Mini Christmas Thank Yous

I had a couple of thank you's to make this week, and as its Christmas ..... I thought I'd combine the two, and what better stamp set to use than Season of Joy, I love that little flower from this set :O)


Stamps: Season of Joy, Baroque Motifs, (Be Merry - SU retired)
Cardstock: Old Olive, Real Red, Pink Passion, Whisper White
Mediums- Real Red, Versomark
Embellishments: 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, real red, very vanilla, certainly celery
Tools - Paper cutter and scorer, Paper snips, Sticky Strip, Snail adhesive, White Stampin Emboss Powder






There's a little choccie treat or two in each of pillows.

I met up with my SU Mum, Monica on Friday for the first time. We had a fantastic few hours together, lots of laughs, and I think we were very restrained with our shopping


I wish we could meet up more often but the 4.5 hour drive is a huge obstacle, maybe I'll get get back up that way in the Spring :O)


.

Swaps

Remember that sneak peak I gave you back in October .... You know the one of the Christmas Card Swap over on ILWS. Well the cards are on their way back to us, so I can now reveal my cards as everyone in the swap should have received theirs by now :O)


As soon as I saw this stamp set in the new catalogue (way back in October) I knew that I HAD to have it, and I knew I had to create one of these Gap cards with it!


Recipe.

Stamps: Spotlight on Christmas
Cardstock: Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White
DSP: Merry Moments
Mediums- Real Red, Summer Sun, Old Olive
Tools - Paper cutter and scorer, 2-way glue pen, Snail adhesive, Punches: Scallop Edge, Scallop Oval, Large Oval, Star, 5-petal flower, 1-3/8 & 1-3/4 Circle.

We only created card fronts for the card swap, the card looks sooo much better with a back, but I can't for the life of me find my sample, will have to make another and photograph it to show you.

.

Christmas Jingle Planner

My Stampin Up Mum Monica, sent out a tongue in cheek request on her blog Tuesday last week for a Christmas planner for her handbag, as she wasn't happy with her old method of lots of bits of paper, and lists on top of lists. So I set to work and made her this one:



and the inside

Recipe:

Cardstock - Real Red, Whisper White
DSP: Christmas Jingle (Kit) , Merry Moments
Mediums- Real Red
Embellishments - Red Gems (stash)
Tools - Paper cutter and scorer, Stampin dimensionals, Sticky strip, Snail adhesive.

I had to steal the photos from Monica's blog as I forgot to take pics before I put it in the post!

I've been talking/emailing Monica for almost 2 years and I really can't believe that I'm finally going to meet her in person on Friday - Can't wait




.

SWU Recipe Challenge

This is the card I made for the Stamp With Us challenge this week.



The challenge is the last ever recipe challenge and is to include: 3 x brads, 2 x patterned papers, 1 x stamp.

Recipe: (All items Stampin Up)
Stamps - Whimsical Wings
Cardstock - Pixie Pink, Whisper White, Ballet Blue
DSP: Kaleidoscope, Sweet Always
Mediums- Ballet Blue, Close to Cocoa, Pixie Pink, Certainly Celery Stampin' write markers
Embellishments - Vintage Brads
Tools - Paper cutter and scorer, Eyelet border punch, word window punch, Mat pack and paper piercing tool, Snail adhesive.

Now I have to find some time to go finish off some Christmas Cards, only another 50 or so to go ....



.

Bling!

The challenge on A Passion for Papertrey this time round is bling up our projects. I was already making some notebooks as Thank You/Stocking Filler Christmas presents for family and friends, so thought I'd incorporate bling into one or two of them .... hmmm ....... I really struggled adding the bling ...

I've made several of these notebooks, I love them, can't stop making them now :O)

The first one is a straight copy from one Lisa Johnson made a few months ago - isn't it gorgeous! The second I just started playing - maybe I'm getting a bit more of my mind back again (maybe)


Notebook 1
Stamps - Giga Guide Lines, Take Note
Cardstock - Basic Black, Basic Grey,
Pattern Paper- From Chocolate Remix
Mediums- Versofine Black
Embellishments - True black swiss dot satin ribbon (reversed), Diamontes from stash
Tools - Paper Cutter and scorer, Snail Adhesive, stampin' dimensionals, nestability scallop die, nestability circle die.




Notebook 2
Stamps - Take Note
Cardstock - Night of Navy, Bracade Blue
Mediums- Brocade Blue, Bordering Blue, Versomark
Embellishments - 5/8" Brocade Blue & 1/4 Night of Navy grosgrain ribbon, Silver elastic cord, Diamontes from stash.
Tools - Paper Cutter and scorer, Snail adhesive, Eyelet border punch, stampin' dimensionals, nestability scallop die, nestability circle die.

