Paperpenguins

Cards at last!

2010-12-23T15:39:00.000-08:00

I finally seem to have got some enthusiasm back for cardmaking-it feels like its been months since I made a card, but I've had alot of sewing to do for christmas and needed a break from it for a while

Its my mum's birthday on christmas day-and as usual I've left it to the last minute! Kathy's sketch to the rescue!

and one simple one for Claudie to give to Nanny

I did make family christmas cards this year too but the photos were far from great so you'll just have to take my word for it!!

I'm hoping now we have a lovely newly decorated study to work in I will feel like cardmaking more often now-and I do have quite a few birthdays next month-I'd better get cracking

A little sewing

2010-03-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

My first ever Ottobre sewing pattern- I love the way they turned out-but its very hard to getClaudie to model anything so excuse the trying to escape from the camera shots!

I made this dress a while ago but only finished it off recently

A quilt for my sister's baby-due this month!

Thanks for looking

Craft by carolyns challenge weekend

2010-03-06T06:20:00.001-08:00

Don't faint-I've actually made some cards!!

Sue is holding a great challenge weekend over on Carolyn's forum so these first 2 are for challenges -this one has 3 things beginning with S- staples, sentiment and slideholdersThis one is all done in shades of silver-the sentiment square has a bmw logo on-its from a baseball cap we bought for my father in law for christmas, it does pay to hoard!These were fun to do and used up lots of odds and ends!

Thanks for stopping by!

Polkadoodles

2010-02-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

Si is away for a couple of nights so I'm playing with my new Back to Nature cd from Polkadoodles. Its silly, I can craft just as easily when he's home-but I don't I just sit in front of the tv with him instead!

Our wedding anniversary is on Valentine's day-so we just do anniversary cards. The tree with the owl on it is the card flap-wopuld have looked better photographed but I only ever seem to be home when its dark lately. I made this one for the Cute card thursday challenge- spots and dots

This one is using the cd too-and the sketch from 2sketches4u I like the colours on this one Thanks for stopping by

snowed in day 2!

2010-01-07T03:36:00.000-08:00

Still its a chance to finish off some projects and plan some new ones. I made this with a pattern I found on sew mama sew. This is the second I've made, its a lovely easy pattern and its actually bwing kept for me-so much of what I make is for presents, but this will come in useful when I'm sewing CJ's quilt in the evenings.
We are going to try to walk out of the road lunchtime-we are due more snow again this afternoon so it might be are only chance to get milk etc for a while. I thought I'd bore you with some scenes from snowy Alton

These were both taken from our house-being a cul de sac we don't get any through traffic to help clear the snow.

Just realised I have another birthday this month- I used the crafty creations challenge of black and white and a hint of a colour. I normally go for red or pink to go with black and white so thought I'd try something different

Thanks for stopping by

Snowed in

2010-01-06T03:19:00.001-08:00

Luckily we had some warning this time so I left work early and got home just before the snow started-a friend I work with wasn't so lucky and managed to get as far as her son's home by 11 last night!
We have about 9 inches of snow and its still falling, I have a feeling we are going to be stuck in the house a few days yet-its going to be a struggle to find things to keep Claudie occupied.

Talking of Claudie-this is her 1st birthday card-yes I just kept going till there was no room left on the card-if you can't go OTT with pink and girly on your daughter's first birthday then when can you? hehehe

I used the template from Cute card thursday although I stretched it to fit my card, and it also fitsd A spoonful of sugar's challenge to use hearts on a card.

I think this afternoons naptime will be used to finally learn how to use the buttonhole setting on the sewing machine so I can finish off a dressing gown and denim pinafore dress for madam-wish me luck!

Thanks for stopping by

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T02:55:00.001-08:00

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas? Ours was lovely-but there seemed a very long gap between christmas and new year this time. It will be nice to get back into a routine again next week-but for now I'm sneaking a few minutes while Claudie naps to make a start on January's cards

This one uses the new Caardvarks template (I hope I'm spelling it right!) I really wanted to use my new stamps but I couldn't make them work with the template

so I made this card too so I could play with them! No they weren't a christmas present, I treated myself just before christmas instead.

Have you made any resolutions? I'm trying not to-just the usual plans to lose weight, be calmer and more patient and find a little more "me" time (can anyone fix it so I have 30hr days please?) But I am trying to do some more sewing now too.
I had a lovely batch of fabric for christmas to make Claudie a quilt, and some clothes. I've nearly finished the first outfit so will photograph it soon.

Thanks for stopping by

To Russia with Love

2009-12-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

I used the 2sketches4you templates last night to make these cards, what did we do before sketches for inspiration? This is using the bonus sketch

This one is going to a little girl in Russia- I met her mum on our ante natal group but they now work in Moscow, I miss them and wish they were closer

All the christmas cards are made now so I just have a few birthday cards left to make-including my Mum's birthday on christmas day

Thanks for stopping by

Christmas presents

2009-12-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

I've cut down on the cards I'm making for christmas this year so I have time to make a few presents too.
This was CJ's favourite coat-she just loved the dotty fabric so when she outgrew it I made this rather psychadelic bear for her christmas stocking!

I also made her these blocks spelling out her full name-probably the only time we've ever used her whole name LOL!

I have made about 20 christmas cards now though, I'm trying to do them in batches using the same colours/papers but varying the layout etc. These fit the Spoonful of sugar challenge for non traditional coulours on christmas cards-I love purple and wouldn'r have put it with the begie background but the santa embellishment worked so well in those colours.

The santas were downloads from Cardmaking world I think-they had a special offer on the other day

Thanks for looking-off to put together a card making box for in front of the tv this evening!

2009-11-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

I have a few more birthday cards to finish before I can start on christmas-but first for Jackie who asked how CJ was- she's 9 months now and very very cute hehehe

This card uses the Papertake challenge this week-I love this template and will be using it for alot of Christmas cards

For my aunt I used the Sketch and Stash challenge-the stash was the butterfly sticker, a freebie when I bought a load of scrapbook papers back in March (I managed a whole 1 layout!! since then)

Forgive the dodgy photos-my scanner died this evening :-(

3 more cards to go then I can unpack the dreaded christmas papers!

Thanks for stopping by

2009-10-24T02:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a couple of challenges I've started to catch up on my card list this week. First was this lovely template from Papertake

This one was from the Friday sketchers-but I'm a day late hehehe

I've also got a couple of 1st birthday cards ready too-forward planning for a change!

Have you seen the gorgeous blog candy Jackie is giving away? Pop over and have a look at her lovely cards!

Thanks for stopping by!

Papertake challenge

2009-10-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

Yes I still make the occasional card!! Papertake's challenge this week was black& white +1-I hope this fits the bill. I've done a couple of others but they are for forum members so won't post them here yet. Next on the list is a coffee inspired card for a starbucks mad friend.

I've finished up a few sewing projects too-a doorstop for my sis and a couple of peg aprons. I've just got a new sewing book-making children's clothes so I've started on a pinafore for CJ

Have you seen the lovely blog candy on Craft Fairy's blog?

She has some great ideas for little seasonal gifts there too!

Thanks for looking

2009-09-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

I treated myself this week to a bumper craft pack from the craftsuperstore.co.uk- it arrived today and as soon as mum saw it she ordered one too!

I've had quite a crafty aquisition week- I also treated myself to a couple more copics when I was in the art shop and a friend of my mum's gave me a craft cd and a pile of patterned card blanks...

this first card uses a stamp from the bumper pack-its to thank the lovely lady who gave me the craft bits and it fits the sketch and stash challenge

This card is for my lovely sister who treated me to a top and CJ to a sleeping bag this week- a couple of challenges covered here- Cute card Thursday is pink and green and The secret crafter's was Hearts and Flowers-the heart is on the patterned card background

I'm going to try this weekend to finish the peg apron I promised her and to make her a doorstop for her front door

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

2 in 1

2009-08-29T04:49:00.000-07:00

The challenge for DCM this week was to use 5 inchies, but my card also covers the Saturday challenge on secret crafter which is Flights of Fancy

I wasn't sure how much I was going to be able to use this stamp set so I put off buying it for quite a while but I'm very glad I did now, I've used it alot already

The card at the top of the post should be down here-but Blogger isn't obliging today!! We had a textile challenge on Crafts by carolyn- I made this one with a square from one of CJ's old t-shirts and an assortment of old buttons

Thanks for looking

wow-3 cards in one day!

