Messy Stamper

Dustology...

2010-05-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

Not managing to do much crafting at present as we're in the middle of a building site. This is how my dining room looked a few days ago. The builders have done even more since I took this pic, the chimney breast has been removed and all the steelwork is in and welded. We have filled 4 skips already with all the rubble!
The two rooms are being knocked into one, a small extension has been built, and the bay window and interior walls removed. Eventually I'm having a swanky new kitchen, crafting/study area and living space. But at the mo, there's just a heck of a lot of dirt and dust about. No point cleaning up yet though.

It's uncovered a few problems we weren't aware of (which always happens doesn't it?) and its lucky that we found them now, otherwise we would have had some very major problems in the future.

This was my crafting space so most of the crafting paraphernalia has had to be packed away. :(

But I managed to make this card before it all started. The stamp set is designed by Francoise Read and made by Woodware. I've met the lovely Francoise a couple of times and she is a Copic fan, too.
Paper is Basic Grey, from the Two Scoops line. I like the punched border with the pearls, it makes me think of lacy cafe curtains.

My Magnolia Stamp Club stamps finally arrived, but I'm not sure when I'll have the opportunity to use Robin Hood and Maid Marion, still less the Tilda that looks like Snow White!!! Really dont know how I feel about them, LOL.

TTFN!

by the light of the silvery owl..

2010-04-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

A very quick post to show the PMC owl pendant I made - apologies for the poor pic. This sits very nicely in the hollow of my throat and I luv him! I used my fave Hero Arts owl stamp in the silver clay, and finished by burnishing the owl to get him shiny and left the background in brushed silver. I'm typing this with very cold hands. Honestly, it's warmer outside than it is in our house at prsesent because of the building work going on. Still no pain, no gain.

TTFN!

long time, no see

2010-04-18T02:43:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry its been so long since I posted, but I needed a break, I was putting too much pressure on myself and something (which obviously was blogging) had to give.

I've been super busy and got published again in Creative Cardmaking (Summer Special) last month with this card.

So I'm back in the virtual world. We returned from our holiday in Florida (fab) and then I found my camera has broken (not fab). So any photos I post from here on will probably be poor quality because I'm taking the photos with my iPhone. Which, for all that I love it, hasn't got good picture-taking abilities.

I dabbled in a bit of jewellery making with the PMC silver clay, and I'm quite proud of what I've made. The 'piece de resistance' was this bracelet.

I made moulds from 'love heart' sweets and then pressed discs of silver clay into the moulds. I now wish I'd made them double sided though, but I would have used up a lot of my stock of (expensive) silver clay. I then ate all the rest of the sweeties. LOL.

I used a cutter to make the mini hearts and added swarovskis to finish it and add the essential sparkle. This is not a cheap option for making your own jewellery though!

I was lucky enough to attend a class with Sheena Douglass, who is every bit as entertaining IRL as she is on the telly. We made one of her fab grungeboard cuff bracelets and dabbled with distress inks. Excellent day out!

Yesterday I went to 'Flame Off' with my friend Lisa. Our friend Julie ought to have come too, but she is stuck in Tenerife at present. This was a complete change for me, it was all about making lampwork beads. Even got to have a go at making a glass bead in the flame, but then forgot to collect it once it had cooled down. Duh! If you want to know more, search for 'lampworking' on YouTube. Fascinating to watch people who know what they are doing with it, but I'm resisting the urge to buy the starter kit. I'll just stick to buying the beads I think!

I've got my eye on a set of these beads for my charm necklace/bracelet. Swoon! Just can't decide which colourway - I like them all... Bought a lovely necklace at the show and some matching beads to make earrings, I'll show you that in another post. I bought quite a few charms to add to cards, too.

I'll just leave you with this to finish off. My eldest turned 14 back in February, tricky to come up with a suitable design for a teen boy, but he seemed to like it!

Future posting may be somewhat random, as we're in the middle of building a extension and all my crafting stuff has had to be organised/put away for now. But I'll be back soon, TTFN!

a hint of spring

2010-01-16T13:50:00.001-08:00

The snow around here is melted (hurray!!) and apart from the wind being very cold, the weather is really quite bearable. Hope that the meltdown is well under way wherever you are, too.

So I think we all need to look forward to the promise of spring. Here's a card to help us along!

I've used 'Daisy' by Sugar Nellie, Stampin' Up papers, and some (gorgeous) Prima flowers. I finally made myself use these flowers instead of hoarding them! The centres are so pretty, it was a shame to layer and hide them, so I just used some little pearly flowers in the centre. I could have stitched the strings of pearls down, but being a bit lazy, opted for glue dots to stick the ends down, under the flowers.

The rub-on greeting is by Making Memories. I've used nesties to make the mats for the image and Martha Stewart punches (Doily Lace and foliage)A little close-up of my colouring. I love these softer lilacs with the cool gray of her jeans. She is such a cutie. As a bit of an experiment, I added some V95 into my skin shading, and I quite like the effect. I got this tip from Mariannes fab blog, scroll down to the faerie, double-click on the image and you can see what an interesting look it gives.

Hoping you're safe, snug and warm, TTFN!

thing thong

2010-01-09T05:20:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd branch out a bit from the carding and scrapping and have a play with some beads.

Quite a few years ago, when I was big on stitching, I made these very cute santa earrings using a kit from 'Spellbound' and these have a yearly outing. I'd love to visit this shop - their stall at the NEC is always beautiful - and packed! I made some lovely xmas tree decs with another kit from them.

I don't really think of myself as a jewellery maker - I've been generally underwhelmed with my efforts. My pal Julie and I once tried precious metal clay - totally disastrous! I made a little silver ring, even melted glass beads into the silver, and as soon as I put it on, it broke in half. Hmm... that kit was relegated into the cupboard, where it sits to this day.

However, when I saw the idea for a 'book thong' (bookmark to me and you) on ebay and on etsy, I thought 'that looks OK, I could manage that'.

So here we are, with three little gifts, plus one for me! I'm quite pleased with how they turned out.

Vampy blood red beads in a Sookie Stackhouse book, of course!

They were easy to make, I'm very sure I don't need to explain how to make them, LOL! But if you have a go, do use a decent length of cording (about 50cm) - I made the mistake of sizing against a paperback and not a hardback book. If it's a problem, I could always take off a few beads from the bottom end though.

I found the bird spacer bead on ebay, the butterfly spacer and flower bead cap were from the 'Hobby House' and everything else was from 'Windmill Craft Centre' . I just need to make some little boxes for them - in red, I think!

I'm working the next 2 nights, please keep your fingers crossed for me that it's less manic than it has been!

Have a lovely weekend,

TTFN!

just one more..

2010-01-07T08:46:00.001-08:00

Seeing as it's still sub-zero outdoors, I thought this snowman card was apt - I think this is the last of the xmas cards, honest! It's another 'Whiff of Joy' stamp.And both the images should be 'clickable' - I uploaded each image separately, and I think thats sorted out the enlarge-ability. You can see all my little mistakes though!

I'm pleased with the shading on Herb's top hat - a pretty good result IMHO with the cool greys and a touch of black to get the depth. Before the festivities I bought some neutral greys but I've not had a play with them yet.

I love snowmen and snowflake stamps, but IRL, I'm ready for the snow to go now, it's turning into ice on the pavements and I don't like that one bit! And today, when I walked the dogs, one of them made it quite clear he felt the same, too. He turned tail and set off for home about halfway.

My emu boots are pretty much ruined with watermarks, but they have been fab - I have had the warmest feet, even when I take the dogs out.

The high school is still shut, which has delighted my sons no end to have their holiday extended. Though the primary school nearby has opened and the playing field is full of enormous snowballs that the kids have been rolling, it looks very funny!

So here's hoping that no more snow falls now.

Stay warm and TTFN!

happy new 2010

2010-01-02T11:46:00.001-08:00

Happy NY everyone! Didya'll have a good time? We were very busy at work and there were quite a few newborns that night. Barely even got chance to wish each other happy NY, ah well!

My DH raised an interesting question - if we've had the eighties, nineties and noughties - what will this decade be called? DS2 thinks it'll be known as the tenties, LOL.

Hope you don't mind, but I've still got a couple of xmas cards to share - sorry!

I had a play with some acetate and white-Staz-On. The front of this card is acetate, and the snowflake background stamp is by Hero - LOVE this stamp. I really wanted it last year but put off buying it. But I still loved it this year so treated myself. Sometimes you just have to, dontcha? 'wink'. Like I don't treat myself all the time, hee!

And here's a few more I made, while the Staz-On was out. Oh, this is handy to know - if you make a mess of stamping on the acetate, you can clean off the Staz-on ink using alcohol hand rub, Ranger blending solution or surgical spirits.

This is the xmas card I sent to DH. I photographed it before I added a cute metal eyelet 'happy christmas' (by making memories). Love Tilda and Edwin, just so cute.

I've just been admiring this gorgeous card using the same image, here. Elaine has teamed it up with a great background - unfortunately though, it's sold out, I really hope she gets more in!

I'm not making any resolutions for the new year - well not officially, anyway. That way there's less guilt when I (inevitably) break them. But all the usual ideas are there - eat less, swear less, be more assertive, clean more - ha (that one is really a non-starter - the dining table is still covered in craft stuff as we speak...)

I'll leave you with two thoughts on resolutions for the new year. TTFN!

Aisha Elderwyn
Every new year people make resolutions to change aspects of themselves they believe are negative. A majority of people revert back to how they were before and feel like failures. This year I challenge you to a new resolution. I challenge you to just be yourself.

Sydney Smith
Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment.

cue drum roll...

2009-12-28T03:18:00.000-08:00

I mentioned my big news in my last post....well, I've been published in Creative Cardmaking - twice!Back in October I submitted three love-themed cards (with step-by-step instructions and a short introduction) on behalf of Barbara at the Windmill Craft Centre, and the remit was that they would be suitable to send to a man. And we all know how difficult it is to make cards for men, don't we!

Only one was supposed to be shown, if you were lucky enough to be accepted, so I totally didn't expect two of the three to be shown, what a surprise!

The first is this scrap-style rocking card, very dimensional IRL, with foam pads at different heights under the message. The double heart is a lift from the card I made for my DH last valentine's day.

And this one is a super cute Penny Black hedgie stamp that I've coloured with Copics and then decoupaged.

I've never submitted anything before, I'm the world worst with deadlines! It's a very funny feeling, seeing your stuff in a magazine, so to see your name there, too - well, WOW! (Even if it is a very common name, LOL).

So that's my news! Hee! It's given me a lovely feeling inside, and although I know that pride is a deadly sin, well you know what - I am a bit proud!

I'll go now before my head gets too swollen.

TTFN!

greetings

2009-12-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

I'm just posting to wish everyone a very merry christmas and a

happy (and maybe merry?) new year!

And while I wish you that, I'm enjoying my second Snowball - oh, how retro is that! For me, it's the ultimate christmas drink, and it always reminds me of my Nana (sadly, no longer with us). She would always make me a Snowball when I was young, so it brings back sweet memories.

Speaking of snowballs (the frozen kind though, now) , we've even had snow in my neck of the woods. Snow is kind of a BIG DEAL around here- the last decent snowfall we had was in 2006, so the kids have been very happy.

Although I've not managed to get any photos of them in it, so a lost scrapping opportunity, I'm afraid. But funnily enough, I made this tiny altered tin last month, and used some of the 2006 photos I took of my youngest playing with the pugs in the snow.

Cute!

Virtually finished all the preparations now, just a few presents left to wrap - well, put into gift bags, I'm too lazy to be bothered with wrapping paper, LOL!

I decorated a cardboard wine carrier for my FIL's gift, it looked pretty good actually - and how else would you give half a dozen bottles of wine? Forgot to photograph it though.

Next time I post, I've got BIG news to share, ooh, I can't wait to tell you!

TTFN!

May health, peace, love and joy be yours for 2010.

only 1 week to go..

2009-12-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

Well, it's nearly upon us, isn't it? Christmas just creeps up on you and then all of a sudden, there's very little time to get everything done. But I have managed to finish what I need to, there's just my Dad's present to think of - he's very difficult to buy for, and when I asked him if there's anything he'd like he just said, "ask your Mum what I need"!! No help at all really, as if my Mum hasn't got enough to do!

Most of the food shopping is done, with various items hidden from the boys. Isaac (eldest DS) ate half a jar of pickled onions yesterday amongst other things....

