You're a STAR

Just a really quick post cos should have been in bed about an hour ago but know not going to get chance to post tomorrow. Had a good last bit of the weekend, went to Chester on Saturday (yay still on places I can spell lol) and then out for tea and bowling, then on Sunday we went to the Matthew Street Festival here in Liverpool, this is the first time I've actually been (how bad is that when I live here) but it was a really good day seeing all the different stages and acts, will definitely have to go again. Yesterday was a bit of a lazy day, which I think was needed after all the days of running round here there and everywhere, lazy morning and then went up to visit a couple of friends and ended up staying for a BBQ mmmmmmmm.

Anyways managed to get 2 cards done tonight, had wanted to get more done but my head has been feeling achy so didn't quite manage it lol. So anyway this is the first of tonight's cards. I LOVE this one but maybe I'm biased lol. A friend in work wanted a congratulations card making for her Granddaughter who's just passed her GCSEs, I really struggled to think what I could do with this as most of my celebratory stamps are romance themed, then I remembered my Lili of the Valley Stamp, it's actually a Christmas Stamp - he should be wearing a Christmas hat but I managed to stamp him without it and then filled in the gap. I think it works quite well and was a bit of quick problem solving there. I glittered the heart up after colouring too, not a proper card without glitter on it somewhere lol.

I would like to enter this card in this week's Papertake Weekly Challenge - Just the One, I have used one piece of patterned paper and one colour-scheme too!!!

Unfortunately they aren't brilliant photos as they don't show all the shading on the bear and the star - but it looks good in 'real-life' lol.

Supplies: 'Christmas Ted - Big Star' Stamp by Lili of the Valley, 'Love Spell' Papers by Doodlebug, Sugar-Coating by Doodlebug
Extras: White Card, Pink Ink Pad, Sparkley Ribbon

Right really am off to bed now, just realised this will be my last post in August, back on 2nd Sept with some more cards... XOX

Yay we went somewhere I can spell...

I thought I'd put on a couple of pictures from the last few days, here we are at (deep breath...) Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch on the Isle of Anglesey

After the quick stop at the station (yep I'm not typing that again lol) for pictures, we headed down to Caernarfon Castle - think I spelt that wrong last time oops. Which was really cool looking round, got some really good photos, and just realised that I've forgotten to upload 2 of the best ones, really cool effect taken infront of a window - will have to make a mental note to do that tomorrow. 

Just to prove we were here lol

After the walk round the castle and some dinner we then headed down to Beddgelert, this was the little village, we had a walk down and a look in a couple of shops so Duncan and Nel could buy presents for their family. We didn't walk down to the grave cos it was starting to rain and didn't want to risk the cameras getting wet. I'd never heard the story before but it's really sad.

Gelert's owner had left him to guard his baby son and heir, when he returned he saw the dog with blood all over his face and the baby missing, thinking that the dog had attacked and killed his son he stabbed the dog with his sword. The dog's dying yelp was returned by a cry from the son, who was found along with a dead wolf that Gelert had killed to protect the son. (I hope I've remembered that right) Awww the poor dog :'(

This was a view of part of the town.

Onto happier things.. yesterday we went somewhere that I could spell!!! without having to look it up lol, we went up to the Welsh Mountain Zoo (I'm going to ignore the fact that they'll have a Welsh name too lol) it was a nice day out (think I'd been to Chester Zoo a bit too recently to appreciate it fully lol) was really cool that you were alot closer to the animals than in the bigger zoos, we got some really cool photos of the penguins, this is one of Ian's and you can even see the droplets of water on his feathers. I'm a bit annoyed at myself that I'm left macro setting on the camera all day so didn't have so much of a zoom, doh.

