I will have pictures of that one next week.

Well I am now on the countdown to Christmas, as you all know I do have a few grandchildren to cater for but I am not making for all of them this year so that should make Christmas a little easier.

So far I have 4 patchwork quilts to make, these are for the babies that hadn't been born when I made the last lot of quilts. I also have 3 pencil boxes to make like those I made last year, these are for the little ones who have just started school this year. I also have a few orders to get finished for other people so this will no doubt keep me out of trouble for a little while.

Hope to be back tomorrow with pictures of a few more bits I have made, off to do some chores as I will be going to see my Son at some point today as it is his birthday

Happy Birthday Dean! x x x

Hi everyone, I am back!!!

2009-10-26T06:01:00.003Z

Thought it was time to get back to blog land as I have thoroughly neglected my blog for so long.

Well what can I say, its been 3 months since I last posted on here!

Things have been a little hectic over the last few months, I had a few personal problems which have now been resolved, my hubby and I are back together and things are a lot less stressful since we moved house.

The new house is so small but I am steadily sorting through my crafting stash and making a little room for it, some has gone to my daughters house for storage, some in the attic and some in the garage. It has been difficult deciding on what goes where as I always need the stuff I didn't think I would need that has gone to my Daughters house, never mind it will all be sorted in time I guess.

I have been doing some thinking over the last few months and have plans for a new venture after Christmas with 2 of my friends, I am so excited about this and will have more details about this soon so watch this space.

The best news is that I have finally given in my notice at work, I officially finish on the 6th November although I doubt I will be at work this week as I have Cellulitis in my leg so at least one week on the sick for me, I am on antibiotics so we shall see.

Well I will be back later with pics of some of the items I have made over the past few months if I can get the photos transfered onto my new pc.

See you later!

365 Cards - Day 133 - Imagine this....

2009-07-11T15:23:00.005+01:00

Wow my second post today!

Today's challenge over at 365 cards is Imagine this... Bubbles!
think of bubbles and how they might inspire your card.

Well bubbles to me means a nice hot bath brimming with Bubbles!

Here is what I mean

I have added the bath and then coated the top of it with Puffy Paint, the polka dot paper also reminds me of Bubbles and the dots are carried on through the ribbon and the button. I used a small rub on that says Relax to the side.

and the inside reads - You deserve it!

Short and sweet as I am off out to my Sons house and to have a sneak peep at a house I am going to view on Monday

Back later to check on everyone else's cards

1 Card for 5 Challenges!

2009-07-11T13:18:00.007+01:00

Why is it that when I make a card for a challenge a few days later a challenge comes up requesting either the image I have used or the Colour Combo? This seems to happen to me quite often, a few days ago I made a card featuring a cake for this challenge over at 365 Cards and now yesterdays challenge features a cake, this cake!

So Day 132 over at 365 Cards is Picture This!

The challenge is to use the photo to inspire your card, whether it be an object, colors, or a theme, how will the photo inspire you?
I used the Cake image as my inspiration and coloured it Brown and Orange, Yum!

My card also fits the requirements of the challenge over at C.R.A.F.T. their challenge #8 is to make a card that is number specific.

This week we would love to see your special AGE/ Anniversary cards, so be it a 18th/ 21st etc birthday or golden Anniversary we would love to see your spin on the challenge.
I made mine for a 16th Birthday!

Moving on to the challenge at Use It! #18

Here is Ann's challenge:
•Add some texture
(felt, flower, velvet ribbon, etc.)
I used Flowers which are embossed plus a fabric flower and 2 different Ribbons
•Use at least 2 punches
My Martha Stewart Border punch and a small flower Punch
•Use paper from your favorite manufacturer.
I used New papers which I fell in love with by Papermania- Antique Cream
•*Bonus*
Add some pearls as your finishing touch. I have Pearls!

This week is challenge # 18 at the Creative Card Crew and they want to see Ribbons
I have used 2 different Ribbons

Last but not least is the challenge at Pile It On who want you to use 3 different embellishments and combine this with at least 1 other challenge.
I have Flowers both Paper and fabric, Brad, Butterfly Charm and Pearls and teamed it with 4 other challenges

I decided to use 16 as the age for this card, my thinking was that at this age young women so want to be adults but as I remember from my own 2 Daughters, still have a little bit of being a kid in them. Using this as a guide is why I have teamed the quite grown up papers with the almost cartoon type cake, hope this makes sense?

So here is my card for these challenges- it is a quad card

Here it is closed and this will fit nicely into a DL envelope

Open viewing one side

Now from the other side with room to write your greeting on the large centre panel

and from the top

This is the first time I have made one of these cards so what do you think?

365 Cards - Day 131 - Ad Inspired

2009-07-10T07:11:00.003+01:00

I love the Ad inspired challenges that Pam sets over at 365 Cards and Day 131 just happens to be one of those challenges.

So, here is how this challenge works - take the above image and use it to inspire your card.
This great image was picked by the super talented Amy, so what do you see in this image?

I see the white boards on the walls, the splash of Red and those Dr. Seuss Shower Curtains so my card is based on those elements and the Dr. Suess book 1 Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.

Here it is

I took a White card and cut the circle in it, this was surrounded by the Red before I scored lines using my Score Pal.

I recently bought a great paper stack by DCWV for making Kids cards with and this was the first time I used any of it, I used the Blue Fish paper at the bottom of the card. I cut 2 strips with fancy scissors, 1 Blue and 1 white to mimic waves and mounted these behind the Fish Paper.

I printed the Blue fish onto white paper and added the sentiment, this was then adhered to the inside of the card so the fish would show through the circle when the card is closed. To finish I added a colourful ribbon, only about 4 yards of this left to use!

I think this will make a great Kids Birthday card for almost any age.

What do you think?

365 Cards - Day 130 That Tickles me!

2009-07-09T20:01:00.006+01:00

A day behind again! I am not sure how I always get behind with these but I always seem to.

The challenge over at 365 Cards on Day 130 was 'That Tickles Me' here is the challenge that Pam set us-

I feel like having a good laugh, so let's see some humorous cards. I personally find them challenging, so I think that is all I will ask for: It might make us laugh, but should definitely make us smile :)

Here is mine

I started the sentiment on the outside

and finished it on the inside!

I must admit it made me smile when I thought of it. I printed the image onto white card after I had added the sentiment and the Fat Free label, I then coloured the image using my watercolours and gel pens, hard to see but the sprinkles have been coloured with glitter pens. I popped the Fat Free with 3D foam pads and mounted the whole thing firstly onto Dk. Brown Bazzill then using 3D pads onto the Red Check.

I added a strip of the red check to the inside with another single cake printed smaller that the one on the outside and the rest of the sentiment.

Here is what I used-

White card base
Check card is Making Memories
Image is Pink Petticoat
Sentiment is PC generated

Enjoy!

365 Cards- Day 129 and 3 other challenges

2009-07-08T06:54:00.003+01:00

My card today meets the requirements of 4 different challenges.

1. Day 129 over at 365 Cards is titled 'You have me in Stitches' here is what the challenge entails-

Stitch an image on your card. Not just around the outside of the card, but an actual image. A flourish DOES count, since these are typically quite detailed.

2. Cute Card Thursday #67 is 'Stitch in Time'

This week we want to see some sewing, either faux of real, on your creation!

3. A Spoon Full of Sugar # 59 is 'Hearts'
For our challenge this week we would love to see Hearts on your creations

4. Pile It On 'Make it Different'

This week's challenge is to use THREE DIFFERENT EMBELLISHMENTS - your choice - but must be different types

Ok so there are the challenges and here is my card

My 3 different embellishments are the Heart Charm, Ribbon and Gems.

I stamped the image and went round it with a needle before stitching the design, I don't know the make of the stamp, its one I have had a while.

I added the Heart charm (I found it in a drawer when I was packing yesterday) whilst stitching the Heart and added a small length of Ribbon

Sentiment was stamped in 2 half's by masking the stamp

Butterfly was printed on my PC and coloured

Gems from my stash.

Hope you like it

365 Cards - Day 128 - Card Recipe and Cupcake Craft Challenge

2009-07-06T21:29:00.004+01:00

The challenge on day 128 over at 365 Cards is a recipe challenge

Here is the recipe:

1 5x5 Card
1 Rub-on image
2 Buttons
1 Piece of patterned paper
1 piece of ribbon - NO BOW
1 Sentiment inside the card

Challenge #47 over at Cupcake Crafts is Black and White, they announced today that Donna is taking over the running of Cupcake so it wont be finishing after all, Thanks Donna!

Here is my card

I found a piece of Sandylion paper and carefully cut round the design adding a length of shaped ribbon to the edge of the card. I added the rub on which is one of my favourites from Basic grey to balance the design on the paper. I then stuck 2 small white buttons in the top corner where there was a gap in the run on.

The inside is just a simple Thank You printed on my pc.

Card base is Black SU
Paper is Sandylion
Rub on is Basic Grey
Ribbon and buttons from my stash

Hope you like it.

365 Cards - Day 127 - Super Sketchy Sunday

2009-07-06T09:05:00.005+01:00

Sunday was sketch day over at 365 cards and this was this weeks sketch that Pam asked to copy, I racked my brains yesterday for this challenge but nothing seemed right then this morning it all just fell into place.

This week is my Grandson Ryan last week at Primary School as he is off to High School after the summer so I made a card for his Teacher Mr Baker.

Just a Thank You on the inside as I will get him to right in it later

All of the paper and card I used on this card are from an old TLC kit I bought called School Days and all I have added is the stars and the ribbon from my stash.

Thanks for looking

365 Cards - Day 125 and The Pink Elephant

2009-07-05T00:24:00.003+01:00

This card is just for 2 challenges

Firstly for the challenge over at 365 Cards - Its a Snap where Pam wants us to make a card with some sort of closure - possibilities include a snap, magnet, ribbon, twine/brad combo. I used the Black Ribbon

Secondly it is for The Pink Elephant challenge where they want to see your favourite Colour Combo, well mine is Black and White.

Apologies for the picture quality, it is very hard to take photo's here at night.

Card base is Black Bazzill, paper is Pink Petticoat, ribbon and gems from my stash and I don't know where the flower stamp is from as it was one of the very first ones I bought.

I have acyually managed to complete the whole week this week at 365 cards, just 2 weeks to catch up on!

Hope you like it, I am off to my bed now, back tomorrow

Happy 4th July! I have 1 card for 8 challenges!

2009-07-04T13:31:00.005+01:00

Happy 4th July to all my friends over the Pond in the U.S.A.

I hope you are all having a great Holiday weekend, I think you must be as it is really quiet in Blogland today.

Today I have a card for 8 Challenges; not up to the 12 that I managed a few weeks ago but not bad all the same; Here they are

1. ABC Challenge asked us to make a card using U for United States. You can choose anything to fit this theme that inspires you, be it red, white and blue, stars and stripes, you get the idea.

I used the colours Red, White and Blue

2. Creative Belli Blog - This week's Belli Challenge is to create a card, scrapbook page, or project with a patriotic theme. You could use the colors red, white, and blue, or incorporate other symbols of patriotism, such as stars, firecrackers, flags, military symbols, etc...

again colours with stars and Stripes

3. Use It Challenge #17
- Use your newest papers.
- There has to be a name on the card.
- Use at least one button.
- Use your sewing machine or try to stitch a bit by hand.

I used some new Red Card along with some striped paper from the English paper Co. I hadn't used before, I have the name and the buttons and have hand stitched through the letters of the name

4. Saturday Challenge #39 - Use 3 Ribbons - I have 3 ribbons

5. Paper Blooms - Make a shaped card - Shape of a Star

6. Allsorts Challenge #8 - Make a shaped card - Shape of a Star

7. 365 Cards Day 126 - Show your True Colours - Make a card using only Red, White and Blue. - I have used all 3 colours

8. Pile It On - want us to use 4 or more Buttons on our project - I have 5 Buttons

Here is my card

Hope you like it!

365 Cards - Day 124 and Pile It On

2009-07-03T10:03:00.006+01:00

I needed another man's card and thought I would use the challenge over at 365 cards for this, the challenge on Day 124 was Do It Yourself - Computer Generated!

Pam's challenge was to hop on your computer and Do-it-Yourself digital-style!

So here is my card based on a popular TV advert we have here in the UK.

and the inside

This card also fits the challenge at Pile It On this week which is to use at least 4 buttons and my card has 6.

