Thursday, 27 November 2008

Lili's little reindeer..

Aren't these just the cutest? I love these reindeer, so decided to use them for this week's challenge over on the LOTV blog.

The challenge this week is for Glitter and Sparkle! Nothing better for Christmas I say.. so I combined the images with some glammed up papers (backing papers with glitter sparkles on the design) and some Papermania glitter ribbons to match. I also used some glitter card for the layering.

I hope you like it..
Now then, what about the clever bit?? You see the two reindeer on the ends? They were from one stamp! I wanted a reverse image of the one reindeer, so had a play!
  • Apply dye ink to your stamp (so it stays wetter slightly longer but not like a pigment ink.)
  • Take your rubber brayer and roll it over the inked stamp.
  • Roll this onto your cardstock to reverse the image.
How clever is that!!! I got the idea from Lavinia stamps at the Doncaster Show the other week.. a great one if you ask me. The possibilities are endless - and also perfect for creating a shadow!
Have fun ..

Tuesday, 25 November 2008

Whiff of joy.

Did you know that Whiff of joy are looking for a new DT member?? Well, neither did I until I found the link the other day. Anyway.. here's the card I made with the template for the DT bit.. I hope you like it. I've only just got my first influx of these fantastic stamps.. so this is a first impression with this one!

For the dress, I stamped onto printed paper and layered it up.

Monday, 24 November 2008

Forever Friends Challenge card.

Hi all..
Today, we have a fantastic selection of cards on the FF challenge blog. The challenge this week is a template challenge, and the template was kindly supplied and lovingly created by Nikki.

Here is my entry for the template, but there are others to see on the site.


You can change the template, turn it around, flip it up.. do whatever you'd like as long as we can see the original design..

See you over there!

Sunday, 23 November 2008

Oh Happy days!

Well.. I'm more or less recovered now from my 300+ mile driving expedition yesterday. I'm still tired!

I was up at Carlisle doing a demo, which was in fact quite quiet. It had been snowing overnight and although the weather was cold, and I mean like freezing brass knockers!!! - the roads were actually quite good.

Anyway, enough of chatter.. here are a few of the cards I made yesterday.
These cards are quite simple ones, because I had qutie a few young children come over to watch. Still... I did learn all about Sugarcraft - but that's a different story.
Lunch time was great too! Well .. sort of!
I was just about to think about my lunch, when I came to my table and found my Forever Friend teddy.. isn't she just the cutest?
Only kidding - - -
My friend Nikki and her hubby David decided they were coming down on a roadtrip from Scotland, just to see me.. lol.. They had never been to a Range before, so nearly a £100 later, we decided to find somewhere to take a quick lunch.
I asked a member of staff if there was a small restaraunt like in other Ranges, and was told no.. they only had a Burger Bar outside.. so lunch was a coffee, cheeseburgers, chips, and a right old giggle in the mobile dining room - aka their car! Oh the joys.. it was fun though... and it was lovely to catch up and have a giggle.
Here are a couple of other photos from the day. As you can see, Nikki made herself at home..
Quarter of an hour later, I returned to work and Nikki took a journey home.
Enjoy!

Friday, 21 November 2008

Lili of the Valley challenge

This little cat card was made for this week's LOTV challenge. I hope you like it.

The papers and puddytats are all LOTV. The gems are papermania.

Oh my Cuttlebugs!

I've just been having a quick browsy whilst working.. and came across THIS site.. now all the things that you could do whilst cuttlebuggling (is that a word?) is all in one place!

Fantastic!

Wednesday, 19 November 2008

All change!

As you can probably see, I'm having a bit of a tidy up on my blog!

It's going to be work in progress over the next few days, so I apologise in advance for the rather pale, white look!

What do you think of the header? I reckon I'm going to make it a bit more colourful! lol..

Tuesday, 18 November 2008

Spooky!


You are The Lovers


Motive, power, and action, arising from Inspiration and Impulse.


The Lovers represents intuition and inspiration. Very often a choice needs to be made.


Originally, this card was called just LOVE. And that's actually more apt than "Lovers." Love follows in this sequence of growth and maturity. And, coming after the Emperor, who is about control, it is a radical change in perspective. LOVE is a force that makes you choose and decide for reasons you often can't understand; it makes you surrender control to a higher power. And that is what this card is all about. Finding something or someone who is so much a part of yourself, so perfectly attuned to you and you to them, that you cannot, dare not resist. This card indicates that the you have or will come across a person, career, challenge or thing that you will fall in love with. You will know instinctively that you must have this, even if it means diverging from your chosen path. No matter the difficulties, without it you will never be complete.


