searching my art

Trio

2012-01-11T20:14:00.004Z

Today I want to show you the three, yes three cards, I made following Sketch 113 on the Totally Gorjuss Challenge this week.

I've used some freebie papers from a magazine (the purple card), recycled a clothing label (centre card) and used up scraps of card for the top card.

Do pop over the Totally Gorjuss and see the fabulous offerings from the Design Team. New challenge up every Saturday.

Ice White

2012-01-08T11:32:00.003Z

Now I know that 12th night has come and gone and all your Christmas decorations should be packed away for another year but whilst putting my little tree away I had an idea.

I never have any really small ornaments to decorate this tree and I wanted to make a garland to drape around it so I sat down and made some pom poms. :)

I used two types of white double knitting wool, one of which had a silver sparkle to it, doesn't really show up on the bad photograph sorry. I then attached buttons using embroidery silk.

I am entering this in the Tando January Challenge "Ice White". Do pop over and have a look at the Design Teams offerings you won't be disappointed and will be inspired to create.

Knitters I need a little help please

2012-01-05T19:45:00.004Z

I have finally finished knitting and stitching together a blanket I began Spring 2011 - I'm not a slow knitter but I kept getting distracted by other crafty things haha.

Now I want to cover the back with some fabric and that is where I need your help. :) I would like to back the knitting with some gingham material I have bought but am not sure of the right way to go about it. Would it be the same as making a quilt? I've never done that before either haha.

Any advice or a point in the right direction would be appreciated and then next Spring, or maybe sooner, I can show you the completed blanket.

Thanks
- x -

Before it's too late ....

2012-01-04T20:25:00.006Z

I just thought I would post these photos of some Christmas trees that I snapped whilst on my little holiday to New York City at the beginning of December. I know the decorations have to be down by 6th January so that is another reason to post them today, the 4th.

Empire State Building foyer tree

Crowne Plaza Lobby tree (our hotel)

Rockerfeller Centre tree before ceremony

and after the ceremony (sorry it is a bit fuzzy - my camera skills are nil haha)

Random trees - don't know where from haha

Same with this Father Christmas (although he looks glum I rather like him)

This one you can EAT!!! yum yum

Ok that is all my holiday Christmas trees thanks for stopping by. See you soon.

- x -

Make a date ...

2012-01-02T16:26:00.004Z

and that is exactly what I have done, 366 to be precise. :)

I didn't bother to buy inserts for my Filofax style diary this year I decided to make my own. Well I have reams of coloured paper and thought I had better start trying to shift it! I used Publisher and messed around with a table until I got something that I liked then I just copied onto both sides, cut in half and punched holes with my Cropodile and Bob's your Uncle! The only thing is I have to add the dates and the month to the first day but nevermind it will keep me out of mischief.

Flowery Fun

2012-01-01T14:29:00.003Z

Wanted to show you a journal page I started ages ago (in the Summer!!) and was prompted by the lovely Kaz to finish it with one of her journal ideas over on the Bubbly Funk forum. Thanks Kaz for the nudge with the pokeystick haha.

I have used various shades of pink ink, both spray and pad kind, and then used all the flower stamps I own and added some chipboard shapes. I found out that felt can be cut with my Sizzix machine so cut some of those out too.

Lindsay I have practised my lettering again *blush* and will try to better it each time.

x Happy New Year to you all. x
Oh and did you see the spectacular firework display from the Thames last night? I thought it was superb and really put me in the mood for the Opening Ceremony on the 2012 Olympic Games.

:)

Journalled Christmas

2011-12-31T14:36:00.003Z

I thought I would share with you today my 2011 Christmas journal page. These have been done in my SMASH Book so you don't have to create a background as they have patterned paper pages.

I have been practising my fancy lettering using this fantastic new book from Lindsay Ostrom which I bought as a Christmas present to myself tee hee. I have quite a few of Lindsay's books but couldn't get this one over here in the UK so bought directly from Lindsay and boy am I glad I did as she personalised the envelope in her wonderful style. :) Thanks Lindsay and yes I will "practise, practise, practise!".

Happy New Year to all you out in blogland, I hope you have a healthy and prosperous 2012.

Christmas Guest

2011-12-30T10:56:00.002Z

Thought I had better show you who we have shared our Christmas with this year.....

He has been no trouble at all and has eaten very little maybe that is how he has kept so Tinie (get it?hahaha) Of course he will be going down to the tip tomorrow and then he really will have a temper ..... sorry Tinie Tempah.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T22:13:00.003Z

Wishing all my blog readers
a wonderful Christmas &
a joyous New Year.
I hope to be blogging again
very soon after Christmas.

Smile .....

2011-11-09T16:18:00.003Z

Here is a journal page that I finished yesterday night. The prompt came from Bubbly Funk forum from the very talented Kaz. The prompt was the quote, "Life is short ... so smile while you still have teeth!"

Must admit I still do this in old magazines now tee hee!

I Remember ...

2011-11-04T08:08:00.003Z

Is the Gorjuss challenge and I have just made it under the wire! phew!

My journal page is inspired by The Cat In The Hat and I have designed my page to look like the front cover of the book using the same colour scheme. The red is a Copic pen and the turquoise is a Ranger Dabber that was applied with a brush as it has clogged up but being ever thrifty I eek the paint out with a paint brush! haha.

Do visit the Gorjuss blog and see what the Design Team have come up with and some other fantastic entries. New challenge up tomorrow.

Fantastic Felties

2011-11-02T12:40:00.003Z

That is what the challenge is this week over on the Daring Cardmakers Blog and I have created these two birthday cards.

I cut the hearts using my Sizzix machine and some Sizzlet dies then I embroided with thread and used cross stitch, running stitch and French knots to decorate them. The papers are from Bella Road "Everbody Loves Christmas".

Do visit the DCM Blog for lots of inspirational ideas and why not join in yourself - you have until Friday until the next challenge is posed.

Colouring in

2011-10-28T17:15:00.003+01:00

Well I recently succumbed to the temptation and bought some Copic Sketch Markers and today I had some time to play with them. Still a novice and learning how and what to colour in with them.

I now realise that I haven't got many colours that blend together so my palette is very limited. Oh dear I need to buy some more hahaha.

Here are my efforts from this afternoon.

I realise that I don't have any colours for hair, hence her rather pale brown hair. The shading didn't go right on the bottle of fizz but as I said this is my first real attempt.

Night-time Christmas

2011-10-28T10:55:00.002+01:00

Here are three cards for Christmas I made last night. I think these sort of cards are called "scraplings" as they are the scraps cut off of bigger cards? I'm sure if I'm wrong someone will correct me - (please) :)

Again quick and simple designs using papers from Bella Road, "Everyone Loves Christmas" and bits and bobs lying around my desk and drawers. Need to have a good de-clutter I feel.

Thanks for stopping by and maybe even leaving a comment.

A Christmas Card

2011-10-26T08:59:00.003+01:00

Today I want to show you the Christmas card I made for Kathy's Waffle Sketch 2 Circles 2 Go and as it happens also is the Daring Cardmakers Challenge this week! Double whammy!

I have used papers and stickers from Echo Park Paper Co "Everyone Loves Christmas by Bella Road" and just followed the sketch. Easy, very easy indeed.

Now visit both of those wonderful blogs and see what inspires you!

Spooktastic?

2011-10-25T10:21:00.003+01:00

Well my kids don't think it is spooky enough! haha.

I have made this card for the Tando Spooktastic Challenge which finishes at the end of this month.

I've used a Tando house and fence that I inked and used Distress Ink on the hill and for the sky. The bats were hand drawn. As I recently purchased some Copic pens I thought I had better start to use them so tried to make a cobbled path effect with them. Then stamped lettering as I'm not sure whether Halloween is a "happy" time hence the question mark. haha.

