Crafty Linby

Flash back Friday 20.0 Celebration and blog hop

2012-02-03T08:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Flashback Friday's celebration and blog hop. The Flashback Friday challenge chosen by Jo, is your first black and white card. This is mine from 2009. I am actually still pretty pleased with this card! The image is one of my favourites.

The blog hop order is below in case you get lost. You will see the Flash Back Friday challenge that the person hosting the hop was originally the guest designer for, we only have a couple who couldn't take part.
You should have come to me from Rose and now you need to go to Stephanie - after leaving me a comment, otherwise you won't be eligible for the amazing prizes Amy has on offer. Just go here to see them all.

Jen {Guest Designer for Flashback Friday 20.0}

Rose {Flashback Friday 3.0}

Lynn (that's me!) {Flashback Friday 4.0}

Stephanie {Flashback Friday 5.0}

Yvonne {Flashback Friday 6.0}

Amy C {Flashback Friday 7.0}

Karin {Flashback Friday 8.0}

Jana {Flashback Friday 9.0}

Emily {Flashback Friday 10.0}

Julie {Flashback Friday 13.0}

Lawren {Flashback Friday 14.0}

Els {Flashback Friday 15.0}

Pam {Flashback Friday 16.0}

Sylvia {Flashback Friday 17.0}

Merry {Flashback Friday 18.0}

Hazel {Flashback Friday 19.0}

~amy~

Don't forget to enter your card into the Flash Back Friday challenge 20.0. You don't even need to create a new card, remember the challenge is to share the first black and white card you made, but in a new post, not a back link to the original post. Have fun .
.

Workshop makes and my snippet card

2012-01-29T16:41:00.004Z

I am off the starter blocks really early with this week's snippet card for Pixie's Crafty Workshop. After I had finished off the cards below from the workshop last week with Leonie I had some bits left - so, ideal time to make a snippet card, they didn't even see the snippet box LOL! Also, I have had this tea and teapot stamped coloured and cut out for months, it all just came together, literally as the PTI stamps I used got stuck on a glitter adhesive sheet snippet and so I used that too to cover the tea cup and pot. The flower at the top of the card is made up from the off cuts from the punched border, something I have seen Sue Wilson do and wanted to try, so no waste at all on this card!
I'd also like to enter the card into:-
Simon Says Stamp and Show - inspired by a song title which is Afternoon Tea by The Kinks
CES Challenges - checks.
So, here are my finished from the workshop. First up a card made by cutting into some 12x12 card.

Next a circular card with nestie elements for the legs and top. The stamps used are from Leonie's website.

Then one of the cards I didn't get finished on the day because it was a bit messy - using mixed media - yeah! Want to try more of this so I bought some of the artists medium we used to create the texture in the top right corner. You will see this is where the snippets have come from.

Then we made this really effective slider card, I want to try and do one of these again.

Lastly we did some triple embossing. I had to assemble the elements at home as we didn't have time to finish, Leonie certainly packs a lot in a day.

LIM week 52-sketch

2012-01-28T15:47:00.005Z

Yeah! I've made it! I have entered all 52 weeks of the Less is More Challenge, I even got showcased one week too!
This week the challenge is a sketch. I've taken a prescored card and with my ink dusters used Antique Linen first on the card and then on the elements. The DP is by PTI and it is the same pattern but in two toning colourways. The digi image and sentiment are a freebie that Kirsty Wiseman has on her blog at the moment. I actually only used part of the image and took it into MCS and tiled it vertically. Then flipped the middle image. I then put a piece of ribbon behind to link it together and a tiny bit of bling.
I'd also like to enter the card into
Moving along with the times Challenge - Blooming marvellous
Creative Inspirations Challenge - anything goes

Facebook challenge card

2012-01-23T22:50:00.003Z

The images on this card are free from Nikky at Polka Doodles if you are in her Facebook group. The challenge is to create a card with them by Sunday 29 Jan. I took the butterfly image into MCS and tiled it to make a border. I used an embossing folder for the background and the intention was to ink it to match the diamond paper from my snippet box - yeah - I was determined to get a snippet on a card this week. However, the ink pads were rather large and so it ended up a bit more inky than I had imagined. The sentiment is part of a stamp from SU on a pedestal.
I didn't get as much time to craft today as I would have liked, unfortunately really had to do some housework!
I'd like to enter this card into
Snippet challenge
Ooh La La - seeing double
MAWTT challenge- things with wings

Needles and Pins and a right good workshop with Leonie

2012-01-22T23:24:00.004Z

I've had such fun making this card tonight. In fact I have had a fun day all round. I went to the workshop I mentioned yesterday that Leonie was holding.

She is just like she is on the TV-so friendly I felt like I already known her for ages. I didn't get to finish all the pieces we managed to pack into the day - so I will post those hopefully tomorrow when I get them sorted out. I've got the day off as I knew I would be tired after a long day today - up at 6am and not back home til 6pm.

To get back to my card. I have used a free background paper and image from Free Vintage Digital Stamps blog. I am just in heaven on that blog and it is all free. I took the background paper into MCS to give it a green tint and green faded border. The little tape measure, needle pack and thread were free rubber stamps from Crafty Individuals with the order I received this weekend (what new year resolution??). I am so pleased with them, there were loads of other ones too. The sentiment is from a Sam Poole stamp set.
I'd like to enter this card into:-
Allsorts challenge- needles and pins
Auds sentiments challenge- use the word LOVE
Digital Tuesday challenge - a romantic card

LIM week 51-cut it out

2012-01-21T20:34:00.002Z

and the inside...

This week the challenge on Less is More is "cut it out". I used a Waltzingmouse nestie friendly stamp, and cut out the middle section with the die it designed to fit. Not had a go at doing this before so it was a great way to get me using the die with the stamp. the sentiment of the front is also WM but the one on the inside is from Papermania. The image on the inside is from Crafty Indviduals and is part of a set of four scenes. I used Tim Holtz distress ink pads Old Paper and Antique linen to get a subtle effect.
I'd also like to enter the card into the Clean and Simple challenge over on Charisma Cardz challenges and "out with the old" on the Stampin for the weekend challenge.
I am going to a craft workshop tomorrow which Leonie Pujol (from C&C) is holding - can't wait.........

Quilting Queen

2012-01-19T22:42:00.005Z

I made this card earlier just before I went out to my Rock Choir practice. I decided to get in the snippet box and enter the challenge over on Pixie's blog, my second entry this year - yeah! I've also followed the theme at Crafts and Me challenge which is Pins - not sure if they will accept pictures of them? This card is for a friend of mine who is a very talented quilter, I am the lucky owner of several mini quilts she has made for me over the years. The pink paper and picture/sentiment were a download from a craft magazine. Everything else is from the snippets, including part of a flower that didn't fit on the last card I made using this paper.
I'd also like to enter it into :-
One stitch at a time challenge-anything
DYSU challenge - patterns
Crafty Sentiments Designs - anything goes

Here is a snippet left over from a snippet and yes it is going back in the box LOL!

New beginnings

2012-01-17T23:32:00.001Z

I was having a bit of an experiment here with my new "key" mask by using it for embossing and trying to get an aged look by using various ink pads and my ink dusters. I've cut the sentiment from my Graphic 45 Wizard of Oz paper pad. The background paper is from a Kanban pad and I cut one of the keys out and mounted it on the card. All placed onto a Hunkydory postage style card.
I tried to have a bit of a reorganising of my craft space today as it is getting hard to keep track of what I have. I don't think i am any further forward but it was at least a reminder of some stuff I hadn't seen for a while! also the need to get in the snippet box and make a card, unfortunately despite trying not snippets were used in the making of this card LOL!
I'd like to enter it into
Ooh La La challenge- new beginnings
Divas By Design challenge-new beginnings/thank you
Polka Doodles challenge- vintage/retro
Crafty Your days Away challenge-new beginnings
CES challenge - vintage dahling

Christmas Shoes!

2012-01-16T23:11:00.002Z

Sorry to drag everyone back to Christmas so soon, but this is an image I just got and really wanted to use. I wrote the sentiment with a glitter pen in my silhouette and the Bugaboo digi was cut out with the silhouette too. I've coloured the shoes with promarkers keeping it simple due to the detailing.
I'd like to enter this card into Passion for Promarkers challenge - inspired by a song "New shoes by Paulo Nutini" and ABC Christmas Challenge - anything Christmas.

