Thursday 12 December 2013

Tashes!

Good afternoon chums!
This is a scheduled post (so fingers crossed you are getting this loud and clear). I'm currently visiting my mum and dad up North.
Well, I have for you today a card embellished with the oh so popular tash. I did it for a friend for his birthday (another one I didn't get round to posting...you have to forgive me, I have been busy of late with a lot of commissions).
I know, excuses, excuses.
Okay, onto the good stuff. Here we go...




What you need...

Dies: Mustaches (DR0410) - Lifestyle Crafts QuicKutz
Embossing folder: Mustache Set (657983) - Sizzix
Patterned paper: Kate & Co. "Oxford Lane" 6x6 pad - My Mind's Eye
Card stock: navy, white
Button: yellow
Baker's twine: yellow, navy, green
Gems: clear
Adhesives

What you do...

Create a top fold A6 navy blank and cover with a smaller piece of yellow plaid paper. use the mustache embossing folder to make a white background and adhere to the blank.

Die cut three different sized mustaches in yellow plaid, navy spot and green hounds tooth papers and attach to the blank. Print a sentiment onto white card and cut into a banner. Mount onto navy spot paper and adhere to the lower right of the blank, overlapping the edge. Knot a length of each colour of twine through the button, trim and fray. Glue to the left side of the banner. Finish with a gem on each mustache.

This card is so cool. Great for male birthdays or Father's day; any age too!

Today's lesson is now over. Thank you for stopping by and reading through my drivvle.
See you soon - ta ta! xxx

P.S. The spell checker kept highlighting the 'mustache(s)' - but it's the US spelling as on the die and embossing folder packaging. I know here in the UK it's spelt moustache - but if you want to source where to buy them, it's best to stick to the correct spelling for the US (hope that makes sense - I don't know what I'm waffling on about most of the time).

post signature

Dream

Hello peepsicles!
Hope you are all fit and well!
I would like to show you, if I may, a card I did back in October for my sister's birthday (I've only just discovered the photo I took of it - oops!).
It's a very simple card, but so pretty.




What you need...

Stamps: Large Flower (CG134) - Hero Arts; Life Sentiments - Kaisercraft
Ink pad: Cloud White - VersaMagic
Card stock: kraft
Pearls: pink

What you do...

Create a top fold kraft card and stamp the flower in the bottom left corner so that it overlaps the edges and the 'Dream' in the top right corner.

Embellish the centre of the flower and around the sentiment with a few pearls.

There you have it, a simple card that looks very elegant. Kraft card looks so boring on its own, but add a bit of colour and sparkle and it transforms into something wonderful.

I will leave you for now. I'd better go and check on the 'girls'. One of them is singing the 'egg song', so I'll go and collect my booty. I'm so proud of them :o}

Ta ta for now, thanks for visiting xxx

post signature

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Merry & Bright Star

Mewnin peeps!
I would like to show you a card I made a few weeks ago (before I started all my magazine commissions). I've only just got round to editing the photo.
I did a similar card last year, but used kraft card. I thought it would look nice on white, so here it is...



What you need...

Patterned paper: red swirl
Dies: Tim Holtz Scallops (656627); Star, Primitive #2 with bonus embossing folder (657368) - Sizzix
Card: white, kraft
Ink pad: Vintage Sepia - Versafine
Stamps: Let It Snow - Penny Black
Garden & parcel twine
Button - star, wood
Beads - small, red, wood
Florists wire - green
Stems - Canadian Pine, fine - DoCrafts
What you do...

Die cut scallops along one edge of a piece of patterned paper and trim so it measures 9.5cm x 13cm and mount onto a 13.5cm square blank. Wrap and tie frayed parcel twine around the card and stamp 'Merry & Bright' in the bottom right hand corner in Vintage Sepia.

Die cut and emboss the star in white card, mount it onto kraft card and trim. Distress it with Vintage Sepia and adhere to the blank with foam tape.

Create the embellishment by doubling over florists wire, wrap it around a pokey tool to create a small spiral. Thread through a bead, pull taut so the spiral sticks in the bead hole.

Make three of these, twist together and arrange with three short lengths of pine stem. Wrap garden twine around to secure and tie in a bow. Fray parcel twine and thread through a wood star (enclosing the pine stems at the back), tie in a knot, positioning it on top of the bow. Glue to the right of the embossed star.

You can see the original kraft card version here. I think they look good both on white and kraft card.

