Life in general

Never Too Old for Cupcake

2012-02-12T11:45:00.006Z

This Lili of the Valley stamp is just so cute and I think its suitable for any age group. I mean I don't think anyone is ever too old for cupcake. I've used Jacques Valentine Sketch from Lilis Little Fairies challenge blog as my layout for the card. The papers are First Edition Love Letters. The lace heart and flowers are all from Wild Orchid Crafts, and I've added glamour dust to her wings. I'm entering this card into the following challenges Week 6 - Jacques Valentine Sketch, Charisma Cardz Challenge #5 - Things with Wings, and Allsorts Challenge Blog Week 141 is Free and Easy February.

Happy Valentines

2012-02-05T14:44:00.009Z

What an awful day yesterday. At least we were lucky enough to miss out on the awful snow that affected a large portion of the country. We had rain, rain and more rain, so what better time than to get crafting. Pity about the lighting tho'. I've made my hubbies valentines card using Tilda with heart. I've paper pieced her dress using First Edition Love Letters paper, and I've used the same paper for the 3 double ended banners. I've used my Cuttlebug hearts embossing folder for the red background paper. The flowers are baby pink and white sweetheart blossom flowers from wild orchid crafts. I also made a box still with the red and pink theme and added Martha Stewart hearts on each side and Nestie hearts on the top. This has 4 chocolates inside which I'm hoping will be shared with me!! I'm entering this card in to a few challenges

Sketch and Stash Challenge No 77 - Free choice - I've chosen Sketh 77
Totally Tilda Challenges #39 - Pink and Red Valentines
Just Magnolia & hanglar & stanglar challenge #142 - Anything goes
Stampin' for the Weekend - Challenge 2 - Embossing

My poorly boy

2012-02-01T18:57:00.005Z

My poor Archie is suffering. He's gone and split one of his claws on his front paw and my poor little boy is in pain. Hubby took him to the vets this morning as last night he came into the house after being out in the back garden with his paw bleeding. I don't know whether its all dogs but Archie hates having his paws touched, so it was hard work trying to soak up the blood. This morning we could tell he wasn't himself. The vet has given him an antibiotic injection and if his paw isn't better by Monday then the vet is going to pare it down (that doesn't sound nice). You can tell he is sometimes in pain because he starts shivering and takes ages to stop, or he moves and then puts his paw up in the air. My poor little boy hope he gets better soon.

A New Year & New Beginnings

2012-01-20T20:27:00.003Z

Another year gone how quick the time seems to fly. In fact I can't believe that January is nearly over already. Friends of ours have just told us they are expecting their first baby. I'm so pleased for them. I've already told them I'll babysit for them. I made a pair of these bootees for Johns niece last year, and I was so pleased on how good they looked that I had to make another pair for the parents to be. This time I've used lemon as the main colour. Hopefully they'll like them.

Charisma Cardz Challenge #2 - Clean & Simple

2012-01-19T19:44:00.003Z

One of my friends recently got engaged. I'm so pleased for her as her and her partner have been together for absolutely ages. I think one of my favourite colours is purple, I seem to have made a few cards using purple. I used a Nestie to cut out the hearts, the corrugated pattern was already on it, a buy from the Paper Mill Shop. I miss that shop. I used a Stampin Up punch for the border, and a peel off for the congratulations. Maybe we'll have a wedding to attend soon!!!

Mo's Challenge #115 - Favourite 2011 "Mo" Project

2011-12-29T19:39:00.002Z

What an easy challenge at Mo's this week. You have to choose your favourite Mo project. Looking back I think my favourite one has to be Mo's The Engineer. I made this card for my uncle who is mad on model Hornby trains - perfect image for him. I originally made this in September.

Cupcake Craft Challenge & Mo's Challenge

2011-12-24T14:33:00.006Z

I think this is the last card I will make in 2011. I've used the sketch from Cupcake Craft Challenge. The snowman is a Mo Manning digi image. So easy to colour him in. I should have used him on a few of my cards instead of just this one. The challenge at Mo's is Punch and/or dies. I've used my scallop nestie square around my snowman and used my Martha Stewart picket fence punch. The papers are Papermania.

Mo's Challenge #113 - The Fabric of our Lives

2011-12-18T18:23:00.009Z

The challenge at Mo's this week is to add fabric to your project. I think you can class ribbon as a fabric. I've made this card for my Auntie Dots 85th birthday. If you met her there is no way you would guess she is that old, she is amazing for her age. I used Kansas as the main image. I love this picture. I've added red stickles to her shoes to give them a bit of bling (but its not quite showing up properly). I haven't a clue were I got the check ribbon from. The sentiment is from an Indigo Blue stamp called Aloysius/Happy Birthday.

Cupcake Craft Challenge - Don't Look at the Light

2011-12-14T16:01:00.003Z

This weeks Cupcake challenge is Don't Look at the Light (definition It it sparkles, shines, gleams, glints and/or glitters). I think my card fits all of those. After making a few of the same card I must admit that my craft room is starting to look like a winter wonderland, everywhere you look sparkles after using gold embossing power. I've used this Penny Black stamp a few times this month. Its called Fantasy. I added gold embossing powder to the tree and also the christmas sentiment. I then added red rhinestones. The ribbon is from my stash.

Magnolia Crackers

2011-12-14T15:37:00.014Z

I've been dying to try out the tutorial for this cracker which was featured in last years Magnolia Ink Magazine Christmas Edition. At long last I've given it a go and I'm quite pleased with my attempt, and it wasn't that hard at all. I used Papermania Henbury Lane paper to cover it, then coloured and added Angel Tilda. I added glamour dust to her wings and halo. The sentiment is a Magnolia accesory stamp which I've added Martha Stewart holly leaves on and red rhinestones. The snowflakes are also a Martha Stewart punch which have also had the glamour dust treatment. I've put inside the cracker my friends foundation brush ready for christmas. Its a bit different from normal wrapping. I'm that pleased I'm adding 2 photos. I'm entering my creation into 2 challenges

Magnolia Stamp Lovers Challenge Blog - use a Magnolia Accessory stamp and
Just Magnolia - I'm dreaming of a white christmas - use white or snow/snowflakes

Lili of the Valley - Challenge 123 - Anything but a christmas card

2011-12-02T19:43:00.003Z

This cute image called Gift Wrapped was the first one I coloured in after attending the Lili of the Valley colouring course. I think its not bad for a first solo attempt, but I need to practice plenty, especially when I look at Bevs & Jacques cards. The course was really good and it was nice to actually meet the people who's blogs I follow. A really simple birthday card, but I do like the pink and blue I chose.

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Week 179

2011-11-28T20:13:00.007Z

The challenge at Penny Black this week is Christmas + Red & Embossing. At long last I've actually made another christmas card, but unfortunately its only my 3rd. I've been wanting to use this stamp for ages. Its called Fantasy (isn't it gorgeous). I used Tinsel Gold embossing powder on the tree and added red gems. The ribbon used is from my stash, actually it was ribbon I bought to decorate my friends wedding cake, I've got a full roll of it. The sentiment is a peel off. We're off to Manchester tomorrow to see what the christmas market is like. Hope its a good one.