LIM week 50 - one layer, birds

2012-01-15T12:50:00.002Z

The challenge over on Less is More this week is for one layer and birds. I am not a big fan of birds, but I did find that I had sets of stamps with a bird luckily. I've used one of my new embossing folders for the basis of this card. I then added some birds from a tree stamp set and a sentiment stamp I won and have not used before. I added a touch of green perfect pearls to the embossed leaves to make the card less stark.
I'd also like to enter this card into the following challenges:-
Crafty Catz challenge- use something new
Crafty Cardmakers challenge- no flower embelisments

Let's go shopping

2012-01-11T21:46:00.003Z

Lets so shopping - well I did today. I've been away with work and usually there are no shops to tempt me at lunch time but today I went into M&S just to get a sandwich but we had to pass the shoes! Next thing I know I am trying them on and my friend is saying these are nice and there I am with a new pair of purple shoes!
I've only been off the train an hour so I obviously didn't make this card today - I made it at the weekend and used my new Debbi Moore Fashion boutique cdrom for all the background elements. The figure is from a Charmed crafts download. I've also added some diamond sparkle to the chandelier and around the shop sign. I'm really pleased with how this turned out with a few added embellishments from my stash it's made for a really girly card.
I'd like to enter it into these challenges:-
Winter Wonderland - Let's go shopping
Cupcake Craft Challenges - something new
Anything Goes Challenge - anything goes
Crafty Creations Challenge - something new
Delicious Doodles Challenge - all things new

Hello to my new followers ( waves ) I'll catch up with you when life slows down a bit!

LIM week 49- predominately purple

2012-01-09T22:36:00.003Z

I've wanted to try and do this for ages, but it hasn't turned out quite how I envisaged it - does it ever LOL! I cut with my silhouette a flower out of some coredinations card stock, then embossed it with a SU folder and rubbed back the card to expose the core. I then mounted it onto a white card and stamped into the aperture. I think I would have been better using some foam tape to keep the aperture showing more.......
Anyway, this is my entry for this weeks Less is More challenge- predominately purple, my favourite colour, so happy, happy me.
I'm out and about with work this week so I doubt I will be able to do much commenting. If I don't get a head start at the weekend (and I didn't) then I never get to it.

Follow your heart

2012-01-07T23:11:00.003Z

Luckily for me Tickled Pink Challenge extended the deadline for entries into their challenge "your past fav challenge", I had this image already to go but it didn't get to a card until now. I've chosen the challenge "I (heart) you" from Jan 2011. I've edited the banner she is holding and instead stamped in the space a SU sentiment. I see this as a subtle valentine card to a man.........
The papers are Pink Petticoat and I have embossed the top one with a new folder I got.
I'd also like to enter the card into Crafty Sentiments challenge - Love and romance.
Now for a bit of a rant, not cardmaking related but I am beginning to think it is me, as it has happened to me so often recently, in fact today. You are reversing out of a space in the carpark, a car comes down the avenue you are reversing into, it sees you are part way out, you have reversing lights on - what does it do?? I would wait, but no they fly behind you. One day................. In fact the other day someone did it to me with a trolley, do they have a death wish????

Wizard birthday

2012-01-04T23:12:00.002Z

Sharing here another of my new stash of digis from Bugaboo - this time "Har Repotter - the chosen one". I decided that the background DP was sort of wizardy! and kept it simple and for some reason monochrome. They are also off cuts from my snippets box. I added some glossy accents for his glasses and just a touch of diamond sparkles to the "spell" from the wand, after all it is supposed to be a boy card.
First day back at work today. Struggled through - everyone telling me I looked awful (nice!). Feeling better tonight though, so perhaps I needed to work through it ha ha!
I'd like to enter this card into Ladybug Crafts Ink TLT Challenge - use new stash. Aud's sentiment challenge- any sentiment but you must use scraps.
I'm also going to put it into Pixie's Crafty Snippets challenge which she has taken over from Jules, never got to enter this last year so here's hoping to more success this year.

Chance to win 20 promarkers

2012-01-03T19:47:00.000Z

How would you like to win 20 promarkers of your choice? Jules from Always with a Heart has 20 to give away courtesy of Handy Hippo. Pop over to her blog to see how to enter.

Red and White

2012-01-03T15:08:00.001Z

I just love Bugaboo Stamps and this is one of the new ones I have just acquired. They are also fabulous for cutting out on the silhouette - so that is what I have done. I used a Mary Engelbreight backing paper which has preprinted the frame etc on to it. I have coloured her with Promarkers, for her dress I used Cardinal Red but it appears magenta on the photo. I have also been having a play with my glitter sketch pens for the silhouette and the sentiment is written using those.
Well what an awful day. My friend was supposed to be coming over, we have been trying to meet up since before Christmas, but both of us have at sometime been ill. She rang earlier to say she didn't want to drive in the awful weather and I don't blame her, so we will need to fix a new date yet again!
I rang the automated Dr's appt earlier just for some routine meds but I have to be seen, and was SO surprised when it gave me an appointment for today!!!!!! How many times do you try and get in the same day and yet can't!
Anyway, I'd like to enter this card into
Catch the Bug challenge- photo inspiration
Joanna Sheen challenge - celebrate
Winter Wonderland challenge - red and white (doesn't have to be xmas)
Cupcake Craftroom challenge-anything goes

Through the window......

2012-01-03T10:34:00.003Z

Continuing to play with my silhouette, I cut this curtain and window image from a file by Crimson Cloud. The houses stamp is a freebie from Crafty Individuals and then I added some Hobbyart trees etc to fill out the scene. The little cat is a papermania stamp and I thought added just the right touch to the scene. Struggled then as to what to use for a sentiment, but found this papermania one from the Chatsworth collection which I thought fitted nicely. Against my desire for real life correctness! I followed an idea from my new Barbara Gray DVD and took the scene outside the framing. I do like the effect.
I have an extra day to play today before having to go back to work. I still have a hacking cough and only yesterday really felt like tackling something that needed some thought which is why I got going with the silhouette. So much I wanted to do...............
I'd like to enter this tag into Polka doodles challenge - through the window and Ooh la la challenge - not a card

New beginnings

2012-01-02T22:48:00.004Z

This is a card I have made for someone leaving from work who is to begin a new job. I've been having a play with my silhouette as I really wanted to do some shaped cards and knew it should be possible to cut them out. So this card and the layers and base flowers and leaves were cut with the silhouette, I then added some other flowers from my stash. I gently brushed with an ink duster around the edges of the card with a lavender SU pad.
I'd like to enter this card into the By the Cute and Girly challenge-New beginnings and Crafts and Me Challenge - Anything goes.

Then I couldn't resit having another go at a shaped card with the silhouette.

A little bit of folk

2012-01-02T12:16:00.005Z

I've used the cd rom from MCS "A little bit of folk" for this card. The background I created using a stamp from the Waltzing Mouse labels 2 stamps, the sentiment is also WM. I was watching C&C and Diane from MCS demo'd how to change all your elements to the same shade at the same time - easy really but as I never read instructions it was new to me. So this card was an experiment to try out that technique and to enter the Waltzingmouse Challenge which every week I want to enter but it is over before I get a card done!
I'd also like to enter it into the Sir Stampalot challenge for mono cards.

New Year blog candy

2012-01-01T09:33:00.002Z

Something I have never done before is to do a blog candy. I really do appreciate all my friends in blogland so I have decided to give it a go! You will get what you see above plus various papers and embelishments.

Please follow these steps to become eligible to enter
1. Become a follower if you aren't already
2. Comment on at least two posts during January
3. Post about my candy on your blog and put the picture in your sidebar with a link back to my blog
4. Leave your name with Mr Linky below

I will post worldwide.
Closing date is Friday 4 Feb 2012

Penny Black & More DT card - Love and Hearts

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000Z

Welcome to the first day of 2012 and A Happy New Year to you.

It's time for a new challenge over at Penny Black & More @ Allsorts and this month it is Love and Hearts. For my DT card I have used a stamp from the PB Piece of my Heart stamp set. I used papers from Dovecraft Piece of Cake and one of my new spellbinder dies to cut and emboss the borders.
Thanks for looking and I do hope you can join in with the challenge this month, do visit the blog and see the other fab cards from the DT.

Pop back later for news of my first ever blog candy.

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T11:12:00.000Z

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and all the best for 2012 with this card I have made using the pre coloured freebie digi from Digi My World.. I decided to do a little steampunk and used Kanban backing papers, topped with a Pauala Pascale stam which to begin with I wondered what should go in the middle, then I thought the year of course, so I had to handwrite that.
Time was when I couldn't remember from one New Year's eve to next but now it seems like last years was only yesterday - the years are coming thick and fast!
I'd like to enter the card into:-
Digi My World - Bright new Year - DMW image needed
Cute Card Thursday - NY
C.R.A.F.T. challenge - NY
Allsorts challenge - new beginnings
Check back tomorrow for a little surprise from me..............

50s diner

2011-12-30T18:13:00.002Z

Yeah - 2nd post for today, I must be feeling better - at last! I know I feel better because when I went to Sainsbury's earlier I actually put on jewellery and some mascara, whereas when I went on Tuesday I looked like a bag lady...... and I was buying cough linctus..........
Anyway, I've made this card for the CD Sunday Challenge using MCS Fab Glam Fifties cdrom - one of my faves so I wanted to enter this challenge (just made it and it has been open for 2 weeks). Usually I would have gone for one of the lovely fashion dresses, but I decided to do something a little different for me. I've used the same Create with TLC sentiment as yesterday as I thought it looked like it was playing on the juke box.
I used a background paper for the backdrop of the diner, it is just a coincidence that her boyfriend looks remarkably like the wall art LOL!
I'd also like to enter the card into the Creative Inspirations challenge - anything goes

Farout

2011-12-30T10:43:00.003Z

As soon as I saw these characters from Digi My World I wanted to get one to play with. I chose "Farout" and downloaded her yesterday and here she is on a card! I put some glossy accents on her glasses and sprinkled on some glamour dust. I am entering the card into the challenge on Moving Along with times-retro/music. I used some DCWV papers cut out the flower petals with my silhouette and then added a musical sentiment from Create with TLC.
I'd also like to enter the card into these challenges:-
Charisma Cardz Challenge - anything goes
Simon Says challenge - anything goes
Digi doodle challenge- anything goes

Glitter again.....

