sTAMp aDDICt

Heart on my sleeve

2012-01-19T13:16:00.003Z

Simplicity!!

2008-12-12T12:00:00.000Z

I have decided to take the simple approach to some of my Christmas cards that way i can send more out........lol.

Here's one i made last night and i have a few ideas along the same theme ready to put to practice later. I do like the simplicity of the card myself but the picture really doesn't do anything for it!!

You can't see by the picture but the background is clear glitter sticky paper. The tree is a shiny white paper with clear stickles over parts and mounted on gold mirri board. When the light hits it at different angles (thats not hard with the Christmas tree lights flashing frantically!!) it's really sparkly and looks very Chrismassy!!

Thanks for stopping by. x

The same but different!!

2008-12-11T12:47:00.004Z

My little girl really liked the HM card i made for the Let It Snow challenge and asked if i could make one for her Nana. I offered to use a different stamp and showed her all my papers but no!! she still wanted the same. I find it VERY hard to try and make two of a kind so i did manage to alter it slightly so it would still look the same but a bit different.........lol. My dughter and son decided to play spot the difference between the two cards heehee!!

For this one i used my copics to colour the image as i wanted to get it done a bit quicker. I was also having a 'bad ribbon day!!' and the bow just wouldn't lye where i wanted it to so i secured it with a brad. I also added a thin gold mirri card frame around the image as i wanted to use up some old gold brads and wanted it to tie in.

Ribbon scraps

2008-12-10T12:41:00.008Z

This card won't be everyones cup of tea as i have used black and white for this Christmas card but i quite like it. It's a very simple card and a great way to use up ribbon scraps. The card i have used is a 'skinny' so it's narrower than a DL card.

Not the best photo as the sun is shining through every bit of my conservatory making my pics a bit dark!!

While i'm here i will shar a pic or two of my Christmas tree. Very un-traditional this year......lol.

The tree is 6.5ft slimline cream tree. You can see in this photo that the kids have already been re-arranging some of the decorations leaving a bit of a gap in the middle on the top!! Never mind i'll just have to buy more to totally fill it......lol

You can see all the colours i have gone for better in this photo!!

This flower is a gorgeous turquoise colour and is made of feathers.

Also had to show you this flower. Again i just LOVE the colours - a rich deep purple with turquoise and deep blue.

Right i'm off to re-arrange my trimmings (again!!)............lol.

Thanks for looking. x

House Mouse - Let It Snow!!

2008-12-09T16:58:00.005Z

Our challenge this week on House Mouse & Friends challenge blog is let it snow!!

This week we would like to see snow on your work. This could be the word 'snow', paper with snow flakes, a snow themed stamp, white puffy 'snow'................... the list is endless

Here's the card i made...................

I kept the card quite white and simple which i think sometimes gives a more striking effect. I'm still into colouring with distress inks and this is the first House Mouse image i have coloured this way and i'm sure it won't be the last as i love the way you can get the colours so bold.

Thanks for stopping by. x

Sketch Saturday #28

2008-12-09T16:10:00.006Z

I didn't have time to post my card over the weekend and then i lost my internet connection for just over a day so i'm finally playing catch up.

It was Mariska's turn to set the challenge and this is the sketch provided:

My oval nestabilities were to small for the image i wanted to use so i had to settle with a rectangle with the corners rounded. As pink cat studios are sponsoring us this week i used this image from their QT Owl plate - my favourite.

The papers are BG Granola. Sentiment stamp from catslife press, flowers by papermania, image - pink cat studios coloured with distress inks and spica glitter pens.

Stampavie Group Challenge 2

2008-12-02T17:41:00.003Z

Stampavie (the company who manufacture Sarah Kay and Rachel Anne Miller stamps) have a group over on Paper Craft Planet and the latest challenge set was another sketch (I do love sketch challenges........lol).

Here's the card i made.............

On the sketch the ribbon was along the bottom and the sentiment down the side but i wouldn't beable to fit it that way on this card so i swapped them around.

The papers are BG Boxer. Used my crop-o-dile to make the wholes and set the eyelets. Ribbong and metal sentiment from stash. Image was coloured with distress inks (again......lol).

Thanks for looking. x

WOJ - Guest Designer Call!!

2008-12-01T15:05:00.002Z

Now if you love these stamps as i do then why not enter in there Guest Designer call. You can view all information needed here. I have followed the sketch given pretty closely with the exception of my sentiment being round rather than a rectangle. Here's my card..........

The papers used are BG Wassail (again.....lol). Vellum Christmas sayings from stash. Text stamp by Catslife press. Flower bought in a bunch off a local market last year (real bargain at only £1 for a bunch containing 12 flowers).

Image stamp - By Whiff of Joy. I decided to colour this image with distress inks again and i'm very pleased with it as it was my second attempt. It's so easy to work with.

I made this card last week but was unsure as to whether i should submit it as an entry or just for fun. I decided to give it ago and if nothing else i'll boost numbers..........lol (not that they need boosting!!). As you are allowed to enter as many times as you like i may just see if i can come up with something better.

Thanks for looking and i'd love to know what you think and any advice regarding distress inks are welcome. xxx

Sketch Saturday #27 - Sponsored by WoJ

2008-12-01T13:08:00.005Z

Yes that's right! sponsored by Whiff of Joy

And look at the prize that you could win!... one of Whiff of Joy's brand new designs from their Winter & Christmas collection, designed by Elisabeth Bell,

Herb with bird, isn't he soooooo sweet!...

Here's the sketch for this weeks challenge...............

SS#027.gif (image)

I loved this sketch and found using it so easy. I have a few stamps (well quite a few) from Whiff of Joy so i thought it would be nice to use the same stamp as the prize offered. Here's my card.........

I'm not too happy with my photo's at the moment as i think i may have messed with the settings on my new camera a bit too much as the pictures are a bit blurred. I know it's my fault and not the camera's as it's a 14.2 Megapixel DSLR - looks like i'd best learn how to use it quickly so i can get some good pictures over Christmas!!

