Crafty Naturally

Pay it forward

2011-01-26T23:22:00.000Z

There are a few blogs I visit when I get the chance to and Neil's is one of those, his blog has the most amazing and inspirational creations. I hopped over this evening and he had posted about "Pay it Forward".

Basically there are some simple rules to follow; to join in I promise to post something handmade/homemade sometime in 2011 to the first five people who comment on this post, you in turn post this onto your blog and make the same commitment to 5 people who post on your blog post. What a great way of having a reason to make something specifically for someone else.... plus it will help keep that pile of creations in check, if you are anything like me you will have stacks of stuff made for challenges and nowhere to send them lol!

Once you have commented and re posted this on your blog, email me on sarahanisah@gmail.com with your blog link and snail mail address so I know where to send what I make to you sometime in 2011

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-24T09:00:00.005Z

Hi all

No it is not another Christmas challenge over on Incy Wincy this week, instead it is "Winter Wonderland",. Now, here in the North West England it is still like a winter not so wonderland with fog, ice and frost over the last week so it is not too hard for me to think of winter... however, some of my poor DT teamies have really struggled imagining winter as they are suffering with sweltering temperatures of 100 degree's... do I sound jealous?? Well, that's because I am!!

We are being sponsored this week by Robyns Fetish who are very generously offering the winner 2 digis!!!

For my card I used the "My Mittens" digi, coloured in using Promarkers and then decoupaged using 3d foam pads. The papers are by Paper Cellar (Wedding collection) and the twine is from my stash, punched border is Martha Stewart doily punch.

Scrap Map at CCW

2011-01-22T01:43:00.003Z

Hi all

Today sees the start of our weekly Scrap Map challenge over on Creative Craft World AKA CCW, the mega talented Sue has put together this great sketch based on a Hotel brochure!

Just a quick reminder that the Cute and Cuddly card challenge is still running over on CCW until 1/02/2010

Everyone who knows me from blogland knows I have a real phobia of scrapping, daft I know and I don't know why but I almost break out in a cold sweat just thinking about doing a layout; however this layout really inspired me, especially when I saw this weeks challenge over on The Play Date Cafe of grey, green and orange as I knew I had the perfect photo for the challenge as Yaseen is wearing orange and grey lol.

I was originally planning to cut up the photo into inchies but just couldn't bring myself to do it (I know, I know..) so I used my nesties labels die to make 6 "squares" to mat the photo onto and used Peeled Paint distress ink over a mask.. I used white Bazzil cardstock for the base and mixed up a glimmer spray using distress reinker and perfect pearls for the green, the silver splodges are from a pewter glimmer mist which has decided to stop spraying (again) so I flicked it onto the card instead! I have used Basic Grey papers and letters and journalling is written with Sakura pen. The star is a chipboard shape which has been in my stash draw for yonks which I coated with copper paint dabber, rock candy crackle paint and dried marigold and frayed burlap distress inks.

Now all I need to do is wait for daylight to take a decent picture of the layout so I can enter into the Allsorts "Male/Boy" themed challenge!!

**EDITED... there is now daylight, photo taken and added to blog!!

I hope you are proud of me Anita, finally got round to scrapping another layout lol!! It only took me about 6 months to get into gear ;-)

Cute and Cuddly

2011-01-20T19:53:00.004Z

Today we launch a brand new card challenge on the CCW challenge blog. The theme for the challenge for this fortnight, it is set by your truly and is cute and cuddly, so anything from those cute people to teddys and bunnies go!!!

This fortnight we are celebrating with a brand new sponsor, Whimsie Doodles, they have some stunning digi images for you to choose from. Remember they are offering all CCW customers a 10% discount when using the code CCW10
The winner of the challenge will receive a $10 voucher to spend at their store.

I used this super cute and cuddly sheep from the sponsors store, I coloured it in with Promarkers and used Snowflake embossing powder to add some texture for the "wool".

I am entering this into the I love promarkers "Keep it Sweet and simple challenge"

Bears at Incy Wincy

2011-01-17T09:00:00.000Z

Hi all

I have been having a forced blogging and crafting break, besides having the kids at home all Christmas and all the stress that brings i have been going cold turkey... with no Internet!!!

This weeks challenge over on Incy Wincy Designs is Bears! We all got to use one of the cute new releases created by Heather and all the DT have made some super cute cards!!

We are being sponsored by ATTCC this week and the luck winner gets a $10 voucher to spend in store.

I made this new baby card, image was coloured in using Promarkers, paper from my stash for the scallop and stamped the text using Brilliance and sentiment using Memento in sepia.

Scrap Map

2011-01-17T00:52:00.003Z

Hi all

Creative Craft World is hosting the second of our new weekly Scrap Map challenges for all you scrappers out there. The great thing about the Scrap challenges is that it is great even for new scrapper or those nervous ones (like me) who have loads of photo's but don't know where to start as there is always a FAB sketch/layout to follow and some gorgeous examples from the DT!!

This weeks layout was created by Sarah W and the theme is "CELEBRATION"

Don't forget there is also time to join in our new regular card challenges, the current challenge is open until midnight 18th January and the theme is ANYTHING GOES. The next card challenge starts on the 19th January.

ATC's at Incy Wincy

2011-01-03T12:22:00.004Z

Hi all

This is my first post for 2011 so I would like to wish you all a very HAPPY New Year and I hope 2011 blesses you with health, wealth and happiness!!

The first challenge of 2011 set by Incy Wincy's Guest Designer, Val (who is amazingly talented, just check out her blog), is a challengeing one (lol) of making an ATC. Most people will know what an ATC (Artist Trading Card) is but in case you don't know what on earth I am on about they are mini works of art measuring 2.5" x 3.5" (or 64mm x 89mm) which you are meant to trade with other creators of ATC's (there is a monthly swap over on The Stampman - this months theme is Rhymes & Tales).

This week Aspire to Thrive Children's Charity is sponsoring our challenge and the winner gets an amazing $10 to spend in the store!!!

I have used one of the Mary Helen Sims images for this ATC, coloured it with spun sugar, frayed burlap and antique linen distress inks. The wrinkle distress background is made using tumbled glass and faded jeans.

I just need to finish off the other 2 ATC's then I will add them to The Stampman challenge.

To all my blogging buddies

2010-12-24T21:51:00.004Z

I know you will all be busy celebrating with your friends and family this weekend so I just wanted to let you all know that although we are not celebrating too I will be thinking of you and hope that

Whatever is beautiful.
Whatever is meaningful.
Whatever brings you happiness.
May it be yours this holiday season
and throughout the coming year.

Enjoy and have fun!!!

Don't be square...

2010-12-20T09:00:00.002Z

Hi all

Brrr it's bloody freezing here in NW England, we have had 12" of snow fall and we are currently at -9 Celsius so it is winter woollies weather!

This weeks challenge over on Incy Wincy Designs is being sponsored by Aspire to Thrive Children's Charity (ATTCC) who have donated $10 credit to the store - don't forget all sales go to the Australian based children's charity.

We have a challenge for you this week, well it was a challenge for me and some of the DT lol, it is SHAPED cards - no square or rectangular cards!!

For some reason it took me ages to come up with a shape for this one, lol so I opted to make a stocking shaped card as I am still making cards for my colleagues!

I have used an ATTCC snowman image which I coloured in using Promarkers, the papers on the stocking were free from a craft magazine ages ago and which I have hoarded ever since lol. Scallop cut with a nesties die and the button and twine are from my stash!

Don't laugh.... my first ever card, and my latest!

2010-12-18T09:28:00.008Z

Hi all

Well like much of the UK we have woken up today with a deep blanket of snow, there is about a foot already and no sign of the snow stopping at the moment, will take some photo's when we go out with the kids later on - I still need to get dressed lol.

You may be wondering why on earth I have made this absolutely stunning get well card, hahaha, and why on earth I want to make myself cringe so much by taking this card out of the "embarrassing and never to be seen again" pile, well the reason is that the mad DT over on Crafty Cardmakers have challenged you to show your first (and in my case the worse) and latest creations. For some reason they think it is *fun* lol. Really it is nice to go back and look at those early creations and see how far your techniques (and stash) have grown!!!

My first card consisted of some backing paper, the flowers were cut out from another backing paper - I never had rubber stamps then. I remember they were a real faff to cut out and I never even thought of backing the paper with card to make them more sturdy. The greeting was hand written and then squiggled on. The lace I still have and does make an appearance on my cards from time to time, however I no longer have the plastic shiny butterflies, phew! After this attempt I progressed on from handmade sentiments to peel offs, might have to dig out some of those photo's later for a trip down memory lane!
On to today's card which is inspired by 2 challenges, the theme from Sir Stampalot is Travel the World and this oriental stamp by Time to Stamp fits the bill! The Play Date Cafe colour splash challenge made me realise I very rarely use yellow in my creations, not on it's own anyway. I never wear the colour yellow either as it really makes me look ill lol!

My friend Lisa Jane is celebrating her first blogoversary and is asking for your favourite Christmas image, well as I don't celebrate Christmas there are no nice picture of us around the Christmas tree or on Christmas morning but I just love this image of naughty Santa smoking a spliff not that I'd know what one is LOL, I was a student once haha!
I came across Lisa's blog a while ago now and was fortunate to have met her in person when she visited Manchester, we also went to Port Sunny together and I can safely say she is funnier and madder in real life than she is on her blog - love you Lisa!!!

Anything goes at Sweet Pea Stampers

2010-12-17T13:56:00.002Z

Hi all

This is our last challenge of 2010 over at Sweet pea Stampers. We are having a short christmas break and we will be back on January 14th with another new challenge.

A nice easy challenge for the last one of the year so you'd have thought I would have been able to get mine in on time, eh??

I think my New Years resolution definitely needs to be to get more organised!

I have used one of the new stamps, this image is Nikki Burnette's Neva, I hve coloured the image using promarkers, highlighted with a gold liner and plenty of stardust! Backround was made using distressed inks in faded jeans and tumbled glass and broken china distress reinker.

Family time at CCW

2010-12-14T07:52:00.003Z

Hi all

I was meant to post this yesterday but had a falling out with Mr Blogger, if I didn't rely on him so much he'd be out on his ear!!

It was the other Sarah's (W) turn to set the Creative Craft world challenge this time and she has chosen a lovely one, it is all about family, you can scrap a page, make a card or make a use some of those old metal embellies - I know you have some buried in your stash somewhere!!!