I'm back

2011-10-19T18:28:00.003+01:00

after a long blog absence ..... sorry Miss! ... I have something I have created to blog about.

I have made a card for the Totally Gorjuss Challenge 102 which this week is a Bingo board. You have to choose 3 elements from that board and use them on your project. I chose stars, buttons and pearls and made this card. Quite manly I thought and will come in useful later on in the month for my bil's birthday.
A very simple and quick card to make so I guess I will be making more in the future. Thanks for stopping by my blog and why not pop over to Totally Gorjuss and take a look at their challenges to.

By the Skin of my Teeth ...

2011-09-22T18:51:00.004+01:00

... I've just got time before the next DCM Challenge comes out. Just! haha

This weeks' challenge was to feature a candle. I love making these candle cards they are so quick to make and use up lots of little pieces of lovely cardstock in my bits and pieces folder. So happy days all round.
So do pop over to the Daring Cardmakers blog and have a go at their challenges you won't be disappointed.

Two days in a row?

2011-09-18T12:35:00.003+01:00

haha .... Well I sat at my craft desk with it's mountain of stuff on it and thought I had better use some of it up. The cards I made used up scraps of paper and odd sized cards I had left in my blank card box. I also found some sentiment chipboard that I thought I had better start to use. Very simple cards and can be used just as notelets.

Whilst sorting through my chipboard I came across this Tando swirl and thought I want to use this and with this grey/silver card blank I thought they worked well together. I inked the swirl with distress ink and added the blue gems. Then I found a chipboard sentiment to adhere to the corner.

I Used A Sketch

2011-09-17T15:36:00.003+01:00

Hello you lovely lot. I've been away a little while getting back into the routine of school life :( and I also picked up a bug from somewhere so was feeling under the weather and not very creative.

However, last week I hopped over the Kathy's Waffle Sketch File and found inspiration to make this card.

I've used some new glitterised (think I might have made that word up tee hee) paper from SEI (I think) and some ribbon from my tangled box of ribbons to make this birthday card. I love the colours and hope the recipient is happy with the card.

Please do give Kathy's blog a look as there are some great ideas and a new sketch every month.

Gorgeous!

2011-09-05T20:34:00.003+01:00

I bet that made you want to read on? haha

Well on Saturday a new Totally Gorjuss Challenge was set number 96 and I have made a card already! Yes don't faint, I've actually got in before the closing date.

This week the challenge was to use a sketch and there is a prize too for the lucky random winner so do please go along and have a go at this challenge.

Thanks for stopping bye my little blog. :)

Seeing Pink!

2011-08-29T14:54:00.004+01:00

Happy Bank Holiday Monday to all those in England - true to form the weather is dull so I thought I would brighten up this blog with some pink!! Always a cheery colour I feel.

This first card is one of my newly acquired stamps and it is so easy to colour in - I've used Distress Ink pads and my water brush.

The second card is a pink Christmas card, another coloured with Distress Inks and the "wonder" brush. The ink splodge on this one was made using a stencil to spray through. Here is the stencil - ok it is waste from some Grungeboard but I think it looks pretty. Look out for this being used more in the future.

Feeling Krafty

2011-08-28T16:45:00.003+01:00

Well what about this then? I've made a card for the Daring Cardmakers challenge before the deadline!! I am really pleased with myself, hahaha.

The challenge was to use a least three natural items to make a card entitled Feeling Krafty. I wanted to use some suede from an old pair of boots that were beyond repair, so I knew that the colours where going to end but quite masculine. My other natural ingredients were the twine and the shell buttons.

It felt quite wrong cutting into the suede but I consoled myself knowing that I was recycling and that the boots would of just ended up in the bin! Not a very good place. I also recycled a clothes label that came from one of my husband's shirts.

What do you think?

Thanks for looking and do visit the DCM Blog for more loveliness and inspiration when you tour the rest of the team's blogs.

Banksy - Daring Cardmakers

2011-08-25T22:15:00.004+01:00

Think I have just got in under the wire for the Banksy challenge on the Daring Cardmakers Blog?

I haven't made a card more like some artwork on card - does that make sense?

Thought I would use a sign and play about at bit with it. I've tried to imply that the wording on the sign has been iced on the cake especially for the birds to eat! haha and I've placed it against a fence to get the graffiti effect.

Well I hope it fits the challenge and do check their blog tomorrow for a new challenge.

Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas

2011-08-24T16:00:00.006+01:00

Two lots of cards to show you today.

The first one is a birthday card for my "cyber sister", the Serial Crafter, whos birthday it is today and I know the card has reached it's destination so I can show you it now. Do visit her blog as she is a fabulous digital scrapbooker and wonderful cook too. Oh and very smiley :)

Now yesterday, when it rained all day, I found some green card (left over from my neice's wedding invitations) and made 10 mini Christmas cards. I send cards to the pupils at school so this size comes in very handy. I photographed them outside and as you can see from the photo the sun is indeed shining today.

Well thank you for stopping by my blog, hope to see you again soon.

Go Wild!!!

2011-08-18T21:07:00.005+01:00

That is the title of the Tando Challenge this month so I thought I would give it a go and I have come up with this piece of artwork.

I wasn't sure what to do at first and remembered this sentiment stamp from Adorn It and knew I wanted to use that. I used lots of stash I had forgotten I had like the chipboard dinosaur from Riff Raff, the scalloped circle from Maya Road, swirl is Grungeboard and I used an Early Learning Centre "Copy Cat" Machine which was my kids when they were small to match the scalloped circle and then I cut it out of the Echo Park Everyone Loves Christmas patterned paper.

Lots of Distress Ink Pads were used in the following colours Chipped Sapphire, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss and Fired Brick. The scalloped circle was also given the Tando treatment with the use of one of the splendid and very sturdy masks in a leaf design :) and then finally I used a Dylusion's flower stamp to add flowers to the background cutting one out and Glossy Accenting it in the middle.

Well thanks for looking at my creation please leave a comment - I love to read them.

And lastly do pop over to see the creations other crafters have made and go on ...... have a go at the challenge - it runs until the end of the month.

Three in a row

2011-08-16T20:44:00.006+01:00

Yes three blog posts in a row woop woop!!

I have taken part in the Daring CardMakers challenge this week which is to make a card with a cute image or as is know in Japanese circles as:-

so kawaii!

My card features a Snag'em stamp from the Berrylicious Collection and I've photographed it on my lemon tree :) My tree has never produced any flowers so no lemons sadly, the two in the pot are from my fruit bowl hahaha.

Please visit the DCM blog for lots of lovely creations and a new challenge every Friday.

On my to do list this week .....

2011-08-15T17:19:00.005+01:00

... the garden!!! To be exact the pond in the garden. A week or so ago I was cleaning out the pond of some dreaded duckweed grrrrrrr! and came across this pink/purple goo. Eeek I thought the pond is deseased and I've had my hands in it!!!!!!!

Do you like how I have recycled my spaghetti server? - please be assured I do not use this in the kitchen now lol.
My parents and neighbour couldn't help and had never experience this before - I was getting really worried now - so I turned to my electrical friend Google. After several attempts to remedy the problem I came across a blog (The Garden Pond) that set my mind to rest. It wasn't deseased just suffering from an algae problem. phew!

So now I am in the process of cleaning the pond out - all the oxygenating weed is in a trug in the process of being cleaned with fresh water - this takes ages.

Here is a photo of the pond with a lot of the duckweed gone - but as you can see I still have some way to go. Oh and I found the crocodiles tail at the bottom of the pond too hahaha.
I am also removing all the plants from around the edge of the pond and am going to move the apple tree in the grey container on the left of the photo as I am sure this is not helping with the leave debris that is in the bottom of the pond. Anyone feeling strong? hahaha

Hello

2011-08-14T11:32:00.004+01:00

I'm back from my holiday in Marrakesh, Morocco and enjoying the cooler weather. Phew! was it hot, hot, hot!!!! Too warm for little old me. :( Say what you like about the British weather being too cold in Winter or Summer or Spring but I do prefer to be cold rather than hot. Anyway enough of my body temperatures lol ...... you want to see some photos don't you?