For some reason the last photo doesn't want to upload so I'll have to add that on tomorrow too. But best go get ready for today now, still in PJs ooops ah well it's the weekend it's allowed. XOX

Thong Marks

I'm still away at the moment so not getting any new cards (or well anything made) for the next few days so I thought I'd share a couple of my scrapbook pages that I've made a few months ago - I know I keep saying it but I REALLY REALLY need to get back onto my scrapbooking, I've still barely scraped the surface of all my Australia trip photos and as for the rest of them I think it's going to be one of those never-ending tasks lol.

We had a fab day out yesterday, went up to Anglesey to see the train station with the longest name (don't ask me what it is now, will have to go and look it up off the photos lol - I think I'll try and post some of the photos tomorrow if I get chance) then down to Caenarven (I know I'll have spelt that wrong but hopefully you know where I mean) Castle, then we called into Beddgelert (again haven't got a clue if I've spelt that right or not) before heading back to Ian's for tea and the quiz. Needless to say slept really well last night lol. Off out again now so will try and post some pictures tonight or tomorrow of the last couple of days.

And onto the layout, this is one of my favourites, I think I challenged myself to use atleast 5 papers on a layout, and this was the result, I love it, especially the top corner by the photo where I've folded the paper over to reveal the otherside of the double-sided paper (the bi right under the watermark, oops), I think I'm going to have to try that on a card too, might as well make the most of the double-sided papers.

I think this photo was taken after a couple of months in Australia, I'm sure I've got another picture towards the end and the marks were even more noticable. The photo was taken at St Kilda beach in Melbourne, sat on a wall overlooking the beach watching all the kite surfers, on one of my last days in Melbourne. I soooooooo can't wait to go back there.

Supplies: 'Snorkel' Papers by Cosmo Cricket, 'Snorkel' Stickers also by Cosmo Cricket, Letter Stickers by Doodlebug
Extras: Black Ink Pad, Red Paint Marker

Right had best get going, more later XOX

super quick post

 Off out now just a really quick post other wise maccy's will have stopped doing brekkie

I would like to enter this card for the following challenges...

Papertake Weekly Challenge 3-2-1 (I used 3 flowers, 2 papers, 1 image (plus an extra of a sentiment but hoping that'll be OK)

Papercutz Challenge #55 Anything Goes

Stampin' for the Weekend Challenge 45 - Anything Goes

Supplies: 'Heitchedafellabella' Stamp by Stamping Bella Sentiment Stamp by Lili of the Valley, 'Pepper and Friends' Paper by Helz Cuppleditch, Words Paper by Flair Designs, Flowers by Prima, Sugar-Coating by Doodlebug
Extras: Promarkers, Gems, Purple Ink Pad

Right I'm off now, hopefully have some scrapbook pages to put on in the next few days, have a bit of a change from cards. XOX

PS did a quick edit when got in so the right supplies are now listed

PPS we made it to McDonald's in time - as I'm sure you're all relieved to hear lol

XOX

You make me SMILE all over my face

I'm so proud of myself for waiting till today to post this I was so tempted to do another post last night lol. Ha so I can resist temptation after all - though maybe not all temptations unless you don't count chocolate lol.

I was on a bit of a roll with my challenges last night, they've been great fun and got me doing different things, like actually getting one of my new stamps out of the wrapper rather than just admiring it lol.

I'd like to enter this card in the Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Week 115 this was to use the sketch from their site along with a Penny Black image, I actually stuck to the sketch almost exactly lol, just changed the ribbons so they only went over the pink paper. I love this duck stamp, so cute, one of the slapstick ones and I think I must have got it in the sale cos I've seen it elsewhere for more than double what I paid :) always makes you feel better knowing you got a bargain. It was only when I went to type up the supplies that I noticed that the papers (some of my absolute favourites) are from a collection called 'Ducks in a Row' - how spooky given the image I chose lol.

