Pink Christmas Cute Card Thursday & Papertake Weekly Challenge Card

I do appear to be doubling up a lot with the challenges these days, I think that there are so many to have a go at it it makes it easier this way! This card covers Cute Card Thursday & Papertake Weekly challenges. The brief for CCT was to make a project using a Christmas animal and PWC was to follow this sketch:I have used pink and green as colours for my card and I may have lost all hope of being knighted as I'm not sure Her Majesty would agree with the pink post box!

I have used a Penny Black stamp (SHOCK HORROR!) called "Royal Mail". I have added glitter for the snow detail and cut it into a circle using my nesties.

This is matted onto lime green and attached to a stripy pink panel that has green and pink Bazzill stripes going across the top with added gem detail, the greeting is another stamp from Penny Black.

I thought I would also share with you a paper saving top tip that I picked up during a scrapbooking class many moons ago. As you can see I have a large panel of green at the base of the card, if you cut the centre of this out then your card is less bulky and you have scraps of co-ordinating cardstock to complete the rest of your card. I hope this explains it better:

I'm sure most of you have seen this before but I like to share just in case you find it useful.

Penny Black Seasons and 2 Sketches 4 You Challenge Card

A double whammy for today! This card is for 2 different challenges! Penny Black Challenge this week was to complete a card for a season, my card represents winter, and the 2 Sketches 4 You challenge was to interpret the following sketch:- Here is my card, you may notice that a little distressing has occurred! Don't panic, I'm okay, although the scratchy bits are uneven which upsets me! I have used Penny Black stamp called " Xmouse Ornament!" when I got this I had pale blue and a snowflake embossing folder in mind but that's not quite how it turned out! I decided to pick out the colour from the mouse not the snowflake and am semi pleased with the result. I have used Basic Grey Christmas paper, an Imaginiase snowflake (matted on black and cut out.......too much time on my hands!) and a rub on greeting. The brad was just a plain blue one which I have added glitter to. Finally I have added some black gems to the corners. Fun was had by all last night, thanks to everyone who came and to Natalie for being such a fab demonstrator! Watch this space for some SU cards coming soon! Finally a special thank you to some V special friends......you know who you are......thank you for spoiling me! xxx

Pretty In Pink Saturday Sketch Challenge

This is my entry into the Saturday Sketchers Challenge , this is the sketch that we were given to work from : and here is my interpretation of the sketch (un twisted or altered today!) I loved making this as it reminded me of Neapolitan ice cream from start to finish....... I have used a Penny Black stamp called The Essentials, this is the first time I have used it and I think it can be one of my new favorites!

I have matted and layered the base of this card it using Pink Bazzill and Pebbles Inc Travel Dot. The Image is matted onto brown & pink Bazzill paper. The greeting is called "Friendship Circles" and is from a Stampin Up set. Finally the flowers are from my Prima baubles and the brads are Doodlebug sugar coated in Bon Bon.

Right I'm off now as I have a day of rest! My friend Natalie has just joined up to be a Stampin Up demonstrator and she is having her first party at my house tonight. I am really looking forward to it but know that I won't be able to enjoy it if I don't rest ALL day!

Spot the mistake....................

I was going through my photos to find one of my cats to add to my blog.....I know we are back to the too much time on my hands thing......and I found this picture of my Nephew that was taken last year on his holidays. Every time I see it, it makes me laugh, so I thought I would share it with you! I'm not sure John Wayne has anything to worry about...........

Stamp Something and Cute Card Thursday Challenges

This card is covering a couple of challenges today. Stamp Something Challenge which was to "stamp something!" which I think I have covered and the Cute Card Thursday Challenge which was to add some sparkle! Here is my card that covers both.

I have used a "Little Clares" stamp and have coloured it with my trusty watercolour pencils and have used the liquid applique with glitter for the snow. The baubles are done with red stickles glitter glue for an added touch of sparkle! The paper is Doodlebug as is the frill and I have added black gems to the scallop. Finally the "happy" is a Doodlebug rub on & the "Christmas" is last years Quickutz Christmas set. Hope you like......