This is our hotel and every building in Marrakesh was painted this colour ...... good job I love orange tee hee

I found some shade and got my pens and notebook out and tried to copy the pattern on this table easier said than done . And believe me the heat in this little bit of shade was intense.

Our taxi guide took us to see some camels and of course Sunj had to ride one hahaha

but alas he didn't want to make that public :) Lawrence of Arabia he was not!!

And this is my favourite photo from our holiday the Jardin Majorelle - Yves St Laurant garden - I love the colours. Oh and the garden was really cool (that is cool as in temperature not slang for good! tee hee) as bamboo grew metres into the air and made a natural canope from the blazing heat from the sun.
I do feel I need to do something with this photo even if it is just get a poster print of it.

At last I've seen Harry Potter

2011-08-01T21:53:00.006+01:00

Well I finally made it back to my blog - only been a few weeks from posting, sorry about that.

So the summer holidays have started and this is the beginning of the second week, phew that first week went quick!

Today my son and I went to the pictures, yes I know on a warm day like today too! But we have been itching to see the final part of the Harry Potter series of films and today just had to be the day. If you haven't already seen it then go, you won't be disappointed. We didn't realise we had been in the cinema for so long as the story had us gripped from the beginning.

All three actors in the lead roles were extremely good and I do hope they won't be type cast and have a long acting career. In my opinion this film was as good as the book and I can't recommend it enough. Go see it.

Bye for now. x

Phew!!!

2011-07-09T11:53:00.002+01:00

What is happening to the minutes, hours, days and weeks there never seems to be enough time?

I haven't forgotten my blog just not been able to craft anything (apart from school props that is) to show you. Only two weeks left of this term and then the holidays will be here - yippee!!

I will be back as the infamous Terminator would say! See you all soon.

- x -

mmmmm strawberries

2011-06-14T21:32:00.003+01:00

One good thing to come from all this rain are these beauties

So far I have picked 20 strawberries from our patch and as my son and I are the only ones that eat them, and he is abroad at the moment, I have had them all to myself tonight.

That is what summer is all about - yes?

Background For Journal Pages

2011-06-12T11:22:00.004+01:00

I've been messing around with spray inks and masks again, tee hee what fun.

I used two Tando masks, one of leaves and another one flowers. I then went a bit crazy with the inks some from Sticky Fingers which I am running out of and some by Dylusions which give the page a great shimmer.

I'm not sure whether to cover with an image or what to write as yet but just wanted to show you the background.

This morning I have been going a bit mad with my acrylic dabbers. They have got all gunged up inside and are running out so adding water is not really working but that is fine as I am having a wonderful time poking the paint out with a stick and then applying it to the paper using an old RAC membership card! hahaha.

That one I will photograph once the paint has dried.

Speedy Sunday Sentiment Scrap

2011-06-05T14:13:00.003+01:00

Well last minute Minnie strikes again ...... I needed four yes four cards for this afternoon so sat at my craft desk and made these.Yesterday I found some old articles that I had torn out of craft magazines, Quick and Crafty, Crafts Beautiful and Craft Stamper and these gave me the inspiration to make these birthday cards.

Various equipment and stash used including a new cog mask from Tando, a bird stamp from Basic Grey, Rub-ons from Cosmo Cricket, beads from Creative Beadcraft in Beak Street and the linen type fabric was from John Lewis.

I also tied another bow, getting used to doing them now.

Last day of my holidays today ..... back to work tomorrow so enjoy the rest of your sunday. x

Frivilous Friday Fanciful Fruits (of my labour)

2011-06-03T09:07:00.005+01:00

A little bit of alliteration there haha. As it is the last day of my holiday I thought I would share what I have been up to.

Most of the week the house has been upside down as my daughter has had new laminate flooring laid in her bedroom. Meaning that all her possessions were all over the house. Couldn't do the ironing (shame tee hee) as the wardrobes were groaning with all her stuff.

So now the flooring is complete and looks lovely and the wardrobe, bed and desk have been put back in their positions and now it is up to her to sort out where all her things go. Don't go thinking I put the floor down, oh no we got a little man in :)

Next is the DCM challenge from two weeks ago ...... yes I know there is one due out today and been a new one last week but as I have said before I am a sloooooow crafter lol. This challenge was to use the lyrics from Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars"( I hate the Leona Lewis version) anyway ...... I used the line "is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see" and used a free stamp from Craft Stamper some months back.

Also this week I have been trying to use up scraps of paper from my desk and made this A6 card and a button.
I then made this one using a stamp from My Cute Stamp, Sweet Kawaii.

When I uploaded these photos from my camera I found this one too! It made me laugh out loud ..... don't you just love kids?

Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend
x x x

fantastic giveaway

2011-05-30T22:55:00.002+01:00

Over on one of the blogs I follow Amelie's House (she bakes and decorates fantastical cakes) she is having a wonderful giveaway. A whole party!!!! Full of gorgeous cakes and decorations and presents. Yippee!

Closing date next Monday 6th June
so be quick and go take a gander

More makes from me

2011-05-28T12:06:00.003+01:00

I took these photos last week (while we still had sun) but being so busy this week I've not had time to blog them. Well another week off for me (half-term) so there will be more blogging going on.

First are some cards made from Hazel's Christmas Challenge and the prompt was to use a song and I chose the carol We Three Kings. I used a Heidi Swapp mask for this one, although the card on the left isn't as crisp an image as the rest and might end up in the bin or being used last that is for sure.

Next is a page from my art journal started ages ago but only finished this week. Funny that some journal pages have to be thought about and come back to while others just happen first time.

This one is using one of Milliande's January prompts Day 6 (wow that long ago!) "Millipede Me". Used my trusty Elle magazine for the legs and hat. Wish my legs looked that good and could wear high heels!

Thanks for stopping by my blog and hopefully, fingers crossed, more will appear next week.

Tarrah
x x

Masks and Journalling

2011-05-22T22:11:00.002+01:00

I bought some fantastic new masks from Tando Creative last week online at Bubbly Funk. I couldn't wait to try them so got my inks out last night and created this page in my journal.

I used the cogs masks and thought about with cogs whirling around in my brain! I used various spray inks and the images are from my October 2008 Elle magazine (still going strong and plenty of images left!!)
I bit deep for me this page and I'm not going to explain the meanings behind the images or words I just wanted you to see that the masks work really well and are cut clearly and are very sturdy and easy to clean (thank goodness as I did use alot of ink!)

Round and round in circles

2011-05-21T21:25:00.003+01:00

These are two very simple cards that feature circles as Hazel's prompt suggested on Hazel's Christmas Card Challenge blog. New challenges up every Saturday so pay a visit and have a go at this week's challenge .......... scallops! mmmmmm might have to think about this one.

Ribbon tying

2011-05-20T12:34:00.003+01:00

Thanks for the comments on my last post about the ribbon tying ...... I must admit I only learnt how to tie them like this last weekend during our Non-retreaters Crop over on Bubbly Funk Forum.

This Youtube demonstration by Jak Heath is very clear and fabulous for making perfect bows everytime (well I tied my fingers together the first few times I tried tee hee!) but everytime since them has had a positive outcome.

So today I would like to show you another card I made using the ribbon tying technique. This time with some bright sunshine yellow ribbon.

Just got in under the wire .........

2011-05-19T20:13:00.003+01:00

for the Daring Cardmakers challenge "Darling Bugs of May". As soon as I found out about the challenge I knew right away that I wanted to use this Sue Dreamer stamp by Inkadinkado.

