White on white challenge

CLEARLY this is not a proper post but I can't let my Challenge blog chums down AGAIN

White on white - not as easy as it sounds - pop on over and have a go and I'll write this post up properly when I've finished doing the month end paperwork!!!!

Creative Craft Challenges

Well chuffed

Sheepy on Ice was by far my best event to date.  I am so pleased as I sold loads of stuff and it was a variety of stuff.  The sweetie bracelets went down well but I also sold plenty of cards and lots of poo.

Sheepy on Ice

Sorting out, packing up and pricing all my bits and bobs for Sheepy on Ice tomorrow.  It's promising to be an excellent event and the weather's looking good too so the ice rink that they've hired for the school field should be well used!  I've been really busy this week and just wish I had another week to make more stuff.....

If you're in the area, do come along as entry is free, there's the ice skating, food, drink real, reindeer and over 50 stalls selling loads of different items.

Sheepy Magna CE Primary SChool
Main Road
Sheepy Magna
CV9 3QR

1pm - 8pm

Anyone for a liquorice allsort?

Still TOTALLY running out of time for the fair on Saturday, my youngest has come down with chickenpox and everything else is conspiring against me.    Having fun making different things this week though.....

Where am I?

Just a quickie in case anyone is dipping in to check things out.  I've been busy making of late so have neglected the blog a bit.

Here is some of the stuff that I've been working on for Christmas Fairs and if you want one - just ask!!!

Creative Craft Challenges - Minimalist

This fortnight's challenge over at Creative Craft Challenges is 'Minimalist'.

I think sometimes I get carried away bunging all sorts of bits and pieces onto a card or whatever, forgetting that sometimes less is more....

Clean, crisp lines and a simple sentiment can be just as effective as a stack of glitz and bling....

Show us what you can do and hop over to the challenge blog to enter.....

Prizes for this challenge are provided by GORGEOUS Crafty Ribbons, FABULOUS Stampin' Dragons and GROOVYLICIOUS Papermakeup

Creative Craft Challenges

WOW!  Thanks to everyone who entered the Fancy Edges challenge on the Creative Craft Challenge Blog this week.  111 entries!  That's fabulous.

And it was my turn to choose my top 3.  Boy was it hard work.  I think every entry was brilliant.  I managed to narrow it down to a top 11 (!) but it took ages to choose my final three.   You will just have to wait and see whose cards made me most envious of their talent impressed me the most when the winners are announced on the blog.....

I know 111 entries is great but I'm rather hoping that next time it's my turn to choose, there'll be somewhat fewer.  Maybe just three to make the decision easier!!!!

Slack again

Should be making more Christmas cards. MUST be making more Christmas cards.  Am not.  I have two birthday cards to make for this weekend and have completed 3 out of 8 orders I got from Playgroup last week.  I also "finished off" a few extra cards last night that had been sitting around, neglected and gathering dust for a while.  I'm going for 'quick and easy' at the moment so the peel offs are seeing the light of day again!!

Me hope you likee

MORE cards

Well after a definite hiatus, I have been back making cards again.  I think it's basically down to terror of not having enough for the few Christmas Fairs I'm booked in at!!

Here's a few more to be going on with, let's all guess at how many are going to be the wrong way up

(incidentally anyone who can recommend a decent photo program to use that doesn't pop up all the time like Picasa does, do feel free to tell me about it!)

LOTV cute square matted onto a Nestability label
Poinsettias from Wild Orchid and the sentiment was bought from QVC and I can't remember who makes them!!!

Backing paper from Fizzy Moon and the reindeer was cut on my cricut using the Create A Critter cartridge

Magnolia Tilda stamp, coloured with Promarkers.
Mounted onto backing card and then sprinkled with a bit of fake snow (eBay!!)
Dovecraft dome stuck over the top with glossy accents to try to minimise any 'show through'
Pink satin ribbon folded back and stuck onto itself with DST and the sentiment just stuck in the  middle
A snow shaker card!!

Made as per the one above.  I think the snowman stamp is from sugar nellie....?
Clearly the photo is playing up again and the snow is not actually defying gravity

Digi image from a disk I bought off the artist on eBay a year or two ago.
Coloured, matted and layered for an emergency 'male' get well soon card

New Challenge at Creative Craft Challenge

FANCY EDGES my friends, fancy edges.

