Honey Bootique

Miso wanna see you!

2012-01-28T13:16:00.002Z

Hi everyone! Hope you're all doing OK and enjoying your weekend. I'm v excited as off to see the Strictly Come Dancing tour tonight! Can I also say a hello to my new followers?! Hellooooo!

So I'm using one of my fav Stamping Bella stamps today! This is my first time of using it but I know it'll be a firm favourite as I am so in love with the Uptown Girls! This stamp is Uptown Sushi Girls.

I coloured with copics and added a lyra pencil shadow at the bottom. These papers are my absolute favourites right now- turquoise, red and bright pink are my fav colours!! They are Lily Bee- Head Over Heels. The funny sentiment came with the image. The flowers are made with the Die-namics rolled rose. One of the things I love about the Uptownies is the size of the images, they're soooo big!

I'd like to enter this into:

Deconstructed sketch- sketch

Moving along with the times- blooming marvellous

My Mum's Craft Shop- flowers

Simon Says Stamp- anything goes

Whimsy Challenge- pearls or bling

Papercrafting Journey- floral

Card Crafters Circle- feel good with a friend

Chocolate, Coffee n Cards- thinking of you or missing you

Fussy n Fancy- polka dots

Crazy 4 Challenges- layer it on

Close up! Please click on the image as you can see my colouring closer! I just LOVED colouring these!! Can you tell I'm feeling the love today?!!! lol.

And another! I especially love the Uptownie on the right- her hair with the flower is so cute!

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Take care and hope to see you soon! x

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella); Copics; Lyra pencils; Papers (Lily Bee Design); Assorted cardstock; rolled rose die (Dienamics-MFT); Pearls (Wild Orchid Crafts)

Love you bunches!

2012-01-24T13:00:00.002Z

Hi! I know it's my second post in one day but I wanted to enter this into some challenges so wanted to post it this afternoon!

This is a card for my Mum for Mother's Day!! Yes, I am in a bit in advance but I knew I wanted to use this image and it kinda fell in with a couple of challenges so I thought I'd do it now!!

So I used this gorgeous Mo Manning stamp from Stamping Bella called "Kissy". It's so perfect for my Mum! I coloured her with copics and I have to say a big shout out to Elaine at Quixotic Paperie for her fabulous copic colouring videos which is where I got my inspiration for colouring this. By just watching her videos, I have gained so much confidence in my copic colouring which I think you can see looking at my recent cards. Thanks, Elaine! I added lots of glitter to the flowers (click on photo to get a closer look!) These gorgeous papers are of course MME Honey Cake, I've used these loads! I've added some blue stitching around the edge of the card, I would've added more only my sewing machine was having a strop! I made the flowers using the Dienamics rolled rose die and the leaf sprig is from the Tim Holtz Sizzix rolled pinecone die which I've just purchased (eagle eyes of you will notice it was in my craft stash wish list!!)

Close up of colouring! Love her puckering up!

I'd like to enter this into:

Sketch Saturday- sketch

Mo Manning Challenge- stitching

Stamp With Fun- cute vintage

Totally Papercrafts- make your own flowers

Papercrafting Journey- floral

Alphabet Challenge- You can choose

Chocolate Coffee n Cards- glitter

Deep Ocean Challenge- glitter

Papertake Weekly- happy highlights- I've glittered her flowers

Our Creative Corner- photo inspiration (I have taken the colour theme and the branch as inspiration)

Pile It On- lace

Sentimental Sundays- die cuts (no punches)

Make it Monday

Thanks so much for dropping by today, I really appreciate your comments! xxx

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Mo Manning @ Stamping Bella); Copics; Lyra pencils; Papers (MME); Assorted cardstock; Rolled rose die (MFT); Leaf sprig (Sizzix); Nesties; Pearls (Prima); Mini pearls (freebie); Sewing Machine; Crystal Stickles; Lace (The Craft Den)

Anything Goes Challenge- To the one I love!

2012-01-24T08:00:00.003Z

Hi everyone! Hope you're all well and have a fabby craft-filled weekend! It's Tuesday which can only mean one thing- Anything Goes Challenge time again!! Wow, we had SO many entries last week for our Anything Goes challenge. Thank you so much, we loved looking through all your entries!

This week's challenge is "To the one I love!" We have some exciting news this week! We are sponsored by the fabulous IndigoBlu stamps!!! The prize is £20 to spend in their shop!!!!!

www.indigoblu.com

IndigoBlu are quintessentially English rubber stamps, with unique and highly detailed deep etched designs – all made in England. IndigoBlu stamps have been featured on Create and Craft a few weeks ago. The Craft Den also stocks them.

I decided to use "Love Scoop" by Stamping Bella to make a Valentine's card for my hubbie. I coloured with copics and added shading with lyra pencils. I created a frame using a sentiment from the Elzybells Valentine tags set. The stamped hearts are also from Elzybells Valentine tags II set. I was lucky enough to win these sets when Elzybells were still around. The papers are by Pink Paislee.

I'd like to enter this into:

Cupcake Craft Challenges- all you need is love

Crafty Creations- Valentine

Craft Us Crazy- Valentine/Love

Secret Crafter- food n drink

My Time to Craft- favourite embellie- mine is nailheads!

Stamping for the Weekend- out with the old (I've had this stamp since April last year but this is my first time of using it!)

Do pop along to the Anything Goes Challenge and check out the rest of the DT work, it's gorgeous as ever!! And remember, like me, you can buy all your yummy craft goodies from The Craft Den!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella; Elzybells); Copics; Lyra pencils; Papers (Pink Paislee); Assorted cardstock; Nesties; Nailheads

Retro Chester!

2012-01-16T18:10:00.006Z

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a lovely weekend. It's turned very cold here brrrr! I wonder if we will be getting some snow soon?

First of all, I'd like to tell you all that I've shot my first video!!!! It's a craft stash video showing you all my lovely Christmas craft stash and includes paper pads, stamps, digi stamps and dies! It's quite wierd hearing your own voice like that, I'm pretty sure I don't sound like that in my head!! lol. Anyway, you can see my new video here!

Just a quick post this evening and a simple card- I must apologise for the quality of this photo as it's been taken after dark. I might try and redo the photo later in the week if I get the chance.

My sis asked me to make a card for our brother for his upcoming birthday. He's a huge music fan and used to have a Walkman like this so I thought Retro Chester would be perfect for him. I was very lucky to have picked this image when I won a challenge over at Pollycraft.

So I coloured him with copics and added shadows with lyra pencils. The paper is pretty old so I can't remember where I got it. I added a button in the corner and then punched a musical note from blue card and glued that on top, I thought it made it look like a funky matching brad. What'ya think?!

I'd like to enter this into:

Pollycraft Challenge- bingo (image, buttons, punches)

Pink Elephant- use favourite colours (as you can see from my blog, I LOVE bright colours!)

ABC Challenge- Happy Birthday

Crafty Creations- use something new (my first time using this digi!)

Simon Says Challenge- spots or stripes

Charisma Cardz- Happy Birthday

Craft Us Crazy- new or humorous (both!)

Cute Card Thursday- you're having a laugh!

Dutch Dare- One for the boys

Moving Along With the Times- Spots and/or stripes

Alphabet Challenge- You can choose

Card Crafters Circle- Happy Birthday

Card Makin Mamas- Happy NY or use something new (new digi image)

Crafty Catz- use something new (digi image)

Pile It On- fuzzy friends

Also, can I draw your attention to the fact that we are recruiting new members of our DT over at Anything Goes Challenge- check it out!!!!

Thanks for stopping by, hope to be back with another card later in the week! x

Crafty stash used: Digi image (Pollycraft); Copics; Lyra pencils; Paper (?); Assorted cardstock; Button; Punch (Woodware); Sentiment (Craftwork Cards)

Anything Goes Challenge- Anything Goes!

2012-01-10T08:00:00.003Z

Hi everyone! Hope you're enjoying your week so far! It's Tuesday again so time for another challenge over at Anything Goes. This week we're being nice and easy on you and giving you the challenge of "Anything Goes"!! Can't wait to see what you all come up with.

So I've decided to use Swinging Mavis from Stamping Bella. She's brand spanking new out of the packet, I bought her last year in my annual (sometimes biannual!!) big Stamping Bella purchase! I always love using a stamp for the first time, don't you?! So I've coloured her with copics and paper pieced her little dress. The papers are all by MME called All Spice purchased from The Craft Den. I've also used the MFT Dienamics fence die and the speech bubble die. The sentiment is from the MFT Say What? stamp set which matches the speech bubble die. I thought it was great to match that saying with such an overly cute image. Makes me laugh every time I look at it!! Lol.

I'd like to enter this into:

Cupcake Craft- new

Crafty Cardmakers-no flowers

Sweet Stampin Challenges- spots n dots

Crazy 4 Challenges-new

Allsorts- paper piecing

Card Making Mamas- new

Paperplay-new

Cute Card Thursday- new

Isn't she just the cutest you've ever seen??!!!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella, MFT); Copics; Papers (MME); Kraft cardstock (PTI); Fence & Speech bubble dies (MFT); Button; Pearls (Prima); Nesties

Come by later in the week and I'll be posting my very first video! I've done a video of the stash I got for Christmas and includes paper pads, stamps, digi stamps and dies!!! Yes, I'm very spoilt!

Hope to see you later in the week! x

Housework can't kill you...

2012-01-05T12:08:00.006Z

Hello folks! Happy New Year to you all! With it being a new year, I decided to freshen up my blog a bit especially as some of the menu tabs I had (like I had planned to sell my cards on Ebay but haven't had time to make enough!) weren't being used. So if you can see I've amended my galleries a bit, added a few features like my "crafty stash wish list" and I now have some new menu tabs.

I'm very close to finishing my craft room - yes I've still been adding extra things!!- so I will have this as a permanent tab on my blog you can visit. I've also added a tab called "my favs" which tells you all about my fav craft books, craft rooms, stamp co.s etc and where I buy some of my essentials. I always think these things are really interesting to learn about your fav crafters! :0) Finally, I've added a "videos/tips" section. I've always meant to do little tutorials/tips posts but I'm lazy and they take ages to photograph and do all the writing so I decided that I might do some videos instead. One thing I really wanted to include in this section are crafty stash videos. I love seeing other people's on YouTube and Michelle over at the Card Grotto does fab ones so I thought I'd have a go at these- I always think it's interesting to hear why people buy their stash! Basically I'm just nosy!!

Anyhoo,enough chat on a card! Today's card is made with a gorgeous Mo Manning stamp and it's the very first time I've used it! My sis asked me to make it for our Aunt's birthday.

So I coloured the Housework Fairy with copics and added some shading with watercolour pencils over the top. I bought the stamp from Stamping Bella so it comes with this funny sentiment (I lopped off the author of the quote though as I wanted the sentiment smaller). Papers are by Pink Paislee called Vintage Vogue. I added copious amounts of Glamour Dust- she is a fairy after all!!!

I'd like to enter this into:

Sketch Saturday

Pink Elephant- anything goes

Papertake Weekly- anything goes

ABC- use colour green

Fab n Funky- something new- my stamp!

Simon Says Stamp- something new- my stamp!

Crafts 4 Eternity- use a quote

Pile It On- anything goes

Sentimental Sundays- anything goes

Stampin for the weekend- anything goes

Mo Manning- anything goes

Crafty Us Crazy- anything new and/or humorous

Cute Card Thursday- something new

Close up of colouring! I love her lips and chubby cheeks!! Such a gorgeous stamp!!! Am becoming a big fan of Mo Manning!!! Have just bought a load of her digis which I'll show you in my first stash video!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Mo Manning at Stamping Bella); Assorted cardstock; Copics; Watercolour pencils; Papers (Pink Paislee); Glamour dust; Nailheads (Josy Rose)

My fav crafty makes for 2011!

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000Z

Hello everyone! As we're nearing the end of the year, I thought it might be fun to look at my favourite makes for 2011, kinda like those year-in-review tv quizzes they always have on on New Year's Eve.

I hope you'll do the same! It's kinda fun looking through all your cards for the year!