These are a few of my favorite things.........

It is official I have too much time on my hands! I received an email this week with the words to Julie Andrews "My favorite things" with reference to her getting older.......So as I said, I have too much time on my hands so I re-wrote it for crafting.............

In true Julie Andrews Style........... Sing along now.......

Papers and velum the occasional scrap kit Stash that's so precious you just have to stroke it Buttons and ribbons, the joy that it brings to be surrounded in my crafting things Bright coloured pencils all ready to sharpen packets of new stuff that I'm yet to open Rub ons and stencils and big balls of string special foam stuff to help my stamps cling With my trimmer, and some shimmer and a sharp craft knife I simply get crafting until I complete a project that looks real nice Tubs full of glitter and jars full of flowers a daylight lamp that helps me craft all hours half finished scrapbooks and sketches galore cropadile circles all over my floor Stickers and fibres the most you have seen sitting in the corner my sewing machine a supply of replacement blades, a box full of glue Oh I have so many projects to do With my trimmer and some shimmer and a sharp craft knife I simply get crafting until I complete a project that looks real nice..........

Super Bright 2 Sketches 4 You Challenge Card

This is the first time I have entered this challenge by 2 sketches 4 You. This is the sketch that was given for us to work from:

& here is my rather bright take on it.......

I have used my Stampin Up Bright papers, I am addicted to these colours at the moment as they coordinate really well with my Doodlebug stuff. The flowers are Prima, the brads are doodlebug (swimming pool) the ribbon is American crafts and the frills were cut using a QK revolution flourish die. The greeting is a Penny Black stamp that has been used to death! Finally the scroll like journal block is by Making Memories and was donated by THE Natalie O'shea.............

When 2 Became 1....Not the spice girls song....Challenges!

This card is for the CPS and Penny Black Saturday challenges. For the Penny Black challenge you had to decorate the inside of the card and for CPS you had to follow the following sketch: I kind of twisted it and took another angle on the sketch but am really pleased with "my new idea!" and and am looking forward to trying it in different ways. This is my rather twisted adaptation from the front ......

& this is how it stands up.....I thought this was quite novel (nothing like blowing your own trumpet!), I'm sure I could tweak it so it would stand up straighter ........

I have used my new hedgy stamp again along with Doodlebug Christmas paper and Stampin Up bright green & red card stock. The circle and scallop were made using my nesties and the greeting is a rub on. Finally I added the Doodlebug button and threaded a tiny weeny strip of green coordinating card through the sew holes? (I'm sure there is another name for them?).

I also had to decorate the inside for the PB challenge, you know me like to keep it simple......

I just used the Penny Black "I wish it could be Christmas every day" stamp, and I really believe in this sentiment because I would love it to be Christmas everyday! I have already been playing my Christmas music.........

Finally I hope you like my "New Look" blog and how my hubby as made it look like i have been biting bits out of the chocolates!!!!

Saturday Sketchers Super Tricky Indecisive Marmite Card!

Firstly my blog is under renovation by Mr Wonka so please ignore funny messages, wonky headers and uneven side bars, it will look wicked when complete but it is proving a little trickier than expected. This is my indecisive Marmite card......ie I'm not sure if I love it or hate it! This is the sketch that has been supplies by the super trooper Sketch Saturday challenge crew.

I have found it really difficult this week. I think it's a combination of my confidence having a bit of a beating at the mo and because I interpret this sketch to be quite feminine and pretty and these kinds of cards I struggle with! However this is the reason we do sketches, to move our boundaries, to inspire and to share the good bad & the ugly with our blog buddies! So here's my attempt:

I have used a Penny Black stamp called "Furry Embrace" and have cut a section of the image out using my nesties. I have then layered it up with nestie circles and a scallop and mounted it onto the centre panel of Bazzill card and Doodlebug frills. The corners were made by cutting a circle into 4 and then plonking in place. I have then had an attack of the Quickie glue pen and doodlebug glitter.......with results I am uncertain of! I then had that, something isn't right moment, so in true emergency gap filling style I doodled.......again with results I'm not sure of?

