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 

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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.

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Thursday 24 October 2013

Holly Jolly Christmas & Retrosketches #82

Mornin' peepsicles!
Hope you are all well on this Thursday morning?
As I promised in my last post, I want to show you a card created using the new Basic Grey collection, 25th and Pine. I also used retrosketch #82 as inspiration for the layout.
Here we go...




What you need...

Patterned paper: 25th and Pine 6x6 Paper Pad - Basic Grey
Chipboard motif: 25th and Pine Designer Chipboard Stickers - Basic Grey
Gems: pale green
Adhesives

What you do...

Mount a piece of baubles paper 8cm x 10cm centrally to the top of a 12cm square blank.

Take a piece of green patterned paper 2cm x 10cm and trim a few millimetres from the depth; line up underneath the top section so there is a small gap.

Stick the chipboard sentiment to the left of the blank over the gap between the papers. Decorate with a few gems. Ta da!

The retrosketch #82 is such a simple, yet effective layout.


For this and more great layouts, visit http://retrosketches.blogspot.co.uk/. A new sketch is introduced every Saturday along with some wonderful creations by the design team. You can also re-create the sketch yourself and enter it into the weekly challenge.

The new 25th and Pine collection is really fab. It's packed with retro images and patterns in subtle shades of pale green, red, pink, navy and coffee brown. The collection is great for card making and scrap booking.

I'll sign off now, I'm just going out to collect the eggs the girls have just laid (they announce it very loudly that they have produced an egg).

I'm still waiting for Babs to lay her first proper egg, she's managed a couple of soft shelled ones, so hopefully in the next couple of days she'll do a perfect little hard shelled one :o}

Thanks for stopping by... until next time xxx
  
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Wednesday 23 October 2013

Seasons Greetings

Hello all!
It's a beautiful day here in Norfolk. The chickens are happily strutting around the garden. They have been dust bathing and Dolly (the white one) is now the colour of mud. Doh!
Today I would like to show you a card I rustled up yesterday. It's like one I did for a post last Christmas, though I have altered it slightly.
So here we are...



What you need...

Stamps: Warm Hearts - Paper Smooches
Stamps: Swanky Snowdudes - Paper Smooches
Ink: Onyx Black - Versafine
Card stock: aqua, white
Embossing folder: D'Vine Swirl - Cuttlebug
Dies: Framelits Circles - Sizzix
Promarkers: Bright Green, Burnt Sienna, Lime Green, Lime Twist, Lime Zest
Flat backed pearls: red, white
Adhesives

What you do...

Die cut a circle of aqua card and attach to the bottom of a kraft blank 11.5cm x 13.5cm. Stamp and colour in the trees, cut out and stick to the circle.

For the snow, emboss D'Vine Swirl onto white card, cut into wavy sections, cover the bottom of the card with one section securing with double sided tape, then overlay with another section using foam tape.

Stamp the sentiment onto white card, trim into a banner and attach to the top left corner and add a few pearls to finish.

I love kraft card and I think this colour combo works really well. What do you think? Are you a fan of kraft card?

I'm going to pop off now. I'll be back soon with a quick little card I've done using the fabulous new Basic Grey collection... 25th and Pine.

Thanks for calling in, see you soon :o}

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Tuesday 22 October 2013

Winter Wishes

Good afternoon peepsicles!
I've been busy with a couple of commissions, but now I'm back :o)
I have another quick little Christmas card to share with you, featuring a cute little snowman.




What you need...

Stickers: Year.o.graphy Fundamental Cardstock Stickers - Simple Stories
Patterned paper: Year.o.graphy Title Strip Elements - Simple Stories
Rub-ons: Christmas words
Gems: red

What you do...

Trim one of the strips and adhere to the top right of a cream blank 12cm x 13.5cm. Cut a section of spotty paper 1.5cm x 13cm and snip a notch in one end. Layer across the card, just above the bottom of the strip so the notched end is to the right.

Fix the snowman sticker to the right of the blank, overlapping the strip and notched piece.

Apply a rub-on sentiment to a tab sticker and position towards the bottom left of the blank, as shown. Finish with a star sticker and a few gems.

I've been dying to use this collection for ages and with my challenge of making quick Christmas cards, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to dust it off.

As the Year.o.graphy collection has an aged/vintage feel to it, I thought it would look better on a cream blank, rather than a white one.

I think the snowman is so cute, it looks like he's just waiting to give you a big hug. Awwww!

Well then. I'm off now for a brew. I made a chocolate cake this morning and it should be nice and cool now, ready for the butter cream - ooh yummy! I think a slice would go down very nicely with a cuppa.
Thanks for stopping by and I'll be back soon. xxx

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Tuesday 15 October 2013

Scotty Dog Christmas

Afternoon my lovelies!
I'm back with another quick Christmas card.
As in my last post, I'm using stickers from a lovely paper and accessories collection by Echo Park.
Here's a snapshot....