Sarah Kay - Time for apple pie

2008-11-26T09:05:00.004Z

Well i have to say that the new Sarah Kay stamps are gorgeous. I have managed to find some time to make this card for the challenge over at the Stampavie group on PCP. The challenge is a sketch (I love sketches as the layout is the part that takes me the longest).

I have used BG granola papers - they are so lovely, and i've coloured the image with distress inks. It's the first time i have used these inks to colour with and i'm pleased with the results they give. I have been practicing a bit with the inks but decided to go for the first one i done so it would be special to me (as i hope it will be special to the friend that receives it).

Thanks for looking. x

Losing my mind!!

2008-11-25T12:06:00.000Z

I remember making this card for a challenge blog but!!!!...............I can't remember which one and it's been sitting upstairs for a couple of weeks so i will have no chance in remembering now. I have been delaying blogging it incase i remembered but thats not going to happen............lol.

For this card i used my Forever Friends stamp again and BG Granola papers. The 'thanks' stamp is a clear stamp from Studio G.

House Mouse #15

2008-11-24T11:54:00.003Z

I can't believe how quick the weeks are gong and that we are already on week #15 on House mouse and friends challenge blog. I'm also sure the DT members have excelled themselves again this week - just when you think they can't get any better, they do!! There must be something in they're water..........lol, wish they'd bottle some up for me heehee!!.

The challenge this week is............

Our challenge this week is :~ Polka Dots!!

Polka dots.......Don't you just love them and they seem to be back in fashion!! With us crafters at least. We would like to see polka dots on your creations.

I wanted to go for the more funky look than cute and soft this week, not sure if it quite works with this stamp but i am loving these papersDon't forget to check out the DT's fantastic work. Thanks for looking. x

Sketch Saturday #26

2008-11-22T10:00:00.000Z

Another great sketch from Jo this week. I decided to make a Christmas card as not only do i need to make a few but i have so much Christmas stuff that i can't let it go to waste........lol.

For this card I have used BG Wassail papers, i think they have quite a traditional feel to them and thats why i chose this stamp for the card.

Thanks for looking. x

Sketch #25 - Win some seasonal goodies!

2008-11-18T17:53:00.002Z

Well i couldn't believe what i done this week!! I thought i had done my DT card a while ago for challenge 25 but it turned out i had done #26 instead.......ooops!! least i'm prepared for next week.........lol. Anyways i finally managed to get a card done today which wilol be for my Nain for Christmas. It was only afterwards when i thought about it - she really doesn''t like mice!! Hopefully she will find these ones cute,

Thanks for stopping by. x

House Mouse & Friends #14

2008-11-17T12:14:00.009Z

The challenge over on HM&F this week is real easy...............as long as it is Christmas related you can make anything!!! I have quite a few Christmas cards to do so i just made a card.

It looks a bit plain and simple looking but with the stamp being quite big (my card blank is 150x150mm - 6x6") you can see how big the stamp is. I think if i would have used anymore layering or added text it would have started to become to busy. The papers i have used are from the BG Wassail collection (loving them).

Thanks for looking. x

An Award

2008-11-11T22:58:00.004Z

I've been given an award (well i think i have received a few in the past but always forget to do a post then i forget where they were........lol). The lovely Ann gave me the award, so thanks Ann for thinking of me. x

So now to the rules...

1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.

2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.

3. Nominate 5 blogs.

4. Put links to their blogs.

5. Leave a message for your nominees.

Simple!! I hear you say, well you would think so but after visiting a few blogs most have already been given this award and i don't want to pester them by giving the same one again IYSWIM, the other blogs i would give it to, well i don't feel familiar enough with the owners.

Now if anyone wouldn't mind receiving the award from me please leave a comment here and i will add your name to my list and pop on over to your blog.

Thanks. xxx

Cogsmo card

2008-11-10T23:31:00.004Z

I love the Cosmo Cricket paper ranges, they do soft and romatic papers to cool and funky. The Get Happy and Cogsmo are great for boys cards and in Blue Peter Style!!! Here's one i made earlier using the Cogsmo papers.............

I can't remember where i got my image stamp from, i just found it in my ever growing stash of stamps - I'm sure they breed!!! The sentiment stamp is from a clear set from Penny Black.

Thanks for looking. x

House Mouse & Friends #13

2008-11-10T15:57:00.004Z

This weeks challenge on House Mouse & Friends is..............

Our challenge this week is :~ Junk!!

I'm sure we all have at least one in our house, junk drawer that is.......lol. Your challenge is to use something from your pile of junk on your creation, it couldn't be easier!!

Here's the card i made for the challenge:

My 'junk' is the leather flower. It was in the drawer of junk we have in the kitchen (actually it's the kids drawer). The flower is an interchangeable part from my daughters sandals she had in the summer. She lost the matching one to this one straight away but we kept this one 'just incase' we ever found it......................Wonder if she'll spot it's missing..........lol.

I have also done a 'natural' feel to the card as to make up for not being able to participate in last weeks challenge!!

Hope you like it and can't wait to see what you make. x

Sketch Saturday - #24 - Win a Sarah Kay stamp!

2008-11-08T12:00:00.000Z

Wow!! Don't these weeks come and go far to quickly, Christmas will be here before i get prepared at this rate!!

Here's this weeks sketch over on Sketch Saturday (Jo is great at these sketches). When looking at the sketch for some reason 'boy' came into my head, so i looked through all my stamps (as there's loads still unused that i forget i have.........lol) and found a boy one by Elzybells. I EZ mounted it and got stamping. This is the end result....................

Thanks for looking. x

Fancy Pants............

2008-11-07T12:00:00.000Z

I so love this stamp from Stampabilities, it makes me giggle every time i see it on peoples work so naturally when i decided to stock these lovely stamps i just had to have this one!!