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Anything Goes Challenge- blue with one other colour

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000Z

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, ate and drank plenty and were exceedingly merry!! I also hope Santa brought you all your crafty heart desired!! I will reveal my Christmas crafty stash very soon!

So it's Tuesday again and it's the very last Anything Goes Challenge of 2011! The theme this week is the colour blue with one other colour. Do pop over to the Anything Goes Challenge and check out all the other DT work, it's gorgeous!

So here is my design:

I used this gorgeously cute Forever Friends bear stamp and coloured him with watercolour pencils and Sansador. I outlined in a warm copic and added a frame of Crystal Stickles. Sorry I don't know where the paper is from, it's a 12 x 12" sheet but I can't find it!! The snowflake is a Sizzix Sizzlits die. Sentiment is Waltzing Mouse.

Little close up of the cutie! As you can see, I also added Crystal Stickles to the snowflake.

Even closer! Wonder what he's saying to the robin?! Don't forget you can buy your Forever Friends' stash from Lynne at The Craft Den.

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Forever Friends, Waltzing Mouse); Paper (?); Assorted cardstock; Nesties; Watercolour pencils; Copics; Snowflake die (Sizzix); Nailheads (Josy Rose); Crystal Stickles

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-21T12:05:00.002Z

I just want to wish all my lovely, lovely followers a very

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL, HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Thank you so much for your loyalty, support and inspiration! I really do appreciate it!

Big hugs x

Uptown Girls!

2011-12-15T12:01:00.003Z

Hello hello!!! I hope you're all OK and coping well with Christmas preparations. I'm having family over to our's again this year but am not flapping too much as Mr Marks and Mr Spencer are helping me out quite a bit! LOL!!! And considering the awful Christmas we had last year because of Mum, it kinda puts things into perspective so I'm fairly chilled!!

Anyway, I guess we're all making our final cards now. I've still got hubbie's to make but I've coloured the image so should finish that in a couple of days. I have to say, though, the card I'm going to show today has had me SO excited!! Just because I LOVE LOVE LOVE these new range of stamps from Stamping Bella and they colour just SO beautifully!!!!!!! This is the first one I've made from the Uptown Girls range.....

what dya think?!!! I know this isn't really a Christmasy image but I thought it really was if coloured the right way as I thought it cried out holiday parties with glam dresses!! So I coloured with copics and paper pieced their dresses to which I added lots of glitter to the trim. I hope you can see as well that one of them has glitter gold sandals (courtesy of Stickles) and the other has patent black sandals (courtesy of black Sakura gel pen). These gorgeous papers are some of my fav colours by MME Happy Heart. Sentiment is Papertrey Ink. Holly is PTI die.

I think they are such adorable stamps, I'm totally in love with them so watch this space for more!! I also added glitter to their yummy looking cocktails!

I'd like to enter this into:

Cupcake Craft Challenge- don't look at the light

Kaboodle Doodles- Let's get together for the holidays

Pollycraft- Christmas Fun

Creative Card Crew- tis the season

Papertake Weekly- Christmas card in your fav colours

ABC Christmas- Yipee it's almost Christmas

Paper Variety- anything goes

Pile it On- bling it up

Stamptacular Sunday- Christmas Glitz

Stamping for the weekend- Christmas

Crafty Catz- anything goes

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella, PTI); Copics; Papers (MME); Assorted cardstock; Die (PTI); Pearls (Prima); Gold & Crystal Stickles; Black glitter (Lakeland); Black Sakura gel pen; Nailheads (Josy Rose); Glitter trim (?)

And another PTI card this time using some felt!! I die cut these cute mittens from white and pink felt and added Baker's twine to join them together. The bigger holly die is also from PTI, as it the sentiment. A nice simple card!

I'd like to enter this into:

A Passion For Papertrey- use green somewhere on your card

Crafty stash used: Stamp (PTI); Holly & mitten dies (PTI); Felt (PTI); Buttons (PTI); Nailheads (Josy Rose); Paper (3 Bugs in a Rug)

Anything Goes- anything but a card!

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000Z

Hi everyone! As it's Tuesday, it's time for the Anything Goes Challenge. This fortnight's challenge is "Anything but a card". At Christmas time, they are so many different possibilities for this one so I can't wait to see your entries. Do please pop along and visit the DT samples as they are all wonderful.

I decided to make Christmas present tags- something I've not done before. Initially I wondered what to do but I had great fun with these actually once I got started. Armed with my nesties, some paper offcuts and a few stamps they were really easy to put together. I've hung them on our tree just to make them look more festive!!

This first one I made using the Papertrey Ink Damask snowflake and holly dies, the stamp is from PTI Photo Finishers set and nestie label 18. Some Gold Stickles, paper from Prima North Country (available from The Craft Den) and I was good to go!

Second one is again is done using Damask snowflake and Prima North Country papers. The sentiment stamp and die are from the Photo Finishers set. I used Crystal Stickles on this one and the blue gems are by Kars from The Craft Den.

Same papers again and I cut around one of the embellies to use as a focal point. Nesties this time are the Heirloom Ornament ones.

Another shot of the first one!

Last one made using Nesties Label 21 and 18. Papers are from Basic Grey Jovial also available at The Craft Den. Larger holly die also from PTI.

Crafty stash used: Stamps (PTI); Assorted cardstock; Papers (Basic Grey, Prima); Ribbon (recycled); Stickles; Holly, Snowflake & sentiment dies (PTI); Hole punch; Button; Gems (Kars & K&Co); Assorted nesties

Thanks for stopping by today! x

Veggiebella!

2011-12-11T13:07:00.003Z

Hi everyone!! Hope you're all OK and not getting too stressed out with Christmas preparations! I'm waking up a very proud wife today! Hubbie is in LA and won 4 awards at the Video Game Awards last night for his game Batman: Arkham City!!!!! I'm a bit tired as I was speaking to him at 4am this morning! How proud am I?!

Onto today's card which features Veggiebella!

My sis asked me to make her a card using this stamp for her mother-in-law as she has an allotment so is perfect for her! I must apologise for the dodgy photo as hubbie has taken our good camera with him plus the weather here is dire and dreary. So I coloured her with a mixture of copics and watercolour pencils as usual. The papers are by October Afternoon- very appropriate I thought! I used the MFT fence die and tied some twine and a button. The sentiment is PC generated but cut out using the Memory Box label die.

I'd like to enter this into:

Bellarific Challenge- sketch

Cute Card Thursday- anything goes

Crafty Catz- anything goes

Crafts4Eternity- red,green,cream

Usual close up! How jolly and sweet does she look?! Am loving the look of those carrots!!

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Stamping Bella); Copics; Watercolour pencils; Papers (October Afternoon); Assorted cardstock; Nesties; Fence die (MFT); Label die (Memory Box); Twine (PTI); Button (Walmart); Peg (Joanna Sheen?); Nailheads (Josy Rose)

Back to Christmas cards and birthday stash

2011-12-07T14:50:00.004Z

Hello folks!! How you all doing? It was my birthday on Monday and I had a wonderful day which ended with seeing Gary Barlow at the Royal Albert Hall! He was absolutely AMAZING!! He sang all the Take That songs, some of his solo stuff and a few covers. I was so over-excited that I must admit I did scream a bit (a bit?!! lol) Anyway, see bottom of my post to see my new birthday stash.

Are you in the midst of Christmas panic?! I'm extremely relieved I only have one Christmas card to make now for my hubbie! Yay! So I have a couple of cards to show you today. First up is another Molly Bloom window card.

So I coloured the stamp exactly the same as with the previous card I made using this stamp (copics) and using Liquid Pearls for the snow. I didn't put the frame on 3d pads this time but I still used acetate behind the windows. I paper pieced the blind and hanging heart.

These gorgeous vintagey papers are by Basic Grey - Jovial. The sentiment is Papertrey Ink from the Love Lives Here- Holiday set and the holly die is PTI too.

I'd like to enter this into:

Creative Card Crew- tis the season

Deep Ocean Challenge- let it snow

My Time to Craft- vintage Christmas

Papertake Weekly- anything goes

One Stop- let it snow

Secret Crafter- photo inspiration

Sweet Stampin- snow

Crafty Catz- colours of Christmas

ABC Christmas- yipee! anything goes

Totally Papercrafts- let it snow

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Molly Bloom, PTI); Copics; Papers (Basic Grey); Liquid pearls; Nailheads; Holly die (PTI)

The second card I'd like to show you is a card I made using the Papertrey Ink Love Lives Here- Holiday set. It basically comes as a mix and match set that you can create a scene with. I have pretty much cased the layout of the stamped image by Melissa Phillips so that's why I haven't entered into any challenges!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (PTI); Inks (Stampin Up); Assorted cardstock; Paper (DCWV); Buttons; Pearls

Lastly here is my birthday stash- sorry for dodgy photo. I got a load of new copics (even tho I said I wouldn't get any more!!!) A Lily Bee Head over Heels pad (can't wait to use this, it's GORGEOUS) and Echo Park pad. Then I got the fence and file tab dies from MFT and Memory Box Primo Labels die. Finally a couple of Stamping Bella stamps (who else?)

Have a fun week! xx

No Christmas cards in sight!!

2011-12-01T12:36:00.002Z

Well hello there!! Hope you are all well. I am now down to just 3 Christmas cards to make but yesterday felt I just HAD to make something non-Christmasy!!! So here we are...

It's my birthday on Monday so am looking forward to some new crafty stash which I will, of course, post so you can see!!

So here is the cutie MFT stamp set All Star A la Mode. I coloured her with watercolour pencils and paper pieced her trousers and flag. Papers are by MME Happy Go Lucky and I just love them- they are SO my colours!! I used the MFT grass to add a bit of texture and then a Papertrey ink leaf die across the centre. Sentiment is MFT which accompanies the main stamp.

I'd like to enter this into:

Quixotic Paperie Challenge- sketch

Fab n Funky Challenges- anything goes

Simon Says- anything goes

Alphabet Challenge- very vibrant

Allsorts- pennant or bunting- hope this counts!

Sweet Stampin- punches and/or dies

Pile It On- girly

Usual close up!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (MFT); Watercolour pencils; Papers (MME); Assorted cardstock; Dies (MFT, Papertrey Ink); Nesties; Ink (Razzleberry SU); Nailheads (Josy Rose); Buttons; Bakers twine

Anything Goes Challenge- Cutting Corners

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000Z

Hello!! Happy Tuesday! Today's challenge over at Anything Goes Challenge is "Cutting corners" so we want to see your decorative corners please!! Check out the DT's gorgeous makes!!!

I don't know about you but I am well and truly over making Christmas cards for this year!! I only have 7 to make now which may not seem like a lot but I seem to have totally lost my mojo- have you seen it??!!

Anyway here is today's card. This is an order request from my Mum. She wanted me to make something using this cute Molly Bloom window stamp. FAO- your Molly Bloom stamps can be purchased from Lynne at The Craft Den!

I stamped the window twice and used one as the background where I coloured the nightsky using copics and adding Liquid Pearls for the snow. The second one I used for the window frame which I cut out and then stuck acetate behind to look like glass. I raised the frame with foam pads. I paper pieced the blind and the little heart. These gorgeous papers are by Prima called North Country. I did a bit of die-cutting on this one. The big snowflake and holly are Papertrey Ink. The swirls in the corners are a Boss Kut die. I also ripped some paper in the right hand corner to add a bit of interest. Sentiment is Papertrey Ink.

I'd like to enter this into:

Pollycraft- Christmas Fun

Stamptacular Sunday- Anything Christmas

Crazy 4 Challenges- snow

Dutch Dare- recipe- image, papers, ribbon, layers, pearls

Truly Scrumptious- Christmas project with pearls or vintage

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Molly Bloom, Papertrey Ink); Papers (Prima); Copics; Assorted cardstock; Snowflake & holly dies (PTI); Swirl (Boss-Kut); Button (PTI); Pearls; Nailheads; Liquid Pearls; Ribbon (PTI)

Back from chillin....

