Live Love Enjoy

Good morning all.

Off to view a property this morning then it's onto a funeral of a second cousin who died last Sunday...he was only 49 but had spent over 20 years mourning the death of his wife and 6 month old son. I think today's project is appropriate.

Sharing today the second project I made for my DT application at STAMPlorations...a 6x6 canvas.

Again all the stamps and stencils were from STAMPlorations. I started with a layer of gesso on my canvas then stencilled the confetti circles with texture paste on one side. I then attached the butterfly mask and used a brayer to add acrylic paint. I stamped the trendy butterfly stamps onto the mask using Archival inks. Rosette is a Memory Box die. Words were stamped onto tissue paper and added with gel medium.

Challenges entered:

Rhedd's  Creative Spirit - anything goes

Scrap Around the World - mood board

Simon Says Stamp - anything goes

Happy Anniversary

Good morning all.

Yesterday I became a Great Aunt to a little 6lb 7oz baby boy called Sebastian...two weeks earlier than expected but mother and baby both well. So thats added another couple of cards to the list to be done before I go on holiday...best get a shift on!!

Sharing an anniversary card made for my nephew and his wife...I can't believe it's almost two years since their wedding!

Background made using an ink layering technique found on Jennifer Mcguire's blog, die cut with that die again from Wplus9! ARTplorations Hearts Tumbled stencil is from STAMPlorations. Anniversary die from Cheery Lynn Designs. Happy stamp from Whimsy stamps. Sequins from my stash.

Challenges entered:

Paper Artsy - stencils

 inspired by the stencil bumping technique mentioned by Leandra

Simon Says Stamp - anything goes

Die Cuttin Divas - wedding/anniversary

Tuesday Throwdown - stencilling

AAA - paste or stencils

We Love 2 Create - anything mixed media goes

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

The weather forecast is decidedly wet for the next few days but all being well summer is set to arrive here on Monday and hopefully last right through to my holidays!

I'm off to join Erika today showing a Golden Oldie.

This was made in 2008 for a crafty friend, I think all components of it are from Joanna Sheen. I loved these "parchment stamps" on vellum and I've embossed with pink EP here. The backing paper must be printed onto vellum too as I've used brads to secure it. In those days I made all my cards A5 sized now I rarely make one. My crafting style has certainly evolved over the last 7 years!

Thought I'd also share some photos of my roses taken earlier this week and our strawberry planter...I ate that ripe one yesterday and it was so sweet :) Just hoping some more ripen before we go away otherwise we'll miss them all.

Enjoy your weekend...mine will be spent cleaning although I do need to get some cards made for July events!

A Very Merry Christmas

Good morning all.

Yesterday I tackled the ironing mountain...almost needed the crampons to get to the top lol! I've started the holiday piles, hidden in eldest's room so hubby can't wear all his shirts between now and next Thursday!! 

A very simple one layer Christmas card to share today.

The ARTplorations Christmas tree stencil is from STAMPlorations, inked with various distress inks then embossed....the old fashioned way with an embossing tool and a glass door!  Sentiment is from Papermania....if I made the card again I'd re-position the sentiment without the holly I think.

Challenges entered:

Less is More - stencils

One Layer Christmas Card - opt twist green

Rudolph Day - anything goes

AAA - paste and/or stencil

CAS on Sunday - one layer

Crafting for all Seasons #105 "Cute and Summery"

Good morning all.

Many thanks for all your lovely comments on yesterday's post, I think I've managed to scrape myself off the ceiling!

Time once again for a new challenge at CFAS, sadly this will be our final challenge as I have decided to step down as Co-Ordinator and none of the team are able to take over. Our theme this time is "Cute and Summery", we're being sponsored by That Craft Place who gave the DT images to work with.

I've opted not to use a sponsor image this time. My card uses the bonus papers from the current Quick Cards Made Easy magazine. I've used a Poppy Stamps background die to make the background, using the inlaid die technique, added some twine and a topper along with a sentiment tag.

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see the inspiration from the other girls, you won't be disappointed.

Challenges entered:

Fan-Tastic Tuesday - anything goes with a touch of  summer

Craft-Dee BowZ - anything goes with a handmade bow

Not Just Cards - anything goes

Great Impressions - anything goes

Bloggers - summertime

Sister Act Card Challenge - anything goes

Whoo-hoooo!

Good afternoon all.

Thank goodness today is a bit warmer than yesterday! I had to go down home for a funeral and boy was it draughty in the church yard....sadly I have another to go to next Monday too.