I've had to be slightly more organised than I usually am, as I'm starting a run of 5 night duties tonight. I'm not looking forward to these nights - it's quite likely to be busy,with everyone trying to get themselves delivered before christmas.

This 'Whiff of Joy' stamp is my current favourite, I do love her little suit and I love that she can team up with these Magnolia Winter trees.

You can just make out the twinkle of the glamour dust on this shot.

So TTFN!

where does my time go?

2009-12-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

I know where it goes, actually - my shiny new toy, my gorgeous iPhone! This is my xmas pressie from DH but I couldn't wait until then- Ha, big kid aren't I.

Well I had to make sure it works, ;)

It's got quite a few time-wasting games on it and I'm now just dipping my toe into Facebook (finally).

So I've given eldest DS my beloved iTouch and left him to download various fun apps. So just imagine my surprise when I synced my phone to iTunes and along with the various games he'd gotten was "Hot Chicks" and something else very similar! Parental control kicks in...

So with all this time-wasting, I've done virtually no cardmaking this week. But I have got this card to share, but apologies for the poor lighting on the first photo. The close-up is much more true to real life colour.

She's turned out very, very cute in her brown coat and hat!

I'm going to have to write some cards out this week though - it's no good just making them is it - they need to be sent out. We received our first xmas card last week - but it looks a bit lonely at the moment, on it's own on the fireplace. Decoration time soon, I think.

And a big northern 'Ello luv' to anyone who visits from UK Scrappers - I'm in the honourable mentions on the 'Blog Bits' on the home page - wow!

TTFN!

woo hoot

2009-11-30T10:53:00.001-08:00

This was our project for my class on Sunday - fab little stocking fillers that are very cheep (Sorry - couldn't resist the pun LOL).

The paper-pieced owls are acrylic stamps from Woodware, it's such a fun set. There's a cute little bird house on the sheet too and speech bubbles with owlish sayings.
The papers are 'U Bug Me' by Bo-Bunny, double sided which I love. It just takes a bit of planning with your papers. The owls are shaded slightly and then highlighted with a white gel pen.

I experimented with pen/pencil loops to include a pen - I know that in my house, there's never a pen to be found (I'm sure I'm not the only one with this problem!)

How great is this for a teacher's gift, too? Or to sell at a craft fair?

The next bit of waffle will only make sense if you're a Twilight series fan. Feel free to skip this if you're not obsessed with Edward/ Jacob/ Bella, LOL!

I'm only just recovering from seeing "New Moon' at the cinema on Friday. I was absolutely blown away with this film, it was a brill adaptation to the book, and Jacob Black - well, what can I say.... OMG, that body...

I'm even more into the books now I've seen NM, and I've put lots of scrummy wallpapers of the lead males onto my phone - I really think it's an illness. My chum Lisa (who I hold entirely responsible for the illness) says we are now 'Twi-hards'! It's been a while since I became obsessed with a series of books like this, it's just such a lovely story about first love.

I'm even going to go and see it again at the cinema and I've never paid to see a film twice. Definitely, definitely ill...

TTFN!

a jiggler

2009-11-22T00:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, I have been dying to share this -a very jiggly card indeed! Remember my last easel card with the greeting on the acetate strip? Well, I thought the acetate would look cute with snowflakes that move at the slightest disturbance.I've used the Spellbinders 'Snowflake Wonder' die set and cut three sets of flakes from white glitter card. I just love snowflakes and this die set ticks all my boxes.

The white panel is embossed with a cuttlebug folder, but I swiped the embossing folder with Versamark before I put in the paper. Then I brushed over the panel of embossed paper with pale pink 'Perfect Pearls' and this stuck to the Versamark in the debossed areas. It's a shame the camera didn't pick this up too well, it's so pretty.

The greeting stamp is by Stampin' Up, stamped twice, punched out then layered with foam dots over another snowflake.And a side view. I had to weight the middle snowflake a bit to help drop it down away from the other two. I just added another layer of snowflake to give the extra weight.

Cute, huh. Even my Dad thinks this is nice!! How fab would this be with butterflies, birds, flowers or fairies? I could use my owl stamps for this, too.

Hi to anyone who came to my class yesterday morning! And a big thanks to Carole for being my right-hand-woman.

I'm off to bed now, I worked my first night duty of 4 last night. Bit hard to focus straight to type tbh, the spell check just worked overtime during this post, LOL.

TTFN!

caught in crystal

2009-11-20T01:11:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone, this is a photo heavy post today!

I'm sharing the cards I made for a demonstration last night, using the 'caught in crystal' technique. The end result is almost like a huge epoxy accent, one of those 'how did you do that? techniques.

This one is my favourite.

Its easy, but not a card you can make fast as the drying time is several hours. You need Glossy

accents, acetate sheet(cut down into manageable pieces), white card, glitter, stamps, inkpads, alcohol ink (optional) and a Staz-on inkpad.

So here's how.

Stamp your focal image using Staz-On onto a piece of acetate and let it dry. While it's drying, stamp a background (for the card below, I stamped swirls and snowflakes using Brilliance inks). If you want to include text, stamp it on the background, bearing in mind that the main image is going to be reversed at the end, so plan where you'll stamp your text.

Back to your stamped acetate now, it should be dry. Drizzle a generous amount of Glossy Accents over your stamped image and slightly beyond. Drip a few drops of ink into this then swirl with a gloved finger (I use light-coloured alcohol inks) and spread the glossy accents evenly. Sprinkle a little glitter into this, then take your stamped background and place it on top (stamped side to the glossy accents). Flip it over and then gently squish the acetate with your fingers, trying to get rid of air bubbles. Make sure you get the glossy accents out far enough so that you can cut it down to size, but not so far out it goes all over you and the furniture..

Leave it somewhere safe to dry (several hours, maybe overnight), and away from curious cats and children, who can't resist giving it an extra squish...

It will curl, but this actually is a good thing as when you make it up into a card, the curve looks really nice. Once it's dry you can trim it down or die cut it - well, yes, I used my nesties, you know I'm addicted to them!

On this one, I just did acetate, glossy Accents and glitter, no stamping on the acetate and no alcohol ink swirled in. All the stamping is on the background using dye inks, which ran a little with the moisture from the Glossy Accents. A bit 'distress', Sir Tim Holtz would be proud...

This blue one was my first attempt, and I didn't use enough glitter. And you know what a glitter queen I am.

And this one is another fave.

Serendipity moment - I wiped off the Staz-On stamped seed head, thinking I'd do it again, and it left behind a sort of ghost image, which I liked. (If you've got a grey Staz-On pad, you could probably get the same effect using that).

I stamped the frame and text in dye ink, knowing that would run a little, then stamped the seed heads in green chalk ink, which doesn't run.

Of course they are much more twinkly when you see them in real life. I had the devil of a job trying to photograph these, what with all the relections on the acetate!

I also tried this using cheap acetate, but that was not successful as it went very wrinkly. But then, I peeled away the acetate and was left with the hardened glossy accents trapping all the glitter, which was a bit unexpected. It'll go in the 'interesting things' box and I might find a use for it one day.

Hi to everyone who came last night btw, it was a great evening, and I know you'll all enjoy your bargains!

TTFN!

lovely lizzie

2009-11-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

Very quick share tonight.

I made this card as a quick sample to help showcase the lovely Whiff of Joy stamps available at the Windmill Craft Centre - but they sold out so fast, Barbara gave the samples virtually straight back!

But the good news is, she's re-ordered and hopefully they won't take too long to arrive.

Now Lizzie here is definitely amongst my favourites - I absolutely love her outfit and especially the boots with the pom-poms - gorgeous!
I definitely have an addiction to nestabilites, I seriously find it difficult to make a card without them these days, LOL.
The copic colours I used -

hair - Y21,Y28 E33, skin - E00 E02 R20, Clothing - R20 R22 R29 R59, Boots - E43 E47 E29, Muff , Cuffs and collar -C1, Pompoms and earmuffs - R20.

Paper is by Bo-Bunny and I used the Martha Stewart Embossing Zig-Zag punch along the opening edge.

TTFN!

Mono and minimal

2009-11-12T03:48:00.000-08:00

This is the card I made for Diane to give to her hubby for their special anniversary.

Diane requested modern and minimal with a colour scheme of black, white, silver and a touch of red. You may have noticed that the 'Clean and Simple' style isn't my norm, but it does a body good to move out of it's comfort zone sometimes.

Its A5 in size, when closed. The sentiment is computer-generated with 'Glitterations' stickers for the numbers and it lies underneath the champagne glass focal point when the card is closed.

I found this lovely silver anniversary paper online at The Craftz Boutique and of course a few other things kinda jumped into my basket, too!

And the focal point - well, I just had to use some glossy accents on those glasses! The gems are heart shaped, with a few tiny round ones on the smaller bubbles.

And the trusty Swiss Dots cuttlebug embossing folder. I turned the embossing folder to emboss the other end of the cardstock, lining it up very carefully. I re-embossed any dots that were squashed with the second embossing, using an embossing tool. It's one of the few folders that you can do this with, I've tried with others but the embossing done by hand just isn't as deep and obviously, some of the patterns are impossible to line up. Of course, it depends on how much of your embossing is going to be on show.

And their wedding date, as requested, in the corner. I love the black glitterations on the black card.
I made a matching box, but for some reason I forgot to photograph that!

And I can let you know Diane was dee-lighted with the card and that they had a lovely anniversary!

TTFN!

snowystacks class

2009-11-10T04:19:00.001-08:00

I thought I'd quickly share the project I did in my class recently. This has been enormously popular - one class has turned into three sessions, everyone wanted to play! I'm sure it's because Barbara put together the class and supplies at such a fab price!

The three hour class is priced at £25 and you receive 6 Copic Ciao pens, a set of Woodware Stamps (Snowy Stacks) an acrylic block, all the card supplies and little ole me teaching! All in the quaint setting of the first floor of the Windmill, too! And I thought I'd show you my table samples all in a group, 'coz they look cute!

I can't take all the credit of course, the basic intructions for this card are out there on the web, but I did design this to fit nicely ino a 5" envelope and to be something you can duplicate very easily. You could have a little production line going in fact, just like Santa's workshop!

Well I've faffed around all morning as usual and I had all these great intentions to craft. A quick lunch and then I'm definitely going to get creating.

TTFN!

easely peasy

2009-11-09T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm back with a post. I've had a couple of very busy weeks and , of course, the first thing to not get done is blogging.

I made three love themed cards and sent them off to a mag and hopefully (fingers crossed) I'll be published in February! This is the first time I've ever submitted anything to a magazine, and I had to do instructions an' everyfink! Unfortunately, I can't share those but I'll let you know if I'm 'in' nearer the time. I also made a silver anniversary card for a customer - the big event is tomorrow - Congrats to you both, Diane!

My Step card workshops are going well - although there was a strange episode this week when a woman had some kind of panic attack about using the guillotine :/ ...and before I knew it, Elvis had her coat on and left the building...I'm saying no more than that. I'll share the card we made in class soon.

As a bit of shameless showing off, I also showed this week's class this card. I'm entering this to the Secret Crafter Saturday challenge where the challenge is - yep, easel cards! And I did actually make it on Saturday!

The stamped greeting is punched out with the corresponding punch (both by Stampin' Up!, only available in the USA), and then a strip of acetate 'sandwiched' between it and another punched shape. The other end is stuck down behind the stamped panel.

This idea has been rolling aound in the mojo cauldron in my brain and I finally did it. It's a little b***er to photograph though - it kept bobbing around while I tried to get the photos!

Look at it - all blurred - it really is nice crisp stamping, honest! I decoupaged Tilda, the log and the tree at the left and used the dreaded smelly silicone to raise them up - I'm really not safe with this stuff, I get it everywhere, LOL. My friend, Carole, has suggested I try Pinflair glue gel so I'll give that a go. The only prob is, you cant let the acetate crease, so it would have to be in a pretty deep box. I think this will be have to be hand-delivered - I'm quite sure it'll be squished if posted. I think I'll do another of these cards and try a small charm dangling from the strip of acetate.

Oh, that mojo cauldron is bubbling now - can you hear it? I'm thinking several strips of acetate with snowflakes or baubles or elves jiggling about......

TTFN!

a quickie before I go to work...

2009-10-26T11:04:00.001-07:00

a (fairly) quick card and a quick post, that is! LOL, what were you thinking about...