I would also like to enter this card in the challenge on Alphabet Challenge Blog this week is Q for Quotes, I'd bought this set of stamps by Inkadinkadoo probably atleast a month ago, and thought it was about time they saw ink lol. I LOVE this saying, the bottom of the stamp says it was by Ian Hobson, age 5, unfortunately I couldn't squish it in to include it. But what a cute saying. And think it goes well with the image of the two ducks hugging away lol. And before I waffle on too much longer.... here is the card :) 

And now for a close up lol

Supplies: (OK deep breath, lots to get through lol) 'Loving and Hugging' Stamp by Penny Black, 'Kids' Quotes' Stamp by Inkadinkado, 'Ducks in a Row' Papers by October Afternoon, Flowers by Petaloo, Buttons by Ladybug Crafts Ink, 'Cupcake Posies' shaped Buttons by Doodlebug, Double Dot Ribbon by Bo Bunny
Extras: White Card, Pink and Turquoise Ink Pads, Copics and Promarkers

This is the first time I've entered either of these challenges so wish me luck :)

OK well I have a load of application form related stuff to get read through tonight so I'll have to leave this as a quick post as I had best get on. Hope you like the card, I love it, even if I do say so myself XOX

Another Challenge

Wow this weekend has flown-by, we haven't had an overly busy weekend but it just seems to have gone in a flash. We had a quiet night on Friday, stayed in and watching Armageddon (I'd never seen it, and of course was in tears by the end of it - don't know what's the matter with me lately crying at all the films or maybe Ian is being mean and just keeps picking sad films on purpose). Saturday we had a quick run to the shops, then I watched Seabiscuit (I saw it when it came out at the cinema when I was in Germany and I've been meaning to watch it in English for about 6 years - not one to rush things lol) then it was time for a nap before heading over to Matt and Emma's for pizza and (for me, Emma and Kim) girly gossip. And then Sunday we had a quick trip to Cheshire Oaks followed by another nap (I LOVE lazy weekends).

I've made up for the lazy weekend this evening, I've managed to get 3 cards finished start-to-finish, as well as a load more planned :) Yay I like getting lots done when I can, has been a really nice evening sitting making cards watching chick flicks.

Well this is the first of the cards, a wedding card for one of the girls in work's sister, this Lili of the Valley image is so cute, have had a load of requests for it :) This is my entry for the LOTV Challenge 61 which is a sketch by Bev.

The top half follows the sketch, but I've made it into an easel card so I could add the greeting, wish I could find a way of photographing the glitter, none of the photos ever seem to do it justice.

Supplies: 'Wedding Couple' Stamp by Lili of the Valley, 'Pepper and Friends' Paper by Helz Cuppleditch, Sugar-Coating by Doodlebug

Extras: Wedding-Print Vellum, Lilac Ribbon, Gems and Purple Ink Pad

Hope you like it, got the CUTEST card to post next (hopefully tomorrow or Wednesday - not sure what my plans are yet). But yay am off Thursday and Friday so am a third of the way through my work week :) XOX

Glitter-fied Butterflies (Just how they should be)

A quick post meant to be in work but had to come home for some things that I need for Monday, then off to Ian's for the weekend. Going to visit Matt and Emma tomorrow (it's Emma's birthday today, it was her card that I posted yesterday, so need to remember to take it with me).

This is another of the cards from Wednesday night, I have to say this was an absolute nightmare to make, the original plan was to cut out the butterflies and make a sort of decopage but anyway colouring didn't work out, so I coloured a new image up, think they've come out quite well - even if I do say so myself lol - quite pastelly which makes a change for me. And as usual I coloured the image up without having a clue what papers I was going to use, so I then had a panic to try and find some papers that matched. But I think the over all result is really sweet.

Doesn't look as nice straight on, I don't think - though that's probably more down to my photography

And a close up of the butterflies, really wish that the glitter showed up as well on the photos as real life lol

Supplies: Stamp by Anita's, 'Sweet' Paper by DCWV, Double Dot Card by Bo Bunny, Sugar-Coating by Doodlebug

Extras: White Card, Pink Ribbon, Gems, Promarkers

Oooo and my new stamps from Ladybug Crafts Ink have arrived, I love them, especially the really cute Christmas Buttercup one - I wish I had time to start stamping now lol but had better get on. XOX 

My FIRST Bella

Just a really quick post cos I'm knackered and still need to pack my back for tomorrow, had a really productive day. Got masses cleared in work - seriously must have been smoke coming off the pen and keyboard lol, ended up finishing a bit early so didn't have to rush. So this evening I've managed to finish 2 cards completely start to finish!! I know I was well impressed with myself, especially as I didn't have a clue what I was doing for one of them.

