Sketch Saturday

Quite a complicated sketch this week at Sketch Saturday, but still a great one to follow. I decided to use Laundry Line papers for this card and my new Whiff of Joy stamp coloured with Copics. I'm not sure I like the ribbon threading on here, but it's got to stay!


The flowers are Prima Paintables (I think), sentiment is a stamp and I added a few stitching rub-ons and Papermania pearls.

Off for a glass of wine now - have a lovely evening xx

Basic Grey Challenge - Pockets

Well, I'm not too sure about this card at all, but it's my take on the Basic Grey challenge today which is to make pockets on your project. Papers are Basic Grey Eva and Porcelain, I stamped the bird and embossed with holographic powder and added the scalloped border with Sakura Gelly Roll pen. The American Crafts ribbon is pleated with Papermania pearl gems added, the flowers are a mix of Prima and Kaiser and the broad ribbon is from Hobbycraft. There is a gorgeous Prima heart nestled among the flowers and the sentiment on the tag is 'Laughter is the shortest distance between two people'.


A vast departure from my usual .....honest opinions please!
xx

Daring Cardmakers - All Things Circular!

So you can make a circular card or anything which includes circles this week at Daring Cardmakers, and I opted to make a card with circles as a feature. I coloured this image with my trusty Distress Inks and used Pink Paislee papers and Bazzill card. I also brought out my Nestabilities for this, various flowers including the paper rose, and used my McGill leaf punch. The sentiment was created by Karen and is a freebie on her blog.

Hope you're enjoying a lazy Saturday morning xxx

Friday Sketchers

I really like the sketch today at Friday Sketchers - it really is very versatile and well balanced. I used Holly in the Garden from the Holly and Madison Collection available here and my Cosmo Cricket TSV kit (love these papers!). Holly is coloured with Distress Inks and highlighted with Glossy Accents, with flowers and gems from stash box.

Yippee, it's nearly the weekend and that means only 2 days to go until I attend the Copics workshop with Maddy! Can't wait!!

Enjoy your day xxx

Copic Colour Challenge - Fab News!

Ooooh, I'm thrilled to have been invited onto the Design Team at Copic Colour Challenge! I'm so excited about working with all the other fabulously talented members and thank you so much for choosing me!!

Christmas!

What? No way!! Christmas already??? Well, over at the Sugar Bowl it is! The challenge today is to make a Christmas project, so I unearthed the box in the corner of my craft room and yanked out all my Christmas goodies - it was like finding new stash! I used Basic Grey Wassail for this project (love those papers), and coloured the image with Distress Inks. I added a couple of these delish irridescent snowflakes, a smidgeon of lace and threaded some red ribbon along the bottom edge. The sentiment is acrylic and all edges are inked in gold.

Funnily enough, I really did enjoy making this and it's one down already!

xx

Cute Card Thursday - Animal Magic

Actually I always find I have a distinct lack of animal stamps, but as luck would have it I bought a set of these new Papermania stamps yesterday featuring Marshmallow and Candyfloss bunnies. The perfect opportunity to use them came along this morning when I checked out the Cute Card Thursday challenge - 'Animal Magic'. Papers are Imaginisce and DCWV Nanas Nursery Baby Boy, I used my Sissix swirls die and McGill leaf punch, Prima flowers and Fiskars embossing border punch. The sentiment was created on my computer.

Well, it's perfect weather for cosying up and watching carefully selected hours on QVC craft day, so that's what I'm doing today - may do a few makes in between though.

Have a great day whatever you're doing.

xx

Stamp with Stampavie

There's a sketch to follow at Stamp with Stampavie this morning so I chose this stamp to play with, using Distress Inks on watercolour paper. Papers are a mix from my scraps box, flowers are Prima French Can-ection and the sentiment stamp is Studio G. There's some faux stitching using Inkessentials white pen and a few Kaiser rub-ons.

