Good morning from a very snowy Sussex!

My goodness where is all this white stuff coming from......about 3" in a couple of hours! We are all stocked up and the fires on so we are staying put for the weekend! I have some last minute crafting to do and a bit of wrapping other than that it is Christmas films with Mr Wonka and the Kit Nits!!!!! I just wanted to pop on and show you my latest Christmas tree ornaments, how cool are they, they are perfect on my gold and brown themed tree! They shouted at me in the garden centre and had to come home with me!!!! I'll be back tomorrow to do some more show and tell............

No it's not my sister who is 75!

This is a card that I made for a little old lady who comes into my post office where I work, she found out that I'm a crafter and asked me to make a special card for her sister who was turning 75 in a couple of weeks. I don't often make cards for other people as I rarely get time to meet all my card making commitments as it is, without taking on more work. But she is so lovely I couldn't say no. Here is the card:I saw her a few days later and produced the card, and she said that she had actually got it wrong and that her sister is actually 76 not 75 so she doesn't need it anymore! So if any of you have a 75 year old sister please get in touch.................lol bless her! I have got a day off today (actually I have every Friday off) and am going to start the wrapping of the presents! This is where I find out that I have brought far too much and lose the will to live at around lunch time! Wish me luck............

Papercraft Inspirations Christmas Card

Good morning everyone, I hope that you are all well today, I am off to work in a mo then back home this afternoon to finish off my book that I can't seem to put down at the moment. I love it when a book grabs me that much! It is called "Charity" by Lesley Pearce and is fab! I can pass it on if anyone fancies a read after! Right onto today's show and tell, I was asked by the lovely Jenny, the editor, to make a Christmas card that would be represent me as a crafter and would echo the kind of card I would send to friends and family then they were all put together with the other designers cards. This is a pic of the front cover of the issue it is in:and here is the card that features all my favorite things, Penny Black, cats, Stampin' up! and Doodlebug! Also if you look closely a new pic of me too.............scary, I hate hate hate having my picture taken! See you soon xxx

My take on the convention make and take.

Morning, you have probably all seen this card that was one of the make and takes that we made at convention. It has been made using the watercolour technique which I didn't think I would really like but I have fallen in love with it! So much so that that I decided to recreate it in different colours. I was really pleased with how this has come out, I will defiantly be trying this technique again in the future! I hope that you are all well and not too chilly, at least the retched snow has gone now. I'll be back super soon x

You all missed Kyle turning 6!!!!!!

Can you believe that my nephew is now six!!!! He had a fab day a few weeks ago followed by a magic party at the local football club! Here is the card I made him:and here is a picture of his chocolate and vanilla magic cupcakes:

I ordered the magic hat toppers from the states and if you look really closely they even have edible stars on the top! Here is them all packaged and ready to go: and here is the mini superstar himself, taken last week in the snow. isn't he cuter than king cute from cuteville!!!!!!!! I'll be back soon xxx

Catching up again..........

I only have a few more pics to show and tell before I am finally up to date with my blogging! Today I am sharing my Stampin' Up! convention pics with you. I'm sure that you have seen all the convention pics a month ago, so you know that the venue was stunning, the projects were stunning and Shelli the owner of Stampin' Up was the definition of style and loveliness so you don't want to hear all about that again. So I wanted to share with you a collage of pictures that sums up the reason my convention was so fab: Yup you guessed it, it's the Stampin' Stars, my Stampin' Up! family with Nat being the top star! We really had a blast and my convention wouldn't have been the same without my bestest crafting buddies! Next year it is in Euro Disney, I haven't decided if I will be going yet but one things certain, if I do, I will have a blast! If you would like a workshop or any SU goodies then please do not hesitate to contact me, I would love to help. Nat & I have so many exciting things coming up in the new year! I hope that some of you will be able to join in with the fun with us! It is all kicking off with a day event on the 22nd January in the Crawley area, more details to follow soon! I'll be back tomorrow with a certain little mans birthday pics and his magic cupcakes!!!!!

My partner in crime has moved...........

blog home, not new home! Natalie continues to share what she loves at her new blog which can be found here.

She is also doing the 12 days of Christmas and is giving away two stamp sets! So pop over and say hi!

Snow, More Snow, Bad News and Frozen Paws!

