I HAVE BEEN MAKING

At last I have managed to get some crimbo cards made to give to friends.
Its one thing I hate doing is making cards to give to friends at Christmas. I think I am more fussy when it comes to making cards to give.


All the cards are accordion style (really into this style at the moment).



And then finally I had a go at making this note pad/calendar thingy! I have also attached a pencil at the bottom. I added some ribbon at the top so it can be hung but I also stuck a magnet on the back so it can be attached to the fridge. I may make some more of these for the kids teachers at Christmas.



I used:
Mount Board -
Bazzill Card/Ladybug, Cupcake - CTM
Basic Grey Fruit Cake/Frosty/Maraschino Cherry - LCS
Dovecraft/Tis the Season Paper Pack -
Kelly Panacci Paper - LCS
Ink Anna Griffin/chocolate - USA
Ribbon - LCS and Singapore
Pencil and Calendar - Local stationery shop

Ooooo LOOK AT ME

Second post in two days!!!

I have managed to make boxes today for some Christmas cards that should have been made weeks ago. Still very plain at the moment but I will do something with them in the next few days.

Found out this evening that Caitlyn is allergic to penicillin. She came home from school compaining that she was very itchy, when I had a look, her skin seemed to be on fire. She was red on her torso, neck, arms and her legs. So I rang the doctors and managed to get an appointment at 5.30pm. The doctor confirmed that she is now allergic to penicillin - even thought she has been given it before on numerous occasions (over the past 9 years). So she now has ERYTHRODEN for her tonsils and she was given CETIRIZINE for the rash. So hopefully she will be alright now.

The little one Avie is looking very sorry for herself at the moment. The chicken pox seems to have stopped spreading now, but her hands and backs of her legs look terrible. The spots are very large and some have started to weep now. She is being really really good and managing not to scratch them - I couldnt.

SORRY BAD BLOGGER

Good Reason Though.

Haven't been around much as both my kids have been off school ill. The eldest Caitlyn has got Tonsillitis but I have sent her back to school this morning and the youngest Avie has got Chicken Pox. She hasn't been ill with it, but her skin is in a right mess. She suffers from eczema pretty badly and the Chicken Pox has flared up on top of her eczema. Her arms, hands, legs are the worst and she also has it on her face. She is doing pretty well up to now and managing not to scratch the chicken pox but I feel so sorry for her.

I might try and get some crafty stuff made today if I get the chance - fingers crossed.

BIG RED NOSE

Rudolf With Your Nose So Bright



Had a little play about last night because as usual there was nothing on telly to watch.

This was my 2nd attempt at this card, as on the first one I used a metallic paper for the nose and you could see the glue underneath it, so here is my 2nd try. Still not happy with it as the nose still needs to be a bit more rounder if you know what I mean - but hey ho will give it another go tonight. The antlers fold down inside the card for posting.



I used:
Brown & Red Card - LCS
Red Glitter - LCS
Eyes - Quickutz Name Plate & Circles
Bowl to cut around
Antlers modelled off the Quickutz Reindeer Head Die

LITTLE GIRL CARD

I made this card tonight for the little girl at our corner shop who will be 2 tomorrow. She is very much into pink as her mum keeps telling me - I think she was hinting.
The thing is I do find it hard to do cards for kids - and I have to admit I don't make them for my own kids, I always buy them from the shops (naughty me). I know kids cards should be easy but I really do struggle.



I used
Card - Bazzill from Capture The magic
Image - Dovecraft 6x6 Baby Paper Pack - LCS
Buttons - Market
Glitter - LCS
Punch - LCS

I decoupaged the image and added glitter to the wings and the cloud, then mounted it on to the bazzill card and edged the card with the glitter. I used a circle punch and sewed the buttons onto the circle and attached it to the card using foam pads. Used another bit of bazzill across the bottom half of the card and some more buttons.

The verse inside the card reads - HIP HIP HOORAY, BIRTHDAY CHEERS TO YOU, TODAY IS SPECIAL, BECAUSE YOU ARE TWO! - which I got off the internet ages ago.

