Stuff

Another Up-date

2011-02-26T13:06:00.000Z

Hello all you wonderful Crafties, hope all is well out there in Crafty Blogland!

Just thought I'd up-date you again - second treatment completed yesterday and dare I say there is a little improvement? It is certainly showing in my blood tests, although it might take a while for it to filter through to my body! But I woke up this morning and my knees weren't as stiff and swollen, although there's still a way to go with the rest of me!

Still don't know how long it's going to take before I'm back but, in the meantime, here's another card I've managed to produce this past fortnight. My middle niece has just moved into her first home with her darling baby daughter and when I saw this beautiful image by A Day for Daisies, it so reminded me of the pair of them.

Stamp: A Day for Daisies, 'Sweet Boy' (but I think it could be either boy or girl!)

Papers: Digi Papers by Sarah Smutchz, 'Dainty'

I wanted something delicate and pretty to put with this image and these beautiful digital papers were just the thing. The stamp could be either girl or boy, I think, and it certainly looked like my little grand-niece to me. This image is so like a photograph we have of the two of them, it was uncanny.

I told you I'd been gathering colouring tips whilst I've been away and I hope I've managed to use some of them in this 'portrait' - I certainly feel I've got some reasonable shading going on here. I hope my niece will like it.

I wish it wasn't such a struggle to create at the moment - my head is full of ideas but it's too tiring to do much with any of them. Still, there's a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel now and I can't wait to see if this new drug lives up to the promise.

Might I also take this opportunity to say a big 'thank you' to Christine, Bron and Lin who, in my absence, have given me awards for my blog. It means a lot, ladies, and I promise I'll publish them properly once I'm back.

Take care, my crafty friends.
Happy crafting.
xx

Today's The Day!

2011-02-11T10:38:00.000Z

Hello my Crafty Blogland friends. Just a quick note to say that today's the day - I'm starting my new treatment at 1.00 p.m., not a moment too soon, I can tell you.

It'll take a few weeks to kick in and make the long-awaited difference (so I'm told) but this does mean that, if it works (and we'll just have to wait and see) this could be the little miracle I've been hoping for.

I've not been a slouch whilst I've been waiting - I've been blog hopping every day, seeing what wonderful things you've all been creating and picking up colouring tips and inspiration along the way. I'm looking forward to getting back to some creating of my own!

I did manage to make a birthday card for my mum, though - thankfully I've a stock large enough to cover all occasions but Mum's birthday card had to be a special one.

I have always loved this photograph of my Mum, taken when she was about my daughter's age (20):

Very 'Gina Lollbrigida'! Beautiful!

So I had the idea to turn it into a digistamp - me and my big ideas! Anyway, I traced the main features and scanned the resulting tracing in then printed the image out and worked with that. I don't think I've quite managed to catch that 'Mona Lisa' smile (she's looking a little stern, perhaps) but here's the result:

The most exciting thing was that Mum immediately recognised the picture!

Just for info, papers from the new Cosmo Cricket 'Circa 1934' range. Gorgeous!

The cardigan was paper-pieced (that was fun! Scissors are not easy!), the rest was coloured with my Copics and, of course, the shading was added with my Prismas.

As usual, the photograph simply does not do it justice. IRL it is much crisper.

Despite all that, I was delighted with the end result. And it felt good to have created something worthwhile.

Right, off to watch some rubbish telly until the nurse arrives to administer the first dose (and teach me how to use the needle myself - ouch!). Wish me luck!

Happy crafting.
xx

A Little Update

2011-01-18T19:29:00.000Z

Hello my dear Crafty Bloglanders - oooo, I miss you! Just thought I'd give you a little up-date so that you know why I'm not posting at the moment.

I'm still having problems with my rheumatoid arthritis - the darned thing just won't get better at the moment. I'm waiting for my new drugs to start but I haven't got a date yet and, boy, am I getting frustrated!? Still, hope to have some news soon.

The current flare is making it really difficult for me to make anything. I can't colour in the lines with my Copics; I can't put enough pressure on to colour with my Prismas and using a knife or scissors is just hilarious at the moment! So you can see that it would be pretty hopeless trying to keep up with my usual timetable.

My design teams have been just marvellous about the whole situation and I can't say a big enough 'Thank You' for their patience and support.

It's so frustrating not being able to take part in Crafty Blogland but I'm stocking up on new papers and gathering inspiration along the way and I hope that my mojo will be bursting at the seams by the time I get back.

Thanks for keeping me delighted, inspired and entertained with all your lovely blogs - I sit and read them regularly and often and you are all so fantastically talented! What a great place Crafty Blogland is!

So, keep your fingers crossed for me that I'll hear some news soon. In the meantime...

Happy crafting!
xx

Help For Katie - You Can Make A Difference

2011-01-10T23:23:00.002Z

This is my first post for 2011 but it's not yet time to say 'Happy New Year'. I've ventured out of my rest to join in with an amazing piece of blogging by many of your favourite crafters and illustrators in aid of a very special lady.

You can read more here, at Jak Heath's blog. Today we are joining in raising funds for a special lady and her family. Katie is a young mum, wife and crafter who has been dealt the biggest blow - she has been diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer and is currently undergoing her only option, which is chemotherapy. Many of you will have come across Katie in your blog hopping - she is an inspiring and inspired crafter. You can see her work and read her story in her own words on her blog, My Paper Heaven.

This is how you can help. Jak and her many friends and contacts have put together an awesome selection of digi stamps and you can have the whole lot for a donation of just £15.00. The value of the package is way more than your donation, but the value of your donation is immeasureable in terms of what it can do for Katie and her family. We're hoping to be able to raise as much as possible to help Katie with her treatment and to provide a wonderful treat for her darling children. Please, check out Jak's blog where you can see all the images and learn more about what we are trying to do. I know you wonderful Crafty Bloglanders have hearts of pure gold and you are so good at helping and supporting those in need - please, please do what you can for Katie.

For my part, I'm hoping to inspire you with one of the collection of images donated by Clear Dollar Stamps:

This is a great collection of cooking and lovin' stamps - Lovin' From the Oven'. The minute I got it, I knew what project I would use it for.

Over the years I have collected and concocted all sorts of recipes that have become firm family favourites but they're all stored in a nasty plastic sleeve, shoved down the side of the 'real' cookery books. So it was time to do the thing I've been wanting to do for so long - get a box ready for some recipe cards.

I have to say, dear friends, that this is not my finest work! I'm still having some trouble with my hands and so things are a bit shaky. Once I'm better, I'll tart it up some and re-post but it was important to show it to you today.

I've been preparing to do this task for some while - I even bought the index card box. So what better base to start with - a plain black index card box. This is what I did with it:

Papers: October Afternoon, 'Modern Homemaker' collection (new and very yummy!)

I can't wait to get it filled with recipes - it will look so much prettier on the shelf than a tatty plastic sleeve!

Again, I can't say how much your donation would mean to this wonderful family at this awful time. And just as an added 'thank you' for your kindness, there are prizes to be won. Every time you donate you will be entered into the prize draw for a full set of Letraset Promarkers (worth over £200) or a prize package donated by Paper Temptress of paper packs and a $25.00 gift voucher.

Thank you for reading and thank you for caring.
Hugs to you all

Happy crafting
xx

Merry Christmas To All, And To All A Good Night!

2010-12-24T18:22:00.000Z

Well, here we are - Christmas Eve and time to begin the celebrations. I'm sorry for my absence of late - I've been having trouble with my arthritis and it has made it very difficult for me to craft this time. But I've had some good news today - I shall be getting new drugs in January and we are very hopeful for their success.

But I couldn't let the evening pass without saying a Very Merry Christmas to all my wonderful followers and to all those in Crafty Blogland who pass by. Thank you all for your support and encouragement throughout the year - it has meant so much to me and has spurred me on to keep creating.

I shall be back as soon as I am able in the New Year, refreshed, renewed and ready to go.

In the meantime, I hope your holidays are peaceful and happy and that 2011 brings you much joy.

Happy crafting.
Hugs
xx

Mo's Dream Team Project of the Month Blog Hop!

2010-12-16T17:00:00.001Z

Whoooo-hoooo! It's time for another Mo's Dream Team blog hop and guess what?! I'm hosting this month's hop and I'm very excited!

Because we've recently had such beautiful weather here in the UK (not!) and because we're in for another spell of the same, this month I have chosen the theme 'Let It Snow'. Yup, I wanted my teamies to come up with some snowy creations and I'm sure they've done me proud! There's certainly been plenty of the white stuff to inspire us over this side of the Pond!

So, kicking off this month is my project:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Snowman'

Papers: October Afternoon, Good Cheer collection

Could there be a more perfect image for this theme? Here's Mr Snowman, his snowy buddies and some snowflakes for good measure!

This is my very first shaker card and I'm quite pleased with the results. The shaker dome is actually the packaging from one of my rolls of double-sided tape, which is a perfect size for my largest circle Nestie - how cool is that!? After covering the front of my card with my chosen papers, I cut out the circle and pushed the 'dome' through. Then I filled it a little with .... stain removing powder! Yup! It was the only snow-like substance in the house and, actually, it's perfect. Slight draw back in that it has made the dome a little dusty but, hey, it's snowing!

This closeup shows you just how fine the powder is and there's Mr Snowman in his warm hat and gloves, happily surrounded by snow. No wonder he's smiling - the weather in there is perfect for him! He was coloured with my Copics and, this time, the 'glow' (difficult to see but definitely there) was added with pale blue pearlised chalk.

Right, on with the hop and next stop is the very talented Debbie and I know there'll be something snowy and gorgeous waiting for you.

Just in case you should get lost along the way, here's the full hop order:

Peri (me!)

Debbie

Heidy
Mina
Elaine
Arielle
Lori
Kerttu
Shirly
Jak
Happy Hopping!

xx

Oldies But Goodies at Karen's Doodles

2010-12-16T08:30:00.047Z

Oooh, it's Thursday again (would you believe it) and time for another Oldies But Goodies showcase over at the Karen's Doodles Challenge Blog. My OBG Teamies and I have been digging through our Karen's Doodles images and have found some old favourites to inspire you.

If you've read back a couple of posts you'll know I'm very, very tired at the moment and could sleep almost anywhere during the day, although not in my bed at night!!! Maybe I should take a leaf out of Bigsby's book:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Bigsby Wreath'

Papers: October Afternoon, 'Good Cheer' collection (you guessed right! - These have been my favourite Christmas papers this year!)

Doesn't Bigsby look all warm and cosy? I kept the card itself quite simple because of the vibrant colours I've used for Bigsby - so there's no matting and only a little layering and some simple embellishments.

All the colouring, even the 'glow' this time, was done with my Copics. I wanted a really warm glow in the centre of the wreath and I'm quite pleased with the result. I applied some highlights with a white gel pen, just to lift it a bit but there are no Prismas here this week.

I wonder what Bigsby will be up to next week? You'll have to pop back and see.

Don't forget to check out the Challenge Blog and see what my Teamies have been working on. While you're there, why not enter our challenge, which is 'Silver and Gold' this week (one or both) - we love to see what you create. And don't forget, by entering you're in with a chance of winning up to three Karen's Doodles images of your choice.

Happy crafting.
xx

Do I Know It's Christmastime?

2010-12-15T19:48:00.001Z

Whew! What a week! I've been suffering big time with the old RA - bloomin' thing is active again and causing havoc! So I've been a bit slow in making stuff and slower still in my (yet to happen) Christmas preparations. Oh dear! You'd think I didn't know it was all happening in 9 days (eeeek!).

Thankfully, tonight's project killed three birds with one stone, so to speak. You know how it is - three siblings, got to have the same but different so no-one feels left out. So, with this in mind, I set to and made these three cute little stockings, as tags/money holders for my three nieces:

I'm so pleased with how they turned out. Three the same but very different, a bit like my nieces in fact! (No, they're not triplets but they are all my brother's children!)

This one's for the eldest - a bit more sophisticated than the others, perfect for a 20-year old.

This one's for the middle one, who's almost 19.

And this one's for the youngest - 15 years old and still in her pink phase!

The pink one above is also a gift holder - a universal gift voucher, shall we say? (Yup, money!)

So, two tags and a gift done - that just leaves the rest of the gift shopping, the food and the decorations. Wish me luck!

This is my entry for the following challenges:

Paperplay - 'Holiday Tags'
Scrap-Creations Challenge ' 'Make It a Tag'
Everybody Art Challenge - 'A gift'
City Crafter - 'Use Kraft card'

I'm going to eat, make lists and then fall asleep - perhaps if I dream hard enough, the dream fairies will come and finish everything off for me?

Happy crafting.
xx

Oldies But Goodies at Karen's Doodles

2010-12-09T08:30:00.015Z

Thursday again, Crafty Bloglanders - and another week closer to Christmas! At some point I should really give some thought to buying presents but the weather is so cold and the ground so slippery that I can't contemplate venturing out on a shopping trip at the moment! I shall be making plenty of money wallets, just in case!

And Thursday means another 'Oldies But Goodies' showcase over at the Karen's Doodles Challenge Blog, where my Teamies and I bring out some of our favourite but older Karen's Doodles images to inspire you.

The snow is still with us, although it is gradually thawing a little. However, the nights are so cold that the melting snow is simply turning to ice and it's like a skating rink outside. Bet this little one wouldn't mind though:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Skating Fun'

Papers: October Afternoon, 'Good Cheer' and 'Very Merry' collection

What a great image this is for a cold winter's day! I love the movement - and with the little dog running out of the frame, I get the feeling she's moving quickly! The DPs were chosen because they were some of the last scraps I had of these favourite papers and I wanted to use them up together. I might just have to buy some more, even though Christmas is almost upon us and they won't be needed for another 12 months.

I coloured her up with my Copics and added a little extra shading and background with my Prismas. I appear to have made the dog cross-eyed though! Poor thing!

So, pop over to Karen's Doodles Challenge Blog and see what my talented Teamies have created for you this week - don't forget to leave them some love. And while you're over there, why not check out this week's challenge, which is really simple this week: Christmas! Show us your Christmas creations and you could be in with a chance of winning up to three Karen's Doodles images of your choice.

Happy crafting.
xx

NEWS!

2010-12-08T23:03:00.000Z

Just a bit of news, dear Crafty Bloglanders. I've been holding on to this for a week now and I don't know how!

Just after my OH left for Oz and I was feeling all alone and blue, I came home to find a wonderful e-mail waiting for me. I am a runner up in this year's 'Card Designer of the Year' competition. The competition is run by Simply Cards and Papercraft magazine and I'm going to be published tomorrow, 9th December, and I'm so excited.

On top of that, there are also some lovely prizes on their way to me - how brilliant is that?!

I nearly didn't enter because I didn't think I stood a chance and it was all very last minute before my courage failed me completely!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

Happy crafting.
xx

Decorating The Tree?

2010-12-08T22:57:00.000Z

Just a quick post tonight, dear Crafty Bloglanders. I'm pleased to report that my OH is now safely home and my darling MiL has been discharged from hospital to a nursing home. Although she is by no means back to her old self, her sheer determination and general loveliness appears to have brought her through this latest terrible time and we are just so blessed to have her with us still.

So, of course, this means life is now well and truly back to normal - I have my OH by my side (big yaaay!), we're both back at work (humph) and Christmas is running towards us at great speed.

Speaking of Christmas (and who isn't at the moment?), have you got your decorations up yet? I know that our US friends see Thanksgiving as the time to start decorating and there are many people in the UK who like to have their decorations up by now but for me, well, Christmas Eve is soon enough! Honest! I love doing my tree on Christmas Eve, but I do bow to pressure and give in about the 20th these days. When Darling Daughter was young, doing the tree on Christmas Eve just added to the magic of Christmas morning, when she firmly believed the Tree Fairies had been in the night, as well as Santa! Aaaaah!

But how many of us end up like this little lady?

Image: Phindy's Place, 'Miss Chrissy Tree'

Papers: Yup, October Afternoon, 'Good Cheer' collection (I sooo love these papers)

Isn't she a darling? She looks just like our friends' middle daughter, who I can imagine ending up just like this if left to it!