Tilda writing diary

2011-11-08T19:41:00.006Z

Its my aunties birthday soon. Since she retired she is enjoying her free time attending different classes and one of them is creative writing. Tilda writing diary I think is the perfect stamp for her. The papers I've used are K & Company Classic K Bailey, the writing on the background is a Hero Arts stamp Old Letter Writing that I have embossed with silver. The blue flowers are from Wild Orchid and the brown branches are from a Martha Stewart punch. I'm entering this card into the following challenges
Cupcake Craft Challenges 167 - Textalicious
Sketch n Stash Challenge 74 - a sketch
Wild Orchid Challenge - Week 36 Brown & Blue

Whiff of Joy Challenge #116 - Karina's Sketch

2011-11-06T20:18:00.008Z

My friends son is soon going travelling, not coming home for quite a few months. I know that his first stop is Bankok (fingers crossed that all the flood waters have subsided by then). I asked my friend Sandra if she would like me to make her a card to give to him. As soon as I saw Henry the Mouse around the world, I just had to use him but Sandra doesn't like mice (sorry but I had to cut his tail off). The papers are Bo Bunny and the sentiment is also Whiff of Joy You are my Hero. Thanks Karina for a brilliant sketch to give me some inspiration.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday #125

2011-10-30T18:53:00.008Z

At long last I have made a card. I was getting worried as Mr Mojo had well and truly left and didn't look like he was going to come back. Thank god at long last he's decided to come back (I hope). I've used a Wee Stamp digital image called Fluffy on the Lily. I went on a Lily of the Valley colouring course a few weeks back to learn how to colour my images using my copic ciao pens. I'm really enjoying this but its not coming very naturally yet (hopefully that will come with practice), I just can't believe how long it can take to colour an image in. The papers are from an old card kit I bought from Sarah's Cards Ltd. The banner is a Shapeabilities Ribbon Banner.

Just Magnolia and Hanglar & Stanglar

2011-09-12T20:11:00.004+01:00

This weeks challenge 23 is a sketch provided by Bev. I love her sketches so it came in handy to create this card. I've used Tilda with watering can. The papers are by Prima called sparkling spring (I wish!!). I've used a punch for my flowers and the birthday sentiment was a freebie Papermania stamp that was with a Do-Crafts magazine.

A Treat for Me

2011-09-10T14:46:00.005+01:00

I've always fancied a bread maker but with there being quite a few to chose from I didn't have a clue which one to buy. I bought the magazine Eat In recently and inside was an article called Gadget of the month. Yes it was for a bread maker. The review was really good so it helped me make up my mind. I am now the proud owner of a Kenwood Bread Maker BM366. Also with the bread maker comes a measuring jug and a spoon (sad I know but I love the spoon and there is no way you could get your measurements wrong with it). I've made my first loaf today. This is my first (and hopefully not my last) wholemeal loaf. Does it look gorgeous or what!!! The proof will be in the eating of it. Can't wait.

A Sketch and Anything Goes

2011-09-06T20:40:00.003+01:00

I've used the sketch from this weeks Sketch Saturday challenge #171. The background paper is Papermania Capsule Collection called Aqua Paper. The image I've used is a Mo Manning digital image called The Engineer. I've been itching to buy him for ages. Its my uncles birthday and he is a model train collector and I just thought this image was perfect for him. The banner is a Papertrey die and I've used peel offs for the sentiment. I also added little black pearls on the front of his train. I'm also entering this into Papertakes Weekly Challenge which is Anything Goes.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday #113

2011-08-08T14:00:00.004+01:00

I haven't joined in the challenges on Sweet Sketch Wednesday for a while so I thought it was about time that I did and use one of Arlanas brilliant sketches again. Your sketches are very inspirational Arlana. This card is a thank you card for a lovely lady who got my husband his job which he starts in September. The papers I've used are by Stampin' Up but I'm not sure what they are called. The little girl I've used is called Nellie, she is a Mo Manning image. The ribbon is called Sky Mauve from the Ribbon Girl, and the sentiment is computer generated. I've added stickles to the Gypsophilia on the flowers but you can't really see it.

Stampin for the Weekend - Challenge 14 - Spots & Dots

2011-08-06T12:35:00.002+01:00

The challenge at Stampin for the Weekend is Spots & Dots. Perfect for the card I made for one of the inspectors I work with whose wife has just given birth. The paper I used is by Craftwork Cards called Little Boy Blue. The tag was cut using a Papertrey die and then put through a cuttlebug folder called Swiss Dots. The little baby top was cut out from a Stampin Up roller called Baby Tees (there are 4 different little tees on the roller to chose from). The sentiment is Lily of the Valley and the flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I Don't Do Wet Mornings

2011-07-16T11:40:00.002+01:00

What an awful day today, and more promised for the whole of the weekend. Was hoping the weathermen had got the forecast wrong. No such luck. Got myself ready to take Archie out for his morning walk, it was gone 9 so thought he'd be desperate to get out. Well as you can see by the photo he definitely does not do wet mornings. I'm sure he was pulling tongues at me as tho' to say "Not going out , and I'm not going to open my eyes for you either so there!!!" I still love him tho' and he did come out eventually.

Pink & Brown Birthday Wishes

2011-07-13T18:50:00.005+01:00

There's a new blog about. The challenge blog is called Pink {Ink} Sketch Challenge. I need all the help I can get when I'm making new cards, so I love blogs that supply sketches for you to use. This is Pink {Inks} first sketch (one of many I hope). The stamp I've used is Gillian Roberts Under my Umbrella (how cute is she). I've used First Edition Papers called Summer Breeze, the sentiment is Stampin' Up and the flower is Prima. I've chosen the colours pink and brown so that I can enter Spoon Full of Sugars Challenge 160 which is a colour challenge.

Good Luck Wishes

2011-07-13T18:10:00.006+01:00

My friends son is joining the navy this month. As soon as I saw Dangling Sea Edwin, I thought that it was such an appropriate stamp for him. I used K & Co papers called Roam, the Banner Die is from Papertrey, and the ships wheel charm I bought from The Ribbon Girl. I added glossy accents to the anchor but not sure if you can see it or not and little black pearls on Edwins jacket. I'm entering this card into 3 challenges:-

Allsorts Challenge 111 - Free and Easy
Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Anything Goes
Everybody Art Challenge #150 - Maritime

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Week 159

2011-07-10T18:54:00.007+01:00

The challenge at Penny Black this week is "Christmas in July". I knew straight away which stamp I was going to use. I've been wanting to ink up Christmas Usher for a while now. I heat embossed her with Tinsel Gold, and because I thought she looked so nice decided against using any patterned paper. I think I'll be using her a few times this year for my cards.

A Spoon Full of Sugar - Challenge 158 - Get Well Soon

2011-06-28T18:53:00.011+01:00

My boss has just had keyhole surgery so I thought I'd make her a card, and the spoon full of sugar challenge fitted the bill perfectly. The idea for this card was from a tutorial I bought from Jenny Moors who is a Stampin Up demonstrator in the UK. I didn't quite have the right papers that she suggested but I think it looks ok. The project is called Hopeful Thoughts. I used a stamp set called Hopeful Thoughts. Instead of inking the stamp you were to colour it in using pens. This was a new technique for me. I used Whispers Strokes pens. It wasn't hard to do, but I have to be truthful that it took me 3 attempts before I was happy with how it looked. I also used a pen on the sentiment. I used a Swiss Dots embossing folder on the background paper and added a few pearls in the centre of some of the flowers. I hope it cheers my boss up when she receives it.

