lazy trout

I Tawt I Taw A Puddy Tat!!!!

2012-01-28T12:52:00.004Z

Ok.... Not the real Sylvester, but a little pink one the I finished yesterday. Once again I got the instructions from the book Stray Sock Sewing by Daniel and once again I thought it was really easy to make.

I used trainer socks this time (bought from Asda) and I thought the pattern would be good for this little cat. The little collar that I put round the neck was just some sock left over and because i never had a little bell (maybe have to buy some) I just used a button.

I love the cute little expression on her face and I'm glad it turned out ok.

Yum Yum Yum

2012-01-24T10:40:00.004Z

Its such a cold, damp miserable Tuesday morning and I need to start getting ready to go to work soon (sad face). I've had such a lovely weekend with the kids and Anthony. We nipped up to Kirkby Lonsdale on Saturday for a bit of shopping and a pub lunch. When I say shopping, it doesn't mean one of those spend spend spend moments. No! All I managed to buy was a new white butter dish that I have been after for ages. But believe me when I say... I could have spent a small fortune :).
Sunday was a chilled day at home as the weather once again wasn't great. But managed to do some baking... YUM!!!

Coffee Walnut Cake
Now I have to say I'm not a huge fan of coffee cakes but I had to give this a try. And it was bl**dy lovely.

I've already got a slice put away to take to work with me :).
Well I hope who reads this has a great day and pop back soon... as you never know when I might blog again lol.

ONLY ME

2012-01-17T11:06:00.008Z

OMG - blogging again!!!

I'm going to try and blog at least once a week or maybe once a month. Whether its about anything that I've made or just the general going's on in my life. I've spent so much time away from here that its nice to be able to sit and waffle on about stuff.
Went out on Saturday night (great night by the way) and was feeling a little bit rough on the Sunday morning that my partner Anthony decided we should get some fresh air. So we got wrapped up warm and had a stroll down the promenade. Lucky for us we only live 5 minutes away from the sea :). Have to say it was a beautiful, if cold day but it was lovely. We both took our cameras out with us and I managed to get a photo of the stone jetty and the Art Deco Midland Hotel. I managed one decent shot as i was shaking with the cold too much to take any decent ones.

Friday night was a nice chilled out night when I thought i would have a try at making another 'sock' thing/creature/whatever. There was no instructions for this one but plenty of photos 'Stray Sock Sewing by Daniel'.... So out came some socks and 2 hours later 'Matilda' was born. I didn't expect her to be so tall - ended up being 16 inches. But with all the stuffing that it took to fill her - no wonder she stretched a bit lol. Have to say she is quite the moody one!!

Matilda

Well I need to get off here as I have to start getting ready for work. Such a long day today (sad face) and wont get home till after 11 tonight. So if anyone reads this... Hope you have a fab day whatever you are doing and hopefully will 'blog' you later. x

Where has the time gone? Oh yeah a little bit of Stray Sock sewing

2012-01-10T10:00:00.021Z

Tick Tock.... where did the time go? Can't believe its been so long since I posted anything on here! So much has changed in my life these past few years (long story) which I really cant blog about. But everything is going pretty good at the the moment which makes me smile.

I'm still working at Tesco (over 3 years) and sadly to say not much crafting gets done in my life now. Kids, work and home are the most important things in my life at the moment so card making has seriously taken a back seat. Don't get me wrong I'm still making stuff, but not cards etc :(. I seem to have taken up baking.... which I'm seriously enjoying!!! Also have taken to creating 'things' with socks lol!!!!

PUNK ZEBRA
I got a really cool book off my partner for Christmas called 'Stray Sock Sewing by Daniel' published by David & Charles which is fab. So last night whilst sat doing nothing I thought what the hell I will give it a go! So following the books instructions I came up with this little cutie. I was surprised at how easy it was to make and took just 2 hours 'ish to do.

ZOMBIE FAMILY
These little 'things' I made just around Halloween time with my youngest. I got the idea from a book I seen on the internet and made my own little template. Cant say these are made from socks. I had an old pair of jeans that were ripped so they came in handy for the larger one and the small one was made from felt.

LITTLE NIPPER
This addition to the family was the first'ish! Been trawling through the internet looking for stuff when I came across 'Sock Monsters' well I have to say I was hooked! This 'Little Nipper' was my 3rd attempt at making things with socks and I have to say I was so proud of my little addition. The first 2 were fine but they were 'cute' where as I was trying for something less cute!

SHEEPISHLY SAYS HELLO

2009-03-13T09:52:00.006Z

Well where has all the time gone??? Cant believe its been been so long since I've been here in blogging land.

For starters I am still working for TESCO - not bad seeing I was only supposed to be there 8 weeks - its now been 6 months. Still on a temporary contract - they just keep extending it - and this one runs out on April 5th so I will find out then whats happening. Still working lots of hours so crafting time has really taken a back seat, which I am missing so much. I have made some great friends working there and we have had a couple of nights out which has been great fun - me being the eldest which is strange when I'm going out drinking with 18 to 23 years olds.

Well in December I celebrated my 37th Birthday!!! I cant believe it! 37. Went out with the girls from work as one them was also 18 so it was a great night out. I would also like to thanks Alina for the beautiful earrings - I have worn them a few times now and people always comment on them - so thank you hun they are beautiful.

Christmas came and went and the kids had a blast. Both were spoilt rotten again! I was working over Christmas but I still had a great time. I also treated myself and bought a CRICUT - I had been putting money to the side and finally had enough to buy one! Guess what - it has been out the box once to have a play and now it is sat gathering dust as i just don't have the time to play with it.

I have managed to make, yes MAKE I hear you cry, two cards in all this time.

This one was for a friends uncle in Australia who had had a few operations and was very ill. She wanted it personalised with his name and she loved it.

And this was for her son to send to his girlfriend for Valentines.

Well going to get off as I have lots to catch up on. So happy blogging xxx

TIME ON MY HANDS

2008-11-26T14:21:00.002Z

Well not that much, but I couldn't help but make these two little hangers for crimbo.

I made the little Penguin on Monday and I managed to finish off the little snowman today (day off).

I got the shapes for them out of a book called 'CHRISTMAS THINGS TO STITCH & SEW' by Usborne Activities. I bought the book for the kids to have a go at making some stuff - but up to now its just me making.

I spent an obscene amount of time this morning doing my ironing (3 HOURS - gasp) that i needed some little old me time. Hopefully tonight I will get round to visiting the blogging world and catch up with everyone.

Sorry its a short post but I really need to get the kids dinners ready as they will be home in an hour.

BYEEEEEEEE!!

IT'S ME!!!

2008-11-18T12:26:00.002Z

I'm so sorry for the long absence but I seem to have been doing lots of hours at work and everything has taken a back seat. I have sort of been told that I am going to be kept on until January then I will have to see if they are going to take me on permanently.

Hubby went back to work yesterday - so strange him not being at home. They are having him doing light duties this week just to make sure he is alright. And, because he is back at work I have new hours now at work - so it gives me days to myself. So instead of starting at 3pm till 11pm, I am starting later at 5pm - which will be great as I will get to see the kids. The only thing is I will be working weekends from now on either an 8am start or 9am till 4.30pm.

Guess What???????

I managed to actually make a little something the other night. I had doodled this little robin ages ago ready to make him but never got the chance. But finally had a little go.
Sorry for the dull photo - the light here today is naff!

And last night my eldest made this little cutie - she copied my robin and I think she did great. It is attached to a card but my youngest got hold of it and it now has black fingerprints on the edges - so I did a close up.

Going to get off and get the kids dinner ready for them coming in from school - I'm working tonight and still have loads of things to do.

Catch you later!

OMG - I HAVE BLOGGED :P

2008-10-07T22:42:00.003+01:00

Just thought I would pop on to let you know I am still about - but not managing to make anything as I am working some serious hours (50 hours last week).

I am so missing not being able to get my crafting head on and getting covered in glue etc - but the free time I have is for catching up with the housework and the dreaded ironing. I am also missing the kids (BIG TIME). I get to see them in the morning before school and then i don't see them again until the next day.

Paul is still at home so he is managing to deal with the kids (gives him something to do) - but he is getting sooo bored at being stuck in the house. He went to the hospital last Monday and had his cast taken off, and then they gave him a new one! This one will have to stay on for 3 weeks and then he may get another one for 2 weeks depending on whether the tendon is healing properly.

So getting off now as I really need to get to bed. Hope to catch up with you all real soon.

Hugs Donna

I HAVE A JOB

2008-09-04T21:47:00.002+01:00

OK - it's only temporary- at least 8 weeks - but its come at a good time.
I started at TESCO on Tuesday after having an interview on the Monday (best interview ever!)
I'm really enjoying it. The people I work with are brill and its a great atmosphere. I've only done 2 shifts so far - both being 3pm - 11.15pm - but its great even though I was soooo tired at the end of Tuesday night. Just not used to working :)

On Saturday hubby ruptured his Achilles tendon playing badminton and he will be off work for up to 10 weeks. He was kept in hospital for 2 days while they decided whether to operate or not. In the end they decided to put him in a cast - so he now has a cast from his toes to his knee and he will have it replaced in 4 weeks so they can set his foot at a different angle. Have too say he is sooooo bored!!!!!

So thought I would update you on what I was up to and hopefully I willl be able to catch up with all your blogs - I am really missing not being able to check up on everyone.

Catch you all later X

MEET STANLEY :) the

2008-08-26T20:05:00.005+01:00

ONE EYE, ONE HORN, FLYING PURPLE PEOPLE EATER

Finally finished him this evening - with even a smile from hubby.
I have had the shapes cut out for a few weeks and decided that I would get him finished.

And I just love him :) He is just 'sew' cute!

Sorry for the naff pictures but I just cant seem to get my camera settings right - will have to have a little play with the camera to see what I have changed.
Sorry for not catching up with your blogs, but been majorly busy this past week or so - and with loads more stuff to do.

BAA BAA B.......

2008-08-19T19:35:00.003+01:00

BROWN SHEEP
Introducing Ewan The Sheep

I finished him last night as I got a little bored with ironing etc. He didn't take long to make and I just love the blank expression on his face. Have to say my daughters want him but i have decided to keep him for myself :)

When I came to do his eyes, I didn't have a pair of buttons that were the same. I have over a 100 brown buttons and couldn't find 2 matching ones. So, I had to resort to 2 grey ones - but i think they work pretty well.

These are small key rings that I have started to make for my friends who are having babies.
I found out today (yippee) that my dear friend Helen is having a little girl in December which is great news, as the other pregnancies are all boys. The sad part was that she told me at her dads funeral. He died last Monday of cancer and his funeral was today - so he wont get to see his grand-daughter which is just so sad.

I have been a little busy this weekend as well, doing some new designs for CocoCards which hopefully will be added to the website soon (if they are ok'd).

Catch you all later x

I LOVE MY POSTIE

2008-08-15T20:10:00.012+01:00

My dear blogging friend Charlene ( willow and paisley ) sent me a gorgeous package of scrumptiousness all the way from Canada. I couldnt believe how much yummy stuff she managed to cram into the package. All of it is by Papertrey - check it out here

Gorgeous rainbow coloured ribbons (droolicious)

Gorgeous patterned papers (drool)

Co-ordinating card stock - beautiful quality and colours

Some lovely stamped images with loads of dew drops (hope thats what they are called) and some gorgeous pearlised embossed flowers.

And this cute little card - she did post it on her blog but its so great to have it in my hands.