It was just a quick card as i just 'had' to make one.......lol. I then decided to make another card using the left over papers. It was going okay for another 'quick' card until i decided to handwrite on the white bits!!! It looked like a child had writtien on it and i was about to put it in the bin but decided to try and save it. This is how it turned out....................

..........yep i cut all the white bits with the writing off..........lol. Can't say it's a great card and don't know if i really like it, but it's different (i will probably put it in my charity box)

Forever Friends

2008-11-06T12:41:00.000Z

I have loved these stamps since i first saw them but just never got the chance to have a play when they first came in. I wasn't sure how to colour them in as i'm not experienced enough to do them with my copics (too much space and shading to get wrong) so i opted for my prisma pencils.

I kept the card very simple (partly because i wasn't 'in the mood' and had lost my mojo) but quite like the way it turned out.

Birthday Boy at 80??

2008-11-05T12:31:00.000Z

The other week a neighbour of mine called round and invited us round for a drink and a piece of cake. When i asked if i could ask how old he was his sister said 80!!! WOW!!!............80 years of age, i couldn't believe it as i thought he was around 65.

With this in mind i decided to make a quick card to celebrate 80 years young - hence the birthday boy..........lol. I don't really like making male cards but found this one easy and made a card for my dad similar (forgot to take a photo).

Thanks for looking. x

My cute but grumpy looking dog........lol

2008-11-04T18:46:00.006Z

After annoying nearly all of my family with my camera i have found a new model!!! She may have droopy cheeks and look sad but don't she look cute heehee! and no she wasn't grumpy cause i was taking her picture - she always looks like that!!!

You would think these are the same photo - but nope they're not!!! she does the same pose....lol
Oh and here's one of my little girl (she didn't know i was taking her picture heehee!!Still no crafting as such for me yet but i did help my mum with a couple of cards as she stayed last night and had to get a couple made for a friend by tomorrow. My wrist is feeling a bit better today so i may try and get some stamping in later.

Have fun. xxx

So Spoilt!!

2008-11-03T13:13:00.006Z

Last week my little girl broke our digital camera so i have been un able to take any photos, not that i can do any crafting at the moment as i've hurt my wrist but i have got a few cards here that i 'made earlier'.

I used to have an SLR camera, a Canon EOS 50E until it got nicked about 4/5 years ago. I was only learning about photography but i really enjoyed it but had to give it up as i could afford to replace my camera. I have been wanting to take this up again but could no way afford a new SLR (digital this time rather than wasting film after film as i used to). Anyway, me and my boyfriend were talking Saturday morning and i showed him our broken camera, i mentioned that i only want to replace it with a cheap digital one for now as i would rather get an SLR when i save enough.

My lovely fella then decided - thats my Christmas pressie sorted and seen as we were going off shopping he would let me chose one ready.

After a few hours in the shop this is what i decided on................. a Sony a350

Isn't it gorgeous. The best bit is that he bought it there and then and as i NEED a camera i don't have to wait until Christmas for it *woohoo* needless to say everyone in the house is sick of me putting the lens in there face heehee!!

Off to play with my new toy again!!

Too busy to craft!!!

2008-10-29T20:08:00.003Z

Well i can't believe how busy the last week or so has been, each day has been the same routine.......

7am - get up and start doing VAT returns (shake kids off my leg and feed them junk to let me get on with work.....lol)
2pm - start packing shop orders, go for a shower and get kids ready, check for anymore orders and pack them ready to go to post office for 5pm.
5pm onwards - cook, clean and play with neglected children!!!

Well i'm pleased to say that the worst of it is over now as far as the day job (VAT) is concerned as i have finished all my end of month deadline jobs today *woohoo*.

I will be taking tomorrow off work (both the shop and VAT - still got loads of non payment ones to do) so sorry in advance as no orders will be sent out and also to my boss cause if he tries to ring me i'm not answering................lol. I'm going down to my mums for the day so i don't even have to look at any mess (not in my own house anyway.........lol).

I will also be taking a short while off crafting. Partly because i haven't been spending much quality time with the kids and partly because instead of relaxing me as it used to i'm feeling like i have to do this and i must get that done etc etc. It won't be a long break but a break none the less!!

Did i tell you all i have given up smoking???...........Well i have. I gave up on 19th October and started on the patches and WOW do they have some side effects!! I couldn't sleep and when i did eventually get to sleep the dreaming would wake me (slept 2 hours a night for three nights!!). My arms also felt like a dead weight, indigestion, stomach cramps etc - well by Wednesday of last week i was so fed up and tired that i cracked and had a fag......argh!!!

But the good news is, i found a way to make the patches work for me (just wearing one for a few hours early in the day) but even that wasn't great so since Saturday i have gone without the patches or anything else and i find it so much easier. So things are going well with the NO SMOKING at the moment.

Well for what started out as a short post to say why i haven't blogged has turned into an essay........lol. Oh and before i forget i haven't shown you my card for Sketch Saturday so here it is...................

Just Bex Challenge {Piece by Piece}

2008-10-22T12:00:00.000+01:00

Over on Just Bex forum Nikky set us a challenge called piece by piece. We had to use pieces of paper to 'make' our pictures/designs.

Nikky gave a fabulous sample of a paper pieced house, i loved it so much that i decided to use her idea.
Feeling guilty for not coming up with my own idea i decided to make another....................A very simple card but i do like simple.........lol.

Thanks for looking. x

House Mouse Challenge #10

2008-10-21T11:11:00.005+01:00

Our challenge this week is :~ Anything But A Card!!

The title says it all really...........lol. With Christmas approaching fast (a bit too fast some would say) it would be the ideal opportunity to create a handmade gift for someone, or maybe for yourself! It's entirely your choice what you make as long as it's not a card and features at least one House Mouse or Friends image. If you wish to make a card to go with your project then that's fine.