She was coloured with Copics and quite a good bit of shading was done with my Prismas. I'm still working on folds and pleats - getting there slowly but I get so frustrated. Some days it just works, others I really have to work hard to almost get there! Oh hum!

The little tree border was all cut by hand, as were the stars. I don't yet own many Christmassy punches so I have to improvise!

This is my entry for the following challenges:

Raise The Bar - 'Trees'
Secret Crafter Saturday - 'Christmas'

Right, off to bed now with my Kindle - I'm just reading Patricia Cornwell's new book, 'Port Mortuary' and I'm enjoying it very much. I adore my Kindle - so much easier to handle than a book, particularly in bed!

Happy crafting.
xx

Just Inklined to Blog Hop!

2010-12-06T07:00:00.057Z

Happy Monday morning, Crafty Bloglanders! It's time for another Just Inklined blog hop and this month we're stitching you up! Haha! Yup, the theme of our hop is 'Stitching, real or faux' and I know my lovely Teamies will have been hard at work to bring you some wonderful inspiration.

If you've arrived here from the marvellous Mina's blog then you're on the right path. If not, jump back to Debbie's blog and start from the beginning because you won't want to miss anything along the way!

This one is my Daughter's friend's Christmas card - sshhh, don't tell! D's friend loves pugs and as soon as I saw this sweet little image, I knew it had to be done!

Image: Just Inklined, 'Pug in a Box'

Papers: 'Christmas Eve' digital papers by Jazzy Patterns, available here

Sentiment Circle: Pink Gem Designs, available here

Isn't he sweet? I hope I've got his colouring right. He was done with my Copics, a combination of E50 and all the warm greys. The background was done with my Prismas, of course and the box was paperpieced.

As I was colouring the background, I realised it had naturally formed a triangle and the idea for a tree shape was born! I wasn't sure it would work but, actually, I think it's quite fun!

The original image I coloured was too small, I decided, so I've cut him out of his box and used him on a matching gift tag - what a cutie!

As well as the Hop, this is my entry for this week's Daring Cardmakers' Challenge, which is to use the colour turqoise.

Right, that's me done! Your next hop will be to my talented Teamie Cathy - she'll have something wonderful for you, as always.

Happy crafting.
xx

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr ............

2010-12-05T15:46:00.001Z

............... 'tis cold, dear Crafty Bloglanders - temperatures are struggling to remain at freezing and are dropping bitterly at night. My OH arrives back home from Oz tomorrow evening and is in for a terrible shock! I'd better make sure to have a pot of something warming on the stove!

Still, it's not quite so cold as where this little fellow comes from:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'North Pole Employees' - set of two stamps (see here for my post using the other one)

Papers: October Afternoon, 'Good Cheer' collection

I love this set of stamps - they're perfect for colourful children's Christmas cards, in particular.

He was coloured with my Copics, of course, and the background was added with my trusty Prismas. I could have done more to define the bottom of his tunic because it looks a bit flat but sometimes it's hard to tell until the photograph has been taken and you're rushing to get it posted! Maybe next time!

This is my entry for this week's The Pink Elephant challenge, where we are being asked to use the colours 'Blue, green and red' - there's plenty of all three here, and a couple of others for free!

Anyway, I've crafting to finish as tomorrow I shall be doing the big crafting tidy up in preparation for my OH's return. You know what it's like, while the cat's away the mouse will get out all her crafty stash and spread it liberally over the front room!

Happy crafting.
xx

Where Have All the Colours Gone?

2010-12-04T11:41:00.001Z

At this time of year, I'm more used to seeing an array of golds, russetts, greens, browns, coppers, reds - I could go on - but whenever I look outside my window at the moment, there is only a blanket of white, with the odd bit of drab green poking through. Who stole all the lovely autumn colours? The snow is very pretty but there's only so much white a girl wants to see!

So, in order to introduce some of those beautiful warm autumn colours, I've designed today's card, which is also my entry for the following challenges:

Stamptacular Challenge: 'Fall Colours'
Sweet Sketch Wednesday: Sketch, see below

Here it is, my little bit of autumn:

Image: A Day For Daisies, 'Holiday Mail'

Papers: Scenic Route (strips) and Pink Petticoat (gingham)

Isn't this the sweetest image - I love A Day for Daisies images but I have to be in the 'right place' to colour them as they are so delicate.

I've kept the colouring (Copics of course) very simple - just a hint of shadow and light (probably all in the wrong place!) and with a rich orange as the focal point. I've used Scenic Route papers, which come printed in very handy strips of pattern, perfect for cutting up for something like the stripes here.

Do you like the sunflowers? I'm so pleased they worked. These are simply circles punched out of pale yellow Bazzill, cut into spikey petals, layered up (two circles per flower) and a nice big brown brad for the centre. I love these brads - can't remember who makes them but they have a lovely velvety finish, just perfect for the middle of a sunflower.

I must say, I'm hugely enjoying being on holiday - I've done lots of crafting at a leisurely pace (rather than the frantic 'got to get it done' mode I'm usually in) and I've had time to try out some new digi companies too, which is always nice. I shall be able to post daily for the next couple of days! Yaaaaaay!

Happy crafting.
xx

Hanging The Star

2010-12-03T18:20:00.000Z

Well, what a week it has been! The weather has been dreadful - around 9 inches of snow in my garden - and temperatures are very low and getting lower! And this means, of course, that Rentokill couldn't guarantee to make it to carry out the treatment today so (big sigh of relief) we've rescheduled and I haven't had to pack everything away! Yaaaay! Thankfully, I got to find out just before I started the final push towards packing boxes of books, DVDs, etc., and moving furniture so, other than having had a good opportunity for a clear out, I've not had to live in chaos for the past two days. I can't tell you what a relief it is. We still have it to do again mid-January but there will at least be two of us to go at it then!

There's more good news from Australia too - my darling MiL will be discharged from hospital on Wednesday next week and although she will not be as mobile or independent as she was before all this started, she is happy and feels well and we are so grateful to have her still with us. She is so determined and strong, I'm sure that's what has got her through an horrendous four weeks. Bless her! And thank you to all of you who expressed such warm wishes - they have been passed on.

Finally, I came home to some exciting news yesterday but .... I can't tell you about it for another week and it's going to kill me keeping the secret! Watch out for the announcement.

Anyway, on to today's post, which I hope I am just managing to sneak in before one of the challenges ends tomorrow!

This will be my entry for:

One Stop Craft Challenge: 'Christmas Cuties'
Scrap Creations Challenge: 'Anything Goes'
City Crafter: 'Blue Christmas'
Cute Card Thursday: 'The Blues'
DP2 Challenge: 'Glitz and glimmer'
Friday Sketchers: 'Sketch challenge' - see below

Cool sketch, eh?

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Hanging the Star'

Papers: October Afternoon, 'Very Merry' collection (background); recycled brochure cover (triangle)

Isn't this the sweetest little image? Absolutely adorable in a way that only Mo knows how. I just want to cuddle her and kiss her plump little cheeks.

This was a little bit of a challenge to colour, in that it seemed obvious that the light source should come from the almost overhead, slightly to the right, not my usual choice. There were interesting shadows to capture on the face too, which I hope I've mostly managed. This little one was coloured with my Copics, with background added with Prismas.

(I threw a strop today with my Prismas - the more I have to sharpen them, the more I realise that the leads are badly broken inside the pencils, obviously done when shipping. I'm really cross because on the colours I use most I'm getting maybe half a pencil's worth of good lead. Not a happy bunny!)

Anyway, back to the card. Using MS Publisher's preset drawing shapes, I 'drew' and printed several stars in various sizes and coloured them with my Copics so that there was a hint of light source on these too. Then I covered them in some very fine lemon/iridescent glitter before popping them on the card. I added just a tiny touch of the glitter to the star in the image, too.

I thought I was being tremendously clever using the old brochure cover for the triangle and, in fact, there's nothing wrong with it at all - it's lovely heavyweight paper. But looking at the card through the lens often gives a different perspective and perhaps I should have used a different colour/pattern. But, hey, 'tis done now and I'm not going to beat myself up about it!

So, off to link up then back to a bit more crafting in front of the television. Need to decide whether chocolate counts as a meal or whether I should actually cook something for myself tonight!

Take care if you're affected by any of this (or any other) bad weather - keep warm and safe.

Happy crafting.
xx

Kisses For My Sweet

2010-11-30T01:03:00.000Z

Just a quick post before bed beckons! I thought I might be too late with this card but, thankfully, I have another 17 hours to submit it for the current Copic Creations challenge, which is 'Shading your paper-pieced pieces'. As many of you will know, I love paper piecing and I nearly always try to add more depth by shading, either with Copics or with my Prismas. See what you think to this one (with apologies for the bad photography, again!):

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Kisses For My Sweet' (comes with 4 small 'accessory' images!)

Papers: Graphic 45, 'Christmas Past' collection

Isn't this an adorable image? I loved it the moment I saw it but haven't been able to find the time to colour it until now. As the image comes with the small 'accessory' images too (heart, mistletoe, bells and butterflies) it is easy to make this for any romantic occasion. But, as you can see, I chose Christmas this time.

I paper-pieced all the clothes in this image, with the exception of the ruffles at the neck and the chap's shirt. Everything else is paper-pieced and then shaded with Copics and highlighted with white.

I'm really pleased with the background, actually - I had almost forgotten how to cut 'out of the box' so it was a bit of a risk but it paid off. I chose four co-ordinating papers - I wanted to give the impression that they were standing on a carpet in front of a wall and I think it's worked. The scallops are just because I went a bit mad with my punches!

All in all, I'm pretty pleased with this one, although next time I will pay more attention to my light source as my shadows are all over the place! Still, it was late and it's never a good time to craft when your eyes are almost closed!

The house sorting is in full flow - Daughter and I really got to grips with her room and the study this weekend - and, actually, it was good to have a clear out. In fact, watch out over the next few days - the result of my stash sorting might interest you.

Off to bed now - two duvets on as it's reaaaallllllllllllllyyyyyyyyy cold tonight! And they're predicting more snow overnight too. OMG! It'll be up to my knees! (Not really, a bit dramatic that, but it is deep!)

Happy crafting.
xx

Hopping Around at Karen's Doodles!

2010-11-29T08:30:00.002Z

Happy Monday morning Crafty Bloglanders. Hope all is well, wherever you are. I'm posting for Karen's Doodles today as well as Thursday because the DT is hosting a blog hop today along with the weekly challenge. How exciting!

AND, just to make this hop pop, we've an additional twist. Each team member will be 'displaying' a letter - visit each team member's blog and collect the letters. Once you have them all, unscramble them to reveal the 2 word phrase then return to the Challenge blog and leave a comment with the answer. A grand prize winner of a $20 gift certificate will be chosen from all the correct answers, in addition to our 3 weekly challenge winners. We will also be awarding random prizes of digi images chosen from the people who comment on each member's blog.

Right, so on with the hop. If you arrived here from Lori's blog you are on the right track. If not, start at the Challenge blog for a list of the DT members in hop order.

This week's challenge is a sketch:

Great layout, eh? Here's what I did with it:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Herbert Christmas'

Papers: October Afternoon, 'Very Merry' collection

Isn't this a super image? I love Herbert and I like the idea of him walking down the street delivering parcels! This wonderful paper from October Afternoon is perfect for the job!

I coloured Herbert with my Copics, adding a little shading with my Prismas. I hate colouring with red (an occupational hazard at this time of year, though) - it's so unforgiving! Still, not too many boo-boos on this one. I love Herberts shiny red boots.

SO, it's time for you to continue hOpping and next is Tanja, who I'm certain will have something wOnderful for you. (Did you find the letter yet?)

Happy crafting.

What a Lovely Pair!

2010-11-27T11:52:00.001Z

Ah! that got your attention, didn't it, you naughty Bloglanders! Today's post is just a quickie, as we're in the middle of the big clear up, in readiness for the house being treated for woodworm! Arrrggghh!

I love it when a single project can fit so many challenges and today I've hit a minor jackpot! This is my entry for the following challenges:

Papertake Challenge: 'Punches and Nesties'
Creative Cottage: 'Untraditional Christmas'
Simon Says Challenge: 'Let It Snow'
Totally Papercrafts: 'Untraditional Christmas'
Scrapbook Sisters Challenge: 'Let It Snow'

Here it is, my lovely pair:

Images: Just Inklined, 'A Letter to Santa, Boy'; 'A Letter to Santa, Girl'

Papers: October Afternoon, 'Very Merry' collection

Dies: Marianne Creatables

I love this matching pair of images - what a great idea. As you can see, each was coloured to co-ordinate with the paper, and, traditionally, blue for a boy, pink for a girl (how non-PC of me!). The inspiration actually came from the papers - so similar and perfect for a pair.

As I have three sets of the Marianne Creatables snowflake dies, I tried to match up the die-cut snowflakes with the style of snowflake on each paper.

Each image was coloured with Copics and shaded with Prismas. I liked the idea of them both having a green hat and gloves, though - again, to pull the pair together. Then I added blue and pink glitter and Stickles as appropriate, to give a little snowy sparkle. The snowflakes were all decorated with 'white' 3D glitter glue.

And just to finish - here's a close up of a couple of the snowflakes - aren't these dies fantastic. So detailed - although I have to say that they are a little fussy when removing them from the die!

Gorgeous! I love them - and so many different ways to put them together!

So, off to link up and then back to sort, reorganising and packing away - oh what fun!

Happy crafting.
xx

Oldies But Goodies at Karen's Doodles

2010-11-25T08:30:00.002Z

Oooh, is it Thursday already? That means another day closer to the weekend and another Oldies But Goodies showcase on the Karen's Doodles Challenge Blog. Why not hop over there and see what my OBG teamies have created - there's sure to be some wonderful inspiration - and you can take a look at our latest challenge, which is 'Use more than one Karen's Doodles image'.

My OBG today is a simple masculine card (I hope!):

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Bigsby The King'

Paper: Graphic 45, 'Halloween in Wonderland' collection

I love colouring Herbert but was a bit daunted by Bigsby and all his fur. Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained and I'm pretty pleased with how this turned out. I coloured Bigsby and Herbert with my Copics, using my Prismas to add a little shading detail and, of course, the 'glow' in the background.

I've kept the papers and embellishments to a minimum, although I couldn't resist those big orange buttons - they go so well with this paper!

So, another day at work then Daughter arrives on Friday for the weekend, to help me sort out and pack away some of the house. We've got woodworm in the kitchen floor, which is now happily collapsing beneath us, and the specialists are coming next week to treat the whole house! This means that all the books, CDs, DVDs, etc., and my precious crafting stash, that are stored on and in various bookshelves and units have to be packed away so that all the furniture can be moved. OMG! What a task. Thank goodness for Darling Daughter (note the Darling has crept in!) as I couldn't manage this on my own. It'll be a great opportunity to get rid of some stuff, though (so that I can make room for more stash, of course).

Happy crafting
xx

A Little 'Elf' Indulgence

2010-11-22T23:02:00.000Z

Yup, I know, terrible pun but you'll see why.

First, though, a little up-date. My mother-in-law seems to be gaining strength today and I'm pleased to report that she is definitely making progress. There's a way to go yet but it's good news, that's for sure. Thank you again to all of you who have contacted me with your kind wishes - they are much appreciated by us all.

So, on to tonight's project, which is for the following challenges:

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - 'A Time for Giving' (no cards allowed!)
Our Creative Corner - 'Holiday 3D project'
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - 'Handmade Christmas Gift'

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'North Pole Employees #3355 and #5533' (set of two stamps - one used)

Papers: October Afternoon 'Very Merry' collection

This was a box left over from one of last year's Christmas presents (never throw a good box away!). It held sloe gin truffles and this year it will hold home-made peppermint creams but I haven't made them yet as it is too early (and I'll eat them!). I covered the box in co-ordinating papers from the 'Very Merry' collection and covered the bottom with a piece of plain white card, just to finish it off neatly.

I coloured the image with Copics (of course) then cut it out with a thin white border.

I used one of the 'Very Merry' die cut tags for the 'sentiment' - I originally hand-wrote the message but it looked awful so I typed up a replacement and stuck it over the top - much better!