2011-11-23T17:39:00.003Z

Hello folks!!! I've been scheduling posts for the past few weeks as I've been on my hols! Hubbie and I went to The Maldives and spent an amazing 2 weeks chilling out and snorkelling. It was so wonderful and much needed after another really tough year. I'm so hoping 2012 will be a better year for us all.

Anyway, thought I'd just show you this amazing photo hubbie took of our beautiful little island! Breathtaking, no?!

So I thought I'd post some more of my Papertrey Ink cards I did before I went on hols so you don't get too bored with my blog!!

This card is inspired by Debbie Olsen here. I used my new Damask snowflake die again but this time used both parts of this. I then stamped a tree from the Love Lives Here Holiday set and assembled on top of the snowflake. Also added plenty spots of Crystal Stickles. The stripey piece of paper is by Pink Paislee which I cut out using the PTI Half and Half die- loving the scalloped end. The sentiment is from the Photo Finishers set and cut out with the matching die which I LURVE!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (PTI); Paper (Pink Paislee); Assorted cardstock; Inks (Stampin Up); Dies- snowflake, tree, sentiment (PTI); Button (PTI); Crystal Stickles

The second card is another simple one inspired by Michelle Wooderson here. I used the Holiday Photo Finishers set for this and stamped and die cut the little star from the Love Lives Here Holiday set.

I'd like to enter both these cards into the A Passion for Papertrey challenge this week which is a Christmas card.

Crafty stash used: Stamps (PTI); Papers (Stampin Up); Button (PTI); Twine; Gems (K & Co)

Hope you've enjoyed dropping by today! Hugs x

Anything Goes Challenge- a real sweetie!

2011-11-15T08:00:00.000Z

Yep it's Anything Goes Challenge time again!! This fortnight's challenge is "a real sweetie!" Think cakes and sweets for birthdays or Christmas puds, candy canes for Christmas- let's see what you can come up with!

It's unintentional the similarity between this week's sample and last time's sample!!!!! If I have time, I like to get ahead with my DT work and will make cards early if they fit in with someone's birthday, anniversary etc. I guess I just must've thought that this paper pad works so well with these LOTV images!!

Sorry the photo is a little dark but I hope you can see that the nailheads are brown, as is the heart shaped button!

So I've used this cute Lili of the Valley image and have coloured with watercolour and lyra pencils and then simply outlined with a warm copic. I shaded the background with some pale pink ink whilst still in the nestie. I'm loving using nesties to matt and layer with more interesting shapes. The heart border is a Magnolia Doohickey die and the sentiment is Stamping Bella. Papers are Honey Cake by MME purchased from The Craft Den.

I love her cupcake stand and her cute little tutu-style dress!

I think she looks very elegant for afternoon tea!! Smarter than me with my glass of water and chocolate digestives!!! ha ha.

Crafty stash used: Stamps (LOTV, Stamping Bella); Watercolour pencils; Copics; Papers (MME); Nailheads (Josy Rose); Button; heart Doohickey die (Magnolia)

PTI Christmas cards!

2011-11-08T08:00:00.000Z

Hi everyone!! I'm not going to be able to do much crafting at the moment so I thought I'd schedule this post so that you've all got something to see whilst I'm busy!

I did a BIG Papertrey Ink purchase about a month ago (sorry, forgot to photograph!) and purchased a couple of their new Christmas sets. I'm being very good cos I'm keeping a couple of the other sets to use in the New Year- aren't I good?! Anyway, I wanted to get moving on my Christmas cards so over a few days I made 10 cards which is good for me. I'm loving doing a different, less is more, style. I think from now on, I'll do half my Christmas cards as cute, lots of colouring, sketch based cards (ie my usual style) and then the other half as a sort of PTI stylee!

So here are 3 cards to show you...

With this first card, I'm channelling Dawn McVey here. She gave me the idea of using the swirls from the Holiday Photo Finishers set in this way. The circular sentiment is also from this set which I cut out with a nestie and mounted on the new Damask snowflake die (I LOVE this die!!) I then put Crystal stickles around the sentiment and added nailheads. I popped up the snowflake to add some dimension.

Just as a variation, I added some Poppy PTI ribbon. This time I didn't mount the snowflake up as this is a card order from my Mum and she likes me to do some cards that go through the normal post rather than having to pay extra because I add too much gumpf to my cards!!!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (PTI); Snowflake die (PTI); Nesties; Crystal Stickles; Ribbon (PTI); Nailheads (Josy Rose)

Finally I took my inspiration from Lisa Johnson here on this card. She used some gorgeous swirls as a background so I dug out these swirls from Inkadinkadoo and used Versamark and clear glitter embossing powder. The purple is not quite as dark as it appears on this photo. I used the Peace and Joy sentiment from the Photo Finishers set but I only wanted these 3 words (I think the whole sentiment says something like "... to you and your's this holiday season") in this format so I just masked the rest off so it fitted into a nestie circle. Purple ribbon is PTI.

Crafty stash used: Stamps (PTI, Inkadinkadoo); Embossing powder; Nesties; Ribbon (PTI); Nailheads (Josy Rose)

Hope you enjoyed popping by today and are not getting too stressed about Christmas card making!!! I think I've only got about 12 to make now!!

Anything Goes Challenge- Stitching!

2011-11-01T08:00:00.001Z

Hello! Hello! It's Tuesday so that can only mean one thing- it's time for another Anything Goes Challenge! The theme this fortnight is "Stitching"- real or faux. As ever, the DT have really outdone themselves again with gorgeous samples so pop over and check them out.

My card this week is for a friend's 10th wedding anniversary. I don't normally do anniversary cards for friends but as this is a special year, I really wanted to do something special.

I love this cute image, so perfect for anniversary and valentine cards. I coloured with a mixture of copics and watercolour pencils- basically dipping in and out of mediums pretty much willy nilly! I added a generous amount of Crystal Stickles around the image. I used my new nesties to matt and layer the image with some contrasting shapes. These totally gorgeous papers are Honey Cake by MME which I bought at The Craft Den- Lynne has papers at a fabbie price!

The "10" was cut out using my new Die-namic By The Numbers set. The "th anniversary" are stamped using the matching MFT stamp set. The flowers are made using the rolled flower die from MFT and the swirls are a Boss Kut die.

As you can see I stitched around the edge using pink thread. I would've done more stitching but my sewing machine seems to have totally lost it so I was somewhat restricted!!! :0)

I'd like to enter this into:

Pollycraft- anything goes

Sweet Stampin Challenges- anything goes

Dutch Dare- Pearls and swirls

Charisma Cardz- anything goes

Totally Papercrafts- Glitter it

Simon Says- anything goes

Close up!! The cute little heart was a leftover piece from using the Doohickey heart border edge die.

Crafty stash used: Stamps (LOTV, MFT); Watercolour pencils; Copics; Papers (MME); Nesties; Flower dies (Dienamics MFT); Pearls; Swirl die (Boss Kut); Number dies (Dienamics MFT); Sewing machine; Heart (Doohickey die, Magnolia)

A snuggly Christmas!

2011-10-28T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone! Hope you're all doing good! First of all, I'd like to say hello to my new followers and to say thanks, I will come and visit you! x

Have been busy again this week so no time for crafting but have a few cards in reserve I've previously made so I can at least show you those when I'm busy! I was so lucky last week- I had 2 challenge wins! I won 10 digi images from Pollycraft and a wee stamp set from A Passion For Papertrey- thanks guys!

So my card today is a simple Forever Friends Christmas one. A bit of a less is more card as I'm hoping the colouring does the talking! :0)

I coloured him with watercolour pencils blended with Gamsol. Originally when I coloured, I used water with my watercolour pencils (unsurprisingly!!) which is why I bought lyra pencils to use with Gamsol to try a more blended approach. A couple of months ago I decided to try watercolour pencils with Gamsol and found out that they work just as well as lyra!! Anyhoo -now I have a bigger selection of colours to work with and find that I enjoy mixing up media and using different medias all at once. Now sometimes when I colour with copics, I add watercolour/lyra shading over the top. It's good to mix it up and experiment!

Paper is by MME I think.
Usual close up! Doesn't he look cute and snuggly?!

I'd like to enter this into:

Forever Friends- anything goes

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Forever Friends); Watercolour pencils; Copics; Paper (MME?); Assorted cardstock; Gems; Sentiment (Craftwork Cards); Ribbon; Star brad (Lakeland)

Anyone who says....

2011-10-22T10:07:00.002+01:00

Hello all. I've had rather a busy week this week so not alot of time for crafting. On a personal note, I have some great news about my Mum- she has passed another 3 month check up with no signs of cancer!

I'm also an extremely proud wife this week as my husband's video game has been released to amazing reviews!! You may have seen adverts for it- Batman: Arkham City! It has been my husband's baby and he has worked SOOOOO hard on it. They are calling it "game of the year"!!!! What a proud wife I am!!!

I feel quite grotty today as am suffering with cold and cough. I haven't had a cold for absolutely ages!!

Anyway onto the cards, I have a couple to show you today...

First up is my Stamping Bella card. I used "Rainneverstoppedmeabella". I love this image- so great to paper piece. I think this would make a great card for someone who's unwell or feeling a bit down. Don't you just love these papers?! They are Vintage Vogue by Pink Paislee. A bit pastelly for what I usually use but I fell in love with them. I used a mixture of lyra & watercolour pencils, together with paper piecing and of course shaded my paper piecing as well. I used a Die-namics die for the border strip.

A close up! Can you see the rain?!!!

I'd like to enter this into:

Stamping Bella- sketch

Cute and Girly- anything goes

My Time to Craft- punches/dies (nestie rectangle & die-namic border)

Fussy and Fancy- 3 bs (black background paper, die-namic border, glitter rain is bling)

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella); Watercolour & lyra pencils; Copics; Paper (Pink Paislee); Nailheads; Nesties; Scalloped border (Die-namic); Buttons; Crystal Stickles

Here are a couple of quick, simple Christmas cards I made a couple of weeks ago. Both of them feature stamps from Waltzing Mouse. The card on the left uses paper by MME, a scalloped circle nestie and a Die-namic chain border.

Card on the right uses Nestie ornaments. I have added tiny gems to the ornaments and a silver bow. A simple strip of red card on either side of the sentiment finishes it off.

I'd like to enter the card on the right into:

Crazy 4 Challenges- 1 layer

One Stop Craft Challenge- no designer paper

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Waltzing Mouse); Nesties (scalloped circle & ornaments); Paper (MME); Chain border (Die-namics); Bow (recycled); Gems; Assorted cardstock

Anything Goes Challenge- To the letter

2011-10-18T08:10:00.002+01:00

Hello all! Hope you're all well. I'm a little late posting this so won't linger and will get on with the challenge! Today's challenge over at Anything Goes is "to the letter" so think about monogrammed cards, chipboard letters etc.. Let's see what you can come up with! Have a look at the DT work, it's so varied and gorgeous and is a great example of how different everyone can interpret a theme!

So here is my card:

I have used Strummabella by Stamping Bella. I coloured her with a mixture of watercolour and lyra pencils as usual and a warm copic outline. I lurve her hair!! I decided that she was probably singing "happy birthday to you!..." so that was the theme of my card so I picked out some old chipboard letters I had. I didn't have any numbers and thought it would push the card out of balance anyway so I diecut a "2" using a Sizzix die. Papers are by Basic Grey- don't forget you can buy your Basic Grey Papers from Lynn at The Craft Den!

Here is a close up of my colouring. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out if I do say so myself!!!

And another close-up! The ribbon is actually recycled off a choccie box! Gorgeous!

I'd like to enter this into:

Pollycraft- girls, girls, girls

By the Cute and Girly- anything goes

Stamptacular Sunday- anything goes

Crafty Creations- 3 papers, 2 embellies (ribbon & nailheads), 1 image

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Stamping Bella); Lyra & watercolour pencils; Copics; Papers (Basic Grey); Assorted cardstock; Ribbon (recycled); Chipboard letters (K&Co); Number diecuts (Sizzix); Nailheads (Josy Rose)

Class act!

