Anything Goes Challenge- Tick Tock Goes the Clock

Hello! It's Tuesday so that can only mean one thing- it's time for another Anything Goes Challenge! This week's theme is "Tick Tock Goes the Clock" so think anything time related, Steampunk etc.

Here is my card...

The main image and sentiment are an MFT A La Mode called I Need Some Face Time. I did a bit of a play on words with the clock face as well- gettit?! The clock stamp is by Stampington. I coloured the main image with copics, I paper pieced her shorts and added shading with Lyra pencils. This is one of my fav images as I think she looks a bit like me! These gorgeous papers are by MME Blush purchased at The Craft Den.

Close up of colouring!

...And another! How gorgeous is that flowery rose paper??!!

Do pop over and have a look at the rest of the DT's creations. As ever we have such a fabbie diverse range of styles! Come on over and join us!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (MFT, Stampington); Copics; Lyra pencils; Papers (MME); Assorted cardstock; Nailheads; Gem (freebie)

A break from the norm...

Hi there crafty people! How is your week going? I'm OK, still pathetically tired from my op. I thought my energy levels would increase dramatically after the op but I've still yet to see it but I remain optimistic! lol. We saw Mum's oncologist on Monday and they have said they would definately still like to give her chemo but when the drain is out. We have to go back for a review in 6 weeks as they have said that a few weeks here or there shouldn't matter for the chemo which is what we were worried about. We just hope and pray for the bile to stop leaking as the sooner she has the chemo the better.

Right enough personal stuff, onto the crafting! As the title of this post reads, my crafting has taken a bit of a different turn this week. We have some non-cute cards and some jewellery!

First up is a card for my Auntie. I really love the papers on this one. The stamp is by Inkadinkado coloured with watercolour pencils. The papers are by Bo Bunny (brown and large dots) and Fancy Pants (small dots). The ribbon was a lighter brown but I coloured it with copics to match the colour scheme.

I'd like to enter this for:

Create 4 Fun Challenge- sketch

Pile It On- bright and breezy ( you can't get more bright and breezy than a sunflower!)

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Inkadinkado); Papers (Bo Bunny, Fancy Pants); Nesties; Watercolour pencils; Ribbon (?); Sunflower (?); Gems (Lakeland); Copics; Button (Walmart); Twine (recycled)

Next up another card for my Auntie. I used the sketch from one of my CPS sketch books. The butterflies are by Stampington and the sentiment is by Stampsmith. Papers are Laura Ashley and I used my new Tim Holtz paper distresser liberally!

I'd like to enter this into:

Cupcake Craft Challenge- Seeing red

Theme Thursday- words

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stampington, Stampsmith); Papers (Laura Ashley); Assorted cardstock; Paper distresser; Ribbon (recycled); Flower (Ebay); Button (Walmart); Thread; Pearls (Prima)

Whooooo! Something I haven't done in yonks..... some jewellery!!! Here is a necklace and earring set I made for myself. I love the colours and mixture of Swarovski crystals and pearls plus the cord gives it a different twist.

Here is a close up of the necklace beads.... so pretty!

Crafty stash used: jewellery kit (Shiney Rocks)

Ha! You didn't think I could go a whole post without some cuteness did you???!! Here is a card for one of my friend's little boys. Stamp is by Elzybells coloured with watercolour pencils and copics. Balloon is paper pieced and background is sponged with ink. Paper is by Colourbok. Sentiment is by Papertrey Ink.

I'd like to enter this into:

Sweet Stop Stampin- sketch

Wheeeeeeee!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Elzybells, Papertrey Ink); Watercolour pencils; Copics; Nesties; Papers (Colourbok); Assorted cardstock; Die-namics die (MFT); Button (Walmart); String; Ink

And lastly some new crafty stash. The Sizzix dies I'm going to use for some fabric crafting. The stamps were a new range I'd not heard of before but I love the folksy style. I'm definately going to be crafting Christmas cards throughout the year this year, I'm determined! I thought some new stamps (and I've order some new papers) would give me the push to start early on.