My Mum loves candles so that's what I have made her lol.

The colours were inspired by the aamazing piccy on The Play Date Cafe

Non Traditional colours of Christmas

2010-12-13T12:25:00.005Z

Hi all

This weeks challenge over on Incy Wincy is to use non traditional Christmas colours on your Christmas cards. We are being sponsored by Lili of the Valley and they are offering an amazing prize of £10 voucher to the store!!

I have used this super cute penguin from Aspire to Thrive, coloured him in using pro markers, papers are from my stash (can't remember which pack) and the gorgeous flocked ribbon is from the lovely Anita.

I am entering this into the following challenges:

Moving Along with the Times - Lots of spots!

Another Tim tag and Craft Fair

2010-12-11T10:00:00.008Z

Still no chance of getting the 12 tags done before the end of the 12 days, but I'm not losing any sleep over it! What I am losing sleep over is that my lovely husband (bless him) kindly volunteered me to have a craft stall in a local shop tomorrow and only mentioned it yesterday, arrrgghh, how on earth can I make enough to stuff that will sell by tomorrow?? Any ideas?? Anyone?? I am giving Oona's snowman and reindeer poop a whirl (at least if they don't sell I can stuff my face with marshmallows and chocolate... need to get some quick cards made for Christmas and general..... oh and the worse of it is I am at my works Christmas do in Manchester tonight so that takes my entire evening!!

Anyhow, back to the tags.... I am posting my T!m inspired tags on Artyjens "splinter group" blog, not only cos there is a chance to win some Tim Holtz goodies from the lovely Jennie at The Artisitic Stamper, plus she is also offering 12% off orders over £10 until 13th December. but there is LOADS of T!m's tags "lookalikes" over there, great for inspiration!!! Crafty Cardmakers are also spotlighting tags.

For mine I never had the rosette die (nor do I still so don't know why I wrote it like that) so hand folded the rosette and what a faff that was, nearly gave up in a paddy over it - these rosettes take on a life of their own lol; I used some 12 x 12 Basic Grey paper and stamped it with the music background stamp (Crafty Individuals). Distress inks in wild honey, frayed burlap and vintage photo were used on the tag and rosette. The love heart was a freebie stamp from the Craft Stamper which I triple embossed onto mount board. bits and bobs and beads from my stash.

Playing with Tims Tags!

2010-12-09T11:25:00.008Z

Hi all

I am sure everyone has seen the replicas of T!m's tags all over blogland, I have been dying to have a go too and not one to be left out in the cold I finally (on Tag day 7) threw caution to the wind and joined in the phenomenon! There are loads of examples of T!m inspired tags on Artyjens "splinter group" blog, and even better a chance to win some Tim Holtz goodies from the lovely Jennie at The Artisitic Stamper, plus she is also offering 12% off orders over £10 until 13th December!!!

Mine is nowhere near as perfect as T!m's (of course) or as many others which are popping up on blogs everywhere but I had a bash and am am quietly pleased with it haha! I had to do a lot of improvising but that's what creativity is all about, isn't it? No sticky back canvas so had to just use grunge paper with the textured side up, no woodgrain embossing folder so used my cuttlebug Stylized flowers instead. Never mind, will add these items to my wish list which seems to get longer by the day...

Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas Tags are on his blog with step by step instructions .

Here is my take on the Poinsettia tag, as you can see I creatively placed my leaves in a different position from the original tag (which roughly translates to by the time I got back to my craft room to assemble all the bits and bobs I had forgotten where the leaves were meant to be... once around the goldfish bowl and all that, duh!!):

I used chipboard letters and coloured them with promarkers, sizzix flourish and the button is yonks old, inherited from my Aunty Margarets button collection!

The Artistic Stamper Creative Team are running a Christmas themed challenge this month so I am entering this and also the Stampman are running a Take any 3 colours Christmas themed challenge. Tuesday Taggers are decking the halls this week so the tag qualifies to be entered there and finally Crafty Cardmakers are spotlighting tags in their challenge.

Talking of tag's I am a VERY HAPPY lucky winner of Brenda's tin of tags which she recently offered as candy!! Whoop whoop how lucky am I??

Red and White in the cafe

2010-12-07T20:45:00.011Z

Hope everyone is bearing up and keeping warm in this wintry weather. We have been lucky with the amount of snowfall we have had but man is it super icy out there, I have been lucky to stay on my feet but had a couple of near misses, elegant on the ice I am not and definitely not a contender for Dancing on Ice (which incidentally starts soon whoopy).

Phew, I made this weeks Play Date Cafe challenge, I missed last weeks deadline by a mere 24 hours lol, err yes, I got mixed up on my days and went to enter on Wednesday duh!!

I actually struggled getting some non-Christmas inspiration using these colours which is why it has took me until now to make it lol, the colour scheme of red and white is not a favourite colour combo of mine (I live in a house full of Man Utd haters lol, the boys are avid Wanderer's fans). I am also entering this into Crafty Cardmakers "White and a splash" challenge!

I used Barn Door Distress ink sponged through sequin waste, I also made a round mask behind the sponging. Tim Holtz flourish stamped in barn door and distress embossing powders. Sentiment is from I Brake for Stamps (and quite apt for this icy weather) and the bird is from Artemio.

Here are a couple of wintry picture from yesterday morning, it was -7 with mist and freezing fog. The trees and shrubs looked amazing with their edges dipped in glitter glass! Kath of the Cubbyhole has loads of snow, much like the piccy I shared of my Fathers caravan / igloo the other day, she wanted to have a look at not other peoples desks, oh no that's another day, another blog and another story.. Kath is comparing snowdrifts!

Incy Wincy Christmas Decorations

2010-12-06T09:00:00.000Z

This week over on Incy Wincy Designs we are being sponsored by Aspire to Thrive Childrens Charity, the winner get a $10 to the store.

Our challenge this week is to make a Christmas decoration, I know loads of you are putting up those trees this week so it is the perfect excuse! I have used this cute cottage image from the store.

I have kept it simple with this one using my scalloped nestie to die cut acetate, image is coloured with promarkers and glittered with glamour mist.

Don't forget you still have until midnight Wednesday 8th December to enter for the candy I am offering over on Creative Craft World!!

The big smoke

2010-12-05T17:09:00.008Z

Hi all

As it is like an ice rink out there today I have spent the day crafting and cleaning (obviously the former was more pleasurable). Before I get onto today's post and creation I just wanted to thank the DT over on Let's Ink it Up for choosing my Advent Calendar as a top 3 in their recycling challenge! Wow I am chuffed an honoured, especially as it was a load of rubbish (well that's what is was made from not what it ended up as - I hope).

Thought I'd have a break from all the Christmas projects I have made recently and had a play altering a canvas, got lovely inky and messy fingers, just need to try and get it all off before work tomorrow lol!

I was inspired by this months theme over on Sir Stampalot which is Travel the World!! With all the stunningly beautiful places in the world to choose from, Maldives, Seychelles, Goa etc, where did I pick??? LONDON lol! Well they say there's no place like home and although I no longer live there I spent many happy year stomping around the streets of London.

I have used loads of distress inks on this one, mainly Vintage photo, fired brick and blue denim. I edged the canvas using tissue paper which I firstly coloured with distress inks then stamped on a map (PaperArtsy). The buses (Personal Impressions) were masked and then coloured in using promarkers, policeman (Personal Impressions) was masked and stamped onto paper coloured with distress inks. Portobello Road 9Personal Impressions) street sign was stamped onto mount board and triple embossed as was the phone box (coloured with promarkers). Crown (Tim Holtz Regal flourish) was embossed onto mount board and gems added for a bit of bling. Watch, cogs and watch face were from my lovely neighbour who collects bits and bobs for me when she does house clearances, key charm used as clock hand. underground map was printed from the Internet. The time stamp which shows Greenwich Mean Time (PaperArtsy) was stamped and then coloured using distress inks, Time charm is by Tim Holtz and held in place with a winder from an old broken watch. The watch straps were made using grunge paper, vintage photo distress inks and some scrapbooking work stickers.

I am also entering this into the following challenges:

Fussy and Fancy Friday - Anything but a card

Totally Stampalicious - Anything goes

OSAAT - Old stash new stash (new is mount board and old is tissue paper)

Colour combo on Sweet Pea Stampers

2010-12-03T08:30:00.001Z

Hi all

Hope you are all warm in your neck of the woods and not having too much of the white stuff to contend with! It is blooming freezing here in Greater Manchester, but at least we don't have deep snow, we have been lucky so far to get away with a couple of inches! My poor Dad works away Monday - Friday and stays in his caravan (no he's not a gypsy lol) but the poor thing got well and truly snowed in this week, I will post a piccy below!

Today sees a new challenge over on Sweet Pea Stampers and this fortnight we have a gorgeous colour combination for you of purple, silver and white. All the DT cards look so striking in these colours, pop over to the blog to have a ganders. There are 3 FAB prizes on offer too!

I made my own backing paper using Tim Holtz swirl stamp and clear embossing powder, dust concord distress ink which I treated myself to last week), paper artsy butterfly embossed in silver, silver fairy charm, lace and flowers (which I have had forever lol) from my stash. I used Promarkers to colour the image and silver embossing powder to give the flowers a metallic look.

Here is a photo of my Dads caravan, don't think he quite had to dig himself out lol!

I am entering this into the following challenge:

In a Sweet Pea Dream - Monochromatic

Passion for Promarkers - Old (flowers) and new 9Dusty concord distress ink)

Allsorts - Monochrome (hope the silver is ok)

CCW Blog Candy

2010-12-01T07:00:00.001Z

Hi all

To celebrate the end of our 30 day Christmas Countdown over on Creative Craft World I am offering some candy! My craft room is very nearly finished so I have been having a clearout!!

Christmas is fast approaching and we all hope our Christmas Countdown creations inspired you! All of the DT had a fab but frantic time bringing you a different project every day throughout November. It was really lovely to read some of the wonderful comments not only on the main blog but also on the individual DT’s blogs, it really kept us going! If you have been inspired to make anything we have showcased leave us a link to your blog as we would love to have a nosey.

We would also like to thank our followers new and old for joining us, don’t forget once we reach 200 followers there will be a special treat for one of our followers.