2011-10-09T11:31:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone! Hope you're enjoying your weekend. I have 2 cards to show you today. The first one I'm really excited to show you as it's my second A La Mode card! I'm just such a sucker for these stamps!!!

Here she is- "You Rule"! This is a card for my friend who is a teacher.

As usual I coloured with watercolour & lyra pencils and added copic shadow. I did some major paper piecing so she matches her background papers. I LOVE these papers by MME "Happy Go Lucky". As you know I love bright colours on my cards, I'm not really a pastel girl so these papers are just perfect for me!!

I used a Die-namics die to get the notebook edge which I thought was perfect to go with the teacher theme. The little star is a PTI tiny tag die. I also used my new skinny nestie which are perfect for the A La Modes.

I'd like to enter this into:

Sketch Saturday- sketch

Papertake Weekly- anything goes

Fab n Funky-diecuts/punches

C.R.A.F.T.- bright colours

One Stop Craft- anything goes

Close up! How sweet is she??! I LOVE her little ditzy blouse and neck tie.

Crafty stash used: Stamps (MFT); Watercolour and lyra pencils; Copics; Papers (MME); Assorted cardstock; Nesties; Notebook die (MFT); Tag (PTI); Bakers twine; Nailheads; Flower

This is a bit of an unusual card for me in that I don't really like doing cards that don't involve colouring!! But I think it turned out OK. It's a card for my sis's partner who is currently having guitar lessons. I used the Rock On stamp set from Papertrey Ink which includes the sentiment in the rock font! I also used Papertrey Ink Bitty Background blocks to do the 4 dotty blocks. Stars are nestie dies. Paper is by We R Memory Keepers.

I'd like to enter this into:

Passion for Papertrey- geometric

ABC- anything goes

Crafty stash used: Stamps (PTI); Paper (We R Memory Keepers); Stars (nesties); Nailheads

Call me a princess!

2011-10-06T13:04:00.002+01:00

Hello all! Hope you're all well.

I've just realised today that I STILL haven't shown you my new craft room!!! Doh!!! I guess the thing is, it's not quite finished, I still want to add some finishing touches so I wanted to wait til it's finished properly. I promise that it won't be too long before I show you- either I'm going to get these bits finished or I'll make the decision to show you it anyway!!! Can't wait to show you my new little stamping annexe!!

Onto today's card- a card for my friend's little girl's birthday. She's a real girly girl so I thought she'd like this card and especially the sentiment!

The stamp and sentiment are both Elzybells. I coloured her with copics and paper pieced her dress. I added gold Stickles to her crown and Glossy Accents to her shoes to give them some shine! I have used my new nesties labels 18 (see below) to cut her out and added some sponged pale pink ink. Also used other new nesties labels 9 for mounting.

I love these papers- so cute and bubblegum-y! They are by Pink Paislee and October Afternoon.

I'd like to enter this into:

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge-bright colours

ABC Challenge- anything goes

Fab n Funky-die cuts/punches

Divas by Design- button up

Papertake Weekly- anything goes

Pollycraft- sketch

Crafts 4 Eternity-anything goes

Hmmm, here we go with my other "little" craft purchases!!!! To be fair, I did a big Stamping Bella order and have kept under half of it- the rest will be for my birthday and Christmas!! I have bought 4 of the new Uptown Girl stamps (2 shown here). I am SO excited about this new release, I can't wait to use them and show you how fabby they are!! Also here is 2 Pies Lulu, Swinging Mavis and Housework Fairy by Mo Manning. I also treated myself to some more Die-namics- essential purchases as far as I'm concerned!!

Errrr, and some more nesties. To be fair (do you see how I'm trying to justify??!) I don't have a great number of different styles of nesties- just the basic ones. I'd really like to try mixing and matching between the sets, something I've not been able to do before so watch this space for some nestie mixing!!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Elzybells); Copics; Lyra pencils; Papers (Pink Paislee & October Afternoon); Nesties; Stickles; Glossy Accents; Nailheads; Buttons

Anything Goes Challenge- Diecuts & punches

2011-10-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

Happy Tuesday! Yes, it's time for a new challenge over at Anything Goes Challenge blog! This week's challenge is another nice and easy one for you- it's "die cuts and/or punches". Can't wait to see what you come up with!

For my card, I decided to make another Christmas card. This one is for my brother. I coloured with watercolour and lyra pencils and added shadow with a warm grey copic. The papers are by Basic Grey (Jovial) available from The Craft Den as are all your Magnolia stamps!!

The Christmas ornament is created using ornament and oval nestabilities in conjunction with Waltzing Mouse stamps (Vintage Ornaments).

I'd like to enter this into:

Crafts 4 Eternity- anything goes

Crafty Pad- one for the boys

Pile It On- doing something fun

One Stop- just for men

ABC Challenge- anything goes

Fab n Funky- recipe

Simon Says- anything goes

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Magnolia, Waltzing Mouse); Watercolour & lyra pencils; Copics; Papers (Basic Grey); Assorted cardstock; Nesties; Pearls; Ribbon (Laura Ashley)

If friends were flowers...

2011-09-29T10:22:00.002+01:00

Hallo! Well I stand corrected on my last post about the weather!! Yep, it is lovely and sunny and warm!! UK weather can be bizarre at times!!

Just a quick birthday card post for you today...

Here is "contenttobeabella". I've coloured her with my usual mediums and paper pieced her top and the flower. I added glitter to the flower in her hair and sponged pastel pink ink around her whilst in the circle nestie. Papers are by Basic Grey- Hello Luscious- one of my fav BG pads of all time! Sentiment is also by Stamping Bella. I've raised up the central image using 3d foam pads.

I'd like to enter this into:

Stamping Bella- use pop dots

Belli Challenge- paper piecing

Divas by Design- sketch

Simon Says- anything goes

Kaboodle- layers

Sweet Stampin Challenges- anything goes

Dutch Dare- bingo- Paper piecing/flowers (in image)/bling (glitter and nailheads)

Usual close up!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella); Lyra & watercolour pencils; Copics; Nesties; Papers (Basic Grey); Assorted cardstock; Stickles; Nailheads (Josy Rose)

Dream Big!

2011-09-26T11:09:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone! Hope you had a lovely weekend. I'm sitting at my desk in my craft room looking out at the gloomy weather and am extremely dubious that it's going to reach temps of 28 deg. by the end of the week!!!

Anyway, onto today's card. You know sometimes you make a card and you think, "you know, I really like this one!" well today's card is one of those!! I think maybe it's cos I LOVE this cutie stamp by MFT, it's definately one of my fav's of their's and I also LOVE this paper by Echo Park!

Apologies for the photo which I'm really annoyed with but it's just too gloomy here and I haven't got an extension cable for my photographic lamps yet!

So as I said the stamp is an A La Mode by MFT called Dream Big. I coloured with my usual mixture of colouring mediums. I paper pieced her PJs and the moon. I cut out with nesties and sponged with pale pink ink from Stampin Up. All papers by Echo Park (Happy Days). The scalloped edges are a MFT die.

I'd like to enter this into:

Sketch Saturday- sketch

Sweet Stampin Challenge- anything goes

Stamping for the Weekend- cutie

My Mum's Craft Shop- boys or girls

Simon Says Challenge- use dies

By the Cute and Girly- all things bright and beautiful

Make It Monday

Isn't she just adorable?! I love her sweet face and her little eye-mask! Sooo cute!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (MFT); Watercolour & lyra pencils; copics; Papers (Echo Park); Assorted cardstock; Nesties- round & stars; scalloped border- Dienamics by MFT; Nailheads (Josy Rose)

As I've had ongoing health issues, I've been feeling a bit sorry for myself. What does that mean? Well that usually means I treat myself to a few knew craft items of course!!! The word "few" kind of tends to take on a new meaning but whatever gets you through, right??!

So here is my new paper stash. I bought 4 MME pads, a Jillibean soup (Dutch Mustard soup) and a Pink Paisley (Vintage Vogue). Am v excited to use these!

I also bought these new papers from Echo Park called Little Boy. I wanted to get a 6x6" pad but couldn't find one so ended up buying some 12x12" instead.

Hope you've enjoyed stopping by today! Have a fun week! x

Just a quickie!

2011-09-23T11:24:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone! Hope you're enjoying a fun week. Unfortunately I'm still not feeling great. Have managed to do a little crafting but am trying to cut down on PC time so quick post today.

Here is a card my sis asked me to make for one of her friends.

She picked Huggybellas from Stamping Bella. I did some paper piecing as usual and coloured with usual watercolour/lyra/copic combo. I sponged some ink around the image whilst it was still in the nestie. Papers are by MME.

I'd like to enter this into:

Bellarific Friday- sketch

Stamp With Fun- anything goes

Moving Along With the Times- 3 dps, 2 types of embellies- nailheads & butterfly, 1 image

Close up! Can you see the flower gem I added to her hair (on the left)? I recycled this from an old birthday card I received.

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Stamping Bella; Copics; Watercolour pencils; Lyra pencils; Papers (MME); Assorted cardstock; Flower strip (K & Co); Nailheads (Josy Rose); Sentiment (Craftwork Cards); Butterfly; Flower gem (recycled)

Anything Goes Challenge- Anything Goes!

2011-09-20T08:00:00.003+01:00

Hi crafty folks! Sorry I haven't been around much but I've not been too well. Luckily I had this challenge covered a little early!

So it's Tuesday which means it's time for another challenge over at Anything Goes Challenge! And well, it's a nice and easy one for you, it's.....Anything Goes!! :0)

So I made these little post-it note holders for stocking fillers for Christmas presents. When I got my Bind-It-All last Christmas, I was determined to make some little gifts with it so here they are! Post It Notes are so useful but pretty boring looking so I thought this would jazz them up a bit. They can always be easily refilled so become a nice long-lasting gift recipients can use time and time again.

I got some inspiration by looking a videos on You Tube and then kinda did my own thing.

So I made these using chipboard which I covered with MME and Echo Park papers. I kinda had a little production line going as I thought it would be easier to create them all with the same design. Firstly I came up with a little "sketch" I was going to use for the cover, this made planning alot easier! The stamps I used were from the Papertrey Ink Take Note set which I hope to use for many more gifts like decorated notebooks etc.

I'd like to enter these into:

Stamp With Fun- anything goes

Allsorts- alter/recycle- I altered chipboard

Here is a closer look at one of them. You can see how I added a paperclip. I thought this added texture and was quite visually pleasing. There is a little paperclip stamp in the Take Note set but I thought a real one would work better. I also added a bit more tactile-ness (!) but adding buttons and twine and tied ribbon around the binding.

Another look at all 3. I rounded the corners of my chipboard using a Zutter corner rounder which is meant to cut all sorts of materials, it easily cut through this chipboard.

Another close up! These are great for using up scraps of papers.

And a quick look inside!

Thanks for looking today, hope you liked this project, if you have any questions about how I made them don't hesitate to ask!

Do take a look at the rest of DT's samples as they're gorgeous as always! Don't forget Lynne atThe Craft Den has all sorts of chipboard for altering like I've done here and lots and lots of other altering goodies so do check them out! x

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Papertrey Ink); Chipboard; Papers (MME, Echo Park); Bind It All; Corner rounder punch (Zutter); Post It Note pads; Ribbons; Paperclips; Buttons & twine

What's the story?...

2011-09-08T09:16:00.005+01:00

Hello crafty folks! How goes it? Hope you're all well. Today's post is a bit different for me ie a bit more traditional/less cutesy! My Mum asked me to make a card for my Auntie's birthday in September so I thought these Morning Glories from Papertrey Ink would be perfect!

I used Morning Glories stamp from the Year of Flowers which I coloured with watercolour pencils and outlined with a warm copic. I cut out using the Button card die from PTI. The front panel is stamped and cut using the Garden Variety stamp set and die. The mini fork, trowel and sentiment are all from the same set and I used the matching die for these. The background paper is Basic Grey.

I'd like to enter this into:

Passion for Papertrey- design team inspiration, inspired by Betsy Veldman's post here

Daring Cardmakers- morning glories/asters

Creative Card Crew- anything goes

Crafty Creations- anything but square card

The Paper Variety- use a stamp!