I decided to make a book for my little girl to write down the things she would like for Christmas. I only gave it here yesterday and already she is on the second page!!! Not sure it was such a good idea now......lol.

I decided to try out these acrylic covers as i have loved them since i'd first seen them but haven't had the chance to use them!! The cute Happy Hopper is only part of a stamp, i paper pieced the present box and coloured the rest with my copics. It took some time to cut the image out but it kept my hands busy (which is something i need with trying to give up smoking!!). The papers are from the new BasicGrey Wassail range.

Thanks for looking. xxx

Sketch Saturday #21

2008-10-20T11:40:00.004+01:00

Wow...........don't the weeks fly by!!!

I was meant to do this post and schedule it but before i remembered or had time Saturday had been and gone!!

I had a great weekend and actually experienced some real life social life..........lol. My BF took me and the children out for lunch on Saturday (okay it was to the pub but we don't get the chance to go out at night so it was nice to socialise with our friends). Friday night was spent uploading the new BG Wassail Christmas range and Saturday Morning (and part of Sunday) was spent packing orders!! There you go..........the weekend came and went in a flash!!!

Okay, back to the subject!! I made this card sometime ago and had to check which one i had to show.................lol.

This card was made as soon as i received this stamp. I can't say i'm to impressed with my efforts but having to ink up a new stamp and all the excitement that goes with it, I just needed to make a card even though my mojo was AWOL!! I'm sure (well hoping.....lol) that we all have moments like this.

The stamp is by Whiff Of Joy, i am loving these stamps and Katharina who owns the company is doing an amazing job at customer services despite how rapidly growing the company is - I know how hard this can be so big claps and hats off to her.

The papers used are from the BasicGrey Boxer collection (a bit of a hit and miss with people but i love this collection - the bold and almost masculine coloured papers stil manage to be feminine aswell!).

Other stash used are: 3D stickers from Hobbycraft (bought these when i first started and have only just used them....lol), black satin ribbon and prima flowers.

Thanks for looking. xxx

Nothing to show!!

2008-10-16T21:36:00.003+01:00

I don't very often post on here unless i have something to show but i have been quite busy this week with one thing or another and i haven't had much time for blog hopping or forum posting so thought i'd put a collective hello to all my friends here. xxx

I have managed a bit of crafting but this is for DT work so i'm unable to post it yet!! Least i'm getting ahead of myself these days.......lol.

I have been excited since yesterday as i took the plunge and decided to get myself a franking machine *woohoo*, there will be no more hanging around post office carrying parcels in one arm and a toddler in the other for me.......yeah!! Just the thought of all the hours i'll save each month is a great feeling.

Well i'm going to say goodnight now as i'm hoping to get an early night after a few sleepless ones this week with the kids taking it in turn to have a bug thats been doing the rounds. Hopefully i will feel more human in the morning - that could just be wishful thinking as i'm 'in office' working!!

Night all. xxx

Dt Call

2008-10-14T13:57:00.002+01:00

Sassy Crafts require a couple of DT members, please see here for details.

Thanks :-)

Sketch Saturday #20

2008-10-13T16:01:00.002+01:00

Here's my DT card for the sketch staurday blog.

I received 2 new stamps from whiff of joy the other week so made this card as soon as i received them..........lol. As you may also tell i am loving this Dream Street Paper and i've used the same couple of sheets for at least 6 cards now!! Such value for money i think............lol.

House Mouse #9 and BasicGrey #6

2008-10-13T15:54:00.003+01:00

It's not very often i think of combining a challenge but have managed to kill 2 birds with 1 stone so to speak!! Here is my card for the challenges:

The House Mouse challenge was a sketch challenge which you can view here. The BasiGrey challenge was a colour combo challenge - i went for the green and red/maroon. The BasicGrey papers i used are Dasher (i think, i'm not 100% on it as i only had bits left and the strip with the name had been cut off a while ago!!), they are definitely BG though!!

Stitching, Lace and Flowers........

2008-10-10T12:00:00.000+01:00

These are some of my favourite things at the moment. I love this light lime green ribbon and have been itching to use some since i got it. I didn't think i had anything that would go with it but i think red green and brown work quite well together (sounds so wrong though..........lol).

Supplies:
Papers - BasicGrey
Flowers - Prima
Rub-ons - Doodlebug
Ribbons from stock

Sweet Little Donkey

2008-10-09T20:00:00.000+01:00

Isn't this Donkey stamp so cute!!

It's from a set of 6 so i'm gonna see if i'll get the chance to play some more over the next couple of days.

Supplies used:
Papers - DCWV Nana's nursery boy & girl
Stamp - alota rubber
Sentiment stamp - Sorry don't remember who this is made by

Recycled Monthly Challenge

2008-10-09T12:00:00.000+01:00

Over on Aunty's forum i am a member of the Creating Mayhem team. Each month a team set a challenge and for each project we make for that challenge earns our team points. Here's 2 I've made.

On this card i have cut the center out of a beer mat leaving a frame, covered the frame with patterned paper and voila a nice chunky frame around my image.

The recycled element on this card is the feather bit. This was pulled off the top of ones of the kids pencils (which they don't know about......lol).

You'll have to excuse the shadow on the cards as it was really sunny in my conservatory when i took these and never noticed the shadows at the time!!

Ooops........forgot to post!!

2008-10-08T22:32:00.003+01:00

After sussing out how to schedule posts you would think i would start to get myself organised!! I just can't believe how quick the days go and i've been really busy lately sourcing new stock for the shop, sending orders, making cards for DT commitments, family, work etc etc.

I have forgotten to post my DT card for last saturdays sketch saturday challenge, so thought better late than never.........lol.

Supplies used:
Paper - Cosmo Cricket Love Notes
Lace from stash
Prima Flowers
Stamp - Sarah Kay
Metal embellie - Making Memories.