Thank you for your visit x

Copics Colour Challenge

I love the Copics Colour Challenge - for one thing it makes me use them (I've been holding off a bit until I attend the workshop on 1st March). This week the colours are B02 - Robin's Egg Blue,

R05 - Salmon Red and YG23 New Leaf, or the closest matches if you don't have them, which I don't (yet!), so I used B00, R32 and YG03. I used shopping Holly and SEI papers and added Glossy Accents to Holly's crown, bags, belt and shoes. The 'quote' is a Rubber Romance stamp which I also coloured and Glossy Accented and the sentiment is created with rub-ons.

I'm please with the final result - another colour combination I wouldn't have thought of. Have a great day xxx

A Spoonful of Sugar - Shape Shifters

I suppose I'm in a bit of a rut really, in that I always seem to make square cards, so the perfect opportunity for an experiment came up with A Spoonful of Sugar challenge this week with Shape Shifters - to make a project which is not square. Hmmm, well circular may not be that adventurous either, but you have to start somewhere! I used Basic Grey Urban Prairie papers, Prima flowers, K&Co fabric covered brads and a gemfest of Papermania gems. The image is, of course, the lovely Madison, coloured with Distress Inks.

Did a little bit of decoration on the inside of this one too.

Off out for a walk now - it's going to get cold again at the weekend so make the best of it.

Thanks for visiting xxx

Papertake Weekly - Sketch

There's a sketch to follow for this week's Papertake Weekly challenge. I'm trying to use up some of my 'old' papers to make way for anything which I may accidentally buy in Harrogate at the end of March, and in this case I used the K&Co Mira Mat Pad with my Max and Milly stamp coloured with Copics. Went a bit mental with the doodling for this, but it looked a bit bare and I don't really do bare/blank spaces/minimalist!

Back later with more! xx

Magnolia Vs Stampavie Challenge

There's a sketch to follow this week at Magnolia vs Stampavie, and I've used another of the images Mellie sent me, coloured with Distress Inks using a Koi waterbrush. Papers are Bo Bunny 'Back to Basics', flowers are Prima and I used my McGill fern leaf punch. The sentiment is an Anita's stamp from ages ago (bought for 50p! - I do like a bargain), and other bits from stash box.

Well, half term is over here so the house is a very peaceful place.....enjoy your day xxx

Colour Create Challenge - Pink and Grey

I love the Colour Create challenge because it makes you think about colours you don't usually use, in this case grey! Teamed with pink though it I think it gives a pretty effect. The Sarah Kay stamp is coloured with Distress Inks, papers are SEI and Basic Grey, I used my Fiskars Threading Water punch for the square scalloped mat, Prima flowers and Papermania pearl brads. I added another couple of colours to my Distress Ink collection yesterday.... I used Milled Lavender mixed with Worn Lipstick, Shabby Shutters, Scattered Straw and Black Soot.
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and don't forget the fab challenge at Dottie's World and get your free new Holly image.

xxx

Dottie's World Challenge - A Blast From The Past!

Today's challenge over at Dottie's World was set by Louise, and here it is......

"Blast from the Past, I want you to dust off one of your old cards and make a new one following the exact same layout but use different papers and a different image."

I decided to use the first card I ever made for the Design Team at Dottie's World, which is Market Stall Dottie from the Dottie at Work Collection.......

.......and this is what I came up with using the gorgeous Madison from the new Holly and Madison downloads. Madison is coloured with Distress Inks and I used various colours of Bazzill cardstock to cut the pieces for the house and to punch the circles which create the scalloped edge. I really enjoyed this challenge and think I may try this again.

There's a very special treat in store for everyone who takes part in the challenge this week, and that is a brand new freebie image of Holly as she travels the world. Get on over there and have a look - she's gorgeous! On top of all that, we are looking for a new Guest Designer for March, and the winner will be chosen from all entries to this week's challenge, so good luck!!