Today I'm celebrating though...I've had my first card published in a magazine!! I applied several weeks ago to be on the reader design team at Quick Cards Made Easy and was accepted for issue 141 which has gone on sale today....I've just got back from Asda with my copy so only just found out.

This is what I made with the gorgeous bonus papers we were given to work with.

I printed onto pearlised paper and used the dotty paper as a base, then used the large Ringlets die from Memory Box and the inlaid die technique to piece a pattern with the floral papers. The stitched scallop border and sentiment dies are from Lawn Fawn.

To say I'm chuffed is an understatement!!!

Christmas Card Club "Pink and White"

Good morning all.

Hope everyone is well. Sorry I've been a bit haphazard with my blogging but with holidays coming up I've not had much crafting time...normal service will probably not resume until the end of August now!

So there I was on Tuesday evening all dressed up ready to go to Glasgow...no one picked me up and when I eventually got to speak to my niece she said we've got tickets for tomorrow night!! Duh!! So on Wednesday night I got to see Fleetwood Mac with Christine McVie back in the line up. It was a good night and several degrees cooler in the Hydro than last year's visit to see the Eagles thank goodness.

Another two weeks have passed and it's time to show what I've been up to for the Christmas Card Club. Karen picked the theme this time and she given us the colour combo of "Pink and White", we're allowed to add a small amount of black, silver or gold too.

Another simple card from me....a Poppy Stamps die cut from white card, layered onto pink with one merry filled with a mix of glitter and silver EP. Base card was made with the same pink card.

You'll find a list of all the girls in my side bar if you'd like to go see their interpretation of the challenge...I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Challenges entered:

CHNC - merry and bright

Jingles Belles - 12 days of cardstock

CHNC extra - anything Christmas goes

Sister Act Card Challenge - anything goes

ABC Christmas - L is for lyrics (We wish you a Merry Christmas)

Simon Says Stamp - favourite technique/product (love this die for quick cards)

Natalie and Amy's - Christmas

Sparkle and Sprinkle - anything goes with flock/EP/glitter

Collage

Good morning all.

 Urgggh spring cleaning...who invented it! Decided I ought to gut the house before we go away as I'm sure none of the kids will think to clean anything. Lots more still to do but having a day of rest today as I'm off to Glasgow tonight to see Fleetwood Mac. A bit of laundry to do and maybe some crafting too.

I got a small gelli plate last week so managed to fit in a little play at the weekend.

This is the mood board I created.

Using acrylic paints from a Royal and Langnickel art box which belonged my son along with several ARTplorations stencils from STAMPlorations.

I die cut the section I wanted to use (after I had cut some out for a DT project) with my favourite die of the moment from Wplus9 and attached to another die cut from waste card to give some dimension. Base card and insert were both in my bit box. Sentiment is a Jofy stamp from Paper Artsy, stamped onto waste tissue and heat embossed. The button, hessian and gemstone were all found on my desk. Truly a card made of left over bits!

Challenges entered:

Mixed Media Card - collage

Crafting from the Heart - anything goes

Craft Your Passion - anything goes

Not Just Cards - anything goes

Inspiration Destination - anything goes

Hello!

Good morning all.

So Saturday I was turning the heating up and yesterday I sitting outside in the sun...British weather at it's best!

Eldest is 25 today and seems to be enjoying himself in Iceland, he's off on a snow mobile trip on a glacier today...a birthday present to himself! We're going to follow in his footsteps next year and have just booked flights to New Zealand for 6 weeks in January/February....one of the reasons I've not done much crafting lately. I've been comparing prices, planning routes, checking out accommodation etc etc! We're hiring a car and just doing our own thing so lots to organize!

I'm currently trying to get ahead with all my DT commitments for the summer as we're off to Devon next month for a couple of weeks. Also need loads of cards for July...it's a very busy month!

This one is for a card swap with the theme of butterflies. Die from Wplus9...cut twice to give a little dimension whilst trying to  keep the embossed card from warping. Embossing folder from Cuttlebug, inked with abandoned coral DI. Butterfly from Visible Images stamped and heat embossed twice, inked with various shades of blue DI with added abandoned coral then fussy cut and layered. Sentiment from Wild Rose Studio, sequins from my stash.