Thanks for stopping by. x

Challenge #8 - Halloween

2008-10-06T11:36:00.004+01:00

Over on House Mouse & Friends challenge blog this week the challenge them is Halloween. I don't own any Halloween stamps so i made my card using the traditional Halloween colours for my card.
I really struggled with this one as these are quite strong colours for such cute images. I tried to keep my card quite minimal so it didn't become to over powering. I quite like the finished result but must admit that this one is my third attempt...........lol.

blog Candy Alert!!

2008-10-01T09:59:00.004+01:00

Wow, wow and wow............... Michelle over on her blog Stamps, paper, scissors and donkey smiles has some fantastic blog candy up for grabs to celebrate almost 25,000 hits. Here's a picture and a snippet from Michelle's blog:

Yes... I am going to offer up Both of the SWEET LITTLE DONKEYS from Alota Rubber Stamps!!! I am also going to put lots of Ribbon and Flowers in the box so you can embellish these cuties up! The value is sure to be well over $50.00 on this loot! How is that? I am soooo excited to share these Adorable Donkeys!!!!!

For details on how to enter please visit Michelle's blog and while your there don't forget to check out her awesome work. x

BasicGrey - challenge #4

2008-09-30T14:49:00.005+01:00

The challenge over on BasicGrey challenge blog this week is a sketch.

Here's my take on the sketch:

For this card i have used BG Archaic paper, alpha stickers and chip stickers.

I really do love this paper and whilst i had it out i thought i'd make up a couple more cards to use up some of the scrap bits. I then remembered that there was a dinosaur stamp that would be perfect to go with these papers so i pinched it from stock..........lol. Think it is made by Hero Arts.

(not a good idea for me to stamp straight onto the card cause as you can see my text is a little wonky - not to worry though as this card will go in the box for when it's one of my kids friends birthday..........lol)

New Home

2008-09-30T11:40:00.000+01:00

I made this card the other day and again i am experimenting with making use of white space on my cards. As with my home i would love the minimalistic look, the same with some of my cards but i have yet to get the balance right on both my home and cards...........lol. I will keep trying!!

House Mouse and Friends Challenge #7 - Tags

2008-09-29T11:17:00.003+01:00

Over on House Mouse & Friends the challenge this week is:

Hi everybody, I am Janneke from the Netherlands and this week
it was my turn to think about the challenge for you.

And this week's challenge is:

TAGS

I doodled the sketch for my card whilst watching tv at the beginning of the week so i thought with that bit done it would be real quick to get it made up..............I was soooooooo wrong!! It took me ages to choose which paper would work, then i didn't have a stamp suitable so i ended up using part of a stamp. I put the whole card together (which i was quite happy with) then, i had to go and spoil it by handwriting on the tag!! there was too much 'space' on there so i tried to fill it with a little metal flowers and doodles............I don't like it but never had time to change it. Perhaps that will teach me for leaving things till the last minute!!

Anyway, enough blabbing and moaning from me - here's my card:

Ooooooo - almost forgot to add that there is a super prize up for grabs this week donated by alota rubber stamps. Hope you can join in. xxx

Sketch Saturday #18

2008-09-27T12:45:00.000+01:00

This week is being sponsored by alota rubber stamps. There isn't just one stamp up for grabs - there's 4!! So don't forget to join in for your chance of winning. Here's the sketch..........

And here's my card:
I didn't know at the time of making it that alota were sponsoring and funny enough i have used a n alota stamp for this card. I think the slug is soooooo cute.

Blog Candy Alert!!

2008-09-25T16:59:00.002+01:00

Wow!! There's more blog candy up for grabs on Hazels blog. Here's what you could win:

How gorgeous are they. For more details please visit Hazels Blog. x

Blog Candy Alert!!

2008-09-25T16:51:00.001+01:00

Vixx-a-craftin' has some gorgeous blog candy up for grabs and if you'd like a chance to win this lot:
Then take a look here for more details - good luck. x

Monkey Business!!

2008-09-25T12:00:00.000+01:00

I received these images in an image swap i joined in with on SCS. They are so cute and will be great for some upcoming birthdays of my childrens friends.I quite like this paper but can't remember who it's by as i've had it a while!! Right, back to my mission of using up as much old stuff as possible.

Thanks for looking. x

No Stopping Me Now.........

2008-09-25T11:05:00.010+01:00

..........that i have got my sewing machine out and fixed the tension!!

I love real stitching on a card, it gives such a great effect and thought it about time that i look at my sewing machine and see if i can fix it. It was easy, i don't no what took me so long (besides laziness........lol). I also forgot how good it is, it has a little screen showing me which stitch i have selected and it also recommends what setting would work best for that stitch with different materials - how cool is that.

I could only find a matching black thread and bobbin so i kept the paper i used quite dark.

Here's the first card i made:

<--------Look!!! Real stitching..............lol. For the second card i wanted to try and make something a bit funky, i decided to use my Crop-o-Dile to do the embellishment (didn't turn out how i pictured in my head). I also wanted to make use of the white space (again something i don't do very often) and have like a wonky stitched border around the edge. The stitching was wonky but not as tidy as i would have liked. All in all the card hasn't turned out to well but decided to show you as i think i'll try and make another with the same idea but tweak it to try and get it to work.

Friday Sketchers - Sketch 20

2008-09-25T10:54:00.002+01:00

There's another great sketch over on Friday Sketchers which i just had to have a go at.

Here's the card i made:

I ordered a few stamps from Elzybells the other day and they arrived yesterday so i just had to ink one of them up!! Love this little bear - he's so cute.

Supplies:
Stamp - Elzybell
Papers - DCVW Nana's Nursery Girl
Glitter chipboard alphas - Dovecraft
Rub-ons - Doodlebug all mixed up minis

Penny Black Challenge #15

2008-09-24T12:17:00.005+01:00

Over on Penny Black Saturday Challenge Blog the challenge this week is:

DECORATE THE INSIDE OF YOUR CARD

You can choose the theme and the colours this week and as always it is entirely up to you what you make...a card, atc, altered art etc....just as long as it features at least one Penny Black image
so let your creativity run wild.

