A Passion For Paper

New Challenge at MTTC - "Bring on the Cake"

2012-02-14T10:30:00.000Z

There's a new Challenge over at My Time to Craft today . . . Bring On the Cake . . . ummmm yes . . . cake!!!

Seriously this card was fun to make and so quick really. I used an 8x8 white scalloped edged card blank and scored and folded the front back on itself to make the basic card design.

Kanban card in lilac for the lower matting layer and gingham in baby blue for the upper matting layer to echo the colours in the main image.

The image is from the new Fizzy Moon range.

More Kanban card in the same colour scheme complimented the front design. I ran a very thin silver peel off border around all of the matting edges.

Some self adhesive gems finished off the card nicely.

The sentiments are from Kanban also. . . nice and easy and not a flower in sight [must have a lie down]!

Pop over to MTTC to see what my teamies got up to

Thanks for visiting

Roses are Red . . .

2012-02-12T20:57:00.001Z

I've managed to tear myself away from making teddy bears for a wee while to make this Valentine's Day card.

It started life as an 8x8 white card blank.

The sentiment is from Kanban, red organza satin edged ribbon has been placed right across the front of the card and trapped under the lower matting layer.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and I've embellished them a little bit with some Diamond Stickles glue.

Using a tent orientation, I used a mixture of Kanban card and DP Cloisonne paperstack and silver matting card to decorate.

The image is also from Kanban.

The inside is made to match the front and a fine border peel off neatens the matting edges.

A closer look at the inside image and . . .

the box made to match . . .

All very red and I think perfect for Valentine's Day

I'm entering this card into the following

Papertake Weekly Challenges - Anything Goes

Creative Inspirations #149 - "Lots of Love"

Simon Says Stamp - "Love is in the Air"

Hooked On Craft Challenges #17 - Hearts

Thanks for visiting

Bear #1 and Bear #3 Updates

2012-01-31T20:58:00.001Z

Meet my first finished bear . . . definitely a boy bear!! He's a 12" bear made from cinnamon faux fur [which is so soft you can't help but stroke it]

I haven't named him because he now belongs to my daughter who has claimed him and who has ordered a hand knitted scarf for him too. I'm going to be busy!!

Bear #2 is still a work in progress, she [this one is definitely female] needs some attention to her ears and then she's done.

And . . . Bear #3 who is just 7.5" big is adorable

She's made from 10mm pile faux fur, fully jointed and I made her in record time, just a day and a half to hand stitch everything.

Her name is Lucy Locket, I've decided.

I was particularly pleased that stitching her nose seemed to go smoothly [ I do find this the most difficult thing to do at the moment]

Anyway Bear #2 will be finished soon and Bear #4 has been cut out and is ready to come to life soon . . . please watch this space.

Warmest wishes

A New Challenge at My Time To Craft . . . A is for Adorable

2012-01-31T20:35:00.003Z

The new challenge #172 has been posted at My Time to Craft . . . A is for Adorable.

Now I don't know about you but I think that this cat and little mouse are pretty adorable!!!

They're coloured with the usual combination of Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils.

I can't quite remember where these little chappies were bought from . . . old age setting in rapidly . . . but if I remember I'll update the post.

Sorry this post has to be short and sweet, I'm without a working boiler at the moment so I'm freezing my wotsits off with no central heating or hot water and I'm having to be very cave woman at the moment. [Life without modern conveniences is a bit of a shock!]

In fact this laptop on my knee is about the warmest I've been in over a week, lol.

Warmest [ha,ha] wishes

New Challenge at MTTC - Your Favourite Embellishment

2012-01-17T10:30:00.000Z

The new challenge at My Time To Craft this fortnight was a 'no-brainer' for me . . . flowers; my favourite embellishment any day of the week. So much so that I struggle to make a card without them, lol!

The image is from LOTV 'Mummy's Shoes' and she is coloured using Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts as per usual.

Why not have a go at entering yourself at MTTC

Thanks for visiting,

Bear Making Update

2012-01-15T18:02:00.000Z

I was ill over the festive period and I retreated to my bed for a few days. To pass some of the time I was surfing the Internet. I stumbled across the blog of a lady who made both cards and 'artist bears'.

I was intrigued and I loved her cards, they were stunning but her bears were out of this world. WOW!

I'd never heard the term 'artist bears'. I explored her blog list and found myself hopping from bear blog to bear blog and well I think I'm hooked, oh dear, not another obsession.

So I've started on my own bear making adventure . . . I spent approximately £100 on eBay equipping myself and for the last two weeks I've been almost permanently covered in bear fluff and I'm loving every minute of it [big silly grin on my face].

I've loved teddy bears all of my life and have lots which I've collected sporadically over my adult life [I'm a child in an adults body, lol] but I never considered that I could actually make one for myself.

This is actually bear number two . . . after doing a lot of Internet research most bear artists advise having more than one project on the go.

This is a 12" bear in tan ombre faux fur. The body piece has been darted and sown and is ready to go and as you can see one arm is finished with another ready to sew.

Here is my very first bear . . . by no means finished but its something I can post here as I make progress with him/her, not sure which yet . . . I guess the face will decide this when finished.

This is a 12" pattern too and this time I've used a cinnamon 25mm faux fur (from eBay); its super soft and I can't stop myself from stroking it.

I've hand stitched it, I did start to use my sewing machine but I didn't feel I had enough control over the result so I reverted back to hand stitching . . . slower, yes but much more accurate.

Only one leg, head and body is stuffed at this stage . . . all the detailing is yet to come, how exciting.

All stuffed and sewn now but still no face or ears, poor thing.
The bears paws and footpads are made from latte ultrasuede; they give a nice contrast.

It's been remarkably straightforward up to this stage but all my information states that the hard bit is the face and ears etc . . . I'm a bit worried about wrecking my bear but I know I can't leave it like this so . . . will have to take the plunge.

I've been busy with cardmaking today [ I don't intend to give cards up, I want to do both, greedy guts that I am, lol] but have a day off from work on Tuesday and so I intend to finish my first bear then . . . will post some more photos soon.

Thanks for visiting

Happy New Year to One and All

2012-01-01T09:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year everyone, I hope you all had a good Christmas and that 2012 will be good to us all.

Over at the Ready Teddy Go Challenge there's a new challenge #6 "In The Pink" my absolute favourite colour and combined with bears too . . . heaven

There are some wonderful inspirational cards from the D.T. and here's what I came up with . . .

It was made using the Nitwit Collection Grin 'n Bear It which I love, as soon as I saw it I bought it, that little bear is soooo cute.

I added lots of glitter, some pink pearls and gems and a little pink polka dot ribbon for the bear's head.

I glittered the lower half of the card and this is so glittering IRL, again my photography has let me down, lol.

I've promised myself I will try a new craft this year too and as I love my little bears so much, I've decided that I will have a go at making my first one . . . hopefully I will be able to blog my progress (or maybe the potential lack of it, lol . . . we'll see how I go). I'm hoping to trace and cut out the pattern tonight before the celebrations start.

Happy New Year

Thanks for visiting

Code for Falling Snow Effect - from Spice Up Your Blog

2011-12-15T22:01:00.004Z

I've been asked for the code for the falling snow effect as it appears on my blog, so here it is. I can't take credit though I originally found this code on Spice Up Your Blog but I couldn't get it to work properly for me at first and it needed a little work to fix it but it seems to work now.

Add it as a java/html script in your ADD A GADGET sidebar accessed through the Design tab.

Make sure you copy and paste the whole of the code.

Thanks for visiting
Huggles, Julie Ann x

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New Challenge at My Time to Craft - Vintage Christmas

2011-12-06T10:30:00.002Z

The challenge at My Time to Craft has moved from being a weekly to a fortnightly challenge.

This time the challenge theme is Vintage Christmas

Here's my DT inspiration card. The matting co-ordinations paper was sanded back to give a distressed look to it. Gold glitter Stickles was used to edge this mat layer.

The next layer of gold mirror card was distressed too. The holly paper is digital and was distressed using a Memento ink pad in "Rich Cocoa".

I used some raffia lace to run across the card and on top of this I layered a Christmas red grosgrain ribbon.

The sentiment is by Kanban and I bought these on eBay.

The image is Tilda of course and I coloured her using the usual combination of Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils . . . so cute!

The flowers are all from Wild Orchid Crafts. The berries are from some old Christmas decorations I broke apart to recycle them. The holly leaves were made using a Martha Stewart punch and edged with Stickles Gold. The embellishment was finished off with a red grosgrain ribbon bow.

Thanks for visiting, huggles,

18th Birthday Guest Signing Book

2011-12-03T16:36:00.006Z

I was asked to make a guest signing book for an 18th Birthday party recently because the birthday girl's parents couldn't find anything suitable in the shops. Apparently it was easy to get hold of a wedding themed book or an ordinary guest signing book but nothing else.

I hadn't made anything quite like this before so it was a bit of a challenge but I had a lot of fun.

The image is a C.C. Designs Swiss pixie digital from All That Scraps - I coloured her with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils. I picked out some highlights with Stickles Star Dust on her hair and cupcakes, etc.

The front of the book was made using a sheet of Kanban card which is heavily foiled. I love the spring colours and I used the silver and the colours as my theme. I used an 8" x 8" cardstock to give me plenty of room to decorate.

I used a Marianne Creatables die (LR0180) "Circles" to cut the outer doily in a silver mirror card and the inner circle from a toning cardstock. This inner die, embosses the card as well as cutting it, such value for money!!

The border strip was made with the same card combination using a Martha Stewart large double edged punch "Linked Trim" through which I threaded a polka dot organza ribbon.

The corner details were punched out of silver mirror board using another of the dies in the Marianne Creatables set (LR0180)

I used silver peel off numbers and wording to create the 18th birthday sentiment and the silvered butterflies which are scattered over the front.

The first double page of the book was used to hide a secret page for the young lady's parents to create a personal page for her. I used a Martha Stewart Punch around the Page set "Cherish" to create the page and used the corner die pieces again to make some faux hinges. A brad and another small piece of the polka dot organza ribbon was used for the method of lifting the page easily. I found a suitable verse on the Internet and printed it out onto some pearlised paper.

A photo of the signing pages made using the same Martha Stewart "Cherish" PATP set. I used some circular sentiment stamps from Whimsy stamps "Birthday Letter Seals" to create the decorative elements onto co-ordinating cardstock and finished them with some flat backed adhesive stones.

I added 3 more like this with varying stamps to complete the book.

A photo from above which shows the multiple pages created for guests at the party to sign.

A look at the back page which used up the scraps of the Kanban card and finished off my maker's stamp so nicely.

Finally the box which used up the last of the pretty foiled card and finished the project nicely.

I hope that Emily liked her signing book.

I'm entering this into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Anything Goes
The ABC Challenge - E is for Embossing
Cute Card Thursday #193 - It's just a number

Thanks for visiting me,

New Challenge at RTG - Challenge #5 "Anything Goes"

2011-12-01T06:32:00.001Z

December already and time for a new challenge at Ready Teddy Go . . . #5

The ladies of the design team have done it again and created some stunning inspirational pieces and you can look at them HERE

I made this card and submitted it by the skin of my teeth yet again (my ladies know all about my tardiness, lol!!)

I used the relatively new Holiday Charm collection from Nitwits, which is just adorable.

I bought it without hesitation because I like the original pink collection so much.

I've used liberal quantities of Stickles in Icicle and Crystal "flavours", lol!

This photo which shows the decoupaged layers, this is so lovely IRL. I'm so disappointed with the pictures, I had to get the light tent out and I'm never happy with the results I get. Never mind, you get the general idea.

I'm entering this into the Forever Friends December challenge

Huggles,

Take Two - a new challenge at My Time to Craft

2011-11-15T10:30:00.001Z

I couldn't make the last DT inspiration much to my shame, I was too busy with cards which had been commissioned but here's mine for the brand new challenge.

Take Two

I made it for two occasions, a little girl called Maisie who was turning one and having her Christening Day too.

Nothing better than a double easel then for this, one card, two chances for decoration.

The card was made entirely out of Nitwits collections. I used a Martha Stewart Punch around the Page set to make the frilly bits. I printed out the baby several times and cut her out to make my own decoupage .