Have a lovely crafty Sunday if you can xxx

Penny Black Challenge - Get Well Card

And finally for today, (I think, but you never know!) is my card for the Penny Black Saturday Challenge, which this week is to make a Get Well Card. I always feel I'm cheating using a Stickeroo, but I have a distinct lack of Penny Black stamps at the moment, so these are the next best thing, and they're so full of cuteness.

Papers are K&Co Hopscotch and Craftwork Cards, everything else is from stash box, and the sentiments were done on my computer.

Carry on enjoying your weekend and thanks for looking xxx

Sketch Saturday

Yet another great sketch to follow at Sketch Saturday today.....I used my other new SN stamp for this, coloured with Distress Inks with Imaginisce Fairest of Them All papers which are lovely soft colours. The sentiment is a stamp which I love and seems to fit any project, and I used my new Nestie dies and Heidi Grace flock borders with Prima flowers and various brads from stash.

Feeling all Springlike after making this.

Thanks for visiting xx

Basic Grey Colour Challenge and Thank You!

Well, I've just about come back down to earth after the excitement of yesterday! Again, thank you for all your lovely comments and good wishes - I'm stunned by the love and friendship which comes through this blog and it means so much to me. xxx

This week's Basic Grey Challenge is a colour challenge, to use either:

Blue and Brown

Pink and Brown

Pink and Green

I used the new Porcelain papers (need to get a new pad of these!) and went with Pink and Brown, although a little bit of green sneaked in there somehow! Tilda is coloured with Distress Inks, flowers are Prima and pearls are Papermania. The sentiment is a Hero Arts stamp, and I used my Nesties and Cuttlebug embossing on the scalloped circles.

Over at Dottie's World Louise is being her usual generous self - she's giving away a brand new Holly image tomorrow - pop over to check out how you can get this stunning new image - you won't be disappointed!

Have a great weekend xxx

Daring Cardmakers - Fish and/or Frog!

Well this is an unusual one from Daring Cardmakers and I searched high and low for either, then remembered the cute little metal frogs I bought ages ago. Papers are Basic Grey Marakesh, I used the waste from a previously cut Nestablilities shape to make the frame, distressed and inked some edges and the sentiments are Imaginisce rub-ons. Not keen on this one at all, but should be ok for the male card section?

TFL xx

Friday Sketchers AND A Wonderful Surprise!

It's the wonderful surprise first, set up by my lovely friend Karen from Charmed who has been there for me every step of the way during my illness. As you will know if you've been following the story, I was booked on a workshop with Tim Holtz last Thursday at Art from the Heart in Harrogate, but I was unable to go because I hadn't recovered enough at that point. Well, get this .......Karen contacted Tim and he sent me a beautiful message last night - what a lovely man he is to do this for me!!! And the biggest thank you to Karen for arranging it all - no one could have a better or more thoughtful friend xxx

The email is printed off and I'm going to make a frame and hang it in my craft room (using Tim's products of course).


In between the grinning from ear to ear I managed this card for the Friday Sketchers Challenge today. Papers are 3 Bugs and Fancy Pants and I kept the card quite simple because of the busy paper. The image is coloured with Copics and is from the Holly and Madison Collection . I added an acetate flower with a big brad and faux stitching. The sentiment is stamped onto the backing paper and cut out.

Have a fantastic Friday and thanks for visiting xx

Cute Card Thursday - Signs of Spring

Here is this week's Cute Card Thursday Challenge .....

"Well we have snowdrops and crocus flowers in abundance here in South West Scotland and even some lambs in the fields so Spring is slowly approaching - which brings me to this week's challenge "Signs of Spring". This could be interpreted through your image, an embellishment or even your colour-scheme."

I thought the chicks in this image represented Spring very well, and I chose a Spring colour scheme for my card. The image is coloured with Distress Inks, and I based the layout on the gorgeous sketch from Stamp with Stampavie. Papers are DCWV Baby Boy with Core'dinations cardstock, Imaginisce rub-ons and Basic Grey ribbons. Used Fiskars Threading Water punch for the scalloped border and various flowers and brads from stash box. The basket of eggs is a stamp from the Whiff of Joy Spring Collection, and my trusty sewing machine was put into action too!