Papertake Weekly Charity Challenge

The challenge at Papertake weekly reads as follows: "This weeks challenge is a charity one! Quick Cards made easy magazine are trying to break the record for the worlds biggest handmade card, for BBC Children in Need.You're able to use any products/materials you like but the finished card needs to be yellow!! The preferred size for the card is a standard A6 (approx 4x6 in). All cards will be put together to form a giant Pudsey Bear card!" Any children's charity is a deserved one as far as I'm concerned so I would love you to have a go if you have a spare 5 minutes, details of where to send the card/cards to can be found here: Here is my mellow yellow attempt! I have used yellow Bazzill card and a Penny Black stamp called "seeing your face..." I was saving it till my Mums birthday but this is a good enough reason to stamp it early!

The paper is from a VERY old Sizzix pad, the ribbon is by Maya Road and the glitter is of course Doodlebug! Finally I added some of my new square gems?!?!?! Not sure if I like them as they require much more precision than normal ones! I'm thinking maybe I should have done them diamond shapes?!?!?! but then they would be diamond gems not square ones????................How pleased you must be that you aren't the owner of this confuddled brain of mine!

Friday Sketchers Challenge

You may have gathered that I do enjoy a bit of a challenge this one is from Friday Sketchers. This is the sketch that was given.....

I have a serious lack of mojo at the moment and so sketches are a brilliant way to get some ideas and not have to use your brain too much! You can copy the sketch 100% or just use it as a starting point to create from. This is my interpretation of this weeks sketch.

I have used one of my birthday stamps (well it is obviously a Christmas stamp but I git it for my birthday?!?)Penny Black Xmas Hedgy, I have used watercolour pencils to colour him in, and have used white liquid applique on his hat. (A little tip, you may already know this), once I had puffed up the liquid applique I sprinkled some Doodlebug glitter on top, if you do this whilst still warm the glitter will stick to give a naturally puffy glittery effect. I have used red & green Bazzill and Doodlebug Christmas paper. The greeting is from a DCWV Christmas rub on book and the snowflakes are cut using my Cuttlebug and the winter die set. I have embossed the red panel with my "Curls & swirls" embossing folder and have finished off by adding some black dots around the green panel with my black Zig writer.

Papertake Weekly "I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas!"

This is my entry for this weeks Papertake Weekly Challenge. I thought that I would do another Christmas card to add to the box....I am determined that I will finish them all by the end of November this year...... I do say that every year though and normally end up running out to buy some as I haven't finished making them! As you can see another super simple effort from me! I have used Imaginisce snowflakes, a Doodlebug black brad, a rub on Christmas greeting and green and black cardstock. I usually stick with red & green for Christmas but I need to start being a little more adventurous.

PB Saturday Challenge, My 1st EVER award & yummy blog candy!

When I saw this challenge here Penny Black Saturday Challenge I thought how easy is that! Then oh how I chortled to myself as every paper had a bit of blue in or how I automatically went for my blue watercolour pencil! I must admit there are some suspect blue dots on the background but they are actually more turquoise......I must be able to get away with them!

Now normal readers of this blog may need to have a sit down as "I HAVE USED MESSY INK" I know I know I'm one crazy horse! The backing paper is Basic Grey and the stamped image from the Bubbly Clear set. I have INKED the edge of the image with black chalk ink & then stitched it to the card using skinny wool (I'm sure there is a correct term for this?) in a criss cross stitch. I then used a rub on greeting onto a co-ordinating yellow Bazzill card stock then INKED around that too. No stopping me when I get started! Then finally I added an arrow which I cut using a QK revolution arrow die and 3 black gems in the top right hand corner. Not my normal style but I quite like it!

Well what a surprise yesterday! I received my 1st ever award.....Thank you Marcea ! Now I have to follow the rules....... hard work these awards...The rules:

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog. CHECK 2. Link the person you received your award from. CHECK 3. Nominate at least 5 other blogs. CHECK 4. Before listing the nominees give a brief reason why you chose them. CHECK 5. Put links of those blogs on yours. CHECK 6. Leave a message on the blogs you have nominated CHECK

Right the nominations are as follows...........