I used a journalling tag to make a sentiment to finish the Christening side of the card.

The first birthday side of the card was made using a square from the collection and I used a heart and pin from the same collection to put Maisie's name on it.

The verse was found on the Internet. A bit of Stickles Star Dust around the card and I was done.

Take a look at what some of my teamies created here, there are some amazing cards.

Thanks for visiting me,

Oops I forgot to blog . . .

2011-11-14T19:06:00.000Z

. . . I've been so busy making cards lately that I forgot all about my blog, oh how could I???

Here's a card that I was commissioned to make for a lady who was leaving us at work for the wonderful adventure that is New Zealand . . . how lucky can one person get???

I had lots of fun playing about with this one. The DP is from "K&Co", I love it and I've been waiting for an excuse to use it.

I coloured Tilda with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils. I used various cut out bits which had a travel theme from other "K&Co" papers.
The trunk and the signpost are also Magnolia stamps

The inside of the easel card was decorated with text paper and a post card was used to make a pocket for a luggage label with the sentiment written on it.
More of the travel themed bits and pieces were used to. A metal anchor charm and the card was completed.

Just a little photo of the box which was made to match it.

Heavy weight gold card was used for the lid of the box and I used much the same elements to decorate it as was used in the card itself. The lettering is from K&Co.

Thanks for visiting me

New Challenge at Ready Teddy Go - Take It Easel

2011-11-05T19:25:00.000Z

I'm so late posting this but I just can't seem to catch up with myself of late. There aren't enough hours in the day or days in the week for me right now.

Anyway over on the Ready Teddy Go challenge site there's a new challenge for November - Take It Easel

Here's my DT inspiration card. The DP and sentiment are all from Kanban.

I used a Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page set to make the background matting.

The image is from the Fizzy Moon decoupage pad and the flowers are all from Wild Orchid Crafts.

A ribbon and a few adhesive gems and the card was done.

Please have a go at the challenge HERE

Remember you can enter up to 4 times per month, as long as you enter something different each time and you have to feature a bear of course!!

The prize this month is a selection of Fizzy Moon goodies.

Thanks for visiting

New Challenge at MTTC - Rainy Days

2011-11-03T20:51:00.000Z

A new challenge over at My Time to Craft starts today and the theme this week is Rainy Days.

I loved making this one, it almost made itself.

The image is from Magnolia (of course) and isn't she just lovely, quite honestly my favourite image keeps changing. I coloured her with Copic markers, a little while ago now and she fitted the theme at MTTC so nicely. I used some Stickles Diamond to highlight some of the areas on the image.

The DP is from the Fizzy Moon range and the colours went so well with the image that I'd already coloured . . . I couldn't believe my luck.

The inside is decorated to match the front. The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts. The sentiment is from Hunky Dory and the foliage was punched out of green cardstock using a Nellie Snellen punch.

Thanks for visiting,

Out of my Comfort Zone

2011-10-25T10:31:00.001+01:00

It's Tuesday so that heralds a new challenge at My Time to Craft

This week the theme is Quite White . . . well this is way out of my comfort zone I can tell you.

All that white space is scary, lol!!!!

The image is an adorable Christmas bear from Eline Pellinkhof. I used my graphics software to position him onto a 5" x 5" square of white linen textured card. I used a diigital stitching border and needle to make a frame for the card.

I used another piece of the white linen textured card to make a card and used my Hougie Board to run an embossed line around it and then used foam pads to raise the topper square off from it.

Three little light green square adhesive gems and then it was done and I had to step away from the card before I smothered it in paper roses, lol.

It was very strange making this little card but I do quite like the results. Why don't you challenge yourself to have a go at making lots of white space?

Thanks for visiting me,

Just a quick post

2011-10-22T16:10:00.000+01:00

I've not got much time today, someone keeps eating it, lol, so I've got to keep this very brief.

This is a card that I made for the DT over at My Time to Craft but I didn't have time to blog it, so here it is to save the day 'cos I haven't got anything else ready to blog at the moment.

I made this 8" x 8" card from Kanban card matted onto green cardstock.

I used a decoupage sheet from Forever Friends for the main image on the card and the sentiment is from Cuddly Buddly Bits of Ivory.

A little bit of hessian ribbon and a patterned grosgrain ribbon completed the look.

Thanks for visiting me

Weekend, thank goodness!!!

2011-10-15T08:58:00.001+01:00

Well things have really gotten away from me at the moment and I just seem to be running just to stand still !!!

Thank goodness it is the weekend again and I have a fighting chance of catching up.

This is an easel card that I made last weekend for a little girl who was having her 1st birthday.

The DP are from a birthday pack from Papermania which was in a crafting bundle I bought for a bargain price.

I used a Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page punch set for one of the matting layers and placed little Papermania lilac gems at regular intervals around it.

I printed out a number 1 from the Internet and used it to create the digit for the front. The sentiment was made using Scrapbook Artist on my PC.

The image is a stamp from Sugar Nellie and I coloured her using Copic markers.

I used Stickles Star Dust to glitter parts of her T-shirt and present. I'm really proud of the colouring on the balloons . . . I watched a YouTube video which showed how to make balloons, etc look transparent.

Well off to do some more commenting on blogs which I follow and on my challenge blog - Ready-Teddy-Go - oh just a reminder that this month's challenge is "Punch It Out" (and your image must be a teddy bear or bear) why not have a go??? The prize this month is digi images from Ladybug Crafts Ink

Thanks for visiting me,

Birthday card . . . pink, of course!!

2011-10-10T21:32:00.001+01:00

I am lucky enough to have Monday's off from work and this has been a very recent change for me and I love it!!

I wanted to show you what I made today.

I coloured the image with Copic markers and highlighted the flowers and butterfly with a glue pen and Glamour Dust. I cut around her using a Spellbinders die and used a flourish stamp to decorate the edges. If you look carefully you will also see some tiny, tiny pearls at the end of the scrolls.

I can't remember where I pulled the papers from . . . a while back I pulled together lots of co-ordinating papers into sort of mini ready-to-go projects and put them into files from which I could just grab when I had the time to make something, but silly me forgot to make a note of where I had pulled things together from!!!

The roses, seam binding and gold butterflies are all from Wild Orchid Crafts . . .. I just added Glamour Dust to the roses.. The paper lace strip is from K&Co. The leaves were cut with a die from Marianne Creatables.

Thanks for visiting me,

Nursery Necessities at My Time To Craft

2011-10-04T18:40:00.003+01:00

Another challenge over at My Time to Craft starts today . . . Nursery Necessities, create something to do with babies. How lovely!! I love babies but as mine are all grown up I especially love the fact that you can hand them back [to their parents].

The DP's are from First Editions "Up, Up and Away" paper stack. In in love with this stack, lots of lovely subtle blends of blues, aquas, greys and greens plus lots and lots of glitter . . . just stunning.
I've used the image before and this cute little digi bear was from Whimsie Doodle.

I coloured him using a combination of Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils.

I used a Martha Stewart PATP set to create the rectangular shape and placed a small flat backed pearl at regular points around the design. The star shape was punched out of some white glitter paper and the smattering of stars around the card design were bought in a small haberdashery shop, they are sequins of various sizes, with a small flat backed pearl in the centre.

The tags were cut out from the paper stack and a transfer was applied to one which reads "A New Baby". A small white bow was added to hide the holes. The card was finished with a glittered edge.

I hope you will be able enter the challenge

I'm entering this into the following challenges:

Colour Create Challenge #80 - Aqua, Green and White
Cute Card Thursday # 184 - Animal Crackers
Crafts 4 Eternity - #39 Random Recipe Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting

Ready-Teddy-Go CHALLENGE #3 - "Punch It Out"

2011-10-02T18:07:00.001+01:00

September passed in a flash didn't it??? Which means a brand new challenge at Ready-Teddy-Go our third!!!

"Punch It Out"

Please enter your work featuring your punches and of course your BEARS.
The winner will be chosen at random at the end of the month, so plenty of time to enter.
And please remember you can enter up to 4 times as long as you submit a different piece of work

Here's my DT inspiration card

I don't know what you call this type of card . . . it's a stepper card but with an acetate roof. If anyone knows what this is "officially" known as can they let me know please.

The papers are all from the brand new and very gorgeous "Grin and Bear It" collection from NitWits.com

I get the newsletter sent to me and as soon as I saw the collection I knew I had to have it even though I was supposed to be cutting down on the craft shopping for a wee while. . . yeah right!!!

Sorry about the rubbish photography . . . I've resigned myself to the fact that I'm never 'gonna be a David Bailey!!

But I hope from this angle you can see what I mean about the acetate roof. All the tape to hold the acetate has to be hidden behind something and in this case this is where the punches came into play.

A closer shot of the brilliant paper . . . I just know this will be a fall back collection for a long while to come, after all it is mostly very PINK!!! The chipboards are from Fizzy Moon and the sentiment is from Kanban. The ribbon at the top of the card is made from a strip of polka dot paper which has been pleated to look like folded ribbon. It's finished off with a NitWits paper button.

A very different style of card for me this one but then I'd been wanting to try this style for a while and I'm sure that I'll use it again.

Thanks for visiting me,

Rekindled Love Affair!!

2011-09-29T10:30:00.001+01:00

I've had a definite resurgence in my love affair with Magnolia Tilda (and Edwin) of late. I've been seduced and had my head turned by Molly Blooms, Belles n' Whistles and Sugar Nellies you see and have been busy collecting those. That's not mentioning the many, many cute digital images there are out there too (especially bears, so cute!!). But definitely Tildas' have to be my first love and therefore will always have that special place.

The paper is all from Kanban, even the matting card . . . all very lilac. The flowers are from Hobbycraft in Stockport that I bought a long while ago and hadn't gotten around to using. I used a Martha Stewart punch for all the decorative edging.

The image is from the You are So Special Collection - Tilda in the Garden. She's coloured using Copic markers as always and lots of Stickles Star Dust has been used. Her shoes caused a bit of confusion for me . . . does anyone else think that she has her shoes on the wrong feet???? Bless . . . lol.

Just one last photo, new camera, what do you think . . . the juries out for me, not sure that it's an improvement!!

Thanks for visiting

My Time to Craft Challenge - Music Medley

2011-09-27T09:58:00.000+01:00

A new challenge over at My Time To Craft so that must mean that it's Tuesday again . . . I'm stunned at how quickly a week flies by. The theme this week is "Music Medley".

I used two different pink background papers and layered these onto a gold background paper. I used Distress Ink "Victorian Velvet" and Stickles Star Dust to outline each of the strips of background paper. I used a Nitwits shape to back the Tilda image onto.

I coloured Tilda with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils and liberal amounts of Stickles too!

I used mixed flowers in pink from Wild Orchid Crafts to decorate. The beaded florets were from my stash and I think I got them from The Works. Gold foliage was punched out using a Nellie Snellen punch. The sentiment is from Cuddly Buddly and is by Bits of Ivory (I think!!). The card was finished with a pink satin ribbon. I used a music charm and little gold jingle bell to finish off the card. The hot pink gems were bought from eBay.

Thanks for visiting me,

Mummy's Shoes!

2011-09-25T11:21:00.004+01:00

Oh, how I love this little image from the LOTV girls . . . it brings back such lovely memories of me as a little girl clip clopping along in Mum's shoes . . . we've all done this haven't we???

When I was asked to make a card for a friend's Mum for her 70th birthday I couldn't resist using the image. The designer paper is from the First Edition "Desert Blooms" paper stack. I matted it onto a darker plum shade and silver card.

The image was coloured using Copic markers and glittered with a glue pen and some Glamour Dust. Isn't she just adorable, a great image for young and old.

The circular sentiment is from Kanban. The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts (except the very big rose buds), don't buy flowers from anywhere else now!! The foliage was punched out of cardstock using a Nellie Snellen punch.

I'm entering the following challenges:

The Crafty Pad - Challenge #140 Stitching

Simon Says Stamp - Use dies or punches

Hanna and Friends Challenge - Anything Goes

Thank you for visiting me, please leave a comment if you have the time, they're always read and much appreciated.