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Week 157

2011-06-27T18:39:00.003+01:00

This weeks challenge is "Stitch it Up". I've been itching to ink up this cute mouse stamp which was perfect for this challenge. I've used Mice Day stamp. The paper is from a K&Co paper pad. Its not very often that I use red for birthday cards, I seem to normally use it for christmas cards, but I'm quite pleased with the result. The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, and the little hearts are from the Hobbyhouse. The tiny ones were really fiddly to stick down tho' a steady hand was needed lol.

Signature Stamp

2011-06-26T21:52:00.003+01:00

I celebrated my birthday recently, and my friend wanted to get me something different for a pressie. Her son is a very talented young man, and is amazing with computers, web design etc. She asked him whether he could design me a signature stamp. He had a sneaky peek at my blog and came up with the stamp below. I think it is brilliant, and can't wait to start adding it to my cards. If you visit again Dave thanks I love it :)

Sweet Sketch Wednesday & Lili of the Valley

2011-06-10T20:13:00.006+01:00

For my card I've used Sketch 105 that has been provided by Arlana at Sweet Sketch Wednesday. The challenge at Lili of the Valley this week is Anything Goes. I've used the LOTV stamp "Hello Cupcake". The papers I've used are from a scrapbooking kit called Simply Fabulous (I think!!). I chose these papers to match the coffee cup I had made. This is a Scor Pal project (attached) that I found on Michele Oatmans blog Stamps, Paper, Scissors & Donkey Smiles. I stamped Hello Cupcake again onto the patterned paper and cut her dress out so that it looks like she is wearing a flowered dress. The sentiments are also LOTV. I filled the coffee cup with mini marshmallows. The card and cup are for my friend who is celebrating her birthday very soon. Hope she likes them.

Mo's Digital Pencil - Challenge #85

2011-06-04T20:34:00.008+01:00

As soon as I saw that the host on Mos' challenge blog was Dawn I had to join in. Dawn is a very talented lady and her projects and cards are just amazing. She has provided a sketch for us. Hope you don't mind but the image I chose just didn't suit oval so I had to go for square (hope that's ok). I've used the Home Tweet Home Digi image for my card, it was so easy to colour. I used a cuttlebug folder called D'vine Swirl and the flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts. I also used Martha Stewart picket fence and branch punches.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday #102

2011-05-20T14:58:00.008+01:00

Loving the sketch provided by the talented Arlana for this weeks challenge at Sweet Sketch Wednesday. Don't laugh but my mum (who by the way is 79) has been invited to a 21st birthday party!!! I asked her if she would like me to make a card for her and this is what I produced. The paper is 1st Edition "Love Letters", I've used a Stampin' Up punch for the decorative border and the numbers are Maya Road Philadelphia which I've covered in Sugar Coating cupcake glitter. I am so loving these chipboard numbers.

What a difference 11 days makes

2011-05-19T15:54:00.004+01:00

I'm pleased to say that all 7 chicks have thrived. There is 1 egg that never hatched, and I think it is still in the nest, so I would have thought with all the heat off these little ones it must well and truly be hard boiled by now. The chicks are looking so well and they are now looking like blue tits. I'll be sorry to see them go as I don't think it will be long before they fly the nest as some have been flexing their wings, and they do look quite cramped in the nest. Look forward to hopefully seeing eggs back in the nest this time next year (fingers crossed).

Do it Yourself Springwatch

2011-05-07T16:34:00.006+01:00

I just had to share this news. When we first moved into our house which has been 1 year last month, we put a nest box on the side of the house. This nest box came supplied with a camera. We have been checking on and off over the months and nothing. Last month we had a look and we could tell that something had been in the box. To cut a long story short, we have a blue tit nesting in the box. She laid 8 eggs, and is now the proud mother of 7 little tiny pink chicks. The pictures are taken from our tv screen so they aren't brilliant. Its great watching her and dad feeding the chicks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they all thrive.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday #99

2011-04-28T21:00:00.004+01:00

Its my mums birthday tomorrow. As soon as I saw Tilda with daffodil I just had to have her for my mums card, as the daffodil is the national flower of Wales (and yes my mum is welsh). Arlana has provided another brillliant sketch. My mojo seemed to have gone on holiday this week, so thank god for this sketch that just gave me the help I needed. The patterned paper is Milton & Co, I've used my Martha Stewart picket fence punch for the 3 strips, the orange ribbon is Stampin' Up and the gorgeous daffodils are Wild Orchid Crafts. I made the leaves myself (please don't laugh), and creased them on my Scor Pal. The sentiment is Lily of the Valley. Thanks again Arlana.

Sketch & Stash Challenge 60 - Free Choice Sketch

2011-04-25T12:08:00.006+01:00

A brilliant idea at Sketch & Stash Challenge this week. You go through the Sketch Catalogue and choose a sketch you fancy using. I chose Sketch 20 and used it to create my easel card. One of my friends is celebrating her 50th birthday, so I thought the sketch was just perfect. The patterened paper I used was by Stampin Up called Cottage Wall. I used my lacey circle nestie for the centre circle and used Maya Road chipboard numbers (Philadelphia) which I covered with Sugar Coating lilac glitter. I used my bow easy again on the ribbon and the flowers are Wild Orchard Crafts. The sentiment is one of the new ones by Lily of the Valley.

Happy Mothers Day

2011-04-01T17:05:00.016+01:00

Its nearly Mothers Day, a time to spoil your mum. I've used Prima Sparkling Spring papers and my new Fizzy Moon stamp, how cute is he (I'm guessing its a he but I suppose it could easily be a she lol). I've also added glossy accents onto his nose but you can't actually see that in the photo but I promise he has a lovely shiny nose. I'm entering this card into a few challenges. Cupcake Craft Challenge No 135 is Flowers for mum, I've used Vickys sketch from Sketch n Stash Challenge 58, and Stampin' for the Weekend Challenge #6 is For Mum/Mothers Day.

Crafty Creations Challenge #112 - Bunnies

2011-03-31T21:34:00.006+01:00

I've just made a card for a friend using my LOTV Balloon Bunny when I came across Crafty Creations Challenge Blog with the theme bunnies. Perfect as I can now enter this card into the challenge. I've used a Swiss Dots cuttlebug folder on the background paper, the punched border is a Martha Stewart punch, and the sentiment is also LOTV. I've cut out an extra balloon and added 3d foam pads onto it.

LOTV Challenge 89 - Punch It!

2011-03-25T20:36:00.004Z

Well the new addition to the family has arrived. Johns neice gave birth to a little girl - Jessica Scarlet on Tuesday weighing 7lbs. Can't wait to go see her. I've been itching to make a card for them but because they didn't want to know the sex of the baby I've had to wait. I've used Baby Girl for the image. The papers are Nanas Nursery. The ribbon actually says Its a Girl but you can't actually see it. The challenge this week was punch it so I've punched my flowers and leaves, and also punched out the sentiment and used a nestie on the little girl image. I'm a bit pleased with my bow. I might at long last be getting the hang of my bow easy (possibly lol!)