A very simple card from me today just stamped, coloured in with Gelly Roll pen and finished with a ribbon bow.

Oh I do love a bit of recycling

2011-05-17T21:41:00.004+01:00

This time I have recycled my Easter Tree. I've turned it into a Eurovision Tree hahaha. We always watch the competition and have drinks and food from around Europe all very yummy.

Not surprisingly United Kingdom didn't win but 100 points is better than we have done in recent years. I did think Blue did very well but as we couldn't vote for our own country we voted for the next song/performance that we enjoy and that was Moldova.

I loved the crazy lyrics of there song "So Lucky" and the comical hats made for a great entry so no wonder they came fourth. You got to love Eurovision. :)

Hi Ho Silver

2011-05-10T08:08:00.004+01:00

I know, I know you were expecting him, the Lone Ranger,

but instead got,

a reindeer. Sorry but that was the first title that popped into my head! I found this reindeer in one of the many drawers of "useful stuff" and this time I actually used something from it. I made this Christmas card with a prompt from Hazel's Christmas Challenge blog. Pop over if you are mad like me and making Christmas cards in May tee hee.

Royal Tea Party

2011-05-08T17:07:00.004+01:00

Last week over on the Daring Cardmakers blog the challenge was royal or patriotic well I thought I would use some stamps in my collection which I haven't used much and stamp a tea party!

The bunting stamp was a recent purchase and I know this one will become a firm favourite. Red, white and blue Distress Inks were used and after I had taken the photo I realised that I should of stamped the cup and saucer and teapot in blue as well. Nevermind it will give me an excuse to do the same card again.

Now some eagle eyed blog readers might have noticed that the card is photographed on some Lily of the Valley leaves and flowers. My original idea for this weeks' DCM challenge using some seasonal flowers didn't go to plan and as I neither have a images or stamps of any Lily of the Valley I thought I would cut some fresh flowers and attach them to a card but when I went to cut some all the flowers had gone over. So that means that no DCM card from me this week.

Industrious Bank Holiday Weekend

2011-05-02T21:07:00.002+01:00

Well it has been for us! No complaints about the British weather this weekend it has been wonderful yet again if a touch breezy.

My husband has been busy with the garden furniture sanding it down and giving it a coat of oil and hasn't it come up a treat? The photo below shows before and after, I think the after chair on the right looks like new.

We have also been to Wickes and bought slabs, sand etc. to do a bit of hard landscaping in our garden. (see the blue tarpaulin in the corner of the above photo) That area is going to be paved and will give us more room to put out our table and chairs. It was heavy work carting 20 slabs and bags of sand from the front garden where they were delivered, to the back garden where they are to be laid. Good job Kris is big enough to help now.

This next photo is of some Craft Robo cut letters which I managed to weld together!!!! I am really proud of myself (psst! but don't ask me to tell you how I did it hahaha) it took me all afternoon to do though and my brain was very frazzled by the end of it.

I will try again when I have relaxed a while - maybe that will be a job for the next Bank Holiday weekend. hahaha

tar rah x

Pre Wedding Nerves?

2011-04-28T21:26:00.004+01:00

Well here in Blighty (United Kingdom) things are hotting up for the Royal Wedding. You must of all heard by now that Prince William is marrying Kate Middleton tomorrow, and if you haven't you must be living in a hole! hahahaha

I will be watching tomorrow on the telly - well it would be rude no too as they have given me the day off! haha.

I bet they are both nervous but wish them well and fingers crossed that it doesn't rain.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T21:40:00.001+01:00

Happy Easter to you all
Hope you have all had a lovely family day?
I did with my parents and sister and her daughter.

Easter Tree on Good Friday

2011-04-22T12:54:00.005+01:00

Hello everyone and hope you are all having a lovely Good Friday?

The sun is shining, we just had lunch and I've photographed my Easter decorations. We don't normally decorate the house for Easter but after a recent visit to John Lewis with my daughter we decided to have a go this year. I kept saying, "Wow that is expensive .... I could make that! .... that is so easy to make etc" that my daughter said "Well make it Mum!!" hahaha. So I did .......

This is my knitted bunting with felt letters and beading ..... thanks to Anjie for the tutorial on the i cord, really easy to knit and very good for attaching the bunting triangles too.

I finally got round to using some of the beads I bought last year from the wonderful Creative Beadcraft shop in Beak Street, London.

And finally the Easter Tree. I've never made one before and just made it up as I went along. I cut branches from our garden hedge and then bound them together with masking tape and covered the whole thing with gesso.

All the decorations were bought except the flower which I made, again using a template and instructions from Anjie.

Have a lovely day and a wonderful Easter break. x

Christmas comes to April

2011-04-19T08:19:00.003+01:00

Being on Easter Holidays I have had time to play catch up with some challenges and here is my offering today.

For Hazel's Christmas Challenge number 5 "Santa" or as we usually call him, in my house anyway, Father Christmas. I love this little wooden stamp and every year I use him I think he is so jolly just as a Father Christmas should be! I stuck him onto green card stock and he is standing on a piece of card which has been inked with Dylusion sprays and a sticker for the word Believe.

So do you believe in Father Christmas?

I still have quite a way to go to catch up with Hazel's challenges as she is already on number 16 eek! Please pop over and have a look at her blog - new challenges are posted every Saturday.

Surprisingly Good Afternoon!

2011-04-15T14:43:00.003+01:00

Don't you just love it when that happens? You think something is going to be a chore and then it turns into something quite pleasant!

Kris needed to go to Wheathampstead and research the River Lee and photograph it for his Geography course homework. Yawn yawn I thought "Ok I'll come along with you." I said. And what a great time we had.
Found the river and took lots of photos as evidence for his course and then found a bridleway to walk along. Very lovely in the warmish weather.

Of course when we started out it was just gone 11 so we weren't hungry but after some fresh air and exercise we were ready for a little snack! So we went into this very nice pub for some lunch - sssh don't tell Kat.
I wonder what other homework he needs "help" with hahahaha!

It's All Gone .......

2011-04-12T19:43:00.005+01:00

..... my hair that is! I've been wanting it cut for sometime. Yes I know I grow it long then don't do a thing with it then have it cut hahaha.

Well at 4 o'clock it looked like this

And yes my bum does look big in those lounging trousers but I wasn't going out in them lol.

Then at 5 o'clock my hairdresser arrived. Five minutes past five this happened ...

eeek my hair! I have it in a bag at the mo hahaha. And then after many snips and cuts later this was the result of the floor ...

what a mess. Ten minutes to sweep that up and then hoover up the small pieces and then had time to take a photo to show you lot.

So are you ready? Well this is the new me!

I love it and that is the main thing. Hope you like it too?

Glorious Sunny Saturday

2011-04-09T21:21:00.003+01:00

Wow hasn't the weather today been glorious? Well it has in this part of Hertfordshire! Beautiful blue skies and warm Spring sunshine - lovely.

Well today I made a few cards. One of which I am entering as the Daring Cardmakers "draw a bird" challenge. Visit their blog for more information.
Well I haven't exactly drawn just any old bird - I have drawn a chicken, yes a chicken? I'm not sure why but she looks quite cheerful on this "carefree" card. The paper is by Fancy Pants. The bottom card has been coloured with Lime Pearl Mica Spray and Sky Blue Pearl Mica Spray from Dylusions and the chicken herself is also card painted with Dylusions Yellow acrylic paint. For the beak and feathers on the top of her head they are coloured using Neo color crayons.

The second card to share today is "dream" for which I used Fancy Pants and Scenic Route papers and a gem. A bit of doodling and finish!