In the meantime I am offering this fantastic candy to one lucky commenter on the candy post over on Creative Craft World. There are loads of goodies for you to play with – Dovecraft 6 x 6 Bumper pack of Christmas papers, coordinating ribbons, card toppers and stickers. Pink Gem Clear stamp “Mimi Skating”, pot of flower soft, pack of mini roses, pack of hand made papers, manila tags for altering, die cut tags, pop up card blanks, brads and much more…

What do you need to do to be in with a chance of winning?

1. Post about this candy in the sidebar of your blog with a picture of the candy and a link back to Creative Craft World the blog
2. We would like to know which of the 30 countdown projects was your favourite and tell us why?
3. If you have made one of our projects post a link to your blog post and you will be entered into the draw twice.

You have until midnight Wednesday 8th December to enter!

Day 30 CCW Christmas countdown

2010-11-30T07:00:00.000Z

Here we are at the end of our Countdown to Christmas … and not a day missed in the whole of November. We’ve been proud of our 30 daily projects and really hope you’ve enjoyed them as much as we have.

To finish we have a box of thank you cards made for you by Oona – a link to the instructions can be found at Creative Craft World The Blog.

Happy Christmas everyone.

Incy Wincy recipe

2010-11-29T18:38:00.005Z

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!! Gosh I think the cold has frozen my brain cells, well what few I have which function anyway lol.

This week over on Incy Wincy Designs we have a recipe for you to follow:
1 image
2 papers
3 flowers

We have a FAB sponsor this week too, Meljen's Designs who is generously offering the winner 4 digi images!

The DT were each given a digi to work with and I chose this gorgeous flower, it is one of those images which is so verstile, I think it would look fab making backing paper with it.

Papers are MME, flowers from stash, stamps are Tim Holtz and flower coloured in using Promarkers.

Day 29 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-29T07:00:00.000Z

Here we are at the penultimate day of our Christmas Countdown projects. :o( Today’s super fun project comes from Sarah W; Santa’s reindeers are going to be very well fed if we all leave out a packet for them!

A link to Sarah's instructions can be found at Creative Craft World the Blog.

Come back tomorrow for our last helping of Christmas Fun.

Day 28 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-28T07:00:00.000Z

Day 28 and Sue has made this great Jacob’s Ladder for you. Do you remember playing with one as a child and being fascinated by how it worked? Now you can find out! A link to Sue’s instructions can be found on Creative Craft World The Blog.

See you tomorrow

Day 27 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-27T07:00:00.005Z

Hi all

This is my last project in the Christmas Countdown, I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have and have managed to get loads of ideas. Of course you can always refer back to the previous projects at
Creative Craft World The Blog

I will post the instruction for making this mini table tree later on, right now I am having difficulty stringing a sentence together I am that cream crackered lol!!!!

This is another recycled/upcycled project using cardboard from bunk bed packaging!

I have used a selection of stamps by Tim Holtz, Paper Artsy and Crafty Individuals. I also used loads of Distress inks and Tim Holtz embossing powders!

Edited to add the instructions are now ready and can be found here

I am entering this into the following challenges:

Let's Ink it Up - Recycling

Gingersnap Creations - Vintage Hues

The Stamp Man Challenge - Anything by Tim Christmas themed challenge!!

Day 26 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-26T07:00:00.002Z

Here is our Christmas project for day 26 - Sue has designed this gorgeous Exploding Box with a little Christmas surprise inside.

There’s a link to Sue’s instructions on Creative Craft World The Blog.

Happy Crafting!

Day 25 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-25T07:00:00.000Z

It’s a cracker!

Today it is Lou’s turn to bring you a helping of Christmas crafting. Pop over to Creative Craft World The Blog to find a link to Lou’s instructions for making this cracker of a cracker!

How are you enjoying our Christmas Countdown? We’d love to know, so please stop a while and leave a comment.

Day 24 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-24T07:00:00.000Z

How gorgeous is this?! Who wouldn't be thrilled to receive such a lovely card?

Sarah W has made this cute Magnolia card for Day 24 of our Christmas projects. Visit Creative Craft World The Blog to find a link to Sarah’s instructions.

While you are there, please sign up as a follower – we have a surprise when we get to 200 followers!

Day 23 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-23T07:00:00.000Z

Day 23 and Sue has made this clever Waterfall Card for you. Following Sue’s instructions, it really is easier to make than it looks. Find a link to the details at Creative Craft World The Blog.

Sarah W has another card for you tomorrow, so please come back to have a look.

Blue and white challenge

2010-11-22T09:00:00.003Z

This week over on Incy Wincy Designs we are being sponsored by Aspire to Thrive Childrens Charity. I have used this cute Chelsea image from the store.

I have coloured the image in using Promarkers, sentiment stamp was a freebie from a magazine, flowers and lace from my stash!

Day 22 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-22T07:00:00.002Z

Another smile from Oona on day 33. Is there someone in your family who always answers, “Nothing” when you ask them what they’d like for Christmas? Now you can give them just what they asked for … a jar of nothing! LOL Pop over to Creative Craft World The Blog for a link to Oona’s instructions.

Sue’s project tomorrow will keep you busy! See you then.

Day 21 Christmas Countdown at CCW Advent Calendar

2010-11-21T07:00:00.004Z

I can't believe we are already on day 21 of our Christmas Countdown over on Creative Craft World The Blog. That means in only 10 days time it will be December, now that's a scary thought!!

It is my turn today to provide the project and I have made this advent tree, the little hanging cones have sweets inside, yummy - and yes of course I had to sample them and they are rather delicious!! The advent tree was super easy and cheap to make and is great for using up all those odd scraps of papers, I even recycled some old wallpaper samples for some of the cones. I have made a quick tutorial here.

The twigs are from a very bare looking shrub in my garden! I am entering this into the following challenges:

Sir Stampalot - Christmas Traditions, you can't get more traditional than an advent calendar!

Let's ink it up! - Recycling - just about eveerything on here is recycled (apart from the sweets lol)

Something Completely Different - Numbers!

Make sure you join us again tomorrow as it will definitely make you smile!

Day 20 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-20T07:00:00.000Z

Day 20 (already!) and it’s Lou’s turn to continue our countdown. Lou’s project is a super little ‘to do’ list – ideal as a stocking filler, end-of-term gift for teachers, craft item for the school fair, etc. A link to Lou’s instructions are on Creative Craft World The Blog.

Want to know what we have tomorrow ..?

You’ll have to come back here to find out!

Day 19 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-19T07:00:00.009Z

WOW already day 19 into our Christmas Countdown over on Creative Craft World

It is my turn again to provide the creation for today's project of the day, I have made this altered gift bag for you and a link to my instructions can be found at the top of my blog, imaginatively called Altered gift bag (lol).

Come back tomorrow for a Christmas project brought to you by Lou.

I got the inspiration for the colour scheme over on The Play Date Cafe who have this gorgeous photo to inspire you

I am also entering this into this weeks Sunday Stamper challenge which is Santa Claus, while you are there take a look at Hel's gorgeous Advent book!! Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge is to enter "whatever makes you happy" and trust me if like me you love getting inky fingers this is one project you will enjoy making lol!

As this is a recycled gift bag and the tissue paper is recycled from the packaging you get with school shirts I am also entering this into the Let's Ink it Up Recylcing challenge!

Sketch time at Sweet Pea Stampers

2010-11-19T06:00:00.000Z

Hi all

This time over on Sweet Pea Stampers we have a sketch by the "boss" for you to follow!

I am still on a mission trying to use up all my old paper stacks, even more so my husband has semi finished my craft room, whoop whoop, it is GREAT apart from the kids seem to like it now so I can't get a look in at the moment! The best bit is I have now found my dining table again haha. Best get on and get sorting things out into their new home, only thing is as I rediscover long forgotten and neglected stash I want a play with it all!!

The stamp I used is Caribbean Treasure, coloured in with Promarkers. Papers are MME.

Day 18 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-18T07:00:00.000Z

Day 18 and Sarah W brings you a sketch perfect for a Christmas photo.

Sarah has the details of a fabulous example of a scrapbook page over on her blog and you can find the link at Creative Craft World The Blog.

Don’t forget Sue’s sketch challenge from day 13 – there’s blog candy to be won and you’re only in with a chance if you post a link to your page or card by midnight on Saturday 20th November.

Day 17 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-17T07:00:00.000Z

Here we are at day 17 and Sue has put together the instructions for this super Origami card – a great way to use up scraps of patterned paper! Visit Creative Craft World The Blog to find out how to make it.

See you tomorrow.

P.S. Are you a follower at Creative Craft World? We’re heading towards our 200 and when we reach it there will be a lucky dip of our followers to win an amazing prize!

Day 16 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-16T07:00:00.000Z

Day 16 and Oona has whisked up another of her quick and fun Christmas gifts for you. A link to the instructions for this, and a bonus project, are on Creative Craft World The Blog.

Good wreath it's Day 15 of the Christmas Countdown

2010-11-15T11:00:00.003Z

Day 15 on the Creative Craft World Christmas Countdown and it is my turn! I have made a Christmas Wreath. It is made from acetate and coloured with alcohol inks. The instructions can be found at the wreath tutorial tab on the top of my blog.

Oona has two of her fun Christmas makes for you tomorrow.

I am entering this into the challenge over on Sir Stampalot which this months theme is Christmas Traditions. The Stampman Challenge is anything goes Christmas so I am also entering this into their challenge!

Rock on over to Incy Wincy

2010-11-15T09:00:00.002Z

Phew another week has flown by at some great speed! It has been a roller coaster of a week. Sadly we lost Tinkerbelle, one of our cats one Wednesday when she got run over. We are all so upset but her brother Casper is mooching about meowing for her.

This weeks challenge over on Incy Wincy our theme is Rock On and we have an amazing sponsored by Kenny K. Prize is 3 digis (1st place), 2 digis (2nd place), and 1 digi (3rd place), cool prize or what?

The DT were luck enough to be be given a Kenny K image to play with for this weeks "Rock On" theme, I chose Tori Famous and made this card using Tori Famous from the Rock Squad for one of my colleagues. I have coloured the image using promarkers, papers are from my stash.

Day 14 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-14T07:00:00.000Z

Day 14 already of ou christmas Countdown and it’s Sue’s turn again. Go to Creative Craft World The Blog where there is a link to Sue’s instructions on making this cute garland of fat robins to hang in your window, along the mantelpiece or on your tree.