Fizzy Moon Birthday

2011-09-22T10:30:00.027+01:00

This is a card that I was commissioned to make for a lovely lady for her daughter-in-law's birthday. The birthday is now long since passed so I know I'm safe to post this now.

Once again many apologies for the terrible photography (I'm just not improving, lol)

I loved putting this card together as it features some of my very favourite things, bears, pink and pretty things in general.

The DP is from First Edition "Love Letters" , such a gorgeous selection of papers that I have several stacks of the same . . . I don't ever want to run out!!!

The image was pulled out from the Fizzy Moon Decoupage pad, as I had to put this card together very quickly and didn't have time to colour in an image.

A close up of the ribbon detail. I threaded two short lengths of Chatterbox Ribbon through a pearlised pink buckle and arranged them so they created this criss-cross effect and tucked the ends underneath the matting layer.

The inside of the card was decorated to match the front with a chipboard repeat of the character. The verse was sourced from the many Internet sites which are out there now for verses and poems. Good old Internet . . . I don't know what I would do without it : 0)

Finally a photo of the box which was made to match the card.

Thank you for visiting,

Christening Card Too!!

2011-09-15T10:30:00.038+01:00

This is the second of the two Christening/1st Birthday cards I was asked to make for a friend's Godson. It had to be very different from the double easel card and the only thing I could think of making was a 'book' card. The DP is a combination of Nitwits.com digital paper and DCWV Nursery Paper which is very glittered.

The first pages are related to the Christening celebrations. The large sentiment is from the Clipart Fairy website. The verse was found on the Internet.

The second page is about the first birthday celebration. The teddy bear is a digital (sorry I can't remember where I bought it from . . . if anyone knows and could let me know??). Again the DP are from Nitwits.

The butterflies were made using a Martha Stewart punch, Stickles Star Dust and a few pearls.

The verse was so cute and such a good fit for the design I had in mind. I used Scrapbook Artist software to make the circular sentiment.

A photo which shows the 'book' layout.

This is such a good image, I'm sure to use it again and again.

Thanks for visiting me

New Challenge at My Time to Craft

2011-09-13T10:06:00.003+01:00

Another Tuesday and another challenge at My Time to Craft . . . this week the theme is "Kaleidoscope of Colour"

This is the card I made for the DT inspiration. The DP are digitals . . . I can't remember where I got them from, I have so many now and I'm afraid I'm not always good at making a note of where they're from.

The image is a digital too, coloured with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils. The image is from Whimsie Doodles and she is called "Sow Leah". The sentiment is from Cuddly Buddly by Bits of Ivory ( I think, blimey I'm not much use today am I?)

A close up of the image.

I made the flowers out of a Tonic Petal Pairs punch out of the scraps from making the card. I punched out the shapes, folded them together and coated the petals with Stickles Star Dust. Card Candi centres completed each flower. The foliage is made using a Nellie Snellen punch.

A close up of the sentiment, I used a Prismacolor pencil to add a little bit of matching colour to the outer edges. I matted it onto matching cardstock.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Creative Inspirations #129 - Anything Goes
Inky Impressions Challenge #24 - Dress to Impress

Thanks for visiting

Lili of the Valley - Football Ted

2011-09-10T14:16:00.000+01:00

Here's one of the very, very few male cards that I have made. Don't make many 'cos you can't use pink, you can't use bling and you can't use flowers, lol.

As you can see it's an easel, the DPs are from DCWV all 12"x12"s cut down.

The ribbon is red gross grain, just about the only ribbon you can get away with on a man's card.

I stuck one button on top of another and used a thin slice of the black matting card to thread through the buttonholes to tie.

The adorable ted image is from Lili of the Valley, I've had it for a wee while and have only just 'gotten around to stamping it. I coloured it using both Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils.

All the layers were matted onto black and white cardstock. I've used silver Card Candi as decoration and easel stops.

Lastly the matching box for the card.

Thanks for visiting me

Baby's Christening Double Easel

2011-09-08T10:00:00.000+01:00

This is my very first attempt at a double easel card. I didn't use a template (probably a mistake) it was very much trial and error but I sort of got there in the end.

I made this for a friend at work to send to a very special little boy who is turning one and being Christened on the same day. Hence the need for two cards in one. . .

The papers are all from digital sources printed out on my home printer. I have realised that these take up a fraction of the space of paper stacks and give brilliant results if you use a good quality paper

(at least 120 gsm).

The quality of the paper is more important than the quality of the ink used in my very humble opinion. I use bog standard ink from Tesco and refill the printer cartridges myself (best not tell my printer manufacturer, lol!!)

Granted this can get a bit messy and my fingers have been very odd shades at times and the stuff does not come off easily, but I save lots of cash and still get good results, which is the important thing!!

This baby image is from the Clipart Fairy website. I printed it out several times to make my own decoupage. I used Pinflair glue to layer it up.

The little nappy pin, heart button and little blue bows were all from a little local market.

Again this lion image is from the Clipart Fairy website. I printed it out several times and layered it up to give some matching dimension.

I used a small amount of Stickles Star Dust to give the number one a little bit of bling.

I used Card Candi and a sentiment cut out for the stop.

A final photograph of the box made to match the card.

The circle sentiment was from the Clipart Fairy website and I glued a plain white button down for embellishment.

Apologies about the photography, I do believe I'm getting worse not better.

Thanks for visiting me,

"Just Between Friends" at MTTC

2011-09-06T11:30:00.002+01:00

Tuesday once again and that means a new challenge at My Time to Craft. This week the theme is "Just Between Friends".

I've been off work this week on annual leave and have had such a wonderful time in my crafting area. I've taken for advantage of the recent sale over at Nitwits.com and bought this collection "Buds and Blooms" - perfect for this challenge.

The image is from Lili of the Valley . . . I've had this one for so long now and have only just got around to stamping it. The image was coloured with Copic markers.

I used Martha Stewart punches for the shaped borders and all of the butterflies.

The ribbon and the flowers are from my stash. The butterflies were covered in Stickles and Glamour Dust. I used some wire for their antenna. The sentiment is from Whimsy Stamps.

A close up of the bow and button detail

Last photo, promise . . . close up of the butterfly embellishment.

I'm entering this into the following challenges

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Anything Goes

Creative Card Crew - Anything Goes

Crafty Creations Challenge #134 - Dies and Punches

Totally Stampalicious - Colour Challenge

Thanks for visiting

Flutterby . . . Butterfly

2011-09-05T07:36:00.001+01:00

This card will be winging it's way across the sea to Greece very soon. It's for a lovely lady who is 85 years young this year . . . I hope that she likes it.

The background paper, front insert and butterfly images are all from the Clipart Fairy website.

A little bit of editing (for the sentiment bit) in a graphics software package, a little bit of glitter, a smattering of pearls and you get a very pleasing result.

I loved making this one and IRL it's much more sparkly. Damn my lack of photography skills, lol!!!

The inside of the card is decorated to match the front.

A close up of the butterfly detail. The upper wings were printed onto shimmering vellum from Debbie Moore.

I used a glue pen to highlight some of the detail of each butterfly and then I applied Glamour Dust.

Some self adhesive clear gems completes the decoration and the two layers are attached with Pinflair

Lastly a photo of the matching box.

I wanted a glittered finish which would be a little more durable than the Glamour Dust and glue option so I used an embossing pen to run around the shapes and used a holographic embossing powder to finish.

A fine border peel off in silver completes the decorations.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Pile It On #36 - Anything beginning with "B" (Blue, Butterflies, Bling and Box)
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Flower Power
Catch the Bug Challenge - Anything Goes

Thank you for visiting,

Tatty Teddy and lots of pink!!!

2011-09-03T10:00:00.006+01:00

There's only one thing that I like more than teddies and that's ... pink.

In this card I get to combine the two . . . pure bliss [smiles from ear to ear].

The DP's are all digitals matted onto spring green and baby pink cardstock.

I've used a Martha Stewart Punch around the Page set called "Ribbon Loop" to make the decorative edging around the matting shape and the stop for the easel.

I've used a 30mm satin edged organza ribbon in baby pink to decorate the front and the stop. A small pink flower gem and polka dot bow finishes this off.

I've used another polka dot bow, pink button and chipboard sentiment to act as the stop also.

The image is a sticker . . . yes I said a sticker which comes with several others in a pack for the bargain price of 99p.

You do have to trim the excess sticker outline away because if you don't - it can make the finished image look a little bit unsightly.

A narrow gold foiled sentiment and a few little pink gems and that's finished.

Loved making this quick little card.

I'm entering this into the following challenges:

Creative Card Crew - Anything Goes
Make It Monday - Anything Goes
Charisma Cardz Challenge #35 - Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting me,

Ready-Teddy-Go CHALLENGE # 2 - Autumn Colours

2011-09-01T06:41:00.000+01:00

The new challenge starts today at Ready-Teddy-Go.

This month's theme is "Autumn Colours" - very fitting as we welcome in the new season and say goodbye to Summer (I think I blinked and missed the Summer!!!).

You can enter anything crafty into the challenge; as long as your main image is a teddy or bear of some sort, then you're in. Any occasion, any sentiment . . . just use the colours of Autumn.

Why not have a go . . . our generous sponsor this month is Meiflower, and just look at the "Autumn Colours" goody bag up for grabs, several ladies on the DT want to win it (including myself, lol) but of course, that's not allowed ladies [shame].

The ladies of the DT have excelled again and have created some stunning work to inspire you. I'm so lucky to have them, thank you everyone.

And of course the winner of the first challenge has been announced . . . please click HERE to see if you were the lucky winner !!!

Here's what I came up with for the DT inspiration

I took an 8"x8" white card blank and raided my scraps box for bits and pieces and basically the whole card is made out of just that . . . bits and pieces.

I did this to prove to my sister who throws all her scraps away (can you believe it???) that you can use them up to create other things.

The image is from Teddy Bo and Co, Teddy Bea . . . she was one of the first images that I bought from Gayle. I love her!!!

I made the bunting without a template, I cut out rough diamond shapes, folded them in the centre and glued them around the string. I just wanted a homespun look, lol. Again I used scraps to make the pennant centres. Card Candi was used to spell out the word 'hugs'. I wrote on them freehand with a black felt fineliner.

I used more Candi to pick out the checks in the gingham paper.

Teddy Bea was coloured with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils in Autumn shades.

The bunting string was stuck into Bea's hand on the reverse and then she was layered up using foam pads.

Just one more look at that bunting detail. I was quite pleased with the way that it turned out and it cost pennies . . . my favourite price, lol !!

I hope that you will feel inspired enough to enter the Ready Teddy Go challenge, remember to have fun!!!!

Thanks for visiting,

In Full Bloom at MTTC

2011-08-30T19:46:00.000+01:00

Late with this today . . . time is not my friend at the moment, I don't know where the stuff goes.
I'm convinced that I've got a funny time warp thing going on in my crafting area !!

Anyway, this week's theme over at My Time To Craft is "In Full Bloom". I got this card done by the skin of my teeth. I really thought at one stage I was going to miss getting a card in but managed it in the end.

This card was made from a card sheet bought from "Fred She Said" and all I needed to do was to very carefully cut it out and use a bit of Stickles Star Dust and a few pearls and a sentiment.

I shaped the flower cut outs with a 6mm ball tool and a shaping mat and layered the pieces up using my very favourite gluing medium Pinflair . . . love this stuff.

I'd like to make it sound more complicated than that but it really wasn't.

I have the week off from work this week and I'm hoping to catch up on a lot of cardmaking projects I have planned.

I really will have to ignore the housework which keeps calling my name, lol!!!

BTW - I'm loving all the sneak peak cards for the new LOTV Christmas stamp launch soon.
I have my birthday soon so I will be sure to be putting some of the new stamps on my birthday wish list.

Loving Bev's "Quick Flicks" too and after watching today, promptly went Online shopping for Twinklets and moonstone brads . . . oh dear, my bank manager will not be pleased with me!!!

Happy crafting everyone, thanks for visiting with me,

My Time to Craft Challenge - Here Come the Girls

2011-08-24T10:30:00.000+01:00

Another week has passed me by and it's time for a new challenge at My Time to Craft . . .
this week the theme is "Here Come the Girls".

