Bloomin' Computers

Hi all, and happy Tuesday.

I seem to be having a few problems with my computer today, blooming thing. Can't seem to run photoshop properly, it keeps freezing on me, don't know why. Don't know if it's too tired with this hot weather we're having, and can't be bothered just like me. But whatever it is, I just wish it would quit playing up, I need to work!!!!

I'm gonna have one more go, and if it doesn't work, I'm going back to the ironing, pooh...

The Next Level

Hi everyone and happy Monday.

It's gorgeously sunny here in Cambridgeshire today, but I can't enjoy it too much I have lots of housework to catch up on (YUK), but somebody has to do it.

I attended my long service award at Freemans on Friday, presentation and buffet which was absoloutely lovely. I would like to say thanks to my manager Lynne and senior manager Chris for all their help and support over the last few years, and a special thanks to Chris for arranging the presentation. As you know I've already spent my vouchers on my camera which I am very pleased with. It's a shame I'll be made redundant on 24th July, I've enjoyed working there for the past 21 years, and am sad to see it go. Freemans catalogue will still be running, but we will no longer do any work in Peterborough, it'll all be done in Bradford.

Anyway on to the challenge from The Next Level this week. As you have told us you love sketches there's a fabulous one to follow as shown on the left. There's an added theme of stitching if you're feeling creative.

I've used an image from Pink Gem. This is one of my very favourite images, excellent for all those little girls. It's quite a sizeable image too. I've coloured with Copic's and used Basic Grey Porcelain papers. I blanket stitched around the circle, and also did a few straight stitches in the middle of some of the toadstool spots.

As an added bonus, (and I should get a gold star), I've added more stitches in the form of a crochet circle, using a brad for the centre.

I decorated the inside using another image and offcuts of paper.

Why no pop on over to The Next Level and have a go yourself. And while you're there read all the latest hints and tips and grab yourself some freebies, and take a look at what the rest of the design team have done. I can promise you won't be disappointed it's well worth a visit.

Take care

Stamp With Stampavie

Hi everyone

As I made a card for my new teenager Jordan with his age on, I decided to enter it for the Stampavie and More challenge this week. it's all about numbers, so this card seemed quite fitting. Unfortunately I forgot to add the photo, (as you will have noticed if you tuned in earlier) and the moment has now passed, and they're on to a new challenge. My DH is on nights this week, so the only chance I have to get on the PC (which is in our bedroom) is when I come home from work at 10:30pm. It's now 1:53am he's at work, and I should be in bed, but instead I'm posting so you can all see what I did, and I must be mad....

The image is from a stamp by Whipper Snapper, which I purchased from my local Sir Stampalot. I thought Jordan would appreciate the yummyness of this card. I also wanted to get away from the traditional boy colours of blue/green/brown etc. and do something a little more fun and funky. So I chose this 'sweet' image and coloured it in with briight colour Copic markers. I added some glitter to the ice-cream and glossy accents to the lollies. I also edged the number circle with glitter. I didn't think it was too girly with all those colours, and Jordan loved it anyway so success all round.

Truly Scrumptious Challenge 10

Hi everyone, and happy Wednesday.

We have another sketch for you today over at Truly Scrumptious.
In addition we want you to look out your neglected stash and incorporate some of it in your design. Now I had a rummage through mine, and although I used new my new stamp, the papers are really old, and I've used those 'dreaded peel off's' that I bought when I first started card making and didn't know any better.

This week I've made a card that fits inside a little gift box. I'm going to give it to my friend. I'm going to put some handmade wine charms inside too, and give her a bottle of wine along with it. I've followed the sketch on both the box and the card. The papers are by Junkitz. The peel off's were used for 'photo corners' and have been changed from gold to bronze with a brown Copic marker with the hope of bringing it more up to date.

The flowers are all made by me using the EK Success Retro Flower punches small and medium. I used a ball tool and soft mat to shape the petals after colouring plain white paper with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Patina. Some of the flowers have been stamped on before shaping. I had great fun doing this, and want more Glimmer Mist colours now, they're so magical and pretty.

I decorated the inside with the same image and papers. This card is very girly and reminds me of neopolitan ice-cream with the colours. You can also see I used my Martha Stewart Doily Edge punch too.

Why not pop along and see what the rest of the design team have done.

The Next Level

Hi everyone, and happy Monday.