Inspired by the Catty Swap

I really struggled to find something to post about this week as I haven't been anywhere near my craft room since the flu hit me a fortnight ago! I'm still down with it, going back to the Doc this afternoon in the hope that he can give me some sort of miracle drug that will give me head back!!

These are the card fronts DH will put in the post this afternoon for me,


they are part of the Inspired by the Catty Swap being held over on In Love with Stamping. We each got to choose one of the many card samples in the Stampin Up Catalogue and then CASE it, we could change the colours etc, but had to stick to the same layout etc. I chose the card on page 20, using Silent Night. Luckily I'd done almost all the work a couple of weeks ago otherwise there is no way I'd have met the deadline (I swear I've got tissues stuffed in my head at the moment).


Recipe

Stamps - Silent Night
Cardstock - Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla
Mediums- Chocolate Chip
Embellishments - Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon.
Tools - Stamp-a-ma-Jig, Paper Cutter and scorer, 3/4 Circle Punch, Snail Adhesive.

While I was recreating these I also had a few ideas make them better, will post them when I've finished them off - sometime next week ... I hope :O)

Passion for Papertrey challenge 17

The Passion for Papertrey Challenge 17 - Think Christmas - well it took me over a week to complete this card! I can't belive how ill I've been, I picked up a sickness bug last week which I managed to get rid of for the weekend, went away for the weekend, probably wasn't a good idea although it was a great weekend, but then on Sunday afternoon I started with the sniffles, which on Monday turned into something more. I've had something close to flu all week, my energy levels are pretty close to zero, every muscle in my body aches, I am sooo tired, I can't stop coughing - but all I can think about is ... getting back into my craft room .... how sad am I LOL

Anyway back to the card ...

As soon as this challenge was posted I knew that I had to play with my new PTI stash (as soon as it arrived) .... Holiday Button Bits IS BRILLIANT :O)



Recipe

Stamps - Holiday Button Bits (PTI)
Cardstock - White linen from stash, whisper white (SU), pure poppy (PTI)
DSP - Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin Pack (SU)
Mediums- Green Galore, Real Red (SU)
Embellishments - Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon(SU), pure poppy buttons, rustic jute twine (PTI),
Tools - Paper cutter and scorer, paper piercer, stampin' dimensionals, nestability scallop die, nestability circle die, ,

.

PTI Christmas ATC Swap

Did you miss out on the PTI ATC swap we did at the end of August on A Passion for Papertrey, well they're doing another one ...

-The swap is Christmas themed, and all ATCs must use Papertrey Ink stamps. Products from other companies can be used for card, ribbon etc.

-You have until midnight GMT on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 to sign up for the swap, and then until the 28th to actually complete the ATCs.

See here for full details

Talking about swaps, I recently signed up to the Cybercrop on UKScrappers which will be taking place over the weekend of Friday 13th - Sunday 15th November in an attempt to get me using up some of my stash and perhaps actually making a layout or six or ten ..... One of the pre-crop swaps is to put together a “pot of gold” for your swappee. The pot needed to include something like 10 buttons, 10 eyelets, 10 lengths of ribbon, etc The aim was to fill a decorated/altered, small gift bag/small tub (or something similar).... I didn't have anything of the like so I used a Lauren Meader template 'Tucked Away'




What do you think .........

Did anybody else love Craig Revel Horwood's poppy on Strictly? I can't afford a Swarovski Crystal one, so I thought I'd have a play with one I bought already this year with a few of my craft supplies, what do you think ...




Recipe:

Stampin Up Heat & Stick Powder, Fine Glitter

Still no crafting, been unwell, I managed to pick up one of those awful sickness bugs but I've got to get better for the weekend, we're off to France for Remembrance Weekend

But I have been cheered up - The lovely Aimes has awarded me a blog award, if you haven't already seen Aimes' work, please pop over and have a look, she has some fab ideas, espeically on how to give a gift of money in some inspirational ways ....

As with most awards, it comes attached with rules ....

Pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know you left this award, and then answer a list of questions in ONE word.