I've been so busy with card commissions lately that I've decided to work a little bit smarter and try to combine tasks.

Therefore this card is both my DT inspiration card over at MTTC and a commission for a work colleague's Mum.

The images are both Magnolia Tilda from the You Are So Special 2011 collection. They are so adorable. The cake is also a Magnolia stamp from a while ago now.

The were coloured with Copic markers. I've glittered them up with Stickles Star Dust . . . just love this stuff.

The DP is from First Edition Paper "Desert Blooms" (gorgeous papers, a lot of them heavily glittered) and my usual favourite gold paper for matting and layering.

I used a Martha Stewart deep edge punch "Scroll Heart" for the heart border and matted it onto the gold. I added some self adhesive pearls for an extra bit of bling.

The inside is decorated to compliment the front.

The sentiment was made using gold peel offs and matting onto both mat gold and mirror gold card.

I also used another Martha Stewart punch "Floral Scroll" to make the edge around the image mat.

Well that's all from me today, why not try your luck in the challenge?

Thanks for visiting

My Time to Craft - "G is for. . ."

2011-08-16T10:30:00.005+01:00

Morning everyone, Tuesday once again, my goodness how time is flying at the moment, I can barely keep up with the pace!!

Any hooo, Tuesday means a new challenge at My Time to Craft . . . this week's theme is "G is for . . . "

Now you would have thought that this would be nice and easy but somehow I made hard work of it, starting and discarding a few cards along the way. I'm sure that it was just a little card-maker's block : 0 )

Well . . . my link is quite tenuous, but I'm sticking to it . . . G is for . . . Goodnight!!! Weak I know but it was such a lovely little image of Teddy Bea I had to use it and I had already coloured her a little while ago, so that settled it, lol!!!

The card is made on 8" x 8" white cardstock.

I matted a piece of Kanban card as a base, I glittered this with Glamour Dust.

I used a MS Punch around the Page set "Cherish" to shape the top layers in lilac and green floral Kanban card.

I used a very thin silver peel off border around the lilac shape.

The flowers are all from Wild Orchid Crafts (except the beaded florets).

I used more Glamour Dust to bling up the lilac and cream roses.

The foliage was punched out using a Nellie Snellen punch.

The arrangement was finished off with a couple of purple pearlised pins.

[This is a scheduled post so hopefully I will be back to enter some challenges later]

Oh, before I forget, there's a Teddy Bea sale on until 21st August, I've treated myself to a few, so expect Teddy Bo and Teddy Bea to become quite a feature from here on in, lol.

Thanks for visiting,

MTTC New Challenge Tuesday - "Fairy Tales"

2011-08-09T10:00:00.002+01:00

How quickly a week passes? Another Tuesday and so another challenge over at My Time To Craft . . . this week the theme is "Fairy Tales".

I loved making this card . . . any opportunity to break out the Stickles, lol

The cardstock is 6" x 6" so a little smaller than the cards I've been making of late.

The DP is from Kaisercraft Lilac Avenue Collection.
I've matted it onto Papermania lilac matt paper.

I've run a glitter border around the DP.

I used Stickles Star Dust on the flowers and butterflies.

I used a Tonic Pretty Petals punch set to make the 3D flowers and placed Card Candi in the centres.

The butterflies were made using a Martha Stewart punch, glittered and Anita's gems placed in the centre.

The fairy is a digital image from Pollycraft, she's so sweet.

She's coloured with Copic markers - sorry didn't make a note of the colours I used.

Liberal amounts of Stickles Star Dust was applies to wings, dress, boots and hat.

I used Pinflair glue to create a 3D effect for the fairy, flowers and butterflies.

Get yourself over the the MTTC blog and enter the challenge . . . it's loads of fun.

I'm entering this into the following:

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Grow your own
Colour Create Challenge - Pink, Green and White
Charisma Cardz Challenge #31 - Bingo (Circles, Flowers, Gems)

Thanks for visiting,

It's Tuesday . . .

2011-08-02T12:00:00.002+01:00

. . . that means a new challenge over at My Time To Craft.

This week the theme is "Expressoley For You" - feature the drink or the colour on your work.

Luckily I had some Kanban design sheets to hand otherwise I think I might have struggled. I take themes a bit too literally at times, lol, so I used both the colour and the drink!!!

Here's my card made for the DT Inspiration:

The card came together really easily, in fact I feel like a bit of a cheat 'cos Kanban did all the work really.

I added some of my favourite gold paper, a ribbon and some Card Candi and that was it.

The punch I used was a Martha Stewart large punch called 'Linked Trim'

I'm scheduling this post so will be back at some point to enter this into some challenges.

I hope that you will join in the challenge at MTTC

Thanks for visiting

NEW Ready-Teddy-Go Challenge #1 - Buttons & Bows

2011-08-01T01:00:00.003+01:00

The first of August at last sees the launch of my new monthly Challenge Blog . . .

Ready-Teddy-Go

There's a great prize on offer for the winner and also 'spot' giveaways for our lovely followers and folk that leave us nice comments, lol!

I've been incredibly fortunate and have managed to gather a fantastically talented group of ladies for the Design Team and my thanks go to them for some superb first challenge inspiration work.

Here's the card I made for the first challenge

"Buttons and Bows" . . .

and I have to admit to being very last minute with it, only finishing it last night!

My excuse was that I had to learn how to make a blinkie for our challenge in a very short space of time . . . and "techies" will be very amused to know that it took me the best part of a day to make it!

The image I used is a pre-coloured digi but I can't for the life of me remember where I bought it from . . . I have a feeling that it was from The Clipart Fairy. I printed it out a number of times and made my own decoupage.

The paper is from Pinflair. I have used a glitter border around the floral card and silver corner peel offs in the corners.

The inside was decorated to match the front.

He's so cute isn't he? I've used lots of Stickles Star Dust around the scalloped circle and on his little flower.

I will have to find some challenges to enter with this one . . .

ABC Challenge - Z is for Zoo (I know he doesn't look wild, but he's a bear!!)

Truly Scrumptious Challenge #62 - Buttons and Bows (Perfect!)

Charisma Cardz #30 - 4 Legged Friends

In the meantime please go over the the Ready-Teddy-Go Challenge and join in the fun!!!

Thanks for visiting

Delightful Dogs - New Challenge at My Time To Craft

2011-07-26T12:00:00.009+01:00

Tuesday today which means a brand new challenge over at My Time To Craft. This week the theme is Delightful Dogs.

I almost didn't make this one, I've just returned from a very restful long weekend in the Yorkshire Dales. A decent sized lottery win could see me right to making this part of the world my permanent home . . . yeah, oh well, keep dreaming, lol!!!

Cardstock - 8" x 8" white

Everything I used for this card was from the Aimee Asher site.

I printed out the design multiple times and created my own decoupage by cutting out the differing layers.

I used a little Ranger Glossy Accents on the cute dogs noses to give them a healthy 'wet nose' look.

I've used some Card Candi to finish and used a good white gel ink pen to make them look like buttons (well at least I hope they do!!)

Last photo is a close up of the decoupage detail.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

{This is a scheduled post - I will update later}

It's less than a week to the launch of the new Ready-Teddy-Go Challenge now, please visit the site HERE and be sure to come back and join in the teddy bear fun beginning next Monday.

Thanks for visiting me,

Wedding Card #5 and One Week to Go!!

2011-07-24T17:16:00.001+01:00

This is my latest Wedding Card made for a commission. I think that this will probably be one of the last that I make this year.

The background paper is from Kanban. The punching out was done with a MS Punch around the Page set.

The image is from Teddy Bo and Co. I printed the pre-coloured image out 6 times and decoupaged it up using Pinflair.

I love these little bears and it seems my customers do too.

The flowers are made of a foam like material and I bought them from a local market. They are just stunning.

The foliage was punched out using a Nellie Snellen punch.

The interior was decorated to match the front. The left hand page features a pocket with a matching money wallet (as this was the gift for the Bride and Groom).

A final photo of the presentation box, again made to match.

The rings were from Dunelm Mill, I arranged two together and glued a bow over the join.

I'm entering this card into the following Challenges:

Papertake Weekly - Getting Cute
Allsorts #113 - Free and Easy
Digis with Attitude #32 - Anything Goes

Finally, just a little reminder that the new monthly Ready-Teddy-Go Challenge starts in one week's time on the 1st of August.

Please check it out and enter, the rules are very straightforward, feature a bear on your card/make and it should prove to be lots of fun.

I've had a wonderful response to my early DT call with some fabulously talented ladies already on board.

There are just a couple of DT spots left open if anyone is interested . . . please contact apassion4paper@gmail.com, leaving a link to your blog.

Thanks for visiting

My Time To Craft DT Inspiration - Citrus Colours

2011-07-19T12:00:00.004+01:00

Hope you are having a good week so far . . . Tuesday once again so a fresh challenge awaits you over at My Time To Craft.

This week the theme is Citrus Colours so 'fresh' is the right word.

This is so simple any image you like . . . just use citrus colours; how easy can we make it????

I'm a little disappointed with my camera work, 'cos IRL these colours really make you smile . . . I don't know why I don't use them more often

The image is Tilda with Balloon from the You Are So Special collection 2011.

She has been coloured with Copic markers but I didn't make a note of the colours, sorry!

The papers used are digi papers but I can't remember where they are from. I think they may be Nitwits.

Just a close up of the button embellishment detail. They are not real buttons but embossed stickers from We Are Memory Makers. I punched out the centres and threaded various colours of paper thread through them. I'm really pleased with the result.

Last photo of the sentiment. I couldn't decide which sentiment to put on it and so in the end went with a fairly neutral one. Later I can decorate the inside to become a card which is suitable for many occasions.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

[If this is blank, I will update later : ) ]

Thank you for visiting me,

Ready-Teddy-Go Challenge: New Challenge Starts 1st August

2011-07-17T15:31:00.005+01:00

Well Folks, I'm taking the plunge and starting my own Challenge.

As I just love bears it was a fair bet that my first challenge site would feature them.

The challenge will be monthly to begin with - whilst I'm finding my feet at least.

The first challenge will be posted on the 1st of August so I look forward to seeing you there, http://ready-teddy-gochallenge.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-challenge-starts-1st-august.html.

I have a couple of Design Team members already and will eventually hold a DT Call.

If anyone is interested at jumping on board at this early stage though please contact me at apassion4paper@gmail.com, leaving a link to your blog.

See you soon

Julie Ann x

Winner of Kaboodle Doodle Challenge #74

2011-07-15T18:29:00.003+01:00

I'm thrilled to have been chosen as the winner of a recent challenge over at the Kaboodle Doodle Challenge Blog

Here's the card I entered

I will exhibit my winner's badge with pride, thanks to all involved at the site for offering such fun challenges. I will be back : )

Thanks for visiting me

Julie Ann x

My Time To Craft DT Inspiration - Bird Watcher

2011-07-12T12:00:00.006+01:00

Tuesday again so that means a new challenge over at My Time To Craft (MTTC).

This week the theme is Bird Watcher - feature a bird somewhere on your make. Not difficult, right? Why not have a go???

I've used Dovecraft's Sweet Owl collection to make this 8"x8" card.

I received a gift set for my birthday so I have made this card solely using this set.

A close up of the image for this card. I raised it up on foam pad on a tag from the set.

The only other thing I needed to do was to add some paper thread and a pink heart gem.

Now I will admit that the sentiment is a bit cheesey and a little "tongue in cheek", lol

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Pollycraft Monday Challenge # 101 - The Great Outdoors

Cupcake Challenge # 150 - Favourite Cupcake Challenge (#110 Pink and Brown)

Thank you for visiting me,

Wedding Card # 4 - Teddy Bo & Teddy Bea

2011-07-07T18:45:00.002+01:00

Here's the latest of my commissioned wedding cards . . . only one more to go and I think that will be that for this year anyway : )

This is the adorable Teddy Bo and Teddy Bea, off to their honeymoon in their sweet little car!!

This is the pre coloured version of the image so I can't give you any colours I'm afraid. I also bought the sepia and line drawing version of this image. . . I liked it that much.

I printed out the image six times and cut out varying pieces to create my own decoupaged image.

