ONLY JOKING

Chill Out!

2012-01-23T18:05:00.000Z

I meant to post this card a couple of days ago but have only just got around to photographing it as the light has been bad here. The challenge on CCT this week is Music and Dance so, as I had this image left over from the last card I made, thought I would make use of her and the leftover papers from the card before that.

Supplies: Image is Whimsy coloured with Promarkers, sentiment is The Greeting Farm; Papers are Magnolia; Cardstock Pink Petticoat; Punch SU; Web ribbon I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts and sticky gems are Whiff of Joy. String was from my stash.

Sorry if the photo is a funny shape but I'm experimenting with iPhoto at the moment to see if it's worth me buying a photo software for my iMac!

Enjoy...

2012-01-19T15:06:00.008Z

Another two-in-one card today which I'm entering for the Simon Says Challenge "Use Domi's Sketch!" and Whimsy Inspirations Challenge "blue + brown".

Used another of my Whimsy stamps from the Kenny K Collection called "Boogie Down" with some SU papers and a sentiment from Penny Black.

Short and sweet today as it's 3.00 pm and I must get on with my housework!

It's Been A Funny Old Day!

2012-01-18T17:09:00.003Z

Don't know what came over me today - up until last week I haven't participated in challenges for absolutely ages and then I manage to make a card which qualifies for two - not like me at all! Anyway, I'm entering this card in Papertake Weekly Challenge "Buttons, Bows, Blings and Bloom" and also LOTV "favourite stamp" (by the skin of my teeth!) I love all the LOTV stamps but this is my most recent so at the moment it is my favourite!

I used Promarkers to colour the image, Magnolia papers, Pink Petticoat sentiment and Navy card, Nestabilities, string and punch from SU and button and webbing from my stash.

WOYWW

2012-01-18T10:35:00.003Z

It's the first time I've taken part in WOYWW and as you can see my desk is a bit of a mess. Plenty of images (mainly Whimsy and LOTV)which I've just started to colour. A couple of cases of Promarkers open at the moment (currently working on skin and hair!), however, my desk will start to get really untidy once I start on the other colours as I never seem to put the pens away when I've finished with them, despite my best intentions!

Groovy!

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000Z

Yes...another stamp from the Kenny K Collection! Absolutely love this one but was a bit worried about colouring it, however, after trawling through YouTube, I had a go and was quite pleased with the end result although room for improvement!

This image is called Bling Baby and I'm just loving those boots! Sentiment is Susana Loves Stamps. Can anyone help with some different layouts please as I seem to have got myself into a bit of a rut using the same one?

Happy, Happy, Happy!

2012-01-15T10:41:00.003Z

I did mention in my last post that I was loving the Kenny K Collection from Whimsy Stamps so here's another one I'd like to share with you. This cheeky little chap is called Happy Little Gnome (quite appropriately!)

This card was definitely a labour of love - no problem with the colours, image or papers, however, when it came to the layout and embellishments I was struggling - it took me hours in the end to complete this one! Anyway, entering this into the Simon Says Challenge which this week is spots and/or stripes.

First Challenge in a Long While!

2012-01-08T20:55:00.004Z

I haven't completed a challenge for years now so thought it was about time I had a go. Decided on the Papertake Weekly Challenge as it was the first challenge I ever did when I first discovered blogland! The theme is "new somethings" and I've decided to go with new stash!

I am just loving the Kenny K Collection from Whimsy and have managed to acquire a couple with my Christmas cash. I've used Club Kid and coloured her with Promarkers - I've spent ages trawling YouTube for Promarker tutorials for skin and hair as I was never very adventurous when it came to colouring. However, my fine nibs for my Promarkers haven't arrived yet so I've gone over a bit but just ignore them lol!

The photo isn't wonderful as I've taken it this evening with bad light, however, will keep on practicing as my present to myself this Christmas was a new camera as I long to be able to take a half decent photograph of anything!

Something a Little Different

2011-12-18T10:26:00.006Z

Promised to post these photos ages ago when I completed the room, however, better late than never!

This used to be my dining room and it used to be terracotta! I saw some ideas in Ideal Home magazine a while back and immediately liked it but thought "ooh, this is going to be expensive", however, then saw the magic word "Ikea" and off I went!

The wallpaper I got in the sale at Laura Ashley a few years back and all the furniture apart from the tall book shelf, is Ikea - got the tall book shelf from a local pine shop. All the other bits and pieces I've collected over the last 12/18 months. The larger drawers are absolutely ideal for storing wooden rubber stamps and punches and the tall CD/DVD units are perfect for my unmounted stamps and Nesties which I keep in CD cases.

It's maybe not to everyone's taste but I absolutely love the lightness of the room and all the "vintage shabby chic" bits.

** Just had a closer look at the photos and noticed my socks on the desk...whoops! **

Caroling Duck!

2011-12-17T08:47:00.002Z

This is the last design of Christmas cards I made using the First Edition Christmas Joy pad - this time it's with Penny Black"s Caroling Duck and sentiment is from Pink Petticoat.

Back again tomorrow with some slightly different ones!

No more tomorrow as I have now given up on making Christmas cards for this year!

Happy Kiss-mas!

2011-12-16T08:32:00.001Z

Here's a couple more cards using the same paper pad as before but this time using the adorable stamp from Gillian Roberts - I couldn't decide if my mice should be grey or brown so I did both! Sentiment is from Elzybells. Sorry the photos aren't too good but I took these late at night when the light was bad.

I did say yesterday that I would be showing the last of my Christmas cards, however, got my posts in a muddle so there's more to come!

The Hanglars are Back!

2011-12-15T08:52:00.004Z

I couldn't resist inking these stamps up - used these last year for the majority of my Christmas cards so just made the two this year. The sentiments are from Cuddly Buddly and the papers are from MME "Signature Christmas".

Will be back tomorrow with the last of my Christmas cards and then it's back to making birthday cards again!

Some Christmas Cards At Last!

2011-12-15T08:15:00.005Z

Well, I've finally got around to putting some Christmas cards together and here's a few of the first design - they all look pretty much the same as I've used the CC Design image (which I absolutely love!)and papers from First Edition Christmas Joy. I kept some quite flat for posting and others layered with foam pads and embellishments for delivering by hand. Sentiment is from Pink Petticoat.

Feel like I'm at last getting organised for Christmas...just a few little bits to sort plus the food to order and then I'm done...we're even off to the Pantomime on the 23rd to get us into the Christmas spirit...it's behind you!!!

The Birthday Cake!

2011-12-12T19:34:00.003Z

....and it was delicious!

Happy Birthday Lewis!

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000Z

My gorgeous Lewis is fourteen today...can you believe it - I can't! Where have all the years gone?

Lewis made a point of asking me to make him a card so I wanted to do something a little bit special for him and was really pleased with the outcome. Decided to make a little pocket on the inside to slip a Costa gift card in - he does like popping in for a hot chocolate with his mates! Main image is The Greetings Farm, round birthday stamp is Cats Life Press and sentiment is Elzybells, papers are Archaic Collection and just added some string and a rather large button! Cardstock is from SU.

We're {hopefully} chilling out today and eating plenty of chocolate birthday cake so think I should probably take a picture of it before we demolish it!

A Card for a Coffee Lover

2011-12-08T19:13:00.007Z

Here's a card I made for a friend of mine who made a gorgeous birthday cake for my Son (picture to follow!) - and yes, she loves coffee so these images and sentiment seemed very appropriate!

Main image on the front of the card is Whiff of Joy and the two smaller images and sentiment are MFT. Papers are MME and coloured using PM's. The webbing/ribbon is from Bunny Zoe Crafts.

Not doing very well on the Christmas Card front - only made two so far so hope to be able to share these with you soon!

Not a Christmas Card in Sight!

2011-12-02T08:37:00.004Z

Here are a couple more of the LOTV stamps I bought at the NEC - I just love these...very girly! Same sort of card as before - papers are Blonde Moments and a bit of Glamour Dust but I feel my poor photography skills don't do them justice!

Hopefully, might have a few Christmas cards to show over the next week or so - I have started on them - coloured a few images but just haven't got around to putting the actual cards together!

Have a great weekend x

Cake Glorious Cake!

2011-11-23T16:25:00.004Z

Here's one of the Lili of the Valley stamps I bought at the NEC recently - isn't she cute? Blonde Moments paper and mirricard and a sprinkling of Glamour Dust. The cake stamp on the inside of the card is an old Anita's one I dragged out of the drawer! Got a few more of these LOTV stamps which hopefully should be making an appearance on here over the next few days.

