Stamp Something

Hi again...

Now I'm ready to post my next card. I have my Grandson Taylor here so I must be quick.

The card I've made is for my father for Fathers Day coming up in June here in the UK. I always struggle to create mens cards, like a good many others of you, but I was sent the perfect image by Tracy at Dies To Die For

My father has been a carpenter all his working life, and now he's retired (he's almost 76 now) he still likes to keep his hand in. He has an appreciation for wood, and loves to create...maybe that's where I get my creative side from. Anyway, the Carpenter Ant stamp is a new one available from Dies To Die For. I coloured it with Copic's (what else), and the sentiment is computer generated. I wondered what to do in the way of embelishments, until I caught sight of one of my Sizzix dies. This is what I came up with.

The shape reminded me of the cogs of industry, so I thought working ants, industrious, my dad, yep, theres a connection in there somewhere. Anyway, after cutting the shape out if plain white card. I used Copic's in the same colours as the stamped image, then tapped over them with Versamark, sprinkled on clear embossing powder and heat embossed them. I repeated the process for a thicker covering. I'm really pleased with the result.

I only had a few scraps of paper left, so the inside is rather sparse, but I made use of every little scrap, piecing it together carefully. Again the text is computer generated. (Never underrestimate the usefullness of your computer and printer).

The papers by 3 Bugs In A Rug (quite aptly named to go with this stamp lol) are available from Dies To Die For too.

That's all for now folks. Be back soon, but in the meantime, happy crafting.

Talented Britains

Hi everyone and happy Sunday

DIVERSITY - THE WINNERS

Well I like many others thought Diversity were the cream of Britains talent yesterday, when they were voted winners of Britains Got Talent. They out-shone all the other acts with their inovative captivating dance routine. I couldn't take my eyes off them and was left wanting more...and that's got to be good. I'm sure they will inspire many youngsters out there on the streets today and make them think that dance does have a place in the youth culture of today, and it can also be cool.

Their dance moves were fantastic, not a foot (or arm) out of place. It was entertaining, skilfull and funny. They hade me smile and have the 'feel good factor', the full package, which I'm sure will be a great asset to The Royal Variety Show. Hats off to Ashley the choreographer he certainly has got a bright future. I wish them well and I hope they go very, very far.

Dies To Die For

Hi everyone, and happy Saturday.

I'm a bit late posting as I like many others have had pc problems, but we've had a scorching hot day here in Peterborough today. The smell of BBQ's are waftng in the gentle breeze.....The sound of children laughing and playing..... Birds singing in the trees...... Me relaxing in the garden, oooh I love it.

Now I'm posting in the interval between Britains Got Talent, The Final and The Results Show....It's nail biting....I'm hoping for Diversity to win...I love them, and am amazed at their routines...now that IS talent. Hats off to the coreographer...I bet you all have your favorites though.

I do have a card to show you at last. Tracy at Dies To Die For sent me some fabulous stamps and papers as part of this months design team kit which I absolutely adore. So I thought I would use the Sketch on the Dies To Die For Blog, from our talented Dawny P.

The image is from Alota Stamps Sweet Donkey range. And they really are sweet, there's no doubt about that. I don't usually do 'Alota' animals (lol) on my cards, but I have to say I have really enjoyed using this stamp....and you'll be seeing 'Alota' more on my cards in the future.... The papers are from Doodlebug and 3 Bugs In A Rug and are all available from Dies To Die For too. (The reddish one on the left really is a lot more red than it's photographed. I did try to get the colour right in the editing, but gave up in the end..)

I did a little bit of hand stitching around the border of the mat. The sentiment is computer generated and the flower by Prima, with a couple of spacers from Jill at The Hobby House. I used my MS heart border punch as if you didn't notice lol.

The inside is decorated with another smaller part image, and more papers. I hope you like it.

Now, cup of coffee to make before I settle down for Britains results....(nail biting)...

