Friday 31 May 2013

May Blog Candy - Last Chance!

Mornin' peeples!

Just a quick reminder to say today is the last day you can enter to win the May blog candy - click here for details and rules.

Good luck!

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Wednesday 29 May 2013

Happy Birthday (Cute Aliens)

Evenin' lovelies!

How's it been with you? It's been a busy week for me - lots of socialising - you know, lots of eating, drinking and just being very, very merry.

A group of us from the little village where I live got together on Monday (it was a Bank Holiday in the UK) and had the most fantastic picnic on the village green. The weather was glorious. Needless to say a lot of wine was consumed! A great time was had by all, we all hope to get together and do it again soon.

Right-ho then, onto the important stuff.

Here is a little card I created the other day, using the Space Cadet stamps from Paper Smooches. It's one of those stamp sets where you want to use all the stamps on one project - but less is more as they say. So after the 'Go Boldly' card I did the other week, I decided to make another using other images from the set.

Without further ado doo....
 



What you need...

Stamps: Space Cadet - Paper Smooches
Dies: Framelits Circles - Sizzix
Embossing folders: Swiss Dots; Seeing Spots - Cuttlebug
Card stock: aqua, bright pink, yellow, white
Ink pad: Onyx Black - Versafine; Cloud White - Versamagic
Promarkers: Bright Orange, Canary, Ice Grey 1, Lime Green, Oasis, Poppy
Baker's twine: yellow
Adhesives

What you do...

Cover an A6 landscape blank with a slightly smaller piece of aqua card. To make the planets, die cut two different sized circles, one in pink and the other in yellow. Run the pink one through the Seeing Spots embossing folder and the yellow through the Swiss Dots. Adhere the pink one to the lower left corner of the card, overlapping the edge and trim away the excess. Mount the yellow planet just above it, to the right.

Stamp, colour and cut out an alien, the alien in the saucer and a telescope. Create a sentiment on a piece of white card, trim into a banner. Fold a short length of yellow twine in half and fix the open ends to the reverse of the banner, attach the looped end to the reverse of the saucer. Stick to the top of the blank with foam tape, as shown.

Attach the other alien and the telescope to the top of the pink planet. Finish with a few stars stamped in Cloud White randomly around the images.

This is such a cute set and would work well for boys (big and small) and of course the odd girly likes cute aliens too. I can't wait to have another play with it. Paper Smooches stamps are perfect to colour in because of their bold images and outlines.

So my wonderful peeples, I'll have to sign off and say nighty night. Thanks for stopping by, until next time....xxx
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Saturday 25 May 2013

Cricut Mini Review & Hello

H'afternoon peepsicles!

A bit of an epic post with something a little bit different from me...a review (and of course one of my makes).

A couple of months ago I was asked by Ranieri Communications (a technology PR company) to go to London to a Cricut (Provocraft) event showcasing the new Cricut Mini. I had a fantastic day and met some brilliant people.
The very generous Cricut team and Roxanne from Ranieri kindly sent me a Cricut Mini *. As I've been a bit busy with commissions at the moment, I've only just managed to have a play with it.


It's a great little machine, perfect if you currently have a manual die cutting machine such as the Cuttlebug and want to progress to an electronic one.

It can cut shapes and fonts out of paper, card, vinyl, fabric and lots of other materials. It is so simple to set up and use. You connect it to your computer (you will need Internet access), it takes you through the whole set up process and tells you how to register your own 'Craft Room'.

Cricut Craft Room

You create your designs on screen and you can resize, adjust and weld images together. There is a grid on the screen which is the same as your cutting mat, this is great for cutting lots of things in different coloured card at the same time, as you can see the size and position of where it will cut the image. The mat is tacky, so it holds your card. This is useful for using up all those little scraps of card and paper!
Paper Settings Screen

Cutting Confirmation Screen
There is an onscreen gallery showing you all the images available and you can 'link' any cartridges or downloaded Cricut digital images to the gallery. This way, you don't have to keep swapping and inserting the cartridges.

What's in the box? You get a Cricut Mini machine, USB cable, cutting mat, power supply, power cord, cutting blade assembly, full instructions on how to set up and sheets of card so you can make your first project. You get lots of free images and lettering to get you started in the Craft Room and it works with existing Cricut cartridges. You can also purchase digital versions on line.

