Pink Dandelions Craft Space

Nutcrafters Challenge #12

2012-02-15T09:09:00.007Z

Good Morning.

It's time for another challenge at Nutcrafters. This weeks challenge is 'Anything But Square!' You have free reign on any kind of project but there are no squares allowed. Remember you must use a Nutcrafters image to qualify for the fab prize of a voucher to spend in the Nutcrafters shop. If you don't already have any images check out the Nutcrafters blog as there are quite a few freebies available on there. So there really is no excuse not to join in.

Here is my card for this week's challenge

and a side view

I have used another stamp from the very popular Nursery Rhyme Collection 'Row Your Boat' and coloured with Promarkers.

Corrugated card from The Works

Ribbon and gems from stash

Charm off an old bracelet.

We would love to see you joining in with this fortnight's challenge. Closing date 28 Feb 5 pm.

I'm entering this card into a few challenges:
Creative Card Crew - masculine
Winter Wonderland - No squares or rectangles
Kaboodle Doodle - Where the boys are
Make it Monday - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything Goes
Stamps R Us - Anything Goes
Here Come the Boys - Favourite Song ( The Rowing Song - Willy Wonka)

LOTV Birthday

2012-02-08T14:19:00.002Z

Good Afternoon everyone, hope you are all well and keeping warm. Most of the snow has gone here now, just a bit hanging on in the back garden. It's gone really cold though and there were a few snow flurries as I was driving back from the petrol station this morning so it might not be over yet.

My card today is for a work colleague whose birthday is on Sunday.

I've used this really cute LOTV stamp 'Hello Cupcake'

Coloured with Promarkers

Backing Papers Dovecraft Tea House

Sentiment is a rubber stamp set I won (sorry lost packaging)

Flowers and ribbon from stash

Martha Stewart Punch - Swirl lace

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Lili's Little Fairies - Spring Colours
Bunny Zoe's Challenge - Photo Inspiration

CES Challenges - The Sketch

Just before I go don't forget that you still have one week to join in with this fortnight's Nutcrafters Challenge. There is a gorgeously cute freebie digi so there really is no excuse not to join in.

Take Care

Sugar Nellie Christmas

2012-02-05T15:39:00.002Z

Good Afternoon everyone. Hope you are well today and keeping warm. Well Chris set off down to Stansted at 11 this mprning to catch his flight to Bratislava so I'm on my own again for the week. His flight is at 18.55 but looking at the Departures on the comp everything is taking off late, because of the weather I supppose. He's got a 2 hour taxi drive into the Czech Republic when he finally lands so goodness knows what time he'll get to his hotel. Sooner him than me!!

Anyway I've been out and cleared all the snow off the drive just in case it freezes again overnight and then settled down to make another Christmas card. I've neglected my Sugar Nellies of late so thought I would drag one of them out for a change.

Image - Sugar Nellie 'Wrapped Up Toddlers'

Paper Pieced and coloured with Promarkers

Backing Papers and Embossing Folder - The Snowman

Snowflakes - Sizzix Die and Martha Stewart Punch

Ribbon and fake snow from stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

The Sugar Bowl - Paper Piecing and Sketch
Winter Wonderland - Blue and White
Crafty Hazelnuts - Use a Diecut

Badger Card

2012-02-03T19:26:00.000Z

Good evening. Hasn't it been cold today. No snow for us but Emily has texted to say
they have had lots of it in Lincoln. Chris is off to the Czech Republic on Sunday and the temperature there at the moment is minus 18 Brrrrrr....... Usually we have a laugh and I beg him to take me with him when he is going off abroad but not this time. Too cold for me!!

My card this evening is another one Em has asked for. It is for one of her flatmates whose birthday is on Wednesday. She asked me to do one with a badger on. Apparently they have an in joke to do with badgers but she wouldn't tell me what it was. Anyway I thought I had a woodland stamp with a badger on but couldn't find it so had to go searching in my clipart collections.

Backing paper - Summer Driggs - Falling For Fall

Kraft Card from back of envelope

Baker's Twine - (my neglected item, bought when it first came out and hardly used since)

Sketch from Sketch n Stash Challenge - Free Choice Sketch

I have used Sketch No 64

Hope you all have a great weekend. Wrap up warm.

Saturated Canary Birthday Card

2012-02-02T19:34:00.001Z

Good evening everyone. Hope you've all had a good day. We've been mega busy at work today. Lots of coughs and colds going around.

Emily has asked me to make a few cards for her friends at uni who all seem to have birthdays in February so here is the first. This one is for her friend Coralie.

I have used this gorgeous digi from Saturated Canary 'Rainy Day'

Coloured with Promarkers.

Backing Papers - Basic Grey and Dovecraft Tea House Papers

Whimsy Stamps Mini Postage Stamp Sentiment

Buttons from stash

Raindrops - 3D Gloss (pinched this idea from Coops)

Marianne Creatables Swirl Flower Die Cut

I have followed the sketch from Papertake Weekly

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:

Divas by Design - Anything Goes

I love Promarkers - Photo Inspiration

Die Cut Divas - Anything Goes

Nutcrafters Challenge

2012-02-01T12:10:00.002Z

Hello everybody. It's time again for another Nutcrafters Challenge. The challenge for the next 2 weeks is to make a card or project with a Valentines theme. Remember to enter the challenge you must use a Nutcrafters stamp or digi image. Katie has very kindly provided a freebie digi so everyone can join in.

The fabulous prize for this weeks challenge is a £10 voucher to spend in the Nutcrafters Shop.

Here's my card using Katie's fab digi

I have coloured the image with Prismacolor pencils.

Nitwits Backing Paper - Butterfly Kisses Too

Paula Pascuale Sentiment

Martha Stewart Border Punch

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Craft Room Challenge - Valentines

Crafty Sentiments - Die or Punch

The Stamping Boutique - Valentines

Top Tip Tuesday - Valentines

Colour Create Challenge - Pink and Green

Christmas Card #2

2012-01-25T17:50:00.001Z

Good Afternoon everyone, hope you've had a lovely day. I was determined to try and kick my mojo into gear today so went hunting around the challenge blogs for inspiration. Last year I made a Christmas card every week but have slipped this year.

Here's the result.

I've used this cute Snowy stamp from the Penny Black Jolly Friends Set

Coloured with Promarkers

Snowman embossing folder

Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch

Glamour Dust

Gems and ribbon from stash.

Oops just realised I meant to add some of my fake snow for Snowy to stand on. Please imagine its there and I'll go and add it now.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Joanna Sheen Challenge - Celebrations

Tuesday Morning Sketches - The Sketch

I love Promarkers - Purple and Pink

Penny Black - Crafty Bargains (I got the Snowman Embossing Folder half price in January Sales)

Winter Wonderland - An Easel Card

Nutcrafters Challenge

2012-01-18T10:18:00.005Z

Good Morning. It's time again for another challenge at Nutcrafters. This week the challenge is nice and easy again, It's Anything Goes. Remember you have to use a Nutcrafters image to qualify for the fab prize. Check out the shop for some fabulous digis.

I have used this sweet image from the new Nursery Rhyme Collection - Jack and Jill, coloured with Promarkers.

I am entering it into the following challenges:

Sketch Saturday - The Sketch

I Love Promarkers - Anything Goes

One Stop Crafts - On the spot and ribbon

First Christmas Card 2012

2012-01-15T15:46:00.000Z

Good Afternoon everyone. Happy Sunday to you all and hope you have all had a smashing weekend. Really cold here and there's still frost on the ground. It does look pretty.

Anyway I know it's the third week in January coming up and I've finally managed to make my first Christmas card.

I have used this cute Little Gorjuss stamp which I won last year and didn't get around to inking up.

Stamp and Sentiment - Little Gorjuss - Winter Wonder

Coloured with Prisma Pencils

Backing Papers - Very old scraps

Punch - Martha Stewart Arched Lattice

Ribbon, gems and stars - From stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Jingle Belles - Sketch

Simon Says - Spots or Stripes

ABC Christmas - Anything Goes

Totally Gorjuss - Be a Star

Friendship Card

2012-01-10T18:24:00.002Z

My card this evening is for the Friendship Swap over on Docrafts. My partner has let me know she has received it so I can post it here now.

I have used this gorgeous Lili of the Valley stamp from the Oh So Girlie set coloured with Promarkers and Prisma Pencils.

Backing Papers - Nitwits Butterfly Kisses Too

Sentiment - Lili of the Valley

Lace and buttons from stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Sweek Sketch Wednesday - The Sketch

I Love Promarkers - Buttons and Lace

House of Gilli - Anything Goes

Stamp and Create - Anything Goes

Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Goes

Mary Mary Quite Contrary - Nutcrafters DT card

2012-01-04T11:18:00.002Z

Well that's it for another year, hope you all had a lovely break.

Here is my first card for 2012. This weeks challenge at Nutcrafters is Anything Goes but don't forget you have to use a Nutcrafters image to win the fabulous prize of a £10 voucher. There are quite a few freebies available on the blog so anyone can join in.

For my card for the challenge I have used this gorgeous Mary, Mary image from the new Nursery Rhyme collection which will be released for sale on 9 January in the Nutcrafters Shop.

I have coloured her with Promarkers

Backing Papers - Bo Bunny

Marianne Die Butterflies

Flowers from stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Sunday Sketch and Stamp - Sketch

Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Goes - Tip: If the middle of your bow looks bare or tatty cover it up with a flower.

Simon Says Stamp - New Something (stamp)

Right I'm off now for a bit of Cheese and Branston then I'm off to give my 45th donation of blood. Another 5 and I get a badge, woo hoo!!

My 5 Favourite Cards of 2011

2011-12-31T19:30:00.001Z

I've shown you my 5 favourite Christmas Cards now here are my 5 favourite non-christmas cards. Pop over to Debby's Blog to check out everybody elses lists.

Looking back on the months gone by,

As a new year starts and an old one ends,

We contemplate what brought us joy,

And we think of our loved ones and our friends.

Recalling all the happy times,

Remembering how they enriched our lives,

We reflect upon who really counts,

As the fresh and bright new year arrives.

And when I ponder those who do,

I immediately think of you.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year

20 Promarkers Give Away on Always with a Heart.

2011-12-29T18:52:00.000Z

Jules is holding a fabulous prize draw for 20 Promarkers of your choice to celebrate Handy Hippo now selling single promarkers.

Nutcrafters Happy New Year

2011-12-28T15:11:00.004Z

Here's a little reminder for Nutcrafters last challenge. The theme is Happy New Year. Remember your card must have a Nutcrafters image on it to qualify for the prize of a £10 voucher.

Nutcrafters Freebie Image coloured with Promarkers

Backing Papers - The Snowman

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Passion for Promarkers - Celebrations

Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Goes

I love Promarkers - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

Stampin' for the weekend - Anything Goes

Paper Pretties - Ring in the New Year

Whimsical Designs - Happy New Year

My 5 Favourite Christmas Cards

2011-12-24T09:34:00.000Z

Good morning all, can you believe it's Christmas Eve!! One more sleep and Santa will have been. Can't wait, Stewart will be home today so I'll have both my babies sleeping in their beds for a few nights. He'll be gone again the day after Boxing Day

I am joining in again with Debby's challenge to show my 5 favourite Christmas cards.

Got the idea for this countdown card last year but it was too late to make one. I have made a couple this year but will definitely make more next year. They are so easy.

Love this cheeky chap. Perfect image for men's Christmas cards.

Another fab image from Just Inklined. Perfect for my doggie loving friends.

