Lulu and Cardmaking.

Oh no, just realised . .

2012-02-15T18:16:00.000Z

. . . that I haven't blogged my ICSketches DT card . . . again. Not sure where my head is these days as I start out with a list of things "to do" and never seem to then use that list to complete all my tasks! I think my new obsession with MCS and getting that blogged didn't help and also making samples for Nikky at Polka Doodles . . . who has a new CD to share with everyone on Sunday over at Create and Craft.

Here is this weeks sketch . .

and here is what I made using it as my inspiration . . .

Papers: K & Co BW Flora & Fauna Mat Pad

Flower Diecuts: K&Co BW Flora & Fauna Die cuts and Vellum

Butterflies: K& Co BW Flora & Fauna Botanical Butterflies layered accents

Sentiment: K&Co Serendipity Stickers

Velvet Ribbon: K&Co Flora & Fauna Emphera pack

Lace: from my stash

Glossy Accents

Ultra fine glitter

I have followed the ICSketches sketch (!) for my card layering up all the elements. The butterflies and small flower have been covered with Glossy Accents and sprinkled with ultra fine glitter for added dimension whilst still wet. This was such a quick card to make; the longest part was choosing which elements to use as there are so many in each of the packs. Have to say that these are absolutely chocker with yummy goodies and will last anyone ages and ages!

I was a very lucky bunny and had all my goodies sent to me by Michelle from Mishelflo Creative Crafting as I am now proudly on her shop DT. Please do pop over to Michelle's shop as she has a great K & Co sale on at the moment and I grabbed myself loads of bargains . . . as you do when you see the word "SALE" !

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Diva's by Design - wings and things

Flutterby Wednesdays - anything with wings

CES Challenges - lots of layers

Still trawling my way through all the insurance stuff but determined to get it all sorted ASAP!

Lou

H....E....L....P......

2012-02-15T10:18:00.002Z

Have been given My Craft Studio as a present and thought it would be brilliant to use this as part of this weeks challenge over on Fab'n'Funky Challenges - "Try something new" - as digital crafting is definitely new to me! I don't mean printing off digi images but creating digi scrapbook pages and decorative pages/toppers.

However blogger will not let me upload my finished project and I have tried for over 3 hours and can only assume that I have now saved my page incorrectly. Can anyone help as was so proud of myself as this is really "jumping" out of my comfort zone; normally I prefer to matt an layer my own elements in the "flesh" as it were, not create a total page by using the computer!

Pulling my hair out . . . .

Lou
x

A quick tutorial for half-term!

2012-02-14T17:43:00.000Z

Well for all you lucky peeps who grabbed the 1st issue of the Polka Doodles "The CreativeChronicles" magazine, (part of the Pen and Paper Circle) a big well doneand as one of Nikky's DT members, I hope you thoroughly enjoyed this issue andthe projects the DT put together for you which the exclusive stamps set andpapers. The 2nd issue is out very soon and you can find out all the details HERE.

One of my little extra projects was to make a bookmark which is just perfectfor a quick and easy project for the half term to do with the children. I'mgoing to attempt to write the instructions here for you, so would love to knowif you give it a go so I can visit and see your twist on the bookmark.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Quick bookmarks

This is a great project to do with the children and colours/design caneasily be changed to suit their personalities. It is also a clever way to useup our precious scraps!

The super quick bookmark

All you need for this bookmark is an envelope; any size or shape will do!Beware though that the bigger the envelope the bigger the bookmark but using anA4 envelope produces a WOW result!

Cut away one corner and then cover it with your chosen paper oralternatively, colour/doodle. With the children at school, we have covered the envelope corner with old comics! This part is the bit that will slip over the corner of your page.

I have made a topper for my envelope bookmark (details below) and stuck thetopper in place (as shown in photo).

A quick bookmark

1] Choose the paper you wish to work with and on the reverse draw out thebookmark template.

2] I began by cutting 7cm x 7cm square from scrap card (as my template) and then drew around it, on thereverse of my paper, 3 times to form a chunky L shape (as shown in the photo). Cut around the solid lines but notthe areas scribbled out.

You will be left with shape shown here

3] Fold the top triangles inwards as shown in the photo and stick the toptriangle down onto the lower triangle.

Now create a topper of your choosing. I have used elements from the stamp setincluded in "The Creativity Chronicles" but you could use anythingto decorate your bookmark.

Next I cut out a scalloped square with a Marianne Designs die, mattedonto pink and white card. I have then stamped 3 roses and coloured them with my promarkers/flexmarkers. The topperis then finished with a name plate and ribbon.

Stick the topper to your base ensuring that the corners of the topper alignwith the bookmark base. Your bookmark is now ready to be used.

So now I am sitting here with my fingers crossed, as I hope you enjoyed my very quick tutorial and I do have a version ofthis saved on my computer which is a little more detailed, so if you want acopy, please email me. I have been struggling get this on blogger as he was mucking about,so apologies if this tutorial seems a little disjointed.

Have to go and sort out the insurance man now . . . joys of joys . . .not!

Lou
x

Phew . . .

2012-02-08T18:38:00.000Z

sorted out my photo problems with blogger but still not 100% sure what I did wrong . . . so going to blame everything on Mr Blogger!

Anyhow, here is my DT card for ICSketches and I have decided to make another alternative feel Valentine's/Love card . . .

The sketch . . .

My interpretation . . .

Papers: Love & Cherish CD from Polka Doodles

Image: Dilly Beans

Coloured with Promarkers/Flexmarkers

Distress Inks - Pumice & Mahogany

Ribbon from stash

Sentiment computer generated

I have used one of the fab paper set from "Love & Cherish" from Polka Doodles and followed the ICSketch by dividing it into 4, inking the edges with my distress inks. The image has been coloured with my Promarkers & Flexmarkers, finally being added to the card using 3D foam pads. Using my crop-a-dile, I have punched some holes which I have then laced with ribbon in different ways.

The sentiment I found on a T-shirt being advertised in some Zombie merchandise shop but being a numpty forgot to save the link . . . will have to see if I can find it again so the people can be duly credited. I then typed the sentiment up on my computer using several different fonts and printed it out, cropping it up and finally inking the edges.

Not sure who to give the card to now but it was great fun to make.

I am entering my card in to the following challenges:

The Corrosive Challenge Blog - Love Bites
Dilly Beans Designer Challenge - Zombie Love
Paper Take Weekly - anything goes with optional of adding a heart
Try It on Tuesday - a card for a "True Love"
Crafty Boots - Valentines
Lollipop Crafts - Valentines Card

Well gotta dash as off to do something "thespian inspired" with Aaron tonight . . . oh so not looking forward to this!

Lou
x

I'm Polka Doodle Dandy

2012-02-03T13:26:00.001Z

Last Friday I couldn't join in with my teamies as "life" got in the way, so this I thought I better make up for my disappearance (and try and sneak in without Ruth noticing!!) You guessed it . . she did! The theme this week was set by Lana and is "Show some Love".

I wanted to make a love themed card but do some stamping for a change as my poor stamps are feeling neglected. So with a plan in my head . . . not always good . . . I inked up my fab Wonderland stamps to create my card.

The papers are from the matching CD, Wonderland, and the papers on there are to die for . . . a mixture of antique, grunge, distressed . . . ooohhhh they are so versatile . . . love, love, love them! If you don't have this CD, I seriously can't recommend it enough.

I have coloured all the images using the subtle shades in my Flexmarkers and Promarkers as wanted them to be "soft". A few punched hearts and gems to add to the "love" theme, finished off with a hand cut heart with netting on the side . . . don't ask me why I did this . . . it was the "plans" fault that was lurking in my head! Also used a different sized card other than square . . . DL . . . told you my "plans" were reeking havoc in my brain!

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

The Artisitic Stamper - love
Craft us Crazy - anything goes
Little Miss Muffet - Valentines or Love
The Paper Shelter - Love is in the Air
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge - Love is in the Air

Well I'm off to catch up with some much need blogging therapy as finally feel a little better . . . need to kick start the old mojo as its waining a little.

Have a great weekend,

Lou
x

Still feel pants!

2012-02-02T10:29:00.000Z

It has taken me ages to get anything done as just do not have the concentration this week. Doctor says I have blocked sinuses and so far the medicine has helped . . . at least the headaches are diminishing but still feel pants and soooooooo cold all the time. I'm sat here typing this in my thermals, layer of clothes and then my big fluffy dressing gown on top . . . might have to go and grab my gloves and hat next!!! I also wish that for everytime I blew my nose, a 1lb of weight just dropped away too . . . no chance!

Anyhow, I am late blogging my Fab'n'Funky Challenges DT card and the theme this week was inspired by the sponsor, Stamp Fairy and was to use a digi image. I have used 2 images, Nelly and Leo in love, grouping them together using MCS. They have been coloured using Flexmarkers and Promarkers.

I have made the card for my sister and B-i-L who celebrate their wedding anniversary next week although they have other things on their minds at the moment . . . Sarah is booked n for her C-section on 16th February and I can't wait to welcome my new niece or nephew into the family.

This is a huge 8" x 8" card blank from Craftwork cards bought oodles and oodles ago!

The outside of the card blank have been stamped with a selection on Polka doodles stamps in Mahogany distress ink. The papers are from Prima and I hand cut 2 huge hearts as my background. The rub ons are from Beary patch. The ribbon and flowers are from my stash. Oooohh and the swirl die is a Marianne Creatables die.

I am also entering my card in to the following challenges:

Diva's by design - anything goes
Little Red Wagon - Valentine's Day - although my card is for an anniversary, it could still be a valentines card!!!
Truly Scrumptious - love and hearts
Creative Craft Challenge - BINGO - have used ribbons, brown & flowers
Lady Bug Crafts - Loves me, Loves me not

Well I'm off to sit in bed with my hot water bottle and hoping I warm up really soon . . .

Lou
x

Oh my . . . it's been a while . .

2012-01-31T16:25:00.002Z

. . . since I last blogged! I had high hopes of being a good blogger this year but as always "life" got in the way. Unfortunately Steve had a car crash and wrote the car off, so we have been up to our ears in insurance paperwork and looking for a new car . . . that's where the arguments really began! I like driving a manual car and he likes driving an automatic . . so we've given up for the moment and are relying on my lickle jaloppie.

Well today is ICSketches time and I loved this weeks sketch and have actually made 2 cards but being a meanie, I'm only going to show you one. I have used the card to make a Sympathy Card as Steve's Nan died on Friday. She had a full life and was 95 when she passed.

Papers: glittered mulberry paper scraps

Pearlescent card

Nesties - lable ?

Swirls and butterfly - Mariane dies

Flower - Oyster Crafts

Sentiment - unknown

Pearl Gems - MEI

I wanted to make my card deliberately not look like a traditional Sympathy card but still keep the colours quite serene. The sentiment is simple but just what was required too.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Incy Wincy designs - Flowers
Lollipop Crafts - anything goes
Crazy Challenge - flowers
Die Cuttin Divas - anything goes
Truly Scrumptious - something forgotten - my something is the glittered mulberry papers I had carefully stored away!

I'm back off to bed as still suffering from a head cold and need to get warm!

Lou
x

Have had a "numpty" moment . . .

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000Z

Last week I could not photograph any of my projects because the camera was acting all weird. After much fiddling around with it, nothing still worked and I was becoming increasingly anxious that I would have to resign myself to getting it fixed or even replace it.

So being a good girl, I took it to the shop to see if they could help me/fix the camera. The nice man "said of course we can and it will cost . . . . " (no surprise there then!!!). The nice man called me later that day to say you can collect your camera now and being so excited, I rushed over to the shop without enquiring about how they had fixed it. I waited patiently in a queue to be served to collect my camera and the nice man recognised me straight away and dashed off to get my camera. Handing it back I tentatively asked "how much?". He smiled and said "nothing as there wasn't anything wrong" !!!

It would appear that my camera had stopped taking photos because its internal memory was full and I had forgotten to put the memory card back in it after I had downloaded previous photos . . . this meant it just needed me to put the memory card back in and I could be "snap happy" again. Rather embarrassed at my complete and utter "numptiness", I retreated quickly from the shop. I just can't believe I had not checked if it has the memory card in . . .

Anyhow, I can now share with you this weeks card for ICSketches . . .

Papers: First Edition (Birdsong)

Edgeability scalloped dies

Marianne Creatablesoval and oval scallop dies

Stickers: Pebbles Inc

Felt flower cut with a Quickutz Die

Felt butterfly cut using a Marianne Creatables die

Baby pink bias ribbon

Sentiment printed onto Safmat

I have made a baby card as my youngest sister is expecting her 3rd baby in mid-February and I thought I should start making her and her husband a card. They do not know what they are having so I will have made a little girl card first and will cover all bases by making a boys card later in the week.

I have had these Pebbles Inc stickers for eons, so dusted them off to make my card and not being a sticker person, am really pleased with how my card turned out.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Crafty Boots Challenge - new beginnings
Craft Your Days Away - new beginnings
CR8FN Colour Challenge - light pink, yellow & neutral
The Crazy Challenge - tic, tac, toe - my row: ribbon, embossing, diecuts

Have a great week everyone and I have to get prepping on my art project for school, so better get of here and make a start!

Lou
x

Been wombling . .

2012-01-10T23:12:00.002Z

. . . but am not quite as hairy as those wombles . . . I hope!

The theme this week at Fab'n'Funky Challenges is to use recycled items on your project and over Christmas I squirrelled away many "useful" items and for once, was determined to use them sooner rather than later (and before they gathered dust!).

Now I've done something different and made something other than a card . . . . .

I made a "felt heart" which I have sent to my Mum along with her thank you card as a little keep sake. The felt came from inside a gift box, fastener from old trousers, flower from toiletries packaging and various buttons! that us crafters cut off unwanted items and store in jars or tins or bags etc etc . ..

I used a button in the centre of the flower to secure it to my heart and also to cover up the mess I made picking the glue off it from the packaging! The buttons were from my "random assortment" I keep in a large biscuit tin (recycled usage from another Christmas) and the large pins I have had in my stash for ages.

The scissors charm I bought at a craft show but can't remember from whom and have been dying to use them for ages. The spool of thread has been made using a large wooden bead and sewn on using the centre hole. Other ribbons and trim are from another "useful box" I probably accumulated from last Christmas . . . !

I'm really pleased how this turned out and since then have made 5 more different themed hearts which I will share with you when I work out away to photograph them in an easier way!!!