Charisma Cardz- inspired by a song- Morning Glory from What's the Story Morning Glory by Oasis

Close up of the Morning Glories. Surprisingly these took a while to colour even though it's a small image. Sometimes I wonder if I put too much detail into my colouring when the image is small and wonder whether the recipient would notice it!!

Just wanted to show you this cute little stamp my sis bought me whilst on her travels with work. It's from Docrafts. I thought it'd be so cute for stamping on the back of Christmas card envelopes, kinda like a seal! What dya think?!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (PTI); Watercolour pencils; Copics; All dies (PTI); Paper (Basic Grey); Cardstock (Stampin Up); Bakers twine; button; pearl

Anything Goes Challenge- Shabby chic/vintage

2011-09-06T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone! It's Tuesday so that means a new challenge over at Anything Goes Challenge blog. The challenge this week is shabby chic/vintage. I know this is a look we all like to create so we're hoping to see lots of lovely entries! We also have our new members of the design team so do pop over and see all the DT samples.

I wanted to make another card for my Christmas stash and decided to go for something fairly simple as I wanted to image to be the total focus.

I used this cute House Mouse stamp (you can buy your House Mouse stash from Lynne at The Craft Den) which I won in a challenge and coloured with usual watercolour/lyra/copic combo. I then used my Tim Holtz distressing tool to distress the image and the mount. Paper is by Dasher Basic Grey. Sentiment is Elzybells (I miss Elzybells!) Lace I won in a blog candy ages ago.

I'd like to enter this into:

Stamp with Stampavie- Christmas in Summer

Divas by Design- Christmas

Charisma Cardz- anything goes

Basic Grey- celebration

Sweet Stampin- anything but birthday card

Stamptacular Sunday- anything goes

Kaboodle Doodles- use lace/fabric/ricrac

Colouring close up! Don't they look all snuggly?!

Craft stash used: Stamps (House Mouse, Elzybells); Watercolour & lyra pencils; Copics; Paper (Basic Grey); Assorted cardstock; Lace; Pearls (Wild Orchid Crafts)

Patience!

2011-09-01T18:15:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone, quick post today! This is my first Mo Manning image! I got it as a freebie from a big Stamping Bella order I placed a while back. I have to say, I really like colouring them in!! They're great, you can really get your teeth/pencils stuck in!

This is actually a little girl image but I needed one for a little boy and I thought with boyish colours and if I masked out the heart that is normally on the trousers I could get away with it- I think I have!!

Coloured with my usual mediums! Papers are by October Afternoon, stars are Die-namics with some Papertrey Ink twine. Sentiment is Craftwork Cards.

I'd like to enter into:

Charisma Cardz- anything goes

Simon Says- anything goes

Creative Card Crew- anything goes

Stamp with fun- sketch

Crazy 4 Challenges- male

A better look at my colouring!

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Mo Manning); Watercolour & Lyra pencils; Copics; Papers (October Afternoon); Assorted cardstock; button; twine; Star dies (Die-namics, MFT); Sentiment (Craftwork Cards)

Have a fun crafty week! x

New home!

2011-08-30T09:44:00.004+01:00

Hello everyone! I hope you're all doing well. I have a "new home" card to show you that I made for my friend who's just bought her first house as a married couple! Very exciting!

So I've used Papertrey Ink's On My Couch set to create a little scene. I paper pieced the sofa, cushions, mugs and rug. The rest I coloured with watercolour pencils and added some copic shadows. The papers are all by Stampin Up. I found a fabbie piece of paper which had woodgrain on it so I used that for the floor! The scalloped border is a Die-namic from MFT. Sentiment is Elzybells.

I'd like to enter this into:

Passion for Papertrey- anything goes

Simon Says Stamp- sketch

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Papertrey Ink, Elzybells); Watercolour pencils; Copics; Papers (Stampin Up); Assorted cardstock; Border die (Die-namics, MFT); Gems (Prima)

I also wanted to show you a couple of things I've won in challenges recently. I also won some digi images too!! Aren't I lucky??!!! x

Designer in the Spotlight at Winter Wonderland

2011-08-27T10:02:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone! Hope you're enjoying your Saturday! I had totally forgotten that today I am Designer in the Spotlight over at Winter Wonderland! So I thought I'd better get my card posted sharpish!!

The theme is "Trim the Tree"! Pop over and see the other DT samples, they're gorgeous!!

So I used this cutie Magnolia stamp and coloured her with watercolour and lyra pencils with the usual Sansador and outlined her with warm copic. I did a bit of sponging with ink around the edge of her and just added some Waltzing Mouse swirls off the edge of the image.

Papers are by Basic Grey, sentiment is Waltzing Mouse and swirl is a Boss-Kut die.

I'd like to enter this into:

Papertake Weekly- use dies

ABC Christmas Challenge- use quote/sentiment

Stampavie- Christmas

Divas by Design- Christmas in August

Stamping for the Weekend- Holidays

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Magnolia, Waltzing Mouse); Watercolour & lyra pencils; Copics; Papers (Basic Grey); Assorted cardstock; Swirl die (Boss-Kut); Snowflake (freebie); Pearls (Wild Orchid Crafts)

That's all for now! xx

Anything Goes Challenge- Inspired by TV!

2011-08-23T08:00:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone! Today I've got 2 cards to share with you. First up, it's Tuesday so that means it's Anything Goes Challenge time!!

Today's challenge is to make something inspired by a programme on TV! Think a Get Well card for Holby City or a pair of high heels for TOWIE or Dynasty. Gettit?!

I've chosen "Gardener's World". Is that still on anymore?!!

This is a PSX image coloured with watercolour and lyra pencils and usual copic shadow. The papers are by Basic Grey which Lynn stocks over at The Craft Den. Fairly simple card as the image is quite big so it can do all the talking!! I used some baker's twine and two gardening charms that my sis found in a cute craft shop when she was on her travels!

I'd like to enter this into:

Basic Grey- anything goes

Stamp With Fun- summer

Paper Variety- thread

Close up!

Do pop on over to Anything Goes and check out the DT projects this week, they're fabbie!!

Crafty stash used: Stamp (PSX); Watercolour & lyra pencils; Copics; Papers (Basic Grey); Charms; Button; twine & baker's twine

My second card is a quickie card for my mother in law's birthday. I used cutie hedgie coloured with copics and added some bling with Stickles. Papers are by Stampin Up. Sentiment is a Stamping Bella one.

I'd like to enter this into:

Sketch Saturday- sketch

Stamptacular Sunday- orange/bling/critter

One Stop- bold and bright

Penny Black @Allsorts- free n easy

My Mum's Craft Shop- summer

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Penny Black & Stamping Bella); Copics; Papers (Stampin Up); Nesties; Gems (Prima); Flower (Prima); Brad

Have a fun week!

Walk in the park!

2011-08-21T11:24:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone! Hope you're all doing OK. Hubbie is working crazy hours at the moment so I'm on my own AGAIN this weekend :o( Am planning on doing some crafting to cheer myself up! yay!

Did anyone watch X Factor last night? I lurve Gary so anything that gives him airtime is good with me!! Did anyone else think that that overly chatty girl who sat down on the stage was another Katie Waissel diva??! A bit overly confident for my liking!!

Anyhoo, here is today's card....

My sis asked me to make a birthday card using "Parkbenchabella". I really think I ought to start getting commission from Stamping Bella!! ha ha. I paper pieced her top and trousers- wanted her to look all trendy and summery with white jeans! Have used MME papers. Sentiment is by Papertrey Ink- wanted to do a big chunky statement sentiment for a change.

I'd like to enter this into:

Bellarific Challenge- sketch- sorry I moved the sentiment a bit- hope OK!

Simon Says Stamp- food and drink

Stampavie- girly

Divas by Design- birthday

Alphabet- use 3 embellies- button, gems, die cut heart

Fussy and Fancy- use 3 embellies- see above

Spoon full of Sugar- happy birthday

My Time to Craft- g is for....green and girly

Papertake Weekly- bingo- button, ribbon & free (gem)

I LOVE this image so much- I think it's how contented and happy she looks and who wouldn't- she's got a book, a hot choccie and a box of doughnuts- bliss!!!!

That's all folks! Enjoy your Sunday! x

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella; Papertrey Ink); Watercolour & lyra pencils; Copics; Papers (MME); Ribbon (Stamping Bella); Button; Gems (Prima); Heart (Die cut- Papertrey Ink)

I love to ride my bicycle!

2011-08-15T10:07:00.002+01:00

Hello peeps! How goes it? Hope you all had a fun weekend.

Today I'd like to show you a card my Mum asked me to make from her to my uncle for his birthday. She picked the bike from Everyday Buttony Bits from Papertrey Ink as my uncle used to ride everywhere on his bike!

This is a bit of a change of style for me- as you can see- not much colouring!! Shock horror!! I quite like the simplicity of this though, what dya think?

I did a minimal amount of colouring in and the wheels for the bike were made using the Papertrey Ink button die. Papers are by My Mind's Eye. Sentiment is also PTI and the banner was made using the MFT mini banner die.

I'd like to enter this into:

Sketch Saturday- sketch

Passion for Papertrey- male card

Cards for Men- anything goes

Paper Playtime- anything goes

Crafty stash used: Stamps (PTI); Watercolour pencils; Copics; Papers (MME); Assorted cardstock; Banner (MFT); Brad (Home Sense); Ribbon; Button die (PTI)

Happy Anniversary!

2011-08-10T11:05:00.004+01:00

Hi everyone! Just a quick post- I made this card at the weekend and then forgot to post it. As a result have missed a couple of challenges I meant to enter it for including the sketch I used!! Doh!!

Anyway, hubbie and I are celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary on 26th August so have made this card for him.

It's made using Heart Peeps from Stamping Bella. I coloured her with lyra pencils and paper pieced the heart twice and outlined with a copic. I added some paper piercing at the corners of the image. I love these papers, they're by Fancy Pants.

Close up! Sentiment is by Waltzing Mouse Frame It set.

I'd like to enter this into

Bellarific Challenge- paper piercing

CRAFT Challenge- anniversary

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella; Waltzing Mouse); Lyra pencils; Copics; Papers (Fancy Pants); Assorted cardstock; Piercing tool & mat; Punch (Martha Stewart); Heart gem (freebie); Pearls (Wild Orchid Crafts)

Anything Goes Challenge- Happy Birthday/Celebration

2011-08-09T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hello hello!!! I hope you are all well. Today's post is for the Anything Goes DT. The theme this week is Happy Birthday/Celebration! A nice and easy one for you all!

There are some gorgeous gorgeous cards by the DT so pop along over to get some wonderful inspiration! Don't forget you can buy your Forever Friends stash from Lynne at The Craft Den.

I have used this cute Forever Friends bear to make a card for a friend's son. I coloured the bear with watercolour pencils, used lyra pencils for the underneath shadow and outlined him with a warm copic (as usual!!) I paper pieced his hat with these cute October Afternoon papers. I used a notebook die from MFT to make the alphabet notebook paper which I ripped a little. The sentiments are also by MFT from the A la Mode "All Star" stamp set.

I'd like to enter this into:

Crafty Catz- back to school

Here Come the Boys- critters

Spoon full of sugar-happy birthday

Usual close up! I love colouring FF bears, they look so effective if you can get the light right.

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Forever Friends; MFT); Watercolour & lyra pencils; Copics; Papers (October Afternoon); Assorted cardstock; die-namics die (MFT); Button; Baker's twine

Summer Spa invites!

2011-08-06T11:18:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone! Hope you're all doing OK. I'd like to say hello to my new followers and to say sorry for not having been round to see you all yet this week. I'm so hopeless, I don't know where the time goes!!

Today's post contains my Summer Spa invites! The week before last I had a spa day at my house for 4 of my friends. We had a beautician come over and do treatments on us all and chilled out reading magazines and nattering away. It was so much fun!! I decided to make invites for the girls as a little surprise to remind them we all had the spa day to look forward to and here they are....