Here's my card:
This was another quick card made using some more old stash - hopefully soon i will have some room for some new papers........lol!!

Challenges on Just Bex Forum

2008-09-24T08:46:00.004+01:00

I have done a couple of challenges on the Just Bex Forum.

The first one being K.I.S.S.........keep it simple, stupid!!
You are allowed to use 1 piece of patterned paper, 1 embellishment and 1 sentiment. I did cheat a little as i added another piece of of patterned paper at the bottom as the space was to 'blank'!!

The next challenge was a sketch - a 15 minute sketch!! I managed to make this card in 10 minutes. It's a little rough in places but this challenge was great to make a quick card as it's coming to that time of year where most of my childrens friends have their birthdays and it's also helping me use up some old stash.

I've decided to try and have a craft morning and try and make as many quick and easy cards as i can ready for all the upcoming birthdays. I may be back later to show my makes. x

Challenge #6 - Stitching

2008-09-22T12:19:00.003+01:00

This weeks challenge over on House Mouse & Friends is stitching. Here's the card i made.
It's not one of my best cards but i seem to be going through a crafters block at the moment and i'm struggling to make anything. Don't suppose it helps having so much going on in real life but i won't bore you with that!!

I do own a sewing machine but after a short while of having it a messed up the tension and haven't touched it since, so on this card it is all faux stitching but because i felt guilty for kinda cheating i stitched in 2 buttons with elasticated ribbon.

Hope you manage to find time and join in with the challenge. x

Sketch 19 Norway Heidi sponsored by Kreativ Hobby

2008-09-15T15:17:00.006+01:00

I came across another great sketch blog called Friday Sketchers thanks to Carole. I was planning to have a go at last weeks sketch but never got the time so i made sure i joined in this week.

Here's what i made using the sketch:

This was a very quick and easy card to make, it only took 10 minutes as i was trying to get a few made while my little girl had an afternoon nap.

Supplies used:
DCWV Nana's Nursery girl papers
Prima flowers
Buttons galore
Dovecraft chipboard glitter letters
Doodlebug rub-ons

Challenge #5 - Paper Piecing

2008-09-15T12:35:00.002+01:00

Over on House Mouse and Friends the challenge this week is paper piecing.

Here's my card:

<--Here's the view straight on.

In this one you can see how i tried to create some dimension by 3Ding the mouse in the bag, jar and the third mouse. ----->

For this card i coloured with copics. Used Crate Paper papers (can't remember which collection). Papermania silk flowers, some buttons and ribbon scraps from stash.

Sketch #16 - 13th September

2008-09-14T09:58:00.002+01:00

Sorry for the short post but thought i'd quickly blog my sketch saturday DT card.
This was a great sketch but for some reason i struggled a bit with it. I kept trying to add a bit more detail for dimension but everything i had didn't look quite right. I think i must need some more stash!!..........lol. Anyone who knows me would laugh at that as i have more stash than i care to admit!!

Stamp with Sarah Kay Challenge 10

2008-09-10T19:51:00.003+01:00

Here is my first challenge card i created for Stamp with Sarah Kay. I am a bit late posting it as i was trying to decide whether or not to post as i got the sketch slightly wrong as i worked from memory (not a good thing these days!!).

For this card i have used a text stamp from catslife press, basicgrey offbeat papers, Sarah Kay stamp, prima flowers and lace from stash.

House Mouse Challenge - On A Budget

2008-09-10T19:00:00.005+01:00

This weeks challenge on House Mouse & Friends is:

With the economy in mind and the looming credit crunch we are all watching the £'s/$'s so i would like you to make a card (or whatever you choose to make) for less than £1/$2.

Your stamps and colouring pens/pencils are excluded from the price/budget.
You may also use any tools you have to create the card/project.
Items you may have received for free/in a swap or a RAK may be used but they must have an estimated value/cost.
Please remember to work out the cost for everything else:

card blank

any papers and card used

flowers/blooms

DST, glue etc (obviously this won't be much so a small estimate is fine).

Again i have tried to change my style (anyone would think i'm going through a mid-life crisis!!!)
I love cards that make the use of the white space on their cards which is something i rarely do so thought i would try and do it 'simple style'.

The cost!!
Card blank - 10p
flower - 10p
sticky gems - 8p
wool - from a ball i was given estimated cost is less than a penny but i will call it 1p
DST-only used a tiny amount to sick the image on the inside so will call it 1p
Tag & brad - 10p
Total cost.............£0.40

Sketch Saturday

2008-09-09T19:20:00.003+01:00

I am so behind with posting on my blog!! I will be playing catch up over the next few days.

Here's my DT card for sketch Saturday.

This card should come with a health warning to wear sunglasses.........lol. I tried to think outside of my 'cute card' box but i don't think it has worked!! I love funky styles but just can't seem to get them quite right. I suppose with a bit of practice i may get it one day!

In all honesty i don't like the card so would love to hear your comments on how to improve this style.

Thanks for looking. x

House Mouse Challenge #3

2008-09-01T07:41:00.003+01:00

This weeks challenge is a sketch:

With the sketch you can - flip it, stretch it, shrink it, twist it, add accents to it BUT you MUST be able to see the original sketch on your project.

Here's the card i made (at 4am this morning.......lol)

Wish i could say i'm gong to bed now as i've been up since 3am but unfortunately i have to get ready for our day out shopping for school supplies!! My eldest is going to High School in 2 days!! Where does the time go.

Thanks for looking. x

Sketch #14 - 30th August

2008-08-30T14:44:00.003+01:00

First off i would like to say thanks to Jo for choosing me to be part of the DT for sketch saturday *Woohoo* - I am so excited i was chosen as there were so many talented ladies that entered.

