CMDesign

Blog Candy

2012-03-08T09:00:00.006Z

This post is a sticky and will remain at the top until the candy closes. Please scroll down to see newer posts. Thank you.

To celebrate my first blog birthday on the 9th March and to thank all my followers old and new I've got some surprise candy up for grabs.

I'm hoping to get to the SECC on 8th March so would probably add to the pieces I've already got put aside.

To be in with a chance of winning you must do the following please:

1. Be or become a follower of my blog (only if you like what you see here and not just for the candy!)

2. Post my blog candy badge on your sidebar from now until March 9th (please link the badge back to my blog so others can join in.)

3. Add your blog address to my link below

Closing date is midnight on 8th March 2012 and the winner will be drawn and announced shortly afterwards.

Carol x

Happy Easter

2012-02-27T15:41:00.002Z

Good morning all. (Well it was morning when I started this! I've had a succession of tradesmen here since 8am, last one left at 2pm and then hubby took me out to lunch.) Hello and welcome to all my new followers, I hope you'll pop in often.

It's a bit miserable here today and the painters have both doors open for painting! Here's a card I made a few days ago.

Apart from the ribbons everything came out of my bit box including the base card which had an inky front and image (leftover from last Easter). Image is from Joanna Sheen's Cardmakers Year CD (I think!). The thin white ribbon is recycled off a garment.

Challenges entered:

Karen's Doodles - pastel + Easter

Hiding in my Craftroom - spring

Joanna Sheen's Forum M15 - green and yellow snippets

Pixie Crafty Snippets - challenge 9

Craft us Crazy - favourite colour or embellishment (ribbons)

Crafty Catz - something beginning with B (bow, basket and bonnets)

CD Sunday - recycled

Crafty Pad - recycle it

Unstampabelles - recycle/frugal

Crafty Bloggers - springtime

Squigglefly - spring is in the air

Carol x

Christmas Card Club - more than one fold

2012-02-26T00:59:00.003Z

Crikey another two weeks have passed and it's time again for us Christmas Clubbers to show our wares. Lizzie picked the theme this time and she wants to see more than one fold, this is my creation.

The base card is an A5 trifold card. The pre-coloured digital image and backing papers are from Joanna Sheen's Daisy and friends CD and the image has been layered up four times. Dies are from Spellbinders. Border punch from Martha Stewart. Bows are made with the mini bowdabra using ribbons from my stash. Red lace is from Costco. White stickles finishes off the fur trim and the snowflakes.

If you'd like to join our little club get in touch with one of us (list in sidebar), it's a lot of fun and gets those Christmas cards made ahead of schedule.

Challenges entered:

Whoopsi Daisy - 3d project or card

Corrosive Challenges - another dimension

Crafty Sentiments - only 2 DPs

Digital Tuesday - make it sparkle

Crafty Creations - fancy folds

Moving along with the times - lots of layers

Winter Wonderland - glitter and bling

CHNC - ribbon and/or charm

Pile it on - fun folds

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Angels

2012-02-24T00:27:00.002Z

Spent most of this week getting things straightened and cleaned behind the decorators, can't believe how much dust there was. So consequently I haven't spent much time in the craft room.

I did make this though.

Using up a leftover image from a card made recently and some offcuts out of the bit box. Finished with some lace, ribbon bow made on the mini bowdabra and a sentiment from my stash. Image is from Joanna Sheen's Vintage Christmas CD, border punch from Martha Stewart.

Challenges entered:

52 card Throwdown - angels

One Stop Craft - create own background

Totally Gorjuss - lace

Christmas Card Challenges - Christmas card

Victorine Originals - lace

Christmas Inspirations - anything goes

Pixie Crafty Snippets - challenge #8

Whimsical Wednesday - time flies

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Template Thursday

2012-02-23T16:00:00.007Z

This is my third post today, see posts below for my DT inspiration for Aud Sentiments and Crafty Prurple Frog.

This weeks free template from My Memories Suite, click on the image to be taken to the download page. The templates will work in any programme so you don't need to have MMS to be able to use them.

And a sample layout can be found here.

To receive $10 off the price of My Memories Suite V3 software copy and paste this code STMMMS57827 at checkout. You'll also receive a $10 gift certificate for the online store.

I hope you enjoy your download and would love to see how you use it. Feel free to link in a comment so I can pop over and have a look.

Carol x

Crafty Purple Frog Challenge #35 St David's Day

2012-02-23T09:30:00.003Z

This is my second post today, see post below for my DT inspiration for Aud Sentiments.
We've loved seeing all your entries in our Flower Power challenge but it's time for a new at the Crafty Purple Frog and this fortnight the theme is St David's Day (use yellow and green).

I've used the just one layer of the "Night Daffodil" decoupage for my card and one of the new Spring Florals papers.

I've used only the top layer of the decoupage for this card and printed the gorgeous backing paper from Amy's Spring Floral collection onto vellum, layered it onto white then green card. Image is mounted 3d onto yellow and green oval nesties then mounted 3d onto the card. Finished with a stamped sentiment, a bow and a flower. The vellum looks lovely irl but it's very difficult to photograph!

All decoupage and pyramage sheets are available from The Crafty Purple Frog.

Do call by the challenge blog to see the gorgeous samples from my teamies, you won't be disappointed.

Challenges entered:
Simply Create Too - add sunshine to your day
Card Makin Mamas - happy birthday
Fairy Tale - spring
Squigglefly - bright and sunny
Paper Pretties - spring
Paper Sundaes - birthday (C10)
Crafts and Me - shades of spring
Inky Impressions - bright colours
Delightful Challenges - use patterned paper

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Aud Sentiments #48 use the word happy

2012-02-23T09:00:00.015Z

The current challenge over at Aud Sentiments is to use the word Happy on your project. We're being sponsored by Ai Factory and TLC Creations. As always TLC have provided a free sentiment for you to use should you wish, you'll find this on the challenge blog. I've used an image from Ai Factory to make a birthday card.

Image is coloured with promarkers, backing paper from Joanna Sheen's new Daisy and Friends CD, dies from Spellbinders, ribbon, flower, sentiment and pearls all from my stash.

You still have a week to enter the challenge so what are you waiting for!!

Challenges entered:
Tuesday Throwdown - winter blues
Lexi's Creations - monochromatic
Crafty Catz - favourite things (dies)
Phindy's Place - bling it on
Poodles Parlour - mother's day/for a female
Totally Papercrafts - ribbons/bows
Allsorts - anything goes
CD Sunday - wings and legs
OSAAT - digi/no image
Sparkles Forum - things with wings

Paper Pretties - punches/dies
Paper Shelter - add a sentiment
Little Darlins - Pearls
Cute Card Thursday - winged things

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Crafting for all Seasons #21 Shaped Cards

2012-02-22T14:00:00.011Z

Time for a new challenge at CFAS and the theme is Shaped Cards. We're being sponsored by Meljens, The Stamping Boutique and Jelly Park Stamps . I've used an image from Meljens.

Made for my football mad nephew who's allegiance changes according to whose top of the league lol. Happy birthday image from Meljens, coloured with promarkers. Football, name and number all generated on the computer. Shirt is his pressie - a £10! Ribbons and button from my stash.

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see the creations of the other Design Team girls.

Challenges entered:

Cardmad Fairy's Digi Days - not square

Wags n Whiskers - male birthday

Dream Valley Challenges - just for men

Incy Wincy - birthday

Pollycraft - ribbons and buttons

Lollipop Crafts - anything goes

Meljens - anything goes

Glitter Geeks - girls and boys

The Pixie Cottage - buttons and bows

My Mum's Craft Shop - buttons and ribbons

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Bauble Scene

2012-02-21T22:14:00.001Z

The Lady Divas at Less is More have asked us to use punches and dies this week - easy enough, I've got loads of both!! I set off at lunch time on Saturday to make a card, don't know what happened but I got waylaid and only finished this tonight!

Using my Spellbinders nestie baubles, the larger one has been embossed with a Cuttlebug snowflake folder, sanded and dusted with shimmery chalk. The smaller one was cut from pearlescent card and whilst still in the die I've stamped using a Creative Expression Stamp and DI. As the stamp was too big to fit the area I masked off the sentiment before stamping. I've used DI to create a background and used stickles on the foreground. Card is finished with a tartan bow and a rather small sentiment!

Challenges entered:

Less is More - dies and/or punches

CHNC - create a scene

Stamp with Fun - shapes

The Crazy Challenge - use a die/punch

and since all the card came from my bit box I'm popping in the playground at

Pixie Crafty Snippets challenge #8

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Crafting When We Can #12 Big Birthdays

2012-02-19T09:00:00.006Z

Time for a new challenge at CWWC and the theme is Big Birthdays. We're being sponsored by Crafty Ribbons.

This one is for my BIL who turns 50 next month. I used my Cricut to cut out the numbers and letters. The inside has been decorated to match.

Papers: Wild Rose Studio for men (keep forgetting I have these)
Cricut (not been used for ages)
Punch: Martha Stewart
Twine and buttons from my stash

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see the creations of my team mates.

Challenges entered:
Cupcake Craft - entwined
Love to Create - buttons and bows
Creative Card Crew - masculine
Tuesday Throwdown - entwined
Bunny Zoes - celebrations
Use it Tuesday - birthday
Wags n Whiskers - male birthday
4 Crafty Chicks - double downs (2 Dps, 2 small buttons, 2 numbers)
Digi Doodle Shop's Best - anything goes
DYSU - layers
Craft your Passion - recipe

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Male birthday

2012-02-18T16:00:00.001Z

I really struggled to find a suitable image for my brother's birthday card this year and hope this one fits the bill!

Image and sentiment from Bugaboo coloured with promarkers and background done with DI, papers are from Raspberry Road and have been distressed with my distressing tool (image and papers being used for the first time). Finished with some ribbon from my stash.

Inside has been decorated to match.