Thanks for visiting, come back for more tomorrow when it is my turn!

xxx x

Attention All Kenny K Fans - Krash Kittenz Contest News

2010-11-14T01:49:00.004Z

Donna over at Bearly Mine is holding a contest to name these soon to be released Kenny K images, Krash Kittenz! How hot are this lot?!!

There are going to be 12 lucky winners, more details on Donna's blog!

Here are my suggestions:

A. Penny Pitstop

B. Harley Hottie

C. Crystal Cool

D. Texas Rose

E. Racy Stacey

F. Michelle Bombshell

G. Southern Belle

H. Luscious Lola

I. Wynonna Rider

J. Betsy Boo

K. Sultry Savannah

L. Dakota Groove

Day 13 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-13T07:00:00.000Z

Day 13 and it’s Sue’s turn again. She has made a sketch for you to use for a scrapbook page or a card. We hope you agree the shapes lend themselves perfectly to a Christmas theme.

Pop over to Creative Craft World The Blog for a link to Sue's example and to find out how to win a little blog candy, too!

Thanks for playing.

Day 12 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-12T07:00:00.001Z

Our followers will know that Sarah W is an ace card maker and you won’t be disappointed by today’s Christmas project.

Sarah has designed this ‘classy’ card using nestabilities. You can find a link to Sarah’s instructions on

It’s Sue's turn tomorrow – there’s a chance to win some blog candy so be sure to come back!

xxx x

Day 11 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-11T07:00:00.000Z

On Day 11 Oona has cooked up a yummy Snowman Soup, actually I'd be happy with just a bar of Galaxy (being a self confessed chocoholic). If you fancy some just pop over to Creative Craft World, The Blog where you’ll find a link to Oona’s blog.

Oona has also included a little bonus project for you today – and it’s edible, too!

Are you enjoying our daily Christmas Projects? Please let us know by leaving a comment here.

Thank you,

Day 10 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-10T07:00:00.000Z

Day 10 of Creative Craft World’s Christmas Countdown and here’s more fun from Oona – she’s cooked up her Perfect Guy and is even willing to share him with us!

Why not visit the CCW blog where you’ll find a link to Oona’s instructions, cos lets face it girls, who doesn't want to create the perfect man??

Hope you’re enjoying our projects and will be visiting again tomorrow

Day 9 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-09T07:00:00.004Z

Hi all

Well we are on day 9 already of our Christmas Countdown over on Creative Craft World. It is my turn today to show a project and I have made this super quick and easy Christmas Tree decoration. This is one of those which the kids can have great fun joining in with and make their own. I have used a stamped Hanglar and Stanglar image in the centre of mine but think it would look great with a picture of one of your kids in the centre!

The papers I used are from Creative Craft World

I have put some easy to follow instruction on the page at the top of my blog.

Sketch time at Incy Wincy Designs

2010-11-08T08:00:00.002Z

Hi all

Monday again already?? The weekend was a blur of babysitting, cleaning and wading through the European ironing mountain!!

This week we have a sketch challenge over on Incy Wincy. We are being sponsored by Aspire to Thrive the Children's charity. The winner gets $10 voucher to spend in the store.

I decided to think of summer days spent on the beach, yes I have a good imagination and that was stretched as it is sooo FREEZING at the moment here!

I used a Mary Helen Sims digi for the main image which I coloured in using pencils. The stamps I used are Paper Artsy, Craft Stamper and Crafty Individuals. Rick Rak from my stash.

Day 8 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-08T07:00:00.001Z

So where did that week go? Here we are at Day 8 already of our Christmas Countdown. So what have you been making? Don’t forget to leave us a message on The Blog – we really do want to see your creations.

Today Lou has planted a veritable forest of these simple little table decorations. A link to the instructions is on the Creative Craft World blog here.

Come back tomorrow!

Day 7 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-07T07:00:00.001Z

It’s Day 7 and today Sue shows you how to make this traditional Finnish Christmas Star.

Click here to go to Creative Craft World The Blog, to find out more.
It’s Lou’s turn tomorrow – come back and see what she’s come up with for you.

Day 6 Christmas Countdown at CCW

2010-11-06T09:08:00.000Z

It’s Day 6 in our Christmas Countdown and DT member Sarah W brings you this fabulous gift box to make. Pop over to Creative Craft World The Blog to find a link to the instructions on Sarah’s blog.

We hope you’re enjoying our daily projects.

I wonder what will tomorrow bring!

Embossing challenge on Sweet Pea Stampers

2010-11-05T15:05:00.003Z

Hi all

This fortnights challenge over on Sweet Pea Stampers is to use embossing (either wet or dry) on your project.

The DT have made some amazing and gorgeous examples so pop over to the main blog to have a ganders!

I have been playing about with fantasy film on this card, I have had it in my stash for AGES but never got round to playing with it!! Image coloured with Promarkers, papers from my stash (I have had these ages too and am trying to get into the habit of using the old before buying new.... not totally successful at this though lol).

Day 5 Christmas Countdown at CCW is a bag of poop!

2010-11-05T07:00:00.006Z

We have a bit of fun for you on Day 5 of our Countdown to Christmas. DT member, Oona (AKA Choccy) has been bagging up Christmas Poop LOL!!!

Go to Creative Craft World to find out how to make these cute little packets to hang on your tree, put in stockings or to use as table decorations.

Join us tomorrow to see what the next creation in the Christmas countdown is!

Day 4 of the Creative Craft World Christmas Countdown

2010-11-04T07:00:00.000Z

It’s Day 4 of the Creative Craft World Christmas Countdown and Sue’s turn to organise the Christmas project. She has made this clever tri-fold card – I do hope you’ll have a go at it. Click here to go to Sue’s blog where you’ll find a link to the instructions.

Come back tomorrow for a bit of fun from Oona. :o)

Day 3 CCW Christmas countdown - my candle

2010-11-03T07:00:00.000Z

With only 52 more sleeps until 25th December it is my turn today to share a Christmas project for the Creative Craft World Christmas countdown.

This is my first project and the first time I have ever made a personalised candle, however I must say it was amazingly easy and quick so I will definitely be making more! For years I have bought decorated candles and spent a fortune on them too, but no more haha!

More pictures and the full instructions are on the page tab at the top of my blog entitled CCW Christmas Countdown - Candle.

Creative Craft World Christmas countdown Day 2

2010-11-02T07:00:00.000Z

It’s Day 2 in the Christmas Countdown at Creative Craft World. Lou has designed this cute door hanger and you can find out how to make one for yourself by visiting

Creative Craft World The Blog.

What will we have in store for you tomorrow?

Creative Craft World Christmas countdown starts today!!

2010-11-01T13:32:00.006Z

Over on Creative Craft World this month we are beginning our Christmas Countdown. Every day throughout November the DT are taking it in turns to bring you inspiration and tutorials to help you get inspired by our Christmas creations!

With 54 sleeps to go our Sue is kicking off the months countdown with an amazing Christmas planner with really clear instruction so you can make it yourself. Pop along to her blog to take a look!

We’d love to see what you do… so please leave a comment with a link by clicking the banner below to show us your creations!

Anything goes on Incy Wincy and the new DT!!

2010-11-01T10:23:00.007Z

Hi all

This week over on Incy Wincy we have an anything goes challenge, so no excuses for everyone to join in!

We are being sponsored by our very own Nikki from Limited Runs Digis! Nikki has some GORGEOUS digis on her site so click the banner to check them out. She is very generously offering an amazing prize of 3 images of their choice from Limited Runs

All the DT got one of Nikki's images to work with and I chose this cute dude. I coloured the image in using promarkers, the papers are from one of the first ever paper pads I bought (they have lasted well), brads are from my stash.

We are welcoming the new DT over on Incy Wincy and there is some amazing talent, whoop! Make sure you visit all the Incy Wincy DT blogs and leave a comment as there are also 3 "hidden" prizes on some of the DT blogs. Randomly selected winners will win 2 digi's of their choice just for popping into each of my fellow DT blogs just for leaving a comment on all the blogs!

INCY WINCY DESIGN TEAM
Heather--Chris--Nikki --Sarah (You are here)--Shelly--Carla---Jenny---Linda--Nikki F--Renee

Hot Choccy, Marshmallows and Cream card

2010-10-24T07:00:00.000+01:00

Hi all
I hope this scheduled post thingy works otherwise I will have been talking to myself lol! We should still be enjoying our holiday at Duinrell, Holland when this post goes live.

The new challenge over on CCW has been set by my teamie Choccy!

She has very aptly chosen a theme of Hot Choccy, Marshmallows and Cream - rather yummy I must say!!

We welcome back an old friend Stitcy Bear Stamps who is our sponsor this challenge.

I have used the Hands of Time digi image, papers are from Making Memories and the stamped flourishes are Tim Holtz.

Pink and Brown challenge at Incy Wincy

2010-10-18T09:00:00.002+01:00

Hi all

Well we will be on our way to Duinrell later on today and I for one can't wait to spend loads of quality time with my lovely family! We should have had this holiday at the end of July/beginning of August but after Zaid got knocked over we had to postpone it, so it is well and truly long overdue lol!

This week over on Incy Wincy we have a FAB colour combo, in fact one of my many favourites - pink and brown!

We have a great sponsor this week Di's Digi Downloads and the lucky winner of this weeks challenge will get to choose 5 images! I have had a browse through the store and there are some real cute images!

I have coloured the image using Promarkers (for a change lol), papers are by Paper Cellar, ribbon and brad type things (can't remember what they are called haha) are from my stash.

Finally some playtime!

2010-10-15T16:22:00.007+01:00

Hi all

Finally had some time to play today as I am off, yipee, I should really be packing though as we are off to Duinrell in Holland on Monday (kids are mega excited)!! It has been another long and tough week. I can't believe it has been almost a week since I went to Happy Stampers North West show at Port Sunny with my lovely crafting buddy Lisa Jane, had a good laff and spending was quite restrained LOL!

While we were there I bumped into some lovely crafting buddies and met lots for the first time, besides being surrounded by rubber stamps all day bumping into friends new and old was a real highlight!

Love the photo inspiration over on the Playdate Cafe again this week and these colours made me think of the seaside! I have used a Crafty Individuals (CI 284) stamp which I bought from HSNW, stamped in Memento and coloured in using Promarkers, I used chalks for the sky and sea. Layered with Kraft, Core'dination and ric rac.