Image is digital and so is the sentiment inside

I am off to work now but I will be back later to have a look at all the entries for this challenge

365 Cards - Day 123 - White Space and Creative Card Crew

2009-07-02T07:49:00.005+01:00

So I have nearly caught up with the challenges over at 365 cards for this week but I have still got a few I need to do from last month as well which I am hoping to make a start on this weekend.

This card is for 2 challenges

Firstly the challenge for day 123 was White Space. That means absolutely NOTHING in the white space!!

This card also fits the challenge over at the Creative Card Crew who asked to see our wedding cards

I have an invite to a Wedding next Month so I have used these challenges to make a card for this occasion and here it is

Quite a simple card, I printed the Flourishes paper from Pink Petticoat and cut it to fit the corners of my card, I stamped the congratulations sentiment onto White card and mounted it onto Black.
Along the edge of the paper at the top of my card I have a length of Ribbon and along the bottom I have stuck some gems in order of 1 White heart and 3 Black gems.

Quick, simple but I love it!

365 Cards - Day 122 - It's a Wrap

2009-07-01T22:18:00.003+01:00

The challenge on Day 122 over at 365 Cards was to make a card using wrapping paper so I begun the hunt for a sheet and this was the only one I could find, I tend to make boxes and use gift bags for presents.

Well it was all I had so this is what I did with it

I took a square white card and added a strip of pale Green along the bottom I then added some Magic Mesh to the top to look like a Goal net, I used white ribbon to imitate the lines on a football pitch and held that in place using 2 Blue Brads.

I cut the elements from the paper and glued them onto white card to give them some body, they were very flimsy. I used 3D foam to mount the Football Player, the Trophy and the Happy Birthday.

That's it, quick and easy for this one

365 Cards - Day 121 - Four Seasons

2009-07-01T18:00:00.002+01:00

The challenge on Day 121 over at 365 Cards was to incorporate all 4 seasons onto your card, this left me a little stumped as I didn't have anything that represented the Seasons so I have had to improvise with this one.

Luckily for some of my fellow 365'ers (Rose and Gloria!) the Challenge Police has taken a break on this one so its anything goes, no rebellion on this one then!

Here is my card, I hope you can tell which image is which season!

I used my Rubber Stamp Tapestry Stamps to stamp a leaf border around the card in the colours the leaves would be in each season starting with Pale Green for Spring then onto a darker Green for Summer then down the side of the card to a Brown for Winter and along to a Red for Autumn and back to the pale Green at the top again.

The card isn't one of my best but it will do for this one as I don't have anything else to use.

Great Blog candy to win!!

2009-07-01T16:01:00.002+01:00

Want a chance to win some great Blog candy?

Here is how,

I followed a link from Amy's blog to Anns blog. Ann is celebrating her 1st Anniversary and is offering the chance to win some great blog candy and all you have to do is leave a comment, thats all there is to it.

Pop over and take a look at what Ann is offering

365 Cards - Day 120 - Super Sketchy Sunday

2009-06-29T06:52:00.004+01:00

Well what have I missed since I have been gone? a near rebellion by a couple of my friends over at 365 cards that's what!

Rose and Gloria had chosen to interpret their cards 'Outside the Box' although some accused them of cheating, I would have called it Artistic License!!

I have to say that I have had no interest in my crafting the last 2 weeks but hopefully I will be able to find some inspiration to set me back on the road with it again.

OK onto my challenge, Sunday is Sketch day over at 365 Cards and here is the sketch we had to follow

I needed to make a card for my Stepsons Birthday so I chose to use this challenge to make a card for him.

Here it is

Card base is Bazzill Java, all the papers are from the Gin X - Anyone, Anyone range, brads, ribbon and button are from my stash.

I just want to add a HUGE Thank You to all my blog friends who posted messages for me, it is wonderful to know that you have friends in all corners of this world who join with you in times both happy and sad.

Have you all missed me!

2009-06-22T07:17:00.003+01:00

Did you all think I had been whisked off on some exotic holiday or something? alas no!!!

I have not been around this last week as I have a few things going off in my life right now that I need to deal with.

My Husband has left and my house has been sold. I have to pack up ready for moving so that is taking its toll on me a bit at the minute as I dont know where the kids and I will be living, they expect the house will be completed by the end of July so I need to find somewhere for us live.

I am trying to work more hours to support us and juggle that with packing and the kids I dont find any time or energy to craft just now.

I do miss all my online friends so please dont forget me and hopefully I will be back before you know it.

Tonight I am very sad....

2009-06-15T22:09:00.002+01:00

.. we have just had to say a very sad goodbye to our little dog who we have had for 17 years.

Missy was our Miniature Yorkshire terrier that we bought as a 6 week old puppy for our daughter Sarah when she was just 18 months old and this year Sarah will be 19.

Missy was very old and had not had a good weekend so we decided to take her tonight to the Vet who has put her to sleep.

We will all miss her

365 Cards - Day 105 - Sing along Saturday

2009-06-13T21:14:00.003+01:00

This is my second post tonight as I have finally caught up with the challenges over at 365 Cards.

Today's challenge was to let the song Rainbow Connection by Jason Mraz inspire your card, ok so I like these challenges and Pam kindly put a Play list thingy on the blog for us but I have no sound on my PC at the minute so I had to Google the lyrics to see what the song was about.

Rainbows!!!

So here is my card

A simple card with the colours of a Rainbow in Buttons, Ribbons and Brads with a sentiment in the centre that reads-

The work will wait while you show a Child a rainbow, but the Rainbow wont wait while you do the work.

Next week is Cosmo Cricket week and I am really looking forward to that.

Well I am off to go watch some tv or maybe even go to bed and hope I feel a bit better tomorrow.

365 Cards - Day 104 - Imagine This! - Grass

2009-06-13T21:03:00.002+01:00

Today I am feeling very sorry for myself as I have caught a sickness bug that is going about, my Grandson had it at the beginning of the week and now I have it and I feel really rough.

I have been trying all day to make 2 cards to catch up with the challenges on 365 Cards and have finally managed it.

So the challenge for day 104 was Grass. As with past Imagine This challenges, you can use an image or just be inspired by an image.

So here is my card

I printed the image and coloured it to look like Daisies growing in the grass, I then added a strip of Grass I had cut and inked along the bottom, added a butterfly sticker and finished with a ribbon and Butterfly charm, stamped the sentiment 'A Perfect day'

Not what I am having today!

365 Cards - Day 103 - Recipe and an Award from Rose!

2009-06-13T05:06:00.004+01:00

After my bit of fun yesterday I got an award from my Friend Rose

She very kindly awarded me the 'Challenge Queen Award' for my card I made using 12 challenges all from 365 Cards. Thank You Rose!

So, onto the card for Day 103 which is a recipe card

And here are the ingredients:

4.25 x 5.5 card
Solid Background
2 patterned papers
Stamped Sentiment
3 Jewels

I actually stuck to the recipe today and have only added a brad that wasn't on the list but I needed something to hold all the layers of my flower together.

Here is my 1 card for 1 challenge!

Card base was cut from Bazzill Lagoon which I have run through the Swiss Dots CB folder and scored using my Scorepal above and below the strip of Pink paper, flower cut from both papers in increments from 3" down to 1" in layers and I have added my 3 jewels to the end of the strip of pink. The stamp I picked up in a bargain bin at The Range.

Hope you like it!

365 Cards - Day 102 - Challenge Combo - 1 card for 12 challenges

2009-06-12T13:33:00.008+01:00

The challenge on day 102 over at 365 Cards was to combine three 365 challenges - one from March, one from April, and one from May. The challenges you combine are up to you, as long as there is one from each month.

Rose then asked if we would get extra credit for combining more than 3 and Pam replied 'Yes if you use at least 10 past challenges'

Well that was another challenge!

So my challenges are as follows:-

March-

Day 3 - Tuesday Trio - Button - Flower - Ribbon

Day 9 - Just the Scraps - Use only scraps of paper - don't cut down anything new!

Day 11 - Giving it all you've got - We challenge you to use 5 different patterned papers and at least 5 embellishments.

Day 14 - DIY - Today we challenge you to make your own Flower Embellishment out of paper.

Day 18 - Going Green - Make a card with green as the dominant color.

April -

Day 37 - Do - It - Yourself - I want you to dress up some chipboard and add it to your card.

Day 52 - Tuesday Trio - Brad, Blossom, and Circle

Day 61 - Leaf it to me!- put a leaf (or two or three) on your card.

May -

Day 62 - Age is Just a Number - A number should be on the card

Day 77 - Make note of it! - incorporate note paper on your cards

Day 80 - You're so Plaid - make sure plaid is involved.

Day 83 - Make it match - decorate an envelope to match your card

So here is my card....

and matching envelope, the decoration can be removed and is then a Book mark

and both together

What do you think to that, do you think I will get extra credits for using more than 10 challenges from Pam?

Thanks to Mandy for telling me that this also qualifies for the challenge over at The next level which is

You can create a card of any shape or size but your image must be enclosed by the Ribbon Border frame

I got that one as well!

1 Card for 7 challenges - Pile It On!

2009-06-11T08:26:00.004+01:00

Just a quick post this morning before I head off to work, I am loving the idea of the challenges on Pile It On, I love to combine challenges and so this is my second card for them this week.

OK so this card actually covers 7 challenges,

1. Sketch Saturday wants us to use this sketch

2. Simon Says - We all love PINK and BROWN, so now is a great opportunity to showcase that great colour combination .

3. The pink Elephant #18 - also want Pink, Brown plus White

4. Paper Blooms - Use at least 3 flowers on your project and these can be any kind of flowers

5. A Spoon Full Of Sugar - For our challenge this week we would love you to see butterflies somewhere on your cards.

6. ABC challenge - R is for Roses

7. Pile It On - The first challenge for PILE IT ON is to use a NON-STAMPED SENTIMENT.

Here is my card complete with the sketch, colours of Pink, Brown and White, 3 Flowers, Butterflies, Roses and a hand written sentiment.

Off to get ready for work but hope to be back later

I got to the Top 5..

2009-06-10T23:52:00.002+01:00

at The Pink Elephant with this card - Happy dance, Happy dance!!

It sure has been a great week so far!

365 Cards - Day 101 - Fun with Food - Veggies

2009-06-10T23:04:00.002+01:00

I want to start this post by saying a HUGE 'Thank You' to everyone who posted messages to wish me a Happy Birthday, it was lovely to receive these messages from people who you have never met in the flesh but are friends non the less.

Onto my card which is for yesterdays challenge over at 365 Cards, because of my birthday and the fact I had to be in work at 6am this morning I am a day behind but hopefully I will be able to catch up over the next day or so, I need to catch up as I have not missed a day so far.

The challenge was as simple as it sounds, just create a card with a veggie (or two or three...) on it.

So here is my card...

... which was inspired by me listening to the radio, the song that was playing??

John Lennon - Give Peace a chance!!

How lucky was that, I turned the radio on as I started to think about this card and that was the song being played, maybe it was a sign!!

365 Cards - Day 100 - Manic Monday. Creative Card Crew, Card Patterns and Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-06-09T11:36:00.005+01:00

Ok so today is my Birthday and I am 50; sounds like one of those meetings where everyone stands up and says who they are, so Happy Birthday to Me!

I know I am going to get a little behind with my challenges this week as there are a few things being planned for my Birthday so not so much crafting time this week, however I have managed to complete my card for yesterdays challenge over at 365 Cards for Day 100. It is hard to believe we are already up to 100 days with this challenge and so far I haven't missed a day!

the challenge for day 100 is-
I challenge you to use 5 bold colors on your card: RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, GREEN, and BLUE - No pastels!

I am also entering this for the challenge over at Creative Card Crew challenge # 14 who want to see geometric patterns.

I have used this fabulous sketch from Card Patterns challenge #18 to give me a starting point

and here is my card

All papers are basic Grey Oh Baby range, I printed the image and added flowers and gems where the printed flowers are and finished with 3 buttons and 1 of each colour ribbon tied at the bottom.

This is just a quick post as I have a 30 minute break from work, I will be at work until 6pm today so I am taking the chance while I have it to post this.

Hope you like it

365 Cards and Pile It On!

2009-06-08T07:21:00.003+01:00

I do like to combine challenges when I am making cards, I don't see it as cheating but in fact I think that sometimes it stretches you just that little bit further when doing this, well that's my opinion on it anyway.

So I was really pleased to hear about a new challenge blog called Pile It On! that actually encourages you to do this. The theory behind Pile It On! is to create cards, scrapbook pages or even altered items using MORE THAN ONE challenge! Right up my street!