Party Worm

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000Z

Here's a card I made for my Brother...I love making cards for little boys but not the grown up kind! Anyway found this little fella called Party Worm from Whipper Snapper and used some paper which I had left over from a previous card. Sentiment is SU. Hoping to be able to spend a bit more time on my cards soon with a few more embellishments and detail.

Daddy's Boys

2011-11-16T18:08:00.019Z

I wanted to share a gift I made for my boys to give to their Dad for his 50th Birthday. I had planned to put the book together during my time at home after my operation however, that didn't happen due to the fact that I was rushed back into hospital so it's taken me nearly six weeks to complete by just doing a little each day.

I won't bore you with all the details, however, had this concertina album with box for ages now so started by painting it all cream. For the cover of the box, used one of the SMASH pockets and stamped an SU greeting on the front then got the boys to fill in a page each from a SMASH pad and turned them into labels to put into the pocket.

All papers are MME and card stock is SU. All embellishments are from my scrapbook collection (of which I think I have too many!). Kept the layouts all very similar and simple as I wasn't physically able to sit for hours at a time.

Happy Birthday Izzy!

2011-11-10T07:00:00.000Z

Here's a birthday card for my little Great Niece, Izzy...I think it looks just like her!! Used an image from The Greetings Farm coloured with PM's and a touch of Glamour Dust. Papers are Magnolia and gems are SU. Sentiment is an old one which I can't remember! Also added some more paper and an Elzybell's sentiment to the inside which I forgot to photograph...d'oh!

Get Well Soon Finn!

2011-11-01T22:32:00.003Z

Sorry my cards aren't very adventurous at the moment, however, as I explained previously, I can't sit for long to create so have to keep them very quick at the moment. Needed to make a dog themed card for someone I work for so chose this cute Whipper Snapper image "Sweet Sniffs of Spring" coloured in the usual way with Promarkers. Papers are Whiff of Joy, gems are SU and sentiment may possibly be Woodware although not totally sure!

How Old Do You Think You Are?

2011-10-29T14:19:00.004+01:00

Here's a card I made for my Brother-in-Law who will be 70 tomorrow! Always find it difficult to make cards for men so took the colours and layout from the typewriter card I made but used the stars paper from Pink Petticoat instead of the hearts and added a star cut using my Cricut (once I'd cleaned off the dust from it!). The main image is a stamp from Penny Black.

Well, I'm slowly recovering but it definitely is a VERY slow process which doesn't help because I'm not a very patient kind of person! Have a great weekend.

Not Sure About This One

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000+01:00

Felt a bit out of my comfort zone with this card. Wanted to use this Rubber Romance image because it looks like the girl I've made the card for, however, it's quite a large stamp which meant having to use a bigger card. Only used to using small square cards so when I'd finished, it looked like too much patterned paper for my liking!

Here's One I Pinched Earlier!

2011-10-23T14:48:00.004+01:00

Needed to make quite a few simple cards to say thank you and remember seeing a card on Leann's blog which she featured for Pink Petticoat. Needless to say, I bought the images and mine isn't quite as good as hers as no stitching etc but was really pleased with the end result. I love Leann's work and wish I could create with such charm.

Feels Like Me!

2011-10-22T11:46:00.003+01:00

Must admit feel a bit like this snail at the moment...couldn't rush if I tried so keep plodding along! Needed a New Home card for one of my ladies I work for so this Whipper Snapper image got inked up as it's a favourite of mine for this type of card. Papers are a combination of MME and sentiment is Papertrey Inc. Unfortunately, can't use my sewing machine at the moment as it's too heavy for me to lift onto the table, so once again, a very simple and straightforward card!

A Simple Thank You

2011-10-21T08:44:00.002+01:00

I'm using the same simple layout at the moment until I'm fully back on my feet and on this card used a cute little image from Whipper Snapper which I've had for years. Papers are a mixture of MME and Whiff of Joy and sentiment is SU.

My health is now starting to improve at long last, however, still have to take it very slowly as my energy levels are nearly zero!

Best Kind of Friend

2011-10-19T08:08:00.004+01:00

Here's a card I did the ground work for before going into hospital and managed to finish it off over a couple of days - can't believe how slow I am at the moment and how tired I get! It was for Lewis's best pal - very simple (the card not the friend!)

A Quick Thank You

2011-10-18T07:54:00.004+01:00

Just a very quick posting as, at the moment, I am just starting to recover after two operations in less than a week and can't sit for long at the computer.

Just wanted to show a card I put together for a lovely lady who works at the hospital who took the time to come and see me in Recovery and found me a bed! She loves cats so thought I'd use this PB image.

A Couple More

2011-09-08T21:19:00.003+01:00

Here are the other two cards which I put together...quick and simple!

Finally, something to show!

2011-08-26T14:24:00.004+01:00

At last, I've finally got around to making some cards! Life always seems to be so hectic for me - even when I'm not at work! Been on holiday for the last two weeks so have been trying to clear my outstanding job list which is never ending! Also treated myself to a new iMac and I'm VERY slowly teaching myself how to use it - completely different from my old PC but so gorgeous!

Anyway, here's one of the cards I made last night. I've had a pile of images sat on my desk for ages - all coloured in so put a couple of cards together. All very plain and simple (just like me!).

Will hopefully load the others over the weekend.

This card used a Greeting Farm image, Magnolia papers, SU sentiment and punches, Promarkers and some bits and pieces from my stash.

Off to enjoy the sunshine now the rain has stopped!

A Special Guy

2011-06-12T11:20:00.003+01:00

Just popping by to apologise for my long absence. Unfortunately, my Dad died a few weeks back so apart from not really feeling like making anything, I've been busy trying to sort out all his belongings and house. Got a day off from it today as I need to take Sam to his Tae Kwon-do Grading later today so thought I would take some time to show this card I made ages ago. Won't go into all the detail, and really hope to be back making some more cards soon as I find it takes my mind off things and relaxes me.

Cupcakes

2011-05-02T08:00:00.001+01:00

As promised, here's another card I made a week or so ago using a CC Designs image and Magnolia papers. Hope you like it.

...And some for the Boys!

2011-05-01T11:59:00.012+01:00

I made these a little while ago but due to various things going on in my life at the moment, haven't had a chance to load them on here. Decided to finish off the other images I stamped after I made the last baby card so made a few boy cards and a couple more girl ones. All very similar using Magnolia papers but different embellishments.

Have another card to show which hopefully I will be able to post tomorrow.

Guess What I've Gone and Done?

2011-04-14T21:32:00.003+01:00

.....only made a card! I've been itching to make something for ages now but life has been so hectic with work, the house, garden, kids etc, etc. However, a friend needed a baby card so I sat down this morning and just got on with it and crikey, I really enjoyed it and really miss it!

The image is my favourite Penny Black baby stamp of all time "Baby Hammock", coloured with Promarkers with Glamour Dust added to the flowers and butterfly. Papers are Magnolia, sentiment is from Papertrey Ink and then finished off with a teddy bear charm, some flowers and some Rhinestones. I even managed to colour in the other five images I stamped out so (hopefully) intend making up five more tomorrow.

A Few I Found

2011-01-03T17:38:00.006Z

Such a long time since I've been blogging, however, found these on my camera and thought I would share them with you.

Hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year and roll on the Summer!

Go Vegan!

2010-12-11T11:39:00.002Z

So sorry I haven't been around for ages but life has been busy....too busy! Anyway, thought I would show the SECOND(!) Christmas card I have made! Hoping to put together some more this evening if time allows.

The image is from High Hopes which I've had for over a year but I absolutely love it - my sense of humour completely! Papers are MME which have been distressed and stitched, ribbon is Gisela Graham and buttons from my stash.

Can you believe my Lewis was 13 yesterday? How did that happen?!!! Seems like only yesterday I was in complete and utter agony giving birth! Well, I've got lots to get on with, decorating the tree, housework, shopping and yes, Christmas cards. Hope you all have a good weekend.

A Couple of Birthday Cards

2010-12-03T10:37:00.004Z

Hi all, hope you're all keeping warm in the snow - we even had some down here in sunny Weymouth!

Here's a couple of cards I made last week for my Sister and Dad who celebrate their birthdays within days of each other. My Sister's card is very similar to the other LOTV fairy one I made recently and that motivated me to get out my other LOTV stamp which I had never inked. Won't bore you with all the details today as I've got loads to get on with - no work as the schools are closed and my lazy boys are still in bed!

First Christmas Card!