What you need...

Stickers: 'Tis The Season Element Stickers - Echo Park
Baker's twine - red
Pom-pom ribbon, white
Pearls: green

What you do...

Attach the Merry Christmas banner to the top left corner of a 12cm x 12cm white blank. Cut a length of the green stripe border and apply along the lower edge of the blank, approximately 1.5cm from the bottom.

Stick pom-pom ribbon underneath the border, then wrap twine around the blank and tie in a bow at the left.

Place the scotty dog motif above the stripe border on the right hand side. Finish with a couple of pearls.

I'm in love with this collection from Echo Park. I think the scotty dog is so cute.

I'm going to sign off now as the chickens are due a little treat of mixed corn.

Thanks for popping in and I'll see you soon.
xxx
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Sunday 13 October 2013

Holiday Season

What's cooking chums? (Something good I hope).
I'd like to start by saying a big hello to all my new followers! Thank you for following my blog, I really appreciate it :o)
As the Christmas card production line is very slow this year, the need to make quick cards is at the top of the list.
There are a lot of lovely co-ordinating stickers, die-cuts and embellishments that come with paper collections and maybe a lot of crafters think that they are only for scrap booking or are not sure how to use them in card making.
So I thought I would make some cards using stickers and die-cuts, just to show how versatile they can be. Here is one that I came up with...




What you need...

Patterned paper: 'Tis the Season 6x6 Paper Pad - Echo Park
Stickers: 'Tis the Season Element Stickers - Echo Park
Baker's twine: red
Pearls: red
Felt holly leaves
Adhesives

What you do...

Attach the Holiday Season sticker to the top of a black top fold A6 blank. Cut a 3cm x 11cm strip of holly paper and adhere to the bottom of the blank, so it overlaps each side.

Wrap twine around the blank a couple of times, just above the paper and tie in a knot at the left. Glue holly leaves and three pearls to the bottom right corner of the sticker.

Ta da!

Quick, simple and so effective. The black/chalkboard theme is big at them moment and this collection from Echo Park reflects that. It's packed with gorgeous motifs and images and the papers are really yummy, all with a black, red and green colour scheme.

Just before I sign off....Dolly my Light Sussex laid her first egg on Wednesday. The first couple were funny shaped with soft shells, but now she is laying the most perfect eggs. There is only little Babs to go now, I don't think she'll be too long, at least the other three can give her hints and tips!

Thanks for calling by, until next time...xxx

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Friday 11 October 2013

Good Cheer Star - Retrosketches #84

Hello peeps!
Well, it's a wet and windy day here in Norfolk. As I look out of my craft study window, I can see a wood pigeon clinging onto a branch for dear life, bobbing around like it's at sea!
I've been inspired by this weeks retrosketch #84.


Isn't it fab?
Check out http://retrosketches.blogspot.co.uk/ for the DT take on this sketch. They are so cool. There are also many great entries into this weeks challenge.
Here's mine...




What you need...

Card stock: black, white
Dies: Framelits Primitive Stars 657910 - Sizzix
Washi tape: black/white vertical striped; lime; red/white diagonal striped
Stamps: Christmas Sampler - Paper Smooches
Ink pad: Onyx Black - Versafine
Felt holly leaves
Buttons: red
Twine: white
Gems: clear
Adhesives

What you do...

Cover a piece of card, slightly smaller than A6 in strips of washi tape. Tear one of the strips near to the bottom of the card and stamp the greeting. Attach the covered panel to the blank.

Glue holly leaves and three buttons tied with twine onto a star die cut in black card. Fix to the top left of the blank and finish with a few gems.

If I am in time, I might enter this into this weeks retrosketch challenge.
I shall say ta ta for the nonce and I will be back soon with another make. Take care xxx

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Tuesday 8 October 2013

Celebrate Baubles!

Good afternoon me lovelies!
I have been outside enjoying the mild October sunshine with my girls.
Every time I rake a pile of leaves they follow me and scratch and kick them all over again. Sometimes I just rake up little piles to watch them do it; it's so funny. Anyway, they've had their afternoon treat of corn and they are now happily preening (or pruning as my dad calls it).
I thought I would share a little Christmas card with you. I still have some of the fabulous Peppermint Twist papers and embellishments from K & Company. Using the Retrosketches #52 as inspiration for the layout, I came up with this...



What you need...

Patterned papers: Peppermint Twist 12 x 12 Paper Pad - K & Company
Embellishments: Peppermint Twist Ornament Grand Adhesions - K & Company
Card stock: white
Cord: silver
Punch: corner rounder
Adhesives

What you do...

Stick a piece of green patterned paper 11.5cm x 11.5cm to the centre of a 13.5cm square blank. Cut four 2.5cm x 6cm strips in co-ordinating papers. Adhere down the left side of the blank, rounding the top left corner on the first strip.

