Truly Scrumptious Challenge 6

Hi everyone, and Happy Wednesday.

We've got another fantastic sketch challenge at Truly Scrumptious this week. Scrumptious Cupcakes are the theme, with downloads from The Cutting Cafe. There are so many variations for cupcakes, you can decorate them how you like, they just need to be mouthwateringly delicious...and I've not had a cupcake yet that wasn't delicious. Mmmm.....my mouth's watering already.

I've chosen Bo Bunny papers...no surprise there...but they are from a different collection this time. I love those rich colours.

I stamped a Hero Arts Cranesbill stamp on the Bazzil cupcake mat, using primary and secondary stamping, to get a softer effect, and a sense of distance. I also inked around the edges, and sponged ink into the centre of the mat to add to the soft look. It's all very subtle.

I coloured and cut out my cupcake and stand images, and glued them onto the mat. I added a black outline around part of the cake stand for a bit of definition. Then a touch of glitter to some of the hearts, and layered up the Bo Bunny papers. A couple of Hydrangea blossoms from Prima, and 'VOILA' there you have it....

This is how I finished off the inside of the card. I love that shadow stamping, and should try it more often. Hope you'll join in with the challenge this time, can't wait to see your Truly Scrumptious creations.

Whipper Snapper

Hi all, and Happy Tuesday.

Well this is my first true day free from my day job. My week used to start on a Tuesday, as I was only part time, but I'm feeling the benefit already. I still work 25 hours a week in the evening at present, so it's not all spare time yet.

Anyway, back to the point. I bought some Nestie Label dies, and a Whipper Snapper stamp last week from my local craft store, Sir Stampalot. They're such great people, and they do mail order too, so you don't have to worry about living too far away. But for me....well it's just a five minute journey, so I love to visit and catch up on all the latest products, and gossip.

So I thought I'd use my new Nesties to make a shaped card. It's so easy to do with these dies, and just a little bit different.

It was a really quick card to make, good if you're in a hurry. But it's unusual shape is sure to impress. The papers are those gorgeous Bo Bunny ones again, with the flowers punched from the EK Success Retro Flower Punch. The image was coloured with Copic Markers, and highlighted with an opaque white Inkssentials pen. It's such a fun card, and will be winging it's way over to Sir Stampalot for their display. Why not have a go at a shaped card yourself, try something a little different, I'm sure you can come up with something truly unique.

Thanks for taking the time to visit

Cute Card Thursday

Hi everyone, and Happy Monday.

Well I had a teriffic day yesterday. My son Paul and his fiancee Jess came over to see me. It was a gorgeously sunny day, and they tidied my garden up for me. I did help a little, and my backs 'killing me' now. But it looks much better, and I've got to hand it to them, they did a marvellous job. So a huge thank you to Paul & Jess.

Later on I went over to my daughters to see baby Nicole. Well I didn't just go over to see her obviously, but my daughter too. My grandson was staying over at his other grandparents house, so I didn't get to see him this time. No day job this week, so I am going to crack on with my son's wedding invitations.

But before I do, I have a card to show which I made for the Cute Card Thursday challenge 'Getting Edgy'. They want to see us tear, sand, distress or sew the edges of our cards. I did some tearing, a little distressing and some faux stitching:

Yet another Gorjuss Girl from the new collection. After a tip from Jacqui, I decided to choose my papers first. It's definately easier to do it this way round, then colour the image, so I'll be doing this again. I chose papers from a 6"x6" K & Co pad, layering and tearing until I got a pleasing layout.

I punched out two flowers using my EK Success Retro Flower punch and added faux stitching around the edges. Then I cut strips into them and ruffled the up a bit for a bit of dimension. I stuck them on with silicone glue so the stayed dimensional and didn't flatten down.

I stamped two butterflies from a Hero Arts stamp set I've had for ages, and layered them up, again using silicone glue. You can see the detail in these two pictures a little better I hope.

Gotta fly now, take care.

Double Dutch Challenge 16

Hi everyone, and happy, happy Sunday.

It's sunny here in Peterborough today, and I'm going to spend some time with the family outside enjoying some relaxation today. Take Daisy dog out for a walk later, whilst I listen to my iPod, and then might do some more crafting if I have time.

I'm so into craft that there is always a danger I might shut myself away from everyone all day. So Sunday is now officially family day for me....but first, I'm posting a door hanger that I made yesterday for the Double Dutch challenge.

Now as I received my new set of Gorjuss Girls on Friday, I just had to use them. Aren't they 'Gorjuss'

I used those Bo Bunny papers again, and coloured the image with Copic Markers. I used my nesties to cut out that scalloped circle background. The words were done by hand, some of the letters written on tiny punched out tags and stuck behind the image. I really like that effect.

I punched out some swirls with my EK Success punch and glittered them. A fabulous look. I finished off with some Prima Hydrangea blossoms and a gem. This door hanger is double sided....