So here goes, this is the sketch for Super Sketchy Sunday over at 365 Cards with an extra twist to it. Jeannie from Dragonfly Journeys! recently celebrated her 10,000th hit on her blog, and she would like to award one lucky 365er a prize. So what do you have to do to be considered for this prize? Just participate in this sketch challenge, AND include a dragonfly on your card.

Here is my card

So Congratulations to Jeannie on her blog hits.

This card is also being entered for the 1st Challenge on Pile It On whose challenge is to use a sentiment that isn't stamped

It is also for the challenge over at If the Shoe Fits who want us to use a colour challenge of Pink and Green

To round this one off it is also for the Secret Crafter whose challenge this week is Bling which I have used on the Dragonfly's and the flowers.

Well only 4 challenges this time but over the last couple of days I have made 3 cards that cover at least 11 challenges so not too bad.

I have a sick little boy on my hands this morning but hopefully I will be back with another post later

Another card for 4 challenges

2009-06-07T11:28:00.005+01:00

I seem to be on a roll today with challenges as the card I have just made fits another 4 challenges

The first is a challenge blog I only found this morning, it is called The Sweetest thing and this is challenge #21

They want us to follow this great sketch

The next challenge is the ABC challenge. This week it is Q for quilting, I think the sketch and this theme go well together.

C.R.A.F.T. want us to complete 2 challenges in one card, first a colour theme of Blue and Brown and second it needs to be a Father's day/Male themed card

The Use It! Challenge this week is

1. Absolutely NO full 12x12 paper
can be harmed in the making of this card!
So, scraps, scraps & scraps!!
.
2. *BLING*
And then a little more bling... ;) !!

3. Die cuts
These can be made with a cricut, slice, store bought, etc.,

but I want to see die-cuts on your card!

.
4. *Bonus* challenge:
I'd like to see 4 different patterns of paper

on your card!!

So here is my card

I think I have managed to follow all 4 challenges, don't you?

1 Card for 4 Challenges- Happy Birthday Joshua!

2009-06-07T08:51:00.006+01:00

I needed to make a card for my Grandson's birthday to take for his party today and although I didn't start out to cover so many challenges it just sort of happened that way.

To start with I followed this sketch from Mojo Monday because it works with my image, I did sort of change it round a bit but all the elements are still there.

Next my card fits with the challenge over at The Pink Elephant who have a recipe challenge this week.

Recipe Challenge
for this recipe you must use:
3 buttons, 2 layers and 1 sentiment
Please feel free to interpret the 2 layers anyway you like.

Then it also fits with the challenge at the Creative Card Crew as their challenge is Child's Play, they want to see cards for Children.

Lastly it is also for the challenge on dare You 2 Digi Stamp whose challenge is Ribbons but you must also use a digital stamp on your project.

OK so here is my card

It follows the sketch on Mojo Monday

It follows the recipe on The Pink Elephant

It follows the theme on The Creative Card Crew

and it also qualifies for the theme on Dare You 2 Digi Stamp

and it is for a very Sweet little boy for his 1st Birthday along with these party bags I have made for him

They are all quite plain except for Joshua's- his is the one at the front - I decided as the guests were mostly pre-school age I would make them colourful rather than fancy

That's this one out the way so now I have to try and make a Sonic the Hedgehog card for another Grandson's birthday

Back later!

365 Cards - Day 98 - It's an Anniversary!

2009-06-06T16:21:00.003+01:00

I want to start this post by wishing Pam and her Husband a Very Happy Wedding Anniversary, here is hoping you have a lovely day today and wishing you many more happy years to come.

Onto the challenge for today over at 365 Cards, Pam wants to see anniversary cards....with a catch (of course). We need to make the dominant color white.

Here is my version of the challenge

I stamped the card with along the bottom with a flourish stamp in a clear versamark pad and heat embossed it with Clear embossing powder. I ran a piece of white through the Script Cuttlebug folder and mounted this onto Gold card. I tied a length of Gold sari Ribbon around this layer leaving the ends long.

The sentiment was from Bethany Harty printed onto more white card and mounted again onto Gold and fixed on with 3D foam pads, a layered flower with a pewter heart finishes it off.

Hope you like it

365 Cards - Day 97 - Shape Up #2

2009-06-05T23:49:00.003+01:00

Today's challenge over at 365 Cards brings us another shape.......DIAMONDS!

All you have to do is make a diamond the dominant shape on your card (or you can even make it the shape of the card itself).

I think I have managed that!

I cut the Paper to fit the front of a square card base and cut the Diamond shape following the Diamonds on the Paper, I then cut the shape into the card base 1cm smaller than the shape cut in the paper and scored a line using my Scorepal in the gap between the edge of the paper and the aperture.

I have added 3 Pink gems down the side and 3 tiny White buttons across the bottom, a ribbon across one corner and a layered flower.

The Happy Birthday is a rub on.

365 Cards - Day 96 - Fun with fabric.

2009-06-04T20:12:00.005+01:00

Well I have finally caught up with the challenges on 365 Cards and what a great challenge they have for us today.

Vicky has suggested today's challenge and here is what it is

She suggested that we have a challenge where we incorporate fabric into our cards. Any piece of fabric will do, except for fabric ribbon, buttons, or flowers. Of course you can add those things to your card, but they won't count as the fabric.

and here is my card for today

OK so the Flower on my card is fabric and so are both of the Butterflies

The fabric is what I have left from a rather nice set of fat quarters I bought last year, I used the fat quarters to make a bag.

Once I had seen this challenge this morning I went to have a look at the fabrics I had and found these scraps, I roughly cut them out and glued each piece onto a piece of card before I went to work then when I got home I cut them out properly and the fabric is glued onto the card it has a little maneuverability so I was able to shape the Butterfly wings slightly instead of them being flat.

I have used pearls to embellish both Butterflies, some of my new LLB braid and Ribbon at the bottom of the card and a sentiment printed onto Vellum that reads

Just as the Caterpillar thought the world was over,
it became a Butterfly

I love using fabric and I am really pleased how this turned out, this is one of my favourite cards I have made so far.

Hope you like it

365 Cards - Day 95 - Wacky Colour Wednesday

2009-06-04T07:47:00.002+01:00

I seem to be running a day behind with the challenges over at 365 Cards this week but that's because I have been busy at work and am trying to get 12 party bags made for this weekend as it is my Grandsons 1st Birthday party on Sunday.

I will try and catch up today as I have seen the new challenge and cant wait to have a go at it, anyway yesterdays challenge over at 365 Cards was a colour challenge.

So what is the color combo for this one? Let's try BLUE, PINK, and ORANGE - try to stick with those colors as much as possible (that's the challenge part).

So here is my take on it

The background paper looks lilac in the photo but it is Pink honestly.

Everything I used to make this card is out of oddment box or my paper scrap box, I think the letters and the clips are Making Memories but I don't know what the papers are.

That's it for now but I am hoping to get today's challenge done once I am home from work.

365 Cards - Day 94 - Ad Inspired and Papertake Weekly

2009-06-02T23:17:00.004+01:00

First of all I would like to wish Tammy a very happy Birthday!

I love the Ad inspired challenges over at 365 Cards and this one did not disappoint me. I could have made a dozen cards with everything that inspired me about this Ad, the colours, the shoes with the holes design in them, the stripe of the tie, the Roses, I could go on but I think you get the picture.

here it is

I took this sketch by Dawny over at Papertake Weekly challenges to start me off and because it also reminded me of the Ad, the Ad has 9 squares but this sketch only has the 3 strips but it sort of fits.

I love the colour combination and it just happens to be one of my favourites at the minute so this was perfect.

The papers I have used are Digital Papers from The Shabby Princess and are called Urban Kiwi.
I printed out the ones I wanted and cut them to size and mounted the strips onto Black card, the centre panel is another piece of Urban Kiwi paper that I ran through the script CB folder, this has been mounted onto Green then onto Black. The shape has been coloured in using a Black Marker pen which was them embossed before I added it to my card.

Hope you Like it!

365 Cards - Day 93 - Call Me!

2009-06-02T19:22:00.004+01:00

This is my 200th Post, I am amazed as I never thought I would be able to keep up with this blog never mind reach 200 posts.

So onto the challenge on Day 93 over at 365 Cards was to use either a picture of a phone or the sentiment 'Call Me' so as I didn't have a picture of a phone I used the sentiment.

A simple card that could be used for many things.

I ran the card through the Swiss Dots CB folder and added a scrap of paper to the bottom, trimmed this with a length of lace which was then trimmed with a length of ribbon.

The sentiment was hand written onto a metal tag and the base of the flower was stamped using one of my new LLB stamps in Dk. Brown with a silk flower layered onto it all held together with a Peach brad.

Hope you like it!

2 New Awards

2009-06-02T06:35:00.006+01:00

This award has been sent to me by some very talented ladies I have met through 365 Cards.

Firstly Chrissie, Simply one of a kind - now this lady always makes such stunning cards, more than once we have had the same train of thought but she has always beaten me to put the idea into practise, Chrissie leaves lovely supportive comments on peoples blogs, I love to get a comment from her.

Next this award comes from Tommie, Oh my Gluestick, another really talented lady who never ceases to amaze me by the cards she produces, Tommie not only produces fabulous cards but also has a range of items she sells on Etsy.

Last but by no means least from Quirky, a little bit of everything yet another talented lady who I have met through 365 cards

Pop over to these Ladies blogs to see the fabulous work they do.

These are the rules I must link back to the person who gave me the award which I have done

I must give 10 pieces of information about myself.

So here goes-

1. I turn 50 next week and am a little scared of this, not sure why!

2. I would love to visit Canada and have wanted this since I was a child

3. I want to live in the middle of no-where, a little farm house in the country would be my dream.

4. I love a challenge, anything new I will have a go at but whether I continue with it is another thing.

5. I am a Mother first, Grandmother second and Wife last, nothing comes before my Kids and Grand kids not even my Hubby (poor Tony)

6. I would love to be successful at something or maybe be on a Design Team

7. I am not a person who like going out, I don't drink so going to the pub doesn't interest me, my idea of going out is always with family for a meal or taking the kids out somewhere.

8. I am terrified of the Dentist, this is from a bad experience as a child, I get into a panic just ringing to make an appointment.

9. I am a fully trained Florist, my favourite type of work is pieces that I can go to town on, I once made a Gypsy caravan for a funeral that measure about 4 foot long by 3 foot tall all out of flowers.

10. I hate my job and would love to work for myself.

I must put a copy of The Honest Scrap Logo on my blog which I have proudly done!

I must select at least 7 other worthy blogger's & list their links this is the hardest bit as there are so many people I would like to include but 7 it is so here they are!

Karen

Toni

Gloria

Karen Lee

Sherry

Mandy

Debbie

My other award!

This award has been given to me by Shari, Scraps from Midway.

I must pass this onto 5 people and here they are

Rose
Diana
Toni
Amy
Michelle

These ladies always leave me a comment daily, if I have posted something these ladies will have seen it.

365 Cards - Day 92 - Super Sketchy Sunday

2009-05-31T23:27:00.004+01:00

We have had the most enjoyable day at the Sea side today with My Son and his family, we decided very last minute that we would go today and we opted to go to a coast that we don't usually go to, not sure what to expect but although a little windy we have had a great day. I can tell I have caught the sun on my legs as I sit here typing this post, they sting a little!

On our way home I started thinking about this card as it is the last day of the month I wanted to get something made when I got back so I can say I have completed another month on 365 Cards, I haven't missed one yet, some may not have been made on the day they were posted but I have managed to complete every one so far.

Can you believe it is day 92 already on 365 Cards and as it is Sunday that means another of Pams sketches and this is it

I really wasnt sure what I was going to do so started looking at some of the odd embellishments I have lying around and have come up with this card

To be honest I dont know who made the papers as they were out of my scrap box, the ribbon I got from the range last week, the flowers are Bazzill Blooms, the clear tag under the flowers I am not sure who made these or even where I got them from, the chipboard is by Making Memories so another card made from oddments I wouldnt have used otherwise.

Hope you like it

Marshall's Scrapbook - Page 2 - Family Tree

2009-05-31T06:11:00.003+01:00

For the second page in Marshall's scrapbook I wanted to do his family tree but as he has has 18 Uncles and Aunties and 30 cousins I have kept this to his immediate family, my page wouldn't be big enough for everyone

The page has been made using my Rhonna Farrer stamps in Dk. Brown which I have used to make the branches and my Rubber Tapestry stamps for the leaves, I used a Brown fine liner to join the branches and leaves together.