2009-08-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

This hasn't happened since before I had CJ-she seems to be finally getting the idea evenings are for sleep, and for mummy to make cards again!

So a very simple thank you card for some presents CJ was given at the weekend-these baby papers are going on forever!!

The theme for cute card thursday was red and teal-the same colours as my kitchen!

Off to bed-thanks for looking!

DCM challenge

2009-08-06T02:18:00.001-07:00

The challenge on DCM this week (well technically last week) was Bejewelled Blitz-I now have Lythan to thank for a fast growing addiction to this game!

I know I'm tempting fate but Claudie has started sleeping better in the evenings so I may finally get some card making time back!

I have managed a bit of hand sewing-its easier to do in the living room when she's playing

A noughts and crosses set for my niece's 7th birthday-I made a linen bag to store it in too but was up against a deadline and didn't get to photograph it

and a hat for CJ from a sewing mag pattern-it did annoy me they only gave this one size for it-after all you had to enlarge the pattern by 115% to begin with, how hard would it have been to work out how much more you needed to enlarge it for bigger sizes?

Still she likes it and its the only hat she doesn't immediately try to pull of her head

Thanks for stopping by!

copics challenge

2009-07-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

Finally I got some time today to catch up a little with my cards list! I made this for my niece using the copics challenge which this week was a template for a change. The shiny paper is actually more pink than the purple it looks here.

I treated myself to the Threading water punch last week so you can bet alot of my cards will feature it for a while!

These two were very quick to make, handy when CJ will only sleep for 1/2hr at a time now

I'm really enjoying sewing again-especially hand sewn little projects I can do in front of the tv, I made a sunhat for Claudie at the weekend which she loves, I'll put a photo here later, and I'm working out a plan to make a noughts and crosses set on a little patchwork quilt for my niece

Thanks for stopping by!

Kathie's template

2009-06-06T02:12:00.000-07:00

I've been busy with a few different craft projects lately-including some sewing. So far I've made cot bumpers and dribble bibs for CJ, with an outfit and 2 sleeping bags still works in progress.

But I have alot of birthday's, and other celebrations in June so its time to get started before I go back to work on the 22nd June

My sister and her kids move house this month-this card uses Kathie's new template

Nice and simple-just what I need with only nap breaks to craft!

This next card is for her birthday- the challenge this week on cute card thursday is die cuts/punches. The card idea is from a magazine-not my usual sort of thing but it was quick! The rosettes on the shoes were made with a balloon shaped punch

and finally-my first ever scrapbook page! I have an idea for the next page but I need to get some of the sewing pile down first

Thanks for stopping by

Little digger

2009-05-07T00:08:00.001-07:00

I made this card for a second birthday- and used 2 challenges. Sketch and stash template-the new stash is the digger-part of a sticker pack from poundland, and the second is A spoonful of sugar's challenge this week which was touchy feely. I've used textured card (think it was from papermill a million years ago) and foam letters

I've done all my cards for May now-but have a huge load of birthdays etc in June-and I go back to work mid June too so I think I'd better find some time to get started!

If only I could persuade Claudie to sleep through the evening I'd have my craft time back again!!

Thanks for stopping by

Creative treasures

2009-04-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

Tracy asked us to make a card using blue, yellow and green-not a combination I've tried before but I really like it-thanks for the idea Tracy!

It also fits the Sketch and stash challenge this week- the stamp is a new sugar nellie's one, with my new copics

Apologies for the wonky scan-I've tried 3 times and now given up!

my new toys!

2009-04-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

My Copic pens have arrived -I'm in love, already planning my next order hehehe

This means I can now join in with the Copic's challenges- the three colours this week are

R59- cardinal
YR07 cadmium
G99 olive

The nearest I had was YR04 orange so I've used that-see I do need to expand my colour range very soon!!

The card template was from the Friday Sketchers-not an easy one-but worth the challenge!
I'm off to practise a bit more-thanks for stopping by!

Kathy's blog challenge x2

2009-04-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

I love Kathy's sketches-I always seem to make more than one card from them-and this sketch challenge she's offering blog candy too!!

I've been having a painful week, not helped by having to wait around for fridge engineers etc- my american fridge freezer died ;-( so I've been spending pennies I don't have on some Copics!!!

Really looking forward to getting my paws on them-I've been getting frustrated with my cheaper marker pens and I just can't get the hang of watercolour pencils. I've ordered 18 for now and hope to add a few more each month

Hope you had a fun Easter weekend with better weather than we got here!

A Spoonful of sugar

2009-04-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

The challenge this week on a Spoonful of sugar was to make a numbered card. I finally found the monster stickers I'd bought at Poundland- I hope the "little monster" I made it for likes it!

I have no idea how I've managed to change to italics now!!!!

I can't believe I've managed to make one of my May cards already-at this rate maybe I won't be able to put off scrapbooking much longer, I have all the stash ready, I've just not been brave enough to start

Thanks for stopping by-Happy Easter

Ruby anniversary

2009-04-09T02:09:00.000-07:00

Its my parents Ruby Anniversary next week-its also my in-laws ruby anniversary this year-but I'm not going to cheat and make them both the same card, however tempting that idea is!!

I used the sketch and stash template for this card. The new stash is the ribbon, a free gift in a magazine, and the stamp although I've had it a little while its the first time I've used it. I also used up some paper I've been holding onto for a while-one of those I like it too much to use it ones, you know? I think it came in a self addressed kit-I do miss those

The second card is for 2 challenges, I used the sketch from Friday Sketchers for Linnies challenge of brown and pink. I love the colour scheme, in fact I like lots of brown combinations, it goes so well with so many other colours.

The image is a cute daisy may download from Linnie. I love these little ballerina's they remind me of illustrations in a children's book from when I was young-I just can't remember the name of them! Linnie has a DT call out if you'd like to enter.
I've decided not to add a sentiment for a change, that way I can use it for any occasion

I had planned a tiny bit of gardening today- Dad gave me some geraniums and bunny rabbits he had left over but the weather is yucky. I have to stay in today to have our fridge freezer collected-it died last week. Just hoping they don't take too long with the new one!

feeling fruity?

2009-04-06T02:36:00.000-07:00

Her ladyship decided she'd have a good nap this morning-I've got so much done in an hour! Including this card for the DCM challenge this week-it had to feature fruit

I've also read my sew hip magazine, and decided to subscribe this month there were so many projects I liked I decided it was time to go for it
On the web I found this pattern for a sewing organiser-maybe it should be one of my first jobs?

We have baby massage this afternoon-I'm hoping CJ decideds to stay awake for more than 5 minutes this week!

Thanks for stopping by!

2009-03-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

The few cards I've made recently have been uninspired rushed jobs-becuase I had to make them rather than for the joy of making them so to make this card was a real treat. The bits to make it have been gradually piled on my desk over the last few days-adding little bits as the idea grew-and as time allowed in between changing nappies!

The sketch is from 2sketches4u

We've been very busy lately reorganising things at home-the main change being...we've rehomed our house rabbits Bert & Ernie. They weren't getting the attention they deserved from us, and the pain from my hypermobility syndrome has been getting worse making it very difficult for me to get down on the floor to play with them and clean cages etc. They've gone to a very loving home so after weeks of feeling guilty I'm finally happy we've made the right decision.

It also means we've reclaimed 2 rooms in the house! I even found a secondhand dining table and 6 chairs at the carboot sale for £110 so we have a proper dining room at last now ernie has moved out.