I have resigned myself to the fact that I'm really not going to get any more Christmas cards made now. Although I think I will keep making the odd one and store it for next year (yeah, right).

There are a few Crafts Beautiful and PaperCrafter projects I still need to show you which are Christmassy.

So I will say ta-ta for now and I'll be back soon.

Thanks for popping by :o}


 post signature

Tuesday 3 December 2013

December Blog Candy

Hi Peeps!
 
I'm back. Let's get straight on to the important stuff...candy!
 
Here is a photo of the yummies...

 
So, what does one get then?
 
1 sheet 5"x7" Bubbles - Shop 'til You Drop Clear Stamps
1 sheet 5"x7" Bubbles - Housework Clear Stamps
1 sheet 6"x6" Nostalgia Out of Bed Clear Stamps
1 sheet 6"x6" Nostalgia High Heels Clear Stamps
50 sheets 6"x6" assorted patterned papers
 
The sets are based on the 'Born to Shop' range of products. There are over 50 stamps in total. These will be great to make a card for someone who you know likes shopping, shoes, chocolate :o} and who hates housework and ironing :o{
 
I must point out that these stamps have been opened and only a couple have been used once (cleaned and dried thoroughly), the rest are new. As I have to use current products for magazine work, I need to thin out my supplies occasionally, I won't use them again and it's a shame that no-one else will get the pleasure of these fun, quirky stamps. My giveaways are just a little thanks for all you lovelies who follow my blog.
 
Now the technical stuff...

To have a chance of winning this fab candy:-

1. Be a follower either through, Bloglovin, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Networked Blogs or email (see sidebar)
2. Post a piccy of the candy with a link to this post in your sidebar (if you have a blog)
3. Leave me a comment (with your blog address if you have one) ta da! You are entered!

If you do have a blog, it will be great to have a look and see what you are up to :)

This candy will close on 31st December 2013, I will then use RANDOM.ORG to choose the winner!

The candy is open to all, nationally, internationally, those in outer space and previous winners. However, anyone who has a blog that does not show or appear to have any crafty makes, will not be entered.
 
post signature


November Candy Winner!

Hello my lovelies!
 
I now have my current commissions done and dusted for Crafts Beautiful and PaperCrafter; so it's time to catch up with you all.
 
A lovely big thank you to all who entered this month. The list gets longer each time! Wah-hey!
 
So, as usual I've given everyone who commented a number and then used Random.Org to pick the winner. Here is the list of entries...
 
  1. Meredith
  2. Heaney
  3. Joolaa
  4. Paperkate
  5. Carmen
  6. Robin
  7. Rebecca
  8. Berina
  9. Ayushi
  10. Eemeli
  11. Elly
  12. KT (Fit Kitty)
  13. Iris
  14. Suman
  15. Sidelle
  16. Kelly-Anne
  17. Kiranmayee
  18. Lucretia
  19. Tanya
  20. Glo
  21. Bhawana
  22. Hilde
  23. Beverly
  24. Tindaloo
  25. Hridya
  26. Ukka
  27. Natalia
  28. Okansa
  29. Jaya
  30. Divya 
Now the exciting bit. The randomly chosen winner for November is......Ta Da Da Da Da Da Dah!
 
#13 Iris! 
 
Congratulations :o) If you email me your address I can get the goodies posted to you as soon as.
 
Thank you all again for entering, I will be back later with a candy for December. Until then....xx

post signature



Saturday 30 November 2013

November Blog Candy - Reminder

Happy Saturday folks!
 
Just a quick reminder that you have until midnight to enter the November candy giveaway. Click here for details and how to enter.
 
Good luck!

post signature

Friday 22 November 2013

Christmas at The Green House

Good afternoon peeps!
It's the end of another week! I've been busy beavering away on commissions for Crafts Beautiful and PaperCrafter so I haven't really had time to post (or make many cards).
So, talking about commissions. Simon and I have some very dear friends called Liam and Alan (and their gorgeous Old English Sheepdog Millie). They own and run a five star B&B here in Thorpe Market. It is a gorgeous Grade 2 listed building which has been renovated beautifully.
They asked if they could commission me to design their Christmas card showing the front of The Green House. Of course I said I would be more than happy to. Here is a picture of the original illustration...


I created the illustration with pen and ink. I also used a bit of artistic licence and made it snowy and added a Christmas tree.

For the final card layout, a hint of colour was added just to the lights on the tree, a border and a sentiment.