LOTV Challenge 88 - Sketch by Bev

2011-03-20T17:20:00.002Z

A brilliant sketch has been provided by the talented Bev Rochester for this weeks LOTV challenge. For my card I've used Prima papers called Botantical collection and one of my recently purchased LOTV stamps called "Love Grows". I think this is such a cute stamp. I've added Wild Orchid Crafts flowers. I've decided I definitely need to invest in some more flowers as I just don't have a varied selection of them yet. This card is an anniversary card for my hubby. We celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary next month. How time flies

Spring has Sprung

2011-03-04T21:37:00.003Z

I love this time of year when spring is trying to cheer us up with gardens actually having some colour in them and the daffodils out. My favourite part of spring is the birth of all the little lambs, they are just so adorable. I've used a Whiff of Joy stamp for this card and I think it is so appropriate for this time of year with her holding her little lamb and the daffodils around her. I've used Papermania Summer Bloom papers and a Lily of the Valley sentiment stamp (I am so loving these sentiments). I'm entering this card into 2 challenges Cute Card Thursday - Challenge 154 - Signs of Spring and Stampin' for the Weekend - Challenge #5 - Springtime.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday #89

2011-02-17T18:58:00.003Z

Another brilliant sketch by Arlana. For this card I've used new papers that I've just bought. They are Prima papers called Sparkling Spring. The image is a Mo Manning digital image called Teacup Fairy, how cute is she. I've used glamour dust on her wings and on the flowers. I used a Martha Stewart punch for the centre strip and just added some tiny hearts on the corners of the card, and the sentiment is Stampin Up.

Happy Valentines Day xxx

2011-02-12T12:44:00.005Z

I got into a bit of a flap last night as it hit me that I hadn't made my hubby's valentines card yet. I wanted to make something a little bit different and I'd found a brilliant tutorial on how to make a 4 drawer card box (Jacqui your tutorial is brilliant and so easy to follow) you can find her tutorial here.http://catswhiskerstutorials.blogspot.com/2011/02/4-drawer-card-box-tutorial.html. I used a Whiff of Joy Elisabeth Bell stamp for the main image, the paper I've used is a Nitwits download called "From the Heart" and I used my Martha Stewart heart punches. The pearl hearts were from the Hobby House. I have also given hubby some little treats in each drawer (marzipan hearts). He loves marzipan, but I may have to help him eat some of them. Because it is so near to valentines day there are quite a few challenges out there so I am being greedy and am going to enter 5 challenges. These are as follows:-

Cupcake Craft Challenge - Seeing Red

Whiff of Joy - Love is in the Air

A Spoonful of Sugar - Lets see some love

Stampin' for the Weekend - St Valentines Day

and Sketch Saturday - No 142 helped me with the layout of my easel card to go on the top of my box.

Less is More Week 1 colour challenge - Pink, Black & White

2011-02-08T16:01:00.004Z

I've just found a new challenge blog called "Less is More". The blogs aim is to promote the making of classic Clean and Simple cards. They have only just started, so I thought I'd give their first challenge a go. The image on my card is from Pink Petticoat. I've added glamour dust to the middle of the cake and the candles on the top, and only used black and pink on a white card. So easy to make. I look forward to seeing what the other challenges are.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday 87

2011-02-06T16:02:00.003Z

Arlana has provided another great sketch for this weeks challenge at Sweet Sketch Wednesday. For my card I have used Papermania Blueberry Hill papers and a brilliant digital image by the talented Mo Manning. How cute is this picture. Its called "Buds". The sentiment is by Stampin Up. I've added some adhesive stones on the dogs collar and cotton candy stickles to her cute little pants.

Lili of the Valley - Challenge 82 - Anything but a Square

2011-01-30T21:18:00.003Z

The challenge at Lili of the Valley this week is to create a card/project as long as it is not square. I've fancied trying to make a round easel card, but just wasn't quite sure how to make one. I then came across this brilliant tutorial created by a lady called Norma http://frommycraftroom.blogspot.com/2010/10/mini-round-easel-card-tutorial.html, so I thought I'd have a go. I've used Rosie Posy for the main image, and Papermania Rose Garden for the patterned paper. I used cotton candy stickles on Rosie's buttons on her cardigan but you can't really see them, and the flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Cute Card Thursday - Monochrome

2011-01-16T18:59:00.003Z

The challenge at Cute Card Thursday is Monochrome. Now I'm not really sure whether my card actually fits this catagory. Yes my papers are all of a pink colour, but have I then spoilt it by colouring her hair and cake a totally different colour. I'm just not sure, but I thought I'd enter the card anyway. The stamp I've used is a Lili of the Valley called Rosie with cake (I think she is a little cutie and love the size of that cake). I've used Forever Friends paper, and Cotton Candy Stickles for the icing on the cake, and Pink Stickles for what I am guessing are cherries on the top of the cake. The sentiment is also Lili of the Valley.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday #83

2011-01-08T12:08:00.003Z

A great sketch has been supplied yet again by Arlana (I don't know where she gets her ideas from). My friends daughter is celebrating her 16th birthday soon, and I purchased this Kenny K image with her in mind. The papers I used are the new Papermania Birdsong, and I got to use my new Magnolia Doohickeys Dragonfly cutting die. I don't know whether its me, but I found that the dragonfly's wouldn't come off the die without me dropping the die on the table I few times??? I also used one of my Martha Stewart punches for the centre of the card.

Cute Card Thursday - Challenge 145 - Thank You & Phindy's Place Challenge #36

2011-01-03T17:24:00.003Z

At long last I have made a card. My first card of 2011. The challenge at Cute Card Thursday and Phindy's Place was so appropriate. The Thursday after christmas my hubby who is fanatical about his bikes went cross country cycling with friends. Unfortunately I got the phone call I have always dreaded. It was from a paramedic telling me that hubby had fallen off his bike and they were taking him to hospital. The hospital he was taken to wasn't local (in fact it was 30 miles away). My mind went blank and I ended up running to a neighbours house who kindly jumped in their car and took me to him. He ended up in hospital for 3 nights with broken ribs!!! Anyway on to my card. I can't thank my lovely neighbours enough. I used a Papertrey stamp - Year of Flowers - Roses. I stamped the image 4 times onto Stampin Up Earth Elements paper, cut it out and decoupaged the rose, stamped the leaves onto dark green card, and used a Swiss Dots embossing folder for the pink background. The sentiment was also Stampin Up. I hope they like the card, but not a good start to a new year.

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-06T19:03:00.004Z

Well we didn't get away with it. Merseyside is sheltered by the Pennines, but last night/this morning we had some of the white stuff. We have been really lucky compared to some places over the country. It does look nice I must admit, so I had to go out with my camera to take a few photos. I can't abide spiders but how beautiful do their webs look, and our half finished water feature looked nice. Hope this weather doesn't last into the new year as the forecasters are predicting, I'm a big wimp and absolutely hate having to drive in these conditions.

Cupcake Craft Challenge 119 - Light it Up

2010-12-02T20:02:00.003Z

This weeks Cupcake Craft Challenge wants to see a candle on your project. I love this Lili of the Valley stamp I've used, and it is actually called Christmas Candle. The papers I've used are Papermania Henbury Lane. I didn't want to add too much to my card as this paper is gorgeous. I used flower soft on her coat and scarf and some glamour dust to look like she is standing on snow, and used some glossy accent on the candle flame. The gorgeous poinsettia is from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Lili of the Valley - Challenge 75 - Bevs sketch

2010-11-29T16:19:00.004Z

The talented Bev Rochester has provided the sketch for the Lili of the Valley challenge. Lovely simple sketch that helped me create this card. One of the inspectors I work with is retiring at the beginning of December, so I used Bevs sketch to create his card. I've used Lazy Afternoon stamp, I love this stamp and it is so suitable for male cards. The papers are Basic Grey Wisteria and I've used one of the new circular stamps. These stamps are brilliant. There is a stamp for every occasion.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday #77

2010-11-28T17:10:00.003Z

At long last I've made a card and not a christmas card for a change. My friends daughter will be celebrating her 19th birthday soon. I've had this Kenny K image for a while and I bought it especially for her birthday. Arlanas sketch gave me the inspiration to get creating. The digi image is called Star and I've used Basic Grey Wisteria papers and one of my new Lili of the Valley circular sentiment stamps. I've used Glamour Dust to give the top of her boots a bit of bling, but unfortunately you can't really tell in the photo.