What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Mmmm... not usually into doing this, but found it on Kirsty's blog this morning, so thought I'd give it a go... tarot in real life is something I've never dabbled in, I've only ever done a weejy board when I was at school with friends - and that resulted in a dribbly paintpot - but that's another story for another day!

However, this is quite right about changing career... wierd!

Haha.... Thanks Nikki!

I can read it... can you??

Only great minds can read this


This is weird, but interesting!



fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too .
Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Three posts in one day??

Blimey! That must be a good start!

I just wanted to share this little card with you. I've been busy this week with commissions so haven't had a chance to make any cards for myself, but I just had to try this sketch from Kim's blog.

It was such a nice sketch, I couldn't resist.. and as I have a FF demo this weekend in Cumbria, I thought I'd use it for a card to take with me.

I used a cute little sticker which I placed onto white card, and mounted onto red card. The papers are from the Christmas kit and the dimension sticker and heart button just add the little bit of Christmas sparkle.

I hope you like it.

Forever Friends challenge..

I thought I'd just announce the next challenge up on here too.. This week, the theme is Round the Bend - adding circles onto your card.

Here's my entry for this week, but don't just take a look at this.. go over to the blog and have a look at all the fantastic DT offerings.. and also get the chance to be a guest DT for the next two weeks..

Thanks for looking!

Morning sunshine!

This morning sees another mild day apparantly, but snow nearer the end of the week - I hope not, because I'm off to Cumbria this weekend for a demo!!

Never the mind... because the sunrises in the mornings have been so pretty! Take a look - this was Saturday morning before I set off for Birmingham.



So, you never know.. Cumbrian snow scenes by the end of the week? I hope not!

See ya soon x

Morning all!

Friday, 14 November 2008

Crafty morning prep work

I've been busy crafting inside today as it's a bit chilly.. brrr... so I moved in with my kit for tomorrow, just so I could run up a few demo samples. I'm off to Shirly in Birmingham first thing in the morning for Craftime, so I hope I don't bump into the NEC traffic..

Here's what I managed to get done:

The background on this card was created with the mesh from below...
... and the reindeers on this one, match the one below..
And the paper at the bottom of this one was torn, like - you guessed it - below..
This one uses the foam christmas pack, as does this next one...
I used a paper frame on this one, cut the aperture and stamped acetate with permanent pens.. fancy cutting like this one...
I created a little cut topper for this card and used the brilliant glitter papers... the glitter doesn't fall off!
Well, that's it for now... it's the first time I've managed to link from one image to another on a post. . it was fun actually! lol..
See ya later!

Moan time!

You know.. there is nothing nicer for me on a cold, chilly evening, than to have a laze in the bath with my favourite magasine to flick through.. *note - favourite mag = craft mag!

I haven't bought a mag for what seems like ages now, I have far far too many as it is, so thought I would get a Craft Stamper mag, as I love stamping..

So.. I climbs into the tub, slid down into me bubbles, grabbed the mag and sighed with contentment .... until about two pages in!

WHAT is all this thing about grungy pictures?? I am beginning to feel a tad old fashioned now, as I flick through the rest of the mag with dismay. Why don't I like this grungy stuff?

My idea of stamping is to get a lovely stamp and show it's lovelyness. I like nice, clear, crisp, clean, fresh looking stamped cards... not all this mushy, multicoloured, multistamped ..errm.. mush! Needless to say, I threw down the magasine in disgust and decided - there and then - to campaign for a proper mix in the mags!!!

I know it doesn't do for us all to be the same, but there is just too much of it about these days.. I have gone through various magasines now, all of which have decided to go down the grungy, messy cardmaking stage.. but please, come on, let's get back to nice stamping and cardmaking!

Anyway.. whine over.. you know, there's no wonder I like blog hopping - it doesn't cost alot! lol.

Thursday, 13 November 2008

Week 8 of the LOTV challenge blog..

This week over on the LOTV blog there is a template challenge, by our very lovely Donalda. It's a really lovely one too... See what I mean? Isn't it pretty?

I really can't believe we're upto week 8 on the blog - it doesn't seem that long since it started!! lol.


Oh well, here is my entry for this week. Why not go over and join in the fun? There's a prize there too ya know!