The photo's start with him at the bottom then his two sisters, Amy and Lilly, this leads up to his Mum Louise and her Parents on one side with his Dad Wayne with me and Tony on the other.

I printed the words 'Marshall's Family tree on my PC and cut it out using my Nestabilities layering it onto Dk. Green to match the photo's.

A few pearls have been added to certain point on the flourishes to finish the page.

365 Cards - Day 91 - Front and Centre and Use It Challenge!

2009-05-30T11:13:00.004+01:00

Day 91 on 365 Cards and Today's challenge is Front and Centre.

Today's challenge is to keep every element of the card in the center - leaving lots of white space around the edges.

I loved this challenge and I think this has been the easiest one this week.

This is also for the challenge over at Use It! who want us to

1) Use some old chipboard
Go ahead and feel free to mix & match manufacturers.

My chipboard flowers I got free on a magazine possible a year ago

2) Use buttons
- one of my very favorite embellishments.

I love buttons nad have no problem using them

3) Tear some paper.
Patterned paper or cardstock.

I have torn the piece of Handmade paper and the ribbled card

4) Optional: Stitch.
Machine or hand stitch, it's up to you.

I then stitched the 2 together using Turquoise thread

5) Have fun!!
This is essential.

I did have fun making this one.

Just a simple card all made with oddments I have had laying around a while

What do you think?

365 Cards - Day 90 - 2 Colours and C.R.A.F.T. Moving Elements.

2009-05-30T10:58:00.003+01:00

Day 90 on 365 Cards and the challenge is to

Use only 2 colors on your card (images may be stamped in black and cardstock may be white).

Well my 2 colours are Brown and Green, no Black and no White!

I covered the card base in this lovely Green trellis like paper and stamped along the bottom to make it look like grass.

I cut the branch from Java Bazzill and stamped my leaves in Certainly Celery ink, Once they were stamped I joined them up with a brown fine liner.

Onto the end of the branch I have hung what is supposed to be a tyre swing using Linen thread.

My sentiment was handwritten.

This also fits with the challenge over at C.R.A.F.T. challenge who want to see moving elements, well my trye swing moves!

365 Cards - Day 89 - Imagine this - Watermelon!

2009-05-30T10:43:00.004+01:00

I am so behind with everything this week and I don't know why, my mojo has been a little lacking this week but I am hoping it is back with me now.

So to the challenge, day 89 on 365 Cards was Imagine this - Watermelon

The Challenge: Watermelon is the inspiration - use the colors or an actual image of a watermelon on your card.

This is what I came up with

I cut circles from both the green and pink card, cut them in half and using a black fineliner I added the segments and the pips and a white pen for the dots. A length of Doodlebug ribbon highlights the colours and the sentiment was PC generated.

Here is the inside with the rest of the sentiment

I really struggled with all of the challenges this week but I am not sure why, maybe this cold I have has something to do with it.

Hope you like it now I have finally finished it

2nd Post today and I am still behind

2009-05-29T00:05:00.003+01:00

This is my second post today but I am still behind with this weeks challenges, hopefully I will be able to catch up by tomorrow.

This card is for 4 challenges, yes 4!

The first challenge is for Card Patterns Sketch #16, this sketch was great to work with.

The second challenge is for Cupcake Crafts who want us to use a recipe that Erin has set for us in celebration of her daughters 2nd Birthday.

We have to use:-

2 colors(plus a neutral), 2 shapes on the card, and 2 pieces of ribbon. Feel free to add any other embellies too:)

My shapes are the scalloped border and the rectangle with the image on it, I have 2 pieces of ribbon and 2 colours.

The next challenge is for ABC, this week is the letter P and P is for Pearls, they want us to use Pearls somewhere on our card, I love using Pearls so that wasn't hard at all.

Lastly this card is for the challenge at Paper Blooms - Our challenge this week is to make a project that uses the emboss resist technique. I had to look this up on the Internet just to make sure it was what I thought it was.

So here is my card with Emboss resist Butterflies, P for Pearls, 2 colurs plus a neutral, 2 shapes and 2 ribbons and it follows the sketch at Card Patterns.

Here is my card

All papers from my scrap box, much better to use up what you have then cut up a full sheet, I love it when something good comes from bits in the scrap box.

Hope you like it

365 Cards - Day 88 and other challenges!

2009-05-28T08:23:00.004+01:00

Boy am I behind this week with all my challenges, I have been so busy I haven't had time to get any done, but this morning I got up to make a start and the card I was making was just right for a few so that has made my list a bit shorter.

First up as always is the challenge over at 365 cards, this is yesterdays challenge! see I told you I was behind. Here is the challenge

Design an Anniversary card OR an Engagement Congrats. Anything else goes - but NO wedding cards :)

I used this weeks sketch over at The Pink Elephant as a starting point, I flipped it and my card is loosely based on this

Here is my attempt at a card this morning

I wanted to make something that could be used for either an engagement or anniversary, I hope I have achieved that with this card.

It also fits with the challenge over at Papertake weekly as they want you to use scraps, all the papers on this card were out of my scrap box. The ribbons were 2 odd lengths that I had and the flowers were in a box of embellishments that I bought for the other bits in it, I wasn't sure I would ever use them but I found a way.

This week the Creative Card crew want Pretty Flowers and I have those.

Allsorts want us NOT to use a stamped image, I have used a stamped sentiment but no image, so hopefully it fits their challenge as well.

Well that's a few off my list but now I have to go get ready for work, hope to be back later with more goodies to show you.

My Little Alien...

2009-05-27T23:32:00.002+01:00

isn't he cute?

This is for yesterday's challenge over at 365 Cards where the theme was to use 'Eye' somewhere on your card and my little alien has 4 eyes, 2 pink and 2 wobbly.

My 'Eye' is in the sentiment that reads- Eye see its your birthday

That's one caught up with!!

I have been so busy

2009-05-27T21:21:00.009+01:00

I don't know where this week has gone, I have been busy getting my wedding portfolio done ready for my Niece to come and sort out her wedding invites.

I managed to put together 10 different cards in the end for her to look at and she has chosen one I threw together late this afternoon just to fill my book up.

Some of them you have already seen but I have some new ones to show you

Apologies for the picture quality but I took them in my Kitchen and the light isn't good.

This one is a little blurry and not a good colour likeness, it is supposed to be Lilac

Well she chose the Lilac one, I have 60 to make but they shouldn't take that long as they are not too complicated to make.

My favourite is the last one but then we cant all like the same things can we?

At least I can get back to my challenges for a bit now except when I am scrap booking or altering one of my Boot sale finds.

Marshall's Scrapbook

2009-05-26T07:44:00.004+01:00

I decided that I wanted to make my new Grandson Marshall a scrapbook detailing his first year, I aim to take photos of him on the 30th of every months as that was the date he was born to show how he grows and develops throughout his first year, I also within this book want to have a go at producing layouts that are not my usual style, I have seen so many beautiful layouts where all the photos and embellishments only take up a small amount of the page and I wanted to have a go at something similar.

This one of two scrapbooks I am hoping to make over the course of the next year, the other one is all about me as I turn 50 in June I want to make a book about the year I am 50. This means that for once I have to be on the other end of the camera!!

Well this is the album I have decided to use for Marshall, it was a not very nice shade of Cream it said on the label but I would definitely say Yellow so I set out to cover the front of it.

I wanted Baby, I wanted Boy and not too young or too grown up, I wanted something that would take some handling without bits coming off or being damaged so this is how I have covered it

Quite plain and I may end up adding to it somewhere before it is finished.

Here is my first page, just like I have already said I wanted some white space; although the card is cream; to enhance the design on the page.

This page has a vellum envelope to hold his scan pictures.

So first one done and another 19 to go!!

What do you think then?

365 Cards - Day 86 - This will be GRAPE Fun!

2009-05-25T23:28:00.002+01:00

I am late posting this tonight as I have started working on my Grandson's Scrapbook today, it has made a nice change to do some scrapbooking as that is one thing I dont do too often. I want to make him a scrapbook for his first year. I plan to take photo's of him every month on the date he was born on so we will be able to see how he developes and changes throughout his first year.

So I am sitting here at 11.35pm posting my card for today's challenge for 365 Cards today which today was 'This will be Grape Fun'

Well you can use grapes on your card, but you don't have to. However, I do challenge you to use purple as the primary color, and incorporate at least 5 circles on your card.

I don't have any fruit themed stamps so I went with the colours and here is my card

I have stamped one of my swirl stamps to make it look like a tree and added 5 purple buttons.

Paper - English Paper Co.
Card from my scrap box
Stamp - Rhonna Farrer
Ribbon and buttons from my stash
Sentiment on my Pc.

Colour Create #17 - Lemon, Pink Sorbet and Chocolate

2009-05-25T10:54:00.006+01:00

I love the challenges over at Colour Create and this weeks colours are just gorgeous, Lemon, Pink Sorbet and Chocolate which are the colours I think of for Neapolitan Ice Cream.

There is always an added element which isn't compulsory to use but I always try to incorporate it into my design so this week it is Shabby Chic! what is someones definition of Shabby Chic and is it the same as mine?

This is the definition I found on the Internet

Shabby chic is a form of Interior design where furniture and furnishings are either chosen for their age and signs of wear and tear or new items are distressed to achieve the appearance of an antique.

So this was the picture of a beautiful cushion given to us for inspiration.

and here is my take on Shabby Chic with the colours we were given to work with

I like this card but not sure it is Shabby enough, maybe it is a modern version of Shabby Chic!

Card base - Mocha Bazzill
Papers - Chocolate Flourishes from Pink Petticoat, Pink and Lemon from my scrap box
Stamps - Love Jesse Edwards
Flowers - Prima
Brads, Braid, Buttons and Charm from my stash

What do you think, is it Shabby enough?

365 Cards - Day 85 - Super Sketchy Sunday

2009-05-25T07:41:00.004+01:00

Well I had a lovely day yesterday, we went to the car boot (yard) sale in the morning where I managed to pick up a few new goodies that I am sure you will be seeing in the near future and then off to The Range for a little retail therapy with 2 of my DIL, Karen and Marie. I was shattered after all that then coming home to cook dinner and never really got anywhere near my craft room last night so today I have to play catch up with my challenges.

Yesterday was Super Sketchy Sunday over at 365 Cards and also the start of a week sponsored by the Cutting Cafe

This was yesterdays sketch

and here is my card

This is for my daughter to give to her dad on Fathers day.

Papers from Pink Petticoat
Oval cut from Bazzill
Sentiment from Bethany Harty
Button and ribbon from my stash

It is another beautiful sunny day here today so not sure what I will be doing, I am back to work tomorrow unfortunately so I am going to try and make the best of today.

365 Cards - Day 84 - Card Recipe #2

2009-05-23T17:01:00.002+01:00

A very quick post for this card as I am on my way out for the evening to visit my Son. I was hoping to get out earlier but I have been working on my Wedding Portfolio and time has just run away with me.

Today's challenge over at 365 Cards is a recipe challenge

Here's the recipe:

1 3x3 card1 flower
1 brad
1 piece of ribbon
1 stamped sentiment

and NO PATTERNED PAPER!

So it was into my scrap box for this, I cut the card from Bazzill but couldn't believe how small it was, I measured it 3 times to check.

I have added 2 different colours of card both with a scalloped edge, a printed sentiment and a length of ribbon with a flower held on with a brad.

Here it is, I think it is quite cute

I will be back later to visit everyones blogs, if I can get on them that is! I cant even get on my own blog today.

Back later

More Blog Awards

2009-05-23T10:11:00.004+01:00

I have been given 2 more Blog awards by a couple of my Blog Friends, it is really nice to get these awards as they come from people you may never meet in person but who you feel like you have known them all your life, I think sometimes Blog Friends are the best friends you can have as we all share a common interest and are totally suportive of one another.

The first award is from Shari,

It is the Gift of Love Award, there are no specifics with this award you just need to pass it onto 5 people

I would like to send this award to-

Rose

Diana

Michelle

Chrissie

Amy

These 365 Ladies comment on my blog daily and it is these comments that make it all worthwhile.

The second Award is the Lemonade Stand award and has been given to me by Chrissie, this lady is so talented so to get an award from someone like Chrissie is a real honour.