This is my all time favourite Snowman image from Sugar Nellie. Also love this Marianne poinsetta die.

I love the design of this card and the frame made from Nesties and my favourite Snowflake die.

Nutcrafters Challenge 8 - Happy New Year

2011-12-21T09:30:00.002Z

Good morning everyone, It's time for another Nutcrafters challenge.

This week's challenge is to create a Happy New Year card or project. Remember your card or project must have a Nutcrafters image on it to qualify for the prize.

This weeks fabulous prize for the lucky winner of Challenge 8 is a £10 gift voucher to spend in the Nutcrafters shop.

We all hope you are able to join us in our challenge this week. Simply leave your details in the Inlinkz before 5pm Tuesday 3rd January.

Here is my card for this week's challenge

I have used one of the stamps in the soon to be released Nursery Rhyme Collection. This one is called 'Georgie Porgie' and I thought it would be ideal as he is giving her a Midnight Kiss.

The papers are Nitwit - Pinky Swears Too

Clock is a clipart image cut out with a Nestie

Sentiment - Paula Pascuale

Birthday Card

2011-12-19T18:39:00.002Z

OMG I can't believe it's nearly 2 weeks since my last post. It's been mad busy here, Emily came home from Lincoln Uni last Saturday, was home 2 days and then I took her to Lancaster University to stay with her friend Bryony. They both came home yesterday. Then Wednesday I was having new windows fitted, I know, I know, whose stupid idea was that the week before Christmas. NOT MINE, Chris's!!! Well Wednesday is my day off but only one guy turned up, there should have been two so he took all the windows out, then the other guy turned up and took the lounge window out of his van to find a giant crack from top to bottom. It was starting to get dark at this point so they fitted it and said they would be back to finish off all the plastering and outside bits Thursday. I was at work Thursday so had to ask my dad to come around to wait for them. The one guy turned up again and did all the finishing touches and then they had to wait for the new lounge window. IT DIDN'T COME!!! My dad had to come again Friday morning and luckily they came with the window early and it was all finished by 10 am. I am really happy with the finished result but wish it had been finished Wednesday.

My card today is for a work colleague whose birthday is between Christmas and New Year. I will be off on her birthday so have to take it in this week. My craft room doubles up as the dining room so I have cleared most of my stuff away upstairs for Christmas and as we have been having the windows fitted everything has just been dumped in Stewart's bedroom, so for this card I have just used odds and ends that were left over from my Nutcrafters DT card which I will post on Wednesday.

Image - Lili of the Valley 'Rosie with Presents'

coloured with Promarkers

Backing Paper - Nitwits 'Pinky Swear Too'

Bunting - Whimsy Banner Pennant - Bunny Zoes

Sentiment - Clare Curd

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Passion For Promarkers - Celebrations

Cute Card Thursday - Stripes

Sweet Sketch Wednesday - Sketch
Sparkles Forum - Anything BUT a Christmas card

I'll be back Wednesday with my DT card. Have a lovely evening.

Nutcrafters Challenge #7 Winter Scene

2011-12-07T09:36:00.003Z

Good morning everyone, it's time for another challenge over at Nutcrafters Challenge Blog. This time it is to make a Christmas card with a Winter Scene. Don't forget you have to use a Nutcrafters image, there are quite a few freebies on the blog you could use and there is a fabulous prize again of a £10 voucher to spend in the shop.

Here is my DT card for this week

I have used this cute image which is one stamp in the Winter Walk set (currently on sale for £3.83). I coloured her a while ago with Promarkers. The background scene is a digi stamp from Just Inklined called Little Church in the snow and I have coloured this with Prisma Pencils and dusted with white glitter. The fence and gate are Memory Box Dies. The sentiment stamp is from the mini postage stamp set from Whimsy stamps. Little pearls are from my stash.

Hope to see lots of you joining in with the challenge this week.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:

Top Tip Tuesday - Let It Snow

Simon Says Stamp - Christmas Photomontage Inspiration

ABC Christmas Challenge - 'Y' Yippee anything goes.

Nutcrafters Christmas Challenge

2011-12-03T17:00:00.000Z

Just a reminder to let you know that you still have time to join in with the Nutcrafters challenge to make a Christmas card for a friend. If you look back at the previous challenges there are some lovely freebie images you can use for this and be in with the chance to win a fabulous £10 voucher to spend in the shop.

Check out the online shop too as there is a Winter Sale on with lots of crafty bargains. P&P is only £1 to the UK.

Can I also take this opportunity to introduce you to the soon to be released Nursery Rhyme Collection which will be up for sale from 9th January. Check out the DT blogs over the next couple of weeks for more previews.

Humphrey's Christmas

2011-12-03T15:14:00.001Z

Good Afternoon everyone, hope the weather is better where you are. Chucking it down and absolutely freezing here. Just the weather for locking yourself in your craftroom, shame it's so dark though.

My card today

I have used this cute stamp that Crafter's Companion were selling for 1p as part of their birthday celebrations. I have coloured with Prisma's only. I think I am getting used to these now and have worked out how to blend them a bit better. What do you think?

The backing papers are from a magazine freebie, My Minds Eye. I have punched the border with a Martha Stewart punch and just added a few gems and glamour dusted the snow.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Sketch Saturday - The Sketch

One Stop Crafts - Let it Snow

Bah Humbug - Cute Christmas Critters

Clearly Inspired - Christmas

Crafty Catz - Colours of Christmas with sparkle

Another Countdown Card

2011-12-02T18:59:00.005Z

Just dashing in to post this card but I'll be gone again in a flash lol. Have just got in from work and need to post this card as it follows the sketch from Sketch Saturday. Loved using this sketch and it went really well with the Countdown card.

Sorry about the quality of the photo but I took it this morning and the light was terrible. I'll try and get a better one tomorrow and change it.

The image is LOTV toboggan for two

Papers - First Edition Christmas Joy

Whimsy Sentiment Mini Postage Stamp

Memory Box Corner Snowflake die

Marianne Poinsetta Die

Gems from stash

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:

Polka doodle - Secret Element

The Poodles Parlour - Christmas

By the cute and girly - Let it snow

Creatilicious Challenge - Christmas Sparkle

Right I'm off, I'll be back to comment tomorrow.

Take Care

Countdown to Christmas

2011-11-29T10:31:00.000Z

Good morning everyone, a chilly one here today. I've got a couple of days off work now so hoping to get some Christmas shopping finished. The only problem is I haven't got a clue what everyone wants!!

Last year I saw a few of these countdown cards and the lovely Angie sent me a link to the tutorial
http://www.stempeleinmaleins.blogspot.com/2009/11/christmas-countdown.html

I 'found' the calendar wheel in my stash, don't know when or where I got it but there is a free print on the tutorial if you need it.

Image - LOTV Christmas bunnies - Robin

Coloured with Promarkers

Backing paper - Magazine freebie - My Minds Eye Winter Papers

Poinsettas - Marianne Dies

Martha Stewart Snowflake die

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Lili of the Valley - Anything Goes

I Love Promarkers - Anything Goes

Charisma Cardz - Snowflakes

More Christmas Dec's

2011-11-27T11:28:00.001Z

Following on from last Sunday's post I thought I would show you some more christmas tree decorations I have been making. Really enjoying the different type of crafting at the moment. I bought this felt kit in the sales a couple of years ago from Abakhan fabrics but never got around to making them.

This is just a small selection of them. There are 4 of each design and 25 different designs. There are lots of bits of felt and embellishments left over so think I might try and make some Christmas trees and puddings etc using my own design.

The timing is just right again as the lovely ladies over at Bah Humbug have set a challenge of Fabric this week.

I am also entering them into the following challenge

So Artful challenge - Sew Pretty

Nutcrafters Challenge 6 - Card for a friend

2011-11-23T10:45:00.006Z

Hello everyone, I can't believe 2 weeks have passed since Nutcrafters last challenge. The challenge this time is to create a Christmas Card or Project for a Friend. Remember your card must have a Nutcrafters image on it to qualify for the prize.

There is no freebie digi this week but there will be random freebies throughout the year so keep looking.

This weeks fabulous prize for the lucky winner of Challenge 6 is a £10 gift voucher to spend at Nutcrafters.

Here is my card

I have used this cute Santa stamp which comes in a pack of 3 with a Christmas Tree and Snowman which you can buy in the Nutcrafters online shop for £3.50. It is also available as part of Stamp Bundle #2, 4 x £3.50 stamps for £10.00

The image is coloured with Promarkers, with white gel pen for highlights. The trimmings on his hat and coat are glittered with glamour dust. The sentiment is a Mini Holiday Postage Stamp from Whimsy Stamps.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Sketch Saturday - Sketch

Crimbo Crackers - Make it Sparkle

Jingle Belles - Card for someone who doesn't necessarily celebrate Christmas

We all hope you are able to join us in our challenge this week. Simply leave your details in the Inlinkz before 5pm Tuesday 6th December.

Sugar Nellie - New Grandma

2011-11-22T19:53:00.000Z

A flying visit from me tonight. I am just posting this card that I made for Deb at work who has just become a grandma for the first time. Her son and daughter-in-law have just had a gorgeous baby girl Erica Susan.

I have followed Gayle's sketch on The Sugar Bowl Challenge blog

Image - Sugar Nellie 'Circle of Life' coloured with Promarkers.

Whimsy sentiment stamps

Pickle's 'Little Dickie Birds'

2011-11-20T13:52:00.001Z

A few weeks ago Pickle posted some lovely little birdbox tree decorations on her blog and I fell in love with them so this morning thought I would have a go. The first one seemed to take ages but once I'd worked out the best way to do them the last 3 came together quite quickly. Pickle did hers in white but I went a bit more traditional with red and green.

I didn't have the nesties Pickle used so used my Labels 11 die for the roof and for the base used Lacey Squares.

I used Sizzlits bird and branch die and covered it in glamour dust.

I have become a bit of a stalker of Pickle just lately, my next project will be a cushion similar to hers. I've already started cutting out but have put it to one side for now.

Pop over to her blog she makes some fabberoonie things.

I am entering this project into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - Bags or Boxes

2 Sisters Challenge - Let it Sparkle

Squiggles and Giggles - Anything but a card

Fussy and Fancy - Anything but a card

Crafty Ribbons - Anything but a card

Creatalicious Challenge - Christmas Sparkle

LOTV

2011-11-16T16:01:00.000Z

Woo Hoo I'm back again. Managed to find a bit of time this afternoon to make another card. Another one ticked off my list. The h*******k has gone to pot today and you should see the state of my craft table. Oh well it can wait, I'm on my own tonight so nobody will see it lol.

I have used this gorgeous Lili of the Valley image - Teddy Flower

Coloured with Promarkers

Marianne die butterflies

Ribbon and gems from stash

Backing Papers - Dovecraft Sugar and Spice

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

LOTV challenge - Creature Comforts

Sweet Sketch Wednesday - Sketch

Have a lovely evening

Baby's First Christmas

2011-11-16T11:23:00.000Z

Good morning everyone, just a reminder that you still have one more week to join in with the Nutcrafters Challenge - Card for a Child.

We would love to see a card or project for a child using a Nutcrafters image (use the freebie if you don't have any other images) There is a fab prize on offer.

My card today is for one of our nurses at work. Emma left last Friday to go on maternity leave. Her baby is due on 6 December.

We don't know if it is a boy or girl so I went with Christmassy Colours.