Challenges entered:

Kaboodle Doodles - where are the boys

Simon says Stamp and Show - anything goes

Digital Tuesday - use your stash

Passion for Promarkers - distressing

Crafts and Me - distressed

Southern Girls - so distressed

Stampin for the Weekend - blues and browns

Wags n Whiskers - male birthday

Sundays with Chrissy - happy birthday

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

I love you Dad

2012-02-18T09:00:00.004Z

(I think!!)

Hubby and our youngest last year in Lincoln. I've used My Memories Suite again and a free template kit.

Challenges entered:

My Memories - use heartland font

Lasting Memories - love

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

XOXO

2012-02-17T15:26:00.000Z

Been messing about in My Memories Suite again. This was made using a free template kit (check back next Thursday for the link to download the kit for yourself).

Challenges entered:

Lollipop Crafts - non card with love

Crazy Amigo - hearts

Deep Ocean Challenge - pink and brown

Scrapfit - XOXO

Scrap it Girl - show some love

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Crafty Ann's #59 Bold and Bright

2012-02-17T09:00:00.009Z

It's time for another challenge at Crafty Ann's and the theme is "Bold and Bright", so lets see lots of cheerful colours on your creations.

I've used "cone flower" image and two different "Mottled Stone" backing papers all available from Crafty Ann's Digi Shop. Image is coloured with promarkers, fussy cut with an oval nestie and mounted onto a beaded nestie oval. Corner dies also from Spellbinders. Card is finished with a ribbon.

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see Ann and the teams creations, you won't be disappointed.

Challenges entered:

Stamps & Fun = Creativity - birthdays

Stamps R Us - anything goes

The Cheerful Stamp Pad - birthday card

Ladybug Crafts Ink - spring is in the air

One Stop Craft - hearts, flowers, ribbon

Paper Pretties - use flowers

Crafter's Cafe - pink,red and purple

I love Promarkers - nature

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Template Thursday

2012-02-16T16:00:00.016Z

This weeks free template from My Memories Suite, click on the image to be taken to the download page. The templates will work in any programme so you don't need to have MMS to be able to use them.

And a very quick layout.

To receive $10 off the price of My Memories Suite V3 software copy and paste this code STMMMS57827 at checkout. You'll also receive a $10 gift certificate for the online store.

I hope you enjoy your download and would love to see how you use it. Feel free to link in a comment so I can pop over and have a look.

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

I've got the Blues

2012-02-16T09:00:00.008Z

No not me my card!!

I made this one just because I wanted to!

The digital image is a pre-coloured one from Joanna Sheen's Dasiy and Friends CD which I've layered up to give dimension to the card. Backing paper is also from the CD. Border punch is from Martha Stewart, corner dies and swirls from Marianne Design and scalloped mat from Spellbinders. Ribbon, button, flower and pearls are from my stash. Bow has been tied on my new mini bowdabra.

I've really enjoyed making a card just because I wanted to for a change - must do it more often!

Challenges entered:

House of Gilli - pearls, swirls and lace (hope my lacey borders count)

My Craft Spot - girly girl

Sew Many Cards - buttons

Inky Impressions - use punches/dies

My Mum's Craft Shop - pearls and swirls

Penny's Paper Crafty - anything goes

Paper Sundaes - sundae bar (blue and pearls)

Whoopsi Daisy - sketch

Crafter's Companion - anything goes

Marianne Design - winter blues

Scrapology Card - use layers

Emmas's Crafty Challenge - shades of blue
Card and Scrap - use buttons

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Aud Sentiments #48 use the word happy

2012-02-16T09:00:00.005Z

Our next challenge over at Aud Sentiments is to use the word Happy on your project. We're being sponsored by Ai Factory and TLC Creations. As always TLC have provided a free sentiment for you to use should you wish, you'll find this on the challenge blog.

As I'm on Team B my card won't be revealed until next Thursday, do however in the meantime pop over to see this weeks inspiration from the DT - you won't be disappointed.

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Christmas Challenges (with sketches) #20

2012-02-15T08:00:00.007Z

It's time for our next challenge over at CCWS and we hope you're playing along with us this year and stocking up on those Christmas cards and projects. Marga has designed the sketch this time and we are being sponsored by Crealies.

Image from Meljens, coloured with promarkers. Backing papers from My Minds Eye, ticket from Crafty Ann's, ribbon and gems from my stash.

You will have to pop over to the challenge blog to see the sketch for yourself, remember to check out the inspiration of the other DT members whilst you're there.

Challenges entered:

Digi Doodle Shop's Best - one for the boys

Sweet n Sassy - include a hat

Allsorts - free and easy

Di's Digi Designs - snowtime

Ditsy Craftyness - winter + snowmen

OSAAT - anything goes

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Angels

2012-02-14T08:17:00.001Z

Happy Valentines Day to you all, are you all swimming in red roses and chocolate yet or is he like mine and done his usual last minute dash to see what's left in the shops!
Over on the Joanna Sheen forum the monthly challenge is to use the first JS CD you bought, my first was Vintage Christmas so I made another of my specials for this coming Christmas.

Using the largest size image on the sheet and one of the matching backing papers. Image is layered up then matted onto white card and silver mirri card, BP is also layered onto silver mirri. Die cuts are all from Spellbinders, pearls, lace and ribbon from my stash. Sentiment stamp from LOTV.

Inside has been decorated to match.

Challenges entered:

Karen's Doodles - celebrate

Oldie but Goodie - lace (sentiment stamp is over 6 mths old)

Little Darlins Challenges - favourite embellishments (ribbon, lace and pearls)

Paper Pretties - add texture

Stamp Man - texture

CHNC - angels or fairies

CD Sunday - L is for lace

Stamptacular Sunday - pearls and lace (sentiment is stamped)

Pretty Little Ribbon - anything goes

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Less is More - stripes

2012-02-13T09:00:00.003Z

Good morning all, hope you've enjoyed your weekend whatever you were up to. We had a quiet one, the decorators were back yesterday preparing the lounge ceiling ready for painting next weekend. I spent my time in the craft room out of the way.

The lady divas this week are looking for stripes.........on a one layer card...............the ole grey cells have been doing overtime all weekend trying to think something up. I missed last week as my mojo went awol so didn't want to miss another. Hunting through my stamps I finally came upon this one and decided it definitely constituted a stripey onsie!!

Image is stamped in versamark and embossed with blue EP. Simply finished with some co-ordinating stripey bakers twine.

Challenges entered:

Less is More - one layer and stripes

Sweet Stampin - clean and simple

Crafty Pad - letter B (baby, boy, blue)

House that Stamps Built - heat embossing

Crafty Cardmakers - monochrome

Carol x

PS Don't forget I have blog candy up for grabs!

Christmas Card Club - snowflakes

2012-02-12T09:00:00.000Z

It was Sylvie's turn to pick the theme this time at the club and she's asked for snowflakes. I raided my bit box and came up with this.

In retrospect I wish I'd used white card instead of blue but hey ho....hindsight's great isn't it!!

All dies are from Spellbinders.Silver cord, bell charm and peel off sentiment from stash.

If you'd like to join our little club feel free to contact one of us (list in sidebar), don't forget to check out the other girls cards too.

Challenges entered:

CES - lots of layers

Hiding in my Craftroom - super scraps

Pixie Crafty Snippets - week 7

Winter Wonderland - not square or rectangle

ABC Christmas Challenge - C for charming

Cooking it with Katie - a spooled metal sentiment

Craft your Passion - anything goes no DP

Carol x

Google followers!! (for non-blogger folks)

2012-02-12T01:04:00.002Z

You might have already seen this but apparently the google followers gadget will be disappearing soon, which means all our followers will disappear too!

I don't want to lose any of you, and would love to be able to keep up with all your blogs too, so could you sign up again using the new linky on the top right of my blog please? And also add it on your own blogs so I can come and follow you too :)

Just found out that this is for non Blogger sites.... so if you use Word Press or Typepad you will need to link to the new Linky thanks otherwise all will stay the same x

Carol x

Highland Holiday

2012-02-10T21:35:00.001Z

I've spent a pleasant afternoon finishing off an interactive scrapbook album of our holiday in Perthshire two years ago. I've made the pages fairly simple to let the photos take main stage. I hope you're sitting comfortably.

Here are the individual pages if you want to take a closer look.

Don't forget to enter my surprise candy draw to celebrate my first blog birthday next month.

Carol x

Template Thursday

2012-02-09T16:00:00.003Z

This weeks free template from My Memories Suite, click on the image to be taken to the download page. The templates will work in any programme so you don't need to have MMS to be able to use them.

I've made a couple of layouts using the elements of this kit in My Memories Suite.

To receive $10 off the price of My Memories Suite V3 software copy and paste this code STMMMS57827 at checkout. You'll also receive a $10 gift certificate for the online store.

I hope you enjoy your download and would love to see how you use it. Feel free to link in a comment so I can pop over and have a look.

Carol x

A work in progress

2012-02-09T12:00:00.001Z

I was thrilled to find my Enjoy the Journey layout had been featured at Lasting Memories yesterday - it really gave me a boost :)

Got new contact lenses on Tuesday to trial - one eye reading and the other distance so yesterday was spent trying to get used to them. I think I'll be fine in a day or two but they are a little strange at the moment. I didn't try any crafting yesterday but did this layout last night after I'd been to parents night for my daughter.

Using My Memories Suite and the Vintage Chic kit plus a photo of my great Aunt. I love this kit, the colours are perfect for older photos, I think it will be well used.

Challenges entered:

My Memories - a work in progress

Lasting Memories - digital

Carol x

Aud Sentiments #47 Anything but a Card

2012-02-09T09:30:00.000Z

The current challenge over at Aud Sentiments is "Anything but a Card". We're being sponsored by Stamp & Create and TLC Creations. As always TLC have provided a free sentiment for you to use should you wish, you'll find this on the challenge blog.