2010-11-20T18:10:00.004Z

Well, here it is, the only Christmas card I've made so far this year lol! Had to make this last week for some friends who are off to Trinidad for four months - lucky beggars! Image is Hanglar, papers are MME and just added a few embellishments from my stash - the ribbon is Gisela Graham which I got from the garden centre. Shame my photographic skills are so bad as you can't see all the layers and the glitter on the card, however, I was pleased with it (the card not the photo!)

Been out most of the day so really should get on with some more cards tomorrow once I've cleared the long list of jobs I have to do! Have a great weekend.

A Special Friend

2010-11-18T16:39:00.003Z

Here's a card I made for a friend's birthday yesterday. The image is LOTV and papers are Blonde Moments. Flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and pink raffia is from my local florist (it looks alot darker than it is IRL!). Layered with mirricard and usual stitching and doodling. Colours look a bit harsh in this photo, alot more softer in the flesh!

Hope to be able to show you my first Christmas card at the weekend....so disorganised!!

A Little Cutie for a Little Cutie!

2010-11-11T20:34:00.004Z

Here's a card I made for my Great Niece Izzy who was one yesterday (ooh, I hate using Great, makes me feel soooo old!). I've had this stamp from LOTV for a while but this was the first time of inking it up. Papers are Blonde Moments used with mirricard, flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and stamp is from......umm.....forgotten again, so sorry! Realised after I had stuck it all down that I should have put the stems of the flowers through the whole card so had alot of trouble getting it to stick. After a couple of days of holding it down with pegs in the hope it would stay, reverted to my sewing machine, hence the wobbly stitching!

Hope you're all having a good week...can't believe it's Friday already tomorrow!

Simple But Gorjuss!

2010-11-02T18:10:00.004Z

Here's a card I made a little while ago which I found on my camera. A very simple design using a Gorjuss stamp which I think is called "Untamed" and which I've had for a while but have only just inked her up.

Have used scraps of MME papers (love these!), coloured with Promarkers and stitched with the sewing machine. Sentiment {I think} is from Woodware.

Off for a nice long soak in the tub now after my first day back at work....soooooo tired!

A Little Thank You

2010-11-01T18:05:00.004Z

Here's a simple card I made for my Son to give to his friend's parents for taking him out last week. The image is from High Hopes coloured with Promarkers, sentiment and punch is SU. Since sorting out my craft room, I put all my scraps of paper and card into a box and have been trying to use that up. Distressed the edges and got my old faithful sewing machine out to stitch the edges. Finally added a bit of glitter pen to the flowers.

Back to work tomorrow after nearly a week off...yuk! although will be glad of the money!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T11:38:00.010Z

Finally managed to finish our Halloween goodies....I've got two very excited boys, however, need to get the decorations out of the loft and carve the pumpkins and then we're ready to go. In the meantime, here's a glimpse of the things I've had to make over the last couple of days (lastminute.com again!). Sorry about the photos but my desk is absolutely overflowing and I just didn't have the room to clear it.

Firstly, this is a card and gift bag I made for Lewis's friend Shamika who is hosting a Halloween party tonight.

Both images and sentiments are CC Designs from the Ollie and Griselda collection. Papers are the free download I mentioned in my previous posting.

Here are a couple of gift bags I made last night for the boys and a very last minute bag (at bottom of picture) for one of Lewis's friends who will unexpectedly be staying with us tonight!

The little vampire and "Boo" sentiment are CC Designs Spooks, Spooks, Spooks set and the Mummy is Sugar Nellie, however, sentiment is also CC Designs. Papers are Karen Foster.

Finally, a couple of pictures to show what the boys were making last night....

I think they had fun decorating them and they taste delicious!

Eeeek!

2010-10-30T11:35:00.004+01:00

Here's a little Halloween card I made for one of Sam's friends who came to play yesterday...should have some more to show you once I've photographed them! Also made him a goody bag but forgot to take a picture of that doh!

This little critter is from CC Designs along with the sentiment. Papers are a free download I've had for ages and ribbon is from my stash.

Got to rush now as we had a nice long lazy lie in this morning which means I've still got loads to do but less time to do it in! Have a great weekend!

Another Birthday?

2010-10-29T14:41:00.000+01:00

Where on earth has the time gone? Can't believe how long it has been since I posted something....usual story though - boys, work, house, plus the fact I was too lazy to charge up my battery in my camera, and then when I did, I couldn't find the lead to load the photos on my laptop! I've been having a "sorting out" time with my crafting stuff and have now almost finished my new craft room - just need a shelf put up and to buy a bookshelf of some sort to stack all my rubber! Anyway, have now {obviously} found the lead to my camera and thought I would share this card which I made for a friend. She wanted a slightly funny one for someone's 40th birthday and this sentiment always does it for me!

The image is High Hopes Dunno Ducky and the sentiment is Penny Black which I have split into two. Mixture of papers (DCWV) and plenty of stitching - thank God I didn't have to post it, it weighed a ton! Thought I'd enter this in the High Hopes Challenge this week where the theme is "Birthdays".

Hope everyone is well and hope to gradually do some bloghopping once I've made a few Christmas cards - haven't even started them yet....eeek!

Yes, Another Boy Card!

2010-08-15T22:38:00.002+01:00

Well, I suppose it was inevitable considering I am Mum to two boys and the amount of friends they have lol! This card is the same layout as one previously using the same image but different colours/papers. Love the stamps from TGF as they are so easy to colour. Paper is from my bits 'n' pieces box.

Will definitely have a feminine card to show just as soon as I photograph it!

A Girlie Card For A Change!

2010-08-12T11:34:00.004+01:00

Thought I'd take a break from showing the boys' cards I've made and show you a few simple girlie cards I made while my brother was laying my new floor. No embellishments at all on these, just paper, sewing, image and sentiment and a teeny weeny bit of distressing.

The image is Manga Girl #2 from Sugar Nellie and papers are scraps. Not sure what make the sentiments are as I've had them for ages!

Seeing Jose again today - this time she's visiting us and we're off to Abbotsbury Farm. Have a great day!

One For an Older Boy

2010-08-10T21:25:00.004+01:00

Here's a card I made for a teenager and think this image from The Greetings Farm is perfect for the older boys. Image was a RAK from Leann, coloured in the normal way and used my favourite Archaic paper again. Really into using string at the moment which I seemed to have picked up from looking at Leann's cards! Think sentiment is Woodware but don't hold me to that!

Had a day out today visiting my friend Jose and catching up on news and crafting stuff - thanks again Jose for a lovely day. Now feeling very tired so off to veg on the sofa with some Ben & Jerry's!

Here I am again!

2010-08-09T09:53:00.004+01:00

Plenty to get on with today so here's a card I made for one of Sam's many friends! Stamp is from The Greetings Farm and papers are Basic Grey Archaic - just love them and need to get more!

VERY, VERY short post today but hope to be back soon with something else to show as I have been making quite a few cards recently!

Magnolia Birthday

2010-08-08T11:12:00.003+01:00

Sorry my posts have been so rushed lately - and this one won't be an exception! Life always seems to be so hectic, however, now have a week off work so hoping I will be able to do a few more things I enjoy as well as all the jobs I need to catch up on!

I have been making a few cards and this is one I made last week for my SIL's birthday. The image was kindly sent to me by Leann and coloured with Promarkers. The papers are MME and cardstock Bazzill. The embellishments are from my stash, and talking of my stash, one of my jobs this week is to sort it out and organise it as {hopefully} my craft room is moving to another part of the house. I've been busy decorating and moving things about so am hoping to move my craft area out of my bedroom and into a room of its own (fingers crossed!).

Hope you're all enjoying your weekend.

Here's One I Made Earlier!

2010-08-01T07:00:00.001+01:00

Another quick posting for another card I made a couple of weeks ago. This time, it was for one of my ladies who was moving house.

The image is Whipper Snapper coloured with Promarkers and papers are MME freebies from a magazine yonks ago. Sentiment is from Papertrey and just added some stitching, flower, button and raffia.

Hope you're all having a good weekend.

A Card for Jilli

2010-07-31T08:23:00.004+01:00

Didn't realise just how long it's been since I've posted something....sorry! (that's if there's anyone reading this lol!)

This is a card I made a few weeks back for one of my ladies who had major surgery...she's out of hospital now and doing extremely well! Sorry this is an extremely quick posting but the boys are due to be collected in half an hour and I'm still in my dressing gown! Will be back soon with some more creations.