I have used this cute Nutcrafters stamp - Christmas Cuddles

I am entering it into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - Baby's First Christmas

Sketch and Stash - Sketch (my new stash is the mini christmas stamp sentiment)

Sweet Stampin' - Gingham

Silver Wedding Anniversary

2011-11-15T19:39:00.003Z

Good Evening everyone. It's my Silver Wedding Anniversary today, 25 years or a quarter century. Where does the time go. I can remember it like yesterday. I've been at work all day and just got home. Chris has just phoned to say he is stuck on The Snake Pass and won't be home before 8.30. We had planned to go out for something to eat but I am starving now so I'm going to do myself something quick to eat and then will do Chris something when he comes in. We'll have to go out to celebrate at the weekend instead. Oh well never mind.

Here's the card I made for him. Sorry about the quality of the photo.

I have used this gorgeous SWALK stamp 'I Do'
Coloured with Promarkers
Nitwits Papers - Butterfly Kisses Too
LOTV & Paula Pascual sentiments
Plasterers tape with Mica Powder rubbed into sticky side
(very shimmery in real life but can't see on pic)

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Hooked On Crafts - Punch or Die Cut
Make It Monday - Anything Goes
My Partner in Crafting Crime - Use a Freebie (SWALK stamp was a candy win)

Have a lovely evening.

Nutcrafters Challenge 5 - Christmas Card for a Child

2011-11-09T10:47:00.002Z

Good morning everyone, it's time for a new challenge over at Nutcrafters.

Thank you so much to those of you that joined in with the last challenge. Don't forget to check back on Friday for the winner and top 3.

Now onto this week's challenge create a Christmas Card or Project for a Child. Remember you card must have a Nutcrafters image on it to qualify for the prize. To help you along with this Katie and Colette have provided a freebie digi for everyone. This image is part of the Winter Cutie Pie Digi Stamp Collection which you can find here.

The prize again is a wonderful voucher to spend in the Nutcrafters Online Shop

Here's my card for this weeks challenge

I have used the Nutcrafters stamp - Hanging a Stocking

and coloured with Promarkers and Prismas

Backing Papers - My Minds Eye Winter Papers

Sentiment from the Humphreys Corner Christmas Joy set.

We all hope you are able to join us in our challenge this week. Simply leave your details in the Inlinkz before 5pm Tuesday 22nd November.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Sketch Saturday - The Sketch
Winter Wonderland - Make it Sparkle
Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Christmas
Simon Says - Photo Inspiration

Have a lovely day.

I've Been Published

2011-11-09T09:37:00.000Z

Woo Hoo my blog has been mentioned in this month's Papercraft Inspirations magazine.

You can find it on Page 88 under the What's Out There - Beautiful Blogs section. They asked me back in July if they could use my card, but I thought they had forgotten about me. I got quite a shock when I heard it had been published lol.

My Nutcrafters Team Linda also has her blog mentioned and my other Teamy Gemma has an article printed about Digital Crafting on Page 72. She has given lots of hints and tips about digi crafting.

Please look out for us if you buy the magazine.

Snow Family

2011-11-06T15:58:00.001Z

Good Afternoon everyone, sorry I haven't been leaving comments over the last few days, but Emily has been home from Uni, so we have been out and about. I drove to Lincoln on Friday to bring her back to Manchester, took 2 and half hours. Had a break and a wander around Lincoln for a couple of hours, had a lovely lunch and then set off back home. We got home around 5 and picked up a takeaway curry, yummy. It was her friend Bryony's birthday yesterday so Bry and their other friend Heather were all back from Uni too and they all went out last night to celebrate.

We have just had a lovely dinner of roast chicken and veg and now she is getting all her stuff together to go back to Lincoln. Its very quiet though, I hope she hasn't nodded off in her bedroom. Chris is driving her so won't be back until about 10 o'clock.

I managed to get one card made this weekend, whilst Chris took Em food shopping.

Image - Sassy Cheryl coloured with Promarkers and Prismas

Papers - scraps I've had for years

Snowflake - Cuttlebug Die Cut, cut from laminating pouch and then glamour dusted.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Christmas Challenges - Sketch
I love Promarkers - Glitter and Glitz
Bah Humbug - Snowmen
Winter Wonderland - Make your card sparkle
Crafters Companion - Let it snow
Crimbo Crackers - Anything Goes
Glitter Fairies - Non Traditional Colours
Jingle Belles - Use something clear, my snowflake was made from a laminating pouch

Enjoy your evening.

LOTV Challenge

2011-11-02T16:30:00.003Z

Good Afternoon everyone, a quick post from me today 'cos I've go to dash soon. Picking my friend up from work and taking her to pick her car up. It's been in for a service and MOT.

My card today is using one of my new LOTV stamps 'Coffee Break' isn't it fab.

I've coloured with Promarkers and shaded with Prismas

I've used Dovecraft Tea House papers

Gems, sequins, beads and ribbon from stash.

Looking at it now on screen I don't know if it needs a sentiment, what do you think?

I am entering it into the following challenges:

LOTV - sketch

I Love Promarkers - Glitter and Glitz (there's not a lot but it is there!)

One Stop Craft Challenge - No Sentiment

Now just a reminder that you still have a week to enter Nutcrafters Challenge - Bonfire Party. Please make a project using a Nutcrafters Image. Katie and Colette have provided a fab digi image so you have no excuse lol. Please take a look at my teammates cards. They're all fab.

Sugar Nellie Christmas

2011-10-30T14:55:00.003Z

Good Afternoon Everyone. Hope you're all having a lovely weekend. Did any of you manage to sleep in with the extra hour. My body clock didn't know the clocks had gone back so I was wide awake at 4.30 am. Hopefully it will sort itself out or I'll be going to bed at 9 tonight lol.

Here's this week's Christmas card:

Sugar Nellie Stamp - Wrapped Up Boy

Memory Box Die - Snowflake Corner

Liquid pearls

Glitter card from Wilkinsons

Glamour Dust

I am entering it into quite a few challenges:

Bah Humbug Challenge - Use Die Cuts

The Sugar Bowl - Sketch

Winter Wonderland - CAS card

One Stop Craft Challenge - No Sentiment

Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Anything Goes

A Gem of a Challenge - Cold and Frosty

Little Claire's Challenge - Christmas

Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Anything Goes

Crafty Anns Challenge - Clean and Simple

Crimbo Crackers - Anything Goes

Totally Papercrafts - Glitter

Bonfire Party!!

2011-10-26T09:00:00.003+01:00

Good Morning. My project today is my DT project for Nutcrafters Challenge 4. The challenge is to make a card or project with a Bonfire Theme. As usual Katie and Colette have provided you with a freebie digi image so there is no excuse not to join in but if you do have any Nutcrafters images you can use any of them too. There is a fab prize as usual. A £10 voucher to spend in the shop.

My project is this goody bag for the little boy next door. For the last 2 years we have been invited to their Bonfire Party, probably because they got fed up of seeing us watching the fireworks from Emily's bedroom window lol. Hopefully we will get an invite this year too.

We all hope you are able to join us in our challenge this week. Simply leave your details in the Inlinkz before 5pm Tuesday 8th November.

I have coloured the image with Promarkers and am entering it into;

Passion for Promarkers - For a Child

All I Want For Christmas

2011-10-24T10:48:00.000+01:00

Good Morning Everyone, sorry I've not been around much lately. I've just been mega busy at work and home. I've got the day off today and don't have much planned. I am hoping to try and sort out Emily's bedroom. I thought I would do it as soon as she went to Uni but 5 weeks later I don't think I have set foot in there more than twice lol.

My card today is another Christmas card. I have been doing one a week since January with the Bah Humbug Challenge Blog but I think I need to up it now to 2 a week or I won't have enough.

I have used this cute image from Pollycrafts - Maurice with Christmas Socks. Isn't he a darling. I've coloured with Promarkers and Prismas.

I am entering it into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - With Men in Mind

A Gem of a Challenge - The Sketch
One Stop Crafts - No Designer Paper

I Love Promarkers - Aint it Cute

Top Tip Tuesday - Layer it up

Precious

2011-10-19T18:08:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone, it's been lovely here today, sun shining and lovely blue skies but blooming freezing. Did a load of the dreaded H*******k this morning and then had a crafty session. Then went into Stockport with my mum to get my new Promarkers. They were £1.49 each at Hobbycraft but I used the online voucher which gave you £5 off a £25 spend. I bought 17 which came to £20.33 so each pen only cost me £1.19 each. What a bargain. I also bought a coat from H&M and some bits for the house from Dunelm Mill so had quite a nice afternoon.

Here's my card.

Image - Pollycraft - Precious

Backing Paper - First Edition - Christmas Joy

Memory Box Dies - Charlotte Border and Snowflake Corner

Marianne Die - Poinsetta

Gems from stash

Glamour Dust

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Sweet Sketch Wednesday - The Sketch

Pollycraft Challenge - Girls, Girls, Girls

Top Tip Tuesday - Layer it up

I love Promarkers - Aint it cute
Simon Says Stamp - Inspired by Fairy Tale (Snow Queen)

Hope you like.

Before I go I just want to remind you that you still have another week to enter

Nutcrafters Challenge 3 - Happy Halloween. Katie and Colette have provided a lovely freebie digi so everybody can join in. There is a fab prize on offer. Please go and nab the freebie and join in with the challenge.

Take Care.

Best Seat in the House

2011-10-16T17:54:00.005+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone, a bit late this week with my Christmas Card. As the weather has been so nice, we've been clearing the garden ready for Winter. We went to Bridgemere Garden Centre yesterday and got some bulbs so have been planting them out. Should have a nice selection in the Spring if they all come up. Oh since when has Bridgemere had a Hobbycraft? I had no idea. I printed off a voucher yesterday morning 'cos I am going to Stockport on Wednesday and thought I would pick up some Promarkers while they are on offer at the Hobbycraft there. So had a wander around to see what was in stock but I'll get what I want from Stockport with my money off voucher. I don't usually shop at Hobbycraft because it is used to be so dear but I was pleasantly surprised yesterday, most of the prices seem on a par with other shops.

Anyway stop the waffle. Here's my weekly Christmas card.

Image - La Pashe - Best Seat in the House (Christmas)

coloured with Promarkers and paper piecing

Papers - First Edition, Christmas Joy and My Minds Eye

Sentiment - Free Download (I'll update when I find it again)

Ribbon and Gems from stash.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - Christmas Food

ABC Christmas Challenge - U for Unused Stash (My unused stash is the Digi, I've had it ages but been too scared to colour it in, I'm usually rubbish at colouring in animals, but quite like this now)

Sketch Saturday - Sketch

Enjoy what's left of the weekend. Take Care.

Edit: Ignore the bits of wet glue on the kraft card, I was too eager to take a photo before the light went. They have dried now and the glue doesn't show.

Nutcrafters Challenge 3 Halloween

2011-10-12T09:03:00.007+01:00

Good morning everyone

This weeks challenge over on Nutcrafters is Happy Halloween . We would love to see a card or project with a Halloween theme. Remember you card must have a Nutcrafters image on it to qualify for the prize. To help you along with this there is a freebie digi for everyone.

Here is the card that I made with the freebie

Image - Nutcrafters Digi coloured with Promarkers
BOO - Paper Pieced
Black, purple and cream card - The Paper Mill Shop
Trick or Treat printed on computer
Braid - Crafts 4 You
Bat - Handcut from black card and glittered with black glitter
Gems from stash

This weeks fabulous prize for the winner of Challenge 3 is a £10 gift voucher to spend at Nutcrafters.