Challenges entered:

Addicted to Stamps - summer colours

Fairytale Stampers - anything goes

Glitter and Sparkle - include a die cut

Penny Black and more - wings

Love to Create - anything goes

Craft Stamper TIMI - texture

Just us Girls - stacked dies

Sister Act Card Challenge - anything goes

Visible Image Face Book June Show and Tell 

Summertime and the Living is Easy!

Good morning all.

Gary is safely in Iceland...when we dropped him off at the airport yesterday it was 24 degrees, I think it was forecast about 10 degrees in Iceland! I finally finished his birthday card yesterday morning but you'll have to wait to see it as I'm going to use it for a DT project!

Friday once more and I've got a trip to the optician's again this morning, then I think it'll be a trip round M&S for something nice to eat. Mark's birthday today...23, how did that happen! I haven't seen him yet as he stayed with a friend last night. For now I'm joining Erika with a golden oldie.

This was a card I made in 2011 when I was on the design team for Crafty Ann's....I thought it was appropriate given the glorious weather we've been enjoying this week. You can see the original post here. The majority of the image is coloured digitally. 

Challenges entered:

Throwback Thursday - summer theme

Crafting for all Seasons #104 "It's a Boy Thing"

Good morning all.

Plans here all took a change of direction last night when Gary decided he wasn't confident enough riding his motorbike to Iceland...unfortunately he's left the decision too late to get refunds on his ferry bookings! He's now going to fly out to Iceland tomorrow and rent a small car and just be away for about three weeks instead of five. It's a shame but problems with the bike mean he just hasn't had time to get any road experience and I'm glad he was sensible enough to make the decision himself.

Summer has arrived with a vengeance...it's been glorious here and it's set to continue until the weekend :)

A fortnight has passed and it's time for a new challenge at CFAS, our theme for this fortnight is "It's a Boy Thing"...so anything for a male will do. We're being sponsored by JustInklined who kindly gave the DT images to use.

I've used Football Crazy, coloured with promarkers and die cut with a circle nestie. All dies from Spellbinders. Sentiment from Imagination Crafts. Backing paper from Wild Rose Studio (I think!). Finished with some sequins...excuse the wet glue showing!

Do pop over to the challenge blog to see the inspiration from the other girls, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Challenges entered:

Love to Scrap - masculine

Pile it On - for a man

Challenge up your Life - digi stamps

Passion for Promarkers - masculine

I Love Promarkers - anything goes

Digi Chooseday - male

Exciting News...

Good morning all.

I'm so thrilled to have been asked by Kylie of Happy Little Stampers to join the inaugural Christmas design team. The challenges will be monthly and the first one goes live on the 5th July....hope to see you there!

Happy Birthday Son

Good morning all.

I think summer is forecast for the rest of this week...looking forward to a little warmth and sunshine!

It's going to be a busy week....Gary leaves on Thursday for his trip to Iceland and his motor bike is only just ready to go on the road!! We're a bit concerned he hasn't had much road practice yet but there again he hasn't had time to learn any bad habits either. He has his birthday next week so that has to be sorted before he goes and younger son has his birthday on Friday so there will be lots of celebrations before the week's out.

Today I'm sharing the card I've made for Mark.

After die cutting a panel with a nestie square I used texture paste to emboss the Texture Distress Grid stencil from Memory Box. Once dry I masked the edges and using stamps from STAMPloration's Celebrate Artsy set I stamped over the paste. Stamps were inked with DI and sprayed with water. Happy die from Whimsy Stamps is cut three times, birthday die is from Clearly Besotted. A pearl, some sequins and black soot splashes finish the card.

Challenges entered:

Pretty Pink Posh Water Colour Bloghop - use water colours

Happy Little Stampers CAS - sprays/mists

My Time to Craft - male

Crafts 4 Eternity - birthday

Simply Create Too - male

Virginia's View - ombre/mono

Moving along with the Times - happy birthday

Mema's Crafts - twist male

Addicted to Stamps - make your mark

Simon Says Stamp - for a man

Simon Says Stamp Work it Wednesday - rainbow

Christmas Card Club "Christmas Scene"

Good afternoon all.

Running late today after partying yesterday...my brother in law had a 50th birthday cum housewarming party, James Bond themed with a casino at night. A hog roast to eat, a menu of cocktails, some great fancy dress costumes made it a recipe for a good time...the boys definitely enjoyed themselves! Eldest ended up the biggest winner of the evening at the casino with £420,000, this was after been bankrupt five times though!!