And I think this image definately says it all. Hope you like it. I'd be happy to hear your comments if you have the time to leave any.

Take care...

Just Magnolia Challenge 2

Hi all, and a very happy Friday.

I'm back, after a very long week of work and no crafting. I missed the first challenge over at Just Magnolia, but I'm on the ball with this one. The theme is pink and green. It's one of my favourite colour combinations, so I had to give it a go. There's some fab cards by the design team for inspiration, so why not go and take a look. you won't be disappointed.

I have made quite a simple card this time, not too time consuming as I still have loads to catch up on. The pink paper is from Bo Bunny, and my favourite at the moment....you'll be able to tell by looking at my last few posts, at it's featured well in them all.....and I have another little project on the go that will feature more of this collection. The green spotted paper is by Daisy Bucket Designs. I used a glue pen over the background paper and added glitter...I love a bit of sparkle. And I used my Martha Stewart Valentine Punch on the bottom edge.

I coloured my image with Copic Markers. The flowers were punched out using my EK Success Retro Flower Punch, and the tiny butterflies were punched out with a mini punch bought from Tesco. A white organza bow was added to 'tie' the bunch of flower stems together. I really like this card, hope you do too. Thanks for taking the time to look.

Whiff Of Joy Candy

Hi all

Katharina has some fabulous candy to give away...the latest summer stamp kit to two....yes two lucky people. The draw closes on 1st May, so you'd better hurry on over and join in.

Parting Gift

Hi all

Well I have been so busy this past week I haven't had time to post. No crafting to show you this time either. However I do have something in the pipeline which I'll probably post in a couple of days when it's finished.

Wednesday was my last day at Anglia Co-op. After working in Payroll and HR for five years, I decided it was time to leave. I want to start up my own business, and when I leave my other job in the summer due to redundancy, I hope I'll be able to follow my dream.

But, I am so sad to leave the office, I have made lots of good friends. I love them all. We have had many laughs along the way, some sad times, as well as days out, evening meals, and Christmas parties, and they have all been thoroughly enjoyable....so Thank You girls for making my time most enjoyable, and for putting up with me for so long.

As a parting gift they kindly gave me a Marks & Spencer gift card so I can treat myself, luxury chocolates, and beautiful wine. You can imagine how good it was to have chocolates and wine for breakfast yesterday, yummmmmmy....lol....

I shall miss them, however I'm looking forward to my new venture, and whether it's successful or not, at least I will have tried. If I don't try I'll always be wondering if I could have made a go of it.

What is it they say...

'Better to have tried and failed, than never to have tried at all'.

Now, no more talk of failure, lets keep positive.

Truly Scrumptious Challenge #5

Hi everyone.

And happy Wednesday to you all. I just can't believe we have reached challenge 5 already, but here it is. The sketch this time comes from the lovely Michele, who has also given us the theme of a 'card for a child'. So lets see what you all come up with, but in the meantime, here's what I did for my childrens card:

I used the papers from Bo Bunny again, as I love the colour combination so much, and may even have to go and purchase them again. I've been doing quite a few things with them since I've bought them.

The image is from a Penny Black stamp. In fact it was one of the first stamps I ever bought, serveral years ago. I don't use it very much to be honest, but thought it would be just perfect for this challenge.

I decided quite early on that I didn't want flowers or buttons on this card as embellishments. I wanted something different, something that is typical of childhood. I chose a windmill shape, which was extremely easy to make.

It's just a square of double sided paper. You cut slits from each corner 3/4 of the way to the centre. Then make a hole in one side of each corner and one in the centre. Fold the corners with the holes in to the centre hole, and secure with a brad. I didn't crease the cardstock as I wanted the folds to be rounded like the windmills you buy at the seaside. It's a great effect if you want something different.

I decorated the inside with another coloured image, and scraps of paper. I want to use every last scrap of this paper, and not waste one tiny morsel of it.

Here's a close up of the image. I hand wrote the 'Best Friends Forever' labels to add the finishing touch on the front.

I really like this card, and think it's perfect for a child. Let me know what you think.

Sketch Saturday #46

Hi everyone, and happy Tuesday.

It's a quick post today I'm afraid. Or maybe that's a good thing who knows??

Anyway my card for Sketch Saturday:

I used an image from Pink Gem, coloured with Copic Markers. The papers are from the Pink Petticoat Just Daisies collection, and this colour is pistachio/white, I coloured the flowers in on the negative image, and put little dot's of white on them. I love the effect. I used Prima flowers, Liquid Pearls and Doodlebug buttons to finish off.

Hope you like it. Gotta run now....things to do...see ya later, oh and thanks for looking.

Nicole

Hi again.

Been to see my little princess today again. She's one week old now, and looking around. Of course Nanny had to take more photo's of her precious little Granddaughter didn't she!!!

Look....She's already learning to count on her fingers. Clever Girl, lol.......