After layering all this on top of the box, I attached a die-cut snowflake and mini candy stick for an extra bit of Christmas love - and it was finished. (Note: I ate three mini candy sticks whilst making this box - now you see why I haven't made the peppermint creams yet!)

I'll line the box with tissue and nestle the peppermint creams inside - I'll colour them pink, pale green and white so they'll look really pretty in their little box. Another stocking filler finished! Only about 15 more to do!

Off to link up then bed as I need to be well rested for the morning, when my boss returns from his holiday!

Happy crafting.

Mo's Dream Team Project of the Month Blog Hop

2010-11-19T07:00:00.000Z

Yaaaaay! It's time for another Mo's Dream Team blog hop and this month we've all got a little distressed about things! Yup, that's right, our theme is 'distressing', with inks, scissors, sandpaper - you name it, we've used it! If you've arrived here from the super-talented Jak's blog then you're on the right track. If not, then hop back over there to start from the beginning.

When it came to choosing my image this month, I couldn't think of anyone more distressed than this little one:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Broked'

Papers: Graphic 45, 'Halloween in Wonderland' and 'Christmas Past' collections

Oh the poor dear - isn't she the cutest little poppet though? She seemed the perfect choice for this month's 'challenge'. I don't do distressing very often so I was a bit nervous about this one. I chose the muted/vintage papers because they seemed more appropriate to the theme and I had inks to match! The brown mat was edge-punched with Martha Stewarts Scallops and Dots punch before being generally mistreated with my scissor blades and curled and torn until I was happy. Mind you, looks like poor Teddy is much more distrssed than my card!

I coloured the image with Copics and shaded with Prismacolors (as usual), keeping the pallet light so as not to clash too much with the papers I'd chosen. I can't wait to have a go with the other images in this series too - they're all equally cute and forlorn-looking!

Right, it's time for you to hop over to the amazing Debbie's blog, where I know she'll have something fabulous waiting for you.

Enjoy the Hop and happy crafting.
xx

Oldies But Goodies at Karen's Doodles

2010-11-18T08:30:00.003Z

Well, it's Thursday already, which means it's time for another Oldies But Goodies showcase over at the Karen's Doodles Challenge Blog. And without further ado, here's what I have for you today:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Little Helping Hands'

Papers: October Afternoon, Seaside collection

This has to be one of my favourite Karen's Doodles images - it is soooo cute. Unfortunately, I've been experiencing some difficulty with my Copics and paper combo so the skin tones on this one are a little off. Hopefully my new paper (Neenah Super Smooth) should help elimnate the streaking and, of course, filling my pens some would help!!

It's somehow apt that I should have chosen this image this week - and can I just say a big 'thank you' to all of you who have left comments and sent e-mails wishing my MIL well - you are so kind and your support is very much appreciated.

Back to the card - I coloured the image with my Copics and applied a little Prismacolor to the background. I've only recently received this October Afternoon paper collection but it's had plenty of use because I love the colour combos and patterns. This combo is fresh and bright - just right for a little 'get well' cheer.

Now don't forget to check out the Challenge blog to see what my other OBG teamies have been up to. Of course, you can also check out this week's challenge, which is all about gift boxes - rather a good idea at this time of year! Why not join us in the fun and show us your favourite box - just remember to use a Karen's Doodles image on your project too.

Happy crafting.
xx

Back Soon!

2010-11-17T13:20:00.000Z

Sorry for my absence, dear Crafty Bloglanders. Not only have I had some health issues but we've been dealing with the awful news that my darling mother-in-law in Perth, Australia, is critically ill. My OH has flown out to be with her and I've stayed here in the UK but the current situation isn't really good for my mojo, as you might imagine.

I shall be back tomorrow with my OBG for Karen's Doodles and a brilliant Mo's Dream Team blog hop, so please pop back to see me. Meantime, I'll try to get back into the groove and hope to be back to blogging more regularly very soon.

Happy crafting.
xx

Just Tagging Along

2010-11-09T23:32:00.000Z

A quick post tonight, my crafty friends, as I have a hot date with a good book! As I said in my last post, it's great to be focusing on Christmas now and that means presents, of course. And presents need tags so tonight's post is for this week's Totally Papercrafts Challenge, which is 'tags'.

Papers: October Afternoon, 'Good Cheer' collection; Cosmo Cricket 'Mitten Weather' collection

Unusually for me, this project required no colouring - just a bit of assembly, really. I took some white luggage label tags and folded each almost in half. I covered the inside back and the outside flap in co-ordinating papers, added a large punched snowflake, a felt heart, some buttons a little sentiment (produced on the PC), some ribbon and, of course, a sprinkle of snowy glitter for good measure.

I cut a little half circle tab in the 'back' so that the front could sit under it to keep it closed. Inside the tag is some white space for writing your message:

A really simple little project - one of those you can do while watching TV too! Guess what colour our Christmas is going to be this year!!!

So, off to link up and off to meet my Kindle - aaaaah, the joys of reading.

Happy crafting.

Getting Ready for Christmas

2010-11-08T23:59:00.000Z

I quite like this time of year, when there are lots of Christmas-related challenges around - they focus the mind and have the added advantage of helping me get ready for our own Christmas! And there's no better way than making little Christmas cards to send or sell. And I have to say a big 'Thank You' to Laurie Schmidlin of 'Just Give Me Stamps' for her inspiration. Please check out her blog - she's amazingly talented.

So, tonight's project is one that I've put together as a quick and simple gift/project and it's also my entry for this week's Little Red Wagon challenge, which is 'use red' (how easy is that one!?).

I wanted to produce some very simple cards, easy to make in quantity yet stylish. I saw Laurie's post a few months ago and it stayed with me because I loved it so much, so I decided to use it as the basis for this project. As you can see, there's plenty of Christmassy red here, although not everything is red, I have to say - take a look:

Images: Pink Petticoat, 'Tiny Christmas Treasures' collection - these are just six of the 24 cute little motifs.

Papers: Pink Petticoat digital papers, 'Snowflakes' colour collection and 'Gingham Colour Collection'

I just love these little digis - they are supercute, easy to colour, stylish and modern - what more could I want for some superquick makes? I've teamed each with a colour, used snowflakes and gingham and quickly coloured the digi with my Copics - no fancy stuff, plain and simple this time. Each is mounted on kraft card (which I love for Christmas stuff) and I found some cute little golden envelopes to go with them.

Right, I'm off to bed. Just six hours to go before I start it all again! Aaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrghhhhhhhhh! Time is flying by.

Happy crafting.
xx

Jumping for Joy at Karen's Doodles

2010-11-08T14:12:00.001Z

Happy Monday morning all! Just for a change, I decided that I'd like to join in with the main Karen's Doodles DT this morning and celebrate 'A Black and White Christmas' with them. So my Karen's Doodles post will be today, this week.

Our challenge to you this week is to create a Christmas project in black and white - although, just to make it a little easier, you can use some colour on your image (but not anywhere else!). I've had a sneaky peek at my Teamies' projects and you won't be disappointed, believe me - there are some stunners!

Here's my contribution:

Image: Karen's Doodles 'Joy'

Papers: Pink Petticoat digital papers, 'Snowflakes' collection (contains papers in all sorts of beautiful colours!)

Whilst on a bit of a pre-Christmas foraging spree the other day, I came across some wonderful little nets of chocolate snowballs at Thorntons. So I bought loads as I had in mind plenty of little projects to make for stocking fillers. Then I saw this wonderful image by Karen's Doodles and thought it would make a brilliant accompaniment to a box of snowballs.

I made an ordinary tall box, then cut out a panel out of one side and backed it with a piece of thin acetate, to create a window. Originally, I had intended to make a lid for the box but decided simply to squeeze it together at the top to close it (I stapled it, actually).

Sylvester, the happy snowman in this digistamp, is much larger than this - he has a bouncing bottom and everything - but I just wanted to keep the focus on the 'Joy' part. I didn't want to colour too heavily either, so kept the colours simple, colouring 'Joy' red for punch. And, of course, a little glitter always helps!

This is destined for some little person's stocking at Christmas, for sure.

So, why not join us in the Karen's Doodles Challenge this week? Use a Karen's Doodles image and show us your black and white Christmas creations. There will be three winners, as usual:

* 1st place winner of 3 digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles will be awarded by merit. The Design Team members will vote for their favorite entry and the winner will also get a Card of the Week blinkie to display on their blog.

Both 2nd and 3rd place winners will be chosen by Random.org and the prizes will be:

* 2nd place winner - 2 Digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles.
* 3rd place winner - 1 Digi stamp of your choice from Karen's Doodles.

As always, I shall look forward to seeing what you come up with! And don't forget to check out my Teamies' blogs and leave them some love!

Happy crafting.
xx

Oldies But Goodies at Karen's Doodles

2010-11-04T09:05:00.000Z

Morning All. It's Thursday (again) and that means another Oldies But Goodies moment over at the Karen's Doodles Challenge Blog. Take a look - you're bound to find some inspiration! And while you're there, why not check out this week's challenge, which is 'Give Thanks'. We want to see your 'Thank You' projects - you have until Sunday evening to get them to us - using your favourite Karen's Doodles images.

So on to today's card:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Princess Kitty'

Papers: October Afternoon and SEI (I think!)

Embellishments: Bits and bobs from my recent (well, last month at least) win over at Sketchy Colors

Isn't this an adorable (and so true) image? She is definitely the cat that got the cream! I coloured her up with my Copics and then went back in with my Prismas to add a little shading and some 'fur'. She's certainly a very regal cat.

Now, I have to say that although I love these embellishments, they are not really working on this card. In fact, this is the second time I've made this card and, to be honest, I really should have changed my mind before I started it again! (If you remember, the first one met with disaster when a cup of tea decided to spill all over it! - not my fault, of course!) But, I faithfully reproduced what I'd made before and, well, look, it's not my best card design, okay?! However, you can't deny that the image is gorgeous and I'm actually very pleased with my colouring. Maybe I need to reuse this image in a different way - look out for version two!

So, another day at work but one less to go until the weekend. I get a crafting day on Saturday as my OH is going fishing all day and I have new stash arriving tomorrow, ready for my Christmas cards. Yaaaaay!

Happy crafting
xx

Just Inklined to Blog Hop!

2010-11-01T07:00:00.005Z

Happy Monday everyone and welcome to this month's Just Inklined DT Blog Hop. This month, our Blog Hop theme is 'Punches - at least two of them!' and I know that my Teamies will have some wonderful projects to show you.

If you've arrived here from the super-talented Jak's blog then you're on the right track. If not, why not hop back to Lydia's and start from the beginning, so you won't miss any of the wonderfulness along the way.

So, without further ado, here's my card (with advance apologies for the photography - these dark nights are playing havoc with the lighting!):

Image: Just Inklined, 'Holly, Ivy and Rosehips'

Papers: Graphic 45

Punches: Martha Stewart, Punch Around The Page, 'Double Loops'; Fiskars - no name, but I call it 'Victorian Scallop'!

This is a first for me - a step card - and I worked out the template all on my own (feeling very proud of myself!). I didn't want the middle section to be at the back of the steps, I wanted it to be the main part of the card so it took a little working out. But now I have the hang of it, I shall be making more!

Until I started colouring this delightful image, it didn't occur to me that I'd need to be canny with my choice of greens! So I ended up laying down a base of Copics and then recolouring the leaves almost completely by using my Prismas on top. It has worked (kinda) but I shall know better next time!

I love these traditional Christmas papers from Graphic 45 - you can't beat a bit of traditional red and green for a Christmas card, can you, really?

A nice big red bow, a few gems and it was ready to go. I'm really disappointed that we couldn't get better photographs (mind you, you should have seen the ones I took! These are by my OH and at least you can see the colours properly!) - I'll have to look at getting a better lighting setup now that Autum days are here and I'm likely to be photographing in the dark. Mmmm, maybe now is the time to really brush up on those photography skills too?!

Anyway, that's my post for today. Next you'll want to hop over to the very talented Cathy, 'cos I'm sure she'll have something wonderful for you.

Happy Hopping!
xx

Miss December 2010

2010-10-28T22:52:00.000+01:00

Ah my dear friends, do I have a treat for you this evening!

First, by way of a short introduction, do you remember Miss Blackpool 1945?

And can you recall the amount of effort Maude put into looking so good?

Well, I'm pleased to announce that it all paid off because Maude Doodlebuns has been selected to star as 'Miss December 2010' in the latest Pirelli (Spare Tyre) Calendar! How's about that for an old girl, eh? And I was delighted when Maude sent me a copy of her starring moment:

Image: Just Inklined, 'Maude Merry Christmas'

Paper: Cosmo Cricket

Doesn't she look grand in her winter outfit? Look at those beautiful ... features. She is a vision in red, isn't she? Bet Santa can't wait to fill her stockings! (Oooo-err Missus!)

I just couldn't wait to play with this hilarious image. As you can see above, I've developed something of a soft spot for Maude, she being such a glamour-puss and all, just like me! So I was delighted when Jak and the team released this bit of gorgeousness.

There are some smashing new images over at Just Inklined, both Christmassy and otherwise, so why not check out the blog for some fabulous inspiration from my Teamies.

Right, bed time - late again! It was my Dad's big birthday today (I'm not saying how old he is but he's got a year to go before he's 71!) so we've eaten late and I'm still stuffed so I don't know how much sleep I'll get, but my Kindle beckons in the meantime.

Happy crafting.

Ooops! But Please Read!

2010-10-27T14:37:00.000+01:00

Today was supposed to be my 'Oldies But Goodies' post for Karen's Doodles, but I had a bit of an accident with a hot cup of tea when I was trying to craft at silly o'clock this morning and poor Princess Kitty got the lot! So you'll have to pop back later in the week to see what she should have looked like!

So as not to disappoint those of you who are looking for my Karen's Doodles post today, here's a rather special card - it's not an 'Oldies But Goodies' but, once you've heard the story, I hope you'll agree that it's definitely a 'Goodie'.

Here's the card:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Superboy'

Papers: October Afternoon

Coloured with my Copics (of course) and with a little shading with my Prismas, this little guy is destined for another very special boy.

And here's the story:

Earlier this year, my incredible sister-in-law, Claudia, was instrumental in setting up a new charitable foundation, 'Children of War Foundation'. The Foundation is dedicated to identifying and treating children that have sustained devastating injuries as a direct consequence of war, regional conflict and/or displacement. I urge you to visit their website and/or their Facebook page, to learn about the wonderful work the Foundation is already doing and aims to continue into the future.

This handsome young man is Hashim, the first of their young patients. Hashim was caught in a terrible car bomb blast in Iraq early in 2010. He suffered an horrific head injury and was in a coma for 55 days, staying in hospital for 70 days in total. Thanks to the Children of War Foundation, Hashim is now undergoing treatment at the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. He is a happy, uncomplaining and totally cute young boy and he loves superheroes!

This card is for Hashim, to wish him well for his next surgery, which is scheduled for early November. He is, indeed, a Superboy. Please hop over to the Children of War Foundation website to find out more about this fantastic organisation and, if at all possible, donate a little (or big!) something towards their work.

Okay, end of story, and just a quick reminder of the card:

See you later this week, with Princess Kitty.

Happy crafting.
xx

Guest Designer for Crafty Cardmakers

2010-10-25T12:00:00.005+01:00

Happy Monday everyone - hope your week has got off to a good start and that you're not suffering too much from Monday morning blues. Obviously, I'm full of beans because I'm having a day off, although I have to say that I'm enjoying going to work again these days.

So, today I am delighted to announce that I have been invited to be a Guest Designer for the 'Spotlight On ...' feature over at the Crafty Cardmakers challenge blog. This week's spotlight is falling on digital stamping - right up my street, as you will know! So, without further ado, here's what I came up with:

Images: (from left to right) Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Cheshire Cat', 'Hatter', 'The Dormouse' and 'Alice in Pencil'

Papers: Graphic 45, 'Halloween in Wonderland'

I adore the whole collection of 'Wonderland' images over at Mo's Digital Pencil, and, to be honest, I could have carried on merging forever, but my printer is limited to A4 paper! However, I have another idea up my sleeve for future reference - my printer at work prints A3!