These are the rules for this award
Comment on this blog.-
Cut and paste the award logo and use it in your own blog.-
Nominate 5 blogs you feel show great attitude and gratitude.-
Link to your nominees within your blog post.-
Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award.-
Link back to the person who gave you the award to show your appreciation.

I would like to send this to

Mandy

Bex

Tommie

Fi

Sherry Ann

Again all 365 gals but those I think fit the bill

Enjoy everyone!

Cute Card Thursday and Dare You 2 Digi Stamp

2009-05-23T09:48:00.003+01:00

Well it is a lovely sunny morning here and I have the house to myself for the day so peace and quiet and loads of crafting time!

My card this morning is for 2 challenges, first is for Cute Card Thursday . This weeks challenge is called 'A Sporting Chance'

This week they would like to see any type of sporting image used on your card. i.e. swimming, golf, baseball, football, dancing etc....

I chose fishing

The second challenge is for Dare you 2 Digi Stamp - One for the Boys

Here is my card

I am not sure if you can see in the photo but I have added Glossy Accents to the fish which is supposed to be a Goldfish and water splashes around it.

Paper is English Paper Co.
Image is from Digi Stamp Boutique and is called Jim Just Chillin
Sentiment on my pc and then added to a MM Tag

365 Cards - Day 83 and Colour Create challenges

2009-05-22T23:46:00.006+01:00

A card for 2 challenges.

First off it is for the challenge over at 365 Cards, today the challenge is called "Make it Match", because I would like you to decorate an envelope to match your card. Any size will do, as long as they go together.

Secondly this is also for the challenge on Colour Create #16 who has given us this picture for inspiration, the colours over there are Sky Blue, Fawn and Ecru

Here is my card using one of my new Lawrence Llewelyn Bowen stamps which fell into my basket the other day.

The envelope - Outside

The envelope on the inside which has been fitted out with a paper inner

Sorry if the photo's are a bit fuzzy!

Paper Blooms and Allsorts Challenges

2009-05-22T19:58:00.004+01:00

I dont know about anyone else but I have been having problems getting onto some blogs in the last couple of days and one of them is Paper Blooms.

The challenge on Paper Blooms this week is to use Red, White and Blue and it doesnt have to be Patriotic.

I also wanted to enter the challenge on a new Blog called Allsorts and this is their very 1st challenge.

The theme this week is SWEETS however you would like to interpret it, and you can make any thing you like!

So for both challenges I made this

It is a box bag and I thought we could use them for my Grandson's 1st Birthday party as goodie bags for his guests. As he is only 1 he doesnt need large bags to give out so I thought these would be ideal.

What do you think?

3rd and Final post for Today

2009-05-21T23:27:00.009+01:00

Well this must be a record - 3 posts in one day and all challenge cards.

I have two cards for different challenges but both are also for my Wedding portfolio to show my Niece.

First off this card is for the ABC Challenge which is O is for Orderly, this is the challenge-

We would like your card to be balanced. This means that if you use a flower on your card it needs to be balanced by another one somewhere else on the card.

Here is my card for this challenge

The second card is one I have been trying to make all day but I have only just finished it, it is for the challenge at 365 Cards. Today's challenge brings us to the edge - of the card, that is. I challenge you to decorate at least 3 sides of your card.

You remember yesterday I said I had been on a little shopping expedition to the Range? well whilst I was browsing some of the new Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen stamps fell in my basket with out me noticing so I have used one on the edges of this card and tied a length of ribbon to the top edge. I love these stamps, the set is called Retro Rose and I just know you will be seeing a lot of these in the future.

I have used the same sentiment but in different ways to try and show her what is possible, hope that makes sense.

I am also entering these for a new blog I have just found called My Time to Craft, their theme this week is Love and Marriage, just the job for these cards I would say!

To finish the day off here is a card I made for my Daughters, Boyfriends Nephew's 5th Birthday!! still with me??

I printed out a colouring picture of Ben 10 and then scanned it back and re-sized it, I know these things are copyrighted but I figured if it was a colouring picture and it was free to download it should be ok to use.

Well thats me for today, back tomorrow to start again

Post No. 2 and more challenges

2009-05-21T18:33:00.005+01:00

Wow, this is my second post today and I ma hoping to make it 3 by the end of the night, we shall see!

Ok another challenge card that meets more than one challenge.

This is the sketch at Card Patterns Challenge # 15 for this week, quite a simple design really.

and this is the colour Combination at the Creative Belli Blog for challenge #65, all Stampin Up colours or as near as you have to them. I have only recently started buying Stampin Up products so I only had 2 of the 3 colours, I don't have anything in the Cameo Coral so I matched my card base up in Bazzill and used Cameo.

Here is my take on these challenges

Not sure I really like it but as we always say 'it is what it is' and I am sure I will find a use for it sometime.

A whole load of challenges - completed!

2009-05-21T13:54:00.005+01:00

Ok so I had a long list of challenges I wanted to have a go at so this morning I started making a card to go with this sketch over at Cupcake Crafts Challenges.

I had a digital stamp I bought from Digi Stamp Boutique, the stamps are called Lilly so now I am thinking I could combine it with the challenge over at Dare u 2 Digi stamp, they want you to use Lilac and Lemon on your card.

On the Lilac background paper I added glitter to the ends of the swirls, the dots on the parcel and to the flowers so now it also fits with the challenge at The Secret Crafter. This is challenge #32 and they are asking for Glitter.

As it is a Birthday card it is eligible for the challenge on A Spoon Full of Sugar whose challenge is number #52 and is in celebration of their 1st birthday

So here is my card

It uses the sketch, it is Lilac and Lemon, it has both Glitter and Gems and it is a Celebration card, phew that has knocked a few off my list.

Hope you like it

365 Cards - Day 81 and another card for the Bride to be!

2009-05-20T16:44:00.004+01:00

Well I have now caught up with the challenges on 365 Cards, I do hate getting behind with them. Whilst completing these challenges I am also looking for ideas to add to the samples I have to make for my Niece Kayleigh for her Wedding Stationary.

This challenge was one that I could adapt to make a simple but effective card that would be easy to produce in great numbers.

Today's challenge was to use 5 squares somewhere on your card.

Here is my card

I need something easy to produce and this style is perfect, I took a sheet of the Lilac paper and cut it into 4cm squares these were then mounted onto White card, I also cut the Lilac card to 4cm as well, this allowed me to drop the paper squares slightly to add a little something to it, not sure what but I like it!

The card was finished with a length of ribbon and a layered flower, how simple is that to create again and again?

365 Cards - Day 80 - You're so Plaid and Papertake Weekly #15

2009-05-20T08:33:00.008+01:00

I am already behind with my challenges this week and it is only Wednesday, I wanted to get so much done yesterday but in the end I got nothing crafty made at all but I did manage to achieve something !

I went from this; which is a picture of my ribbon box tipped out on the floor which I normally have to do to find the bit I am looking for

To this

All neatly stored away in cookie jars I bought from Tesco for 94p each, a real bargain only; I have already bought 5 and will need at least another 11 as I want to use them for my flowers as well.

With the help of my Daughter Sarah we have completely transformed my office/craft room which was needed after a small shopping trip to the range yesterday where I bought a few bits then couldn't find anywhere to put them when I got home so that is why I didn't get anything made yesterday.

So this is the card for yesterday's challenge over at 365 Cards which is all about plaid. Whether you use plaid patterned paper or whether you create a plaid pattern on your card, make sure plaid is involved.

I used this sketch from Papertake Weekly challenge #15 which was by Dawny P

and came up with this card for both challenges

This is going to be for my Son's Brother In Law as they play Golf together every weekend if they get the chance and he has a birthday coming up.

The card was cut from Mocha Bazzill and the papers were from my scrap box so I don't know who made them, the image is Digital from Digi Stamp Boutique and is called Jim 'Just Chillin'. The golf Club is hung from a red paperclip, not sure where that is from either but it is amazing what you find you have when you have a sort out.

Well off to work today but I will be back later with Wednesdays card I hope!

Happy Dance and another Post Pals Tin

2009-05-19T06:21:00.006+01:00

On my blog I have comment moderation switched on as in the past I have had some dodgy comments left, nothing to do with crafting I can tell you, so in the morning when I get up I sometimes have comments to approve.

This morning was no exception but imagine my surprise when I found out I had made the Top 5 at Card patterns for this card

This card is a winner twice over as it was also for my DIL from my Stepson for their Wedding Anniversary, boy I am so happy with this one!!

Ok finished with the showing off now!

I wanted to show you another Tin I have decorated for a Child at Post Pals

This is for a little Girl called Seren who is nearly 8, I wanted to do girly but a little more grown up, I love it and I hope Seren does too.

Its not much but there is a few goodies inside for her as well, today I am making another for her Brother Dylan.

Thanks for looking and take a trip over to Post Pals and send someone a card today, it will make a child smile!

365 Cards Day 79 - Monday's Manufacturer

2009-05-18T22:00:00.003+01:00

I have seen a lot of Vintage type cards recently but I have to admit it is a style I love to see but have never been very successful in making.

I checked out the challenge on 365 cards today and found out it was to use your favorite manufacturer in the majority of your card, well which one to choose?

There are so many makes of paper out there, Basic Grey is one of my favourite as they all seem to go together no matter which line they are from but one of my favourite ranges is Modern Romance by Daisy D's. I bought these papers as they all have that Vintage look I love so much so with my papers in hand I decided to have another go at Vintage.

Here is my card

To be honest there was no sketch or plan to follow I simply made it up as I went along. I have used 4 different sheets of this paper and have taken the bits off each sheet that I liked the most.
I love the background paper with the script text on it, I love the pink with the subtle colour and distressed look to it, I loved the postcard that was printed onto another sheet so I cut that out and lastly I have cut out some of the design, the bird and butterfly from another sheet.

I have added a layered flower using one of the Pink Blooms sent to me by Rose which is sewn onto a green paper flower and finished off with a button, I added a length of cotton braid and attached a small green button to the end of that and finished it off with a small piece of Pink onto which I have used another favourite, a Basic Grey Rub On which says Traditions.

On the whole I am quite pleased with this as I have managed to stop myself from over doing it, i normally start off wanting to create Vintage and end up with something more modern.

What do you think, do you think it is 'Vintage' enough?

1 Card for 3 Challenges and the start of...

2009-05-18T17:05:00.006+01:00

... a sample folder I have to put together to show my Neice what is possible for her Wedding Invitations etc. I have been asked by a few people recently about Wedding Stationary so I thought I could put something together to show people, any suggestions on this would be great!

Kayleigh has said she wants simple but Wow! did I get it?

Ok here is my card and this fits the bill on 3 challenges as well so I am happy with that

First Challenge is over at Paper Blooms where the challenge this week is to use ribbon, trim, or lace as a main focal point on your card, LO, or other project. My friend Rose is a Guest designer this week so make a point of popping across to take a look at her fabulous card.

The second challenge is for Cute Card Thursday Challenge #60 Letters or Numbers

Lastly this is also for the challenge over at The Pink Elephant #15 who are asking for Monogram Letters.

So what is the card made from:

Card base - Black SU

Flourish paper - Pink Petticoat

Lace from my stash

Letters I bought from the USA a while ago but cant remember who from

Pearls from my stash.

I will be making another the same as this but in a more pastel colour to show the different ways this could look.

Hope she like it!

365 Cards - Day 78 - Super Sketchy Sunday and A Spoon Ful of Sugar # 51 Buttons Galore

2009-05-17T22:41:00.005+01:00

This is the sketch over at 365 Cards as it is Super Sketchy Sunday today.

Here is my today's card

This is made from the scraps I had left after completing another tin for Post Pals, I cant get a decent photo of the tin in this light so I will post that tomorrow.

This also fits the bill for the challenge over at A Spoon Full of Sugar # 51 which calls for Buttons

What did I use:-
Paper is a mixture of 2 free Digital kit from Two Peas

Buttons and Ribbon from my stash

Sentiment pc generated.

Nice and simple

Off to my bed now as I am so tired.

Back tomorrow!

365 Cards - Day 77 - Make a Note of it!

2009-05-16T23:21:00.004+01:00

Day 77 over on 365 Cards and the theme is 'Make a Note of it'

Today's challenge comes from something I've seen incorporated primarily in layouts, which I suppose makes sense since often on scrapbook layouts we want to make notes about the photos on the page. Well I would like to see you incorporate note paper on your cards, otherwise anything goes.

Here is my take on todays challenge

I have tried 5 different photo's of this card but the light is terrible and they all look a little blury so sorry for that.