We all hope you are able to join us in our challenge this week. Simply leave your details in the Inlinkz before 5pm Tuesday 25th October.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Creative Card Crew - Spooky Fun

My Time to Craft - Orange and Black

Ribbon Carousel - Sparkle and Bling

Cupcake Crafts - Halloween
Simon Says Stamp - Halloween/Goth
Sparkles Forum - Halloween

Glittery Christmas

2011-10-09T13:28:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone, what a dull and dismal day it is today and hey the rain has just started coming down again, lovely!!

Here's my weekly Christmas Card.

Image - Pink Gem - Mimi and Snowman

Backing Papers - Zoe Pearn - Happy Holidays download.

Sentiment - Paula Pascual stamps

Martha Stewart Punch - Arched Lattice

Snowflakes - Sizzix die and punch

Glamour Dust

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - Glitz and Glitter

Sweet Sketch Wednesday - Sketch

Jingle Belles - Pink Christmas

A Gem of a Challenge - With Love at Christmas, use hearts.

Little Claire's - Christmas

My Sheri Crafts - Think Pink

One Stop Crafts - Anything Goes

Secret Crafter - Anything Goes as long as it sparkles

Thanks for looking.

Nutcrafters Friends

2011-10-05T07:00:00.007+01:00

Good Morning Everyone.

I have an early start today so this is a card I made last night but it was too dark to take a photo

Image - Nutcrafters Huddle Together coloured with Promarkers

Backing papers - Dovecraft Sugar and Spice

Sentiments - Whimsy Stamps

Punched Flowers

Die Cut Swirls

Gems from stash

Raindrops have been 3D glossed

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Bunny Zoes - Sketch

Jens Digistamps - Lets Hear it for the girls
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Creative Inspirations - Friendship

Don't forget you still have a week to enter the Nutcrafters 2nd Challenge 'Think Pink'. We would love to see a card or project with a pink theme. Remember your card or project must have a Nutcrafters image on it to qualify for the prize. There is a cute freebie Digi Stamp so everyone can join in.

The Nutcrafters girls Katie, Colette and Linda will be at the Happy Stampers North West Show, Port Sunlight on Saturday 8th October. Linda will be demonstrating all the fabulous new stamp releases, they would love it if you stopped by for a chat.

Christine's Birthday

2011-10-04T14:04:00.002+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone, the weather is not as nice as it has been but at least it is dry and blowing my washing nicely on the line.

My card today is a birthday card for Christine at work. You may remember me doing a retirement card for her last week.

Image - LOTV Bunny Cupcakes

Backing Papers - Dovecraft Tea House

Sentiment - Whimsy Stamps

Button and ribbon from stash.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

LOTV Challenge - Button It

Paper Sundaes - Lots of Layers

Mojo Monday - Fab Sketch
LOTV - World Cardmaking Day Challenge
Craft your Passion - Anything Goes with Ribbon
Make it Monday - Anything Goes

Nativity Card

2011-10-01T12:53:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone, isn't it another gorgeous day.

My card today is my weekly Christmas Card.

Image and sentiment - Digisparkle Nativity Jesus coloured with Prisma

color and Kars White Spirit

Gems and ribbons from stash.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - Nativity

Less is More - Eye Colour (mine are blue)

Cardmad Fairy - Too Early for Christmas?

Jingle Belles - Peace

Cuddly Buddly - Babies/kids

Simon Says - Anything Goes

Going to have a bit of lunch now and then get out in the garden again. There's a lot of tidying up to do.

Nutcrafters Challenge #2 Think Pink

2011-09-28T09:30:00.003+01:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Katie and Colette at Nutcrafters have a cute new Pink Princess Digi Stamp set. This is the third year running they have issued digis for this worthy cause. The set costs just £4 and £2 from every sale goes towards the charity. The Pink Princess Digi set was released on the 26th September and can be found in the online shop. The set is also mentioned in the current Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine (Oct issue), at the top of the Whats hot list!

This weeks challenge is Think Pink. We would love to see a card or project with a pink theme. Remember your card must have a Nutcrafters image on it to qualify for the prize. To help you along with this we have a freebie digi for everyone but please check out the shop as there are lots of cute rubber/digi stamps.

Here is my DT card

I have used 2 of the digis from the Pink Princess Set and resized the princess so that she could stand on the ramparts waving to her prince charming.

Backing papers - Nitwits

Sentiment - Nutcrafters

Punched flowers and Butterflies

Martha Stewart - Doily Lace punch

Ribbon from stash

The Nutcrafters girls Katie, Colette and Linda will be at the Sincerely Yours Papercraft Show, Leigh on Sunday 2nd October so if you are in the area pop over and say hello.

Thanks for looking and for any comments you may leave.

Christine's Retirement

2011-09-27T12:37:00.002+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone, isn't it a lovely day. Makes a nice change. I've got my bedding out blowing on the line and I think I'll go and do a bit of tidying in the garden later if it stays nice.

My card today is a retirement card for Christine who is the reception manager at work. This is the second retirement in the last couple of months so there have been lots of changes. We have 2 new members of staff on reception and everybody else has been juggled about. I am permanently upstairs now doing the secretarial/admin work.

Stamp - Air Hostess Tilda coloured with Promarkers

Nitwits Papers - Promises Too

Cruise image - Microsoft Office Clip Art

Sentiments - Lili of the Valley and Paula Pascual with retirement printed on computer

Braid - Crafts 4 You

Gems from stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Diva's by Design - Fab Sketch

Passion for Promarkers - Planes, Trains and Automobiles (I hope my mode of transport counts, if it doesn't please delete me from the list)
Sweet Stampin' - Anything Goes
Paper Sundaes - Anything Goes

Please check out Nutcrafters tomorrow where there'll be a new challenge and Katie and Colette have provided another freebie digi so you can all join in. Here is a sneaky peak of the digi.

Sassy Cheryl Christmas

2011-09-24T16:02:00.002+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone. Sorry I haven't been commenting much this week but there's been a lot going on at work and home. Hopefully it will be a bit calmer next week and I can pop around all your lovely blogs.

Here's this week's Christmas card.

Image Sassy Cheryl - Reindeer Pull coloured with Prismacolor pencils

Backing Papers - Dovecraft Sugar and Spice

Martha Stewart Punch - Glacial snowflake and Arched Lattice

Ribbon from stash.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - Reindeer/Rudolph

Sketch Saturday - The Sketch

Cardmad Fairy's Digi Challenge - Lots of Layers

Jingle Belles - Suzy Snowflake

Stampin' for the weekend - What a cutie

Looking back at this card now, I'm not too sure about it. The papers aren't Christmas papers but I thought they looked okay but now I'm not too sure about the flowery one. Oh well too late now!!

Don't forget that there is still time to enter Nutcrafters Challenge this week using the fab free digi image. There will be a new challenge posted on Wednesday and here's a sneaky peek of my DT card.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Hugs xx

Autumn's In The Air

2011-09-21T10:13:00.002+01:00

No card from me today I just want to remind you all that there is one week left to enter Nutcrafters 1st Challenge Autumn is in the air. Katie and Colette have provided a lovely digi stamp for you to use.

There is a fab prize on offer

At the moment there are only a couple of entries, so why not give it a go, the odds of winning this lovely prize must be high.

Why not pop over to the Nutcrafters shop too. Katie and Colette have a lovely selection of stamps with a fabulous offer at the moment on stamp bundles. You can get any 3 £4.50 stamps, or 4 £3.50 stamps for £10.00. You can get a set of 12 digi stamp squares for the grand total of £1 and they also have a fabulous selection of charms. P&P in the UK is only £1, Europe £1.50 and International only £2.50.

LOTV Christmas Card

2011-09-20T19:21:00.000+01:00

Good evening everyone. Seems ages since I last posted.

Well Emily has now settled into her Uni digs in Lincoln. We took her over on Sunday and by the time we left, her room was looking very homely. Her room is so big, we have taken her an extra wardrobe, a full sized fridge and there's still loads of room for more furniture. She'll see how she goes on and if she needs any more drawers or shelves we'll take them over at Christmas. I'll really miss her but have just been 'talking' to her on Facebook and it sounds like she is having a great time and has some lovely flatmates.

I've got the house to myself as Chris is away this week too, so can please myself. Quite enjoying it at the moment but wouldn't like it permanently. Stewart says he might come over to stay with his old mum on Thursday lol. I think they all think I can't cope on my own, even my mum and dad have told me I can go round to theirs for tea.

Anyway on to today's card. It's my weekly Christmas card.

Lili of the Valley Stamp - Christmas Bunnies - Robin

Coloured with Prismacolor Pencils

Backing Paper - My Minds Eye - Free in a magazine.

Glitter Card - Wilkies

Poinsetta - Marianne Dies

Sentiment - Paula Pascuale

Swirl -Marianne Die

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - Flourish/Swirls

Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

The Cutie Pie Challenge - Fab Sketch

Lili of the Valley - Red, Green and White

Enjoy the rest of the evening. I'm going to watch a DVD and have a glass of Crabbies Ginger Beer, because I can lol.

Nutcrafters Challenge #1 Autumn's in the Air.

2011-09-14T09:24:00.006+01:00

Good morning everyone.

Today is the first Nutcrafters Challenge since the relaunch and we would love to see a card or project with an Autumn theme. Remember your card must have a Nutcrafters image on it to qualify for the prize. To help you along with this Katie and Colette have provided a lovely freebie digi for everyone.

Sneaky Peek!!

There is a fabulous prize on offer.

Here is my DT card:

Image - Nutcrafters - Walk in the Park

Papers - Summer Driggs - Falling For Fall Kit

Leaves are cut out of the backing paper.

Swirls - Sizzix die

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Lexi's Creations - Autumn

Happileigh Scrappin - Fall(ing) Leaves

Crafty Pad Designs - Goodbye Summer

Thank you for looking and any lovely comments. Don't forget to pop over to Nutcrafters and check out all my team mates' creations.

Have a lovely day.

Nutcrafters Winter Walk

2011-09-10T15:02:00.003+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone. This weekend is the last full weekend Emily will be at home. She's off to Uni next weekend (Boo Hoo!!) so we have just been getting a few more bits and pieces that we think she will need. I am sure we will think of more things before she goes.

My Christmas card for this week is using another of the new stamps from Nutcrafters. This one is called Winter Walk, isn't she fab!!

I've stamped the 2 images, coloured with Promarkers and cut them out and then matted them onto blue card and then matted that onto blue glitter card. I've added 3 little pearls for the buttons and added the fake snow from B&M. The challenge this week at Bah Humbug is to use 'Paper Weaving' so I trimmed down the offcuts of the blue and glitter card, weaved them together and then cut out a cloud shape.

I hope you all popped over to check out the relaunch of Nutcrafters this week and picked up the freebie digi. Good luck if you have entered the draw for the £10 voucher.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:

Stamp Something - Anything Goes

Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge - Inspired by a song (Walking in a Winter Wonderland)

Nutcrafters Blog Relaunch

2011-09-07T09:30:00.005+01:00

Good Morning All. Today sees the relaunch of the Nutcrafters Blog. Please pop over and welcome the new members of the Design Team and see who has won the Blog Candies.

Today also sees the release of the new Winter Collection with some great examples from the Design Team to inspire you.

Here is my card from the Winter Collection:

Christmas Cuddles

Isn't he a cutie!!

I have coloured with Promarkers and Prisma pencils

Glamour Dust on hat

The sentiment printed from Computer - Schoolbell Font

The red corrugated card is recycled from a Wine Bottle Carrier

Doodled Frames and gems from stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - Christmas Sentiment/Text

ABC Christmas Challenge - R for recycling and ribbons or rhinestones

Winter Wonderland - Someone Special (Neighbours New Baby)

We all hope you will be able to join us in our first challenge at Nutcrafters next week Wednesday 14th September where we will be giving away a free digi so you can all join in our challenge.