Round off the bottom right corner on a piece of white card 7.5cm x 9cm, add three of the bauble embellishments with lengths of silver cord for hangers. Wrap silver cord around the bottom of the card and tie in a bow. Next, attach it to the blank so it overlaps the paper strips.

Make a small bow made from silver cord and adhere to the top of  one of the baubles to finish.

The good thing about baubles is that they are so easy to make yourself out of co-ordinating papers. Plus you can layer them up to give a more 3D effect.

Retrosketches have some fantastic sketched layouts, so if you like #52, then check out http://retrosketches.blogspot.co.uk/ for this and many more wonderful sketches!

That's me for now, I'll be back soon with another creation, thanks for visiting! xxx

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Friday 4 October 2013

October Blog Candy!

Good aft'noon chums!

I'm back with the candy for October. It is another Christmas themed one, probably the last Christmassy one I will give away this year :o(

By the way it's a gorgeous giveaway, here's a piccy...

 
This is a decoupage/topper based kit in lovely shades of duck egg blue/red/tan and includes the following...
 
1 x pack (2 sheets) Papermania 12 Days of Christmas 8" x 8" Decoupage Medley
1 x pack (2 sheets) Papermania 12 Days of Christmas 8" x 8" Die-cut Toppers
1 x pack (25 pieces) Papermania 12 Days of Christmas Mini Decoupage Medley
1 x pack Papermania 12 Days of Christmas 6" x 6"  Decoupage Card Kit (includes 1 x printed card, 5 x die-cut sheets, 1 x printed paper insert, 1 x expandable envelope)
1 x pack (104 pieces) Papermania Adhesive Gems (red)
1 x pack Craftwork Cards Candi Minis (Icing Sugar)
 
Told you it was gorgeous didn't I?
 
Now the technical stuff...

To have a chance of winning this fab candy:-

1. Be a follower either through, Bloglovin, Google, Facebook, Twitter 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 October 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.

I promise I will try not to delete your comments instead of publishing, this month - doh!
 
Good luck everyone!

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Tuesday 1 October 2013

Believe (Polar Bears)

Hello again my lovelies!
Can you believe it's the 1st October already? Christmas will be upon us before we know it. Talking of Christmas, I'd like to show you another card if I may.
I used a favourite stamp of mine that I have had for quite a few years now. It reminds me a little of the Coke ads they have on television at Christmas.




What you need...

Stamp: Winter Polar Bears (95612-M) - Inkadinkado
Patterned Paper:  'Brrrr', Winter Joy Collection - Bo Bunny
Card stock: white, black
Ink pad: Onyx Black - Versafine
Promarkers: Duck Egg
Ribbon: black
Gems: clear
Rub-on sentiment: black
Adhesives

What you do...

Cover a top fold 10cm square blank with a slightly smaller piece of 'Brrrr' paper. Stamp the image onto white card and highlight with the Promarker. Trim and mount onto black card, attach the image to the top left of the blank.

Wrap ribbon around the blank, underneath the image and tie in a knot at the right. Apply the rub-on below. Finish with a few clear gems.

I've done several versions of this card over the years. I think it always works well with a limited colour palette of aqua/turquoise, black and white.

As it is only a small card it's perfect for those worried about postage costs. Here in the U.K. we have to pay a ridiculous price for an item that is over 5mm thick, even if it's only a small card like this.

So, that's the lesson for today :o)

Thanks for popping in and I'll be back soon xxx

Oooh! I forgot to mention, Hattie laid her first egg on Friday! So I have two of my girls laying now....just two more to go. I'm a proud mummy (smug look on the face).


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September Candy Winner!

Morning peeps!
 
It's candy winner time again. Where are the months going? So here I am, eager to give you the winner of the September candy. Wow! A lot of you entered this month... thank you :o)
 
I gave each of you a number and then picked the winner through Random.Org. Below is the list of entries and a snapshot of the winning number picked...

1 Glo
2 Ardilla
3 Tanya
4 Elly
5 Sindhu
6 Iris
7 Nikki
8 Heaney
9 Fit Kitty
10 Suman
11 Dr Sonia
12 Divya
13 Hridya
14 Ainac
15 Paperkate
16 Catherine
17 Raluca
18 Jaya
19 Kivanmayee
20 Sidelle
21 Natka
22 Karen
23 Beth
24 Ayushi
25 Nicole
26 Eemeli
27 Lija
28 Jasleen

...and the winning number picked is #16 - Catherine! Congratulations! Email me your address Catherine and I'll send your goodies to you. 
 
For those of you not so lucky this time, I will be back soon with another candy for October. Please feel free to enter again, you may be the next lucky winner.
 
Okay, I shall sign off for now. Thanks for stopping by. xxx

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