Wednesday 29 February 2012

Penny Black Girls

Good morning all, mid week so soon.  Leap Day today so I hope you're all ready to go down on one knee to those elusive men who are too shy to pop the question!!

Today's card is made using a Penny Black stamp which I got at the fair at the Trafford Centre the other week and I must say I am loving Penny Black stamps!!


Aren't they the sweetest girls?  I really enjoyed colouring them in and followed the Penny Black Saturday Challenge sketch which I saw over on Kath's blog.  It's so much easier when you have a sketch.  I put butterflies on instead of flowers as I decided the umbrella was really a parasol lol! I have coloured the image with my Copics and Prisma pencil and a touch of Spica pen to the umbrella.  The papers are Basic Grey called Hello Luscious with Coredinations cardstock.  I have used Cheery Lynn French Pastry Die for the doily - what a fab die that is and cuts brilliantly, love it!! The butterfly border punch is a Martha Stewart and so is the larger butterfly, the smaller ones I made with a small punch which I have had years and years and recently rediscovered, how you do!! I would like to enter the following challenges:

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Sketch
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Cheery Lynn Designs - Lots of Layers
Paper Creations Ink - Show us your style/Favourite Technique (Die cutting/Stamping)
Scrappy Frog - Die Cut Challenge
Just Some Lines - Girly Girls
Flutterby Wednesday - Open
The Pixie Cottage - Anything Goes/Sketch


Well the repairman for my fridge can't come until Friday.  This is where I have the last laugh on my son (he sometimes reads my blog) because he was teasing me the other week because I have a spare fridge in the wash house outside.  He was saying why on earth do you have two fridges and a wine cooler when there is only two of you?  Ha ha who's laughing now Stephen!!

Thanks for looking and any comments you may leave, take care xx

Tuesday 28 February 2012

Let Them Eat Cake

Good morning everyone another dull day here in Blackpool but at least its not raining - yet!! Yesterday I just had a nice crafty relaxing day after the housework had been done and I intend to do the same today.  Here is one of the cards I made yesterday:


A cute little Lili of the Valley stamp.  Can't wait to get some of the new ones but I am saving to get more stash at the NEC in a couple of weeks - yippee! Although I have fallen off the wagon a few times - well you can only go so long without getting crafty goodies can't you?  I have coloured her with my Copics and used a Spica pen for the cake stand metal bits and cherries.  Added some ultra fine glitter to the cakes.  I have cut the image out with my Spellbinders.  The sentiment is computer generated.  The papers are First Edition Up Up and Away pad with Coredinations cardstock.  I have embossed the centre panel but you can't see it too well in this picture unless you look really closely.  I coloured the metal corner with alcohol inks again that doesn't show too well in this picture.  I also coloured one of the hearts and the Card Candi.  The button I made with my new Epiphany button maker.  Ribbon and twine from stash.

I would like to enter the following challenges:

Lili's Little Fairies - Afternoon Tea
Card Positioning Systems - Sketch
Simon Says Stamp - Use 3 Different Papers
Crafty Boots Challenge - Food Glorious Food
Copic Challenge - Bright Colours
Just Some Lines - Girly Girls
Totally Gorjuss - Yummy
Crafty Ann's - Bold and Bright
Moving Along with the Times - Lots of Layers
Paper Crafting Journey - Make it Cute

My blooming fridge isn't working so I need to try and find a repair person to come out - that will be fun.  It's an integrated fridge freezer but the freezer appears to be okay so I don't know what's going on there sigh.  A big thank you for looking and lovely comments you leave, take care xx

Monday 27 February 2012

In the Doghouse!!

Morning everyone hope you all had a fab weekend, I certainly did!  We had a great time at my Aunt's 90th birthday party it was lovely to see all my cousins and their children and then their children.  Of course my little grandson came up and he was his usual bundle of energy if only I could bottle it and sell it I'd be a millionaire!!  My aunt loved her card and she loved the verse inside too.

So for today's card I have one that I made last week for Wendy for her new collection of Digital Delights stamps called Lonely Pups set and Lonely Pups Accessories Set.



Oh dear he doesn't look too happy does he?  I've coloured him with Copics and added Glossy Accents to his little eyes.  I then cut him out and put him in the doghouse which I had also cut out.  I have used Wendy's Digital Paper Set called Pampered Paws.  The bones are from the Lonely Pups Accessory Set and I have printed the sentiments on them which are from the Missing You Sentiments.  I have cut the card out with my Go Kreate XXL frames and the grass is a Dienamics Die the bone brad from my stash.

I would like to enter the following challenges:

There's Magic in the Air - Critters
Corrosive Challenge - Another Dimension
Dream Valley - Just for Men
Gingerloft Challenge - Its a Zoo
Our Creative Corner - Over the Edge
Stamp Scrap and Doodle Saturday - Manly Card
Sweet Stampin' - Its a Man Thing
Cardmadfairy's Digi Days - Don't be Square

Thank you so much for looking today and any comments you might leave,  hope you are all ok in blogland, take care xx

Sunday 26 February 2012

New Images at Digital Delights

This is another scheduled post which I am doing at the same time as the one for Saturday so hopefully if the one for yesterday came up then this will too!!