This is a close-up of the complete scene. I merged the four images in Paint.net (free image software that you can download here) but something was missing. So I drew a table and 'wonky' cake and scanned them into my PC, then brought the resulting image into the merged image, just to complete the scene. I ended up paper-piecing the table cloth and I'm really pleased with the result.

Here are close-ups of the individual digis, starting with 'Cheshire Cat':

Here's 'Hatter'...

...'The Dormouse'...

... and, finally, 'Alice in Pencil'

It really isn't difficult to merge images to produce a scene like this and there are various tutorials, for all the most popular image software, all over the internet. If you've never tried it before, give it a go. It takes a little time but the end results are great (as I hope you'll agree).

The Graphic 45 papers were just perfect for this project (obviously, as the name suggests!!!) and I kept the layout simple so as not to overpower the final image.

I added Sakura glaze to all the cups, etc., and a little glitter to the icing on both cakes, just for fun really.

So, why not hop over to the Crafty Cardmakers challenge blog and see what the design team have come up with. Then it's over to you to join in the fun and show your creative streak.

A big 'Thank You' to Lin and all the girls over at Crafty Cardmakers for inviting me to take part - this has been a hugely enjoyable project for me and I hope you've enjoyed the end result.

Happy crafting.

'Wreathed' in Smiles!

2010-10-24T23:16:00.000+01:00

Tonight's quick post is my entry for this week's Scrap-Creations challenge - their theme is 'Christmas' and, with perfect timing, of course, I had just made a few Christmas cards towards my stash. So I thought you might like to see this one - another fairly traditional image but made modern, I think:

Image: Just Inklined, 'Christmas Wreath Pinecones''

Paper: Graphic 45

I'm ridiculously pleased with this card - I just love the rich purples and I'm delighted with the bow! Aaaah, small things. But it works so well together and, strangely, I hadn't really anything in mind when I set out to colour this one. It just sometimes works that way, doesn't it - a happy accident, almost.

I'm up late tonight, making the most of not being at work tomorrow! I've been making little house gift boxes (see my previous post) today again as I need quite a few for small gifts for work. As they will only contain sweeties or biscuits, just a token gesture, I thought it would make it all a little more personal and interesting if I made the boxes. I'll post them when they're all done.

Right, I'm off to have a light supper whilst watching telly, before popping to bed with my Kindle. I feel very rebellious being up past 10.30 on a 'school night'!!!!

Happy crafting.
xx

Home Made for Christmas

2010-10-23T17:46:00.000+01:00

I don't know about you, but I love making my own packaging for Christmas. A nicely made and decorated bag or box can make even the smallest present look impressive. So I've started today with this adorable little house box:

Template: Lauren Meader, 'My Timeless Templates' for Papertrey Ink - 'Home Made'

Paper: Scenic Route

Here's the 'back' of the house - aren't those little dormer windows cute?

The windows are quickly hand-drawn, somewhat wonky (on purpose, honest) windows - the house looks lovely with perfect stamped or measured windows and door but I wanted something a little more casual and quirky. I've just drawn them on kraft and coloured them with white gel pen. No rulers, no measuring, just wonky!

Here's the 'front' with the top removed.....

and the back! This would be wonderful filled with biscuits or cake - the sort of gift you might give to neighbours to share with their family. The box isn't large (only about 6 inches wide/high) but it would make such a pretty little gift. I shall be making more of these before Christmas - they're so easy, thanks to Lauren's hard work, and I just love the finished product. I might even make some 'proper' doors and windows!

I used some Snow Writer and glamour dust for a bit of wintery sparkle, just here and there so as not to overwhelm everything. I may be could have added a little more to the dormers and the peak but, hey, it's okay as it is.

And don't you love that roof? It comes as a digi stamped set with the template - how cool is that? I've added some extra dimension by shading around the shingles with a warm grey copic.

This is going to be my entry for this week's Sweet Stampin Challenge, where the theme this week is 'Anything but a card'.- I hope the roof will qualify as the (digi) stamped something.

Back tomorrow with another Christmas offering - a card this time, though. And on Monday, I've something special to show you, so don't forget to check back.

Happy crafting.
xx

Mo's Dream Team First Anniversary Blog Hop

2010-10-22T07:00:00.001+01:00

It's time for a celebration at Mo's Dream Team - it's a whole year since the Dream Team Blog began and what better way to celebrate than with another fantastic blog hop?! This month's theme is 'Frogs and snails and puppy- dogs tails, that's what little boys are made of.'

And this time, in honour of our first birthday, we're inviting you to join in by uploading your card via the link on the Dream Team blog. Just use one of Mo's images and show us your best boy - we'd love to see what you come up with.

So on with the hop - if you've arrived here from Jak's blog, then you're on the right track. If not, why not hop over to Kerttu's blog and start from the beginning because you won't want to miss the wonderfulness along the way.

So, without further ado, here's my offering this month:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Monday's Child (B)'

Papers: Cosmo Cricket

Wordart: Create with TLC 'The world is mud-lucious and puddle wonderful'

I adore this little chap - what a sweet little face - who could be cross with him, mess or no?

And I love the sentiment, too - it's a quotation from the (weird and wonderful) poet e. e. cummings (and yes, it is all in lower case!! Don't ask!) - and it's perfect for this image, methinks.

I have to say this reminds me of my friend's little boy - a blond curly-haired little angel if ever there was but just as likely to get covered in mud. Boys!

So, on with the blog hop and next you'll be wanting to go to Debbie's blog, where I just know there will be something wonderful waiting for you.

And don't forget to join in with the fun - the more the merrier to help us celebrate.

Happy crafting.
xx

Oldies But Goodies at Karen's Doodles

2010-10-21T08:30:00.004+01:00

It's time (already?) for some more 'Oldies But Goodies' inspiration over at Karen's Doodles and this week I've chosen one of my absolute favourites for another project:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Tango'

Papers: October Afternoon

I adore this image - always have done since the first time I used it (and believe me, it gets used a lot!). This one is coloured in exactly the same palette as I've used before but with some bright, fresh papers it has a totally different look and feel.

This image is a joy to colour and it works in almost any palette. I'm going to try a sepia version next - hopefully it'll have the feel of an old 1930s movie - how great would that be?!

I'm going to enter this one for this week's Daring Cardmakers Challenge, where the theme is 'Dance'.

Check out the rest of the OBG Team's creations on the Challenge Blog - they're sure to inspire.

And don't forget that we're still running our usual Monday challenge - this week the theme is 'distressed'. We always look forward to seeing what you create.

Happy crafting.
xx

Bella Loves Christmas

2010-10-19T23:09:00.001+01:00

Mmmm, not exactly a snappy title tonight but, hey, it is what it is. Long day at work today and I've spent this evening making Halloween party invitations for our friends' children. They bought some foam die cut ghosts and had the brilliant idea of using them as invitations - but please could Aunty Peri write them? So I've done my task and they've been despatched to three excited kiddies.

On to my post for this evening. This is for this week's Scrap-Creations challenge, where the theme is 'Christmas'.

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Bella Loves Christmas'

Papers: Basic Grey, from last year's stash!

Wordart: Create with TLC

I did some digital paper piecing this this one. I brought Bella into Paint.net and then added a digital paper for her dress. Once I'd printed her, I went in with lots of Prisma shading to define the pleats and folds. I'm quite pleased with how she turned out, actually - all those folds! Aaarrgh! All other details were coloured with my Copics (I'm just waiting for some new ones to arrive!!!) and, of course, as it's Christmas, I added plenty of glitter here and there.

So, bed time now. One more day at work then I'm off for a few days of serious crafting - can't wait! Mind you, my poor boss isn't too happy about being 'abandoned' for a few days! Bless!

Happy crafting.
xx

Shy

2010-10-17T10:23:00.002+01:00

Mmm, short title today peeps as this is a really quick post before I go and make Sunday morning bacon sandwiches. We've had a surprise visit for the weekend from Daughter and her boyfriend and I promised bacon butties before they drive off again.

This morning's card is my entry for the following challenges:

Papertake - 'Use three of something' (there are three rows of scallops)
Simon Says Stamp - '3 Embellies, 2 patterned papers, 1 image' (bow, button and pearls)
Mo's Digital Challenge - Sketch
Sweet Stampin' - 'Ribbon'
Scrapbook Sisters - 'Flower Power' (papers)

And here she is:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Shy'

Papers: Digital papers from Scotty Girl

Ain't she just adorable? She's such a little darling and Mo has captured that childhood shyness just perfectly, of course.

Coloured with my Copics with added shading and 'glow' added with my Prismas, I loved colouring this little sweetie.

I wanted to keep this card pretty so chose these gorgeous papers by Scotty Girl. And as I've never used layers of scallops before, I decided that might be fun too.

A few embellishments and she was ready and I'm soooo pleased with her.

Right, a quick link up and then bacon beckons.

Have a good day.

Happy crafting.
xx

Dear Santa

2010-10-16T09:20:00.001+01:00

We visited friends last night, whose small children are excitedly preparing for a Halloween party. But then we got to talking about how close Christmas is getting and, of course, once the Halloween party is over, the children will quickly turn their attention to what Santa might bring. Of course, this depends on them being good - although there appeared to be quite a few definitions of what 'good' would mean!

Which leads me quite nicely to today's card:

Image: Kenny K, 'Xmas Hottie'

Papers: Cosmo Cricket

I thought it was about time I tried another Kenny K - I love his images yet I don't seem to have used them much. This one really caught my eye - and I know exactly who it's destined for!!

Coloured with my Copics (of course), with some Prisma shading, I thought it would be fun to lace the card to match her boots. And, of course, there's that wonderful sentiment - I just love it!

This is my entry for this week's Kenny K's Crafty Girlz challenge. Did you check out this challenge yet? The DT work is superb and it's such fun seeing Kenny's images brought to life.

We've a busy weekend ahead - lots of visiting, eating and laughing to look forward to. Hope yours is a good one.

Happy crafting.

'Oldies But Goodies' at Karen's Doodles

2010-10-14T08:00:00.032+01:00

It's Thursday and that means it's time for another 'Oldies But Goodies' showcase over at Karen's Doodles.
This week, I've gone all Christmassy - here's my card:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Santa House'

Papers: Pink Petticoat digi paper (spots); Cosmo Cricket

Isn't this an adorable image? Santa is very lucky to live in such a sweet little cottage.

I wanted to keep the palette quite light for this one as I didn't want the image to become 'overworked'. A few pale highlights on the snow helped give a frosty feel, and some 3D glitter gel for the roof and trees completed the look.

I love turqoise/teal/pale blue and red so this combination of DPs works really well for me. Apparently, it's quite 'in' at the moment, too, if you follow the trends!

Check out the rest of the OBG Team's creations on the Challenge Blog - they're sure to inspire.

And don't forget that we will still be running our weekly challenges on Mondays and this week's challenge is a recipe: 3 embellishments, 2 papers, 1 image. Why not join in - we'd love to see your creations.

Happy crafting.
xx

An Altered State

2010-10-13T20:11:00.001+01:00

Ooooh, Halloween will soon be here and I was talking to the young daughter of a friend the other day, who is planning a Halloween party with her sister and younger brother. So I thought they'd appreciate today's project:

Image: Just Inklined, 'Bub Zombie'

Label: generated on my PC

This is my entry for the following challenges:

One Stop Craft Challenge - 'Alter it' (and see below for how this project started!)

Everybody Art Challenge - 'Halloween'

The Creative Cottage Challenge - 'Halloween'

I've been waiting for ages to get dear old Bub coloured up. He's a sorry old sight, isn't he. Poor thing - he doesn't look well! (He-he.) I chose to colour a first layer of pale yellow and then to use warm greys to add all the shading - I reckon it gives him a really zombie-like pallor.

So, want to know how this project started out? This is the beginning:

Yup, that's right - two empty sticky tape reels! These are exactly the same diameter. See what happens next ...

With a piece of acetate I created a tube that would sit inside both reels - one at the top, one at the bottom, like so:

I didn't attach the acetate at this point - I needed to work on the reels themselves. I coloured the edges of the reels black, with a chisel-end black Copic then covered the reels with black paper/card. The bottom one is covered to the exact height of the reel; for the top one, I cut a piece of card twice as deep as the reel, plus a little for the punched edge. I punched the edge before attaching the card to the reel so that it created a deeper rim.

Then I cut two circles from black card, which were stuck to the reels to form a bottom and a lid, like this (this is the bottom).

I popped the acetate back in place and secured it to the bottom with a couple of small pieces of double-sided tape, tucked just inside the base of the container.

I bought the eyeball chocolates from a local grocery store and filled up the container. But it looked a bit bare, even though it was full, so I thought I'd try coming up with an appropriate label:

If you want to use it, feel free - I'd appreciate a credit and a link back, though, if you'd be so kind. (Just click on the image to enlarge and then save.)

So with the label applied, it was time to add Bub to the container to finish off and I hope you'll agree that this makes a great Halloween gift for three very gruesome children!

(Whew - what a long one that was! Sorry for the strange layout - I can never get Blogger to put my photos where I really want them to be and this new uploader crashes Internet Explorer almost every time I use it! Thanks for persevering to the end!)

Happy crafting.

'I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas, Just La, La, La, La, La, La, La'

2010-10-12T00:01:00.000+01:00

Well, the silly season will soon be upon us - the shops are already gearing up, with crackers and cards and wrapping paper. It's only October and yet we've started the big count-down.

Mind you, in Crafty Blogland, we need to be preparing ourselves, don't we? There are not only cards to make, but there are packaging projects and gift projects and general all-round making of beautiful things. So, I've started - I've begun my Christmas cards and I must say, I've actually enjoyed making the first few. How long this will last, I don't know, but at least I've started in the right frame of mind!

And here's one of the first:

Image: Just Inklined, 'Little Church in the Snow'

Papers: Graphic 45

I'm really pleased with this little card - although the image is quite traditional, I think the finished product is actually quite modern and bright.

This sweet little image was coloured with my Copics, and then I simply laid down some Glamour Dust for the snow. I punched out some snowflakes, cut them in half and made a little frame for the image and finished off with three holly leaves and a red bow. Not difficult to do (not even the image) and one that I can reproduce easily - result!

I'm going to enter this in this week's Allsorts challenge, where we are being challenged to make a card based on a song title. 'I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas' would seem most appropriate, don't you think!?

Right, time to link up and get to bed - another busy day tomorrow!

Happy crafting.
xx

Hello Pumpkin!

2010-10-11T07:57:00.000+01:00

Happy Monday morning all! The start of another week already - creeping closer to Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas and all those lovely card-making opportunities.

We spent some time with friends and their three children yesterday, who are preparing for a Halloween party - you'll see our contribution to this sometime in the next few days!

And, of course, there are lots of lovely Halloween/Fall challenges around at the moment, so this is my entry for:

Copic Creations - 'Orange'
City Crafter - 'Any holiday'
Simon Says Stamp - 'Halloween'
Charisma Cardz Challenge - 'Autumn/Fall colours'

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Punkin'

Papers: October Afternoon; Inkido

Isn't this little chap totally adorable? What a cute image. Coloured with my Copics, I added some highlighting and shading wiht my trusty Prismas and I love how he turned out. I had a little trouble with my paper, for some reason, so his face has gone a little patchy but otherwise I'm pretty pleased with this one.

The pretty little heart pins and the orange paper were part of a beautiful prize I won recently over at Sketcy Colors - I received some lovely goodies in the post the other day - thank you so much ladies!

So, there's a working day ahead and I suppose I should be concentrating on waking up properly! We (four of us) went to see Pam Ayres in 'concert' yesterday - hilarious! I love her quirky poetry and she is a delightful raconteur. Her style is gentle but wickedly mischevious and we had a lovely couple of hours listening to her, laughing our heads off and generally just enjoying ourselves. Needless to say, although the event was over by 6.30 p.m., we carried on talking and laughing 'til late into the night, so I'm not as bright as I could/should be this morning! It was worth it though. Such fun!

Right, in the shower, a quick cuppa and off to work!

Happy crafting.