Emily's Birthday

2011-09-06T22:16:00.002+01:00

Good Evening everyone.

I am on the last minute again. Emily is 19 on Thursday and I decided to use the LOTV sketch for her birthday card. The challenge finishes tomorrow but I'll be in work early so had to post it tonight, the only problem being Emily was in Lincoln ..................with my camera and I haven't a clue how to use Chris' all singing and dancing Olympus. Chris finally got home after picking Emily up about 9.00 so I sent him straight away to take a pic for me.

Fabulous sketch by Pops

Image - LOTV Rosie with presents coloured with Promarkers

Backing papers - Nitwits - Promises Too

Sentiment - LOTV

Butterflies - Marianne Dies

Bakers Twine - Crafts 4 U

Sizzix corner die

Gems from stash

Heart won in candy

Right off to do a bit of hopping and then bed. Don't forget to check out Nutcrafters relaunch tomorrow. There will be a free digi giveaway to celebrate.

Retirement Card

2011-09-03T09:57:00.004+01:00

Good Morning Everyone. Well looks like Fred the weatherman has got it wrong again. He said it would be nice today but what have I got ..............light drizzle.......... the stuff that wets you right through!!

My card today is one I made a while ago but couldn't post until now. It was made for a work colleague who retired on Wednesday.

I've used this beautiful Sugar Nellie stamp 'Sweet Ebony Flowers' coloured with Promarkers. She is one of the first I bought and I am very ashamed to say I have only inked her up maybe twice!! Sorry about my fingers showing in the mirri card.

My card is being entered into the following challenges:

The Sugar Bowl - Sketch
A Spoon Full of Sugar - Party Time

Passion for Promarkers - Anything Goes

I Love Promarkers - Anything Goes

Backing papers - Bo Bunny and I think scraps of Basic Grey

Flowers - WOC

Sentiment - Lili of the Valley

Peel Offs and gems from stash (very old)

The flower embossed frame I won in a candy.

Before I go here is a sneaky peek of my Nutcrafters card using one of the new Winter Stamps Collection which will be released on Wednesday 7 September.

Please pop over to see more Sneaky Peaks at Nutcrafters. The DT call is still open, but you'll have to be quick and there is still a chance to win 3 lots of candy.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend xx

Another Nutcrafter Preview

2011-08-30T12:49:00.001+01:00

Good Morning All. Its bloomin' freezing here but I am determined not to put the heating on. Did we actually have a Summer this year?

My card this morning is another preview of Nutcrafters new Autumn releases.

I have stamped onto Kraft card and coloured with Prismas. Haven't tried this before but think it is quite effective.

Backing papers - Papermania - For Him

Sentiment - Clare Curd

Buttons from stash.

I have followed the sketch on Cute Card Thursday

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:

Here Come The Boys - Brown and Orange

One Stitch at a Time - Autumn colours

Don't forget Katie and Colette are holding a DT call at the moment and also giving away a

mini blog candy.

Off to the cinema soon to see the final Harry Potter film. We've been catching up on all the DVDs of the previous films this weekend so can't wait to see the final film.

Christmas Card

2011-08-28T15:32:00.004+01:00

Good Afternoon. Hope you are all enjoying your Bank Holiday and the weather where you are is better than here.

Not been in the mood for making cards this weekend. Don't know why, just feeling a bit flat so thought I would have a try at making this weeks Christmas card and you know what I quite enjoyed it and really like the finished result.

I followed the sketch on Simon Says Stamp and rotated it.

The image is from Bugaboo Dede's Christmas Drink coloured with Promarkers.

The sentiment is an old rub on I've had for ages.

Glitter card is Create and Craft card from Wilkinsons.

Mirror card punched with MS Arched Lattice.

Snowflake brads - Papermania

Snowflake confetti.

Edit - I've cut the little sticky up bits off each end of the arched lattice so now the arches look a lot cleaner.

I am entering it into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - Here come the girls

ABC Christmas Challenge - Q is for Quote/Sentiment

Winter Wonderland - Trim a Tree (Hope her hat counts lol)

Christmas Cards All Year Round - 4 items from list (mine are stamping, textured card, rub on and metal embellishment).

Passion for Promarkers - No patterned paper

Christmas Stamping All Year Long - Monochrome

Sassy Cheryl's Christmas Card

2011-08-24T13:44:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone. I've spent the last couple of days running around trying to get things sorted for Emily when she goes to Uni. Good job I've got the week booked off work. Chris is off today and has taken her to IKEA for storage, cutlery, pots and pans etc. We haven't heard what accomodation she has been offered yet, hopefully we will hear in the next couple of days. So while they are out I've taken the opportunity to make this week's Christmas Card.

Image - Sassy Cheryl - Reindeer Pull

Backing Papers - Lidl paper pack

Sentiment - Glitter and Flocking set

Gems, Glamour dust and snow from stash.

I am entering it into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - Something New (my new is the image, I won it on Sweet Sketch Wednesday last week)

ABC Christmas Challenge - Quote/Sentiment

Christmas Stampin All Year Long - non traditional colours

Crafty Hazels - Anything Goes

Good News

2011-08-22T18:29:00.002+01:00

Woo Hoo we've finally had confirmation that Emily has been accepted by Lincoln University. We got the news on her mobile whilst in the supermarket. Have you ever seen an 18 year old in a flowery dress and bright turquoise Doc Marten boots doing a jig in the aisles of Asda lol. As you can imagine we got a few bemused looks!!

My second bit of good news is that I have had an email from Papercrafts Inspiration magazine asking if they can publish one of my cards in an upcoming feature. Well of course I said yes. It will be in the November issue.

While I am on a roll, here's my 3rd bit of good news. Katie and Colette from Nutcrafters are relaunching their blog and have asked me to join their Design Team, another Woo Hoo!! They had to put it on hold earlier this year as they both gave birth to gorgeous babies within a month of each other. They are now ready to start blogging again and are looking for 2 new members to join us on the Design Team. So if you fancy joining us all you have to do is make a card or craft item using a Nutcrafters image. If you don't have a Nutcrafters image don't worry just leave a message or email them and they'll send you a free digi image to use.

They are also releasing a new set of Autumn stamps, available from 1 September. You can have a sneaky peak of one of them below.

Nutcrafters image coloured with Promarkers and Prismas

Backing papers - My Minds Eye - Bloom and Grow

Sentiment - Lili of the Valley

Bakers Twine - Crafts 4 You

Leaf printed on computer

Buttons from stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Cards For Men - Anything Goes
Here Come The Boys - Orange and Brown
Pollycraft - Autumn Colours

Thanks for reading and have a lovely evening.

Stressful Few Days

2011-08-21T07:46:00.000+01:00

This will probably be a long post. Sorry!!

What a frustrating and stressful few days I've had! Yes we were a part of the thousands going through the dreadful Clearing system for a place at University. Emily did really well in her A levels getting an A and 3Bs but unfortunately didn't get the place she wanted, she needed one more A. It was 11.30 before we could even get on to the UCAS clearing site to get the code you need before phoning Universities and then we were just constantly on the phone and laptops trying to get through to them and obviously they were constantly engaged. She eventually got a verbal offer of a place at Lincoln at about 4pm and we were told we would get a confirmation email with the code number to put in clearing. It didn't come!! So after more frustrating phone calls Emily was again assured that she was definitely on the list and she would get an email asap. She was bouncing off the walls at this point!! Still hadn't got an email Friday morning so the phone calls started again, and after the third call they eventually gave her the code over the telephone and she entered it into clearing.

Saturday Lincoln had a Clearing Open Day so we did the 2 hour drive up there and the first desk we went to was the Admissions desk where Emily again asked if she definitely had a place. Again she was told she was definitely on the list but they hadn't physically accepted her on clearing yet. They assured her again that she would get a place and even said we could now book accomodation so off we toddled to the accomodation office got the booking form and then did a tour of all the accomodation and made our choices. Did the campus tour, very nice, got a bus up to where Emily's course would be, again very nice. Had a walk around Lincoln, really nice, very close to the campus. So at this point we are a bit in limbo. 95% sure that she has got her place but Emily won't quite believe it until she sees the offer accepted on clearing. Then we have to wait to see which Accomodation she is offered and then sort out the fees and funding. OMG the next few weeks are going to be stressful aren't they! She is due to go the weekend 17 September.

We are going for a meal tonight to celebrate her fab results.

If you have got to the end of this ramble, thanks for reading. I just needed to get it off my chest lol. I'll let you know how we get on.

Penny Black Christmas

2011-08-16T18:34:00.003+01:00

Woo Hoo 2 cards in one day. I haven't done that in a while!! Managed to get this week's Christmas card finished while Emily was making tea. A very quick card, only took half an hour.

I stamped this lovely pair of hedgehogs from the Penny Black Jolly Friends Set and coloured with Promarkers. Glamour dusted the snow on top of the brolly and added fake snow from B&M to the ground.

I embossed the red backing paper with swiss dots embossing folder and just added the red ribbon from my stash.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - Kissmas

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Touchy Feely

Crafty Katz Challenge - Emboss It

Jingle Belles Rock - Bling on the holidays

Christmas Cards All Year Round - Choose 4 from list

(I chose Stamping, Stripes, Texture and Ribbon)

Have a lovely evening.

Debs xx

Another LOTV card

2011-08-16T12:19:00.003+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone. Off work today and have promised myself a lazy day, after last week rushing around here, there and everywhere. Had a really busy day at work yesterday too, covering for staff on holiday and one of the GPs phoned in sick so I had to cancel all his appointments for the rest of the week. Had a few grumpy patients but most of them took it well. He can't help being poorly, GPs do get sick too. He is in hospital with gallbladder problems. Hope he gets better soon.

On to today's card. I have made another LOTV birthday card. Love these images.

I have used LOTV 'Hello Cupcake' stamp coloured with Promarkers and Prismas

Nitwit Papers - Fairytale too

Sentiment LOTV

Flowers, gems and ribbon from stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Prairie Fairy - The Sketch
Spoon Full of Sugar - Birthday
Craft Your Days Away - Birthdays
The Crafty Pad - Cute and Girly

Enjoy the rest of your day.

LOTV card

2011-08-13T13:49:00.004+01:00

Good Afternoon from another drizzly day in Manchester. It's got to start getting better soon.................... hasn't it?

I am off work again the week after next so hopefully I'll be lucky again and have glorious sunshine like I did in Scotland. Well you've got to live in hope hey!!

So onto today's card....... and yaayyy its not a Christmas Card!!

I have had another play with my Prismacolors this morning and think I am getting the hang of them now. I was putting down too much colour before and then struggling to blend.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

LOTV Challenge - Thank You

Sweet Sketch Wednesday - Sketch

The Stamp Man Challenge - Anything Goes, Summer Colours

Craft Us Crazy - Anything Goes

Image Lili of the Valley 'Rosie Posie' coloured with Prismas

Backing Papers Stampin' Up and Papermania Exquisite Collection

Sentiment Whimsy Stamps 'Mini Postage Stamps'

Ribbon, roses and gems from stash

I have a special birthday card to make so may be back later.....

White on White Christmas Card

2011-08-06T13:20:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone. Hope you're having a good one. Just starting to brighten up now but we had terrible rain this morning with thunder and lightening.

My card today is my weekly Christmas Card. These are all I seem to do lately, I haven't made any other type of card since the beginning of July, I'll have to rectify that very soon.