Totally Special

2010-05-09T07:20:00.000+01:00

Today my "baby" has reached the ripe old age of eight! I really can't believe he's growing up so quickly...funny really, it's a kinda bittersweet feeling...I think it's because he's the youngest and Mums never seem to want to let go of their "babies"!

I'm posting this quite early before it turns into a madhouse here and wanted to share the card I made for him.

The image is called Max (I think!) and when I saw this, I just thought "that's Sam"! Leann was kind enough to send me the images and coloured it with Promarkers. Papers are MME with plenty of stitching. Sentiment is Catslife Press. Here's the inside of the card...

More MME papers, another stamp which unfortunately I can't remember the make - nothing new there then! Used some jute ribbon from Bunny Zoe's Crafts and printed out a verse from the computer. I'm actually quite pleased with how it turned out but unfortunately the photos are rubbish again and don't do it justice. By the way, the card weighs a ton - so glad I don't have to post it!

We're off to Sharky's in Weymouth for a Laser Party - ten little darlings all shooting each other...heaven! In the meantime, would like to leave you with this....

A Card for Little Bro

2010-05-06T20:47:00.005+01:00

Besides working, have been busy preparing for Sam's birthday this weekend. The party bags are done now that I've finished the bookmarks (by the way, entered one of them in the High Hopes challenge last week and won!) Just completed a card for Lewis to give to his little brother - Lewis chose the images, his reason being "Sam likes to read". Can't argue with that!

I love this little chap...he's so cute! He's from Magnolia of course, and so is the pile of books. Both have been coloured with Promarkers and added to the card with some d.s. tape and foam pads. Sentiment stamp is from SU and papers, string, buttons and brads are all from my stash. String is from Leann!

Nearly Friday...I am so looking forward to the weekend, even if I am sharing part of it with ten excited eight year olds!

Bookworm Bookmark

2010-05-01T22:17:00.004+01:00

Here's a little something I've been making, in bulk I might add!, to put in party bags for Sam's little friends next week. I've seen some little reading lights which clip on books so thought I would make them a bookmark each to go with the lights. It's funny how things happen because I've been thinking I really must make time to join in a challenge and it just so happens that the challenge on High Hopes this week is bookmarks so think I may have just got in by the skin of my teeth...story of my life!

Have used the High Hopes Bookworm which I've had for a while but it has only just seen ink! Coloured him with Promarkers and then used scraps of MME papers. Added some faux stitching, a giant eyelet from SU and some ribbon from my stash and also rounded all corners with my SU punch.

Have a great weekend...hectic as usual here!

Spot The Difference!

2010-04-28T07:46:00.000+01:00

Can you tell what the difference is? Apart from the fact that Coriander has been coloured differently, one is a normal card and the other is a paperbag card. I needed to send some images to a couple of friends so, while the Gas Engineer was checking my heating system out, I got on with crafting.

Image is from CC Designs and coloured with Promarkers with Glamour Dust added to her wings. Papers are MME and c.s. is Bazzill. Flowers and brads are from my stash. Plenty of stitching and distressing!

Eric cordially invites you....

2010-04-25T21:15:00.007+01:00

Where has the weekend gone? We had a lovely time...decorating, walking on the beach and out for Sunday lunch but now it's back to normal. No work tomorrow but I have to stay in to wait for the Gas Engineer to come and check my heating.

Was busy last week making some invitations for Sam's birthday party and here's what I came up with.

I used Eric from TGF, coloured with Promarkers. Papers are mostly K & Co Hopscotch although a couple of others may have crept in! Sentiment and inside stamp are MFT and balloon stamp is a very old stamp...so old in fact, I can't remember who made it! Added some string/raffia and plenty of stitching.

And here's a couple of group shots!!

Coffee time now I think, and then bed. Have a great week everyone.

Not so happy with this one

2010-04-18T20:48:00.004+01:00

Another quick post...really must get round to visiting all those lovely blogs out there but have been busy decorating my dining room and there really aren't enough hours in the day!

Not too sure about this creation...I had such big ideas for it and it's a bit bare and simple. Anyway, thought I'd put it on here as I haven't made any cards for a while and might not have another chance for a few days.

The image is Hanglar and was a RAK ages ago, coloured with Promarkers with a Woodware sentiment. Still using the MME papers and added some Bazzill cardstock and blew the dust off my one and only Martha Stewart punch! Finally, added some ribbon and sticky gems from my stash.

Off to iron the boys' uniform as they are back to school tomorrow after the Easter holiday and hopefully, we can get some normality back into this household!!

...and a Card with Stitching!

2010-04-15T19:15:00.004+01:00

Managed to do some sewing but how long it lasts is beyond me! This was originally intended to be a birthday card but have used it for a get well card as someone I know has just had an operation and needed something pdq to give them.

Found the image in my RAK box - Hanglar of course....ooh, I dream of owning some of these stamps! Coloured with Promarkers and papers are MME - same as before. Flowers are from my stash and brads are Doodlebug sugar coated. Finally added an East of India wooden heart which I've been hanging onto for years!

Feeling a bit under the weather today so going for a sit down now...the rest of the ironing will have to wait!

A Card Without Stitching!

2010-04-08T23:05:00.000+01:00

I was hoping that this card would have stitching on it....well that was the idea but unfortunately my sewing machine had other plans! Let's put it this way - it's out of action at the moment and that could possibly be permanently after I've thrown it out of the window!

So here's the card I eventually put together without the use of my sewing machine!

I've used the little cutie Daisy stamp, coloured with Promarkers and papers from MME Bloom and Grow. Sentiment is Woodware, ribbon and buttons are from my stash and string is from Leann - see, I am using it Leann!

A Recycled Cake Box!

2010-04-06T18:38:00.007+01:00

Just popping by to show you something I made very quickly at the weekend. Had a small cake box at home from the supermarket which was remarkably clean so decided to do a quick decorating job on it and turn it into a gift box.

I promise the ribbon was straight on it....it's just my non-existent photographic skills which make it look bendy! Used the Whipper Snapper bunny image which I had already coloured and some scrap paper and ribbon and then added some pink shredded paper and scrummy chocolate to the inside!

Hope you all had a Happy Easter!

An Easter Bunny!

2010-03-31T19:51:00.005+01:00

Firstly, I must apologise for the photos - not only are they poor quality but having real trouble trying to arrange them in the posting!

I bought some unpackaged Easter Eggs so needed to make some gift bags to make them look a bit more exciting! Did a bit of recycling and used some Starbucks paper bags I'd held on to and covered them in paper, then stamped my favourite Easter bunny stamp - it's my favourite because it's the only one I've got and it takes hardly any colouring!! - added a sentiment from Papertrey Ink and layered it onto Bazzill c.s. and added some doodling, a carrot button, ribbon and various embellishments. Finally, used my SU punch to make the fixings and some raffia to add a finishing touch.

I'm planning a very relaxed weekend as I have four days off work - I haven't had a break for a year now (not counting the bank holidays at Christmas) so not planning much apart from an egg hunt on Sunday for the boys...just going to enjoy the rest. Hope you all have a Happy Easter.

Something for Easter At Last!

2010-03-27T19:30:00.009Z

It's been a funny old day today - I crammed two months of college work into two nights on Thursday and Friday evenings in preparation for my exam this morning, only to receive a phone call to tell me it had been cancelled because they hadn't prepared all the paperwork! So despite having plenty on my "to do" list, it left me at a loose end. I forced myself to go to Asda and get the week's shopping and then thought 'blow the housework' and decided to do some crafting. Came up with these little Easter bags. I needed something for Sam's two Teachers and a couple of friends of mine and these fitted the bill. I did actually make some similar to this last Easter, the instructions are on the Scor-pal site - they are so quick and easy which is what I like!

I used Elzybells stamp and two sentiment stamps from Papertrey Ink. Images are coloured with Promarkers. Card and paper are from my scrap box as is the ribbon and flowers and brads are from my stash...a real mish-mash! Sorry the photos are all in a line but for some reason, I'm having trouble trying to move them about!

Hope you all have a great weekend.

More of the Same!

2010-03-25T22:03:00.006Z

I'm pleased to say that I'm managing to keep to one of my own personal challenges and that is when I make a card, I am making a couple more of the same to keep in my craft box. So...surprise, surprise, here are a few more baby girl cards which I managed to complete last night. The papers are near enough the same as the last posting with just a slight difference on one and besides the Penny Black image, have finally managed to ink up one of my Forever Friends stamps which I've had for ages!

All images are coloured with Promarkers, sentiment stamp is SU, Flowers - mixture from my stash, Prima and SU, Hat pins from Nikki at Bunny Zoe Crafts, sticky gems are Papermania, mirricard - stash (got to find some more as think I've just used the last of it!) and papers are Pink Petticoat.