So Charlene thankyou so much hun for a wonderful parcel - your generosity has overwhelmed me - and I really cant wait to get stuck into the goodies.

Sorry for the lack of posts this week but I have been a bit busy doing some new designs for cococards .

PINK ELEPHANTS -photos added

2008-08-11T23:30:00.007+01:00

Such a busy weekend - I managed to catch up with everything I needed too at last. That ironing pile sure grows quickly in this house :)

On to tonight -
I made 2 pink elephants (smile on my face) - one of which is a keyring and I am really happy with the way they turned out. Just taken a few photos and my camera died on me arghhhh. So I can't upload the pictures.

I made the large one first (13cm high x 16cm wide)- very basic shape (in other words easy) - and I think its cute :) - hubby thinks I should make them as presents for friends who are pregnant or make some for the school fayre etc.

The little keyring, I made to see if i could downsize from the larger size and it worked. It measures 5.5cm high x 7cm wide. I bought 5 keyrings from my local market on saturday and i have been determined to make something to attach to them, and the elephant worked a charm.

So watch this space as I will upload the piccies tomorrow when my batteries are charged. :)

BARNEY

2008-08-07T23:48:00.006+01:00

Meet 'Barney The Owl'.

This little addition will probably be the last one this week as I have so much stuff to catch up on. I have been so engrossed in making these little critters that my housework has been sat on the back burner - so tomorrow I will be catching up big style!

I bought this little bit of material (6in x 20in) the other day for 50p and I knew that i would at least make a little owl or two from it. The back of Barney is made from Dark Brown felt that I also bought the other day.

I attached the bits for his face then started sewing and attached one of his wings - then as I got to the other side I attached his other wing without really taking notice of the position (I'm a fool) and realised after i had turned him inside out, that it was higher than the other one. So as you can see one wing is sort of at an angle and the other is attached straight. I have now learnt my lesson for the day - PAY ATTENTION to the details! :*)

Some of the kids on the street now want me to make them some - but I have declined - well to be honest i am enjoying making them for myself! :) :)

Tonight whilst hubby was on the computer looking at House Insurance I made myself a little pincushion to pass away the boredom - I think it looks cute - but hubby thinks its strange!!??? I will remember to get a photo of it soon and stick it on here - you have to promise not to laugh though! :)

Before I get off for the night here is the little mouse that Caitlyn my eldest made. I think she did a brilliant job as it was her first attempt. I helped her a little but she managed to do about 95% of it.

She chose the colours herself - bright pink and bright orange and it is BRIGHT! I cut out the shapes for her and she did a small test piece first to make sure her stitching was ok. The tail was last minute or should I say forgotten! She had finished stitching then decided to add a tail so I attached it for her using the button. It kind of looks cute!

And here is a piccy of Caitlyn with her mouse - she is so proud of what she achieved.

So getting off now - so catch you all later.

MEET MANNI

2008-08-06T21:52:00.006+01:00

Meet MANNI THE MANIC MOUSE!! LOL!

I had a little bit of fun making him last night :)

I found a really old pair of jeans that my large butt wouldn't fit in to any more and happily cut into them. Its great as i have loads of denim squares now that means I can make a little family of deranged looking mice!!

I used 2 different sizes and shades of red buttons for the eyes - to give him that 'strange' look. Then after I had finished sewing him I decided to add some teeth - (typical of me wait until the end and then decide to add something extra). I know they aren't the best looking teeth - but they give him charm.
I filled him with rice again as I had nothing else - but whilst I was out today I visited my LCS and bought some Habico Polyester Filling, so at least any new 'family members' will feel squishy and a lot lighter!

I am in the process of losing this one to my eldest Caitlyn as well.

Now Caitlyn also made one last night which for her first attempt was brilliant. I did have to help her a little bit - but she did great. So I will try and post a picture of hers tomorrow.

Going to get off as I have some ideas floating around in this head of mine of more 'things' to make :*)

Thanks for visiting!

MAVIS

2008-08-05T10:18:00.008+01:00

Introducing 'MAVIS' The Mouse??

They are so addictive to make and this is actually the 3rd one that I made yesterday. The first mouse that I made (that daughter pinched) has now been given to a friend - so last night whilst it was quiet in the house I made this little lady.

She is smaller than Fred & Elsie (other mouse) - I cut the squares of felt to 9cm this time but I made the ears slightly bigger. The only thing is i wish I had set the eyes a little more to the tip of the nose - but I think she is still cute.

So hopefully today (if it stops raining) I am going to the market to try and get some bits of different material and some more felt. Then probably later I will raid my jeans draw and see what i can cut up :).

Please click here for some fabby pics of loads of chickens :). - Thanks for the link Fryne :)

INTRODUCING 'FRED'

2008-08-04T15:32:00.005+01:00

This morning when I got up I was determined to make something other than a card.

I found a photo in my Crafts Beautiful September Edition (page 83) which showed some animals made from fabric leftovers. I thought I would give it a try. Now I don't sew (I can, but I'm lazy ;)) and I am really happy with the way 'he' turned out.

So here is the new addition to the family - 'FRED' named by my youngest.

I cut the fabric in to 2, 14cm squares and the the other bits from felt. The eyes weren't on the picture in the magazine but I added them as I think FRED needed them. I used rice to fill him as I didn't have any dried peas or lentils - and he sits perfectly :).

As I really enjoyed making FRED - you will probably get to meet a few more new additions soon.

WORDLE

2008-08-02T22:58:00.007+01:00

Create a Wordle - a little bit of fun!

Wordle - lazy-trout

Sorry but I cant seem to save a decent size image for you to look at, so click on the link above and make one yourself :)

DON'T ALL FAINT AT ONCE

2008-08-01T23:12:00.006+01:00

OMG - How long is it since I last posted????

I'm sorry for not being around but I've been a bit busy lately. I have been doing some more stuff for CocoCards - adverts & flyer's etc, but I thought I would have a little play tonight and get some of my card stuff out.

I wanted to come up with some new stuff - but I thought, play it safe and make a card for a family friend who is due a Baby Boy next month. And talking of babies I am going to be an auntie again (whoohoo) as my brother and his wife are expecting a baby boy in December, and also one of my oldest, long time friends and her partner are also due a baby in December, but up to now she doesn't know what she is having. So you may be seeing a few baby cards on here :*)

Back to the card! - You may remember I did this style of card a while ago - but this time I had a little play and made it accordion style. Its such a dinky card as it only measures 10cm high and 7.5cm wide.

I used a rubber on the end of a pencil to make the white dots, then I went over them with a sky blue colour. I made the little boat out of scraps and dabbed a bit of ink over it then used 3d foam pads to give it lift. I also used 2in circle punch to make the neck and leg holes, then used a scallop punch to make the 'lace' parts.

The inside poem was printed on my computer then cut out. It was a bit tricky to do but I got there in the end - have to say though I could have been a bit neater with my cutting. I don't know where the poem came from or who wrote it (sure I found it on the web ages ago) but I thought it was cute and it had 3 verses which fit perfectly with the pages of the card.

Hope you are all doing fine and I will hopefully, this weekend catch up with everyone's blogs.

YOU CAN ALL LOOK NOW

2008-07-13T21:35:00.008+01:00

At what I have been upto recently.

Click here and you can see the new website. It went live at midnight last night.

Most of the designs on the site were created by my buddy Claire, who I worked with for quite a few years at our towns local paper.
My main thing for COCOCARDS was designing Mummy Cards. I also managed to do some birthday invites, christening, baby naming and also some birth announcements.

The main aim of COCOCARDS is creating Personalised Photo Cards.

Let me know what you think!

DCM - FRIDAY DARE

2008-07-12T22:50:00.006+01:00

Cards with a certain a-Peel (off)

You can blame Keryn with her rather lovely cool colours dare last week (great cards all BTW!) for the inspiration for this week. I found that I needed to use a peel off and was quite pleased with the results and that got me thinking of a fiendish dare. At least it is for me (Lythan) who is often disparaging of the much maligned shiny sticker. But actually there are some really nice examples of the genre around now. And also people who can do all sorts of gorgeous things with peel off stickers that I would not have thought of. Are you one of them?
So go on, rummage around in your craft stash and Make a card with Peel Offs.

If you really truly honestly don't have any peel offs in the house (and remember I know where you live and will be checking personally) then and only then, are you allowed to use another type of sticker in its place. Go on, I dare you!

WILL THIS COUNT???? As I don't own any peel-offs!

Well I have to say I cheated with this one ;) This is one of the very first cards I made when I started making cards about 4 years ago. Its the only one that I kept, because I couldnt bare to part with it (sad I know)!

Sorry about the state of the photos but taken tonight - with really bad lighting.

YOOOOOO HOOOOOO

2008-07-07T23:22:00.005+01:00

I'm back - well for tonight I am.

Just to let you all know I am fine (thanks for the emails) and been a little bit busy. I have missed making 'cards & stuff' that today I finally managed to make a couple of things for a friends birthday that is soon. I can only show sneeky peeks as she does visit my blog and i dont want to give it all away. :)

I just love these papers by K&Co and I also used my trusty Bind-It-All (again I hear you sigh!) LOL!

The first 2 pictures are of the Birthday Book. I used my new American Crafts Thickers kindly brought back from Singapore by my wonderful dad. They are fab!!!! And now I need more :)

I used my Studio G Alphabet Stamps (brilliant invention!) to do the months inside.

This is the Triangle Trifold Card that I made to match the book. I am sorry for the poor pictures but I cant show any more - lol!!!

Keep popping by - you never know when I will make something again :)

Thought I would share a link to show you what i have been up to cococards . The cards shown are by my good friend Claire (fabby designer) and when the site is up and running you can see what i have been upto. Please dont get too excited as my work is no where as good as Claires.

A VERY SHEEPISH HELLO

2008-06-20T21:23:00.002+01:00

I'm still around - and managed to have a lookie on some peeps blogs tonight! You have all been so busy - it will take me hours just to catch up with you all.

Not been into crafting at the mo - still doing some design stuff though - which I will be able to tell you about soon. Nothing major (just wait to you see the work my friend has done - puts mine in the shade), but nice to be able to 'put' stuff together on the computer and not have to pull all my crafting stuff out and put it all away again at the end of the night.

I have been a little busy these past few days. We are laying a new path at the side of the house (finally). So the hardwork really started on Wednesday and Thursday as we shifted at least 4 tonne of tarmac, soil and rubble. Then today we had 2 tonne of hardcore delivered - and it was back breaking work having to move it all (ok i admit - hubby moved at least 3/4 of it) but still it was hard work. So hopefully tomorrow if the weather stays nice (fingers crossed) - we can start laying the paving slabs (60 of them).

So please bare with me - hopefully i will get my paper crafting head back on and finally make something soon.

Thanks for visiting - hugs to you all!

Donna x

I KNOW... SUCH A BAD BLOGGER

2008-06-03T23:09:00.003+01:00

Just to let you all know that I am still about and also to apologize for my absence. I have some 'stuff' that is keeping me from paper crafting at the moment...
..but hopefully I will be able to share with you soon what I have been up to.

So thank you for still visiting and the lovely emails, and hopefully soon, I will get 'papercrafting' again.

Hugs to you all!

LITTLE ADDRESS BOOK

2008-05-22T10:51:00.005+01:00

Sorry I'm a bad blogger at the mo - but been a tad busy these past few days.