Please note having a dining room table to eat on does not neccessarily mean I will be cooking !! Although I did get the Rachel Allen Bake! book for mother's day-the cookies are to die for-hubby thought they came from M&S-praise indeed!!!

Off to get some more bits done before Little Miss decides to wake up-to follow one posing baby shot!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

2009-03-07T00:14:00.000-08:00

Its been a while hasn't it? I have been making cards but yet more thank you ones and I thought I'd boed everyone to death with those by now. People keep sending Claudia the most gorgeous presents-look what arrived this morning!

Now I need a wedding to take her to to wear it!!!

I have made a non thank you card at last! This is for my friend Sue to wish her a speedy recovery from her knee op. The theme on DCM this week is patchwork-this is vaguely patchy-will have to try better on my next attempt I think!The stamp is a new one from Sugar Nellie-my sister bought me these for my birthday next week but I was allowed them early. I'm trying not to buy any craft stuff for myself this year-bar the essentials like envelopes and tape so mum has given me money for the papers for CJ's scrapbook-I've ordered the Imagniescence fairest of them all range-can't wait till they arrive

and finally its Crafts by carolyn's forum 7th birthday next weekend so we are having a birthday fairy-think secret santa without the christmas paper! Look at the lovely parcel I receieved yesterday-its almost too pretty to open!!

Thank for stopping by

CJ's cards

2009-02-07T03:12:00.000-08:00

First I would like to thank everyone who has sent such lovely cards and presents for Claudia-Jean-she is one very spoilt little lady. I will take some photos of all her cards and flowers soon... this is just one with the lovely personalised teddy Andy and Sarah sent her-isn't he cute?

I've only made 2 or 3 cards so far-I still have yet more thank you cards to make!!! I made 3 very quickly using another of Kathy's great templates-keep them coming please Kathy ;-)

Thanks for stopping by

She's arrived!

2009-02-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

Claudia-Jean (CJ) was born on the 29th January weighing 8lbs 4 1/2 ozs

She is absolutely gorgeous and doing very well

She has inherited Daddy's feet-these trainers are size 0-3 months, by next week she will have outgrown them!!

2009-01-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

My final baby card-for now! My friend Katie is due on sunday and i'm hoping to be a little busy myself by then (fingers crossed) so I hope this card will be ok for a boy or a girl

I used Di Hickmans template for this one-and it fits Nikki's challenge for using one of her lovely stamps and the theme is New

I do love this little hippo stamp-like the others in the range it stamps perfectly everytime-and is great for layering

Friday sketchers have a gorgeous template this week-and I finally used one of my only 2 Magnolia stamps! Just realised it also fits for the ABC challenge- X!!!

Everytime I post here I'm hoping its the last time for a while-Little Miss is now 2 days overdue so fingers crossed you won't be hearing from me for a while!
Thanks for stopping by

More challenges

2009-01-16T03:25:00.001-08:00

I'm starting to realise how little time I have left-so I really have to design and start the birth announcements today!

But first a couple of birthday cards for next month

This one used the Papertake challenge this week and a stamped image from a swap

and this one covers two challenges-Di Hickmans sketch and a Spoonful of sugar's challenge for the week-Paper piecing

the card is straight honestly-its my terrible scanning!!

Thanks for looking

2009-01-14T00:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks to some great challenges and sketches I've managed to get a few more thank you's done and used up some scraps in the process

These two were using Kathy's sketch- I love this its so simple and quick, uses up oddments and can be altered to any occasion!

I then moved onto Caardvaarks sketch and made a couple more

Then finally this one came from sketches by Tamara-the challenge was to use 3 strips of paper

distressed edges and a tag

I would have got more done but hubby brought a colleague home at 2 and needed to use my desk space so they could work (and eat my chocolate cookies!!!)

I think this afternoon I'll make a couple of birthday cards and try hard to use some different paper for a change-you must be bored silly with all this nursery range!!!

Thanks for looking!

2 challenges in one

2009-01-10T09:55:00.001-08:00

I only managed the bonus sketch on 2sketches4u this week-but I love the main sketch too so will be using it later on

The challenge on tag your it this week was to create a stripey tag-and as usual I've used it on a card!

The paper yet again is from the Nana's nursery DCWV set-I will get round to using some of these on baby cards like they're meant to be at some point!!!

Tomorrow-(rib pain permitting) I'm going to tackle some more challenges and use them to make some thank you cards ready for all the friends and family who keep telling me they've so kindly bought yet more baby stuff-she's going to be one very spoilt little madam when she arrives!!!

Yes I could pick one design and make them all the same but where's the fun in that? hehehe

Thanks for looking

stampchallenge

2009-01-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

I thought I ought to start blogging stuff as I finish it rather than save it all up for one huge post and bore you to death!

The last few days I've been too uncomfortable to sit at my desk and craft so have not been in a good mood. Still only 10 days to go till the baby is due now-and then I'll really have no time to craft!!!

I did make these bibs as presents for all the couples in our NCT group who have had their little ones already (me? jealous? you bet!!)

This morning -well 6am this morning to be precise! I got round to making a birthday card for a friend at work -it fits the stampchallenge blog challenge this week which strangely was to make a card without stamping!!!

I bought the stickers in a sale from paperchase years ago-still got loads left I just never think to use them

I have a bit more cardmaking planned now- I treated myself to some nestabilities- labels 2 so have to fiddle and learn how to use them with my bigshot-then I can teach mum how to use hers with the cuttlebug dad bought her for christmas (yes my influence!)

Just hope I can get something else made before my enthusiasm runs off again

I've also finally managed to get this months Craft Stamper magazine that features a great card from Adele- dingledel on the Crafts by carolyn forum. I've been trying to get a copy for over a week

thanks for looking!

2009-01-02T09:03:00.000-08:00

I only have 3 birthday cards needed now for January-but thought I ought to get a move on with the baby due soon!
This sketch is from the Friday Sketchers-was more challenging than I thought it would be but I enjoyed it

I've also finally made a little project I had planned for months-a box for the kitchen for all the coupons-I'm fed up with them falling off the fridge door!

Its a Molton Brown smellies box -had it for ages meaning to get around to tarting it up. I'm going to use the lid to make one for the hall for stamps, used stamps and letters to post

I didn't get much crafty stuff for christmas-except a lovely pink scrapbook from my friend and a hobbycraft voucher which i spent sensibly on a new paper trimmer (oh and the new alphabet stamps I used on the box)

We did order 2 towel bales from Next with a gift voucher we had-and look at all the lovely twill ribbon that came round them!!! I can use the plain reversed side-unless anyone can think up a card sentiment using the word Next??
There's nearly 2 metres of each colour ;-)

I'll need some more thank you cards for when the baby is born-luckily thats the challenge on DCM this week so off to make a few more
Thanks for looking!

Baby cards

2008-12-28T07:05:00.000-08:00

Yet more baby cards!

This was with the help of Di Hickmans template this week.

This one used the CPS sketch-I just could not get it to lie flat in the scanner so ended up with this image with the top chopped off!

and finally -I love the papers on this one-they are covered with glitter-shame it doesn't show on the photo

My inspiration has now gone walkabout so off to rummage through my stash to see if its hiding in there somewhere-I have 3 birthday cards to make ready for January and absolutely no ideas

Thanks for looking

2008-12-22T12:58:00.000-08:00

I've finally wrapped all the christmas pressies-and finished making part of mum's birthday present-she asked for a doorstop for her bedroom door to stop the cats closing it

To be honest he looks scary enough to stop the cats even going into the room!

I also made some fudge, tablet and peppermint creams to add to christmas presents-evidently the fudge is lovely but deadly!

After 4 months of waiting I got my subscription gift for a craft magazine today......

and used it to make Mum's birthday card-her birthday is on Christmas day

the template is from Sketch saturday's challenge blog

and finally I've started on the 6 birth cards I need to make for friends in the NCT group who are due soon! I think its kind of cute so I guess it can go under the open theme at Cute card thursday this week!

All in all quite a productive day. Thanks for stopping by!