That's all for now folks..
Thanks for looking. x

Wednesday, 12 November 2008

Back to basics.

I have been having a very creative day today, me thinks!

Firstly, I finished my card for the Lili of the Valley challenge for tomorrow, then I decided to have a go at a Challenge or two. I got to my first one, at Stamp Something and had a great time doing their challenge, I got a bit carried away!

The challenge was to use just one sheet of cardstock - everything on one sheet?! Blimey, I thought it was going to be hard.. but in fact, you know, it was really easy - and I loved it! So here are my results!


This was my last card actually - just a bit of a rush job here, so a bit plain!

This card uses a range of different stamps, and I'm not sure if they work ok together, but hey ho!
I just need to put the wording onto the bottom of this card, but could I find the stamp I needed?? Nope!


I am so loving this stamp! It's a new one and this is the first time that I've used it.. and I think it's fab!

I quite like this card.. just two stamps for the main image and voila!
Now saving the best until last..
I adore little snowmen (did you guess?) and this little chap is no exception!

I used vintage, muted colours because I thought it would suit the image. Lubberly snowman!

Starlight express!

I've been playing again this morning, so would anyone like another freebie??
Well, here you go.. if you like it, you can download it here! Don't forget to leave me a link if you use it...

Just a thought too - if you like it, I'll add a few extra embellishments etc to go with it.
Have fun!

Tuesday, 11 November 2008

Another bokeh piccie..

LOL.. so much fun in one day!

I did this little image, and think that tomorrow I may just print it out and use it on a card! lol..

What do you think? My cutie little snowman has made a reappearance.

Autumn wonderland.

This must be my favourite season. Every time I take a walk in the woods with the little furballs, the scenery has changed.. there are leaves falling, the beautiful autumn colours, lots of different things growing everywhere!

These are a few photos I took today.. have you ever tried to take photos with a cocker spaniel pulling on your arm and a lumpy springer flattening what you want to photograph??!!

It's a real trick I can tell you!
Whilst on my knees photographing the funghi, I noticed all the little spikes all around the edge of this one!
Another little mushroom stood standing all by itself......... until it was flattened by the Scoobmonster!
oh my lord I hate these things!! But the texture was something I thought I'd capture. Why do I hate them? Well, have you ever tried to get a dozen of them out of a long eared springer and cocker?? They grip on for life and don't want to let go no matter how much chocolate cake and scissors you threaten them with!!

The Beauty of Autumn. What else can I say?

I told you Christmas was on its way! The berries on this piece of holly were so vibrant I couldn't resist a quick snap!

Bring on the Bokeh! (a little freebie!)

Hi everyone.

I've been very inspired today by the weather, and the fact that it's getting nearer to Christmas, so I've made this background paper to share with you all.



You know, bokeh is a very interesting thing when you start playing around with it! This one is made of little stars and christmas colours.
You can download it Here. It will print out at 8x8.
I would love to see what you make if you decide to use it, please leave me a link to look at all your projects. If you really like it, I'll make the next one a bigger file and may even do it on a regular basis!

Forever Friends blog challenge.

Hi again.. two posts in one day? That must be a record!

I have nipped by again to upload my project for this week's challenge over on the FF challenge blog.

There have been some fantastic cards uploaded onto everyones websites for this challenge, and I thank you all for making our first official week a success! Challenge Two is up and running this week. Please join in the fun - and don't forget to upload your cards onto your gallery and leave a link on the comment page.

Here's my card for this week.

For this card, I've used Papermania Forever Friends stamp and whispers brush strokes to colour him. The papers are DCWV. I hope you like it.

This is another card that I don't think I've shared before. I made this one for the Lili of the valley challenge blog. It's a double pocket card.

The papers are all LOTV and so are the die cuts and greetings. The theme was Red, Gold and Green. The two tags on each side fit inside the pockets on the main card.

Thanks for looking!

A little tutorial

I was blog hopping this morning, like I usually do with my morning coffee, when I arrived - like I do every day! - on Kirsty's blog..

For those of you who would like to personalise your blog, there is a tutorial here on how to create your header!

Go ahead and have fun! And well done Kirsty for the wonderful instructions!

Sunday, 9 November 2008

Pupsters on parade..

I have just come on quickly this evening, because I just have to show you these piccies of the woofers that my 12 year old daughter took over the last few days. I have done a smidgin of editing over on photoshop (brightened, borders and name).