See ya later, and thanks for looking.

How Sad

What sad news about Mike Tysons daughter. Tragic to lose a child like that. She was only four, bless her. How traumatic for her brother to find her too. My heart goes out to them.

Truly Scrumptious Challenge 8

Hi everyone, and happy Wednesday.

The weeks just seem to fly by at the moment. It seems that I don't have enough time to do all the things I should be doing like house work, because I'm spending too much time blogging and crafting. I have decided that I have to get on with something else today, so will not be doing any crafting, maybe for a couple of days...or until I get withdrawal symptoms.

Anyway before I go I have to show you my sample for our Truly Scrumptious challenge this time. No sketch this time, as we want you to make a card with more than one fold. You can let your imagination run with this, lets see what you come up with.

The prize as a fantastic one this time as two people will have a chance to win. The first prize consists of some digital images from Christine Dark... The Sketching Stamper, while the second prize is a guest designer spot for four weeks no less. Why not play along and see how creative you can be.

My card this time has two folds and three sections. I kind of wanted it to look like a fashion shop window, so very simply used three Miss Anya images.

The papers are by Bo Bunny, and the images are coloured with Copics. You can see here I've added a panel with a ribbon and diamante buckle for a bit of bling, which I adore.

Those eagle eyed visitors may notice that all if the Miss Anyas have the same head. This was simply achieved by a little cutting and pasting. I wanted them all to look like the same girl. By using this technique you can achieve many more new looks for your stamps. Why not have a go yourselves.

I'm off to attend to the housework now (sigh)...See you soon.

Cupcakes Anyone

Hi everyone.

Well I'm not much of a cook, and haven't done any proper baking for many a long day, but I recently got the urge to make some little cupcakes. I dug out a recipe given to me by one of my work colleagues, that was a proven success, and had a little play.

Here is the result....

What I made I felt was worth the effort. I mean they were yummy to eat. And they look quite presentable don't you think?

However....I have just found an amazing blog that has cakes galore, and such imaginative designs. SO if you are a budding baker take a look at Bakerella, it will spur you on. It's fantastic. And for all you fans of Martha Stewart out there, well I might have know she would be involved somewhere. Click here to read and find out why...

The Sugar Bowl Challenge 11

Hi everyone and Happy Monday.

Well it's been a pretty good holiday weekend here in the UK, although it is a little cooler today I have to say. It's good to relax in the sun for a while when we can though.

My card for today is for the challenge over at The Sugar Bowl, as you can see it's a sketch one again, which I love.

Here's my card.

I love this image. It just reminds me of warm summer days I spent as a child with my sister, lying on the grass in the warm sun picking daisies to make daisy chains to adorn outselves with.

I used the same papers as the last card I posted by My Minds Eye available from Sir Stampalot. They're great value as they're double sided, which means I've got a totally different look this time.

The challenge also asked us to use pearls, so as you can see, I've spared no expense, and used a flourish of the to make the butterfly flight path. The image is coloured with Copic's. The flowers are from Prima, and the spacers from The Hobby House, they're excellent value too.

The butterflies were punched using a Martha Stewart punch, and as you can see decorate the inside as well.

It's back to work tomorrow, so I'd better get out and enjoy the rest of my restful weekend.

Take care, and happy crafting.

Friday Sketchers #53

Hi everyone, and happy Sunday to you.

It's a gorgeous day over here in the UK today, well in the east anyway. I'm going out in a minute to relax in the garden with the cat's & dog.

But first I must post my card for today. It's for the Friday Sketchers challenge, and be warned, its bright and colourful, just like today really.

I turned the sketch around a quarter turn as it fits better with my stamped image. I decoupaged the main flower to make it stand out with three layers, and added a touch of crystal glitter to the centre. The image is coloured with Copic's however I decided I wanted to leave the petals partially white. so I made them a deeper colour nearer the centre. I think it works.