Please go over and have a look at the Creative Craft Challenges blog to get some inspiration and upload your entries!

This challenge is sponsored by Whiff of Joy and there's also a Guest Spot available on the DT!!

Here's my card for the challenge, it's using a Whiff of Joy digi image.

I drew a web onto a 15cm x 15cm square card and cut away some of the pieces to make a fancy edge.  I left the central parts in to give the card a bit more strength and then coloured the digi image with Promarkers and added googly eyes!

  I put in an insert to hide where the Promarkers had bled through a bit and to make it easier to write inside the card.

As you will see from the challenge blog, there are a lot of fancy edges out there so please pop over and add yours to the collection!

Playgroup Fundraising

I made some leaflets up the other week to put on my stalls at Craft Fairs but have distributed them at Playgroup today to see if anyone wants any cards, gifts or jewellery made up.

I'm going to keep a note of any orders I get through Playgroup and will make a donation at the end of the year depending on how successful this avenue is.

If you're one of the Playgroup mums having a look at my blog - HELLO!!  Please have a look through the tabs and let me know if anything takes your fancy.  Remember I can make anything to order and am happy to add names or whatnot to any designs you already see.  Thank you on behalf of Playgroup!!

Trimcraft alphabet challenge

Trimcraft runs it's own challenges throughout the month but there are also unofficial ones run by the forum members. These do still have prizes which are provided by donations from stash from generous Trimmies.

The official unofficial challenges include a themed challenge, sketch challenge, colour challenge and now an alphabet challenge which I have taken responsibility for.

Pop over and have a look and please feel free to join in.  This month's alphabet challenge is A is for Angels.  Here is my project:

Oh look, that one's wonky too.

It's Christmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas

Well not at all really but the pub has put its lights on the front and they were twinkling away merrily last night.
Maybe that was what I needed to finally finish off my first few Christmas cards that have been knocking around half done for about a week.

All were made with Lili of the Valley cute squares from this year's release.

Oh look now seriously, I have GOT to get myself some different photo editing software.  I hated Picasa and deleted it but now half my cards come out 90 degrees out.  I promise I haven't made them that way ;o)

Well this has been the very crappiest week for a long time.  A very close friend of mine is having a torrid time and this is neither the time nor the place to discuss it.

I've been occupying my spare evenings cardulating so have a few to upload tonight.

A Little Claire peel off, coloured with promarkers

I think this decoupage range is called 'Boozy Adults'.  I got  mine from CardCraftplusuk

Free digi from Torico (blog plugged previously on this site)
Backing paper by Summer Driggs

My first card from the Wine Buffs CD

Just stuck a few bits and bobs together and thought it came out OK!!

Another peel off, coloured with Sakura pens and stuck on with 3D pads

Some Dufex decoupage with a sentiment from QVC so probably Kanban!

Recycled Candy

Me oh my just look at the candy over at Stamping Fantasies!

Such a massive pile of goodies to be shared out!  Go on over and have a good look at the blog.

New Challenge at Creative Craft Challenge

Pop on over to Creative Craft Challenges for our new challenge: CONGRATULATIONS!

This ties in beyootifully with CCC's second anniversary and as such there are loads of fab prizes including THREE stamp sets from Joanna Sheen, a K&Co paper pad from SJ Crafts, Meljen's digi stamps, a £10 Lili of the Valley voucher (I want that one please) and Stampin Boutique digis.

It's a great challenge with splendiferous prizes so what are you waiting for?!

Here is my DT card using one of Meljen's images:

Babysitting

Where on earth has the time gone this week?

As it's month end I've been busy doing all my normal paperwork but I've got not a lot else done.  I'm watching the calendar, VERY aware that Christmas card making time is well and truly upon us but I'm just not managing it.  My next three weeks are chockablock with non crafty duties too.  Boooo.

But I have been called out on an emergency babysitting favour and have used the time to try and sort out a few bits and bobs on the other pages of the blog.  Now all I need to do is sort out my photos and work out these confounded paypal buttons.  Wish me luck.....