I hope you all enjoyed the weekend, I did. My baby turned into a teenager today. Jordan's the last of my five children to enter the terrible teens. He's such a character with a wicked sense of humour, but doesn't like getting up for school in the morning. He's been known to get dressed ready for school then go back to bed fully clothed until a minute before he has to go out to catch the school bus. I'm making him special cupcakes today while he's at school, so I'll be his favourite person when he comes home, bless!!

Now on to the challenge this week at The Next Level. You have to make a stair step card, and we have some fantastic examples from the design team again this week. they are such a talented bunch and I'm sure you'll find inspiration from their creations.

I wanted to use one of my Magnolia stamps and had the perfect idea. I did a seaside theme using Tilda paddling in the sea.

I've used Bazzill for all the background shapes, cutting and tearing to fit the design.

I used fusible film to replicate the shimmery water. First of all I scrunched it up to give it texture. I spread Glossy Accents where I wanted to fix it to the card, then sprinkled on a little glitter for extra sparkle. Then I put on the fusible film and pressed it down over the Glossy Accents so it was firmly stuck. I left it to dry.

Next I took a piece of blue Bazzil and put it through my Big Shot inside the Divine Swirl Cuttlebug Embossing Folder. I thought this would look like ocean waves. I cut around some of the swirls so that the shimmery fusible film would show behind. I added some dew drops for sea spray.

The beach was made from torn Bazzill with a green fringe of grass peeking behind. The beach hut was simply cut freehand from Bazzill again and mounted with 3d foam to make the roof and nearest parts stand out. The bucket, spade and seagull are just buttons from Dress It Up. It was a relatively quick card, but very effective and fun.

Magnolia Butterfly Garden

Hi Everyone.

I have been asked by those lovely ladies at The Next Level if I'd put together a tutorial for my Magnolia Garden. Well I said a big yes. and you can now finally see it over at The Next Level all this week.

I'll be adding it to my blog soon too. The design is a variation of the one I did way back in January this year. Why not hop on over to The Next Level and take a look at the tutorial, and while you're there, have a peek at the challenge for this week, there'll be lots to keep you busy.

One Proud Nanny

Hi all, and happy Saturday.

Well you may guess if you'd seen my post earlier this week, that I'd been out and about with my new camera. I've also been doing some design team work, so I've not had much time to join in any challenges this week, much as I'd like to. Now I've caught up I hope I can join in with you all.

In the meantime I just have to show you these photo's of my two grandchildren Taylor and Nicole, they are so beautiful.

I'm ONE PROUD NANNY

Sugar Nellie Meets Craft Stamper

Hi all and happy Friday.

Yeah, it's the end of my working week. I've got the weekend to look forward to now. And it's Jordan's birthday on Monday (he'll be 13) , so I've got an extra day off. All I'm hoping for now it good warm weather. I mean it's almost midsummer, and the weather is awful really. We should be basking in heat. I'm really jealous of all those with sunshine at the moment, I hate the cold and love the sun, you lucky devil's.

Anyway, has anyone bought this months Craft Stamper yet. There's a free stamp designed by Sugar Nellie on the front cover. It's so cute. I got mine and made a little gift bag using it.

The papers are from My Minds Eye. The image is coloured with my favourite medium at the moment, yes those Copic markers again. I've used my nesties to cut both the circle and the scalloped circle. And slipped a tag behind that holds a secret message...shhhh. Now all I need is something to put in it.

Just having Fun

Hi everyone and Happy Wednesday...(I think)

No cards to post today, but there is something spectacular coming up next week, shhh. It's just so hectic at the moment, I don't seem to have a minute to relax.

I bought a new camera yesterday thanks to Freemans. My long service award (I've been there 21 years now) came through at last. £200 of John Lewis vouchers. I knew I wanted to buy an SLR camera, but wasn't sure of what to get. I really had my eye on a Canon, and in the end went for the Canon EOS 450D. Entry level I know, but so far I'm very pleased...see photo of Jordan (youngest son) below.

Took him on the field yesterday to try out the sports mode getting some action shots. This was taken as he was running towards me, I think it's great.

Only problem is, I need to know how to edit wrinkles out now, as it picks all mine up, hehe...

The Next Level

Hi all, and Happy Monday.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend, we had lots of fun in the sun here. I'm trying to get tanned before the wedding, without getting burnt. Don't want to be peeling and shedding skin on the day now do I?