I don't know that this photo particularly shows the detail of the decoupage very well.

The flowers are mainly from Wild Orchid Crafts; all except the rust coloured large rose buds. . . they were bought from Tulip Toppers in Shipley.

The floral arrangement includes 3mm satin ribbon in gold and wired peach crystal beads.

The punch work was made using a Martha Stewart punch around the page set.

This last photo is of the decorated inside. The verse was found on the Internet and I thought it was perfect for the image as it talks about marriage being a journey with twists and turns and bumpy roads at times. . . perfect for the car imagery.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Top Tip Tuesday # 41 - Wedding or Anniversary
Pollycraft Monday Challenge # 100 - Celebrations
Kaboodle Doodle # 74 - Celebrations
Totally Papercrafts - Let's Play Bingo

Thanks for visiting me,

July Challenge at CCAYR - White, Glitter and Bling

2011-07-02T07:00:00.006+01:00

Wow, July already . . . which means that there's a new challenge over on Christmas Cards All Year 'Round (CCAYR). This month is white, glitter and bling (with add flowers for fun).

Here's the cards I made for the DT Inspiration, they were quite simple to do, my new dies did most of the work, lol.

The first was made using my new Marianne Designables die (DS0908). I bought it on my recent visit to the Stamp Magic event in Doncaster. I matted it onto silver mirror card.

I used Stardust Stickles on all the raised areas of the card.

The card sentiment is from my stash as is the white organza ribbon.

The embossed line on the outer edge of the card was made using a Hougie Board . . . love this tool absolutely no measuring required.

This card was also made using a Xcut Aperture die, called Pandora, this time. Again it was matted onto silver mirror card and Stardust Stickles used to outline the frame lines.

The Poinsettia die is from Marianne Creatables LR0122 and again Stickles was used to emphasise the embossed foliage lines.

The embossed lines on the edge was made using a Hougie Board.

I'm entering these cards into the following challenges

ABC Christmas Challenge 2011 - M is for Monochrome
Creative Craft World - Crazy Card Challenge - Christmas in June
The Paper Shelter - Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting me

DT News - My Time To Craft Challenge

2011-07-01T07:00:00.001+01:00

Woohoo, I've been lucky enough to have been selected recently to join the My Time To Craft Challenge DT.

A big thank you to Wendy and all of the ladies who had a role in selecting the new members.

I'm looking forward to keeping in touch with the rest of the DT members and taking part in all the exciting challenges to come.

The new challenge, challenge #146 was posted on Tuesday and the theme is Yes, Here Comes Summer.

Unfortunately my commitments wouldn't allow me to join in this week but I will be there for Challenge #147

I hope to see you there.

Thanks for visiting me,

Wedding Card #3

2011-06-30T13:51:00.002+01:00

Here is Wedding Card commission # 3.

The colour scheme is the same as the previous wedding card, I guess ivory and gold is a popular choice, very elegant.

The paper is from Kanban and its matted again on that shimmering gold paper which I managed to get hold of again (in quantity this time).
The scrolls were made with Sissix Tim Holtz "Elegant Scrolls".

The images are Edwin and Tilda, naturally. They are coloured with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils.

They are from the Wedding 2010 collection from Magnolia.
I've used some Diamond Sparkle Stickles on the bride's dress, crown, veil and bouquet.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, the centre rose is a 35mm Trellis Rose in peach and I've used 15mm roses and rose buds in the arrangement too.

I wired the peach crystal beads onto fine gold wire.

A photo of the inside, with simple decoration and a sentiment page. The verse is from the Internet and printed onto cream shimmering paper in Amazone font.

This page was created by simple matting and layering of gold, cream and pale peach shimmering paper.

The gold rings were bought from Dunhelm Mill and I arranged them together and finished with a length of matching gold edge satin ribbon.

The final picture was a bit of an after thought, hence my lovely wallpaper in the background, lol.

. . . the presentation box, decorated to match.

I'm entering this into the following challenges

Little Darlings Challenges - Favourite Colour Combo (Peaches, Gold and Cream)

One Stitch At a Time Challenge #68 - Wedding or Sympathy

Our Creative Corner - My Style

Thanks for visiting me

Wedding Card #2 - Update

2011-06-23T17:31:00.002+01:00

I am so pleased to have been chosen as one of the Top 3 in the recent Paper Play Challenge - At the Beach.

Thank you to the ladies of the DT for finding my card worthy . . .

Here's the card that I made . . .

Thanks for visiting me,

Julie Ann

Wedding Card #2

2011-06-19T09:07:00.004+01:00

With the bride and groom safely on board the plane which will take them to their beach wedding, I can finally post this card which was commissioned for them.

This is the second of the three commission wedding cards (which last week became Four!!!!)

I really enjoyed making this one, it was one of those cards which just came together, it all went well and felt 'right' . . . does that sound mad??
Sometimes I just don't 'feel' a card and have to really labour at it but this one was a dream to make.

The card is made using 8"x8" white cardstock.

The majority of the background papers are from Kanban, all except the delicious gold matting paper which is just stunning IRL, so full on bling without being mirror card, it's amazing.

I stuck to a very neutral ivory/cream palette for the background so that I could do pretty much anything, image and embellishment wise and not clash!

The image is from Magnolia's Wedding 2010 collection - Loving Couple and a Beach Wedding Background. I coloured it using the usual Copic markers with touches of Prismacolor pencils.

The ribbon was a 30mm satin edged organza in ivory and I put a 5mm matching satin ribbon over the top of it.

I used a MS punch "Deco Fan" to edge the image and also gold matting paper.

The flowers were all from Wild Orchid Crafts, the large centre rose is a 35mm Trellis rose and this is arranged with 15mm roses and rose buds and wired peach crystal beads (which I made myself).

The leaves are made using a Nellie Snellen punch. I have used 3mm antique gold satin ribbon, seashells and starfish in the arrangement too.

This is the first page on the inside. I placed a sentiment on the left hand side and matted it up onto the gold paper etc. I added a pale small ribbon with pearl detail.

On the right hand side I printed out a wedding verse found on the Internet and created a personalised sentiment for the couple.

I decorated this side with two intertwined gold rings and a matching ribbon.

This is the signing page for everyone to create their own message for the couple. I didn't want the rest of the card "messed up" with people signing everywhere (I don't mean that quite the way it came out, lol)

This is the last page of the 'book' and is hidden away at the back and secured with a ribbon tie.

The sentiment stamps are from Catslife Press.

Last photo, I promise!!!

This one shows the 'book' arrangement better.

So many people wanted to sign this card that in the end I had to add yet another signing page to the finished card.

The bride loved the card I'm glad to say and I was chuffed.

Sorry this is such a long post but I wanted to show all the aspects of the card.

I'm just popping off to find some challenges that this card might fit and I will be back to update.

Paper Play Challenge #11 - At the beach
Stamp Something Challenge - Something with Pretty Papers
Delightful Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting me,

Challenge success!!

2011-06-16T18:33:00.002+01:00

I'm so proud to have been chosen a Cupcake Cutie in The Cupcake Craft Challenge " Things with Tails" recently. A BIG thank you to all the ladies involved . . . I will display this badge with pride.

And here's the card that I entered . . . I knew she was lovely, lol !!!

Thanks for visiting

Julie Ann

Wedding Fever???

2011-06-09T19:14:00.002+01:00

I think that wedding fever is well and truly here because this is the first of the 3 commissions I have taken for wedding cards in the last couple of weeks alone, lol.

Not that I am complaining, I do love a good wedding and making wedding cards is fun!!!!

As you can see this one is an easel.
The images are oldies but goodies from the Magnolia range.

The background paper is from Kanban and it is matted onto matt silver and silver mirror board.

The flowers are all from Wild Orchid Crafts.

The pins were made by threading various beads onto a quilting pin.

The ticket sentiments are from Whimsy Stamps.

I've added silver peel off corners and added a flat-backed faux pearl.

The organza ribbon and 3mm ribbon were bought from my local haberdashery.

The images were coloured with a combination of Copic markers and Prisma pencils in colours to compliment the colour theme of the wedding itself.

Finally a photo of the easel from the side, phew!!

Now the couple this card is for are not followers of this blog so I'm hoping that it is safe to post it now . . . the wedding isn't until the weekend after next !!!
I'm entering this one into the following challenges:

Cute Card Thursday Challenge #168 - Pearls and Pins

Just Magnolia Week 110 - anything goes

Catch the Bug Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting me,

Isn't She Lovely?

2011-06-07T21:56:00.002+01:00

This is the wonderful Teddy Bea and I am so in love . . . what an adorable little character.

I've been buying this bear and her 'boyfriend' Bo for a little while now as and when new images came out but was a little afraid of colouring them. I didn't think I would be able to do them justice. Then I took the plunge and coloured this little lady and oh my goodness . . . I fell in love, lol.

I've coloured her with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils. I'm loving these pencils and the way they blend.

I've kept the card quite simple to let the image do all the work.

The paper is from a little craft shop nearby to where I live and it was sold as loose sheets from a larger 12 x 12 pad, so I have no idea who makes it, I just loved the colours.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Anything Goes

Cupcake Craft Challenges #145-Things with tails (balloons/bear)

Craft Your Passion Challenge #61 - Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting me,

"Anything Goes" at CCAYR - June Challenge

2011-06-02T17:52:00.004+01:00

June brings the new challenge to CCAYR - Anything Goes, couldn't be easier !!

This is the first of my two cards for the DT Inspiration.

The image is "Vintage Roses" Tilda and I had a devil of a job to source the stamp, it had sold out everywhere but as you can see I got my hands on it eventually . . . from America !!!

It's a beautiful stamp so it's no wonder everyone wanted it.

I can't for the life of me remember which Copic colours I used for this, I'm getting very lax these days, lol.

The papers are from the Henbury Lane Christmas pack, such a lovely collection of co-ordinating papers, I made very sure that I stocked up with this collection.

The punch used is a Martha Stewart, I think it's called "Rings" Punch Around the Page. The organza ribbon is from my stash and I've had it forever (but sadly it's running low now :-( )

I've edged the matting with a fine silver peel off and finished the image with oodles of Stickles.

The paper flowers, leaves and crystal bead combo was bought at a local haberdashery shop and I bought all that they had, lol !!

I'm 'gonna' have a quick look around to see if this fits in with any challenges and then I'll be back !!

Right, I've found the following:

CHNC Challenge # 22 - Use Some Ribbon
Christmas Stampin' All Year Long - To Die For
Dream Valley Challenges #8 - Stamp Something

Thanks for visiting with me,

Oh My Goodness . . . I'm so excited (and sad I know!!!)

2011-05-31T10:37:00.004+01:00

Oh my word I am soooo excited, Magnolia, Sweden are starting their own challenge blog . . . and not before time in my humble opinion. It's a weekly challenge, on Mondays and starts on 6th June.

I've just become a follower and invite you to too . . . if you love your Magnolias as I do anyway. Click on the photo above to take you to the right place.

I can't wait, right time for a coffee and a calm down I think (yes I do know how sad I am!!!!)

Thanks for visiting with me,

Hawaiian Tilda

2011-05-26T08:00:00.005+01:00

This is the lovely Hawaiian Tilda. I think this was my favourite image of the recent releases from Magnolia.

I'm eagerly awaiting my 'Sweet Rainbow' parcel from Magnolia; I've been looking at the pre-order images on Sir Stampalot and they look lovely.

The paper is from the Henbury Lane range which I think has been retired and I matted it onto rainbow mirror card.

The sentiment is from Kanban. The card is finished with a 30mm satin edged organza ribbon overlaid with a purple 15mm purple organza ribbon. Into this I have inserted two decorated pins which I made myself.

The image was coloured using both Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils and I've used lots of Stickles glitter glue.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

The ABC Challenge - V is for Violet
My Time To Craft # 142 - Use a die cut
Truly Scrumptious # 57 - Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting

Patience

2011-05-20T17:02:00.002+01:00

Today's card is a commission that I finished recently for the granddaughter of a friend at work.

It was her birthday on the 17th so I know that I'm safe to post it now.

The image is called Patience and it's available as a digi from Mo's Digital Pencil.