2011-12-29T15:56:00.002Z

I still had the glitter out from yesterday so I decided to have another go, this time with some Anna Griffin stamps. I used a PTI sentiment in the middle. Unfortunately the photo looks like some of the glitter is missing but that is just the reflection from the light. I added some ribbon and a little adhesive embellishment from my stash.
I'd like to enter this card into Crafty Creations Challenges - thank you card.
Just when I thought I felt better yesterday I fell asleep from 5pm til 9pm! Busy doing not much must have tired me out!

Bloom

2011-12-28T16:41:00.000Z

I caught a bit of QVC this afternoon and they had the Martha Stewart glitter kit with stamps on. I bought this kit a couple of years ago and never really used it so I decided to have a go not only with the stamps in the kit but some SU stamps too.
I'm pleased with the way this came out. I drew the stems with a glue pen to link the flower head stamps.
I'm entering this card as a second entry into this the current Less is More Challenge, which is for "one word".
Thank you all for your good wishes to get well soon. I am feeling better today but am now in the betwixt world of not being able to do anything for very long, and getting restless if I sit and do nothing! I actually felt up to checking what challenges are on at the moment today and found I had won Colour Create, back on 15 December which was a lovely surprise.
I'd also like to enter this card into Aud's sentiments challenge - anything goes.
This card is actually my first attempt, but I don't like it as much as this one.

LIM week 47-Just one word

2011-12-27T17:08:00.001Z

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas. Sorry I didn't get on here to wish it before, but I have been suffering still - symptoms seem to be on a cycle! Luckily the OH cooked Christmas dinner and surprisingly I still have an appetite so that was good. I have a hacking cough now and only ventured out earlier to get some linctus from Sainsbury's and that proved a bit too much. I am so annoyed, because I have been really looking forward to getting some crafty time - so this is the best I could come up with today as my head is not clear enough for anything else.
The only thing to have got me in the craft room recently is the Less is More Challenge - this week it's for "just one word". I've used a digi from Cardmadfairy coloured with promarkers (previously done!) with an SU sentiment.
I'd also like to enter the card into the I love ProMarkers challenge - anything goes.

LIM week 46-music

2011-12-19T21:27:00.002Z

First of all I am sorry I have been a bad blogger and done hardly any commenting, especially on the Less is More challenge last week. As I said in my last post I hadn't been too well and that continued throughout the week, I just about made it into work each day. Then Friday evening I went out and the most awful sore throat came on and I awoke on Saturday with a heavy cold. Spent Sunday mostly in bed in the hope that I would be well enough to meet up with a friend today as arranged in Birmingham for the Xmas Market. Well I made it to Birmingham with the help of Imodium yet again (so nearly got off at Derby!), so it seems it has come full circle! Needless to say we didn't see much of the market as it was also heavily raining and bitterly cold.
Anyway, my head feels a bit clearer so I wanted to partake in the Less is More challenge which this week is music. Now I do have some music somewhere but this stamped image I did in a workshop ages ago was to hand, and I had been meaning to make it into a card, so here it is. Thanks to Mandi for the inspiration otherwise there would have been no card this week, and I would have broken my record.

LIM -Let it snow - one layer card

2011-12-12T13:50:00.003Z

Here is my entry for Less is more challenge this week - which is "let it snow". I've run a card through a snowflake cuttlebug folder and then with a glue pen added some diamond sparkles in two different colourways.
It was my birthday yesterday and we spent Saturday in London going to Ripleys believe it or not Museum and then afternoon tea. I was panicking at Ripleys because the last part is a mirror maze and I didn't think we were going to find our way out in time to get to afternoon tea, we did but the OH wanted to go back in - not when we only just found our way out! I unfortunately got a bug that is doing the rounds and had to dose myself on Imodium to get there - slept most of yesterday and now today when I was supposed to be baking cakes for work feel horrid with a sore throat - so this is the best I could come up with.
I'd also like to enter it into the Winter Wonderland challenge who also want to see "let it snow" this week.

Christmas cupcake

2011-12-07T21:28:00.001Z

I got lots of inspiration from a few challenges for this card, even though it is very simple. You may remember that I did a similar cupcake for Halloween - who knows I may do one for Easter!
I've used a Marianne Die to cut the cupcake and cherry elements, combined with a Paula Pascale sentiment and part of a Smirk stamp.
I'd like to enter this card into:-
Kaboodle Doodles challenge- colours of Christmas
Marianne's Designs Divas Challenge-sparkle and shine
Colour Create challenge-red white and green
Cupcake inspiration challenge - photo inspiration

Tis the season

2011-12-06T22:25:00.001Z

I had a bit of a break from the boy cards and did this one and only girly grandkid card I needed to make - how I wish there were more girly ones to do - oh well! I used some of the papermania papers and embellishments from my prize (see earlier post) and then used a Lili of the Valley stamped image and coloured her with promarkers and flexmarkers adding some detail with a silver promarker.

I'd like to enter this card into:-
papertake Weekly challenge-anything goes
Winter Wonderland challenge-christmas/winter birthday
Passion for Promarkers challenge- celebrations

Sparkly Christmas

2011-12-04T14:16:00.001Z

Second post for me today, see below for my DT Penny Black & More card.

Another one of the Grandkids cards, this time for one a little younger so I indulged and went sparkly! I have used a Popcorn Bear cdrom f rom Crafters Companion and a free magazine DP for the background. The other embellishments are from a pack I bought some time ago, they are injected plastic so squish in when you press them.
The OH was just in my craft room and said "there is a tear drop on your desk", thinking it was some crafty item I didn't know I had, I was looking around - couldn't see it. When he said "I think it's from your distress ink pad" boom boom! distressed-crying get it ........... aarrghh!
Anyway, I'd like to enter this card into:-
Ooh la la -Lots of sparkle
CES challenges-Bear Necessities
Digi doodle shops best challenge -lots of sparkle
Crafty Calendar- Cold and frosty

Penny Black & More monthly challenge - DT card

2011-12-04T08:00:00.000Z

This is my DT card for this month's challenge over on the Penny Black & More @ Allsorts Challenge. This month we would like to see Birthday Cards. We had almost 200 entries last month, lets see if we can break the 200 mark this month, I would love to see what you create. Don't forget you don't have to use a PB stamp to play.
For my card I have used one of the newer PB stamps "Sweet Surprise" - as you know I love my fashion so combined with Penny Black this was a winner for me.
I used some SU cardstock and then layered up with nesties adding some fancy corners to frame the image. I then punched the edge of the base card and mounted onto a 10x7 card base. Added some MS punched and SU punched butterflies. all coloured with Promarkers and some diamond sparkles added to her dress and the candle flame.

LIM week 44- green

2011-12-03T18:03:00.001Z

My second post for today.

Are Saturday's coming around faster or is it just my age LOL! Here we are again with the Less Is More Challenge which this week is green. Now, I don't like it when it is that vague - help! No direction whatsoever, except maybe Christmas. So, I have dug out some Anna Griffin embellishments I just had to have a couple of years ago, and haven't used half of. Added a couple of Paula Pascale sentiments and that's it from me - got to dash, be around to comment soon.
Oooh and by the way - the sentiments are stamped in the new limited edition Tim Holtz spruce green - something else I just had to have LOL!

Christmas Critters

2011-12-03T11:14:00.000Z

Here's one of the first cards I have begun to make for the OH Grandkids. This is a large card at 10x7. I've used a "snow much fun" cdrom by Margaret Sherry to print the three toppers and background paper. The other bits are freebies from a mag. I added MCS "snow" to the first topper for each of the snowballs. There is also some MCS "Frost" which hasn't shown up too well, thought it looked better than glitter for a young man.
I'd like to enter the card into:-
One Stop Craft Challenge-Let it snow
Bah!Humbug! challenge-cute Christmas critters
Kaboodle Doodles Challenge-Bundle up for Winter
Fab 'n' Funky challenge-anything goes
Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge-The colours of Christmas with option of sparkle
Joanna Sheen monthly challenge-Christmas cards

On Safari

2011-11-30T16:20:00.001Z

The theme on CD Sunday Challenge this week is - on safari. Now I don't have many nature scenes, and none that would fit this theme, so I have taken a slightly different tack - hopefully the ladies will allow LOL! I don't suppose they were expecting to see any shoe entries when they set the challenge.
These images and DP are from the Shoes in Bloom Cdrom, I used Leopard jungle, zebra jungle and monkey shoe - if you look closely you can see him on the smallest shoe!
I'd also like to enter the card into Divas by Design challenge where this week it is anything goes.