AND FINALLY

Some cards






Here are some crimbo cards that I have been making. I am just loving the snowman paper.

All of the cards are concertina style. I used:

Basic Grey Fruit Cake - Frosty/Maraschino Cherry
Dovecraft - Tis The Season Paper Pack
Other Papers - LCS (no makers name)
Bazzill Card - Ladybug, Bubble Blue
Ribbons - LCS and Market
Ultra Fine Art Glitter - LCS Irise-Crystal
Ink - Anna Griffin Chocolate, Crimson
Verse - Internet

AMAZING

I took these pictures last night from my back garden. The Sky was amazing! The colours were so vibrant (pictures don't do it any justice). As soon as I seen it I grabbed the camera to get these shots. Ain't Mother Nature Amazing?

Have to say it's a completely different story today we have just had a downpour and we lost the Sky signal it was that bad. There is blue sky on the way though can see it from my daughters bedroom window.

HELLOOOOOOOO

I'm back - naughty me haven't blogged again! Where does all the time go? Just been so busy lately and not managed to get on here to do anything.

First off here are piccies of my 2 daughters on Halloween - youngest as a ghost pirate (I was determined she would get more use out of this outfit) and the eldest as a psycho doctor - that was her description not mine. Both of them did really well with all the treats they got and I am being honest - I did pinch a few of them yummy!

The 1st of November was also Caitlyns Monster Mash Disco at school where she dressed the same but her description changed to Zombie Doctor. Found some really cool tatoos of wounds and stuck one on her head with some fake skin and added lots of yellow, green, blue and black face paint. Then I splattered her with fake blood. She was so happy, she was voted the grossest (sp?) at the disco.

I WON

YIPPEE
I got a call on Friday from my LCS to let me know that my card (made it a few weeks ago see earlier blog) had won their card making competition. I was so chuffed :)

The prize was a Craft Storage Box with 18 Anita's Stamps, 2 Whisper Ink Pads, Pack of Gel Pens, 2 packs of Cards & Envelopes, 3D Sticky Pads, 4 Packs of Outline Stickers and a pack of Whispers Square layering templates. (Sorry I cant post a pic of the prize but still no batteries).

I AM BAD

That is a BAD BLOGGER!

When I started doing this blog I was determined to update everyday whether it was to say hi or post some crafty makings. But that has gone out of the window!

I just don't know whats going on with me at the mo - I have started making the Christmas cards my dad has asked for, but that's all I have done. (WHO HAS PINCHED MY MOJO??????? GIVE ME IT BACK - pretty please.) And I cant post any pics just in case the family who are getting the cards have a looky on here :) So YOU CANT PEEK.

Kids are off this week and up to now they are being alright. Eldest is out playing on the street and the youngest is in the front room making a mess as usual. We did try making cards on Monday and Caitlyn managed to make a few before Avie started squeezing the glue everywhere and sticking sticky fixers all over the table. So Caitlyn gave up before she really got started. I did want her to make some cards, as my LCS is running a card competition and entries have to be in by Tuesday. So maybe tomorrow we will try again.

So I am gonna get off and get some stuff done - and hopefully FINGERS CROSSED and will get making cards again.

OTHER THING - THE KIDS HAVE ROBBED THE BATTERIES OUT OF MY CAMERA SO THEY COULD PLAY ON THE Wii SO I CANT POST PICS ANYWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LAZY TROUT

As my hubby calls me - thats what I have been for over a week now. I just havent had the urge to make any cards at all.

I have started to get orders for crimbo cards and I really need a kick up the bum to get started on them. They are special ones that my dad wants to send to family and friends abroad and here at home. START KICKING EVERYONE I NEED IT!

Still not smoking, and I am finding it easier as the days go by. Dont get me wrong I could do with one right now but whats the point I will be letting myself down and the kids. So I am sat here eating an apple instead :)

Not much has really happened over the past week apart from Avie having her Flu injection and her HIB booster injection which didnt bother her at all (better her than me - I HATE NEEDLES). The poor thing is off school today with a tummy upset, I knew it was coming as most of her class have been ill over the past week. She just fell asleep 15 minutes ago so hopefully she will feel a bit better when she wakes up.