Liam and Alan were so pleased with it. They sent it off to the printers to have 1000 cards printed...yes..1000!. The cards will be sent to family, friends and all the guests who have stayed at The Green House.

I have the honour of being given the first one off the print run and here is the finished card...


It was a great pleasure to do this card for Liam and Alan. It is such a wonderful building. If you ever fancy a night or two away in luxury five star accommodation located in a beautiful village near the North Norfolk coast then check out The Green House website for more information. http://www.greenhousenorfolk.co.uk/

Ooooh! So excited! Cosmo Cricket have posted a pic on their Facebook page of my Glad Tidings card. Thanks to Lucretia for pointing that out to me.

Well, back to the ol' commissions now. Thanks for stopping by. xxx

post signature

Friday 15 November 2013

Glad Tidings

Hellloooo!
Yippee! It's Friday! I hope you are all looking forward to the weekend ahead.
I'm going to be busy with commissions. What better way to spend a cold Autumn weekend tucked up crafting? So there is no way I'm going to complain... only about the housework I'll have to do too. Bleugh! :o(  I'll get up early tomorrow and get it done and dusted (excuse the pun).
So, onto another Christmas card. Again I have done a variation of one I made last year (click here to view).
I decided to use a muted colour palette (I know, not like me AT all). I recently purchased a paper pad Jolly Day by Cosmo Cricket, they do fantastic retro inspired stamps and papers and this doesn't disappoint.




What you need...

Patterned paper: Jolly Days 8"x8" Mini Deck - Cosmo Cricket
Stamps: Joyful Greetings - Paper Smooches
Ink pad: Vintage Sepia - Versafine
Buttons
Garden twine
Parcel string

What you do...

Cut five 2cm wide strips in varying lengths. Snip a notch from one end of each one. Attach to a cream top fold blank 12.5cm x 15cm, lining the top of each banner with the fold.

Select five buttons in co-ordinating colours. Thread and tie frayed parcel string through each and trim. On one button only glue a small bow made from garden twine. Glue a button to the bottom of each banner and finish with the sentiment stamped in the lower right corner.

This card is great for using those lovely co-ordinated paper pads because you get to use five different patterns. Of course, you could adapt this to any occasion, male or female. It's quick and simple too.

Right. I'm going to pop off now. People to do and things to see....

Thanks for stopping by, until next time xx

P.S. Dolly laid a double yolk egg this morning - three times the size of a normal egg! Bet that made her eyes water....

post signature

Monday 11 November 2013

Define Good #2

Hi peeps!
Ugh! The weather today is awful - wet, windy & cold. I know it's November, but a nice bright crisp day would be nice.
Anyhoo... I have another Christmas card to show you. It is a slight variation on the one I did last year (click here to view).
I decided rather than the bright red and green theme, I would do it more black and pink. I found a fantastic new collection by Lawn Fawn called Peace Joy Love. The collection has lovely simple images with a black, aqua, red, white and green theme with a subtle hint of pink in there too.
Here is what I came up with...



What you need...

Patterned paper: Klaus 12" x 12" Peace Joy Love Collection - Lawn Fawn
Stamp: Define Good - The Cat's Pajamas
Dies: Framelits Circles - Sizzix
Promarkers: Baby Pink, Bright Green, Ice Grey 1 & 2, Ruby, Tea Green
Ink pad: Onyx Black - Versafine
Card stock: white
Gems: pink, aqua, green

What you do...

Stamp and colour in the image then die cut into a circle. Die cut a larger circle in the Klaus paper.

Adhere to the bottom of a 13cm x 15cm blank so that the circle are slightly offset and overlap the right and bottom edges. Trim any excess.

Stamp 'Define Good' above the circles on the right and finish with a few gems.

You can buy the Peace Love Joy 6" x 6" Paper Pad by Lawn Fawn and the Define Good stamp set at http://www.mymumscraftshop.co.uk/ or click on the shop in the sidebar. Plus there are lots more goodies for you to browse.

Okay, I'm going to sign off now, I have a commission for Crafts Beautiful to finish, but I'll be back soon with another card.

Thanks for visiting xxx

post signature

Thursday 7 November 2013

Warm Wishes - Cricut Mini Project

Ahoy there me mateys!
As promised, I'm back with another make. I used a cute, whimsical and fun cartridge called Winter Frolic by Cricut.
Winter Frolic - Cricut
The cartridge is available as an actual cartridge or a digital version. It is packed with gorgeous images such as snowmen, snow angels, trees, baubles and birds.
I decided to use the cup and saucer as there is nothing like a hot cocoa or chocolate on a cold winter day, especially at Christmas.
I liked the colour scheme used in the example on the cartridge, so I stuck with that. Here is what I came up with...



