My "little black dress" of sentiments!

Hey crafters, did you know that Hero Arts has now launched a blog? And they're offering some lovely blog candy to kick things off! All you have to do is leave a comment saying which HA product is your favourite....easy!! Why not try your luck?

I mentioned my favourite trio sentiment of theirs (LL190) which I call my "little black dress" of sentiments, because they are so versatile and I use them so often!! The other 2 stamps in the set are lovely little verses great for the inside of your card.

The "happy birthday" I've used here is one from the set...sorry it's a bit obscured by the ribbon! Here I've broken the 2 words up by putting "79th" in the middle. I got the "th" by masking the other letters in the word birthday - this way my font is all matching! I've used this cool little trick many times!

The main focal image is of course by Penny Black, and I've been taking great care of these basic grey papers for some time now - it was time to get 'em used!!! bx

In the doghouse - again!!!!!

I've used this fab whipper snapper image again! This time I "tailored" the image slightly! I masked the word "I'm" above the little sorry plaque, (as this card was requested from a group of people) and simply drew a few more lines to fill in the space. Then I typed the "you're leaving" to finish the sentiment.

I decoupaged the sorry plaque, the dog's bowl, and even the sad pooch! I added diamond glaze to the ladybird, the dog's nose and the bowl! I thought these junkitz papers were good "male" colours so I coloured my image accordingly! I was quite pleased with the result. bx

Just for fun...!

Once upon a time, a LONG long time ago, in a land far away (from most of you anyway!) was my fiance (as he was then) hittin' the big 4 0! I wanted to give him 40 gifts, so I had to get the thinking cap on!

I decided to get the fimo out - and this is what I came up with! He is an avid Newcastle United fan (he supports his own home team!) and a passionate chocolate eater....and although my model isn't exactly to scale, and he looks as if he was eating one of my lipsticks with those big red lips, everyone knew who it was!! He loved it...and his other 39 gifts!

I couldn't find a photo of him in his football strip so I've posted this one of him - at least he's in "black n white"! bx

Arty Girlz Chocolate Challenge!

I made this card for the Arty Girlz no27 challenge. The challenge was to create something using "chocolate" and only "one other colour"....so I thought it was time this gorgeous basic grey paper was put to creative use instead of gatherin' dust on my shelf!! I love this colour combo, and have managed to "technically" stay within the 2 colour challenge...as you can see there are many shades of brown and pink!! I coloured the fancy pants chipboard word with ink and dotted my "i" with a little gemstone - an essential crafting ingredient for me it seems! bx

If only....

Look at the figure on this penny black "chick" - I have the curly hair, but that's where it ends....need to start getting on that exercise bike instead of looking at it...full of disdain!!!!!

This card was requested by a friend - I think it's turned out quite girly and feminine with her sequins and dangly bead (bottom right hand corner of main image) - I've had this paper for ages; I'm enjoying "using up" my "stuff" instead of just looking at it and admiring it!! And I know I'm not alone in this!!

Chicky girl fits right into Cute Card Thursday's third challenge which is "people" - imagine me being ahead of the game for once! Now it's back to the duster and polish for moi....sniff! bx

In the doghouse...

I finally got around to using this fab whipper snapper stamp! He could be used for any sort of apology needed - but i've used the penny black sentiment "doggone...I've missed your birthday" on this occasion!

I've used diamond glaze to give this pooch a "wet" nose and on the back of the itchy titchy (that's a Jack phrase...Jack is my 5year old nephew!) ladybird.

Love the Daisy D paper also - well, it's red isn't it! I'm entering this creation for the Cute Card Thursday challenge "all creatures great and small" - there's 2 "creatures" on this stamp!

Now I need to get some serious motivation to go rearrange some dust in my house - can you hear me crying?! bx

Where did Easter go...?

I wanted to make a "pretty" non-cute card for my mum and dad - this is what I came up with! I love this rose topiary tree by Alesa Baker (Impression Obsession). I have been able to use it appropriately for several occasions - love versatile stamps!

Again it is quite "simple" - but I tend to like simplicity, and it was given the nod of approval!

So here we are on Collywoggle's last day of his easter holidays - they just seem to have vamoosed!!!!!! We had nieces and nephews for sleepovers which kept us on our toes - we had a trip to the cinema, a cold visit to the park, a short game of monopoly.... now all thats left is a trail of glitter - not from my crafty projects, but from Emily's new t-shirt.....! bx

Quick n easy for kiddywinkles....

I was a bit behind with my easter cards so had to make some "quick n easy" cuties for my nieces and nephews!

I love this doodlebug easter paper - look how easily it matches with any coloured cardstock! A cute penny black image (most of these are from their new transparent range) and job's done!