Well here is tonight's card, this changed 'slightly' from the idea in my head lol - that was a pastel-y card with a cute little bunny stamp. But then I found my Bella stamp, I'd only got my first Bella stamps a couple of weeks ago (I love them but hadn't gotten round to looking for a UK site that sold them till then) and none of them had seen ink so thought it was about time that I used it. I thought the Elzybells sentiment was perfect for a shopping-type card - although I'm definitely going to have to use it on a food based card :)

This is my entry for Sketch # 46 on the Papertake Weekly Challenge blog, I love using sketches as a starting point. I used them alot for scrapbook layouts so I think it's a bit of a comfort zone lol, that sounds daft when I say that makes me try different ideas to what I normally do. Right well, here is the card, coloured with a mix of Copics and Promarkers, I then glitterfied the boxes, bow and shoes, I was going to do the boots too but thought that might be a bit OTT lol.

Supplies: 'Imeldabella' Stamp by Stamping Bella, 'Tempatation' Stamp by Elzybells, 'Love Bandit' and 'Alissa' Papers by Bo Bunny, Double Dot Ribbon by Bo Bunny & Sugar Coating by Doodlebug
Extras: White Card, Copics, Promarkers, Green & Black Ink Pads

Right off to pack then bed me thinks XOX

Finally finished (sort of)

Finally finally got round to doing the canvas that I started at the beginning of June, I'm still not 100% happy with it - I think it needs a darker card behind the cream to frame it a little bit better, but not sure what colour/type??? Help!!! lol.

I stuck the lace cardstock down on the painted canvas using repositionable adhesive, I thought that seemed the safest option given how tight the space was. I think it looks OK for a start lol.


Supplies: Lace Cardstock by KI Memories, Raffia by Papermania, Ribbon Charm by ATT, Beaded Felt Charm by Prima.
Extras: Cream Acrylic Paint, Cream Cardstock, Green Ink Pad & Gems

Anyways this'll just be a quick post because I want to get some more cards done, and I've found some more challenges that I'd like to try and see if I can get done, along with about 3 million other things that need doing lol XOX

Yay for Saturday 14th

I'm so glad that Friday 13th is over and done with (yay not even another one this year). Had a bit of a nightmare day in work (one of those days were none of the calculations balance and end up going cross-eyed looking for where it went wrong). Then it poured down (looked like I'd had a bucket of water tipped over me) on my way to the car, and then to top the day off the car started making a horrible noise as soon as I started it, it was still driving OK so decided that I'd make my way home, so that was a bit of a stressful journey, no radio so I could listen for any changes in the noise. Checked when I got in and part of the exhaust had come apart and was hanging down under the car, off to the garage only to find it had closed down. £-signs going round in eyes thinking how much it was gonna take to fix... Anyways took it to another garage this morning and yay it only cost £5 for 2 clips, what a relief.

I've also been having a play with the watermark - still not right but it's getting there thanks to a new program that Ian got me, just need to change the colour's a bit I think and set up Photoshop action a bit better.

Anyways onto more important stuff, like today's card...

This is my entry for That's Krafty Thursday #38 on The Spotted Chick's Blog, this is the first challenge Krafty Thursday Challenge that I've entered, the challenge was to make a card using Kraft cardstock, this was a bit spooky cos I'd never used kraft card before and had ordered some a couple of weeks ago that was still waiting to be used so this gave me the push to use it before it ended up at the bottom of the pile of paper again lol.