So I had a go at colouring a Penny Black hedgie. I've shied away from these before, not 'cos I don't think they're awful cute, but because I didn't think they'd be good to colour. Well, of course I was totally wrong, wasn't I? They're quite fast and fun to colour, using a few shades of brown and warm grey flecks on his prickles. I followed the suggestion on the stamp and left his tummy white. I did write all my colours down on the back of the image, but then it went in the rubbish by accident! Whoops..

And then, inspired by Debby's fantastic decoupage with her cards, I thought I'd do a bit of decoupage with him. I don't normally do decoupage, as I don't usually enjoy intricate cutting out, but I did enjoy doing these.
Apart from those hearts - they were a pain... I lost a couple and had to do them again!

Then I went a bit mad with the glossy accents and he and his flowerpot got all shiny!!

And check out that gorgeous Doodlebug flocked cardstock - scrummy! Very strokeable...

Off to work soon, so TTFN!

autumnal wedding

2009-10-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

I think it should be safe to share this card with you. The wedding took place today, so it's OK to show this. I was asked to do an autumnal theme with leaves, so out came the gorgeous Whiff of Joy stamp.

I've used Stampin' Up More Mustard cardstock with Bo-Bunny 'Wine Dot' and 'Beau Jardin' patterned paper, gotta love all those swirls.
The text stamp behind the bride and groom is 'french script' by Stampin' Up, discontinued now. The 'two hearts' sentiment and the word 'love' on the carriage are by Hero Arts from a set of clear stamps. Metal wedding bells are by Making Memories, flowers and fern leaves by Prima. I dusted off my Martha Stewart fern punch and another leaf punch that I've had for donkeys years to add a bit of variety. The 'love and cherish' charm is from the USA, don't know the make of these.

And the close-up...

This time the hair colour is brunette, true to the couple IRL. I lost count of how many Copics I used to get the effect of the autumn foliage. I used a combo of Spica clear glitter pen and glamour dust, but as usual, that's very hard to capture on a photo. Just trust me, it's tastefully blingy!
And a decorated inside, using the Hero stamps again.

And the box.

Now I must tell you, it's a good thing this isn't being sent in the post - it would cost a fortune. Why - well, normally I use foam pads for dimension, but I thought I'd use silicone instead. I think I can say I used too much. Honestly, it weighs more than a card ought to, LOL.

The couple had lovely weather for their big day, hope it all went well.

TTFN!

peaches and soup

2009-10-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

Ah, autumn! My favourite time of year, as long as the weather is nice, that is! I like those fresh, crisp mornings and the colours in the leaves. So it was natural to choose these colours for my next few projects.

I love this Tilda stamp, 'Picking Peaches'. For me, it's got just the right combination of detail and movement that makes Tilda stamps so appealing. The patterned papers are 'Porcelain' by Basic Grey, (oh, what a surprise, I hear you say - lol) and the textured cardstock is by Stampin' Up, from the Earth palette.

The stamped sentiment is also Stampin 'Up (Oval All), punched out with the SU oval and the scallop oval punches. I think they are my best ever SU purchase, they see quite a lot of action!

Flowers and leaves by Prima, and I found the pearl flower centres in Tesco, whilst pretending to shop for groceries...

And I'm sure you recognise the Nestabilities (labels 3) and the Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch.

Look how she's reaching up on her tiptoes - cute!

Copic Recipe: E00, E02, E51, E37, E33, E31, E43, E47, R20, R32, R35, R37, R59, RV42, YR23, Y21, YG03, YG63, YG67, C1.

And the other thing I like about colder weather is the excuse to make lovely casseroles and soups...in fact, I'll share another recipe with you. I know you can buy this, but it's so nice to do it yourself. I made this today, and it was scrummy.

Broccoli and Cheese soup (4-6 portions)

2 leeks, washed and sliced

2 sticks celery washed and sliced

1 clove garlic, chopped

fresh thyme leaves, removed from stalk

Gently fry the above in a little butter until softened - don't brown them.

Add 1 head broccoli, chopped and 1 pint chicken stock (stock cube, obviously - I'm not pretending I make my own stock!)

Cook until all veg soft, and then liquidise until it's almost smooth, if it's too thick, add milk or water.

Add a good dollop of creme fraiche and grated cheese and stir in. (we like fresh parmesan or blue cheese, but it's your call here). Adjust seasoning.

If you have a go, let me know what you think!

TTFN!

the reveal...

2009-10-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

Warning - These are VERY, VERY addictive to make...I now have a little forest of paper trees on my mantelpiece!

We saw this idea at the Woodware day, and I was really taken with these cards. I chose to make them in pastels, though. The first one uses Basic Grey 'Two Scoops' - not Christmas paper, I know, but I like it for this.

The Stamped Greeting is a PSX stamp I've had for a few years, stamped in Versamark, then used with pastel chalks. The side view shows how dimensional these trees are, and I've used Woodware "Pearly Stuff' on the tree tips, then dipped the tree into white glitter.

And this one uses some very old Basic Grey paper that I've had for years - I'm still using up that paper mountain!The 'snow drifts' are edged with the 'Pearly Stuff' again, and I've used it for the snowflake dots in the background.

If you use this, gently flick the underside of the card, and the little (whispers the next word) ...nipples (!) on the pearly dots will flatten out.

Don't do what my 11yr old did, and flick it as hard as you can- I'm sure you can imagine where that leads to...Side view again...

And because more bling is GOOD, once the pearly stuff was dry, I ran around the snowline with my Quickie glue pen, and threw a bit more glitter on.

And how did I make these little trees? Well, it's a floral craft punch - the 'lilium' punch (I forgot to get a photo, sorry, try this link to have a look here, but please support your local shop by ordering it through them, the supplier is Woodware).

It punches out a 6-petalled piece, with glue tabs which you snip off. Each tree has 5 punched pieces which you reduce by 1 petal, down to a piece with 2 petals for the tree top.

Using a large embossing tool each piece then gets curled from each petal tip up towards the body, and glue each one onto a tree trunk. They're definitely not something to make in a rush, but I spent a very pleasant few hours making these.

A big thankyou to everyone who left lovely comments recently - it was absolutely lovely to read through them!

TTFN!

normal service is resumed...

2009-10-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been almost 3 weeks since I posted - it must be a sign of impending old age that the time flies by. Remember when you were a kid and every day seemed like forever? Ah well!

I made these step cards a few weeks ago. They are my current favourites (apart from where I had to cut those intricate trees out - I didn't particularly enjoy that bit, I can tell you! All the stamps are by Magnolia, except for the white embossed dotty swirl on the Kraft CS, that's by Hero Arts.

And a close-up, since sometimes my images are 'clickable', sometimes not.

And this Edwin card uses K&Co 'Swell Noel' paper for the background - it suits the Magnolia images so well.

This Edwin is one of my favourites to colour. The circular 'north pole' stamp is coloured and then glazed with Diamond glaze, and a tiny amount of Glamour Dust sprinkled on, while it's wet.

And tearing the glitter card to make snow - gosh, I used to tear paper all the time, I hardly do it at all now.

Hope you like those cards - I'm going to find it difficult to part with these!

A couple of weeks ago I was very lucky and Barbara from the Windmill Craft Centre (who I demo for) took me along to a Woodware craft event for retailers. We did some really nice projects, and I'll be posting some of my faves over my next few posts.

I'll share a sneek peek at one of my favourites, just to keep you interested!

TTFN!

Girly Garland

2009-09-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

I've had this idea a-rollin' around in me little brain for a while, and I finally got it completed. I wondered whether to make tree ornaments but eventually decided on this garland.

Shapes cut with the beloved oval nesties and petite scallop oval nesties - I don't know how I would craft without these now, LOL. From the outside working toward the centre, the layers are: Gold mirri, Kraft cs, white hammered card oval (raised up on foam pads) and Bo-Bunny 'Tis the Season' paper.

This is Tilda with Yulehat, she's way cute.

I replaced the ends of her garland with wire and threaded a few beads on. Fiddly, but worth it.

Tilda is sitting on the Magnolia bow stamp - I've shaped it a little when I put it on the acrylic block.

They're all coloured using the same Copics for a well co-ordinated effect, and (for once) I chose the colours to match the papers.

Reds - R20, R22, R27, R29, R59

Turquoise- BG10, BG15, BG49

Browns - E43, E47, E49

Green - YG03, YG06, G21

Hair (left to right) E08, E33, E47. Y21, E33, E35. E43, E47, E49.

Skin (left to right). E00, E02, R20. E00, E51, R20. E21, Eoo, R20.

The jingle bells were sewn onto the spotted ribbon and everyone has had a healthy dose of Glamour Dust, just to get blingy!

I refilled a few of my pens today and it was really easy. I plucked up the courage to pull out the chisel nib rather than 'drip and dab' and , oh joy - pens that are super juicy now!

TTFN!

copics taking over the world!

2009-09-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

I must say hello to all the new 'Copic-aholics' in Blackpool - I've done another Copic demo today at the Windmill Craft Centre and won over a few more converts!

Of course - it's the combo of stamps plus yummy paper that finish off how good the card looks, and don't you think Sweetheart Tilda looks cute as a button perched on the ribbon? Love, love, love Tilda's accessories!

The papers are Basic Grey 'Wisteria'.

And this paper is the K&Co 'Que sera' (I've not much of this left now). This has been such a useful paper, such a good variety of colours to choose to match up with the Copics.

Slap my wrist, I didn't remember to write down the marker colours I'd used. Must try harder to do that.

I'm going to have to refill quite a few of my pens, I've done so much colouring recently. I've just sent for some refills from Artifolk - my friend Sarah suggested them, they stock the whole range of colours for the refills. For anyone interested in learning how to refill markers, look at Marianne's advice or see the Copic website.

While I was doing the demo today, I saw something amazing - Gemma brought in her 'Reborn' baby. Well, it certainly had me fooled for a minute - so lifelike! She handmakes them and they are weighted to feel like a real baby, absolutely amazing. Not everyone's cup of tea I know, but you have to appreciate the work that goes into them. Now if only I knew how to get the photo off my phone and onto my blog...

Did anyone else watch that TV programme about Reborns a while ago? Some of the 'adopters' were a bit strange!

When I asked her about the process, apparently the parts of the baby are baked - so when she says she's got 'one in the oven', she really has! Do go and have a look at Gemma's website, just for the 'aahh' factor.

TTFN!

awards

2009-09-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, not 1 but 4 of them!!

Thanks to Aimes and Sara for these - it's always lovely to get lovely comments about my cards, and then to get awards too - well it's almost enough to go to my head!

I have to post 7 random facts about myself, then forward the award(s) to 7 bloggers.

Random facts first then.

1. I'm obsessed with fragranced candles - especially Yankee. Currently burning Greek fig and blackcurrant.

2. I consider it a very bad day indeed if I haven't eaten some chocolate, LOL

3. I love gadgets - my latest one is my macbook pro - drool, drool...

4. I read very, very fast - I will often finish a book in one sitting. But I then enjoy re-reading the same book - weird, I know. I'm currently obsessed by the Twilight series.

5. I thought I'd got a speeding ticket about 8 weeks ago, but I've never received the fine thingy - hurray!! It'll be just my luck for it to arrive tomorrow, now I've said that!

6. I cannot make yorkshire puddings - they don't rise. We refer to my feeble attempts as "Lancashire Disasters".

7. I'm just not a morning person - no really, I'm not worth speaking to for about an hour when I first get up. But when we got to Florida - I'm always the first one out of bed and raring to go. Now analyse that! Must mean I'm a big kid.

So I'm going to forward these awards to these lovely people who I haven't sent anything to before, and to a couple of new blogs I've discovered recently!

So, feel free to claim these awards and pass them on - go on, spread the lurve!

And I'll leave you with this card. I now wish I'd made a bigger card - this is only about 51/2 inches square.

Isn't that pier background great? The cloud paper is from the new K&Co 'citronella' pad, and the blue clouds are all shiny, love em.

Tilda is such a cutie with that bike. It's a bit of a change for me to use orange in my colouring, but I'm very happy with how she turned out.

TTFN!

drip, drip

2009-09-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

Mwah ha-ha, I'm drip feeding christmas cards to you.

I have to confess to the deadly sin of pride with this one - I like everything about it! The yum paper is 'Swell Noel' by K&Co - what a great name for a range of papers. The trusty cuttlebug snowflakes folder has been used on the sentiment (stamp by Penny Black) and the central strip of pearl card.

The hearts and candle have been glossed up with diamond glaze and a little bit of glitter thrown on - well, why not!