Retro Flower Punches

Hi everyone.

Hope you're enjoying the Easter weekend so far.

I have a couple of cards to show you where I have used punched flowers and embossing folders.

The flowers were punched from paper and vellum using the EK Success Retro Flower Punches. I added little white dots around the vellum flowers with my Inkessentials pen from Ranger. Then layered them together, finishing off with either crystal gems or pearls,
They are very simple cards, but very effective I thought. Ideal for weddings, which seeing as I'm thinking of branching out into wedding invitations and favours, you might be seeing a few more.

Friday Sketchers challenge 46

Hi all,

Hope you are all enjoying the weekend. Back to work tomorrow for me...boo hoo. But before the weekend comes to an end I just want to thank everyone for their kind wishes and congratulations on the arrival of my beautiful princes grandaughter, Nicole Hayley. I love you all...

Now onto the challenge. The sketch for Friday Sketchers this week is by Heidi from Norway. I thought this was simple but very effective, and it's one I will probably use again. The Gorjuss Girls (set 1) came out again as I do love them so.

I used more papers from Bo Bunny. I love the colour combination of this set. They are very fresh papers with strong patterns which I love. I followed the pink and blue theme, colouring the image with Copic markers. I used my Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch as I just love the effect it gives. I punched out the flowers with my EK Success Retro Flower punch...I told you I'm loving it. I use it soooo much as you can see. I added two shades of organza ribbon tied together on the bottom corner for added detail. Oh and don't forget the crystals added to the flower centres.

I curved the petals, supporting them with silicone glue for added dimension.

The inside was decorated using the same papers and a full size image again. And MORE flowers.
Here's a close up of the image. I'd be pleased to hear your comments if you care to leave any.

Take care now.

Let Me Introduce You

Hi Everyone, and Happy Sunday

As many of you now know, I have a special little person joining my family. Let me introduce you to:

Nicole Hayley

My New Baby Grandaughter

The photo isn't that good as it was taken in doors, at night without a flash. I didn't want to startle my little princess. I only wish I had a better camera to take sharper pictures. although it has been edited in photoshop, I couldn't get it any sharper. But I love it all the same.

I'm now working on a little scrap book which I can carry around and bore everyone with, lol.

Thanks for taking the time to look.

Welcome To The World

Hi everyone,

And Happy Saturday. This is a long post, but please bear with me, I have to tell you.....

I had a really good time yesterday. As I said, I went out for a meal with my work colleagues to say a 'temporary' farewell to Christine who is starting her Maternity Leave. We went to an Italian restuarant in the town and had a lovely meal. I had lasagne, my favourite, it was gorgeous.

We were out until about 10 o'clock, but just before we went home I looked at my mobile phone, and saw I had four missed calls. I jokingly said, I hoped it wasn't my daughter, as her baby was due this coming Monday. She had a home birth planned, and I had to pick my grandson up when she went into labour, and take him over to my house.

Well it wasn't my daughter......it was my son-in -law.

Oh no panic....

Then I read a text from my husband saying our Grandson was at ours, and our daughter had gone into labour.

Oh my gosh, I was sooo excited, the one night I go out is the same night I've been waiting for that important phonecall. Anyway I phoned my husband to tell him we were just leaving the restuarant, and I'd be home in about ten minutes, (I don't live far from the town).

When I walked in the door, my husband blurted out

"She's been born"

Well I was gobsmacked...how quick was that?

Apparently the midwife didn't have time to get to their house for the home birth, so my son-in-law had to deliver the baby himself.....I'm so proud of them both. He had called the emergency services, and they sent an ambulance, but whilst it was on it's way, they were talking him through the delivery. He'll have a few stories to tell in the pub I'm sure.

Suffice to say, my grandaughter has arrived safely, Mum, Dad and Baby are doing well. They have named her

NICOLE HAYLEY

We haven't seen her yet, we're going over after tea this evening. I can't wait.

I've spent this afternoon making my card for them, I hope you like it....There's loads of pictures.

I made the card by sticking two square cards together so they form a concertina card. I wanted something that would stand out on the mantlepiece.

The stamps I used were new releses from Pink Gem I ordered mine last weekend, and they came so quickly, so I'm glad I was able to use them. Aren't they just so cute?

The pink papers are by Bo Bunny, and the white sparkly paper by Doodlebug. I bought them all on my trip over to Capture the Magic yesterday, with the idea of using them on this baby card. But I didn't know I was going to be making it this quickly.

The images are coloured with Copics, and I have added loads of punched out flowers, crystals and punched out flourishes.

I wanted to print the words on my printer, but alas, no ink. I would have liked to have written a poem or something. But as I had to hand write I decided to keep it short.

The little teddy charm was bought from the Hobbycrafts show, can't remember which stall sorry.
I've reached the end at last. I'll fill you in a bit more tomorrow when I've seen the little darling. In the meantime take care and happy crafting.