Image: Wags n Whiskers Nichola Fairy from Stamp n Create
Medium: promarkers
Papers: First Edition Spring Drop
Dies: Spellbinders
Calendar: Hobbycraft
Sentiment from my stash

You still have a week to enter the challenge, hope to see you there.

Challenges entered:
Crafty Pad - spring is coming
A gem of a Challenge - fairies
Allsorts - free and easy
Catch the Bug - anything goes
Poodles Parlour - anything goes
Wags n Whiskers - home decorations
Creative Card Crew - fantasies
The Crazy Challenge - fairies
Cutie Pie Challenge - anything but a card
Crafty Sentiments - lets get girly

Carol x

Crafty Purple Frog Challenge #34 Flower Power

2012-02-09T00:38:00.003Z

This is my first DT project for Crafty Purple Frogs, I was thrilled to be chosen for the team and the bonus of course is using all the gorgeous artwork by Ching-Chou Kuik. Our challenge for this fortnight is "Flower Power" so lets see all your blooms.

I've used the "Scent of Beauty" decoupage for my card.

Backing panel is made using a Martha Stewart PATP, backing paper is from a Melissa Frances pad called 5th Avenue. Image and sentiment are matted onto scalloped nesties, swirls are Marianne Designs dies, flowers, pearls, sentiment and ribbon from my stash. Hat pin from Joanna Sheen.

The inside has been decorated to match. I hope you can see the dimension on the decoupage on this shot.

All decoupage and pyramage sheets are available from The Crafty Purple Frog.

New in at the Crafty Purple Frog - 50 Valentines Papers collection. They're gorgeous and not just for Valentines.

Do call by the challenge blog to see the gorgeous samples from my teamies, you won't be disappointed.

Challenges entered:
Southern Girls - magic and mystery
Just Tracy - female including something flowing
Birthday Sundaes - birthday + sentiment
Squigglefly - birthday
Celebrate the Occasion - anything goes birthdays
Papertake Weekly - anything goes
Ribbon Carousel - anything goes
Crafts and Me - use a new image
Crafty Creations - swirly wirly
SSD - birthday card

Carol x

Crafting for all Seasons #20 Love is in the Air

2012-02-08T14:00:00.012Z

Time for a new challenge at CFAS and the theme is Love is in the Air. We're being sponsored by Bugaboo, Lili of the Valley and Digi Doodle Shop. I've used an image supplied digitally by Lili of the Valley.

Image: Love Grows from Lili of the Valley
Medium : promarkers
Backing papers: these were snippets which given to me but possibly Anna Griffin
Square, shaped and label dies: Spellbinders
Sentiment stamp: Words Like Honey
Heart Punch; Martha Stewart
Ribbon, pearls, brads and charm components all from my stash.

Challenges entered:

Divas by Design - love

CRAFT - colour combo

Craft us Crazy - anything goes

Digi Doodle Shops Best - love is in the air

DYSU - anything goes

SSD - love is in the air

Pixie Crafty Snippets - challenge 6

Always something Creative - love/romance

Fresh Brewed - love

Joanna Sheen - love is in the air

Really Reasonable Ribbons - red, pink and ribbon

Queens Royal Challenge - valentine/love

Stampin with the Dragon - photo inpsired

Cardmad Fairy's Digi Day - hearts

Fairy Tale - love, love, love

Delicious Doodles - all loved up

Phindy's Place - photo inpsired

Addicted to Stamps - valentine/love

OSAAT - with love

Stamps & Fun = Creativity - hearts

Stamp with Fun - love

Cupcake Crafts - red and pink

Paper Pretties - red, pink and white

Victorine Originals - love/valentine

Lexi's Creations - love

Pixie Cottage - red

I Love Promarkers - love is in the air

My Mum's Craft Shop - it must be love

Carol x

Enjoy the Journey

2012-02-06T21:09:00.001Z

It's been a gorgeous day here today weatherwise. I started the day with a trip to the hairdressers, followed by a leisurely stroll home via all the craft outlets on the high street :) Bought a few scrapbooking bits and bobs. After lunch and a bit of tidying I had to take DD to the orthodontist in a nearby town, it was nice to be driving home again in daylight rather than pitch black.

Tomorrow I've to go to Edinburgh for a follow-up appointment at the opticians for my contact lenses. So far I've not had any problems with them (apart from getting them in lol) and they're much better for driving at night than my glasses were. As Hobbycraft is only a few doors away from the optician it would be rude not to visit whilst I'm there!!

Another layout tonight - don't seem to be in the mood for cards this week so I've been messing around in My Memories Suite again.

Papers and elements are all from Raspberry Road's Seventies Styling kit.

Challenges entered:

Bird is the Word - journey

My Memories - speed scrap

Lasting Memories - digital

Paper Creations Ink - 1 image, 2 DP 3 embellies

Always Crafting Creative Mondays - anything goes

Carol x

Up, Up and Away....

2012-02-06T08:30:00.001Z

Good morning everyone, hope you're all well and keeping warm and dry.

Another layout today done in My Memories Suite using free papers and elements from Raspberry Road called Seventies Styling.

Challenges entered:

Creative Craft World - scrap mat

Carol x

Crafting When We Can #11 Valentines

2012-02-05T09:00:00.049Z

Time for a new challenge at CWWC and the theme is Valentines. We're being sponsored by Fresh Brewed Designs who supplied images for the Design Team, I've used Bee Mine.

Due to unforeseen circumstances the DT only got this challenge theme and images on Friday so this is a rather off the cuff creation! I made a cupcake, unfortunately we had nothing in the house to decorate it with so I had to leave it plain! The red base has been embossed with hearts but I don't think it shows up very well in the photo!

Image: Bee Mine from Fresh Brewed Designs
Medium: promarkers
Punch: Martha Stewart
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug
Flowers, leaves and gemstone from my stash
Sentiment is computer generated.

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see the creations of my team mates.

Challenges entered:
Digi Makeover - be my valentine
Daisy Doodles Creative - hearts or flowers
Die Cut Dreams - pink, red, heart
Stamps R Us - valentine/love
Deep Ocean Challenge - love you
Stamp n Doodle - love/romance
The Stamping Boutique - valentine
Top Tip Tuesday - valentine
Card Makin Mamas - valentine
Sweet n Sassy Digi Challenge - valentine
CES - sketch or wings
One Stop Craft - for the one I love
Sweet Stampin - the one I love
Dream Valley Challenges - valentine
Cooking it up with Katie - hearts, punch and embossing

Carol x

Crafty Ann's #58 Love is in the Air

2012-02-03T09:00:00.009Z

It's time for another challenge at Crafty Ann's and the theme is "Love is in the Air". I've chosen to do a layout using a photo of my Mum and Dad on their wedding day.

The papers and all the elements are from the new Cream Dream SB kit available at Crafty Ann's Digi Shop. I've used My Memories Suite to put the layout together.

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see Ann and the teams creations, you won't be disappointed.

Challenges entered:

Ooh La La Creations - seeing double

By the Cute and Girly - love is in the air

House of Gilli - love is in the air

The Cheerful Stamp Pad - romance is in the air

Tuesday Throwdown - use hearts

Creative Belli - hearts/valentine

Little Red Wagon - valentine/love

Penny's Paper-Crafty - love is in the air

Truly Scrumptious - love and hearts

Moving along with the Times - have a heart

Scrap it Girl - show some love

Carol x

Template Thursday

2012-02-02T16:00:00.001Z

This weeks free template from My Memories Suite, click on the image to be taken to the download page. The templates will work in any programme so you don't need to have MMS to be able to use them.

This is a very quick page I put together using some of the kit.

To receive $10 off the price of My Memories Suite V3 software copy and paste this code STMMMS57827 at checkout. You'll also receive a $10 gift certificate for the online store.

I hope you enjoy your download and would love to see how you use it. Feel free to link in a comment so I can pop over and have a look.

Carol x

Aud Sentiments #47 Anything but a Card

2012-02-02T09:00:00.006Z

Our next challenge over at Aud Sentiments is "Anything but a Card". We're being sponsored by Stamp & Create and TLC Creations. As always TLC have provided a free sentiment for you to use should you wish, you'll find this on the challenge blog.

As I'm on Team B my card won't be revealed until next Thursday, do however in the meantime pop over to see this weeks inspiration from the DT - you won't be disappointed.

Carol x

200 followers

2012-02-01T12:00:00.000Z

A big Hello to all my new followers over the last few days, I hope you enjoy what you see here - don't forget to leave me a comment so I know you popped by. I can't believe I've got to 200 followers already, a big thanks to all of you for the support you've given me as a rookie blogger - I do appreciate it.

As it is my first blogaversary in March I have some blog candy planned so keep your eyes peeled for the post next week. The candy will run for a month and will be drawn on the anniversary of my first post.

Carol x

Christmas Challenges (with sketches) #19

2012-02-01T08:00:00.027Z

It's time for our next challenge over at CCWS and we hope you're playing along with us this year and stocking up on those Christmas cards and projects. Linda has designed the sketch this time and we are being sponsored by Alles om te Scrappen. We have an added twist of use kraft card on your creation.

Base card is Kraft, papers from My Minds Eye, the adorable snow women image is from Whoopsi Daisy sheet 265 and is coloured with promarkers. Bow and gems from my stash. It's a great sketch for using up your snippets!

You will have to pop over to the challenge blog to see the sketch for yourself, remember to check out the inspiration of the other DT members whilst you're there.

Challenges entered:

Crimbo Crackers - for a child

Sassy Studio Designs - Christmas using scraps

Christmas Card Challenges - favourite technique (colouring with promarkers)

Lollipop Crafts - anything goes

My Craft Spot - anything goes

Pollycraft - favourite things (snow people)

Paper and Such Design - non trad colours

Party Time Tuesdays - anything goes

My Time to Craft - A for adorable

Cute Card Thursday - you're a gem

Pixie Crafty Snippets - challenge 5

Sparkles Forum Christmas - anything goes

Christmas Inspirations - anything goes

Carol x

Exciting news....