Last week, the super talented Wendy from Digital Delights asked if any of the DT from Delightful Challenges could make any sample cards with her new stamps.  I jumped at the chance as they are so cute they are called Lonely Pups Set and Lonely Pups Accessories and you can get them here  I also use the Pampered Paws Digital Papers and Missing You Sentiments.   Here is one of the cards I made:


Ah poor little puppy he looks so blue!!  The bone is actually from the accessory pack but because it is digital you can make it as big as you like so I did!! I then cut around it to make my card shape and used a digital paper from the Pampered Paws set with the sentiment printed on.  I coloured the poor Lonely Pup with my Copics and added some Glossy Accents to his eyes to make him more soulful and then cut him out and glued him to the top of the bone.  Its quite a simple card but it is so cute IRL.  I think my sister would love it because she is doggy mad, it would need a cat on it for me lol!!

We are all going to my daughter's today for a buffet and then my grandson will be going back to London boo hoo!!  Thanks for looking and take care xx

Saturday 25 February 2012

Happy Birthday to You xx

Well today sees my aunt's 90th birthday so I am sending her  big Happy Birthday wishes for today!! It's quite an achievement to reach 90 and she still lives alone and is as bright as a button although she is troubled badly with arthritis.  There is a big party for her this afternoon and I am looking forward to it as it will be so nice to see relatives I have not seen for years such as my cousin's children and their children whom I have never seen.  So I have scheduled this post which is the first time I have ever done this so fingers crossed it works.  Here is the card I made for her:



I really struggled to think of something I had been thinking about it for weeks but never came up with anything definite.  I saw these pretty images on Diane's blog from Ladybird Crafts Ink and rather liked them so I got the whole set of 9, they are digital so are handy to have in.  Once I printed the image out and chose my cardstock I just made it up as I went along so it was very much a on the go creation so to speak.  The papers are from DCWV called Linen Closet and are very pretty and glittered although you can't pick that up too well.  Here is another shot:


The butterfly is a Marianne die and I have put some pearls on the antennae, I have cut the numbers out with a Dienamics die.  The border is made with a Tonic die and I have used Spellbinders for my image.  The image is coloured with Stickles and I have put some on the flowers and numbers.  Flowers and pin from Wild Orchid crafts and ribbon from stash.  I have computer generated the sentiment.  My aunt always loves the words in cards so I searched on the internet for a verse to go in and found one for Grandma but I just changed this to Aunt and put it in.  Here is a picture of the inside:


I made and decorated a box but I have not taken a picture but I'm sure you tired of looking at pictures by now!!  I would like to enter the following challenges:

Card Makin' Mamas - Happy Birthday
Crafty Catz - I spy 'B' (Birthday, butterfly, bow)
The Poodles Parlour - Something for a female
Scrapbookaholic by Abby - Birthday
Simply Create Too - Add Sunshine to Your Day
Stampin' for the Weekend - Bingo (Ribbon, Glitter and Flowers)
Aud Sentiments - Use Happy in your Sentiment
Cropstop - Is it Bloomin' Outside
Paper Play Challenge - For a Mother/Female Relative
Whimsy Stamps - Monochromatic
Crafty Sentimental Designs - Use 2 Designer Papers
Ladybug Crafts Ink - Spring is in the Air

Well I shall be chasing around after Harrison my grandson when this goes up - fingers crossed.  Have a lovely weekend, thanks for looking and take care xx

Friday 24 February 2012

Underneath the Tree

Morning everyone!  Did you all enjoy the warm weather yesterday?  A brief taster of things to come hopefully! I finally got my aunt's card done which is a relief as her birthday and party are tomorrow so it was cutting it a bit fine!  My son, DIL and grandson will be coming up tonight for the weekend yippee so I get to have a bit of time with my lovely Harrisonxx

Today's card is the lovely Tilda back again:


I have coloured her with Copics and added a touch of Spica pen to her sleeve edges which isn't really picked up in this picture.  The papers are First Edition and the lace is from Wild Orchid.  I have used my new Memory Box die for the tree I had wanted this for a while I think its a really pretty one.  The mat and border are Spellbinders and pearls are from my stash.  I would like to enter the following challenges:

Little Miss Muffett - Fancy or Lacy
Moving Along with the Times - Lots of Layers
Sarah Hurley - Die Cuts
For Your Inspiration - Photo Inspiration
Whimsy Stamps - Monochromatic
Sassy Cheryl's - No Embossing
Sew Many Cards - 2 DPs and 4 or more Gems
Victorine Stamps - Lace
Let's Ink it Up - Ribbons and/or Lace
Totally Gorjuss - Lace

Well I must dash I am meeting a friend for coffee in town at 0930 then back to get ready for The Chosen One's arrival lol!! Thanks for looking and take care xx

Thursday 23 February 2012

Delightful Challenge

Good morning bloggers are you all ready for the heatwave? Yippee I am got the suntan lotion and sunglasses ready!!