I fell in love with this stamp, they look like friends having a great time splashing in the sea and as the challenge over on Allsorts is inspiration from a song title, mine is That's What Friends Are For By Elton John And Dionne Warwick (love the lyrics to that song).

Faux it up on Incy Wincy

2010-10-11T09:00:00.001+01:00

Hi all

Not had a good week at all as my PC has a virus, even with a virus killer which is updated regularly boohoo! I am having to use my kids PC at the moment but I don't have any of the programs on here which I use for photo editing etc! Hopefully my husband can salvage my files!!

This week over on Incy Wincy we have a fab theme of "Faux it up", it can be faux anything, metal, stitching, buttons, the world is your oyster really!

I have used faux stitching on my card, this super cute image is "moon" from Aspire to Thrive Children's charity

We are bring sponsored this week by Aspire to Thrive Children's Charity.

I have coloured the image in using promarkers, papers are Nana's Nursery. White "stitching" was using a Inkssentials white pen.

Brads and bows over on Sweet Pea Stampers

2010-10-11T01:15:00.005+01:00

This was meant to go live on Friday but as I am having a virus nightmare with my PC I couldn't post it!

This fortnights challenge on Sweet Pea Stampers is to use bows or brads (or both) on your creations.

We have some amazing prizes this week too (3 stamps up for grabs) and are being sponsored by Sweet Pea Stamps

I have used both, the bow is from a box of chocolates (which fits into Passion for Promarkers recycling challenge) which are long gone but were rather yummy lol, the square brads are from my stash. Image was coloured in using Promarkers, papers are MME Bailey. Flowers are from my stash and the pearl centres were made by using Woodware Pearly stuff.

Monday moaning

2010-10-04T09:00:00.001+01:00

Sorry that should be Monday moaning, feel like I have not had a break from work this weekend boohoo!

Our new challenge over on Incy Wincy this week is a nice easy one to add a bit of sparkly glitter to your creation!

This week we are honoured to have Michelle Perkett Studios sponsoring us. The DT were given an image each to play with.

I coloured the image in with Promarkers and then added Glamour dust to add some sparkle!

Lou's Monochrome Challenge - Creative Craft World

2010-10-03T07:00:00.001+01:00

Hi all

Just a quick post as Mr Blogger keeps messing about and keeps giving me the Service Unavailable 503 sign... he might as well be pulling his tongue out and saying nah nah nah!!!

Anyway, today is a brand new challenge over on Creative Craft World and as the title suggests it is a colour challenge to use black, white and silver.

We have 2 amazing new sponsors this week The Crafty Pad & Little Claire's

I have made an "Art Deco" card for my DT sample as I love the classic look using the Lilac Lemon stamp from Crafts and Me. The image was coloured in Promarkers, flowers got the glamour dust treatment. The silver roses are from Jazzlins Designs. Matted and layered using silver and black cardstock.

Here are the challenge rules:
1. Post on blog must be titled 'Lou's Monochrome Challenge'
2. Link to the post and not your general blog
3. Link back to CCW challenge blog within your post
4. Leave a comment on our challenge post after entering
5. Your entry can be entered into 5 other challenges, any entered into more will be ineligible.
6. Only enter new projects please

ONLY people who have followed all these rules will be eligible to win.

Anything goes at Incy Wincy

2010-09-27T09:00:00.000+01:00

Hi all

Another Monday, moan moan.. back to work, doesn't feel as though I have had a weekend though! Hopefully this week will not be a busy as last week, had a long long week at work, it felt as though it was never going to be weekend lol!

This weeks challenge over on Incy Wincy is one for everyone as it is anything goes, no excuses peeps, all of you can join in!!!

We are being sponsored this week by Aspire to Thrive Children's Charity and the prize is an amazing $10 voucher to the shop.

The images on my card are available to buy over on ATTCC and don't forget you are helping out a worthwhile charity when you buy the images!

I have made my card using Inger Harding - Chelsea 4 and ATTCC Wishing Well. The images are coloured in using Promarkers, the small roses are from my stash and the ribbon flower is one of those fiddly ones I made a while ago! Papers are by Paper Cellar.

I am entering this into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp - Sketch
Passion for Promarkers - Handmade flowers

Funky kitchen in the Play Date Cafe

2010-09-26T17:24:00.003+01:00

Hi all

Not such a relaxing weekend as I would have hoped for really, however I have had some time to make a card for the Play Date Cafes colour challenge. Last week I got an honorable mention on there, cheers ladies!
The inspiration this week is of a funky bright kitchen, I love the kitchen in this photo but only because it is not in my house lol, my taste in home decor is somewhat more muted than this, I would definitely need a coffee to wake me up before facing this lime green in the morning!

This is not a colour scheme I would normally put together on my cards either but I actually think I quite like it!

The thistle stamp is PaperArtsy hot picks stamped in Adirondack Denim, the stems are Leaf Green promarker. Papers are Basic Grey and I have used an artist sketch pen to draw in the lines of the top paper to tone the lime down a bit. Sentiment is computer generated, the brad started it's life off as hot pink so I coloured it in using a Royal Blue promarker and then Sail Boat Blue alcohol ink. The lime lace is from my stash and the flower is singed dark blue chiffon ribbon (luckily I didn't singe my fingers lol).

Charming!

2010-09-24T09:00:00.003+01:00

Hi all

Just a quickie from me this morning as I am on my way to Blackpool for day 2 of a conference!

Over on Sweet Pea Stampers this week we have a charming challenge for you, what is it? Use a charm on your card. Not sure what happened to the charm on my card but it is too late and I am out of time to take another photo!! Maybe tonight when I get back, in the meantime you will just have to live with a wonky charm lol!

I coloured the image using Cosmic Shimmers which I haven't used for AGES!! Flowers are from my stash and the gorgeous flocked ribbon is from my blogging buddy Anita

All white over on Incy Wincy

2010-09-20T09:00:00.001+01:00

Hi all

Well someone has once again nicked the weekend and Monday has come round far too quickly!

Over on Incy Wincy Designs this week we have an erm challenging challenge! Well I found it challenging anyway, think I need therapy after managing this on lol. We are challenging you to make a project using all white, except the image which can be coloured hehe. Oh I tell you my fingers were itching to add a little colour here and there!!!

This week we have an another great sponsor Prairie Fairy

I coloured the image using promarkers and my Martha Stewart doily punch did some hard work making all the layers. Ribbon and flower from my stash.

Something different - Kenny K for Jack

2010-09-19T13:34:00.009+01:00

Hi all

I was really chuffed that over on Lets Ink It Up I was picked as one of the Top 3 for last weeks challenge!! I had entered my vintage tag book... thanks girls, my badge is on my blog's lapel and being worn with pride!!

Zaid's friend Jack is turning 15 on Monday and went to a sleepover at his house last night. I thought at 14 Zaid would have preferred a shop bought card and he would think a handmade card by Mum is not the done thing anymore, but he flatly refused a shop bought card insisting all his friends look forward to getting a card off him LOL!

This is the first time I have used a Kenny K image, this one is a freebie download available for September. Just wanted to make something quick, easy and unfussy so I coloured the image in using my trusty Promakers, papers are from my Creative Craft World DT kit and are by Cherry Arte - Basic Blue. Incidentally CCW has free P & P on UK orders until midnight tonight!

I am entering this into the new Kenny K challenge which is to include stitching on the card so as I have had such a disastrous week with killing things off I thought I better stay clear of a needle and thread lol!

I am also entering this into the following challenges:

Stamping Vacation - No, No challenge (no sparkle)

Sarah Hurley - Polka dots and circles

Andy Warhol in The Play Date Cafe!!!

2010-09-18T01:08:00.009+01:00

Hi all

I have had some really bad luck today an I am not happy... AGAIN!!! Do not let me touch anything valuable as it will never be the same again once I get my hands on it, seriously I am a walking destruction machine this week lol. First my camera SD card, I thought that was bad but this time I think I have killed something, eherm this is not a confession of a murder, not a real one anyway... I have managed to destruct the indestructible... my BIG SHOT. I was double embossing some card with a Cuttlebug folder and nestabilities and I must have overloaded my sandwich, there was no warning crack noise, nothing at all to suggest it was going to give up the ghost!!! The handle has snapped off and one of the cogs inside has lost a tooth (anyone know of a cog dentist?). Seriously, I am not fit to be let loose on anything these days!!!

To rub salt into the wound I ordered myself one of the new Tim Holtz Dies (Tattered Leaves) from LB Crafts which came amazingly quickly and arrived today (thanks Karen, brilliant customer service), so until I can get my Big Shot fixed I can only stroke the packaging and imagine what I am going to make!!! Talk about torture!

Anyhow, I have fallen in love with this colourful little house over on The Play Date Cafe which is this weeks inspirational photo.

Can you imagine coming home from a stressful days work to this? Just love all the colours, the white picket fence and those cacti are just gorgeous!

I have used the "colour story" to create an Andy Warhol inspired creation, now I am not a massive fan of Warhol's work per se, especially since Lady Gaga has allegedly claimed she takes "fashion advise from the spirit of Warhol", hmmm... got this from a Guardian article.

I used the free stamp from craft Stamper Magazine and coloured it using Promarkers, the splish of splash is again using my favourite spray of the moment Crafty Notions Kingfisherliscious and the "visage" stamp was another freebie from Craft Stamper. I surprised myself with this card actually as although it is bare compared to my usual makes I love the Clean and Simple look which I was inspired to try out by looking at the Crafty Cardmakers DT inspirations (that's their current challenge)

Altered frame and my camera is poorly!!

2010-09-14T22:19:00.005+01:00

Hi all

As you may have gathered from my heading I am not at all 'appy!! One minute my camera was perfectly OK, merrily letting me snap my altered frame from all angles, trying with the flash, without the flash, zooming in, zooming out, with that little tulip thingy icon on (macro) and the next minute it is throwing a right wobbler!! First of all it was screaming at me the memory card needs formatting, well I was a bit peeved as this would mean losing all the photos I had just taken - BUT I could live with that. So I went along with it's suggestion to format and next thing the lights are flashing (on the camera not that house or paparazzi haha - yes I am in Bolton, yes I live around the corner from Mr Rooney's "business acquaintance" but I am not that desperate to earn £1200 a night... well, hmmm thinking of all the crafting stuff I could get lol) anyhow, I digress, the camera then starts shouting (well not literally) that it can't read the memory card!!! I have made sure it isn't locked, blown on it, rubbed it, shouted, screamed and swore at it but it still won't work arrrgggghhhhh!!!! Will borrow my Mothers camera in the morning and try and take another shot in daylight as the grunge rose looks really dark on this picture!