The 'Singing Ringing Tree'

2010-11-06T19:27:00.003Z

Today we travelled to Burnley, Lancashire on a beautiful chilly day to go and see the 'Singing Ringing Tree'. High above the town stands a panopticon - a unique musical sculpture in the form of a tree bending against the wind. As the wind blows it produces a low and mellow hum through the pipes. It was amazing to see (so unusual), and even tho' there wasn't much wind, just our luck, you could still hear the noise, quite haunting really. The site says the folklore and mythology surrounding the 'Singing Ringing Tree' involves handsome princes, beautiful princesses and wicked dwarves. I remember a tv programme when I was a child called the 'Singing Ringing Tree' and used to love it even tho' it was slightly scary. Anyway we had a lovely day out.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday #74

2010-11-06T09:37:00.003Z

Arlanas sketch this week gave me the inspiration (again), to make a birthday card. I've been itching to use this image as I think the 2 little girls are just so cute. I've been saving it for my Aunties birthday, and her birthday is next Friday so at long last lol.

I have used Papermania Rose Garden papers, the image is a Mo Manning digital image called two tu-tus. I have used Polar White flower soft on their tu tus, and glamour dust on their wings (no sure tho' whether you can see it or not), and the flower is from Wild Orchid Crafts. I'm not sure tho' whether the flower is just a little bit too big for the card.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday #73 & Mos Challenge #55

2010-10-31T14:13:00.004Z

At long last I've made a card. Feel like I haven't made anything in ages. Truth be told tho' I've been nursing an inflammed coccyx and that was pretty painful, so I haven't been able to sit in my craft room for a while. Yet again Arlana has provided another inspirational sketch on Sweet Sketch Wednesday. I've used another of my favourite images and its Mo's digital image Bismark. How cute is he. The background papers are a download I bought from Pink Petticoat called Large Snowflakes. They are brilliant as they come in every colour you could think of. I used my Cuttlebug embossing folder for the embossed snowflakes, and added Glamour Dust to my Martha Stewart snowflakes. I love how the dust gives them such a christmassy look. I'm also entering this card into Mos Challenge which is Pick a Season. As if you can't tell, I've chosen Winter.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday 71

2010-10-16T21:12:00.003+01:00

Arlana has provided another brilliant sketch for this weeks challenge. Her sketches really help me when I have to create a card. For a change its a birthday card I've made instead of a christmas card, but looking at the christmas cards I've made I need to get cracking and make quite a few more. The paper I have used is Papermania Blueberry Hill, and the sentiment is by Craftwork Cards. This is the first time I have tried an image out of the frame using a Nestie and I'm really pleased with the result. Crafting people are so kind the way they share techniques on the net, that's why I was able to try that technique. I also got a chance to use my new Lacey Circle Nestie.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday #69 & Charisma Cardz Challenge #39

2010-10-03T13:50:00.002+01:00

Another lovely sketch has been provided by Arlana at Sweet Sketch Wednesday. I've been dying to ink up my new Lili of the Valley Stamp Christmas Candle. My friend Michele kindly got it for me the last time she went to the Harrogate show. How cute is she. I have used flower soft on her hood and the bobbles at the end of her scarf. I've also used glossy accents on the candle flame and stickles Xmas Red on the holly berries. The papers are by Dovecraft called Winter Wonderland. (I actually found a crafting shop when we went to Llandudno lol). The white poinsettia is from Wild Orchid Crafts, how gorgeous is it. I have come to the conclusion tho' that I do not have a decent set of stamps with christmas greetings, I had to use a peel off for the Merry Christmas and am a bit disappointed in it. I will have to rectify that. There is also a challenge over at Charisma Cardz which is Christmas Crafting, so I am going to enter this card into that as well.

Congratulations

2010-09-25T21:14:00.005+01:00

We've just been told that Johns niece is expecting her first child. As a little present for her and her husband I couldn't resist making some little bootees as a congratulations for the parents-to-be. I know that most people don't really put their babies in hand knitted clothes anymore, but I just had to get my knitting needles out. The pattern I've used is one that my nan owned many moons ago. Its that old the pattern is showing a price of 6p lol!

Hope they like them.

Lily of the Valley Challenge 64 & Cupcake Craft Challenge 108

2010-09-13T14:32:00.006+01:00

The challenge at Lili of the Valley is a card for the boys. I've had this Lili stamp for a while because as soon as I saw it I had to have it for my husband. He is fanatical about his bikes, and sometimes he will take our dog Archie with him (but not sitting on his bike tho'), as Archie just loves running alongside him. I used the sketch provided at Cupcake Craft Challenge. I find it so much easier following a sketch. The papers I used were K & Co Roam, the Lili of the Valley stamp was 'Riding my bike' and I used a Whimsy Ticket Sentiment. Hope he likes this card.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday 66

2010-09-11T20:08:00.002+01:00

Another lovely sketch provided by Arlana to give me the inspiration to create another card. This weeks sponsor is Meljens Designs. That also gave me the opportunity to use one of her lovely designs that I have had a while but never got round to using. I really enjoyed colouring in my collie with his flower. The papers I used were Stampin' Up Summer Picnic, I used my Swiss Dots embossing folder on the side strip, and punched out the flowers using my EK Success flower punch. I really enjoyed making this card, and I'm quite pleased with how my flowers look.

The Great Orme, Llandudno

2010-09-08T21:39:00.006+01:00

Today we went to Llandudno, Wales to climb to the top of the Great Orme. What a gorgeous day compared to yesterday. Well we got to the top with glorious sunshine and beautiful blue skies (even tho' my legs were feeling slightly tired) and were greeted by Welsh Mountain Goats, they were a sight to see. The Great Orme is 679 feet from sea level. The views are amazing, you can even see the Isle of Man. After an ice cream and a rest we then got on the Aerial Cable Cars which is the longest aerial cabin line in the British Isles. I wasn't too sure on going in one of these as I have a really bad fear of heights, but I did it and wasn't too scared, but unfortunately poor Archie was. Half way through the journey he decided he wanted to sit on my knee and then thats when the shivering started, and carried on until we got off. Poor Archie, but he soon recovered. After a bit of retail therapy we had a cream tea mmm before heading for home. And the good thing about it is that it is only about an hour and a half away from home.

The Dream

2010-09-07T19:53:00.005+01:00

Today is our 2nd day of our fortnight holiday. We have decided to have days out, so we headed to St Helens to see "The Dream". Dream takes the form of a 20 metre high girls head with her eyes closed. The sculpture was erected last year as the people of Sutton Manor wanted some form of monument to the former colliery. It is amazing to view, and there are plenty of walks around the site. As always Archie got in on the picture. He had a brilliant time even tho' it did rain for some of the walk. Great British weather don't you just love it.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday #65

2010-09-04T20:31:00.002+01:00

I received my new Penny Black stamp today, so I was itching to ink it up. The sketch at Sweet Sketch Wednesday gave me the opportunity to use it. I used 2 different papers for the card Forver Friends Santa's on his way and Dandelion & Daisy A Winters Tale. The Penny Black stamp is called Xmouse Ornament. I used Glamour Dust on his snowflake. I don't know whether I've gone a little bit over the top with snowflake paper, but I suppose it gives the card a more christmassy feel to it.