1. Where is your cell phone? sofa
2. Your hair? down
3. Your mother? always there
4. Your father? Lanzarote
5. Your favorite food? Bangers & Mash
6. Your dream last night? That requires sleep right ....
7. Your favorite drink? Green tea
8. Your dream/goal? Not to have to work full time
9. What room are you in? Lounge
10. Your hobby? Crafting
11. Your fear? Spiders
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Spain
13. Where were you last night? Bed
14. Something that you aren't? Fit
15. Muffins? Yuk
16. Wish list item? PTI
17. Where did you grow up? Germany
18. Last thing you did? Drive home from work
19. What are you wearing? Pyjamas
20. Your TV? On
21. Your Pets? 5 cats and a dog
22. Friends? lots
23. Your life? busy
24. Your mood? Poorly
25. Missing Someone? Yes, daughter
26. vehicle? MX5
27. Something your not wearing? undies
28. Your favorite store? department
29. Your favorite color? Pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? Yesterday?
31. Last time you cried? Can't remember
32. Your best friend? Mick, my husband
33. One place that I go to over and over? Work
34. Facebook? Yes
35. Favorite place to eat? Italian

I guess anyone who has bothered to read this has learned something about me, I'm now going to pass this onto some women whose work I really love Kate Monica, Clare, Steph,

Pay It Forward

My friend Siobhan has started something over on her blog which I've decided to take part in because I think it sounds like a FABULOUS idea, see what you think .....

1.Everyone who leaves a comment on any blog post this month will go into a draw. On the last day of the month I will randomly choose three names for whom I will make a little handmade ‘something’. It will be a surprise and it will arrive on your doorstep when you least expect it!

2. I will have 365 days to do it in (although I will endeavour to complete it in time for Christmas). So what's the catch? To get a handmade gift from me, you have to play too. This means YOU have to pledge to send a little handmade something to three readers of your blog. It doesn't have to be scrapbooky or cardy - just handmade.

3. You must have a blog. (obviously!)

4. BEFORE you comment here, you must post about your Pay It Forward on your blog to keep the fun going, and display the Pay It Forward button.

I will include anyone who follows the above rules. Remember - you got a full year so plenty of time to actually do the PIF ...

While I've got you, Siobhan made me aware of this charity and I wondered if anyone reading would be willing to to join?

Post Pals is an organisation that arranges for cards, letters and even gifts to be sent to seriously ill children.

I have committed to send a card to each of the featured post pals, and am sending a mini-kit of stash to them to create their own cards or other works of art ....

.

Valentines Christmas Mega-Workshop

I know I haven't posted many cards lately, that would be because I haven't managed to get into the craft room for over a week!!!

I did manage to get some crafting in though ... I attended Valentines (Clare & Sharnie's) Christmas Mega-Workshop on Saturday (Halloween ), and what a fantastic day it was!

The workshop included 20 cards, 10 tags, a Christmas wreath & tree decorations, lunch, nibbles, wine, tea, coffee we couldn't have wished for better hosts - huge thank you to Gaynor, Clare's mum for the fantastic venue - What a value packed day

My favourite card of the day .....

In the close up shot you can see how those dazzling diamonds glitter ....


and a quick shot of our demonstrators, don't they look like QVC presenters ...

Christmas Extravaganza

Stampin Up have come up with another way to help us crafters ... They've created a Christmas Gift Giving Guide ......


To help you make your Christmas cards, create gifts for friends, gifts for neighbours, stocking fillers or find the perfect presents for crafters, all of course perfectly colour coordinated. Check out the Gift List with loads of great gift suggestions, or ideas to make things to give as gifts.

Even more good news, from the 1st November until 29th December, when you spend £45 on products featured in the guide, you’ll receive a FREE Tag Punch or Small Tag Punch worth £12.50! And there’s no limit to the number of free punches you can earn – you’ll get one for every £45 you spend on items from the Gift-Giving Guide. That’s the important bit – only items in the Gift-Giving Guide will qualify you for a free punch.

(There are No Restrictions on free punches, 1 punch per £45 spent).

Stamp sets
Spotlight on Christmas - £18.95 (p22)
Fresh Cuts - £18.95 (p53)
Circle Circus - £23.95 (p55)
Starring You - £11.95 (p77)
Wow Flowers - £10.95 (p77)

Simply Scrappin’® kits and Card Elements
Rock Star Simply Sent Card Elements - £12.50 (p77)
Flower Power Simply Sent Card Elements - £12.50 (p77)
Sunny Day - £15.50 (p78)
Christmas Jingle - £15.50 (p79)
Petal Party - £15.50 (p79)
Love Stories - £15.50 (p79)

Cardstock
Whisper White A4 card stock - £5.50 (p71)
Real Red A4 card stock - £4.50 (p72)
Old Olive A4 card stock - £4.50 (p72)
Bold Brights A4 card stock - £6.75 (p72)
Fresh-Cut Notes - £6.95 (p80)