Today sees the start of a new challenge at Delightful Challenges and our theme this week is use Designer Paper.  How easy can that be because we all love our papers - its cutting into them that may be the problem.  That's why I love digital papers because you can use them and use them and use them and you always have them there at hand, just print out as much or as little as you need.  Here is my card this week:


I've used Wendy's fabulous Bizzy Bear for my image which is available from Digital Delights and you can get it here.  I have added the ticket sentiment which I printed on Coredinations and you can get the Ticket Sentiments here.  My designer papers are also by Wendy at Digital Delights and they are called Busy Bees and are available here, they are so bright and cheerful - lovely for spring and summer.  I have coloured the image with Copics and cut out and matted with Spellbinders.  I added Stickles to his wings which you can just about see.  The border is Ironworks by Spellbinders and the flower is Marianne die.  Ribbon and bee charm are from my stash.

We are sponsored this week by:


Robin's Nest are kindly giving the lucky winner a $15 certificate to their store so what's stopping you? Get out your DP's and start cutting and colouring.  Do stop by Delightful Challenge and see what my lovely team mates have been doing some wonderful work and so creative!!

I would like to enter the following challenges:

Paper Pretties - Use Punches or Die Cuts
Penny's Paper Crafty - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp - Use threee Different Papers
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Use a Digital Stamp
Truly Scrumptious - All Creatures Great and Small
Creative Inspirations Ink - Inspired by Polka Dots
One Stitch at a Time - Use a Digi or Don't
Stamptacular Sunday - Charm Me
CMC Copic Challenge - Use Bright Colours
CES Challenge - Spots and Dots
Crazy 4 Challenge - Stripes and Polka Dots
Secret Crafter - Bingo (Ribbon, Flower, Glitter)


Thanks so much for looking and any kind comments you may leave, I'm off to get out my bikini now (if only), take care xx

Wednesday 22 February 2012

Floating Away

Happy Wednesday all!  Well we are still being battered by rain here in Blackpool bring on the hosepipe ban!! I have still not made my card for my Aunt's birthday and I really only have today and tomorrow to do it in, I have made the box for it though lol!!  I have made a pile of boxes today as I tend to just have a mad spurt on them and make a load at once.

Today's card is made using a cute little digital image from Whimsy Stamps called Floating Away.  I made it using the colours for the challenge in The Shabby Tea Room Challenge:


The image that was used for the colour challenge is this one:


You also had to add a doily.  I have used Raspberry Road and Nitwits digital papers and Coredinations cardstock.  As the cup had some gold in it I used some gold Embossing Powder on the edges of the flower but it really hasn't shown up that well on this picture lol!  I coloured the pearls myself with Copics to match the papers and I also lightly coloured the image with my Copics.  Added a touch of Stickles to the dandelion spores and the lace is from a local haberdashery shop - it is so pretty I almost cried when I cut into it!!  Apart from the Shabby Tea Room Challenge I would like to enter the following challenges:

Crafts and Me Challenge - Shades of Spring
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge - Anything Goes
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Use a Digital Stamp
Crafty Sentiments - Use two Designer Papers
Stamp N Doodle - Lace and Flowers
Victorine Stamps - Use Lace
Seems a Little Sketchy - Sketch
One Stitch at a Time - Use a Digi or Don't
Robyn's Fetish - Pretty in Pink

That's it for me off to find some inspiration for a 90th birthday card!! Thanks for looking, take care xx

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Here's an Oldie

I was going to say morning but it has just slipped into the afternoon so good afternoon to everyone!  Well I am somewhat bemused as all yesterday they were saying about a hosepipe ban and it seems to have done nothing but rain!!  Mind you last time we had a hosepipe ban we were the only ones in the country to have one and as soon as they introduced it, it rained every day!!

My card today is one I made several months ago and I really like it and I don't know why I haven't posted it before.  I am posting it now because I have been doing DT work so I don't really have much to show just a few that I have in reserve.


No image just a sentiment which I quite like making the sentiment the focal point.  No Design paper either I have just used Black Magic Coredinations which is so yummy, it is black with a colour on the back which will show through when embossed or sanded.  I have embossed it and then sanded it.  The sentiment is a digital by Whimsy and the flower is a die from Marianne, the border is made using my Edgeabilities.  Ribbon, brad and spacer from my stash. I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Paperminutes - Bingo (Flowers, Ribbon, Swirls, Script)
The Paper Makeup Stamps - Word Art
The Crazy Challenge - Use Die/Punch
One Stitch at a Time - Use a Digi or Don't
Scrappy Frogs - Die Cut Challenge
Sentimental Sundays - Let's Get Sentimental
One Stop Craft Challenge - Create your own Background
Secret Crafter - Bingo ( Brad,Flower, Bow)
Totally Papercrafts - Ribbons/Bows
C.R.A.F.T. - No Designer Papers

Thanks everyone for taking the time to look, take care xx

Monday 20 February 2012

Monochromatic

Good morning bloggers hope everyone is ok and getting over all the bugs that are flying around.  I'd like to say a big hello and welcome to my new followers and thank you so much for following!