Soooo for now there is an even more rubbish photo than normal of my little altered frame.

First of all I used alcohol inks for the backgrounds (thanks Ei for the nudge in getting out from their dark hiding place lol) and then using Stazon stamped various PaperArtsy Hot picks stamps (1004). The texture on the frame was not made with any super crafty stuff, I don't own any gesso, ferro or terra so I erm used pollyfilla it is probably;y some heinous crime against crafting but needs must!! I tried making an impression using a deeply etched stamp but all I ended up with was a gunky stamp and having to apply more polllyfilla to the frame, as it was a day of improvising I got a dessert fork and dragged the prongs through the plaster to add texture. Once it had dried I sponged distress inks over it and then sprayed some Crafty Notions Kingfisherlicious spray over it.

The flower at the top is another PaperArtsy stamp (HPXT02) stamped again onto an alcohol inked background. The moth is from the (HP1004) plate and I blinged it up with some Suze Weinbergs Bedazzles (but you can't see it in the photo), watch/clock parts are a recent eBay purchase. Rose at the bottom is Grungepaper again stamped with PaperArtsy flowers and die cut, I sprayed more of the Kingfisherlicious onto the flower and added some more Bedazzles using glossy accents.

Think that's about it for now, will try and get some more decent photos tomorrow, will have to ask my colleague if she can work out whats wrong with poorly camera (she is a photographer on her days off). I am entering this into the following challenges:

CraftyCardmakers - Use alcohol inks
Sir Stampalot - Distressed (both me and the frame are distressed lol)
The Artistic Stamper - Sing a Rainbow

***Edited***: Here are a couple of new photos but not sure if they are much better really!

Autumn colours on Incy Wincy

2010-09-13T09:15:00.003+01:00

Hi all

Definitely feels like Autumn is around the corner with 2 Autumn themed DT projects on one week!

This week over on Incy Wincy we have another FAB sponsor AI Factory. All the DT were given an image and sentiment to use. The winner will get a prize of a $10 credit to the store.

I have coloured the image in using promarkers and used Antque Linen distess ink. The Bazzill, Promarkers and backing paper are from Creative Craft World

I am entering this into the following challenges:

Marks Finest papers - Fall Colours
Stamping Vacation - Fountain of youth challenge (leaves)

Creative Craft World Autumn theme and DT call (edited)

2010-09-13T07:00:00.005+01:00

Hi all

Friday we celebrated Eid with the whole family - 13 children all in one house at the same time!!! Needless to say by the end of the day I was frazzled lol!! Will come and add some photo's (in a separate post) later on along with the other tags in my tag book ;-)

Over on Creative Craft World our new challenge starts today and the theme has been set by the "big boss, Lou", she has picked my favourite season of Autumn!

All the DT were given an image to play with from our sponsor this week Robyn's Fetish and funnily enough we have all gone down the spooky route with this cute "5 pumpkins on a gate digi.

I am going to have to come back later and add the details and the other tags to this post (**Edited to say I have done it now).

All the tags were were coloured using loads of inky fun using TH Distress Inks in faded jeans, peeled pain, fired brick, dried marigold, wild honey, rusty hinge and Adirondack currant. My daughter couldn't resist having a go too. The blue splodges on some of the tags were using the most gorgeous Kingfisherlicious spray by craftynotions available at PaperArtsy.

The Tag letters on the leaf shape tag were cut out from Paper Pizzaz and the Artist stamp is Tim Holtz - well it is mine but is a Tim Holtz stamp haha I am sure you know what I mean! Nature was stamped using a Provocraft stamping "thing" which was part of my candy win from the lovely Cath Wilson as was the bronze tape on the right hand tag. The oak leaf is by Craftime which was part of my DT kit from Creative Craft World

Left tag above: Swallows are by Artemio Tree Silhouettes, tree is Creative Expressions, the leaves were punched from Leaves and Acorns 12 x 12 paper and sprinkled with bronze embossing powder. The little poem is my own as I love Autumn colours!

Right tag above: PaperArtsy Hot Pick 1004 stamped in Adirondack Currant. Flowers are Prima and Basic Grey and the brad is Accent Depot. I liberally poured some enamelling powder in clear and sprinkled bronze embossing powder, heated it up and then added more clear and gold powder, while it was still hot I made an impression with an Artemio Butterfly silhouettes stamp. I wanted to create a puddle with splashes in it as we always loved jumping in leaf filled brightly coloured puddles as kids (still do if the truth be told lol).

As mentioned before the cute and not at all scary pumpkin on a gate image is from Robyn's Fetish which I coloured in with Promarkers. The text, witch, spider and candelabra stamps are by MME stamped in Stazon Jet Black. The journaling is the Five Little Pumpkins sitting on a gate kids rhyme!

Sadly 2 of the DT had to step down so we are having a DT call. All the details are on the blog and trust me it is one of the loveliest DT's you could wish for!

I am entering this into the "punch" challenge over on Gingersnap Creations (who I am proud to say picked me as one of their Ginger Gems last week whoohoo)
Lets ink it up is asking for a vintage theme.
Tuesday Taggers - Books
Lots to Do - Distressed Tags
The Stampman - Distress
Marks Finest Papers - Speedy the cat challenge - Autumn Colours
Stamping Vacation - Leaves

Project Requirements for challenge:

1. Produce a project which shows what autumn means to you, that can be anything from a harvest festival at your children's school, carving a pumpkin, change in leaves or walking through the leaves that have fallen when you can hear that lovely rustle underfoot.

2. Use reds, oranges, yellows, browns & greens.

3. There MUST be journalling on your project.
Challenge Rules:
1. You must post project on your blog with the title 'Lou's Autumn Challenge'
2. Must be a new project.
3. Link back to the CCW challenge within your blog post.4. Link to your post and NOT your general blog please.5. Leave a comment on our challenge post after entering.6. Your entry can be submitted into 5 other challenges. Any entered into more then this will be ineligible.

All entries are to be in by midnight on SUNDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 2010

Eid!!

2010-09-12T14:36:00.005+01:00

As I mentioned on my earlier post it was Eid on Friday so needless to say last week I resembled a headless chicken! Imagine the scene of the kids returning to school the same week as it is Christmas Day and you will understand how frantic it was!!!

Anyway, it is all over now, I survived, bank account is well and truly empty and the kids had a fun filled day with loads of pressies so that makes me a happy Mum! My husband bought me some storage for my soon to be new craft room (yay) and some spending money for the Happy Stampers show in October, whoohoo!!

Safiyyah in her Salwar Kameez with her bling and mendhi (henna) on.

Yaseen busily opening his presents

Riaz with his "I'm a teenager and I don't do early morning" face on!! Zaid avoided the camera altogether by staying in bed!!!

Sweet Pea Stampers sketch

2010-09-12T14:24:00.004+01:00

Hi all

The challenge over on Sweet Pea Stampers is an amazing sketch by "the boss" Pascale.

I have used an Elaine Cox image Sweet Pea rubber stamp and coloured her in using Promarkers. The papers are by Paper Cellar and are the Wedding collection - although I probably would never use them for a wedding card lol. Flowers are from my stash (think they were from Hobbycraft).

Challenges will from now on be set on a Friday and will run for a fortnight (yes I know it is Sunday today but I am late posting this as it was Eid on Friday)!

This week we are being sponsored by the lovely Amy over at The Crafty Purple Frog and the winner will get 3 Digital Decoupage Sheets.

Play Date Cafe - Just about made it before last orders!!

2010-09-08T00:32:00.005+01:00

Hi all

Again I am running super late and coming in a bit before closing time at The Play Date Cafe!

This week is another gorgeous inspiration photo, I nearly didn't make this but my ink pads were screaming at me and to be honest it was a little boost I needed. Since I've not been crafting what little mojo I have has up and left me lol!

I used a Manila tag hence the reason why it looks darker in the photo, well that combined with the rubbish evening lighting in my house (the decoupaged poppy is actually burnt orange but the camera makes it look yellow - and they say the camera never lies (well this one does).

Firstly I stamped the Hero Arts poppy silhouette in versamark and the heat embossed using Ranger clear embossing powder. Distress inks in Dried Marigold, Rusty Hinge, Wild Honey and Fired Brick and Adirondack in Currant were used to sponge on the colour.

Unfortunately I can't keep my eyes open so will have to add details tomorrow when I might bee able to string a sentence together!

Celebrations at Incy Wincy

2010-09-06T09:00:00.002+01:00

Hi all

Finally I have been able to craft again, life has really been throwing me some tough times recently but hopefully we are getting to the end of our bad luck (fingers crossed). My mother in law is recovering well from her heart operation and Zaid is now out of plaster but has to undergo physio on his wrist as he hasn't got 100% movement in it yet, but he should be fine to go back to school on Tuesday! The younger two are back at school on Wednesday and Riaz starts his work experience in a pharmacy tomorrow, he is doing 1 week in a community pharmacy and then 1 week in a hospital pharmacy, can't believe this time next ear he will have left school, yikes how old do I feel!!??!!

Anyway, this week over on Incy Wincy is a "CELEBRATIONS" challenge. This week we have an amazing prize from Simon Says Stamp who is our sponsor, the lucky winner will receive:

I have used this amazing digi by Mary Helen Sim which is available over on the children's charity Aspire to Thrive website.

The image is coloured in using Promarkers, flowers are Prima which are both available over on Creative Craft World, lace is from my stash and the papers are Papermania.

I have followed the sketch over on Sketch Saturday so I am entering into this weeks challenge.

Sweet Pea - Lace and pearls

2010-08-23T09:00:00.004+01:00

Hi all

Wow who nicked the week?? Is it me getting old or are these Mondays zooming round super quick?

This week over on Sweet Pea Stampers we have another gorgeous challenge for you, I love this one as it is to use "lace and pearls" on your Sweet Pea creation.

As always the DT have come up with some amazing projects to whet your appetite so pop over to the challenge blog and take a look. Don't forget for every challenge you enter in August you have one extra chance to win that amazing August candy (secretly I really want it).