Off to catch up with you all now,

Lou
x

Edited to add: Apologies for not blogging my DT card for ICS but I have done something to my camera and can't get it to work. I was lucky that I could share this post with you as I had scheduled it a while back. Fingers crossed, all will be sorted really soon.

Blog Hop and a challenge . .

2012-01-04T09:00:00.021Z

Welcome to the 1st Fab'n'Funky Challenge for 2012 and to celebrate the start of New Year we are having a blog hop . . . well why not especially as Christmas and the New Year are now over and we need to have a bit of fun before the January Blues set in!

Okay . . . you should of hopped over from PAT and collected her number, however if you have popped over to visit me just to say hi but now want to join in the fun, please pop back to the Fab'n'Funky Challenge Blog where all will be explained. Now my number is 6 (six), make a note of it because you will need my number and every other number on each DT blog at the very end of the blog hop. To collect your next number pop over to WENDY who has another number waiting for you.

Don't forget to also enter this weeks Fab'n'Funky Challenge and the theme is . . .

"Something New"

Here is my project and my "Something New" is those fabulous 1st Edition papers and Creative Images stamps.

The swirls were printed onto Safmat and then rubbed into place! I even rubbed one onto a skeleton leaf . . . which was a little tricky as the leaves are so delicate.

The sentiment is from SU and I finished my card off with lots of crystal gems. The bias ribbon and roses ribbon are from my stash and I can't remember where I purchased then from . . . sorry

The card is made for my Mum to say "Thank You" for a wonderful Christmas; she did us all proud and we had a wonderful time. Have to say that we did eat and drink far too much so I will need to walk these extra pounds off (the dog is happy about this idea!).

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

The Artisitic Stamper - vintage
Papertake Weekly - anything goes plus something "new"
Flutterby Wednesday - to use a butterfly or fairy on your project

Thanks for popping over and don't forget to join in with the Fab'n'Funky Blog Hop which is running all week and of course the challenge too!

Lou
x

Oooohhh I have news!

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000Z

Many moons ago, I uset to be on the ICS DT (Inspirational Card Sketches) and it was for an allotted 6th month time scale. Well, I saw that they were recruiting again, so I thought I'd try out again but did totally understood if Dawn said "no" (as I had already had had a go on the DT) . . . however I was a very happy lickle Lou as Dawn has asked me to play along again . . . yippee!

Well this week at ICS, the theme is called "any sketch goes" which means you can use any sketch from another challenge blog to create your card/project so that gives you loads of flexibility. I have used the sketch from last weeks challenge over at Papertake Weekly . . .

and here is how I interpreted it . .

Papers: Bird Song by First Edition

Postcard, ornate border, lock & key from The Graphics Fairy

Butterfly stamp: Crafty Individuals

Pearl Gems: MEI Flowers

Floral seem binding ribbon, skeleton leaves and elastic from my stash

The images from The Graphics Fairy have been printed onto Safmat so that I can use them on what ever material I want and also where ever I want . . . this is the beauty of Safmat . . . . a crafting necessity that I could not live without now . . . I know . . . a touch melodramatic but sooooo true!

Okay, I admit that my text isn't in the middle but the butterfly is . . . but when I had it the other way round, it just didn't look right/balanced . . . you know what I mean . . ! ? ! I loved making this card as it came together so quickly.

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

The Graphics Fairy
Craft Your Passion - anything goes plus distressing
Heart Song Inspirations - anything goes
The Pink Elephant - Anything goes
The Shabby Tea Room - theme is "time flies" with photo inspiration
Papertake Weekly - anything goes with a "new" twist. My "new" thing is the fab 1st Edition papers.

Well back off to the crafty table to make oodles more "thank you" cards . . . so watch this space as I have decided to send individual cards to people this year rather than making "a mass make" . . . I wanted to keep it personal and heart felt.

Must also catch up with my blogging as it has been an age since I sat down and had a good mooch around blog land . . . oohhh how I have missed that.

Take care everyone,

Lou
x

How many days until Christmas ?

2011-12-22T19:00:00.002Z

I can finally admit that I am getting excited now that Christmas is only 3 days away. Have been a good girl and everything is wrapped and hidden and I am starting to tidy up the house ready for the weekend. I even managed to persuade eldest son to do a spot of ironing for me . . . being a penniless Uni student definitely helped!

Fab'n'Funky Challenges are having another Candy Giveaway this week in lieu of there being no challenge, so why don't you pop over and add your name to Mr Linky because you never know, you might just win it!!!

I have had several minutes between chores and to stop myself going into a "nag fest" with the family about their inactivity, I decide to make a few cards using a fab selection of postcards I obtained from Crafts U Print (link HERE) and this is what I came up with:

Papers: Prima

Postcard: Jason Jones (via Crafts U Print)

Butterfly stamp:

Sentiment stamp:

Ribbon, pins, button, gem & metal charm from my stash

Papers: Prima

Postcard: Jason Jones (via Crafts U Print)

Border: Scalloped edgabilities

Ribbon & fibres from various packaging!

Butterfly: Marianne Creatable die

Stamps: free with a magazine

Button & gems from my stash

I made them both using the fab sketch from ICS (Inspirational Card Sketches) and have also been a fan of Dawn's sketch and projects but unfortunately haven't played along much this year . . . but this will change in 2012 as I AM making more time for me and things that I want to do as 2011 was taken up heavily by my family for different reasons. I uset to be on the ICS DT a year or so ago but my stint ended . . as is the way . . but would love to have another "crack at the whip" as it were!

In the 1st card, I have flipped the sketch but followed it (ish) in the 2nd card and both cards have been further distressed with inks. They were quick and simple cards to make . . . something I should do more often!

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Inspirational Card Sketches (ICS) - sketch plus a DT call
Flutterby Wednesdays - butterflies on both cards!
Carisma Cards - anything goes
Ladybug Crafts Ink - BINGO - I have used the bottom line on both cards

Well now I really have to tidy away my crafting stash as I will need the table for Christmas . . . or I suppose we could eat on our laps . . . ! Will be back tomorrow to share some of my Christmas cards with you,

Lou
x

Fab'n'Funky Challenges . .

2011-12-10T22:58:00.000Z

. . . do not have a challenge this week as the DT are starting their holidays early it an attempt to get organised . . . uuuummmmm not sure that is working for me though! Instead there is some candy on offer and there will be 5 lucky winners, so why not pop over to the Fab'n'Funky Challenge blog and join in. You never know you might be the lucky winner of an early Christmas present.

Before the challenge went on holiday, the theme was "Anything Goes" and I never blogged my card as I never got the time to do it and when I did Mr Blogger was playing silly whats-its with me! Anyhow, better late than never . . .

I have used a Sarah Kay image coloured with distress inks, some MME papers and my favourite embellishment at the moment . . . bunting! The huge flower was from Wild Orchard and the sentiment is a rub n from a K&Co pack. The little hearts are left over from a sheet of rub-ons and I don't know the companies name as I had cut these out as they were the only ones left!

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Creations by Gill M - colour combo of green and red
Totally Papercrafts - anything but Christmas

Right off to put on my very thick woolly socks as my feet are like ice cubes and I can't go to bed with cold feet . . that will keep me up for hours!

WOW time flies by . .

2011-12-10T17:30:00.002Z

when you have loads to do and no time to do it in! Unfortunately lots happening at Chez Lou and this has left me with little or no crafting time and as a result my blog has been sorely neglected, so apologies to everyone and many thanks for keep popping by.

I have had the chance this week to make a few crafty things as I need to get organised with my cards and presents. Here are some decorations I have been making for the girls at work to say "thank you" for all their support . . . now I hope they like them otherwise I'm scuppered as my idea pool is very dry this year . .

I have overdone the glitter on my chipboard snowflakes and it is shedding everywhere in my house and not being a glitter person, it's driving me insane! I then cut out some flourishes and layered up with scalloped and circle punches with the centre being decorated with a large button and some scrummy bias ribbon. Apologies for the poor photos and will try to take some more tomorrow, hopefully in better light.

I made some simple packaging to put my decorations in as am conscious that I my be running out of time and they need to be given out on Monday!!! (Whoops . . . photos of packaging was even worse than my decorations . . . need to take some more . . .)Well better get going as I have made 5 sets but need to make another 3 . . .

I am entering my decorations to the following challenges:

Crafty Catz - anything goes
Fairy Tale Challenge - gift plus packaging (photo of packaging to follow)
Fussy and Fancy - photo inspirations and my inspiration was to make a Christmas tree decoration
Cute Card Thursday - anything goes
Little Miss Muffet - buttons and ribbons
Crafts and Me challenges - snow/snowflakes

OK better get back to it as these won't make themselves,

Lou
x

Did you know that . .

2011-10-29T23:33:00.000+01:00

Fab'n'Funky Challenges are looking for new DT members? Age or experience (lol) do not matter but an enthusiasm to craft and join in with the weekly challenges are a must though! Why not check out all the details on this post HERE.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend,

Lou
x

Loving my new Tuff CD!

2011-10-28T23:13:00.000+01:00

Well Nikky at Polka Dodles has done it again and produced another great CD but his time it's with boys/teenagers in mind - PRETTY TUFF ! There are fab selection of images and papers to die for . . . the thing I found hardest is when to stop myself printing.

Here is the first card I have made and its using one of the new images found on the CD. He looks so . . . teenager . . .

Papers and image: Polka Doodles Pretty Tuff CD

Card: Coordinations

Swiss Dots embossing folder

That Special Touch mask

Distress inks

I have cut out the "dude" from several different papers, inked the edges, embossed with my Swiss Dots folder and then matted onto black card. Lots of layering using other papers and co-ordinations card (again embossed and distressed) and finally added embellishments printed onto Letraset Safmat for the finishing touch!

Doesn't this lad have the true "stare into space / I don't care / whateva" expression or as my 13 year old son would say "I'm only letting you take this photo to get you off my back!"

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Moving along with the times: No Girls Allowed!
Southern Girls Challenge: Stripes and Polka dots
Charisma Cardz - Anything goes
Inspirational Card Sketches: there great sketch
Art Impressions Stamps: card for a boy

I've had a great Friday night . . fab meal with the family, eldest popped back from Uni, several pints of Guinness (to keep up my iron intake!) and then a good mooch around blog land . . heaven.

Have a great weekend everyone,

Lou
x

Hubble bubble, toil and trouble

2011-10-26T09:52:00.001+01:00

Here is my card for the Fab'n'Funky challenge this week and I have cased myself from last year!!! I loved making this card last year as it used up so many scraps . . . it was great. Also having no "staying power" at the moment it was very quick and easy to make, which is a bonus!

The only slight different is that the acetate layer over the spider lifts up to reveal him unlike last year where I had secured it into place.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:
Scrap-Creations: theme is "going digi". All the images and papers were from a free Polka doodles download last year.
Midnight Madness: used the MMSC127 sketch and flipped it 180!
The Shabby Tea Room - Halloween

Spooky wishes to you all and will be back later with some other things I have made,

Lou
x

Hi everyone

2011-10-24T10:31:00.000+01:00

Sorry it's taken so long for me to come back to blog land but haven't been too well recently. With all the drugs I am on at the moment, I could sleep, sleep and still sleep. This also means I have the attention span of a toddler which is a complete pain.

My left shoulder is still frozen and aches if I sit in one position for too long but it's on the mend. The skin scrappings and biopsies have all been completed and it's just a waiting game now but mentally I am in a better place than I was a month ago. I have decided I just can't mope around for ever and need to get my brain back to being active and not just dwelling on things I can't really change.

So I am busy getting the lads to photograph some of my recent makes . . . jury still out on them as I couldn't really sit long enough to complete them as I wanted but at least I'm back making!!!

Now off to catch up with you all as I have missed soooooooooo much and just need to know what is going on . . . new products to admire, techniques to drool over and inspiration galore to kick start my mind . . . see told you that I was determined to look forward and not back!

Lou
x

Share the memories

2011-09-30T09:11:00.001+01:00

As a special for all of your readers, we give you your very own Share the Memories code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!

STMMMS47377

Something different from me today . .

2011-09-02T09:51:00.002+01:00

I was a very lucky bunny and sent some great products to play with from Letraset - Safmat (have always been a fan of this GREAT under-rated product), adhesive papers, flexmarkers, aquamarkers to name but a few items and wanted to do something different with them.

Firstly I am going to share a project I recently completed using one of these products. I have chosen to show a different way of using Safmat. We all know about using it to create great rub-on sentiments for a projects but you can use it with photos too! I have patiently cut around different photos of my family, printed them onto the Safmat and then used them on top of different backgrounds to make it look the people were always part of that background! Example below . .

I took a photo of Mum, cut it out in a photo editing package, printed it onto Safmat an then placed it on top of this photo of loads of Guinness barrels. If you look closely, you can see it doesn't belong to the back ground as I haven't quite managed to line up her elbow onto the shelf !!! Oh well !

Using Aaron's cut out photo I have placed him on top of the barrels and this time, I've made a better job of it as it look like he was meant to be there all along!

Here's the finished canvas which is 50cm x 50cm in size and I am really pleased how it turned out! The sentiments are obviously printed out on Safmat and then layered onto different papers etc.

I then decided to make a 2nd canvas with the left over bits I had from the 1st one and came up with this . . .

Again I have used different elements and printed them onto Safmat and then layered them onto the paper/back ground of my choice eg: the "Guinness Storehouse" logo was taken from their website.

Oh before I forget another thing I can't rave enough about is Letrasets repositional LetraTac adhesive. It was great to use to help me position my collage pieces before committing them to that location forever! I could "mock up" my canvas, hang it up and then after a while decide whether I liked the position of the elements or if not, start the positioning process all again!

I have used a fab selection of papers from the Polka Doodles "Not for Girls" CD as they have a great selection of bazzill inspired plain papers in one section and all yummy, earthy tones. I have printed the colours onto different effect papers - linen, canvas, water colour to create lots of texture to my back ground papers. I am entering my project as my DT entry for this weeks Polka Doodles challenge which is to use autumn colours and I think I have managed that!!

I am also entering my wall art into the following challenges:

Desert Island Crafts - I have used Kraft paper/thin card, sentiment and text print!
Tando Creative Challenge - theme is "rustic charm" . . I defo think my canvases have that!
Just for fun - theme is "words"
Totally Papercrafts - theme "not a card"

Well gotta dash as getting all my bits ready for the start of school next week. My "to do" list is so long it's getting ridiculous to say the least.