Hopefully might get some crafting done tonight - HOPEFULLY being the main word.

HS:MS

BLADE

A flat sharp cutting edge

This is my first go, and I'm not happy as I cant seem to get to grips with the macro on my camera. I think some time playing about with the camera may help

SNOW WHITE WITH A PATIENT

Today at school was BOOK DAY where the kids got to dress up in costumes regarding books that they are reading or have read.



My little one Avie wanted to go as Snow White and I was so grateful that one of my neighbours lent me this dress for her - I did have to take it up a bit (about 2 inches) but my neighbour said that it was no problem.

Now Caitlyn was different all together. They are reading a book at school called COOL (hope I am correct) which is about doctors, nurses, patients and a dog! I did order her a Doctors outfit but because of the postal strike guess what it never arrived - so off she went this morning as a patient. I gave her a black eye (please don't phone social services) by using really dark eyeshadow and then using a yellow felt tip pen for some realistic bruising. Ripped up hubby's old apron (chef by trade) for the bandage and used my red felt tips for the blood.

Last year Caitlyn won in her year with her costume which I had made with paper mache and shaped it into a really big alien head with brains to match. I will have to dig it out - as i don't throw anything away. But somehow I dont think she will win this time as half the girls in her class turned up looking exactly the same as her.

BLUE, GREEN & A BIT OF SPARKLE

After I had made the Just Bex challenge (see other post) card last night, I made this as I had all my crafty things strewn across my table.

I am really enjoy making this shape card with a flap on the right hand side. I usually keep to the bog standard card shapes and don't usually change them.

Once again used:
Spots & Dots - Cuttlebug Embossing folder
Papers - Kelly Panacci Denim Daisy & Jumbo flowers
Card - Bazzill
Friend sentiment printed on my computer
Glitter added to centre of flower.

MY FIRST CHALLENGE

Well here is my first attempt at doing a challenge card on the just Bex Forum.

The challenge was set by Leigh and you had to use something Paisley on your card whether its patterned paper, a die cut, ribbon, Paisley embossing whatever you want.

Green and Pink Card - Bazzill

StarBursts Sugar Plum & Paisley Sugar Plum - College Press Papers

Spots & Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder

Tag - Quickutz with Daughter rub-on

I cut out a paisley shape from the Paisley Sugar Plum Paper and used 3d foam to lift it from the background

JUST ONE CARD

Thinking Of You

Heres the card that I did the other night - sorry I took so long at posting it but my cameras batteries were completely flat yesterday :(

Brown Card, Cream Card, Ribbon and Kelly Panacci Bacground paper - LCS

Flower - Polar Bear Press Cosy Quilt from CTM - Decoupaged the flower

Anna Griffin Chocolate Ink

Oval Tag - Quickutz

Cream Card embossed using Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirl

WHERE DID THE WEEKEND GO?

I can't believe its Monday already, and I am nearly ready to go to bed and its only 10pm.

This is really just a quickie to let you all know that I have now managed a week without the ciggies (it has been SO hard to do). Still using the patches and they are now staying on my arm, but my appetite has increased so I have been sucking on mints and eating apples.

Also I will be taking Avie to the doctors tomorrow night (Tuesday) for her Flu injection as she suffers from Asthma - I hope she will be alright. And the poor thing got a letter today from the doctors surgery to say she has to go on the 10th October for her HIB booster injection. Poor thing will feel like a pin cushion.

I managed to make a card tonight after the kids went to bed - but the lighting is rubbish at the moment so I will grab a photo tomorrow. And tomorrow is the day when my Dad gets back from Singapore - I cant believe that its been a month already.

So night night all xx

FINISHED

Well I have just finished making the box and the last card for the set.

I am really happy with the way it turned out as I have never made a box in this style before. It took me a bit of working out but I finally got there in the end.

I wasnt asked to do this for anyone it was more of a challenge for myself. I have never made a card set before let alone a box like this. So I can say I am pleased as punch!