Well where do I start it has been an eventful few days here. Lets start with the snow snow and more snow! As you will all know snow has taken over the world and that includes my little piece of it. Here are a few pics for you: Mr Wonka and I couldn't get to work Wednesday or Thursday and although it is sooooooooooooo pretty I wish it would go away now! Mr Wonka has managed to get in today and I am at home. Although I shouldn't be as (now for the bad news) I was supposed to be having an operation today in Brighton hospital but they have had to cancel it due to the adverse weather conditions! I understand fully why they have had to do this but it is so hard as I have been waiting since August and living in constant pain is very tiresome! On the plus side I have all my Christmas shopping done and magazine commissions up to date so I can relax and chill out for a few days. The hospital seem to think I will have to go back on the waiting list, I will let you know when I hear any more. Finally I thought you might like to see some frozen paws.........

Not the best picture in the world but she has been so funny, in some places the snow is taller than little Olive so she has to hop about like a little rabbit. Surprisingly for Arthur he seems to have more sense and is firmly positioned on the sofa! LOL I hope that you are all safe and warm where you are and making the most of the extra crafting time! See you soon xxx

Christmas Crimping!

Hullo Hullo from a very snowy Sussex!!!! It is soooooo pretty outside, not sure if I will venture to work yet I'll access the situation later I think. I'll try and take some snow pics and will pop back tomorrow for snow show and tell! Although I am sure you have enough snow of your own to be peeping at!

Have you opened your number one on your advent calenders? This is the first year I haven't had one :(

Just a quicky today, here is the peep at an article showing how to get different effects with a paper crimper.

This is the first two pages, I forgot to take a pic of the other page! Opps sorry!

Here are the cards in real life:

I have used the Imaginise Christmas papers and SU card and inks. I hope that you like them. It is really odd me showing you these as they were made back in the summer when it was about 80 degrees..........

I'll be back with some snow pics tomorrow! xxx

Maltesers Cheesecake!

Morning campers, I hope that you all have lots of lovely things planned for this sunny, but chilly Tuesday! I am crafting this morning then off to work later! I am still playing catch up and I just had to show you my latest cheesecake, made using lots and lots of Maltesers! The good thing about this recipe is that there are not many calories as Maltesers are mostly air aren't they! Sorry for the poor quality pics, it was so so delicious though! Here is the recipe: Ingredients

Base

100g digestive biscuits 200g Maltesers 125g melted butter plus extra for buttering the mould

Topping

800g cream cheese 200ml sour cream 200g icing sugar Couple of drops of vanilla extract 100ml double cream 150g roughly crushed Maltesers+ extra whole ones to decorated the top if desired. 1x8inch spring form pan. Butter the mould with melted butter.

Method

Base: Whizz the base ingredients in a blender until they are like fine breadcrumbs. Pour this crumb mixture into a bowl and add the melted butter. Mix everything together then tip into the spring form pan. Press it down so it is level and compact with the back of a large spoon then put the tin in the fridge for a good 30 minutes to firm up.

Topping: Put the cream cheese, sour cream, icing sugar and vanilla in a bowl and beat together until combined. In another bowl whisk the double cream until to a medium peak. Pour the whipped cream in a bowl with the cream cheese, sour cream, icing sugar and vanilla and fold gently together. Add the crushed Maltesers and fold to combine.

Assemble: Take the tin containing the biscuit base from the fridge and tip the creamy mixture over the top of it. Spread it around to level and then bang the tin a couple of times on the work surface to make sure it touches the base mixture evenly and there are no gaps.

Place in the fridge for an hour or two to set. Once ready to serve, remove from the fridge and press the maltesers in to the topping if using.

Cut and serve.

Let me know if you give it a go....................

Be back tomorrow with some more Critmus cards!

Creative Cardmaking - Watercolouring Article

Morning everyone, ohhhhhhh it is super chilly here in Sussex this morning I have an early start the off to finish off the Christmas shopping! I am very organised this year!

Today I would like to share my last months article on watercolour pencils that was featured in Creative Cardmaking:

Here is a close up of the cards, I have used Crate Paper and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I think the colours work really well with the puddy cat and hedgehog.

The greeting has been done with a little peel off, I love these little greeting ones.