Take are and I am going for a good nose around all your blogs this weekend as I have neglected you all for too long.

Lou
x

Happy Monday!

2011-08-22T07:10:00.000+01:00

I am up very early this morning as our puppy decided he needed company earlier than usual today but although I would love to moan, the sun is shining, he is sitting beautifully at my feet and I can actually get onto a computer without being shifted off!

Now apologies to my other Fab'n'Funky DT chums but my scheduled post didn't work and I have to say, I couldn't really be bothered to figure it out! Mr Blogger and I are at times at logger heads and I have now come to realise that it is him and not me at fault!!!

The theme this week was "All stitched Up" and your project had to be sewing inspired or have sewing on it. I used a fab image from this weeks sponsor, Pink Petticoat which spurred me on to make 3 cards . . . all looking similar but not quite . . .

Images: Pink Petticoat "Material Girl"

Papers: Pink Petticoat "Perfect Papers"

buttons and lace from stash

Right off to have a shower, get dressed and walk the dog (while the sun is still out).

Lou
x

Stamptacular Sunday!

2011-08-21T10:46:00.000+01:00

WOW the week has flown by and lots going on here! The new router is working (although have to say the last new one should of done so too), I've had A'level gate with lots of tantrums, bad moods and atmosphere and finally, off to "Welsh Wales" as my brother calls it to see my younger sister . . . to get away from the latter!!!

This week’s challenge over at Stamptacular is going to be so much fun! We can’t wait to see what you create!This week's challenge is called…

“ABC’s!”

For this weeks challenge you will create a card or a project that has the color “A”pricot, (shades of orange/peach), “B”ling, and “C”ute “C”ritter (animals or bugs) on it! Oh…and don’t forget to stamp! After all, we don’t call this STAMPtacular for nothing!

You will have from now until midnight (EST) August 27^th, 2011 to complete this challenge and post a DIRECT LINK to your submission to be entered into the drawing for this week's fabulous prize donated by: The Paper Shelter

Well the colour side of things wasn't hard but as for the "Critters" thing, I don't have many animal stamps or even digi images so after a good rummage around my stamp collections I found this neglected set of stamps from "Technique Tuesday" which haven't been inked for ages and ages and ages!

Paper: MME Wild Asparagus

Stamps: Zoology by Technique Tuesday

Flourishes: Marianne Creatable

Gems from stash

Coloured with Promarkers

A bit of an OTT card really but it was great fun to make and colour. Not sure who I'd give it to though . . . !

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Crazy 4 Challenges - Bingo themed. I have chosen the diagonal line of square card, die cuts & 2 or more papers.

Gotta dash as loads to do today and time is already running out. Apologies for not leaving comments recently; I have visited but can't get enough time to do both visit and comment. Tonight is my night of uninterrupted blogging as all the lads are out at the cinema . . . bliss!

Lou
x

Stamptacular Sunday!

2011-08-14T09:27:00.001+01:00

Edited to add: our new router has blown up and we were without internet again! After visiting the shop and explaining as politely as possible the problem, we no have a new singing and dancing router at their expense!

Phew, what a few hectic weeks I've had and way too much time spent in my car !!! Unfortunately my uncle died after a vey short illness (4 weeks) but thankfully he didn't suffer and the funeral was a fit sending off for him.

Because of the latter and the speed I had to travel to Ireland . . . funerals normally occur within 2 days of passing . . . I didn't post last weeks DT card for Stamptacular Sunday Challenge (which I had made). So before I get onto this weeks challenge, here is last weeks card which was based around a photo for our inspiration:

Stamps: Elzybells

Bias ribon & gems from stash

Now this weeks challenge over at Stampatacular is called "Fancy Folds"

Papers: Prima

Rub-on stickers: Bearly Mine

Stamps: Serendipity, dandelion clock

Ribbon and lace from stash

I covered my stepper card base with a softer paper from the same Prima pad. I then stamped the dandelion clock image onto a second paper from the same pad and inked the edges. Using a sheet of Bearly Mine rub-on stickers, (which I found in a plastic wallet in a cupboard . . . not sure why I put them there!), I decorted different panels to fit on my stepper card. Finished with some lace and ribbon and a quick, easy card to make. I must now raid my sticker collections to see what I have as I thoroughly enjoyed making this card as it was out of the norm for me as not normally a sticker person!

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Fancy Folds
Glitter Geeks - photo inspiration
Use It Tuesday - Indian summer

Lou
x

Sorry but . .

2011-08-03T09:00:00.000+01:00

can't join in with Fab'n'Funky Challenges this week as am winging my way to Ireland to attend a funeral. Will definitely be back next week but please do join the rest of the DT and this weeks challenge,

Lou
x

Stamptacular Challenge

2011-07-31T09:00:00.002+01:00

This week’s challenge is going to be so much fun! We can’t wait to see what you create! This week's challenge is a…

“FRIENDS are Heaven Sent!”

For this weeks challenge you will create a card or project with a friendship theme for your special friend. Tell us who you’ll be sending it to and why he/she is so special to you and be entered TWO TIMES into this week’s drawing for our fabulous prizes! Oh…and don’t forget to stamp! After all, we don’t call this STAMPtacular for nothing!

I have made a card for my Mum whom I consider to be one of my best friends. She is bravely nursing her younger brother who has terminal cancer and is not long for this world. I just wanted to let her know that I am thinking about her and admire her immensely for what she is doing.

Paper: Prima

Stamps: Serendipity wild flowers

Flowers: Wild Orchad Crafts

Butterfly stamp: Stamps Away

Lettering: Doodlebug

Sentiment: Polka Doodles

Ribbon, gems & lace: Crafts 4 U

This was a quick card to make with simple matting and layering. It has been embellished with loads of flowers, ribbon and butterfly, whom have gem trails! The stamped image in the centre is from a set I have had for eons and only recently reiscovered because I had no internet for ages and ages. I have now completed oodles and oodles of projects with this set. The images was stamped in brown and colored softly with Mica powder made into paint!

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Colour Throwdown

Crafty Cardmakers - butterflies

Karens Doodles - "bingo" - I chose to use "gems, diecuts & flowers"

Will start to add all the items I have made over the last 4 weeks but couldn't share with you, in the next couple of days.

Lou
x

Long time no blog!

2011-07-20T09:00:00.003+01:00

Firstly let me warn you that this is a long post, so if you fancy getting yourselves a coffee and a cake before starting, please do . . . hee, hee, hee!

Well I've missed everything about the internet . . . food shopping online, catching up with friends, email, my wireless printer and loads more but am so happy that now after nearly 4 weeks my internet problems are over . . . if that changes, I will not be responsible for my actions . . . hint, hint to certain companies who know who they are !

Whilst away, I have still been busy crafting and playing with my inks, stamps, masks and loads of other fun stuff which at times, does get neglected and in this post, I am going to share my projects for all the Fab'n'Funky challenges I have missed and never got to share with you all. So here goes . . .

Challenge #78 - Summer Loving

Image: Sassy Cheryl's

Papers: MME and pearlised paper (from stash)

Sentiment: Stampin Up

Butterfly die cut and swirls: Marianne Creatables

Butterfly brads: unknown

I am entering my card into the following challenges:
KB Cute Monday - use a digi image

Challenge #79 - Bermuda Triangle

Papers: MME

Die cut frames, wand and frog

Card Candi

Ribbon from stash

Flower from Wild Orchard Crafts

Sentiment: unknown stamp

Challenge #80 - Purple Haze

Papers : Prima

Image: Robyn's Digital Fetish

Sentiment: Stampin Up

Ribbon and Card Candi from stash

Holly leaves are handcut

I am entering my card into the following challenges:
The Crazy Challenge - Christmas in July
KB Cute Monday - use a digi image
The Crafty Pad - Christmas in July

Challenge #81 - Bakers Dozen

Papers: Funky Fairy's Papercrafts

Sentiment: MME

Image: Whimsie Doodles

Ribbon from stash

I am entering my card into the following challenges:
KB Cute Monday - use a digi image

Challenge #82 - Animal Magic

Images: recycled from an old Christmas card

Papers: DCWV

Card Candi, mini pegs and twine from stash

Holly leaves are hand cut

I am entering my card into the following challenges:
Creative Craft Challenges - decoupage or lots of big layers
The Crazy Challenge - Christmas in July
The Crafty Pad - Christmas in July
Crafting for all seasons - furry friends

Phew . . . thinks that's every challenge entered now for each week I was away and have got bored now, so will add additional details when 've had a quick coffee.

Lou
x

Sorry but . .

2011-07-05T20:11:00.000+01:00

I still have no internet and have borrowed a friends computer. Our router is knackered and being fixed as PC world wouldn't give us a replacement. We should get it back this weekend . . . fingers crossed. I am so pleased that it is getting towards the end of term as Aaron's level of homework has diminished so the need for the PC is less but he is not happy about having to stay afte school to do it if he needs a PC. This is further compounded as we have a wireless printer too!

Well at least I've had time to play with my stamps and inks more. Hope you are all well and if I owe anyone an email, please bear with me,

Lou
x

It's Sunday and I have tomorrow off work!

2011-06-19T13:35:00.002+01:00

Oh well that didn't work well . . . I had schedule this post only to find that I hadn't put in the correct time . . whoopsie!

Well it's Sunday and that can only mean one thing - Stamptacular Challenge Day! This week’s challenge is going to be so much fun and we can’t wait to see what you create! This week's challenge is called…

“Fun In The Sun!”

For this weeks challenge you will create a card or project that has something to do with having fun in the sun! What do you associate with summer, sun and fun? Let your creative skills roam! Oh…and don’t forget to stamp! After all, we don’t call this STAMPtacular for nothing!There are 2 great prizes to be won this week as well and our sponsors are The Stamping Boutique and Teddy Bo.

I have tried to create a "sea theme" for my card using my much neglected Stampin Up fishes wheel and also a fab sketch from Inspirational Card Sketches (ICS). It's been an age since I played along with ICS and I shall have to change this as I adore Dawn's sketches.

Stampin Up: fishes wheel (large)

Vellum, card & papers from stash

Dew Drops: Polka Doodles

Sentiment: ?

Stones from my garden

Twine from stash

Card Blank: 6" x 6"

I have stamped (using the wheel) on various papers ; vellum (2 different colours), linen paper and plain, cheap copier paper. I then embossed the fishes with clear enbossing powder. Each layer has been torn and then layered to give a waves effect. I created a back panel to mount my waves onto and made a lickle boat using up paper scraps. The greeting was found whilst blogging but where I have played around with it in paint, I have lost the name of the kind person who created it . . . if anyone can help with the name, I would be grateful so that I can give them proper credit. Most edges have been either inked or chalked.

As a finishing touch, I stamped onto green paper with white and then cut out some swirls to look like seaweed. A bit of twine along the bottom to hide my gluing and then I went into the garden to find some lickle stones to add to the bottom of my seaweed. The seaweed was finished with some Dew Drops.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Rainbow Lady - theme is "I am sailing"
Crafting for all seasons - theme is "summer"
A Spoon Full of Sugar - splish splash
Shopping our Stash - SOS challenge - I have used Stampin Up fishy wheel, Ocean themed card and finally Seaweed . . . although there are some lickle seagulls as well!
Sweet Stamps - embossing
Inspirational Card Sketches (ICS) - sketch
Crazy for Challenges - add twine, string etc
Paper Play - at the beach

Well off to celebrate Father's Day with hubby and the lads . . . all you can eat Chinese on the cards which should make them very happy!

Lou
x

Polka Doodles Friday

2011-06-17T09:00:00.017+01:00

Yet another week whizzes by and I don't know where the time has gone. I am struggling to keep up with things this week and am so behind it's unreal . . . need to send a few apologies out to certain peeps as I just couldn't finish some of my projects. OK enough of my woes, here are the winners from the Polka Doodles blog hop:

1st Prize: A sprinkle of Craft CD plus stamped images from the Wonderland set

Jenn from Stampin Angel Jenn

The following people have won a selection of stamped images (plus a few extras):

Steph from The Apple Tree

Rose from Woolly Crafts

Sandy from Love that expression!

Sally from Sallys Bitz

Pauline from Crafting with Cotnob

Congratulations to everyone and if you could email, I will get your goodies off to you. Thanks everyone for joining in with the unusual Polka Doodles Blog Hop and we hope you had fun.

Now this week, Emma set the challenge over at Polka Doodles and wanted us to make something that was "all of a flutter". I used the georgeous butterfly image from the Fairy Flutterby Babsie stamp set which I have stamped 3 times, coloured lightly with Glimmer Mist (gold), smoothered in Crystal Lacquer and then layered all the bits up to create my butterfly.I used my Stampin Up punches to create the decorative edges. My card was finished with a delicious big bloom from Wild Orchard Crafts.

A very simple card which helped me use up loads of my scraps which I desperately needed to do . . . believe me. I'm starting to multiply scrap boxes similar to having a "rabbit outbreak" !!! I even used up some small ribbon bits I ave been too tight to throw away too!

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Delicious Doodles - Things that flutter
Totally Papercrafts - diecuts or punches

Well gotta go and wrestle now with Mr Blogger to get my other scheduled posts to work . . . wish me luck,

Lou
x

Tempting templates . .

2011-06-15T09:00:00.002+01:00

. . . is the challenge over at Fab'n'Funky Challenges this week. The DT would like everyone to dust off their templates and this could be a card template (ie swing card, stepper etc), shaped or number album templates, boxes, bags or gifts . . . the list goes on and on. However we had a secret weapon this week as the DT were given some great templates to play with from Creations by AR. I chose the "isn't she lovely" card template as my inspiration.

Well here is my first attempt and I've made a straight forward pretty dress using the gorgeous Perfect Papers from Pink Petticoat finished with some soft bias ribbon & liquid pearls. This card was so quick and easy to make; just under 30 minutes and the longest part was pleating the paper!

I have also added 3 different inserts in white, pale pink and pink to make it look the dress has loads of petticoats! Now this dress was so quick, I had an idea to make a different card using the same template and acetate. This is what I came up with . . .

I made an acetate base card and placed the dress over the top so that it stands proud. If you look really, really, really closely in the photo you can just about see the acetate card base . . . ! I then embossed gold and white paper, some white vellum (with my Swiss Dots folder) as I wanted some texture to my card layers and to make the wedding dress. Now Adela (owner of Creations by AR) was telling me off (very nicely) for not using my Craftrobo, so I dusted it off and cut out the "Just Married" wording, the bubble thing they are placed inside and the hearts.