Ribbon
Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon - £6.25 (p87)
Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon - £6.25 (p87)

Accessories
Latte Designer buttons - £6.50 (p83)
Playground Designer buttons - £6.50 (p83)

Tools
Bold Brights Stampin’ Write markers - £24.95 (p72)
Spiral punch - £8.50 (p88)
Cutter Kit - £13.25 (p90)

Miscellaneous
Medium flat cellophane bags - £3.25 (p80)
On Board 12.7 x 12.7 cm (5”) Art Journal - £5.50 (p82)


Wow! What a fantastic selection! AND I am offering FREE postage on all orders over £45 as well! Contact me to place your order today ....

Christmas Cards

and the Christmas cards are even better ....

The first is very similar to a card we made a few months ago using SU star punches, this time we used a new sizzix die, isn't it just GORGEOUS .....




The NOEL is a diecut and cut from K&CO Christmas Cheer Holly Glittered paper (stiffened behind with green card). See the gorgeous snowflakes embossed cardstock, so much nicer than swiss dots for snow effect. Love that holly ...

and the last card we made my favourite of the day ...

The snowflake dangles freely and the whole card folds flat so you can send it in the post - Its a fabulous card for your nearest and dearest at Christmas time

More My Minds Eye/PennyLane paper, punch holes following the pattern on the card and it looks fantastic. Sorry people I took the last few sheets from the shelf.

From Paula's class, I dawdled for a few hours then attended Clair's Stampin Up class - will post the photos tomorrow

A day of classes

I spent most of the day yesterday at The Glitter Pot attending one of Paula Pascual's classes - As many of you will know I love Paula's classes - I originally started attending them to get to know the workings of my BigShot better, I do now, or at least I'm not scared of it anymore LOL. But now I attend them because I love Paula's work ....

I love this lace effect card - you could create the same effect from punches ...






Isn't the cardstock to die for ..... its My Minds Eye/PennyLane

More cards to come later, some gorgeous Christmas ones ....

Another few Thank You's ...

A couple of Thank You's ...

You'll recognise the cards, I've used the design before but this time I've used some gorgeous autumnal colours, Both with a co-ordinated gift -

First is a little thank you for Debbi for organising the Christmas card swap on ILWS



The second is for Monica my SU Mom, she is the BESTest - That ribbon looked fab stamped up ...



Stamps - Circle Circus
Cardstock - Kraft, Real Red, Creamy Caramel, Whisper White
Mediums- Real Red stampin' pad, Basic Black, Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, VersoMark
Embellishments - White 5/8" grosgrain ribbon.
Tools - Paper Cutter and scorer, Scallop Edge Punch.

.

Another Challenge completed :O)

Spent a couple of hours in the craft room yesterday, finished another challenge and half way through another swap but that's another post .... The challenge was set by Stamp with Us and is a Recipe, the Recipe ...
3 patterned papers, 3 brads, 3 coloured cards and 3 different stamps

Here's my submission:



Recipe: (All Stampin Up unless stated)

Stamps - Baroque Motifs, Wonderful Words (Retired)
Cardstock - Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue
DSP - Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue
Mediums- Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink
Embellishments - Pretty in Pink 3/8" Taffeta ribbon. Pretty in Pink brads, diamontes (stash)
Tools - Paper Cutter and scorer. Paper piercer, Scallop Circle punch, 1-3/8 circle punch, 1-1/4 circle punch, Paper snips, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig.

I CASed a card I saw on the web a while ago, used a different stamp set and DSP but used all the same colours and layout, I sketched it at the time, I thought it was a Silke Ledlow but I've been back through her blog to pass the credit on and can't find it now!

.

A Passion for Autumn ...

Almost missed it ... the challenge that is, the current challenge over on A Passion for Papertrey is to create something inspired by autumn, I stuggled with this one, not only with time - where does it go .... but also with my mogo, it completely disapeared everytime I thought about this challenge, I don't think it was the colours because they're my favourite, or are they? I certainly wear autumnal colours but I don't seem to work with them ... hmmm

Anyhow, this is my submission for the challenge:


Stamps - Father Knows Best (PTI)
Cardstock - Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White (SU)
Mediums- Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Really Rust, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard
Embellishments - Vintage brads
Tools - Paper Cutter and scorer.Word Window, Large Oval, Scallop Oval punches.