Cricut also have their own vinyl range, so you can create stickers for walls, windows, anything really. They will also be soon releasing iron-on transfer paper in the UK.

Replacement blades and mats etc. are readily available (prices vary, so shop around) as is a handy little tool kit.


I purchased one of these and it's great for all my crafting and comes in a lovely lime green zip up fabric wallet.

If you fancy your chances at winning a Cricut Mini, then check out the current issue of Crafts Beautiful (July 2013) on the 'giveaways' (pages 60/61) or the competitions section on the Crafts Beautiful website.They are giving one lucky reader a chance to get hold of the Cricut Mini worth £129.99 and a bonus cartridge worth £30.00. If you are not lucky or you want to splash out straight away, Hobbycraft have started stocking the Cricut range.

For more information on this handy little machine, visit www.cricut.com.

Here is a quick little card I created yesterday, after only a few minutes of setting up the Mini.



What you need...

Cricut Mini
Card stock: kraft, white, aqua, pink, lime, orange
Punch: corner rounder
Crystal gem: clear
Adhesives

What you do...

Create an A6 top fold blank in kraft card and round the top right and lower left corners.

In the 'Cricut Font and Basic Shapes' section, select the 'Geometric Shapes' and drag the selected shape onto your onscreen mat. Repeat with the lettering. Resize as necessary.

Lay scraps of card on the cutting mat, so they correspond with the shape/lettering you want. Set the machine to cut.

Assemble the die cuts on the blank, as shown and finish with a crystal.

This card literally took minutes. You could make a lovely notelet set. Make a batch of these, put in a funky handmade folder along with some envelopes. A great gift to give someone.

All in all I think the Cricut Mini is a great little 'starter' die cutting machine and with lots of cartridges out there, the possibilities are endless. I will post more creations made with this fab little machine in the future. :o)

* Disclaimer: I have not been paid to write this review. I have tried to give an honest opinion of the Cricut Mini and its features. As I mentioned before, prices vary for the Mini, its accessories and cartridges, so it is better to shop around.

Thanks for visiting and toodle-pip! xxx
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Thursday 23 May 2013

Make Lemonade!

Hello Chums!

Have you missed me? I've missed you...but now I'm back.

I managed to get the commissions for Crafts Beautiful sent off and now I have a bit of time before I start the next PaperCrafter and CB commissions.

So, as I've been busy with the magazine stuff (amongst other things) I've not really had time to do a bit of card making for myself, so here is another card with a fruity theme from the May 2012 issue of CB.
 



What you need...

Patterned papers: Country Drive Collection Kit - Echo Park
Card stock: white, yellow, pale yellow
Baker's twine: yellow
Ink: Black Soot Distress Ink - Ranger
Gel pen: white
Adhesives

What you do...

Cover an A6 top fold blank with pale yellow card. Cut a piece of honeycomb paper to size and trim away the bottom third, following the line of honeycombs. Stick to the top of the blank, wrap and tie yellow twine around the card, just above the edge of the paper.

Download the template from the Crafts Beautiful website and make the lemons from yellow and white card. Ink the edges black and highlight with white pen. Adhere to the lower left of the blank and create a sentiment in rub-on lettering at the top right.

This card is perfect to give to someone who maybe has just come through a rough time or illness, it's bright, cheery and lets them know you are thinking of them.

There are lots of other free templates and papers to download from the CB website. It's quick, free and simple to join.

Because this was made quite some time ago, the paper collection may not be available now (though you might find the odd one out there in the Internet world), but any bright, zesty paper would work just as well.

Well, that's me for now. I just wanted to touch base with you all and let you know I'm still about! Thanks for popping by xxx
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Wednesday 15 May 2013

Go Boldly

Mewnin peepsicles!

Oooo! It's a bit windy 'ere in ol' Norfolk! Not good, not good at all :o(

Anyhoo...here is the card I made for my brother-in-law, Robert. Happy Birthday Chuck!
 




What you need...

Stamps: Space Cadet - Paper Smooches
Card stock: black, white, aqua, red
Dies: Framelits Circles - Sizzix
Embossing folder: Spots and Dots - Cuttlebug
Ink: Onyx Black - Versafine; Cloud White - VersaMagic
Promarkers: Bright Green, Bright Orange, Ice Grey 1, Ice Grey 2, Lipstick Red, Oasis, Sand Dune, Sun Kissed Pink, Yellow
Baker's twine: black

What you do...