Off to bed now as I am completely shattered - I've been cramming in nearly two months' of college work into two days as I have to sit the first exam on Saturday morning, plus I've been working really hard this week and will be again next week, just so I get a day off on Good Friday! Still have to make some Easter goodies but think that will have to wait until Sunday!

Have a great weekend.

Blessed New Baby

2010-03-22T16:50:00.004Z

Well, I've finally managed to find time to make a card! Life has been hectic for me lately (as usual) - what with work, college, kids, house, oh, and did I mention I've decorated the kitchen?! Anyway, a couple I know have just had a baby girl so used my most favourite baby stamp ever and kept to a layout I've used before.

The stamp is Penny Black, papers are Pink Petticoat and some mirricard, flowers are from my stash, blingy brad is from SU Pretties Kit, charms are from Ebay, sticky gems from Papermania and sentiment stamp is Papertrey Ink. Finally, added a little Stickles to the daisies and some glitter pen to the butterfly which doesn't show very well.

Gradually starting to get organised crafting-wise. Managed to change the background on my blog and beginning to tidy it up. Next step is tidying up my craft stash so I know just exactly what I've got!

Must fly as off out in half an hour.

Howdy Cowboy!

2010-02-06T11:10:00.000Z

This card was a bit of a rush job last night as Sam had a birthday party today and I needed something for one of his little mates. I already had this image from The Greetings Farm stamped out and coloured in so just used some scraps of paper, a sentiment stamp from Lizzie Anne Designs and a bit of raffia and hey presto! Once I've done my jobs, think I'll stamp out a few more of these and make up some more cards for my box as they are so quick to make. I'm trying real hard to use up all the images I've already got stamped out and also, the huge pile of scrap paper and card which only usually gets looked at as a last resort.

Can't believe it's the weekend and I've got three days off so intend to make the most of it and keep the housework to a minimum! Have a great weekend everybody.

Picking Apples x 6!

2010-02-04T15:18:00.000Z

Here's one of the cards I managed to make yesterday. I decided in the end, not to photograph them all as they are all very similar...just slightly different papers and coloured flowers, but the images are all the same and coloured identically - you see I'm trying to keep to my New Year's resolution of 2008 of making several cards at the same time - it's only taken me two years to do but managed to make six of these - four for birthdays this month and two to put in my card box which is VERY empty! I won't bore you with all the details of the card but have kept it very simple with a little distressing and sewing.

Just finished work so need to get on with some of my own housework now before I pick the boys up.

Is Anybody There?!!!!

2010-02-03T19:39:00.005Z

I'm not sure if I'm talking to myself at the moment (takes me back to when I first started my blog!) as I've been such a naughty girl and haven't posted anything for months. However, work, college and personal issues have all been foremost in my life and crafting had to take a back seat. Trouble was, the longer I left it, the harder I found it to create. So, I have now given myself a huge kick up the backside and have sworn that I will NEVER buy another card again!! Can you believe, I was actually going into a card shop and buying the damn things!!!

The card I am showing is one I actually made in October! I found the photo on my camera, so rather than delete it, I thought I would upload it. I have also finally got back to crafting and managed to get stuck into six cards today. Will add them to my blog once I've managed to get a decent photograph of them which hopefully, fingers crossed, should be tomorrow. Had my eldest boy off school today which meant I couldn't work so thought I would take advantage of the free time and I'm so glad I did - I feel so much better for it.

Anyway, if there is anyone reading this, please leave a comment so I know you're there! Hope to get back to visiting all those gorgeous blogs at the weekend.

A Card At Last!

2009-10-09T20:48:00.003+01:00

Long time no blog! I have been so busy over the last couple of weeks that I've only had time for Farmville hee! hee! - that is so addictive! Anyway, they've almost finished my house, just the back to paint now, however, another company have started on the two houses either side of me so the noise and dust will continue for a little while yet! The really good news is I've just got to work for a couple of hours tomorrow morning and then I have two whole days off! I can't tell you how tired I am and just want to go to bed for the weekend!

I've actually got a card to show you today - I did make a couple of others but the photographs were pants and the cards have now been posted. The one I'm showing is for one of Lewis's little girlies. She's reached the grand old age of 12 so I wanted something a little more grown up and I thought ipodbella fitted the bill.

I just wish I looked like that from behind! Coloured her with PM's and some Glamour Dust on her top. Sentiment is from Woodware (I think!). Papers are from Doodlebug and c.s. is some odd bits I had in my stash along with the flower and brad. Oh, and added a bit of sticky ribbon from Papermania.

Off to check on my farm now! and then to bed. Have a great weekend.

How Many Fingers Are You?

2009-09-22T22:54:00.000+01:00

Another late card and another apology - what is happening to me? I hardly ever missed people's birthdays before but it seems to have become a bit of a habit lately. I've made another paperbag card so I could enclose some images.

Used a little cutie from CC Designs, coloured with PMs with some doodling and mounted on Bazzill c.s. Papers are Blonde Moments with some distressing and faux stitching. Used an SU punch and some flowers and a brad from my stash.
Finally, added a sentiment from Craftwork Cards.

Here's a peek at the inside - Bazzill c.s. and Blonde Moments papers and a quote which Vanessa sent me a while back. Layered this using Nesties and used the labels Nesties on the opposite page to make a space for a message.

Not much work on today so it gave me the perfect opportunity to blitz the house as we've got the scaffolding going up tomorrow in preparation for the re-rendering - a very dirty and noisy job! Thankfully I'll be out of the house so won't have to put up with it!

A Belated Birthday Card

2009-09-16T21:23:00.007+01:00

Yes, it's another "oops" from me - I forgot another birthday and to make things worse, it was my pal, Vanessa's birthday so this one needed something a little more than a card.

Yes, I know it looks like a card but it's actually a paper bag! I decorated it with Bazzill c.s. and paper from My Minds Eye which I distressed around the edges and also used one paper which was a free digiload. Used an Elzybells stamp which was coloured with PMs and cut it out using Nestabilities. Sentiment is from Craftwork Cards which was mounted onto c.s. cut with SU punch. Finally, added some Papermania sticky gems.

Decorated the inside of the bag with matching c.s. and papers and used my Nesties to layer a quote I stamped and left the other side blank for me to add my own personal message. I also decorated the back of the bag with similar c.s. and paper. Finally, I added a few little pressies inside the bag. It really is a good way to send stamped images, etc and will definitely use the idea again.

Just in case you're wondering, here's a better look at the quote inside the bag....I just love this saying.......

My answer to that would be 27!

So Sweet!

2009-09-14T12:54:00.003+01:00

I mentioned in my last post that I was baking a cake for the boys - they're doing star charts at the moment to get them into the routine of carrying out chores and being nice to each other!! so once they reached twenty stars, I said I would get them a treat and here it is.....

Now doesn't that make your teeth go on edge lol! Not my sort of cake but I know the boys will love it! the main chocolate sponge is my creation, however, the decoration is down to Tony who helped out. We've got Aero Bubbles, Minstrels, Jelly Hearts, Teeth and Toothbrushes, one lonely marshmallow and hundreds and thousands!! Only trouble is, the kids will go OTT when they've eaten a piece of it but they do deserve it as they've worked really hard to get their stars!

Time For the Bubbly x 2

2009-09-13T10:15:00.005+01:00

I was asked to make a couple of cards for friends of mine so decided, to save time, would do two similar cards but in different colours. Here's the first one, the only requirement here was that it had to be in lilac.

The image is from Rubber Romance which I've coloured with PM's and added some glaze to the bath tub to make it look more like enamel and used my Sakura glitter pen on the bubbles. Sentiment is from MFT. Papers are a combination of DCWV and Blonde Moments and embellishments are from my stash. Finally edged one of the papers with my MS punch.

On this one, the layout is very similar, in fact apart from using different papers (My Minds Eye and Making Memories) and some plain c.s. and using Glamour Dust on the bubbles, it's exactly the same! Just wish the colour of the tub had come out a bit darker :(

Off to bake a cake now for the boys.....hope you're all enjoying your weekend.....gorgeous weather down here!

Back To School!

2009-09-07T11:45:00.003+01:00

It's the first day of term......yippee!! and wanted to share a photo of my two handsome boys in their new uniforms. Lewis is starting Senior School today - such a big step for him - and Sam, my baby, starts at Junior School. Funny enough, it was Sam who was really nervous, Lewis was just worried about the homework!! Anyway, Daddy was here when they woke up this morning and it was great to have some support in re-assuring them (and to lace up the football boots lol!)