I don't know what you think, but I think she may well be able to join me on my wedding-worky-days in a few years time!!

I hope you like them!
Feel free to leave a comment or two, to give her a boost!

This is our youngest Springer, Holly. She's coming up 18mths now. She has such appealing eyes. Absolutely booooootiful character too!
This little (!!) guy is Scooby.. as playful as ever with one of Martina's socks! So sweet and innocent... not! He is our adopted rescue, who we've had since January, so this is his first Christmas here. He was two in July.


Now, don't be fooled by this little lady's prettyfulness! She's like a deranged devil in disguise.. lol..

Meet Unruly Truly!!! She was originally Truly Scrumptious, but that was when she first arrived from Ireland as a foster in May. Now she's settled in, her quirky little ways are starting to come out, and she has one hell of a personality! So funny, but also so absurd at times, you just need to love her! Anyway, that's all a different story for another day!

Truly is the oldest dog we have, turning two this last May just after she arrived. Everyone thinks she is the puppy because she is so tiny for a cocker.. but still lovely!

I hope you like the pics.. Thanks for looking!


Saturday, 8 November 2008

A luvverly buncha ladies!

Oh what a lovely day I've had today! I've been over in Hull at the Range, and I have had a very busy day! And what a lovely set of ladies I've had with me today.... including one particular (you know who you are!!) who likes walking around with rubber on her bum!! I really couldn't help but laugh at that one.. so funny!

Here are a few of the cards I took with me today. I still have to upload a few pictures and templates for the ladies, but that will have to wait until I have a little bit more time...

This bright card was made using the Forever Friends stamps. The scallops were cut with fancy scissors and the holes made with the cropodile. The background was stamped with clear pigment ink and chalked over.

This card is quite a simple little card, but uses one of my favourite stamps.. It's a stamp you can use for all sorts of occasions really, so I can see it being quite well used! I used Christmas papers with this one to make him into a Christmas Teddy!

I'll be back soon with some more cards and the templates when I get the chance..

Toodles!

Friday, 7 November 2008

Over 20000...

I have just had a quick look at my counter, somewhere down the bottom of the sidebar.. and today my total number of visitors have just gone over 20,000! I reckon that calls for a bit of a celebration!

So, if you give me until early next week, I'll sort out a blog candy and a PIF.. By 'eck, there's nothing like celebrating in style!

See you soon x

I'm back..

I feel like I've been missing in action for ages! But I guess that's the price to pay for keeping busy eh? I've been working hard on a magasine commission.... two big ones, so no sneak peaks there.. sorry!

I've also been given a really lovely job designing for a company who makes the most wonderful products - I've got a kit to work with but I've been waiting for instructions.. so.. no sneak peaks there either.. boring aren't I?
However... I have made a few things you can see.. lol..
I am REALLY behind with my DT offerings.. but I have had a chance to make my card today - only two days late!

Here it is..

I made it for the Lili of the valley challenge blog, and the theme was Teenager. So, I used very bright, colourful K and Co papers and some fibers.


This is all I'm sharing for now, although I have got a few cards to share that I have made for my demo at Hull tomorrow - if you're around, why not nip into see me..... I can also share this little secret..... But if you can't make it, I'll do a step by step on Monday/Tuesday.. it's very simple!!!

Tuesday, 4 November 2008

How to add a link into a comment form.

I have been asked quite a few times how to do this, so I thought I would share this little tutorial to show you all.. I hope it makes sense! (it was from another site - not mine! lol)

There are a lot of blog challenges going on these days. If you participate they ask you to link to your post in a comment. Now if you're good at editing things, the easiest way is to copy this line into the comment form and edit...

If you can't do this, then follow the steps below.

This is how you make a clickable link in Blogger so that it looks like this.




First:

find the URL of your post. If you hover over the date below your post, it says "Permanent link", (red part on the image below) right-click on the date and choose "copy shortcut" from the drop down menu. In new blogs you can right click on the post's title and select "copy shortcut" , or just open the post and copy the URL in the address line on top of the page.


Then, Go to the comments section and start writing your message. Then type what you see in the picture below, don't forget the quotation mark.



Paste the URL (the red part in the picture below) right after the quotation mark.


Add the rest of the text, the colored part in this picture: quotation mark, bracket, what people will see in the comment (green part here)...

And this is how it looks in the comment

Animated Social Gadget - Blogger And Wordpress Tips