I pleated my wedding dress to give the impression of volume and stuck it down to my dress card base. I have covered my gluing with ribbon, a paper rose and a crystal. Loads of mini roses and crystals later and my card is finished. I also decorated the inside of my card to hide the glue but that does not show very well in this side photo . . .

I am entering my 1st card into the following challenges:
Paper Sundaes - girly girl
Hooked on Craft Challenges - anything goes
The Shabby Tea Room - colour inspiration
Crafty Creations - "dress up"

I am entering my 2nd card into the following challenges:
Die Cuttin Divas - wedding bliss
Sweet Stamps - embossing
Hooked on craft challenges - anything goes
ABC Challenge - wedding

For the men!

2011-06-12T10:18:00.003+01:00

I have struggled this week with Blogger and just can't seem to get it to upload my photo's. It kept saying "timed out" all the time. I know it's Mr Blogger because I checked my Internet connection and computer . . . they are working "a ok". Anyhow after much dithering, swearing and frustration from me, I remembered that I had a photobucket account !!! Why oh why didn't I remember this a week ago !?! So after a little renewing, I have uploaded my photos there and can now get on with my DT duties.

So without further ado . . . . this week’s challenge at Stamptacular Sunday Challenge is going to be so much fun! We can’t wait to see what you create! This week's challenge is a… “DADS or GRADS!”

For this weeks challenge you will create a card or project for either a special DAD or a special GRAD! The possibilities are ENDLESS! Oh…and don’t forget to stamp! After all, we don’t call this STAMPtacular for nothing! This week's fabulous prizes donated by: MY FAVORITE THINGS

Well here is my card. I have used a lot of HOTP car elements on my card (acetate overlay, sentiments and map) but the fab checkered flags and background have been stamped, inked and chalked. The stamp is part of the Wonderland Set from Polka Doodles. I have deliberately left the red panel blank, as I'm not sure if I will put "Dad" or "Grandad" in here yet. Being me, had to add embellishments so have used some brads and grommets. I also got out my glossy accents and used it on the acetate to add a further dimension and also on the arrows.

With the left over bits . . . HOTP stuff and my checkered stamping, I made another card but this time it is for a birthday rather than a Father's Day. I used similar techniques to the above card but for a change stamped the checkered design onto blinds! We recently had vertical blinds fitted and I kept the bits that were trimmed off as I thought I might have a use for them one day! Love how the checkered design is more subtle in the card below.

I've just decided that I have a real thing for bunting at the moment . . .!

I am also entering the following challenges:

Crazy for Challenges - masculine card(s)

One Stop Craft - Father's Day

Stamp, Scrap and Doodle - Father's Day

Word Play Weekend - birthday (my 2nd card is a birthday card)

Alphabet Challenge Blog - Father's Day

Delicious Doodles - Father's Day

Well gotta dash as I can no longer put off the house work or either the ironing. However I have a penniless student at home at the moment who is willing to do chores (obviously for money) who I might convince to do the ironing !!! He cleaned my oven and hob for me yesterday so might just take up my offer!

Lou

No:1 Dad

2011-06-10T09:00:00.005+01:00

Well it's Friday and this week has flown by for me although I am struggling to see how and why it did!?! I hope it's not an old age thing creeping up too quickly but you never know.

This on the Polka Doodles Challenge blog we were asked to make something for Dad. So this is my 1st of many cards I need to make with Fathers Day looming . . . ooohhh should add that I don't have loads of Dad's but have been asked to make loads of different Dad themed cards . . . phew my Mum will now breathe a sigh of relief! I have used the fab Polkadoodles Father/Family download and love the backing papers as there are so versatile. Simple mat and layering techniques from me this week (nothing fancy), hand cut stars, punched hearts, some buttons and twine. The "Dad"was made using up old Letraset rub on letters.

Don't forget the POLKA DOODLES BLOG HOP doesn't end until SUNDAY, so you still have time to enter. All the details can be found at the top of my blog.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

C.R.A.F.T - Father's Day
Craft Us Crazy - male themed
Paper Play - Father's Day
Sisterhood of Crafters - Celebrating Dad
Delicious Doodles - Father's Day

Have a great Friday and up and coming weekend everyone,

Lou
x

It's all about the colour . . .

2011-06-05T10:26:00.001+01:00

Phew what a week and so glad another one starts tomorrow! I definitely needed a wee little crafting session and was so pleased to realise that this week at Stamptacular Challenges we were being allowed to play with an Elizabeth Bell image . . . so set about making my DT card.

This week's challenge is a…

“COLOUR CHALLENGE!”

For this weeks challenge you will create a card or project using ONLY the colours shown in the photo above (BLACK, HOT PINK, TAN, and WHITE)! NO OTHER COLOURS ALLOWED! Oh…and don’t forget to stamp! After all, we don’t call this STAMPtacular for nothing! We have 2 prizes this week and you are going to definitely be spoilt for choice:

SIMON SAYS STAMP

AND

ELISABETH BELL DIGIS

Here is my photo and I struggled a little using just only the colours prescribed and so desperately wanted to add a little green but I think I have managed it . . .

I have coloured this georgous image just using only the following promarker colours: tan, ivory, rose pink and dusky pink. I wanted her to appear like she had been plucked from a sepia photograph . . . I hope she does now and not just weirdly coloured !!! Image is "Patti's Kisses" from Elizabeth Bell.

I made my backing papers (which I have subsequently covered) by stamping a butterfly image (Stamps Away) randomly and then chalking/inking my card. You can just catch a glimpse on the side of this photo. The floral frame you can see is courtesy of Little Musings and they are devine to work with and must get me some more designs!

I am also going to enter my card into the following challenges:

One Stop Craft Challenge: to add loads of texture

Delicious Doodles: Texture
Stamp Something: use a digi image
Cute Card Thursday: Embellish it!

Have a great Sunday everyone and I'm off to do a spot of gardening whilst it looks cool out there and then the dreaded trip to the dump!

Lou
x

"What'eva" day . . .

2011-06-01T09:00:00.004+01:00

OK . . . Fab'n'Funky Challenges are having a "What'eva" challenge this week to coincide with a DT and GDT call. If you are interested in either of the positions, check out the DT CALL post and the GDT CALL post for further details.

Here is my card which I had originally made for the "red, white and blue" but didn't blog or share with you all . . . so I'm going to enter it into this weeks challenge.

I have used aTilda image coloured with promarkers, nestled her amongst banners and a huge cupcake. Papers are from SEI and free in a magazine recently. Finished off with some card candi for added subtle bling.

Gotta dash as loads to sort out this week but thanks for popping by,

Lou
x

Stamptacular DT and challenge

2011-05-29T06:00:00.000+01:00

Well I am a very proud bunny today as Priscilla from Stamptacular contacted me to ask if I would like to be part of the DT. Well . . . uuummmmm . . . let me think . . . OF COURSE and this is my first official week . . . so please be gentle with me!!!

This week's challenge is a…

“BUGS or BOYS!”

For this weeks challenge you will create a card or project with either BUGS or BOYS on it. Create a card with both and you’ll have your name entered TWICE into this week’s drawing for our fabulous prizes and the sponsors for this weeks challenge theme are THE PAPER SHELTER (PRIZE: $10 Gift Certificate) and SPESCH STAMPS (PRIZE: Winner’s Choice of 3 Digi Images). Oh…and don’t forget to stamp! After all, we don’t call this STAMPtacular for nothing!

So I have dusted off a very unused stamp for this weeks challenge . . . in fact this is the first time it's been inked . . . ! Also being a good girl, as it's my first week, I have included both a boy and a bug.

Stamps: Edwin from Magnolia

Papers: MME

Rub-ons: Imaginese

String, gems & button from stash

Frog cut from a sizzlet die

Dragonfly stamp: Stamps Away

Grass bits have been hand cut!

Edwin has been coloured with Promarkers and subtle white gel pen highlights (!). I wanted to add some string to my card, so did some cross stitch with it to add texture. Edwin originally was running in mid air, which annoyed me a tad, so quickly cut out some grass and added it along the bottom. I think he now looks like he is running in a field.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Polka Doodles Challenge and Blog Hop

2011-05-27T09:00:00.013+01:00

WOW it's Friday already and I am shattered. We have had a great time at school this week doing lots of science activities and of course Art & DT ones too on our chosen theme "Water". I aM so glad it's half term next week as it will take me all that time to recover . . . and tidy up!

Well the theme this week over at Polka Doodles is . . . make a MALE themed project". Why do crafters squirm when we have to do the dreaded MALE/BOY cards? The one's that completely throw me are the awful MALE TEEN cards . . . other than the recipients are a whole new evolutionary species . . . they also have so many things that they are into these days, it's hard to know where to start! Well I cheated . . . but only a little . . . and made a card for my adorable nephew who turned 4 on Monday . . .

I have used the "Fathers Day / Family" downloadable kit from Polka Doodles for all the papers on my card, plus on all the stars. However the robot toppers/ elements are from the "NOT for girls" CD. Teague's name has been made using left over rub-on letters from various alphabet sheets and they have been mounted onto "Fathers Day / Family" papers. A little manly twine for an added embellishment . . . only because ribbon wouldn't do and my card is finished.

Now I know by now you are shouting at your PC for me to stop waffling and explain about the Polka Doodles Blog Hop and here goes . . . .

start at the Polka Doodles Challenge Blog and then follow each of the DT blogs in order.

collect a WORD from each of the DT blogs . . . keep these in a SAFE PLACE as you will need these words at the end of the blog hop as they give you a special message !!!! Can't say any more !!!

Each DT member is offering candy along the hop, so make sure you comment on each of their blogs to be in with a chance of winning some yummy candy.

The blog hop will end on Sunday 5th June (noon GMT), so you have a while to enter and also hop along with us!

There will also be a prize offered on the main Polka Doodles Challenge blog too, so you have oodles and oodles of chances of winning.

OK . . . you should of hopped over here from En's (Envys) Blog, collected her word and of course entered her candy draw . . . you now need to collect my word, which is . . . remember . . . and now don't forget to enter my candy draw before hopping over to Em's Blog.

Here's a photo of the goodies I am offering one lucky winner . . .

. . . the new Sprinkles of Kraft CD and a selection of stamped images from the NEW Wonderland stamp set. I will also be sending 5 other runner's up a selection of the same stamped images too (with a few extras thrown in!). Please note that Nikky has given ME permission to stamp a selection of images and share them as prizes for the Blog Hop only.

Have fun hoping and thanks for popping over to see my card and join in with all the fun!

Lou
x

Ummmm cute and cuddly

2011-05-25T09:00:00.001+01:00

can be interpreted in may ways and I have probably stretched the remit just a little but I'm sure the girls over on the Fab'n'Funky DT won't mind too greatly . . . !

I just adore this image by Di's Digi Downloads an just had to use it for this weeks challenge. You all have to agree that his is indeed one "cute and cuddly" baby ?!?!?

I have only coloured the baby part of the image (with promarkers) just to make this lickle cute stand out and then cut the coloured image out with a Nellie Snellen die. I have then threaded some adorable bias ribbon through the loops to soften the effect. Simple mat and layering using up scraps from my scrap box . . . see there is a reason why I keep all these bits !?!?!

The background card was cut out using a MS punch and I'm loving the loopy look. Sentiment is a rub-on I found in a box (!) but am unsure which company it is from. Well now you've seen my project, I hope you agree that I can cheekily enter this card as my Fab'n'Funky DT card.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Fab'n'Funky Challenges - theme is "Cute and Cuddly"
Make It Monday - anything goes
Shabby Tea Room - baby theme
Stamps R Us - use a digi image
I Did It Creations - anything goes
Fuzzy Wuzzy Challenges - baby (with animal)
Papertake Weekly - pastel colours

Art and Science week is going really well and we have been making fog silhouette pictures with powder paint, sand and acetate today!

Lou
x

TGI Friday . . .

2011-05-20T09:00:00.007+01:00

. . although to be honest this week has flown by . . . so quickly days are blurring into one . . . or is that old age? Well before I begin, I must ritualistically embarrass my son LUKE (who probably doesn't read my blog . . . but you never know . . ) by saying "GOOD LUCK" with your exams his A'Level exams start today! He's got 11 different exams in all to sit and is a little peeved as some of his friends only have 4!

Now onto the Polka Doodles challenge this week which is to make anything but a card. Unfortunately I don't have any birthdays now for a while so couldn't think of what to make . . . . so made a tag instead!

I've made a tag using my newest "love" . . . the Wonderland rubber stamp set. These are just so much fun to play with; getting messy and inky . . . uuuummmm heaven! The papers are also from the Wonderland CD which go beautifully (not surprisingly! lol) with the stamps.

All the images have been coloured with Promarkers. The cards are from an old battered deck we had in a drawer and complete my tag. The ribbon bit which has the sentiment on, is actually folded paper and is actually 3D'd !

Oooohhhhhhh before I forget (and also as a reminder to myself . . . only joking Nix and Ruth), next week there is something exciting happening over at Polka Doodles and it's a . . .

I am also entering my tag into the following challenges:

Creative Craft Challenges - distressed or vintage theme this week
I Love Promarkers - use promarkers and an animal
Little Miss Muffet Challenges - tags or banners
The Paper Shelter - distress
Digi Design House - anything but a card
Paper Romance Challenges - anything but a card
The Rubber Cafe - vintage style tag

Well gotta dash as have loads to do today/tonight/this weekend as its Arts and Science week at school next week and as the Art & DT Co-ordinator, I've got oodles and oodles to do. I am hoping though to have a good nose around blog land on Sunday, so can't wait to catch up with you all then,

Lou
x

What a month!

2011-05-19T22:02:00.000+01:00

It just seems that I finally get organised . . . well in my head I do (!) when things literally knock you sideways and recovering from them takes longer than anticipated. Could waffle for hours about all the sad stuff but then decided to lighten the mood before this post becomes very heavy indeed!

Well one thing I am going to share is my complete numptiness this week with a certain technical object . . . my camera. Went to take photo's of DT cards and the blasted thing wouldn't work and kept throwing up error messages. I was becoming increasingly frustrated as nothing worked and then I was reminded (rather cheekily I might add) of the fact that I have an instruction booklet . . . who seriously reads them all the way through? I flick through the sections that I want to know about and ignore the rest! Anyhow it turned out that the error message was the camera telling me that I had to reset the number counter . . . bingo . . . job done . . . and then the blasted thing sprang back into action. Only took me 5 days to work it out !