Image - Penny Black Jolly Friends Set coloured with Promarkers and Prismas

Sentiment - See D set and white embossing powder (Hope you can see it)

Backing embossed with swiss dots and stamped and embossed See D snowflakes

Ribbon and pearls from stash

Glamour Dust for snow

Martha Stewart Punched Snowflakes

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - White on White

Winter Wonderland - White on White

Christmas Stampin' All Year Long - Gimme the bird

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Anything Goes

Sparkles Christmas Challenge - Robins

Sweet Sketch Wednesday - The Sketch

Cute Card Thursday - No Designer Paper

Thanks for looking. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Bah Humbug meets Lili of the Valley

2011-08-03T18:57:00.002+01:00

Good evening, just been having another play with my new Prismacolor pencils.

My card tonight is using the sketch from Lili of the Valley Challenge Blog. I am on the last minute for entering so will come back later and edit my post with all the details.

Phew, just got in there with one minute to spare lol. I am also entering this into the weekly Bah Humbug challenge which this week is to use lace. I won this green lace in a blog hop and knew I would use it for a Christmas card as soon as I saw it.

Image - All Wrapped Up coloured with Prismas
Sentiment - Recollections, Celebrate the Season Set
Poinsetta stickers - Craft House

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:
Fussy and Fancy Friday - Christmas in July
Sweet Stampin' - Christmas in July
Totally Gorjuss - Christmas in July

First Attempt at Prismacolors

2011-08-02T16:38:00.000+01:00

Evening everyone, what on earth is going on with this weather today. My washing has been out, in, out and now its in again but it has gone really warm, should I chance putting it out again or stick it on the maiden? I'm going to put it out again as its almost dry lol.

Didn't have chance to make a card today as I suddenly decided to change all my living room around, not too sure if I like it but I'll leave it for tonight and see what Chris thinks when he comes home. I did however, have a bit of a play with my new Prisma pencils and blending spirit. Quite enjoyed it and do like the finished effect and think it will get better with practice. I rushed it a bit at the end with her boots but I do like how her skin has turned out. What do you think?

I used the paper stumps and blending spirit from Cuddly Buddly and Rymans smooth card.

Holiday Pics

2011-08-02T10:19:00.002+01:00

Got back from my hols on Saturday and thought I'd post a few pics, we took hundreds but don't worry you won't have to sit through all those lol. Couldn't believe our luck with the weather, we didn't see a drop of rain. Lovely blue skies every day and spent the week in shorts.

Lovely cosy cottage we stayed in, Lilybank Cottage on the banks of the River Oich which flows into Loch Ness.

Cruiser in the Locks at Fort Augustus going up from Loch Ness to Loch Oich

Gorgeous sunny beach on the Isle of Skye

Forest Walk

Emily and Chris

View up Loch Ness

I haven't set foot in my craft room since we got back, been washing and ironing etc but will hopefully get in there later. I still haven't had a go with my new Prisma's.

Bah Humbug Christmas Card

2011-07-22T19:22:00.003+01:00

Just a quick one from me tonight. I am off on my jollies tomorrow morning. We are going up to the wilds of Scotland to hunt down 'Nessie'. No seriously we have rented a cute cottage on the banks of the River Oich in Fort Augustus which flows into Loch Ness. I can't wait, I haven't had a break from work since The Royal Wedding weekend and I'm absolutely shattered. We are hoping to do lots of walking. I've told Chris I'm not climbing any mountains this time as the last 2 times we've been he's dragged us up Ben Nevis and a few others.

Anyway the lovely ladies at Humbug Hall have set a nice easy one today, to use beads so as soon as I got in from work I got cracking.

I found these cute silver embroidery beads that I had left over from sewing on Emily's bridesmaid dress (I won't be doing that again, it took blooming ages but well worth it she looked gorgeous) and also some red and clear beads from an old felt Christmas ornaments kit.

I embossed straight onto the base card with a label Nestie to use as a frame and stuck the Forever Friends stickers in the middle and sentiment on the edge.

Right off to have my tea and then get the car packed so we can get an early start tomorrow morning. I hope the weather stays like this, its been lovely and sunny today but I somehow doubt it.

See you next week!

Pink Gem Christmas Card

2011-07-17T15:08:00.001+01:00

Hello All, today's card is my weekly Christmas card. I think this is the first time I have done a circle easel card and can't believe how easy it was.

The image is a very generous freebie from Janet at Pink Gem coloured with Promarkers

and added glamour dust to his antlers.

Sentiment - See D

Snowflakes - Sizzix die coated in glamour dust

Scalloped circle/circle Nesties

Cuttlebug Snowflake embossing folder

I am entering it into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - Shaped card

Secret Crafter Challenge - Holidays

2 Sister's Challenge - Christmas in July

Wiinter Wonderland - Wet or Dry embossing (I've used both)

ABC Challenge - N for No Nonsense

Sparkles Christmas Challenge - Glitter

Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge - Stars

Jingle Belles - Reindeer Games

A Gem of a Challenge - Let's hear it for the boys

Lili of the Valley

2011-07-12T17:43:00.003+01:00

Hello Gals

Just a quick post this evening before I dash off to take Em to a party. She has a better social life than me!!

My card is for several challenges:

Lili of the Valley Challenge - Sketch

Stamp Something - Bugs or Butterflies

Cute Card Thursday - Lace

A Spoon Full of Sugar - Pink and Brown

Passion for Promarkers - Gingham
Sir Stampalot - Anything Goes

Image - LOTV Dandelion Clock coloured with Promarkers and Glamour Dust on wings
Backing Papers Stampin Up and Gingham printed on comp
Peel Off butterfly and dragonfly
Ribbon and Lace from stash
Punched Flowers
Sentiment LOTV

Have a lovely evening. -x-

Summertime Card

2011-07-09T18:20:00.001+01:00

Wandering around Blogland today I found that there are lots of Summery Challenges around. So thought I'd have a go. But now looking at it I'm not sure if it is Summery or is it more Autumny. Oh well the blue sky and fluffy clouds remind me of Summer, not that we've had much of that lately.

Stamped Images - 'Birdsong' Nutcrafters coloured with Promarkers

Backing Papers - Birdsong Papermania

Cloud Paper - Free Download

Sentiment Stamps - Whimsy Stamps Mini Postage Stamps
Birds and Branches Sizzix Die

I am entering it into the following challenges:

Sweet Sketch Wednesday - The Sketch

One Stop Crafts Challenge - Summertime

Stampin' For the Weekend - Wings and Things

Truly Scrumptious - Things with Wings

Allsorts Challenge - Free and Easy

Totally Gorjuss - Summertime

Dutch Dare - Summer Fun

Crazy 4 Challenges - Summer

2 Sisters - Summertime Fun

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Penny Black Christmas

2011-07-09T12:42:00.004+01:00

We were going to go to Mum and Dad's caravan today but with all the rain, gales, thunder, hailstones and upside down rainbows we decided to stay put and have a lazy day instead.

My card today is my weekly Christmas card and as usual I am entering it into a few challenges.

Image - Penny Black 'Welcome Party' coloured with Promarkers

Glitter Card - Wilkinsons

Swiss Dots Embossing Folder

Sentiment - Clear Art Stamps Impressions Kit

(I thought this was suitable as Dogs, Cats and Mice are supposed to be enemies lol)

Bah Humbug - Mice

Winter Wonderland - No Red or Green

ABC Christmas Challenge - N for No Nonsense

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Christmas in July

Moving Along with the Times - Christmas in July

I love Promarkers - Clean and Simple

House of Gilli - Lots of Sparkle

Debby's Birthday

2011-07-05T18:11:00.001+01:00

My card tonight is for a work colleague Debby. It is her 40th Birthday next Thursday so thought I had plenty of time to make my card. Speaking to another colleague today I found out that she is off work next week so I had to get my card made for Friday instead.

Image - Mo Manning 'Veronica'

coloured with Promarkers and Whispers

Backing Papers Basic Grey and Stampin' Up

Sentiment - Whimsy Stamps Party Seals

Ribbon and flowers from stash

Martha Stewart Doily punch.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

I love Promarkers - Include Flowers

A Spoonfull of Sugar - Sewing

Passion for Promarkers - Tie a yellow ribbon

Stamp Something - Digi Challenge

Mo's Digital Challenge - Inspired by a book (confessions of a shopaholic)

Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

Have a lovely evening.

Miss Rose

2011-07-02T20:18:00.002+01:00

Haven't we had another lovely day, been tidying up the garden again. Those sneaky weeds get everywhere don't they.

Stewart moved out yesterday. He is sharing a house with 5 others. I don't feel too sad, even though I'll miss him. I'd already got used to him going as he was away at Uni for 3 years and then when he finished there he still stayed away most weekends with the friends he had made at college and Uni. He's only a 20 minute drive away so I'm sure we'll still see him lots. He's only been gone one night and Chris is already changing his room all around lol. We are going to move into his room temporarily whilst we decorate ours and then Chris is putting his exercise stuff in there and we'll just use his wardrobes for extra storage. Emily was going to move in there as her room is quite small but hopefully she'll be going to Uni in September so there is no point really.

Anyway enough rambling, onto my card. I have quite a few birthday cards to make this month.

Stamped Image - Miss Rose - Sugar Nellie coloured with Promarkers

Backing Papers - Basic Grey

Sentiments - WhimsyStamps - Mini postage stamps and mini seals

Large butterfly - Peel Off stuck onto acetate and cut out. Small butterflies x cut punch.

Flowers from stash.

I am entering this card into the:

The Sugar Bowl - Sketch

I Love Promarkers - Include Flowers

Allsorts - Free and Easy

Paper Creator - Special Occasion

By the Cute and Girly - Things with wings

Secret Crafter - Here comes Summer

Hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Christmas Box

2011-07-02T12:13:00.001+01:00

Sorry I haven't been blogging much this week but I've been mega busy. Hopefully I should have a bit more time now. So sorry again but it is another Christmas item today.

The ladies over at Humbug Hall have challenged us to use my all time favourite crafty item.....................NOT!!!!. Blooming Acetate. I didn't think we would get this challenge again after the kerfuffle it caused last year. Well didn't want to make a card so I got my bag of bargains down from upstairs.

These are little bits I bought in the January sales which I thought would do for stocking fillers. The box that these were in was a bit battered and not very Christmassy so I took it to pieces and used it as a template to make a new box. I then used a nestie to cut an opening in the front (can't remember the proper crafty word at the mo, my brain has turned to mush) (Edit: Aperture, thank you Max) and backed it with a piece of acetate that I cut from the packaging of a new set of glittery christmas tree ornaments (again from the sales!!)

Backing Papers and Baubles - Happy Holidays Zoe Pearn

I am also entering this card into;

Winter Wonderland - Christmas Buffet - Paper, Ribbon, Snowflakes.

Bah Humbug - Acetate

Craft Hazelnuts - Pink and/or Purple

Pink Christmas

2011-06-28T11:02:00.001+01:00

Good morning everyone, and whoo hoo it is a good morning for a change. Up with the birds again this morning, I do wish I could sleep a bit longer but I guess my body clock has been set to that time and that's it. I'll just have to top up on coffee later to keep me awake lol.

One good thing about being up early is you can get cracking on your cards and still have time to do stuff. Emily has just got up, so we'll probably go out a bit later.

My card today is another Christmas card. My shoe box is looking very healthy now, loads of lovely Christmas cards.