One, Two, Three, Four, Kai

2010-10-09T00:10:00.000+01:00

Aaaaah! Friday! I'm so glad it's the weekend - I'm pooped! But that's okay - it pays for my stash (among the bills, of course!). And I've got new stash this week - including some lovely new papers to give my mojo a boost. There's nothing quite like a bit of new stash to get the creative juices flowing again, and I must say that I've really needed that this past few weeks. Hopefully, you'll agree that it's done the trick!

So, meet Kai:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Kai in a Tub'

Papers: October Afternoon, 'Seaside' (what a gorgeous new collection)

Tickets: Made by me!

Isn't he (or she, you choose) just an absolute darling? This is one of Mo's new images and I adore it - such absolute fun. Reminds me of Daughter when she was small - she just loved to play in the bath, splishing and splashing.

I coloured Kai with my Copics, adding extra shading and 'glow' with my Prismas, as always. And then a bit of glaze over the water, of course - although you can't see it very well in this picture.

The little tickets are the ones I made in MS Publisher. They're so easy but so effective (I think) and tons cheaper than buying them, particularly when you need something specific and perhaps not so vintage.

I have to say that I'm pretty pleased with the way this image turned out. My colouring has been very lack-lustre lately, and I'm sorry that I haven't been showing my best work of late. But with Kai, I think I'm on my way back and I'm really happy.

This card will be my entry for the following challenges:

Stamptacular Challenge - At least 5 layers

The Pink Elephant - Childhood

Mo's Digital Pencil - Colours of the rainbow (blue). Congratulations on your first anniversary, girls!

Cute Card Thursday - Make your own embellishments (tickets)

So, it's after midnight and I can feel myself turning into a pumpkin so I'm off to link up and then zzzzzzzzzz. Easy day tomorrow, thankfully.

Happy crafting.
xx

Oldies But Goodies At Karen's Doodles

2010-10-07T08:30:00.000+01:00

Happy Thursday everyone and I'm here to bring you some news today. Karen's Doodles will be showcasing some of the 'Oldies But Goodies' on Thursdays from now on. And my regular KD's post will now be on a Thursday instead of a Monday, as I'm lucky enough to be on the OBG DT!

You know how it is - we crafters always like to play with new things and often forget the wonderful old things we have. And it's just the same with digital images - we're always on the look out for the newest but we forget about our old favourites. Well, the OBG DT hope to inspire you to dust off and use some of your older Karen's Doodles images.

So, here's my first OBG card:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Sailor Boy'
Papers: Digital papers from Scotty Girl - 'Sail Away'
Ticket: generated on PC

What a darling little image this is and a dream to colour. The colours of the papers inspired the colour scheme, with a pop of red to lift the whole thing. I love that little bit of bunting, if I do say so myself!

I put together these little tickets a while ago and I just change the colour and message whenever I like. They're easy to do (I just used MS Publisher, 'cos I'm used to it) and you can choose whatever message you wish. Plus, if you print them out on to kraft, they look really nice and antiquey! (Not that I ever do anything nice and antinquey! But hey!)

I coloured this little chap up with my Copics, added some 'glow' with my Prismas and he looks ready to play now!

Check out the rest of the OBG Team's creations on the Challenge Blog.

And don't forget that we will still be running our weekly challenges on Mondays and this week the theme is Halloween or Fall, so why not join in - we'd love to see your creations.

Happy crafting.
xx

Thank you!

2010-10-06T09:47:00.000+01:00

I'm delighted to have been given another award today, by the lovely Christine Levison.

Thank you Christine - I'm touched and very flattered that you chose me. I pass this award on to the lovely ladies I listed yesterday and also to:

Alina
Katarina
Debbie Olson
Jeanie

Happy crafting.
xx

Harvest Dance

2010-10-05T22:28:00.001+01:00

Mmmm, this morning the air had that certain whiff of autumn: damp leaves, fresh earth - it's really 'back-endish' (as my mother would say - meaning, 'getting towards the end of the year')! So I really wanted to give this image an outing today - it's perfect for this time of year.

I'm entering this in this week's Our Creative Corner challenge, where the theme is 'Fall Colours' and the palette is:

So here it is:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Harvest Dance'; Pink Petticoat, 'Dandelion Wisps'

Paper: digital paper by Scotty Girl, 'Autumn'

I love this image - so fairytale-like. And when I saw Pink Petticoat's Dandelion Wisps, I knew it would make a great supplementary background image.

If you haven't checked out Scotty Girl's Etsy store yet, you should - she has some wonderful digital papers at very reasonable prices and I love them!

So, this is a real hybrid card - part digital, part me-made. I'll try to describe how I made it.

I used MS Publisher for the card itself - this is basically an A4 landscape sheet, divided into two columns to give two A5 'sides'. I zeroed the top, left and right margins and set the bottom margin to 5 cm, giving me a card (when printed, trimmed and folded) that is roughly 14.8 cm x 16 cm.

Then, I inserted a 'Picture', 'From File', and chose the digital paper I wanted. I then cropped this (note, I didn't just make it smaller - I cropped it to maintain the size of the pattern) to fit between the midway point of the A4 document and roughly halfway across the right-hand side of the card, also cropping the bottom to the bottom margin.

I inserted another picture 'From File' and this time chose the first Dandelion Wisp. I rotated it and placed it as I wanted it then I copied, resized and re-rotated two more of the Wisps until I was happy with the 'front' of the card. I printed it out, trimmed to 16 cm deep, and folded it in half.

I printed out Harvest Dance in the usual way and coloured it up with my Copics, going in with my Prismas between the elves to add some shading. I inked the edges and towards the image with a cream ink pad, just to knock back the white. I did the same with the card itself, for the same reason.

The addition of a dark green mat, a touch of green satin ribbon and three green brads finished it off.

And if you're still reading (well done you!), I'd just like to say a big 'Thank You' to Joyce, who has very kindly awarded me a 'Beautiful Blogger' award.

I'm very touched by this - it's always lovely to know that someone out there is not only enjoying my blog but is finding inspiration in what I do. All of us in Crafty Blogland know how much it means to have our work appreciated by others.

But ... and there is a 'but' ... I now have to tell you 7 interesting things about myself and that's the hard bit! I can tell you any number of things about myself but interesting ... well, that's another thing!

Here goes:

I was once on television, in a game show called 'Game For a Laugh' and I have the little trophy to prove it!
I qualified as a bi-lingual secretary, French/English, when I was 20.
When I was young, my ambition was to be a concert pianist.
I know how to say 'I have a sweaty bum' in Greek!
My name means 'Little fairy, goddess or nymph' - look it up in the Oxford English Dictionary if you don't believe me!
My first meeting with many of my colleagues in a previous job was whilst I was dressed as Wilma Flintstone, auctioning off cake for a good cause!
My father designed the first building that Charles and Diana opened as a married couple (and he nearly stood on Diana's foot at the royal luncheon!).

There you have it!

Finally, I must pass this award on to 7 of my favourite bloggers:

All of them are superb colorists - I admire their work so much. Their blogs are funny, informative and, best of all, inspirational - thank you for sharing, ladies.

So that's it for tonight - another early start tomorrow so I'm off to bed to read, with the help of my NEW KINDLE!!!!! Yaaaay!!!!!

Happy crafting.

xxx

Just Inklined to Blog Hop!

2010-10-04T19:00:00.000+01:00

Yaayyy! It's that time of the month, dear Bloglanders, when the DT at Just Inklined are all 'inklined' to blog hop. And I'm delighted to say that I'm now a fully fledged, full-time member of the Just Inklined Design Team - a big thank you to Jak for taking me on! It's great to be working with such a talented bunch of designers (and illustrators, of course)!

This month, our hop theme is 'stripes' - and, boy, did I take this one literally!

If you've arrived here from Jak's blog, then you're on the right path. If not, then you might want to hop back to Karen's blog and start from the beginning.

So, without further ado, here's my stripey submission:

Image: Just Inklined, 'Maude Doodlebuns, Flab Fig'hter'

Papers: Pink Petticoat, 'Stripes' collection

Wordart: Freebie from Create with TLC

OMG! Poor Maude! Despite the fact that she's getting on a bit, she cannot forget that she was once voted 'Miss Blackpool 1945' and feels that she should do everything in her power to maintain her highly desirable appearance. So she's taken herself off to the gym but, really, it's not a pretty sight, is it? And horizontal 'go-faster' stripes don't do a girl any justice!

Mind you, I've been kind enough to give her a nice vertical stripe, straight down the middle - it's supposed to elongate, you know, and, well, Maude needs all the elongation she can get these days!

Isn't this an hilarious image!? And I just loved this sentiment by Create with TLC - perfect!

Anyway, on with the hop and next stop is our other new DT member, the mega-talented Cathy Edgar, who I know will have something wonderful waiting for you.

Happy hopping.
xx

Halloween and Fall at Karen's Doodles

2010-10-04T08:30:00.044+01:00

Ah! Today I'm so pleased that Blogger has a facility to schedule posts because, with any luck I shall still be in bed snoring when this goes live! I've taken a day's leave today and I'm hoping to spend most of it either (a) sleeping and/or (b) reading! So 'Good Morning' to all those who are up and at it already!

So, it's time for another super Karen's Doodles Challenge and this week, we're asking to see your 'Fall or Halloween' creations. Choose whichever you wish and play along with us.

Here's my little bit of inspiration (I hope) for you today:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Trick or Tweet'

Papers: Free digi papers - unfortunately, I can't credit the designer as I've not got the details but aren't they grand!?

First, an apology for the awful photography. This was taken after dark, which meant artificial light and I simply cannot get the balance right. So the image looks a little washed out but you'll see it better on the close-up and there's an overall feeling of 'not quite in focus' going on here! Bah! IRL this is a really quite stunning card!

I've used the sketch from the current Friday Sketchers Challenge and this card will be my challenge entry.

As usual, I coloured this great image with my Copics, then used two colours of Prismas (a soft yellow and a deep purple) to add the shading around the birdie.

So there you have it, and now it's your turn. Use a Karen's Doodles image and show us your Halloween/Fall creations. There will be three winners, as usual:

* 1st place winner of 3 digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles will be awarded by merit. The Design Team members will vote for their favorite entry and the winner will also get a Card of the Week blinkie to display on their blog.

Both 2nd and 3rd place winners will be chosen by Random.org and the prizes will be:

* 2nd place winner - 2 Digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles.
* 3rd place winner - 1 Digi stamp of your choice from Karen's Doodles.

As always, I shall look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Happy crafting.
xx

Falling For Sadie

2010-10-02T08:18:00.000+01:00

Well, it looks like autumn has arrived here in the UK - the days are shortening, there's a dampness in the air and the leaves are turning. The Viriginia creeper in my back garden is turning a beautiful shade of russett and that's where my inspiration came from for today's card.

This one will be my entry for the following challenges:

Stamptacular Challenge - Fall colours
Simon Says Stamp - It's Autumn

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Sadie with Apples'

Paper: Scenic Route

Wordart: Create with TLC

It was the paper that first inspired me, it has to be said. I had been looking at the Virginia creeper and then, when I came in and went through my stash, I came across this beautiful sheet of fall leaves - delightful! I love it's bold design and the gorgeous autumn colours. The photograph doesn't really do it justice - I haven't captured the richness of the colours very well.

Then I looked at Sadie, and realised that her skirt reminded me of the points of the creeper leaves and off I went!

I coloured her up with my Copics, of course, and added the usual grounding and glow with my Prismas. Then I went over the apples with a good coat of my Sakura clear glaze to give them a polished, rosy feel. Yum - good enough to eat!

Sadie's beautiful curls reminded me so much of Daughter so Sadie became a redhead - very fitting for the time of year!

I cut a window in the front of the card and placed the greeting inside, peeping through. I love the wordart from 'Create with TLC' - there's lots to choose from and it's all beautifully drawn.

So, an early post for a Saturday morning - we have friends arriving later so I've lots to do. I think a nice big stew for dinner - perfect for an autumn evening - comfort in a pot!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Happy crafting.
xx

Snowflakes in September!

2010-09-29T21:20:00.000+01:00

Aaaaah... 'tis good to be getting back into the swing of things. It's been a while since my energy and my mojo have worked together and I've been absent through necessity. But I'm picking up my Copics again and slowly getting back to business, I hope.

And what better way to come back than with a Mo!? This card is my entry for this week's One Stop Craft Challenge, where the theme this week is (you guessed it!) Snowflakes in September.

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Dani with Gifts'

Paper: October Afternoon, 'Ducks in a Row' collection

What a super image! This is perfect for any teenage girl or young woman - bright, fresh and happy.

As soon as I saw Dani, I had this paper in mind. I wanted to use the pink polkadot in particular - luck would have it that the reverse is this beautiful pink and grey design, which gave me the overall colour scheme for the image. It was easy, peasy, lemon-squeezy to get this one done! What a welcome relief, after all the mojo-less days I've spent over the last few weeks.

Pink and grey reminds me very much of the 1980s - even home decor ventured into this particular colour combo - including my bedroom! So it must be time for a comeback - everything else '80s' is returning, including some of the more, er, questionable fashion statements! I mean, did we ever really look good in harem pants!?

I coloured Dani up with my Copics, of course (and she even has grey eyeshadow on!) and the light blue glow was added with my Prismacolor pencils, as always. I added some sparkle to the snowflakes and (although I don't think the main picture has picked it up very well), some sparkle to the edge of the image and underfoot.

A bit of colour with her packages just lifts the image, which might otherwise have been a bit too pink and grey, and a nice pink satin bow adds the finishing touch!

So, I'm off to link up before bedtime - early nights these days, dear Bloglanders!

Happy crafting.
xx

Lucky Seven at Karen's Doodles!

2010-09-27T08:00:00.010+01:00

Gosh! Is it really Monday again? I'm sure someone stole last week, time is running by so quickly!

Wasn't last week's blog hop fun? Thank you for all the wonderful comments you left - don't forget to check whether you were a winner, will you.

So here we are with our next Karen's Doodles Challenge. This week we need to see 7 (seven) of something - flowers, gems, buttons, ribbons, whatever you choose, just give us seven of them! The Design Team have come up with some wonderful samples again, so be sure to stop by my Teamies' blogs and leave some love.

Karen has recently released a whole range of fantastic Fall images, which you can find here. I love them - I love Fall (autumn, here in the UK) in fact, the colours are so rich and beautiful. So I though I'd celebrate the beginning of autumn (21st September) with my card this week:

Images: Karen's Doodles, 'Scarecrow Boy' and 'Pumpkins'

Paper: Scenic Route

I decided to use '7 of ' several things this week - if you look closely (and you can only see a little of the 7th one), there are 7 pumpkins, 7 pumpkin tops and, of course, 7 autumn leaves in the bottom right-hand corner.

I used two images this week - three, really, if you count adding Pumpkins twice. With a little careful editing in Paint.net, I manged to get Scarecrow Boy to stand among several pumpkins! Of course, this then leaves a lot of background to cover and I was wondering how I could do this when I remembered Sandy Hulsart's tip for adding a gradient background. I was so impressed with the background idea that Sandy used on her scarecrow card, that I decided to have a go at my own version. Mine is a single-colour background and is probably easier seen in the close-up shot. I must say, Sandy, this is a great way to colour a big background on a scene such as this - hope you don't mind me stealing your idea!

I think I've limited my palette a little too much on this one - I could have brightened things up a little but I really wanted the pumpkins/squashes to stand out and I feel I've really achieved that. I love these images!

Using my leave spray punch, I added leaves to the tops of the pumpkins for extra detail. As the main image is so vibrant (with all that orange and the blue background!), I decided to keep the card quite minimal, so only covered half the card in DP, leaving the other half as plain kraft. I then decided it looked too bare and cut out, marked, chalked and bent
7 autumn leaves to cluster one corner.

So there you have it - my 7 things. And now it's your turn. Use a Karen's Doodles image and show us your lucky 7. There will be three winners, as usual:

* 1st place winner of 3 digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles will be awarded by merit. The Design Team members will vote for their favorite entry and the winner will also get a Card of the Week blinkie to display on their blog.

Both 2nd and 3rd place winners will be chosen by Random.org and the prizes will be:

* 2nd place winner - 2 Digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles.
* 3rd place winner - 1 Digi stamp of your choice from Karen's Doodles.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

Happy crafting.
xx

Thank You - or should I say ....