2012-01-31T20:44:00.000Z

I'm thrilled to have been chosen to join the Design Team over at the Crafty Purple Frog.

I'm looking forward to my first challenge next Thursday and the bonus is I get to work with all the gorgeous artwork by Ching-Chou Kuik. All the decoupage and pyramage sheets are available from The Crafty Purple Frog.

Otherwise it's been a fairly quiet day here - cleaning loos, ironing nets, washing floors, cooking dinner - you get the drift! Think I'm due a couple of hours me time now don't you!

Carol x

Craft Artist Platinum

2012-01-31T09:00:00.000Z

Well I spent some time yesterday watching and reading tutorials on how to work CAP and gave it another bash. There is going to be a huge learning curve to make the most of what it will do but it does have some great features on it. I managed a single and a double layout last night.

This was a template called Spring in your Step just to test out some of the features and get the hang of the controls!

The double layout I built from scratch with a kit called Dunes. I love the double layout feature and know I will be using it alot.

Now I've got to work out how to import kits from elsewhere into the programme and I'll be cooking on gas!!

Carol x

LIM Sketch take 2

2012-01-29T12:00:00.002Z

How come one layer cards are so much easier to do when they're not actually required!!

A year ago I would never have dreamed of making a card like this, I couldn't even stamp straight! Only trouble is my bank balance keeps dipping as I now need so many new stamps and ink pads.

DL card, masked with post its and inked with bundled sage and shabby shutters DI. Image stamp from Inkylicious, sentiment from Daisy and Dandelion. I've highlighted the flower heads with a gelly roll pen.

Challenges entered:

Less is More - sketch

Totally Gorjuss - kiss

My Mum's Craft Shop - flowers

Carol x

Christmas Card Club - Critters

2012-01-29T09:00:00.003Z

Good morning all, hope you're enjoying your weekend.

Gosh where did the last two weeks go? It was Pinky's turn to choose the theme this time over at the Christmas Card Club and she's asked for critters, big or small.

The image is from Whoopsi Daisy sheet 265 and I've coloured it with promarkers and used glamour dust on the fur trim. Papers are freebies from a magazine. Glittery lace is from Costco, flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, tartan bow, gems and peel off sentiment from my stash.

Just to prove I'm keeping to my resolutions, the inside is decorated to match.

If you'd like to join our little club making Christmas cards once a fortnight just for fun, please contact one of us (list in sidebar). Do check out what the other girls have made for the challenge too.

Challenges entered:

Pollycraft - warm it up

Little Red Wagon - winter wonderland

Jingle Belles - a banner holiday (I've used the colours)

Stamp Man - embellish it

Stampin with the Dragon - anything goes

52 card Throwdown - rhinestones

CES - check it out

CHNC - make it square

Sweet Stampin - animals

Dream Valley Challenges - animals

Whoopsi Daisy - bling it up
OSAAT - use a digi

Carol x

LIM Sketch

2012-01-28T20:44:00.000Z

Good evening all, hope you're having a good weekend so far. I've had a crafty afternoon today, getting ahead with some DT stuff and having a play.

This week the lady divas have a sketch to follow, having had problems trying to make a DT sketch card come together prior to this card perhaps I should have stayed well clear lol

I started out with a black base card but decided it didn't work so I cut the image out and used white instead. Stamp is from Inkylicious, background is brayered using a Soothing Sunset Big and Juicy pad. Base card is embossed either side of the topper. Sentiment stamp is from a Daisy and Dandelion set.

Challenges entered:

Less is More - sketch

Creative Inspirations - anything goes

Simon says Stamp - anything goes

Crafts 4 Eternity - clean and simple

Drunken Stampers - something new (stamp pad)

Carol x

Red Hearts

2012-01-28T09:00:00.008Z

Good morning crafters, hope your weekend is going according to plan. This is one I made earlier in the week using the leftover Crafty Purple Frog decoupaged image from hubby's valentine card - it's a little bag to put the card in.

The image is printed onto ice blue decoupage paper. Black card is Tapestry and red is Stardream. All punches are from Martha Stewart. Ribbon and pearl hearts are from my stash. This was so difficult to photograph, think it's the pearlescence on the card!

Challenges entered:

Lollipop Crafts - wing it

Paper Creations Ink - love/romance

Papertake Weekly - happy highlights (image is decoupaged)

Inky Impressions - heart you

Pixie Cottage - love and kisses

Crafty Purple Frog - show us some love

Crafty Ribbons - love is red and black

Delightful Challenges - valentine, anything but a card

Digi Doodle Shops Best - anything goes

Corrosive Challenges - I heart you

Crafty Catz - things with wings

Fairy Fun Fridays - anything but a card

Just us Girls - 3d project Valentine

Crazy 4 Challenges - layer it on

Di's Digi Designs - valentines

Ditzy Craftymess - anything goes

Allsorts - one or more hearts

Penny Black and more - love and hearts

Carol x

Colourful Beauty

2012-01-27T12:00:00.002Z

I was lucky enough to win some images from Dezinaworld recently and have used this gorgeous one from the Colourful Beauties sheet to make this card.

I've printed the image onto parchment card and cut out leaving a border then matted onto pearlised brown paper which has been punched at the top and bottom. Backing is more parchment card which I've distressed with spun sugar, shabby shutters and walnut stain DI then matted onto the brown. I've done lots of distressing with my new distress tool but it doesn't show too well in the photo - perhaps I need to be more aggressive lol. The flourishes and corner are all Marianne Design dies. Border punch from Martha Stewart. Lace, feather, pins, pearls and ribbon rose are all from my stash. Ribbon is white seam binding which I dyed using shabby shutters DI.

Inside is decorated to match.

I love how this has turned out, just hope the recipient likes it as much!

Challenges entered:

Craft Your Days Away - distressed

Crafty Bloggers - distressing

The Crazy Challenge - vintage

Victorine Originals - anything goes

Crafty Sentiments - lace and pins

Paper Shelter Challenge - pearls and swirls

4 Crafty Chicks - pins

DYSU - ribbons

Totally Papercrafts - pearls and lace

Winter Wonderland - swirls and pearls

Carol x

Have a heart

2012-01-27T09:00:00.002Z

A layout using photos from my sister's wedding back in 2000 (eek)! I was Matron of Honour and Lora was her Flower Girl.

Layout is 8x8 using some ivory handmade paper with a pearlised sheen to it which I found lurking unused in a drawer. The colour scheme for the wedding was blue and yellow as Sis was (and still is) a Leeds United supporter! Heart punches and fancy border punch are from Martha Stewart, heart die, button die and flourishes are from Marianne Designs. Lace. pearls, ribbon and heart buckle (I've been hoarding these too) are from my stash. I've also made a rosette flower using a bit of backing paper from Joanna Sheen's ATC CD and a small round Spellbinders nestie die, and what a faff that was - don't think I'll make many more in a hurry!!

Challenges entered:

The Ribbon Reel - resolution + ribbon and button

My resolution (or one of them) is to do some scrapbooking

Use it Tuesday - all about love

The Paper Variety - fanfold paper projects

Pile it on - add lace
Hooked on Crafts - something bright
Paper Play - lovely lace

Carol x

Best Friends

2012-01-27T00:42:00.000Z

Two years ago we spent February half term in the Highlands with the two younger kids. The scenery was fantastic, snow all around. The sun shone all week although the temperatures never got above freezing. The kids loved it and a great holiday was had by all!

Rainbow Lady is looking for something Scottish themed to commemorate Burn's Night - what better than the pictures taken at "The Birk's of Aberfeldy", somewhere Burns visited and wrote about in his lifetime. It was so cold the falls were actually frozen in a lot of places, it looked spectacular!

This is a digi layout which I've created in My Memories Suite, all the elements came from the programme.

Carol x

Template Thursday

2012-01-26T12:00:00.003Z

This weeks free template from My Memories Suite, click on the image to be taken to the download page. The templates will work in any programme so you don't need to have MMS to be able to use them.

Here is a very quick layout I did using the above template. I used My Memories Suite.

To receive $10 off the price of My Memories Suite V3 software copy and paste this code STMMMS57827 at checkout. You'll also receive a $10 gift certificate for the online store.

I hope you enjoy your download and would love to see how you use it. Feel free to link in a comment so I can pop over and have a look.

Carol x

Aud Sentiments #46 LOVE

2012-01-26T09:00:00.008Z

Our current challenge over at Aud Sentiments is "LOVE" use the word love on your project. We're being sponsored by Mami Doodles and TLC Creations. As always TLC have provided a free sentiment for you to use should you wish, you'll find this on the challenge blog. I've used a Mr Mouse in Love image from Mami Doodles to make a tag.

I've embossed the word Love on then used fired brick distress ink to colour it.

Image - Mami Doodles
Medium - promarkers
Dies - Spellbinders
Ribbon from my stash

The challenge is open for another week, hope to see you there.

Challenges entered:

Sentimental Sundays - die cuts

Paper Pretties - valentine day project

Heartsong Inspirations - red and white/ribbon

Crafty Boots - inspired by a song (Love me Tender)

Simon says Stamp and Show - song title (Love me Tender)

Craftroom challenge - valentines

Sweet Stamps - love (C10)

Anything Goes - to the one I love

Creative Card Crew - seeing red

Stamp n Doodle - include an animal

Carol x

Crafting for all Seasons #19 Blue and White

2012-01-25T14:00:00.008Z

Time for a new challenge at CFAS and the theme is Blue and White. We're being sponsored by Di's Digital Downloads, Pink Cat Studio and Saturated Canary. I've used an image from Pink Cat Studio.