I actually love the way my SU marker pens worked (or didn't work) on the PTI stamp, the ink sort of pooled up which meant I could go over with several colours on each leaf or just leave out some leaves if you know what I mean. I love the effect, just like autumn ...

Please leave me a comment, I'd love to know what you think

.

Christmas Card Swap - Sneak Peak

I joined a Christmas Card Swap over on ILWS, we had to make 10 card fronts using any Christmas stamp set from the current catalogue, at least one embellishment, DSP etc, all supplies had to be Stampin Up. I won't show the finished card fronts as I hate to spoil the surprise, but a few sneak peaks won't hurt ...

Stamped images ready to punch


And everything ready to be assembled



Sorry thats it, that was your sneak peaks - The punches made light work of that little lot :O)

And talking of Christmas, look what I found this morning:



The pictures I took just don't do them justice, the new wooden charms that Pandora do now ... do you think if I am extra, extra, specially good santa will bring me them ....

Whimsical 18th Birthday

I had an order to make an 18th birthday card for a colleague at work over the weekend but it turned out awful, I wasn't happy with it at all, but I was running out of time so I CASed a card I really liked over on Carols blog, its really beautiful, made with one of the new hostess stamp sets available in the new Idea book and a catalogue.


Recipe: (All Stampin Up unless stated)

Stamps - Whimsical Wings, Everyday Button Bits (PTI)
Cardstock - Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla
Mediums- Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose
Embellishments - Regal Rose 5/8" grosgrain ribbon. Vintage brads
Tools - Paper Cutter and scorer. Eyelet border punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper snips.

Its a gorgeous card, in a gorgeous colour combo - I love it, think I'll be playing with this set a lot now.

Another Nappy Cake

Surprise arrival this week, one of my colleagues at work, his wife had her baby six weeks early! mum and baby are fine but it meant I had to get a wiggle on with this order ...

I had great fun buying for this cake, I love babies, but baby girls are definitely my favourite, they have to be - all that PINK
and the back


Recipe:

56 x Newborn "Green" Nature Babycare Nappies
65 x rubber bands
7 x s/sleeve bodysuits
3 x l/sleeve tops
1 x dress and matching tights
2 x fancy tights
1 x jelly kitten bunny soother
1 x Johnson's bedtime bubble bath
2 metres pink satin ribbon
3 metres bride white satin ribbon

Got orders for another three, really enjoy making them - wish I could give up the day job and craft all day ...

Crafty Sunday - Stamp With Us Challenge

I've spent the whole day in the craft room, most of the morning was spent organising and tiding as it was in a little bit of a mess ... I do try to keep it tidy but sometimes as I finish a project I rush out of the room and .... then the next day I pile up all the 'stuff' and start something new and when I finish I rush out the room and .... then the next day I pile up ... anybody else do that??? is it just me

Anyway, today ... today I created a little mini album from the new CHRISTMAS JINGLE Simply Scrappin' (117371) kit and I didn't even use half the kit! I'm really pleased with what I made it was the first thing I thought of when I saw the Stamp with Us Challenge this week - The challenge this week is a theme, this time the theme was 'Anything but a card' ...

Front Cover

Inside over


Page 1


Page 2


Page 3


Page 4


Page 5


Page 6


Page 7


Page 8


Back Page


Receipe:

Cardstock - Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin Pack. Whisper White, Very Vanilla
Mediums- Real Red, Chocolate Chip
Embellishments - 3/8" Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon. Vintage brads.
Tools - Paper Cutter and scorer. Paper Piercer and Stampin Up template, Corner Rounder, 1" & 1-1/4 Circle Punchs, Stampin' Dimensionals, tombow multi-purpose adhesive, sticky strip.

I'll be back tomorrow with some cards I made this weekend ...

New Idea book & Catalogue Launch

Its here! The New Idea book & Catalogue, for your copy you can either email me now on wicksdawn@hotmail.com or, for instant access, Click the catalogue on the side bar to view NOW. If there's anything you want to order click the tab at the top to Contact me.

I've also been busy in the lead up to the launch, I've been playing with some of the new hostess sets ...


Recipe: (All Stampin Up unless stated)

Stamps - Garden Dream (Hostess set), Circle Circus, Everyday Button Bits (PTI)
Cardstock - Sage Shadow Whisper White
Mediums- Sage Shadow, Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Pretty in Pink, Versamark
Embellishments - 3/8" Pretty in PInk & Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon. clear embossing powder
Tools - Paper Cutter and scorer. Paper Piercer and Stampin Up template, Heat tool, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper snips.