What a lucky girl I am - just look what I won from the Docrafts website.

Christmas sentiment

2011-11-29T21:10:00.001Z

I'm back again with that stamp and that same technique as yesterday. I have got a bit of a "thing" about doing this image at the moment LOL! I've added a Paula Pascale sentiment stamp and then simply mounted onto green mirri card and then onto some free Christmas paper from last year (could be the year before!). So glad I remembered where these papers are this year and they are getting used.
I'd like to enter the card into Aud's sentiments challenge which is for "a Christmas sentiment".

Pink, white and gold

2011-11-28T21:53:00.001Z

Pink, white and gold is the colour combo over on Colour Create Challenge this week. I'm not one for gold normally and I would have preferred to use silver, but I thought I would give it a go and it's not too bad.
I used the white cotton Stazon to stamp onto the gold mirri card. I used free background papers for the snowflakes and accents. The border and side flourishes are cut with my new ironwork accents dies.

Here's a picture someone took of us performing on Saturday.

Slightly closer look reveals me in the third row!

LIM week 43 - a bit of bling

2011-11-26T23:48:00.001Z

This is actually the second card I made for the Less is More challenge - which this week is a "bit of bling". I've used a Cardmadfairy digi which I coloured with promarks and stuck on gems on her dress, then went a bit mad and put small pearls on for her jewellery. Hopefully the amount of white space left will balance out a lot of decoration (fingers crossed!). I'd also like to enter her into the I love Promarkers challenge- anything goes and Sir Stampalot challenge - blue and green..
This is the first card I made - more LIM but I decided I could do better. At least two free Christmas stamps from last year have eventually seen ink LOL. Id also like to enter this card into the Polka Doodles challenge- Italian Christmas.

It is now nearly midnight and I have had a busy day. I was in the first public performance of our Rock Choir earlier. It went really well and as we were singing outdoors we were so glad it didn't rain. Off to bed then......

Winter wardrobe

2011-11-25T20:15:00.001Z

I've taken the digi Imogen with hat from Cardmadfairy and made her supersize! This is an 8x6 card, I made her this size because I wanted to use a snowflake stamp to pattern her coat and hat. I've coloured her with aquamarkers. The snowflakes are cut with my silhouette and the ticket was a freebie last year from Miss Cutiepie. Here is a little close up to try to capture the diamond sparkles I added over the wording.

I'd like to enter this card into:-
Crafty Calender Challenge-winter wardrobe
Cardmadfairy digi days challenge- Winter wonderland
Kaboodle Doodles challenge-Baby it's cold outside
Ladybug Crafts challenge-winter blues
Digital Tuesday Challenge-sparkle and shine
Charisma Cardz Challenge-snowflakes

I had a lovely time at the literary luncheon today. Unfortunately Alan Titchmarsh didn't make it as his wife was taken ill and he had to turn back home.

An artist.......

2011-11-24T17:19:00.001Z

I've made this card using paper from the Repro Depot pattern book on cdrom. I also cut a nestie out from the same paper with my one of my newest "ironwork" dies. the tree is embossed and it came with the sentiment from the same stamp set that I got at the Doncaster show a few weeks ago, it is becoming quite a staple item in my craft box. The three roses were also bought at the show.
I'd like to enter this card into CD Sunday challenge - trees and Crafts and Me challenge-shabby chic/vintage.

I'm going to the annual Notts Literary Champagne luncheon tomorrow - the guest speaker is Alan Titchmarsh so I think it will be entertaining.

Christmas labels

2011-11-23T22:58:00.001Z

Me and my neighbour have been to a Christmas gift party tonight and I bought five jars of home made chutney-and did a lot of tasting in the process! One which I bought for the OH is Beetroot, cabbage and horseradish relish - I know he is going to love it, I didn't hate it but it's not to my taste as I don't like beetroot or horseradish!
Anyway, I have found time to get crafty and make this Christmas card. All the paper and card I have used is SU. I cut with nestie labels number 2 and used the Waltzingmouse stamp that fits the label, I then used the SU Dasher stamp and embossed with sparkly Gold embossing powder. The sentiment is from a Creative Expressions Christmas set of stamps. All mounted on a "postage" card from Cardcraft plus. I've left decoration as such to a minimum as I think this will be a male Christmas card.
I'd like to enter the card into Waltzingmouse challenge- sketch and Papertake Weekly Challenge-Christmas crackers.

One layer

2011-11-22T20:42:00.001Z

We went to see Rumer last night, if you have never heard her, she has an amazing voice which reminds me so much of the late great Karen Carpenter - those were the days! The only down side was she didn't come on until 9pm and finished at 10.30pm so it made for a late night with work today.
I've made this card using ink dusters and a big and juicy Waterfall pad. I masked an area where the globe would be with a post it. The main stamp and sentiment are Lindsay Mason, the others are Debbie Moore and Lavina. I added a dusting of diamond sparkles in blue zircon.
I'd like to enter this card into these challenges:- Allsorts-one layer card and Flutter By Wednesday - open challenge.

LIM week 42-theme-silhouettes

2011-11-20T23:14:00.001Z

The challenge on Less is More this week is silhouettes. Blogger is really playing up as I write this and so is Google chrome so I have reverted to IE8 and will keep this short!
The pink is more "shocking" in real life.

Penny Black & More DT Christmas Challenge

2011-11-17T08:00:00.000Z

Morning everyone. Brenda who runs the Penny Black and More challenge at Allsorts sent the DT a selection of Christmas papers and vellum roses, pins and ribbon and asked us to make a card. This is what I came up with. Pop over the the blog to see what the rest of the DT did with their kit.

There is still time to enter this month's challenge on Penny Black and More - the theme is All Creatures Great and Small. We have over 100 entries so far, let's see if we can make 200! I'm having loads of fun commenting on creations and would love to have some more entries to look at, there are some fab prizes on offer.

Baby it's cold outside

2011-11-16T11:03:00.001Z

I've got a day off today due to the long day I worked last Friday - so time for crafting and cakes to bake for a get together at work on Friday.
This is a card I have made using images from MCS Festive Deco Follies - I've added some Diamond sparkles and used my silhouette to cut out the snowflakes. The background paper I have had for ages.
I'd like to enter this card into
Fab n Funky challenge- baby it's cold outside
Crafter's companion challenge-Let it snow
Divas by design challenge - monochromatic
I'm all over the place today with my thoughts about cards I want to do - I have made a list of the jobs I need to get too so far managed to cross two off!

Paisley

2011-11-15T19:22:00.001Z

I've used an image from MCS Dressing up Dolly Divas - you can see here what she originally looked like before I recoloured her dress to match my Anna Griffin papers.

I had some paisley peel offs I had bought to go with the paper and so thought I would put a few on the dress for added detail. This is a large card at 7x10 inches.
I've made this card for the challenge on CD Sunday challenge which this week is "Paisley".

Pudsey bear

2011-11-14T18:04:00.001Z

It's that time again in the UK for the Children in Need Appeal and Pudsey Bear. I bought this stamp from Lili of the Valley as part of the proceeds go to the Appeal. I had great plans for making and selling some Pudsey cards to sell for the Appeal, but only this one got made!
I've used a scrap of printed paper from my box - it was a freebie download from a mag, a scrap of silk card and coloured Pudsey with promarkers and added just a touch of diamond dust to the spots on his scarf.
I'd like to enter the card into these challenges:-
C.R.A.F.T challenge-cute
Lili of the Valley challenge - creature comforts
BTW - the poppy brooches arrived today! Oh well, got them for next year.

Remembrance

2011-11-13T12:46:00.001Z

I love poppies (blog background kind of gives that away!) but I also wanted to make a card to mark Remembrance Sunday. Myself and some colleagues ordered these beautiful poppy brooches from the Royal British Legion but unfortunately they haven't as yet arrived.

I have so many stamps to chose from but this is a set by Papermania. I used ink daubers to get the different areas shaded in different colours cut around the image with a nestie and embossed and then edged with a red promarker.

I'd like to enter the card into these challenges:-

Delicious Doodles Challenge - Remembrance

Simon Says Stamp Challenge- photo inspiration-poppy field

Cute Card Thursday challenge- Reds for remembrance

LIM week 41 one layer- leaves

2011-11-12T13:18:00.001Z

I've really missed my crafting this week. On Monday I flew to Glasgow for work and didn't get back until late Tuesday evening. Yesterday I left the house at 5.45am and got back at 8.45pm from Croydon - the trains were a nightmare and no drinks either! So, time to chill out today and enter this week's Less Is More Challenge which is for one layer and leaves. I've actually made two cards. The first one is using Tapestry stamps through a leaf stencil and the second is a stamp that I added a few glitters one of which is called Autumn fire and is strands rather than particles of glitter. I hope to be back to my normal commenting this week, so sorry to have missed all the Limette cards for the last couple of weeks.