Today sees the start of a new challenge over at Lexi's Creations and the theme is monochromatic.

 Here is what I have come up with:


I have used Vintage Boots for my image and it is available at Fairy Dust Crafts here. I have coloured them with my Copics.  I was looking through my stash for some DP to go with the image and after a lot of rooting I discovered this - how perfect - but I don't know what the make is I have had it years and years.  The image is cut out and matted with Spellbinders and I have used a Spellbinders die for the flower and corner motifs.  I have used Tim Holtz Kraft Core for the brown cardstock which I have embossed and sanded so the Kraft Core shows through.  I have also distressed the edges of the image with Tim Holtz DI.

If you pop over to Lexi's Creations and check out what my talented team mates have done and join in the fun our sponsor this week is:


There are many special offers on at The Stamping Bazaar so why not pop over and have a look?

I would like to enter the following challenges:

The Crazy Challenge - Use a Die/Punch
The Pink Elephant - Print it
One Stitch at a Time - Use a Digi or Don't
Totally Gorjuss - Use Lace
Sweet Stampin' - 3 in a Row (Lace, Brads and Flower)
The Stamp Man - Texture
Dutch Dare Challenge - Distressing
Crafts and Me - Distressed

Thanks for looking today, enjoy your week and take care xx

Sunday 19 February 2012

Back to Embellies!

Morning all hope you're ok on this gloriously sunny but nippy day!  I'm up bright and early just getting a quick post in before I see to the children.  I've got a card I made on Friday after seeing a fab Tutorial on Top Tip Tuesday with a card design I really liked so I thought I would give it a go.  I really made it with Lili's Little Fairies Challenge in mind but they haven't posted it yet lol!!


It's sort of a card within a card, you can't really see it on this picture but here's another shot:


So you make a little card to go on the bigger card - how cute is that?  I've used a Lili of the Valley stamp coloured with Copics, I added some Glamour Dust to his little tail.  I used a Tonic punch to the little card and the corner pieces are punched out with Spellbinders (from the Trafford lol).  Do you like my button? Its my new toy from Crafter's Companion made by Epiphany you can make buttons with your cardstock so it all matches!!  The flourishes are Memory Box and the little lace flowers and gems are from my stash.  I have put a little brad in the middle of my flowers.  I have cut and matted the image out with Labels Three from Spellbinders.  I will enter the following challenges:

Gingerloft Challenge - Its a Zoo
PanPastel - Animals
CMC Copic Challenge - Bright Colours
Marks's Finest Papers - Make a Joyfold Card
Saturday Challenge - Bingo (Gems, Brads, Glitter)
Sweet Stampin - Three in a Row - Brads Buttons Punches
Crafty Ann's - Bold and Bright
Fairy Tale Challenge - Spring
Paper Play Challenge - Critters
Inky Impressions - Punches/Dies
Paper Pretties - Unique Folds

Thanks for looking and enjoy your day, take care xx


Saturday 18 February 2012

I finally did it! (I think)

Happy Saturday to everyone, hope you are ok.  I had a lovely day yesterday with my daughter in Manchester. We did a bit of shopping and had a nice lunch and natter.  Then last night my stepson is up from London and he took us out for a lovely meal.  Today I am just waiting for my husband's grandchildren to come over and they are staying the night so more fun on the way!

Today's card is (I think) CAS - the first one I have ever done. And it is so hard to make yourself stop, I asked my DH if he thought I should just add a ribbon but he said no so I held myself back lol.


I bought the stamps at the Trafford Centre the other week they are by Inkylicious.  I made the back ground by tearing some paper and sponging over with some Cut'n Dry foam and various inks.  Here is a close up:


I cut the aperture with my Nesties, the sentiment is from the same stamp set and I stamped it direct onto the cardstock. I'd like to enter the following challenges:

One Stop Craft Challenge - Create Your own Background
Less is More - Die Cuts/Punches
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - No Designer Papers
Sir Stampalot - In the Garden
Through the Craftroom Door - CAS with Sentiment

Well that's it from me for today I will try and get round everyone's blogs to see what you have been coming up with later.  Thanks for looking and take care xx

Friday 17 February 2012

Back with Lili

Morning hope everyone is ok.  I have a quick post today because I have to get ready then I am hopping on the train to meet my daughter for a girly day out in Manchester yippee!