2 sketches 4u challenge

2008-12-18T08:49:00.000-08:00

Went to craft central with mil on sunday-not realising they would be closing soon ;-( I do feel for all the poor staff-they were always so lovely in our branch.

We came away with some bargains-managed to treat MIL for once by suggesting I bought everything together to get us a better discount rate-then refusing to let her pay me back heheheh

I got 2 lovely DCWV pads in their Nana's nursery range. I have baby cards to make for all the girls in my NCT group soon (2 of them are already over their due dates so I really should get a move on!) I also wanted to make some thank you and announcement cards ready for our immenient arrival

But the papers are so versatile-I've already done a CJ layout and 5 thank you cards-none of which particularly scream baby at you.

Thanks to having my sewing machine back on my desk where I can reach it-and with the help of a lovely sketch from 2sketches4u this week I managed to get the cards done very quickly

Off to check my birthday card stocks for January. Thanks for stopping by

DCM challenge

2008-12-12T09:17:00.001-08:00

Finally I've finished all my Christmas cards...I think!

Thanks to this week's DCM challenge to make a christmas card in 10 minutes I used up these stickers I got from Poundland last year-so thats a bit less xmas stash to pack away

My next projects are sewing-a doorstop for mum and bibs and maybe bootees for the girls in my NCT group.

I'm off to craft central on sunday with MIL so am on the lookout for baby patterned papers I can use for thank you cards, announcements and congratulations cards-all without being gender specific-think this may be a tall order!!!

Thanks for looking

getting there.......

2008-12-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

I've made yet another batch of christmas cards tonight-I'm getting to the stage now where I'm wanting to make something else so I'm having to force myself to finish ALL the christmas cards I need before I start on the baby cards for the girls in my NCT group

Just made it in time for the Stamp something challenge of Snow this week

I had bought these packs of Heidi Swapp iron on letters at a craft show ages ago-not bad for the £1.50 I paid but they were reduced from £7.50 a pack! No way were they worth that for the amount you got in them.

I had to layer the O over the other letters to fit this one on the card-but I think it looks quite good that wayThis one is for Di Hickmans sketch this week

I'm trying to use up some of the odd bits I have floating around rather than spending more(says she who's taking MIL to craft central this weekend!)and they all help towards using up the dreaded christmas paper mountain

This was for the Caardvarks challenge this week-to use no patterned paper

yes I got the cuttlebug folder the wrong way round but ts going to a non crafty individual so she'll never know.

Are you bored yet? Last one is using the new cupcake stamp from Dewdropzcrafts

Isn't he cute????

I start maternity leave today-so hopefully I'll have a bit more time to make cards and sew-I may even blog a bit more regularly!

Thanks for stopping by

Getting christmassy!

2008-12-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

6 cards today-all Christmas- if I kept this up I might be ready in time for christmas eve! Not likely with another 4 days left to go at work-and quite a few christmas gifts to make too

The Daring Cardmakers challenge was set by Kathie this week and was to take inspiration from a pattern in your home.Having looked around I have a very unpatterned home!!!

I finally hit on this panel from the border in the nursery-I like the blocking of the letters

and I made this christmas card
-not my usual colours at all, but it has used another sheet of the dreaded DCWV pack!

The next challenge was on Tag your it-to make a triangular tag. I think this is the first time I've joined in with one of their challenges-I really enjoyed making these and they made nice cards so you'll be seeing more tags from now on!

I didn't punch holes in them because I've used them on cards

The last card was for the daily christmas challenge on carolyn's forum-I'm only one behind now! Sue set us a challenge to use turquoise and pink on a christmas card-not an easy task!!!

I may not have time to make cards tomorrow-I have a morning of baking planned-I make my dad a sponge cake once a month (he asks for that as his birthday pressie each year) I've also promised hubby rock cakes (nice and simple) and said I'd make a cake to take to our antenatal reunion!

I am so looking forward to starting maternity leave on thursday-I don't have enough hours in the day at the moment!

Thanks for stopping by!

Finally-some christmas cards!

2008-11-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

I've decided my problem with christmas cards is the paper... I buy packs and packs of patterned paper every christmas-then find them so highly patterned I can't work out how best to use them.

So my personal challenge this year is to make 5 cards from each pack-even if I don't like the papers!

This was with an old Dovecraft pack- using the Papertake template this week

and this one uses paper from a Papermania pack I got last year then hated

Not the most original layout in the world-but the Santa is so lovely he deserves to take centre stage. It also fits the ABC theme this week of Snow.

Only another 32 left to go.

Thanks for looking!

3 cards and a hedgehog

2008-11-30T07:38:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm still putting off the 34 christmas cards I need to make!

All three cards made today were using pictures from a stamped image swap again. I have a pile of them on my desk and I'm gradually working through them rather than stamping new stuff.

However this will change-have you seen the new cupcake stamps Nikki is bringing out this week?? I have to have at least 3 of them-they are gorgeous!!!

I needed 2 thank you cards and a sort of get well card-oh and a pincushion after the pin box explosion this week! I never would have tried a medallion stamp myself but I really enjoyed colouring it in and I think it looks quite effective.

The pincushion is from the Sew Hip magazine-hubby thinks it looks half hedgehog, half brontisorus

Stamp something's saturday challenge was a card using black

and my final card was for the Secret crafter saturday challenge

I'm off to make a cuppa and put off making some more christmas cards

Thanks for stopping by!

2 days running!

2008-11-28T21:18:00.000-08:00

It can't last! Well I was up at 3 again-my dodgy hip won't let me sleep so I got caught up on a few challenges

Daring cardmakers this week was a christmas card in white and pink. Now there aren't many people I could think of to send a pink christmas card to-except my 6yr old niece!

The image came from the stamped image swap on caroline's again-she just looked christmassy to me!

I also made these for a couple of challenges on Carolyn's forum

I'm off back to bed now-I may be back later with a pin cushion-there's a cute hedgehog pattern in the new Sew Hip magazine I want to try after dropping my pins all over the floor last night
This all depends how much I get roped into help stripping the cd's etc from the living room so Si can decorate!

Thanks for stopping by!

Lilac

2008-11-27T09:53:00.000-08:00

I actually managed a challenge! The Cute card thursday challenge this week was Lilac.
I received this very cute baby stamp in an image swap on Carolyn's forum-isn't it gorgeous?

Its mad-I don't need a baby card right now what I should be doing is Christmas cards!!!

A little sewing project

2008-11-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

I've not made many cards since the crafts by carolyn forum challenge weekend-I really must make a few more christmas cards this weekend

I've been a bit busy making curtains for the nursery. The ones that come with the range we have are A plain and boring,B tab top which we can't use and C flippin expensive!!!!

I got all the fabric, lining etc for £22 and even have some left over to make a few little projects with-bargain!!!

Sorry I took the pictures at night so they aren't great-here's a couple of close ups of the machine embroidery

I did a couple of sample pieces first-I haven't done any machine embroidery in about 10-15 years. I did a city and guilds in embroidery and I did enjoy the machine stitch part I even embroidered celtic knots on my best mate's wedding dress back then

The samples worked pretty well though so we are going to frame them for the nursery too

I have a couple more sewing projects planned for christmas presents so the machine is staying on my desk for now :-)

Thanks for stopping by!

Spooky!

2008-10-25T02:58:00.000-07:00

Isn't she cute? About as non-scary as a monster can get really!
I used a new stamp from Dewdropcraftz (love the robots too, I already have plans for him!)
and a template challenge from Tuesday's DCM

The little spider hiding behind her tail is a cover-up, I smudged the glitter glue!

Baby cards

2008-10-24T01:40:00.001-07:00

I have 4 or 5 friends due to have babies in the next month or so -so I thought I'd get ahead! I've been stamping alot recently so challenged myself not to stamp on these!

The first one fits the Cute cards Thursday challenge this week-Stars or Spooky (might have a go at Spooky later too!)

The star does hang straight honestly-I just couldn't get it to scan

The others fit a couple of challenges over on Carolyn's forum...

Thanks for stopping by!