The last card you might recognise, as it was laying on my desk on Wednesday, and it has now been finished. I stamped flowers onto some Scenic Route papers and cut them out then stuck a gem in the middle. These were then matted onto some paper printed from my Artylicious CD ROM Filigree Fusion (another thing I have found whilst looking for something else hahaha)

Well not a bad haul for the first day into my holidays. Thanks for dropping by.

WOYWD

2011-04-06T19:11:00.003+01:00

Hi there blog guests

Today I realised it was Wednesday, after spending most of the day thinking it was Thursday haha, so I decided to show my "work desk". See Julia's blog as to the ins and outs!

Last night I got very inky as the desk can vouch for! I covered most of what was laying around on my desk and my fingers in Dylusion spray inks. I had so much fun! I was playing around with the "ghosting" technique which Dyan demos on her blog it is wonderful to see the results developing.

I created another card for Daring Cardmakers Challenge this week "to feature a daisy or sweetpea" and as I found this stamp in my stamp box whilst sorted them out I thought I would use it. The sun came out today and it was wonderful to be warm and wear my sunglasses for a change. Playground duty wasn't a chore for once! Only two more days until the Easter Holidays - yippee!

Daisy, daisy give me your answer do ......

2011-04-03T15:24:00.004+01:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mums out there.

My children did me proud and I received a lovely handpainted spotty mug from Kris and Kat had these beautiful tulips delivered, aaaah not such bad kids after all.
Also to show today are three cards I made last night for the Daring Cardmakers Challenge this week which is to feature either daisies or sweetpeas.

So I hope these can loosely be included. I also tried to make some crinkle flowers that I saw on a tutorial on Such a Pretty Mess blog. I think they need refining though *cough* so I tried to disguise the wonkiness with ink and Stickles haha.

Have a great day!

Button Mum

2011-04-02T14:09:00.004+01:00

A Mother's Day card to show you today. I used the prompt from Gorjuss challenge from two week's ago which was "buttons".

These buttons aren't real they are chipboard ones which I inked with Distress Inks. A little bit of stickles on the stamped flower in the bottom and "Bob's your uncle"!

I would like to wish all Mums a Happy Mothers Day for tomorrow.
x x x

Christmas in March

2011-03-28T21:53:00.003+01:00

I have been really late with these challenges from Hazel's Christmas Challenge Blog so over the weekend I had a little play and a catch up.

I made these two cards. The first card is for challenge number 10 "Embossed" and I have used a Cuttlebug embossing folder with snowflakes on. Not a usual colour you would think for snowflakes - green - but I like them and with the dotty green paper I think it works.
The second card is for challenge number 9 "Sentiment" and I used this wood mounted stamp, (can't remember who it is by) but I have had it years and it is one of my favourites.
I've also made a few more cards but they are waiting for elements to dry and if I tried to photograph them I know I would smudge the glue - I'm not a handy as Net who usually photographs projects with wet glue and manages to do it perfectl hahaha.

Spring fever?

2011-03-27T12:59:00.003+01:00

Hope you remembered to put your clocks forward (those of you in the UK that is) I didn't need to as my DAB Bug does it automatically, so I was up at 8.30 (really 7.30 but ssssh don't tell my brain or I will go to bed far too early :) )

Today I want to share another journal page with you. This one has been in progress for sometime as I doodle and wipe my waterbrush over several pages to clean it and if I have any "spare" paint left over after a project I just wipe it on a clean page. So this page did have flowers all over it and then I doodled some mountains and there it stayed for ages.

I found a "rubbish" dictionary that Kris had but the pages were falling out so I took charge of it (to recycle it of course) and made the house. Sorting through my desk I found this house that Gez made me so I decided to incorporate that too. Gez's house is hinged as it has a little message on the back.

The "creatures" on this page look rather weird because originally they all started out as flowers haha. After gessoing over the flowers some were very persistant and kept peeking through so hence the rather demented looking birds and fat bumblebee (see another one!) And just in case you were wondering what the brown things are on the hills ...... they are rabbits tee hee.

Well enjoy the rest of your Sunday. x

"bright and breezy ...

2011-03-25T07:56:00.003Z

... free and easy" that is the line from the song isn't it? hahaha fair to young to remember that one! Well that is the title that came into my head first this fine sunny morning in Hertfordshire.

Today I would like to share with you two more art journal pages which are very bright - so get your sunglasses ready ......

I used a mixture of Caran D'Ache neocolor watersoluble crayons and Adirondack Inks applied using a waterbrush. Also used some gesso in places too. Then the trusty Pitt pen to doodle and write with - mmmmm need more crayons and a new fine Pitt pen me thinks.

Also is it me or do there seem to be (no pun intended) lots of bee images and motifs around at the moment? My sister was wearing a beautiful bee pendant the other day too.

Have a lovely day everyone. x

Love food?

2011-03-24T12:49:00.002Z

Well I love food, but isn't it something when food loves you back? ......

This is the message my jacket potato left for me yesterday, hahaha.

Have a happy day. x

And not a Gene Kelly in sight!

2011-03-17T22:09:00.004Z

My journal pages today show my take on Milliande's prompt "Singing in the Rain". I was a little stumped at first as to what to do and then lying around on the clutter on my desk was a Craft Robo cut umberella ella ella! So I used it as a mask and sprayed Dylusions ink over it and then whilst the template was still inky stamped it onto the opposite page. Much colouring, gessoing and doodling later I had the following pages.

Oh and those legs aren't mine. Do you think I could stand let alone walk in those heels? hahaha

Thanks for stopping by.

a trio of cards

2011-03-13T21:10:00.002Z

Two birthday and one for Hazel's Christmas Challenge.

This is for Hazel's "Bling" theme Challenge number 4

Not very stylish (and others would have binned them) but I was running out of crafty time! :)

Seeing Red

2011-03-12T14:35:00.004Z

Today I am showing you a journal page I completed which I have entitled,
Seeing Red.

I used various media including
Distress Inks applied with a baby wipe (I find this colour washes a page beautifully and very evenly)
Pitt Pens and
Neocolor Water Crayons.

Birthday Bus

2011-03-11T21:46:00.004Z

Well the Birthday Bus has called again! ...... ding ding ...... move along right down the bus please. haha

Why is it that birthdays come along together? For today alone I had to make three birthday cards. Only photographed two out of the three.

More birthdays next week too so I guess I will be busy over the weekend getting those finished. mmmmmm tricky teenage boy cards ...... need to get my Thinking Cap on.

Not this time

2011-03-05T15:36:00.002Z

On well it wasn't to be ......... no balloon trip for me this morning due to bad weather conditions. :(

Oh I will have to choose another date and then it will be fingers crossed again for a successful trip.

Will it happen this time???

2011-03-03T21:28:00.002Z

Well another season of ballooning has just begun in Great Britain and I have everything crossed that my planned balloon trip happens this time. I've tried several times before to have my trip but the weather has always gotten in the way. Wrong type of wind or it has been raining. Oh the joys of living in the UK!

I have booked my trip for Saturday morning, so a telephone call to check that the flight is still on is to be made on Friday night and then it will (hopefully) be up up and away in my beautiful balloon hahaha.

I'll keep you posted and show you the photos if I have any. Sunj is taking the video camera and wants to get some film of me ascending to the clouds - while I will to taking photos of him and the kids getting smaller and smaller haha.

Recycled Super Hero

2011-02-28T21:06:00.003Z

Here are two more journal pages I created yesterday. During the holiday I shopped in White Stuff as you do and was given my purchases in a comic book inspired carrier bag. I loved the image and the caption and decided I wanted to recycle it into a journal page. I thought she looked like a super hero and that is what started my mind cogs whirring.