It's my day off today so now Tony has gone back to work, I'm not sure what to do with myself! Did all my housework yesterday so I'm twiddling my thumbs a bit. Did stamp out a couple of images earlier but to be honest, I can't wait for my two babies to come home and tell me all about it - how sad am I! I'm sure all those of you who have kids know exactly what I mean!

Hope to be back soon with a couple of cards but not today!!

And Another One!

2009-09-04T08:03:00.003+01:00

Another card from The Greetings Farm and another VERY quick one! Had to make this one last night before Lewis went off on a sleepover and then to a birthday party (he only told me he needed it about twenty minutes before he went!).

I already had this image coloured in (PM's and Sakura glitter pen), which was handy so layered it onto Blonde Moments paper, mirricard and some plain card from my stash which I've had for ages. Finally added a sentiment from Craftwork Cards. One of the quickest cards I've ever made!

Still not got around to catching up with my blogging but hoping to be able to do this next week when the kids go back to school as I have a ton of uniform to iron and label this weekend plus alot going on in my personal life at the moment (good, not bad for a change!). Have a great weekend everybody....I'm off to work now.

Another One From The Greetings Farm!

2009-08-24T13:23:00.003+01:00

Here's another stamp I've had for a little while and only just inked.....I just love this little lady! Very basic layout yet again but just had to use my Martha Stewart punch which I bought recently......I know the rest of you ladies have had these punches for ages but I really couldn't justify buying one until recently when I thought "********, I deserve it"!!!!!

As if you didn't know (!) the image is from The Greetings Farm and coloured with PM's and doodling and then layered onto some scrap paper and punched one edge with my new punch. Other papers are also from my scrap box and added two jumbo eyelets from SU (just love these!) and some ribbon from Hobbycraft.

Working my way through my paperwork....just a bit more filing to do and then I can relax and concentrate on my crafting/blogging for a little while! Enjoy your day!

Howdy!

2009-08-22T23:01:00.003+01:00

Sam had a party to go to on Friday and me being me meant the card was lastminute.com!! I was still finishing it Friday morning as they were eating their breakfast and wrapping the present!! Anyway here it is......extremely simple but it did the job.

The image is another one from The Greetings Farm which I bought a little while ago but have only just inked up. Coloured in the usual way with doodling around the edge. Papers are scraps from my stash, sentiment is Lizzie Anne Designs and used my SU punches on a couple of the paper layers.

Big apologies for my serious lack of blogging but trying frantically to try and get my paperwork sorted this weekend and then hope to be able to start visiting your blogs once again. Now it's one more glass of wine for me and then it's off to bed!

Oops x 2!

2009-08-21T18:00:00.004+01:00

I've just got home so this will be another quick post while I'm waiting for tea to cook and ironing at the same time! I know we all have hectic lives but I've done something unthinkable because I'm always rushing around and not at all organised - I missed two birthdays! I hate it when that happens so made the following cards for the two girls in question.

The image is from The Greetings farm, coloured with PM's with Sakura glitter pen on her wings, papers are from Blonde Moments with some mirricard, letters are from Doodlebug layered onto Bazzill c.s. and flowers and gems are from my stash.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Hippy Chick

2009-08-16T23:56:00.003+01:00

Hope you've all had a good weekend. The weather improved dramatically today so apart from working first thing yesterday morning, I've had quite a relaxing couple of days, mainly due to the fact that I've had Tony here most of the weekend cleaning the drive and painting the decking so I could sit down and relax. After all our ups and downs, he can still be quite considerate and wanted to take some of the stress off me as he knows how busy I am.....bless lol!

Lewis had a birthday bash to go to yesterday so needed a card for his friend Kea who had reached the ripe old age of 11!

The stamp is from The Greetings Farm and she's been coloured in the usual way with some Sakura glitter pen added to the flower in her hair which doesn't show too well in the photo. Papers are from Blonde Moments and flowers, mirricard, brad and ribbon are all from my stash. Sentiment is from Craftwork Cards. Another simple one but it's the only way I can craft at the moment because of the lack of time I have!

It's my day off tomorrow (yippee!) so Jose is popping down for a visit....plenty of chat and coffee I expect!

Where Did That Week Go?!!!

2009-08-14T23:31:00.004+01:00

Oops! I did promise to post my other card and it's only taken me a week to load it on my blog....the days are flying by so quickly and it's Friday again! Here's the card I made last week for my friend......

I've used Melinda Blowing Kisses from Whiff of Joy and coloured her with PM's with some Sakura glitter pen added to her wings and the hearts. The papers are from my scrap box and the flowers are a mixture from my stash. Added some chipboard numbers and finally, rounded the bottom corners with my SU punch. Oh nearly forgot, added some Papermania sticky gems, a charm from Ebay, and a bit of the usual doodling to frame the image.

Have managed to make a couple more cards this evening so once I've photographed them in the morning, will load them on my blog....just hope it doesn't take me another week to do it lol!

Enjoy your weekend!

Can You Spot the (not so deliberate) Mistake!!

2009-08-07T07:57:00.002+01:00

Oh, I've done it again! Made a couple more cards which were on my 'to do' list and managed to forget to photograph one doh! Anyhow, here's one of the two I did photograph! Can you spot my mistake? It's pretty obvious to me now although at the time, I was in such a rush I didn't realise where I had gone wrong - I've made Tilda look like she's only got one arm! I thought the other one was part of her top! I made this card for a friend of mine so I zipped it and hoped she wouldn't notice......which she didn't!

Can you believe I've had this stamp for absolutely ages and this is the first time I've inked it up! Coloured Tilda with PM's with a little Sakura glitter pen on her wings, papers are from Blonde Moments, ribbon is from East of India and chipboard numbers have been painted with my own mixture of acrylic paint with some Lil Davis sparkle stuff added as the final layer!

Must put yet more washing on so will be back soon with the other card.

Happy Together

2009-08-04T19:33:00.004+01:00

The weekend's gone (again!) and still haven't managed to make many cards - I made one for my SIL's birthday today and forgot to photograph it! However, was asked to make a wedding card which I haven't done in ages and came up with this.

The image is from Penny Black and has been coloured with PMs and added a little glitter with my Sakura pen to the Bride's headdress. Doodled around the edges and then matted onto Bazzill c.s. Vellum is from K & Co and lace is from my stash. Sentiment is from SU. Layered three flowers from my stash with a pearl brad from Papermania and dangled a "love" charm from it. Finally, rounded the corners with an SU punch. Must admit it does look alot prettier in real life!

We had a lovely weekend once I'd finished work Saturday morning but it was spoiled yesterday - Tony was on his way back to his Mum's yesterday morning and was involved in a car crash! He wasn't badly hurt but has got whiplash which isn't good as he already suffers from a bad back after two back operations, and then to top it all this morning, he had to have two teeth removed as a result of the accident. Hopefully, he will start improving soon!

Hope you're all having a good week - this weather is awful, anyone would think it was winter not August! Enjoy the rain!

The Doctor Is In!

2009-07-29T22:42:00.008+01:00

I meet some lovely people in my job and the following card is for someone who has been so kind and helpful - we call him Doctor Steve (and yes, he is a Doctor!). It's a long story but basically, he is a real expert on coffee and makes the yummiest coffee around. Anyway, I mentioned that I was interested in getting a proper coffee machine but didn't know enough about them - not only did he e-mail me with suggested sites and models but he found me one at a VERY cheap price and last week he even had me doing a trial run on his machine when I should have been cleaning (sorry Ginny!!). So this card is for him and I thought the stamps from High Hopes were very fitting!

All three stamps are High Hopes and have been coloured with PM's. Doodled around the edges and added a couple of brads which are a matching green but don't look like it in the photo! Papers are Basic Grey Archaic pad which have been stitched with my sewing machine and distressed. Finally, used my Nesties tags on the sentiment. Here's a closer look.

Thought I'd go the whole hog and decorate the inside too, however, please be assured my card is not disfigured - it looks really bendy in the photo but that's just down to my non existent photographic skills!

I've used some different paper but from the same Basic Grey pad and stamped the "Doctor's Brew" and coloured it in the usual way, then cut it out using Nesties. Also cut a larger circle so I had something to write on.

Well, that's the second card completed on my "to do" list, just have to make five more now!

Made For An Angel

2009-07-28T20:04:00.004+01:00

Another very busy week for me, however, surprisingly, have managed to make one of the cards on my 'to do' list. Had a bit of a panic halfway through it - I ran out of double-sided tape and was frantically searching all my stash for something to use! Anyway, here's the finished card.