Autumn challenge

2008-10-19T09:43:00.001-07:00

I luckily don't have many birthdays this month-given my lack of output lately thats a relief! But I wanted to get aheadstart on November's cards so I can then get on with Christmas with a clear conseience!
I made this one with Nikki's Autumn challenge in mind ,autumn is always my favourite time of year too. These die cuts have been floating around on my desk for a while now so I'm glad I've finally used them

Off to make a couple of baby cards now-there are a couple due pretty soon on one of the forums I use-whats the betting if I make one pink, one blue they'll both end up the same sex?

Sparkle

2008-09-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

The Cute card thursday challenge this week was Sparkle. You are going to have to trust me-it does sparkle on the trees! I made 6 similar last week, 3 blue and 3 red/green in an effort to use up craft stash and not buy anymore xmas bits........................................................

Since then I have bought a pad of dovecraft paper and 5 packs of xmas stamps-so the spending ban begins again now!

My favourite picture this week came from my 6yr old niece Charlie-evidently this is how I now look!

She is so excited about the baby and keeps asking questions-has she got eyelashes yet? what colour are her eyes? hehehe

She's a talented girl-she beat me on the rock cake competetition yesterday-I made 13 but she and Nanny made 15 (grandad did admit some were a bit on the small side!)

I've finally finished my CJ to send off this week so today's list is 2 bookmarks for a swap on Carolyn's and a birthday card with a guitar on-wish me luck!

Thanks for stopping by

More thank you cards

2008-09-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

2 more done-only 6 left to go-although I keep remembering more people I need to make them for. We have the HMSA weekend on the 19-21st of September and I'm making the thank you cards for all the speakers and helpers

This one fits the DCM midweek embossing challenge-and Joanne's challenge on Carolyn's forum to make a card with a black background-embossed with the swiss dots cuttlebug folder

and this was made using Di Hickmans template this week-have to say its my favourite so far-the stamp (free from Craft stamper magazine) fits the flowers on the paper pretty well

We are off to the New Forest on Sunday for a few days so I need to get the rest made before then-or I'll be in a mad panic-what did we do before Challenges came along to provide inspiration?!

school cards

2008-08-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a couple of challenges I've managed to finish New school, and back to school cards for my niece and nephew

I love this new stamp from Dewdrop craftz-the template is from Fridaysketchers

Brandon's card was a more difficult challenge. Leo from crafty templates set it-to include orange, and a hidden component. I hid brandon's photo behind a door in the spaceship

Thanks for looking!

Bright colours

2008-08-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

The challenge this week on cute card thursday was Bright colours-I had a couple of children's cards to make so it seemed a good excuse to play

One more little boy's 1st birthday card to go then thats my sister's list done for this month. I've also made her some 30th Birthday cards-the first using my new Paperartsy stamp- I love this one and can see it getting alot of use!

and I've finally got around to using the sewing machine on a card

The template was taken from a Jo Kill xmas card in a magazine-reminds me I must do some Christmas cards at some point!

I still have a beady challenge to complete and the ever growing list of thank you cards for the charity conference next month-so back to work

Thanks for looking

another one off the list!

2008-08-09T03:58:00.001-07:00

Its my niece's 6th Birthday tomorrow-that makes me feel so old!!!

I recently bought a 12 x 12 dovecraft pad with all kids designs-should make those little girls cards so much easier

I used a sketch from 2sketches4you for inspiration

Just 2 anniversary cards to make now (one to give the inlaws tomorrow) then I've finished August. I have a load of thank you cards to make for the charity residential weekend next month, I like to give a card to all the speakers and helpers-I've only done about 3 so far

My neck has been pretty unstable lately so the cardmaking has slowed down, it was likely to happen when I fell pregnant so I was kinda prepared for it but its still very annoying. I've found writing a list in Excel of cards needed for the month is just about helping me keep on track although I'm not convinced at this rate I'm going to managed christmas cards for everyone this year-unless I come up with 1 or 2 simple designs and stick to them!

Its catch up day

2008-08-03T00:47:00.001-07:00

Finally got a day off with nothing planned so its catch up day! I have another 3 cards to make yet, my desk to clear (maybe) and some photos to print off, to make up into a mini album for my sis (sorry Sal its only taken me 2 months!)

But first-yet more personalised cards-seems to have been alot of them this month. I was running out of ideas till I saw Di Hickmans template this week-it was perfect for the job.

Mia is about 8 i think so no baby designs allowed

Ruby's card is straight honestly, I've just given up trying to scan it so you can see the charm and get it straight at the same time!

Off to get breakfast then back to work,

Thanks for looking

Golden Oldies

2008-07-26T04:07:00.001-07:00

Thats the theme for the Daring Cardmakers this week- to sue something hiding in the bottom of your stash. I loved this challenge-I've had no energy or inspiration lately and this really helped get the Christening cards made

This one uses a jigsaw frame-one of those I used to use on adoption cards, and mulberry paper, not used that in years! I'm still considering adding something else, maybe a little ribbon?

and on this one I used an odd rub on and beading-I now remember why I haven't done that in ages-still I'm pleased with the card

I need to make birthday cards for 2 twelve year old boys next-but A I have no ideas, and B must get at least a bathroom cleaned before I can make anymore

Hope you are having a good weekend-thanks for looking!

One of those days!

2008-06-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

I had the whole day to myself today..to rest up, make cards etc.

Its taken me all day to manage 2 cards! I just couldn't get inthe right mood-I even cooked beetroot rather than craft-very very strange!

Still I got there in the end-these 2 cards are for the Cute card Thursday challenge not to use patterned paper. I thought my new Ladybug and Friends stamps leant themselves to baby cards

I think the problem is I have no cards to make for July-not a single one so far that I know of. I'm not good at just making them for random recipients-I like to have the person in mind when I'm planning the card-hence the lack of mojo

Thanks for stopping by

I've been tagged

2008-06-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by Ellen- I think its the first time anyone's tagged me-I do hope I can make this sound vaguely interesting but I doubt it!

1. 10 years ago....

I was living at home with my parents saving up for a mortgage deposit with Si. Still in the same job. I had just passed my driving tests and drove an Astra

2.5 things on todays to-do list.....

Now these are definitely boring!

1. remember to put last weeks veg box out ready for the new delivery tomorrow-we've just started having Abel and cole veg boxes again, I do enjoy planning meals around them

2. Brush Bert (one of the houserabbits)he's moulting like crazy-unlike Ernie. In fact I may just get Si to hoover him instead. Before you report me to the RSPCA he just sits there and doesn't mind it at all.

3. Make a couple of naming cards-if my sis can work out how her friend spells Rafferty (for a girl?!?)

4. Dust the living room-mum's popping over at the weekend

5. Play with my new Ladybug and friends stamps-if they've arrived today

3. Snacks I enjoy

Cheese and crisps-no wonder I am not a size 10, or 12, or 14.........

4.Things I would do if I was a millionaire

all the usual stuff, travel, pay off families mortgage and ours lol, put the charity (The Hypermobility association) on a more secure footing

5. Places I have lived..

Unlike Ellen a very short list, Portsmouth till I was 28 then Si and I moved to Alton -(the Hampshire one-not the one near the theme park lol) just moved to our 2nd house here a year ago and after that I am never moving again!!!

See, told you it wasn't going to be interesting!

I'm sposed to tag 5 people now I guess so I pick

Carolyn

Leo

Jackie

Adele

I have actually made some cards too! Lythan mentioned this lovely blog and I've fallen in love with this template-in fact so much so I made it twice

there are lots of lovely templates that I will use again and again-this one was nice and simple lines for a male card-really struggling with these at the moment

Thanks for looking!

DCM challenge

2008-06-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

The challenge this week was to make a card in 30 minutes or less-I did it-just!!

The poppies stamp came from a set from Lakeland that MIL kindly gave me last weekend-not my usual sort of thing, but I've used it twice already

Looking forward to this weekend-the old shed and fence are finally coming down-and I get a nice new corner shed next weekend. You never know-after that I may get some flowerbeds!