Thanks for all your lovely comments from my last post - so kind! And also big. big thanks to Sara and Aimes for sending me some blog awards - the only problem is I can't work out how to save the image - I've upgraded my 'puter to a Mac and it does funny things when I try to save the image. One day I'll work it out, I suppose! But, oh my mac is just gorgeous - could kiss it, really, but it'd leave an icky mess on the lurvely screen....

TTFN!

I wish it could be...

2009-09-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

Christmas every day!

Well it can be, if you're a papercrafter, can't it? I've been getting lots of xmas images ready to make up into lovely xmas cards - my favourite thing to make! And of course, any excuse to get a few more xmas stamps is always welcome...

I'm going to apologise in advance- I haven't got the exact Copic colours written down for each of my cards - Sorry!

These two Tilda's are about my favourite image for christmas - they're older stamps, but adorable. I also love the snowy fence background on this one. I've used the Copic Spica clear and the Sakura stardust pen to give a bit of sparkle on the snow and the swirls and snowflakes.

PP is 'Tis the Season' by Bo-Bunny - just the most yummy palette of colours in this range and double sided (although this can be tricky to choose which side to use - so I had to buy quite a lot of this! LOL)

The edges are punched using the SU scallop border punch, and the Martha Stewart doily lace border punch.

I've made quite a few cards over the last few days - this Christmas Scrolls grey paper by Craft Creations is just scrumptious - I really love it. The ribbon is by SU - it's the taffetta Basic Gray reel, such good value and great quality.

Shapes cut with the Quickutz cookie cutter circles and scallop circle.

Copics - I've used B91, B93, B95, B97, C1, C3, C5 for the clothing, I can't remember the skin/hair colours.

Tilda is sporting a glittery hat, courtesy of 'Glamour Dust' - just love this stuff!

I've really tried to get more contrast into my colouring recently, it definitely improves the finished result - what do you think? I looked back at a couple of images I coloured a while ago, and although I was really pleased with them at the time, I now think they're a bit bland. So at my next demo - guess what I'll be telling everyone!!

BTW, has anyone else noticed that the eyes on the more recent Tilda's are a lot bigger?

Sigh - the end of another chapter in my life - my youngest has started high school - here he is at the end of his first day of school!

TTFN!

the Irish Rover

2009-08-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

This is the mini-album for Michelle's uncle, Thady. He's over from the USA.

They're all meeting over at the wedding in Ireland this week, it should be a blast and they'll have a good 'craq' as the Irish say.
I love that cover - loads of dimension with the chipboard.
What a handsome young man in his Marines uniform. How fun is that crown on the photo opposite??
A big family - he's one of 14 kids!!

Gotta love that 'Family' tag by Junkitz (I've been saving it for ages, LOL)
In the background, the photos show a little Irish cottage by the coast - sweet!

And the page for a message - the shape was cut with Nesties. I love the ribbon tied through the button!

All the pages were made with Cosmo Cricket chipboard album and AMM papers and embellies - again these have been in the stash for ages, I'm making an effort to use things up. The chipboard embellies were either covered with cardstock, or inked and perfect pearls used to give a metallic sheen - great for male themed stuff.

I didn't do ribbons on the book rings as it was for a man, I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Hopefully I'll find out if he liked it next week!

TTFN!

I guess it's safe..

2009-08-18T01:11:00.000-07:00

to show you the wedding cards!

Michelle and her mum were over the moon with these, and they're going to Ireland to a big family wedding later this week.

Michelle has chosen to give this acetate card...

Being acetate, it's a bit of a nightmare to photograph well. The bottom right hand corner has two champagne glasses with bubbles (stick-on pearls) fizzing out. I also added a few more pearls to the top corner after I'd photographed it.

and here it is with it's very pretty matching box...

That doublesided Papermania PP is gorgeous, with a gold shimmery motif. I'd originally intended this for christmas projects! Embellies are all dug out from my wedding project stash.

Oh,the nightmare I had making boxes - I had a confused-dot-com moment or three!

First I made the square box too small.

Then I made the next box and ended up with two bases. And I'd used up quite a lot of time and Cosmo Cricket paper decorating it...and I'd used very strong glue on said decorating...So it all went in the bin and I started again!

Lesson learned - make a template for your card and write the measurements down!

So without further ado, here's my favourite...(you may need to sit down, it's so gorgeous LOL)

Cue drum roll...

and the second box that I made. I checked the card fit before I decorated this time!

Now just catch your breath there!

A little close-up of the happy couple...

And at a funny angle to see the shimmer I added to the flowers, the bride's veil and the groom's cravat (sp?) I know it hasn't photographed that well - just use your imagination at how much more lovely everything looks with bling!

And of course, with my usual last minute fiddling with cards, I added a little charm to the ribbon.

As you've probably gathered, I love this Whiff of Joy stamp. I had to await it coming back in stock - I even bought extra, extra stamps in case it didn't come back in stock! LOL

I used the 'Happy ever after' Cosmo Cricket papers, some SU 'So Saffron' designer paper.

The couple are stamped and coloured with Copics (sorry, didn't write down what colours I used). I then masked the image and stamped 'French Script' (SU) in gold. Shape cut and embossed with Nesties, rub-ons used for the greeting..

The label shapes at the bottom and on the box were cut with my new toy - Cuthbert Cricut!

I tried the image with flower soft over the garland - I'd seen it done on a couple of blogs and it looked lovely. Not at all keen on the effect on my attempt though - currently that's in the reject pile!

Go 0n, have a cuppa now, that was such a long post, I'm sure you're exhausted!

TTFN!

Que sera...

2009-08-15T13:10:00.001-07:00

Let's have a little change from the Tildas.

Once I had these papers out for a comission, I thought I'd make two cards using the same supplies.

That way, less goes in the ever-growing scraps box and I don't feel as guilty when I buy more papers!

I've used K&Co papers and die cuts. The paper is 'Que Sera', not sure if the die cuts are from the same range.

And the whole card:

The flowers are made up of a Prima hydrangea, a punched flower, then a mulberry rose. The

green paper curls are twirled around my pokitool (it's the nearest I'll ever get to quilling! LOL)

The next one hasn't photographed too well, it is a very busy card, but that's what I was asked for! And my customer is delighted with this card - job done!
The pink base layer is lovely, it's got a texture similar to flocked wallpaper and it's double sided, so I turned a corner over on each card to show it. My friend Julie gave me this paper, I'm so glad - it was just perfect for these cards.

I also made two wedding cards for another comission, but I can't show you them until I've given them to the customer.

But I can give you a sneak peek of my fave!

It is ABSOLUTELY mouth-watering if I say so myself!!
TTFN!

baking

2009-08-12T03:15:00.000-07:00

No crafting done yet today, I've been doing a spot of baking.

With the help of Betty Crocker , I've made these little beauties.

Oh, you should smell them - gorgeous. For once, I hope the lid stays on the tin, really they're just too tempting.

I've also made fruit scones but my scones never rise, so no photo. They do taste lovely though - I had a little crumb from my son's plate. When I make yorkshire pudding, that never rises either! Strange!

I think I'll colour the cupcake Tilda in honour of my cookies. But I should be revising, so I'll do that later.

TTFN!

Using up the Basic Grey again

2009-08-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

My recent Copic class went well, I had 13 Copicaholics and we all had fun. Everyone seemed to go away happier with their pens and more confident in having a go with them!

This card is one of my samples that I'll be demo-ing on 12 September at Windmill Craft Centre.

The tree is coloured with several shades of green, little dabs here and there, with the lightest green on the tips. I've traced over it with a Sakura Stardust pen (when I'd finished colouring) and then added in lots of little dots of W1 and Stardust to break up the background.

Tilda's dress is coloured with R20, R22, R27. Her wings are BG10 and B00. Hair is Y21, Y28, E33. Skin is E00, E04.
Tights are G21, YG03. The basket and the wooden base of the tree are E31, E33, E35, E37. Shadow is W1, W3.

I tried stamping/masking the two images but this is one I definitely prefer cut out and 3d foam dots used to give dimension.

I used Clear Spica over the dress and wings and blended it with the lightest of each coloured pen to spread the gltter. You can see the shimmer a little better in this photo. The Spica wasn't blingy enough for the tree (ooh - blingy- I just invented a new word LOL), so I went over the tree with the Stardust pen.

I love it! I've just ordered a Magnolia Santa, I can imagine him with this tree. In fact (whispers) I've ordered quite a few stamps..but let's not think about that!

The sentiment is a Penny Black Stamp, dotted with the Stardust pen to tie it in with the dotty background on the main image.

Once I'd sponged the edges, it was begging to be put with the scraps of Basic Grey 'Aged and Confused' I've got left. Funny how some cards just come together quickly and others take all yer mojo!

TTFN!

just a quickie..

2009-08-05T03:32:00.001-07:00

Just a very quick post before work today. This is another of my samples for the class on Sunday.

I don't own many Edwins, I think I should get more! I prefer the Edwins when they're doing something, rather than just standing there (I expect most women feel the same about men, generally! LOL)

I sketched a few very simple lines and used BG10 to suggest a snowy background.

Papers are 'Wild Rasberry' by K&Co again, teamed up with Kraft CS which I've punched with the Martha Stewart Doily Lace border punch. The Oval is cut using Nestabilites (Petite Scallop) and I've stamped with White using a polka dot stamp. The snowflakes are punched from white funky foam.

Gotta go now, I've to get ready to go to work and the clock is ticking.

TTFN!

3..2..1..I'm back in the room!

2009-08-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hello again, blogging friends!

Sorry I've been AWOL, but you know how it is sometimes

What have I been doing - well I've been working day shifts - it's OK, but I'd much rather do my usual 3 nights than 4 days! That in turn means one day off less for fitting in crafting...I mean cleaning, ironing, cooking, shopping LOL!!

The boys have finished school for summer, which then means a whole lot more laundry to get through, and more devious ways of hiding the biscuits so that they last the week.

I've got another Copic class coming up next week, so I'll show you a few of my samples over my next few posts. All the PP is from the 'Wild Raspberry' range by K&Co, such a good mix of papers.

Skin - E00, E02, R20. Hair - Y21, Y28. Jeans - W1, W3, W5, W7. Sweater and hat - G21, G28, G94, YG11. Shoes - Y28, W3. Skis and poles - C3, C5, C7. Ranger Inkessentials white pen to highlight.

And I'll just share a moment of stupid I had today.

Last night I stamped and lovingly coloured in what I thought was a sheet of shrink plastic I found lurking in my oddments box. Today I spent a good 5 minutes trying to shrink it...only to finally realise I was trying to shrink particularly thick vellum!!

TTFN!

knitty

2009-07-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I've had 4 days off and done lots of crafting, unfortunately I haven't photographed everything yet.

I made this card after being inspired by Aimes' lollipop flowers. Even better, I used up some scraps of BG Two Scoops with some Kraft CS. I don't know the make of the polka dot paper, but its flocked and very yummy!

The sentiment is by SU, 'Oval All' and I've used the the oval and oval scallop punches. So glad I bought these, I've used them quite a few times already! The ribbon is SU's Chocolate Chip Taffetta ribbon - just lovely to work with.

I've used this to thank a kind lady who has been knitting baby hats for the delivery suite. Although parents are asked to bring in a hat for their baby, they often seem to bring in some ridiculous creation with ears that is far too big! Manufacturers of baby hats are hopeless at sizing newborn hats, they would often fit a 6 month old.

So, we have lots of donaters who knit little plain hats to keep the little dears warm, which in turn, helps stabilize their blood sugar. I 'sell' this to parents who are disappointed that their extra-long-knotty-tassel-noddy-hat by suggesting that that it won't matter if this knitted hat gets blood on it, and they can save the 'best' hat for photos and visitors!

So if you fancy doing a bit of knitting, enquire at your local maternity unit or Special Care Baby Unit to see if they could make use of knitted hats too!

And a sneak peek of something that I can't post until it's been given...

I've done loads of scrapping too, but I've not embellished the pages, so no pics yet.

TTFN!

bling and charms

2009-07-02T09:52:00.001-07:00

I can finally post these photos as I've given this card to my friend Julie for her 'unretirement'.

I decided to do another shutter card as I'd had the idea for charms dangling in windows, and this seemed a good way to achieve the look I'd imagined.

I dipped into the stash of Kraft CS for the base and the PP is Basic Grey 'Two Scoops'. A little bit of stamping with some office-style date stamps and then I embellished and doodled to my hearts content!