I'd also like to enter the second card into the DYSU challenge-inspired by a song - Autumn of my Life - Bobby Goldsboro.

LIM week 40 - red and orange

2011-11-06T16:01:00.000Z

I've used a stamp from a set I only got this week for my entry at Less is More who want to see orange and red this week. The stamp is from Sparkle n Sprinkle, my first order from them as they had another stamp I have wanted for ages - that is yet to make an appearance! Also in my package was a couple of small stamps and some glitters which I didn't know where in there until I was tidying up and thought, why is this envelope rattling.
Anyway, I have stamped the image in SU Rose red then used an orange promarker to colour some of the white areas, used a red promarker for the lips, the sentiment also came as part of the set.
I' also like to enter it into the Crafty Catz Weekly challenge- anything goes.
Another busy week for me going to Glasgow and Croydon with work so may not get to do much commenting.
Please see my post below, I'm now a DT member for the newly launched challenge "Penny Black and More" we would love it if you would join in, there are some fantastic prizes to be won - pity I am on the DT now! You've got all month to enter and the theme is "all creatures great and small".

Exciting news..........

2011-11-06T08:00:00.000Z

Hey! - I have been asked to be a DT member on the newly retitled challenge "Penny Black and More" and I jumped at the chance. Looking forward to working with the lovely DT who have made me feel very welcome. This is my card for the first challenge "All creatures great and small" and I've used one of the images from the PB "Micey Day" set then added some sentiments from other stamp sets.
Here's a summary of the changes to the challenge, we have some fantastic prizes so please come along and join in this fantastic challenge:-

We are opening up the challenge entry criteria and starting with our November challenge you will be able to use any stamp on your work, although strictly no digi images.

And we are changing the day of our challenges which in future will launch on the first Sunday of the month.

There will still be lots of prizes on offer and all eligible entries will go into the draw, plus there will be an additional prize each month for entries using a Penny Black stamp or stickeroo.

And as if all that was not enough, we will be having a “Who’s in the Spotlight” feature every month. The DT will be keeping an eye open as they go on their rounds and each month we will feature two entries which stand out to us. Those entries will be able to display our special logo....................and we will invite those peeps to write a short bio about their crafting journey which will be published on our blog. The first will be on or about 20th December based on November challenge entries.

There will be a slight change to our name to take account of these changes and in future we will be know as ‘Penny Black and More’.

Bright and Sparkly

2011-11-04T23:26:00.001Z

There are a few challenges for sparkle at the moment and so with arrival of some new lilac diamond sparkles, it was the perfect opportunity to try it out along with one of my new LOTV stamps which I coloured with promarkers and edged with a fleximarker. I then used two different glitter papers for the mat and background paper. The sentiment is Paula Pascale.
I'm not sure why I haven't got a closer picture in the first shot - maybe because it is a DL card, but here is a closer look at the image and sparkle.

I arranged for a parcel to be redelivered today, they had originally tried to deliver on Wednesday. I waited from 9 to 5.30 and no parcel. Then at 6pm my neighbour brought it round, it had been delivered yesterday!!! and the driver went there because there was no one in at my house - what is the point of arranging a delivery, getting confirmation and then just bringing it when they like! Rant over - except it was crafting goodies and the order is wrong and a stamp I had been waiting for since 1 Oct I find from the delivery note is out of stock and not available - yeah, I know not like I don't have loads of others to use, in fact that is what I spent most of today doing, reorganising the craft room and my stamps, so no chance of finding anything for a while LOL.
Anyway, I'd like to enter this card into these challenges:-
Lili of the valley challenge - Bright and sparkly
I love ProMarkers challenge - Glitter and glitz
Winter Wonderland challenge- Make your card sparkle
Creative Inspirations challenge-Lashings of sparkle
Charisma Cardz Challenge - Cutesy

A blingy cat

2011-11-02T22:40:00.002Z

I've taken the challenge at CD Sunday challenge for Cats and the challenge at Papertake Weekly - anything goes with optional bling and combined them to produce a Blingy Cat! All the elements are from a MCS cdrom Reigning Cats and dogs. I originally bought it thinking I would make the MIL a card as she loves cats, but none of them look like her cat - so this is the first time I have had a chance to use it. I added the butterflies to the background and the tiara to the cat and then used a sprinkling of diamond dust on them for the bling.
I'm sorry I haven't done much commenting this week. You will see from an earlier post I had a girlie weekend in London and didn't get back until late Sunday evening. I then had to catch a train to Newcastle lunchtime Monday and got back late last night. I was determined to make a card tonight though ;)

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T18:30:00.000Z

I thought I would share with you this photo that a friend sent me in an email. Back soon with a card...........

LIM week 39 -stars

2011-10-31T11:28:00.001Z

I've been in London all weekend and so only saw that the Less is More challenge was stars this morning. This is what I have come up with. Lots of punches stars and then a dusting of Diamond Dust and a single mirri card star in the middle, the sentiment is Paula Pascale.
I'm going to be busy with work so probably won't be able to get much commenting done this week, sorry. This is just a quick post before I head off out the door.
This is part of my weekend away, the fashion champagne afternoon tea at The Berkeley Hotel, we also went to see "We Will Rock You" the Queen musical on Saturday night.
Each season a new selection of cakes and pastries is inspired by catwalk fashion. This season, this is the inspiration:-

And these are what they came up with for us to eat - too nice to eat really!

Although the topping might look like Angelina fibres LOL! It is spun sugar and edible, I was on a bit of a high as my friend doesn't like meringue or pure sugar, so I had hers as well!

CAS Christmas

2011-10-28T18:23:00.001+01:00

The challenge on Winter Wonderland this week is CAS - so I have done just that! I bought this stamp as part of a set at Doncaster and saw this technique of stamping in white on mirri card. The lady said I needed a Stazon pad for the effect but that it would not work on very good quality mirri card. Well - it seems to have worked so I guess I have lower grade card LOL! This is the pad and inker you need for the effect, because it is transparent it allows the card colour to show through.

I've embossed some white card and then used a silver ink pad over the design adding some diamond dust (which yet again hasn't shown up in the photo!).
I'd also like to enter the card into:-
Bah!Humbug! challenge- die cuts
Ooh la la challenge- let it snow
Digi Doddle Shop's Best challenge - anything goes
Crafty Sentiments challenge-no DP
I got another top 3-this time from the Cardmadfairy challenge - you can see all the recent badges I have got at the top of my sidebar - I seem to be on a roll........

Fantasy tag

2011-10-27T18:45:00.005+01:00

When I went to Doncaster on Sunday I got introduced to Lavina stamps. I've used some of them on this tag, and the idea for the tag I got from watching the demo at the Inkylicious stand. I used a big and juicy pad and my brayer for the background then added the hills with ink dusters. I've added some diamond dust in a sort of running stitch pattern down half of the tag - another idea from the show. The sentiment is part of a tree set I bought on Sunday from Inkylicious.
I'd like to enter this tag into the Charisma Cardz Challenge - anything goes.

So pleased to have made the top 3 at the Tickled Pink challenge with my steampunk card below.

Boo 4 you

2011-10-26T18:52:00.000+01:00

I don't usually make Halloween cards - yet this is my third this year! This one was created because I wanted to continue to enter the CD Sunday challenge. to meet with challenge rules you have to have an item from a craft cd. So, with no Halloween images as such on cds, I have used the backing paper from MCS kids collectors edition and re-colourised it for Halloween. The mannequin and clothes were a freebie from somewhere last year, but I don't know where. I used my SU tag stamps and punch to create the three tags. I've added a little sparkle to her outfits and also stamped the bottom of the white dress with one of the tag stamps.
I'd like to enter her into:-
The CD Sunday Challenge - halloween
Divas by Design challenge - something spooky
ABC challenge - B for Boo
Simon Says challenge- anything goes
Polka Doodles challenge - Halloween
Allsorts challenge - Halloween
Cupcake Inspirations - photo inspiration

Steampunk lad

2011-10-25T22:12:00.001+01:00

I've used a digi called Lil Victorian Steampunk lad Eric from Tickled Pink Stamps for this card to fit with the Tickled Pink Challenge - masculine. I've coloured him with promarkers and used the silver metallic marker to colour some of the contraption on his back and his goggles, but you can't really see it! All the background elements are from the MCS Tinkering with Steampunk CDrom. I've inked over everything to give it a bit of distressed look and then looking for some manly embellishments I came across these black mosaic tiles and thought they fitted the card.
I'd also like to enter Moving Along with the Times Challenge - vintage.

LIM week 38 - polka dots

2011-10-24T09:05:00.002+01:00

I'm going to be confined to the kitchen for most of today as I am having some carpets fitted, I've managed to get a couple of crafty things in there with me but not much room with everything else I had to decant into there. It does mean I should have plenty of time for commenting though.

The theme on the Less is More challenge this week is Polka Dots, I had lots of ideas but felt if I didn't get something made it may not get made this week. So, I inked up one of my new Gorjuss girl stamps (I managed to get three for under £10 so very pleased) and coloured her with promarkers. The sentiment is from a PTI set.