The Magnolia flower stamp and the papers, which are by My Minds Eye I bought from Sir Stampalot yesterday. Oh and the Thank you stamp too. I added two Magnolia butterflies, and a pink satin bow. I didn't really know what to add in that corner...I didn't want flowers, but I think the bow adds a touch of luxury.

Here you can see the flower in detail. Can you see I curled the petals of the extra layers, with the ends pointing outwards. It just adds a touch of realism. I wanted to show that you don't have to always use the Magnolia accessory stamps with Tilda or Edwin, they can be used on their own fo a very different look.

Right now I'm off to enjoy the sun.

Take care

Just Magnolia

Hi everyone, and Happy Saturday.

It's a Bank Holiday weekend here in the UK, so to everyone out there in the UK, enjoy the sunshine, it's supposed to be a scorcher.

I received my dress yesterday. It came in a plastic bag, you know, like loads of other items through the post do, however, this time I didn't hear the postman knock. All of a sudden I heard a strange shoving noise, and I went to the front door just in time to see the package fall on the floor...that naughty, naughty postman had shoved it right through the letterbox, which incidently has a brush edged draught excluder on the inside. So it was not an easy task to get it through in one piece. Oh My Gosh, it's a wonder it didn't rip or something.

But you'll be pleased to know, it fits lovely. However......I don't know if it's THE ONE, if you now what I mean. I'm still going to keep looking, but at least if I don't see anything that takes my breath away, I'll have something on standby. Relief...I thought I'd be looking forever and a day.

My card today is for the Just Magnolia challenge, where this week they want us to make a shaped card...nothing square.

Now I Umm'd and Ahh'd about this one. I wanted to do something totally unique. And I'm pretty sure there'll be no other quite like this one out there.

So...Here it is....

I'm really rather pleased with myself on this occasion. Now these images I've had for ages, but I think you'll agree they are perfect for this themed card. I did cut Edwins wrist..."Sorry Edwin", so I could prize the oar out of his hand, and re-attach his hand to hold the mast, which is made from a bamboo barbecue skewer....no kebab's for me...lol

This card is based in a concertina fold with some clever, but very simple cutting of shapes to disguise it.

I think it's such a fun card. The images are coloured with Copic markers as usual. The papers are by Kaiser Craft, and the colours are just right for this card. I used my EK Success punch to replicate waves. and put some little glass drops on them to resemble drops of water. Did you spot the little metal anchor charm on the bow of the boat.?

My grandson would love this card...Sophie my youngest daughter gave me the idea of making him a pirate one, an excellent idea I thought...so watch this space.

Hope you like what I've done. It would be great to hear your comments if you have the time. In the meantime, have a great weekend.

Mojo Monday #87

Hi everyone, and Happy Thursday.

Well my dress hasn't arrived yet, but when I looked at the delivery time it said between 20-26 May. However I had an email late yesterday saying it has been dispatched, so fingers crossed, I'm hoping it will be here tomorrow.

The card I'm posting today is for the Mojo Monday challenge. They do some great sketches over there, and I love to join in.

I've used this cute little image by Elisabeth Bell called 'Windswept' It's just so cute, and is available from Funky Kits

The papers are by Doodlebug, and HOTP, and are used with Apple Green Core Dinations Bazzil. I used my Nesties and EK Success flourish punch. It just makes using shapes so much easier. The image is coloured with Copic's, which reminds me...I must get some more, I need different colours. The flower was from some blog candy I won from Ila ages ago, and the gem I have no idea, but I've got loads of them.

I did decorate the inside of this one a little. Not too fussy, I kept it quite clean. I think the colours do all the work here. Hope you like it, I'd love to hear your comments.

Thanks for visiting, and take care.

Papertake Challenge

Hi everyone, and Happy Wednesday.

My card for today is for the Papertake challenge. The sketch is very versatile, and one I would use again. I used my brand spanking new stamp by Leanne Ellis and available from Funky Kits.