My friend chose it as the image for the card as soon as she saw it because it reminded her so much of her granddaughter and the way she 'loves' their cat, Jack, lol.

The image was coloured with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils. I love using both now but still want to find the time to try colouring with Distress Inks, but time to play seems to be elusive!!

The backing paper is from the Papermania "Back to Basics" pack. It's matted onto an acid green/yellow self adhesive paper from Kanban

I used a Martha Stewart punch ' French Scroll' across the card and added some "Paper Whispers" from Mrs. Grossmans.

I prepared the buttons by 'sewing' them with white thread and stuck them down using Pinflair.

I made the matching keyring by super-sizing the digi onto shrink plastic and coloured it again and attached it to a mobile charm finding.

The sentiment is from Labels, Tags and Banners.

The design was repeated on the inside but rotated to create some added interest.

Here's a close up of the keyring.

I'm entering my card into the following challenges:

Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge # 83 - Anything Goes

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge # 103 - Happy Birthday

Charisma Cardz Challenge # 20 - Birthdays in Pink

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge # 111 - PINK-a-Licious!

Thanks for visiting,

Bollywood Birthday

2011-05-14T12:49:00.002+01:00

I got really excited about this project when a friend at work asked me to make a card for her friend's 50th birthday. She is planning a Bollywood themed birthday celebration, how fantastic!!

It presented me with a chance to use my Indian Tilda image for the very first time plus the incredible papers from the Taj Mahal paper stack from DCWV.

The front background paper has been matted onto gold mirror card and then onto a toning peacock blue paper. The circle cut out was made using a Marianne Creatibles die. I applied gold dusting powder to the blue circle and then cut the whole thing out again in a co-ordinating paper to get the centre circle which was already glittered. I added flat backed faux pearls at suitable design points.

Tilda herself was coloured using Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils.
The headdress is embellished using tiny fingernail gems, I bought these from a local £1 shop and they're great for little earrings or buttons on clothing or shoes.

The image has been shadowed with a Prismacolor pencil.

The peonies were glittered using a Quickie glue pen and Glamourdust.

The whole image was then trimmed down and matted onto some more gold mirror card.

The inside of the easel card is made using a co-ordinating paper from the Taj Mahal pad. Again this was matted onto gold and blue paper. The stopper was raised up using foam tape and the scrolled ends were cut using Fancy Tags from Spellbinders.

The sentiment was printed on my computer and the '50th' is made using gold peel offs. The whole sentiment is matted onto gold mirror card.

The card is finished with a gold crest and turquoise guinea fowl feather embellishment.

Finally a photo of the box I made to present it in.
When I think of India I think of the Raj, the golden opulence and peacocks, so I used a peacock feather to decorate a box made from a matt gold card.

The sentiment was repeated for the box lid.

My friend seemed thrilled with what I had done so I hope that her friend will like it too. I almost wish I was invited to the birthday bash, dressing up in a sari would be right up my street, lol.

I'm entering this easel into the following challenges:

Stamp Something 3 Year Celebration Challenge - Anything Goes
Kaboodle Doodles Challenge #66 - Lots of Layers
Crafty Creations Challenge #118 - Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting,

Cutie #2

2011-05-09T10:00:00.002+01:00

Wow, I think we are getting all of April's and May's rain all at once, lol, still I'm not complaining, my garden so needed it!

I was thrilled to find out that I had won a prize over on the Just Magnolia blog this week. As my prize I chose the lovely green combinations ribbon/button kit . . . a BIG thank you to the lovely Ribbon Girls and Bev Rochester.

On to my card today I told you I loved this new image (well, new to me anyway!). This time I coloured her as a blonde with a combination of Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils.

I glittered the little blue flowers in the background but I'm not sure that the photo picks it up.

I used a Cuddly Buddly card topper and a piece of Kanban damask print card background to make the main card.

I decoupaged the flower flourish and glittered them. I love daisies they never fail to make me smile.

This photo shows the decoupaged daisy flowers off a little bit more.

I lined the edge with a very fine silver peel off.

Thanks for visiting,

Such a Cutie!!

2011-05-07T10:00:00.001+01:00

Isn't she a sweetie? I'm so glad I found this little digi and I'm sure to treat myself to some of her friends at some stage, lol.

She's a Swiss Pixie and she's just too cute!! I'm really warming to digis as they are just so versatile, you can re-size them to your requirements, large or small . . . the same can't be said for traditional stamps, acrylic or rubber.

I coloured her with my Copic markers, but I forgot to make a note of the colours.

I've mounted her onto a card front topper that I bought from Cuddly Buddly Crafts during their last sale which was so good that I'm waiting for the next one, lol!! I used 3D foam tape to give the card a little bit of depth.

The circle was outlined with a very fine gold peel off border . . . you have no idea how long this took until I was happy with it, lol. The circle also has faux cross stitch all the way around it.

The flower, leaves and tag all came with the topper and I simply added a large pink flocked brad in the centre of the flower.

The card is finished with some toning card candy and I used a white gel ink pen to add the polka dots to them. Sweet but simple.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - Give us a Quote/Sentiment
Prairie Fairy Fridays - Here Come the Girls
Stamp Something - May, Use a Digi

Thanks for visiting,

Quick and Easy!

2011-05-05T10:00:00.001+01:00

I've had a little time off work recently, what with annual leave and the odd Bank Holiday or two or three, lol, so I have had time to put a few quickie cards together. Sometimes I just don't have the time for anything else.

This adorable little fella was from the Cuddly Buddly website and I love him.

Couldn't you just reach out and munch on that Fondant Fancy?

Decoupage has always really fascinated me, it was my first love where papercrafting was concerned (stamping didn't take a hold until much later 'cos I wasn't that good at it!). At one point all I would do is decoupage various elements, I would never finish a total project, lol.

My family would just laugh at me 'cos all I wanted to do was decoupage stuff and mat and layer things!

The topper was matted onto pink cardstock and lined with a very fine silver peel off border. The scalloped topper was similarly lined and glittered using Hunkydory Fairy Kisses glitter and a quickie glue pen. . . this is very therapeutic and I would highly recommend it, lol.

The teddy's teacup and Fondant Fancy cake is also heavily glittered and the card is finished with some pink card candy, which are fab!!

A quick and easy card that I think is lovely.

I'm entering this into the following challenges:

Moving Along With The Times - Have Some Cake
Cupcake Craft Challenges - Something Beginning with 'C' (Cup and Cake!!)
Pollycraft Monday Challenge - Anything Goes

Finally a 'heads up' re: The Ribbon Girls latest giveaway to celebrate the arrival of Molly Blooms stamps to her site. Check this out and the gorgeous inspiration cards too ...

Thanks for visiting,

Happy Birthday, Lisa!

2011-05-03T10:00:00.001+01:00

I'm using this post to wish my friend, Lisa, a very Happy Birthday today . . . she has stuck with me through thick and thin, good times and bad, a true friend!

Here's the card I made for her.

I had such fun colouring the background (whilst simultaneously watching Dr. Who, lol) using a combination of Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils which I absolutely love now. Only trouble is with me is knowing when to stop adding and when enough is enough!!

I was so pleased with it but then I had to cover most of it up with putting Tilda into place leaning out of the window but never mind I think she looks brill !

The inside of the card is a repeat of the front but I glittered it with Hunkydory Fairy Wishes glitter.

A close up of the image, I can't quite remember which Tilda this is but I know she is a fairly recent addition and I'm pretty sure she was in the Magnolia Stamp Club package.

The designer paper is from a pad which I've had for a really long time . . . it's an oldie but a goodie . . . Papermania Equisite .

I just love this ready made frame paper and my new nestie fitted perfectly into the design.

The paper flowers are from Prima and I placed a pink pearled brad into the centre.

The gold leaves were made using the Marianne Creatable die "English Rose". I was going to use the roses to embellish the card but decided against it . . . although the flowers did turn out quite well.

Just one more close up, lol, I'm so pleased with the colouring . . . I might never achieve it again (completely fluked it) so here it is recorded for me the next time I'm struggling with it, lol. Perhaps watching TV at the same time is the key to it, :0)

I'm scheduling this post so I hope that it works and it doesn't appear too early.

I'm entering this into the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Anything Goes
Stamp with Fun Challenge # 109 - Lace or Ribbon
Just Magnolia # 104 - Buttons, Bows and Bling
Creative Inspirations #109 - Pink, Yellow, Green

Happy Birthday Lisa, I hope you like your card.

Thanks for visiting,

OOPS . . . forgot to mention!

2011-05-01T15:35:00.001+01:00

Oops I forgot to mention that because it is the 1st of May, the new challenge over at Christmas Cards All Year 'Round has been posted.

It's something a bit different this time . . . a sketch from the very talented DT member, Audrey, so why not get yourself over there and join in. The prize of a mini crafting stash has been offered by another DT member, Kat and is well worth the effort.

You have a whole month to make 5 cards; you can make 5 cards of the same design or 5 completely different ones, the choice is yours. And remember the added bonus is ... you get a head start with all of your Christmas cards which judging the speed at which the year seems to be passing, is a definite advantage.

Here's the first of my 3 DT Inspiration Cards

Now I will admit that I did struggle a bit with the sketch but I think that was more because I left making the cards so late in the day and felt a little under pressure to come up with something. A lesson to be learned there I think, ha, ha!

This is my first attempt at a shaker card too which probably wasn't a really good idea given that I didn't have much time.

The paper is from a lovely paper pack from Dovecraft called Winter Wonderland which comprises of papers which are all various shades of blue, wish I could still find this one, as I would like much more of it. I'm always sorry when I use the last of an old favourite!

The image and the sentiment are from Kanban. The largest snowflake shapes were from the Paper Mill store before they all closed down (still boo-hoo'ing about that!!).

The punch used for the navy blue stripe across the card is from EK Success, the manufacturer responsible for making MS punches and it's absolutely fab.

The brads and other snowflakes are from my stash.

Thanks for visiting,

Happy May!!

2011-05-01T10:13:00.001+01:00

Wow, the1st of May already, how quickly time flies. I've noticed that I haven't posted since the 9th of April, I had no idea that it had been that long, lol.

Apologies for the standard of the photography, I've not mastered my camera yet.

This is the box for a christening card I was commissioned to make for a little boy being christened today actually (Many congratulations to his very proud parents!).

The image has been mounted on a 'shaper' from the Clipart Fairy.

The digi images of a bear in a basket and an elephant are from Elline Pellinkhof and I've decoupaged and glittered them up.

The image is repeated on the main card but is more deeply decoupaged and glittered.

The "Best Day Ever" sentiment seal is from Cat's Life Press.

A second 'shaper' has been used in a different orientation to place the greeting text on.

Just a closer look of the front of the easel card.

The paper is from the Clipart Fairy and I've used some silver peel off corners,borders and text.

A length of blue satin polka dot ribbon has been used behind the 'shaper' and tied into a bow.

The bottom edge has been embellished with Card Candy which I think are pretty amazing and are so versatile. I'm busy collecting all the colours, lol.

If you're interested take a look at their blog, here, it's very inspiring. I love it!

Just one more photo to show the depth of the decoupage!

I'm going to spend some time now looking around for any challenges this card might meet . . . I'll be back, ha, ha.

Right found some:

Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Moving Along with the Times - Anything Goes
Make It Monday - Anything Goes
Saturday Challenge - For a Baby

Thanks for visiting,

Decoupage Christmas Easel

2011-04-09T21:18:00.001+01:00

Here's another of the DT Inspiration Cards made for CCAYR April challenge - use an oval and some ribbon.

The centre image is a cute piece of decoupage that I bought from Create and Craft a few Christmases ago and didn't get to use up.

The designer paper is from Papermania and I was so pleased when the colours matched up so well.

The oval and picot edged rectangle were cut with my nesties and I applied a copper embossing powder to the oval to give it some definition, it's really shiny IRL.

The lacy paper is another of Mrs. Grossman's Paper Whispers.

The scallop punch is from Martha Stewart and the sentiment used for the stop is from Anita's crafts.