I hope that you like them, I will be back tomorrow to share a super nummy Maltesers cheesecake! See you then. x

Happy Halloween! Cupcakes, Costumes & Scary Pumpkins!

WOW thank you so so much for all of your lovely comments, they really warmed my heart. I sometimes forget how wonderful my crafty friends are!

Yes I know I am so so so so late but as you know I have a lot of catching up to do so I wanted to share with you my Halloween. This is the pumpkin that Mr Wonka carved (he took it very seriously as you can tell!)

It's cool though isn't it, he has set his sights even higher for next year.......

This is Kyle and Molly all dressed up and ready to go! Spooky aren't they!

Finally Halloween wouldn't have been Halloween without cupcakes, here are my spooky creations:

They were chocolate sponge with orange frosting and tasted FAB!

I have got a busy busy day today and will be back tomorrow with some cards

See you then!

My name is Mrs Wonka and I have been a bad blogger!

That's the confession out of the way, I am writing this in the hope that I do actually still have some followers.........

I am so sorry that I have been missing in action for so long, as you know Gramps passed and life has taken over ever since! I have been very very busy craft wise and every other spare moment I have spent with Mr Wonka and my family. Things are finally getting back to normal so I thought I had better get blogging again!!!!

I have so much to share with you, Halloween, cupcakes, new commissions and most importantly lots of crafty show and tells.

Firstly I am so excited to tell you that I am now working with Crafts Beautiful I was first featured in November in their Easy Christmas cards supplement and am also featured in Decembers which I will show and tell soon.

Here is the supplement:

I got two on the cover!!!!!! YIPEEEEEE (So easily pleased!)

Using one of my favorite Christmas ranges by My Minds eye and their die cut elements.

Using one of my fave Penny Black stamps and the best Christmas paper of all time by Doodlebug.

and lastly an SU creation using the "Tree trimmings" and my favorite colour combination, Real Red, Old Olive & Chocolate Chip!

I had better scoot as I am off to work in a minute and can't be late to open the post office! Then this afternoon I have an article for Papercraft Inspirations to finish then an evening with Mr Wonka & Mr Cowell! By golly I do love the X-Factor.

I promise to be back soon, If I do have any followers left, thank you for your patience!

Second Hand Craft Sale

Just a reminder that the second hand craft sale will be taking place on Saturday 23rd October at St Francais Church Hall, Balcolmbe Road, Horley, Surrey. 10 - 2pm. There are over 10 stalls all selling crafting items, new and old, for super bargain prices! Be there or be square!

We will also have the new Stampin' Up! catalogues and a selection of some of the new Stampin' Up! products for you to have a peep at. We will also be taking orders if you would like anything.

If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Music Saves My Soul #5 - Song for Gramps

Thank you so much for all your lovely words about my Gramps, it has been more difficult losing him than I could ever have imagined, the funeral is next Wednesday and I think things will get a little easier for us all after that.

This weeks song is for my Gramps, this was one of his favorite songs. Whilst he was in hospital for 3 weeks everyday the hospital radio volunteers came to ask him if he would like a song played for him, every time he would ask for Dolly Partons 9 to 5. The funny thing was his radio didn't even work so he never even got to hear it, bless him. In the end it turned into a little joke and he would laugh whist asking for it. I bet the other patients who had a working radio were sick to death of hearing it LOL

So here you go Gramps, Dolly Partons 9 to 5.............



I am busy making the order of service so I may be missing in action for a while longer! Thanks again for your lovely comments.  xxx

Some sad sad news...............

My Gramps

13th August 1914 - 11th October 2010

Thank you for all your messages and well wishes for Gramps, I just wanted to let you all know that he passed away last night, peacefully with his family by his side. So blogging will be taking a back seat for a while. I'm sure you all understand xxx

Music Saves My Soul #4

It's that time of the week again for Marceas Music Saves My Soul. Pop over and peep at her blog and all the other songs that people have shared this week.

This week I have chosen a song that reminds me of my honeymoon in Miami, Orlando & Sarasota. It was played on the radio all the time whilst we were away and when we got back Mr Wonka got it for me so I could listen to it all the time. It is actually quite a sad song so it is quite odd that it gives me so many happy memories. That's hardly surprising though I think you all know I'm a bit odd by now though! LOL

I hope you like it.....................