So without further ado here is my card for today:


Its a gorgeous little Lili of the Valley image and isn't she sweet?  I have coloured her with Copics and ProMarkers and matted her with Nesties.  I cut the card shape out with some Grand Nesties and the papers are Nitwits.  Added a Nellie Snellen heart and gems, ribbons and flower are from my stash.  I would like to enter the following challenges:

Clearly I Stamp - Let's get Shapely
Fairy Tale Challenge - Spring
Glitter Geeks - Girls and Boys
Phindy's Friday - Bling it On
The Poodles Parlour - Mother's Day/Female Card
Totally Papercrafts - Ribbons and/or Bows
Sarah Hurley Challenge - Die Cuts
Whimsy Stamps - Anything but a Square Card
Truly Madly Crafty - Ribbon and Bling


Well that's it for me off to get all glammed up (well I'll certainly try) and off for my train, thanks for looking and take care xx

Thursday 16 February 2012

Delightful Challenge

Good morning everyone!  Today sees the start of a new challenge over at Delightful Challenges:

Use Your Scraps

What a good excuse to use up some of those scraps that have been lingering away in your cupboards! Here's is my card:


I've used the delightful Felicia Fairy by Digital Delights- isn't she the cutest?  I've made an easel card and I don't know what make the cardstock is, it has been in my scrap drawer a long time and I really like it so I have resisted using it until now but thought that Felicia was worth it!  I have coloured her with Copics and added some Milled Lavender DI around the edges.  I have used a Spellbinders Nestie for the image and mat and also for the sentiment.  The sentiment is also by Digital Delights called Dreams Come True, I have added a slight touch of colour to it with my Copics.  I have added Stickles to the stars and Felicia's wings.  The butterfly has been cut twice with a Spellbinders Die, the top layer is vellum which is also from my scrap drawer and was just big enough for the butterfly - don't you love it when that happens!!  I have added a couple of pearls to it.  The star on the bow is from a Dienamics die and the ribbon and button are from my stash.

This week our sponsors are Cut n Paste Memories:


Who will be offering the lucky winner a $25 voucher for their store!  So get your scraps out and start crafting!  You don't have to use a Digital Delight  image to enter but we love it if you do and if you do you get two entries!!  Pop over to Delightful Challenge for some inspiration from my talented team mates. 

I will enter the following challenges:

Crafts and Me - Distressing
Divas by Design - Wings and Things
Flutterby Wednesday - Anything with Wings
The House that Stamps Built - DCC215 Leftovers Challenge
Digital Tuesday - Use Your Stash (papers)
Top Tip Tuesday - Mystical, Magical and Fantasy
Love to Create - Buttons and Bows
The Hybrid Chick - Use Ribbon
A Gem of a Challenge - Fairies

I'd like to welcome my new followers and thank them so much for following, I'm so pleased that you are followers. That's it from me for today, thanks for looking and take care xx

Monday 13 February 2012

Soft Hues

Happy Monday to everyone!  Are you all set for the Lurve day tomorrow?? Got your cards at the ready girls??  I remember when I was young in Canada it was the custom to give all your friends cards so you used to get a lot of cards and I remember one little boy saying "Aw I gave all my cards to dames"!!  That's well over half a century ago but I can still remember him saying it and his name - Philip Hodgkiss and he had loads of freckles on his cute little face.  Gosh I am waffling on. Anyway the card today is one I have done in softer colours:


I thought I would go for a more feminine one after the last few days.  The image is Bildmalarna called I picked some flowers which has been coloured with Copics and a touch of Prisma Pencils.  I have used Nesties to cut the image out and matted her on a new Nestie called Teardrop Circles.  The doily is from a Cheery Lynn die called French Pastry and I must say it cut out very well.  The butterflies are Martha Stewart punch and have Stickles on them.  The papers are First Edition from the Spring Feast pad.  Ribbon and charm from my stash.  The border dies inside and out are both new from the fair last week and are Tonic and are so easy to punch I didn't have to resort to using my foot like I normally do!!  Here is the inside:


I have used the punched out butterflies up the side to add a bit of interest. I would like to enter the following challenges:

Bildmalarna Challenge - Use a charm
Card Patterns - Sketch
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Celebrations
Cheery Lynn Designs - Pretty in Pink
Robyn's Fetish - Square Cards
Scrappy Frogs - Die Cuts
The Hybrid Chick - Use Ribbon
Phindy's Friday - Round and Round

Well I'm off to do some more crafting now hope you are all enjoying your Mondays!  Thanks so much for looking and take care xx


Sunday 12 February 2012

Up Up and Away

Hi there hope you are all ok, I can't believe the weekend is almost over!!  It soon goes doesn't it?  I have made a card today using my new Penny Black stamp set - so cute!


Hehe he looks so bemused doesn't he? That's two male cards in a row for me!!  I am feeling so pleased with myself because the papers I used are a DCWV stack called Retro Prints which I have had years and years and years and this is the first time I have used it lol!! I wanted to enter a colour challenge on Penny Black and More and these paper fit the challenge exactly.  I have coloured with Copics and also coloured the Card Candy with Copics to match.  The image and sentiment are Penny Black.  I have used Nesties to cut the image and mats out and the ribbon is from stash.  I have also done the inside (I am now trying to do the inside on all my cards):


I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Penny Black and More - Colour Bingo (Turquoise Cream and Brown)
Let's Ink it Up - Ribbons/Lace
One Stitch at a Time - Anything Goes
Robyn's Fetish - Square Cards
Creations by Gill M - Colour Challenge
Alphabet Challenge - A for Animal Antics
Hot Shot Crafts - One for the Boys
Crafty Ribbon - One for the Boys
Moving Along with the Times - Cute Critters
Crafts and Me - New Image