Close up of the comicbook image which I stuck into my journal and then I used Distress Inks in Barn Door and Broken China applied with a baby wipe and doodled with Neocolor II wax pastels and a waterbrush to colour the background. Some on the finer doodling was done with a Pitt pen.
I wanted to write something on this page but didn't have enough space on the one page so decided to make it a double page spread! Again I used Distress Inks and a baby wipe to roughly make a Union Jack flag and the red central George Cross is made from the paper that went into making the carrier bag handles. The brown paper around the outside of the page is also the paper from the handles.
Thanks for stopping by. Please do leave a comment if you are able, I love to read them all.

On the large side

2011-02-27T17:31:00.002Z

That is the Christmas card I made yesterday not me personally tee hee

My Mum mentioned about the Christmas card I gave her and my Dad last year as being rather small and" not worth the stamp"!!!! lol so I thought right ...... I will make a large one for this year. Still this is only A5 size but should be "worth the stamp!" :)

I have used Basic Grey papers which are very Christmasy I think and a beautiful reindeer from Tando. I haven't used any of their chipboard before but I must say it is very sturdy and very well cut, keeping it's shape when I applied the colour and decorations. I inked my Rudolf with Distress Ink in Vintage Walnut and have given him a Stickles nose and Glossy Accented eye.

I will be ticking off Hazel's Christmas Card Challenge Number 7 "Feature a Creature" for this card.

Thanks for stopping bye.

The White Stuff

2011-02-22T21:13:00.003Z

That is what Hazel's challenge number 8 is all about this week and here is my card. I wanted to use this snowmen stamp which I coloured with lovely green Sakura pens on their hats and scarves so I decided to use lime green card instead of the white which I was originally going to use. Not very Christmasy but funky I thought.

I am a little behind with Hazel's challenges but hope to catch up during the week. Please visit Hazel's blog for some great Christmas prompts and wonderful work.

Steampunk

2011-02-21T11:18:00.004Z

Wow Daring Cardmakers what have you started? The prompt for this week's challenge is ....

"steampunk"

Well I decided to join in and not being too sure what steampunk was or how I should go about it I "Googled it" oh boy, was I in for a shock!

Isn't this fabulous. I went onto Jake von Slatt's blog and found this all made by himself. I'd love for my pc to look like this. So being inspired I tried to make a birthday card for my daughter's boyfriend (I couldn't think who else would get this mix of Victoriana and technology hahaha)

I didn't have many metal objects so use a spinner, brad that I distressed, safety pins and watch cog. I did enjoy getting inky and think I might try to make another one of these, but not sure who will be the recipient of it! hahaha. I think this genre is a required taste. I think I might be a convert! lol

ooops

2011-02-18T21:42:00.003Z

Been a bit absent updating my blog but now half term is here I should be able to blog frequently this week.

Today is my Mum's birthday and I thought some flowers on her card would be perfect. Coloured with waterbrush and Distress Inks.

Art Journal

2011-01-26T20:37:00.003Z

Another page from my journal to share with you today this one I finished a couple of days ago but have only just got round to photographing and blogging about.

The prompt was Day 8 of Milliande Art Journal January The prompt was "Vertical Journalling Lines" never written like this before and I don't think I will do it again - haha - as I had to think too hard on what letters I had already written. :)

As you can tell from yesterday's post I am not doing these in numerical order, just the order I fancy doing them in.

Thanks for looking and do visit the Art Community website and Milliande's blog lots of great techniques and beautiful artwork.

Day 16

2011-01-24T22:00:00.002Z

Yes here is my take on the Day 16 prompt of My Favourite Number over on Milliande Art Journal January 2011.I went a bit mad with the Pitt pen (thanks Kaz for introducing me to them at the Retreat last year x, they are really fab for this kind of thing!) I then wanted to add just one colour and chose pink first using two tones in a Zig pen and then using Worn Lipstick in the Distress Inks. I had a whole lot of fun doing this whilst "watch" tv with the family.

Can you spot my favourite number?

:)

Art Journal Page Today

2011-01-23T12:31:00.004Z

I have been inspired very much this year by Milliande and have enjoyed watching her videos on prompts she has devised.

I am not up to date with the prompts and this isn't one of them either haha but I loved the way she uses different media on her pages. So watching her use ink and gesso together I did the same and created this page.The background was Distress Inked and then smugged with a wipe and then the image (from my trusty old copy of Elle Magazine - still going strong :) )stuck onto the page. I used Dylusions purple paint for the dots and wavy lines. The border is where the Distress Ink Stormy Skies and gesso came in mixing them together on an acrylic block and painting them on with a paint brush. Then some doodling with a Pitt pen. Stamping with ink and gesso then completed the page.

Thanks for stopping by and please let me know what you think of it - I can take criticism :)

A cluch of cards

2011-01-22T21:54:00.005Z

Not sure that that is the right collective noun but it will have to do haha.

This evening I would like to show you some cards I have made for Hazel's Christmas All Year Round Challenge. I have made several cards for various challenges but haven't got round to blogging them until now.

Hazel puts a new challenge on her blog every Saturday and I hope to keep up with most of the challenges and by next Christmas I should have a box full of cards instead of the mad dash in November to get them made.

So for Challenge Number 4 "Let's See Some Bling"

a close up of the gems "bling"

For Challenge Number 3 "Let's See Some Trees"

For Challenge Number 2 "Use a Freebie or Recycle" The recycled element is the tree and snowflake which were cut from wrapping paper.

Do pop over to Hazel's blog and join in the challenges.

First Daring Card Makers Challenge for 2011

2011-01-11T20:43:00.003Z

Well I have played along with the first challenge of the year at Daring Card Makers Blog. The challenge this week was to make a card featuring January's flower either a snowdrop or carnation.

I went for the carnation as I couldn't find anything snowdrop like in my craft stuff. I tore out a page in an old book I found on clearing out my bookcase and as it was all tatty I thought I could recycle it and use it for this challenge. psst! I can see more pages being used in the months to come hahaha.

Do visit Daring Card Makers blog for lots of inspiration and a weekly challenge.

Art Journalling for 2011

2011-01-10T21:05:00.003Z

I signed up for a new art journalling inspiration course with the very talented Milliande go check out her blog for what it is all about.

On Saturday night I printed off a mandala that Milliande put on her blog and then got my black pen and went doodle mad on it. I didn't know this type of doodling had a fancy name ...... Zendoodling! Don't you know, tee hee.

Anyway here is my finished mandala

I am very pleased with it if I do say so myself. Now the trick with this is to now cut it up!!!!! eeek do I have the guts to do that? Well I might take a photocopy of it first ...... watch this space. This is only the second day's challenge and I am already behind but I think I will pop in and out of this challenge as some days I just don't have the time more's the pity.

Please go over to Milliande's blog and find out all about Milliande's Art Community for Women.

Bargain & something Gorjuss!!!

2011-01-09T15:20:00.004Z

Last weekend I finally got round to visiting our new Dunelm Mills shop - everyone raves about it and thought I needed to find out what it was all about.

Well it is fantastic for home furnishings but (in my opinion) not so hot on the craft section but that just might be our branch. Anyway whilst waiting at the till to pay ended up spending far too much on bedding oopps!, you know where they usually put the sweets to tempt children to buy them, haha I saw this beauty for £1.99 ...... yes can you believe how cheap that is?

So on informing my friends I went back another day and bought another 5 for them!

This weekend I have been busy with some challenges.

First one is for Totally Gorjuss challenge. Now I must admit I thought this challenge was only open for entries using the Gorjuss range of stamps but it isn't haha the challenge for this one was to follow a sketch so I think I managed to do that....... I have entered my card below using the gorgeous Basic Grey papers that I have been lovingly keeping and not using so I took a deep breathe and cut them - eek!

I'll blog the rest another day. Thanks for calling by. x

Sad News

2011-01-07T23:33:00.003Z

Readers to my blog might remember that my parents rescued a dog last February, "my furry brother" Bob well sadly today my parents had to decide to put him to sleep as the vet discovered he was not a very well little chap and was in alot of discomfort. Understandable my parents are upset but as I explained to them Bob's last months with them were the best he has ever had.