Yesterday I was at a funeral of an old colleague and friend who I worked with at the local newspaper. She was such a lovely, bubbly lady and to be taken at the age of 53 just doesn't seem right! The funeral yesterday was very reminiscent of my mums nearly 6 years ago (my mum was only 52 when cancer took her from us) so as you can understand I found it very hard. But, I also got to meet up with quite a few work colleagues who I haven't seen for a few years now - and it was lovely to do a bit of catch up (even under the certain circumstances).

On A Lighter Note...
Here is a LITTLE ADDRESS BOOK that I finished on Tuesday to match the birthday book in the previous post. I nipped to my LCS on Monday hoping to get another sheet of the lovely paper that I had used, but I must have got the last sheet on Saturday (sigh) as they didn't have any more. I just had enough left to cover the front and back pages of this, but I have used a different paper for the inside front and back covers.

The paper is by K&Co from LCS (just love their papers at the moment), and, once again used my Bind-It-All. The wires are from Cutting Edge Crafts (great prices, no p&p and excellent delivery).

I stamped the letters using my Studio G Alphabet Stamps. The pages inside were done on my computer. The lovely spotty ribbon is from my dad and the rest from LCS and market.

My hubby has said I should do a few sets of these (ready for Christmas - WHAT!!!!) and he will take them into work as there are a few women who would buy them. CHRISTMAS - I want to have Summer first LOL!!!!

COOEE

2008-05-18T20:57:00.002+01:00

Finally back - have you missed me???? :)

Sorry i have been away but the problem with my broadband was a loose connection on one of the wires. My friend fixed it for me (thankyou) so here I am.

I have also had no mojo for making anything - well until yesterday that is, when I got this lovely paper from my LCS. I enjoyed making the birthday book last week that I thought I would do another one (I do love the Bind-It-All).

The paper is by K & Co (double sided) and i just love it - only problem is that I used nearly a full 12 x 12 sheet to make this - it just means I will have to get some more ;). I cut a small brown envelope and attached it to the inside front cover so that stamps could be kept. I also used my Studio G Alphabet Stamps.

Inside the 'book', each month has 3 sheets of record cards to put peoples names and birthdays. I attached the pencil using a strip of brown card which was then attached to the back cover using a large Dovecraft Brad.

Some of the ribbons are from Singapore courtesy of my dad and also from my LCS.

So hopefully I will get back to making stuff :) And i suppose a little visit to my LCS tomorrow so I can get some more of the scrummy paper.

JUST A QUICKIE

2008-05-14T19:14:00.002+01:00

Thank you all for the lovely messages - my shoulder is a lot better now! I think the nice hot weather we have been having has helped a lot.

Now the reason I havent been 'blogging' is that my broadband has been playing up - so I have nipped onto my friends just to let you all know I'm still about and OK! I have a friend coming later to have a look at it for me, so fingers crossed all will be well.

STILL HERE

2008-05-08T20:39:00.004+01:00

Sorry I haven't been around, but I pulled a muscle in my right shoulder on Tuesday - and I haven't been able to make anything. :( It has been really painful - even trying to use my scalpel has been murder.

But today the pain has eased a bit - I think sitting in the sun has helped (woohoo nice weather at last). I have so much to get done (cards for starters) - but they will have to wait.

So, going to get off as I have started running a nice hot bath with plenty of bubbles. So catch you all later. xxx

BIND-IT-ALL BIRTHDAY BOOK

2008-05-04T19:37:00.003+01:00

What a very slow day today has been!

Hubby took the eldest out with one of the dogs for a walk to the market today and the youngest stayed in with me, as her asthma hasn't been to good today. The weather has been horrible, and this last hour we have had some heavy rain and some thunder. But the sky seems to be getting lighter now so hopefully no more rain!

So today 'just to do something' I made myself a birthday book using my Bind-It-All. I just love this little machine - best £30.00 I spent. I am so determined to get plenty of use out of it - I better, as my Quickutz and Cuttlebug rarely see the light of day these days. I only ever get them out if i need some letters or embossed backgrounds doing.

Front, back and inside covers were covered in K&Co paper from LCS. I got the ribbons when we went to Florida in 2006.

I used some Record Cards from local stationers and trimmed them down to the size I wanted. The little envelope is for me to keep stamps in. I also made dividers from DCVW card stack.

I printed the Months out using my computer and cut them to fit. I didn't want a really big book so I have 2 months on each divider. The last divider is for other special dates like anniversaries etc.

So I have no excuse now to miss any ones birthday! :)

DARING CARD MAKERS - AD-DICTED

2008-05-02T20:31:00.005+01:00

This Fridays dare is AD-dicted...

Hello peeps! Lythan here. We are loving all the card creations that you have been sharing with us this week. It is good to see so many people as addicted to challenges as we are! The next Dare is all about being AD-dicted.

I want you to browse the tv and magazines for advertisments and use them as inspiration. It might be the format, the colours, the products, the slogan - whatever floats your boat. Remember you can do this anytime, any place, anywhere as long as you link it to this blog in the usual way!

Well I really struggled with this one - so many great adverts out there but putting them down as a card or layout was tough. So in the end i went with a ATC. Now it has been a couple of years since i made one of these little bits of 'art' and I'm still not sure if it works with the advert I chose.

Alice In Tokyo is one of my favourite adverts!! Love the style of layout and I just love the Blue - so thats where my 'inspiration' came from.

Now my favourite colour is Blue - maybe its because I wore a lot of girly colours when I was younger (curse of the pink pedal pushers - remember them), I don't know! And now I am such a Tomboy even now, and I'm 36 (cough cough)!! Lol.

Excuse the colour of the photos - you would think i used a blue filter!

I used Blue for the tissue paper, mulberry paper, sequins, beads, micro-beads and glitter. I also used my QK's to cut out the letters and the heart. Which I covered in glitter!

POST IT NOTE HOLDER

2008-04-29T20:02:00.003+01:00

While I was having a little play this morning, I cut some bits of mount board and K&Co papers ready to make this little post-it note holder with my Bind-It-All. Once again I used my birdie and attached it to the wires with some brown thread - so that it swings from side to side. I left the ends to hang down so that the bird had some legs.

I got these papers from my LCS shop a few weeks ago and this is the first time that I have used them.

I covered the mount board with the papers, attached the ribbon with the brads to the front and back covers then attached some more K&Co papers to the inside (this helped cover the back of the brads). I also made a little holder on the back cover so that the post it notes stay attached and that they can be replaced when they have been used up.

Some of the ribbons are from local market and some are from the US!

This piccy is just to show you the paper used on the inside and also how I attached the post-it note.

I was thinking of making these for the school Summer Fayre - It gives me plenty of time to get a few of them done. Plus to refill them only costs 39p as the Post It notes are from TESCO.

DARING CARD MAKERS - DISTRESSED (2)

2008-04-29T10:20:00.010+01:00

Has my mojo come back???

This morning when I got back from taking the kids to school I was determined to 'make' something. So.... Yesterday when I was sorting through my stuff I found one of the Flower Fairies decoupage images from ages ago that I had started to cut out, but the decoupage bits were no where to be found. So, all I had left was the main image.

So with the Daring Card Makers dare from Friday still in mind - I got an idea to use the little image.

The papers are by Papermania and I distressed them using the blade of my scissors with a little bit of tearing for good measure. I also edged the papers with a gold ink pad and a pale brown. I deliberately didn't stick everything down perfect as I wanted it to look rough. I am quite pleased with the result - as these colours I would normally stay away from - I just don't do yellow or orange!!.

Over at http://sewdelish.blogspot.com she set this little challenge - and I think this card is right for it.

For my Stepping Out Challenge you need to create a post with something you have made (it can be any type of project) different to what you would normally choose. Only you know what you really like, so choose something totally the opposite. Link to this post and make a comment here with your link for everyone to find. I will arrange for a small blog candy prize for the winner so make sure I am able to contact you. I will announce the winner on the 15th May 08 so that you have plenty of time to get creating.

WHERE'S MY MOJO??

2008-04-28T22:24:00.005+01:00

Had a really good tidy up today and finally sorted out my ribbons, card and odd bits. I also managed to bring one of my storage draws downstairs, thinking that if I was more organised, I could get on and make stuff.

I thought great, hubby had taken the eldest to watch one of our local football teams play in a final tonight - which meant it was me and the youngest at home. I gave her a bath and got her into bed at 7.30 - and I thought great - some me time!!! Then when I came to 'make' something - zilch!! I pulled out paper - then put it away. Got out my B-I-A - that was put away. Cuttlebug - embossed a few sheets of card then that got put away. Arggghhh!!!

So in the end all I managed to do was emboss a few bits of card, doodle some flourishes (I do that a lot when I am bored) and managed to draw some new birdies.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!

Hubby just got back - our team lost 1 - 0 - hubby said that they played the better football, but it just wasnt their night! Poor lads they have done brilliant this season aswell :(

MADE MYSELF...

2008-04-27T21:35:00.003+01:00

A little book for drawing ideas/layouts for cards. I have about 3 books laying around with different scribbles etc in, that I thought I would finally put them all together in this little one.

The book measures 4in x 4in and so do the papers inside. All the pages are just plain white - with lots of them for scribbles, doodles and ideas ;)

I just love the colour of these ribbons and they match the paper great! The paper is Hot Off The Press Bohemian Sarapapers and once again I used my little bird. I will have to try and do a different style bird - as I can't add this one to everything that I do ;)

DARING CARD MAKERS - SO DISTRESSING

2008-04-25T20:41:00.003+01:00

This weeks Friday dare is...

Hi it's Keryn here and it's my turn to Distress you all, or at least your cards with this weeks dare. You can make a card for any season, any holiday, any occasion but you need to use either a fingernail, curled edges, sandpaper, tearing, anything you like really as long as looks like it's had a fair bit or wear and tear.

I ripped the brown paper and then used my scissors to 'distress' the inside of the cut out square. I then went over it with my Dark Brown Chalk Pad (love that pad) to give it a bit of age.

The little bird shape is something I drew the other day! I covered both sides with Papermania paper and added some thread so that the bird could spin. The flower I received from Alina (Nowalinka) and the buttons are by Doodlebug.

Thanks for looking - now off to have a look at everyone else's ;)

BIND-IT-ALL ADDRESS BOOK

2008-04-25T13:09:00.009+01:00

Well I pulled it out this morning and finally (jumping with glee) made this little cutie!!!

Its a small address book that matches the first Bird card I did the other day. And I am so happy with it!!
The Bind-It-All is so easy to use (great news for me) and I never even watched the DVD. I did have to fiddle with the front and back covers as I only punched 5 holes in the address pages, so when I came to do the covers it was quite tight to make sure I only punched the 5 holes.

I wanted to get the photos taken to put on here, that I never even waited for the glue to dry - as you can see with the buttons!

Inside pages I did on my computer, printed them off, then cut them to size.

Well for this being my first attempt, and that I wanted to do something more than just bind a few note pads - I am really pleased with the outcome!! :o))

ITS ARRIVED

2008-04-24T19:46:00.005+01:00

Well this morning my postie got pounced on before he even knocked on the door as my new shiny toy arrived. Yippeeeee!!!! :)

Graphicus rang me on Tuesday to say the brown wires that I ordered were out of stock, so I said it was fine to send me the white ones. So knowing that, I ordered some wires and B-I-A Covers from Cutting Edge Crafts on Tuesday morning and they arrived on Wednesday - now that is what I call excellent service plus they don't charge delivery!! So even better :)

Now you will have to bear with me as I haven't even had the chance too play with it. My youngest Avie had her friend over for dinner today after school and she didn't go home until 7 - plus tonight HEROES Series 2 begins on BBC2 at 9pm. So between now and then I am going to do a bit of ironing (sigh) before I go sit down and be a happy soul for an hour! So hopefully tomorrow I will be able to show you something - be it very simple!

LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD ME...

2008-04-23T12:12:00.007+01:00

... To stop and not add any more stuff!!!!

Having a little play about this morning and had another go at making a shabby/vintage looking card but I don't think it worked this time! LOL!!

I got a bit carried away with adding the little beads! I have learned - that you have to make mistakes so you know better next time! LOL!

The paper is by Papermania and its double sided silk screened (LCS) - it has a lovely metallic look to it - you can see the sheen in this piccy. The stripes were the reverse of the paper.

This little vellum quote is from a small album that I bought ages ago from Lakeland.

The braid, ribbons, buttons and beads are from my local haberdashery shop.
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DOUBLE POCKET CARD

2008-04-21T21:21:00.005+01:00

Managed to have a go at making one of these Double Pocket Cards tonight and i can seriously say it is sooooo easy. The tutorial can be found here http://www.jarfullofjoy.blogspot.com/2008/04/double-pocket-card-tutorial.html. The instructions are so easy and there are pictures as well, so you cant go wrong! ;)

Card with tags in place - not to keen on the tags so I will probably change them!

Card without tags

And I made a little stand for the back so that the card can stand up.

The paper/card is by American Crafts and I have had it for ages. I bought it because I liked the pattern - but its a bit too large for a card. The ribbons are from my local market and so is the button.

So I don't think I did too bad - maybe next time I will use a smaller patterned paper - which I think will give it more impact.

UPDATE ON CARDS

Just to let you know the lady who asked for the card with MEL on the front absolutely loved it - my friend rang me this morning to let me know. Also the little house card that I did the other day, my friend 'bought' it off me to give to one of her friends who has just moved in to a new house and she was delighted with it and she couldnt believe that it was hand made (blush)!! So I am very happy!

SHABBY CHIC OR JUST SHABBY

2008-04-20T17:17:00.003+01:00

Now this is the first time I have made a card like this and I really don't know what to call it!!??? I just don't do cards like this. My eldest says its for a 'granny', hubby doesn't like it as there is way too much stuff 'going on', but my youngest loves it because of all the buttons and small flowers! And I am sitting on the fence at this present time as I really don't know if its me!

I drew the outline for the little bird the other night while I was sat reading blogs. There seems to be so many of the little birds popping up everywhere LOL that I thought I would create one without having to go out and but the stamps.

The paper is made by erm I don't know!! I did get it from LCS, but I never ask who the maker is. It is double sided, stripes on one side and the flowers on the other.

The sentiment is an Anna Griffin stamp that I have had for ages - I got it from QVC with a load of other Anna Griffin stuff.

The 'braid' I bought yesterday from local wool shop for 65p a metre (don't know if that's expensive as i have never bought it before!). The rik-rac is from Nowalinka (thank you)!. The buttons are from the market and the small flowers I think i got from Crafty Carrot - but I might be wrong! Oh yeah the legs are made with some gold embroidery thread.

DARING CARD MAKERS - HOT & SPICY

2008-04-18T21:31:00.003+01:00

This is this weeks Friday Dare!

This week's Dare theme is a team effort rather than a challenge just thought up by just one of us.
We'd like you to take the phrase"Hot and Spicy" and make of it what you will.
It could be colour themed, food themed or maybe have just a hint of saucy spicy-ness

Here is my take on the Hot & Spicy.

Created the words in Photoshop and then found a clipart chili (took ages to find a decent one). Added a bit of glitter to the edges of the words and also on the Chili. I used foam pads to lift the chili off the card and I also cut around it to give the card some shape.

I also managed to start running out of colour ink during printing - so the colours arent as vibrant as they should be!

GETTING A NEW TOY

2008-04-18T16:11:00.005+01:00

I finally gave in last night and ordered myself a Bind-It-All from http://graphicus.co.uk/ for only £29.99. I couldnt let it pass with a price like that.

Cant wait till it arrives!!!! Yippeeeee

Now just checked on their site and the price has gone upto £39.99. I wonder if they had put the wrong price on in the first place. So I'm a happy bunny, I bought it at the right time.

NAME CARD

2008-04-17T21:04:00.004+01:00

I was asked the other night to put a card together for a lady who works with my friend. She had seen the brother card and wanted something similar but with the ladies name on the front.

She asked for a pink card with stripes on the letters and also buttons. No Ribbons!!!! And to be honest I haven't enjoyed making this. I find it hard to follow peoples instructions on cards - I like to make them my own way!

Here is how the card started.

And this is how it finished - I ended up changing the letter 'E' as I thought it looked too big with the other letters.

On the inside she wanted Happy Birthday Mate with the 'M' from Mel to start the word mate!

I edged the letters with my pink ink pad then added some ultra fine glitter.

On the edge with the buttons, I cut a curve so the buttons had something to follow and to give the card a bit of shape. The photo doesn't really show you this. I also threaded a few of the buttons with cerise thread.

Well my friend is picking this up on Saturday, as the lady needs it for Monday. Just hope she likes it!!!!

CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL FORUM

2008-04-16T09:32:00.002+01:00

Over on the Crafts Beautiful forum one of the member Freehartz asked if we could help her out with her cause. Here is what she is upto...

In case you did not read my cause in the section when I asked to have suggestions for a name for my kit - here is my project: I am developing an non-profit organization that will make a special creative/craft kit and a distribution system to send them free of charge to children in a home situation where their parent is ill. These kits will also have elements in them to help give coping skills to the child, as first our focus will be single-parent homes with one or more children. The children will be referred to us...and there will be no charge to the family, at all. [fund-raising!] Special kits will be designed with the help of professionals for children whose parent is facing terminal illness or has.
This project is dear to us because we went through this situation ourselves and my daughter was left alone a lot of the time to cope on her own at the tender age of 10 - 12, and then some. In fact, she still has issues over it that requires help.

So she asked if we could help her by making some baby cards for her to sell at craft fairs etc to raise money to make these kits a reality.

Now seeing as I have been making cards already (birth announcements) - I was sat last night and made some more Baby Cards as I couldnt get on the computer as hubby was glued to You-Tube!!!!

I managed to make these and hopefully will get another 6 made, then I can get them in the post to Beverly.

I apologize for the pictures (taken this morning) but natural light drains the colour from the cards when taking the piccies, so I closed my curtains and managed to get these shots (not the best).

LOVELY SURPRISE

2008-04-15T15:36:00.003+01:00

Today my postman came knocking with a parcel all the way from Poland from the lovely Alina (Nowalinka)!!! And WOW is all I can say! She sent me this as a way to say thank you for her name being chosen in my Blog candy giveaway!

ALINA THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!! Your kindness has given me the biggest smile on my face - I look like the Cheshire Cat!!!

In the parcel there was ribbon, lollies (yum), flowers, fibres and I have to say the kids have stolen the butterfly finger nail decorations.

Alina also made me this dinky Address Book that is just way too cute (Alina your address will be the first entry :) ) and I just love it!!! There are 70 pages for addresses (my eldest Caitlyn counted them) and even the inside covers are decorated.

Now, she also made this Angel which is so adorable. Alina has told me it is a 'Lucky Angel' and it will be taking pride of place on my computer. I wouldnt know where to begin in making one! The detail is so beautiful and I apologize for not a great picture, but the Angel is holding a Heart in her hands.

So Alina - Thank You so much for making my day with these lovely goodies!! And it is a real pleasure to be able to have some of your wonderful creations in my hands.

THIS OLD HOUSE

2008-04-14T20:17:00.006+01:00

Here is another card using a new Dovecraft Stamp that I got last week for 99p. Just love these little stamps and the price is great as well!

I tried colouring in again using my inkpads and water and I don't think it turned out too bad. I do have Watercolour Pencils - but can I find them - NO! So I have resorted to using ink pads and felt tip pens.

I added a bit of glitter to the door - pity now as I should have used green (Shakin Stevens comes to mind LOL!!) and a small bit on the swirl on the roof but you cant see it! I added 3D foam pads to both layers.

I did a bit of extra colouring just for the image to sit on as I felt it was a bit stark!! Hubby still thinks the card is too bland - he says that I need to add something on the front!! But it can wait as I took the picture and put it on here before he saw it!

BABY STAMP (AGAIN)

2008-04-13T21:07:00.002+01:00

Been having a little play tonight with that cute little stamp again!!

As you can see in this piccy the glue is still wet under the buttons.

The paper is by K & Co from my LCS and the buttons are from all over (in other words I cant remember where I bought them ;o))

I know my friend is having a girl but i wanted to try colouring the pram in Blue - and I quite like how this card looks! Very simple!!

The paper is from a local Pound Shop - 12 sheets for £1.00. I used my Chalk Ink Pad to stamp the pram and also edge the card. I just used normal felt tips to do the colouring with a bit of added water.

Sorry to bore you with the same stamp again - but I just like it!!!!
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OH BABY

2008-04-12T23:11:00.007+01:00

Been having a little play tonight with this cute little stamp that I bought today and also the paper which is by Laura Ashley.

One of my old work colleagues from when I worked as a barmaid is having a baby girl (2 months 2 go) and she has asked me to do a few sample cards to announce the arrival of said baby. She has bought some from a shop but she also wants some 'handmade' ones for family. So I thought I would give the stamp a try tonight and see how it looked.

Now I am not a stamper - but these small ones are right up my street and I also love the clear acrylic stamps. So today when I was out I bought this little cutie for 99p and also the Laura Ashley Premium Clear Stamps £5.99. Plus I couldn't leave the shop without buying the Contemporary and Traditional paper packs at £2.99 each for the 6in x 6in. So I was a very happy bunny today :o)
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DARING CARD MAKERS - BUTTERFLY, FLUTTERBY

2008-04-12T20:00:00.006+01:00

This weeks friday challenge is Butterfly, Flutterby

Hi everyone :) Jo here with this week's dare....
I seem to like butterflies at the mo. This week therefore I would like you to put some butterflies on cards. Stitched, felt, shiny, bright, plain, paper pieced, stamped, drawn... you get the idea :) any theme of card but it must have a butterfly somewhere on the card!

Well here is my go!

I used a Dovecraft Stamp for the background and an Anna Griffin stamp for the Butterfly - I used my creamy Brown Chalk Inkpad on both the stamps. I also added some copper wire to make the antenna for the butterfly. The quote is from a Mariah Carey song that I found on the net.

Hope you like it!!
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JUST A QUICKIE

2008-04-10T21:33:00.002+01:00

Got this lovely card through the post today from Tassie to say thanks for the blog candy.

So Thank You and I hope you enjoy using your prize! Nice Paper by the way ;) ;)

WEDDING CARD

2008-04-09T15:28:00.006+01:00

I was asked yesterday if I could do a Wedding Card for a week on Saturday and this is what I came up with. Yes I made it early but I may do another more elaborate one yet.

This is quite a simple card that I have put together and the lady asked if it was possible to put the couples name on the front. So once again my trusty computer has come in handy. I very nearly added Sarah & Kirk Are You Sure? on the front just for a joke then thought better of it!!! LOL! ;o)

The verse behind the rings is 'Something old, something new....'

The rings I have had for ages and they are by Crafty Bitz. I have also used a heavy gsm Watercolour Card for the base card. I hope she will like this one but then I might have 2 to show her.