Leannes designes are just a little bit different to all the cutesy ones around, and a bit more arty. So if you're looking for something a little different, why not take a look to see what else Leanne's designed.

I thought I'd keep to the arty theme, and limit my colours. Black, white, grey...and pink.

Here's what I did:

I've used papers from Imaginsce and Doodlebug. The pink spotted is from Bo Bunny. I coloured with Copic's keeping it very monocromatic...apart from a touch of pink in the rose, and a tiny bit on her dress.

A few butterflies courtesey of my MS punch, some satin ribbon, and a couple of dots from Craftwork Cards. I love the result. No decorating on the inside this time...might add some later.

Thanks for visiting, and take care.

Just Magnolia Challenge # 5

Hi everyone.

What a blustery day it is here in Peterborough today...It's not cold though, so I have ventured out a little, only to the local grocery shops mind you.

My challenge card for today is for the Just Magnolia challenge. It's another sketch challenge using those lovely Magnolia stamps. I've used another one from the Butterfly Collection. I love them, they're so cute and summery.

I've gone all lilac and green, one of my fave colour combinations. Back to girly prettiness. The flowery papers are from Dovecraft. The gingham paper is an old one from HOTP. Seems I'm trying to use up some of my stash instead of just buying more now I've given up my day job.

I did some faux stitching around the mat that I cut with my Nestie labels. Tilda has been slightly shaped and curved to make her stand out, and attached with silicone, as are the flowers I punched with my EK Success Retro flower Punches.

The inside is pretty, but simple using more papers, a magnolia butterfly and another punched flower. I might be loosing momentum with the insides at the moment. Although I think they look great when I can be bothered. I think I'm just constantly short of time.

Anyway, my potential dress for the wedding should arrive tomorrow. I bet it looks horrible and doesn't fit...How's that for negativity!!!

I'll let you know...

Take care, and thanks for taking the time to visit.

Hugs Debbie xx

Just For Fun Picture Box

Hi everyone, and Happy Tuesday.

Thought I'd share this little picture box I made at the weekend. It was made from a 3" x 3" naked box frame I purchased at Wilkinsons a while ago. I think they still sell them though.

It's covered with paper from Magenta, (an old design), and stamped with Magnolia images, with that hero Arts stamp again used in the background. I stamped on the inside of glass too, just to add another layer and make it more three dimensional. It's only a shadow, so you can still see past it.

I think it's a great idea if you want to send someone something special, or even if you want put it in your own home. There are loads of possibilities. Let me know if you decide to make one, and I'll come and visit you. It would be great to see some other creations.

Sketch Saturday #51

Hi everyone, and Happy Monday

The start of another week. It's bright and sunny here in Peterborough today, but very windy, which makes it quite cool. I really want it to be hot, hot, hot. I love hot summer days, but I detest the cold. I could never live in a cold climate all of the time. But I guess you just get used to it. Well what have we planned for this week....

Well I've ordered a dress for the wedding from the internet. It should be here on wednesday, don't know how the fit will be though. If it doesn't fit it'll be back to square one.

I'm hoping for some news on the redundancy front, can you believe we were told in November last year, and still have no definate date. We're hanging on, but really only want to know when.

Anyway on to my card...

This card is for the Sketch Saturday challenge. I love sketches with circles in, so this one suited me down to the ground.

Here's what I did with it:

The stamps I used are Sugar Plum Olivia's Birdies by CC Designs, and are available from Dies To Die For. They are brilliant and come in a tin, which you could decorate too. These little birdies just reminded me of my 'flock', (I have five children), so I love the 'Hows The Flock' sentiment included in the set.

The background stamp in the circle is an old one by Hero Arts, and is stamped in different shades of green. It just helps the images blend in and stops the white card looking so stark. The background papers were from a 6x6 pad I won in a blog candy draw some time ago. The flowers are from Prima.

Hope you like it.

Take care and Happy Crafting.