Luckily I don't have too many cards left to make this month becuase I've promised my niece a mini album of the photos we took at the farm-got the farmyard paper, stamps etc-now I just need the energy to start it

Thanks for looking!

Crafty Templates kit

2008-06-14T23:14:00.001-07:00

I got my crafty templates kit last week-and its gorgeous.I've made so much already and got lots left to play with-Leo's put a sneak peek of the July one on her blog too and I must have it, all ice cream colours yum.

So far I've made......

Just realised this one fits the Cute card Thursday challenge this week-3 different embellishments-well at least 5 on this one!

Off now to make inserts for them all-don't you just hate that part?

DCM Midweek Challenge

2008-06-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

The theme for this weeks challenge was Coral or Jade-perfect for the offcuts I had on my desk

I have loads of cards to make this month-and very little mojo so better go browsing for inspiration!

Going Green

2008-06-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

I'm really into green at the moment- I seem to go through colours in phases-but I recently bought a new Papermania 8x8 pad- Olivine essence, so expect the green phase to continue for a while!

This is made with a lovely template from Di Hickman-will definitely be using this one again-I have another idea in mind already

I had so much fun making this card-since I damaged my wrist and shoulder a fortnight ago I've made hardly anything-it was lovely to feel well enough for 1/2 hr to attempt this.

Been a while

2008-05-23T10:10:00.001-07:00

I hurt my shoulder and wrist last weekend so I've not been able to make cards all week ;-( but I really loved this template from Cute Card Thursday so dosed on on painkillers and working very slowly got there in the end!

I did have a wonderful suprise this week though-I won the blog candy from Kathie's competition and it was a stunning album she made for me-I am overwhelemed its simply gorgeous

You'll have to pop over to her blog to see it-her photos are so much better than mine! Aren't I a lucky girl??

Hope you have a lovely bank holiday weekend!

A bit of sparkle

2008-05-08T13:27:00.001-07:00

I made this using up the BG scraps on my desk-I'm not normally into pink-but I do love these papers

The card is made using Di Hickman's template and fits the Cute card thursday challenge this week which is to use Gems or Jewels
No more crafting for me till after the weekend now-we have my 4 yr old nephew Brandon stopping over for the weekend, so we are off to Birdworld on saturday, I'm really looking forward to it
Hope you have a weekend full of sunshine!

DCM challenge

2008-05-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

I'm going at this all backward cos I plan to do the dcm midweek challenge template too-but I knew what I wanted to do for this one first

Yes, I know I'm a bit early for Father's day (15th June for anyone I've panicked) but I have alot of birthdays in June so I'm getting a head start!

Kathy's blog challenge

2008-05-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

I am so behind with challenges this week-this is the first cardmaking I've done in over a week. I love this template Kathy made though so it jumped to the front of the queue!

I have an idea for the DCM Advertising challenge this week so thats next in line.

We have been busy the last couple of days-I've been drawing designs for the garden for ages and finally we came up with the one we liked-spent ages yesterday with a spray can marking out the garden ready-its going to be a very big job!

Distressed

2008-04-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Not me, thats the theme for the Daring cardmakers challenge this week. I scrunched up some brown paper then flattened it out and ran a couple of ink pads over it to highlight the creases-the tag is from a WeirdFish t-shirt, my husband's favourite brand

been to work today so no crafting done-well very little, I did buy a little pad of Lilykate BG papers this morning- they are lurverly!!!! and while at work I fiddled about creating the images for some rubber stamps I want to make tomorrow, so not a totally wasted day

2008-04-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit behind with challenges this week, and cards in general. I've not been feeling too great, but luckily I don't have many birthdays etc this month to worry about getting ready for. I've also been doing a bit more sewing instead-I've jsut got a set of Amy Butler patterns so I'm off to make some bits in a mo.

I made this card for Jo's blog challenge to make a shaped card with a cute stamped image-now I can do stamped, and I can do shaped but I don't think I've ever put them together till now!

Its not a great photo-another grey day here.
Thanks for stopping by

2008-04-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

A couple of challenges so far today-I've been too busy trying out my new stamp making kit. The first stamp was ok-ish, I should have made the image smaller, or used a larger gel pack, but it was fun to watch it develop-I'll report back when I've made a more usable one!

The first one is for Cute Card Thursday-the theme this week was Men and boys, I had these beetles in a swap recently so thought they fitted the bill-sorry about the awful photo, its been so grey here

The second was way out of my comfort zone, I bough alchol inks from Jennie at the Artist Stamper at the Make it show in January-and this is the first time I've used them. The theme on her blog challenge is Architecture- this stamp reminds me of the Islamic architecture I based alot of my City and Guilds embroidery coursework on years ago-so I hope it counts for the challenge. It was a freebie stamp with a magazine years ago, I don't know why I don't use it more, its so versatile for cutting up and using sections, or layering like I've done here. Shame you can't really see the Dewdrops on the photo they add a lovely sparkle

Monkey Business

2008-04-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

Two posts in one day! and 5 cards made, must be a record for me.

I'm home sick today-my neck is playing up again, I get very dizzy so not safe to drive-but I'm ok if I sit still stamping

This was for Carolyns bag challenge -using a template from Craftytemplates

A sugar nellie (I think) for the Mojo Monday template this week

and finally my favourite. I've had the woodware retro set for years, and I don't think I've ever used these leaves before-but they go so well with all the jungle animals in this set that I think I'll use them alot from now on!

DCM Midweek Challenge

2008-04-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

We've nearly finished rearranging the study-enough for me to find the scanner anyway!

This weeks DCM challenge was set by Lythan-Doodling with patterned paper. I've always admired Lythan's cards, but never tried the technique.

Well I had so much fun, I made two!

I now have to finally get round to learning how to make envelopes with my scoreboard-I won it last summer and have never got round to trying it-but now I have no choice, I have no tall thin envelopes to fit the card! Wish me luck!!

Flutterbies

2008-04-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

DCM Challenge this week was to make a card with butterflies- I didn't think I had any, till I found this stamp, and about 4 others! Really must organise my stamps at some point. I think this one is an Autumn leaves

Thanks for looking!

Cute card thursday

2008-04-10T13:30:00.000-07:00

This weeks challenge, Things with wings" tied in very well with my new stamps- I love these little bugs-in fact I may get the sentiment made up as a stamp to save me printing it off on the PC. I must start writing a list of all the sentiments I need but can't find!

something borrowed something blue...

2008-04-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

No its not me getting married but my friend Krista, she wanted a multicoloured wedding with no red or pink so these are the party bombs I made for the tables at the reception

They have sweets, games and bubbles in them

They have 2 presents, one from us, and one from our rabbits,cos she looks after them when we go away. Our tag is very boring, but I did this one from the bunnies (the rabbits on the tag are the same colour as my two

If you are reading this, no Kathy I was not cheating with the DCM challenge, I did a full size card too-not very traditional, but the card is from the rabbits, we are giving her the wedding card I made a few weeks ago

and finally, I've been to physio again today-very bad timing (or good depending on who's reading this!) but she's taped my shoulder up to see if it will help my neck problems, which menas I can't get my (old) top on that I was going to wear to the wedding

Well I simply had to go get a new one didn't I? My mate Sue reckons it counts as medical expenses-and well the bag just sort of fell into the basket too. Its a dangerous thing having M&S as your corner shop!!

2008-04-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Not had time to do much today because I was busy finishing off a circle journal-but I did manage a quick card for the Cute Card Thursday challenge-this week it was transport. I've had this rocket from a stamp swap floating around on my desk all week so it was a great chance to use it

I finally finished my altered tin-it started life as a 99p dented sccoby doo lunch tin and ended up as a tin for my seeds

Got a busy couple of days coming up with working from home, physio and a wedding so I hope to be back on sunday

2008-04-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

The DCM midweek challenge is Pastels this week, so I thought this little fella fitted the bill(and my new dewdrops) They both came from kitchen sink stamps, and I am seriously in love with this stamp-so get used to him, he'll be around alot!