A Spoon Full of Sugar - Challenge 119 Lets get sketchy

2010-09-04T20:18:00.004+01:00

Loved the sketch at Spoon Full of Sugar challenge, so out came my Lily of the Valley stamp Lazy Afternoon. I used Basic Grey paper Wisteria, my Martha Stewart punch, and the birthday message is from Craftwork cards.

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Week 116

2010-09-01T20:18:00.002+01:00

The challenge at Penny Black this week is Summer Lovin'. Our friends are celebrating their first wedding anniversary soon and will be travelling around Italy (lucky things). They will be finishing the trip off in Venice. What better place for Summer Lovin'. It is one of the most romatic cities I've ever been too, so how appropriate than to ink up my Venezia stamp. I tried to use the colours of the Italian flag for the card (green, white and red). I used a Sizzix Wedding Set Scrollmark embossing folder for the background in white, cut the image with Nesties Label 4. Embossed the heart with silver, and unfortunately its not showing on the picture but I used glossy accents on the clouds and some of the venetian waters. Hope they like it.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday #64

2010-08-29T14:50:00.004+01:00

At long last I have made a card. My mojo must have been on its hols but hopefully it is now coming back (I hope). I used the sketch provided by Sweet Sketch Wednesday. I have not entered one of their challenges before so I thought it was about time I did. I got the opportunity to use my new Mo Manning image called Strawberry Girl. The background paper is Papermania Summer Bloom, I have used a Martha Stewart punch on the main picture and a Prima Cha Cha Pink Flower.

Cupcake Craft Challenge & Just Magnolia Challenge

2010-08-01T12:14:00.003+01:00

I have combined my 2nd christmas card with 2 challenges this week. I used the sketch for my card from the Just Magnolia Challenge Week 66 which is a sketch provided by the talented Bev Rochester. The challenge at Cupcake Craft Challenge 101 was Pastel Christmas. The papers I have used were an old set of Hot off the Press (I may get them used this year lol). I used my newly purchased Martha Stewart snowflake punch and used glamour dust on them. The brads in the centre of the snowflakes are ones I bought from the Hobby House stand when I went to a craft show in Harrogate. I just love this Magnolia image. I think I may use her quite a few times this year. The christmas sentiment is Craftwork Cards.

Cupcake Craft Challenge & Sketch & Stash Challenge 40

2010-07-21T21:10:00.008+01:00

The challenge at Cupcake Craft this week is "Cats & Dogs". This gave me the opportunity to use my Mo Manning digital image called Bismark, and to make my first christmas card. I also used the sketch at this weeks Sketch and Stash Challenge 40. The papers I used were Hot off the Press christmas papers that I've had for ages. I also had a go at using my Bow Easy. The bow hasn't come out too bad, but I think I need some more practice. I used glamour dust to decorate his hat, and stickles on his scarf, and decoupaged the ribbon on his bone not that you can see it. Wish the picture had come out a bit better but with all this rain we're having, and it was actually thundering & lightening while I was trying to take this photo.

A Spoon Full of Sugar Sending Donkey Smiles & Friday Sketchers #110

2010-07-13T20:37:00.004+01:00

The challenge at a Spoonful of Sugar is to send Michelle Oatman get well wishes. Michelle had an accident on her farm while tending her beautiful donkeys. Unfortunately this accident has left her with the loss of her right eye. Whimsy stamps have created a donkey freebie for us to use to send our wishes. The sketch at Friday Sketchers helped me to create the card. The papers used were Craftwork Cards Blossom Paper and the sentiment is from a Stampin' Up set.

The Good Life

2010-07-12T21:08:00.002+01:00

Who remembers "The Good Life", the BBC Sitcom about Tom and Barbara who decided to leave the rat race and become self sufficient. Well we definitely aren't Tom and Barbara, and unfortunately we have got no chance of leaving the rat race (I wish our numbers would come up on the Lottery lol), but we have decided to use up an area of our new garden, and create our own little Good Life. We are so pleased with the results. We are growing mixed salad leaves, summer cabbage, potatoes, onions, strawberries, sweetcorn (but that's not growing very well), savoy cabbages and last but not least we were given a cucumber plant and its amazing watching the cucumbers growing and getting larger and larger. The Good Life eat your heart out.

Stampin' for the Weekend - Challenge #41 - Sketch/blue & yellow combo

2010-06-30T15:33:00.004+01:00

The challenge at Stampin' for the weekend was to use a blue & yellow combo and follow a sketch done by Sandie. I find it so much easier using sketches to create my cards. I used my fav stamp (especially with the gorgeous weather we are having), it is Stampin Up "Summer by the Sea". The papers are Daisy & Dandelion Picnic Patch papers, and the sentiment was by Craftwork Cards. The ribbon and buttons were from Papermania Capsule Collection.

Another holiday - Another week in Northumberland

2010-06-27T17:12:00.006+01:00

We have just come back from another holiday in Northumberland (Beadnell), and yet again we had a lovely time. Weather could have been a bit better but at least we didn't have any rain, and the sun did come out once or twice, so can't complain. Had to visit the brilliant Barter Books again. Came away with 7 books (lovely), and we went on another boat trip to see the seals and puffins. That was good but poooh birds can't half stink when the sun is shining. Archie had a brilliant time and spent nearly every day in the sea again. Why do holiday's go so quick tho' :(

Once in a Blue Moon

2010-06-13T18:49:00.007+01:00

Thats the title that John has used on his Flickr site for today so thought I'd pinch it. He actually persuaded me to go out on my bike today. I haven't used the pedal power in over 3 years (I have a long list of excuses that I always use), but today I thought why not. We headed to Delamere Forest and enjoyed a 6 mile ride. I know that Archie always loves going out with John when he goes on his bike, but I actually got a taste of how much Archie enjoys running alongside. Afterwards we went to the Pheasant Inn (tucked in a peaceful corner of rural Cheshire, the Pheasant enjoys some of the most magnificant panoramic views in the area) for a gorgeous sunday lunch and pudding for afters. Lets just say that the calories I burnt off on the ride were soon put back on.

What a Surprise!!!

2010-06-09T11:59:00.006+01:00

Hubby had planned an early birthday surprise for me. He wouldn't tell me exactly where we were heading to only that it was in Scotland. On Friday just before we left he told me. We were driving to Glasgow Airport and flying out to the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides on a 13 seater plane (he knows I'm not a very good flyer at the best of times). Well I survived the trip and actually loved all of it (apart from the plane journey). I can't believe we actually landed on a beach!! The weather was absolutely gorgeous while we were there, and we had a lovely long weekend stopping at the Isle of Barra Beach Hotel - The most westerly hotel & pub in Great Britian. We paddled with nosey seals and also got to see 2 otters climb on to some rocks they disappeared quickly tho' once they noticed that they were being watched :( We had a great time and yes Archie came too but I don't think he was very impressed being put into a crate so that we could get him on the plane. We flew back on Monday to grey skies and rain.