Image - Have an Ice Christmas Pink Petticoat

coloured with Promarkers

Backing Papers - Happy Holidays Zoe Pearn

Snowflakes - Glacial snowflake Martha Stewart

Glitter card - Wilkinsons

Sentiment - Peel Off coloured with permanent pens.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Bah Humbug - Penguins

Winter Wonderland - Pretty in Pink

Sketch Saturday - Sketch

I Love Promarkers - Anything Goes

ABC Christmas Challenge - M for Monochrome

Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge - Anything Goes

Enjoy the rest of your day.

Snow Juggler

2011-06-22T21:08:00.002+01:00

Woo hoo I'm on a roll this week, my 4th card. It might be a bit late and the pic a bit ropey because the light has gone but I won't get time to post it tomorrow 'cos I'm off out early in the morning 6.30 and then going to mum's straight from work as its her 70th birthday.

I am entering this card into quite a few challenges:

Bah Humbug - Scarves and Mittens

ABC Christmas Challenge - M is for Monochrome

Winter Wonderland - Christmas Flowers

Christmas Cards All Year Round - Anything Goes

Jingle Belles - All Bundled Up

Sparkles Christmas Challenge - Snowmen

The Sugar Bowl - The Sketch

I Love Promarkers - Anything Goes

The image is a Sugar Nellie stamp ' Snow Juggler ' coloured with Promarkers and added glamour dust. The backing papers are a free download from Summer Driggs - Winter Wonderland. Sentiment is a Snag 'em. Pearls and poinsetta from stash and added liquid pearls.

Right off now to watch The Apprentice and finish off my bottle of Crabbies. I've only had half a bottle and can already feel my legs turning to jelly, I know I'm a real lightweight lol.

Mum's Birthday

2011-06-21T18:53:00.007+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone. How can you tell when Deb is off work? The weather is lousy that's how. It was gorgeous yesterday while I was in work and I was looking forward to getting out in the garden. I went to mums instead and took her into Ashton to do a bit of shopping. As soon as we parked up the heavens opened and we got drenched walking to the shops. So we had to cheer ourselves up with a pot of tea and a wimberry charlotte, yummy!

Got back around 2.30 and got cracking on this card for mum's 70th birthday on Thursday. I did try to make one at the weekend but my mojo had left me and the card ended up in the bin.

You should see the state of my table now though. It looks like a bomb has hit. I'll just shut the door on it and pretend its not there lol.

I've used my new LOTV stamp 'On Tiptoe' and coloured with Promarkers. I've used the sentiment from LOTV too. The image and sentiment are matted onto glitter card from Wilkinsons The papers are Nitwit Papers but sorry can't remember the name. I've matted the papers onto silver mirri and added ribbon, lace and flowers from my stash. I've added a couple of my long lost and forgotten peel off butterflies as mum loves butterflies and bees and I always include one somewhere on her cards. The sketch is from Sketch and Stash and is designed by the lovely Vicky.

Right off to make tea, Chris is going to be late back tonight as he's been working down in Bristol so hope you all have a lovely evening and the weather is a bit better tomorrow.

I am entering this card into these challenges:

A Spoon Full of Sugar - Ribbon and Bows

Bunny Zoe's Craft Challenge - Fairies

House of Gilli - Ribbon and Bows

The Corrosive Challenge - Ribbon and Bows

Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Things with wings

Simply Create - Fly with us

The Stamp Man - Butterflies or Dragonflies

Nutcrafter's Card

2011-06-19T20:19:00.002+01:00

Good evening. A late post from me today. Been around to see my mum and dad this afternoon and Chris has taken dad fishing, so we've left mum in peace and Emily is upstairs revising for her A levels and I've had a lovely time making this card for another work colleague.

I've used this fabby stamp from Nutcrafters called 'Hatter'. Isn't she lovely. I've coloured her with Promarkers. The backing papers are from the free pad from My Minds Eye called 'Pretty Please'. The flowers are from Home Bargains and the sentiment circles are LOTV. The glitter card is a new buy from Wilkinsons. I went in on Tuesday and they have got lots of new crafty stuff. I have tried a bit of stitching around the card but not very succesfully. Don't look too close please as the needle got stuck and the cotton bunched up so had to cut it. Think I might stick to faux stitching in the future.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Sketch Saturday - The Sketch
Creative Inspirations - Stitching
Passion for Promarkers - Here comes the Bride
Top Tip Tuesdays - Open Challenge
Stamp Something - Pretty Papers
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Something from around the house
Totally Papercrafts - Die cut or punches

Father's Day

2011-06-18T16:54:00.002+01:00

Good Afternoon. I don't know what's up with me today I can't seem to get going. I was awake at 5 listening to the birds tweeting outside my window and couldn't get back to sleep so got up before 6 and did a quick tidy round and then have done nothing much else since then. I feel so tired. Anyway thought I'd better get my dad's Fathers day card done. I know I've left it 'til the last minute but that's me lol.

Thank goodness my friend gave me some of the LOTV squares that she bought at the Port Sunlight show. All you have to do is stick 'em on a card. I did cut it out with a nestie though and matted it onto another nestie and then added a little bit of colour to the tree, grass and his shirt and socks with my Promarkers. I got a bit of inspiration from Coops who has been using scrim on her cards lately. I got a similar effect with plasterboard tape and even better it's sticky.

The pom poms are from Miria that I won in a blog hop. The sentiment was printed on the computer.
Challenges I am entering:
Sweet Sketch Wednesday - The Sketch
Lili of the Valley - Bring on the Music (Song title - Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon by the Kinks)
Little Claire - Cards for men
Paper Creators Crafts - For the men

New Grandson

2011-06-16T20:35:00.001+01:00

We finished a bit early from work tonight and as nobody was home I found a bit of time to make this card. Emily has gone to see Dylan Moran, a comedian at the Manchester Opera House, Chris has gone around to his mums and Stewart is goodness knows where.

My card is for a lovely lady who has just become a Grandma to a gorgeous little grandson.

I am entering it into the following challenges:

The Sugar Bowl - Sketch
Cute Card Thursday - Birthstone (Turquoise)
Colour Create Challenge - Blue, Grey and White
Top Tip Tuesday - Open Challenge
Simon Says Stamp - Bingo (Shape, ribbon, sentiment)
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Male Card

The stamp I have used is a Sugar Nellie 'Circle of life' and coloured with Promarkers. The bunny backing paper is a free download called Hippity Hoppity and you can download it here. I've run a piece of white card through my cuttlebug in the swiss dots folder. Sentiment is Clare Curd stamp. Added gems and ribbon from stash.

Nutcrafters Candy

2011-06-12T21:27:00.000+01:00

Katie and Colette over at Nutcrafters are back to blogging after having their gorgeous babies earlier this year. They have some fantastic new stamps in their store designed by Katie and some gorgeous flowers and embellishments.

To celebrate their return to blogging they have a yummy blog candy on offer until Saturday 18 June.

Check out their shop too as they have some new stamps and digi squares. There are lots of bargains to be had too.

Pocket Gift Card Holder

2011-06-11T18:02:00.003+01:00

Good Afternoon everyone, don't know what's up with me today but I feel absolutely shattered. Think it will be an early night for me unless I get a second wind.

My card today is my weekly Christmas card. The first challenge I'm entering has been set by the ladies at Bah Humbug. This week they have asked for a card for a teenager. I always find this age group the most difficult to buy presents for and usually end up giving them money or a voucher so I have made this pocket card which could hold either.

The backing paper has been printed directly onto both sides of white card. It is a digi download I had saved but the site I got it from is no more I'm afraid. The images are both from Meljen's Designs. Frosty and Let it Snow. You can download Frosty here. I've coloured with Promarkers. I've cut the mats and tag using my nesties and added ribbon from my stash. I've added a few pearls and glamour dust to the swirls and a small blue brad to the tag.

I am also entering it into the following challenges:

Winter Wonderland - Pearls and Swirls
Tuesday Morning Sketches - The Sketch
Top Tip Tuesday - More than one fold
Crafty Sentiments - Sparkle

Daisy Birthday Card

2011-06-07T16:53:00.002+01:00

Good Afternoon, hope you are all well. What a funny day its been weather wise, I pegged some washing out this morning and I've brought it in 3 times now. Sunny one minute and chucking it down the next lol. Been to hospital with mum this morning for a check up after her Bypass op in March. The consultant is very happy with her and discharged her from Wythenshawe. She just has to go to our local hospital now for another follow up in 4 months, so all good.

My card today is a birthday card for a lady at work.

I have used the cute 'Daisy' stamp by Sugar Nellie and coloured with Promarkers. She has been discontinued at SN but did you know that she is being re-released by Elisabeth Bell as she has had so many people asking for her. The papers are from Nitwit's So Berry collection.

I am entering it into the following challenges:

The Sugar Bowl - Sketch

BunnyZoes Challenge - Lace

Passion for Promarkers - Pink/Brown

Cute Card Thursday - Embellish it

Crafty Catz - Circles

Cute and Girly - In the garden

Gingerbread Card

2011-06-05T10:47:00.002+01:00

Well got home from Snowdon about an hour ago. Me and Em got there about 3.15am and sat in the hotel waiting for the teams to get down. Chris and his team finally arrived at 6 am which gave them a total time of 26 hours and 1 minute. He was a bit disappointed because he knew they could have done it in 24 hours if they had had a bit of luck with the road travel. They lost about an hour and half travelling from Scotland because the traffic was so bad around Glasgow and then on Snowdon one of the team was feeling poorly so they had to slow down for him. I'm really proud of him though, they came 15th out of 36 teams and only 8 of them managed less than 24 hours. Chris's team alone have made about £3000 for Action Medical Research, a children's charity.

Anyway back to the card I made yesterday. The ladies over at Bah Humbug have set a fab challenge this week which is 'Surprise'. I really enjoyed making this one as it was a new technique for me. I made a wiper card, the instructions can be found here.

Card Closed

Card Opened and wiper pops up.

Closer look at the pop up wiper.

I have used 2 Kraft card blanks which I had in my stash drawers. The backing papers are from the Cricut Celebrations paper pad matted onto cream and dark brown card. The really cute gingerbread man is a digi stamp from Pink Gem Designs and I have paper pieced the hat, scarf and icing and the robin is from the Penny Black Jolly Friends set. The snowflakes are furry stick ons from Paper Cellarand the ribbon is from my stash. The sentiment is a SeeD.

The challenges I am entering are:

Bah Humbug - Surprise

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Doodlebug ( I doodled the snowflakes, the white stitching and the zig zags on the icing)
Winter Wonderland - Food for Christmas

Southern Girls Challenge - Start of Winter Christmas

Paper Creations Ink - Ribbon or Lace

ABC Christmas Challenge - K is for kids/Kraft

No Camera

2011-06-04T14:46:00.000+01:00

What a gorgeous day it has been. I am so glad as Chris is finally doing his Three Peaks Challenge today and we have been a bit worried about the weather. The Challenge is to climb the 3 highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales. He drove up to Fort William yesterday and stayed in a B&B overnight. Chris is in a team of 5 and there are 30 odd teams altogether. They started climbing Ben Nevis one minute apart and Chris was team no 2 starting at 4.01 am this morning. He phoned around 9 to say he had finished in 4hrs 46. Not a bad time for him. They should now be climbing Scafell Pike as they are allowed 5 and half hours driving time so his start time should be 2.17pm, hopefully the traffic wasn't too bad and they got there in time.

Me and Emily are driving down to Snowdon later to pick him up as the rest of the lads live down near Birmingham so it's the opposite direction to us in Manchester. It's going to be silly o'clock as he should be getting back down around 4 am so I am going to try and get a couple of hours sleep soon.