I have coloured the image in using Promarkers and used some Suze Weinbergs Bedazzles in Cha Cha on her sash. The papers are Basic Grey Lemonade and the lace and pearls are from my stash.

I am entering this into the very first challenge over on Lets Ink it Up which is anything goes with a twist of lemon - use some yellow on your project!

Basic Grey are asking for fabric to be on your creations and Crafts and Me are wanting petals and pearls!

Buttons and Bows at Incy Wincy

2010-08-23T08:59:00.001+01:00

Hi all

This weeks challenge over on Incy Wincy Designs is "Buttons and Bows". We have a FAB sponsor, Robyns Fetish Designs, who is offering the winner 3 images from their store.

All the design team got to work with some of the gorgeous and cute images, have a look at the challenge blog for more inspiration! I chose to use the "A little bird told me" image which I coloured with promarkers. Papers are a combination of Papermania and MME, ribbon and button from my stash. The ribbon started off as white so I coloured it with Colrbox pigment ink in Chianti, got in a right mess doing it too LOL, really inky fingers... again!

My turn to set the challenge, lets CELEBRATE!

2010-08-22T07:00:00.001+01:00

Hi all

Hi all, it is my turn to host this fortnights challenge over on Creative Craft World and I have been cooking up a little recipe for this challenge and would like to see the ingredients listed below in the form of a "CELEBRATION". Myself and my family along with millions of Muslims around the world will be celebrating Eid ul-Fitr on or about September 9th as soon as the new moon is sighted. Eid ul-fitr marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadhan and the start of three day celebration.

We all have things to celebrate be it births, new jobs, birthdays, Christmas, new homes etc. I would like to see either a card or a layout to celebrate a special event for you, I would also like you to explain in your post what is special about it and what it means to you!

The ingredients for your creation are:
1 x image (stamped, digi or photograph)
3 x flowers/embellishments
1 x ribbon
2 x different papers
and of course it has to be a CELEBRATION (don't forget to let me know why it is special to you).

To help with the celebrations don't forget the Creative Craft World special For every order placed from now until Monday 23rd August there is a 10% discount and a FREE Christmas present!

We have TWO amazing sponsors for this challenge and WOW what FAB prizes are on offer for the winners!!! Nip over to the blog and check out the amazing prizes which could be yours and also the rest of the Design Teams amazing creations!

For my DT creation I made a layout of a trip we made to Disneyland a couple of years ago to celebrate Eid. We went in December a couple of days before Christmas and the whole place was a beautiful wonderland with sparkling Christmas trees, lights and even snow - just magical but blooming FREEZING!!!

I am entering this into the following challenge:

Practical Scrapper - Sketch

Thank you Doreen for this lovely award!

2010-08-21T22:30:00.004+01:00

Hi all

I received this lovely award from Doreen who is just one of the bestest and most creative people around blogland, she is never too busy to post a little love around blogland. Thanks again Doreen (((HUGS))), I am lucky enough to be on not 1 but 2 DT's with Doreen ;-) HAPPY ANNIVERSARY by the way!!

Of course there are some rules to accepting this award, so here goes:

1. Thank the person who gave you this award - mission accomplished!
2. Put the award on your blog - mission accomplished!
3. List 3 things about yourself:

I grew up on the edge of a tiny village in Oxfordshire called Ewelme

It was love at first sight when I met my husband

I cried at Tarzan (the cartoon) movie - in fact I can cry at anything lol

4. Post a picture you love: Yaseen and Safiyyah at Blackpool zoo last year after having wild cat face painting done:

5. Now is the tough bit, tag 5 people you want to pass the award onto

Cath Wilson who is not only amazingly creative and inspirational she also makes time to leave such wonderful comments!
Anita who again is a beautiful and lovely lady (yes I called you a lady) and oozes creative inspiration with every post!
Pascale who can equal me in the giddiness stakes and we can have a cyber workout buzzing off eachothers enthusiasm LOL!!
Gina who is another of the sweetest people around and always makes time to leave some love
Lisa Jane who just makes me chuckle at her blog with her infectious humour

Refreshing break in the Play Date Cafe

2010-08-21T12:56:00.004+01:00

Hi all

My first card of the day is for the current challenge over on The Play Date Cafe, I have a half made one which I had started for last weeks challenge but never got chance to finish. So this week I got my card made nice and early ;-)

This week there is another gorgeous photo inspiration, how refreshing does this look? I could just have one right now, except I am fasting lol.

The stamp I used is one which I won from the Pixie Cottage, I stamped it onto watercolour card and coloured it with distress inks and watercolour paint. Matted onto Bazzill Bling card from Creative Craft World. This stamp is also perfect for the theme over on Tuesday Taggers this week which is Sea, Water or Boats.

I'm back!!

2010-08-20T13:52:00.008+01:00

I have had an unplanned blogging break! Why is it that life is going along so steadily one minute then the next it seems to be trauma after trauma?? What with the recent accident involving Zaid I thought that was enough to be dealing with, BUT on no, life has other ideas - my mother in law was rushed into hospital with a suspected heart attack at the weekend. After running some tests it was not a heart attack but severe unstable angina. She has had to go through an angiogram and angioplasty this week. Thankfully she is back home now so I can get back to crafting!!!

Anyway this week over on Simon Says Stamp and Show their theme is for you to create something "inspired by Wendy Vecchi". Daunting? YES, have you seen her stuff?? I am not the proud owner of any Wendy Vecchi stamps (yet) so had to make do with what I had! Most of the stuff I used is Tim Holtz (stamps, distress inks, grunge paper, embossing powder). The really genuinely rusty key is one which my kids found whilst digging in some mud, they came running in shouting "Mum we found a rusty key for your crafting" LOL, they are well trained. The watch parts are a mixture of some I bought off ebay and some from a local flea market, this is definitely a something old and something new project which fits in with The Artistic Stampers challenge.

This weeks Gingersnap Creations challenge is to go 3-dimensional and this is certainly that! I really enjoyed making this even though I have been wandering around all week with rainbow fingers and having to hide them when at work LOL.

I am also entering into the following challenge:

Little Red Wagon who want to see an altered item.

Swirls and flourishes over on Sweet Pea Stampers

2010-08-16T15:41:00.006+01:00

Hi all

Another week has flown by, more kiddy entertainment and work been done than crafting unfortunately! Roll on September when the kids are back at school!

This week over on Sweet Pea Stampers we have a "swirls and flourish" theme. There are also 2 amazing prizes on offer for this weeks winner and don't forget whoever joins in the challenges during August they have the chance to win some FAB prizes by entering into the August entrants candy!!!!

For the layout of the card I followed the sketch over on Friday Sketchers

I haven't ever really used these papers before, don't know why they were one of those impulse buys!! I have of course coloured the Ching-Chou Kuik's Dark Royalty rubber stamp in using Promarkers and the flowers are Prima e-line which are both available from Creative Craft World at great prices.

I am also entering this into the following challenges:

Totally Gorjuss - Aqua (thanks for the prompt Lisa!)

Steampunk Journal

2010-08-11T21:58:00.008+01:00

Hi all

A couple of weeks ago I attended a Steampunk journalling workshop over at Paddy's quirky and amazing stamping place in Prestwich. The workshop was taught by the amazing Sarah Anderson and I totally had a FAB inky and messy full day of crafting!

We altered a book each, mine started it's life off as an algebra book, we cut out the page - that was hard for me to do, not physically but since being a kid my parents drummed into me to respect books and here I was being egged on by Sarah to cut out the pages!! Good job my Dad couldn't see me LOL!

I have still got a lot of the inside pages to complete but the main work is now done, will share more when it is finished. The book started off as air force blue and I stained it with Walnut stain and loads of distress inks. The large butterfly was using a stamp and distress inks, the lace butterfly was also coloured in the same way. The spine was watercolour card and embossed using the Cuttlebug Clockworks folder. The metal findings were from Paddy's stash and some of my own bits and bobs.

Simon Says Stamp and Show are running their first challenge and the theme is "things with wings" so I am entering into that challenge. Also Gingersnap Creations theme this week is to use paint - there are loads of different paints on this altered book LOL - more of it was on my hands though haha!!

I am also entering this into the challenge on The Artistic Stamper whose August challenge is something old (book) and something new (courage to cut the heary out a book, the cog die and ruler embossing folder)

The Playdate Cafe - Italian Style

2010-08-10T22:31:00.007+01:00

Hi all

Like a numpty I atarted making this the other day and completely forgot to finish it or post it, duh, I put it down to the sleep deprivation of looking after Zaid and then getting up for work LOL!

There is another stunning inspirational photo over on the Playdate Cafe this week using a gorgeous colour palette to follow.

Check this out, wouldn't it be just wonderful to meander through the streets of Tuscany??

Here is my take on the colour scheme:

The theme this week on Tuesday Taggers is "Sunshine" so I am also entering this into this weeks challenge, this was actually the prompt that made me remember to post this card!

I have used wild honey, rusty hinge and fired brick distress inks on the tag, stamps are Count my Blessings by Personal Impression stamped with Versamark and clear embossed. The flowers are from Prima (except the red one which I can't remember) and I bought them from Creative Craft World

Tomorrow is the first day of Ramadhan so I will be fasting for about 30 days, of course we are able to eat in the evening and early morning! My kids are getting mega excited as at the end of Ramadhan we have a massive celebration with loads of pressies for the kids and we decorate the house - very much like Christmas but without the turkey or booze LOL!

Carnival time at Sweet Pea Stampers!!!!

2010-08-09T22:27:00.005+01:00

Hi all

It's carnival time over on Sweet Pea Stampers this week, we want to see all the lovely vibrant and rich colours of the carnival on your Sweet Pea cards. Besides having not 1 but 2 prize giveaways for this weeks challenge winners there is also the August's challenge entrants FABBY candy of 20$ SHOPPING SPREE in the Sweet Pea Stamps store (oh I am soooo jealous of the winner of this prize)!!!!

For some reason the light in the house this morning didn't pick up the brightness of my card, I will try and take another photo tomorrow if the sky is any less grey than it was today!

For my card this week I followed the sketch over on Sketch Saturday and have used Basic Grey "Lemonade" papers. The image is coloured with promarkers and the flowers are Prima eline both of which are from Creative Craft World.