The swirl of gems on the front were put on with one of my favourite toys - the Kandi-Kane aka around here as 'The Blinger' ! (It's a hot fix gem applicator, like the Bejeweller).

The 1 1/2" scallop circle apertures were punched out with an EK Success punch (not the larger Stampin Up punch).

The flowers are by Jolees and a selection of cute gems attached with jump rings and brads finished off my relax/kick back/ have fun message for the card.

I'm really pleased with it, it's come out as I'd wanted and (most importantly of all) Julie seemed to like it!

I'm off duty now for a few days after 4 gruelling night duties.

And now, I'm going to have a little rant about selfish people. Feel free to skip this if you wish!

Over the last few nights our unit has been even hotter and more humid than usual. In our office/reception area, the temperature was 90 degrees AARGH!!! and the rooms for the labouring women weren't much cooler.

At the start of the night I was in our hot operating theatre (gowned, gloved, visored and masked, sweat running freely ...you get the picture!)

Later on, I'm working in our hottest room which has the birthing pool (which adds to the humidity, making it feel somewhat sauna-like). There wasn't a fan in the room and the lady I was caring for actually got out of the pool as she felt too hot (she went on to have a very beautiful drug-free birth :))). And then...a few hours later.... I discovered that one of my colleagues actually had had TWO fans in her room all along...GRR!!

Rant over!

TTFN!

2009-06-28T02:21:00.000-07:00

GLORIOUS weather today in Blackpool! Hope it's like that for you, too, wherever you are.

My four days off went by very quickly, and I've only one completed card to show unfortunately!
A close-up of the kids ('A kiss for Chloe, Sarah Kay), which shows the colours pretty much true,
And the completed card! This is for my parents - it's their 45th Wedding Anniversary.

Not a great photo, it's a bit washed out despite trying to fiddle about with editing. I dont often do gatefold cards, and once I'd decorated the inside it wouldn't lie flat for a photo!

Supplies: PP is Basic Grey 'Two Scoops'. Flowers by Prima and the metal flowers are charm brads by Dovecraft.

Copic recipe
Boy: Skin E00, E21, Hair - Y28, Y21, overalls - W1, W3, W5, W7, Shirt - G00. Hat E31, E33, E35, E37
Girl: Skin - E51, E93, Hair - E35, E37, E49, overalls - B93, B95, B12, Shirt - R35, R32, R20, Hat - Y21, Y28, E37
For their knee patches/ hair ribbon/ hat band I worked with colours I'd already used. I should have perhaps given the boy one red knee patch, or his hat band could have been red. I've outlined with W1 and then went over that with E51 as the outline was too similar to colour of the boy's overalls.

How to make the Pebble/Gravel ground is here on Marianne's blog. I practically stalk this blog! LOL
TTFN!

4 days off

2009-06-24T06:31:00.000-07:00

Hurray, I've finished the (busy) 5 night duties and I'm off for four whole days. Unfortunately, parts of those four days will have to be give over to domestic duties :( , but at least I'm off! I'm going to completely ignore the phone when work ring to ask me to work extra shifts - heck I might even leave it off the hook completely!

I made these a few days ago, just hadn't got around to posting them.

Both images are coloured using (more or less) the same Copic colours and the PP is K&Co, Wild Raspberry. CS is DCWV, from the 'neutral' pad and I've used a scrap of Coredinations embossed with the 'Stylized flower' cuttlebug folder and sanded back. Hydrangeas are by prima, butterfly sticker is by Jolees. Shapes cut with nestabilities on the second card.

Sarah Kay Stamp is 'a Kiss for Chloe'. Copic recipe: Skin E51, E02, R20, Hair - E35, E57, E08, YR21, Y21, y38, Hats - E33, Y21, E50
Jeans - B93, B95, C1, Tshirts - R22, R35, YG03, YG23, Ground - W1, w3, w5, YG23 and copic multi-liner 0.3mm to sketch in gravel and grass tufts.

Sarah Kay Stamp is 'Rosalie's Bicycle' . This young lady is coloured in using the same pens, but I've used BG01, BG10, BG15 for her jeans. The puppy has touches of W3 and W1 to suggest shading and the tyres of the bicycle are also coloured with W3, W5, W9.

They've both got touches of the Copic Spica glittery goodness on them, but it doesnt photograph well, so you'll have to take my word that 'its purty'!

Confused dot com moment - I took the photos at the same time and edited them together, but for some reason, the first card will enlarge when it's clicked, but the second one won't. Bizarre! Does anyone know why?

TTFN!

almost halfway

2009-06-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

2 night shifts done, 3 to go and then I'm off duty!

So not much to tell, really. The lost diamond earring still hasn't turned up. :(

Julie and I made around 60 invitations for her retirement party - she's calling it the 'un-retirement party' , as she's returning to work part time later this year.

36 years served in the NHS - I suggested she call it 'an eternity in maternity'!! LOL

and the reverse:

I wanted to white emboss on the Kraft CS but the powder wouldn't stick, so we only did this one:

All were highlighted with diamond Stickles and gems.

Isn't this a gorgeous stamp set? It's by Stampin' Up, from the American Catalogue. When we visited earlier this year, I placed an order with a local SU demonstrator for quite a few things that aren't in the UK catalogue. I'm sure I'll do the same if we go again next year, unless SU massively improve what's on offer to us Brits!

I made a birthday card for my father-in -law, but I took the photo and didn't check the shot before we gave him the card. Apologies for the very blurry shot - dont' click for the close-up!

It's a shutter card, and I got the instructions from Dawn's blog, she is so generous with all the videos she makes!

Bo Bunny paper 'you bug me' and the hero arts owls again!

TTFN!

a tale of bling

2009-06-18T01:58:00.001-07:00

I really was quite sure my mojo had fallen in the barbeque the other evening.

Because this card wouldn't come together like I'd sketched and then it looked WAY too feminine for a wife to give to her DH. But it was too late, I'd already used the whole pack of AB crystals on the acetate! So a substitute paper was dug out of the stash and with the help of some hardware, I think I'm fairly happy with it.
Very tricky to photograph, it's very sparkly IRL.
My DH still thinks it's a bit girly, but it'll have to do now. Trouble is, I can't get a-hold of my client now to tell her it's ready!

A very bad thing happened the day before yesterday. I rubbed my ear and noticed one of my diamond earrings was gone :( Bummer.
DH bought them for me when we holidayed in Cyprus, and they weren't cheap.
A search in the house with a bright torch has revealed a lot of dust, but sadly, no earring. I'm going to have to check my insurance and see if I'm covered.

So lots of bling on the card, but none in my ears, now!
TTFN!

domesticated bliss (not!)

2009-06-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

I've had a housework-y day today, y'know, the thing you feel you have to do every so often to trick your other half into thinking the crafting isn't really taking over your life!! I didn't even watch QVC (even though Rosemary Merry was on).

Shopping, banking, laundry and cooking (with a 45 mins sunbathing break) all done!

Tomorrow I can craft, yay! Well, I will after I've nipped out to buy a puncture repair kit for my youngest son's bike. I don't do the puncture repairs - that is strictly boy work for son and DH or my Dad. Ethan, my youngest, is expert at picking up punctures - he once had 8 punctures on one tyre - go figure!!!

Seagull season is upon us. Common gulls nest on everyone's chimney stacks and the chicks hatched a couple of weeks ago. They're now getting mobile and falling off the chimney stacks, but unfortunately they are still at the fluffy stage and one has died already. The adults are very good parents although they can be aggressive, particularly towards anyone walking their dog round here! The adults are really quite big, with a wicked sharp beak, I wouldn't like them swooping at me. Luckily, they don't seem to mind if I'm sitting outside, and they ignore the pugs!

Just another Sarah Kay to share today, (sorry, I've lost the copic recipe for this one too). I'll have to stamp something different, I'm getting a bit predictable!

In the interest of using up the paper mountain, PP is 'Brianna' by K&CO, and nesties label for matting and layering. I've used Sir Tim Holtz distress inks in Tattered Rose and Frayed Burlap for the background.

Have you ever read a blog where you've used the google translator? I was absolutely wetting myself laughing last night at the gobbledegook it came up with on the uber-talented SasSa's blog. It appeals to my Monty Pythonesque humour! Do have a look on her blog, and also on StampArtic - those Norse gals are dripping with talent!

TTFN!

copic class

2009-06-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

I taught my first Copic workshop today and it was great!! All thanks to Marianne, Suzanne, Sharon and Claudia Rosa and their amazing blogs with all the info they so generously share.

Thanks to the ten lovely ladies who came to play along, I know they all had fun and feel a lot more confident with their pens now. I confess to being a bit jealous of the girls that've got the whole set of Copic pens though!

We did shading and blending exercises before colouring a Sarah Kay stamp, using layering with the pens to achieve nice shading. During the class, one lady even nipped over to the Craft Centre to buy more pens - all copicaholics together eh? LOL!

I'm absolutely delighted that Barbara at my local, Windmill Craft Centre is going to be stocking Magnolia Stamps very soon! At the end of July, I'm going to be doing another demo with the Copics using the Tilda stamps and a class on masking techniques to build up scenes. Time for the stamp positioner to be dug out! I can't wait to get a couple of the new 'Pet Collection' stamps, they're yum!

Speaking of stamp positioners, I've seen this brilliant vid by a lady named Karen , showing how to make the 'square' out of kids large lego bricks!! Some people are so ingenious!

TTFN!

hooty birthday

2009-06-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post, I'll share my Dad's birthday card. I had a bit of a panic this morning, it had completely slipped my mind! Luckily, I had the Hero Arts owls stamped and coloured, it was a case of raiding the HOTP paper stash and throwing this together with the help of the Quickutz!!

The owls look a bit washed out in the photo, here's the inside:

I love the owls, the ones on the front of the card are from the set 'What a Hoot', they're perched on the 'Long Branch' and the little owl on the inside is from the Sparkle set, 'Hello Tree'. All Hero Arts stamps - love them! And the Corduroy (is that spelled right?) buttons are by Bazzill, I think they and the Kraft CS add just enough masculinity.

I treated myself today - belated B-day present! I bought a new Sarah Kay stamp, the oval nesties, and...drum roll....the Copic Atyou Spica pens!!

What do you mean, bless you? no, I haven't just sneezed!

Atyou Spica means 'twinkling like stars', fabby! They are lovely glittery goodness in a pen and very shimmery..ooh, they're lovely.

TTFN!

Rose in Lilac

2009-06-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

I had a very pleasant birthday yesterday, we went out, en famille, to the local gastro-pub and I had a very nice fillet steak, washed down with guiness and blackcurrant, hic!

The rest of the evening was spent with my nose in a midwifery textbook, getting some revision done, ready for my teaching sessions today.

I'm off work tomorrow, I've got a few things on order from Windmill Crafts so I can go and collect those and start preparing for the workshop on Sunday. I've got another card order to fulfil, I really need to get that done over the weekend, too. It's an anniversary card for a Crystal Anniversary - I'm thinking an acetate card base and lots of bling!

In the meantime, I'll leave you with Rose's Garden. For once, I actually looked at the background paper before I coloured an image in! I really must remember to do this in future, the card came together much quicker than usual, and there wasn't the 'explosion in the paper factory' look to my house!

I don't know the make of the patterned papers, but I've cuttlebugged the strip of lilac pearl card. The organza ribbon was blasted with the heat gun to give that curly, 'frazzled' look - I discovered that you dont need much of a blast before the ribbon melts :0 !!
And I've used my new Petite Scallop Oval Nestabilities - love these much!! I might even get the Plain ovals to match, hee!

OK, it's time for the Copic Recipe: Skin - E51, E02, Hair - E33, E35, E57, blended and lightened with E50, Jeans - E31, E33, E35, texture added with E50, Top, Hair ribbon and flowers - V000, V12, RV95, Basket W1, W3, W5, E71, Contents - E35, BG93, C3, Kitten - W1, Outlined the image using B60. White dots on the hair ribbon with a Ranger Inkssentials Pen.

I like this colour palette, I think I'll have to do a Tilda in these colours.

Have you noticed the Rainbow drops? I used them on my last card, too. They're attached with clear glue, they're a bit of a change from brads or gems. They do remind me of sweeties, though, particulary the multicoloured tube of them - they look like Floral Gums, which I loved when I was little, but I don't think they're manufactured now, shame!
TTFN!

Copic revolution

2009-06-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

The Copic demonstration went well yesterday - REALLY well! I was 'on' for 4 hours and the time absolutely flew by! I totally enjoyed myself and Barbara sold lots of Copics.