2010-09-22T19:22:00.000+01:00

It's been a few days and I'm still feeling a little less than creative, my dear Bloggy Friends. Hopefully normal service will resume at the weekend, once this tiring week is out of the way and I've managed to grab some zzzzzzzzzzs!

Just Inklined have released lots of new images recently - you really should go see. This one tickled me so much that I just had to use it:

Image: Just Inklined, 'Daisy and Watson'

Papers: Cosmo Cricket, 'Early Bird' collection

This is darling Daisy Bumblethorpe, daughter of Bertha and Aubrey and the happy gardener of the family. She's in her element when pulling weeds and won the prize at the local show for 'Best Marrow' - which weighed in at an impressive 20 lbs! What a big one, Daisy!

Although Daisy knows the importance of good fertiliser, she is less than impressed about dealing with Watson's natural habits on their daily walk! Oh, the embarrassment!

I had no choice but to turn this into a 'Thank you' card, really! The minute I saw this image the words 'grassy-ass' came to mind! He-he!

Coloured her up with my Copics, and added the grass and the 'glow' with my Prismas. Then I went in with some darker Prismas and added some more texture to the grass. Daisy has Sakura glazed glasses and wellingtons - unfortunately, I couldn't capture them very well on the photo but they look good IRL!

Right, off to add this to the Just Inklined blog, as part of my Guest Designer stint and then I'm going to eat! I'm soooo hungry!

Happy crafting.

Hopping Around at Karen's Doodles!

2010-09-20T08:00:00.004+01:00

Today is an exciting day for me ... it's my very first Karen's Doodles blog hop! And what makes it even more special is that we are hopping along with Karen's Doodles Kids Blog, too, so be sure to leave the young ones some love too!

So, if you've arrived here from Pernille's blog then you're on the right track. If not, why not hop back to Lori's blog and start at the beginning - you wouldn't want to miss anything along the way!

The blog hop will kick off this week's challenge, which is 'Lace' - we want you to put some of the pretty stuff on your projects this week and join in with the fun! We've got lots of new ways to win this week (for the blog hop only!) - leave as many comments as you can along the way because we will be awarding digi image prizes to people chosen at random from those who comment. And if you are a random winner and you've also entered this week's challenge, your prize will DOUBLE! How wonderful is that!?

So, without further ado, here's my little bit of inspiration for you this week:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Winter Angel'

Paper: Scenic Route, 'Garland'; ivory glitter card

It was the paper that first gave me the idea of this lace 'burst'. I liked the flower/snowflake/star mix and realised that the guipure lace I had would work wonderfully well in the same way, if I detached each 'drop' from the next, which took quite a bit of snipping, I must say!

I love blue and brown together, particularly with rich cream, so that's what I chose to do with this beautiful image. I added gold for her wings, which I then picked up in the additional ribbon across the centre. A little glitter finished her off.

And there's even more news today. In addition to our normal 3 winners, the Design Team will also pick a favorite entry who will be invited to join us as a Guest Designer for the month of October.

And now it's time to hop over to Tanjaak's blog to see what wonderful inspiration she has for you. If you get lost along the way, you can always return to the Challenge blog for a complete list of blogs to visit.

All winners will be announced on Tuesday 28 September.

Enjoy hopping and don't forget to leave comments along the way to be in with a chance to win.

Happy crafting.
xx

Mo's Dream Team Project of the Month Blog Hop!

2010-09-16T07:00:00.022+01:00

Hello Mo Fans! Another month has whizzed by (and how!) and it's time for the Dream Team to inspire and delight you with their Project of the Month. This month it's all about 'Clean and Simple (CAS)' and, boy oh boy, this was really a challenge. If you've arrived here from Liza's blog you're on the right path; if not, why not hop back to Lori's blog and start from the beginning so that you don't miss any of the wonderfulness along the way.

So, back to the challenge that was 'clean and simple'. Moons ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth and I first started making cards (he-he), everything I did was clean and simple - very minimal, very chic and very simple. Time passed and when I returned to card making last year, I discovered digistamps, and, most particularly, Mo and my clean and simple went out of the window. And that's where it stayed so it was very difficult to get it to come back in when I needed it as it felt entirely unloved! And with my mojo wandering and my clean and simple sulking, I was left to my own devices and this is what I came up with:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'I Love Ya, Tomorrow'; text by Create with TLC

So, could you get cleaner and more simple? I suppose that, technically, the ribbon/bow shouldn't be there but I just had to have something to jazz it up!

I love this image - Daughter is a curly readhead (when she hasn't had the straighteners out!) and when she was little she looked so much like little Annie! And yes, we did encourage her to sing 'Tomorrow', which she did in such a sweet little voice. Aaah - good times.

I created a background for the card by using my Scor-pal equivalent and scoring a pattern (look reeeeallly closely!) of squares and diamonds. The image and text were merged in Paint.net, where I also turned her dress into red polkadots! I then printed her out and coloured her skin and hair, adding shading to the dress and colouring up her pretty red shoes. No Prismacolor this time (shock! horror!), just a simple warm grey outline. Oooh, I had to work sooo hard to get so little to look anything like right!

So you'll want to be hopping off to see what the wonderfully talented Debbie has for you today - it's bound to be something scrumptious. In case you get lost along the way, here's the hop list in full:

Lori, Kerttu, Jak, Liza, Peri (that's me!), Debbie, Mina, Shell, Elaine and Rosette.

Enjoy the hop and Happy Crafting.
xx

Time to Cross Over to Karen's Doodles

2010-09-13T08:30:00.039+01:00

Happy Monday all - it's the start of another week (already?!) and a new challenge at Karen's Doodles. This week we're challenging you to make a criss-cross card and, in case you've never made one before, here's the tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. It's not a difficult card to get the hang of and it's easy to customise to suit any occasion.

So, without further ado, here's my sample for you:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Born to Ride'

Paper: Black 'leather embossed' paper from (aged) stash!

Other: KDS Motor Company logo, put together on PC.

The moment I rediscovered this piece of paper, I knew it would be for this image. The 'leather' embossing is perfectly reminiscent of an old leather panier bag and with the addition of a few brads it turned perfectly into the base for this card.

I transformed a black and white version of a well-known motorbike badge into the KDS (Karen's DoodleS) badge by adding some wings, and then, for the inside of the card, enlarged it and printed it as a watermark beneath the sentiment.

And I couldn't resist using this sentiment! It's what I used to say to an ageing, motorcycling friend of mine when he regaled me with stories of his speedy tours of North Yorkshire. Mind you, this guy looks too cool and relaxed to speed, don't you think?

I coloured him up with my Copics and added the road and the 'glow' with my Prismas, as always but, very unusual for me, I distressed the edges of the image a little to give it some texture.

So, now it's your turn. Use a Karen's Doodles image and show us your criss cross cards. There will be three winners, as usual:

* 1st place winner of 3 digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles will be awarded by merit. The Design Team members will vote for their favorite entry and the winner will also get a Card of the Week blinkie to display on their blog.

Both 2nd and 3rd place winners will be chosen by Random.org and the prizes will be:

* 2nd place winner - 2 Digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles.
* 3rd place winner - 1 Digi stamp of your choice from Karen's Doodles.

Don't forget to check out the wonderfulness of my Teamies' creations too - you'll not be disappointed!

Cross my fingers for lots of entries this week!

Happy crafting.

xx

Something Spooky This Way Comes ...

2010-09-13T08:00:00.000+01:00

JUST INKLINED'S HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE

Ready for another challenge? The Just Inklined Design Team have put together some wonderfully spooky inspiration this month and we'd love you to join in with our Halloween Challenge. There are now some wonderful new Halloween images available, so there's no excuse!

Here's my little bit of inspiration for you:

Image: Just Inklined, 'A Good Read'

But no papers!

This is a shadow box - not strictly a card, although it's more than possible to add something to the back to make it so. But I wanted the effect of Witchy-poo being in her secret hideaway, and us looking in through a window, just being able to see her sitting there, preparing her spells. (Yes, I know - mad, but hey!)

You'll see a bit better what I mean from the next photograph.

Can you see the depth now? (Look harder - I'm not a good photographer!)

This is basically a 2.5 cm (1") deep box with a frame. IRL this gives some real dimension to this image and actually does (kind-a) look like you are peeking in through a window.

The 'cobwebs' are sewn into a secondary frame, which is stuck to the outer frame to hide the knots and pierced holes! Then I made a button spider with little paper legs and let him hang from another piece of thread.

Witchy-poo was coloured with my Copics (of course) and I added some crystal lacquer to the bottle for a little bit of glass effect. Then, using a Nestie, I drew a circle with yellow Prismacolor and added some quite deep 'glow' around this, leaving the inside white at first, and then dragging just a little of the colour into the circle at the end. A liberal sprinkling of yellow fairy dust glitter adds a magical sparkle.

IRL you get to see the bottom of the image too (honest) because you can see into the frame from all directions.

Despite the poor photography (and it's getting more difficult as the mornings and evenings are darker now), I'm really pleased with this shadow box and I hope you like it too.

Don't forget to stop by my Teamies' blogs too - there's some brilliant inspiration to be had - bwah-ha-ha!
So, it's over to yoo-hoo-hoo - spook us, be as ghoulish as you wish and let us see your wicked side. Winners will be picked on Monday 20th September - there will be a first prize of £10.00 credit for the Just Inklined 'shop', with two runners-up prizes of a Just Inklined image of your choice.

Can't wait to see your Halloween creations.

Happy crafting.
xx

Motor Cycle Maniac

2010-09-09T22:15:00.000+01:00

Evening Peeps! Sorry I'm a bit hit and miss at the moment - aside from all the extra work involved with 'the takeover', I now have a stinking cold, which always impacts on the RA, unfortunately. Still, I'm hoping normal service will be resumed shortly and that by the end of next week I'm starting to colour up a storm again.

In the meantime, I thought I would introduce you to a friend of mine:

Image: Just Inklined, 'Aubrey Bumblethorpe'

Papers: October Afternoon, Cosmo Cricket and Scenic Route

So, this is Aubrey, beloved eldest son of Flossie and Sylas (cos he can fix things!) and long-suffering husband of Bertha Bumblethorpe. He's motorbike mad and thinks the dining table is a much better place for motorbike fixing than it is for Bertha's cooking! Still, oil on the best tablecloth gives Bertha some practice in her bid to retain her 'Washerwoman of the Year' accolade.

Isn't he darling? Couldn't you just cuddle him. Mind you, the faint aroma of 'eau de Petrol' might be a bit off putting late at night!

I coloured him up with my Copics and added grounding and shading with my Prismas. I found these scraps of masculine papers in my bit box and, actually, I think they work quite well together. The check reminded me of a finishing flag in a motorcycle race, so I thought it was quite appropriate.

I haven't had a moment to myself this week - but it's exciting, it has to be said. It's lovely to get my teeth stuck into new systems and processes and I'm using Office 2007 now as well, which is a bit of a learning curve but I'm really enjoying it.

Mind you, with this cold my head has become filled with cotton wool so how much use I'm being is anyone's guess!

I'm entering Aubrey into this week's City Crafter challenge - One for the Boys + colour challenge.

Happy crafting.
xx

Just Inklined to Blog Hop!

2010-09-07T07:00:00.000+01:00

Wooo - today is my first hop as a Guest Designer for Just Inklined and I'm very excited. If you've arrived here from Debbie's blog, then you're on the right track. If not, hope back to Toni's blog and start from the beginning, because you won't want to miss any of my Teamies' wonderful samples.

Our theme this month is Buttons and Bows and we've been lucky enough to have beautiful ribbons and buttons from Fantastic Ribbons to use in our projects.

So, without futher ado, please welcome the happy couple! (with sincere apologies for the awful photography - not good without natural light, methinks!)

Image: Just Inklined, 'Flossie Congrats'

Papers: Digital downloads from Pink Petticoat, 'Vintage Rose' collection

Other: Ribbon and buttons from Fantastic Ribbons

So, dear old Flossie and Sylas are celebrating what must be (or seem like!) their 100th wedding anniversary!!! Flossie, of course, is a loose woman and is just waiting until she can slip outside to meet her fancy man, Albert. Sylas is just waiting for Flossie to disappear so that he can ogle the young nurses and get plastered on beer. Aah, life's sweet pleasures.

Seriously, though, isn't this the most delightful anniversary image? Perfect when you need to send something a little humorous to the happy couple. I love it!

I love these papers too - they give just the right impression of faded wallpaper, which will have been on Flossie and Sylas's walls for many years, I don't doubt. I coloured up this happy pair with my Copics before adding some paper piecing to Flossie's dress and hat band and to Sylas's blanket. Then I added shading with my Prismas, as always.

So, hop away, dear Crafty Bloglanders, and enjoy the fun. Don't forget to leave some love on the way - we always enjoy getting your comments. And if you haven't tried a Just Inklined image yet, why not pick up a couple at the end of the hop and enter next month's GDT call.

Just in case you should get lost on the way, the full hop order is:

Toni, Mina, Karen, Lydia, Debbie, Peri (that's me), Cathy and Jak

Happy crafting.
xx

Karen's Doodles is Pretty in Pink!

2010-09-06T08:30:00.002+01:00

Welcome to another week, dear Crafty Bloglanders, and to another Karen's Doodles challenge. This week we are challenging you to create something Pretty in Pink.

Now, you might have noticed that pink isn't one of my usual colours, and to create a card primarily in pink was a bit of a challenge for me, it has to be said! However, I stuck with it and came up with:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Fairy Princess'

Papers: Digital papers, although I can't for the life of me remember where from or who by - sorry.

Other: EK Success Retro Flower Punch, medium; small stamen punch

Sentiment: word art by Create with TLC

Isn't she just a delightful little fairy? As I don't use pink much, I decided that my pretty in pink card had to be super girly and what's better than a sweet little fairy? Perfect for a little girl's birthday.

Coloured with my Copics and shaded with my Prismas, this little one needed only a little glitter on her wand and wings to bring her to life. 'Nuff' said, really.

So, now it's over to you. Use a Karen's Doodles image and show us your pretty pink creations. There will be three winners, as usual:

* 1st place winner of 3 digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles will be awarded by merit. The Design Team members will vote for their favorite entry and the winner will also get a Card of the Week blinkie to display on their blog.

Both 2nd and 3rd place winners will be chosen by Random.org and the prizes will be:

* 2nd place winner - 2 Digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles.
* 3rd place winner - 1 Digi stamp of your choice from Karen's Doodles.

Don't forget to check out the wonderfulness of my Teamies' creations too - you'll not be disappointed!

I'll be tickled pink to see what you come up with!

Happy crafting.
xx

A Quick Up-date

2010-09-05T23:00:00.001+01:00

Sorry I've not been around much this week - the mind is willing but the body is completely pooped! It was a hectic week at work last week, with the takeover of the firm, which left me so tired that I just had to sleep rather than create. And I've had a busy weekend too, carting the last stuff over to Daughter's new shared house, now that she has returned to university. So I just thought I'd pop up and say that I haven't dropped off the face of Blogland - watch out for the Just Inklined blog hop tomorrow and, of course, my regular Karen's Doodles DT post.

Happy crafting.
xx

Domestic Goddess!

2010-09-01T20:08:00.000+01:00

Whew! I'm poooped! What a day at work - so busy but very exciting. New IT, new phones, new people - the takeover has finally happened and it's all go. The start of something new is always good for the brain.

And speaking of something new, I'm delighted to announce that I've been invited to be a Guest Designer this month at Just Inklinked - how wonderful is that!? You know I love their humorous images but they have such a lot of styles and such a lot of great digi stamps that I urge you to take a look, if you haven't done already. You're sure to find something just right for you.

So here's my first GDT card for September:

Image: Just Inklined, 'Bertha Bumblethorpe'

Papers: October Afternoon and Cosmo Cricket.

In Peri-land, Bertha is Sylas's younger and most beautiful sister. She was voted 'Bumblethorpe Most Likely to Succeed' by her family in 1973 and, it has to be said, succeed she has - she was the winner of 'Washerwoman of the Year (1989) and won a 'Gleamie' for the quality of her whites in 1991. Well done Bertha!