It's a bugs life

2010-08-09T09:00:00.000+01:00

Over on Incy Wincy this week we have a theme of "a bugs life"

We are being sponsored by sponsored by Digi Doodle Shop and have a FAB prize of $10 GC (anything in the store except custom blog work)

I am on my way out to work so will have to add details later!!!!

Sketch over at Cowgirls

2010-08-09T07:29:00.003+01:00

Well I am a day late with my card this week for our sketch challenge over on Cowgirls Sunday Stampen' Challenge!

The lovely Andrea made this sketch for us to follow:

This week we are being sponsored by The prize will be a collection of cutting files chosen by KANDREW Designs.

The "Top 3" will receive 1 Image of choice from CJ and CowGirl Up Images
and the "Top 3 Winner's Badge"

Black, green and white at the Play Date Cafe

2010-08-03T17:48:00.006+01:00

Hi all

Thanks for all your lovely messages and emails about Zaids accident. He is doing much better now after having his wrist in plaster. The police came to see us and let us know that the driver of the van which knocked him over was driving his companies van but he doesn't have a license grrr!!! He will be getting prosecuted for driving without a license, no insurance and driving without due care and attention (doesn't matter that he knocked anyone over though and caused them injury as that won't come into it) - that's the messed up thing about the justice system though!

Anyway, I made this card last week for the Play Date Cafes current challenge which is a Colour Splash of Black & White with a hint of colour and this week's colour is Green. This weeks colour splash was set by the lovely and super talented Sarah Anderson who I had the pleasure of meeting last week when she had me as a willing student in her Journalling Workshop.

There is another gorgeous inspiration photo this week:

Here is my take on the colour splash:

The background paper is made using a flower stamp which was free with the Craft Stamper magazine. The dress and dummy stamp is from my recent candy win from Cath over at Inky Fingers so I don't know the make, it was paper pieced. Lace and ric rac from my stash.

**Editted to add the stamp is from Time to Stamp, now owned by I Brake for Stamps (thans for the info Cath ;-)

A sketch over at Creative Craft World!

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

Hi all

Today is the beginning of another FAB challenge over on Creative Craft World, the lovely Sue has given us a gorgeous sketch to work from. There is no specific theme as long as you follow the sketch, you can flip it, rotate it do what you want as long as we can see the sketch on your card or layout! There is a chance to win a GDT spot for our next challenge.

Such a good job I was nice and prepared for this challenge as on Wednesday my 14 year old son Zaid got knocked over by a van!! He is so lucky to have escaped with only cuts and bruises and a broken wrist!!

He was very sensibly crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing and waited for the lights to turn red. Once the green man appeared he started to cross but some idiot in a white transit van decided to use the bus lane to under take all the stationary cars and went through the light on red and hit Zaid!!! Don't know how he managed not to get worse injuries (but thank God) as he was thrown about 8 - 10 metres from the crossing!

He is still shook up, as are we all, my 8 year old witnessed it and won't stop crying poor little thing!

Anyhow, here is a travel journal I made from paper bags for a family we are friends with who are emigrating to New Zealand after spending 4 months travelling around Europe!

The Play Date Cafe

2010-07-27T07:57:00.004+01:00

Hi all

Just a quick post as I am off to work in a minute, well I need to pay for all this stash somehow!

My card today is for the Play Date Cafe who have once again got the most gorgeous colour combination and photo inspiration to follow. I can spend ages looking at their photo every week LOL! This week it is inspired by one of my favourite cities - Dublin!

Had a bit of a happy accident with this card and it is nothing like what it set out to be haha. First off I had stamped the Hero Arts Poppy Silhouette stamp in white onto some coffee coloured core'dinations card stock but it didn't show up too good, then I had the bright idea of using embossing powder, didn't really make a difference either. On it's way to the bin I thought about over stamping using brown and quite like how only some of the unembossed areas caught the brown ink!

The Stampman ATC swap

2010-07-26T14:36:00.006+01:00

Hi all

Last day of playing until the weekend as I am back at work tomorrow boohoo!
The Stampman has opened up it's ATC swap, this first swaps theme is "wings". It is ages and ages since I made ATC's so I enjoyed making these although my hands are full of ink!!

Basically the inks are the same on all 3, just messed with them in different ways even using bubble wrap. I have used peeled paint and faded jeans distress inks, the red is Adirondack in Cranberry. I used clear Rangers embossing powder and gloss card. I will list the stamps at the bottom of this post.

I am really happy with how summery the colours turned out and I just love butterflies fluttering about the garden, as the theme over on this months Sir Stampalot Challenge is "Lazy Days of Summer" I thought this would be perfect and have you seen the FABBY prize for this months winner??

The quote is one of my favourite ones from Charles Dickens "I only ask to be free. The butterflies are free."

The stamps used are:
PaperArtsy MN27, Artemio - Butterfly Silhouettes, Basic Grey - flutter

Anything goes at Sweet Pea Stampers!!

2010-07-26T09:02:00.001+01:00

Hi all

Can you believe how quickly these Mondays come around?? It is shocking really, is someone nicking the weekend???

Over on Sweet Pea Stampers this week we have a challenge for everyone (using a Sweet Pea stamp of course) it is ANYTHING GOES!! No excuses, unless you don't have any Sweet Pea stamps that is, but that is easily sorted if you get yourself over the the lovely Teresa from Crafts and Me, always FAB service and a GREAT selection of stamps!

I have used the Elaine Cox stamp for my DT card, this is the one I won over on Sweet Pea stampers before the amazing Pascale asked me to join their DT.

I have followed the sketch over on Crafts and Me challenge blog. Papers are K & Co Bailey, image coloured with Promarkers and stippled around the edge with Vintage Photo Distress ink, wings have some Glamour Dust sprinkled over and the flat back beads are from Dovecraft. The larger flowers are Hero Arts from Every Moment Matters the spiral ones I made by cutting some double sided paper into a spiral and twisting around tweezers and gluing.

I am entering this into the following challenges:

Meljens - Easel card
Crafty Cardmakers - Easel card

Sketch time at Incy Wincy Designs

2010-07-26T09:01:00.000+01:00

Hi all

This week over on Incy Wincy designs we have a FAB sketch for you to follow, I really love sketches are there are so many possibilities and it is always amazes me how we can follow the same sketch yet still have completely different results, for example check out the DT creations and you will see what I am on about!

This week we are sponsored by our lovely Nikki - LIMITED RUNS. Prize is 4 digis from her shop. The sketch is also by Nikki! *** Nikki is also having a Digi Sale this week too 4 digi's for only $5.00 (Canadian)***

I chose to work with this cupcake and trust me when I say she has a cake for every occasion!! I coloured the case in using Promarkers and then added a liberal sprinkling of Glamour Dust to the icing. Papers are DCWV Sweet stack and Making Memories - Eliza, ribbon from my stash.

Whoohooo looky what I won - thank you Cath!!

2010-07-25T13:39:00.004+01:00

How lucky and over the moon do I feel at finding out I won the Candy of my dreams from Cath over on Inky Fingers!!!! She recently offered the delicious candy and ask you to give her a reason why you should be picked... I so wanted to win I couldn't even type properly haha...

Cath has THE most amazing blog full of creative delights and always inspires me, although I can only dream of having one iota of her talent I still love looking at her creations.

Just look at this amazing lot, can't wait to get my hands on all that rubber (yes I do have a harmless and totally innocent rubber fetish haha):

This is what Cath wrote is on the candy There’s an Oriental rubber plate and a plate of great quotes, from Time to Stamp (now sold by I Brake for Stamps), a selection of mixed style single unmounted rubber stamps, Pearly Stuff, Provocraft Roller stamp (Alphabet letters you select to make the word), Suze Weinberg’s Beadazzles (Cha Cha), buttons, copper foil, Art Glitter Glue, Pearly Stuff, Alphabet Stickers (K & Co), jigsaw pieces and a selection of charms.

Anything goes on Cowgirls Sunday Stampen' Challenge

2010-07-25T09:00:00.000+01:00

Hi all

This week we have an ANYTHING GOES challenge over on Cowgirls Sunday Stampen' Challenge.

I have used the HARMONY MERMAID image from this weeks sponsor which is Michelle Perket, there are loads of really gorgeous images on her sEtsy store and this one has the image and the sentiment!

I coloured the image in using promarkers and added some glamour dust to her crown and the water. Papers are Basic Grey "Lemonade" and Paper Cellar "checks". As the image is quite large I didn't bother using any extra embellishments, I thought it may look "naked" but it has grown on me LOL!

The other ladies from Posse 1 have used the gorgeous images from CJ which are available here

Your prize will be that you can pick
* 3 images by choice from her store and
* 2 images of choice from CJ's Cowgirls Up!
Along with a "Winners Badge" to display on your blog! The "Top 3" will win "1 Image of choice from CJ" and a "Top 3 Badge" that they will be able to proudly display on their blog's, so what are you waiting for? Everyone can join in this week!!

Penny Black - Anything but a card

2010-07-23T20:35:00.004+01:00

Hi all

I made this little bundle for a lovely blogging buddy of mine, poor Anesha has really had a rough time recently and I wanted to cheer her up. Anesha often makes her cats Skipper and the lovely Eva the subjects of her amazing layouts.

I sent a small pack cat treats for Skipper and made a tag using Penny Black images, I used watercolours for this image. The challenge this week on Penny Blacks Saturday challenge is anything but a card.

I masked the small hedgehog and replaced him with the cat on the card again coloured with water colours.

For the tag book I used the free cat stamp from Craft stamper magazine. The front and back cover were made using alcohol inks (Adirondack in Cranberry, ginger and latte).

The good the bad and the ugly! Brayering disaster!!!

2010-07-23T17:16:00.004+01:00

Hi all

I ordered a Speedball brayer last week from Sir Stampalot as recommended by my friend Brenda and have been messing about (messing being the operative word) with my Big and Juicy Hydrangea with not much success haha!

When I first started blogging I promised myself to post the good the bad and the ugly.. well this is all 3 rolled into one LOL! I have watched loads of tutorials with loads of different ways of brayering - none have helped my technique though, I think that will just take practise, practise, practise!!!

Anyway, i have bitten the bullet and posted this in the hope that someone will take pity on me and offer me some words of advice or even a one - one tutorial LOL! I am open to suggestions on techniques and constructive criticism on where I have gone wrong - I will read hidden behind my hands...

By the time I got round to stamping the images I was in such a strop with myself that I didn't really take care - stroppy cow I am!!!