What you need...

Die cutting machine: Cricut Mini
Cartridge: Winter Frolic
Card stock: aqua, teal, dark brown, pink, cream
Gems: pink
Adhesives
What you do...
Cut out the layers as follows:
Basic - Cup in teal
Basic  - Cup-s one in pink, one in aqua
Layer  - Cup in cream
Layer - Cup-s in dark brown
Shadow - Cup in dark brown
Group all the layers and re-size until the shadow layer is about 14cm high. Grouping the layers when re-sizing keeps them all in ratio.
Assemble the layers and attach to a white blank 12.5cm x 15cm so the 'steam' overlaps the top of the card.
I then created a basic sentiment in cream and aqua card mounted onto a dark chocolate shadow. Add a few gems to finish.
This cartridge is so cool (excuse the pun). I think I might do one of the snowmen as a shaped card.
You can see the cartridges available and many projects at http://uk.cricut.com/intl
I think I need to go and make a nice hot cocoa now. Mmmmm.......
Thanks for dropping by xx
P.S. Babs laid her first egg this morning :o) Now all of my girls are laying, I'm a proud mummy (cheesy grin).
post signature

PaperCrafter Issue 66

Hello lovelies!
 
Hope you are all well :o)
 
Have you got your copy of PaperCrafter? Issue 66 is out now. When mine dropped through the door I couldn't believe I've made front cover again! Wow!

 
This issue is packed with fantastic Christmas makes from cards to wreaths and decorations to gift wrapping (some of which are mine...I thank you).
 
The magazine is great value at £7.99, it comes with the kit which includes everything you need to get started right away. Use the projects in the mag for inspiration or go wild and come up with your own!
 
The kit includes paper strips to make paper chains, stickers, gift wrap, cards, papers, embellishments and so much more! The colours are beautiful icy blues, red, turquoise and gold.
 
You can save even more off the cover price if you subscribe, plus you get a free Christmas collection of stamps and papers from Crafty Individuals worth £28.00. For more details, check out www.papercraftermagazine.co.uk. If you have a current subscription you can renew it to receive the free gift.
 
On that note, I will sign off for now. I'll be back later with a Christmas card I've made using the Cricut Mini. Until then....xx

post signature

Saturday 2 November 2013

November Blog Candy

Well hello there again chums!
 
I now have the November candy to show you, so without further ado-do here it is...

 
I know handmade paper rose are a big thing at the moment, especially if you scrunch up the rose before rolling for that vintage shabby chic look.
 
Some of you are lucky to have die-cutting machines with the rose dies or you can hand cut them yourself, but I saw these and I thought they would make a lovely giveaway.
 
All you have to do is roll them up, add a spot of glue and ta-da! You have a lovely bunch of roses.
 
So, what do you get?
 
1 sheet plain apricot coloured die-cut flowers (12 roses)
1 sheet plain cerise die-cut flowers (12 roses)
1 sheet lemon/green plain (spot design on reverse) die-cut roses and leaves (9 roses & 14 leaves in various sizes)
1 sheet lilac/green plain (spot design on reverse) die-cut roses and leaves (9 roses & 14 leaves in various sizes)
1 sheet pink/green plain (spot design on reverse) die-cut roses and leaves (9 roses & 14 leaves in various sizes)
1 sheet printed die-cut sentiments/motifs with a birthday/for you theme (20 die-cuts)
1 bag mixed pastel mini buttons (approx. 40)
 
Now the technical stuff...

To have a chance of winning this fab candy:-

1. Be a follower either through, Bloglovin, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Networked Blogs or email (see sidebar)
2. Post a piccy of the candy with a link to this post in your sidebar (if you have a blog)
3. Leave me a comment (with your blog address if you have one) ta da! You are entered!

If you do have a blog, it will be great to have a look and see what you are up to :)

This candy will close on 30th November 2013, I will then use RANDOM.ORG to choose the winner!

The candy is open to all, nationally, internationally, those in outer space and previous winners. However, anyone who has a blog that does not show or appear to have any crafty makes, will not be entered.

Good luck everyone!
 
post signature

October Candy Winner!

Hello all!
 