I've checked her pricing and it has to be the best around - £1.75 a pen, if you buy a set, it works out cheaper.

People have booked in for a Copic workshop next week, hosted by...little old me! Yay! This will give me more time to spend showing techniques etc. and helping if/where I'm needed.

Copic recipe for this card : Skin - E51, E31, R20, E02, Hair - E35, E37, yY28, Hat and jeans W1, W3, W5, W7, Basket - E31, Y28, E50, Top, Hair Ribbons, picnic blanket etC - RV21, RV23, RV34, RV95.

it's my birthday this week, (whispers this hint- all the fours). DH has asked me what I'd like - and I really don't have a clue! I'm at the stage in my life that if I really want something, I buy it for myself.

Now without getting silly, any suggestions?
TTFN!

Brrr!

2009-06-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

First, an apology for doing a Christmas card in June!

But I was dying to colour in what I'd stamped, you see. I absolutely love this Tilda, I've been coveting her for a while and finally gave in to temptation. As I really don't enjoy cutting things out, I used masking technique to build up the scene, and I like this little scene a lot.

Tilda, Sled and the Winter's Night background are Magnolia stamps, the bird is from 'Holiday Birds' by Hero Arts and the sentiment is by Penny Black ( I cuttlebugged this with the snowflake embossing folder). Stripe and pink paper is 'Winter Wonderland' by Crafts House.

I used the card sketch from Taylored Expressions again, like my last post.

I've used the following Copics:

Skin - E000, E02, E51, Clothing - B00, B12, B93,B95, B97, wings - B60, Boots and mittens- W1, W3, W5, Hair - E35, E37, y28, Sled - E33, E35, E37. Bird - V000, B00

Background - shading on snow- C1 and B00, House - W1, W3, W5, YR31, BG10, Trees - BG93, C1, Sky - V000. Blended out with 0.

Highlights with Ranger Inkssentials white pen, Sakura Stardust to stars and Wings.

Ypu can click on the pic for a close-up.

Phew, it's a long list!

And for a bit of news - on Sunday, I've been asked to do a demo on using Copics at my local craft shop, Windmill Craft Centre. I'm there between 11am and 3pm for people to drop in and take a look, so that should be fun!

As a shameless plug for my local retailer, Barbara, - she's now selling Copic Ciao Markers (individually or in sets) for a really competitive price, contact her if you're interested! She's not got them on her website yet, but phone her for a price.

TTFN!

my entry for Taylored Expressions #70

2009-05-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

Here's my entry for Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge no 70.

This is a fantastic sketch, so easy to use. I'l definitely be using this again. As well as the Tilda (stamp from my friend,Carole's collection), I used Hero Arts cupcake stamp, SU 'Oval All' set and oval and oval scallop punches and HOTP papers, (ribbon from my stash).

I used these Copics:

Dress - R20, R35, R32, Skin -E000, E02, E50, E51, Hair, Shoes, Spoon- E31, E37, E35, E47, Shirt - B00 and Blender Pen, Wings - B60, Cupcake - YR31, YR28. I added a few white highlights with a white Ranger Inkessentials pen, and added some shimmer with a Sakura stardust pen.

After reading Aimes' news about her being featured on Stamp a Sweet Impression, I was so chuffed for her! The gals goin' global!

I've been altering things again, but nothing finished to show you yet. Works in progress - altered catfood box to make a letter holder, and an altered noodle box to make a bird house.

The errant son has been better behaved this week, a good telling off by my DH, a thorough grounding and removal of his privileges seemed to work. In particular, removal of the laptop - he has a MSN addiction. Let's hope it lasts!

Jan Tink's story she shares about her son with the 'Wayward Finger ' came at just the right time to make me laugh about the trials and tribulations of parenting, check it out, she's got a great sense of humour.

I've recently found a fab site called The Pioneer Woman, I love it! As well as amazing photos and stories of life on the ranch, Ree shares loads of fab recipes. I'm making her 'Chicken Salad' to take to work with me for at least the next two night duties - easy and delicious!

TTFN!

Isn't she lovely, isn't she wonderful...

2009-05-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

My entry for the Copic Creations challenge no 4, Blonde Hair.
Copics used - Y00, Y21, YR31, E31.

Go on, sing along to the title...

At last a bit of crafting time and I've finally made a card this week!

I love this Tilda, she's just so cute. I made the mistake of colouring her before I'd chosen paper to make the card though - finding something to match took ages. In the interests of 'using up the stash' I used some HOTP papers (stripe and pale green) along with the scalloped polka dot paper I had left over from the acrylic album.

I turned to the trusty Diamond Glaze to highlight the raindrops and the puddle, and for once it flowed out straight away because last time I used it I remembered to rinse out the nozzle (I usually spend several minutes cursing the nozzles as I unbung them!)

I ordered quite a lot of craft stuff this week because I was

1. fed up with my son, and

2. fed up with having increased my hours at work

3. reasoning that increased hours at work this = more spending money

So, most of my stuff has arrived, except for the stuff from 'create and craft' (which incidentally had the highest postage charges, hmmph!).

Amongst other things, I ordered a couple of Tildas and various objects/backgrounds to make little scenes. Oooh they're very cute, wait til you see them!

2009-05-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, I'm really struggling to find time to craft at the moment. I've not made anything this week, and I think I'm regretting increasing my hours at work. On top of that, my 13 year old son is being a right pain in the arse.

Michelle loved the acrylic album, BTW. There were tears in her eyes when she saw it! Tears of joy of course LOL!

I've received a blog award from my crafty friend Helen, thanks Helen, this is an interesting one. I have to list 10 honest things about myself, so here goes:

1. I am short and fat (does this count for two?) with a BMI of 39. I don't need a number to tell me I'm fat, I have a mirror for that, as I told the practice nurse at my GP's.

2. I have a big sense of humour, and love to laugh and make others laugh.

3. I find being a parent hard.

4. I only own one dress (worn once!) and hate wearing high heels.

5. I don't like gardening, but I wish I did.

6. I like body art, I have two tattoos. Oh and I had my navel pierced 15 years ago, way before it was popular (and before I was the owner of a BMI of 39!). Because we didn't know any better, a friend did it with the gun she used for piercing ears and the whole thing got stuck. Which made me hysterical with laughter while my friend was panicking, trying to get it out.

7. Occasionally, I still get emotional when I deliver a baby.

8. I'm calm in a crisis (vital in my job).

9. I like reptiles and have two pet snakes.

10. I wish I had travelled more when I was younger.

So, now you know a bit more about me!

The rules of the blog award are -

Thank the person who gave you the award and link to their blog

Put a pic of the 'Honest Scrap' award on your blog

List 10 honest things about yourself

Pass it on to at least 7 other worthy bloggers

Let them know you've passed it on!

So who do I want to know more about? I think I'll pass it on to

Aimes
Debbie
Teri
Alex

Sara

Elizabeth
Michelle

Right I'm off now to let each of these lovely ladies know that they've got an award!

under pressure

2009-05-15T01:50:00.000-07:00

Sorrreee! I've not posted for a whole week, naughty!

After 4 night shifts, I wasn't human until Wednesday, so I've had no finished projects to show you until today. I've been making a mini-album for my friend, Michelle, whose daughter turns 18 this weekend.

This was a perfect opportunity to use this 'Brenda Pinnick' kit , bought (on impulse, as usual) from the QVC when it had free postage. This is the first acrylic album I've made (I know, I'm behind with the trends!) and it took a bit of planning out. So without further ado, I'll show you the goods.

Extras used include: stuff from my stash - flowers, gemstones, buttons, charm. A few extra ribbons and K&Co butterfly stickers , and stamping using white Staz-On onto the acrylic. The chipboard numbers were painted with Ranger acrylics/ covered with Doodlebug glitter CS, large letters are cut with QK 'Spicy Chicken' Revolution dies. The back is just finished with a Inkadinkadoo 'handmade' stamp.

I've made a useful discovery - Sansodor removes Stazon on Acrylic! I might clean all my acrylic blocks sometime...

Michelle was a bit limited for photos of her daughter - last year she had a house fire and lost all her photos, luckily her mum had a few pics that we copied. Michelle's collecting it later today, I think she'll be pleased with it!

I'm going to have a tidy now and decide whether to do some stamping or watch craft telly. I've got to catch up with the Stamp with Us classes too, and then before I'll know it, I'm going to be working all weekend again!

spring cleaning

2009-05-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right, I've been cleaning! What started out as a small job has bloomed into a major clear-out of my youngest son's room. I can't believe how much stuff I've got rid of, either given away, or taken to the tip for recycling. I'm surprised our house hadn't sunk under the weight of all the c*** we'd kept! Feels so gooood to throw away stuff!

Anyway his room now looks tons better (although I'm now painfully aware it needs decorating LOL).

Then I decided to take over a cupboard in our dining room. That's where I do all my projects, so the CDs, DVDs and PS2 games/console have had to move over. Most of my stuff is in the under-stairs cupboard, but of course I need more space! Anyway, it looks great, and all the cubbyholes that once housed CDs are now home to various stamps, cuttlebug folders, acrylic paints etc. Hopefully it'll stay tidy (I didn't call myself messy crafter for nothing!

So I'll share a quick pic of my nice tidy cupboard.

Ta da! OK, not perfectly tidy but all this is much better in here than lined up along the windowsill, right? Look at my Stampin Up! sets in the cubbyholes -hee!

And the bright green box at the left of the cupboard is holding all my chipboard, I have a plan to alter that at some time.

I did 3 more layouts for my friends album, I'll share those soon.

I'm working for the next 4 nights - groan, I've got too used to being off work for the last week. So as usual, no crafting until next week! See you then.

scrappy

2009-05-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

Wednesday already. Actually that's a bonus, cos I thought it was Thursday today!! That's what having a week's holiday does to you. I've started the scrapbook 'commission' (I think that sounds a bit pretentious, but I don't have another word for it right now LOL).

After trimming the pics then matting them all on cream paper, I've done 5 layouts so far. I love that K&CO Wild Saffron paper, but I'm having to be a bit sparing with it, as there's quite a few pages to go yet! Base cardstock is the DCWV neutral pad, lovely stuff. The LO's aren't completely finished as the embellies haven't gone on yet. I thought I'd do that last, when the album is finished.

Shall I show you a few pages then? BTW, as they're not my kids, and with the evils of the www, I've 'de-faced' everyone.

I've used one of my SU 'Hodgepodge hardware' pieces on the next 'Raffles' LO, I flooded it with diamond glaze, I think it looks rather good!

That's all for now, I'm going to try to do 2 more LO's tonight. I might even get time to do the SwU project.

all crafted out

2009-05-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't done any creating today - I think I'm all crafted out after yesterday!

Tonight I'm going to make some notelets to go in the swing-hinged box (from the Stamp with Us classes), and then I've got a lovely little gift (it could be useful as a 'teacher gift' for the end of term). I don't have any plans for the other box yet.

This is the first time I've done on-line classes and 'Stamp with Us' is proving to be great value for money. I paid £20 for one class a couple of weeks ago, so the £15 for SwU is great!

I've mainly used products from the Stampin' Up! mini catalogue to make these boxes. I love the way everthing co-ordinates so effortlessly..I WANT MORE!! No, seriously, I do! My April SU order is coming tomorrow though, so that's exciting.

I've resisted buying anything from QVC (well, apart from a new cutting mat...yawn...) which, considering it's 'Craft Day' is pretty good, I think.

Speaking of tomorrow, I've got to start to get to grips with doing a scrapbook for a colleague. I'm finally going to use all that K&Co 'Wild Saffron' stash that I've been hoarding - I mean saving! I've got some gorgeous felt ribbons that I brought back from the USA, I can't wait to use those. Julie is coming round to be my 'labourer' LOL , she'll be matting photos etc. So it'll be another busy day!

busy, busy

2009-05-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

The last 24 hours seem to have been a crafting whirl, I've been a busy bee.
I've finished the communion card, love this colour combo, (actually dark brown and aqua). I showed my new Stampin Up! set, 'In the Stars' some love, used as a background and part of the sentiment. Peel-offs for the main focal, stuck on mirri card. I think I'm happy with it.

And taking part with the Stamp with Us launch party and challenges took care of Friday night. Two cards, each with a time limit of 45 minutes - I've never cut, stamped and stuck so fast in my life! When I'd finished, the dining table looked like an explosion in a paper factory!