The crown is meant to be a 'hanging' charm but I took the loop off and covered the hole up with a red gem.

Supplies: 'Jill is Two' Stamp by Mo Manning, Flowers by Petaloo & Tissue Paper by Paperchase Extras: Crown Charm, Kraft, Red and White CS, button, ribbon & red and beige ink pads

I love this card, I used the tissue paper from Paperchase again, stuck onto white card first so the white dots shows up and then stuck onto the kraft cardstock, the only white flower I could find had yellow on the tips of the flowers but a hunt through the craft box and a red ink pad later and I think it looks OK. Right off to try and get another card done too but we'll see lol. XOX

Part 2

Right here's the rest of the post...

This afternoon was a bit of a rush, as I'd forgotten that the Lili of the Valley Challenge was now weekly, I only remembered when I was checking the blogs on my dinner, but fortunately managed to get the card finished, start to finish in an hour and a half - don't think I did half bad cos that included waiting for the ink to dry and I'm sure it knew I was in a rush and took longer than normal (thank goodness for flexi time and an early finish). Really like the way it's turned out (as usual nothing at all like I'd planned).

I coloured the image with my Promarkers (all except the face which I did with my Copics - I'm still working on the skin colours with the Promarkers lol) and then added some Doodlebug Lily White Sugar Coating, I meant to use my new chunky glitter but forgot - oh well something for next time.

Supplies: 'Baby's First Christmas' Stamp by Lili of the Valley, 'Winter Wonderland' Papers by Crafts House, Double Dot Card by Bo Bunny, Glitter by Doodlebug and Extras.. white card and pink pom-pom 'ribbon'

Anyways had best get on and try and get another card finished... XOX

4 mins to go...

Just a REALLY quick post cos I only have 4 mins to get the link on, this is my entry in this week's challenge on Lili of the Valley Challenge Blog, It's based on a sketch by Bev. I'll write a bit more in a bit, but for now time is of the essence lol...


Supplies: Stamp by Lili of the Valley, Card by Bo Bunny, Paper by Crafts House

All Coloured Out

My throat was still really bad again today, so ended up coming home from work at dinner time, so I had a nice sleep and thankfully seem to be feeling alot better now (touch wood - hoping that I've not jinxed myself now). Anyways I had ordered loads of new stamps and they all arrived over the weekend so I've spent a fair few hours this evening stamping them all up and colouring in (my colouring skills have definitely improved (even if I do say so myself lol) found some images that I coloured in when I first got my copics - cringe lol. So I'm hoping to get them turned into cards on Wednesday, I'm gutted though cos I was going to do the Lili of the Valley Challenge but forgot that the challenges are now weekly and it closes at 6 on Wednesday - not sure am out for a meal tomorrow and think I'd be cutting it very fine to try and get it in on time. Better not to rush though me thinks and there'll be another challenge next week when I hopefully will be feeling better.

Anyways what a load of waffle, here's a card for today, this is a 'Thinking of You' card Ian asked me to make, hope he likes it ...

Supplies: 'Piece of my Heart' Transparent Stamp Set by Penny Black, 'Pepper and Friends' Papers by Helz Cuppleditch, Flowers by Prima, Gems and Glitter by Doodlebug

Well I think I'd better get myself to bed - don't want to stay up too long and make myself ill again. Will get some cards done on Wednesday - I think I'm going to do the card challenge anyway even if I don't enter as it makes me do something different. Night all XOX

Mr and Mrs

Just a really quick post cos feeling bit ill again today, throat is bad AGAIN, really hope it's not turning into tonsillitis again, temp is normal so far so fingers crossed.

We went a wedding party last night, one of Ian's mates got married in France a week or so ago and they had a reception last night. So after a bit of drama with the accomodation (the B&B we were meant to be staying in didn't look that nice and then there was dogs in the window, Ian's alergic to dogs and they hadn't mentioned them on the phone :S so anyways we ended up in a different hotel that was a lot nicer :) ) So anyways it was a really good night and here's the card I made for them...