Also the DCM dare 'Shrink To Fit' came in handy with this one and I have gone even smaller than the allowance of 5 x 5 cm and managed to come in at 3.5cm x3.5cm! ;o)

ANOTHER AWARD

2008-04-08T20:03:00.003+01:00

The lovely Martine at http://thecrafttable.blogspot.com and also Debs over at http://meandlilg.blogspot.com nominated me for this award. Really chuffed - so thank you ladies!

The "Arte Y Pico" (Art & More) is given to bloggers who share their art and creativity making their contribution to the blogger world.The rules!

1. You pick five blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community, no matter what language.
2. Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
3.Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and the link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.
4.Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of Arte y Pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.

Right then who do I choose???? I have had so many awards this past few weeks that its getting really hard to choose people who havent received the same awards. So if you don't mind I am not going to nominate just 5 people - but please look at my favourites on the right and have a looky!!! There are so many wonderful blogs out there that I think they all deserve an award.

BOOKMARK SWAP

2008-04-07T22:08:00.007+01:00

Over on the Crafts Beautiful forum there is another bookmark swap going on. The theme for this one was either ANIMALS or THE SWEETSHOP.

Now as a child we had to learn a poem at primary school and it was called Mr Giraffe - AND this is where I got my idea for the bookmark.

MR GIRAFFE

Mr Giraffe you make me laugh

You seem to be made all wrong

With your head so high

Way up to the sky

And your neck so very long

It seems to me

That your dinner and tea

Have such a long way to go

And I am wondering, and I am wondering

Whether they know which way to go.

So tonight I had a little play and here is a sneaky peek of what I came up with.

Now I think its cute and so does hubby and the kids - but we have all decided it is very much for a child to use. So I may have another go at this one and try and make one on the theme of The Sweetshop.

If anyone is interested in joining us with this swap go on over the http://crafts-beautiful.com/ and the closing date for signing up is the 19th April.

DARING CARD MAKERS - SHRINK TO FIT

2008-04-06T23:46:00.009+01:00

I have finally taken the plunge and decided to try one of the dares from DCM.

Shrink to Fit by Kathy

So this week I'd like you to think small - not small cards, but small spaces of embellishment on regular sized cards.
You are allowed to cover no more than a 5x5cms area of your card with paper or embellishment - the rest of the card must be left plain.
How you use those valuable cms is up to you. So you may choose to split up those cms to use around your card, or use them in a block or a line. It might help to cut a few 5x5cm squares then cut those up to work out good ways of using your allotment. Making your whole card a miniscule 5x5cms is NOT an option!! Lets have no cheating (I know what you lot are like.....),but because I'm feeling generous, I'm going to let you add a SIMPLE greeting as extra to your 5x5 allowance! :-)

Well here is my attempt.

I have been asked a few times if i make Wedding Acceptance cards and i always say no - but when i seen the challenge I knew what I wanted to do. I just love white space on cards and I don't do them very often.
The flourish is a font dingbat that I coloured in using my Pilot Gold Pen. http://daringcardmakers.blogspot.com/

I hope to take part in more of these challenges - if time is on my side!

21ST BIRTHDAY CARD

2008-04-06T20:13:00.006+01:00

My friend who asked me to make the 40th card rang me again to see if I would make a 21st card for a lad. She doesn't need it till Wednesday but I thought I would get it done early.

Now some of you know me by now - how critical I am of my cards. I will probably put this to the side, as I am not totally happy with it. I just don't think it looks right if you know what I mean. I think its the stripes on the numbers to be honest. I tried to get them to match, as in the stripes were in line with each other on each of the numbers (hard to explain). Can you see what I'm on about! But it hasnt worked right.

Hubby says its fine but.... well what does he know???? He is even more critical of my cards than what I am. LOL!

I used the Dovecraft Masculine Paper Pack, Dovecraft Brads, computer to print off the numbers and the words. I also used my new Creamy Brown Chalk Pad that I got yesterday to go round the edges and I also used it to colour the brads.

HE'S BACK

2008-04-05T22:50:00.008+01:00

WOOHOO

Images are from http://david-tennant.com/

The Doctor is back in the house!!!!

I admit, I was never a fan of Dr Who. Then David Tennant took over and all I can say is YUM!!!!

I thought tonight's episode was so funny - especially the bit when he spots Donna and she spots him and the 'conversation' they have through the window and door. Brilliant!!!
And how cute were the ADIPOSE??? I can see them being on the shop shelves soon - if they are, Caitlyn wants one and maybe me ;o)

Sorry to witter on, but at last, something to watch on telly on a Saturday night!

40TH BIRTHDAY CARD

2008-04-03T21:43:00.007+01:00

One of my mates rang me earlier tonight to see if I could make a card for her. One of her friends will be 40 on Saturday (last minute as usual). She let me know that her friend likes pinks and browns and I knew straight away what paper I would use.

Last year I made a card for a friend on a forum for her 30th and lucky enough i had a piccy of it on my computer. It is near the same as this one, except that it said 30 and I also used brads. So this turned out to be a quick card to make as i had something to follow!

I used my computer once again to print off the 40, cut the numbers out and covered it with the paper, then cut it out again. I inked the edges with my brown chalk pad (love that ink pad), added some ribbons, some flat backed gem stones and attached it to the card with sticky fixers. The card is 13.5cm x 13.5cm. I have the insert to do, but that can wait till tomorrow.

The papers are DCVW Adhesive Paper Prints.

YOU MAKE MY DAY

2008-04-02T12:13:00.005+01:00

The lovely Julie over at http://juliesinkspot.blogspot.com has given me this award - and it came at a time when I really needed cheering up. So a BIG THANK YOU Julie!

Now I have to pass this on to 3 people who Make My Day - its getting really hard to choose now as there are so many lovely blogs out there that I visit everyday!!! So I have had a flit around and here are my 3:-

1. http://pasjemarszy.blogspot.com/ - You have to see this girls books, they are just gorgeous. There is also a tutorial on how she makes them.

2. http://willowandpaisley.typepad.com/ - Great blog with wonderful creations - check out her March 06, 2008 entry - beautiful card with ribbons.

3. http://craftsbylouly.blogspot.com/ - Fabulous creations, amazing inspiration - this lady can do anything with a Dottie ;)

So here are my 3 - so please go visit them as you wont be disappointed!

BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY

If you head on over to http://nikkiscardsandnews.blogspot.com - Nikki is giving away some blog candy for reaching 15,000 visits. Well done Nikki!

HARD CHOICE TO MAKE

2008-04-01T21:20:00.006+01:00

I will show you this card first before I go into what I have been up to.

Made this last night and I think it is my favourite of the Thank 'U' cards so far.

The swirl paper is by K&Co that I got at my LCS. I added the glitter to the swirls using my Quickie Glue Pen and yes, once again I managed to get glitter all over the table (It didn't help that i had a sneezing fit whilst adding the glitter on the card.)

The pink card is Bazzill and I edged it with my biscuit ink pad. I also ran the ink pad around the letters - again to lift them as they seemed very pale. I hope the lady likes it when she gets it!

Julie - regarding cutting out the letters - For me it has to be practice makes perfect!!! I spent 12 years (out of 14 years) as a graphic artist for the local newspaper and I had to use a scalpel everyday. Don't get me wrong, I have lost count of how many times I slit my fingers open (OUCH) using those things in the beginning. I ended up keeping plasters in my draw just in case! ;O)

SAD BIT NOW! :( Sorry for the downer!

I had to take my eldest dog to the vets last night at 11pm. She had had a stroke that was quite bad and she was so disorientated she was trying to walk, but ended up walking into the doors and the wall. So I decided to ring the vet and he told me to take her straight up. When I got there he just took one look at her and said it was time for her - It was one of the hardest things i have ever had to do! I cuddled her as he gave her the injection and it was heartbreaking to feel the life go from her.
She had had a great life as she was 16 1/2 and was never any problem - she didn't chew, make a mess nothing at all!!!
So this morning - I had to break it to the kids as hubby had gone to work.
Caitlyn just collapsed in a heap on the floor sobbing and then Avie started crying, as she had heard me tell Caitlyn. I ended up keeping them off school as they were both so heartbroken. The school was very understanding and said it was no problem.
But I still have my other 2 dogs - so as you can understand they got lashings of affection today from the kids and me.

So I will apologize for going on and I hope I haven't upset anyone. And I hope I have no more horrible news to post!

Tassie & Alinka - please bear with me. I have received your addresses and I should hopefully have your prizes in the post tomorrow.

AND THE WINNER(S) ....

2008-03-30T19:15:00.003+01:00

It has been great reading all the lovely comments that you have all left - that I decided to draw 2 names.

The second name out of the jar will win a selection of card, paper, ribbons and papermania 3D stickers.

So all the names were put in a jar and I got the kids to pull out 2 names.

And the first out, picked by Caitlyn was...

And the second name to be drawn by Avie, was...

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH!!!
Can you both please email me your snail mail addresses and I will get your candy off to you asap! (my email is in my profile).

Thank You to everyone for visiting my blog. Its great to know i'm not talking to myself ;o)

LITTLE UPDATE ABOUT OUR DAY YESTERDAY!!

We had a lazy morning as the kids were at my dads - and did a bit of shopping before going to pick them up. We got to my dads about 12ish and sat down to have a cuppa when the door goes and this bloke asks who the car belongs to that is parked outside. He had only reversed into it!!! Gutted to say the least! The drivers door is bashed in and the worst bit is right at the lock so you can't open the drivers door. Have to say he could have drove off and we wouldn't have known - but he came to the door and he exchanged his details.
So yesterday afternoon my hubby spent over 2 hours on the phone to our insurance company trying to sort stuff out. We have been told that the accident repair place are coming to pick ours up tomorrow and drop off a hire car, but they cant tell us how long it will take as they are a bit snowed under with work.

THANK U!

2008-03-28T21:24:00.003Z

Its been so peaceful in the house tonight as both the kids are at my dads and hubby is at work! So I thought - do I do the ironing, do I start cleaning out my eldests room - then I thought NAH!!! get some crafting done.

I enjoyed making the Thank U card the other day that I thought I would do another one. I used the same swirly paper and dotty one from the mum card, but instead of hand stitching, I added glitter to the swirls.

I have just realised how different the colours look in the photos - the colours are actually more like the top one.

This photo shows the glitter better.

The only problem is, glitter is now all over the place - LOL!! I should be more careful.

Can I also say thank you to everyone who has visited and left lovely comments - its been great reading them. Please remember that the blog candy giveaway finishes on the 29th march at 12 midnight GMT! I will do the draw around 7pm GMT on Sunday - so please check back to find out who has won!

CHOCOLATE & COOL BLUES...

2008-03-26T22:02:00.002Z

Today when my dad came round to see me, he asked if I could make him a Thank You card. So I decided to do one using the same colours and papers as the Bookmark. I just love these colours at the moment!!

I used DCVW Retro Papers, DCVW Neutral and Brights Matt Stack. I made holes on the blue card using a needle and a ruler and then hand stitched in brown thread. I inked round the edges of the letters with my Dark Brown ColorBox Fluid Chalk Inkpad (that's a bit of a mouthful) and then tied some ribbon round the 'U' and used sticky fixers to raise the letters up.

The letters I used were printed off my computer and then cut out. I then stuck the DCVW Retro Paper over the top then cut them out again. I really didn't want to use the HOTP Monograms that I have - I prefer to stroke them!!!!

CAN SHARE NOW

2008-03-26T12:21:00.007Z

I can share this with you now as I know it has been received.

This is the bookmark that I made for the Crafts Beautiful Swap and the lovely Sewdelish was the person to receive it.