The card on the left is stamped with Stampin' Up! 'Soft Summer' and the card on the right is stamped with 'In the stars'.

I've also made two boxes, I'll post pics of those tomorrow.

Boo!

2009-05-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

I've made this waterfall card for one of my orders - the remit was a 'cute' christening card.
Sorry about the pic of the co-ordinating box - it's a bit blurry!

Yes, you read that name correctly - she's called 'Boo Anne'! And no, the parents aren't celebs!

Anyway, it's taken a few hours to get this right to be honest, the name is stamped, but I had trouble getting it straight and joined up - I am just rubbish at straight lines! I've used a few peel-offs of crosses as I didn't want the expense of buying 'religious' themed stamps.

The stickers are by Eno crafts - fab value at only £1.95 for the sheet - and I've 2 left over to decorate the inside of the card.

Received a lovely parcel in the post today - some SU! goodies bought from Alex. Take a look at her blog, she makes such lovely things. I've bought the Hodgepodge Hardware set, In the stars stamp set and the star punch. I've got another order for a 1st communion card (for a boy), so I can see the star set being really useful for that. Although I have also seen a Magnolia 'Edwin' that may also be useful. (I can feel my left click /' buy ' finger getting itchy!) I had a look at decoupage sheets for communion cards, but TBH, they all put me in mind of funerals, so I think modern and fresh is the way to go!

Are we all excited about the Stamp with Us challenge tonight? I've got my envelope ready - I'm going to set out tools etc, I can't wait! See you on the live chat on there!

joke

2009-04-30T16:31:00.001-07:00

I rang NHS Direct for advice about the swine flu, but all I got was crackling on the line!

flights of fancy

2009-04-30T05:10:00.001-07:00

As mentioned in my last post, yesterday I met up with Carole and Cherry, 2 fellow Copicaholics (thanks to Aimes for that little tongue-twister LOL).
We met up at Carole's house (which is the most AMAZING place, it should be gracing the pages of a glossy mag), and we had a lovely time messing about with her stuff. And believe me, this lady has a lot of stuff! She has a great craft room PACKED with goodies, and I've come home thinking I might 'need' a Cricut! I'm resisting impulsiveness at the moment though - I know, it's not like me at all!

I've been in an 'altering mood' and over the last couple of days, I've made an altered birdhouse for my friend, Julie. It's going to go in her garden, so I've tried to add embellies that will be somewhat weatherproof.

You should be able to click the images to get a close up of the paint job!
Sorry, this next bit goes on a bit!

I started out with various coats of acrylic and Sir Tim Holtz's Distress paint (Picket fence white), which gives fine crackles as it dries. (Although, to be honest, I wanted bigger cracks in the paint). Then I dry brushed more acrylic on in pink and blue, and rubbed on Sir Tim's Distress Ink. My friend Carole cut out some lovely swirls with her Cricut, and I used these as a mask and stippled Distress Ink over them. As they were nice and inky, these got decoupaged on.

The birdhouses are stamped images, (Basic Grey, porcelain range, also courtesy of Carole) cut out and decoupaged. The small birdies are hand drawn and also decoupaged on. Big birdies are Inkadinkadoo stamps (Birds Galore set), stamped in Adirondack Espresso Brown (not that succesful on the paint) and Brilliance Tiramasu pad (much better result). Bee stamp is also Inkadinkadoo. Aqua butterfly is a stamp by MSE, done on shrink plastic and moulded while still warm (ouch - burny fingers). Sprayed the whole thing with Moonglow Glitz Spritz, just for a bit of shimmer. Dandelion heads stamps by Lavinia, heat embossed in gold and Butterfly rub-ons by Basic Grey.

Then I had a good rummage in the embellies for things that will stand up to being outdoors. Buttons, synthetic fabric flowers, metal bits etc. I'm going to give it a final coat of varnish soon, and then I'll decide if it needs jewels. As I always say, ' if in doubt, add bling' LOL.

Human once more

2009-04-29T01:14:00.000-07:00

I'm back in the 'land of the living' after my 3 night duties. Needless to say, there's no crafting time when I'm working, it's work, sleep, work, sleep. So yesterday I made a cute card with my new SU! papers. I took part in a paper share (thanks Julie) and the papers and ribbons I received are lovely.

I've used the 'Washington Apple' papers, blue striped Grosgrain ribbon (both SU!) and a piece of Kraft CS which I've enbossed with a cuttlebug folder, then swiped with white chalk ink to highlight the texture, (love this effect). The Magnolia stamp is coloured with Copics and then highlighted with a white Ranger Inkessentials pen. I've also used a Sakura stardust pen for her wings and the rose of the watering can. Hope you like!

Gotta run, I'm off to a fellow Copic fan's house to play, should be fun!

Oh, the joys of being a woman

2009-04-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my friend Julie and I went to Dawn Bibby's Studio at Oswaldtwistle, this is the first time we've been to the new place and it is really spacious and well-stocked. Had a little spend of course, mainly different flowers and some very pretty making memories rub-ons. All very pleasant.

However - I have not had a great day today - it's that time of the month ('nuff said). Last night, in the grip of PMT, everything seemed a major issue. The mojo has gone into hiding from the raging hormones and I have faffed around trying to make a card for several hours. Eventually though (after a break from card-wrestling) I made this, and I'm fairly happy with it.

I tried to incorporate my new SU oval scallop punch and the Best Wishes stamp from the Oval All set, but it looked too crowded. Funny isn't it - I was dying to use these!!

So here's what I used in the end:
Fresh Cuts stamp set, main image, vine and small flower
Colorbox chalk inks in Chestnut Roan, Warm Red and Prussian Blue.
DCWV Red and dark brown CS (from neutral scrappad) SU Blush Blossom CS
K&Co PP - from 'Que Sera' pad
Prima Essentials 4 Flowers (Tea and Silk colourway) got these yesterday!!
Heart Clip - 7Gypsies, Pearls - Hero Arts and Mark Richards.

I'm working for the next 3 nights, I'll post when I'm human again!

2 challenges in one!

2009-04-22T01:39:00.000-07:00

This is my entry for Copic Creations challenge #2 and Friday Sketchers challenge #48

close up and personal:

This week's Copic Creations challenge was 'colouring/blending/shading jeans'.

'Rose's Garden' Stamp by Sarah Kay.

I've used the following Copics:

Jeans - B93, B95, B97, then C1 stippled over to achieve a 'stonewashed' look

Blouse and hair ribbon - V04, V12, R22

Hair - Y21, Y28, E35

Skin - E00, E51, E02

Flowers and leaves - R20, R22, R35, Y38, G21, YG03

Basket - y21, E31, E35, E37, YR02, C1

Path - W1, W5, E35

Image outlined with C1 then B00. (Kitten left uncoloured).

To make the card, I followed this sketch for the Friday Sketchers #48 challenge, (thanks Kristine).

I've used up some old K&Co/ Tim Coffey papers from the stash (sorry don't know any more details). The glitzy butterflies are by 'a touch of Jolees'.

I've used a SU stamp for the sentiment (from the SAB 'Yummy' set) and made the shape using the SU ticket corner punch, distressed the edges for a little contrast.

The Lilac strip is punched with the Martha Stewart zigzag embossed border punch and all edges of the PP are inked with Wisteria Chalk ink (Colorbox).

I like DL size cards, so I've really enjoyed using this sketch, I'm sure I'll use this layout again.

Hope you like!

Doctor, it could be the worst case we've ever seen...

2009-04-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

Well, my new storage arrived today - yep, I ordered the RUB TSV from QVC (can I fit in any more abbreviations:)). And as all we crafters know, storage is a whole hobby in it's own right.

It has taken me the WHOLE day to re-organise stash and sort out what's going where.

And as a result, I've come to the conclusion that I have a severe case of too-much-stuff-itis and to help start the cure, I've decided to part with my Bind-it-All. I saw it demo'd at the NEC when it was first out, Oh, the plans I had for it...acetate mini-book...recipe book...gorgeous little notebooks...Oh how it wanted me to buy it....
But best laid plans and all that - to be honest, mine should be called the Bind-very-Little, as it's been used about 6 times.

So I'm going to put it up for sale via UK Scrappers (my username is Crystaltips) if anyone's interested in giving it a new home. ETA - sold

Today I did the unthinkable (you may want to sit down at this point) and THREW STUFF AWAY!! not fab stuff of course, that's in the new storage. But the tatty, old papers that now make me think 'what was I thinking?', bought when it seemed vital to have ALL the patterned paper in the shop. And all the scraps of paper I saved for some reason - that's all gone too. Some other stuff will be going to my friends house - she has 2 DD's who will not care a jot that it's several years old.

In fact, it made me feel a bit cross with myself really for being too easily seduced by paper. Not so cross I won't buy any more though - hee!

On Sunday, I went to a nice workshop at my local craft shop, and the very talented Melanie Heaton was running it. I made a couple of nice cards and one dodgy one - my folding was very 'off' that day!

They're made using the 'Wild Raspberry' K&Co papers and Inkadinkadoo stamps. The birds are stamped and then paper pieced - very fiddly indeed. They might get covered in glossy accents just to give them a bit of shine. The butterfly image is made up of fairies - double click it to get a close-up. And the third one is very dodgy - smudged ink and squiffy folding LOL. Ah well, never mind!

tricky...

2009-04-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

Tricky, this award lark, when lots have already got it...

So, I'm passing on the joy to these other bloggers who make me smile:

The amazingly talented Bev has got the most fab blog candy, click on the pic to have a look and join in.

I've no finished projects to share today, work was kinda busy this week. Funnily enough (if you read my last post) we did help lots of women give birth and in fact saved a life, honest!

Last night I was sucked into a vortex of LOLcats on teh interwebz. 'What?'I hear you say...Well I first came across these in March when we were on hols in Florida. I spent a good 20 mins in a store genuinely laughing out loud at a book of captioned silly photos of cats,this stuff just presses my funny button and I'll have to share one of my faves wth you.

If this is the sort of silliness that you like too, here's the link. Enjoy!

I'd like to thank...

2009-04-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

I've received my first blog award today from me chum Helen, I'm just so chuffed! Thanks Helen, I'll try not to cry as I perform my Oscar-like acceptance speech!

Off to work again tonight, so in between delivering babies, saving lives and generally being heroic (LOL - tongue firmly in cheek as I say that) I'll do my list of who to pass it on to. I'm so excited I've just looked at what I've typed in garble language and corrected it all, ha!

Don't know if I dare to take any crafty stuff in to work - whenever I do, all of pregnant Blackpool decides to pay us a visit and we don't even get a cuppa. I think I'll play safe and not bother!

feelin' blue with challenge no 2

2009-04-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

A quick post, this is my entry for 'Stamp with Us' challenge # 2. This week's challenge is to create a birthday card, and here it is.

I've used the following Stampin'Up! products - Carte Postale stamp set, Le Jardin designer paper, Bordering Blue cardstock.

Other non-SU supplies: Flowers - Prima, Leaves - Martha Stewart punch, brads - Making Memories, Happy Birthday stamp by Stamp It.

Chocolate eaten today - Have eaten the head of a (small) Lindt chocolate bunny, DH ate the body.

Have just had a very yummy dessert. A warm Gu melting middle chocolate pudding with cream and some fresh rasberries....delish!

Quite a few Cadbury's mini eggs. Mini Cadbury's caramel egg.

3 chocolate buttons stolen from youngest son's choccy chicky.

Gotta love Easter!

chocolate heaven since 1911

2009-04-12T02:21:00.000-07:00

So I made my remaining Easter baskets and then some! I made an extra 2 'cos I was on a roll, and I had a stash of chocolate to fill them. If I didn't give it away, it would have made it into my mouth (and from there, onto the hips and butt!)

The woven basket is cute but I'm definitely not giving up my day job to start weaving - too fiddly. I confess to using a bit of glue to keep the woven bits in place. But the end result looks quite good (if I say so myself) only takes 1 sheet of 12x12 and the link to the tutorial is here.

Here's a couple of pics to show you (2 baskets didn't get a chance to have a photoshoot). Instructions for the 'lantern' style baskets here on Leslies blog.

Left to right, top to bottom:

Chick basket (made 2 of these for the kids) - Stampin' Up designer paper from the USA.
Twin bunny basket - for my mum, used up some Sweetwater papers from the stash.
Triplet bunny woven basket (for my DH) - DCWV cardstock.
Stamped sentiment and ribbon by Stampin' Up.