A very quick post today
Thanks for visiting

Happy Mothering Sunday

2011-04-03T10:17:00.001+01:00

Morning All

Firstly, let me wish all Mums out there, especially all you Stepmums (your job is doubly tricky!!) a very happy Mothering Sunday. I hope you have all got your feet up today and are spoiled thoroughly rotten, lol.

My card today is an April DT inspiration card for Christmas Cards All Year 'Round - use an oval and ribbon somewhere on your card.

I used my Grand Calibur machine for the first time to make it, I bought this tool back in November because I desperately needed it, lol.

Well it was a doddle to use and I will definitely be making many more shaped card blanks. I'm saving up for another set of dies though 'cos they are soooo expensive. Incidentally, I don't like the Calibur as much as I love my Cuttlebug. I made the mistake of selling my original Cuttlebug to part fund the purchase cost of my Grand Calibur and very quickly realised that I needed to buy a Cuttlebug again. I bought the v2 Cuttlebug and breathed a sigh of relief, lol!!

The image is Starlight Tilda from the Christmas 2010 Collection.

The paper is Papermania Funky Christmas and the rainbow effect is achieved with rainbow mirror card.

I think maybe I used a bit too much rainbow mirror card 'cos the card is a little blinding but hey ho, someone will love it.

Well, must dash, my daughters have started to arrive and the spoiling is about to start!!
Thanks for visiting,

Swiss Pixie Fairy

2011-03-25T20:15:00.001Z

I think I'm experiencing a second childhood 'cos I seem to be really drawn to fairies at the moment. I love them or is it the fact that you can glitter them to within an inch of their lives and I just like glitter??? Not sure!!

I made this for my sister's 60th birthday. I know that it's quite a young looking image but she is a young looking 60 (extra brownie points for that one, lol)

She is a digital image and I coloured her on my computer using 'Paint' which every PC comes with. Everything except her skin that is, I stuck to the Copic markers for her face, etc.

I've decoupaged her, the plant pot, the flower and the butterflies using Pinflair glue, love this glue, I've had bad experiences with ordinary silicone glue leaving nasty stains on some printed materials; so I don't use it any more.

I had to make an easel card for her, I'm sort of known to always make easel cards but I have been trying not to make so many recently . . . they take me so long to do. I change my mind about layout and embellishment so many times before I settle.

Love the spring colours in this card but can't for the life of me remember which pads I pulled the papers from as I made up this project in a plastic wallet some time ago and forgot to label the details. I'm so short term sometimes, lol. I think it's a Kaisercraft's pad though for some reason.

Loads and loads of glitter used for her, Stickles Stardust naturally on her wings, her dress, her boots and her butterfly friends. Oh and loads on the flower.

I was pleased with the finished and so was my sister which in my book goes down as a result.

Mother's Day cards next, 3 for commissions and one for my MIL, I'm going to be sooo busy.

Thanks for visiting me,

Sticky!!

2011-03-22T08:26:00.003Z

I'm slightly worried that the title of this post might be misinterpreted by some but here goes, lol! I've scheduled this post and I will be in a queue outside my doctors surgery (trying to get more antibiotics, the gold dust of medicines). It's the first time I've tried it (scheduling not antibiotic queuing, lol!), so I'm also worried about that but if it doesn't appear I don't suppose it's the end of the world. I'll post it later!!

Here is the last of the cards that I made for the CCAYR challenge for March DT inspiration . . . isn't he just a darling (love those ears!!) and so aptly named . . . Sticky!

Again, apologies for the photography standards, if I remember rightly, these photos were taken quite late at night under the light of my craft lamp, lol! Not surprising then that they turned out like they did!!

The paper used was from Pepper's Christmas and I love this Holly paper. I stuck a red adhesive gem at the point where the leaves meet. The photo doesn't really pick this up.

The punched out shape was made with Martha Stewart Punch around the Page set called 'Cherish'.

I coloured him with Copic markers but can't remember which colours were used. Another image that was coloured on my lunch hour.

The holly berrry and leaves embellishment is a Magnolia christmas stamp which I 3D'd with Glossy Accents.

Some areas have been accented with Stickles Star Dust especially his hat.

I love this image and I'm sure he will be well used in future.

The sentiment oval is from my stash.
The matting is red mirror card which gives a lovely red glow to the card.

The card is finished with 3 red flatbacked pearls in opposite corners.

Thanks for visiting me,

Bella Loves Christmas!

2011-03-20T20:48:00.001Z

Here is one of the cards I made for this month's CCAYR DT Inspiration (the ones I got in late . . . still annoyed with myself!!)

Sorry about the quality of my photography. I have looked at SLRs but they are soooo expensive, so I will have to wait for a big lottery win . . . yeah, right, so that's a long wait then; ha, ha!
Anyway, back to reality, this is Bella Loves Christmas from Mo's Digital Pencil . . . told you I was getting into my digital stamps.

I haven't had an ink pad and block out for quite some time now.

I coloured her on my lunch hour a while ago now so haven't got a hope at remembering which colours I used, sorry.

I get some funny looks and comments at work whilst I'm "colouring in" as some of my work colleagues call it. I just laugh and tell them that I know how to stay in the lines and everything, lol.

They always like the finished results though so that's all I care about.

I glittered Bella with Stickles Stardust on her bodice and lace trim of her dress.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and I have used glimmer mist and loose glitter on top before it dries too much.

The star gems were from Dunelm Mill and I've stuck an adhesive gem on top of each to really bling them up.

The red mirror board in the background was punched out using a Martha Stewart Punch around the Page set but I can't remember which one it is.

This is really sad but I must confess to buying a Dymo labelling machine just so that I can label up my MS punches but I haven't got around to it yet. I think I need medical help, my husband certainly thinks so!!

The sentiment is from my stash and I wish I could remember where they were from 'cos they're running out and I would like some more if they are still available.

Well, must get on, more from me later,

thanks for visiting,

Mo's New Digital Shop & Fundraising for Japan Disaster Victims

2011-03-20T09:13:00.000Z

I've just stumbled across Mo's new shop and the fact that she is generously selling this digital stamp "What's Cookin" (in a black and white version) to raise money for the Japanese people in their hour of need.

500 of these wonderful stamps have been sold already meaning that $500 will be donated to the Hands on Tokyo and GlobalGiving organisations.

Mo's stamps usually sell for $3 each but as a launch for her new shop and fundraising efforts, she is offering this image for $1 for a limited time.

I think she is sweet and it's such a good cause, I bought mine, please visit and buy it too!!

Please use your blogs to spread the word too if you can.

Thanks,

Anyone for Cricket?

2011-03-19T18:54:00.001Z

I hope you are having a lovely weekend. The weather here has been so spring like today and I'm looking forward to seeing the "supermoon" tonight. I'm feeling much better and I've been working hard on the DT cards for next month's CCAYR challenge.

The card I have to show you today was a bit of a labour of love. I sweated and worried over it, at one point it looked destined for the bin, but at the end I was happy with it.

I made this for a work colleague who is cricket mad and also loves Magnolias but . . . Magnolia do not love cricket so I had to be a little bit creative with masking and stamping. It took me several tries but I love the end result.

The background was a card that I downloaded a while back from CraftuPrint or was it Card Downloads, I just can't quite remember . . . I buy things from so many different places and I'm not always good at filing them in an organised way (If anyone has any tips re: this please pass them on!)

The cricket bat was downloaded from Microsoft Office™ clipart. I had to browse through quite a number before I found the one which I thought would blend in, lol.

James is also a Leicester City fan, hence the lovely blue mirror and diamond card matting layer, which really doesn't show up well on my photos. Oh and the blue grosgrain ribbon.

The decoupage cricket bats were taken from a sheet from my stash (I thanked my lucky stars when I managed to find it!)

The sentiment shapes were cut from white card with Nesties and distress ink "Faded Jeans" was used to give a nice edge to the cut shapes.

Edwin was coloured with Copic markers using E50 and E51.
I used a white gel pen to give the cricket jumper some detail which was lacking.

Lastly the box, which I made from more of the diamond mirror card ( I thought it was quite male and carried the design colours through).

I decorated another die cut shape with cricket themed decoupage and the same distressed edge.

Sorry for the really long post but I was pleased with this one 'cos I don't do male cards, lol! No glitter, no pink, no flowers, no gems or doileys, doesn't really compute with me but this card came together and I had to take loads of pictures just in case I started to believe I'd dreamt it : 0 )

Thanks for visiting me,

Hunkydory Flutterbye Wishes

2011-03-14T16:40:00.000Z

OMG, I think I'm in love. My Hunkydory order arrived from Create and Craft this morning and I've just finished drooling over the Flutterbye Wishes kit.

I didn't really want to use any of it but couldn't resist making this card for a work colleague who has a birthday coming up very soon, she loves butterflies.

I'm not usually one for making kit cards but when I saw this one on the tv, I just had to have it (couldn't afford it, of course!!).

I decoupaged the roses and butterflies and used Pinflair to give me the right amount of dimension.

I've glittered it to death and have just had to order the Diamond Sparkles set of glitters to go with it, lol!

I love the colour combinations in this kit, mellow yellows, duck egg blue, my absolute fav and lots and lots of pink, ohhh I adore it.

The sentiment is a Kanban sentiment which I added a small bow to.

But the real wow factor is when you open up the card . . .

My camera work doesn't really do this justice. The photos are a little on the dark side : )

It's so unusual, I've never seen or done a card like this before but it's an idea that I will definitely use again.

I've glittered all of the butterflies and butterfly trails with Glamour Dust and the sparkle is so pretty.

Create and Craft have exclusivity of this kit until the 22nd of March and then I presume you will be able to buy it from Hunkydory directly and their usual outlets.

I will definitely be buying more from this range when it goes on widespread sale, it is just to die for.

I hope that you will agree.

Thanks for visiting with me,

Lil' Fairy Flora

2011-03-12T16:20:00.001Z

I'm still not 100% fighting fit despite nearly a week's worth of antibiotics! I've have had yet another heavy cold which has left me with a chest infection and nasty acute sinusitis . . . I think I'll have the cold back please : ); still I know that there are many worse off than me.

This card is one that I made a little while back now but didn't get around to posting. Good thing really as my card making mojo has been under the weather too!!!

She is another Mo's Digital Pencil design. Baby Fairy Flora. If you haven't visited Mo's site, I would recommend that you do, here.

I'm really getting into digitals . . . used to be a bit of a purist, thinking that you must get out your ink pads and blocks but digitals give you so much more flexibility. I love playing around with them now.

Anyways, back to Fairy Flora, she is coloured with Copic markers. I coloured her so long back on my lunch break at work that I can't remember the colours that I used, sorry.

I used loads of Stickles Stardust on her wings, give highlights to her dress and to outline the square cut out she is printed onto.

The adhesive stone swirls were a bargain from "The Works", although they were a beggar to use, lol, my first attempt ended up in the bin.

I finished the card with some Papermania transparent adhesive stones in opposite corners.

The paper is from a bargain bundle that I picked up for just £1 from the Manchester Creative Stitch and Craft Show . . . I just love my bargains!

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Creative Card Crew - No Flowers (added!!)

Craft your Passion - Challenge #48 - Anything Goes

Paper Playtime - Digi Anything Goes

Thanks for popping by,

Just a Quickie!

2011-03-09T08:42:00.000Z

Hi, just a quick post to let you know about Jacque's Sweet Candy from Jacque's Joie de Vivre up for grabs until Thursday March 10th (I think!!) Click on the picture to be taken to the right spot.

She is one generous lady and if you have time check out how she stores her ribbons . . . just her ribbons!! (Click on the blog link above)
I am one envious lady . . . still my little crafting area is bijou and perfectly formed (I have to keep telling myself that, lol!)

That's all for now, thanks for visiting,

Long time, no post!

2011-03-03T16:54:00.002Z

This is a Christmas card that was made for the March DT samples over at Christmas Cards All Year 'Round.

The theme for March is "3s", 3 designer papers, 3 brads, etc. So nice and easy, why not enter yourself, there's a nice prize on offer this month put up by fellow Team Member, Kat.

Unfortunately I've been ill lately with 'flu and a chest infection and I was forced to submit them late . . . I absolutely detest being late with or for anything. So I'm annoyed with myself.

I made this card using some paper from Paper Artsy, I think the set is called Rum and Raisin, it's filled with lovely and very different Christmas papers.