Here we are again, and it's time for another challenge from The Next Level.

It's a sketch, with a twist - you have to make a removable tag too. You can see mine tucked in with a charm attached. I thought it might be suitable for a mini bookmark, so it could be a card with a gift too.

I used one of my favourite Magnolia images with these papers and coloured with Copic's to give a soft vintagey look without going the whole way. The flourishes are ar clear stamp set from DoCrafts, stamped with Versacolour.

The flowers are from Prima, who else...and the charms from The Hobby House. Can't remember where on earth the ribbon is from, I've had it ages.

Wedding Teaser

Hi all

Well I was going to post another creation, but not quite ready to do that yet. Instead I thought I'd give you a little teaser of my wedding outfit.

I'm hoping to use the photo afterwards to scrap as a detail shot. You won't get to see the whole thing until after THE BIG DAY though.

A last note. I ordered my mens tie's from The Tie Warehouse, a plain colour I could not get anywhere in Peterborough. I cannot recommend them highly enough. I ordered Jordan a boy's one initially to test the colour. First of all the postage is free...that's a plus for a start in my books. I hate getting an item cheaper, then having to spend loads on postage. The tie arrived about two days after I ordered it, I was stunned. Such exceptional service. The colour is beautiful. It was wrapped in cellophane and packaged in a jiffy bag for protection, so the no postage thing didn't compromise the quality and care taken. I was so impressed I left a comment on their website.

Anyway a few days ago I received an email saying I had won a £50 voucher, now as I had to order more ties for my son's and hubbie the same but man sized I was thrilled as the voucher has just about paid for them. I ordered them yesterday afternoon at 15:45 and I was amazed to see that they arrived this morning around 09:00 in perfect condition. A big hand to The Tie Warehouse. If you need a tie I thoroughly recommend them, and you could win a voucher too. Why not check them out. Good for Fathers Day as they sell more than just ties.

Truly Scrumptious Challenge 9

Hi everyone, and happy Wednesday.

Wow life is hectic right now. I've been wedding outfit shopping again today. I found a hat I liked and a bracelet and little handbag to go with the dress I bought last month. That's the only thing I wasn't sure about...the actual dress. It's been hanging in my wardrobe feeling neglected and unloved. I did have another look around, but everything I like seems to always be in the petite range, and I'm quite tall, so they're no good. Anyway, I bought the hat, bracelet, handbag, and a sheer beaded wrap to go around my shoulders, if I feel a bit exposed with bare flesh, especially in church. You'll see what I mean when I post the wedding photo's.

I've got home, and tried everything on with my shoes. Well let me tell you the hat makes the dress. I suddenly feel tall (who needs petite anyway), elegant, slim'ish' and stylish and proud to be the grooms mother. I just didn't want to feel old and frumpy, and I'm pleased to say I don't. I'm a happy bunny and I love myself again. It's just what I needed after a hard week of feeling down in the doldrums. I get my hair cut and styled on Monday, so I'll be lookin' good ladies...Can't wait for JULY 11th now...THE BIG DAY.....

Now on to my card, I'm a bit late in posting as Ive been shopping, but here it is. My design team card for the, Truly Scrumptious challenge. Thanks to all those who took part in the last challenge, and good luck for this one.

You have a sketch to follow again this week from our super talented Beth. We'd also like to see altered flowers on your creations, so get you creative hats on and see what you can come up with.

I used one of the Gorjuss Girls on my card. The base card is Bazzill Bling, you can see the shimmer on it. The patterned papers are from My Minds Eye. I've done some hand stitching on the mats, which I'm quite in to at the moment.

Here's a close up of my altered flower....It's from the Prima Essentials range. I first cut a little 'v' shape in the petal ends, then using white embroidery thread hand stitched a 'lazy daisy' stitch in the centre. I added some yellow beads I bought from John Lewis, and popped a little bit of glossy accents randomly onto the petals, then covered with crystal glitter.

I decorated the inside withsome of the paper again, and a cropped image, very simple. I hope you can join in the challenge. To find out more, pop on over to the Truly Scrumptious blog and see the rest of the teams work.

I'll have some more stuff to show you tomorrow too...

Take care and happy crafting.

Hugs Debbie xx

Hello Cupcakes

Hi again

I've made more delish cupcakes. Since leaving my day job, I've been doing so much more. The children love my newly ressurected cooking skills, especially when I make sweet things. I need to try more and more while I've got the time. Now I'd better wipe that icing off my face and get on with something hehe.....