Now I have finally photographed my Fab'n'Funky DT card . . . which should of appeared on Wednesday (!) and here it is . . .

This week F'n'F is sponsored by PaperMakeup Stamps and I have used "The Heart Fairy" image, coloured with promarkers and a little glitter on the wings. The theme over at F'n'F was to make your own flowers and I have used a heart punch to make mine.

Lots of mat and layering, a few fancy edged punched border, my "blooms", several buttons and gems . . . et voila . . . !

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Fab'n'Funky Challenges - make your own flowers
Papertake Weekly - bloom or grow theme
Crafty Creations - use a flower
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog - anything goes

Truly Scrumptious - anything goes

Well better get my act together and get some more posts written as I've made loads of stuff but either haven't had the time to blog them or couldn't use the camera properly to take photo's !!!

Lou
x

2 cards today

2011-04-22T09:00:00.000+01:00

only because I found it hard to take decent photos of the cards. Acete and white on white cards do not make for easy photographs . . . especially if you're naff with a camera like me!

I have made another A4 card using the "A Double Sprinkle of Kraft" CD for the Polka Doodles challenge this week and have had a play with the alphabets section. Now I'm not at all computer savvy but I managed to make this huge topper very easily using Publisher (which is a normal desktop operation on my PC). I have used the cute daisy paper, layered some spotty strips and then finally placed my words on top. I have decoupaged some of the letter to give a further 3D feel. Also in a moment of madness (!) I have covered the huge topper with an acetate dome . . . which has then made it very hard to photograph my card! Card finished with oodles of yummy card candy.

Papers & alphabet: A Double Sprinkle of Kraft

Card candy

Acetate

Whie & Kraft card: Stampin Up

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Fab'n'Funky - theme of "here comes the Bride"

My 2nd card is for Fab'n'Funky Challenges and I wanted to have a go (!) at making a simple, unfussy card . . . . which for me is nigh impossible normally but I perserved and desperately tried very hard not to keep adding to it or even ink/chalk around the edges.

White card: Stampin Up

Ring & dove embellishment: found in a drawer hiding

Ribbon: from stash

Roses: Wild Orchard Crafts

I am also entering my card into the following challenge:
Simon Says - theme "emboss it"

Well I'm off to enjoy the sunshine some more and the decoratingcan now wait . . . until the weather becomes naff again!

Lou
x

Oh no. it's Friday . . .

2011-04-15T09:00:00.002+01:00

which means one week of the Easter Hols has flown by with a blink of an eye! Eeekkkk, still got loads to do and time is again against me! One thing we are doing here is decorating and I have 2 helpers (unwilling and unpaid ones) to work off their combined debts to me. You wouldn't believe the moaning that is going on . . . if only they put the same effort into the decorating, we'd be done really quickly. Luke is playing "my hand hurts" card but all he has to do is undercoat the paint work with his working (loose term) hand and Aaron is crying out "child slavery". I am determined to ignore them and have decided to crank up the volume on my IPod and drown out their noise!

Anyhow, Friday is Polka Doodles day and the theme chosen by Emma is "Weddings" . . . which if I have to be honest, I do struggle with . . . but then again, practice makes perfect I suppose.

Papers, image & rose embellies: A Double Sprinkle of Kraft" CD

Sentiment: unknown

Ribbon: from my stash

Diecuts: Marianne Design

Kraft card: Stampin Up

I have used the NEW "A Double Sprinkle of Kraft" CD for the image, papers and the majority of embellies on my card. The image has been framed and then I have used the roses embellishment sheet as a backing paper (because I can!), cut into 4 and then layered onto Kraft card. An additional layer of backing paper underneath, scalloped using my SU punch and then layered onto more kraft card.

I then used a Marianne Design Creatables die to cut my swirls (vines) and then decorated them with rose buds (from embellishment sheet). The sentiment was stamped several times so that I could add the hearts to it (for added drama!) but unfortunately I can't remember who made it. I have added a ribbon veil and handcut top hat to the owls to make them look more "wedding - e"!

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Paper Crafting Journey - theme "use a freebie" - well the CD was my freebie . . . thanks Nix x
Papertake Weekly - add dimension to your card

Well better get back to "cracking the whip" or they will have downed their tools !!!

Lou
x

Whoops . . . been away longer than intended!

2011-04-13T09:30:00.004+01:00

Well it's not quite a month since my last blog post . . . just 3 weeks this time! Unfortunately my eldest son broke his hand (badly) and it was not a simple "cast it" and then "walk away" break. When he phoned to tell me, I was obviously worried but with an added extra worry . . . he sits his A'Levels in 4 weeks time. Luckily it was his left hand and not his dominant right hand . . . phew.

Well I have finally finished my Fab'n'Funky DT card and what took me so long was I couldn't decide what sentiment to use, so after much faffing on behalf, I haven't added one and will do so later.

Papers: Pink Petticoat and Craftwork Cards

Image: Robyn's Digital Fetish

Flowers from Wild Orchard Crafts

Butterfly: Stamps Away

Sentiment: Stampin Up

The theme this week is "Spotty and Dotty" and I have had a great time using up spotty paper scraps to make my card. The image is from Robyn's Digital Fetish which has been coloured with Promarkers and then layered with oodles and oodles of 3D foam pads. All the flowers are from Wild Orchard Crafts and if you haven't shopped there before, I highly recommend the "shopping experience" as the flowers are "divine" and the difficulty is knowing when to stop adding bits into your basket!

The card is for a friend of my Mum's and I wanted to add a witty "tea or brew" related sentiment but didn't find any I liked or more importantly, would fit in the space I had left in the top right hand corner! Any suggestions . . . or at this stage I think it would be easier to add the sentiment/quote to the card insert.

I am also entering my card to the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly - to add dimension to your card
Wild orchard Challenge - theme is "wings"

Right off to the hospital this morning with"himself" for another check up, but hope to be able to catch up with you all later today.

Take care,

Lou
x

I'm back . . .

2011-03-25T17:05:00.001Z

. . WOW, it's been a month since I last blogged and unfortunately in that time I was very ill. It started out with a Kidney infection but then went further . . . my body decided they didn't like the tablets I had been prescribed and had a large hissy fit! Ooohhh, I didn't know what to do first and saw far too much of my bathroom. Have to say at first I thought I had a tummy lurgie but it went on far too long, so went back to the Dr's and was then given a carrier bag of stuff to take away to solve my problems!!!Finally this week was the first time in an age that I have felt remotely "human" again.

I also have something to share with you all; my Polka Doodles Challenge card. The theme is "Spring has sprung" and it's also our Stashbox Stamps week too. That simply translates as use any other stamp company with your Polka Doodle products. Nix loves to see peeps use their PD stuff with other companies products which highlights how versatile all the products really are. Anyhow, enough of the waffle, here is my card:

Papers: Polka Doodles Back to Nature CD

Image: Tilda

Butterflies: Stamps Away

Sentiment: SU

Embellies: Card Candy, Prima flowers (coloured with chalks) and flourish diecut

I have used a Tilda image (coloured with Promarkers) and papers from the Back to Nature CD. I adore the bunting paper and use it whenever I can. The large scallops are made using my circle punch and mounted onto the reverse. I have also used loads of yummy card candy too.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Colour Create: inspirational photo
Little Red Wagon: use butterflies
Simon Says: Mothers day or girlie
PF P: in the garden

Now, I have loads of blogging to catch up with and am looking forward to a quite night in, checking up on crafting land . . . I am soooooo drooling at the prospect . . is that a little sad?

Lou
x

Encouraged by En!

2011-02-25T18:19:00.000Z

Well the ever so talented En (Enfys) is having a wee little Letraset competition on her blog at the moment, so I had to enter! I have coloured a squillion images to make into cards and then found none really inspired me any further . . . not a good start me thinks. Any hoo, I finally settled on the Pink Cat Studio digi image which was one of the images I had coloured in my frenzy and a "quick" card idea popped into my head . . . phew!

Papers: Polka Doodles (Paper Botique 3)

Image: Pink Cat Studio

Sentiment: SU

String: from stash

I made a simple birthday present by layering plain and decorative papers and as finishing touch some manly string . . . lol . . The image was coloured with Promarkers adding subtle white gel highlights. It has then been double mounted and placed in front of the present . . . a really quick card to make once I had settled on an idea in my head!

Promarker "blended" colours used:

Powder Blue & Pastel Blue

Forest Green & Pear Green

Ice Grey 1 & Cool Grey 4

Tan & Cinnamon

Pumpkin

Ruby

I can't get the photo I took of the blended colours to look like the colours (!) so will try scanning the swatch in and then add it to this post . . . bear with me as I have to try and remember how to use our scanner!

Why not have a colouring session and enter En's giveaway.

Lou
x

Stashbox Stamp Week ?!?!?

2011-02-25T11:59:00.000Z

Welcome to another Friday and a Polka Doodle challenge! Enfys set the challenge for this week and the Polka Doodle team have a new element to the challenge too this week, which we are going to make a regular feature once a month. We are calling it Stashbox Stamp Week, which basically means that we can dig out our favourite stamps and use them with our Polkadoodle papers and pretties. Of course, our favourite stamp may well be a Polka Doodles one...but that's okay too. Enfys also made one more stipulation - two ribbons and a charm (it can be home made with shrinky dink, threaded beads, or whatever takes your fancy).

I made 2 cards for this weeks challenge . . . one for a boy and one for a girl!

I have used a set of stamps from "My Favourite Things" and all the papers are from the Paper Boutique Volume 3 CD. The images have been paper pieced an covered in Crystal Lacquer for added "shine"! Pleated ribbon is made from paper and additional ribbon(s) from stash.

Unfortunately I couldn't find a charm or any shrink plastic to make one . . . . and local craft shop didn't have any shrink plastic either . . . so have used a glitter bead thing as my charm. I made a "boy" and "girl" card using the same paper designs just changing the background paper to co-ordinate with my dinosaur.

Well this has taken nearly 2 days to upload as we are having severe computer problems . . . will be back later (fingers crossed).

Lou
x

Uuuuummmmmm chocolate!

2011-02-18T10:11:00.000Z

That's the theme chosen by Saskia our "Belgian choclat gir"l over at Polka Doodles and now that I have my printer back on line . . . happy, happy, happy dance at Chez Lou . . . I knew straight away what I wanted to do to fit this weeks theme. All papers, topper images and sentiment are from the fab Sundae of Seasons CD which is simply choc-ker (get the pun?) with images, papers, sentiments, digi images . . you name it, it's got it.

Papers: Sundae of Seasons CD from Polka Doodles

Topper elements: as above

Bias binding ribbon & flowers: Orchard Crafts

Lickle word sentiment: written by ME!

Gems from stash

Hearts made with X-cut punch

I made a pocket on the front of my card to put my cake bits and bobs onto with some bias binding ribbon along the top to finish it off! The little sentiments were written by me, chopped up, mounted on chocolate paper and then added . . . however the brown protruding bit in the mixing bowl is not meant to be there!!! Only just noticed it when I uploaded my cards.

As you can the large tag is removable and has a sentiment topper added (which is also on the CD). I have added some hearts, gems, a lickle flower and the softest bias binding ribbon ever!

I am entering my card into the following challenge:

Colour Create - colour combo of "Chocolate, Strawberry and Cream"

Right gotta dash and get showered as have to take Aaron to the doctors. I can't cope with his hacking cough any longer and am in desperate need to be able to get some sleep . . . mind you, so does he too!

Lou
x

Make your own . .

2011-02-16T16:54:00.005Z

embellishment is the theme at Fab'n'Funky Challenges this week and I have had a play with my glimmer mists and embossing powders. My printer was still out of action when I made my DT card but I have good news . . . MY PRINTER NOW WORKS! Ooooohhhhh, can't wait to fire it up and print off some designs . . . but have promised my inks, stamps & embossing powders that I will not neglect them again!

My "hand made" embellishments are my decorated ribbon, flowers and butterfly.

Papers: Perfect Papers by Pink Petticoat
Sentiment: ET of Vibgyor Crafts
Bobble ribbon from Polka Doodles

I have used Pink Petticoat papers which I have distressed, glimmer misted and then embossed with clear embossing powder. The huge "Dream" sentiment has also had the same treatment!

I made the butterfly by cutting out the image on my craftrobo and then making additional wing layers with acetate and papers. All have had the same treatment as the papers! I added gems to the butterflies wings, thorax and abdomen.

My flowers are heart shapes joined together with a little paper rose in the middle (which chalked and inked edges). Finally my ribbons have been sewn together with beads and sequins.

Phew think that's everything but should say that the card is 8"x8" in size and is for my Mum's birthday . . . just hope she likes it now!?!?! She's a card maker too and a very fussy one! lol

I an entering my card into the following challenges:

Party Time Tuesdays - have used their sketch
Ooh La La Challenges - make something for someone special . . . this is for my Mum
Allsorts - theme is "it's all about the sentiment"!
Creative Cottage: Fabulous Florals
Little Red Wagon - use your mist!
Simon Says Stamp: Make your own embellishment

Well better go and get the tea on as the hoards are starting to hassle me!

Lou
x

Not quite sure . . .

2011-02-11T09:00:00.000Z

. . if I'm 100% sure that this card is balanced or maybe it's just too neat for me!!!

Over at Polka Doodles this week we have the theme "That's Amore" but the twist is to create your project with a Love Song in mind ! Uuuummmmm . . . not a "love song" sort of person so struggled to think of a lovey dovey song that I liked and having no working printer at the moment frustrated me further! Well after looking through my "toones" on the computer, finally decided on "Truly, Madly, Deeply" by Savage Gardens. If your not sure what it sounds like, check out this link on You Tube . .

I have used the ever so versatile baroque style stamp from the "Daisy Doodles" collection to create all my detail; the border strips & the lickle toppers. A little embossing, velvet ribbon and shocking pink vellum add a touch of texture to the card along with some gems and metal staples (used as hangers)! Decorative edges created with a Martha Stewart punch and sentiment using Doodlebug rub-ons.

A quick, simple card and am falling in love with Kraft Card all over again . . . could you guess . . ! I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Flutter by Wednesday's - use at least 3 hearts
A Spoon Full of Sugar - "let's see some love"
Papertake Weekly - "Have a heart"
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - "hearts gone wild"

OK . . have a busy day today as we're off to the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge to have a nose around and then join in some Greek themed workshops.