Image: MC clown mice balloon ride from Pink Cat Studio
Medium : promarkers
Backing papers: Wild Rose Studio
Border and die cut corner : Spellbinders
Binders twine from Joanna Sheen

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see the creations of the other Design Team girls.

Challenges entered:

Bee Crafty - celebration (option balloons)

Critter Sketch - 3 embellishments (pearls, twine and corner)

Cutie Pie Challenge - favourite song (My beautiful balloon)

Digi Makeover - winter blues

Daisy Doodles - anything goes

My Craft Spot - let's hear it for the boys

Celebrate the Occasion - male birthday

Stamps R Us - cards for kids

Art Impressions Stamp - card for a child

Crazy 4 Challenges - child's birthday

Crafty Pad - something for boys

Dream Valley Challenges - animals

Cards for Men - boys and their toys

Digi Stamps 4 Joy - one for the boys

Carol x

Teabag folding

2012-01-25T09:00:00.009Z

Good morning peeps. This is one I made last night. Over on the Joanna Sheen forum the girls have been resurrecting some of the older techniques and they have a tea bag folding challenge going on. A quick search of my crafting folders and I found this snowman paper by Pamela Saville and some instructions.

Sorry the photography is a bit naff and I don't think the teabag fold was designed for this picture!

Die - Spellbinders Ironwork motif
Border and corner punches - Martha Stewart
Twine, stickles and gems from my stash.

Challenges entered:

Crafter's Cafe - clean and simple

Shopping our Stash - winter blues

Delicious Doodles - winter wonderland

CHNC - have a heart (hearts are on teabag papers)

Hybrid Chick Card Caravan - punches and/or dies

JS forum M15 challenge - teabag folding
Unstampabelles - anything goes

Carol x

California Dreaming

2012-01-24T09:00:00.001Z

Good morning all, I hope you are well. I managed this two page layout last night:

My eldest went to California with the school when he was 17 (he's almost 22 now!) and I've just got around to scrapbooking the pictures! Dunbar in Scotland where we live is twinned with Martinez in California due to the links with John Muir the conservationist. They spent several days in Martinez with an exchange family then travelled to Yosemite for a two night hike, then went on to San Fransisco for some fun.

I've used a scrap mat from Scrapology as the inspiration for the layout. All the papers are from my bit box and added elements are leftovers from a kit I used ages ago. I've added some stamping using a La Blanche stamp and iced spruce DI.

Challenges entered:

Scrapology - scraplift

Crafty Boots - inspired by a song

Simon says Stamp and Show - song title

Carol x

Anniversary

2012-01-23T09:00:00.006Z

I need an anniversary card for the weekend and found this image when rummaging through my decoupage stash and decided it was appropriate. It's very simply matted and layered. Backing paper is from Joanna Sheen. Card is finished with ribbons, hearts and a sentiment.

Challenges entered:

Little Red Wagon - two different ribbons

Craft us Crazy - valentine/love

Delightful Challenges - vintage/distressed

Poodles Parlour - valentine/love

Simply Create Too - love is in the air

Wags n Whiskers - valentine/love

Joanna Sheen - celebration

Corrosive Challenges - I heart you

Creative Stamp Friends - antique

Cupcake Craft - all you need is love

Get Hippity with Ippity - hearts

Carol x

89th Birthday

2012-01-22T16:00:00.003Z

It's my Aunt's 89th birthday later this week so thought I'd better get the card made ready to post. I decided to do some decoupage so had a rummage through some of my neglected stash and found this lovely bunch of flowers. I've used a great sketch designed by Pauline for Willow Sketchie.

Another rummage brought up some Anna Griffin paper scraps which I've matted and layered onto red stardream. Card is finished with a ribbon, button, twine and a sentiment.

Inside is decorated to match.

Challenges entered:

Willow Sketchie - followed sketch

Party Time Tuesday - happy birthday

Stamp n Doodle - birthdays

4 Crafty Chicks - summer in January

DYSU - patterned paper

Paper Play - ribbon every which way

Pixie Dust Studio - we're going dotty

Shelly's Images - anything goes

Card Makin Mamas - something old (decoupage and papers)

Crafty Catz - buttons and bows

Just us Girls - red, pink and white

Unstampabelles - anything goes

Birthday Sundaes - sentiment/wording on front

Pixie's Crafty Snippets - all papers were bits from a12x12 piece

Creative Inspiration Paints - inspired by pink

Carol x

Crafting When We Can #10 Something None Crafty

2012-01-22T09:00:00.006Z

Time for a new challenge at CWWC and the theme is to use something none crafty on your creation. We're being sponsored by Spesch Designer Stamps who supplied images for the Design Team to use, I've used Lemonade Girl.

I've made a lovely cheerful wall hanging for my craft room and my none crafting piece is a CD.

Image: Lemonade Girl
Medium: promarkers
Dies: Spellbinders
Flower from my stash.
Sentiment from Meljens

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see the creations of my team mates.

Challenges entered:
Incy Wincy Designs - bold and bright
Creative Inspirations - white + favourite colour
CES - anything but a card
OSAAT - round and round

Carol x

Cut it Out

2012-01-21T15:43:00.000Z

Good Afternoon, I hope your weekend has started well. The weather is clear and bright here with a bit of a breeze so I've managed to hang some washing out. We've got the painters in so I've managed to sneak off to the craft room to do a card for Less is More. The Lady Divas are looking for apertures this week - not something I do very often but here is my offering.

I picked the pink card out of the bit box but it looks a bit insipid in the photo and my photo isn't too straight - but we do have an aperture! I've used a square nestie for the aperture, all other dies are from Marianne Designs. Card is finished with a sentiment stamped onto the pink aperture waste and heat embossed with white detail EP, brad and white gem.

Challenges entered:

Less is More - cut it out

Totally Papercrafts - make own flowers

Tuesday Throwdown - neutral colours

Charisma Cardz - clean and simple

One Stop Craft - Under the Weather

Carol x

With Love

2012-01-20T12:56:00.001Z

Can't believe it's Friday already - who pinched my week? We're going to have the decorators here over the weekend, so no doubt I'll be kept busy moving things around.
I was asked about the ticker for the Mongol Rally - my eldest son is taking part in July this year along with three of his friends. For those who don't know, they have to obtain a car and sponsorship (half the sponsorship goes to Mongolia and half to a charity of their choice) then drive the car to Mongolia (any route they choose) and the car is left in Mongolia when (or if) they reach there. It should take anything from 4 to 8 weeks depending on border officials (and the car). Their team is called Ghenghis Khanny Skate (they're all skateboarders) and they're raising money for the local indoor skate park they helped build. They've bought their car and are now busy securing sponsorship for the trip. Gary is teaching himself Russian at the moment in preparation! I seem to have talked myself into printing all the sponsor logos to stick on their car!
Any way that's still in the distance (I'm trying not to panic), here's a card I made yesterday. Apologies for the slightly wonky photo!

I've used an image from Whoopsi Daisy sheet 60 which I've coloured with promarkers. Papers are from First Edition Spring Drop pad. All dies are from Spellbinders. Flowers, sentiment, ribbon and pearls are from my stash.

Challenges entered:

Digi Makeover - fairy nice day

The Pink Elephant - favourite colour

For Fun Challenges - get well

Inky Impressions - shape it up

Moving along with the Times - things with wings

Whoopsi Daisy - anything but square
Phindy's Place - shaped cards
Cardmadfairy's Digi Days - ribbons and bows
Sew Many Cards - anything goes

Carol x

Crafty Ann's #57 What's New Pussycat

2012-01-20T09:00:00.010Z

It's time for another challenge at Crafty Ann's and the theme is "What's New Pussycat" so you can use any or all your new crafting goodies or a new technique - the choice is yours. I've done a layout using Ann's new Sweet Sage scrap book kit.

I've created the layout in My Memories Suite and all the elements are from the Sweet Sage kit available from Crafty Ann's Digi Shop. The photo is of my Great Grandmother, my Nana (bottom left) and her three sisters. So still managing to keep to my resolutions here, how you doing with yours?

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see Ann and the teams creations, you won't be disappointed.

Challenges entered:

Lexi's Creations - anything goes

Ooh La La Creations - new beginnings

Little Darlings - favourite colour

My Memories - no fear factor (importing non MMS papers and elements)

Paper and Such - photo inspired

Carol x

Template Thursday

2012-01-19T16:00:00.000Z

I hope to be able to share a free template from My Memories Suite each Thursday with you, here is the first one. Click on the image to be taken to the download page. The templates will work in any programme so you don't need to have MMS to be able to use them. Ideal for those of you promising yourselves you'll do some scrapping!!

Here is a very quick layout I did using the above template. I used My Memories Suite.

To receive $10 off the price of My Memories Suite software copy and paste this code STMMMS57827 at checkout. You'll also receive a $10 gift certificate for the online store.

I hope you enjoy your download and would love to see how you use it. Feel free to link in a comment so I can pop over and have a look.

Carol x

Aud Sentiments #46 LOVE

2012-01-19T12:00:00.004Z

Our next challenge over at Aud Sentiments is "LOVE", use the word love on your project. We're being sponsored by Mami Doodles and TLC Creations. As always TLC have provided a free sentiment for you to use should you wish, you'll find this on the challenge blog.

As I'm on Team B my card won't be revealed until next Thursday, do however in the meantime pop over to see this weeks inspiration from the DT - you won't be disappointed.

Carol x

Warm in the Winter....

2012-01-19T09:00:00.005Z

is the name of this gorgeous image from The Paper Shelter.

The backing paper is also from The Paper Shelter and I've digitally applied the sentiment and image before printing out. I've printed the image a second time and coloured with promarkers then fussy cut and attached with silicone gel. The backing mat is punched with a snowflake PATP from Martha Stewart. The snowflake is a Spellbinders die. Card is finished with a polka dot ribbon bow, a brad, snowflake button, punch waste and stickles.