Cupcake Craft Challenge 93 - Summer Delights

2010-06-02T21:34:00.003+01:00

The challenge at Cupcake Craft is to make a card illustrating what summer means to me. I found this stamp and thought it was so suitable. I can just imagine walking through a meadow on a beautiful summers day, with the butterflies flying by and a gentle breeze moving my dress. The stamp I have used is Stampin' Up Summer by the Sea, the paper was Basic Grey Wisteria, and the lovely purple flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, Cherry Blossom Mulberry flowers.

Cupcake Craft Challenge 92 - Black & Grey plus one colour choice

2010-05-28T18:55:00.003+01:00

When I saw this weeks challenge it gave me the much needed push to make a card and also the chance to ink up my Magnolia stamp and to use my Dovecraft "a hint of pink" papers. I've had these papers for ages and just haven't attempted to use any of them. I also got to use my new Cuttlebug die for the edges of the card. I used Rose stickles to add a bit of sparkle to her dress and the ribbon in her hair.

Friday Sketchers - Sketch #101

2010-05-09T15:31:00.002+01:00

The sketch provided by Friday Sketchers this week gave me the inspiration to create this card. My boss is expecting her first grandchild and as you can imagine she is very excited and is already planning on what her and hubby will be doing with the child as he grows up. Hopefully she'll like this card. The image is a Lili of the Valley stamp. I got the It's a Boy! ribbon from ribbon box.

Alphabet Challenge Blog & Allsorts Challenge

2010-05-03T15:01:00.004+01:00

I've just made my 3rd easel card. I love the way these cards come out, and yet again I've made my card into a calendar. Unfortunately its a bit late for my friend seeing as we are already on the 3rd of May (where are the days going). I'm sure he won't mind that its a bit late, and just noticed that there are 31 days this month (its going to be a long month lol!). Anyway I'm entering this card into 2 challenges Alphabet Challenge Blog - A is for Animals and Allsorts Challenge Week 50 "Animals". The image I've used is a Mo Manning image called Missed You, I just think those bears are so cute. The papers used are MME Bloom & Grow.

Charisma Cardz Challenge #16 - Quote Me!

2010-04-26T20:43:00.004+01:00

Went to a crafting show last Friday and as soon as I saw the hug fits all stamp I just had to buy it as it is a perfect match for this image. I've made this card for my mums birthday who is celebrating her 78th and every time we see each other we always share a hug. The image is a Mo Manning image called Missed You. I've been dying to use this one for a card, how cute are they. Everyone should share a hug :)

Sketch Saturday Week #100

2010-04-25T18:38:00.003+01:00

Lovely sketch this week. I haven't done much crafting for a while as I've just moved house, so its been constant unpacking of boxes and plenty of cleaning. Seeing this weeks sketch gave me the inspiration to create a birthday card for my friend who's birthday it is tomorrow (yes I was cutting it fine lol). The image is one of my Mo Manning favourties called Birthday Fairy Lee. The papers used were Forever Friends "For You".

Another Easel Card

2010-03-30T20:38:00.002+01:00

I seem to be on a roll now that I've tried my hand at making an easel card. Thought I'd have another go and this one was so much quicker to make than the first. I inked up my new Lili of the Valley stamp that I bought in Harrogate "Lazy Days". The papers were Hot off the Press. They were actually the first papers I ever bought and their still going.

Cute Card Thursday - Challenge 105 Dimensions

2010-03-28T20:53:00.006+01:00

At long last I have attempted to make an easel card. I've been wanting to make one of these cards for ages, but I was always putting it off. Anyway I found a brilliant tutorial on Jeanettes blog "Happy Thoughts & Inkspots", so I thought today, go on why not. I am really pleased with what I produced. The magnolia stamp is one that I bought at the craft show in Harrogate last weekend, and he was coloured in using new copics that I also bought. I found the papers in my stash. They are Daisy Bucket "Love You". I think I'll be looking for some more of this paper as I thinks its gorgeous.

Whiff of Joy Challenge #72 & Charisma Cardz Challenge #12

2010-03-25T19:59:00.004Z

The challenge at Whiff of Joy this week was to use a sketch created by the talented Bev Rochester. Also the challenge at Charisma Cardz is Spring has Sprung. This gave me the opportunity to ink up my new Norma Fickel stamp "Girl and her lamb". How gorgeous is this stamp. I used MME papers - Pretty Please Spring papers, I used Orange Peel Stickle to outline the daffodils (how spring are they), and I used (for the first time) my Martha Stewart punch Embossed Petals (you can just about see 1 or 2 of them on the red strip). My auntie & uncle brought me that punch back from Florida (as well as a few other things lol). I love seeing all the lambs in the fields now, and a while back I actually got to bottle feed a few. They are just so cute.

Lambing Live baaa

2010-03-14T15:49:00.004Z

After watching Lambing Live I got the urge to go to Wales. My cousins live there and they have live stock and I knew that they would be lambing now. So yesterday saw us head to Snowdonia, to see the family. After a lovely lunch in the Snowdonia Park, we then went to see the sheepies. The lambs were just gorgeous, and there were 7 needing extra care. They were the ones I spent my time with. I got to feed one but they were all so affectionate and enjoyed sucking on my fingers. I can't believe how rough their fleeces feel. Anyway thought I'd share my experience and some of the piccies hubby took. One is of the expectant mums. My cousin told me there were 100 waiting to give birth and at least another 100 still in the fields. As you can imagine it is their busiest time of the year. My cousin even said that I could take one of the orphans home if I wanted. Oh I was so tempted, but can you imagine what the neighbours would say when we moved in to our new house with a dog and a sheep ha ha (what a thought!!!).

The Pink Elephant Challenge #56 & Quixotic Challenge #16

2010-03-07T15:04:00.003Z

The Pink Elephant Challenge #56 was to add green to your colour comb0, and Quixotic Challenge #16 was aptly named Leave it Out (use leaves on your project).

This gave me the inspiration to create my card. I used Hot off the Press Floral papers, Stampin' Up "Lovely as a Tree" stamp, and the ribbon was also Stampin' Up chocolate chip. I treated myself to a Versacolor ink pad called Mocha Truffle. This is the first time I have bought a multi-coloured pad, and I am so pleased on how the tree has come out. I think I'll be buying a few more of them.

Lili of the Valley Challenge 47

2010-02-28T19:42:00.005Z

I was on a roll today with my card making. The challenge at Lili of the Valley was to follow a sketch. I find that following a sketch is so much easier than having to think of a layout.

This sketch gave me the opportunity to ink up my Lili of the Valley stamp that I've had for a while, but thought it was ideal for Mothers Day. I used Papermania Blueberry Hill papers for the background, I think the flowers I used were bought from Hobbycraft. I'm hoping that these will actually stay on the card after the lovely Bev Rochester let me know what type of glue she uses on her cards, as I'd noticed that some of the flowers I've used on other cards didn't want to stay put lol.

Mo's Digital Pencil - Challenge #20

2010-02-28T18:26:00.004Z

The challenge at Mo's Digital Pencil was to create a card using a sketch by Dawn Burnworth who was the February hostess. Dawn creates some beautiful cards. Here's a link to her blog . You had to use this sketch

The card I created was using Birthday Fairy Lee. How cute is she. I used Forever Friends paper "For You", and used good old glamour dust to give Lees wings a bit of sparkle.

Cupcake Craft Challenge 78 & Pink Elephant Challenge #54

2010-02-16T19:28:00.008Z

Today I've made a card to enter 2 challenges. The first is Cupcake Craft Challenges which was to keep your card simple. The 2nd challenge was The Pink Elephant Challenge #54 which was to use ribbon on your card.