He was a funny little character and here he is having his photo taken on Christmas Day with Funky, although Bob doesn't seem interested .....

But after a drink and a chat they got on better

Inky Background update ......

2011-01-06T19:10:00.002Z

...... hello there friends.

As promised I have uploaded these photos to show you the finished inky background pages from my journal. I had such fun doing this and it jogged my memory to all the wonderful (and not so wonderful) things that have happened in 2010.

I have also included single page photos so you can get a closer look. Some of the items have been on my desk or noticeboard for quite awhile and I decided that putting them into this collage will protect them for posterity and more importantly I they won't get lost haha.

Thanks for taking a look.

November and December in January ???

2011-01-03T13:00:00.002Z

That is my 365 Challenge Calendar finally finish ...... no too bad as it is only the 3rd January today :)

I have thoroughly enjoyed keeping up with this and thanks Kate for the wonderful inspiration for this and for everyone who has taken part and for their ideas that I have sometimes sneaked into my calendar tee hee. As you can see (if you are as nosy as me and enlarge the pages) the end of this year has not been too healthy for me and the family :( We are all crossing fingers for a healthier 2011.

I will not be doing this challenge again in 2011 but do visit Kate's Blog "The Kathryn Wheel" and have a go yourself.

Inky Background

2011-01-02T15:51:00.003Z

This is the reason my fingers were so inky yesterday and still are a little today if I'm honest haha I had fun making this background using Distress Ink Pads and a babywipe together with a homemade square template.

I plan to collage "stuff" from 2010 on these two pages that I have lying around on my desk. Hopefully I'll start this evening and show you the finished pages soon.

haaaaaaaaapeeeeee new yearrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

2011-01-01T18:31:00.003Z

Happy New Year to all you lovely readers of my blog.

Thank you for coming over and reading my ramblings and leaving a comment I really love to read them all and even visit yours in return.

Well I have started as I mean to carry on in 2011 getting inky hahaha, this is a photo I took a couple of minutes ago. Sorry about the big MOON face lol.

Thanks for dropping by and tomorrow I hope to update with the evidence of what the inky fingers were a result of.

Right Chinese takeaway has arrived so bye.

Last Work Desk Wednesday for 2010

2010-12-29T17:12:00.002Z

So I thought I would join in and it also might encourage me to tidy it and actually do something crafty.

As you can see the last time I sat at the table to do anything was to wrap Christmas presents, hence the gift wrapping and packaging.

Do visit Julia's blog and have a look at her wonderful work and musings - so funny and maybe join in yourself and show your workdesk/space.

Oh what a night!!

2010-12-28T14:54:00.003Z

As a christmas present treat for my husband and me, my daughter booked us a nights' stay in a local hotel with champagne and a jacuzzi bath ;)

Very lovely and very, very enjoyable.

Twis the night before Christmas ......

2010-12-24T11:53:00.002Z

I do love that story :)

Today I would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and hope that everything is coming together nicely *fingers crossed* and that you all get some crafty goodies in your stockings that you have been eyeing up all year.

Thought I would show you a photo of the "state" of our snowy visitor, hahaha

He does look a bit worse for wear doesn't he? If fact you could say he is "off his face" get it? hahaha Well actually I caught the culprit who swiped his face. Yes it is this little red chested fellow ....I saw him one morning wiping the smile off the snowman's face hahaha well I suppose when you are hungry raisins are a tasty treat.

Well I guess that it just means that it is time for me to wish everyone "a Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night."

- x - x -

Tis the season to be jolly .....

2010-12-23T20:11:00.003Z

Happy Christmas Eve eve to all you out there is Blogland.

Thought I would share a heart I knitted as part of my parcel of gifts to my partner in the Quirky Boots Heart Swap. I now know my partner Andria has received it so I can post a photo of it here.

I got the free pattern from Jujube & Lolo they have some wonderful knitted things go take a look. Thanks for stopping by.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas ....

2010-12-19T15:54:00.004Z

Hi there blogland some snowy photos to share with you today. This was my garden before a visitor arrived and made himself at home ......

and then a photo of our visitor

not sure how long he is staying but he is wrapped up warm and looks like he has had a skin full!!! tee hee.

Next I want to show my Christmas bunting from a Bunting Swap I participated in over on Bubbly Funk Forum. I haven't strung mine together this year but might next year. Lots of other things to spot on my mantle piece too so you can play I Spy if you like! "I spy with my little eye something beginning with p". You can also see a pom pom garland that I didn't finish in time last year but now has pride of place over the mirror. Thanks to Anjie for the inspiration.

And then a close up of the letter I did. I also did one in a blue, silver and white colourway but I haven't got a photo of that one.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you are enjoying the snow and that it isn't a hassle for you wherever you are.

Birthday Cards

2010-12-04T17:39:00.002Z

Thank you to all the lovely crafters over on the Bubbly Funk Forum I received these brilliant cards for my birthday last week.

So many different ideas that no two are the same. Thanks girls.

I roared with laughter when I opened my card from Janice! I had to double take after my eyes met Mr Tennant and then looked at his "assistant" and saw it was me hahaha. Dr Who's Teaching Assistant!!!!! hahahaha Thanks Janice that has made my year :)

Just to round off this blog post nicely I thought you might like to see a Belguim chocolate Pharaoh. He was delicious and one my daughter brought home from Bruges last Saturday.

Thanks for stopping by. x

Quick card for Sunday

2010-11-28T16:38:00.003Z

Muuuuuuuuuum! you know what comes next don't you? Usually a "can you ......?"

Well today's was "Muuuuuum can you make a card for Josh?"

"yes," I reply "when do you need it for?"

"4 o'clock please" !!!!!!!!!! what happened to a little notice - it's all I ask?????

So very quickly I came up with this very simple card. As Josh is an Arsenal fan (well I suppose someone has to hahaha) I went for the red and white theme. I found this space invaders stamp that I bought for 99p in Papermill when their shop closed down, and thought it would fit the bill.

I might make a stock of these in various colours as just in case Kristian asks again with an hour's notice hahaha.

Not blogged in a while ....

2010-11-27T17:57:00.005Z

..... ooops! I hope you haven't thought I had dropped off the planet? haha just not been able to blog for a while.

The last time I blogged it was just after Bonfire Night and here is a photo of me and daughter just to show you it was really cold. Look at my red nose - Rudolf eat your heart out hahaha. Can't show you a photo of our spectacular fireworks as they weren't - spectacular that is hahaha.It has also been ages since the last time I blogged my 365 Calendar and here are my very, very late October pages. Sorry Kate et al. Others have managed to keep up to date but I haven't got my November pages ready yet either sssssh. If you want to see up to date entries check out Kate's blog.
Thanks for stopping by.

Remember, remember the 5th November ....

2010-11-06T21:45:00.005Z

.... gunpowder, treason and plot???? No not from me hahaha ...... I want to show you two more Christmas cards and a birthday card I made with one of my new favourite stamps "Laugh" by Paperbag Studios.

I stamped the image onto cream card and then cut it out and stuck it onto this patterned paper that I received in a swap at the Bubbly Funk retreat in May. I just love the expression on that woman's face - so full of fun and happiness.

The next two cards were made for the November 25th Card Challenge on Bubbly Funk. November's challenge was set by Di the brilliant designer of Tando Creative chipboard - she is a wonderfully talented woman. Di's challenge was to use shapes not normally used to create Christmas images mmmmm ...... I had to think for a while before I came up with these

two robin red breasts and
a funky christmas decoration. These were made from waste from lettering cut using the Craft Robo. The backing paper on the robin card is Basic Grey. The black card and glitter "bauble" needs a little something and I might add some text to the bottom I'll have to decide.