Natalie because she makes stunning cards and has still got my travel iron and I need it back and if I don't nominate her she will keep it!

Kim because she was "Cardmaker of the year!" (she makes wonderful cards) what other reason could there be! Oh and because she makes me laugh!

Junie because she makes beautiful cards and is one of the nicest people you could ever meet!

Sarah because she is the most dedicated crafter on this planet, she doesn't have a craft room she has a craft flat! She makes lovely cards and is a friend to everyone!

Bev because she makes some of the most beautiful cards ever! She appears to be a seasoned award winner but check out her work she deserves them!

I think that's everything! Thanks again Marcia x

FINALLY Becks has some rather cool blog candy to win!!!! Check these out, they are yum yum pigs bum! They are the Basic Grey journalling clear stamps...go check it out, you have got to be in it to win it!

Sketch Saturday & Stamp Something Challenges

This is my card for 2 different challenges, I don't normally combine but needs must & this one seemed to fit the bill. This is for Sketch Saturday & Stamp Something challenges. I have a better pic now as I have borrowed Daddy Warbucks camera! I have used (probably one of my faves.......) "Uplifting Occasion" Penny Black rubber stamp and have gone for a red, black & white theme (due to the Stamp something challenge...check it out) and have used dome Doodlebug swiss dot paper and Doodlebug buttons to embellish. In real life this card is really lovely I'm annoyed you can't see the detail!

Birthday Show & Tell

Well I can't drag this birthday out much longer, although I could try..... I thought you would like to see these few things.

These are the stamps that I was going on about yesterday from my Brother and his family, I love them and can't wait to play with them.

These are some of my handmade cards I received from my crafting buddies, receiving any card is special but ones that have had blood and sweat dripped over them always seem a tinsy bit more special! So thanks to Suzie Q, Tracy, Treacle, Sarah, Jackie & THE Natalie O'shea.

Finally this is the funniest card I think I have ever received! I am not proud to admit it but this could actually be me!!!!

Funny Faces, Flowers and Forever Friends.

Just a quick card today as I have over done it this weekend and have been in bed most of the day! This was made using the new mens Forever Friends paper pads, I have simply used 4 sheets and decoupaged them up and used QK "Bright" alphabet (from last years Merry & Bright set!) A real quick and easy one.

Thank you for all your lovely birthday messages. I have had a lovely birthday and have been thoroughly spoiled! My hubby got me some lovely things including a new Sony Vaio Laptop and these beautiful flowers.

I also got some stash cash off my lovely Mum and Dad and some really great stamps from my Brother, Sister-in-law and Nephew, I'll share these tomorrow as my camera is being naughty and not working properly!

Finally this is my nephew and this is the face he pulled when Auntie asked him to give me his pretty face for a birthday picture!

My Time To Craft Challenge Forever Friends

Before I bore you all on what what challenge I have entered, what products I used and how I used them I would like to say.......Happy Birthday to me, Happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear Mrs Wonka, Happy Birthday to me....hip hip... hooray....hip hip....hooray. Form an orderly queue for my cards and presents please.....LOL I have an inkling that I may be getting some crafting birthday surprises today so will show and tell tomorrow! Right back to crafting........This is my card for the "My time to craft challenge" the challenge was to make a card using bright and bold colours, I hope this fits the bill. I have mat and layered onto turquoise and yellow Stampin Up bright coloured card and then stuck it onto some Daisy paper which I found in my "blue scrap container" (yes I am that organised! scary but true! ) This was then matted onto the yellow card. I then added some white ribbon and a cute little bow. My greeting was created by using a rub on directly onto the ribbon (some makes of rub on are better than others to do this! you really need a brand that rub off really easily!)). Finally it was all plonked onto the centre of a white embossed hemp card blank.