Have a great Friday everyone,

Lou
x

Still no printer

2011-02-09T09:00:00.001Z

but I have been reliably informed by the tech savvy lads in my house that the doofer that fits the whatsit, that in turn sends a message to wherever and possibly is now whistling in the wind (!) will be back on line very soon . . . as you can see tech jargon is totally lost on me and in fact, inconsequential to my crafting needs ! Suffice to say my Wifi printer will now work . . . very soon!

Anyhow, as I couldn't print off (again) any digi images, I have been using pre-printed stash or just saying "hi" to long neglected crafting stash and whilst blogging the other night was really taken by the JUGS sketch and challenge this week. So this is what I came up with . . .

I loved the idea of just putting everything in the top of the card and letting the other parts be "free". However, I have changed mine a little by using a Kraft DL sized card . . hey crafter prerogative. It also help me create my Fab'n'Funky DT card this week as the theme is "Tempting Textures".

All my "tempting textures" are: 1) embossed background, 2) embossed flower, 3) ribbon (1 is velvet) and finally a felt butterfly. The sentiment is from (ET of Vibgyor Crafts) and I made the flower using scraps of paper. The felt butterfly was in one of my many "bits and bobs" boxes!

In short, I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Fab'n'Funky - theme is "tempting texture"
JUGS - brilliant sketch
Shabby Tea Room - "Sweet Hearts"
Papertake Weekly - "Have a Heart" - 2 layers of my flower are made from hearts and a lickle heart on the sentiment.

Gotta dash as it's very late and I have loads to do before the end of today, especially as I need to be up with the birds in the morning.

Lou
x

Whoops . . .

2011-02-04T19:36:00.004Z

. . . so busy being organised yesterday that I forgot to post my Polka Doodles DT card!!! I can't believe how empty my head can be at times . . . gonna blame it on the hair dye finally permeating through the follicles into my brain !

The them this week was "Amore" or translated "anything with a heart on it" ! I still have no printer but managed to find some PD paper I had previously printed off to help make my card. I have used one of the NEW Magic Neighbours stamps, coloured with Promarkers.

The flower was made using bits and bobs I found, plus some hearts punched out of the paper. Button centre with wire threaded through and 2 glitter heart buttons.

The lovely Claire (Hope Jacare) designed the stamps for Nix/Polka Doodles. Nix was demonstrating these on Create and Craft last weekend and not surprisingly, they flew out the door.

Off to clear up my crafting mess and sort out my stamps . . . gonna part with some soon as it's a shame that they are sitting idle in a box, when others could "love" them more than I am !

Lou
x

Technology woes!

2011-02-02T09:00:00.002Z

We recently bought a new all singing and dancing router which could near enough "walk on water" and guess what . . . yep, it's thrown a male type strop!!! It can't handle too many thngs at the same time (just like a man; not able to multi-task) and just keeps cutting out on us all . . . the worst part is that I can't get the wireless printer to work properly and therefore can't use any of my digi images or papers . . . complete pain in the bottom. I wouldn't of minded so much if the lads hadn't chucked out my old Epsom printer (really old, much loved) which I could of just plugged in and printed away to my hearts content . . . technology, men . . . ggrrrrr!

OK, the Fab'n'Funky theme this week is a colour combo of "Chocolate and Blue" and we are sponsored by Dude Time Doodles. I so wanted to use one otheir images but due to my printer woes . . . couldn't! So had to dust off my stamps and play with some ink for a change.

I have used "Summer by the Sea" set from Stampin Up and have coloured it using only 5 different promarkers ( and a sneaky bit of white gel pen!) I got the idea after seeing Nix's demo on Create and Craft this weekend (Nikky from Polka Doodles) and wondered if I could copy it and also whether it would work with any stamps. Sorry for the poor photo but the card looks very Sepia toned in real life . . with a modern twist of course.

Here is a close up of the image and simple colouring style used to achieve this effect.

Edited to add - promarkers coloured used are: blush, tan, cinnamon, henna & cool grey 4

I also decided to make a strip using only the flower bit from the main image. I have repeated it and then coloured using the same technique as the topper. The card is finished off with some gems and 2 acetate butterflies. The sentiment is also from the same set.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Fab'n'Funky: colour combo "Chocolate and Blue"
Passion for Promarkers: Photo inspiration
Sketchy Colours: colour combo of "Blue, Brown & White"

Cute Card Thursday: I have used their great sketch

Stampacular Sunday Challenge: theme is "Whateva"

Now I need to get me some internet time and catch up with some serious blogging. Take care and hope to visit really soon,

Lou
x

Thank goodness it's Friday!!

2011-01-21T20:48:00.004Z

We have so many children off school at the moment with colds and coughs, I am relieved to be home away from all the flying germs. They'll all decend on me at half term instead!

Well Mr Blogger didn't play ball this morning with my Polka Doodles card but that could have had something to do with the fact that I put in the wrong date . . . but sssshhhhhh, don't tell him! The them was "Home Sweet Home" and it was to make a project linked to the home/ New Home / present for the home . . . well anything home related. I have made another quick card with simple mat and layering plus a bit of pyramage ( a first for me!) . . .

All the elements are from the Sugar Birdies CD but apologies for no sentiment. I made 4 different ones and couldn't make a decision which looked the best, so in the end, didn't put any sentiment on . . . maybe I'll try again in a couple of days !

Off for a little cyber surfing now . . . birthday money to spend and the sales are still on!

Have a great weekend,

Lou
x

2 cards to share

2011-01-19T19:44:00.004Z

Hi everyone,

How has your week been? Mine has been relatively uneventful but still "full" with little time to craft at the moment. However I did try and organise my photo's last week to make it easier to blog when away from home . . . guess what? . . . it didn't work and that's why there was no photo on my post last week . . . ! Gone back to my old method and am very happy, even if it does mean that I have just proved to my children that I am technologically challenged!

OK the first card is my "warm and toasty" card where the theme last week was to use warm colour tones in your projects for Fab'n'Funky Challenges. It's a simple matt and layer card but I love it all the same.

Papers: Pink Petticoat "Fairy Lights"

Butterfly cut on Craft Robo
Flowers, ribbon & gems from stash

I have coloured the butterfly with Shimmer Mist (Gold) and then embossed with clear embossing powder.

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Digital Tuesday - the theme is "Tropical Warmth"
Flutterby Wednesday - to use a butterfly, fairy or angel
Pile It On - "anything goes" theme this week

My next card is for this weeks Fab'n'Funky Challenge which is called "Animal Magic" and I have used a Robyn's Digital Fetish image which is so cute but not (if that makes sense?!?).

Papers: Polka Doodles "Back to Nature" CD
Ribbon recycled from packaging
Flowers from stash
Hearts made with Fimo

Another quick card to make (40 mins including the colouring) and have to say am loving the colour combo on this one . . . that is strange from a "non-pink" person.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly - ribbons and pearls
Passion for Promarkers - theme this week is "all you need is love"
Secret Crafter - theme is "with love"
Sketch Saturday - I used their FAB sketch this week
Pile It On - "anything goes" theme this week
Creatalicious Challenges - theme is to use ribbon and "love" theme

OK better dash as I have to prep for class tomorrow. I am hoping maybe able to pop on here later to catch up with you all . . . ,

Lou
x

Warm and toasty . . .

2011-01-12T22:14:00.000Z

. . is the theme of Fab'n'Funky Challenges this week in an attempt to banish the grey, rain/snow clouds away and encourage the sun to say "hi" even if it is for a little while!

Also as it's my birthday this week, I am sponsoring the challenge and the lucky winner could win a download of their choice from Pink Petticoat. So if you want to win one of Liz's great kits, why not join in with this weeks challenge . .

My card is for a work colleague whose birthday is on Saturday and I have used the ever so versatile "Fairy Lights" paper kit, which although designed with Christmas in mind, can definitely be used at other times in the year.

Hope everyone's week has began on a good, if not reasonable note,

Lou
x

Polka Doodles New Year Wish!

2011-01-07T09:00:00.002Z

Now it's been a eon since I have been able to join in with my fellow Polka Doodlers and this year I have decided that I will always take the time to participate as Nikky is very generous with her time & products and always supports her DT. Ooohhh before I forget you can see Nikky on Create and Craft TV this Saturday showing off the new Po lka Doodles CD - Paper Boutique Vol 3. She has 2 live shows at noon and 3pm . . . so don't forget to watch and support her.

Now this weeks Polka Doodles Challenge was set by Emma who has asked that we design our project based upon "A wish for the New year".

My wish for this year is to always be "So Thankful" for all that I have; all the people I know (family, friends & work colleagues) . . . basically what I am saying is to always be thankful even when times are hard. I have used papers from the "All Around and Everywhere" CD and all the topper elements, flower, measuring tape and including the sentiment is from the Spring section on the "Sundae of Seasons" CD.

I have further embellished the card with sewing paraphernalia - buttons, threads, bias binding as my ribbon, wonder web for the bow and several pins!

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

JUGS - used their great sketch from last week although it has morphed a little with all the embellies but the basic sketch is still there!
Allsorts - theme "Thank You"
Phindy's Place Challenge - theme "Give thanks" however there is an added bit "to use up your scraps". My scraps are the bits and bobs that were lying around in my sewing box . . . can I classify these as scraps?
Cute Card Thursday - theme is "out with the old" and my "old bits" are the bits raided from my sewing box which I have had for ages and ages.
Totally Papercrafts- theme "say thankyou"

So happy it's Friday . . . only been back at school 4 days and feel like I haven't had a break ! !

Lou
x

Phew . . . finally made somethng I quite like !!!

2011-01-05T20:49:00.004Z

I hope everyone had a Christmas and New Year and are now fully recharged for the 2011. I've taken down all the decorations and the house looks so bare . . . and larger ! Even though we were in Ireland for the festive period, we still had to put the decorations up . . . much to hubby's annoyance . . . hee, hee, hee!

Now the theme this week over at Fab'n'Funky Challenges this week was a simple one . . . "Anything Goes" . . . the DT decided to ease everybody back in slowly and allow people to make the card and/or project they needed. I have made a much needed "Thank You" card for my parents as they did loads for us to make our Christmas special and they have also had a rough ride for the last 3/4 months, so I wanted my card to be "special" . . . it's a shame my photography skills are so naff as the photo's don't do the card justice!

Papers: HOTP and DCWV
Acetate Butterflies: HOTP
Decorative frame: Nellie Snellen
Ribbon and gems from stash

Here is a close up of the butterfly element which is printed onto acetate and placed over the background one. It is a beautiful deep purple colour and very striking "in the flesh" ! I also did exactly the same to the smaller butterfly.

To create my layers, I cut the flower centre away and cut one wing on each of the butterflies. I then glued the flower portion down onto my backing card and using the remaining paper it came from, I used 3D foam to add height; this also made it appear that I had used 2 separate papers. I then further enhanced the flower image (making at more of a focal point), by framing it. This was made by cutting a frame using my new Nellie Snellen dies and then made sure that the butterfly wings were raised over this frame . . . gosh, I hope my explanation makes some sense !?!?!?

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Truly Scrumptious - fab sketch although I have had to change the sentiments location as it looked better in the other corner. OOOOOhhhhhhh, maybe I could say that I rotate the sketch 180 degrees !!!
Allsorts - to make a "Thank You" card
Papertake Weekly - "Anything goes" challenge
The Shabby Tea Room - use only 11 elements . . . gosh I've counted and counted and think I've got it right !!!
The Creative Cottage - theme is "something new" and this has to be my Nellie Snellen dies . . . and I got 4 sets from Santa this year along with my Big Shot . . . which cut the dies !!!

Have a great week everyone and must catch up with loads of blog hopping as I have missed so much this last month!

Lou
x

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T09:00:00.000Z

I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and now are ready, rested and willing to celebrate the pending New Year. So I simply want to wish you all . . .

Happy New Year everyone

Would also like to say Happy Birthday to the following people whose birthday falls on 1st Janaury:

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday Dear Sarah,
Happy Birthday to you

Have a great day "little sis" and hope the children let you have a lie in today !!!

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday Dear Ginny,
Happy Birthday to you

Hope the day is magical for you Ginny and the headache not too large !!!

Happy New Year everyone and looking forward to what the crafting New Year brings us all !

Lou
x

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T09:00:00.000Z

Just a quick message to all our my wonderful followers, DT friends and generous sponsors from all of my DT positions . . .

Merry Christmas

I hope that you all enjoy the festive season spending the time with family and friends. We all have different ways of celebrating and remembering this time of year: each way as important as the other. The last 3/4 months of this year have been very hard for my family but we have got through it and discovered that it is important to always stay in touch and support each other regardless of what we believe; especially as time is a very precious commodity and more importantly how we use our time is equally, if not more important.

To all my DT friends . . . you are stars and a source of inspiration to me which is why this hobby has become part of my family . . . well my stuff does take over the house a wee bit ! . . . so without further ado . . .

Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you as you have made this year a truly magical time for me and I look forward to spending more time with you all in the New Year.

Lou
x

Fab'n'Funky Challenges is 1 today

2010-12-01T09:00:00.002Z

OMG where has a year gone to? We're celebrating in big style today as Fab'n'Funky has reached the grand old age of ONE today and of course that can only mean one thing . . . . . .

a Birthday Blog Hop!

There are 15 prizes in total to give away - 5 will be on the Challenge Blog itself and then each DT member is giving away a prize from a generous sponsor and I have been lucky to have been sponsored by

and Liz has offered the prize of a download of your choice as the prize . . . not fair . . I want to win !

Here is my card made for my sister-n-law and has been made using the yummy Fairy Lights papers. I have made a 3D cupcake to fit the front of my easel card and then decorated it with simple embellishments. A little chalking around the edges and voila, my card is complete. I wanted to keep the card simple as my S-I-L doesn't like things very fussy and I have to say that I found this very hard to do !!!

Now to win the prize on my blog, please leave a comment on this post and I will chose a randomly chosen winner at the end of this weeks challenge. Now you should of arrived here from Sharon's blog but if you've got a little lost, just start again at the Challenge Blog. Now you need to brace yourself for another hop and head over to Andrea's blog to collect her mystery letter and also remember to comment on every DT memebers blog to win their prizes too!