Ooh, one last thing I'd like to say thank you to the lovely Karen at paperscissorsandglitter for sending me a love blog award. I'm really touched Karen for sending me such a sweet email! I'd like to spread the love to all my fellow crafters out there! Big hugs!! xx

Thanks for dropping by today. I really appreciate every comment you leave me. Have a fun crafty week! xxxx

Hi everyone! Hope you're OK. Thanks for all my birthday wishes, I had a nice day as my sis and her partner came for the weekend plus my sis took over nursing duties so I had a nice break for the day. I got a few bits of crafty stash but I haven't had a chance to post them yet, will do it next time. This week has been a bit hectic as my Mum has felt really ill all week so I've had numerous visits to the doctor but thank god she is feeling better today so all is well. With my Mum being ill, I'm hosting Christmas for the first time and I have to say, I'm not really enjoying the stress of organising everything- now I know what Mum had to do all these years!! I suppose it's not helped with everything that's been going on but I feel highly unprepared and unskilled!

Anyway onto some cards I've managed to make this week:

First up is this little collection of 3 Elzybells' Cracking Mouse stamp. I'm entering this into Die Cut Dreams' Challenge which is "seeing triple" eg make 3 cards on one theme. I've coloured all the images with a mixture of lyra pencils and watercolour pencils and then added Stickles to highlight.

This first card is for the Mojo Monday sketch which I rotated and Lil Red Wagon- use a diecut. Papers are by Cosmo Cricket. Large snowflake is a Sizzix die. Do please click on the image to see the colouring in more detail.

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Elzybells); Lyra pencils; Watercolour pencils; Papers (Cosmo Cricket); Assorted cardstock; Pearls (Ebay); Die (Sizzix); Snowflake embellie (freebie)

This second card is using Bo Bunny papers and I added stitching around the image and on the background layer. Ribbon is recycled. Snowflake embellie as before. I'd like to enter this for Stampin Royalty- Winter Holidays and Secret Crafter- Christmas!

Here is a close up. He is tooo cute!

My final card in the trio is using paper by My Mind's Eye and some scraps of cardstock which I did some doodly stitching around.

My next card is for Sketch Saturday only I'm posting it now on Friday as I haven't had time before!!! My new Art Institute stamp again and using simple Doodlebug papers with stitching added.

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Art Institute); Copics; Brush Markers; Glamour Dust; Papers (Doodlebug); Assorted cardstock; Stitching; Sentiment (Craftwork Cards); Snowflakes (The Works); Nesties

A different look for this card. I've used my Stampington stamp and have stippled around the edges of the image using some blue and silver metallic inks. The swirls are Inkadinkado stamps to which I've added gems, a pearl and dots of Liquid Pearls. A bit dreamy don'tcha think? Sentiment is a See D's one.

I'd like to enter this for ABC Challenge which is jewels and gems and Stamptacular Sunday- blue Christmas.

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stampington, Inkadinkado & See D's); Inks; Stipple brush; Gems (Lakeland); Pearl (Prima); Liquid Pearls

Finally a different shaped card. I'd like to use these more often as they're small and it challenges you to do something simpler. Image is Penny Black coloured with watercolour pencils and outlined in copics. Paper is Doodlebug I think. I added stitching and a punched snowflake. I'd like to enter this for Crafty Pad- anything goes!

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Penny Black); Paper (Doodlebug); Watercolour pencils; Copics; Assorted cardstock; Punch (Woodware); Pearls (Wild Orchid Crafts)

I hope to really make the cards I make next week my last ones cos otherwise it'll be too late to send 'em!!!! Hoping you all have a fun crafting week, hope to have some crafty stash photies to show you. Hope your snow is clearing!!!! xxx

Time to relax!

Hi everyone! Hope you're all well and have enjoyed a fabbie crafting week! I've been purchasing a few bits and pieces for updating my craft room. I was at Ikea yesterday and bought 3 shelves and a ridiculous number of storage jars. Also had my amazing new mini stacker delivered in the week. Won't be able to show you my new improved room for a bit though as I'm really hoping to get another 2 mini stackers for my birthday. Maybe I'll do some teaser photos to whet your appetite!!! I LOVE looking at other people's craft rooms so much!!!