DT success!!!

Woop woop etc.  I am well chuffed.  The friendly gals over at Creative Craft Challenges have very kindly agreed to let me and a couple of other ladies join the DT.  I'm so pleased as it's something I've wanted to have a go at for a looong time.

This week's challenge is based on the following sketch and the featured sponsor is Robyn's Fetish digi stamps - all the DT cards feature images from the site.  Other prizes up for grabs are from Just Tracy's and  Doodle Dragon Studios


This is my take on the sketch but it's really interesting to see how different images and colours can make the same layout look quite different - pop on over and see what I mean!

Lili of the Valley

I've recently been buying up a load more Lili Of the Valley images.  I wanted some new ones for Christmas cards but have got sucked in to buying a lot of the day to day ones too.  They made me do it!!!

I really love them - such great images but really good quality stamping too.  I never seem to get a smudge or a missing bit with them.

This one is being entered in to the Lili of the Valley blog challenge - "Aqua, white and glitter".  I'm guessing a lot of the entries will be Christmas related but I thought it sat nicely with this baby stamp too.  Aaaaaah.

The dotted glittery backing card is from DCWV, the aqua border is with card from SU.  Obviously it's a LOTV stamp and the sentiment was cut on the cricut using Gypsy and George fonts and was cut from some glitter paper I had in my stash from my trip earlier this year.

Digi images

I've just been splurging on a few digi images at Kenny K.

 I then decided to have a bit of a snoop round t'interweb to see what else is out there and have stumbled across this website:  Torico's Digital Gallery.  Me oh my there are some GLORIOUS digis on there and loads of freebies.  I just HAD to share

Advertising!

A friend recently asked me to make a 40th birthday card for her based on my 'Chocolate Breakfast' design.   I was thrilled on Friday when the recipient then contacted me to ask if I could make something similar for her Niece's 18th!  Really chuffed because it means she liked the card!

So it's prompted me to get cracking on making a proper leaflet / advertising flyer for myself.  I've had some basic ones at Craft Fairs before now but have decided I want to spread the word locally too.  I'll start small and get some dished out at Playgroup first and maybe on the noticeboard at school.

So that's my Sunday afternoon sorted.  Leaflet designing and sorting out the blog!

New card

Well I did make a card for my Champneys friend but forgot to take a photo of it so you'll just have to take my word for it!

I've been feeling a bit under the weather this week so haven't got much making done.   I've also been trying to think of some Christmas designs to make up as samples but my head just isn't having it!

Anyway, here is a card I made for a friend's friend.  "Outdoorsy, likes walking with his black labrador, lives in Wales".

I made it in a 3D tent style so that the hills fall away into the background.  The labrador is Jolly Nation decoupage and the hills are made by cutting up some Kanban backing card.
The badge sentiment was made with the Elegant Edges cartridge on my cricut and the words cut from gold mirri card with the Don Juan font.

I know it would make more sense if I could rotate the photo but at least you get an idea!
Really must sort out my photo software!

Ouch

So today I was lucky enough to be taken to Champneys by my friend.  I wasn't sure if I was looking forward to it or dreading it but I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
We did a Spin class first (I'll be feeling that in my thighs in the morning) and then Fitball which I really enjoyed.  Then we moved onto the hard stuff which was drinking coffee, swimming, being in the jacuzzi and eating lunch.

It was relaxing and peaceful and then I was dropped back into Motherdom with a bump..

I must make her a card to say thank you.....

STASH FOR SALE

Oh yes indeedy, the secret tab that I've been working on for the past few weeks is finally ready to be unleashed on the public!!

I have had a very thorough sort through and am trying to slim down (in more ways than one)

Please DO go and click on the 'Craft Stash for sale' tab.  Everything on there is priced to sell and there are some very desirable bits and bobs in there.

Christening Cards

How very remiss of me - I've forgotten to upload a couple of christening cards I've made recently!

The Agnes Queenie one (yes) was started off by cutting the name out of a circle using the cricut.  I then hand ruffled some lace and attached this around the edge of the circle.  The edge detail was made with my Martha Stewart punch and I then added some pearls along the borders.