Challenges entered:

The Paper Shelter - DT call

Celebrate the occasion - any occasion + polka dots (ribbon)

Squigglefly - button it up

Deep Ocean Challenge - sparkle/glitter

Paper Pretties - use glitter (used stickles)

Penny's Paper Crafty - ribbons and buttons

Chocolate, Coffee and Cards - glitter latte

Christmas Card Challenges - flourishes

Sentimental Sunday - ribbon

The Ribbon Girls - blue and pink
Sassy Studio Designs - frosty winter colours

Carol x

Hearts

2012-01-18T19:48:00.003Z

Hello again everyone and a big welcome to all my new followers, I'm very happy to have you here and hope you 'll like what you see. Here's one I finished late last night. This will be hubby's Valentine card - just hope he doesn't expect me to dress this way any time soon lol!!!

I was very lucky to win some Crafty Purple Frog digi decoupage sheets earlier this month. They're gorgeous and I couldn't wait to use them. The image is printed onto ice blue decoupage paper and the dimension on the layers is fabulous. The backing paper is from the candy I won the other day. I've used a new PATP heart punch for the backing mat and a Spellbinders nestie die for the image mat. Card is finished with a ribbon bow, heart button, flowers, some gems and some punch waste. The inside has been decorated to match.

Challenges entered:

Rainbow Lady - many faces of women

Crafty Purple Frog - anything goes

Drunken Stampers - love

Sparkles Forum - new crafty goodies
Get Hippity with Ippity - hearts
Paper Creations Ink - love/romance
Crazy Challenge - tic tac toe (ribbon, image and gems)
Digital Tuesday - romantic card
Ladybug Crafts Ink - bows
My Time to Craft - favourite embellishment (ribbon)
The Stamping Boutique - die cuts
Try it on Tuesday - anything goes with fairies
Crafty Creations - valentine
Creative Belli - fancy frames
My Mum's Craft Shop - favourite colour combo
Crafter's Companion - love is in the air
Creatalicious Challenges - love (used punched border, ribbon, flowers and bling)
Really Reasonable Ribbons - valentines day
Scrapology card - love, say it with ribbons
Paper Take Weekly - buttons, bows,bling and blooms
Pollycraft - bingo (ribbon, buttons, dies)

I'm also entering in the Joanna Sheen forum challenge of Bejewelled.

Carol x

Christmas Challenges (with sketches) #18

2012-01-18T08:00:00.007Z

It's time for our next challenge over at CCWS and we hope you're playing along with us this year and stocking up on those Christmas cards and projects. Janneke has designed the sketch this time and we are being sponsored by Judikins.

Image and sentiment both from Meljens and coloured with promarkers. Papers are called Cosy Christmas and were free from Quick Cards magazine. Red lace from Costo and holly is recycled from wither a cracker or a Christmas cake!

You will have to pop over to the challenge blog to see the sketch for yourself, remember to check out the inspiration of the other DT members whilst you're there.

Challenges entered:

ABC Christmas - A for anything goes

Meljens - anything goes

Moving along with the Times - spots and/or stripes

Fussy and Fancy - let it snow

Stamp Man - red

CHNC - use digi

Crafty Sentiments - anything goes

Daisy Doodles Creative - anything goes

I Love Promarkers - anything goes

Carol x

Snow

2012-01-17T19:39:00.003Z

Been to the opticians to have contact lenses fitted today, this is my third attempt - twice I've had to abort my plans due to outside factors. I've opted for monthly lenses this time instead of dailies and must say they are a tad more uncomfortable but I'm sure I'll get used to them and if I don't I can always swap to dailies.

Another layout to share with you tonight, I managed to do this one last night in My Memories Suite.

This is Lora aged 3 (she was 14 last month!) - told you I had a lot of photos to sort! The papers and most of the elements came from a digi kit called Christmas Around the World which I downloaded free a few years ago. The text and some of the snowflakes were added from MMS and the snowman is a digi image from the Paper Shelter. Love being able to combine all my digi stash with the functions of MMS.

To receive $10 off the price of My Memories Suite software copy and paste this code STMMMS57827 at checkout. You'll also receive a $10 gift certificate for the online store.

Challenges entered:

House of Gilli - winter

Kaboodle Doodles - baby it's cold outside

My Craft Spot - snow much fun

Always Something Creative - ice and snow

Carol x

Cheers

2012-01-17T09:00:00.005Z

Good morning all, hope you're well. I've been keeping to my resolutions and made a start on some paper scrap booking. I've got a cupboard full of scrap book kits which need to be filled and boxes of photos which need to be emptied! So here is my first layout.

I've used the scrap mat at Creative Craft World as a base for my LO. All the papers, card, the frame, the ribbon and the journalling mat are from Anna Griffin and I've had them for several years! So also using up some stash in my endeavours. Cheers has been cut with my Cricut. The flowers are from Papermania, punch from Martha Stewart, borders are edgeabilities from Spellbinders, the hanging notice and the flourishes are Marianne Design dies. I've done lots of distressing with faded blue jeans and my new distress tool. Stamps are from Inkylicious and La Blanche and have been stamped in faded blue DI.

I did a digi version first in My Memories Suite just to get a feel for the scrap mat.

A very different look!

Challenges entered:

Crafty Bloggers - monochrome

Simon says Stamp and Show - anything but a card

The Cheerful Stamp Pad - birds of a feather

Crafts 4 Eternity - colour recipe

Crazy 4 Challenges - mono in blue

One Stop Craft - on the spot plus ribbon

Secret Crafter - anything goes and blue

Creative Craft World - scrap mat

Scrap our Stash - new
Paper Minutes - anything goes
Creative Craft Challenge - blue
Celebrate the Occasion - polka dots
Crafty Sentiments - anything goes

Carol x

My Craft Room

2012-01-16T19:51:00.001Z

Decided it was time to show you my new look crafting space, but first I must show you what the postie brought today - I won some blog candy from the Cutie Pie challenge at the beginning of the year and this is what I got:

Loads and loads of gorgeous bits and bobs, luckily I hadn't filled all the new drawers so still had room to stash it all away.

Now for the reveal, starting behind the door and moving around clockwise.

Click here to see what it used to look like.

Some of my ribbons, all sorted by colours.

General storage

My workspace

More ribbon storage!

Ink pads, embossing powders, H2O's, stickles.

Promarker storage and a space to colour in.

More storage

and a close up of my magnetic board holding some of my many nestie sets - this was a magnetic notice board which I've covered with magnetic mats. Marianne dies are kept in the holder below.

Ribbon and ink racks are from Craft Racks, trolleys from Costco, promarker storage from Ebay, drawers are all from Ikea along with the utensil hanger used for the ribbons on the door. I've a few bits still to sort out yet but it all fits in with room to spare!

I hope you like!

Carol x

A teeny, tiny wish

2012-01-16T09:00:00.001Z

Good morning all, hope you've had a great weekend. Now that my craft room is fairly what sorted I've managed a bit of crafting this weekend.

Called into Hobbycrafts the other day and found this gorgeous First Edition paper pad called Spring Drop - half the pad is glittered papers and the other half double-sided. This card uses both sides of one of the double-sided which I've distressed with my new distressing tool then used Fired Brick DI. This is my first attempt at stamping and colouring on kraft card, I quite like the result although it was very difficult to pick the colours.

I decorated the inside to match.

Image and Sentiment: Penny Black ( bought this set at the SECC in October and this is it's first outing!)
Papers: First Edition
Medium : Promarkers
Embossed border: Cuttlebug (also on it's first outing)
Corners: Spellbinders
Butterfly: Marianne Designs
Ribbon flowers, ribbon and pearls from my stash

Challenges entered:

Stamp n Doodle - country living

Cooking it up with Katie - pink, posies, pearls

I Love Promarkers - cute and cuddly

Art Impression Stamps - pink, pink and more pink

Digi Doodle Shop's Best - embossing

DYSU - pink

Phindy's Place - tic tac toe (pearls, ribbon and flowers)

Stampin for the Weekend - out with the old (although papers are new everything else is old and mostly unused until now!)

Penny Black Saturday - anything goes

OSATT - anything goes

Pile it On - fuzzy friends

Stamptacular Sunday - texture

Sunday's with Chrissy - warm and sunny
Let's Ink it up - anything goes

Carol x

Birds

2012-01-15T15:03:00.002Z

Chrissie and Mandi over at Less is More are looking for birds this week on our one layer cards. I've pondered this one all weekend - couldn't find my bird on branch stamp anywhere and wasn't inspired to make a Christmas card.

Whilst looking through a box of bits on my desk I found this card which was already stamped with the La Blanche wildflower design ( one of my failed attempts at green lol) and decided to see if I could add some birds to it. I found the bird stamp in an Inkylicious set. I've used DI for stamping. As always happens on a OLC the final image smudged!!

Challenges entered:

Less is More - birds one layer

Party Time Tuesdays - feathered friend

Paper Pretties - get well

Desert Island Crafters - itinerary (monochromatic, no DP, sentiment)
Craft Room Challenge - CAS

Carol x

Christmas Card Club Think Thin

2012-01-15T09:00:00.003Z

No I'm not being cheeky and referring to the extra pounds we usually gain around Christmas I'm talking pound notes - as in saving them at the post office next Christmas when posting out the cards. It was Keryn's turn to pick the theme and she asked us to make something which would pass muster for standard postage.

Stamp is from Creative Expressions and has been inked up in two colours. Image is matted and layered onto green then brown card stock then attached to Kraft base with DST. Card is finished with two embossed lines.

If you'd like to join our little club get in touch with one of us (list in side bar).

Challenges entered:

Craft Room Challenge - CAS

Heidi's Hobbystuggu - winter

Pixie's Crafty Snippets - all but the base card came out of my bit box

Carol x

With Love

2012-01-14T15:00:00.002Z

Hi everyone, hope your weekends are going to plan. I've been busy doing some housework and laundry but the rest of the day is mine :) I spent some time in the craft room last night and in my endeavours to use up some stash I made an exploding box from a Joanna Sheen kit which I've had forever.

