Hello again!

Hello my crafty friends! It's been a long time and I do hope you are all safe and well in these strange days. 

I have a new blog and would love to see you all again at perimadeit.com. You can also find me on both Facebook and Instagram @PeriMadeIt.

Peri x

Another Up-date

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!

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

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

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!

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!

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

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?

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

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!

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?

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!

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 ............

............... '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?

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

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