Don't suppose I'll win any prizes for my photo - but i wanted to try and fit as many of these cute cards into the shot as possible! bx

Exciting banner news....

For those of you who love cute and love the work of Rachelle Anne Miller, you might be excited to learn that she has very generously offered lots of her fabulous sketches for use as blog banners!!!!! Wowee - I've picked this one for now (reminds me of Collywoggle WITH hair!) but I need to do some more editing after breakfast!!!!! Thank you Rachelle! bx

Lil' Maggie....

This is one of the cards from this weeks "craft class" with mum. This little image was ideal to show mum paper piecing......and I couldn't resist a fun flock heart on Maggie's big chunky jumper! Love me some fun flock!!!

Next week we're making christmas cards - oh yes! We're trying to make some each month so that we're "organised" and don't put any extra pressure on the busy season!!!!!

My Paperworld sketch no6

This is my take on Nicola's sketch no6 - I like the sketch but got to admit this isn't my favourite card ever - not sure why exactly......i've used red, a cute penny black image, basic grey paper and ribbon....all my favourite ingredients...think the mojo is still on vacation!!!!

I couldn't post it last night 'cos my camera wasn't charged, and today it's sooooo dull I just couldn't get a decent photo...oh, woe is me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! bx

Cute Card Thursday...

I finally got around to using this little cutie...I think I bought him last summer, and this is the first it's seen ink! I'm ashamed but...

Shhh...don't tell Collywoggle....I still have a few more in the same pristine condition, but I'm trying to work my way through them all!!!!!!!

I've used some basic grey "scraps" - I love this paper - I think it's so fresh!

The CCT challenge was to create something representing "new beginnings" - I chose this image because it's a new spring bunny! bx

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Just a very simple card I made with my mum recently - I try to keep things relatively easy as she's "learning the crafty ropes", but still show her new techniques and ideas!

This little guy is by Whipper Snapper - love their cute images!

This is the first St Patrick's day my hubby has managed to spend in Ireland - he's pleased about that even if he did have to work!!! bx

Thanks a bunch...

I finally got some oomph back to get back to crafting - and wouldn't you know, my inspiration is on the missing list!!!

I received this little lady in a swap with Leonie - I thought she was perfect for a thank you card for my mum and even though it's a cute Tilda image I still struggled with this card!

Aah well, at least it's a start! bx

I am honoured...

...to have received this award from Sandra. I was really surprised as I've been outta action for a while, but also very humbled - it means a lot Sandra - thank you!

Now for the hard bit...I need to pass the award on to another 5 people; it is so hard to choose, but here goes! Firstly to Nicola to say thank you for continually dedicating time and energy to make blogging fun and interesting for us all; Claudia creates such beautiful work and fills me with creative inspiration, Ruth inspires me in a totally different way!! I have enjoyed Melissa's beautiful creations since way before I even had my own blog, and finally I have to say that Lisa Bearnson inspires me both creatively and spiritually. I love how she reaches out to others in need and inspires fellow crafters to do the same!

What you need to do:
1) Write a post with links to 5 blogs you find of interest and that inspire you
2) Acknowledge the post of the award giver
3) Display the logo 'You make my day'
4) Tell the award winners that they have won by commenting on their blogs with the news

I now need to inform these ladies - just wanted to give a final mention to Sandra!

High Hopes...

Gosh i still feel so awful! What a whooze I am - (how do you even spell that!!)? Anyway, i had a little look around at some blogs and came accross this little blog candy chance - faaaarrr too good to miss! Katharina is a very talented crafter who has been sharing sneek peeks of new High Hopes rubber stamps due for release on 15th march....all you have to do is leave a comment on her blog to be in with a chance of winning some new stamps - and who doesn't want new stamps girls...?!

So hop on over - if you don't buy a ticket then you can't win the raffle!!!!!!!!

I sincerely hope to be able to create again soon - I miss it! bx

Trawling through the archives...!

Since my last post, I've been in bed nursing a horrible flu! This is my first day up, and I'm weak as water...I hate feeling like this!

I wanted to post something new, so I looked through my old photos to see if I had anything suitable - not really!! Plenty christmas, plenty with terrible photo's etc; then I saw this one from about 2 years ago!!!

I sometimes get "strange" requests and this was one of them! My brief was to create a card for a 50year old man who was having problems with his water works...! I created this card by stamping onto adhesive "acetate" and "painting" with the pearlex powders - I find this technique sooo relaxing - I thought the colours turned out quite nicely on this one!

I need to make a thank you card for my great nurse (thanks mum) but that might be a few days yet! bx

And we have a winner!

Congratulations to Jakki for her fabulous card! My mum looked at all the beautiful entries (I
showed her the cards without names attached!!) - and finally she decided on this one! She particularly liked the little bouquet of flowers that Tilda is holding.