The papers used were DCVW Retro Prints and I also used DCVW Matt Stack. I made the card and attached the bookmark to it with the ribbons and also stamped ENJOY under the bookmark using my Studio G Stamps, so when you moved it you could see the enjoy part. I printed the poem out onto matching card and then layered it. I punched a hole, added a flower, then an eyelet and then threaded the ribbon through so the bookmark can be removed from the card.

The poem on it reads:-

The Miracle of Friendship

There's a miracle called friendship

that dwells within the heart,

and you don't know how it happens

or how it gets to start...

But the happiness it brings you

always gives a special lift

and you realise that friendship is

God's most precious gift.

- Author Unknown -

And this is the lovely one I got from Sewdelish. I love the paper she has used and also the paper pricking around the border.

So thanks you - it is being used at this very moment as I have just started reading TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.

CHECK OUT SATURDAY MARCH 22ND POST

2008-03-25T12:28:00.003Z

Just added another piccy of some more CANDY for you to win.

So goodluck everyone!

FOR MUM

2008-03-24T16:36:00.003Z

Managed to get the 2nd MUM card done for the order.

Can you remember a few posts ago when i said I would be using paper etc that I had for a while - well here is some of that paper.

The background swirl paper was KI Memories - that I am sure I got when I subscribed to a magazine. The dotty paper was bought from a local POUND shop - for - you guessed a £1.00. I did get 12 sheets of papers for a £1.00, but I have to say that the dotty paper was the best of the bunch.

To give the swirl paper a bit of 'life' I hand stitched on some of the swirls. The photo above shows you the stitching better.

I used HOTP Monograms that I covered with the dotty paper. I inked round the edges of the letters with an Anna Griffin Ink Pad, added some ribbon and mounted the letters on foam pads.

I like the card, but hubby thinks its a bit too green. Ever the critic he is!!!

I MISSED IT

2008-03-22T19:29:00.011Z

2000 VISITS THAT IS

So to celebrate I am going to have a BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY - now the only problem is you will have to wait till Tuesday or Wednesday for the picture of all the candy as I have to get some more stuff first!!! So between now Saturday 22nd March and Saturday the 29th March (which turns out is my 11th Wedding Anniversary - is it that long already???) everyone who leaves a comment will be entered into the draw.

Just added the piccy of the candy that I have at the moment!

So to let you know what i have so far :-

3 Packs of Studio G Stamps by Dovecraft
Pack of Beetle Black Doodlebug Buttons
4 Fabrico Ink Pads in the colours REAL BLACK, POPPY RED, EMERALD & WISTERIA
34 different ribbons - at 24 inches each
9 Papermania Silk Flowers - 3 white, 3 pink, 3 white & lilac
UPDATE WITH NEW STUFF
Me & My Big Ideas Rub Ons 2 sheets - Girls Only Sayings
4 Taglines by Wish In The Wind (Nose & Toes, Santas Coming, Grandpa Hugs & My Little Girl)

International Bloggers Welcome

I'VE BEEN AWARDED

2008-03-21T21:52:00.004Z

I have received this lovely award from

Tassie over at http://tassiescraftiethings.blogspot.com

and also from http://sewdelish.blogspot.com .

Thankyou so much ladies!

Now the thing is I am supposed to pass this award on to 10 people - and finding 10 people who havent received it recently is tough - so here are 4

http://filka.blogspot.com/

http://kezzas-corner.blogspot.com/

http://blessedalatte.blogspot.com/

http://nowalinka.blogspot.com/

I will have to go on a search and find 6 more!!!

OK HERE ARE THE PICTURES

2008-03-21T21:39:00.005Z

It does look better in the flesh - honest! The flower looks very red but it is brown!

These 2 pictures are the best out of 7 that I took - I just couldnt get the right angles!

If I have time tomorrow I may try and get some better pictures.

LONG TIME NO BLOG!

2008-03-21T20:29:00.002Z

Sorry I haven't been on for a while but life has got in the way (again)!!! LOL.

I have been busy with the youngests birthday (which everyone had a fabby time). She got some wonderful pressies and she was spoilt rotten!! The party was booked for 5pm till 7pm and we had the whole of Wacky to ourselves which was great.

I have also been to the dentist and had 3 teeth pulled out and all I can say is OUCH!!! So I haven't really been in the mood to do anything this week. My mouth is still sore where the dentist gave me the injections but apart from that I 'm not doing too bad.

Tonight I finally started to finish the 60th Birthday card (previous post) and I am just waiting for the glue to dry on a few bits, then that should be finished - so all I have to do is make the box.

The lady who ordered the BROTHER card absolutely loved it and now i have been asked to do another one like it by someone else, but to incorporate 50 into it. So I think the 'O' will become the zero on the 50th! Plus this lady wants one doing for her sister's birthday card. Will have to have a think with that one!

So a big thanks for taking the time to visit me here - and hopefully - probably - maybe - I will stick a picture of the finished 60th card later.

I GIVE IN!!!

2008-03-14T22:13:00.004Z

All for me not posting any cards for the next few days.

Here is the start of the card for the 60th birthday - bear in mind its not finished yet. I have just finished putting it together and inked up the edges. Now all i have to do is find a nice birthday verse to put inside and some small embellishments, make the box and it will be finished.

The paper is by Papermania - Silk Screened Paper Gold Ornate Metallic. I have used a 12 x 12 sheet to make the card and also some beige Bazzill Card for the accordian bit. I used the paper to cover the bazzill card on the inside. The ribbon I have had for ages and I think it really goes with the paper.

The size of the front and back cover is 11cm deep by 8.5cm wide. And the inside accordian is 10cm deep by 7.5cm wide. That gives me 4 pages to add the verse to.

The only main issue I had using this paper was that the gold rubs off!!! Dont know the reason for this - has it got to do with it being Silk Screened? Has anyone else had this problem?

STILL HERE - NOT GONE AWOL!

2008-03-14T20:26:00.007Z

Sorry for not posting - but I have been busy trying to sort out my Bazzill card and my 12 x 12 papers. I am slowly getting there but i need to go out tomorrow and buy another folder to put my papers into.

I have also started on a birthday card for the 2nd card order i got. The lady wants a card for her Mum as its her 60th. So I am doing an accordian book style card. So hopefully within the next few days i will have some pictures to show you.

Plus AVIE is 5 tomorrow.

I really can't believe that time has passed so quickly. But that also means I haven't worked for 5 years as well. I took voluntary redundancy when I was pregnant with her as I knew that I wasn't going to go back to work. I have been looking at getting a job doing nights - so hubby can have them in the evening and I can be there for the kids during the day. But so far nothing!

'OH' BROTHER

2008-03-11T18:39:00.008Z

UPDATED WITH PICTURE OF INSIDE - 12/3/08

Well I finally got round to starting the other card order.
I needed to get this one done first as its needed by the 21st of this month.

Now she asked for a birthday card for her brother but no other details!!!! So I hope she likes this!

I used HOTP papers and also HOTP Monograms (both of which I won in the Crafts Beautiful competition). I havent finished the inside yet but it will read HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Y O U - with the 'O' being used for the YOU - hope you know what I mean. So that it was I have to do tonight. And believe it or not - I AM HAPPY WITH THIS CARD lol!!

Edited 12/03/08
Just added this photo to show you the inside that I finished today. It has worked out really well!

DEAR SIR/MADAM

2008-03-11T18:12:00.005Z

Sorry for my absence but it seems life has caught up with me!

Last week at school, was Peter Pan week. It was to raise money for Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital. The kids watched the movies and did treasure maps etc and on Friday the kids got to dress up as a character from the book. Well lucky for me the Pirate costume came in handy again for Avie and Caitlyn the big one wanted to dress a a Lost Boy/Girl. So it was throw on anything and add a bit of dirt and she was ready (nice and simple).

Well they both seemed to have had a great time and nearly every kid in the school dressed up as Peter Pan, Hook, Tinkerbell, Wendy etc and even the teachers joined in.

CAITLYNS BIRTHDAY ON SUNDAY WAS GREAT!!!!

All the kids had a 'splashing' time! (sorry lol). There were 21 in the end and they had relay races, biggest splash competitions, musical statues (lot harder when its in the water) - just loads of games and it was so much fun.

I couldn't take any photos of the kids at the swimming because of the new rules and I would have had to get every parent to sign a form to state that it was OK to take the photos - so in the end I just left it.

We got Caitlyn a mobile phone as she has pestered us for ages about getting one, we also got her the PlayStation 2 High School Musical Sing Star (wish we hadn't!!!! - my ears are killing me LOL). My best mate got her some clothes and a ticket to go see High School Musical - The Musical in July at Manchester. She also got a watch from her little sister, and from her friends loads of craft stuff, clothes, picture frames, chocolates, books and she got quite a bit of money. So all in all i think she had a great 10th Birthday.

So now we have Avies birthday to look forward to on Saturday. She will be the grand old age of 5! So she is having a party on the Monday at Wacky Warehouse which is great as I really don't have to do anything! The only problem with her is she doesn't know what she wants so I am really struggling with what to get her present wise!!

BIG 10 TOMORROW

2008-03-08T19:13:00.003Z

Where has the time gone?

I haven't managed to finish my daughters card on time - the reason being I can't find it. I AM GUTTED!!!! Its her birthday tomorrow the big '10' and I had to go out today and buy her a card. I have had so much to do today that I never got chance to even try and make her a new one. We were at a birthday party this afternoon - and that took up a lot of time and I have the bags and stuff to get ready tonight so we don't have to rush about in the morning.

So tomorrow there will be 19 going to her swimming party - and I have to say they are all looking forward to it. There are a few who aren't strong swimmers, but i spoke to the manager today and he said that wouldn't be a problem as there would be lifeguards on duty and most of the games would be in the shallow end of the pool.

So going to get off and start on the bags. I really want/need to make some cards as I have the second order to start and one of the cards has to be done by the 21 March. Fingers crossed I will have some things to post soon. Thanks for visiting!!!!

Ooops its Wednesday Already

2008-03-05T20:12:00.006Z

Cant believe we are half way through the week already and I havent posted since Sunday!

Well I have been having a little tidy up of my 'craft stash' - just trying to sort it all out into easy, accessible boxes, sorting my papers out - you know the stuff!!! Its has taken ages.
I sit and moan at my hubby saying that I dont have enough stuff/or I need this and that, but when I started sorting it out i was finding papers, brads, stickers etc that I forgot I had.

So - before i buy any more papers, ribbons, flowers - I am going to start using up the stuff I have already got. So be prepared for some strange creations.

First Up!
This is made using the DCWV Paper Stack - now i only started using this a few weeks back and now I am not that keen on it. I think with this one its more the colours I dont like.
I made a simple frame and covered some flowers in matching papers, and used 3d foam pads on the back.

Now this one - great idea to start with - then down hill from when I stuck the first paper on. Dont know what happened but just didnt turn out the way I wanted it to.
The paper is from my LCS - but I have no idea the make. The flower is cut out from another sheet of the same makers paper. The ribbon was free with a magazine and I also used my Studio G Stamp.

My eldest said she will have this one - because she thinks its strange???? She says the ribbon does funny things to her eyes!

SO as I said there may be some REALLY strange stuff being posted on here - but bear with me as I get rid of my stash.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

2008-03-02T21:25:00.010Z

I hope you all had a wonderful day today!

I was allowed a lie in this morning - well until 8am that is, when the kids and hubby came charging into the room with my pressies and a nice cup of tea.