The box was made using the same card as the paler brown cards, I used Kelly Panacci paper to cover the front so it matches and I also attached ribbon on the back so that it can be tied at the front.

AS FOR NO SMOKING

Well I seem to be doing fine so far, but the patches are not staying on. I am having to use plasters to keep the damn things on my arm.

Don't get me wrong - I still want a ciggy - especially after I have something to eat or have a brew. Its more a habit thing. In the morning instead of coming downstairs and having a brew and a ciggy I stay upstairs and make sure the kids are washed and dressed, make the beds then come down.

Yesterday I went out instead of staying in and spent 3 hours just wondering around and I have to say I bought some Christmas Presents (yes I know its only September). So I kept myself busy and spent a little bit of money (which always makes me happy).

And for the rest of the day seeing that the kids are at school and its only 10.50am I might, just might finish making the Chocolate & Pink card and hopefully a folder to put them in.

FROSTY

My first Cuttlebug card. I know its not the best card in the world but when I got down to making it, my mind went a complete blank. I have a great new TOY to play with and zippo went my mojo.
I used a silver gel pen to highlight the snowman and also the word Frosty and used 3d foam pads to raise them a little from the card.

I used my Cuttlebug, Snowflakes embossing folder, Sledding embossing folder and the Winter Jelly embossing folder, and the card is White Pearl from LCS.

TURKISH DELIGHT

Well thats what hubby said the brown and pink one reminded him of. And I think the pale brown and green reminds me of Chocolate Limes. Yummy!

I was sat the other night with my dining room table covered in stuff trying to think of a set of cards to make and came up with these. I still have another chocolate and pink one to do and then I have a set. Then hopefully I will be able to make a holder for them to sit in.

I decoupaged the paper and raised it using 3d foam pads and the tags where printed on the computer and cut out.


Papers are by Kelly Panacci, Brown Card and Ribbons - LCS
Green Bazzill Card - Capture The Magic
Anna Griffin - Chocolate and Green Inks for the edges and tags
Making Memories Eyelets - Lakeland

TOMORROW

Is going to be a BIG DAY for me!

1. Avie starts school full time tomorrow. She is so looking forward to taking her packed lunch and seeing the rest of her nursery friends who she hasn't seen since the beginning of the summer holidays. I am looking forward to it, but its going to be strange not having my little munchkin around the house asking me to play with her, watch Dora with her or make her something to eat. She has grown up so fast - where have the last 4 and a half years gone????????
Talking about where have the years gone - I also have a meeting to attend at main school tomorrow night regarding high school choices for Caitlyn. My god she is 9 and a half and I don't want to start thinking about that yet (maybe my problem is I don't want her to grow up).

2. I am STOPPING SMOKING!!!!!
I have got some patches and I have 3 ciggies left in my packet to smoke before I go to bed. Dad if you read this I have pinched your patches (I know you wont be mad because you want me to stop). Today when I got up my chest felt sooooooo tight and I have had a tickly cough for most of the day - so I really decided today would be my last day of smoking. So tomorrow I wont do my usual thing of going to my neighbours for a brew after i drop the kids off at school - I am going to finish my very large pile of ironing that I did try to tackle today but never really seemed to make a dent in it :( So I am going to keep my self ultra busy tomorrow. I might also get some cards made!

So if anyone happens to read this feel free to leave me words of wisdom and encouragement. Because I think I will need it :)

NO CRAFTING TODAY

I managed to get a photo of Caitlyn today while she was in the back garden. She usually likes her photo being taken - but not today! It was WAY to bright for her.

I thought I would add a photo of my 2 boys Shep & Joe my Border Collies. Shep is the one on the left and he is the father of Joe. Shep is 21 months old and Joe is 7 months.

Been a very quiet day today not really done much. Managed to get to my LCS and bought some new blades, some glue and some ribbon.

GOODIES

Hubby Ordered these for me!!

TIME TO PLAY

I have just attacked the postie :) I have been waiting all week for these to arrive. I am sooooo glad the wait is over. My embossing folders and dies for my Cuttlebug are here YIPPEEEEE!!