I punched out some glittered vellum using my new Martha Stewart Cherish Punch around the Page set, I'm loving the look that it gives. I used a white gel pen to produce a faux stitched look.

The decoupaged centre piece is from Nitwits Collections "Comfort and Joy" and I've layered it up and added areas of Ranger Glossy Accents to lift it. I'm not sure that my camera has picked this up that well.

Think that you can just about make out the Glossy Accents in this shot, if you look closely. I really must invest in some photography classes, lol.

A little silver fine border peel off and some clear adhesive stones and I called it 'done'.

Well that's all for now,

Thanks for reading,

Perfect Paper Flowers

2011-02-09T18:51:00.001Z

It was my crafting evening last night and I learned how to make the most darling paper flowers. I'm going to have a go at a tutorial at the weekend so I can pass on how these little paper miracles are made. I've just taken delivery of some software which should help me create PDF's so that should make it all easier (if I can work out how to use the software that is, ; ) )

Todays card is another I made for the DT inspiration over at Christmas Cards All Year 'Round - don't forget to get your entries in for February.

It's quite plain really I suppose, didn't use all the usual flowers,etc but then this is a little boy image and it didn't seem appropriate to go to town with the flowers.
It's a hAnglar and stAnglar image that I coloured with Copic markers but I can't for the life of me remember which.

I'll have a think and if I remember I'll update the posting.

The paper is from PaperArtsy "Rum and Raisin" Christmas pack.

The border was created with a Martha Stewart punch.

The rectangles were all edged with a fine silver peel off. The card is also decorated with Papermania adhesive glitter gems in Transparent.

Short and sweet tonight, I'm about to get my Copics out to do some more colouring in : )

Thanks for reading,

Weekend over again? Already?

2011-02-06T20:08:00.001Z

My word, this weekend has really flown by. After my trip to the Manchester Stitch and Creative Craft show on Thursday and all the goodies I treated myself to, I thought I'd better make some room in my crafting space for them. Tall order !! My craft space is threatening to take over my bedroom and because it is in my bedroom I have to be very good at keeping it neat and tamed, 'cos if I didn't my husband would kkkiiilllll me : ). He would start asking silly questions like "Why do you need all this stuff?" Where do you begin to answer that one ladies, lol?

Anyway, I spent most of the day yesterday sorting and grouping and putting things in very sensible places and lo and behold I come to make a card today and can't find anything . . . oh how I wish the craft room fairy would come and visit me, lol !

I did manage to make a card today, eventually, but I haven't had a chance to photograph it yet so I'll save that one for later.

This is another card I made for the February Challenge at CCAYR which is fairly straightforward . . . red or pink or red and pink in homage to Valentine's Day; why not have a go, have some fun and get ahead with the Christmas card production this year !

It's an 8" x 8" card, so it's a little bit bigger than my normal cards. The image is from Mo's Digital Pencil, and I think he is just soooo sweet.

The paper is from Dovecrafts Fancy Christmas stack and the punch used for the border is Martha Stewart Holly border.

The sentiment was made using Spellbinders Fancy Tags set which I acquired from eBay recently at a reasonable price (don't know why I don't look here first whenever I want something).

The "snowflakes" falling on Kai (that's the name of the image) is from Cosmic Shimmer and it's a chunky style glitter which IRL gives the card a real sparkle but somehow looks a bit dead in the photo, never mind ; ) .

The snowflake embellishments came on a roll from a haberdashery shop, I simply snipped them into single flakes and placed a pale pink Papermania adhesive stone in the centre. A few more adhesive stones as holly berries and I called it a day : )

I used Copic markers to colour as usual:

Skin: E000; E00; E02 and R20
Hat and Scarf: R00; R10
Snowsuit: R05; R17 and R23
Boots: E31; E33; C1; C3 and C5

Thanks for reading,

An Amazing Craft Show

2011-02-05T11:45:00.001Z

Well admittedly I'm one day later than promised in posting this, but what a fantastic time me and my friend Lisa had at the Manchester Stitch and Creative Craft Show on Thursday.

The highlight of the day for me was taking part in two workshops in the afternoon, one with Stephanie Weightman and the other with Nancy Watt. How lovely it was to find out that these two ladies are as genuinely down to earth and just as funny in person as they appear to be on the telly. I loved every minute of it. Have you ever met someone from the telly and been disappointed?

We both spent far too much money and had aching arms from carrying all our goodies home but it was so much fun and we met so many lovely, like-minded ladies. Roll on September until the next one.

Today I have one of the DT inspiration cards for Christmas Cards All Year 'Round (CCAYR) to show you.

As you can see it is a departure from the usual easel card.

It was made possible by the purchase of the Hougie Board™ recently which makes measuring (which isn't usually one of my strong points) an absolute doddle and with a cutting mat slotted on top of it, it doubles as a work surface whilst I'm watching telly : )

The images are a mixture of hAnglar and stAnglar and Magnolia coloured with Copic markers

Colours:

Skin: E000; E00; E02 and R20

Hair: E53; E31 and E33

Clothing: R05; R17; R23; E50; E51 and E53

Socks: C1

Shoes: R05; R17 and R23

The designer paper is from Kanban and IRL it's so lovely with metallic foiling on an allover snowflake design but my photography skills are very limited and in the photo's they just look black!!

I kept everything else very simple, the paper does the talking : ) with just a red organza ribbon, a Christmas sentiment, a smattering of adhesive glitter gems and oodles of Stickles Stardust.

I'm off to play with my new things from the show now and I have to make a start on my DT cards ( so the house-cleaning will have to wait : ) )

Thanks for reading,

Tempus Fugit !

2011-02-02T17:54:00.001Z

Well, my plan to blog 3 times per week failed quite miserably didn’t it? I really don’t know where the almost two weeks went . . . time just seems to fly right by me right now, it’s quite scary!! I must, must, must get more organised.

A lot has happened though, I won a challenge competition. I was picked at random by the lovely people at CropStop for this card and won a generous $15 voucher to spend at their store. What an Aladdin’s Cave that turned out to be, the hard part was settling on exactly what to choose, needless to say I spent more than the $15 and two new Martha Stewart Punch around the Page sets are hopefully winging their way to me at this moment. I really can’t wait.

I have completed my first month’s DT submissions to CCAYR. The theme for February is Pink or Red (or Pink and Red) in homage to St.Valentine’s Day on the 14th. Again, a nice and easy challenge, so why not join in? I'll be posting them in the coming days, whilst trying to complete the DT inspiration cards for next month's challenge.

I’ve had commissioned cards to complete too which thankfully I’m managing to keep up with (fingers crossed that this continues to be the case).

This card was made for a ladies 60th birthday recently. The image is Tilda with a Peony and it remains one of my enduring favourites, she is just so beautiful when coloured and glittered.

Colours used:

Skin: E000; E00, E02 and R20

Hair: E53; E31 and E33

Dress: YG03; YG23 and G94

Shoes: R11; R23 and R32

Socks: C1

Peony: R11; R23; R32; G14 and YG03

The designer paper is from Prima Fairy Fantasy matted onto cardstock from the Papermill.

I've used Papermania Adhesive stones to embellish the swirls which were cut with a Marianne Creatable die.

The bows were made using lime green 20mm organza ribbon and I've placed
pink pearl flower gems from Dunelm Mill in the centre of them.

The glittered birthday sentiment paper ribbon is from Kanban in Powder Pink

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, all except the pink daisy type flowers, they came from eBay quite some time ago.

Just for a change I thought I would show you the box that I made to go with this card. Since completing it I've added a sentiment to it but it's a commission piece so I photographed it before adding it.

I've used pink pearlescent card for the box lid and plain white card for the base. I used the same Martha Stewart border punch to pretty up the lid edges.

Again I've used Kanban birthday ribbon sentiments and glittered paper ribbon to decorate the top.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I'm off to the Stitch and Creative Crafts Show in Manchester with a crafting friend tomorrow, I've been saving up all of my pennies for quite a while and I can't wait to get there. I'll let you know how I got on, on Friday hopefully. I'll be far too exhausted from all the shopping tomorrow : )

Apologies for the appalling quality of the photos, I photographed them quite late at night and couldn't avoid the shadows.

I'm entering this into the following:

Friday Sketchers Challenge #139

Crafty Creations Challenge - A red, red rose

Simon Says Stamp challenge "Love is in the Air"

Thanks for reading,

Not a Tilda !!!

2011-01-20T18:52:00.000Z

This card was made for a young man's Christening Day a little while ago . . . and I didn't use a Tilda stamp, shock, horror!!! I haven't made anything other than a Tilda card since May 2010, I think I need to lie down again!!!

The image is actually from Mo's Digital Pencil and when I first saw him on her site, I just had to buy him.

The colouring was done with Copic markers:

Skin: E000; E00; E02 and R20

Hair: E11; E21; E37 and YR00

Clothing: Y00; B00 and B02

The designer paper is from DCWV Nana's Nursery "Baby Boy". I just love the glitter on this paper.

I've matted this onto baby blue card from The Papermill (£4 per box, absolute bargain)

I've used 40mm baby blue organza ribbon across the centre of the card and blue adhesive stones to accent the ribbon and the baby's clothing.

The lower half of the easel card is decorated with blue polka dot buttons through which I have threaded 3mm satin blue ribbon.

The sentiment was found on the Internet.

I'm hoping to find some challenges to enter with this one so I'll be back later to update this.

PS. Ok so I found these challenges:

Cute Card Thursday Challenge # 148 - Recipe 1,2,3...
(One image, two buttons, three papers.

Simon Says Stamp . . . Bingo!
(Gems, Glitter/Glimmer/ and Ribbon)

and

One Stop Craft Challenge Week # 114 - "Card for a Male"

Thanks for reading,

Wonderful to catch up!

2011-01-17T10:00:00.000Z

I've had a wonderful weekend catching up with all the blogs I follow and haven't been able to look at for what seems to be the longest time. It never fails to amaze me how talented people are and what wonderful things can be created with paper, glitter and glue.

My card today is my second for the DT inspiration at Christmas Cards All Year 'Round Challenge for January - "Anything Goes". Nice and easy, right? So why not have a go and get a head start on all those Christmas cards we all have to make?

It's another easel card; I really must break out and have a go at other designs : )

The image is Tilda with a Fir which I absolutely loved colouring up with my Copic markers:

Skin: E000; E00; E02 and R20

Hair: E31; E35 and E71

Dress: R00; R11; R20; R22; E71; E50; E51; E53 and E57

Boots: E71 and E77

Fir Branch: E71; E57; G21 and G94

I've also used a gold Promarker pen to add a little bit of metallic glamour to Tilda's headband.

I've used Stickles 'Star Dust' to bling up the Fir branch and the headband as well as Papermania adhesive stones in Transparent.

The designer paper is a particular favourite of mine and my heart races every time I cut into a sheet 'cos I know one day it will be gone and I won't have it anymore (is this just too sad?)
It's Papermania Silk Screened Paper "Ornate Metallic Snowflake" and I would urge you to get hold of some if you can, it really is very, very beautiful.

I've matted it onto Canford Card by Daler-Rowney in Frosted Gold, this is such a classic gold, not at all brash.

I've used a 40mm gold organza ribbon, tied rather than used for a bow.

The flowers are all from Wild Orchid Crafts of course. I'm saving all of my pennies at the moment in order to place another order with them soon, they have such a fantastic range of products which is expanding all the time. The photo doesn't really pick it up but they have all had a spritz of gold Glimmer Mist.

I've used a mixture of roses of varying sizes and pink cherry blossoms. The pink pearl clusters are from Dunelm Mill for the bargain price of 89p per pack.

The pins are ordinary pearl headed pins decorated with Swarovski crystal and faux pearl beads.

The sentiment is from Kanban.

The punch I've used is from Martha Stewart, they are the best on the market in my humble opinion and there are so many that I still lust after : )

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Wild Orchid Crafts Challenge # 15 - "Let's Get Sentimental"

Crop Stop Challenge #2 - Add some Stickles

Stamp Something - "Anything Goes"

Pollycraft Monday Challenge #76 - Pastel Colours

Thanks for reading,