I have made a card today but Chris has taken my camera. I tried taking a pic with Stewart's Olympus but the memory card doesn't fit my computer so I'll have to take another tomorrow and post it then.

Blue and White Christmas

2011-05-29T15:46:00.003+01:00

Oh my gosh, 2 Christmas Cards in one weekend, whatever next. I was supposed to be making a girly Birthday card but my brain just went dead so off I went to check out the blogs and decided to go with this instead hoping it would wake those brain cells up but nope, still got no idea. Birthday is not until the end of June so I've got plenty of time.

I am entering it into the following challenges:

Winter Wonderland - Blue and White (There's also a blog hop to celebrate their 2nd birthday)
My Time to Craft - Use a Diecut
Sketch Saturday - The Sketch (Blog Hop to celebrate 3rd Blogaversary)
A Spoon Full of Sugar - Things with wings
Christmas Stampin' All year round - To Die For
PaperCrafting Journey - Anything Goes
Allsorts Challenge - Things with wings

I've used the cute Penguin image from Pink Petticoat's Have an Ice Christmas and coloured with Promarkers. The backing paper is from the Lidl Art and Craft pad from about 2 years ago, not much left of it now. I've run the blue card through the snowflake and swiss dots embossing folders. The border is using Martha Stewart Arch Lattice punch. I've glittered the snow and the glittery ribbon is made by glittering some thin DST.

Christmas Bells

2011-05-28T16:57:00.013+01:00

Quick post tonight. Here's my entry for this week's Bah Humbug challenge which this week is to incorporate bells.

I have used this gorgeous digi stamp from Just Inklined and coloured with Promarkers. The backing paper is another digi but sorry don't know where from. If I find out I'll come back and edit my post. The ribbon is from my stash.

I am also entering it into;
Creative Inspirations Challenge - Christmas in May
Crafty Hazelnuts Challenge - Use Ribbon

LOTV Dandelion

2011-05-22T16:42:00.004+01:00

Good Afternoon, I wanted to get out in the garden today, but as usual the weather foiled my plans. It looks like a jungle out there, everything has just shot up. At least there is no room for the weeds. I did manage to sort out some of the pots as I have a little lean to shed at the side of the house which protected me from the rain and gales.

So with the little bit of extra time I had I made this card for the LOTV challenge which this week is 'Here comes Summer'.

I have used my cute little Dandelion stamp and coloured her with Promarkers. The wings have been painted with the shimmery paints from The Works and sprinkled with glamour dust. The papers are My Minds Eye.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Sketch Saturday - The Sketch

Sweet Stampin - In the Garden

Paper Crafting Journey - Get Well Soon

Creative Card Crew - Cute and Girly

Simon Says Stamp - Sparkle and Shine

Truly Scrumptious - Anything Goes

Snow Juggler

2011-05-21T13:18:00.001+01:00

ugWell I was so late with last week's Christmas card, I was determined to get this weeks made at the first opportunity.

After a quick tidy up and a cup of tea whilst wandering through blogland this morning (sorry I didn't have time to leave comments, I was on a mission lol, searching for ideas) I got cracking.

The ladies over at Humbug Hall are challenging us to make a card that moves. I searched through all my old tutorials and most of the moving cards involved pulling bits out, plastic bags and all kinds of things so decided they would take too long and just went with this suspended tag card. The tag spins around to show the 2 sentiments.

I am entering it into the following challenges:

The Sugar Bowl - Sketch
Winter Wonderland - P is for (Pink, Polka Dots, Punch)
Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge - Scallops

Right off to have a bit of lunch and another wander around the blogs. I noticed this morning everyone was saying how lovely the weather is, well its not here in Manchester, its blooming perishing and looks like its about to rain :(.

Christmas Card #18

2011-05-19T08:12:00.000+01:00

Oh I'm really late with my Christmas Card this week, was doing it late last night so don't look too closely at the colouring lol.

I have used one of my old Whiff of Joy stamps 'Santa Charlie' and coloured it with Promarkers. The papers are Stamping Up and the snowflakes are die cuts.

I am entering it into the following challenges.

Bah Humbug - Snowflakes
Winter Wonderland - Christmas Presents
Sweet Sketch Wednesday - The Sketch

Pink Petticoat Wedding Card

2011-05-17T15:19:00.002+01:00

Good Afternoon, another dull and dismal day here in Manchester. Haven't been out today but got a lot of the dreaded h*******k and flattening of clothes done. Only me and Emily home at the moment and she won't be back from college until 5 so had a lovely peaceful day to myself. Chris flew out to the Czech Republic yesterday for work and won't be back until tomorrow.

Debby at work has asked me to make a wedding card for friends of hers and this is what I have come up with. She told me the words she wanted on the front, a wedding cake and the colour pink.

I am entering it into the Less is More challenge. This is the first time I have entered this challenge after seeing loads of fabulous cards. The theme this week is a one layer card and embossing. I have used a brass stencil to emboss the dots around the edge and the little hearts in the corners. The cake is a digi image from Pink Petticoat.

I am also entering it into:
A Spoonful of Sugar - Anything Goes
Wags and Whiskers - Circles
Crafty Cardmakers - Embossing

I'm such an idiot!!!

2011-05-14T12:55:00.000+01:00

Well I did have a card to post today but stupid me forgot to take a piccy and its been posted. It was lovely too, if I do say so myself lol and it would have fitted in with quite a few challenges. Oh well that's life I suppose.

Just been shopping for a few bits and now I'm going to sort out the house and then settle down to watch the match. I do hope Man City win, its about time they won something. Chris has been climbing again this morning, he camped out in all that rain last night so that he could get an early start and be back for kick off, I haven't heard from him yet but I'm sure he'll be alright. It's dad's 70th tomorrow so we are all going round there. I'm going to get a few nibbles prepared as mum is still not up to going out. I've had my orders from her though, she wants kebabs, ribs and a trifle.

Christmas Tilda

2011-05-08T12:59:00.002+01:00

Well it's another miserable day here in Manchester but warm and muggy!!.

No doubt you will have heard the news all over blogland that there is a cheeky mare on Ebay selling a CD with cards made with Sugar Nellie images. So I popped over to have a nosey and got the shock of my life. One of my cards was included on the CD. She is saying she has got permission to use them and has even paid for the use of them, well she hasn't paid me or any of the others anything. This CD has now been taken off Ebay but she has loads of others including Tildas, Stamping UP, etc. Bev and Maddy have set up a new forum Stop Thieves so please pop over and take a look. Suffice to say I am not a happy bunny and will be watermarking all my cards from now on. I have also joined My Free Copyright.com.

Anyway onto this week's Christmas Card. Again it fits into a few challenges.

I have used this gorgeous Tilda with Heart Ornament and coloured her with Promarkers. I've added a bit of 3D gloss to the heart and sprinkled on a tiny bit of glamour dust. The papers are from my scraps drawer and matted onto a piece of red card that came as packing in the deeds to my house which I received last week (yyyyyyaaaaaaaaayyy finally paid off the mortgage!!) Ribbon and gems from stash and white gel pen faux stitching to finish.

Challenges entered:

Bah Humbug - Recycling or Shades of Green

Winter Wonderland - The Colours of Christmas

Sparkle's Forum - Holly or Ivy

Sketch Saturday - The Sketch

Just Magnolia - Anything Goes with option of stitching

'Albert'

2011-05-05T21:53:00.003+01:00

I don't usually post this late but I've been making this card for about 3 days!! I kept getting interrupted, so as soon as I finished it I had to blog it lol. I made it with a few challenges in mind but the deadline has gone on a couple of them.

I've used this fab digi from Just Inklined 'Albert' and coloured him with Promarkers. I have added a wee bit of glitter gel pen on the edges of the mirrors and lamps and coated the visor in some distress stickles. The font was created on the comp using Morpheus font. I am entering it into the following challenges:

I Love Promarkers - Song Title (Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf)
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Top Tip Tuesday - Open Challenge
Bunny Zoe's Challenge - One for the boys
My Partner in Crafting Crime - Incorporate Numbers
Stamps R Us - For the men in our lives
Little Claire's Designs - Sketch
Here Come the Boys - Anything Goes

Sugar Bowl Challenge

2011-05-02T10:23:00.007+01:00

Oh I could so get used to these long holidays, this is my 11th day off with only one to go. Due back in on Wednesday :( I have really enjoyed my time off, especially with the gorgeous weather.

My card today is for another work colleague whose birthday is coming up soon. I am entering it into the Sugar Bowl Challenge which is a gorgeous sketch from Marlena.

I have used my Sassy Stamp 'Hippie Chick' and coloured her with Promarkers. The papers are from Nitwits and I couldn't stop myself buying 4 sets in the recent sale. The flourish is a Marianne Diecut, Sentiment is Cuddly Buddly stamp and a bit of card candy and liquid pearls to finish.

I am entering it into the following challenge:

The Crafty Pad - Pearls and Swirls

Paper Sundaes - Hair colour combination (PM Almond, Tan and Cinnamon)

Crafty Emmas - Photo Inspiration

Wags and Whiskers - Die or Punch

Pollycraft - Anything Goes

Christmas Card #16

2011-04-29T18:47:00.003+01:00

Just a quick post this evening, I am taking Emily to a party in Hollingworth and I need to search for the address on Google maps before I go.

Tonight's card is my weekly Christmas Card for Bah Humbug which this week is pleats and ruffles.

I have paper pleated the paper which is a download from Zoe Pearn 'Happy Holidays' added a bit of ribbon from my stash, a poinsetta, a couple of gems and a simple sentiment. Right got to go Emily is shouting me from upstairs. She's probably lost something. -x-

Christine's Birthday

2011-04-25T09:45:00.002+01:00

Good morning, another lovely day here in Manchester, hope it is as good where you are. Mum's just phoned me to ask me to make a birthday card for her sister, well she actually asked me to go to a card shop and buy one but I can't bring myself to go in one, can't remember the last time lol. She still can't go out after the op, she gets out of breath very quickly and asked dad to get her a card last week, he came back with one of those cheapy 2 for a pound cards and mum would be ashamed to send it, she likes cards with a lovely verse inside so I'll go around later and give her a selection of verses so she can choose a nice one.

I have used this gorgeous stamp 'Precious Moments' (Auntie Chris has chickens) and coloured it with Promarkers. I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Willow Sketchie Challenge - The Sketch
A Spoonfull of Sugar - Let's Celebrate
I Love Promarkers - Anything Goes
Colour Create - Pink, Blue and Brown
Stamp Something - Flowers, Buttons and Sparkle
One Stop Crafts - Chocolate

Christmas Card #15

2011-04-23T11:50:00.006+01:00

HAPPY ST GEORGE'S DAY - and isn't it a beautiful one.

My card today is my weekly Christmas Card for the Bah Humbug Challenge which this week is to use the man himself 'Santa'.

I've used one of my favourite Sugar Nellies 'Santa with Tree' and coloured with Promarkers and added the usual glamour dust. I don't think I could make a Christmas card without adding it lol. I have used the sketch from Sweet Sketch Wednesday, isn't it fab!! The large circle and snowflakes have been embossed to give them a bit more texture.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp - Embossing
Cute Card Thursday - No Text
Top Tip Tuesday - Open Challenge

Right Chris has just finished washing the cars so we are going to have a cup of tea and then have a stroll up the canal to the fish farm. Our fish haven't got any food left so we'll have to stock up and then if my feet can hold out we'll carry on up the canal to Daisy Nook country park and have a wander around the garden centre, it's such a shame Craft Central aren't there any more but they do a lovely Choc Fudge cake in the cafe, yummy!!