I ordered embossing folders:
D'vine Swirl
Snowflakes
Baby
Spots & Dots
Winter Jelly
and also Funky Circle Frame Die and Paisley dies.










The papers are by Collage Press - Sugar Plum series.
Paisley Sugar Plum and Star Bursts Sugar Plum. The colours are lush!

CRAFTY GOINGS ON

Post It Notes

These are so fun and quick to make. I caged the idea for them on http://cambriaturnbow.blogspot.com (wonderful, amazing stuff on her blog). Such a fab gift idea!!!! I have only done basic stuff on them but they are great little things and so handy to have around the house. My hubby Paul has taken one into work for a lass in the office to try out and make sure it doesnt fall apart!!!!

I used MAMBI Chester papers on the small one, Bazzill Card Stock, Crossgrain Ribbon and a small flip flop charm (pinched from my daughters charm bracelet)

The Green & Blue one - used Swirly Doodles and Denim Daisies paper by Kelly Panacci, Bazzill Cardstock on the insides, Green Satin Ribbon and I also put a strip of ribbon on the inside so that the back of the post its slips over and stays in place.

Black & White - I used DCWV papers on the cover and added a small amount of cerise glitter, Bazzill Cardstock again for the inside and Cerise Pink ribbon again to hold the Post It in place.

On the other green one I used Kelly Panacci Swirly Doodles and added some glitter to the swirls, Bazzill again and some Turquoise ribbon on the inside to hold the Post It in place.

The Post Its were bought from Tesco - sorry they are called Sticky Notes at Tesco. Same thing though!

NOT BEEN WELL

Seems ages since I last posted anything - but I have been feeling pretty yuk for the past few days - light headedness with dizziness chucked in for good measure. But got up today feeling great.

I have just been and taken the little one to school (these afternoons classes are silly) - so I have a few hours to do a bit of catch up. Have managed to get some crafting done though - so I couldnt have been that icky!

TAKING PHOTOS

Here is Avie taking a photo of me with her Barbie Camera. She just loves going round clicking away - even though its just a toy one. I had to trick her so I could get a photo of her without her camera stuck to her face. I might talk to hubby about getting her a small digi one for crimbo.

I also had a phonecall from the school this moring at 10.50am to say that Caitlyn had been sick. She is at home now and seems alright - she is sat in the front room curled up on the sofa watching some telly (cant be too ill!!!!!).

TRIANGLE TRIFOLD CARD

JUST HAD TO GIVE THIS A GO!

Was looking around the web yesterday and came across Triangle Trifold Cards! They are so simple to make - I even surprised myself. I found a link to the Splitcoast Stampers site and just followed the tutorial.

I used Bazzill as my base card and the papers are from my LCS, they are double sided and don't have a makers name on (so if you know please tell me). The flower and brad are Papermania and the ribbon is from my local market. Even my eldest daughter Caitlyn said she would like to have a go at making one of these.

NOT HAPPY

Having problems with computer since loading 'WINDOWS LIVE MESSENGER' - I dont want it, I dont need it - I am happy to stay with Messenger 7.5!!!!!

System restore worked but for how long!

Not too bad a rant - but still not happy:(

Oh yeah before I forget I HAVE A CUTTLEBUG, I HAVE A CUTTLEBUG:) Bought one today and I cant wait to have a play - so hopefully I will post some cards later!

HAD A LITTLE PLAY

I was having a really good look at 100's of craftyblogs the other night when I came across http://cambriaturnbow.blogspot.com and WOW WOW WOW was all I kept saying. Her cards are amazing.

There were some criss cross cards with a link to a tutorial at www.splitcoaststampers.com , so off I went and had a go. I know its not the best card in the world but then again it was my first go. I used up bits of scrap papers I had in a box (dont know who made them????) and some Bazzill card. I punched holes through the flower paper and added some eyelets. The flowers on the band are from Papermania.

I will definately have another go - when I finally get round to ordering some new scrummy papers, and also do something with the pull out insert apart from blank card.