This card is for the daughter of one of the ladies I clean for......she's such a sweet little girl and always has a smile for us even though she's teething again!

I used one of my Greetings Farm stamps which I've had for a while but just haven't had the time to ink up. She's coloured with Promarkers, Glamour Dust on her wings, doodling around the edges, and layered on card and mirricard. Papers are from Blonde Moments with have been layered with mirricard and used my SU punch to decorate one edge of the paper. Painted a plain chipboard No 1 with acrylic paint and then added some Lil Davis shimmer paint for the sparkle. Finally, added a couple of small flowers fixed together with a heart brad and dangled a pink heart and an angel charm from them. The back of the charm has 'made for an angel' on it!

Off to do some ironing now once the kids are in bed. Hope to complete the rest of the cards later in the week once I've managed to get hold of some more double-sided tape!

Long Overdue Teacher's Card, Saying Goodbye and London Up-date!

2009-07-24T19:49:00.009+01:00

At long last I have a card to show! I made a few of these for the boys' Teachers last week but just haven't had time to put it on my blog.

The image and sentiment are from Elzybells and the bunny has been coloured with Promarkers with some doodling around the edges. Cardstock is My Mind's Eye (double sided). Used the Fiskars punch along one side and added some flowers and sticky gems from my stash. Kept to a very simple layout as I had to make three of these the night before the kids broke up for the holidays - last minute again! Luckily Lewis made a fabulous card for his Teacher but unfortunately, because of the rush, I forgot to photograph it!

It was a very emotional day last Friday - both boys were leaving their respective schools for good - Lewis will be starting senior school in September and Sam will starting at Juniors. Needless to say the Leavers' Assemblies were tear jerking to say the least and we were all blubbering wrecks by the time we walked out of the school gates! Here's a photo of Sam with his fantastic Teacher Miss Curtis who had a very emotionally draining day!

I would also like to mention that my boys did me proud! I got their school reports which included their SATS results and wow, what clever boys I have!! Would like to know where they get their brains from pmsl!

Now on to our London trip........it seems an age ago but we had a fantastic day albeit, very tiring. The kids performed at The Banqueting House and did a fantastic job including my Lewis of course!!

Their performance was attended by some celebrities including the leading lady from Hairspray - no, I didn't know who she was either! - but what a lovely lady.

After the performance, we "took over" an Italian restaurant and then moved on to the Shaftesbury Theatre to see Hairpray and had a fantastic surprise at the end when all of us were invited backstage! I've never seen so many excited kids and one excited Mummy when she saw this eye candy!

I know I'm old enough to be his Mother but I can look can't I!!!!!

We finally got back to Weymouth at 2.00 am and here's one final photo of my Sammy cuddled up with his grunter......bless him! He had a fantastic time and still goes on about it now even though it was two weeks' ago!

Phew! Didn't realise I had so much catching up to do! Hope you all have a great weekend and hope to be back soon with some cards as I've got a few I need to make this week.

Sorry!

2009-07-14T22:27:00.002+01:00

Need to say a big sorry for not being around - I have been trying but have been having problems with my blog for some reason! Things have been disappearing off the sidebar and on most occasions I couldn't actually get to view the blog. All this has been happening since I updated my Internet Explorer so if anyone has any advice on what to do, it would be greatly appreciated. Hope to be able to show some cards some time soon.......that's if I can get back on of course!!

We Are One

2009-07-06T20:51:00.003+01:00

I don't have a card to show today but I do have some exciting news concerning my Son, Lewis and his school, Wyke Regis Junior School in Weymouth.

Basically, the charity Childline, ran a competition for someone to come up with a song - Maddie Roberts, one of the children at the school wrote a song and with the help of Lewis's Teacher, David Payne and other people including the Producer of Steps (remember that group!), the song won the competition. We now have five girls (including Maddie) performing the song, plus a group of dancers (including my Lewis) travelling up to London on Friday to the official launch at Banqueting House in front of the Press. Oh, and by the way.......me and Sam are going too!!

My aim in telling you all this is we want you to spread the word about this song. Please visit the We Are One website and download the single. It costs 97p and EVERY penny will go to Childline, a very worthwhile children's charity. Plus, we are trying to get as many downloads as possible to give the record a chance of entering the charts on Sunday. The song is ready for download as from today 06 July. If you don't want to download the song, then could you do me a big favour please and spread the word on your blogs please? Thanks so much.

A Card At Last!

2009-06-30T09:13:00.004+01:00

Well, I've finally done it......made a card at long last! Was planning to have a go at the weekend but ended up spending some time with Tony and the boys so my next plan was to make one on Monday (my day off) but ended up working! Had no choice in the end and had to knuckle down to it last night as I needed a get well card for someone I know who has recently had an operation and who I am seeing today.

I've kept it very simple because of the time restraints and even used up some of my scraps of paper! The image is Nurse Valerie from High Hopes coloured with PMs and used my Sakura glitter pen on her wings. Doodled around the edges and matted her onto Bazzill c.s. Papers are My Minds Eye. Added a couple of sticky gems from Papermania. Now, I'm not sure exactly if the sentiment is from High Hopes or Alota but it fitted the bill so who cares lol!!

Off to work soon but only for an hour or so this morning so have to tackle my own housework when I get back! Have a great day.

PS I did decorate the inside of the card but forgot to photograph it, Doh!!

The Results Are In!

2009-06-26T18:03:00.026+01:00

Do you remember me telling you about the scrapbook me and Lewis had to make as a school project? It was all about his London trip and we put so much work into it in such a short space of time........well, we got 1st place.....whoo hoo!! It also meant that he could at long last, bring the scrapbook home, so I've been able to photograph the pages and here it is. The pages aren't really spectacular as I had to do the whole book in a weekend and I usually like to spend a couple of days on one page!!

Hope you're all taking advantage of the gorgeous hot weather we're having at the moment. Apart from working for a couple of hours on Saturday morning, I should have a peaceful weekend so I'm hoping to sit out in the sunshine for a while and also get the chance to make a card......I haven't made one in ages and I'm itching to get on with one! Have a great weekend.

We Have a Winner!

2009-06-17T19:28:00.007+01:00

I'm so sorry I'm so late in getting back to you with the winner of my blog candy - things have been really busy here this week and I had some important things to sort out first concerning paperwork etc. Think I've now sorted that now (phew!) so now for the winner of the candy........but first!!! I would like to show you some more cards which I received but have only just got around to photographing.

Thank you ladies....they really are gorgeous, and even more beautiful in real life!

Now for the winner. Sam did the honours and pulled the name from the hat, or rather the bowl! and the winner is......

JACKIE

Well done Jackie and thank you to everyone who took part.

Birthday Blog Candy!

2009-06-09T21:39:00.001+01:00

THIS POST IS NOW CLOSED. WILL ANNOUNCE THE WINNER LATER TODAY.

THIS POST WILL REMAIN AT THE TOP UNTIL THE CANDY COMPETITION IS OVER. FOR NEWER POSTS, PLEASE SEE BELOW.

Well, the goodies finally arrived in time for my birthday so can now show you what I have on offer.

There are three stamps - Skater Ian from The Greeting Farm, Parateddy from Elzybells and the elephant from Rachelle Anne Miller. There is some lilac jute, a pack of blue fibres and a pack of pink fibres, a selection of lilac ribbons in their own organza bag, lace, crochet flowers, a bag of blooms from Poppicrafts and a bag of spacers.

All you have to do is to leave a comment and then spread the word by putting a link to my candy on your blog. I will leave this open until Midnight June 14 and a winner will be announced the following day.

I've had a great day even though I was working - good company and good fun - and my evening has been really relaxed. Would like to say a special thank you to Maria, Andrea, Jose and Vanessa for your cards - they're all beautiful and will post them on my blog soon.

Birthday Cards and a RAK!

2009-06-09T21:21:00.011+01:00

So sorry it's taken me so long to photograph the gorgeous cards I received for my birthday, however, had a whole weekend of scrapping which in any other circumstances would be really enjoyable. However, think you know what I'm like when I have a deadline to complete a scrapbook! Anyway, Lewis's London book had to be handed in yesterday (Monday) and of course on Friday evening we had only completed approximately two pages!! I had to work Saturday morning so once I got home, it was all systems go and spent the entire weekend working on it. Sunday morning I was up at 7.30 am and didn't get to bed until 12.45 when I had finished it!! I'm afraid I can't show you any photos for a couple of weeks as being the dozey mare that I am, I forgot to photograph it and believe me I was not in the mood for taking pictures at quarter to one in the morning lol!!