I feel I could fly to the moon today after yesterday's news .... except for a slight headache from the champagne that is!

Once again, a huge thank you for your lovely wishes. xxx

Just to let you know...

....I got the test results back from hospital today and they are all clear! I am now cancer free!!!
A huge thank you for all your support and messages, it really means a lot. xxxxxx

Stamp with Stampavie

And yet another fabulous sketch this week from Stamp with Stampavie - quite complicated, but stunning! Papers are a mix of MME Laundry Line and Basic Grey. The image is coloured with Distress Inks and there's loads of machine stitching on there! The flowers are Prima Hydrangeas, pearl stones and lace from stash box. I stamped the flowers and added colour and the sentiment is an old Penny Black stamp. I'm really pleased with the way this turned out and will definately use this sketch again.

Thanks for all your lovely comments - they are so appreciated, especially whilst I'm sat at home unable to do much other than crafting. xxx

Truly Scrumptious - Sketch

There's a new challenge blog on the block today and it's called Truly Scrumptious. The first challenge is a gorgeous sketch - I had another play with my Copics (still not got the hang of this blending lark!), and used K&Co Sparkly Sweet papers and Trimcraft 'Smirk' ribbon. Flowers and buttons are from stash box and there's that white Inkessentials pen again for the doodling.

This is a great sketch to work with - why not give it a go.

TFL xx

Whiff of Joy - Sketch

Katharina has provided a wonderful sketch over at Whiff of Joy today, and here is my interpretation using one of my gorgeous new WOJ Spring stamps. I coloured the image with Distress Inks (still waiting for my Copics lesson!), and papers are Basic Grey with punched flowers from the most delicate hand-made paper.

Hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday and manage a few crafty minutes. xxx

A Spoonful of Sugar, Arty Girlz and Charmed Challenge - 3 in 1

There's another fabulous sketch to follow at Spoonful of Sugar Challenge, and I decided to use the new Basic Grey Porcelain again - these papers are just soooo pretty pretty! I coloured the gorgeous new stamp with Distress Inks, added some cotton lace and punched flowers with wire (a first for me!). This also fits the Arty Girlz challenge which is to use wire on your project AND the Charmed Challenge to try something new.

Well, after not being able to go to see Tim Holtz on Thursday due to not being fit yet, I did see him on QVC today. Shame we didn't see more demos though, but better than nothing! Enjoy your evening xx

Sketch and Stash Challenge

The sketch over at Sketch and Stash Challenge this week lends itself perfectly to a gatefold card, although I had to move the sentiment a little to make room for the ribbon closure, so I hope it still qualifies. New elements are the images which I recently received from my friend Mellie, and are coloured with Distress Inks.

And the inside which has a journal block for the message.

Not my favourite card ever, I think because of the colours, but I do find engagement cards difficult so at least it's one for the sale box!

TFL xxx

Papertake Weekly - A Perfect Match!

This is a great challenge at Papertake Weekly, to make two matching projects. I used the fabulous Holly from the Holly & Madison downloads for the card, coloured with Distress Inks, and papers are K&Co Cut n Paste. Flowers are Prima and the sentiment is stamped. A made a little gift box to match using instructions from the Pink Petticoat blog - this is sooooo easy and can easily be adapted for size. I will definately be making more of these!



I just love the versatility of these images - they can be 'pretty' or 'grungy' to suit any recipient.

Have a fantastic Tuesday xxx.

Magnolia Vs Stampavie Challenge

We were given a gorgeous range of colours to work with at the Magnolia Vs Stampavie challenge this week, even though I wouldn't have thought of using this combination of Aqua, Olive Green, Chocolate and almost Navy.

Tilda is coloured with Copics, the papers are a mix of K&Co as is this fab metal key. I love this colour combo - I tend to work with paler/brighter colours, but will be experimenting now!

Thanks for visiting xxx