I have used a digital stamp called 'Wings of Hope'. This is a special limited edition digital image designed by Crissy Armstrong for Whimsy Stamps. All proceeds (minus any Paypal fees) from the sale of this image will be sent to the American Red Cross disaster relief for Haiti. The papers are Forever Friends "Pink Parfait" and I have used Cotton Candy Stickles on the horses tail and mane, and sheer pink ribbon on the corners of the card. So a simple card with ribbon.

Hope everyone had a good Pancake Tuesday. Me and hubby had golden syrup on ours, mum is the traditionalist and had sugar and lemon on hers.

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #15

2010-02-07T18:12:00.005Z

This weeks challenge at the Play Date Cafe was to use the colours above.

After a pile of papers rooted out (I'm sure that I'm colour blind), I found the right colours (I hope), and this is the card I created. The background paper I used was the new Papermania Aqua Capsule collection. The image was another Mo Manning freebie Bronte and Louis.

Stampin' for the Weekend - Love is in the Air

2010-02-05T21:04:00.004Z

The challenge at Stampin' for the Weekend is to create a project or card with a theme of valentines day. I entered this card in the last Friday Sketchers challenge which is were I got the sketch, but its a valentine theme so I thought I'd enter it for the Love is in the Air challenge. Its a card for my hubby. The image was a freebie Mo Manning image "Bella hearts Bronte", aren't they just so cute.

Friday Sketchers #87

2010-02-03T21:14:00.003Z

Here's my card for this weeks Friday Sketchers challenge sponsored by Totally Stampalicious. It gave me the inspiration to make hubbies valentines card. The papers were a freebie, the image was one of Mo Mannings brilliant images "Bella hearts Bronte" (another freebie). I used my Martha Stewart punch for the hearts, used my cuttlebug embossing folder Spots & Dots on the middle bit, and added a touch of Cotton Candy Stickles to the centre of the hearts. It was quite difficult making this card with hubbie sitting in the same room as me. Thank god for the football - Leeds v Tottenham.

Quixotic Challenges #11 : Flutter By

2010-01-28T20:17:00.003Z

This weeks challenge at Quixotic is to incorporate butterflies into a project. After buying my latest issue of DoCrafts Creativity magazine, there was a freebie disc containing papers for you to print out. As soon as I saw the paper with butterflies on I had to use it, and one of the girls from our office was leaving, so it was an ideal opportunity to use the paper to make her card. The ribbon I used was Stampin' Up.

The Pink Elephant Challenge #50

2010-01-23T19:49:00.005Z

This weeks challenge at Pink Elephant was a Sketch challenge. I love these challenges as I find it makes it so much easier to produce the layout of the card. The sketch this week was the following

I used Hot off the Press papers that I have re-discovered, the sentiment was also Hot off the Press, and I used a Stampin Up punch for the middle part of the card. Thanks Pink Elephant for another great challenge. My card is below.

Quixotic Challenges #8 : Hot Chocolate

2010-01-11T19:59:00.004Z

With the weather still chilly and plenty of snow still on the ground, what better way to snuggle in front of the fire than with a mug of hot chocolate. There are 3 challenges I am entering the card I have made. I started off with the idea for Hot Chocolate with Quixotic Challenges, I then found out that Simon Says Challenge was also for Hot Chocolate, and Charisma Cardz Challenges gave me the colour combo to use which was 'Pink, Brown, Cream, Toffee'. I used a Whiff of Joy stamp and Hot off the Press Papers that I have rediscovered.

Archies snow time

2010-01-07T19:43:00.006Z

I can't believe that the snow is still here. Yesterday there were no buses running at all, the roads were very quiet. I feel that it has been a very tiring week. First week back after the christmas hols and having to contend with this weather. The snow is nice if no one has walked in it. Archie decided to have a good old sniff in the snow in mums back garden today and this is how he looked afterwards.

He doesn't seem to mind the snow, infact I think he is quite enjoying it. He was busy chewing a piece of ice while lying in the snow just before this photo was taken. I'm wondering if he got a cold nose and thats why he was licking it in this photo lol

Mo's Digital Pencil - Challenge #13

2010-01-07T14:48:00.003Z

The challenge at Mo's Digital Pencil has been set by Lisa. It is to create a card or project for a birthday. I had created this card using the sketch from Sketch and Stash, but because I used a Mo's image I'm hoping that I qualify to enter the challenge as I haven't entered before. Mo's images are just brilliant and I love this image "Soaking up the joy". I am a bit disappointed with the way the colouring of her face has turned out but never mind.

Sketch and Stash Challenge 26

2010-01-06T21:19:00.004Z

Love the sketch for this fortnights challenge at Sketch and Stash. I used my new Mo Manning image "Soaking up the joy", and used my neglected Hot off the Press paper pad I bought from QVC in 2008. I got the idea of the colours to use on my card from the Play Date Cafe Challenge (which unfortunately I was too late to enter).

2010 here already!!!

2010-01-01T17:12:00.002Z

I can't believe that its 2010 already. Where did last year go. There were plenty of ups and downs for us through the year, what with 3 close deaths in the family and then the sale of our house (after 8 months on the market). Just when you thought that nothing good could happen, someone comes round to view your house, just as we were thinking of not having any more viewings until the New Year, and they say "love the house I'm really interested". So after a few stressful weeks and having to pack up all our belongings (that was the most stressful), we moved out of our house on 11 December and moved in with my mum (everything else went in to storage apart from the bare essentials) (mum might not think that tho' lol). So now it is the New Year so fingers crossed that in the next few weeks we will be given a date when we can move in to the house that we want. Watch this space.

Border Terrier Walk - Ainsdale Beach

2009-12-28T20:45:00.003Z

On a cold, foggy day, we (hubby, Archie, (me ofcourse), our friend Steve, and his border terrier Bramble) headed to Ainsdale beach for the border terrier walk. This walk is organised every year by "Border Terrier World". Unfortunately, due to illness there weren't as many people as had been anticipated. In the end there were 10 border terriers (1 only 12 weeks old), and a whippet. After a few scraps (yes, unfortunately Archie was involved in one of them), all dogs settled down and the walk commenced. It was good and every border terrier had their own personality, and a good time was had by all. Oh yes, and my biscuits went down well.

Christmas Chocolate Biscuits

2009-12-27T19:02:00.004Z

At long last I have had the opportunity to try a recipe from my "Nigella Christmas" cookbook that my friend bought me last christmas. I have been itching to try out one of her recipes, but what with one thing and another I just haven't got round to making anything until today. Tomorrow we are going on a Border Terrier walk. We are going to Ainsdale beach tomorrow morning and hopefully meet up with other border terrier owners and, ofcourse, their dogs. A walk was organised last year but unfortunately I wasn't feeling too good so missed out. Anyway after the walk people gather round the cars for a chat and food is then produced, and this is were my Nigella christmas chocolate biscuits come in to it. These biscuits are what I am going to share. They taste yummy. Lets just hope that everyone else thinks the same.

A Spoon Full of Sugar - Challenge 79 Colour Combo

2009-11-28T16:09:00.002Z

The challenge this week at a Spoon Full of Sugar is to use a colour combo of brown with either brown or pink. I found these Hot off the Press papers and thought they made an ideal colour combo to go with my Mo's image freebie. Can't believe that my friends daughter is going to be 18 next month, when I can so vividly remember when she first came into this world. Where have all those years gone.