Create an A6 top fold blank in black card. Die cut a circle in aqua and emboss with Spots and Dots, attach to the lower left corner and trim the excess.

Stamp, colour and cut out the spaceman, two planets, the spaceship, flame and an alien. Cut out the window of the spaceship, trim the alien and attach to the reverse, so he looks like he's peeping out. Adhere to the card along with the other images, as shown.

Stamp the sentiment and stars onto white card, trim to a banner, mount onto red card, wrap and tie twine on the left. Attach to the lower left of the blank. Finish with a few stars stamped in Cloud White.

Yeah, yeah, I know...another Paper Smooches set. Well they are so gorgeous and fun! I could have gone mad with this set. I wanted to use every stamp, but that would have been just plain silly.

I love the alien peeping out of the window, he looks a bit worried to me.

Okay, I'm going to love ya and leave ya...thanks for dropping in (ooo! the sun is coming out - such excitement!). xxxx
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Saturday 11 May 2013

You're Old V.2

H'afternoon me hearties!
 
How are you enjoying your weekend so far?
 
You may recognise today's card; it's the same layout and image I did for Simon's birthday back in March. This time however, I've done it in red/lime/black instead of turquoise/lime/black.
 
It is for a lovely friend of ours, John. I had no qualms about doing this 'old' card for him, as I know he has a fab sense of humour :o)
 
So, without further ado....



 
What you need...
 
Stamps: Li'l Grumpies Occasions - Smeared Ink
Card stock: white, black, lime
Ink: Onyx Black - Versafine
Promarkers: Cool Grey 1, Lime Green, Lipstick Red
Washi tape: lime, black/white hounds tooth, red/white stripe - MT
Brad: lime
Baker's twine: black
Adhesives
What you do...
 
Create a 12cm x 15cm tent fold blank in black card. Mount a slightly smaller piece of white card onto it, lining up with the fold. Tear off three strips of washi tape, one hounds tooth, one stripe and one lime and attach from the top of the blank down the centre.
 
Stamp the Li'l Grumpy and sentiment onto a piece of white card, colour in and trim. Mount onto lime card and trim leaving a narrow border. Tear a strip of hounds tooth washi tape, attach to the upper left of the image, by folding over sandwiching the image panel in between, then insert a brad. Mount the panel centrally near the top of the blank with foam tape.
 
Wrap baker's twine around the base of the card a few times and tie in a floppy bow at the right. Finish with a small torn piece of stripe washi tape just above.
 
Ta da!
 
I adore these Grumpies. I've just bought a spooky set, so I'll use them later for Halloween.
 
I'm going to sign off for now as I need to get on with a commission for Crafts Beautiful. I will be back though, I've got a card I've made for my brother-in-law, Robert to show you.
 
Take care all! Enjoy the rest of your Saturday xxx
 
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Thursday 9 May 2013

PaperCrafter Issue 61

Heevin' all!

How goes it?
 
Have you got your copy of PaperCrafter issue 61 yet?

The kit is full of gorgeous birdies, flowers, peacocks and butterflies. With beautiful motifs, papers and embellishments. Plus, you also get a fantastic book of designer patterned paper.

The magazine is packed with ideas, projects and inspiration for card making, decoupage, home makes and much more.

I have a set of four and a set of two cards in this issue, along with a cute little gift box...


...here is a sneaky peek at said gift box...

 
The floral gift box project shows you how to transform a plain old box into something really pretty, perfect for giving as a keepsake. The gift box along with the six cards I have featured in this issue, all use papers and embellishments from the kit.
 
PaperCrafter has a really good subscription offer on at the moment, not only do you get 20% off the cover price if you subscribe by Direct Debit, you also get a set of the new Tonic Studios flower punches and stamps, so you can create oodles of gorgeous blooms.
 
What are you waiting for? Check out www.papercraftermagazine.co.uk for more details.
 
That's all for now folks! I'll be back tomorrow with another make. Thanks for popping by xxx
 
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Crafts Beautiful June 2013 Issue

Whatcha peeps!

Hope you are all well. The weekend will soon be here...yay!

I have a couple of posts for you today, the first one showcasing may projects in the June issue of Crafts Beautiful.