I got some beautiful wooden cream/brown roses from my eldest Caitlyn and a handmade card. From the little one Avie I got a handmade card and a Salt Dough Heart that she made at school. She had put sequins all over it but when she gave it to me there were none on it - so I will probably find them tomorrow when I do her room. I also got some jelly sweets with I Love You iced on the hearts (sure I seen them out on display in Birthdays for Valentines) - but it doesn't matter as the kids bought them. Hubby gave me £20.00 to spend on craft stuff - so I will be having a little shopping spree.

Well today I managed to book the local swimming pool for Caitlyns Party and its great as its actually on her birthday. She didn't want shop bought invites (really didn't have time to buy any and we needed them to take to school tomorrow) so she asked If I could do something.

Now I was going to sit and use my Quickutz and cut out letters for POOL PARTY and also the SWIMMING COSTUME but when she said she wanted at least 25 invites doing I thought NO WAY can I sit I do that today. So I had a little play on Photoshop and came up with the above invite. I also had to drive over to ASDA at 3.50pm to buy some colour ink for the printer - great time for the ink to run out!!!!!!!!

And I have to say SHE LOVES IT - She did have a giggle when she seen her head floating in space.

I managed to get 4 on a sheet of A4 paper and just cut them. They are all in envelopes now ready to take to school tomorrow. I did do some spare just in case the people she has invited cant come!

MARCH 1ST ALREADY!!!!!!

2008-03-01T19:43:00.002Z

Sorry nothing to show you today as I have been busy trying to sort things for both my daughters birthdays. I managed to book Wacky Warehouse for the youngest - so thats not too bad - but now my eldest has decided she would like a swimming party. So by the time she let us know the local swimming pool was shut so I will have to ring in the morning and hopefull get something booked for her.

When we were out today I finished buying my eldests pressies, but I cant tell you on here as she reads this!!!! My youngest, I have a few things stashed away - but at least her birthday isnt until the 15th so i still have time to get some more for her.

So happy 1st of March - where did Januray and February go??????????????? and hopefully I will get making some cards tomorrow unless hubby has something planned for Mothers Day - but I doubt that very much!

SWAPPING STUFF

2008-02-28T23:10:00.008Z

Finally finished my bookmark for the swap (my first)!!

Over on the Crafts Beautiful forum there is a bookmark swap going on and the deadline is the 18th March for them to be in. I know I have made mine early but with the other card order to start on and my daughters birthday card to finish I thought I better pull my finger out and get it done.

So here is a little sneaky peek at what I have made!

Now I must have done something right as even hubby likes it - if he doesnt like something I have made, he lets me know.

So I am pleased with the way it came out and I hope whoever gets it is also happy with it. So hopefully this will be in the post tomorrow and be on its way to Jules.

If you are wondering whats has happened to the photos, well I had a little play with the contrast and colour on them and I really like the way they have turned out.

Oooo HAVE I FINISHED????

2008-02-28T11:30:00.003Z

Well I hope I have finished with the 1st order.

I got up this morning thinking - I will not let this 'MALE' card thing beat me - so I thought - straight forward design using my computer - no fuss - no scratching head trying to think up anything and here it is ta da!!!!

I used Laines Day and Garamond fonts and then I cut out the exclamation mark and added a brad for the spot.

Have to say in truth I was probably being lazy and just wanted to get this first order done and out of the way. And this was the quickest design to do! Sorry the pics are a bit rubbish - and I have just taken them in daylight!!! - think i will stick to taking photos of them at night.

The card I used came from my LCS and it was my last bit - so me thinks some 'crafty' shopping will be called for on Saturday - you know, just to stock up on a few things. LOL!

YOU MAKE MY DAY AWARD

2008-02-27T19:13:00.005Z

Oooo looky what i have been given - my very first award!!!! The lovely Max over at http://maxscraftcreations.blogspot.com thought I deserved it - so thankyou sooo much hun - it really made my day!

Now the instructions for this is simple:

1. Write a post with links to 5 blogs you find of interest and that inspire you.
2. Acknowledge the post of the award giver.
3. Display the logo "YOU MAKE MY DAY"
4. Tell the award winners that they have won by commenting on their blogs with the news.

Now I had big problems with only choosing 5 out of the 50, 60 blogs I visit every day! Plus the fact that so many people had already received it. So - here are my 5 choices.

http://kraftinkimmieskorner.blogspot.com/ - what can I say - an amazing talented lady with a thing for Magnolias! ;o)

http://juliesinkspot.blogspot.com/ - Julie came to visit my blog through the Docrafts site - and i'm glad she did! She makes some stunning cards. Go on over and visit her blog her cards are fab!

http://nowalinka.blogspot.com/ - The lovely Alinka has some amazing creations on her blog. Her 'books' are stunning - she is one very talented lady.

http://nzcrafter.blogspot.com/ - Kiwicrafter does some amazing things with paper - go check out her Sunflower and Water Lillies they are gorgeous.

http://nikkiscardsandnews.blogspot.com/ - Nikki has such a fab blog - she always has something yummy to look at.

So here are my 5 - please go check out their blogs - you will be so impressed. I WAS!!!

ALPHABET SOUP!?!!!

2008-02-26T21:14:00.003Z

Why am I finding it hard to do the rest of the first card order - I will tell you -
.
.
.
.
.
.
Because the last 2 cards are for men - arggghhhh

I knew what I wanted to do with this card this morning when I got up, I had it all planned out in my head.

So what happened???????

Came to do it tonight and could I get it to look right - NO!!! In my head it looked great but in real life YUK!

I sat today when my dad came for a brew and cut all the letters out using my Quickutz with the MOXIE alphabet. See even then I knew what i wanted to do.

To be honest this is even my second go at it! The bit with the letters on was the full size of the card but i ended up cutting it down and then layering it on the darker blue card just to make it stand out better. I also inked round the edges to try and 'lift it'.

So I may or may not hand this card over - it may grow on me or it will feed the bin! Only thing is I have another 'male' card to do!

EVENING ALL

2008-02-25T21:55:00.006Z

Well I have managed to get 3 more cards done for the first order. I have finished the 3 'girlie' ones and managed just the 1male card. I find it hard to do male cards and she does want them all different!!!

This one I used dark brown cardstock from local market, Cuttlebug Spots & Dots Embossing Folder, DCWV Matt Stack, Dovecraft Brads and my computer to print 'ONLY ME'. I also used some more PLASMA at the bottom of the card - this bit I found is a lot thicker than the bit I used on the other nights card (fridays post)!!!

I used the brads this time to attach the plasma to the card instead of glue. I also did a bit of faux stitching - first time and I think it looks ok!

This one is quite bright in real life - I hope she likes it!!
I used DCWV Matt Stack, Cuttlebug Spots & Dots Embossing Folder, Quickutz Flower Die, ribbon from local shop, and once again text from computer.

I quite like the colours on this one - very calming!!! I used DCWV Matt Stack (again), spotty paper from LCS (dont know the maker), Cuttlebug Paisley Dies, Ribbon from USA, Bling LCS? and text from my computer.

Now I havent met this lady and I dont know what her tastes are, so I think upto now there is a good mixture of cards and colours.

MONDAY BLUES AND PINKS WITH LIME GREEN

2008-02-25T14:25:00.002Z

Just a quick post.

Never managed to do anything 'crafty' yesterday - I spent some quality time with hubby, kids and my dad. And I also managed to catch up on some ironing.

I got a phonecall from my best mate this afternoon and she remembered to take in my box of cards to work with her - not bad she has had them nearly 2 weeks now!!! Well she phoned to ask me if i could do some cards for her workmates - so in one order I have 6 cards to make 3 male and 3 female all to have ONLY ME on the front of them. As you can see in the piccy below here is the first one.

The base card is from my LCS, the striped paper is Papermania, flower is Dovecraft???, brad is dovecraft. The swirl I cut out by hand - I can only say I am glad I didnt do it any smaller!!!!

The other order is for 4 cards - 1 for Mum on your 60th, 1 Mum normal birthday, 1 birthday Brother and 1 birthday Sister. I have a few weeks to get them done as they arent needed soon (thankfully!!!).

So watch this space as I will have more to post!!!!

PARTY FAVOURS???

2008-02-23T22:25:00.002Z

I always seem to post stuff late at night - its 10:30pm here. My heating has just gone off and I can feel the cold already - bbbrrrrr!

Any Hoo!!! In my Crafts Beautiful Prize Stash were templates for exploding boxes etc and also a Pyramid card template. Well been playing tonight - having a little practice and thought they would make great little party favours for my kids birthday parties.

I would only have to make about 20. That would be 12 for the little one who will be 5 on the 15th March and 8 for the big one who will be into double figures (10) on the 9th March.

I wouldnt get a lot into them, but I can make the little pressies a lit bit more special.

I used Bazzill Card and covered it with Kelly Panacci paper, cut some flowers from her Jumbo Flowers paper and used eyelets to attach them to the card. I also added eyelets to the 4 corners so i could thread ribbon through (need to practice a bit more with that).

PLAYING WITH FIMO

2008-02-23T18:50:00.003Z

This afternoon I was having a clearout of a few boxes under the stairs and came across my Fimo Clay. Now this stuff hasnt seen daylight for nearly 2 years and i didnt think it would still be ok to use. But the kids wanted to have a play so I let them.

Caitlyn, my eldest made the buttons, the beads, pendant and the heart.

She did really well blending the colours. I showed her the basics (and i mean the basics) and off she went. She rolled the clay into a long sausage shape then cuts chunks off to make the buttons. Then she got a Kebab stick and made a few beads to go with the pendant.

I did help her with the heart as she couldnt get the shape right - but we got there in the end. She used a straw to put a hole through it so she could wear it as a necklace.

Now these are my youngest ones efforts!! She enjoyed playing with the fimo and kept calling it Play Doh. We used a cookie cutter for the teddy and I helped her make the eyes, she rolled the bit for its tummy and used the end of one of the tools to make the little 'holes' on it.

And she wanted to put the biggest smile on the face.

They both had loads of fun. I now wish I had found this at the beginning of the hoildays as it kept them busy for a while.

I am sorry for the photos, they are very dull and dont show the true colour of the buttons etc But the white paper I photographed them on came out yuk in the photos. Will try tomorrow in daylight to see if thats better.

ALTERED NOTEPAD

2008-02-22T22:16:00.004Z

BEFORE - very pink (well the cover) notebook from TESCO.
This book holds a list of all my fav blogs, quotes, sketches, doodles etc.

And the finished product!

I started this today - as in cutting the paper for it and that was it - but finally finished tonight.

Couldnt decide what to put on the cover and then the flowers that I got in my prize stash came to mind! I also used some paper twine that I got from IKEA ages ago and threaded it through the flowers and the buttons.

I have added an envelope on the inside to store bits and bobs (more bits than bobs as its not that big) and covered it in paper and inked the edges like I have done with the front cover. The back cover is in the same paper.

I am really happy with this because its for me and nobody else! The only problem I had was after I stuck the paper on the front I realised that I covered the holes and I had to sit and cut out each one (quite annoying it was). But I'm happy now!!!

I'M IN THE PINK

2008-02-22T19:13:00.008Z

WISH IT SAID I'M IN THE MONEY - But Hey HO!!!!

Ok!! Still a few spots of brown but at least its not ALL brown.

I have never tried the acetate (still havent as i didnt have any - used some Plasma instead) thing on a card, and I have seen some lovely ones out there in blogland that I just had to have a go!