I feel quite virtuous using up those Sweetwater papers that I've had for ages! I haven't got an Easter egg - cue the sad violins - DH forgot, so panic-bought a box of Celebrations. Still, chocolate is chocolate, and I'm sure I'll get to share those Lindt bunnies!
Have a lovely Easter!

always on the last minute

2009-04-11T00:58:00.000-07:00

I've still got 2 easter baskets to make this morning. DH and the kids are still in bed so I've got chance to make DH's basket before he gets up. This is the first Whole Easter weekend he's had off in , oh I don't know how long. It's the most gorgeous sunny morning here, and the seagulls are calling to each other before they go fishing. Sounds romantic doesn't it - actually they make a din and kak all over your car and your pegged-out laundry!

Cute is a new crafting direction for me TBH, but I'm enjoying the colouring in 'therapy'!! This image is one of my first 'goes' with the Copics. I now know that Copics and Staz-on ink don't work well together - the eyes have smudged a bit and the face is a bit patchy. History here - determined not to give in to the urge to buy Tilda stamps, I bought ready stamped images from the well-known auction site, yep, you've guessed it, stamped in Staz-on on normal card that doesn't take Copic blending too well. Whaddya mean ' a bad workman blames his/her tools'!! It's fine for watercolour/ prismacolour pencils though, and a good way to try out whether I liked them.

So, after admiring lots of beautifully coloured images on various blogs, and being both weak willed and impulsive, ( a dangerous combination at the best of times) I gave in to buying some Sarah Kay and Tilda stamps (now don't tell me you're surprised). Well, I had to because of the Copics - they wouldn't like it if I stopped using them... I am a marketing man's dream I think.

Pretty in plum

2009-04-07T07:16:00.001-07:00

Strange how some days go past so quickly, today was one of those days. Had a little lie-in til almost 9am - it's the easter holidays, no getting the kids up for school - hurray! Spent a bit of time blog-hopping this morning, sorted the boys out with lunch, bathed the pugs and all of a sudden, it was 3pm! Bathing the pugs is hilarious - they go absolutely daft after they've been bathed, running around like crazy!

So I thought I'd better get some crafting done - this set is my newest SU addition, I love it. Its the 'Fresh Cuts' stamp set with the 'Fresh-Cut Notes'.

The card design is a lift from the mini catalogue, but I've used Perfect Plum and Pale Plum cardstock from the Soft Subtles range, I love these colours. I've used a non-SU ink on the card edge and on part of the flower. The Perfect Plum edge at the right has been stamped with the vine design in versamark and I've repeated that on the left edge and on the inside of the card. (Organza Ribbon, button and inks are non-SU, from my stash).

We were in the USA in March, and I so wish I'd bought the SU word window punch whilst we were there. Hope it's in the next UK SU catalogue! So to improvise, I fiddled about with the scallop edge border punch and got something similar. I saw this idea on a blog or youtube but can't give credit cos I've forgotten where I saw it, sorry!

Hope you like!

Copic Creations challenge

2009-04-05T01:54:00.000-07:00

The first challenge is 'colouringface/skin tones' for the Copic Creations challenge. Just look at the DT cards - all I can say is WOW!

As a copic newbie, skin tones can be tricky - it's easy to make you characters look too pink, or they end up looking like a golden roast chicken! My first attempt at this little cutie was rubbish - she looked very rosy indeed! This one is a little better, but I did make a bit of a boob with the blue marker - it got onto her foot and I couldn't get rid of it with the blender pen.

I've used these Copic Ciao pens: R00, R20,R22, R35, RV42, B60, B93, B95, B97, E000 (Sketch pen), E00, E02, E31, E35, E51, Y17, Y21, Y28, Y38, YG03, W1.
I added in a few white highlights with my trusty Ranger Inkessentials pen.

I've been helped massively by Marianne's and Claudia's blog tutorials, but I've still a way to go (and lots more Copics to buy!!). Suzanne's blog is a great place to learn techniques, too.

The image is a Sarah Kay stamp, 'picnics of daisies'. These images are more detailed and time-consuming than the Tildas, but so gorgeous.

'Stamp with Us' challenge entry

2009-04-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

Today I finished off this card that I've made. It's my first challenge entry (ever) and it's for Stamp with Us.

Stampin' Up! supplies used: CS in Almost Amethyst, Apricot Appeal and Regal Rose, scallop border punch, So Saffron grosgrain ribbon (from the USA), Botanical Blooms stamp set, Yummy stamp set (sentiment).

I really enjoyed making this, it's a clean and simple style which is pretty different from my usual 'pile it all on and add flowers and bling' approach! I followed the sketch but altered the orientation of the oval.

I used the Cuttlebug embossing folders on the Almost Amethyst and the Regal Rose CS to add texture, the Apricot Appeal CS was stamped with versamark to add tone-on-tone texture. (Inks are non-SU, just the nearest match I could find in my stash).
I'm collecting my SU order from Sarah tonight, I've got some blimmin' gorgeous goodies waiting for me at her house. And I'm off work til Wednesday so I can have a good play! Can't wait!

virgin tag!

2009-04-02T04:19:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged for the first time by Aimes. Da rules are:

Go to your 4th photo folder and choose the 4th photo in it and post it!

So here goes...

This little chap is my pug, Pogo. Not the best photo (actually make that a rubbish photo, hee!), very overexposed and he wouldn't keep still, I think I was whistling at him to encourage him to look alert - not always that easy with him! He's 4 years old and my parents have his brother, Pip.

So I'm going to choose 4 people to tag now. I choose:

I'll be waiting to see what each of you posts!

In the meantime, I'll leave you with a photo of something good to eat. I've just made Raspberry muffins, and have greedily scoffed 2 while they were still a little warm..mmm...

wedding invites

2009-04-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

We finished off the wedding invitations today, the photo doesn't quite do them justice. The flock of birds is embossed in holographic powder, the bride likes a bit of bling (well, don't we all?) Variety of supplies used - K&Co Blue Awning paper, Inkadinkadoo bird stamp, Rubbadubbadoo manuscript stamp, Baroque border SU wheel, HOTP Celebrate word.

She'll be getting them later this week, hopefully she'll like them, cos we're not doing them again!

I bought a daylight lamp from QVC, it cost less than £25 and it is fab. My DH paints military models so it's perfect for him and (maybe) I can borrow it from time to time. Really, our dining room looks like Santa's workshop most of the time! Also in the post for me today - this lovely Amy Butler tool tote, but I managed to get the gray/ pale lime colour. It only cost £13 and it's yummy scrummy gorgeous! At the mo, it's holding my babies... I mean Copics LOL!

Talking of collecting babies I see Madonna is buying, sorry adopting, another African child. You'd think there were possibly a few American ones she could think about adopting instead. As for me, I think I'll just stick to adopting, sorry buying, my copics and stamps!

Tired, oh so tired...

2009-03-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

I worked last night, had the pleasure of looking after another lovely woman having her first baby, hope all went well today with the birth. But...only slept for 2 hours this morning...feel like I've got jet lag - where's the matchsticks for me eyes? In addition, my left wrist is a bit sore. In a rash moment, I volunteered to let one of my colleagues practice putting a drip up on me, which involved a sharp object going into my vein. As my last experience of this was when my youngest was being born almost 11 years ago, I'd forgotten how much it b****y well hurts. Serves me right I suppose. A nice glass of cider tonight might numb it though.

So no cards made yesterday or today (although me and Julie did make 40 wedding invitations on Saturday) so I thought I'd post a photo of a card I made in December for my mum's birthday. I stamped with white Staz-on onto acetate, then layered all my embellies (check out the bling on those flutterbies!) The sentiment and stamped frame are by Hero arts (luv this company, as much as I luv Stampin' Up).

I have a slight obsession with butterflies BTW. Actually, I have only realised in the last few months that I am addicted to them , I'll have to count up what I own! They seem to exert a magnetic force on me (much like the Copics) and end up coming home with me.

'My name is Alison and I'm a butterfly-a-holic...'

Dig out the duster

2009-03-28T02:13:00.000-07:00

So I didn't post yesterday, because (wait for it, cue drum roll..) I did lots of cleaning! Generally I don't like cleaning, but if I'm in the mood, I have to do it immediately, before I go off the idea. It's all down to watching a cleaning presentation on QVC, it made me want to dig out the duster. It also affects me if there's a beauty hour - I go and tart myself up for no good reason. Strangely though, the craft hours have no strong effect anymore, I seem to have developed immunity.

So last night as well as doing colouring-in using the Copics, I put the finishing touches on this card, it's for my mum's friend, Sandy. She doesn't look or act 70!

In the interest of using up the stash, I've used some old K&CO papers and stickers, gold mirri, my QK monarch butterfly die and flatback pearls, C5 size. I've done this style of card for a few 'comissions' lately, it's been well received.

Hippy chick

2009-03-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

This is what I made today, I think it's turned out a bit busy. I'm nibbling away at the Basic Grey stash pile, trying to use it up. The Kraft CS tones down some of those bright colours and I've replaced that red felt flower with a green one and it looks better. This design is a 'lift' from a beautiful card that Teri sent me, only hers is nicer! For anyone who's interested, I've used my new Stampin Up wheel 'It's Beautiful' down the left side of the CS, wheeled in versamark, then heat embossed with sparkly EP. That design looked FAB heat embossed in white EP on Kraft CS, BTW. But I need the wheel guide - my wheel driving's pretty bad!

I've spent the day making this and sorting (or should that be 'rearranging' ) stash LOL. At the last minute, before kids/DH came home, I did a bit of housework to look like I'd been busy all day!

I might do another Easter Basket tonight, I found a link on Monica's blog to show you how to create these - they're super-easy and look great! I shortened my basket strips to make my basket shorter and fatter (like Me!) as the first one hid my Lindt choccy bunny completely. I've even done my own shredded paper for the inside (using up that old stash of HOTP paper anyway I can!)

Single handedly keeping the art shop trading

2009-03-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

Look at what arrived in the post today - rubber goodness! I've previously bought stamped images from ebay, which were fine with the prisma pencils and solvent. 'Cept I didn't like the skin coloured with the pencils.

I decided to try some Copic markers. I found that the stamped images were stamped on basic CS, and also they were stamped in Staz-on - neither of which are great with Copics. So then I had to buy some Bristol board card, then I had to buy some cute stamps and then... (can you see a trend here?)... some more Copics.

I balked at the cost of a set initially, "I'll just buy skin tones" I reassured myself. Which would still be true if you were an alien with 'B93 light crockery blue' or 'YG63 pea green' skin tones. Several other colours insisted that they go in my basket, 'RV42 salmon pink' was particularly keen and then, because of the fishy name, 'R22 light prawn' practically begged me to take it home... And now I realise I should have just bought THE SET because that would keep me OUT of the art shop and out of temptations way. So now I'd better do some SERIOUS colouring to justify this month's bad spending behaviour. And I'd better not see any alien stamps....

blog candy

2009-03-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

well, the lady in the previous post had a beautiful little girl, popped to the ward to see her last night as soon as I went on duty.
Sarah (my Stampin Up! demo) is offering the chance to win a fab SU scallop circle punch, check out her blog http://www.dizzyscrafts.blogspot.com/ I'd love to win one of these (even though I have some Quickutz scallop dies). The punch co-ordinates with some of the Stampin Up stamps to make creating even easier.
In the photo, even more fab blog candy is up for a chance to win at http://www.stampwithus.blogspot.com/

Cant wait for the challenges to begin with this blog. I've been following Monica's blog for a while, GORJUSS creations on it, such an inspiration.

2009-03-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

Nothing much to add today - worked all night, slept all day, back to work tonight. Looked after a lovely lady and her family last night, baby hadn't arrived when I left, so I'm dying to find out how the rest of her labour went.

First past the post!

2009-03-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Well I've finally succumbed to joining in with blogging. It'll be a steep learning curve, as I'm not that great with the 'puter, but here goes.
I'm a card maker and a scrapbooker, enjoy just faffing about with card and paper and making a huge mess along the way. As other crafters know, this stuff SPREADS around while you're being all creative. Then someone calls around unexpectedly (like my father-in-law) and you feel a bit embarassed when the craft stuff is in almost every room. Ah well...
So I've got to have a tidy now as I won't be crafting for a couple of days now - on night duty. I've posted a couple of pics of what I've been making - dont know how to resize yet, sorry for the huge pic of the easter basket. The chocolate has been hidden out of my familys sight, or it'll be back down to Sainsbury's for more!