Back to those beautiful cards I received.....here they are......

Denise also very kindly sent me one of her Whimsy stamps - the giraffe and so many stamped images - thank you Denise, that really is so nice of you - and thank you also to Jose for your 'enclosure' - much appreciated!

Last but certainly not least, I received this gorgeous card from Clare which was part of a RAK. Sorry I haven't photographed it all but there were images, card, flowers, etc. Thank you so much Clare, it really was so sweet of you :)

Blog Candy News

2009-05-29T07:08:00.002+01:00

Hi All! Just to let you know that I will have some blog candy up for grabs in the next couple of days to celebrate my birthday which is coming up soon plus the fact that I've just noticed that I've passed the 40,000 mark on my counter. It's more of a thank you really for those of you who keep popping by my blog even though I haven't been about much.....I'm just waiting for the goodies to arrive and as soon as they're all here, will put a picture and posting on my blog.

Hope you're all enjoying the sunshine!

More Sherbert and Happy Birthday Phil!

2009-05-25T09:14:00.006+01:00

Here's another card I made with the SU Rainbow Sherbert paper for my Brother's birthday. He was 50 yesterday which was a bit scary - I am the youngest of seven children and Phil is No 6 which means it will be me next who hits 50, however, have got a few years yet, thank God!!

The image is another Whipper Snapper which has been coloured with PM's, some doodling around the edge and '50' stickers added. Sentiment is from Craftwork Cards, mounted on Bazzill c.s. cut using SU punch and finally added some Doodlebug ribbon and a couple of brads from my stash. Oops, nearly forgot, rounded the bottom corners with my SU punch.

We've had a lovely lie in this morning so must get on now and sort out the kids and the laundry!

Birthday Worm

2009-05-23T21:58:00.007+01:00

Another hectic day! It was so hot and sunny down here today and I found myself wishing I didn't have to do a single thing and could just lie in the garden and sleep! In reality, I had to work this morning and then made all the housework wait while I made a few cards which really had to be done (one for a birthday tomorrow and the other to be posted on Monday!). Then I tackled Lewis's scrapbook. We nearly completed the cover and the first page......only another 19 to go!!

Anyway back to the card I made. This one is for my nephew Aaron who lives in Germany, so this needed to be completed today as my Sister is sending a parcel on Monday. Decided on the birthday worm from Whipper Snapper - I just adore this little chap!

As you can see, I thought I'd be a good girl and make a spare to try and keep on top of things - they're only very slightly different (brads, sentiment and the colour of the earth). Used Promarkers to colour him and Rainbow Sherbert paper from SU. Sentiment is from Craftwork Cards, clip is Making Memories and ribbon is Dovecraft. Large green brads are Bazzill and smaller sparkly ones on the other card are Doodlebug. Also used SU punch to round the corners.

Going to have a nice glass of wine now and sit and watch a bit of TV. Hope you're all having a great weekend.

Crikey! Nearly forgot to mentioned I followed Dawny's fabulous sketch on PTW - hope I've got the right one as I printed off a couple of hers lol! I'll soon find out when I go to link it to their blog!!

Finally!

2009-05-19T14:23:00.007+01:00

Finally found five minutes to photograph Sam's birthday card which I made! Sorry the photos aren't so good but I was rushing as usual - why is life so hectic. Anyway, finished work a bit earlier than usual so thought I would use the time to load it on my blog before the kids get home from school.

Decided to make another star card with papers from SU and cardstock from Bazzill. The front has been decorated with a MAMBI die cut, Cuttlebug embossing folder and Cricut George and Basic Shapes cartridge. I've used Penny Black Stickeroos again on the inside together with sentiments from Pink petticoat which have been cut out using a couple of SU punches. Ribbon is from Doodlebug.

Off to Asda to get a few bits and pieces now. Have been trying for weeks now to clear my inbox, however, every time I sit down at night to do it, I nod off to sleep on the sofa lol!! A big thank you to all those who are still paying me a visit.....it really is appreciated.

Meet Noodles!

2009-05-11T22:34:00.006+01:00

Just popping by to say Hi and to let you know I will have a card to show soon - it was Sam's birthday on Saturday so had a busy and fun weekend. However, forgot to photograph the card I made him so will try to do that soon so I can put it on my blog. In the meantime, I would like to introduce the newest member of our family - Noodles (Sam's choice of name, not mine!).

I think I near enough blinded the poor little fella when I took this photo earlier this evening pmsl! We've already had a couple of mishaps with him since Saturday, one certain Son of mine let him out of his cage on Saturday.....mentioning no names LEWIS! and I learned one vital lesson - don't stand up when holding the hamster because when they try to escape, they bounce off the furniture as they fall!! Seriously, the hamster is fine and wasn't hurt. Sam thinks he so cool and they call him James Bond because of his antics.....personally, I think he's more like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.......

Sorry the photo isn't so good but I turned the flash off just in case I gave him a heart attack....poor little fella has been through alot since moving in with us!!! Basically, he gets up on the roof of his little house and crawls upside down on the roof of his cage and when he gets stuck or too tired to hang on, he just drops!!

I suppose I'd better show a photo of the Birthday Boy.....bless him, he was so excited and had a lovely day....just can't believe my baby is seven!

Anyway, must get to bed now as I've got work in the morning......God, it sounds so good saying that! Will be back soon.

Baby Girl

2009-05-04T17:31:00.011+01:00

A friend of mine is expecting her new Granddaughter at the end of this month so managed to find some crafting time today to make a card. Decided to make a star card as I haven't made one in a long time and this is what I came up with.

I've used scraps of paper from my stash and cheated by using Penny Black Stickaroos.....they make life so quick and easy!! There are some embellishments from MAMBI, Papermania and my hearts Cuttlebug folder.

Still busy as ever - had the weekend to myself however, spent it doing my housework and catching up on the laundry!! We've had a lovely lazy day today.......nice long lie in and a full english breakfast for brunch - the boys loved it! Must get on as I've got loads of paperwork to sort out and still haven't made Sam's birthday cards yet. Hope to pop back soon.

Party Time!

2009-04-30T06:49:00.000+01:00

I'm still here! Sorry I haven't been around for a long while but I've now got myself a job so don't have much time to craft at the moment until I get myself a bit more organised!! However, it's Sam's birthday next week so had to make a few invitations for his party. We're going back to basics this year because of the credit crunch etc! so it's a party at home for a few of his friends.

Wanted to make a very quick and easy card because I was so late with them, however, they did take me a little longer than expected because I decided to decorate the insides as well.

The paper is from the Cricut birthdays pad and just used some MAMBI die cuts from my stash. For the insides, I used some Bazzill cardstock in pink and orange and used a stamp from MFT. I doodled around the edges and then added a matching MAMBI sticker. Put another sticker on the envelope as well, but didn't photograph that lol!! Finally, the bottom corners were rounded with my SU punch. Was quite pleased with the end result as they came out fresh and fun which is what I wanted for seven year olds!

I still haven't caught up on my blogging or e-mails so please don't think I'm ignoring you......I'm just trying to get my life in order and unfortunately, blogging comes last. Hope to be back very soon.

Happy Birthday Jilli!

2009-04-19T17:20:00.006+01:00

It's my blogging buddy, Jilli's birthday today and a VERY BIG one it is too pmsl!! God Jilli, wish I was that age again! Happy birthday sweetie and hope you are having/had a great day. Here's the card I made her.......

.....and here's the inside.....

I used the gorgeous Penpal stamp and coloured with PM's. Cardstock is Bazzill and papers are My Minds Eye which have been distressed and sewn. Don't ask me where I got the stamp sentiment from as I got it years ago - I stamped the top half for the outside of the card and the bottom half for the inside and cut them with my Nesties Labels dies. Flowers and brads are from my stash.

I've got big apologies to make now for I haven't done any crafting in a while and I'm way behind on my blogging. I've been extremely busy with my personal life and it looks like I've secured a part-time job - just got to sort out the hours and childminding etc. Still trying to keep up with my college work as well and of course, there's the kids and the house to look after as well......so things are very hectic. Because of all the problems in the my personal life and how busy I am, I am very sad to say that I've had to step down from the Stamp Something Design Team. I would like to thank Denise and Erin and all the girls for their support and friendship and you never know, I might even find time to take part in some of the challenges!

Hope you're all having a great weekend.......we've had a lovely, fun, relaxing day today with plenty of sunshines and smiles!!