So onto my first card of the week...

This is another of my newish Riley stamps. I'm loving this little moose at the moment, (s)he makes me smile!!

My sis asked me to make a card for her friend's birthday so here it is! I coloured Riley with copics and paper pieced the couch and added some shading over the top as well. Papers are by American Crafts. Sentiment is Papertrey Ink from their On My Couch set.

I'd like to enter this for:

Papertake Weekly- sketch

Papercutz- use 3 designer papers

Here is Riley blissed out on the sofa. Those choccies look yummy!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Riley & Papertrey Ink); Copics; Papers (American Crafts); Assorted cardstock; Nesties

Onto my next card which is for a friend's birthday. Little Cutie Patootie from Elzybells. I coloured her with watercolour pencils and paper pieced her dress and added some shading and extra colour with copics and brush markers. The card blank is made with the Sizzix Bigz scalloped card die. I thought these flower eyelets would go perfect with the flowery paper and scallops. This fitted in perfectly with the Belli Challenge to use old embellies- no one ever uses eyelets any more, do they???! I haven't used eyelets for over 2 years I don't think!

I'd like to enter this into:

Diecut Dreams- teddy bear birthday

Belli- old embellies

CRAFT- fancy florals

What a little cutie!!- don't ask me why my font is now underlined!!! I can't get it to stop!!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Elzybells); Watercolour pencils; Copics; Brush markers; Paper (DCWV & Lili of the Valley); Assorted cardtstock; Sentiment (Pink Petticoat); Bigz die (Sizzix); Nesties; Ribbon (Stampin Up); Eyelets (Poppicrafts); Gem (Joanna Sheen)

Onto my third card. This is a birthday card for my Dad's pen pal who lives in the US. When my Dad passed away, he had been writing to him for over 15 years so I thought it was a shame to let the friendship end so I have started writing to him instead. The dandelion and leaves are from an Autumn Leaves stamp set, the sentiment is Hero Arts and the butterfly is Stampington. I wanted to do a fairly simple card and this contains two firsts for me- using Kraft card and this colour scheme! I NEVER use yellow, not as a main colour anyway! I added a bit of white to the dandelion using watercolour pencils.

I'd like to enter this into:

Cute Card Thursday- clock or time- I figured a dandelion clock was ok! A bit unconventional I know!

Pollycraft- no designer papers

Caardvarks- clean and simple

Pals Paper Arts- buttons

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Autumn Leaves, Hero Arts, Stampington); Assorted cardstock; Button (The Altered Element); Ribbon (The Altered Element); Pearls (Wild Orchid Crafts); Watercolour pencils

And my last card of the week, yes, I had to slip a Christmas card in somewhere! This card contains some recycled bits off old Christmas cards- the two pressies which I cut out with nesties. I then mounted on some Coredinations cardstock which I distressed a bit and then stitched round. I've stitched a few of the layers on the card and used half a nestie to cut out the sentiment which is from a See D's set.

I'd like to enter this for:

Charisma Cardz- Christmas

Crafty stash used: Stamps (See D's); Images (recycled); Paper (?); Assorted cardstock; Ribbon (Poppicrafts); Punch (Martha Stewart); Sewing machine; Nail file; Nesties

Hope you all have a fun filled week! x

3 cards and a premiere!

Hi everyone! Hope you had a lovely weekend and Valentine's Day! Thanks to all of you who left kind comments about my new job and about me feeling ill. I'm feeling a bit better this week though still am not really firing on all cyclinders.

I had my first proper shift at my new job on Saturday which went OK but I really I hate being new and not knowing what I'm doing!!! I had a very exciting day on Thursday which I dragged my butt out of bed for!! ha ha. We went to the premiere of Valentine's Day in Leicester Square. It was really fun as we got to walk up the red carpet and we saw some Hollywood stars like Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Alba and Topher Grace! The film is really good, basically a US version of Love Actually so I'd recommend it if you love a good romcom!

Anyway, onto some cards. I'm really pleased with this one as I was worried I'd lost my mojo a bit but I like how this has come together so maybe it's not as dire as I thought!!