(I know, it's been a long day - I'm tired and slightly ga-ga!)

I love Bertha - she is another in the line of those wonderful 'Les Dawson'-type characters so typical of British humour.

I coloured Bertha with my Copics, although I haven't got quite as much definition in the skirt as I would have liked. Next time maybe. A bit of Prisma ground and glow and she was good to go - no need for any frills 'cos she's a 'no frills' kinda gal!

I'm so looking forward to my month as GDT - maybe I'll work some more on that Bumblethorpe family tree.

Right, I'll pop her over to Just Inklined and then I'm feet up with my book tonight! My new fee-earner arrives tomorrow and I want to give him the impression I know what I'm doing, which will be impossible unless I get some zzzzzzzzzzz.

Happy crafting.
xx

Rosa's in Red

2010-08-31T22:39:00.000+01:00

Well, what a hectic day it has been and tomorrow will be even more so, methinks. Today I have been preparing the office for 'the takeover' - my boss has sold the business - and tomorrow all the new equipment and cabling is being installed, to bring us into the 21st century and integrate us with our new head office. Quite exciting but very exhausting! It's the end of an era ... but I'm excited for the beginning of the new venture.

Tonight's card is another Mo and is my entry for the following challenges:

Sweet Sketch Wednesday

Sketchy Colours - Red, orange and yellow
Cupcake Craft Challenge - Let's get digital

And here it is:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Rosa'

Paper: American Craft, 'Bruschetta'

I've been meaning to have a go at this beautiful image for ages now but could never quite pluck up the courage - I mean, all those folds! But as I was going through my papers the other day, I found the remnants of this gorgeous paper and, for some reason, the flowers reminded me of Rosa's dress. So I could put it off now more - I had to have a go.

I knew I wanted the image area to be circular and although the sketch is square, I've stuck pretty much to the basic layout.

I used my trusty Copics for the shading - thankfully, once I'd got the general light and movement fixed in my mind, it wasn't as difficult as I'd imagined, although I'm sure that it's neither as accurate nor as good as it could have been, if only I'd been more daring. Still, the end result is pretty much as I'd imagined and there's certainly some movement going on there!

No shading with my Prismas this time - I simply used my Nestabilities to cut out a pale yellow circle and a scalloped white circle before using a compass and pair of scissors for the final black circle. Layered on to this vibrant paper and finished with a red satin ribbon and bow, I quite like Rosa, now she's finished.

So, I must rush to link up and get to bed - in for 8.00 a.m. tomorrow so I need to sleeeeeeeep!

Happy crafting.
xx

Reading is Fun!

2010-08-30T08:30:00.060+01:00

Happy Monday everyone! It's time for another fun challenge over on the Karen's Doodles Challenge Blog and this week we are challenging you to make a bookmark. Yup, get creative and show us how you'd like to mark your page, in whatever style you choose.

I can't live without my books. They are constant companions and I feel lost if I haven't at least one book on the go at any time. I bought three new ones today, so this week's covered! But my bookmark won't be for me to use - it's going to find a happy home with my friend's little one, who is going back to school next week. So here it is:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Reading is Fun'

Papers: October Afternoon

Strange bookmark, you may think. But, ah! Wait and see what's hiding inside.

This card has a tear-off bookmark attached, with matching image.

I've been dying to do this card for ages - I love the idea of a little gift being tucked inside and this was the perfect opportunity to give it a go.

Here's a close-up of the bookmark part. It was quite a challenge to get both images coloured up identically but they match really well and I'm pleased with the end result. Isn't this little fella cute? and I love those beautiful books too!

I coloured both up with my Copics before adding a little grounding and glow with (altogether now, 1, 2, 3 .....) my Prismacolors. (Yaaay, you got it!)

I'm just hoping the little bookworm I have in mind will like this as much as I enjoyed making it!

So, now it's over to you. Use a Karen's Doodles image and show us how creative you can be. There will be three winners, as usual:

* 1st place winner of 3 digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles will be awarded by merit. The Design Team members will vote for their favorite entry and the winner will also get a Card of the Week blinkie to display on their blog.

Both 2nd and 3rd place winners will be chosen by Random.org and the prizes will be:

* 2nd place winner - 2 Digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles.
* 3rd place winner - 1 Digi stamp of your choice from Karen's Doodles.

Don't forget to check out the wonderfulness of my Teamies' creations too - you'll not be disappointed!
Can't wait to see your remarkable projects!

Happy crafting.

From the Heart

2010-08-29T10:57:00.000+01:00

It never ceases to amaze me how wonderful life can be in Crafty Blogland. Every day I am touched by the beautiful comments you all leave for me and I'm so grateful for your support and encouragement. When I'm feeling blue or in pain, there's nothing nicer than getting to my PC and finding someone's kind words waiting for me. Aaaah, I have the warm and fuzzies and I thank you all for taking time to read my ramblings and comment on my work. Today's card is truly from the heart ...

I shall be entering this one into two challenges:

The Pink Elephant - Sketch challenge

Totally Papercrafts - Clean and simple

And here it is:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Tin Man'

Papers: October Afternoon; DCWV; mirror board.

I don't normally use mirror board - I find it a bit shiny for me, usually. But what better to use to give that shiny, metal finish to this adorable image?

I so love these new Wizard of Oz images from Mo's Digital Pencil. As I think I mentioned yesterday, there is a whole range, including Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, Glenda the Good, the Tin Man and, of course, Dorothy (whose image is named 'Kansas'). What a wonderful idea of Mo's - the Wizard of Oz must be one of the most popular films of a certain generation (i.e. mine!) and, as always, Mo has managed to capture the characters' quirks so well.

I must admit to be rather afraid of this image, though. I mean, he's the Tin Man, he's metal and colouring metal is frightening! But I desperately wanted to use him so I got out my cool grey Copics and set to work. I'm pretty thrilled with the result, even though I shouldn't say so myself. I think he looks quite metallic and I love that little touch of red for his heart. I think I could have been a little braver with the shading and contrast but I was reluctant to over-colour this image - it could so easily have been a disaster. Then I went in with my Prismas to add the background, which I kept to a lovely warm yellow to counteract the coolness of the grey.

It took me a while to decide on the paper, actually - I tried him against all sorts of greys (and other colours too) until I remembered these gorgeous polkadots, which I think are perfect. I needed something that wasn't too busy because I had the 'Clean and simple' challenge in my head, which also meant that I needed to keep the layering down to a minimum. The sketch definitely helped with that one.

I generated the sentiment on my PC - it seemed so appropriate - and then added just a little punch of red at the bottom to finish.

So, today I need to buy a present for my boss, who is leaving me on Tuesday after three-and-a-half years of working together. Then I have dinner guests this evening and, of course, I need to fit in some colouring, just because!

Happy Sunday everyone.
xx

Oz's Scarecrow

2010-08-28T17:02:00.000+01:00

Last Sunday, we were travelling home from a trip to Yorkshire Lavender in Terrington, near York, (and I can highly recommend a visit, if you haven't already been!) and came across a Scarecrow Festival in the village of Gate Helmsley. It was lovely - all sorts of creative scarecrows were visible from the road: one dressed as a builder, climbing a ladder; a super one of the vicar, in the church yard; a farmer in the local farm shop car park ... it was delightful! For some reason, scarecrows always remind me of the autumn, perhaps because I associate them with Harvest Festival (it's probably the straw that does that!)... and it's true to say that we are having some particularly early autumnal weather at the moment, too!

Today's card is my DT card for Mo's Dream Team and I shall also be entering it into the following challenges:

Inspirational Card Sketches

Simon Says Stamp - 'Paper piecing'

And here it is:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Scarecrow'

Papers: 'Harvest Spice' digital papers by Shabby Princess

As you will see, I've rotated the sketch by 90 degrees as this fitted better with what I had in mind. These papers were the perfect choice for Mr Scarecrow, I think. Even the name conjoured up the right colours and feeling. There's not much separation between the layers, only chalked edges, but I think it works ... maybe I could have introduced some burnt orange matting or something but, hey, 'tis done now!

I wanted to get a real 'scarecrow' feeling: sacking head, bits and bobs of old clothing for his garb, etc., so I chose to paper piece him. His gloves, legs and feet were coloured with my Copics and, of course, the grass and the background were added with Prismacolors but the rest is paper pieced, even down to using different 'patches' on his raggy trousers. I then went in with my Prismas and added some extra shading to give a bit more depth to the paper piecing, which is what I usually do, so that the image isn't too 'flat'.

My OH is really taken with Mr Scarecrow, for some reason, and thinks it's one of the best images Mo has produced. I must say, he was a joy to put together and I'm loving the whole 'Wizard of Oz' range that Mo has produced recently.

Well, we're having a weekend of getting Daughter ready to return to university and today has been spent buying new bedding and kitchen 'stuff'. It's exciting because she'll be in a shared house off campus this year, with a nice large room and her friends around her. I'm a little sad, though, because I shall miss her all over again, as she has been home for around 7 weeks now. Still, it's good to know that she has a happy life of her own that she is excited to return to.

Hope your weekend is a good one.

Happy crafting.
xx

For the Last Time at Isabella's

2010-08-25T13:00:00.007+01:00

I'm writing this post with a sad face as this will be my last post on behalf of Isabella's Sketchbook. Unfortunately, due to constraints imposed by ill health in the family, Isabella no longer feels able to continue to run the challenge blog and has taken the difficult decision to disband the Design Team. However, the store will remain open and I encourage you all to support Isabella and keep her spirits up! So, for our last challenge we are looking for beautiful hand-made flowers on your project. Perhaps you're a dab hand with a crochet hook, or you have a knack with rolled paper roses. However you wish to make them, we'd love to see them.

As usual, the DT have some beautiful samples for you over on the Challenge Blog, so don't forget to visit them and leave some love for the final time.

Here's my card this week:

Image: Isabella's Sketchbook, 'Suitcase Stack'

Papers: 'Raspberry Goodness' Digipapers - unfortunately, I think this set is now retired and I cannot find a link to it anywhere!

Other: Paper flowers by me; tickets by me too!

I love this image - it must be my favourite Isabella as it is so versatile and I thought it only right that it should get one final DT outing. It also seemed fitting that I should do a 'goodbye and good luck' card today, so that's precisely what set the tone for this project.

The paper flowers are rolled roses made from circles of coloured paper, cut into a spiral with scallop edged scissors, crumpled and folded before rolling. I paper-pieced the suitcases, obviously, with a range of co-ordinating Raspberry Goodness papers and then coloured some white guipure lace to the right colour with my Copics (good tip as it allows you to have any colour lace to match your project - give it a go, it's easy!). The two tickets were printed on to kraft card in raspberry and brown, then a little brown chalk was applied to the edges to soften them. I bought the beautiful cotton heart ribbon whilst on holiday in Wales earlier in the year and this is its first outing - it was just perfect for this project. I love the combination of kraft, cream and raspberry on this card - so soft and elegant (I hope!) and I think I might just have mastered some 'vintage' with this one! I knew it would come, eventually.

So, now it's over to you. Don't forget that you must use an Isabella's Sketchbook image for your project and there are so many to choose from over at the Isabella's Sketchbook store that you can't fail to be inspired. I hope you'll join us in this last challenge and make it one for Isabella to remember.

Can't wait to see your flowery creations.
Happy crafting.
xx

Dotty About Karen's Doodles

2010-08-23T08:30:00.005+01:00

Happy Monday everyone! It's time for another fun challenge over on the Karen's Doodles Challenge Blog and this week we are challenging you to go dotty with 'Polkadots'. Yup, we want to see spots before our eyes in this week's entries, and here's my little bit of dottiness to inspire you:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Little Helping Hands'

Papers: October Afternoon and Cosmo Cricket

Sentiment: generated on my PC and I simply couldn't resist 'sorry to hear you're spotty!' for this card!

This image is so cute and was such fun to colour. Poor old Ted, I bet he didn't realise that this was part of his job description when he ventured out of the toy store! Looks like this little nurse is doing a fine job, though!

I coloured this one with my Copics, as usual and added some grounding and glow with my Prismas. I love the little details here: the plasters and Ted's button eyes in particular.

I love the bright, bold and very dotty papers on this card - I'm always happy to use red polkadots, as you might have noticed - they're a favourite of mine, as are most dotty papers, actually.

So, now it's over to you. Use a Karen's Doodles image and let us see your dotty, spotty cards.There will be three winners this week, as follows:

* 1st place winner of 3 digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles will be awarded by merit. The Design Team members will vote for their favorite entry and the winner will also get a Card of the Week blinkie to display on their blog.

Both 2nd and 3rd place winners will be chosen by Random.org and the prizes will be:

* 2nd place winner - 2 Digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles.

* 3rd place winner - 1 Digi stamp of your choice from Karen's Doodles.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the DT's cards too - they're fabulous, as always!

Can't wait to see your 'spotacular' creations!

Happy crafting.
xx

Happy *!%@+& Birthday!

2010-08-20T22:41:00.001+01:00

Aaaah, the end of another working week and a busy weekend to look forward to. Just wanted quickly to share this card with you, which is for the following challenges:

Crafty Cardmakers
Stempel-Magie
Simple Doodles

The theme for all the challenges is 'Birthday/Celebrate' and, just to add a little humour to the proceedings, here's what I came up with:

Image: Just Inklined, 'Dick Van Duck - Party'

Papers: October Afternoon

Sentiment: My own!!!

Isn't he hilarious? I love him. He looks as though he 'really' wants you to have a good birthday, doesn't he?!

I wanted to use up some brightly coloured scraps (my October Afternoon papers are running low - must buy more!) so this seemed as good a way as any. I also paperpieced Dick's party hat, just to co-ordinate with the striped panels.

Obviously, he was coloured up with my Copics, because what else do I ever use at moment? A little pale green glow with my Prismacolours, although this time some mid-grey Copic sufficed for the grounding.

If you haven't already used any of the new Just Inklined stamps, you really should take a look at them. They have a great range, from humorous right through to scenic and they're very reasonably priced too. You'll find more about the company and the stamps on their website, where you'll also find the image gallery. Or, you can see the full range of images and purchase them here, at Imag-e-nation.

Right, an early night is called for as I'm very tired this week - big things are afoot at work and I need all the sleep I can get!

Happy crafting.

Mo's Dream Team Project of the Month Blog Hop

2010-08-19T08:00:00.042+01:00

Yes, dear Crafty Bloglanders - it's time for another fantastic blog hop and this month our projects are all about die cuts, Nesties and punches. If you've arrived here from Elaine's blog, you're on the right track. If not, why not hop over to Rosette's blog and start from the beginning, 'cos' you won't want to miss out on all that wonderfulness!

So, without further ado, here's my offering this month:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Kitty Kai'

Papers: 'Frightful' digital papers by Katie Pertiet

Sentiment: Is also a digi download, (which may have come with the digital papers, actually, although I'm not sure).

Tools: Nestabilities Label 2; Nestabilities Scalloped Circle; Woodware 1.5" circle punch; Floral Punch fern sprays

Isn't Kai the sweetest little cat? This is such an adorable image. I'm not usually a Halloween kind-a-gal, for personal reasons, but I know it's becoming more and more popular over here in the UK and it's really difficult not to join in, particularly when there's such a wonderful selection of Halloween images, like this little gem.

Kai was coloured with my Copics (and I have some nice warm grays now!) and then I added ground and glow with my Prismas. I used this gorgeous purple this time as it picks up the purple in this fabulous paper. Inspired by his pumpkin and my scalloped Nesties, I had the idea of creating kind of half-pumpkins at each side, with leaf tops punched with my fern spray punch. Watch out for those scalloped circles - my little brain is working overtime with the Halloween theme now!

So, mine is the last post this month and so it's my turn to link you up to Mo's Digital Pencil, where you will find more beautiful images and inspiration. Check out her latest Wizard of Oz images - fantastic!

And just in case you've missed anyone along the way, or, better still, you need to hop all over again to soak up the inspiration, here's Rosette's blog, where you'll find the first of my wonderful Teamies' fabulous projects.

Happy crafting.
xx

It's Isabella Time!