Here's my DT card for the sketch:

The card itself was quick to make and as soon as i saw the sketch i knew exactly what stamp and papers i wanted to use. But when i decided on the papers (and cut it all out) i realised i had no flowers to match them so decided to make my own!! It was a bit of a trial and error process but i'm quite happy with the end result.

Supplies:
Papers - New basicgrey offbeat collection
Metal embellishment - making memories
lace - from stash
ribbon - papermania
stamp - Sarah Kay, stamped in impress ink and coloured with copics
Nestabilities - rectangle classic and scalloped
Flowers - made from PP and held together with rivets using a bigbite and brads in center to secure to card.

This card cost me a fortune to make as i pinched most of the supplies i used for it from my shop, but surely thats one of the perks of the job.......lol, and most items such as nestibilities and the stamp will be used again and again!!

Thanks for looking. x

Sketch #13 - 23rd August - also DT members wanted!

2008-08-28T15:51:00.006+01:00

Woohoo!! I am posting my cards in the right week..........lol. I made these cards the other day. For the first one i used some new papers from the basicgrey range Eva - loving these papers. The second was made with some left over christmas paper from last year. I'm not really happy with the christmas one but my excuse is that i just can't get in the christmas spirit till late November........lol.The 'merry christmas' tags look awful in the photo as there is glitter over the text but honestly it looks much better in RL.

Sketch #12 - 16th August

2008-08-26T09:52:00.004+01:00

I decided last week to not leave things till last minute when it comes to making challenge cards. I done well and made this card last Tuesday - so why does it take me a week to get it on my blog!!.........lol. Suppose baby steps are better than nothing *heehee* (i will try harder next time!!

Anyways here is the card i made for Saturday Sketch (last weeks)

Challenge 2 - Lace it up!!

2008-08-25T10:31:00.004+01:00

Well the second challenge has just been posted on House Mouse & Friends, the challenge this week is:

Our challenge this week is :~ Lace it up!! We would like to see the use of lace on your projects, this could be paper lace, frilly lace a shoe lace!! Just let your imagination go wild!!

I love lace but haven't got a great deal of it - that will soon change as i feel a spending spree coming on......lol. Here's the card i made for the challlenge:

The design team has done it once again and produced some stunning work so don't forget to check out there blogs and i hope you can join in with the challenge.

Thanks. x

Nephews 1st Birthday

2008-08-23T10:51:00.003+01:00

It was my nephews first birthday on the 11th and guess what...........yep i missed it!! So before i went to see my family on Tuesday i made a quick card for him. I had coloured the image a while back and thought it would be great for his card. The card itself only took 10/15 mins to do which was good as i was already running late.........lol (for those who know me - late is my middle name!!)

The image is from the Gruffies range - isn't he so sweet.

Missing Mojo!!!

2008-08-20T18:55:00.006+01:00

I have been so busy lately that i've miss placed my mojo!! I have been trying to make a few cards inbetween trying to do 1001 other things and it just doesn't work - I need to concentrate!!

Can't say i'm happy with any of these but thought i would put them on my blog just to proove i have been crafting.........lol.

My little girl hasn't had a sleep today so i'm hoping she goes to bed at a 'normal' time (for a change) which will give me a chance to have another play!!

House Mouse Challenge #1

2008-08-18T09:44:00.003+01:00

Well the new House Mouse & Friends Challenge blog is up and running *WOOHOO*

Here's deatils of the first challenge:

For our first challenge we would like to see your project based on the theme 'NEW' (with this being a new blog, what a great challenge for us all to start on), this could be New Home, New Baby etc etc - it's up to you!

There is also a prize up for grabs!!

I decided to go down the easy route and make a new baby card. The photo isn't very clear as my camera is playing up yet again!!

As you can see i have used DCVW Nana's Nursery Girl paper again - i am so impressed with this collection and think i'll have to get the boy collection.

Hope some of you will be able to join in with the challenge. x

Penny Black & Friends Challenge #10

2008-08-16T16:29:00.002+01:00

Over on the Penny Black & Friend Saturday Challenge blog this week the challenge is:

Ribbons - this week we would like to see ribbons on your project.As always its entirely up to you what you make - card, atc, altered art etc..as long as it features at least on penny black image.

Here's the card i've just made: -

Saturday Sketch #11

2008-08-16T16:22:00.003+01:00

Okay so i'm a little late posting this but never mind. I made this card a few days ago but didn't like it and was hoping to find time to create another but needless to say that didn't happen!! Oh well this one will have to do...........lol.

Saturday Sketch#11

No Stamping!!

2008-08-16T16:17:00.004+01:00

Over on my Sassy Crafts blog this weeks challenge set for the DT is to produce a project with NO STAMPING!!! Oh my- i must be mad setting such a challenge as these days all i ever seem to do is stamp!

Well not this time! I managed to make a card with no stamps in sight. I'm not saying it was easy as i kept reaching for my stamps, but managed to resist.

Here's the card i made:

Details of supplies used are on the Sassy Crafts blog.

Sassy Crafts recipe card

2008-08-13T12:38:00.002+01:00

Over on my Sassy Crafts blog i set the DT a challenge to make a craft project using the following recipe:

1 scalloped edge
2 flowers
1 piece of ribbon
2 brads
1 circle
2 squares

Here's my card which despite having flowers in the recipe i tried to make a masculine card - not sure if i like it or not!! May just have another play with this stamp later.

Details of products/supplies used are on the Sassy Crafts Blog.

Get Well Soon

2008-08-12T17:22:00.004+01:00

I'm kind of cheating showing you this card as i made it a while ago but seen as i have been to busy to craft for a short while i thought i would post it on here. I really liked this card when i first made it and just came across it whilst sorting out some folders on my pc.

Bad blogger already!!

2008-08-11T00:26:00.004+01:00

I'm already slacking on my new blog but i do have an excuse!!

We went away Thursday for a couple of days and since coming home i haven't felt to bright so no crafting!!