I'm over the moon at being showcased at Less is More last week - thank you so much Mandi and Chrissie, my badge is very proudly sitting on my sidebar.

I went with Sally from Crafty Salutations and her daughter to the Stamp Magic show at Doncaster yesterday. Had a great time and bought LOADS - so watch out for all the new ideas I got!

I'd also like to enter the card into Creative Inspirations challenge - single layer card and One Stop Craft Challenge - no DP.

Penny Black and autumn

2011-10-22T15:07:00.002+01:00

I've finally managed to get a card together for the Penny Black at Allsorts challenge - and they have extended the closing date to 31 Oct - so that helped. Also from next month you don't have to use a PB image to enter.
I stamped my PB image with a Spice Big and Juicy pad and then used my flexmarkers to colour in - no idea what I am doing with them LOL! I've used some SU cardstock and some brown card from my stash. I copied an idea I saw Sue Wilson do on C&C this week, which is to link the Spellbinder corners to the edge of a nestie shape. Mine are blending a little too much with the background to see, so better luck I hope with this technique next time. I've added some leaves and a pin from my stash, punched a few butterflies and added some SU ribbon and sentiment. I used MS punches for the corners and borders. I'd also like to enter the card into C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - autumn and I love Promarkers Challenge "ain't it cute".

Fab blog candy comp

2011-10-21T21:28:00.000+01:00

You might have seen this blog candy competition on my sidebar. Just go to Creativity Lady and download the freebie she has there and make a card - just like I have. You then have the chance to win the lovely new cdrom by Rachael Anne Miller. The closing date for entries is 23 October.

A woman's work ............

2011-10-20T18:16:00.003+01:00

The challenge on B 'n' W is to use your favourite Elizabeth Bell stamp. Well here she is "Belle vacuuming". This image reminds me so much of when I was a child and I had my very own working version of a Hoover - in miniature. I used to follow my Mum around doing the housework - pity I don't have the same enthusiasm for it nowadays LOL! I want to use it in a scrapbook page eventually - but for now here she is on a card with a Joanna Sheen sentiment and PTI couch and picture frame which I have paper pieced.

I am on a roll this week, just got the top three badge from Paperplay with my Halloween cupcake. - wooohooo.

Get well soon

2011-10-19T18:46:00.003+01:00

For this card I have coloured the CC image with promarkers and used a couple of PTI set for the background stamps and sentiments. The paper is from my scraps box and the ribbon was originally on a teatowel to hang it up by, but as I use a rail I thought it would look better on a card LOL!
I'd like to enter the card into Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - get well soon and I love promarkers challenge - aint' it cute.

Around the world

2011-10-18T22:04:00.004+01:00

This is my second post for today!
This is the card I have made for the CD Sunday Challenge - around the world. I just found out that I made their top three last week and I have been showcased at Less is More, plus the tiler told me today he can fit me in tomorrow to finally finish my kitchen - I'm in seventh heaven!
I used a set of Crafty Indvidual stamps for the background, together with some postage mark stamps they sent me as a freebie. I then added the main Paris image from the Parisian chic cd rom by cardplus creations. The Statue of Liberty is a Clarity stamp and the guard is actually a button I have had in my stash for ages.

Cupcake halloween

2011-10-18T19:05:00.000+01:00

I decided to use my marianne cupcake die to make a Halloween cupcake - the topping is some very old candy corn paper I have only scraps left of now, just enough to eek out this top. I used a Waltzing mouse frame and a Smirk and Paula Pascale sentiment.
As I have used my scraps I would like to enter the DYSU challenge. I'd also like to enter into
Sir Stampalot Challenge - food glorious food, Papertake Weekly challenge -spoooky hues, Paperplay challenge - cupcake, Cupcake Inspirations challenge - photo inspiration.

Christmas critter

2011-10-17T19:05:00.000+01:00

Two challenges have led me to create this card, and a good thing too - as it means one more towards the Christmas box. Someone at work was saying today "it will soon be Christmas!" and I thought I'd better get on with some more cards.

I coloured the image with my fleximarkers, which I am slowly getting used to, then added some more colour to the branches with promarkers. I've used glossy accents on his nose, pads and the baubles. I then sprinkled some glitter onto the baubles and onto the branches. It hasn't photographed too well, but I used two MS glitters. I'd chosen the background DP and wondered how to finish it off when I saw the ribbon and bow challenge on Polka Doodles.
So I am entering the card into Passion for Promarkers challenge- Christmas critters and Polka Doodles challenge - ribbon and bows. Well there is a bit of a storm getting up here - hope the roof stays on!

Spots and stripes

2011-10-16T10:16:00.000+01:00

I've used a Cardmadfairy image for the challenge at Cardmadfairy digi days challenge which is "Spots and stripes". Imogen's dress is usually plain but I decided to doodle some spots onto it - hope Jenni doesn't mind! I've used SU card stock and then embossed with butterflies one of the nestie layers. I then thought I would try and emboss the ticket too and brush over with a versamark pen and perfect pearls.
I'd also like to enter it into the Bling it on Challenge - no patterned papers.

LIM week 37 - Cocktails

2011-10-15T22:30:00.001+01:00

This week on Less is More challenge the theme is Cocktails- hurrah! This can be interpreted anyway you like, but as you will see, I like a good cocktail image so I have gone for the "what it says on the tin" approach! I've put them in one post to save return visits. Enjoy.
The one above uses MFT stamps. I drew the cocktail stick myself with a silver promarker. I even remembered about refraction from all those years ago at school - who would have thought it would have been any use......

Finally a Bugaboo digital image with a little cocktail stirrer of mine. I used to collect them but only have a few now.

Boo!

2011-10-15T16:01:00.000+01:00

I saw this cute guy and just had to make a card with him, unfortunately I can't remember where he or the little spider came from. If you do, please let me know and I will credit them.
edited to say that the main image is Dracula Mikey from Simply betty stamps.
I've used retired SU cardstock for the base and background. The background is the retired groom paper with a black ink pad drawn over it to take it from white to grey/black. I cut the Boo! from green vinyl on my silhouette.
I'd like to enter the card into:-
cupcake craft challenge - halloween
Creative Card Crew Challenge - spooky fun
simon says challenge - halloween or goth
delicious doodle challenge - halloween but no orange
one stop craft challenge - halloween
crafty calender challenge spooky

Christmas pinkette again

2011-10-15T10:13:00.000+01:00

Here she is again, but she had a change of outfit and dyed her hair, such a fashionista LOL! For some inspiration I used the sketch this week from Sketch n stash. I reduced the size of the digi this time, added lots of diamond dust, bling, some pretty pink lace ribbon and last years free Christmas papers from my stash.
I'd like enter her into:-
Sketch n stash challenge- sketch
Bee crafty challenge - bling/sparkle

Christmas Pinkette

2011-10-14T22:05:00.000+01:00

As soon as I saw this digi I wanted her, she is sooo cute, and I love the way the wind is blowing around her. I added some extra sparkle to the lines whipping around her. She is one of the Christmas Pinkette stamps from Tickled Pink. I'd like to enter her onto the challenge at Tickled Pink Stamps this week which is for white on white with a coloured image. I'd also like to enter into ABC Christmas Challenge - U for unused stash. I haven't used the punch I made the snowflakes with before or the Poppy promarker I coloured her outfit with.

Little robin red breast

2011-10-14T14:39:00.000+01:00

I got the chance to take the day off work today! We are so busy that most of the time I can't just take a day off, so when the opportunity arose, I took it. Unfortunately I spent most of the morning cleaning and defrosting the freezer - things that just needed to be done. But now - it's craft time.....
I've used an new embossing folder from Forever Friends and debossed for a change, then stamped a xmas FF stamp into the centre, the sentiment is from Paula Pascale. I used watercolour pencils for the image and then added some diamond dust and MCS snow.
I'd like to enter this card into-
Winter Wonderland challenge - robin redbreast
Forever Friends challenge - use a sentiment
Daring cardmakers sponsered by The Ribbon Reel, - a bird on your card
A Gem of a challenge - Christmas with a heart - it's on the debossing!
Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge - anything goes

NY in the fall

2011-10-13T19:01:00.000+01:00

I've used on the of the free background papers again and teamed it with the Clarity lady stamp, coloured with promarkers and a city scape stamp. For the buildings, I stamped it onto some DCWV spotty paper positioning it so that the windows fell on the circles and then added glossy accents to the windows. I then used part of a another stamp to put NY, fifth ave along the bottom of the card.
I'd like to enter it into
Crafts and me Challenge - orange
I love promarkers challenge-autumnal colours
Stampin' for the weekend challenge -colours of autumn

Fall outside the box

2011-10-12T22:56:00.001+01:00

I decided to tackle the free "autumnal/fall" papers I had lying around. Of course I probably have some from last year or the year before...... - but I didn't go there LOL!
I've just cut with a nestie nine squares from different papers, inked the edges of the card - that's it!
I'd like to enter this card into:-
Fab 'n' Funky Challenges - fall colours
Kaboodle Doodles Challenges - Lets see those leaves
Unstampabelles - fall/autumn

Check back tomorrow for the other card I managed to make tonight.