2010-08-18T13:00:00.001+01:00

Wow, what a busy week I've had so it's little surprise that Wednesday is here again and it's time for another Isabella's Sketchbook challenge. This week, we're challenging you to make a card or project with a hidden something. Could be a tag, a bookmark, a pocket, anything at all, just hide it in your project as a little surprise.

I think I must be having a bit of a moment with kinetic cards this week - cards that move or pop up or out. And my Isabella's DT sample is a perfect example:

Images: Isabella's Sketchbook, 'Mother's Helper', 'Time to Bake' and 'USA Cake' (which I've altered a little to make it less patriotic!)

Paper: October Afternoon.

Can't see three images? Ha-ha - there's the surprise. Look below to see what happens to this little lovely.

Just pull the ribbon and see it appear ......

.... and there it is! Ingredients, baking and a beautiful birthday cake as the end result!

This is a magic slider card and I used the Splitcoaststampers' tutorial, which you can find here. It takes a little thinking time but it's not difficult and the result is so clever.

Don't these three images go well together? As I said above, I used Paint.net to remove the stars and some of the candles on the birthday cake as I needed a 'pared down' version of the cake for this card.

So, now it's over to you. Don't forget that you must use an Isabella's Sketchbook image for your project and there are so many to choose from over at the Isabella's Sketchbook store that you can't fail to be inspired.

And check out my Teamies' samples too - they're super, as always.

Can't wait to see your hidden bits!

Happy crafting.

Turning Cartwheels!

2010-08-17T12:03:00.000+01:00

I was never very good at gymnastics - cartwheels turned into bunny hops and I simply hadn't the courage to flip and climb and balance! My thing was dancing - give me music and I would move! But I always admired friends who could turn a perfect cartwheel, and particularly those who could happily cartwheel along the edge of the school field, fearless, free and fabulous!

Which brings me to my card for today. This one is for the DP2 challenge and is also my Mo's Dream Team card for this week. I feel I have neglected my darling Mo the last few days so apologies all my Mo fans - this one is for you. (Don't forget the Dream Team blog hop on Thursday though!)

This week's DP2 Challenge was an inspiration photograph - check out these colours!

So here's my card:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Georgie's Cartwheel'

Papers: Scenic Route

Tutorial: Splitcoaststampers, which you can find here.

I simply had to make a spinner card with this little guy, as soon as I read Mo's comment 'Turn him on his head and he's jumping for joy'. I adapted the tutorial a little to fit my needs, as I wanted just a strip for the spinner itself - but it was easy to do once I'd got the idea of the spinner working properly. I'd hope to do an 'action shot' but I'm hopeless with the video!

This beautiful striped paper is perfect for the colour challenge, don't you think, and these beautiful bright buttons were just waiting for this challenge to come along!

So, rather than the action shot, here are the stills:

Off he goes ......

.... jumping for joy .....

... and the cartwheel comes to an end!

How cute is he!? I'm delighted with this one -he's so jolly! I coloured him with Copics, as usual - although colouring someone upside down and the right way up is quite difficult! The shadows would fall in slightly different places depending on which way up he is. Still, as my shadowing is never particularly accurate, I reckon I've got away with it!

Sorry about the ridiculous layout on this post - I'm having real trouble with Mr Blogger at the moment - he simply won't put things where I want them and I don't know what's changed to make him act like this! I'll have to investigate!

So, off to link up and then it must be time for lunch - I need a big salad to counteract all those yummy calories from Sunday's cakes!

Happy crafting.

All About Animals at Karen's Doodles

2010-08-16T08:30:00.042+01:00

Welcome to the start of another week, which, of course, means a new challenge over at the Karen's Doodles Challenge Blog. This week it is all about 'Animals' - we're challenging you to make a card or other project with one of Karen's Doodles wonderful animal images, and there are plenty to choose from over at the Karen's Doodles Store.

So here's this week's card from me:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'A Friend in Need'

Papers: Graphic 45, 'A Proper Gentleman' collection

Poor old Herbert - It's a good job he has Bigsby to lend a helping hand. I love this image - Herbert is one of my favourites, anyway, and I think he looks so sorry for himself in this image.

And I love these Graphic 45 papers - the colours were perfect for this card. I've had them a while and simply hadn't got round to using them so it was a lovely surprise to find them lurking at the back of my paper store, ready and waiting.

I coloured the image with my Copics, going back and adding shading and 'glow' with my Prismas, as usual. I paper-pieced the pillowcase and sheet, though - this pretty polkadot blue just drew me in and lifted the image.

I'm going to enter Herbert in this week's Raise The Bar challenge, which is 'Animals, brown and clean and simple'.

So, now it's over to you. Use a Karen's Doodles image and let us see your animal cards.There will be three winners this week, now that we've changed the way we award the prizes:

Both 2nd and 3rd place winners will be chosen by Random.org and the prizes will be:

* 2nd place winner - 2 Digi stamps of your choice from Karen's Doodles.

* 3rd place winner - 1 Digi stamp of your choice from Karen's Doodles.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the DT's cards too - they're fabulous, as always!

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Happy crafting.
xx

Back to School (Already?)

2010-08-15T10:02:00.003+01:00

School's still out here in Yorkshire and the children won't return until early September but I know there are many places where the school year is about to start and the long summer holiday is going to be over. Thankfully I no longer have to worry about school uniform and packed lunches, although the downside is that Daughter will return to university at the beginning of September and the house will seem so empty and quiet again for a while.

Obviously, this time of year means lots of Back to School challenges and this card will be entered in:

Papercutz Challenge - 'Back to School'
Paper Playtime Challenge - 'School Days'
Stampin' For the Weekend - 'Back to School'
Our Creative Corner - 'Back to School'
Stampin' Royalty - 'School Days'

Image: Karen's Doodles 'Apple Girl'; and the little pile of books is from Elizabeth O Dulemba - 'Back to School Books'

Papers: October Afternoon

This little one is sooo cute! And I love her apple for teacher! That's what reminded me I had this cute little pile of books from Elizabeth O Dulemba, which I've used as an embellishment.

There's an added extra with this card though. There is a pocket flap on the inside, which holds a useful bookmark - take a look below.

I coloured this little sweetie with my Copics and added a glow of soft yellow with my Primacolors. The little 'extra credit' tags were cut from one of the sheets in my October Afternoon 'Report Card' paper pad, which is where the wonderful script paper came from too. The check is also October Afternoon, from their 'Farm Fresh' collection. I must replace all my October Afternoon paper pads - they're brilliant and I can't possibly live without them!

Here's the little pocket flap I told you about. On the inside of the card I printed a sweet little poem I found on one of the many quotation sites:

"Today I hurry off to school,
To work and learn and play.
I'm in a brand new grade this year.
What a happy day!"

The inside of the flap has a pocket, which holds a useful bookmark:

I love this sentiment - I generated it on the computer but I just know that it came to me as a result of Blogmosis (absorbing stuff you see on other people's blogs, without realising it!). I love books - I have many, both fact and fiction - and I couldn't imagine being without them. I'm a voracious reader and I'm never without at least one book on the go at any time. Next to crafting (of course) there is nothing better than a lazy day spent with a good book - in fact, whilst on holiday earlier this year I read four books over the week, while lazing around in the garden, on the beach and even in the car, while my OH fished! Heaven!

And, of course, it's always nice to find a hidden extra in a card, isn't it? Kids love it!

I had a wonderful day yesterday. I met with my new friend Christine for coffee and crafty chatter and we didn't stop for nearly four hours! We have lots in common and I'm looking forward to our next meeting - when the coffee's on me!!!!!! Christine brought me the sweetest little gift - a happiness box - which I'll blog when I've had a chance to photograph it! I shall treasure it, Christine - it gave me such warm and fuzzies! Thank you again.

Now I have to go and make banana cake and scones, ready for our afternoon tea with friends. So have a happy Sunday and ...

Happy crafting.

I'm Vampin' Ya!

2010-08-14T09:25:00.000+01:00

A few years ago, an American friend showed me some black and white sketch shows featuring Abbott and Costello and I have to say they were some of the cleverest and funniest shows I've ever seen. The details are lost in the midst of time but a few impressions have been longer lasting, such as the baseball sketch (Who's on First?), the maths sketch (adding up has never been such fun!) and a couple of lines from another sketch:

"What cha doin'?
I'm vampin' ya.
Well, vamp me some mo'."

Couldn't tell you what the rest of it was about but this has stayed with me for some reason! So today, I'm vampin' ya with another of KennyK's delicious downloads:

Image: Kenny K, 'Luscious Linda' from his 'Gothik Angelz' collection

Papers: October Afternoon (and I must replenish my stock!)

I've used the layout from this week's Inspirational Card Sketches challenge and I'll be entering Luscious Linda, for sure.

It's unusual for me to use torn edges but I really quite like it for this card. I must get more adventurous with my finishes and layouts!

I couldn't resist using the 'Vampa-licious' sentiment, generated on my PC, as I think it sums this one up perfectly!

It was quite refreshing to work with such a different type of image - the colours can be bolder, for one.

She was a dream to colour with my Copics and I kept the background (Prismacolours, of course) fairly neutral to blend with the DPs. I added a nice wide black satin ribbon and some small pewter brads to finish and picked out the metallic detail on her boots with a silver gel pen.

I have a treat today - I'm meeting a crafty friend for coffee and a quick trip to our local Paper Mill shop! Then off to have dinner with other friends this evening and tomorrow, I make scones in preparation for afternoon tea with friends at home. Busy weekend! But when will I find time for crafting!???? I shall have withdrawal symptoms by tomorrow evening!

Hope your Saturday is a good one too.

Happy crafting.
xx

Download Diva

2010-08-12T22:39:00.000+01:00

I was reminiscing with a friend the other day about LPs and cassette tapes, the music makers of our youth. And then I got to thinking about my Great Grandmother, who was born in the late 1800s and by the time she died had seen the advent of most of our domestic machinery, the motor car, the television, radio, space travel, telephones - in fact, most of the stuff we take for granted these days. And, to be honest, I can feel my own Grandma moment coming on when I look at all the technology that's around us these days - not least the computer, which is such a necessary part of our daily lives. Without it, I wouldn't be sitting here at home communicating with all you lovely people from around the world - it's a bit of a mindbend, sometimes! And, of course, LPs and cassettes have now been replaced by CDs and downloads and I'm sure there's even more clever things on the way! Aaaaah, progress!

So, on to tonight's card then and you'll see where my reminiscing was leading:

Image: KennyK, 'Download Diva'

Papers: Cosmo Cricket (circle) and DCWV (check)

Tools: EK Success Retro Flower punch - medium; Floral Punch leaf spray

Isn't this just a great image for a teenage technophile?! It reminds me so much of Daughter - iPod a constant companion!

This is another of KennyK's Glam Gang collection and I love these stamps! They're great for teens and tweens - so modern!

I used my Copics to colour her up, as usual, and my Prismacolors to add the grounding and 'glow'. The layout is from Sketch Saturday and is their challenge sketch this week. After my last mega-challenge post, I'm keeping this one simple and entering just two:

Sketch Saturday - Sketch (of course!)
Everybody-Art Challenge - Checks

I get to lie in bed in the morning - no getting up at 6.30! Yaaay! Mind you, I'll have to be careful not to sleep in too long - I still have to get to work for the afternoon. And then it will be the weekend - can't wait!

Happy crafting.

Rising to the Challenges!

2010-08-12T10:30:00.001+01:00

I'm trying to make time among my DT work and other commitments to get back to entering more challenges and this week, I've outdone myself. This card is for more challenges than I have ever entered before with one card - whew! It's more by good luck than good management, it has to be said - I just happened to make a card that fits several current challenges this week!

So, here's my dude:

Image: Simply Betty Stamps, 'Christian Summer Digi'

Papers: October Afternoon and Cosmo Cricket

I recently stumbled across Simply Betty's quirky digi stamps and I really like them. They're great images for teens and tweens (you know, those between about 9 and 13!) - Emo and Vampire are particularly useful! There are also some brilliant Victorian digis, with a twist! You should check out her store if you're looking for something a bit different to try.

I recently purchased this surfer dude and wanted to give him a go! Bright summery colours were in order, with some 'blue for a boy' thrown in! I coloured him up with my Copics, which I also used to give the impression of sand beneath his feet by applying in small dots in three different sandy shades. Then I added the blue sky with my Prismas and he was good to go. He was matted and layered on to embossed Bazzill cardstock, which I also used as a 'belly band' across the card.

So, I guess I'd better list the challenges then - here goes:

One Stop Craft Challenge - Summer Fun
Secret Crafter Saturday - It's a man's world
Our Creative Corner - Embossing
Unscripted Sketches - Sketch #67
Stamptacular Challenge - Just for boys
Little Red Wagon - Summer
Simon Says Stamp - Summertime blues

Wow! What a list - thank goodness for summertime challenges, eh? I'd better get linking!

Happy crafting.
xx

It's Isabella Time!

2010-08-11T13:29:00.000+01:00

Hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday! Isabella's Design Team are ready to issue you another challenge and this week we're asking you to 'use your scraps - no piece of paper (other than the card blank) to be more than 3" x 3" and nothing new!'

Choosing my image this week was easy but choosing my scraps was more difficult, I can tell you. I decided (for some strange reason) to go pastel this week, which is not my usual style, as you will know! But I had some little scraps of pretty pastel papers that I thought would look really sweet and it just sort of grew:

Image: Isabella's Sketchbook, 'Cup Stack'

Papers: scraps from Pink Petticoat 'Vintage Roses' collection. This collection is new out but I promise these were genuine scraps from another project I made!

The ticket is one of my own embellishments, generated on the PC.

This is really different for me and I have to say that I really found it a challenge to bring it all together. I hope I've managed it!

The cups were paper-pieced from scraps of the Vintage Rose collection and I used more scraps to create the roses. I added a bit of cotton lace, a pretty bow and some pins - not forgetting that luscious pearl button!

Actually, whilst I was photographing this for the close-up shot, I decided that it might be nice to see a shot of all the embellishments for a change, as the teacups on their own are less exciting. So today's close up shot is the main grouping, for a change.

Now it's over to you. Remember, you must use an Isabella's Sketchbook image for your entry and get those scraps working!

Don't forget to check out my Teamies' blogs too - they've had some wonderful ideas this week.

I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Happy crafting.
xx

Rock Chick!

2010-08-10T21:45:00.000+01:00

Happy Tuesday all! Here we are, well into another week and I'm still colouring like crazy. Mind you, it'll be a while before you can see everything I'm in the process of making but I feel like I'm keeping ahead of myself a bit, which is GOOOOOOD!

I've been inspired this week by the Allsorts Challenge, where the theme is 'use red, blue and yellow only!' - a nice primary colour challenge. For a change, I thought I'd try out some of KennyK's digis this week, as I've often seen them but never yet used them. What better way than with this zingy colour combo, eh? Here's what I came up with:

Image: KennyK, 'Rock Chick'

Papers: Cosmo Cricket (red spots) and October Afternoon (blue stars); plus yellow Bazzill for those poptastic stars!

I have to say that I'm really pleased I decided to give KennyK's images a try. They're super cute in a teenage/grown up kind of way - just wait until you see the 'Gothik Angelz' images! Super vamp!

This was a really fun card to make. I used the Get Sketchy sketch that I used for 'Dude with 'Tude' in July (see him here), which is a brilliant sketch to use when you really want to bring attention to what's in the middle!

I coloured her up with my Copics - although the hair is still not quite as highlighted as I'd intended! I really must get to grips with that!

She was wonderful to colour, mind you, and the primary colour combo suited her really well. The finished image is grounded and glowing with my Prismacolors (yes, I know I still have to do the tutorial!) before cutting 'out of the box' with my circle Nesties. I cut another circle in blue and mounted her off-centre (towards the bottom) of the circle, so that I had room for all those stars!

I'm looking forward to working with KennyK's images some more in future, particularly those 'Gothik Angels' - what fun!

I had dinner with my parents tonight as my OH is away on business. Total carb overload though - Mum made a fantastic rice pudding and I just couldn't resist! So I'm sleepy, for sure, and it must be bedtime, even though it's only 9.45 p.m.

Happy crafting.
xx