Anyway the card is just a White pre folded card onto which I have added a piece of Black PP by DCWV, the next layer is a piece I had left from another card and is from the same collection. I have added the Basic grey rub ons down the side of the card.

The note paper is from a little pad I keep on my desk, the sentiment is hand written and I finished it off with a paper clip and a layered flower.

Hope you like it

365 Cards - Day 76 - Four Corners

2009-05-15T23:03:00.003+01:00

I wanted to get this card made this morning before I went to work as I know my Daughter and her children always come on a Friday after school so I knew I would be pushed for time. Needless to say I didn't get it made hence another late posting.

The card is for the challenge over at 365 Cards who want us to only add embellishments to the 4 corners, this was quite a tough challenge as I wanted to add more to this card but couldn't as then it wouldn't have followed the rules.

This sort of a double challenge as this card is for my DIL from my Son for their Anniversary, he picked the Colour combo, Papers, sentiment in fact he picked out early everything he wanted to go on it
.

Card - white
Matting Black Bazzill
Papers - DCWV
Pearls are fom my stash

365 Cards - Day 75 - Imagine this - Coffee!

2009-05-14T23:28:00.004+01:00

Well what a day, I was sitting her making my card for today's challenge when about 9-30pm we got a phone call to say my Stepson had been taken ill at work with pains in his chest, his Dad shot off to get him to our local hospital, I have just heard that he has suffered an anxiety attack, pretty scary if you ask me but apparently he is ok so now I can relax.

Well finally I get to post my card, today's challenge at 365 cards is Coffee

It's another Imagine This challenge, and you can either use an image of coffee (cup, beans, etc.) or let an image of it inspire your card.

Here is my effort on this challenge

I only have one image that was suitable for this so I printed that and then messed about with the size of it to make a border using the same image. All the cups were coloured with watercolours.

Card is Java Bazzill and paper is from the English Paper Co.

Not sure if I like it or not but it is what it is

I wonder what Pam will come up with for tomorrow!!

3 Challenges and a gift for Post Pals

2009-05-14T08:16:00.010+01:00

I have managed to start the projects that I wanted to make to send onto a few of the children at Post Pals. If you haven't heard about Post Pals they are an organisation who help children with life threatening illnesses. Go take a look at the site for all the details.

So last week I made some cards and posted them on here saying I would post them onto 2 of the children on Post Pals and that I was going to re vamp some Baby Milk tins to fill with gifts and send with the cards, since then I have found another 2 children to post to and have made a start on the tins.

Here is the first one

The tin was covered with paper from The English Paper Co. that I thought matched the Dinosaur theme, I used the green to cover the tin and added a border of the Brown to mimic the ground, the Dino itself is actually fabric that I have cut out of a length I bought not so long ago. I glued it onto thin card and then re-cut it, I glued it onto the tin using PVA glue.

Once the tin was covered I punched a hole each side to add a handle. The handle is just made from a length of binding attached using DST and a brad.

D is for Dinosaur, so I cut a D out on my cricut at 4" and glued it to the other side of the tin, added the dots using 3D paint and although you cant see them clearly there is 2 Dinosaur buttons, one either side.

The lid was the hardest bit to work out, it is made form really flexable plastic but it is white which didnt go with my theme so I have sanded the edges and then swiped it with my Dk. Borwn Satzon pad, I hope it stays on!

I cut a 4" circle in DK. Brown Bazzill and another in the Brown Paper to match, the Bazzill circle was first attached using 3D foam pads as the top is recessed the top circle was stuch with DST, to make sure it is secure I have added 4 Brads to help hold it in place.

I intend to put the little Boys name onto the top as well but will do that later.

OK so which challenges!

1st is for the challenge over at Cupcake crafts who want something for a Man or a Boy so this is for a Boy so it fits with their challenge but it isnt a card so I ma not sure it will be ok.

2nd is for Papertake Weekly who want to see Animals, is a Dinosaur an Animal? I think it is. Papertake weekly also have a bit on their blog this week about Post Pals.

3rd is for the ABC challenge which is N for not a card and this isnt a card!

Just need to fill it with some gifts and it can be posted.

I will be back later with the next one completed I hope!

Cards - Day 74 - Handwritten Sentiment

2009-05-13T08:53:00.006+01:00

Well today is a new day and we are both trying to stay positive about the work situation, Tony has a meeting later with HR when he will find out all the financial details so once we know that we can make some decisions about where we go from here.

I would just like to say a huge Thank You to everyone who left a message, thanks for thinking of us.

Onto todays challenge on 365 Cards, today's challenge is to use a hand written sentiment

I think a lot of us probably shy away from writing the sentiment on our cards, because we may not like our handwriting, so of course that's what I'm going to ask you to do! It doesn't have to be a long sentiment, as long as you handwrite it.

Well here is my card for this challenge

I wanted to make something as a Thank you card but without saying Thank you on the front, does that make sense? This card is for a special friend who has shown me great support over the last couple of weeks so I added the sentiment of 'My Friend' Because I dont like my handwriting I have written it straight onto the card using a brown pen so it blends in a bit.

I printed the paper from a digi kit I have called Promise from Shabby Princess so as I was printing it I made the paper double sided. I cut the end of the paper once I had cut it to size with my Nestabilities Label Die to shape the end. I folded the paper so both sides were showing and added the scallops to the underside of the fold.

Using my Rhonna Farrer stamps I added the large swirl to one side and a smaller one to the other, gems were glued onto the swirls in appropriate places to highlight it.

I managed to use another of the gorgeous flowers that Rose sent me from Paper Blooms which was layered with a scalloped circle cut in the red and a cream flower all held together using one of the brads I won a few weeks ago.

Hope you like it!

Cards - Day 73 - Tuesday Trio

2009-05-13T08:18:00.008+01:00

With waiting for news of my Hubby and our boys I didn't get chance to do my card for the challenge yesterday over at 365 Cards but I have now managed to put one together all be it a little late.

The challenge was a Trio challenge where you had to use Circles, Scallops and Bling on your card.
I wanted to use some of the gorgeous flowers that Rose had sent to me so I chose to go with a flower garden theme

Here is my card

I took a white card and matted a piece of the green paper onto it, I have incorporated the circle by cutting it into the card after I had added the green. I then added a scalloped border cut using the 2 smallest scalloped circle Nestabilities to the outside of the circle and added the bling to to it.
I cut 2 more scalloped circles and layered different coloured flowers to these and stuck them to the front of the card, using a brown pen I drew the flower stems . The grass was created by stamping along the bottom with a small leaf stamp.

The paper I used to cut the scalloped edge was double sided so I used the centre piece to add to the inside of the card after I had layered it with the flowers.

The inside

I used the leaf stamp to add a border to the bottom of the inside of the card.

Sorry the photo's are a little blurry

Off to do today's challenge now

Well we have had the news..

2009-05-12T15:52:00.002+01:00

My Hubby has been made redundant but as far as we know both of our Sons have kept their jobs, they both have young families to support so I am so releived for them.

I am sure we will get through this and there must be an awful lot of people worse off than us.

Thanks to everyone who has sent good wishes to me and my family over the last week, it means a lot to know that people care so much.

Look what I got in the post yesterday..

2009-05-12T14:04:00.003+01:00

..from my new blog Friend Rose Miller

Words cant express how pleased I was when I opened this parcel and saw what was inside, Rose very kindly sent me some of the Handmade Flowers I had admired on the Paper Blooms blog which are made by Blog Owner Leah.

Not only was there a huge selection of flowers but some stick pins the Rose had made as well along with a beautiful card.

So Thank You Rose, I cant wait to think of something special I can use them on

It looks like today is the day...

2009-05-12T13:11:00.004+01:00

... that my Hubby and our 2 Sons Wayne and Gareth will find out if they have been made redundant or not and to be honest it isnt looking too good at the minute for any of us. Fingers crossed but we should know in the next few hours!

It is also our Son Gareth and his Wife Marie's 2nd Wedding Anniversary today so I want to wish them all the best, it will be an awful day for them if Gareth looses his job today

I am finding it hard to get into anything today but I shall have a look at my challenges in a bit to see if I can get something done to keep my mind off the situation.

On a brighter note I have this morning made the sample of my Grandson's Birthday invites, Marie decided that she wanted a post card type invite. I have done the first one and cut all the pieces and sent them off to Marie for her to put them all together just copying my design

Here is what I have come up with

and the back which I designed and printed on my pc

In my post yesterday I stated he was going to be 2 but in fact he will only be 1, he is a bit of a cutie though dont you think?

Well I am off to try and find something to keep me occupied for the next few hours, I may be back later with something I have managed to put together

Rested now and raring to go!

2009-05-11T09:38:00.006+01:00

Well what a hectic but thoroughly enjoyable weekend that was, I was so tired last night I couldn't even think straight but I am rested now and onto the next project.

My card for this morning is for a few challenges but it is also an order, who would have thought I was going to get orders for cards when I didn't even make them a few moths ago but this weekend I have got orders for 4 cards so I must be doing something right.

The first challenge as always is for 365 Cards and today it is Musical Monday, quite an easy challenge but needed after last week, here is what we have to include

Use a sheet of music, "musical" paper, or music notes on the card.

The next challenge is for Card Patterns, I saw this one on Diana's blog and went to have a look, it was a sketch I could use for today's card so I went with it

Here is the sketch

Ok, on to the next challenge which is a colour challenge on Colour Create, I love these colour challenges as they really get you thinking. This weeks colours are Blue and Green and this is the photo for inspiration

and lastly the challenge on Pink Elephant wants us to use-

Light Blue, Medium or Dark Blue, Green and White so a similar one to Colour Create which works for me.

So after all that here is my card

I have used the colours for both Colour Create and the Pink Elephant, I have used the sketch from Card Patterns and I have used Music from 365 Cards and I have a card that I had an order for, rather a good morning so far!

I used Bazzill Artic for the card base, added a mat of pale blue and cut squares of the green to mat onto the blue - sorry I don't know who made either of these papers as they have no strip left.

Onto the green squares I have adhered squares of sheet music which is from the song Endless Love by Lionel Richie. A scalloped border in green along the bottom is finished off with White ribbon and onto that a length of Blue ribbon, I have added a layered flower with a beautiful button and a musical note stitched onto it, I have finished with the name of the song matted onto a piece of Artic Bazzill as a sentiment.

Off to get my other one done so should be back later, hope you like it!

365 Cards - Day 71 - Super Sketchy Sunday

2009-05-10T22:24:00.011+01:00

Well it has been another hectic day in my house today, my DIL Marie who made the wall hanging with me last weekend returned today to make another project only this time she brought her friend Gemma with her. They had bought some canvases from town and wanted me to help them to decorate them, easy I hear you say.........

... ok easy enough,but there was 2 of them and both complete novices so it took nearly all morning to sort their photo's out before we could make a start and then all afternoon to complete the canvases but they were both pleased the end result... I hope!!!

Here is the one Gemma altered

A fun Family themed canvas

Here is Marie's, this was made as a present for her Hubby for their Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday. Marie's has photos from their wedding.

I was really pleased with how they turned out and hope that both ladies enjoyed altering their canvases.

Whilst the 2 ladies were busy making their canvases my other DIL Tracey arrived and she spent some time making her Hubby's Wedding Anniversary card whilst she was here, her anniversary is a week on Tuesday.

Here is the card Tracey made with a little help from me!!!

Well Marie wants to come back with Gemma to make something else and they have another friend that wants to come too, looks like I am now giving lessons so maybe I should pursue this and make it more of a regular thing and see who else may be interested locally in coming along.

All afternoon my Hubby and our 2 Sons were safely tucked away watching the football and looking after the kids while I was trying to teach the girls how to complete their projects and make a start on cooking a Sunday Roast dinner, once they had finished I cooked dinner for 11 of us so needless to say I am a little tired tonight.

After dinner I made a start on cutting the bits needed to make 12 Invitation card for my GS 2nd birthday party so it is a good job I made my challenge card this morning before everyone arrived.

The challenge on 365 Cards today was a sketch and here it is

Here is my card

and the inside

On this card I have used some of the stamps I won on Jak Heaths blog, Crafters kitchen a few weeks ago, I stamped the flower onto white card and then onto another piece and cut that out to 3D on top. I used the leaf stamp to add detail aroung the flower. I used part of the large stamp to create a border which I cut round before adding it to the card. I have added a tied ribbon from which hangs a charm.