I'll toast to that

2011-10-11T23:08:00.002+01:00

This is a large card, although the photo doesn't quite show that. I've used a MCS cdrom called Sassy chic for the images and background paper. The paper is actually tiled wine glasses - I thought it looked quiet good! I also changed the colour of her skirt and part of her handbag to tone better. Before her skirt was bright green. I could only change part of the handbag as the handle proved a bit difficult, so instead of being all green it now has some orange on it. The sentiment is left over from a Kanban kit and some flowers and scrolls from my stash.
The card is for the CD Sunday challenge which this week is Wine Buffs.
Had a not so great experience with C&C - really looking forward to a new CD rom popping through the door, despatched last Wed, arrived today.........except they sent a pack of paper!!!!!!!! So, onto the customer services and ok it is freepost to send back but it is the inconvenience and the wait 14-21days to get it put right. I know some ladies are continually having problems with them, so I suppose I should count myself lucky that I have only had a few bad experiences.

Fight like a girl

2011-10-10T18:46:00.001+01:00

I had the day off today, needed to take my car for it's service and MOT - that will take care of the morning I thought then the rest of the day to craft. I won't pain you with what happened but I did get some money off the bill and a free wash and valet - however, didn't get home till 2.30pm and by then my mojo was off and away! I've calmed down now and feel better and managed to produce this one little card.
The image and sentiment are digis from Tickled Pink for Breast Cancer awareness, isn't she just great! The paper she is holding is blank apart from the ribbon, and I used the sentiment from SU to stamp into the space, masking off the rest of the image. As my mojo was off I thought I would look for a sketch and decided this one fitted the bill. So, I would like to enter the card into:-
Fetch a sketch challenge - sketch
Tickled Pink Stamps challenge - anything goes (as long as you use a tickled pink image)
Crafter's Companion Monthly challenge - pink and green
One Stitch at a Time -anything goes
Off for a comfort food teatime now.......

Lady in cerise

2011-10-09T13:06:00.001+01:00

We had a great time at The Magnets gig last night, if you get the chance go and see them they are amazing. The guy who does the beat box did a drum solo, with his voice alone, not one usually for the drum solo but this was outstanding. I also had a win today at CD Sunday Challenge with the card I entered yesterday - Stamps from Creative Expressions - so I am v. happy today!
My card today has been inspired by a few challenges and I used a Clarity Stamp teamed with a CeeDee sentiment. I used the "outy" technique to cut her out on the die cut.
I'd like to enter the card into these challenges:-
Fab n Funky challenge - die cuts or punches
Anything goes challenge-Die cuts/punches or both
CRAFT challenge - bright colours

Nature's wonders

2011-10-08T16:36:00.005+01:00

This is my second post of today, scroll down to read of the mornings events - now back from the pub and very very full! Just time to let it all settle before going out to hear The Magnets later on.
On the wire again here to enter The CD Sunday Challenge - Nature's Wonders. I've used the Debbi Moore cdrom Autumn Glow to create this card. Printed all the elements and then used spray and shine on all but the background paper. I got the cdrom free with Debbi's magazine and hadn't really explored what was on here, so a great challenge to get me using the cdrom.
I'd also like to enter the card into:-
ABC challenge- anything goes
Cupcake Inspiration challenge - autumn cupcake
One Stop Craft challenge - anything goes
Moving along with the times - autumn leaves (2nd entry)

LIM week 36 - one layer + heart

2011-10-08T12:10:00.001+01:00

This week the challenge on Less is More is one layer with a heart. I just received a new cdrom from MCS "Tinkering with Steampunk" (you can only get it from MCS at the moment not C&C). I was having a flick through it whilst waiting for the spray and shine on another project to dry - have to have a distraction 'cause I am not good at waiting LOL! When I spied this heart. I've altered the colour to be more red and put a background behind it, also altering to red and then added the little signpost with my own lettering. Really pleased how this turned out. Not the card I was going to do, as I spent all morning trying to get a zipped file open, which in turn led me to delete my temp files - I do like a tidy up - which in turn led to me uninstalling a file I shouldn't have (still with me) then my neighbour came round in a panic as she had lost her house keys.
As of now, all my files are ok again, my neighbour has her keys, and I am off to the pub for lunch with OH for his birthday- later........

Oh - I'd also like to enter the card into CES challenges - seeing red.

LOTV and some doodling

2011-10-07T22:53:00.001+01:00

My first LOTV card-I have the stamps they just aren't making it onto cards LOL! That is why I was determined this week to enter the LOTV world cardmaking day challenge, just made it under the wire. I've cut out the image using my newest nestie label but cut off the top and bottom, so don't go looking for this new shape nestie! I cut out four squares from the DP and then doodled around each one.
It was Rock Choir last night and we did Waterloo. We have to stand sideways and then turn in synchronicity - with 100 people that is not easy on the first go, as our choir leader noted to her amusement.
It's OHs birthday tomorrow and we are going out for lunch and to see The Magnets so looking forward to that.
I'd also like to enter the card into
Aud's sentiments - Happy Birthday
Crafty Cardmakers - Anything goes

Autumn - framed

2011-10-06T18:51:00.001+01:00

I was tasked with coming up with a prize for a raffle with an autumn theme. I had already made a card similar to this here. I had a comment left that it would look good in a frame and so I put the two ideas together and went to buy a frame. Unfortunately I couldn't find one the right size, so I started again! This time the background is a little bolder due to it not being a CAS entry. I used cut and dry to make the background and then again stamped trees on some paper I coloured and embossed them, then tore around them. Finally I carefully (!) stamped a PTI sentiment onto the mount. I'm really pleased with the way it turned out, and my raffle prize was solved. Next month I need to get something for the raffle being with the letter of my name, so that will be "L". I've thought of Lavender, lace- any other thoughts?
I'd like to enter it into these challenges:-
Moving Along with The Times challenge - autumn leaves
Paperplay challenge - autumnal colours
Ladybug Crafts Ink TLT challenge - no DPs

Crafters Companion challenge

2011-10-05T19:31:00.006+01:00

I thought I would share these cards I made with the free download from Crafters Companion website (you just have to be a member to download). I loved making them and I added some MCS snow to complete them. I'd like to enter into the Crafters Companion Challenge for World Card Making Day. To enter by Friday, just make a card using one of their products.

The merry band again!

2011-10-04T19:54:00.003+01:00

You may remember seeing this silhouette stamp on my Less Is More card the other week - here. Well I decided to give it another airing, this time the background is actually the waste from taking the ink off my brayer! A tip I picked up from Barbara Gray at her workshop. I stamped over it and then cut it out and the black background with my latest nesties. Added a PTI sentiment - CAS for the challenge over on Crafty Creations.
Thanks for looking - off to watch the Great British Bake Off final now........

THE COLOUR OF YOUR EYES -LIM week 35

2011-10-03T21:00:00.004+01:00

This week on the Less is More challenge you have to use the colour of your eyes on a card. Mine are blue grey and I did try to make these flowers more that colour by using my new fleximarkers and a duck egg blue promarker, but they seem to be just blue! I have used the markers to blend around the flower image. I've used a Joanna Sheen poppy stamp and the little watering can is from the same stamp set. An SU sentiment and mounted onto a homemade nestie easel card. I saw these on C&C in the week and thought they are surely easy to make yourself!
Hopefully I have left enough white space to satisfy Chrissie and Mandi. Be around to visit you later.
I'd also like to enter the card into Creative Card Crew challenge - easel card.

Roses everywhere

2011-10-02T18:58:00.002+01:00

I've had this digi image "Valentina" for a few weeks now (from Sketching stamper) and it occurred to me that the flower in her hair mirrored the SU stamp set Fifth Ave (sorry USA only). So I stamped the background using that set, added a PTI sentiment from the anniversary set - loving those sentiments and fonts, then coloured the image with promarkers and popped her up on some foam pads.
I'd like to enter this card into
One Stitch At A Time - any digi
Crafts and Me - flowers

Bliss

2011-10-01T17:44:00.003+01:00

I was really disappointed when I missed out on getting the SU bliss set - however, luckily for me a blogging buddy was selling hers! I've used a resist technique and brayered over with big and juicy spice pad. I then added a tree made up from the elements of the Trendy tree set by SU.
I've had a really busy day and not had much time to make cards - despite it being world card making day.
I'd like to enter this into the Crafty Catz weekly challenge - things with wings.

Anything goes

2011-09-29T19:10:00.003+01:00

We have quite a few people leaving at work under voluntary redundancy. Many are going to use the money to do something they have always wanted to do. I've made this card with that in mind and added a "bon voyage". I started by using ink dusters through a nestie to make the circle background and then added various T Holtz stamps using the hydrangea big and juicy stamp pad. The I added some scroll stamps and music and dragonfly from another stamp set. I'd like to enter this card into the Simon Says Stamp challenge which this week is anything goes.
When I first began stamping in the early 1990s we didn't know any better than to make one layer cards. Then a few years later I went on a workshop where we were told, one layer was a no-no. What if you made a mistake, much better to stamp on some card and then mount it, that way you always had a perfect card!