Once again I cannot take credit for the design, I found it on the 'net but can't for the life of me remember where, if you recognise it please let me know so I can pass the credit on. I loved this design so much I had to recreate it as soon as I opened the pack, so thats what I did first card I made, now to play ....

But before I go I have to say how pleased I am that the paper piercing template is now in the UK idea book and catalogue, the whole Mat Pack (117395) is in there you get a paper piercing pad, paper piercing template, and setting mat all for £7.50 - they make creating the piercing on my card above sooooo simple. If you want one, you now know where you can get one, as far as I know no one else does them in the UK.

Back soon with more creations made with the new hostess sets ....

Stampin Up Blog Hop

The fantastic new Stampin’ Up! 2009–2010 Idea Book & Catalogue is available from midnight tonight and today three lucky crafting bloggers received boxes full of brand new Stampin' Up! goodies from the new Idea Book & Catalogue, they were under strict instructions not to open the boxes until 6pm, they then had from 6pm until midnight to create as many projects as they would like to showcase on their blogs!

At midnight we get to see what they've created, AND what some of the new goodies are ...

Those lucky, lucky bloggers are:

Jenny Cocks

Lousette Ashton

Suzanne Torr

Come along for a first peek of these stamps and products, or simply come along because there are prizes to be had - each have 2 prizes to give away, generously donated by Stampin' Up!, each prize consisting of an SU stamp set, a punch and an ink pad.

I'll see you there ....


If anyone wants a copy of the new Stampin’ Up! 2009–2010 Idea Book & Catalogue I'm still offering it at the reduced price of £3.00 plus P&P, contact me for more details.

Another Little Thank You

I know I said I'd put Circle Circus down and play with another stamp set, but I couldn't, I've been dreaming about cards I can make with this set!! This is a quick one, taken from a sketch I found on the web a couple of weeks ago which I kept for future use - as you do ... Anyway here's the card:




Recipe:

Stamps - Circle Circus, 'Thanks a Bunch' on Envelope - Floral Frenzy (PTI)
Cardstock - Sahara Sand, Tempting Turquoise, Yoyo Yellow, Basic Black, Whisper White
Mediums- Tempting Turquoise, Yoyo Yellow stampin' pad, Black Staz On
Embellishments - Circle Fire Rhinestone Brad, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon.
Tools - Paper Cutter and scorer. Paper Piercer, Punches Scallop Circle and 1-3/8" Circle. Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper snips.

Everything was going smoothly until I realised I didn't have matching ribbon!! So I used SU WW Taffeta ribbon, and coloured my own by dragging it accross my tempting turquoise stampin' pad, took off the excess with some tissue, left it to dry and hey presto, colour matched ribbon :O)

What do you think, I love how it turned out.

Fab Workshop

I attended Valentine's workshop last night, run by the wonderful Clare, had a fabulous time and made some fantastic cards:


We used a stamp set that I don't own {shock} 'A Rose is a Rose' its a 2-step stamp which means you stamp the base layer, then stamp the definition which really makes the image 'ping' - You have to have a stamp-a-ma-jig to do this. Needless to say this stamp set is now on on my wish list for Christmas!


Recipe: (All Stampin Up unless otherwise stated)

Stamps - A Rose is a Rose (111560), Best Yet (Hostess gift level 1)
Cardstock - Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Whisper White
Mediums- Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Mellow Moss, Chocolate Chip
Embellishments - Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
Tools - Paper Cutter and scorer,Paper Snips, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals

Recipe: (All Stampin Up unless otherwise stated)

Stamps - A Rose is a Rose (111560), Circle of Friendship (107137)
Cardstock - Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Designer Series Paper - Patterns DSP Rose Red
Mediums- Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Mellow Moss
Embellishments - Certainly Celery 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
Tools - Scallop Circle punch, 1-3/8 circle punch, 1-1/4 circle punch, 1" circle punch, Paper Cutter and scorer, Paper Piercer, Paper Snips, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals


Recipe: (All Stampin Up unless otherwise stated)

Stamps - A Rose is a Rose (111560), Circle of Friendship (107137), Polka Dot background (109276)
Cardstock - Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Designer Series Paper - Summer Picnic
Mediums- Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Mellow Moss
Embellishments - Certainly Celery polly twill ribbon (August SU promotion)
Tools - Scallop Edge, Scallop Circle punch, 1-3/8 circle punch, 1-1/4 circle punch, 1" circle punch, Paper Cutter and scorer, Paper Piercer, Paper Snips, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals

Clare's workshops are always fun, if you're in the Sussex area (Saltdean, Nr Brighton) on 7th November, Clare has a Christmas Mega-Workshop it looks like its going to be a great day.