Hope you are all fit and well :o)
 
Sorry I didn't get to post the candy winner yesterday, the day just ran away with me.
 
Thank you all who entered this month and a big hello and thank you to my new followers; for those of you who have blogs I will be adding you to my 'Brilliant blogs I follow' link in the sidebar.
 
As I always do, I give everyone who leaves a comment a number. I then use Random.Org to pick the winning number. Here is the list of entries...
 
1 Fit Kitty
2 Elly
3 Berina
4 Ardilla
5 Joolaa
6 Nikki C
7 Paperpapier
8 Suman Pandit
9 Eemeli
10 Roudi
11 Kiranmayee
12 Iris
13 Tindaloo
14 Carmen
15 Divya
16 Regina
17 Paperkate
18 Glo
19 JordanBev
20 Sidelle
21 Tanya
22 Ayushi
23 Hridya
24 Jenn
25 Hilde
26 Nicole G
27 Luckydawn
28 Kelly-Anne
29 Meredith

The lucky winner is....(drum roll) #7 - Paperpapier! Congratulations! If you email me your address, I will post your goodies to you as soon as possible.
 
For those of you not lucky this time, don't be too sad :o( I will be posting the candy for November later. It is really lovely and I can't wait for you to see it.
 
Until then, take care and thanks again for entering.

post signature

Thursday 31 October 2013

Mistletoe

Afternoon my lovelies!

Are you doing anything for Halloween? I just haven't had the time this year to get anything organised... I haven't made any cards or bought any candy or pumpkins to carve. Oh well! :o(

For those of you who are going trick or treating, have a good time and be safe (that's my Good Samaritan bit out of the way).

Okay, onto another Christmas card. Not long ago on one of my trips into Norwich, I saw this lovely box set of stamps by Yellow Owl Workshop (drool). Well... I had to buy it didn't I? It was calling to me and I am not going to ignore it as that would be rude.


You can also purchase Yellow Owl Workshop goodies from Fred Aldous (click here to have a goggle).

This is what I came up with...




What you need...

Stamps: Mistletoe - Yellow Owl Workshop; JOFY Collection 6 - PaperArtsy
Card stock: olive green, white
Ink pads: Spanish Moss, Satin Red - Versafine
Pearls: red
Adhesives

What you do...

Stamp the mistletoe a few times with Spanish Moss ink in the top left corner of a piece of white card 11cm square. Stamp the bow and sentiment with Satin Red.

Mount onto olive card 12cm square and then onto a 12.5cm square blank. Finish with a few pearls.

There we have it. I think this is a classy little card and is so quick to do. This layout would look good with holly in the corner or pine twigs with a bauble.

Well, that's me for the moment. Don't forget, today is the last chance to enter the October blog candy.

I will be back tomorrow with the candy winner and the candy for November, until then. Cheerio!

P.S. Babs has started doing the 'squat', so I don't think it will be too long before she starts laying her eggs - I'm so excited (chews knuckles in anticipation). xx 

post signature

Sunday 27 October 2013

Crafts Beautiful Christmas Special 2013

Good afternoon chums!
I hope you are all enjoying your weekend so far. The clocks went back an hour last night here in the UK. Even though it's only an hour it really knocks your body clock for six - weird!
I forgot to show you my projects I did last month for the Christmas Special issue. I really enjoyed doing this Christmas set. They wanted me to do a stamping project using modern and unusual colours... so I did.
The first one, 'Twinkle, Sparkle, Shimmer, Shine' had four photo stages with the instructions and was the main project.




This one is called 'Bah! Humbug!'

 


I chose shocking pink, zesty lime and bright purple for the colour scheme. I think against the white background of the card blanks they really stand out and are an unusual colour combo for Christmas, but it does work.

To make these cards you will need...

Stamps: JOFY Collection 1 - PaperArtsy
Card stock: white, lime, bright pink
Promarkers
Ink pad: Onyx Black - Versafine
Embossing powder: Detail Clear - Stampendous
Gems: pink, lime, purple, white
Baker's twine: purple
Adhesives

I'm so in love with the JOFY stamps, they have a lovely quirky, sketchy look. They would also look good stamped and just left black and white, maybe with just a hint of one colour. Hmmmm... might have to give that idea a go.

Okay, so that's me for now. I'll post the projects I made for the November issue (out now) soon. You can of course visit http://www.crafts-beautiful.com/ for more yummy ideas, projects and inspiration.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks for popping by.

post signature