This card is also being entered for the challenge on Paper Blooms . This week we are thinking about that special woman (or women) that touch our life in a special way, whether this is your mom or a very close friend we want you to make a project that you'll be sure to give her to let her know how special she is to you.

All I have left to do now is make 2 Wedding Anniversary cards for our 2 Sons for their wives, one for this Tuesday and one for next Tuesday and thats me done for the day, maybe I will leave them until the morning and go off to my bed!

Well I do hope this all makes sense as I am so tired it may be a little strange in places but before I close I would like to wish all of the Mum's out there a Happy Mothers Day.

PS. I have had a lovely comment left from Post Pals saying they thought the card I made yesterday was lovely and that I should send this onto a child also, so that is what I shall do with it, it looks like I was possibly the only one who hated it in the end.

365 Cards - Day 70 and .....

2009-05-09T23:22:00.003+01:00

... I hate the card I have made!

It has been such a hectic day today, my Son Wayne and his Daughter Lilly turned up this morning at 8-45am to get his car fixed with my Daughter Vicky and 5 Kids turning up about 10 minutes later, Tony was taking her car for it's MOT test.

Wayne had to nip home and brought my DIL with new baby back with him and shortly after my other DIL turned up with her Mum. Not long after that my youngest Son Dean turned up with his wife and Son. Gradually throughout the day they all left with Dean leaving about 8-30 tonight so I then got to my craft room to start my challenge for today and this is it

I don't like anything about it except the colours, it didn't turn out as I wanted it to and as soon as I have posted this it will end up in the bin. At least I have made one so I can say I still haven't missed a challenge.

I guess I am just a bit tired tonight so my mojo isnt working as it should be, hopefully it will be a better day tomorrow!

Class of 2009!

2009-05-09T00:22:00.006+01:00

Well I have just checked my Lotto numbers for tonight and unfortunately I haven't won anything so life will carry on the same for me!

Onto today's card then, this card fits with a number of this weeks challenges starting with the one on 365 cards for today, the theme was to make a graduation card, I didn't actually need one but thought I could have a go anyway.

I am also entering it for the challenge on Cupcake Crafts # 38 who want to see Numbers on your card.

The challenge over at Creative Card Crew # 9 - Everyone Emboss, well that one speaks for itself.
Lastly I am entering it for the ABC challenge - M is for metallic

I haven't made a standard card this time but another money holder, here it is

and the inside

I am quite pleased with the way this turned out considering I have never needed a Graduation card before.

I made the card from Bazzill CS cut in an 'L' shape, the inside was lined with paper before the bottom was folded up to make a pocket.

On the front I have added a piece of PP which has been embossed with my CB Script embossing folder. I cut the Numbers using my Cricut from black card. The notepaper was torn from a memo pad and the stickers were added, I matted the paper onto a piece of white card before adding the metal clip. The Diploma is just printer paper rolled and tied with a narrow ribbon. To finish I added some tiny congratulations peel off to the side of the card.

On the inside i have added a ribbon to the top of the pocket and a row of congratulations peel offs to the bottom of the card. the inside was finished off with a Mortarboard which I made out of a square of Black Bazzill, a black brad and some sewing thread with which I made the tassel.

Here is what I used-

Card base - Bazzill - Aloe Vera
Paper - Shabby Princess - Urban Kiwi
Ribbon - Basic Grey
Everything else from my stash

Hope you like it

Another card for a Post Pal and 2 challenges!

2009-05-08T19:04:00.005+01:00

Firstly I would like to Thank everyone who posted a message regarding yesterdays post and have agreed to send cards etc to Post Pals. If we bring a smile to one child's face then it is all worthwhile.

My card for today covers 2 challenges and is another card that will be sent to a Post Pal child, the first challenge is for Papertake Weekly where they want you to follow this wonderful sketch by Dawny P.

The second challenge is for Dare You 2 Digi stamp . The challenge here is to use Gingham & Stitching and send your card to Post Pals in order to qualify for entry into our prize draw, pop over to the DU2DS blog to get full details of the conditions of entry.

You may stitch by hand, sewing machine, faux etc. Don't forget your image needs to be digi. Post Pals are also sponsoring half of the prize there this week as well.

So here is my card for today which follows the sketch on Papertake and has all the elements for DU2DS.

It features PP by Making Memories Ethan collection, I love this paper! The Orange strip across the middle is fabric and the image is a freebie from Dustin Pike.

I have chosen to send this card and the one I made yesterday to 2 children on Post Pals, one is Joe B and the other is Zachary H, I will be enclosing a letter with each of them and over the weekend I want to alter 2 baby milk tins and fill then with items to send with the cards. I will post the pictures of these when I have made them.

I hope that some of you choose to help by sending a card or letter to bring a smile to these children's faces.

I hope they like what I am sending

A Card for Someone Special

2009-05-07T21:01:00.006+01:00

OK, a few things I want to say before I get to my card for today.

Firstly I want to say a big Thank You to everyone who sent me get well wishes yesterday, I think the stress of waiting to see if my Husband is going to be made redundant just got to me a bit yesterday, when they did the first lot of redundancy's about 6 weeks ago the whole factory was put on 30 days notice but this time they have been told that they will know by next Friday and if they are on the list they will be gone by next week. It isn't looking good this time as they want to get rid of 15 from Tony's section and there is only 45 work in this bit of the factory. I suppose what will be will be but it is still a worry.

Enough of me feeling sorry for myself I now want to tell you a little about an organisation here in the UK I found out about today, it is called Post Pals. This organisation works on behalf of seriously ill children .

They feature seriously ill children (most have cancer or are going through transplants) and their siblings on their website http://www.postpals.co.uk/ . The idea is that they invite members of the public to log on from around the world and send a card to a child who is ill. The aim is to help bring a little joy to the child who is ill but you can also send cards, letters or gifts to the siblings of the child who is ill. My own grandson was diagnosed 4 years ago with Retinoblastoma at the age of 3 and had to have his eye removed, he then had to have a course of Chemotherapy and luckily he has had no return of his cancer so he is in remission. It was a particularly hard time for my family especially the other children who don't really understand what was happening to Ellis.

My card today will be sent to a child on the list at Post Pals, I understand how hard it is on both the affected child and the siblings when something like this happens within a family.

I am entering this for the challenge at 365 cards who want to see candy on the card and also for the challenge at Cute card Thursday as this is where I found out about Post pals, their challenge is Happy Mail, I am hoping this will make someone happy if only for a short time.

Here is my card, I haven't photographed the inside as I aim to add a personal message to the child and to enclose a letter to the parents as well.

We all make so many cards following these challenges maybe you could spare one or two to send to an organisation like this one!

I took a card and added a strip of the striped paper to the bottom, the paper reminds me of Seaside Rock, I glued 3 sticks to the card a to mount the lollipops too. I made the lollipops from shrink plastic, matted them onto a scalloped circle and once stuck to the card I added a ribbon to match each lollipop.

I wanted to make it look like a basket of lollipops so added another piece of the Orange paper onto which I have printed 'Your So Sweet' I cut a scalloped frame from the same paper and added this to mimic a handle and added the buttons to the bottom.

Paper - BG Oh Baby

Lollipops - shrink plastic

Buttons - from my stash

Hope you like it

365 Cards - Day 67 and Raspberry Ribbons

2009-05-06T22:06:00.005+01:00

I wanted to get my card done this morning before I went to work but I just didn't have time and now I am glad I didn't. Whilst at work my Niece Kayleigh came in to see me to tell me that she and her Boyfriend had set the date for their wedding. I am so happy for them!

So you can see that now I have a great reason for making a card today, whilst chatting to her she told me she wants me to make all her wedding stationary and design and make her wedding flowers, the wedding isn't until August 2010 so I have a little time to come up with some ideas.

Anyway onto today's card then, the challenge at 365 Cards today was 'Think Pink', it is Pam's favourite colour so she just wants to see a whole lot of Pink on our cards.

While thinking of a design for this card I happened across a blog I haven't visited before called Raspberry Ribbons where I found this sketch

I liked the look of the sketch so I used it to make today's card and here it is

I promise you that this card is Pink, I have taken about 6 photo's of this but the light will not let me show it in it's true colours so unfortunately you will have to take my word for it being the right colour, maybe get a better shot tomorrow in daylight.

A simple but elegant design with the sentiment taking centre stage, just as it should be!

Card - DCWV Wedding card to match Wedding papers

Paper - Pink Petticoat

DCWV Wedding stack

Pearls and ribbon from my stash

Sentiment by Rebbecca Harty

Only a quick post tonight as I am not really feeling too good so I am off to my bed, hope you like my card and thanks for stopping by!

365 Cards - Day 66 - A Certain Sentiment #2

2009-05-05T20:41:00.003+01:00

I couldn't believe my eyes this morning when I saw the challenge on 365 Cards, I honestly think these challenges are getting harder but I suppose that is the whole point of the word 'Challenge'. Pam really knows how to push us to places outside our safe zones.

I also notice that this is Sentiment challenge #2 so I guess there will be more of these to come. Anyway today's challenge was to use the sentiment

"You are there, and I am here"

I thought about this all day at work and have come up with this

I took a White card base and matted a piece of Red to it that was cut slightly smaller than the card front.

I printed the sentiment onto white card so it is now background paper as such, I have added to the sentiment as mine reads :-

You are there 4 me and I am there 4 you ~ I Love you

Once printed I cut it into strips and mounted it onto Black card then adhered the pieces to the red using 3D foam pads. I took 3 flowers that match the paper and added a Black brad to the centre of each flower tying some Black fibres behind the flower before gluing them on in a diagonal line.

I plant to give this card to my Hubby to cheer him up as tomorrow he will be put on 30 days at work for the second time in a few months, we now wait to see if he gets made redundant this time.

Hope you like it

Another car Boot find revamped!

2009-05-04T20:48:00.007+01:00

I love car boot sales and I try to make it every Sunday to our local one. It always surprises me the rubbish that some people take to sell at a car boot sale but you do get some good items if you look for them and get there early.

You know what they say 'One mans trash is another mans treasure'

Well here is the other little treasure I found last time I went, I bought this and the wooden chest I posted yesterday for 50p each!

The inside is just an empty box so I decided to make it into a Key Cupboard.

Here is what it looks like now

At first this said country cottage to me but then I decided to go for a more funky look. I wanted to use this digi paper as it has a small pattern on it, it is a Free Download from Shabby Princess called Express Yourself so I took my colours from the paper.

Using my Acrylic paints I painted the window frame White and then mixed the colours to match the paper and painted the rest of the box Blue. The window box was painted in the same Chocolate Truffle I painted the chest in yesterday.

I cut a piece of the paper to fit the back of the box and then stuck a piece of wood that had been painted Chocolate and cut to size to the back of the box to screw the hooks into.

Originally I was going to try and make curtains for the inside of the window but I remembered I had some off cuts from my vertical blinds so I cut 2 lengths into 2cm strips and fixed them to the inside of the window allowing 4 lengths for each side, I tried the blinds shut but thought they looked better open so you can see into the box. I added a trim to the top and bottom cut from Bazzill using my MS punch.

Here is a closer view, you can see the blinds better in this picture

I printed the Flower paper from the same range and cut out the flowers and using strips of card, some 3D foam pads I made the flowery window box display.

I am really pleased with how this turned out and I think I already have a buyer for this one!

Hopefully I will find more treasure next Sunday when I go again

Hope you like it

1 Card for 3 challenges - 365 Cards - Creative Card Crew and Creative Belli Blog

2009-05-04T09:45:00.006+01:00

Well I thought the challenge on 365 Cards was going to be a no go for me today as they want you to make a card for Mother's Day, here in the UK we have already celebrated Mothering Sunday and as my own Mum passed away 7 years ago I wasn't sure I would be able to complete this challenge.

Then I read the spec again and this is what it says:-

It's an opportunity to honor a special mom (grandma, sister, aunt) in your life. The sentiment should reflect this.

So I sat and thought about the women who have come into my life and about the part they have played and immediately one person came to mind, my Daughter in Law Karen.

Karen was first my boss and my friend and that's how she met my Son, we worked together for a while and although we haven't always seen eye to eye she has been a significant person in my life, Karen helped me through a couple of tough years whilst having family problems and I am not sure she knows just how grateful I am that she was there for me, it was a time when I had personal problems and also the year I lost both of my Parents, so this card is for Karen, first boss then friend and now family.

I struggled with a design for this card until I saw the sketch for the Creative Card Crew Challenge, I think this is a lovely design so I have used this sketch for my card.