No crafting for me for at least the next 24 hours DH is taking me up to town, I believe thats the 'posh' way of saying London .... LOL

A Little Thank You

So I spent a whole day in the craft room yesterday, I really did need to catch up on some projects and I think I'm almost there :O)

This one is safe to post because I know the recipient is out of the country and won't see it until they hit the doormat when they get home ...





Box Recipe: (All Stampin Up unless otherwise stated)

Stamps - Circle Circus
Cardstock - Sahara Sand, Real Red
Mediums- Real Red stampin' pad, VersoMark
Embellishments - Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Linen Thread, Medium Window Sheet
Tools - Paper Cutter and scorer. Punches Scallop Edge, Scallop Circle and 1-3/8" Circle. Sticky Strip

Card Recipe:

Stamps - Circle Circus
Cardstock - Sahara Sand, Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
Mediums- Real Red stampin' pad, Black Staz On, VersoMark
Embellishments - Circle Fire Rhinestone Brad
Tools - Paper Cutter and scorer. Punches Scallop Edge, Scallop Circle and 1-3/8" Circle. Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper snips.

Wow those paper snips made quick work of cutting out the detail on that circle.

I really must take this set of stamps off my desk now and play with some of the others ...

Second Update in one day!

And another challenge completed ...

Got the Stamp with Us challenge completed early this week :O)

The challenge is a Recipe this week and the recipe is NOT to use any patterned paper, to use 2 ribbons and 2 stamps.

Here's what I came up with


Recipe: (SUO)

Stamps: Circle Circus
Cardstock: Kraft, Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White
Marvelous Markers: Old Oliver, Real Red, Summer Sun
Ribbon: Chocolate Chip double Stitched, Real Red
Supplies: Vintage Brads

Did I meet all the critera?

No patterned paper - check, I created my own using the two stamps we were allowed to use. I just stamped repeatedly all over the cardstock using a versomark pad.

Use 2 ribbons, I used a red ribbon separating the two different cardstock bases and the chocolate chip tree base.

Use 2 stamps, this was the hardest. The tree is made up of 2 stamps AND the cardstock base were both stamped up using only those 2 stamps.

I can't take the credit for the design, that has to go to the great Nicole Heady, isn't that new set gorgeous, I couldn't afford a PTI order this month so thought I'd have a play with some new stamps that I do have - not bad for a first attempt (note - long fingernails, very small stamps and a stamp-a-ma-jig don't mix LOL)

Now I really do have to go do some of the dreaded housework ....

Another Challenge completed :O)

I managed to sneak another hour in the craft room this morning, okay it was more than an hour, in fact I'm still in here - shhhh don't tell - my HW is really suffering ...

Another of my great loves is PTI and it is becoming hugely addictive ... Kate, Aimes, Steph it is ALL your fault .... LOL

The challenge set over on A Passion for Papertrey was 'Cherished Colour' - create a card using our favour colour, I struggled for a while because my favourite colour is pink, but is it pink, I always say its pink but I love all the other colours too .... anyway my order arrived and now my favourite colour is .... PURE POPPY ... I LOVE IT, can't get enough of it, cetainly didn't order enought of it LOL. Here's my card


Recipe: (All PTI unless stated)

Stamps - Every Day Button Bits, Circle Circus (SU)
Cardstock - Kraft, Pure Poppy, Stampers Select White
Ink - Old Olive, Real Red, VersoMark (SU)
Buttons - Pure Poppy
Ribbon - 5/8" Pure Poppy Swiss Dot Satin

Hope you like it. I am going to be using this colour an awful lot over the next few weeks/months, especially with the Christmas season coming up.

Stamp with Us Colour Challenge

I haven't had a chance to take part in a Stamp with Us challenge for a few weeks so I was really pleased to find I had a few hours to play this morning :O) the challenge set this week was a colour challenge, with a fantastic picture set as colour inspiration, here is my interpretation:


and the colour inspirational picture:



Recipe: (SUO)

Stamps: Circle Circus (New 2009/10), Best Yet (2008/2009 hostess level 1)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise
Stampin' Markers: Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Green Galore, Only Orange, Tempting Turquoise, Bashful Blue, Rose Red, Yoyo Yellow, Certainly Celery.
Ribbon: Pretty in Pink Taffeta 9.52mm.

This project was made so much easier by using the stamp-a-ma-jig and a paper-piercing template and Paper-piercing tool.