This card is another card for my Auntie's 81st birthday, this time my Mum asked me to make her one. I've used the sketch from Sketch and Stash and have used this gorgeous Stampington stamp which is one of the first stamps I bought and I hardly ever use. I stippled the background with paprika ink and embossed with glittery clear powder. It's quite a nice effect as I covered the whole image with powder so the bits that were still wet from stippling got glittery too! The frame is a Sizzix Bigz die which I could've embellished more but as I'd used quite funky paper, I didn't think it needed it. All the papers were Ambrosia collection from Basic Grey. The little butterfly is stamped on the paper and is by Hero Arts from one of their "Friend" sentiment set.

I'd like to enter this for the following challenges:

Sketch and stash challenge- "Sketch"

Pile it On- "Flowers"- does a dandelion count or is it a weed?!

Our Creative Corner- "Something you haven't used/used for ages"

Fussy and Fancy- "Dazzle Us"

Paperplay- "Birthday card for someone special"

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stampington; Hero Arts); Papers (Basic Grey); Glitter clear embossing powder; Paprika ink and stipple brush; Assorted cardstock; Sizzix die; Punch (EK Success)

Onto my second card. This is an anniversary card for my friend who will be celebrating her 1st anniversary this week. I didn't want to do a girly girly card for her as she's not that sort of girl so I thought I'd use hearts but with a strong colour theme. The image is Stamping Bella coloured with lyra pencils. The stamped sentiment (words and heart) are by Elzybells, the heart I clear embossed. I also clear embossed the 3 hearts using an Elzybells heart from the Valentine's Tag sets I won recently. The paper is DCWV from their Love stack and then I just used assorted cardstock. I quite like the colour theme as it uses a mixture of red, pink and black which I think is quite unusual together.

I kind of got the inspiration for this card when I was having a strawberry bellini at the weekend with friends to celebrate our forthcoming house move!

I'd like to enter this for the following challenges:

Sketch Saturday- "Sketch"

Lots to Do- "Love is in the air"

Daring Cardmakers- "Have a heart"

Simon Says Stamp- "What's love got to do with it?"

CCEE Stampers- "Use inspiration"

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella; Elzybells); Paper (DCWV); Assorted cardstock; Nesties; Lyra pencils; Embossing powder; Photo corners and brads

And finally a very personal card to finish. My Aunt wanted me to make a birthday card for her friend using some old photos she had of them together as friends in the 1940s would you believe! I scanned in the photos and changed the colour to sepia as I thought it would go better with the papers I wanted to use. All the papers and little tags are from a Papermania vintage set I've had a couple of years. I printed out 3 little signs on my PC which say "Happy Birthday" and then the names of where the photos were taken and the year, 1948. Sorry the photo is a bit rubbish, the light seemed to bounce off the photos so I couldn't really get a good shot but you get the general idea!!

Crafty stash used: Papers (Papermania); Embellies (Papermania); PC generated sentiments; Photos

Hope you've enjoyed stopping by today. I am aiming to get round to see all of you this week now I'm feeling a bit better! Can't wait to see what you've been up to! x

Theme Thursday

Hello everyone! How you all doing? Hope you had a lovely weekend. Thanks for stopping by my blog, today's challenge is by Theme Thursday and is "Wings!" You can make a card, ATC, a piece of altered art, anything you fancy!

I have chosen to make another Christmas card. This lovely angel is by Stampington. I stamped her with vintage ink onto cream card and then cut around her. The papers are from the Old World stack and I mounted her on an oval cut nestie layered with some ripped mulberry paper. I gold embossed with this gorgeous swirl by Inkadinkado which was a bit scary as I embossed over all the layers- I was praying it wouldn't go wrong!!

The sentiment is then stamped on a piece of torn background paper to further carry on the vintage-esque look.

Hope you like!

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stampington, Inkadinkado, See D's); Paper (DCWV); Assorted cardstock; Oval nesties; Mulberry paper; Gold embossing powder

Here is a little close-up!