Just in case here is the list to follow for the blog hop:

Ch allenge blog
(1st letter shown as a "cold colour" !)
Heidy
Ginny
Karen
Sharon
Lou
Andrea
Emma
Linds
Jenny
Suzanne
Challenge blog
(to collect your last letter which is a "hot colour"! )

Oooohhhhhbefore I forget you'll need the letter from my blog too as all the letters together form a phrase which you will need to add to the Challenge Blog to be in with a chance to win one of the FAB prizes on there too.

Have fun everyone,

Lou
x

Polka Doodles Blog Candy Winner . . .

2010-11-30T07:30:00.000Z

chosen by random.org is . . . .

June Mac at DezinaWorld

Please email me and I will get your goodies off to you ASAP. Please could you also put "polka Doodles Blog Hop Winner" int he subject line as my spam filters at the moment are going overboard at the moment !!

Many Congratulations and I hope you enjoy playing with your Polka doodles goodies as much as I do with Nikky's FAB crafting wonders.

Lou
x

Polka Doodles Blog Hop

2010-11-19T09:00:00.003Z

BLOG HOP and CANDY IS NOW CLOSED!

The theme over at Polka Doodles this week is "GIVE THANKS" and me being me have slightly twisted the theme a little! I've totally turned the theme upside down as I want to show myself "Giving Thanks" and have made a scrapbook page about my family who I am always very thankful for them being in my life. I originally made a similar page for Nikky and loved it so much thought I'd recreate it. I'm just waiting for the canvas frame to finish stretching and the page is going to be glued onto the canvas as a piece of art! The boys aren't too happy though but they're not brave enough to take it down either (when it finally goes up as need to finish decorating . . . any volunteers ?!?). All the elements and papers are from the "Love and Cherish" CD - one of my all time favs!

Aaron posing by a gargoyle . . . although I'm sure he thought it was a totem pole !

Luke nonchalantly posing but he doesn't look as confident as Aaron sitting on Dad's shoulders !

Well . . as is the Polka Doodles unabashed shy way . . . eerrrr not . . . we're are holding our very first blog hop and Nikky has gone to town with her prizes . . . OVER £400 of goodies are being given away split between the Polka Doodles Challenge Blog and ALL the DT blogs . . . . so that means that you have the chance to win 13 prizes in total !

BLOG HOP TIME!

Nikky is also giving away a further prize to everyone . . . which you can use IMMEDIATELY . . . 10% discount over at the Polka doodles shop. Just quote the code HOPPITYHOP10 when you go to check out but hurry as this code disappears once the blog hop has finished !

Now you should of hopped over from Claire's Blog (after leaving a comment on her Polka doodles post) for a chance to win her blog candy goodies and have safely arrived or landed here. To be in with a chance to win the Polka Doodle goodies on my blog (see photos below) . . .

This selection of Doodle Dewdrops

The "Windy Tree" rubber stamp . . fab for all occasions too!

The LUSH Fru Fru ribbon collection called Liquorice (I WANT these)

"Seasons Greeting" rubber stamp

plus the GORGE "Sundae of Seasons" CD

PLUS . . . I have stamped oodles and oodles of Polka Doodle images for you too.

I have used a Memento ink pad so you can use your Promarkers to colour them.

* * * (Just click on the photos and you will be taken to the Polka Doodles shop to see
the items in more detail) * * *

. . . just leave me a comment on this post and I will pick the lucky winners name (using Random.Org) on Sunday 28th November. Don't forget that to win the Challenge Blog prize, you need to visit all the DT blogs and collect the "letters" . . . (can you guess which letter I am !?!?!?!) and then unscramble the letters to form a a word or phrase posting your answer over on the Challenge Blog. That means you have oodles and oodles of chances of winning all this Polka Doodle yumminess. So what are you waiting for, pop over next to Lis M's blog and enter her blog candy draw too . . . don't forget to collect the letters . . .

Good luck everyone,

Lou
x

BLOG HOP and CANDY IS NOW CLOSED!

Another Halloween card from a non-Halloween person !

2010-10-20T07:40:00.005+01:00

It's all about "things that go bump in the night" over at Fab'n'Funky Challenges this week and I just couldn't resist using the FAB Polka Doodles Halloween papers and the Sundae of Seasons CD to make yet another Halloween card.

The house image (found on Sundae f Seasons CD) has been inked to create a subtle glow and covered with a layer of acetate. Using a MS punch on one edge, I then inked and embossed the acetate to give a "dirty" finish. A scrap of ribbon stapled randomly to some scrap corrugated card (left over from my previous Halloween card) and then finished with a button. The sentiment (from same CD as before) has been cut up and the letters mounted onto different coloured card and then placed onto the acetate wrap layer.

I am also entering the following challenges:

One Stop Craft Challenge - Halloween
Polka Doodles - So Spooky
A Spoon Full of Sugar - BOO !
Creative Craft Challenge - Trick or Treat
My Time to Craft - "Ghosties and Ghoulies and long legged beasties"

Gotta dash as loads of prep work to be done for up and coming art week at school !

Lou
x

Going spooky!

2010-10-15T10:00:00.001+01:00

Now I don't make that many Halloween cards as people in the UK don't seem to want to receive one but Ruth set the challenge this week over at Polka Doodles, so I had to rise to the challenge (as it were), so here is my spooky creation . . .

Papers from Polka Doodles Halloween download & Sundae of Seasons CD
Image from Polka Doodles Sundae of Seasons CD
Plain papers printed from Polka Doodles Not for Girls CD
Acetate and ribbon from stash

I also thought I would be clever with a piece of acetate and have created a concertina at the bottom and tied it together with a piece of string . . it's meant to look like a wonky blind (!) and gives the spider some dimension . . I hope!

Now a honoury mention has to go to the green pom pom ribbon. Nikki sent us a gorge Christmas card last year and adorned it using this ribbon . . . well I had to save it and it works so well on my spooky card. Also have to give another honoury mention to Terrie bailey . . adore her cards and when I saw her card HERE, I had to get my corrugated card out (from saved packaging) and use it on this card.

I have used the great sketch over at 2S4U as it suited the images and the idea I had rolling around in my mind . . . no comments please on the latter ! lol x

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Polka Doodles - "So spooky"
2S4U - sketch
Creative Craft - "Trick or Treat"
Cupcake Craft - Scary creatures
JUGS - to use acetate on your card

Have a great Friday everyone . . I'm off to take a group of children to play "Tag Rugby" which should be great fun.

Lou
x

Whoops . .

2010-10-14T21:09:00.004+01:00

. . . I made a little mistake with my scheduling . . . AGAIN ! I could kick myself as I have to schedule other posts on other blogs and they go swimmingly well, yet on my own blog I make continuous school girl errors! Shakes head in amazement of her own silliness . . .

Anyhow, I have 2 cards to share with you which should of appeared on Wednesday . . . ! The first card is for Fab'n'Funky Challenges whose theme this week is called "yummy, yummy, yummy"!

Papers: Pink Petticoat - Fairy Lights

Image: Pink Petticoat

I am so in love with these papers "Fairy Lights" from Pink Petticoat and have been using them on loads of my projects. Even thought they have been designed with Christmas in mind, they are just so easy to adapt for other occasions too! I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Truly Scrumptious - their great sketch
ABC Challenge - F is for Flowers

The next card was inspired by the gorgeous sketch from Friday Sketchers and knew hat I wanted to immediately. I have printed all the papers (including the plain designs) & images onto pearlescent paper which gave a love touch & sheen to the papers.

Papers: Pink Petticoat - Fairy Lights
Images - Traditional Christmas from Funky Fairy's Papercrafts
Flowers: Hero Arts
Other embellies from my stash

I also discovered, whilst rummaging, these wonderful Hero Arts flowers which I originally bought eons ago from Simon Says Stamp and had forgotten I had them . . what a sin.

I have layered the flowers and added extra wine and paper swirl bits! Technical crafting term! I am also entering this card into the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly - 3 of something - my flowers
Simon Says - recipe challenge this week
Allsorts - song title which is "Frosty the Snowman"
A Spoon full of sugar - winter wonderland
ABC Challenge - F is for Flowers
Friday Sketchers - sketch

Well off to catch up with my ironing . . . I know, I would also rather be crafting or blogging but have nothing to wear to work tomorrow!!!

Lou
x

A vey belated apology . . .

2010-10-10T21:53:00.002+01:00

. . . to Liza from Pink Candy Stripes for the great blog candy I received and as the blog title says, "Apologies" for not thanking you sooner.

Also the card Liza sent was "F . . A . . B" and her colouring brilliant - so very jealous!

Lou
x

Phew . . .

2010-10-06T19:52:00.004+01:00

crafting is NOW on properly and fingers crossed I can back to my cards ASAP ! Lots happening in Chez Lou and lets just say it's been a hectic month or so. I now have a place to craft (in peace and quiet) and my printer is back on line . . . oh how I have missed printing my papers and images. However the good news was that I have had loads of time to stamp . . . stamp some more . . . stamp even more and have loved it!

The card I would like to share with everyone is for this weeks Fab'n'Funky Challenges and the theme was chosen by all the loyal followers to the Challenge Blog - "to use a digi image". Well was beginning to perspire (ladies don't sweat !!!) because at the weekend I still had no printer and I wanted to use one of F'n'F's sponsors digi images . . . so you can see my dilemma !

Papers: Pink Petticoat
Image: Soft Pencil
Coloured with Promarkers
Ribbon & gems from stash
Snowflakes cut on my Craftrobo

Quick & simple card as felt that I had to ease myself back into the cardmaking. Sorry for the photo's location (my bedroom) but the light has been naff here and this was the only place I could get a decent photo!

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

CES Challenge Blog - Get ahead, get a hat!
Papertake Weekly - sketch
OLLCB - nothing floral
Digital Tuesday - ribbons, buttons & bling (use some or all)

Now off to make a HUGE coffee and catch up with some blogging . . . my nose is twitching as I feel loads of inspiration coming my way . . . ,

Lou
x

Sorry . .

2010-09-12T21:31:00.002+01:00

that I haven't been around much but unfortunately family stuff has arisen and fingers crossed will all be resolved this weekend.

I have been mooching around all your blogs but unfortunately haven't had the time to both mooch and comment. However I am hoping for a good session on Sunday!

See you then and take care,

Lou
x

Grabbed the apron . .

2010-08-25T10:22:00.004+01:00

. . to cook up with a recipe or 2! This does sound confusing but actually the challenge this week over at "Fab'n'Funky" Challenges in a recipe styled one!

I had to make a very long over due baby card for Nettie . . sorry it's sooooooo late Nettie . . . and used this weeks recipe to help me! The recipe required us to use 3 papers, 2 embellishments & 1 image only. I also used "Friday Sketchers" great sketch this week too.

Papers: Polka Doodles "All around and everywhere" CD
Image: My own!
Wording: Letraset rub-ons
Coloured with Promarkers
SU oval & scalloped punches
Other bits from my stash!

I wanted to personalise the card with Nettie's sons name as I just like to do that ! I made my star button embellishment thing and backed it onto one of my papers. The "dots" are also from my 3rd paper! I also pleated some paper on the side to add my "Welcome" greeting.

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Fab'n'Funky - recipe
Friday Sketchers - used their sketch
Papertake Weekly - recipe on 3, 2, 1
Cupcake Craft Challenges - blue & green

Have a great Wednesday everyone. I'm off to make myself a HUGE mug of coffee (we call the extra big mugs in our house, troughs) and then come back for a decent blog mooch.

Lou
x

Polka Doodles apology . .

2010-08-20T13:52:00.004+01:00

Apologies everyone but I didn't post last weeks card and that's because I couldn't get a decent photo of it . . . not sure these are any better mind you! We were challenged (cheers Stacey) to use acetate or vellum on our card or project. Now I'm not a vellum lover (OK shoot me later) so had to go for the acetate option . . now you can see my problem with the photo thing.

Front of card

Inside cover (to cover glue from front cover !)

Back cover (to write your sentiment)

Close up of Maggie

I have used the FAB new Fairy stamps (Maggie this time) for my card and papers are from different Polka Doodles CD's. Lots of stamping and colouring with different media - AquaMarkers, Promarkers and Sakura Gelly Roll pens. All the pages have been decorated (inside and out) as you can see from the photos'

Now this week, we were challenged to make a vintage style card and I am so into recycling at the moment that I had to use another piece of this card packaging . . . don't know what I'm going to do when it's all gone mind you !?!?! Even the red flower is a recycled item too !

Stamp: Prim Angel from Polka Doodles
Ribbons: Polka Doodles - Rustic Charm ribbon pack
Sentiment: Kolette Hall

I have used one of Nikky's fab new stamps, (Prim Angel), and coloured her with my Promarkers: loads of inking and then added ribbons & lace as the extra touch.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Cupcake Craft Challenge - recipe this week and although I haven't used 2 papers (per say), I am being cheeky and saying the corrugated card and red backing are my papers ! ! ! Can I be that cheeky Cupcake DT?
Scrap Masters Colour Combo
A Spoon Full of Sugar - theme this week is "Christmas"
Stampin for the Weekend - Anything goes
Sentimental Sundays - ribbon or lace . . . a bit of a "boob" on my behalf as I thought it read "ribbon AND lace" ! ! !

Happy Friday everyone,

Lou
x

Another one made with a sketch . . .

2010-08-18T13:17:00.008+01:00

but this time I fell in love with the scrummy "Moving Along with the times" sketch.

I have made an easel card for a friend to give to his wife for their anniversary. A great quick and easy card too as everything just fell into place . . . oh, that does make life easier when that happens!

Stamp: High Hopes
Papers: Funky Fairy "love Train"
Rub ons - Beary Patch
Ribbon and other embellies from my stash
Rose (flower) - made by me!
Coloured with Promarkers

The sad thing is I can't take a decent photo as the light here is poo along with the great non British Summer we are having at the moment. Well we all know that it will be FAB weather again once the children return to school!

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Cupcake Craft Challenge - recipe: 2 papers, 2 ribbons & 2 flowers. The main ribbon you can see but the other ribbon is used on the side of the image. Now for the 2 flowers I am being a little cheeky . . . main flower is obvious but the 2nd flower is in HH image!
Kaboodle Doodles - to use metal. I have used a wee, little safety pin to attach my tag to the ribbon!
The Crazy Challenge - to use a heart or to be "love" themed
Charisma - Easel card . . . whoops that was last weeks challenge ! (Where does time go?)
The Stamp Man - make an easel card with an "anything goes" theme!