"One For The Girls" Penny Black Saturday Challenge

I really enjoy joining in with the Penny Black Saturday Challenge, and haven't managed to do the last couple so I'm pleased I managed to do this one. I have sat and looked at it for some time and feel that there is something missing! If I work it out I will amend and re post later.

I have used Penny Black Stamp called Daisy Surprise. I have (as usual) coloured with watercolour pencils. I have used a piece of Bubblegum Boutique stripe paper from Doodlebug and have cut the wonky line freehand and stuck it to the bottom of my card, I have then followed the line of the wonky cut with the Prima flowers. I then placed my stamped image on the card using 3d foam (see previous post as to why I'm boycotting silicone glue!) and then added gems to the centre of the flowers. The greeting was a white rub on, this is the element of the card I'm not sure of??? I may have to re think it!

It may come as some surprise to hear I have used Doodlebug glitter to enhance the flower. I have used PVA glue for this as it keeps its shape (takes hours to dry!) but does give a 3d glitter effect when dry.

Saturday Sketch Penny Black Style!

This is my attempt at this weeks Sketch Saturday challenge, as I have far tooooo much time on my hands at the moment I thought I would make a serious attempt at getting my Christmas cards done and dusted!I have used Penny Black stamp called "Christmas Spirit" and have coloured it in using watercolour pencils of course I have also added a little glitter to the berries as well! I have matted the image onto circles cut using my trusty, previously gushed over, circle cutter. The top circle is a Craftwork Cards Christmas circle greeting matted onto green Bazzill, the bottom circle is another Craftwork cards greeting but I have cut it down using one if my nestabilities, I have stuck both of these onto the card using silicone glue (which is a new one and I am very unhappy as it doesn't smell like salt and vinegar crisps like my last one did!). The final green circle has been put through a winter Cuttlebug embossing folder.

2 in 1 Brown Bag Monster!

This is a card that covers 2 challenges Papertake Weekly and Stamp Something Challenge the theme for both of them is "Fall" and things that remind us of this time of the year. This is the 1st Halloween card I have ever made as I'm not quite sure to do with them afterwards to be honest. It has given me an excuse to use this stamp though as it was a "I want it now" purchase and I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it! I have used a Penny Black stamp called "Brown Bag Monster" and the backing paper is from Doodlebug. I have made the actual card out of Bazzill Bling and attached the black strip with orange Dovecraft brads.The "monster" greeting is done with Making Memories "rummage" rub on alphabet and the "brown bag" is done with Doodlebug rub ons.

Friday Sketchers Challenge Christmas Swing Card

This is my entry for this weeks Friday Sketchers Challenge . I find circles quite hard to work with so was pleased with this little card (it's only 9.5cm x 9.5cm) . This is the sketch we had to work with:- I'm sure that swing cards have been around for ever but I have only recently paid them any attention after I first saw one on Kim Fees Blog ever since I have been really keen to give it a go. You wait I'll have a swing on everything now.....till the novelty wears off!

I have used my Stampin up bright card pack to make the tri-fold card blank and the red detail. I have used the Nestabilities for the circle (a punch would do the same job!) I have just added a couple of snowflake brads to the top right and 2 paper snowflakes to the bottom left (these were out of a Lisa Bearnson cardmaking kit off QVC 100 years ago!) The red circle has been run through my Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder and highlighted with glitter dots and a gem. I LOVE CHRISTMAS you can glitter everything and get away with it!

This is a close up of the swinging section. This was made using the Stampin Up greeting circle stamps and circle and scallop nestabilities. This is the same both sides to the same image and greeting can be seen from the inside of the card or when the section is swinging. I have used dental floss to attach the swing circle. I loved that Kim Fee had used dental floss on hers at the time I commented how nice it would be to go out for a birthday meal and use your card after as a tooth pick!

Cute Card Thursday "Pretty In Pink"

This is my card for the Cute Card Thursday Challenge which is called "Pretty In Pink" This has worked out quite nicely as I have a friends birthday next week and they LOVE pink so I killed 2 birds with one stone! I have used another one of the 3 Forever Friends stamps and matted it onto hot pink. I also used a HUGE bloom and added my own gems in the centre. The scallop edge is a Doodlebug frill and I have layered 2 on top of each other to give a more 3d effect. I stuck the frill onto a pink border and then run holes along it using my cropadile (which is also pink so fits in with the challenge quite nicely!). The greeting is an events rub on from (the long since disappeared) Scrapbook House.