Happy blogging! Hope to see you soon x

A spoon full of sugar and Creative Inspirations Challenges

Hello everyone! Hope you are all well and not run too ragged by half term! Just a quick post today for 2 challenges. I'm sorry I haven't been posting as much as usual. Things are so hectic right now as me and my sister are managing my Dad's business and are going to be in the process of closing the main part of it down over the next month or so so crafting is having to take a back seat. I'm conscious that I haven't got round to everyone's blogs and also that I promised some blog candy soon- don't worry, I haven't forgotten, it will be coming!!

Anyway, today's post is for A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge and Creative Inspirations Challenge. A spoon full of sugar's theme this week is "lace" and Creative Inspirations Challenge is to use a favourite stamp.

So here is my entry. Apologies for the dismal photo but I took it at my Mum's so wasn't able to get the white background I normally use. Anyway, I hope you like it! The stamp is by Stampington, I really like it as it's so unusual. I coloured it with watercolour pencils and it's mounted on metallic cards. The papers are all by Laura Ashley. The lace was bought at a local haberdashery and flowers by Poppicraft. The swirl is a Boss-Kut die I got when I was in the US.

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Stampington); Watercolour pencils; Papers (Laura Ashley); Assorted cardstock; Die (Boss-Kut); Flowers (Poppicrafts); Gems (Joanna Sheen); Lace (local haberdashery)

Sketch Saturday & Mojo Monday

Hi. I hope you're all enjoying your Easter weekend. I'm starting off with a card I made which wasn't for any challenge or occasion, I just wanted to experiment with doing a card other than in the "cute" style. I didn't really know where it was going, I just had fun with it but I'm really pleased with the result and I definately want to do a bit more non-cute stuff. Whatdya think?

So all the paper is from Papermania. The main butterfly stamp is from Crafty Individuals (won free from Craft Stamper) which I layered on assorted cardstock. The smaller butterflies are from a transparent set by Stampington. I stamped them on the same paper and cut out and gently folded to give a 3-D effect. The 3 flowers are all stamped on assorted Papermania paper using part of a stamp called "Life in Bloom" from Stamp Addicts. Again I cut these out and added to the paper so that they look like they're on the end of the stalks on the paper. The sentiment is by Hero Arts from a giant transparent set I got when I went to the Glitter Pot recently. Finally I added some champagne hot fix crystals.

Do you like the new style?

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Crafty Individuals, Stampington, Stamp Addicts, Hero Arts); Paper (Papermania); Assorted cardstock; Hot fix crystals (London Bead Co.)

So onto my first challenge- Sketch Saturday. Oops, I rotated this sketch for my design but have just realised I've posted the sketch rotated, not the original sketch. So the original sketch is with the text "image" horizontally. Anyway, check it out!
So here is my entry. I got carried away with the papers I used on the previous card so decided to go for the same look on this one! This totally beautiful stamp is by The Stampsmith stamped on pink patterned paper. Again just layered on Papermania paper and assorted cardstock. Hero Arts sentiment again.

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stampsmith, Hero Arts); Paper (Papermania); Assorted cardstock; Hot fix crystals (London Bead Co)
And now for my last challenge- Mojo Monday's sketch and back to cute!

I'm afraid I did leave out the ribbony bit of the sketch as I didn't have room cos the image I used was quite large! Anyway, here's Billboardabella using one of her sentiments. I coloured her with watercolour pencils and added a highlight with Crystal Stickles on her skinny rib. The paper was from Banana Frog layered on assorted cardstock. The sentiment is Stamping Bella cut out with nesties. I also used Cuttlebug Spots and Dots folder to add texture to the square on the right hand side.