Anyway another two weeks have flown past and it's time once again for us Christmas Card Club girls to strut our stuff and this time Kate has given us a theme of "Christmas Scene". I de-camped to the craft room this afternoon and my mind went blank...I hunted through all my Christmas stuff and nothing appealed. Then I had a eureka moment and thought of Thomas Kinkade...the rest as they say is history!

Using Joanna Sheen's Thomas Kinkade CD I printed off four images, which were then die cut using my new favourite die from Wplus9 and matted direct to the card base. Sentiment is from Clearly Besotted, stamped with versamark and heat embossed with white detail EP. Cards were finished with a little stickles. A very easy way to add four cards to the Christmas box all perfect for posting.

Challenges entered:

ABC Christmas - k is for keep it simple

The Christmas Challenge - snowman/woman

Christmas Card Challenge - colours/anything goes

CHNC Extra - anything Christmas goes

STAMPlorations Guest Designer

Good afternoon all.

Thrilled to be Guest Designing for STAMPlorations today after having a card chosen as a top pick in April. This months challenge is Stamps and Washi...you don't have to use STAMPloration stamps on your creation (though they love it when you do!).

I've made a gift tag with matching paper.

Stamp sets used: Celebrate Artsy,Trendy Butterflies,Mixed Media Grunge,Mini Mixed Media Backgrounds and the Confetti Circles Stencil on the wrapping paper. Washi tape, bee charm and twine from my stash.

Lengths of black and white tape were added randomly to the kraft tag which was then gessoed and once dry I added Vanilla acrylic with my fingers. Stamps were inked with various distress and black Archival inks. The teal and black washi was added and the HB2U was stamped with versamark and heat embossed. I then added some white gesso with my fingers to soften the tag.

The recycled wrapping paper was randomly stencilled and stamped using distress inks.

Challenges entered:

Scrap and Craft - tag it

2 Creative Chicks - any thing goes (but a card)

ABC Challenge - K is for kritters

Altered Eclectics - anything goes

One Crazy Stamper - anything goes

Deep Ocean Challenge - add a charm

All Crafts Challenge - anything but a card

Not Just Cards - anything goes

613 Avenue Create - anything goes opt subway art

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

A dull but dry day yesterday but it did turn into a lovely evening. It's supposed to be a bit warmer today then very windy again tomorrow! Off to Edinburgh to be fitted with bi-focal contact lenses this morning...this could be fun!

Friday once more so I'm off to join Erika with another Golden Oldie.

Back to 2007 and another folded shirt card...this one was commissioned for a football fan. It obviously pre-dates my first cutting machine (the wizard) as the matting and pinking has been done with my paper trimmer. At least my inking skills have progressed since this card lol!

I'll be back later with a guest design spot.

Work in Progress

Good morning all.

Gosh it's been a tad windy around here, luckily no damage and yesterday was quite nice otherwise.

Sharing my Card Chain Challenge make for May today. Checkout the link if you'd like to join in, still time to link up for the June challenge. This card went to the lovely Deborah herself.

Background stamp and sentiment are from Unity Stamps, border stamp is from Visible Image and was a magazine freebie. Pearls and raffia from my stash.

I received this card from the lovely Janet in Mauritius.

Challenges entered:

Loves Rubber Stamps - anything goes

Papertake Weekly - anything goes

Dream Valley Challenges - anything goes

Allsorts - vintage

Simply Create Too - keep it simple

Sister Act Card Challenge - anything goes

Unity Stamps - FWF

Upcycled Bottle

Good morning all.

An upcycled bottle to share with you today...no before photos but this started life as a humble chutney jar.

I was inspired by Annecke's tutorial at Paper Artsy and when this jar came out of the dishwasher I knew I wanted to use it.  I will have to make a few more curry's now to get the next jar emptied!

After cleaning and drying the jar I give it a couple of coats of Hint of Mint Fresco Finish acrylic paint using a foam applicator. Once dry I added a couple of coats of translucent Beach Hut Fresco Finish just dabbing it on with the foam applicator. The front decoration was made some time ago and I hadn't worked out how to use it. It is  a piece of acrylic which I stamped with JM09 and heat embossed with black detail EP. I then added red stickles  to the reverse and painted it with acrylic paint, this was attached with gel medium. I sanded the edges of the jar and rubbed some pearl metallic guilding wax over them in both teal and pearl. Red paper twine was wrapped around the neck to finish.

Challenges entered:

Paper Artsy - topic #10 bottles

All Crafts Challenge - anything but a card

Not Just Cards - anything goes

Altered Eclectics - anything goes