Well better wrap this one up as have to make some lunch before my stomach starts chewing on itself !

Lou
x

Sketch Saturday really inspired me !

2010-08-18T12:32:00.005+01:00

Loving this weeks sketch at Sketch Saturday, really inspired me to make 2 cards. I was struggling for ideas as they were both for the "male species" and they can be so tricky to make and not look naff! Well I always think my cards for the men & boys look naff but actually like these 2 !

I have (selectively) ignored the little extra bits on the strip element as couldn't think of what to add to them to keep with my theme.

Card number 1: "My brother is . . . "

Papers: MME Bloom & Grow papers
Image: High Hopes (I think)
Words: Imaginisce rub ons

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:

Sketch Saturday - used their sketch!
Creative Inspirations - recycle an object on your project. I have used a piece of cardboard packaging and the twine is also reused from a recent package I received.

Card number 2: "Built Tough . . . to party hard!"

Papers: MME Bloom & grow papers

Image: Sticker I kept which was supplied with hamster cage (from 3 years ago) !!!
Words: Imaginise rub ons

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:

Sketch Saturday - used their sketch!
JUGS - Howdy Partners
Creative Inspirations - recycle an object on your project. I have used the sticker which was meant to be used on the hamsters cage . . . who has subsequently gone to "hamster heaven" ! The twine is also reused and was on a recent package I received.

Well gotta dash as have some boring housework related chores to do . . . yuk, yuk and yuk!

Lou
x

!st of a few posts today !

2010-08-18T11:34:00.001+01:00

I am in the middle of decorating but took a break yesterday as I was getting sick and tired of all the "STUFF" I had to sort through! I mean . . how much "STUFF" do we need to keep ?!?!?

My first card is for "Fab'n'Funky" Challenges and the theme this week is "Flower Power". Great, quick & easy challenge and we have a FAB sponsor too who makes the most wicked flower embellishments. I have "cased" one of my own cards from a while back as I just loved how it turned out the first time around! I know . . how vain ! ! !

Stamps: Doodle for Daniel by Stamping Bella
Sentiment: Stampin' Up
Papers: DCWV & Funky Fairy
Swirl background: SU stamping wheel

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

The Pink Elephant - ribbon and sparkle
Everybody Art Challenge - theme is "in the garden"
Colour Throwdown - sky, chocolate chip, kraft and celery. OK have to admit, if you click onto the photo you can see the green elements on the DP used for the flowers . . . I promise !
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - bow & buttons. The pearl centres of the flowers are actually buttons !

Happy Wednesday everyone and off to o another post . . . !

Lou
x

Simply "Colourific!"

2010-08-11T09:36:00.006+01:00

You would of thought that this weeks Fab'n'Funky Challenge would be an easy one . . . make a project using your favourite colours . . . but I have really struggled. I have stamped and coloured over 30 images this week; using different mediums to colour them all and still can't work out what my favourite colour blends are ! In desperation, I have made this card taking the colour inspiration from the papers . . .

Papers: MME - Quite Contrary
Image & sentiment: Babsie Fairy from Polka Doodles
Other bits are from my stash

Now whilst I like this colour combo, I wouldn't say it is my favourite . . . I think it's gotta be said that I like ALL colour blends . . . yep, I took the cowards way out! The only FAB thing from this exercise is that I now have oodles and oodles of coloured images ready to go . . . just got to remember to use them !

Here is a close up of Babsie and loving her attitude! I coloured her with Sakura Gelly Roll pens which I haven't had out to "play" for a long time . . . eeek . . . another "must remember to use" moment !

Gotta dash as off to be "Mother's unpaid taxi" this morning,

Lou
x

Recycling is so therapeutic!

2010-08-07T12:17:00.003+01:00

Last week we received something through the post and it was wrapped in all this corrugated card. I was over the moon with the stuff . . . although my family were not sure why . . . and it set my crafty ideas flowing! The string was also used to secure the corrugated card. The large felt flower was a great find: I found it hiding in a book I am reading (bought from the Oxfam Bookshop) . . . the previous owner must of used it as a bookmark! It comes in 3 layers, so I have prised it apart and can now use 2 other flowers for other projects . . . this recycling thing is just FAB !

Anyhow whilst blogging at the beginning of the week (when I had internet !), I popped over to one of my fav challenge blogs, 2S4U and have used this weeks sketch to make my card . . . with all my recycled goodies!

The main image is from a new line of stamps recently released by Nix over at Polka Doodles . . . Prim Angel and she is a dream to colour (I've used my Promarkers). This FAB paper is from the new Creative Christmas CD and comes in loads of great colours; will definitely be using more of this on my Christmas cards this year. All the hearts are hand drawn and then inked around the edges.

I am also really, really pleased to have found a use for my Whispers Ink Pads which were given to me eons ago. I never found that they worked that well giving un-crisp images and/or text, so they have been sitting in a drawer gathering dust. Anyhow I bought a new sheet of "Cut 'n' Dry" (felt version) and the ink pads have become good for inking around card edges of my card and paper; they are dry ink pads so they don't flood the felt . . . yet another form of recycling ?!?!?!

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

2S4U - have used this week sketch
Cupcake Craft Challenge - theme this week is "distressing"
Moving Along with the Times - "Christmas"
Creative Inspirations Challenge - theme is RECYCLING !

Have a great Saturday everyone and I'm off to play with my yummy goodies I received from Letraset in the week . . . well have to make them a "Thank You" card at least !

Lou
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Gggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr !

2010-08-06T10:36:00.003+01:00

My internet has been really playing up for the last 48 hours and we have had no service, slow service or intermittent service. The company have been next to useless and I felt much better yesterday after speaking to someone in Customer Services and politely venting my frustration. I try not to lose my temper with the poor person who answers the phone in Customer Services Department as it isn't their fault . . . but still needed them to know how I felt . . . especially as I have pay to call them !

Anyhow, I'll stop as I can feel the steam coming to my ears AGAIN. The internet is still playing up so have nipped to a friends house and borrowed their PC so that I could get my Polka Doodles DT card blogged in time ! We had a great sketch to follow this week as it really allowed you to go with the flow with it.

For my card all the elements and papers are from the "Not for Girls" CD and I am soooooooo in love with this image . . . in fact I want Nix to give me permission to go to a photography shop and get it blown up really, really large! I have printed the image off several times in different colours and then using one image only, have used the other images to add random bits of colour, layering wherever felt good for me! The lickle tickets are also on the CD and make a great alternative embellie.

Iam also entering my card into the following challenges:

Cute Card Thursday - theme is "whateva"!

Well better dash as I don't want to overstay my welcome as you never know when I'll need to use my friends PC again.

Lou
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"Spotty, dotty and stretchy stripes!"

2010-08-04T08:00:00.005+01:00

. . . is the theme of this weeks "Fab'n'Funky Challenge". It's not an opportunity for me to show you all my aged skin with all it's blemishes and gorgeous silvery grey stretch marks . . . that's even too scary for me to contemplate !

I have used a great digi image from Elizabeth @ Softpencil for my card and the yummy MME free papers given away in Cardmaking and Papercrafts (Issue 81).

Papers: MME Papers - Quite Contrary
Image: Softpencil
Punches : SU and Martha Stewart
Ribbon: from stash
Sentiments: Letraset rub-on lettering (various)

A quick and simple card and in real life it looks so bright and fresh . . . naff photography skills on my behalf . . . one day I will master the art of taking a fab photo of my work . . . obviously not just yet ! I am really pleased with the sun image as I have just layered some punches (Stampin' Up) and then used the loops from a Martha Stewart punch to add the suns rays . . . will definitely try this again but might make a flower next time !

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:

"Fab'n'Funky Challenge" - "Spotty, dotty and stretchy stripes
Papertake Weekly - "White and Bright" . . . not brave enough to use predominately white but hey, another idea for my technique book.
Incy Winsy Designs - "Summer Fun"
Creative Card Crew - "Cute and Girly" - I think that my card fits this theme . . doesn't it ?!?!?

Have a great day everyone and I am completely indulging myself today but putting my feet up and catching up properly with the blogging world . . . sooo many project to look at and techniques to write down in my little book !

Lou
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Blogging with a baby!

2010-07-28T12:50:00.005+01:00

I am sitting here, typing one handed with my adorable 4 week old nepew. I have surprised myself at how quickly I'm getting this post done but won't be writing much folks ! Phew, I hear you cry. Also before I forget, apologies for the photo . . I took the card with me to Wales as simply ran out of time at home but only just remembered (as I was preparing to upload) that this laptop can't edit photos . . . . so this card is in it's rare beauty mode . . . hee, hee, hee!

Image: Some Odd Girl
Papers: Mag freebie
Ribbon & button froim stash
Sentiment: my own dotty handwriting!

The theme at "Fab'n'Funky" challenges this week was "Buttons and Bows" and the lucky DT were allowed to use an image from this weeks sponsor . . Some Odd Girl. I chose this monster one and have added extra eyelashes to her ! The papers are a freebie from a mag as I a while ago I was moaning about the free papers and afterwards thought my criticism might be a little harsh, so decided to have a play. This is why my monster is as brightly coloured as she is because I took inspiration from the papers.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Simon Says - going dotty.

Lou
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OMG . . not blogged for sooooooooo long!`

2010-07-23T15:59:00.005+01:00

Nearly died of shock when I saw the date of the last time I blogged . . . eeekkkkk, gulp and whoops! In my defence I have been extremely busy and haven't had a spare moment to myself however, now that school has broken up (HUGE yippee!) I can get down to some serious R&R and also give my crafting stash a glimpse of the daylight . . . !

Well I did want to share my Fab'n'Funky project but my camera is kaput and I am waiting for my old camera to charge up so I can use that instead, so I am going to begin by sharing my DT cards for the Polka Doodles challenge this week . . ooohhhh, should add photographed a while ago before NEW camera decided it no longer liked me!

The theme this week is "Christmas in July" and was set by the lovely Kris. I have made an easel card using the new Paper Boutiques 2 CD, Creative Christmas for all the elements for my card.

The Candy Shop image comes in various sizes and I have printed the image, plus decoupage layers, in A4 and then used the layered image on an 8" x 8" card. The edging was created using my Martha Stewart punch . . . (hint, hint Nikki . . when is the loops corner punch coming back into stock ?!?!?) . . . I have created snow layers from torn card and highlighted the edges with the Baby Blue Promarker. You will even notice that the "Glitter Phobe" as actually used glitter on her card . . . OK a smidgen of the stuff but hey, small steps and all that.

Ooooohhhhh before I forget, you must pop over to the Polka Doodles blog to checkout the MEGA competition that is occurring right now . . you can win the entire set of AquaMarkers from Letraset @ a RRP of £79.99. These are the new and improved AquaMarkers.

Well off to refill my coffee mug and catch up with everyone . . . I have missed so much that I think this will take me a while . . . am I bothered . . . no!

Lou
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Weird sort of week!

2010-06-24T22:18:00.004+01:00

Yep, loads happening . . . some good, some not so good ! To end the week, I've been asked to go on the schools residential trip to support a boy with behavioural problems and the trips NEXT WEEK! Just wondering when I can fit everything in . . .

* Tomorrow off to Bristol for the University's open day
* Saturday am acting as a chaperone all day
* Sunday same as Saturday
* Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur & Fri away at residential
* Saturday acting as a chaperone again
* Sunday same a s Saturday !!!
* Monday . . back to work

Boy, oh boy am I looking forward to the summer holidays as I will need them to catch up with myself! Now onto this weeks theme at Fab'n'Funky Challenges which is "Sew and Sew" . You can use faux or real stitching or alternatively, sew something onto your project.

I went for faux stitching and then I have sewn the buttons onto my flowers. All the papers and elements are from the "All around and everywhere" CD from Polka Doodles. I made the card shape by drawing around a dinner plate and then punching out a whole load of circles to make my scallops.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Simon Says - theme is "friends"
C.R.A.F.T - colour combo this week of black, lime green & lilac

I hope to have a quick catch up on Saturday and will visit as many peeps as possible but please forgive me if I don't leave you a comment . . . not sure I could fit it all in!

Lou
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ICS #71

2010-06-22T10:46:00.001+01:00

Polka Doodles

2010-06-18T10:42:00.002+01:00

Thought I'd spend some time on here catching up with blogging buddies and realised that my post only shows my card . . . whoops !

This is the card I made for my Daddy for this Sunday and I have used loads of bits from the FAB Polka Doodles "Not for Girls" CD. It is jammed chocker with great men/boys bits.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

One Stop Craft Challenge: theme is "one for the boys"
Creative Craft Challenges: theme is "for the man in your life" . . . one of the men in my life is still my Daddy!

Back off to catch up with you all now . . . take care . . . ,

Lou
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ICS #70

2010-06-15T10:01:00.001+01:00

Sorry for my leave of absence but have been "nurse mum" for the last week or so. Aaron (youngest son) managed to hurt his neck after a friend gave him a massage ! ! He went into school & told his friends that his neck hurt because he must of slept funny, so 1 friend kindly offered to massage it for him. Apparently they carefully put they're arms around his neck, squeezed & pulled, he heard a click and felt a hot sensation running up his neck ! ! So after a while (!) in A&E, we were issued loads of painkillers & a selection on heat pads. Aaron has literally been doped up to his eyeballs which has given him a false sense of security & mobility . . . but thankfully he is now on the mend . . . but not quick enough for him to represent the school at high jump on Thursday.

Now this week sketch over at Inspirational Card Sketches (ICS) is another great one from Dawn and I have used it to make another Father's Day card . . .

All the papers and elements are from Polka Doodles "Paper Boutique" CD. The CD has a great selection of templates, papers, embellies and loads more. Just a bit of matting / layering and my card came together rather quickly. Just hope it's manly enough now . . . lol !

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

C.R.A.F.T Challenges - Father's Day
Creative Craft Challenges - "for the man in your life"

Well before I go, I thought I'd share my ICS card from last week and I used Dawn's sketch to make a Christmas Card ! ! ! My 1st Christmas card for 2010 . . . might be organised this year . . you never know !

No DP on this card, all stamped backgrounds, which have been inked and chalked. The flowers (poinsettia) have also been stamped, layered & finished with a glitter centres. For this card, I have used the "Christmas Doodles" stamp set from Polka Doodles.

Take care everyone and hoping to catch up . . . I know, I say that and never do but promise this week . . . promise . . ,

Lou
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