The kit came with the box, inner layer, lid, heart pictures and flower dies. I've added a red mirri card layer to each side panel on the bottom layer and inner lid, a purple die cut, red heart nestie, some lace, pearls, ribbon roses and a tag to jazz things up. The little purple hearts are punch waste.

Challenges entered:

Karens Doodles - valentines/love

The Pink Elephant - hearts

CRAFT - celebration

Pixie Dust Studio - put your heart into it

Designed 2 Delight - hearts

Just Tracy - love is in the air

Little Claires - anything but a card

Pixie Dust Paperie - love notes

Sweet Stamps - hearts

Joanna Sheen - celebrations

Carol x

Freya's First Christmas

2012-01-13T09:00:00.001Z

A warm welcome to all my new followers, I hope you enjoy what you see here.

I spent yesterday battling a migraine and getting my craft room sorted, I finally have everything in the room and have my work surface organised. My drawer contents need to be organised properly but that needs to be a work in progress as I use things and decided where the best place is for everything

Another layout today from My Memories Suite (so glad I won this), they're just so quick and easy to do. I also have Craft Artist which I was given for Christmas and I loaded it onto the computer on Wednesday night and couldn't make head nor tail of it so gave up! (Must give it another go though and find some tutorials as I'm sure it's very good.)

Continuing my endeavours to organise all the old photos this is Freya last Christmas when she was about 8 months old.

Challenges entered:

Hooked on Crafts - try something new

Pollycraft - anything but a card

For Fun Challenges - anything goes

Crafty Catz - something new

Copy and paste this code STMMMS57827 to receive a $10 discount when you buy My Memories Suite V3.

Carol x

Aud Sentiments #45 Use your Scraps

2012-01-12T09:00:00.011Z

The current challenge over at Aud Sentiments for 2012 is to use your scraps - great one for those of you whose New Year's Resolution was to reduce the volume of your bit box. We're being sponsored by Floppy Latte and TLC Creations. As always TLC have provided a free sentiment for you to use should you wish, you'll find this on the challenge blog. Here is my card using an image supplied by Floppe Latte.

Image - SS Angie by Sylvie (available at Stitchy Bears)
Medium - promarkers
Papers - from my bit box (Costco and Papermania I think)
Dies - Spellbinders nesties and edgeabilities
Gems and ribbon from my stash

You still have a week to enter the challenge, so what you waiting for!!

Challenges entered:
Stampin with Dragon - frames
Crafty Cardmakers - no floral embellies
Crafter's Cafe - Happy Birthday
Papertake Weekly - diecute special
Celebrate the Occasion - child's birthday
Digital Tuesday - punch it out
Fussy and Fancy - Happy Birthday/animal print
Birthday Sundaes - birthday card
Passion for Promarkers - inspired by a song (Angels - Robbie Williams)
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - monochromatic
My Mum's Craft Shop - here come the girls
Pixie Crafty Snippets
C.R.A.F.T. - celebration

Carol x

Crafting for all Seasons #18 Snowmen/Snowflakes

2012-01-11T14:00:00.027Z

Time for the first challenge of the New Year at CFAS and we'd like to see snowmen or snowflakes on your projects or both! We're being sponsored by Bugaboo, Some Odd Girl and The Stamping Boutique. Trying to keep to my New Year's Resolutions I've done a layout using some photos from last winter.

I'ved used templates and elements from My Memories Suite and added a snowman from Crafty Ann's and a snowman from The Paper Shelter.

Top Tip - all your digi images and papers can be used in your scrap booking programmes.

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see the creations of the other Design Team girls. We also have a DT call going on (check here for all the details) - this is a fabulous team to be part of, everyone is very friendly and supportive and we have lots of exciting challenges planned for the year ahead.

Challenges entered:

Fresh Brewed - use something new (MMS)

Creative Card Crew - snow day

Creative Belli - snowflakes

DYSU - let it snow

Critter Sketch - baby it's cold outside

Creative Stamp Friends - winter

The Cheerful Stamp Pad - let it snow

Crazy Amigo - winter colours

Tuesday Throwdown - baby it's cold outside

Use it Tuesday - all about winter (old photos)

Ladybug Crafts Ink - anything goes using new stash (MMS)

Top Tip Tuesday - anything goes

Heidi's Hobbystuggu - winter

Crafty Creations - something new (MMS)

My Memories - winter wonderland

Carol x

Recycled

2012-01-11T09:00:00.005Z

A big hello to all my new followers, hope you all enjoy what you see here.

My second decoupage card, luckily this one went according to plan and I'm very pleased with how it turned out - the first of my many specials made for next Christmas!

Deocupage - Joanna Sheen
Punch - Martha Stewart
Diecuts - Spellbinders
Sentiment - computer generated
Floral arrangement and ribbons are recycled from Christmas crackers.
Pearls and narrow ribbon from stash

And a view of the inside to show I'm keeping to my resolutions! Card is now stored with an envelope and it's good to go :)

Challenges entered:

Heartsong Inspirations - border punches

Incy Wincy Designs - vintage

Lexi's Creations - anything goes

CCEE - Grimms Fairy Tales (Mary's Child)

CHNC - recycle something

Christmas Card Challenges - lace (border punch)

OSAAT - use three embellishments (pearls, ribbon and floral arrangement)

Scrappy Frogs - lace

Cupcake Craft Room - anything goes

Really Reasonable Ribbon - sparkle and ribbon

St Lukes Charity - new year, new start

Joanna Sheen - celebrations

ABC Christmas - A for anything goes

Fab n Funky - recycle it

Carol x

Get Well Soon

2012-01-10T21:57:00.003Z

What a day it's been! I painstakingly cut out two decoupage sheets last night and left them on my laptop cushion overnight to find hubby had got up during the night and "moved" the cushion and tipped the bits everywhere - grrr why are men so thoughtless! Anyway set to this afternoon to make a get well card with one of said decoupages and just couldn't get the base layer matted and layered satisfactorily and ended up giving up and using a diecut decoupage instead.

In the midst of all this the doorbell rang and lo and behold it was Talk Talk making their fourth visit in 12 months to sign us up for telephone and broadband - not that they introduce themselves of course but I knew the minute the young lad (being polite here) opened his mouth. I quickly interrupted him and told him I wasn't interested and he insisted on carrying on until I eventually shut the door in his face, he and his colleague left with him shouting some expletives behind himself!! Talk Talk job adverts must go something like:

Teen wanted, attitude essential, must know everything and have the ability to answer back.

Anyway then set to making my get well card and tried a new Cheery Lynn doily die which took 3 attempts to get a cut I was happy with, why do we have days like this - knew I should've stayed in bed this morning!! This is for my hubby's Aunt who had a brain aneurysm and emergency surgery on Friday night - she was very lucky as she lives alone but realised something was wrong and managed to dial 999.

Decoupage - No Scissors Required Book 3
Doily - Cheery Lynn Dies
Mats - Spellbinders nesties
Cream lace(which has been coloured to match with promarkers), sentiment and pearls from stash.

Challenges entered:

Cupcake Craft - something new (doily)

Lollipop Crafts - anything new goes

Paper Pretties - get well

The Crazy Challenge - lace and/or pearls

Anything goes - anything goes

Pixie Dust Studio - monochromatic

Crazy 4 Challenges - new

CBGM - 3d decoupage

Lothian Crafts - diecuts

The Craft Garden - monochrome

Unstampabelles - anything goes
Designed 2 Delight - winter flowers
Scrappy Frogs - lace

Carol x

Favourite Project 2011

2012-01-09T08:52:00.000Z

Over at The Stamp Man the 3rd Annual Awards is taking place. To take part you pick your favourite project from 2011 and reshow it. Picking one project was a bit difficult but in the end I went for this fall card which I made for the CFAS design team.

Full details of how the card was made can be found here.

I love the colour palette of this card and was very happy with my colouring on the image, so I let the image do most of the talking.

Carol x

Crafting When We Can #9 Resolutions

2012-01-08T09:00:00.009Z

Today sees the first challenge of 2012 at CWWC and the theme is New Year's Resolutions. My resolutions for this year include finishing my cards with an insert when I make them, sorting out my old photos and doing some scrap booking. In order to get all this done I will have to have some "me time" so I've made this calendar for my craft room. We're being sponsored by The Stamping Boutique and Crafty Ribbons.

Image: Stamping Boutique
Medium: promarkers and DI
Papers: Costco (from the bit box) and Anna Griffin (one of my first crafting purchases)
Dies: Spellbinders
Fourish: Marianne Designs
Ribbon, gems, button and flowers from my stash.
Sentiment is computer generated.

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see the creations of my team mates.

Challenges entered:
Daisy Doodles Creative - new beginnings
Simon says Stamp and Show - something old, something new (old papers, new digi stamp and new year)
Anything Goes - blue plus one
Craft Room Challenge - anything goes
Ribbon Carousel - anything goes
The Stamping Boutique - use 12
Inky Impressions - anything goes
Paper Shelter - anything goes
Craft us Crazy - anything new (year)
Crafty Ribbons - new beginnings
Paper Cutz - new year
Poodles Parlour - button up
Simply Create Too - more than 2 layers
Catch the Bug - anything goes
Challenge up your Life - bingo (flowers, ribbons and swirls)
Crafty Emma's - anything goes
One Stop Craft - bingo (gems, dies and buttons)
Our Creative Corner - show us your shapes
Sweet Stampin - spots and dots
That Craft Place - buttons and bows
Crafty Calendar - new news (opt buttons and bows)
Creative Inspirations Paint - something old (BP)
Dream Valley Challenges - anything goes
Di's Digi Designs - all things new
Just Some Lines - New Year
Addicted to Stamps - January blues
Pixie Crafty Snippets - backing card and mats all came from the bit box

Carol x

Predominantly Purple

2012-01-07T22:17:00.000Z

Good evening Limettes and a Happy New Year to you all. This week is a colour challenge at Less is More and the Diva Ladies would like to see purple.