I kind of did a little production line to save time so just stuck with the same design but varied the colours. They look kinda cute all together don't they?! :0) Click on photo to see closer look- more pics below!

So I used Spabella and coloured with usual mix of watercolour, lyra and copics. The papers are all by Cosmo Cricket- Delovely. I used a Waltzing Mouse stamp from their Frame It set for "you're invited" and the Papertrey Ink mini tag die and stamp set for the tag.

I computer-generated the little "what, where...."

I love these papers, they're so summery and I think they go really well with the summery spa theme, especially with that summery looking cocktail! We celebrated by having Peach Bellinis!

I'd like to enter these into:

DieCut Dreams- holiday fun

Papertake Weekly- anything goes

Crafty Creations- invitations

Creative Inspirations- summertime

Stamp with Stampavie- summer

Divas by Design- Summer

Have a fun and crafty weekend!! x

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella; Papertrey Ink; Waltzing Mouse); Lyra & watercolour pencils; Copics; Papers (Cosmo Cricket); Tag (Papertrey Ink); Gems; Baker's Twine;

All the nothing you want!

2011-08-02T10:04:00.003+01:00

Hi peeps!! How's it going? Just a quick post today- am actually going to try and catch up on visiting you all!!!!

My Mum wanted me to make a card from her for my sis's birthday. She chose Putyourfeetupabella. I coloured with watercolour and lyra pencils and paper pieced the lounger and her top. I added Glamour Dust for the shine from the lamp. I luuurve these papers, especially the blue Damask type print one. They are from October Afternoon.

I added some metallic eyelets- I hardly ever use eyelets any more, I don't know why, they do make an interesting tactile element to a card.

Not so many challenges are applicable this week! But am going to enter into:

Bellarific Challenge- metal

Alphabet Challenge- metal

Sketch Saturday- sketch

My Mum's Craft Shop- fab n funky

Dutch Dare- birthday

Close up! I love her funky lounging chair and her cute polar-neck top!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella); Lyra & watercolour pencils; Copics; Papers (October Afternoon); Assorted cardstock; Glamour Dust; Pearls; Eyelets

And the winner is....

2011-07-30T17:54:00.002+01:00

2 quick announcements....

My winner from the Riley Blog Hop of a Riley stamp (your own choice) from their new collection is...drum roll....Jackie from http://stampingsister.blogspot.com! Congratulations!!

Also, just to let you know that the Anything Goes Challenge is looking to expand its Design Team. We are an extremely friendly and supportive bunch so we'd love to hear from you. No experience necessary, everyone welcome!!! Pop over to the blog to read more! x

Sweet Stampin GDT- Christmas in July!

2011-07-30T08:28:00.004+01:00

Hello all! Hope you are going to enjoy a lovely crafting weekend!

Here is my last card as Guest Designer for Sweet Stampin Challenges. The challenge this week is Christmas in July. This is fabby as I'm still endeavouring to get a decent head start on early Christmas cards. I usually start in October so I'm dead chuffed with myself this year as I have made 17 so far! Yay! Why not come and play as I'm sure we could all do with getting a little head start?

I love this image. It's so funky and different, dontcha think? Stamp is by (who else?) Stamping Bella coloured with lyra and watercolour pencils and a sponged background. I added Glossy Accents to the red baubles/lamp fringe and a touch of Stickles here and there. Papers are by Stampin Up. Little star die is the tiny tags die from Papertrey Ink (I love that set so much, am using it on nearly every card!!) Sentiment is Waltzing Mouse.

I'd like to enter this into:

Bellarific Challenge- Chrismas in July

Pollycraft- Christmas in July

Belli Challenge- Christmas in July

Crafty Creations- Christmas in July

Crafty Catz- Christmas in July

Fussy and Fancy- Christmas in July

Allsorts- free and easy

Creative Inspirations- Christmas in July

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella, Waltzing Mouse); Papers (Stampin Up); Assorted cardstock; Watercolour & lyra pencils; Die (Papertrey Ink); Ink (Stampin Up); Bakers' twine; Stickles; Glossy Accents

Riley on vacation- it's the big blog hop!

2011-07-29T02:59:00.000+01:00

Hello!! I'm thrilled to say I'm taking part in this month's Riley & Co Blog Hop to celebrate the release of the "Riley on Vacation" collection which features 15 new Riley images and a set of Riley travel stickers.

If you didn't start at the beginning of this blog hop, you are now at the end! I'm the last stop of the blog hop so you might want to head on back to the beginning here to start the blog hop or visit here to purchase the new collection which is available right now!!

Make sure you leave a comment on all the DT members' blogs as you hop along from blog to blog and you'll be in with the chance of winning one of the new stamps that each DT member is giving away and that includes me! The more comments you leave, the more chance of winning!

I think I saved the best til last as far as the sneak peeks go. I think this is my favourite card of all my makes for the new release. It's Scuba Riley! I've made a little shaker card with glitter and beads. I coloured him with copics and paper pieced his swimming trunks. I used the seabed from the Mermaid Sophie image. I PC-generated the sentiment.

Close up! How cute does he look?!

Another close up! Papers by MME.

My final card for this release is Showgirl Sophie! How glam does she look?! I coloured her with copics, lyra pencil for ground shadow. I cut off the stamped piece of her head-dress to add a real feather. Papers are glittery and by DCWV. I added silver mirror board to add more glitz and some gorgeous bling!

Lots of glitter on her train and little outfit!

Hope you've enjoyed the blog hop and have enjoyed visiting my time as GDT for Riley & Co! x

Riley on vacation- sneak peek day 5 !

2011-07-27T14:00:00.000+01:00

Hi ya! Yep it's day 5 of our sneak peeks of the new Riley collection "Riley on vacation" which features 15 new Riley images and a set of Riley travel stickers. This will be my last post before the big blog hop to coincide with the collection release on Thursday 28th July. Do check out the Riley blog for all the happenings concerning the release. I'm so looking forward to showing you my 2 final Riley cards tomorrow, I've saved the best for last!!! :0)

However, I'm also treating you today as I have 2 cards to show you!

First up is Hollywood Star Riley! I love this image, it's so versatile and can especially be used for kids' cards. I've coloured with copics. Paper is by Stampin Up. Nestie star used in the background.

Close up! Definately the star!

Second up is Map Riley. I've made this for a friend's birthday. He actually lives in Canada now so I think Riley combined with the sentiment is just perfect!! As usual, coloured with copics with lyra ground shadow and I sponged the background. Papers by MME.

How cute is he????! He's definately pondering over that map!!!

Don't forget the rest of the DT will be showing their fabulous makes so check them out here:

Steph- that's me!

Make sure you join in with the Riley & Co Blog Hop which will be held on Thurs 28th July 10pm EST- stamps to be won!!

Riley on vacation- sneak peek day 4 plus new Riley Challenge!

2011-07-26T14:03:00.005+01:00

Hi ya! It's my second post of the day to announce it's day 4 of our sneak peeks of the new Rileycollection "Riley on vacation" which features 15 new Riley images and a set of Riley travel stickers. This collection will be released on Thursday 28th July. Do check out the Riley blog for all the happenings concerning the release.

So here is one of the newest stamps called "Welcome to Las Vegas". I coloured with copics and added ground shadow with lyra pencils. Again I've used these papers by Echo Park because instantly they remind me of Vegas. I really like the red polka dot paper around the image because it mirrors the lights round the Vegas sign. This will be a perfect card for my hubbie as we had a fabulous time when we went to Vegas so I'm sure it will bring back lots of memories for him.

I will be entering this into the Riley Challenge this week which is "R" is for "Riley Recipe": use a Riley image, red, ribbon and rhinestones. Do pop by the Riley blog and join in!

Close up! I used red hot fix crystals for a bit of glam and Stickles on the little lights around the Vegas sign.

Loving this funky ribbon too! :0)

Don't forget the rest of the DT will be showing their fabulous makes so check them out here:

Steph- that's me!

Make sure you join in with the Riley & Co Blog Hop which will be held on Thurs 28th July 10pm EST- stamps to be won!!

Anything Goes Challenge- Pick of the bunch!

2011-07-26T08:28:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone! I've got 2 posts to share with you today but first I have some personal news- my Mum had her first full body scan and blood tests done since her ops last year and there is no sign of cancer!!!!! Her liver is regenerating nicely too. She will be monitored every 3 months but we are SO SO relieved that the initial signs are good! How happy are we??!!!

First up is the new challenge over at Anything Goes! The challenge this week is a nice and easy one with a theme we all love to use! It's "pick of the bunch" ie use flowers!

Here is my DT card. I used this gorgeous little image by MFT- I love these stamps, they remind me of Bod. Do you remember Bod- the children's cartoon?! I used to love that show, especially when you had to guess what flavour milkshake was drunk at the end?!!!! If you don't remember it, I must sound mad!! ha ha.

Anyway, I coloured her with copics and paper pieced her dress and cardi. I used lyra pencils for grass shading. These papers I love so much, so pretty are by Basic Grey. The sentiment is so sweet and apt is by Stamping Bella. The tag is a Doohickey die- first time I've used it.

Don't forget you can buy your gorgeous Basic Grey papers from Lynn at The Craft Den! And check out the rest of the DT's inspiration here.

I'd like to enter this into:

Stamp With Fun- friends

Charisma Cardz- sunshine colours

Dutch Dare- colour inspiration

Fussy and Fancy- summer

Paper Cutz- anything goes

Stamp Something- something embellished

Cutie Sunday- summer

Usual close up! What a cutie!!

Stamps (MFT, Stamping Bella); Copics; Lyras; Nesties; Papers (Basic Grey); Assorted cardstock; Tag (Magnolia); Gem (Lakeland); Pearls (Wild Orchid Crafts); Flower (Papermania); Button & thread; Stickles

Riley on vacation- sneak peek day 3!

2011-07-25T14:00:00.001+01:00

Hi ya! It's day 3 of our sneak peeks of the new Riley collection "Riley on vacation" which features 15 new Riley images and a set of Riley travel stickers. This collection will be released on Thursday 28th July. Do check out the Riley blog for all the happenings concerning the release.

Check out Riley hang-gliding on vacation! I coloured him with copics and sponged the sky background. Papers are by October Afternoon.

Close up!

Don't forget the rest of the DT will be showing their fabulous makes so check them out here:

Steph- that's me!

Make sure you join in with the Riley & Co Blog Hop which will be held on Thurs 28th July 10pm EST- stamps to be won!!

Riley on vacation- sneak peek day 2!

2011-07-24T13:57:00.004+01:00

Hello! Hello! It's day 2 of our sneak peeks of the new Riley collection "Riley on vacation" which features 15 new Riley images and a set of Riley travel stickers. This collection will be released on Thursday 28th July. Do check out the Riley blog for all the happenings concerning the release.

This is such a great image for male cards. I made this for a friend of ours who likes to have a little gamble! I coloured Riley with copics and added shading with lyra pencils. I added the "Vegas" with rubs ons. I chose these fabulous papers by Echo Park because they remind me of Las Vegas especially the main background paper- doesn't it look like poker chips?!

Had a brainwave as remembered hubbie had some poker chips so added one which I think just finishes the card off a treat!

Usual close up!

Don't forget the rest of the DT will be showing their fabulous makes so check them out here:

Steph- that's me!

Make sure you join in with the Riley & Co Blog Hop which will be held on Thurs 28th July 10pm EST- stamps to be won!!

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Riley); Copics; Lyra pencils; Papers (Echo Park); Assorted cardstock; Rub ons; Poker chip

Riley on vacation!

2011-07-23T14:00:00.000+01:00

Hello! Hope you're all well! I'm very excited to be Guest Designer for the new release of Riley stamps that will be available this coming Thursday 28th July. The release is called "Riley on Vacation" and features a fabulous, fun and versatile collection of stamps.

I will be showing a sneak peek of the new stamps every day until Thursday when there will be a Riley & Co Blog Hop with stamps to be won!

So here is my sneak peek for Day 1...