Yay I got to use the Lili of the Valley stamp again :) really need to get some more papers now that I've added to my collection of stamps. I coloured the image with my promarkers (other than the skin which I still use my copics for - I can't seem to get the right colour with the Promarkers - ah well am sure I'll get there in the end) then I added glitter to the flowers and the dress.

Supplies: 'Wedding Couple' Stamp by Lili of the Valley, Gold Glitter Card by Anitas, Printed Vellum and Gold Ribbon

Am home tomorrow :( but will get to have a play with all my new stamps :) can't wait. Also need to have another look for the Stampin Up Blooming with Happiness set on ebay - no luck so far :S Anyways back to bed again for now me thinks. XOX

Spending Spree

I still can't believe it's August, how scary is that, and where on earth has the Summer gone - I know we live in England but come on. I'm currently sat in bed watching repeats of Friends, stuffing my face with a chocolate orange. Got a lovely treat from my mum, when I got in from work we went and got a pandora bracelet :) and 3 charms - thank you mum xox

I've been on a bit of a spending spree the last few days, got a GORGEOUS top from Joe Browns, soon as I saw it knew I was going to regret it if I didn't get it, so thought I'd get it as part of my Christmas Day clothes - but I doubt I'm going to be able to resist wearing it before then, especially cos it's so long to try and resist lol and got some lovely new shoes and a dress - just need to invest in some magic knickers lol. Sorry got distracted by the new stuff that's arrived I've also ordered a a load of stamps from all over the place and some more doodlebug sugar-coating (I only had the lil' tiny mini bottles and the lily white was running out really quickly (I love it - works so well for snow and on everything else really because the colour shows through it), and noticed that they now do it in chunky too and couldn't resist had to see what it's like in real life lol. Oooooo so excited can't wait for it all to arrive eeek. Lol what am I like!?! I love getting it all in the post - mainly cos my memory is rubbish and there's always suprises cos I've forgotten that I'd ordered stuff.

Right I'd best get going, got to get a wedding card done now... so now for a little picture to make up for all the waffle...

This card actually started with the same sketch as the previous post, but it didn't work at all, so I ended up having to switch it all and change it, the flowers were cut out of one of the other papers in the collection and the image is mounted onto it too. I was really made up with the colouring, using a mix of copics and promarkers I managed to get the car to match the papers exactly :)


Supplies: 'Roadster Nikki' Stamp by Ladybug Crafts Ink, 'Roxie' Papers by KI Memories, Other Stuff (Black Inkpad, White Card)
Right well I had best get on, got to get bag packed for next few nights too - wish me luck - loads to remember. XOX

Challenge

Wow don't know where last week went, really can't remember doing anything yet don't seem to have had time to actually get anything done, don't you hate it when that happens!?! I didn't manage to get any cards done last week cos my back was bad - fairly certain it was sciatica, seems to be alot better now but it meant that couldn't sit and get any cards done which was really frustrating as I had loads of ideas in my head, and typically as soon as got some time to get them done the ideas have gone and locked themselves away in a cupboard at the back of my brain never to be seen again lol.

Ah well I decided to try something new for my first card, I think I'd said in an older post that I came across the Lili of the Valley Challenge blog, they have a sketch challenge on at the moment so I decided to give it a go, I've used sketches before loads of times for scrapbooking but never for a card, really helped get over 'card-block' lol, and here is the result

Supplies: 'Zooming Along' Stamp by Lili of the Valley, Paper by Heidi Grace, Card and Gems by Doodlebug, Buttons by Bo Bunny & Ribbon from Craft shop

I coloured the image with Promarkers, though I think a Copic or two may have popped in, I'd originally planned on putting a ribbon across with a bow but it made it look far to girly, think the knot through the button works much better even if I do say so myself.

Anyways it's getting really late now and still need to tidy up (card-making in bed never a good idea lol) so going to leave this here XOX