The theme is tie dye and I had great fun getting messy with inks. They are really bright colours, so the mess didn't look too bad - I just had technicolour hands.

Saying Hello




Super Star




Dream




For the full instructions on how to achieve the tie dyed look and create these lovelies, check out the current issue.


There was one more card not shown in the magazine, so here it is, with instructions :o)

Hi, Welcome, Hello




What you need...

Stamps: Hand Drawn Flower - Hero Arts
Card stock: yellow, white
Inks: Mowed Lawn, Squeezed Lemonade, Salty Ocean - Ranger Distress Re-inkers
Ink: Onyx Black - Versafine
Punch: corner rounder
Baker's twine: yellow
Button: white
Adhesives

What you do

Following the instructions in step 1 of 'Dream' in the magazine; Use Mowed Lawn, Salty Ocean and Squeezed Lemonade to create a tie dyed sheet of card. Stamp the drawn flower in black three times onto it. Cut out the flowers in layers, assemble with foam pads.

Cover a 12cm square blank with yellow card, round the right corners, wrap yellow twine around. Stamp or print simple words onto white card, trim into banners. Attach to the blank with the flower and a threaded button, as shown.
There is a fantastic subscription offer in this month's issue - an IndigoBlu stamping kit worth over £34.98! This is the gilding flake starter kit I used in the 7 Ways With Gilding project of the January issue.
Another excuse to get oh so messy! Sign up today and you'll soon be able to have a go at this amazing technique.
Don't forget to check out the Crafts Beautiful website for more projects, ideas and inspiration; along with free templates and downloads - you'll find the templates for the Super Star card on there too.
So, that's me for the nonce, I'll be back later with a sneaky peek at the current issue of PaperCrafter. Until then......xxx
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Monday 6 May 2013

Pearfect & retrosketches #62

Good aft'noon peeps! 
Before I show you today's card, I would like to thank you all for your kind birthday wishes (Happy Birthday to Ardilla's hubby - who also shares the same date). Also a big thank you and good luck for entering the May candy giveaway. 
Now then, onto this little beauty....




What you need...

Dies: Mustaches (QuicKutz) - Lifestyle Crafts
Paper: My Favorite Things 6 x 6 Designer Paper Pad - My Mind's Eye
Stamps: Alphadot - Paper Smooches
Card stock: white, black
Googly eyes
Adhesives

What you do...

Create a 10.5cm x 14.5cm top fold blank. Adhere a 6cm x 11.5cm strip of plaid paper to the lower right.

Cut out a pear shape from chevron paper, two leaves from the grid paper a stalk and a die cut mustache in black card.

Assemble the pear, as shown and attach to the plaid panel. Stick on a couple of googly eyes.

Stamp the sentiment onto white card, trim into a banner and adhere above the pear.

I am going to enter this into the retrosketches #62 challenge. This is the first ever challenge I have entered - ooer! Check out the retrosketches blog, it's full of great sketches and inspiration!

Here is this weeks sketch...


Well, that's me for now. Enjoy the rest of your day, what ever you may be getting up to (wink) and I'll see you soon. Thanks for calling by xxxx

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Saturday 4 May 2013

May Blog Candy

Hello me lovelies!
 
Hope you are all having a lovely weekend!
 
It was my birthday yesterday and Simon took me 1st class to London to have lunch in Covent Garden. It was wonderful. We sat outside and had lunch and a couple of glasses of wine at an italian called '21'.
 
After a wander round and a visit to Piccadilly, we came home and then had drinks with friends, the perfect end to a perfect day. It was the best birthday I've ever had.
 
Okay. Onto business - the May Candy! Just a little thank you to my fab followers!


In this month's candy...
 
50 sheets of assorted A4 card stock (including pearlescent and metallic)
1 set of alphabet stickers (My Mind's Eye)
20 5cm x 30cm patterned paper strips (My Mind's Eye - coordinates with the stickers)
1 Garnet paper, tag and envelope 'Sarabook' by Hot Off The Press
1 pack of 8 'Sweet' die-cut note cards and envelopes by Studio G
1 bag assorted flowers
 
Now the technical stuff...
 
To have a chance of winning this fab candy:-

1. Be a follower either through Blogger, Bloglovin, Google or email (see sidebar to follow by Bloglovin and email)
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 May 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!
 
Toodle-pip for now :o) xxx
 
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