Anyway thanks for stopping by and I hope your Bonfire Weekend is going well and that you are all safe. x

SCD=Something Completely Different

2010-10-30T21:23:00.005+01:00

Something Completely Different A new challenge I have joined in with this week, well technically one of the cards is for last week's challenge, yellow and green, and one for this week, claret and blue, (Millwall fans do you think? - haha)

Anyway here are my two cards and they are both Christmas ones. Need to boost my supply of these with the season fast approaching.

Also today I want to show you two more Christmas cards I made for October's 25th Club Challenge over on the Bubbly Funk Forum, this month was set by Hazel and her challenge was to make a card where the sentiment or wording is the main feature ...... mmmmmm well I don't have many Christmas sentiment stamps to thought I would use this Scenic Route paper I have had for a while and coloured with Dylusions Spray Inks and Distress Inks.

Thanks for stopping by.

Wreck This Journal

2010-10-29T21:35:00.001+01:00

Guess what I found when I was looking for something else? ...... Yes my "Wreck This Journal" so I had to do a page didn't I.

I have numbered all my pages randomly and I am on number 21 now - still loads left to do and still enjoying it (when I find the journal that is - tee hee!)

Have a great weekend!

Another Day for Messing About with Ink and Stuff

2010-10-28T16:14:00.006+01:00

Hello my little blog chums!

I have been busy with inks, paints, embossing powder and my waterbrush - big grin. I began with my 25th Club Challenge cards for September!!! Yes I know very late. The challenge was set by Kaz over on Bubbly Funk Forum to make Christmas cards with a "funky feel". Well I reached straight for my mica spray inks from Dylusions and got very messy and made these two very pink cards.The card with the angel on has been coloured using my waterbrush and Adirondack inks. She has Stickle shoes and Stickles in her hair. I had white pen ink in my mouth last night - trying to get the damn thing to work .... but that is another story - hahaha!

I was busy with these when the postman rung the doorbell - well what else? and delivered some Dylusion Acrylic Paints and some stamps I'd ordered from Art from the Heart. They were wrapped beautifully with a red heart - aaah anyway I ripped open the tissue paper and got straight to work.

This card was made using the How Does Your Garden Grow set of stamps - aren't they cute? Then I dived into the Dylusions Paints and boy did I have fun - sloshing and scraping it about the page of my journal - tee hee!!!! I ordered the yellow and purple as I don't have many inks or paints in these colours but I can see I will need to order some more as they are really lovely to use.

I made my own tool to apply the ink by cutting into an old credit card style card I found laying around my desk drawers. I have cut the other end too but only used the top edge for the above affect. Well thanks for staying and reading to the end - please leave a comment :) Bye x

Arty Day

2010-10-23T15:23:00.004+01:00

I decided to kick start my relaxing half term week with some journalling in my A4 journal.

I made these backgrounds last night whilst sitting in front of the telly and then detailed them this morning whilst in bed!!!

Yes I am still in my cosy lounging around clothes - and enjoying it!!! Right a Bond film has just started so I think a cup of tea and some more paints are calling!

ooops! very very late

2010-10-17T15:18:00.003+01:00

eek! I am very late in posting this on my blog .... believe it or not these are my September pages for the 265 Calendar Challenge. Check out Kate's blog for all the details and some fantastic artwork inspiration too.Thought I would try my hand at a collage photo too to show you the whole pages along with the left and right hand sides in more detail. I have also photographed the front cover to show you that I am using a sketchbook I bought at the Tate in London. The pages are very thick and are lovely to decorate. The name page is the first page inside the front cover. I'm not sure whether this is finished as I keep adding bits to it.

Right I am up to date with October's pages just haven't stuck the squares onto any decorated pages yet, but heyho half term is coming up so watch this blog. tee hee.

This Sunday is very laid back and lazy after the business and laughter of last Sunday - aaahh Good Times. x

Nice Day For a White Wedding!!

2010-10-12T15:45:00.012+01:00

Well it was on Sunday. The weather was glorious for my niece's wedding and the whole day was fantastic from start to very late finish!

To look at the photos you would have thought that it was a summer wedding not one in October, 10.10.10 to be exact! No excuses for forgetting that wedding date! tee hee

The Bride and Groom looked adorable and it was a very emotional day all round. The Bridesmaids wore hunter green (one of my favourite colours next to orange that is) and they looked really beautiful as did my elder sister (Mother of the Bride) in a gorgeous marroon dress and matching hat!

signing the register

In the background the Best Man goofing around (Grooms friend), my younger sister, my elder sister(Mother of the Bride) and Me!

We scrub up pretty well as a family don't we?
My daughter, my husband, me and my son.

My husband was cut out of this photo accidently by the person who took it, shame, but I will definately have an official one of these as I think we all look very smart indeed!

So from left to right - me, my younger sister's daughter, niece #3(Bride's sister), my Dad, my Mum, my elder sister (Mother of the Bride), Groom, Bride, my Brother in Law (Father of the Bride), my younger sister, niece #2(Bride's sister), my son, my daughter and niece #2's boyfriend (next to get married I think - watch this space).

A delicious meal was served after the photos and during the dessert we were entertained by two singing waiters. Very novel and they were very talented and hilarious. I did get very tearful, during the speech from the Groom as I was presented with a gift of a spa day and a wonderful flower display for making their invitations, guest book and seating plan. That was so thoughtful and totally unexpected.

Then it was over to the marquee for dancing from a live rock band and then a disco. Everyone invited to the wedding was asked to suggest a song that they were prepared to get up and have a boogie to and during the night they played a selection of the music. It was hilarious. Everyone had great fun. There was a hog roast in the evening but I was still full from the wedding breakfast to eat, the portions were immense!

We retired to our room at 1.30 am as we were staying at the wedding venue, our room had a four poster bed which was very romantic! The kids had a room of their own which was great too.

Phew! what a long post. Hope you have stayed with me and not nodded off. Now this wedding has been and gone I hope to catch up with other crafting activities that I should have been doing - so no excuses now!

Thanks for stopping by.

October Workdesk Wednesday

2010-10-07T12:47:00.002+01:00

I know I am a day late but this was the STATE of my workspace yesterday - hence no crafting has taken place. tee heeIf you fancy a nose at other people's crafty corners then check out Julia's blog to see a list and maybe even add yours. I'm number 136! wow what a lot of desks. :)

Thanks for dropping by.

Big Smiles

2010-09-27T22:03:00.003+01:00

I am back after a brilliant weekend ...... but why did I have to go to work I wanted to stop home and play with my goodies I bought at the Big Stamp and Scrapbooking Show at Alexandra Palace, London.

These are the items I bought. I wasn't really looking too hard at all the items as I went to the show with some friends and we spent a lot of the time laughing and chatting. But as I was at the show I thought I would buy something, well it would have been rude not to wouldn't it? hahahaha

I just couldn't resist these gorgeous mica inks from Dyan the colours are stunning

and I have the inky fingers at the moment to prove it haha. I met Dyan and she gave me and Janice a demo on backgrounds for art journalling. Her journals are wonderful in real life! Dyan you make it look so easy but I will follow your tips and watch this space.

It was sad at the end of the day as I had to say goodbye to Di (sorry I missed seeing Tony and Sags) and goodbye to Karen and Jeremy who had the long drive back to Cornwall. And then it was a tube journey to see Janice safely back on the train to Scotland. Thanks girls and guy for a wonderful weekend.

Kathy's Sketch

2010-09-22T21:25:00.002+01:00

Today I have blogged a card I made using Kathy's sketch September 2010 "Over the horizon". I have used Basic Grey papers and a chipboard flower coloured with distress inks and a Stickles swirl in the middle. Then I used a rub on for the sentiment.

Thanks for stopping by.