Doesn't he look like he's having a whale of a time?! I coloured Riley with copics and added Glossy Accents to the water. Papers are by October Afternoon- I used the light blue paper around the image because I thought it looked like swimming pool tiles. I made the top sentiment on my PC and die cut the "splash".

Usual close up!

Don't forget the rest of the DT will be showing their fabulous makes so check them out here:

Tanya

Steph- that's me!

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Riley); Copics; Papers (October Afternoon); Assorted cardstock; Lettering (PC & Sizzix); Embossing (Cuttlebug); Gems

Fashion Challenge at Sweet Stampin Challenges

2011-07-23T09:03:00.000+01:00

Hi! I know I've been a bad blogger but have been terribly busy in the last week. Another short post today with my guest spot over at the lovely Sweet Stampin Challenges.

This week the challenge is "Fashion" and is sponsored by Stamping Boutique.

I used this gorgeous digi image available from Stamping Boutique. I coloured with usual mixture of lyra & watercolour pencils and copics and I added some hints of Stickles here and there. Papers are by Fancy Pants "it's the little things". The sentiment was a rub on I've had for yonks by Papermania I think.

There are some fabulousa cards from the rest of the DT this week, so pop on over and be inspired!!

Crafty stash used: Stamp (digi stamp- Stamping Boutique); lyra & watercolour pencils; copics; Crystal Stickles; Black pearls (Wild Orchid Crafts); Flower (Papermania); Rub on (Papermania); Paper (Fancy Pants); Assorted cardstock

Happy Beerday!

2011-07-16T08:40:00.000+01:00

Helloooo! Things are quite hectic here so just a quick post today, apologies for not being around much this week.

So here is my 2nd card as Guest Designer for July for Sweet Stampin Challenges. The challenge this week is "one for the boys". So c'mon and join in! The DT have done some really gorgeous cards this week to give you some fabbie inspiration.

I made this card for one of our friends. It's called Beer Peeps from Stamping Bella and I love the sentiment on it "Happy Beerday"! I coloured with a mixture of lyra and watercolour pencils. Because it had a lime in it, I decided it must be a Corona so I tried to colour it as such. I think this will be a useful stamp as hubbie and all his friends drink Corona when they get together. Papers are by Basic Grey. The star strip die is a Die-namics by MFT, the star is a nestie. I decided to "dress" the card by adding a Corona and slice of lime!

I'd like to enter this into:

Deep Ocean Challenge- cards

Papertake Weekly- anything goes

Crafty Creations- boys to men

Simon Says Stamp- anything goes

Stamp with Stampavie- birthday

Usual close up. Hope you can see, I added Glamour Dust to the beer bottle to get the look of condensation and Stickles to the lime. I think you can still add glitter to a male card!

Do come on over to Sweet Stampin Challenge this week, there are 5 digital stamps from Fairy Dust Crafts on offer!!

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Stamping Bella); Watercolour & lyra pencils; Copics; Papers (Basic Grey); Assorted cardstock; Dies (Dienamics & Nesties); Button; Pearls; Button twine (PTI)

Anything Goes Challenge- More than one fold

2011-07-11T15:23:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone! Hope you had a lovely weekend and managed to fit in lots of lovely crafting. Hubbie was working yesterday (albeit from home) so I managed to colour some images for forthcoming cards. As you know I lurve my colouring so I feel sufficiently nourished craft-wise!!

So the challenge today at Anything Goes is "more than one fold"! What can you come up with? There are so many different card shapes nowadays, the mind boggles. I chose this card which I saw here as I thought the use of acetate was a bit different.

This is a birthday card for my Mum from my sis though her bday is miles off yet!!

So I used Topiaryabella from Stamping Bella. I coloured her with usual mix of lyra and watercolour pencils and added warm copic shadow. I LOVE her dress!! I paper pieced it with these gorgeousness of papers by Basic Grey!

Don't forget you can buy your Basic Grey papers from Lynne at The Craft Den!

The pretty leafy swirls are done using a Boss Kut die, sentiment is Papertrey Ink.

Apologies for the photo, it's hard to photograph acetate!!

Usual close up! I kinda feel that if Carrie from Sex and the City ever did gardening, this is what she would wear. What dyou think?!

I'd like to enter this into:

Stamping Bella- use a Bella!

Kaboodle Doodles- use scissors- for my paper piecing

ABC Challenge- y for yesterday - chosen past challenge " u is for unusual fold"

Pollycraft- great outdoors- hope elegant gardening counts!!

Crazy 4 Challenges- summer

One Stop Craft Challenge- summertime

Another close up!

Do please head along to the Anything Goes Challenge and see what the rest of DT have come up with, there are some truly gorgeous cards this week!

Finally I must say a big thank you to the lovely Sally who sent me this cute blog award! Thanks so much, Sally, so sweet of you!! I'm giving this award to all my wonderful followers, feel the love!!

xxx

Sweet Stampin GDT- Cute and Cuddly

2011-07-09T09:47:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone! I hope you're all well and feelin crafty!! I've been very lucky the last couple of weeks. First of all I find out that I was "in the spotlight" over at Sweet Stampin Challenges for my strawberry card I made a couple of weeks ago but then the lovely ladies ask me if I'd like to be guest designer for July!!

I also won the challenge over at Fuzzy Wuzzy and won $20 of House Mouse stamps so the card I've made today has been made using one of the stamps I picked when I won!

So the challenge over at the lovely Sweet Stampin Challenge is "Cute and Cuddly". As I said I used this cute House Mouse stamp. I coloured with watercolour pencils and cut out using a nestie using a technique I found here. I did some paper piecing on the kite and sponged the background. These beautiful summery papers are by October Afternoon and are actually called "Fly a Kite"! The sentiment is Pink Petticoat punched out with a Stampin Up window punch.

Do visit the girls at Sweet Stampin, there are some seriously cute cards on display this week!

Usual close up! Such a cute bunny!

I'd like to enter this into:

Papertake Weekly- anything goes

Dutch Dare- Summer Fun

Allsorts- free n easy (2nd entry)

Crazy 4 Challenges- summer

One Stop- summertime

Stamp with fun- sketch

Crafty stash used: Stamp (House Mouse); Watercolour pencils; Copics; Papers (October Afternoon); Assorted cardstock; Nesties; Punch (Stampin Up); Buttons; Gem; Baker's twine

A big thanks to the ladies over at Fuzzy Wuzzy for my fab prize of $20 to spend at House Mouse. These are the 2 stamps I chose. One summery and one Christmasy!

Hope you've enjoyed visiting today! Take care and I will see you on Tuesday for a new Anything Goes Challenge! x

Christmas in July!

2011-07-04T11:07:00.000+01:00

Hi all! Sorry I haven't been around much lately, am hoping to blog hop and visit you in the next few days. Just a quickie post today- a Christmas card in July! I've now made 16 Chrimbo cards- whoo hoo!

For this card I decided to go quite simple. Sometimes it's got to be about the stamp and the colouring don'tcha think? I know there's this huge trend for putting half your embellie draw on a card (and, yes, I do indulge in that too!!) but sometimes it's nice just to let the stamp do the talking!

The stamp is Tistheseasontobejollyabella from Stamping Bella. I've coloured her with a mixture of watercolour pencils and lyras, done some paper piecing and outlined with a warm copic. I also added some Christmasy glitter here and there. The paper is by Stampin Up.

I'd like to enter this into:

Bellarific Challenge- use ribbon

Belli Challenge- letter "g"- I've used glitter

Stampavie- use more than 3 layers

Allsorts- free and easy

Our Creative Corner- seasonal celebrations

Sentimental Sundays- anything goes plus a sentiment

Winter Wonderland- Christmas buffet- I've used 1 patterned paper, 1 ribbon, pearl gem stones

Sparkles Christmas Challenge- glitter

Usual close up! I wish I looked that cool when I was Christmas shopping!

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Stamping Bella); Watercolour pencils; Lyra pencils; Copics; Paper (Stampin Up); Assorted cardstock; Stickles; Sentiment (Craftwork Cards); Ribbon (Stamping Bella); Gems (Wild Orchid Crafts)

Anything Goes Challenge- "D" is for .....

2011-06-27T11:10:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone! Long time no post! Sorry I haven't been around much. I've had a few ongoing health issues which has meant quite a few trips to hospital in the past fortnight and as a consequence I've had alot on my mind. Usually crafting helps this but I just haven't felt like it to be honest. Also my craft room has been chaotic, I've sort of half moved back in and the librarian in me needs order and tidiness in order to craft!!!

Anyway, I have managed to fulfil my Anything Goes DT work. This week's challenge is "D" is for.... in my case, "D" is for "driving"!!

So I've chosen this gorgeous Stamping Bella stamp called "Cruisabella". This card is for my sis's friend's 40th birthday. Apparently she has a little sports car so I thought this would be perfect. If you click on the photo, you can see that I personalised the number plate by making my own to stick over the top which says "sal40"- her name is Sally! As usual I coloured with mixture of watercolour and lyra pencils and outlined in warm grey copic. The large sentiment is by Stampsmith. The cute little tag and sentiment are from Papertrey Ink (my latest new stash buy). I think these mini tags are going to be used ALOT! They're so cute and versatile! The papers are by Cosmo Cricket called "Delovely"- they certainly are!!!

Don't forget you can buy your Cosmo Cricket papers from the lovely Lynne at The Craft Den.

Come on over to Anything Goes and have a look at the fabbie inspiration from the DT!

Usual close up!

I'd like to enter this into:

Stamping Bella Forum- Citrus Cool

Crafts 4 Eternity- sporty theme- does a sports car count?!

The Crafty Pad- use bold/bright colours or pastel ones

Our Creative Corner- your style- I love to use bright bold colours and anything where I can do lots and lots of colouring!

Sweet Stampin Challenge- use something old & new- new are my new Delovely papers from Cosmo Cricket, old is this sentiment stamp from Stampsmith which I'm ashamed to say this is the first time I've used it!!!

Daring Cardmakers- something old, something new..... as above, the blue is the card and paper I've used... nothing borrowed though I'm afraid :0(

Stamping for the Weekend- my favourite things - my favourite things are Stamping Bella stamps,colouring with lyra pencils and bright designer papers!!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella, Papertrey Ink, Stampsmith); Papers (Cosmo Cricket); Assorted cardstock; Lyra and watercolour pencils; Copics; Tag die (Papertrey Ink); Baker's Twine; Button (Walmart); Ribbon (?); Pearl (Wild Orchid Crafts); Gems (Prima)

Anything Goes: Here Comes the Summer and candy winner!

2011-06-13T18:03:00.000+01:00

Hello all! Well here I am again with my latest DT card for the Anything Goes Challenge. The challenge this fortnight is "Here comes the summer"! So let's see your summery papers and images- can't wait to see what you come up with! The DT have really out done themselves this week so you're in for a treat!

See end of post for details about the Anything Goes blog hop and my candy winner!

So here's my card. I love these bright and zesty papers from Basic Grey. They're called Origins and are available from The Craft Den. The stamp is a Stamping Bella called Ida Lulu coloured with lyra and watercolour pencils. I also did a bit of paper piecing and added some serious glitter! I used MFT Die-namics to make the butterfly and the loopy circle which I wanted to represent the sun.

I'd like to enter this into:

Bellarific Friday- Here comes the summer

Truly Scrumptious- Summer Sparkle

Stamping for the Weekend- lemon and lime

Sentiment is by Waltzing Mouse from their "Frame It" set.

Isn't she the cutest?! Hope you can see the glitter especially on her glasses which I love! So retro!!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella, Waltzing Mouse); Lyra pencils; Watercolour pencils; Copics; Papers (Basic Grey); Assorted cardstock; Butterfly and circle dies (Die-namics); Ribbon; Tag (Papermania); Gem (Lakeland); Pearl (Wild Orchid Crafts)

ANYTHING GOES BLOG HOP: MY CANDY WINNER!

If you took part in our birthday blog hop over at Anything Goes, pop over to the Anything Goes Challenge blog to find out who the winner is.

The winner for my blog candy is.........drum roll.........

Little Hamsterz!

Please contact me at honeyboodesigns@hotmail.co.uk to let me know your address!

I play video games...