Whilst making it I remembered the challenge on the Creative Belli Blog where they want you to use Jumbo Brads or Jumbo Eyelets. If you do not have these items, substitute another piece of hardware that you have not used in awhile.

I had just taken out my MM tag Maker that I haven't used for at least 2 years so this fits the bill with this challenge as well.

Here is my card for Karen

The sentiment reads:-

The best part of life is when Family become your Friends and your Friends become your family.

I think this sentiment reflects the way I feel about the relationship between Karen and I.

Here is what I have used

Card base - Black bazzill
Papers - DCWV Wedding mat stack
Flowers - Prima
Sentiment from Bethany Harty
Ribbon and Brads from my stash

I hope Karen likes this card and it goes someway to letting her know how much I appreciate everything she does and who she is.

I have had a busy day, another Long post!!!!!

2009-05-03T19:47:00.021+01:00

As I have already told you all I didn't achieve very much yesterday but I think I have made up for it today.

I have had this little wooden crib knocking around the house for a couple of years now and never quite knew what to do with it until today. The crib measures just 4" high, 4" wide and 6" long, it looks bigger in the photo!

Well I finally decided to do something with it and this is how it looks now

I painted the crib using Laura Ashley paint in Ivory, I also used Laura Ashley Peony to paint the small side rails. I took my Rubber Stamp tapestry Stamps and my SU Certainly Celery, Rose, Perfect Plum and Pale Plum inks to stamp the design.

I then decided to make a small acrylic album to go in it and as it only measures 2.25" x 4.5" I filled it with Baby Girl Poems that I printed onto vellum.

The front cover complete with pram charm.

First 2 pages

Next 2 pages

Last 2 pages

The back cover which I have made to look like a patchwork quilt

The album inside the crib

I am not sure if this will be a gift for someone at work or go in my collection for the Baby shop

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I then decided it was time to look at today's challenge on 365 Cards and today it is Day 64 - Super Sketch Sunday

Here is today's sketch

I had a project in mind and as soon as I saw the challenge on Colour Create I knew I was going to combine the 2 challenges.

The challenge on Colour Create has been chosen by Mina using this picture as inspiration and the colours Red, Cream and Chocolate with the added option of using ribbon.

Yummy isn't it?

Well here is my card for the challenge on 365 cards

For my card I cut a card base at 4" x 3.5" out of Bazzill Java so it would fit inside the box, I used a scrap of the same PP from Creative Imaginations and a length of ribbon to cut across the design. I stamped the swirl with my Rhonna farrer stamps using Dk. Brown stazon and added the 3 pearls. I finished the design by adding the Red Flower threaded with the Brown Mother of pearl Button.

I then started my project for the Colour Create challenge.

I bought this little box at the car boot sale for 50p a few weeks ago, it was just plain wood so here is what I have done with it using the colours from Colour Create and the Sketch from 365 Cards

I painted the outside of the box with Chocolate Truffle mat emulsion ( it looks Black in the photo but it is a rich chocolate brown) I then cut the PP to fit diagonally across the box lid, the PP is from a collection that I bought a while ago by Creative Imaginations.

I used my Rhonna farrer stamps to stamp the swirls and added the pearls, I used a length of rather luscious Cream braid to follow the line of the paper, this is my ribbon.

This PP is called cream lines and has a scalloped edge which I cut so it was along both the bottom and left side of the lid, I used the holes in the scallops to attach buttons by stitching them in a line using Linen thread and the holes as a guide.

The inside of the box has been painted using Laura Ashley Ivory paint and has another piece of the PP stuck to the bottom of the inside of the box.

The box with gift card inside

I think this would make a lovely Jewelry box for someone.

Well that's all form me today but I am not at work tomorrow so maybe I will get time to play some more.

Hope you like my projects, if you do please leave me a comment, I really appreciate them

365 Cards # 63, Secret Crafter # 30 and Use it Challenges

2009-05-02T22:36:00.010+01:00

Well today was National Scrapbook day, I had loads planned and what did I manage to get done all day?

I tell you - One card!! Why?

I had both my Daughter Sarah and 2 of my DIL's round to scrap, one of my DIL's; Karen is a very accomplished Scrapbooker but Marie has never done anything like this before, my Daughter has made a couple of things but is still very much a novice.

They both ended the day having finished a complete project so both were very happy, I on the other hand got nothing done as I was showing my DIL how to make this based on the one I made the other day

Marie wanted to make this after seeing Sarah's, she has used photo's of her 2 Sons.

At the same time both Karen and I helped Sarah to make these

These have been made into the cheap Ikea photo frames that cost about £1-00 for 3, from the angle I have taken the pictures you cant actually see they are in frames.
Sarah has used the photo's from her make over we got her for her 14th Birthday.

But I did manage to get this made once they had all gone home

This is for today's challenge on 365 Cards where we had to use 8 Flowers, I have made this using the green flowered paper, printed the sentiment which reads

A Mothers treasure is her Daughter

This was cut out using my nestabilities and I cut a larger circle in Pink to add the sentiment on to, I added a green ribbon and 8 different flowers, even though some are layered I still have 8 different ones.

This also covers the challenge at the Use it blog which is to use

Flowers - which I have

Fibres - which I have

Metal -which are the brads

Tool you dont often use- I used my old paper trimmer, I normally cut everything with a craft knife and a ruler.

A card to honour an important woman in your life - this is for my daughter.

Lastly it is for the challenge at the Secret Crafter Saturday challenge who want us to use Flowers on our cards, starting to see a pattern here!

An eventful day even if I didnt get alot done, have you done anything for NSD?

365 Cards, Cute Card Thursday and DU2DS challenges

2009-05-01T18:28:00.004+01:00

I needed a card for my Granddaughters 6th Birthday tomorrow and although I now have a box full of cards and in that box I have many cards that I could have used when I looked at the challenge on 365 Cards today I decided to make a new one. In fact this card covers 3 different challenges.

Today's challenge on 365 Cards is called Age is Just Number

A number should be on the card - a date, age, whatever - but the number should signify the importance of the event.

The next challenge is for Cute Card Thursday this challenge is called Mirror, Mirror and they challenge you to use something shiny

The last challenge is for Dare You 2 Digi Stamp and the challenge is this sketch and of course to use a Digi stamp on your card.

So here is the card for my Granddaughters birthday

For 365 Cards it has to have a number which on my card is 6 and on the number 6 I have written today

For Cute card Thursday it has to have something shiny and the image is mounted onto Silver card and it also has the Silver handbag charm.

For DU2DS it has to follow the sketch which it does.

Spotted paper is Doodlebug which I mounted onto a white card base with the Doodlebug ribbon being tied around the card base. I used co-ordinating Doodlebug card in Bubblegum and Cupcake which I embossed with the Swiss dots folder before I cut the circles and outer frames using my Nestabilities.

The image is from Pink Petticoat and has been coloured with watercolours and Sakura pens then mounted onto another piece of Bubblegum card and then onto Silver before being added to the card.

Both the number 6 and the handbag charm have been added using 3D foam pads.

I hope she likes it!

365 Cards - Day 61 and ABC - L is for List

2009-04-30T18:13:00.003+01:00

Ok second post today, I have to admit this isnt nearly as good as the project I posted this morning.

My card today is for 2 challenges, the first is for 365 Cards - Day 61 - 'Leaf it up to me'

So today's challenge is to put a leaf (or two or three) on your card. Stamp it, draw it, cut it out, use an image or the real thing, but there must be at least one leaf on your card

The second challenge is ABC Challenge - L is for List

We would like to see the following contained somewhere on your card or project.

1 ribbon
3 flowers
6 brads

Here is my card

A quite simple card but the sentiment is the feature of this card, it reads

"The Friends we meet on the path of life make the trip worthwhile"

I love the words on this card so much I want to 'Send' it to all my new friends in blogland who inspire me everyday with their kind and thoughtful comments on the cards and projects I post on here daily.

I hope you enjoy this card!

Paper Blooms #5 - Inspiration and....

2009-04-30T07:15:00.008+01:00

... something to cheer my Daughter up as she is poorly!

My poor Sarah has Tonsillitus which isn't unusual but she had her Tonsills out about 2 years ago so to help cheer her up I decided to use this challenge to make something for her bedroom.

The challenge at Paper Blooms this week was to take inspiration from this picture of Leah's dishes, they say vintage and Laura Ashley to me so I got out my K & Co. Hannah papers and set to it.

This is what I made her

Not the best picture so here is each piece in more detail

Cameron is Sarah's Boyfriend

Dean is Sarah's Brother, my Husband and I only have Dean and Sarah together

and this is her 'Daddy'

I took a selection of photo's that were taken at the weddings of each of our 3 sons and printed them quite small, most of the photo's were of her as a Bridesmaid.

I took 2 squares of Acetate and puched a hole at each side at both top and bottom, the heart is wood and as luck had it I already had this cut out so I painted it with Ivory Laura Ashley paint and covered it with paper, edged all round with a gold Krylon pen.

I decorated the heart and each piece of Acetate with papers, flowers and computer generated sentiment, added the photo's and tied the whole thing together with Ribbons.

If you haven't been across to Paper Blooms yet you really should go and have a look, its quite a new challenge blog but the DT work is fab and they have had some great challenges so far, go on take a look, have a go, its always good to try something new.

Well Sarah has just got up and she loves it, so I am glad it has made her feel a little happier, hope you like it too!

365 Cards - Day 60 - Say What!!

2009-04-29T09:23:00.005+01:00

What a fun challenge they have today at 365 Cards, you need to use the sentiment 'What' either on the outside or inside of the card, as soon as I saw it I knew which image I was going to use.

Here is my card

and the inside

Simple but to the point I think!

Today I also want to have a look at the challenge on Paper Blooms, it is a relatively new challenge blog but so far they have had some great challenges and you dont even need to use Leah's gorgeous blooms to enter I would if I had any as they are yummy. If you are looking for a new challenge why not pop in and take a look for yourself

365 Cards - Day 59 and Card Patterns Sketch 12

2009-04-28T20:44:00.004+01:00

This is the sketch for this weeks Card Patterns challenge # 12, this is the first time I have entered this challenge but I liked the sketch so I thought I would have a go.

I am using this sketch to make a card which will also double for the challenge on 365 cards

Todays challenge on 365 Cards is 'A Certain Sentiment' the object is to use a sentiment you wouldnt normally use so you have different cards for unexpected occasions.

Today's sentiment is 'I Miss You' or something similar

Here is my card

I took a white base card and layered it with PP from DCWV Wedding stack, added the next layer which is SU card in Lavender lace. I cut a strip of another PP from the same stack to add on top of the card layer.

I layered my silk flowers and held them together with a brad, positioned one each side of the card leaving a gap between them.

The sentiment was also used by Mandy on her card, she very kindly left the link to the website so I went and downloaded of for myself. Once printed I matted this onto a small piece of the SU card and added it to the bottom of my card.

I used my Cricut to cut a small heart at 1.5" stuck a pearl heart to the top of it and placed it into the gap using 3D pads.

Hope you like it

Another card for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge

2009-04-28T15:30:00.004+01:00

Now you cant have a Baby Boys card without making one for a Girl so I made this one in the shape of a Dress with a cute apron as well.

So here is another card for the Secret Crafter challenge #29 Shaped cards.

I have used Bazzill for the Dress and plain White card for the Apron, both have been stamped using my Rubber stamp Tapestry stamps in a combination of SU Jolly Rose, Certainly Celery and Almost Amethyst.
I have added a lace trim and some ribbon to the apron with a couple of pearls to the shoulders.

Hope you like it!

Onsie card to add to my Baby Collection!!

2009-04-28T10:32:00.003+01:00

Today I have made a card that covers 2 challenges.

The first is for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge which is to make a shaped card

The second is for Cupcake Craft Challenge which is to use 5 different embellishments

your creation must include 5 DIFFERENT embellishments (not including your card, papers or images!). You can use more than one flower or brad for example, but it will only count once!!!

So here is my card

For the Saturday challenge shape I made a 'Onsie' shaped card and for the cupcake crafts my 5 different embellishments are:-

1. White ribbon and Ric Rac
2. Blue Buttons
3. Blue Eyelets
4. Blue fabric Teddy on pocket
5. White Heart shaped Jewels on sleeves

This card will be added to the collection of items made using these colours to take to show the lady who runs a local baby shop with a view to her selling them for me.

Hope you like it