Super Simple Forever Friends

Well I was very excited last night when one of my bestest friends arrived with 3 of the new "Forever Friend" stamps and a paper pad. It was extra special because:-

a) she is a non crafting buddy

b) she had remembered me say I had to make a christening card

c) she hates coming to craft shops with me as she says it "burns holes in her eyes"

So it was extra special and super thoughtful that she went and got me these.

This is for my cousins son who is being christened in a couple of weeks.

I'm not sure you can get any simpler than this really, the card is only small 11cm x 9cm. I have just coloured the stamped image with water colour pencils, and matted it onto Bazzill Bling and a sheet of spotty DCWV paper. I like things simple at the best of times but for such a teeny image with lots of detail on a teeny card so I thought I would leave it at that! Although I have oooommmeeddd and arrrrghhhhed at it for half an hour I think it will stay as it is. Oh yes and for the keen eyed blogger you will see a touch of white Doodlebug glitter on the stained glass window.

Papertake Weekly Challenge...Luscious Lilacs!

This is my entry for this weeks Papertake Weekly Sketch Challenge. I really love working off these sketches as it really helps the mojo get going! This is for my Cousins wife who has recently been in hospital. This is the sketch:-This is my interpretation (which looks a bit wonky....but it's not in real life!):- I have used one of my trusty Penny Black clear sets for the little hedgie.....I seem to be a little hedgie orientated at the moment! I have used lilacs, I used to really dislike lilac as a colour but it is growing on me....! I have simply followed the sketch almost to the letter. I have used ribbon from my ribbon box (which Arthur my cat selected....actually he selected them all....in his mouth and down the stairs.....note to self....DO NOT LEAVE RIBBON BOX OPEN AND UNATTENDED!) I have finished it off with a rub on greeting and Doodlebug glitter hearts.

Saturday Sketch Challenge "Happy Anniversary"

This is my entry to this weeks Saturday Sketch Challenge . It is for my brother and his wife who celebrate their wedding anniversary on Saturday. This is the sketch, as you will see from my card I have flipped it. And here is my effort....... I have used Imaginise paper with a dark green Bazzill cardstock. The hedgehogs are from the Penny Black T for Transparent Love set. I stamped the 3 smaller images, coloured them and punched them out with a circle punch. I then matted them on to darker green circles. The larger semi circle was cut using my Creative Memories circle cutter (or you may call it one of the greatest crafting inventions of all time!!!) The greeting was from the pc and the gems down the side of the bigger image are Heidi Swapp. (they are cheater gems as they come in a long line!) It may not be obvious to the bloggers eye....but there may be a weeeee bit of Doodlebug glitter on the hearts and roses!

Friday Sketchers Tufty T Birthday Card

This is a card that I have made for one of my best mates hubbies.....who funnily enough is called"Tufty" (actually he is called Graeme but we all call him Tufty!) I have used one of the Friday Sketchers sketches and have kept the card plain and simple. Apart from a few gems, which I'm not sure ever look right on a mans card? (Your opinions on this would be greatly appreciated!)I have used Bazzill Card and my nestabilities for the circles and have stitched the blue panels on with my sewing machine (who's name is MUD!). The doodle dots were done with a fine Zig pen and the "Tufty" is applied with rub ons which I have had for years and love! Unfortunately I don't know what they're called or who made them as I threw all the packaging away years ago during a craft room cleaning frenzy!

All that glitters IS gold...............

Just a quickie today, this is a Golden wedding acceptance that my Mum asked me to make her, not really my thing if I'm honest! However blogging is for life not just for our favorite cards so I thought I had better post it. I have used a large gold Prima flower, a printed greeting, gold card, REALLY old swirly backing paper, some gold gems and gold liquid pearls to make the dots.