Steampunk - and look what I got...

2011-09-27T17:44:00.003+01:00

First of all hello to my new followers - it still amazes me that anyone would want to follow my blog - so thank you.
I've made this card with some of my new Kanban Steampunk stamps. I paper pieced the main image using Kanban papers and then cut two mats from one of the papers and inked them slightly around the edges. I've actually used the "outy" technique to cut around the image with a die, but I don't think you can tell that from the picture. I've used a "wood effect" embossing folder on the background card and inked with dusters. I'd like to enter this card into Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge which is for a "Man card" this week.
Look what I got......... do you know what they are made from???

silver cutlery! Can you see the curve and engraving from the end of a spoon. I found the Etsy shophttp://www.etsy.com/shop/ltcreatesjewelry via Pinterest. I am so happy with them they were a really realistic price and so unusual, the bracelet fits me perfectly. She has lots of other designs.

Winter wonderland

2011-09-26T19:23:00.003+01:00

It was my first day back at work today after a week off and the previous week being away on a training course. So, hundreds of emails to catch up on, but then we had an external meeting which meant we were out of the office until lunchtime. Then a colleague suggested we go to the pub for lunch, which was handy as I made my sandwiches this morning and then left them at home -doh! So, all in all not a bad first day.
I've made this card for the CD Sunday Challenge - winter wonderland. I really like this challenge, as it means you focus in on cd crafting. I've printed elements from the MCS Festive Deco Follies and then layered them up. I then added Diamond Sparkles-butterfly tails to the coat trim, and the fairie kisses for the snow falling in the sky, it has a blue tint to it and looks really pretty when it catches the light. I also put a little red MS glitter on her hat and the wreath and made a border with it from double sided tape down the side. Finally I stamped my newest sentiment stamp in rose red in the middle of the background - heart in mouth as I had made up the card by then!!!
Here is another card I made using the same lady but a different background.

Mad for tags

2011-09-25T19:20:00.000+01:00

I haven't entered the Passion for Papertrey challenge for ages, so wanted to have a go with my new PTI anniversary set. I managed to get it from ebay at a "buy now" price, which considering the sets usually go for crazy prices I was amazed to get it for a reasonable amount. The challenge is "mad for tags". I've used the sentiment and leaves and flower heads from the set. I put a little glossy accents onto the the flower heads on the tag just to give it a big of a lift. I embossed the background with a folder and then dusted over with the same inks.
I've been to the Autumn fayre at Bransby Home of Rest for Horses today. Both myself and my neighbour support the cause so we went off for the day. My neighbour loves donkeys but unfortunately for her today they wouldn't let her fuss them, they kept wandering off. The last time we went one ate her dress through the fence and we only just noticed in time to pull it out of it's mouth, and it had managed to get quite a lot of fabric in!
They have some lovely stalls with handmade goods and my neighbour bought the most beautiful cardigan for only £30, it has aran patterns across the back and at that price was a bargain. We both bought one of these.....

It's a little apron for your washing up liquid! Then we both spotted these at only £1 - including the tissues!

LIM week 34 - a sketch

2011-09-24T14:09:00.003+01:00

For the challenge on Less is More this week Mandi and Chrissie have set a sketch. This fitted with a technique I have seen lots of Limettes do and wanted to try. Masked off my card and then using ink dusters put down a square of ink. Stamped a silhouette stamp over the top. Added a PTI sentiment which I thought went with the image, as they look like they may be singing as they march along. Relatively painless this week for LIM then!
I'd also like to enter the card into the Allsorts challenge - Keep it simple.

One last LIM

2011-09-23T17:56:00.000+01:00

I thought I would make one last entry for the Anything goes on this weeks Less is more Challenge, I see it is on 707 - so if everyone did the same we might make the target 1000. I have managed to enter 7 cards - wouldn't have been able to do it if I had been at work this week though.
I have had this stamp a few (!) months and this week saw it used by Cardarian and Syliva Anne, so I thought I should use mine. Inspired by Syliva Anne, but with a bit of a different twist. I used an embossing folder that a fellow Limette used a few weeks ago, and I just had to get, in fact I seem to be buying a lot of things that the Limettes use! I've then used an SU sentiment.
I went for a bit of a trip out today and found these on my travels - all for £2.50! But a round 40 mile trip LOL!

I went to Masson Mills at Matlock, as I had heard there was now a craft store there. Unfortunately it wasn't particularly to my taste, a lot of pre printed decoupage and stickers. However, they had a bin with some unmounted bargains and you get half you carparking fee back when you make a purchase.

Zentangled

2011-09-23T09:48:00.002+01:00

I printed a second image of Devonne and decided to try zentangling on her hair. I was inspired to have a go after watching Barbara Gray, she always breaks things down so they seem achievable. So, here is my effort. Once I had a couple of pattern ideas I was away, I think if I had a bigger area I could have done something better, but not bad for a first attempt you think?
I'm entering this as my second entry into the Digital Tuesday challenge - people images and I'd like to enter it into these challenges:-
Creatalicious Challenge - anything goes
Anything goes challenge- anything goes
The sentiment is from a USA SU set - Fifth Avenue, then I added an Anna Griffin flourish.
I had my first Rock Choir session last night. We are doing Oh Happy Day for this and next week. But then we move onto to Abba -Waterloo which I am looking forward to as I really wanted to sing more of the rock/pop stuff.

Purple - lots of it!

2011-09-22T14:05:00.000+01:00

If you visit my blog regularly you will know I have a love of purple and shades thereof. So when I saw the challenge on Cupcake Crafts - The Dark Side I was there, because they want to see purple and black. I've used a digital image from Crafts and Me called Devonne. I've seen her hair coloured in various tones and just wanted to try it myself, bit extreme for the first effort I know! I've even embossed the sentiment with purple embossing powder.
I'd also like to enter the card into these challenges-
Digital Tuesday challenge - people images
Crafty Sentiments designs - Happy Birthday
Cardmadfairy - lots of layers
One Stop Craft -girly
Ooh la la - punches and dies
One stitch at a time - punch it
Now for the new colour of the walls in my bedroom.

Yeah - purple! I had a pale shade of lavender before. It was so pale that when I put this colour over the top it looked white. What I would like to do now is cut some black vinyl peel offs with my silhouette to reflect the black on the blind.

Dies to die for

2011-09-22T09:45:00.001+01:00

I've had chance to get inky this week, surprising how much more creative you can be when you have time to think about it instead of rushing in from work. I used cut and dry to make the background paper, by dabbing into distress inks. Then I used a new stamp that Mandi from Less is More used a few weeks ago. Another one of the fiskars sentiments and all mounted onto SU cardstock. Used a MS punch to make the border and placed this inside the card on lilac card, you can't see it, but the inside of the card is the still blue.
I'd like to enter this into Simon Says Stamp challenge, which is "dies to die for, using punches and or dies. Right back to the decorating and the second coat.

Sparkle

2011-09-21T14:05:00.001+01:00

Having lots of time to play this week and experiment. So This is a red cardstock that I rubbed a versamark pad over and then sprinkled the whole card with holographic embossing powder. I suppose I could have used glittered card! Anyway, it was an experiment.
I'd like to enter the card in Moving along with the times - sparkle.
I'm off to do some decorating now so the cards may take a bit of a back seat.

BE.

2011-09-21T09:18:00.000+01:00

Here I am with another entry for the Less is More challenge to reach 1000 entries. I have tried another technique from the Sue Wilson DVD - faux batik. My card is made using the first piece you can see, where I actually remembered the technique wrongly! However, I thought it looked ok, the second piece is the technique applied correctly and you can see the effect is much better, that will appear on a later card.... Basically you clear emboss your design and use the resist technique, but BEFORE! you do, spritz the paper with water and fold, then roll the ink over. The bottle I used to spritz had some glittery wash in it beforehand,
it didn't quite all get washed out so everything now has a subtle sparkle to it.
Sentiment is from Fiskars stamp set of similar sayings.

In my tree

2011-09-20T14:37:00.000+01:00

I'm all chilled out from my massage and facial, so not sure how much crafting will get done! However, here is one I made earlier. I started with some watercolour paper and made two backgrounds using a big and juicy an acrylic block and a water spritzer. I stamped the trees first of all on to the darker of the backgrounds but wasn't happy with the effect, you can still see them near the torn edge, instead I stamped and embossed them onto the lighter paper and tore around them. I also used a varnish spray over them. I then took a DL card and stamped a flourish stamp around the edges.
I'd like to enter this into:-
Less is More challenge-anything goes to try to reach 1000 entries. They are are 315 as I blog this.
Digi Doodle Shop's Best - autumn colours.
Simon Says stamp challenge-a song/movie inspired card. In my Tree - Pearl Jam.