I must learn the patience to let each layer dry though.

I've taken a flower on and off of this card about 6 times-can't decide, what do you think? Is he enough as he is?

I've also made this one with the set

I'm not normally a blue kinda gal-but I like it

Been busy this week making party bombs for a friends wedding(this weekend, no pressure) They are filled with silly tricks, games and sweets to go on the tables at the reception-I hope she likes them-must take a photo later

and finally...talking of stamps, I've had a pants day so I'm off to order some of the new releases at Dewdropcraftz

Thanks for stopping by!

DCM challenge

2008-03-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

I had a whole day to make cards today-but I can't just seem to get into gear-so I'm stopping fro now at these 2 and doing a bit of sewing-maybe my mojo will return afterwards!

DCM challenged us to use a pin this week- I still have a few of these sweet little nappy pins, it has a heart charm hanging from it-but I just couldn't get it to lay flat! The lilac round the edges is embossing to hid an ink smudge

This ones a leetle bit different, my friend Karen bought me the paper for my birthday, and the hearts are from crafty templates
Back later, if my mojo returns, although I've just realised I only have a couple of days to do a CJ layout too!

Cute card thursday

2008-03-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

I haven't made many kids cards for a while- my sis keeps leaving it to the last minute to get birthday cards for the kids school friends so I thought I'd make her up a few

The challenge on Cute Card Thursday this week is People so they both fit!

I love these little diver stamps (there's a girl diver too) from Dewdropz Craft

I don't own any Tildas-I can hear you gasping in horror! but I don't think I'd use them that often, but I had this one in a stamped image swap and I think she's pretty cute- I used Di Hickman's template for this one

I'm looking forward to the weekend-will be busy saturday cleaning up for friends coming over for a meal-but Sunday the road is closed so we can't go out-I feel a day of stamping coming on!

DCM challenge

2008-03-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

The challenge this week was to use game pieces-I bought this box of tiny magnetic scrabble tiles at a car boot sale last year and have hardly used any .
The card template is from craftytemplates- I finally joined this week, its given me loads of new ideas-just wish I had more hours in the day-Easter is definitely a busy one for us this year!

2008-03-16T04:25:00.000-07:00

I've been bad-I've broken my craft spending ban-but I had to have these stamps! oh and they sell Dewdrops too!!

Even my husband agreed-well with two house bunnies around it would have been rude not to! Talking of bunnies, does anyone know how to get rid of red eye in pet photos please? Normal red eye software doesn't work-and Bert ends up looking like the devil rabbit-which even I will admit does fit his personality sometimes

I have a whole day to craft today-so I've started with a few cards I needed to get done-the first one here was a personal challenge to use up 3 yellow deckle edged cards I found in my box- 2 down, 1 to go

and a baby card for a new challenge blog Cute Card Thursday-the challenge was New Beginnings

It seems I have loads of bits for baby girl cards-but everyone keeps having boys! Think I'll make a girl card or two later today just in case

off to make a cuppa and make a few more!

DCM midweek challenge

2008-03-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

The mid week challenge on DCM was to combine one of Mel's favourite things, and one of your own-so I added buttons for Mel, and flowers for me-I love the gingham ones from Lisa at Craft Fairies-this is my very last one, I must order some more!

I do not normally do yellow-or deckle edged cards, but I've found 3 of these and I have challenged myself to use them up!

Di Hickman template

2008-03-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

I hate making men's cards-realised yesterday I really don't have alot of stamps apart from the woodwork themed ones I'd already used to make a card for sis to give to Dad so Di's template was a godsend!
Its the first time in ages I've used ric-rac and eyelets, despite which it still feels too plain so I may fiddle some more and fit a Happy Birthday in somewhere!

2008-03-06T13:23:00.000-08:00

I've been thoroughly spoilt today- flowers from my sister, a yummy chocolate cake and an early birthday pressie from my best friend Karen, lots and lots of craft stuff!!! Including the perfect piece of vellum to finish this card for the Poetic Artistry challenge

I've also finished an acceptance card for a friends wedding-she is very non frilly non romantic, non traditional so I hope she likes this! It also fits with Sue's stamping challenge on Carolyn's forum

and to top the day off-about 9 months ago I entered a competition to win one of 1000 lindt bunnies, (we have a thing about rabbits in this house) and I won one! He arrived today, he's a Villeroy and Boch china figurine about 2 inches tall

2008-03-02T06:45:00.001-08:00

Getting back into card making again after a few weeks off, we went to Cork for a week, it was a lovely break, but its also nice to be home.
I made this card for a Caardvarks micro challenge-the challenge was not to use patterned paper it also counts towards my neglected personal challenge to try to use all my dies at least once this year!

The charm on the bottom is a silver pair of babies feet-I just couldn't get it to hang straight for the camera!

Bits for sale

2008-02-10T07:34:00.000-08:00

I've had a clear out this weekend, so have a few bits for sale, all prices include postage

I have loads of paper artsy stamps , all unmounteds with kling-on backing-I love but never use them -they are just not my style, I'd like £10 for the lot, including postage

3 pink magpie Quickutz storage tins, these have a couple of tiny dents in the sides, its just how they were when I bought them- £5

5 stamp'n'store storage panels, they are basically shiny plastic panels with holes to store them in an A4 ring binder(not supplied) to store all your unmounted stamps on-£3.50

MacKenzie sizzlit die, and Jade sizzlit die, £1.50 each

Frankie skinnie mini quickutz alphabet retired set, includes upper and lower case,and numbers- £15

Giant, nearly 8" high peg for altering- £2.50

and finally a mixed bag of 8 rubber stamps, wooden mounted- £5

I'm happy to take paypal, or a cheque -thanks for looking!

2008-02-03T04:55:00.000-08:00

I should be making curtains for the living room-but I've decided to take a break for a week, the door curtain is huge, and interlined so it weighs a ton to manouvre on the sewing machine!

Joanne, Angelnorth, set a great challenge on Carolyn's forum, to take elements of a photo she chose to use in a card-this is my take on it

Still fighting a chest infection so not been making cards of an evening this week-but I did get a couple made for an order from my sister, all her friends are very trendy so the Bellas came out

Have you seen the great ribbon folder Sheila's made with her Bind it all? Its fantastic, I think I'd need a few so thats another project for the queue!

2008-01-26T09:57:00.000-08:00

I've made no cards all week-just been coming home from work and falling into bed. The doctor wants to run a load of blood tests, but I think its just fallout from the car accident I had last week.

My littlest sis gave me her cards list this week though so I've done the 2 most important ones for her

Isn't the little tiger cute? He's in set from Dewdrop Craftz, so expect to see more zoo themed cards from me!

A bella card for my sis's friend ,I love the colours on this one!

I may sneak in a couple more cards tomorrow-but I should spend the day starting to make the curtains for the living room. Got some bargain fabric £1.69 a metre! and I love it, thought it would be nasty quality for that but its gorgeous. I'm also going to attempt to interline them, its the coldest room in the house for some reason, so thought it might help-any advice greatly appreciated!!!!

2008-01-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

Blogging two days running! It'll never last!

I've finally taken some photos, so this is my card for the Poetic Artistry challenge this week

I think maybe its a bit too grown up for a 3yr old, but I'm sure his mum will like it, and how much notice do 3yr olds take of their cards anyhow?

The little cars are from Craft fairies, just UTEE'd, the paper and chipboard number I got from the show on Friday

This is a little acetate album from my craft fairies design pack, I've made it into a birthday album

Hope you've had a fun crafting weekend!

Make it stash!