I found this new Marianne Design folder waiting to be used when I attempted to sort the mess out in my craft room today so decided to give it an airing. I used Papermania card and then used my new distressing tool (bread knife is now redundant lol) to sand the embossing and edges before matting it onto purple mirri card. The image is a die cut from the Glitter Girls. Sentiment is stamped in plum Archival ink. Card is finished with a bow and a pearl.

Being very good and keeping to my resolutions I've put an insert in the card, sorted an envelope and the card is good to go!

Challenges entered:

Less is More - purple

The Squirrel and Fox - something new

Samuel Taylors - distress

Craft Your Passion - anything goes + distressing

Carol x

Crafty Ann's #56 Let's think hot

2012-01-06T09:00:00.004Z

The first challenge of 2012 over at Crafty Ann's is "Let's think Hot" - this can be using hot colours or summery images it's up to you ( or do both as I did!). One of my New Years Resolutions is to get some of my many photos scrapbooked so I asked Santa to buy me Craft Artist then lo and behold two days later I won a copy of My Memories Suite in a blog competition!! (Typical eh!) As MMS was a download it made it on to the computer first so here is my first layout using some old holiday photos from 2009.

The following components were from Crafty Ann's digi shop - mottled stone backing paper, tropical beach scene, flowers and journalling label - everything else is from MMS. Ann has just launched her first scrapbook kit this week - Sweet Sage - check it out here.

Do call by the challenge blog to check out what the other girls have created as believe me they're HOT HOT HOT.

Challenges entered:

House of Gilli - anything goes

Oh La La Creations - anything but a card

Stamps R Us - what did you get for Christmas

Creative Craft Challenges - resolutions

Sparkle Creations - use something new

Digistamps 4 Joy - something old (photos). something new (MMS)

My Mum's Craft Shop - something new

Allsorts - new beginnings (new to scrapping)

Fairy Tale - something new

Delicious Doodles - something new

Carol x

Aud Sentiments #45 Use your Scraps

2012-01-05T09:00:00.001Z

Our first challenge over at Aud Sentiments for 2012 is to use your scraps - great one for those of you whose New Year's Resolution was to reduce the volume of your bit box. We're being sponsored by Floppy Latte and TLC Creations. As always TLC have provided a free sentiment for you to use should you wish, you'll find this on the challenge blog.

As Team A and B have swapped places for the time being my card won't be revealed until next Thursday, do however in the meantime pop over and see this weeks inspiration from the DT - you won't be disappointed.

Carol x

Christmas Challenges (with sketches) #17

2012-01-04T08:00:00.010Z

Happy New Year to everyone, hope you've all enjoyed a good festive season. It's time for our first challenge of the new year over at CCWS and we hope you'll play along with us all year and get ahead with next years Christmas cards and projects. Claire has designed the sketch this time and we have an added twist of using punches and dies. We are being sponsored by My Favourite Things.

This is my first card for 2012 and my first card for next Christmas!

Image from LOTV coloured with promarkers and a white gel pen, highlighted with jelly roll pen and distressed with DI. Backing paper is from Joanna Sheen (probably Pam West CD but it was in my bit box). Holly dies are shapeabilities from Spellbinders, all other dies are also from Spellbinders.

You will have to pop over to the challenge blog to see the sketch for yourself, remember to check out the inspiration of the other DT members whilst you're there.

Challenges entered:

Totally Gorjuss - something happy

CHNC - blog candy available here

Hiding in my Craftroom - freestyle

Crafty Catz - Santa's hat (on the mouse)

Delicious Doodles - anything goes

Jingle Belles - no time like present

Stampin for the Weekend - anything goes

Bearly Mine - anything goes

One Stop Craft - winter wishes

Secret Crafter - anything goes

Sentimental Sunday - anything goes

Pile it On - anything goes

Dream Valley Challenges - Christmas

Paper Creations Ink - diecuts/punches

Kaboodle Doodles - celebration

Incy Wincy - anything goes

Crafty Boots - celebration

Critter Sketch - celebration

Heart Song Inspirations - anything goes

House of Gilli - anything goes

The Pink Elephant - anything goes

Top Tip Tuesday - anything goes

Papertake Weekly - anything goes

Paper Play - Christmas

Rainbow Lady's - your choice

Stamp n Doodle - anything goes

Crafts and Me - anything goes

The Paper Shelter - anything goes

Divas by Design - Christmas

Joanna Sheen - celebration

Pixie's Crafty Snippets - all paper and card came out of my bit box

As this is my first card for next Christmas I'm also showing it for the Christmas Card Club which I choose the theme for this time of Anything Goes - your 1st card for 2012. Check out my sidebar for the list of girls taking part and get in touch if you'd like to join us.

Carol x

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T23:59:00.001Z

Wishing all my blogging friends all the best for 2012. Many thanks for all the help and support you've given me since I started my blog.

Carol x

Christmas Challenges (with sketches) Blog Hop Candy Winner

2011-12-30T10:00:00.001Z

Many thanks to all those who joined in our first blog hop and special thanks to those who entered the challenge too. I have drawn one winner from all those who commented on my blog hop post using Random Org.

winning no 32

Lizy

Congratulations Lizy if you send me your details I'll get your ribbons in the post asap.

Carol x

Christmas Challenges (with sketches) Blog Hop

2011-12-29T08:30:00.000Z

A quick reminder you only have until 5pm GMT to enter in the blog hop and optional sketch challenge. Each of the participating DT have a prize for one random commenter and there will be one random winner from the sketch challenge. My prize is a bag of gorgeous ribbons.

If you want to make a headstart on next years Christmas cards (or have any other winter themed project to make) you can join in our fortnightly challenges, you'll find the current one featuring a sketch designed by me here. You have until January 1st to upload your projects.

Carol x

Crafting for all Seasons #17 Fairies

2011-12-28T13:00:00.000Z

Can't quite believe that's Christmas all over for another year, hope everyone had a good one. It's time for a new challenge at CFAS and the theme this week is Fairies. We're being sponsored by Whoopsi Daisy and The Stamping Boutique and the DT were given images to work with, I've used a Whoopsi Daisy image from sheet #264.

A very CAS card, the image is coloured with promarkers and highlighted with stickles then cut out with a nestie beaded oval die. Ribbon is tied around base card into a bow with a button added (both from stash). Sentiment is computer generated.

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see the inspiration from my team mates.

Challenges entered:

Daisy Doodles Creative - birthday, buttons and bows

Kaboodle Doodles - angels/fairies

Less is More - just one word

Shopping our Stash - use ribbon. twine or rik rack

I Love Promarkers - anything goes

Carol x

Blog Candy

2011-12-27T22:26:00.000Z

Hazel has this gorgeous blog candy up for grabs on her Christmas Challenge blog. It's open until 10pm on the 6th January, so pop over and join in.

Carol x

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:34:00.000Z

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, hope your day is wonderful however you are spending it.

Many thanks to all my friends and followers for the wonderful comments you continue to leave me, you've made my jaunt into blogging this year very enjoyable.

Hugs to all. Carol xx

Christmas Challenges (with sketches) Blog Hop

2011-12-24T09:00:00.008Z

Hi and welcome to the the first Christmas Challenges {with sketches} blog hop! If you came here from Sandra's blog, you are on the right track. If not please start at Christmas Challenges {with sketches}, because you don't want to miss anything! There is a list at the CCWS Blog if you get lost!

We have a new sketch by Janneke, especially for the blog hop. Each of the Design Team are giving a prize to a random commenter on their blog so be sure to call around to see everyone.

Managed to up-cycle a bag today so here it is:

Backing papers are all Papermania, image is a pre-coloured digi from The Paper Shelter, finished with a snowflake ornament off the Christmas tree and a recycled bow and berries arrangement.

Thank you for joining us in this bloghop, and don't forget to join us at our Bloghop sketch Challenge. You could win a lovely stamp . You can upload your card on the CCWS Blog until December 29th 18:00 PM (Dutch time) and you can find the winner on the blog the day after. When you leave a comment here too, you can win a bag of gorgeous ribbons and I will announce the winner on December 30th here on my blog.

Now it's time to hop on over to Karin to see what wonderful creation she's made for your inspiration.

Challenges entered:
Karen's Doodles - spots and stripes
Ooh La La Creations - anything but a card
Paper Pretties - red, white + ? (green)
Bearly Mine - anything goes
Papertake Weekly - anything Christmas
Crafty Purple Frog - Happy Christmas
Crimbo Crackers - snowflakes
Digi Doodles Best - anything goes
DYSU - stripes
Pixie Dust Studio - 3 DP's
Delicious Doodles - anything goes
Stampin for the Weekend - anything goes
Stampin with the Dragon - let it snow

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all my friends in blogland a very Merry Christmas and hope that Santa leaves lots of crafty goodies in your stockings.

Carol x

Aud Sentiments #44 Anything Goes

2011-12-22T09:26:00.000Z

Our final challenge for the year at Aud Sentiments is "Anything Goes". We're being sponsored by Sassy Cheryl's and TLC, I've opted to use the sentiment from TLC for my card.

I decided to get ahead with my January birthday cards and as I have two football mad nephews with birthdays next month I thought this was very appropriate for one of them (especially as they both support Newcastle United!).

Border die from Spellbinders Edgeability set. Sentiment is matted onto black card and mounted with foam pads over black ribbon. Card is finished with a bow and button.

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see some more inspiration.

Challenges entered:

Glitter Geeks - anything goes

Less is More - music

Paper Sundaes - celebrate

Sparkles Forum - anything but Christmas

Really Reasonable Ribbon - anything goes plus ribbon

Carol x