A HUGE thank you to everyone else for playing along - I appreciate it immensely! I had so much fun (and so did the hubbiwinkle!!) I will try it again!

Please enjoy the other lovely cards - now you see how difficult it was for mum!

Thanks to : Leonie , Cheryl, Nikki, Leann, Elisa, Maddie, Sandra, Kristine, Marlene, Natalie, Nicola, Marte, Han, Michelle, Maria, Jenny, Char, Hope, Tara, Wendy, and Suzanne!

I think it's exciting the way it worked out for Jakki as she is a new blogger...Jakki please email me your address so that I can get your goodies posted to you!

I am gonna toodle into bed now as I'm feeling miserable - think I'm getting one of the horrible virus's that have been circulating and which so far I have managed to avoid! bx

I'm soooo last week!

I created this little card using last weeks CPS sketch - but I just didn't get around to getting it posted in time! But not to worry - my mum needs a few more easter cards so she'll be making this one tomorrow when she comes!!

I used the K&Co papers - again! Had to put them away 'cos I just kept reaching for them; I think the colour palette is so fresh and "uplifting". I used this Penny Black chick - love her!

My mum also has a very difficult task ahead of her tomorrow - she has to choose a winner for the blog candy challenge! Colin is still away on business so she has to choose on her own! Now I know why people use the random number thingy-ma-bobby...think I'll do that next time too!

I'll let you know tomorrow who'll be getting some new stash to play with - until then, adios amigoes! bx

Arty Girlz challenge

This is an entry for the current Arty Girlz challenge. The challenge is to use circles - somehow, somewhere on your card!

Not sure if my dotty paper circles are a bit small so I sealed the deal by "rubber stamping" baby Millie as completely loved (using an autumn leaves stamp - I love this set!).

I know you can't see it very well in the photo but my baby Millie has a lovely soft "blankie" - courtesy of fun flock!

Love this little stamp!

Click here for my Blog candy challenge - bx

I've been "tagged"!

Leonie "tagged" me - it's my first tag; it's just for fun so here are my answers!

4 Jobs I’ve had: worked in a craft shop, foster carer, medical receptionist and cleaner! (bit of a variety here!!)

4 movie’s I’ve seen: Pretty Woman, The Holiday, Zodiac and The Full Monty (I struggled to answer this one!!)

4 place’s I’ve been: Venice, California, Las Vegas, Mexico

4 place’s I’ve lived: Belfast and London briefly - only 2!

4 TV program’s I watch: Gilmore Girls, Crossing Jordan, Everwood, CSI Criminal Intent

4 radioshows: I only ever listen to Citybeat!

4 favorite foods: crisps (I'm addicted!), pizza, spag bol, hot buttery toast (yum i'm gonna get some now) - funny enough, no problemo answering this one!!

4 place’s I’d rather be: with my husband, somewhere sunny, at a craft retreat, on a cruise (carribean, mediterranean I don't mind)!!!

4 things you HATE doing: cleaning, exercise, going to the doctor, going to the dentist (I added this one!)

4 Next Victims: Elisa, Hope, Jenny, and Maria!

No obligation girls, it’s just for fun!!

Thanks Leonie for tagging me! bx

Leann's blog candy..

No card from me tonight - my hubby left early this morning for another business trip (I miss him terribly when he's gone!) and i've been celebrating with my mum today, but I wanted to mention Leann's beautiful blog candy! Couldn't be easier to enter - simply leave a comment on her challenge post! Leann's blog is definitely worth a visit - her creations are beautiful!

I also wanted to mention 2 new bloggers: Maria and Jakki. Both new to blogging but already have some beautiful creations on their site! Please pop over and say hello! Goodnight y'all! bx

Daring Cardmakers Challenge!

I made this card to show a technique with pearlex powders, and it fits right in with the Daring Cardmakers challenge to celebrate being a woman!

I used black stazon to stamp Marilyn (got her when I visited Viva Las Vegas stamps) onto a laminating sheet. I "painted" the adhesive side with pearlex powders - it's a delicate process but I find it quite relaxing!

I then adhered the "painted" image to a 2" square of mountboard which had been "wiped" all over with pixie dust versamagic ink; then swiped around the edges with pretty petunia versamagic ink.

I used versamark ink to create the leopard skin background (Alesa Baker stamp), then adhered my ribbons. I didn't think it would be complete without a few "diamonds"! I was pleased when I found this sentiment (a woodware plate) in my stamp collection, just to finish everything off!

Blog candy: still a few days left to submit an entry for the challenge - we've had some beautiful entries to date! For those who don't have a blog please feel free to email me (Maria I had no way to contact you!!) bx