2008-01-19T13:56:00.000-08:00

We went, we saw, we spent! Mum and I spent a great day at the Make it show in Farnborough, and I spent all my Christmas money so tonight I've started playing with my new stash

I would not have paid out for these stamps normally-I'll hardly ever use them but they were 5 to a bag for £1 so I had to have them cos my sister is off to a baby shower this month

I've wanted this hero arts stamp forever , I've used it for the DCM Hide and Seek challenge this week, I've not put a message in the fold down card yet-I'll wait and see who I need to send it to first

It was a great way to end what has been a very stressful fortnight, hopefully 2008 will look up from now on

2008-01-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

A couple of challenge cards today, first the Birds and the Bees challenge on carolyn's forum- I've been organising all my unmounted stamps and have found ones I never knew I owned-including the happy easter sentiment!

and a Poetic Artistry template challenge-sparkly card courtesy of Carolyn, I had the words in my head as soon as I saw it!

I will take some photos of my new stamp storage-when I've finally finished making pockets the right size for them all!

First card of the Year

2008-01-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Just a quick post today-off to the gym after dinner, guessing it might be busier than usual!!

One of my resolutions was to use more of my dies-in fact make a card with each one, so today I've made a start with the first die I bought and a great sketch challenge from http://prairiepaperandink.typepad.com/amyr/

3 out of 4 ain't bad

2007-12-30T14:02:00.000-08:00

The DCM challenge this week was actually 4 of the previous challenges, a cut, ribbon, a frame and buttons-well I managed all but the handcutting!

I've made a few cards over Christmas-one of my New Years resolutions is to turn the PC off more in the evenings-I get so much more crafting done!!!

This card I finished this evening for friends who are moving to the country. They are coming to us for New Years Eve so glad I got it finished

I love this alphabet-its a Sizzlit one-First Steps. I also bought Cherish in the Ellison sale but haven't opened the packaging yet-I love this one so much its going on everything!!

Other cards this week

and I found out you can emboss on acetate!!!

Its weird, I've only had literally a couple of hours craft time over Christmas but I've got so much done by not having the PC on (I've also made a couple of rings, I'll try to photograph them to show tomorrow)

I'd love to hear any crafty new years resolutions you have too!!

DCM challenge

2007-12-20T12:48:00.000-08:00

I've not done much crafting lately, life's got in the way I guess-but heres my DCM Inside out challenge for this week, the challenge was to decorate the inside as well as the outside of the card.

and the inside

as you probably guessed I used my Bind it all.

One pressie left to make for my sister-but I'm not sure what to make her yet-if I run out of inspiration I may have to cheat and buy her something!

2007-12-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

Finally made a couple of christmas presents-I am very pleased to report all the cards are done

I made these organisers from chipboard coasters from Craftfairies, the holes are punched on the Bind it all, now I have got over my fear of the flippin thing!

I have another couple to make but I might fill those with smellies instead

I may have overspent a little in the Ellison sale..............

but in my defence I didn't think I'd get the whole order, and some are for Mum for christmas

and I've used a couple already, the brackets and the First steps alphabet (I love it) on this card for DCM's candy stripe challenge. The card blank, paper and stamp all came from the children in need competition I won on Leo's blog, I've wanted the bird stamp forever!!

I was sposed to be making a Baby card today-but it didn't happen-I just couldn't do it, having a down day and baby cards aren't the easiest thing for me-maybe tomorrow

Talking of tomorrow, wish me luck! I'm off to a ceramics cafe with my best mate and its one of the few crafts I've never tried. Think I'll try a mug to match my new kitchen colours, teal and red-you may see a picture somewhen, if it works!

2007-12-06T14:09:00.000-08:00

I have been crafting-just not cards for a change. I started a quilted christmas wall hanging a couple of years ago and decided this year I was actually going to finish it.I'll photograph it this weekend when we put the decorations up.

I think, after this batch I just need 3 more christmas cards then I'm finished for the year!

This was sposed to be for the DCM buttons and bows challenge, but as you can see I only got half way! It just doesn't work with a bow on it anywhere-and I'm actually not any good at bows so I might sit this one out ladies and wait for tomorrows challenge instead!

No gym again tonight, not been a good week for my joints, but we have walked into town and back 3 nights doing about 2 miles each time, so I hope thats helping a little. I'm determined not to put on weight over Christmas or its only more to loose again before we start another cycle of IVF.

Last card, I made it for a challenge on Carolyn's forum, it had to have real sewing on it-no fake rubber stamped stitches-its for my mother in laws birthday this weekend. Papers are from a funky new Dovecraft pack I got recently, and the scrummy flowers are from Craftfairies

Not sure how much I'll get done this weekend-I find putting up the decorations exhausting-but hubby is away Monday night so I have an evening of crafting planned , can't wait.

2007-12-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

I have been making stuff honestly, but all for orders. I'm a bit wary of showing them here because my cards and adoption announcements are almost all personalised and it doesn't seem right showing that much detail of other people's lives.

But, finally made another Christmas card, only about a dozen left to go, it fits the DCM birdie challenge this week

I've used a chipboard birdie from Craft fairies

I got the stamp from craft central this monring but its been cut wrong so I've had to fill in some of the letters with a brush pen, hope it doesn't show too much.

In other news....I was lucky enough to win the children in need competition on Leo's blog, it made my day!

and I bought some sparkly jeans to wear at Christmas reeduced in sainsbury's- hubby's comment? They just look like all your jeans do after you've been crafting!!!!

2007-11-26T12:35:00.000-08:00

I've had lots of lovely post today, christmas presents I've ordered, finally my subscrition gift from my craft magazine 2 months late and most exciting of all my first design team goodies from Craft Fairies I can't wait to start playing!

I also had the first order from my new ebay shop today-so feeling very relieved-I was beginning to think I'd made a big mistake moving over

I've made a couple more presents, this tin is to hold a necklace (still to be made) for my mother-in-laws birthday pressie

and some jazzed up paperclips to go with the notebook I made yesterday

I've finally picked the floor ofr the kitchen-I don't think it would have been himselfs first choice (or his second, or third) but its red with glitter in it!!!!!! How could a girl not want that? As he rightly pointed out, I'm the one in the kitchen most, and I'm paying for it so I get to choose, hehehe

We are having the same floor in the downstairs loo too-along with tiles with a black and white photo of rubber ducks on them (photos to follow when he's finished)

2007-11-25T05:38:00.001-08:00

I've finally used my Bind It All!! Not done anything exciting with it-just a little notebook to practice, its going to be part of a gift set for a friend for Christmas

My card for the DCM challenge this week-yes its another adoption day card for a little boy called Jack, the first got lost int he post on the way to the customer and I have no teddy stickers left so had to stamp one instead. Can you guess the name of the song it was based on?

I bought a couple of the new Cuttlekids dies yesterday-are they really meant for kids though? The penguin is sooo fiddly, you have to cut loads of bits out(but yes I have persevered and made a few (pictures later when I've been tp the gym)

I got the zebra too-not tried him yet, and some rather lovely Making memories black and white chipboard butttons too.

Off to the gym, back later with some more pictures (if there is daylight left!)

Out of my comfort zone

2007-11-17T12:55:00.001-08:00

Got caught up on a couple of challenges today, both using colours I don't normally use

The DCM challenge this week was to use a touch of gold- I just don't like gold, but I've tried

These 2 were for a Children in Need challenge on http://scribblesnscrappin.blogspot.com/- I hate using yellow!!! It just doesn't work for me-but I actually quite like the red and yellow one

I've also finished my pages for Melissa's CJ-ahead of time for a change!
I'm clearing the decks because I have a day off work Monday-to stock my ebay shop. I'm giving up with the Mrsite website, I keep getting technical problems andf they can't seem to fix them so I'm hoping Ebay will be better-and hopefully have more coverage too

2007-11-15T14:08:00.000-08:00

Life's got in the way lately so I've not had much chance to make cards. Its been nice to catch up a bit today though

These two were for an order, I have 25 adoption announcements to make next week for the customer too, I'm so pleased for her.

This is my DCM midweek challenge for the Pile of parcels challenge

I was stamping some images for a swap on Carolyn's and realised this one fitted the challenge perfectly!

We've booked our holiday today- a week in February on Fota Island in Cork Harbour, Southern Island. It looks gorgeous, I can't wait!!