However, by far my favourite of the two is this one for Madelaine Suzanne as it allowed me to get my jewellery making stuff out again (first time in a long time and I'm itching to get started again now!)
I embellished the Nellie Snellen cut out shape with tiger wire, wrapped around at strategic places and fed seed beads and other small beads on as I went round.  The diamante crucifix is held on with a lobster clasp.

Again, the name was cut with the cricut.

70th birthday

Another commission that I'd like to share.  One of my best friends' Mother in Law is 70 next weekend so here is my creation.

A centre stepper card made from pearlised white paper.  The flowers and pearl spray are from Wild Orchid and the sentiment is from hunkydory.
The mats are embossed with the lily folder on my Cuttlebug and the 70 is cut from white glitter card on my Cricut using Blackletter font.
The border is a loops punch around the page thingy from Martha Stewart.

Hippy chic

Well after a Summer holiday generally filled with arguing, shouting and general disobedience, I finally convinced the kids to have a go at tie dying this week.

Not a bad outcome for a first attempt I think you'll agree...

New Baby Card

Welcome Olivier!  Born last Thursday 4th August.

This card will be winging its way to Olivier, maman et papa first thing tomorrow x

and this one is going to Alicia and Layla who are very proud big sisters

Both cards have been made principally using the cricut.

Olivier's card used the Create a Critter cartridge.  I cut a curve off the front of an A5 card and used Pepper and Friends heart paper on the inside.  I used a dinner plate to get the curve right!

Unsurprisingly, the Hello Kitty card was made using the Hello Kitty cartridge!

Chocolate

Yummy!

Gold and lilac mats cut with Nesties labels, chocolates cut from a Sizzix die then layered up.  'Chocolate' sentiment cut using Gypsy and Cricut and the sentiment is hand written in gold pen.

Remember, it's not just for breakfast!

Entered into:

"Food and Drink" - Card Makin Mamas

"Food and Beverages" - KB Challenges

Golden Wedding

I was honoured recently to be asked to make a Golden Wedding Anniversary card for the parents of a friend.  And here it is.   I do so enjoy making these uber-personalised cards...

It's an A5 card, matted with DCWV glitter card and gold mirri card.  The photo is a scanned image of one of the Happy Couple's wedding photos and the other image at the bottom right is a copy of the original wedding invitation.

I've layered it up with a length of white lace and some pearls and then added some ivory and yellow flowers (Wild Orchid Crafts) and finished it off with some die cut leaves using a Little Claire die cut and some handmade paper.

I'm pleased with it - I just hope they are!

Entered into "Wedding" at 4 Crafty Chicks

"Happy Ever After" at Crafty Sentiments
"Weddings" at Paper Creators Crafts
"Elegant and Lace" - Sparkles

Irresistibly Sweet...

Yippeeeeeee!

Elke has given me a blog award!  How very nice and kind and lovely.  I have met Elke the grand total of two times but "virtually" oh so many more on the Trimcraft Forum.  I actually think we have an awful lot in common...

In keeping with tradition, I am now to reveal 7 facts about myself....

1. I had an interview to be an Olympic Gamesmaker last Monday and will find out if I've been successful as a volunteer at the Games later in the year.

2. I do not like fish.  I don't mind eating fish, I don't like *live* fish which I discovered whilst scuba diving on my honeymoon

3. Watford born and bred.  YELLOW ARMY!

4. My three kids are currently ganging up against me and seem to have declared Summer Holiday War on me

5. I cut my fringe this morning and it's gone wrong

6. I have very large feet

7. It's the weekend which must mean it's WINE O'CLOCK!!

I am now to provide you links to other blogs I follow and appreciate, sorry this has taken a bit longer than expected but I had to check everyone out thoroughly

Christa a prolific crafter who helps keep me mad in an otherwise sane world
Moza always around with helpful tips and information and is pretty much talented to boot
Tracey who makes lovely cards and is getting very skinny
Sharon another great card maker who is also very smiley
Jacky one of my first virtual crafting buddies and a jolly good crafter with it
Messys Mini Missions a site I have recently discovered with challenges for kids which I think is a fab idea

Thank you all for your ongoing inspiration, chattiness and 'helpful' suggestions