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Stamping Bella); Paper (Banana Frog); Assorted cardstock; Nesties; Spots and Dots embossing folder (Cuttlebug); Flower & button (Poppicrafts); Daisy flower punch (Woodware); Gems (Woodware)

Forever Friends, My Time to Craft & Cute Card Thursday Challenges

Forever Friends Challenge this week is to make a card for your Mum so here is mine! The image is coloured in with watercolours and I highlighted the flowers with Crystal Stickles. I cut round the image and mounted on an oval scalloped nestie then double mounted on labels nesties. The background on the label nestie was stamped using a Laura Ashley stamp from a set I got at Christmas. The butterfly was from a clear set by Stampington which stamps just beautifully with lots of detail. The 2 ribbons were from Laura Ashley too. Hope you like it, I tried to go for mixing cute with glamorous! Hope it worked! x

Crafty stash used: Stamps (Forever Friends, Laura Ashley & Stampington); Watercolour pencils; Crystal Stickles, Assorted cardstock; Nesties; Ribbon (Laura Ashley); Brads (Poppicrafts)

I've combined 2 challenges with this card. Cute Card Thursday's Challenge is "A family affair" making a card for any member of your family and My Time to Craft is "It's raining men" so I made this card for my brother from my Mum. I don't usually make cards like this ie without stamping but my Mum really wanted me to make a football one and I don't have a football stamp. Still, I think this is a really good image from Lili of the Valley. Quite a simple card really, layered up on different coloured card- one of which is run through my Big Shot with the Spots and Dots embossing folder. The ribbon I chose as I thought it matched but looked quite footbally (if that's a word!) The sentiment is also Lili of the Valley.

Crafty stash used: Image (Lili of the Valley); Assorted cardstock; Embossing folder (Cuttlebug); Sentiment (Lili of the Valley); Ribbon (Poppicrafts); Brad (Poppicrafts)

Cupcake Craft Challenge 12

Hi. This week's Cupcake Craft Challenge Week 12 has been provided by Jilly and is an inspirational one based on the photo above. I haven't done anything like this before but I really enjoyed it! Thanks, Jilly!

So I decided to make an ATC inspired by all the lovely colours in the photo. I really hope you can see the lovely sheen of colours behind the acetate, I'm not sure the photo captures it well enough.

Here's how I made it: I stamped part of the Stampington stamp onto acetate using Staz-on and left aside. When it was dry I used a technique I saw in Craft Stamper to create this lovely effect on the other side of the acetate. I puddled Klear polish onto the acetate and swirled it around a bit, then I added Wild Plum alcohol ink and gold Pearl Ex and swirled around more. Then I laid onto the acetate some scrunched up tissue paper to absorb all the liquid but made sure all the tissue paper is wet. Then I left to dry for several hours. I then made an ATC blank using gorgeous pink mirror card and laid some yellow and blue scraps on top. Finally I cut down the acetate to size, stuck it on the blank using Spray Mount and added a flower gem.

Crafty stash used: Stamp (Stampington); Acetate; Tissue paper; Alcohol ink (Ranger); Pearl Ex; Klear polish; Assorted cardstock; Gem (Joanna Sheen)

Have I got the best husband in the world???!

The answer is yes! Just look what my husband came home from his business trip with?! I couldn't believe it!! It actually proves that when I'm droning on and on about crafts that my husband is actually listening!!! I had been mentioning that I'd seen on some blogs these pens that look amazing but they were very expensive and maybe I'd start with a small collection for Christmas or something. And then he brings me home 72! Yes, I know I'm very spoilt!

Anyway, now I've got to learn how to use them as from what I can gather, they can be quite tricky. Am going to do some research and will post my finds at a later date.

I'm doing my 2nd craft show at the end of September so I'm trying to make up some stock for that at the moment. Here is my first go at a sympathy card which I found really difficult as most of my stamps are quite fun and not really appropriate! But I do have this lovely stamp by Stampington who are one of my fav stamp producers. I only used the top two thirds of the stamp and after I had inked it up, spritzed it with water to give a nice dewy effect. I like the muted colours and I love pastel blue and brown together anyway so I think it came out ok.

Crafty stash used: Stamps-Stampington,Elzybells; Tea dye vintage ink (Ranger) & water spritz; Assorted cardstock; Paper (Papermania); Gold ribbon (recycled)

BLOG CANDY ALERT!

Juliet is offering some great blog candy including Basic Grey paper, vellum words sheet, buttons, tags, sentiments and all sorts of other goodies. Closes Saturday 23rd August. Thanks, Juliet. Am loving your blog!