A Spoon Full Of Sugar

Hi everyone.

Well I've got Jordan's parents evening at school later, so I hope I get good reports for him or he'll be in the 'dog house'. I never had any problems with my girls, but the boys, well that's another story.....I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Jordan has done ok.....I bet I get a few comments about him not doing his homework though, it's a real struggle to get him to do it.

Now on to the challenge. Got to post this today before it's too late. I enjoyed making it so much I didn't want to miss the challenge deadline. Its a sketch from A Spoon full Of Sugar, and one that I can see I'll use again...I just love circles.

I've used these cute Little Cotton Rabbits from Sugar Nellie, they're so cute, and I have the full set, but don't hardly use them. I do love them though, and thought they'd be perfect for this challenge.

I've chosen blue and brown for the main colours with papers from Daisy Bucket, and My Minds Eye. I'm also having a go at handstitching at the moment. I love it, it fulfils my sewing need without having to do repairs on the childrens clothing for a change.

Here's the inside of the card with the theme carried over from the front. Thanks for taking the time to look.

The Next Level Challenge 2

Hi everyone, and a happy Monday to you all.

Issue two of The Next Level has now been released. There's a brand new ribbon border challenge so if you love all things ribbon, why not get on over there and give it a go. There's lots of other information and tips too, including using stitching on your creations, and hints and tips on using digital papers and downloading fonts, including some freebies, so it's well worth a visit.

Now as I am a current Guest Designer I'd better show you my card featuring the ribbon border:

I had real fun making this card, and as I've never used ribbon in this way before, it's given me another dimension for my cardmaking.

I've used Bo Bunny paper for the mat around which I've threaded my ribbon framing the Gorjuss Girl image. The green spotted paper is from Daisy Bucket designs, (the reverse side of a christmas one last year). The pale pink pearlised paper is from a 6x6 pad from Craftwork Cards. Pearlised papers look great embossed, as they pick up the light and shimmer beautifully. I edged it with my Martha Stewart punch and added tiny crystals to catch the light.

I punched out the butterflies with my Martha Stewart punch, and folded their wings up to make them stand out. I adhered them with silicone glue.

The flower is from Prima's Hydrangea collection. Two sizes were fastened together with a sparkly gem from Papermania, and I added a flower charm from The Hobby House.

I glittered some scrolls punched out with my EK Sussess punch, I just love these for adding that extrea little touch. And as you can see the inside followed the same theme.

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else comes up with, so out with the ribbon and get busy, busy, busy....

Thanks for looking, and happy crafting.

Baubles, Bangles and Beads and Bones!!

Hi all, and happy Saturday.

Well I don't know where the summer has gone to, but it's not here. I've had a busy week though.

My son had to go and see the consultant at the hospital after he developed a lump on his arm. This is Adam who had a motorbike accident last year, and smashed up his arm so badly that he had to have a plate and screws put in. Well he had it taken out in March this year, 11 months after the accident, when his bones started to heal at long last.

Anyway they did a couple of x-rays and it now it appears that the fracture had slipped and the bones are overlapping. Although the surgeon tested the bone whilst Adam was in theatre and thought it was strong enough, it now appears that it actually wasn't. Anyway the upshot is that they are going to take him to theatre again, to put in another smaller plate and give him a bone graft too.

He was really upset and tearful, despite being 23 years old. Good job I was there to 'hold his hand' so to speak. They're not doing it until after his brothers wedding though, but in the meantime he has to wear a removable cast so it doesn't get any worse. Poor lad he's gutted.

Anyway on to craftiness. Have you seen the new magazine Make Jewellery out. Well I bought issues one, two and three which came out this week. I've been thinking of getting into jewellery making for some time now, and want to do a couple of courses when my redundancy comes through. Well I'm so inspired after reading this magazine, I'm definately going to do it. I have a few beads around that I use for crafting, but have never actually really made anything with them. Until now that is.

Now it's not that spectacular at the moment as my supplies are very limited, but I made some phone charms and a wine charm that I thought you might like to see. So now I'm going to be looking for more beads and have a little play. It's so quick and easy.

I shall be adding some links to my side bar under Jewellery is anyone is interested so keep tuning in.

Thats all for now. See you soon.