I have been very busy though setting up my new blog House Mouse & Friends Challenge blog. It has taken me ages to work my way through all the DT applicants and it was so hard to choose a few , i would have loved to have everyone on the DT but posting 50/60 pictures with every challenge wasn't an option..........lol.

If you would like to see the new blog then click on the banner below

Happy Birthday Little One!

2008-08-06T21:36:00.004+01:00

I am trying to get together a few simple designs as i would like to produce enough cards to do my first craft fayre or something alike before the end of the year. Here are two that are basically the same but one boy and one girl.

I know - i seem to have a fascination with Penny Black and House Mouse stamps at the moment but promise i will show you something different soon - afterall i have plenty more stamps that haven't even seen ink yet.........lol.

I am going away for two days tomorrow so won't be back crafting till Saturday. A few of my favourite challenge blogs post then so i will have something to look forward to.

Thanks for looking. x

Sketch #10 - 2nd August...and there's a prize this week!

2008-08-05T18:03:00.004+01:00

Over on Sketch Saturday the sketch for this week is:
There is also a prize up for grabs so why not check it out.

This is the card i made this morning for the challenge.

House Mouse Stamp

2008-08-05T12:05:00.002+01:00

I am in love with House Mouse stampsso much so that i am starting a challenge blog for these gorgeous stamps. I am still in the middle of tweaking the blog getting a header made etc but i'm currently still looking for Design Team members before i do the first challenge.

If you might be interested the pleas see House Mouse & Friends challenge blog

Here's another card i have made using these stamps:

Penny Black Challenge 8 - No Pink

2008-08-04T17:33:00.006+01:00

For this weeks challenge on Penny Black Saturday Challenge is:

Your cards can feature any colour, but NO PINK !!

I have made 2 very simple cards. The first one i made (the yellow one) i was not happy with as it was too much yellow so i made another simple card using up the bits of paper left over from making the first one. Like i said it is a simple design but i rather this one........lol.

Just Bex - Lace Challenge

2008-08-03T07:21:00.004+01:00

One of the recent challenges over on Just Bex was to use lace on your project. Luckily i'd bought a few pieces of lace a couple of days before the challenge was set.

I made two cards with images i received in a swap (love these images and trying my best not to go out and spend more money buying them) and they are my first attempts colouring with my new copic markers (which i love):

Distressed House Mouse

2008-08-01T10:57:00.004+01:00

Over on my Sassy Crafts blog i have challenged the DT to make projects which are 'distressed'. I couldn't very well ask them to do it and not myself so here's a card with a distressed feel.

It also fits in with a recipe challenge over on just bex forum.

I couldn't find any plain card to match so i ended up using a bit of card from the pack of a paper pad!! It was the exact colour i needed.....lol. To get the distressed look i have inked the edges and torn the edge of the brown card. I chose the browny and blue paper as that itself has a kind of distressed feel to it.

Supplies used:
Dream Street Paper - Near & Dear collection - Tristan and Corey
Nestablilities - Large round scalloped (stock on nestabilities are very low due to our sale)
Stamped image by House Mouse
Black ink (for stamped image) - Impress
Brown in by Tim Holtz
Ribbon & buttons - Unknown

Challenge 7 - Down on the Farm

2008-07-31T17:28:00.005+01:00

I came across a new challenge blog (well new to me) the other day called Penny Black Saturday Challenge.

I have just become the proud owner of a few Penny Black stamps and thought i would give it ago (any excuse to ink up new stamps.....lol).

Supplies:
Stamp - Penny Black
Papers - Basicgrey Archaic
Rub-ons - doodlebug
Ribbon - making memories
Buttons - Rusty Pickle (i think)

My New Craft Room

2008-07-31T17:04:00.002+01:00

Well i've shown you my new blog so i thought next i would show you my new craft room. It's only a corner in my bedroom but i think i have done the best i can with the space i had and to suit my needs.

This is a picture of the whole space. It doesn't look much but you should have seen the amount of space i used to work in. This is like crafting in Paradise compared to before......lol.

This is how I've decided to store my un-mounted stamps. They are clear 12x12 boxes which are 1" wide allowing me to use top and bottom to stick my stamps on. Wooden stamps are kept in the thinner satchels top right hand side of the desk.
I have these embellishment satchels all in the right hand bottom side of the desk. They are great for sorting all my little bits in.I keep all my 12x12 paper collections in the top half. In the lower half i have 1 draw full of christmas papers etc, one draw for punches and the other 2 have tools in them such as my encaustic art stuff (which i never use!!).

I love these shelves and they were a real bargain from Ikea. The shelves were only £5.99 each (they were originally 6" longer but i wanted them cut down a bit) and the brackets were £9.50 a pair. I put these up myself and my boyfriend laughed as although i done a good job (they are actually level !!) i used 6" screws - he says if the house falls down my shelves would still be standing......lol. I did use the large screws on purpose as we all know how heavy lots of paper can be , plus i wanted to put all my big tools on there (just maybe i didn't need them as big as i used..lol)
Loving these rails from Ikea. The large one was £1.99 and the smaller was £1.49. Cups were 49p (bargain or what!!) and the racks ranged from 99p to £1.99. It is so easy to craft now i have everything to hand.
I'm loving my new space and i have even noticed a difference in the quality of my cards and i have alot more inspiration now. Everyone NEEDS a designated craft space it really helps the mojo!! Don't know what i done without mine!!

Bye for now. x

Welcome!!

2008-07-30T23:27:00.002+01:00

To my new blog. I'm not new to blogging but fancied a change.

I became a bit slack with both crafting and my other blog and wasn't happy with the way looked. As i want to get back into blogging (if nothing else it motivates me to craft) i thought seen as i've had a new craft room (well a part of my bedroom) i'd have a new blog to go with it. Fresh start all round..........lol.

I have been making a couple of cards tonight so i will post those tomorrow and also show you my new craft space.

Bye for now. x