Be back soon xxx

Papercraft Essentials - Pleating and Ruffles

I just wanted to show you these cards that I made for the latest issue of Papercraft Essentials. I am so excited as they came out really well and were even featured on the cover!

All of the designs are by Sally at Digistamp Boutique and if you pick yourself up a copy you will see how you will be able to get your mitts on them!

I hope you like them, I will pop back with some of her other images soon!!!

Chocolate Marshmallow Cupcake recipe!!!

By popular demand here is the recipe for the recently featured cupcakes.

Chocolate Cupcake Ingredients


5 oz (150g) Butter - softened
5 oz (150g) superfine (Castor) sugar
6 oz (175g) self-raising flour
3 eggs
2 tbls cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350oF (180oC).
2. Line a 12 cup cake pan, with cup cake papers.
3. Crack the eggs into a cup and beat lightly with a fork.
4. Place all the ingredients in a large bowl.
5. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes, until light and creamy.
6. Divide the mixture evenly between the cake cases.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes until risen and firm to touch.
8. Allow to cool for a few minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.
9. Allow to cool fully before icing.

Marshmallow Centres

1. Take 10 marshmallows and place them in a pyrex bowl and place it over a saucepan of simmering water.
2. Whilst the marshmallows are melting scoop out the centres of the cupcakes using a melon baller or knife.
3.Once the marshmallows have melted pour them into the cake centres.

Frosting Ingredients


5 oz (150g) Butter - softened
8 oz (250g) confectioners (icing) sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp hot water

Method

1. Beat together the butter and sugar with an electric beater.
2. Once well combined, add the vanilla and water. Beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Section in half and add pink colouring and strawberry flavouring to one half.
4. Put both mixtures into a piping bag and pipe onto the cake.

I hope that this has been helpful to you all. I will try and add the recipes every time I post a foody post from now on.

Christmas Pepper & Friend - Papercraft Essentials

I just wanted to show you a cute little concertina card that I made for the last issue of Papercraft Essentials.

I have used "Pepper & Friends" Christmas collection, which includes papers, die cuts and stamps. They really are cute.

This is a close up that I took at home, hopefully you will be able to see more detail on this one.

I will pop back tomorrow with the recipe for the cupcakes that I showed you yesterday. I have received so many emails, I thought it would be easier to blog it!

Chocolate Marshmallow Surprise Cupcakes

These are a first for me, they are chocolate sponge with melted marshmallow centres topped with strawberry and vanilla swirl frosting and mini marshmallows! They were truly scrumdiddlyumptious!

Simply Cards & Papercraft- Halloween

Morning bloggers, just a quickie from me today, I hoped you liked my music choice yesterday, if you missed it scroll down it is fandabbiedozie with a capital FAN!!!!!

I just wanted to show you one of my latest articles in Simply Cards and Papercraft magazine.

It has a Halloween theme and it shows you everything you need to hold your own Halloween party, including invitation, treat bucket, party bag, wine glass charms and place settings.



I have used My Minds Eye "Boo To You" papers and die cut embellishments. Hopefully you will be able to grab a copy and see it in the flesh.

Thank you for your comments about Gramps, he is still in hospital and there is no change really. We all get our hopes up because he has a good day then he goes down hill again. It is so frustrating, we just want him home!

I'll be back tomorrow with my recent cupcake creation! I am really excited that these worked!!!!

See you then x

Music Saves My Soul #3 A Real Goosebumper!

I am so chuffed that I remembered to play along this week! If you haven't played along with "Music Saves My Soul" then pop over to Marcea's blog and check it out! Basically once a week we are sharing our fave songs with our blogging buddies!

This week I want to share with you the FANTASTIC cover of Lady Gaga's Paparazzi by an 12 year old boy called Greyson Chance. If you haven't seen this before then take a look as it is a real goosebumper!



Are you goosie?????? That's one clever kid!

I'm off to check out the other songs this week!

Penny Black Saturday Challenge

I do try to join in with the Penny Black challenge and this week I am over the moon that I have managed it! This weeks challenge is "Indian Summer" and here is my card:

I have used "Lazy Days" stamp and teamed it with some SU papers and Prima flowers.