The plasma wasnt too thick, just thick enough for the card! I did use glue to attach it but it came off so I re-attached it again so fingers crossed thats it!

The Hi bit was done on my comp then printed out, then I used my circle punch to 'punch' it out. I added a brad just to give it something - It just seemed a bit flat if you know what I mean!

Going to be nipping up the street in about 10 minutes to see my friends daughter - it was her birthday on wednesday but she is getting her 'present' tonight. Its a Pink Limo!!! The thing is its blowing a gale outside and raining and I so wanted to get some good pics - will have to wait and see.

They have hired it for 2 hours and its just going to drive round. She is sooo looking forward to it - she is mad on anything pink! Just added the pics - birthday girl in pink, my little one in the blue jacket and my eldest is in the background the other girl is the eldest sister of the girl in pink. They drove round the block so my kids to get to be in it.

FEELING 'BROWN TONIGHT'

2008-02-21T23:18:00.003Z

What is it with me at the moment - I must be going through a brown stage - because everything I seem to do is B R O W N.

Well my friend seen this paper and asked me if i could do a vintage/old style card for mother's day for her gran. She liked the vintage photo I used on the anniversary card the other week (see later post) and she wanted something similar. So here it is!!!!

I just love these little postcards that I got from Lakeland ages ago. They seem to work with darker coloured papers and card. The paper is by Kelly Panacci for Sandylion - it is an 'old' paper as the copyright on the back says 2004. I also used a couple of brads by Dovecraft and I printed off the sentiment from my computer.

This one is for me. I wanted a little note card to send to one of my neighbours to say thanks for taking in a few parcels lately. The post round here is terrible at the moment - and it seems any deliveries seem to come around 3pm and 3.30pm - when I leave to go get the kids from school.

The patterned paper is by HOTP - Use 'Em For Anything Chocolate dark, light & white. Other stuff used is from LCS.

So as you can see nothing exciting. Just bog standard cards.

Today was quite a laid back day as the kids were invited to a party at the local bowling alley - it wasnt till 4pm so we did nothing much apart from laze about. My eldest was feeling a lot better today - I could tell first thing this morning, as she was arguing with the little one - so she was 100% better!!!!

ALTERED FRAME

2008-02-20T16:08:00.008Z

I couldnt go anywhere today as my eldest has been running a very high temp, and the little one has been her nurse.
So seeing that I couldnt take the kids out i thought I would do something 'CRAFTY'.
So here it is - I found this old frame that used to be in my bedroom when it was green and cream (sooo glad i changed it) and have been dying to do something with it.

So here is my latest creation. Ta Da!!!!

The frame measures 15in x 11in. I used HOTP papers that I got in my prize stash and happily ripped strips and edged them using my brown chalk ink pad. I used just ordinary PVA glue and set about layering the strips on the frame (very messy). I then went over it with the brown chalk pad again to really age it and voila here it is. I will either use a clear varnish on it or PVA to seal it.

I have a picture in my mind about which photo will go in it - its one i took of my eldest a couple of days ago. So when I have that blown up, changed from colour to sepia and printed - it has a nice new home to sit in and will have pride of place in my dining room.

JUST BEX CHALLENGE 9
A PRESENT
You have a massive choice here - we would like you to make a presetn for someone - anyone!
Well i did - for me!!!!

BABY CARDS

2008-02-19T19:31:00.009Z

JUST ADDED THIS BIT - JUST BEX BIG CHALLENGE 12
So now we want you to make a card any size BUT NOT 'normal'. You must make a card with a different ie: not a straight forward landscape or portrait fold. Maybe a card with more than 1 fold or a wallet style - anything goes - just different. I went over to just Bex Forum and this challenge was there so I have added the card.

I had a go at making these this afternoon - and I am pretty pleased with them. Seeing that it was my first go at them I don't think i have done too bad. I really think i need to buy a scalloped punch now, as if you click on this link you will see what I mean - http://firefliesandflutterbyes.blogspot.com/2008/02/sweet-onesie-cards.html. When I seen these I though 'how cute' they were. Here is the link to original designer and the tutorial http://laurenm.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2008/02/05/create-your-own-onesie-card-tutorial-and-important-note-please-read/

The eyelets on the blue one are the wrong colour - will have to make sure I get some to match the star colour. The pink one I am not to sure about, i do like it but I think the colour is all wrong - so a bit of tweaking is in order.

They both measure 14cm deep x 10.5cm across. I used Bazzill card, the star is printed off my computer, the heart is a Quickutz die and the eyelets are Dovecraft. I also used the lid off one of my pens and white ink to create the little dots on the cards. I also used my Woodcare Circle Punch that I bought today.

JUST BEX CHALENGE

2008-02-18T10:33:00.007Z

BLACK & WHITE and...
From the fab Sue a challenge to use Black/White and a colour of your choice and then make us whatever you fancy.

Well I stuck to a very simple (once again) LO and used pink as my accent colour.

I stamped the flower image using STAZON and added some pink to the centre of each flower. I made the scallop edge with my corner rounder punch and then punched holes in each scallop.

And I thought I would show you the back of this one, as I messed up. I was looking for my STAZON ink pad so I could stamp enjoy and I couldnt find it. Then I realised that the card was on top of the ink pad - doh. I will make sure I'm a bit more careful next time!!!!

JUST BEX CHALLENGE

2008-02-17T21:01:00.004Z

MONOCHROME MADNESS

Here is another Just Bex Challenge card.
The challenge was:- We want you to create a card or layout using just one colour...you can use as many variations of that colour as you want but no other colour is allowed.

I stuck with a very simple card layout and the colour (have you guessed yet) BROWN. I am not really happy with it, I dont know if the blooms are too big, or the colour of card I have used is wrong but something isnt right.

If I get chance I may have another go with this one - but it really depends on the kids as they are now off school for the week. I just hope this nice weather holds up, so I can get out and do something fun with them.

ITS SUNDAY

2008-02-17T12:05:00.006Z

Hello to a beautiful sunny day here in North West of England. Hubby has taken the youngest out shopping and my eldest is out playing with her friends. I was up early this morning and managed to get a lot done. So maybe just maybe i might get some more cards made this afternoon.

This card I made last night before I sat down to watch the Will Smith film Pursuit Of Happyness. I really enjoyed it and Will Smith was great. But it did drag out a bit, but there were some moving moments in the film and i just loved the bit when he got the job.

I had drawn a sketch for this card from an idea off someones blog - but for the life of me I cant remember who's (so if anyone can let me know that would be great). I know its not the best card but its nice and simple, and thats the way I like it.

JUST BEX CHALLENGE

2008-02-16T15:00:00.005Z

Just Bex Challenge No. 3 - Recipe.
We would like you to incorporate the following into a card, ATC, LO etc
1 Ribbon
2 Blooms
3 Different Patterned Papers

So here is my effort - yes I used the same layout again as the cards that I have been making, but I have added the extra 3rd paper to tie in with the challenge. The colours of the card seem so dull and dark, but I was determined to get this card done today, so, I never messed about with the papers and grabbed the first 3 that I came too.

The enjoy bit was a bit of a pain as when I stamped it the white ink was naff so I went over it with a gel pen to make it stand out more.
I am going to have a go at some of the other challenges - so hopefully I will have some more stuff to show you all.

2 NEW CARDS

2008-02-15T14:03:00.007Z

Made these 2 cards this afternoon sat at my window in beautiful sunshine. I kept the design the same as the last 2 cards that I did, as I really like the simple layout.

I really love the colours on this one as its so vibrant!!
I raised the flower etc on 3d foam pads - (will cost a small fortune to send in the post - hahehahe)

I used DCWV Mat Stack Brights and also DCWV Paper Pack - matchmakers 2

Ummmm. This one I'm not too sure on the colours or the flower (I think it looks fat and also too busy). For the stem I twisted some ribbon.

I used DCWV Retro Prints Paper stack and also DCWV Brights Mat Stack.

It was also nice being able to take photos in the sunshine rather than late at night as i usually do.

FORGOT TO SAY - Over on Just Bex forum they are having a Big Challenge Week starting tonight.

HAPPY ST VALENTINES DAY

2008-02-14T14:07:00.002Z

Just thought I would wish everyone a good day.
I got a lovely box of chocolates from hubby plus a jigsaw that I have to put together yet (knowing him it will be something naughty). And a gorgeous card (sorry no piccies of the card as the batteries went dead).

Just thought I would show you what I got him. Its made by a company called Clear Intentions. We usually buy the Spaceform ones but the little shop where I got this one didnt stock them anymore.

Hubby was pleased - so thats what matters.
Nothing planned for tonight as hubby always works on Valentines Night - it is one of the busiest nights of the year for the restaurant.

SNEAKY PEEK

2008-02-13T22:00:00.011Z

I have started on my eldests daughters birthday card - I am a bit early as its not until March 9th - but I left it to the last minute last year and ran out of colour ink in my printer so her card wasnt what I wanted it to be. So i thought I would get started on it early.

I just love these papers - they are by College Press and they are The Sugar Plum series. I know Caitlyn will love them even though she is a bit of a tom boy (she takes after me). I have used some Bazzill card stock and some eyelets, but that is as far as i have got.

Must be doing alright with it as hubby likes it! If anyone is critical of my work, it is my hubby. I wont even make him a Valentines card because he is soooooo fussy. So I have BOUGHT a shop one this year.
As I progress with this i will update with piccies - i just hope I dont go and spoil it and add way to much stuff.

BLUE & BROWN

2008-02-12T22:26:00.002Z

Just loving the colour combo of this card. Yes I know its the same layout as last nights card but i liked it.

I was so tempted again to stamp on some ribbon - not the sheer ribbon as on card - but i have some blue ribbon that is an excellent match to the blue card - but I didnt want to ruin it as i dont have a lot of it left.

The papers are again by HOTP Bohemian Sarapapers, the blue card by DCWV and the enjoy is Studio G Stamp, the ribbon from my LCS and the flower once again made using card art. I also used a white gel pen to highlight some areas of the background paper.

JUST ONE CARD

2008-02-11T22:30:00.002Z

Finally got round to making A card tonight. I was late at getting my craft stuff out and its now 10.30 - need to get to bed as I have the dentist first thing in the morning after I drop the kids at school. Caitlyn also has to be at school a bit earlier as she is going to one of the main high schools to see the musical BUGSY MALONE.

I like this card - but I am not happy with the thanks bit on the ribbon. I stamped it using a brown inkpad but it has turned a red colour. The thing is it worked!!!! I didnt think that it would - only gutted now as its the wrong colour.

The papers are from my prize stash and they are the Bohemian Sarapapers which are lush, lush, lush - it was very hard to cut them (but I cant sit and stroke them forever can I).

The flower was made using some card art shapes, that I covered with paper and inked the edges then added the brad. The 'stem' of the flower was made using some paper string that I got at IKEA years ago.

FEW CARDS

2008-02-10T22:10:00.006Z

Made these cards this weekend using some of my scrummy competition prize stash.

I used my computer to print the text and then layered it onto brown card stock. I also used my new brads and flowers.

This card I used some DCWV Mat Stack and stamped over it using my Studio G Stamps. I cased the idea from here http://justgivemestamps.typepad.com/page/2/ go to Jan 25th post.

Just a closer look to see the stamping

Hope you have all had a good weekend. The weather has been great here - we have had lovely sunshine and it has also been quite warm. Kids have had fun playing out, dogs have had a manic time down the fields and I got quite a lot of stuff done.

So hope to be back here tomorrow with some more cards.