Well my husband's grandchildren are coming over so I'll make it short and sweet today, thanks for looking and take care xx

Liebster Award - Thank you April xx

I am really flattered and delighted that April from April's Craft Escape has awarded me the Liebster Award - thank you so much April xx  For anyone that does not know about the award here is a bit of information:


The Liebster Blog Award is used to show appreciation of smaller blogs (under 200 followers) and to help spread readership and joy.  As part of the tradition the award is passed along to five other blogs that have motivated and inspired me.  It comes from the German meaning dearest or beloved but can also mean favourite.  To accept the award you must:

1. Link back to the person's blog who gave it to you and thank them.
2. Post the award to your blog
3. Give the award to 5 bloggers (less than 200 followers) that you appreciate and value
4. Leave a comment on the five blogs you chose to let them know

It was very difficult to nominate just 5 blogs.  I have only been blogging since the end of last July and I can't begin to explain how much I enjoy it and how wonderful and supportive everyone is xx A lot of blogs I follow had more than 200 followers so that meant I couldn't nominate them and then a lot of other blogs I was going to nominate had already received the award! Anyway I have come up with my five nominees and I hope they accept the award as they are all blogs that I enjoy visiting and receive inspiration from so, in no particular order are my nominees:


  1. Chrissy from Truly Chrissy
  2. Sue from Sue's Craft Haven
  3. Lindsay from Craftymonster 81
  4. Hazel from Simply Me
  5. Mimi from Bits and Bobs by Mimi

Please take time to visit their blogs if you are unfamiliar with their work! Be back later with a card take care xx

Saturday 11 February 2012

Eeek there's a mouse!!

Brrrrr isn't is cold? A good day to batten down the hatches and have a cosy, crafty day me thinks!! Today I've got a little cutie I got at the show the other day so it's the first time he's been inked:


How sweet is he?  He's from a set of Penny Black little cuties.  The papers are Nitwits - Live 'n Learn too with Co-redinations card stock.  The image has been coloured with Copics and cut out and then matted using Nesties.  The stars in the corner and banner are all Nesties and the bigger stars are Die-namics.  I was using a sketch but I accidentally cut the papers out in square shapes as opposed to triangular shapes so I had to abandon the sketch lol!! I have applied Glossy Accents to the stars in the corners to make them look a bit like brads.  I would like to enter the following challenges:-

CES Challenge - Lots of Layers
Crafty Ribbons - One for the Boys
Craft Us Crazy - Anything Goes
Digi Doodle -One for the Boys
Moving Along With the Times - Cute Critters
Play Date Cafe - Colour Challenge
Crafts and Me - Use a new Image
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Ribbon Carousel - Anything Goes

Well I hope wherever you are you are keeping warm (or cool depending on your climate!!) and enjoying your weekend, thanks for looking and please take care xx

Friday 10 February 2012

Bring out the old......again

Well I had a good time at the Trafford Centre yesterday - loads of goodies!! Although it rained all the way back and the temperature was 0 - 1 degree it didn't seem to freeze but there was a lot of spray!!

In keeping with my 'thing' I have about using old stamps and not forgetting them I have used an old Hero Arts wooden stamp for my card today:


Whilst I absolutely love all these 'cute' images like Tilda, Bildmalarna and Digital Delights I do think its nice to do something that isn't as cute now and again.  The sentiment is also Hero Arts and a wooden stamp.  I love wooden stamps but the storage is a problem and acrylic are so easier to position.  The sentiment is actually one long phrase so I had to use a post it to mask it so I could do it to fit on the cutout.  I have coloured with Copics and Prisma Pencils.  Added Glossy Accents to the vase to make it look like glass.  The papers are Nitwits, I actually printed out two others to put on the card but felt I didn't really have enough room without making it look a bit cramped so I didn't bother.  The doily is from my stash as is the ribbon and gems.  I have used Spellbinders Labels Thirteen for the image and sentiment and the flourish is a Marianne die.  The little flower is made by Prima I think its what you would call epoxy??  I would like to enter the following challenges:

ATCs and Cards with Attitude - Flowers
The Poodles Parlour - Anything Goes
Crafty Purple Frog - Flower Power
Craft Us Crazy - Anything Goes
Just Inspirational Challenge - Photo Challenge :
Crafty Creations - Swirly Whirly
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Ribbon Carousel - Anything Goes
The Crafty Pad - Let's See Spring Colours

Well, its a quick whizz round with the housework for me and then I am locking myself away in my garret (craft room in the attic) to play with my new toys lol.  Thanks for looking and take care xx

Thursday 9 February 2012

Love Challenge at Delightful Challenges

Good morning everyone I can't believe its Thursday already!! Today sees the start of the new challenge over at Delightful Challenges and the theme this week is LOVE, so get out your hearts and get creating!! For my card I have used the gorgeous Luvvy Bear and Balloons with the Romance Sentiments sent from Digital Delights and there is currently a sale on Valentine images - up to 70% off!!