I really enjoyed my few hours in the craft room, hope I manage another hour or two tomorrow :O)

Colour Challenge 264

ILWS Colour Challenge - 264

Lovely Lilac

Almost Amethyst

Bashful Blue

Close to Cocoa

More Mustard

Colour substitutes can be used if you don't have or use Stampin Up markers, ink or cardstock.

Please come on over and join me and take part in this challenge - remember to quote ILWSCC264 when uploading your card/layout/project.

Here are the cards I made


Recipe (All supplies are Stampin Up)

Stamps: Good Friend
Cardstock: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, Whisper White
DSP: I made my own 'One Sheet Wonder'
Markers: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, Close to Cocoa, More Mustard, Bashful Blue
Supplies: Versomark



Recipe (All supplies are Stampin Up)

Stamps: Good Friend
Cardstock: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, More Mustard, Whisper White
DSP: I made my own 'One Sheet Wonder'
Markers: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, Close to Cocoa, More Mustard, Bashful Blue

Blog Award

The lovely Siobhan awarded me a fabulous award the other day, and I shamelessly have only just found the time to post it ...


The rules for the award are that I have to list 5 things I am addicted to, and pass on it on to another 5 fab bloggers so here goes:

I am addicted to:

1. Stampin' Up and PTI

2. Cardmaking, well thats a given seeing #1

3. The Internet, who can live without Blog-hopping, ILWS, UKS, Splitcoaststampers etc

4. Motorbiking, used to be #1, but I sold my bike last year - I miss my bike

5. My family ...

and now the really difficult bit, 5 bloggers ... there are so many fabulous bloggers out there it was really dificult to come up with only 5 names, so the 5 I'm going to pass this award on to are:

1. Monica

2. Kate

3. Steph

4. Aimes

5. Jenny

Please be sure to visit each of their blogs, they each have their own style and they all have some fabulous work.

I'll be back tomorrow with the ILWS colour challenge and another sneek peak.

Sneak Peek

As a few of you will already know the new Stampin Up catalogue is out on October 1st and as a demo I get to pre-order a few of the new stamp sets. Well, my order arrived this week and I've been having some fun playing today. Over the next couple of weeks I will upload more cards and 3D projects to give you a few more sneek peeks ...


Recipe: (All products used are Stampin Up)

Stamps: Circle Circus, Whimsy Wheel
Cardstock: Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Pixie Pink, Green Galore, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Ink: Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Pixie Pink, Green Galore, Tempting Turquoise
Supplies: Very Vanilla 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, 2.5cm Circle Holder from Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware (111325)

If you want a copy of the new catalogue please get in contact and I will endeavour to get one to you for the 1st October launch. I promise there are some fantastic new stamps and supplies, something to suit everyone, so start saving your pennies ...

Have a great weekend.

Friendly Workshop

I attended Valentine's Workshop last night, we were stamping with Forest Friends - I have to say that Forest Friends was not my favourite set when it first came out, in fact I bought it, played with it, couldn't get on with it and passed it on to my SU mommy (Hi Monica) who had a home for it. I think that perhaps my mojo had left me then because now ... I love it!

These are the projects we completed last night:


The first card we made only took us and hour and 10 minutes, well there are other things to discuss when you meet up with fellow crafters ....


Recipe (All supplies Stampin Up)

Stamps - Forest Friends (113748), Oval All (113790)
Cardstock - Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Barely Banana, Whisper White
Ink - Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Blush Blossom
Stamps - Scallop Oval (115429), Large Oval (115156)
Supplies - Gold Brads

The second card and a new (to me anyway) technique, well two techniques .... The reflection and the water ..



Recipe (All supplies Stampin Up)

Stamps - Forest Friends (113748), Frames with a Flourish (113496), Sincere Salutations (105156)
Cardstock - Creamy Caramel, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Barely Banana, Whisper White
Ink - Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Blush Blossom, Brocade Blue
Stamps - Scallop Edge (113654)
Supplies - Latte Designer Buttons, 5/8" So Saffron grosgrain ribbon.

And at 10.05! we just had time to make the cute little bookmark ...

Recipe (All supplies Stampin Up)

Stamps - Forest Friends (113748), Frames with a Flourish (113496)
Cardstock - Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Whisper White
Ink - Chocolate Chip, Blush Blossom
Punch - Scallop Square (113653)
Supplies - 5/8" So Saffron grosgrain ribbon.

I had a great time, big thank you to Clare and Sharnie for designing the class, all the projects were fab - I'm looking forward to the next one already - Rose is a rose.

Clare, I've got my thinking cap on for the challenge you set us. I've been playing all afternoon ...