2011-06-12T16:10:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone! Hope you're enjoying your weekend. We have had boring old rain so not much fun! I managed to make this quick birthday card for my hubbie whilst he was sleeping off his jetlag. See below for my new Papertrey Ink stash that hubbie brought back from the States on his business trip!

I LOVE this image from MFT- it's so useful for any guy cards. It's new and I think I'm going to be using it alot in future. Best thing is that it comes with a load of funny sentiments (more on that below!) Anyway I coloured with copics and did some paper piecing on the seat and his tshirt. These papers are from my new stash from October Afternoon, they're called Report Card and are great for kids' and male cards. I used a Die-namics die to make the 3 die cut stars in the bottom right corner.

I'd like to enter this into:

Sketch Saturday-sketch

Papertake Weekly-anything goes

Paperplay Challenges- father's day/male card

Alphabet Challenge- father's day/male card

Paper Variety- for the guys

Sentimental Sundays- father's day/male card

Crazy 4 Challenges- father's day/male card

Secret Crafter- male card

Close up of the sentiment. I love this sentiment and it's especially apt for hubbie as playing video games IS his job!!!! My hubbie runs a video games studio, they made Batman: Arkham Asylum for those of you with big video game hubbies and kids!! He's just been in the US to promote the new Batman game he's made! It's SO fab to be able to get such a great sentiment for him, he'll love it!!

Finally here is my new Papertrey Ink stash. Yep, I know I went a bit crazy but it was in the midst of Mum's stroke drama so I was needing some serious retail therapy. Here's a run down on the stamp sets I bought:

Rock On and die

Game On

Year of Flowers Collection

Garden Variety and some of the matching dies

Button Boutique and some of the matching dies and coasters for making the buttons

Take Note and matching notebooks

Bitty Backgrounds

Tiny Tags and matching die

I also got some cream cardstock and button twine.

Have a fun rest of weekend. Will see you again on Tuesday for my new Anything Goes Challenge post! xx

Strawberry Summer

2011-06-11T09:49:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone! Just a quick post today as hubbie has been working in the States all week and he's back at lunchtime so I'm trying to get everything out of the way to give him my undivided attention!

I've been really lucky with the challenges this week. I wanted to make a card with strawberries on to thank my bro's friend who got me a load of strawberry plants in the week. And what are lots of challenges this week? Either fruity, summery or strawberry?!!!! How lucky is that??! I used this strawberry stamp which was a freebie with Craft Stamper mag a while back. I like the image but, sorry Craft Stamper, it really doesn't stamp that well!! But beggars can't be choosers as I really wanted a strawberry as the main image. As the stamp was so heavy it didn't colour that great- what do you think? Too heavy, huh? So I added some Crystal Stickles to lighten the image up a bit and add a bit of bling as it's a feminine card. The papers were from my recent purchase of October Afternoon papers called Country Fair. One of them is called Strawberry Jam! I love these papers, so summery and vintagey. I did alot of stitching to add some interest and to add to the vintage feel.

I'd like to enter this into:

Dutch Dare- 3 papers, 2 embellies (peg & button); 1 image

A spoon full of sugar- Here comes summer

Papertake Weekly- anything goes

Crafts for eternity- strawberries and cream

Pile it on- Summer Heaven

Simon Says- get fruity

Truly Scrumptious- Summer sparkle

Sweet Stampin- food glorious food

Totally Papercrafts- Summer

Make It Monday- anything

Bugaboo Stamps- anything goes

Crafters Companion- Here comes summer

Sketch and Stash- sketch

Have a lovely weekend! Don't forget you still have a couple of days left to enter the Anything Goes Challenge and blog hop! There are some fab prizes on offer so don't forget to pop over!!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (freebie & Papertrey Ink); Copics; Papers (October Afternoon); Assorted cardstock; Nesties; Butterfly (Die-namics by MFT); Button (Walmart); Baker's Twine (Ebay); Peg (Joanna Sheen); Sewing Machine; Stickles

Just wanted to say....

2011-06-05T09:54:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone. Hope you're all well and having a fun crafty week. I haven't crafted for nearly 2 weeks until yesterday. I was away and then my CFS is majorly playing up so I've had pains in my hands so I've just not felt like it. Plus I just felt like I'd lost my mojo. I think it's back.... maybe I'll leave it to you to decide that!! Apologies for not getting around to blogs but our phone/internet line is totally messed up at the moment. It's taking me forever to post this! We have an engineer coming on Tuesday who I hope will mend things sharpish!! Oooh, almost forgot... work starts on my craft room next week so I've upped sticks and am moving into our spare room to craft. Not great as I'll have to sit on the floor but am v excited!!!

And so onto today's card...

I lurve this image! Gossipabella by Stamping Bella. I made this as a birthday card for my sis. We spend half our life on the phone to each other!! I coloured her with usual combo of watercolour and lyra pencils and a copic outline. Did some major paper piecing on her skirt, top and bow. Sponged the background whilst image was still in the nestie. Still loving these MME papers SO much. The 2 eyelet brads were in a little scrapbooking set I got from TKMax Home of all places- have a look cos they've got some great little sets for 2 quid- including papers, stamps, brads etc. The chipboard shape I had as a freebie in a mag years ago so I just covered it with matching paper.

I'd like to enter this into:

Bellarific Challenge- paper piecing

Sketch Saturday- sketch

ABC Challenge- use at least 3 different types of embellies- chipboard, flower, brad, eyelet brad, pearls

Belli Challenge- use a forgotten tool- used eyelet setter for eyelet brads

Creative Card Crew- card for a diva

Close up- isn't she so funky?! I LOVE her hair!! The seventies vibe is perfect for my sis too!

The mustard and blue eyelet brads are the ones I got from TKMax. Who'd have thought they'd have such great craft stuff?!!!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella); Papers (MME); Watercolour pencils; Lyra pencils; Copics; Assorted cardstock; Nesties; Ink; Brad (Poppicrafts); Eyelet brads (TK Max); Chipboard shape (freebie); Flower (The Cheap Shop); Pearls (Ebay)

MaskIng Challenge and Blog Hop at AnythIng Goes

2011-05-25T15:57:00.001+01:00

HI everyone, It's a very excItIng day over at AnythIng Goes! Today we are celebratIng AnythIng Goes' 1st bIrthday and The Craft Den's 3rd bIrthday so a bIg happy bIrthday to Lynne!

We thought we'd celebrate by havIng our very fIrst blog hop and Lynne Is havIng a mega sale at The Craft Den!

How do you play?

All you have to do Is vIsIt each of the DesIgn Team members' blogs, leave a comment, collect 1 or 2 hIdden letters and unscramble them to uncover a 2 worded phrase. Then return back to the AnythIng Goes blog and leave a comment wIth the correct answer. All correct answers wIll be entered Into a draw to wIn a prIze of craftIng goodIes from the Craft Den. WInners wIll be announced on Tuesday 14th June.

So what's the order of the blogs I need to vIsIt?

Lynne- Lynne's PC is not working so Lynne's letter is "b"

Sandra

Steph- that's me!

Val

Tamara

So you need to vIsIt Val next!

As an added bonus, the DesIgn Team also have IndIvIdual blog candy to gIve away so you really are spoIled!

DON'T FORGET THE CHALLENGE THIS WEEK!

Don't forget we have our usual challenge too! ThIs week the challenge Is "maskIng". As an added bonus, If you enter a project Into the challenge, you wIll get entered Into the draw twIce!

I chose to use 3 Forever FrIends stamps. I masked out the central bear In order to stamp the 2 bears behInd. I coloured wIth watercolour pencIls and outlIned with copIcs. Papers are by AmerIcan Crafts and were used to paper pIece as well as for background papers. Do you love my new DIe-namIcs banner dIe and stamp set from MFT?! Cute, huh?!

Here Is a pIc showIng you how I dId the maskIng.

Usual close up!

And another so you can see the banner a bIt better. I used some Baker's TwIne purchased for the purpose of the tIes!

Don't forget that you can buy your Forever FrIends stash from Lynne at The Craft Den!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Forever FrIends; MFT); Watercolour pencIls; CopIcs; Assorted cardstock; Papers (AmerIcan Crafts); Dies (MFT); Baker's twine; Buttons & thread

And fInally here Is a pIc of my blog candy. Up for grabs Is an amazIng SIzzIx texture plates kIt! Not only that but over 40 sheets of 6 x 6" desIgner paper and some assorted chIpboard shapes. And my card! All you have to do Is to wIn my candy Is to leave a comment (whIch you wIll already have done If you want to wIn the maIn prIze), then advertIse my candy on your blog and become one of my followers. The wInner wIll be drawn randomly and announced on Tuesday 14th June.

Hope you have fun enterIng our challenge (don't forget, double entry Into the maIn draw If you do!) Good luck! x

Sleigh bells ring...

2011-05-24T13:47:00.000+01:00

Hi. Hope you're all enjoying your week. We're a bit stunned really in the Honey Boo household. Mum saw the oncologist on Monday and he has ceased all her chemotherapy! We were originally told she would have 6-8 cycles of chemo but the consultant told us yesterday (we only saw his registrar last time) that he'd only ever had her down for 4 cycles (as usual we were fed misinformation!!). Because she'd had 3 infusions, he said it was too risky for Mum to have a fourth cycle because they think it was the chemo that had caused the mini stroke she had. Also because the chemo is "belt and braces" and she will be monitored closely with scans, he felt the benefits of having a fourth would definately not be great enough because the surgery she had should be curative. It's a very strange feeling to be presented with. We all feel a bit numb really. Obviously this is fantastic news but it's weird cos we'd all psyched ourselves up for another 3-4 months of stress but now it's finally over. We've had 2 and a half years of hell what with my Dad and then my Mum getting sick so quickly afterwards and now we're at the end of it. We can try to get some normality into our lives. We all feel a bit strange...

Anyway, onto a card! Yay- I've now made 9 Christmas cards!!! Am v pleased with myself!!

I used this gorgeous PSX image and coloured with copics. I added some Stickles to the flowers and Glossy Accents to the bell. Papers are by Basic Grey- I love this pad alot!! I'm so getting use out of my Magnolia poinsettia die too. The other swirl is a Boss-Kut die I got off Ebay.

I'd like to enter this into:

Winter Wonderland- P is for....poinsettia! (on paper, image and diecut)

My time to craft- use a die cut

Pollycraft- embellie bingo (used lace, buttons, flowers)

Die Cut Dreams- sketch (I flipped it upside down)

Spoonful of Sugar- something with wings (birdies)

Usual close- up. Such a great image to colour!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (PSX, Waltzing Mouse); Papers (Basic Grey); Assorted cardstock; Copics; Stickles; Glossy Accents; Buttons; Paper lace; Boss Kut die; Poinsettia die (Magnolia); Gold beads (Art Institute)

Summer days

2011-05-22T09:43:00.000+01:00

Hi guys. Hope you're all enjoying your weekend. It's bright and sunny here in Essex today. Just wanted to post a quick card I made yesterday.

This stamp "Doggyinmybagabella" was in my latest purchase from Stamping Bella and I knew as soon as I saw it that I wanted to do gingham shorts!!! I did some paper piecing on her outfit and her cute tote bag. Doesn't she look ready for a day at the beach? As ever coloured with mixture of watercolour and lyra pencils and outlined in copic. Did some sponged ink in the background. Papers are from Stampin Up and Making Memories.

I'd like to enter into:

A spoonful of Sugar-anything goes

Creative Card Crew- cute and girly

Stampavie- Summer

Truly Scrumptious- anything goes

Crafty Catz- anything goes

Stamp Something- beachy colours

Allsorts- photo inspiration

Sketch Saturday- sketch

Creative Corner- frame- does my chipboard corner frame count?

Usual close up! How cute does she look? Wish I looked that good on the beach!!

Have fun! xx

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Stamping Bella); Watercolour pencils; Lyra pencils; Copics; Papers (Stampin Up, Making Memories); Buttons (Walmart); Sentiment (Papermania); Chipboard frame (Papermania); Kraft cardstock; Gems (K & Co)