He is such a cutie and so lovely to colour in with my Copics!  The papers are from Bo Bunny Crazy Love Collection with Coredinations card stock.  The hearts are made using a Nellie Snellen die and glitter card.  I have cut and matted the image and sentiment out with Nesties Labels Twelve and the border is made with Edgeabilities die.  Ribbon, twine and button from my stash.  The image and sentiment have been distressed with some Fired Brick DI.  Here is a side view of my easel card:


Our sponsor this week is:


Scrapyland is offering a $20 gift card from their store to the winner! Pop over to Delightful Challenges and see what the super talented team have created this week to get some inspiration.  I will enter the following challenges:

Crafting for All Seasons - Love is in the Air
Digistamps 4 Joy - Do it with Love
Divas by Design - Love is in the Air
My Mum's Craft Shop - Love
Paper Shelter - Be my Valentine
Simon says Stamp - Love is in the Air
Truly Scrumptious - Love and Hearts
Digital Tuesday - Pink or Red
Ribbon Carousel  - Anything Goes
Stamp-n-Doodle - Use Red as Main Colour
T ryit on Tuesday - True Love
C.R.A.F.T.Challenge - Valentine's Day
Do You Stack Up - Love

Well I am off to the Trafford Centre today because there is a Craft Show on yippee, hopefully I will get back before the freezing rain that is forecast arrives - fingers crossed!! Thanks for looking and take care xx

Tuesday 7 February 2012

Ooops!

Well I must have got totally confused going away for the weekend because yesterday saw the beginning of a brand new challenge over at Lexi's Creations and guess who thought it wasn't until today? So without further ado here is my card for our new challenge which is .............. "LOVE"


The sponsor this week is:


and the lucky winner will receive a choice of five digi images from Fairy Dust Crafts .  If you pop over to Lexi's you can see what my talented team mates have come up with.

I have used the cute Valentine's Bear which is available here from Fairy Dust Crafts. He is coloured with Copics.  I embossed the pearl card behind him and used an X cut die for the border.  The image has been cut out with a Nestie and matted on a heart Nestie.  I used a bit of spun sugar DI around the image.  The paper is Echo Park called Yours Truly.  The little pearl hearts, ribbon slider and corner embellishment are all from Wild Orchid Crafts.  I have added the gems to the ribbon slider and I heat embossed the corner embellishment so it would match the card more.  I would like to enter the following challenges:

Just us Girls - Sketch
Crafty Boots - Valentines
Paper Makeup Stamps - Pink and Grey
Lollipop Crafts - Valentine's Card
Stamp with Fun - Love
The Pink Elephant - Use Pink
Victorine Stamps - Love/Valentines
Dream Valley - Valentine
Di's Digi Designs - Valentine
Cardmadfairy's Digi Days - Hearts

Well that's it for me today, thanks for looking and take care xx

Monday 6 February 2012

Coming in from the cold!!

Good afternoon to everyone and hope you had a fabby weekend!  I had a lovely time down in London with my son, daughter in law and grandson but it was soooooooo cold down there and we had snow something we don't see that often in Blackpool. It doesn't seem as cold up here as it did down in London must be the lovely sea air lol!!

Today I have made a card using a sketch again - loving those sketches at the mo!!


I've used another Bildmalarna stamp again I think I love them as much as my Tildas.  The papers I have used are Nitwits called Cherryblossoms.  The sewing machine has had an airing today but was complaining bitterly about sewing on paper so (sew) it was spurting out millions of threads underneath.  I gave it a good telling off then it behaved itself only wish I could say the same about my sewing!!  The sentiment is computer generated and I have used Nesties for the image and sentiment.  The flowers are a Marianne Die and the border punch is X Cut.  I have distressed the paper behind the image with my paper distressor and added some white acrylic paint but you can't really see that in this picture.  I have added pearls and some Stickles to the flower centres.  I will enter the following challenges:

I C Sketches - Sketch 149
Phindy's Place - Photo Inspiration
One Stitch at a Time - With Love
Stampin Sisters in Christ - Show Love
The Crafty Pad Designs - Spring Colours
Divas by Design - Anything Goes
Inky Impressions - Use Pearls and/or Bling
Whimsy Stamps - Make your own Flowers
Die Cuttin Divas - Use Die Cuts

Harrison my grandson had fun in the snow this is the first time he has really seen it apart from as a small baby so he was fascinated and we took him out for a little play in it:


Well that's it for me now have to go and start sorting out some dinner, thanks for looking and take care xx

Friday 3 February 2012

Spring is on the way (I think)

Well now that we have all this arctic weather I console myself with the thought that spring is just around the corner!  I love spring when all the plants are coming back to life and we are full of hope that the summer will be a scorcher this year (only to be disappointed when it finally doesn't arrive).  So my card was made with that in mind:


This little sweetie is a new stamp from Lili of the Valley, who currently have a sale on!  I have followed a sketch again and I must say I am enjoying following sketches it takes away all the indecision of where to place things!  The papers are from Nitwits and I have coloured with Copics.  I have used a Spellbinder for the image and also for the sentiment which is computer generated.  The butterflies are a Martha Stewart punch and I have put Stickles on them.  Flowers from Wild Orchid and gems and ribbon from my stash. The old sewing machine was dusted off and I stitched around  both edges. I would like to enter the following challenges:

Shelly's Images - All Tied Up
Divas by Design - Anything Goes
Flutterby Wednesday - Open
Paper Pretties - Use Ribbon or Twine
Simon Says Stamp - Animal Antics
Creative Craft - Bingo (Ribbon, Pink and Gems)
Papertake Weekly - Sketch
Sassy Cheryl's - Use a Punch and Something Shimmery
Incy Wincy Designs - Flower Frenzy
Dream Valley Challenge - Animals
Stamptacular Sunday - Diamonds or Pearls (I prefer Diamonds!!)
Lili's Little Fairies - Spring Colours

Well I am off to London in a few hours time to spend the weekend with my Son, DIL and grandson - yippee!!  Hope you all have a nice weekend wherever you are and whatever you do, take care xx

Thursday 2 February 2012

New Challenge at Delightful Challenge

Today sees the start of a new challenge over at Delightful Challenge and the theme is Punches and Dies.  This challenge coincides with the new release stamps over at Digital Delights entitled Prayers and Sweethearts.  For my card I have used a gorgeous image from the new release called Cuddle Bunny and my sentiment is from the new sentiment set called Romance:


See I told you he was a sweetie!  I have used my Marianne die for the rolled flowers and leaves and Martha Stewart punch for the heart border.  I have actually framed my image but you have to look closely to see it!  The card framing the image has been embossed (look closely!!).  The brads are from a set by My Mind's Eye called Lush.  Here is a picture of the inside:

I have used Spellbinders Label set for the sentiment and a Marianne die for the hearts.  I have used Tim Holtz Distress Ink Fired Brick to add a bit of colour to the label and also to the flowers:



We are sponsored this week by


who are donating three sets from their store to the lucky winner!  Hop over to Delightful and see what my team mates have done and enter the challenge - you don't have to use a Digital Delights image but we love it if you do and you would have two entries if you use one!

I would like to enter the following challenges:

Creative Belli - Hearts/Valentines
Paper Pretties - Use Ribbon/Twine
Penny's Paper Crafty - Love is in the Air
Simon Says Stamp - Animal Antics
Truly Scrumptious - Love and Hearts
Whimsy Stamps - Make your own Flowers
Ladybug Crafts Ink - Love Me Love Me Not
Stamp n Doodle - Love, Romance, Valentine's Day
The Stamping Boutique - Valentine's
Tuesday Throwdown - Use Hearts
Paper Makeup Stamps (Digi Makeover) - Valentine
Daisy Doodles - Hearts/flowers



Hope everyone is fine, that's it from me take care xx

Wednesday 1 February 2012

Thank You Card

I'm thrilled to bits today because I have won the Furry Boy's Candi Stamps. I am so delighted they are the new stamps by Craftwork Cards that you stamp onto Card Candi with - thank you so much Buddy and Kath xx

So with that in mind I thought I would make a thank you card today, seemed appropriate - after all you can only make so many Valentine's Cards for one husband lol!  I followed the sketch at Sketchy Colours and I must admit I really enjoyed doing a card that way.


The image is a new one from Lili of the Valley and he is such a cutie!  I have coloured him with Copics and Promarkers.  The image is cut out with a Nestie and so are all the mats, although I have rounded the corners on the larger ones.  I have distressed the edges with Tim Holtz DI in Broken China.  The border punch is EK and the flower is a Marianne Die.  The gem brad is from Wild Orchid and ribbon from my stash.  Oh yes almost forgot, the paper is from First Edition entitled Up Up and Away! 

I would like to enter the following challenges:

Sketchy Colours - Sketch
Celebrate the Occasion - Thank You
Crafty Sentiments Design - Punches/Dies
Creative Craft Challenge - Bingo (I used the 4 corners-ribbon,blue,flowers and gems)
Die Cuttin' Divas - Anything Goes must have die cut on
Karen's Doodles - Cute and Cuddly
Dream Valley - Animals
The Hybrid Chick - Punches/Dies
Challenge Up Your Life - Thanks
Marks Finest Papers - at least 4 Layers
My Sheri Crafts - New Things (my stamp and papers)
Secret Crafter - Use Ribbon
Sweet Stampin' - Animals
Simon Says Stamp - Animal Antics
Pixie Dust Studio - Lets Go to the Zoo


Thanks so much for looking and take care xx

Candy Winner

Good Morning everyone.  I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who joined in my first ever Candy giveaway and a big hello to all my new followers (hope you continue to follow).  My husband has been randon org and told to write down a number between one and ninety eight which he did.  The result is:


So that is you Divinity congratulations.  If you could e mail me at susan.flynn@rocketmail.com I will get it out to you.  Thanks again everyone for entering xx