Sazzle Craft

Napkin Fold Tutorial

2012-02-26T09:16:00.000Z

Good morning crafters (said in true Robin Williams, Good Morning Vietnam style :-)

As usual on the weekend I couldn't sleep so I decided to pull together this tutorial for you as promised in my last post for the napkin fold card. It's not an easy one to put into diagrams, but here goes and hopefully you will be able to make something of them, if not I apologise now ;-) One word of advise though (learnt from experience of course), the better you score your folds the easier it is to form the shape!

Materials needed:

A4 sheet of card
Scoring board (one with cm's on)
A bit of patience :-)

Instructions:

1) Take your A4 sheet of card and cut to a 20cm square

2) Score around each of the four sides at 5cm (see diagram 1 below). Turn the card over and repeat on the other side.

Diagram 1

3) Fold/score along the 5cm score line on the left hand side towards the centre of the card (see diagram 2 below)

Diagram 2

4) Keeping this folded section on your left, take the top right corner and fold/score it over into the centre of the page using the folded straight edge to butt up against (see diagram 3 below)

Diagram 3

5) Repeat with the bottom right hand corner (see diagram 3 above)

6) Unfold the left hand edge (see diagram 4 below)

Diagram 4

7) Fold/score both the top left corner and the bottom left corner in towards the centre mirroring the right hand side (see diagram 5 below)

Diagram 5

8) Take the corners at the centre and fold/score them back towards the outer edge of the card (see diagram 6 below)

Diagram 6

9) Unfold and lay the card flat (see diagram 7 below). This also shows all of the folded/scored lines you have (hopefully) made.

Diagram 7

10) Now comes the more difficult part of trying to explain how to form the fold! Hold onto your seat, we may be in for a bumpy ride

11) Working on the left hand side first, take the point at the middle of that side and push it towards the centre of the card (see diagram 8 below). Repeat for the right hand side.

Diagram 8

12) This will automatically lift up your next fold/score lines (see diagram 9 below)

Diagram 9

13) Repeat step 11 for the other two sides

14) Finally take the corners in the centre and fold/score back towards the outside (see diagram 10 below)

Diagram 10

15) Your finished fold should look like this (see picture below). Obviously mine has been mounted onto a card, but you can see the folds clearly from this picture

16) To complete, cut a piece of card (approx 9.5cm square) to fit inside the fold and decorate. Please note that once it is inside the fold only the centre of the insert is visible (see pictures below)

Once you have mastered this technique you can play around with the sizings and make it larger or smaller. I have made this to fit onto a 6" x 6" card, but you could make it larger and tie a ribbon around the centre (this was how it was demo'd to me). You can add different coloured card to sections to highlight them or use double sided card - the ideas are endless.

I hope that these instructions, diagrams and pictures have been easy enough to follow and that you enjoy making your own napkin fold cards. I would love to hear your comments.

I am not claiming to have invented this fold, just adapted it for my own use and hopefully assisting others. Please feel free to reference this tutorial, along with your project, on your blog and any craft sites but PLEASE spare a thought for the time and effort that has gone into producing this and a link to this tutorial would be very much appreciated :-)

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

*Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today

2012-02-24T09:12:00.004Z

It's challenge time again over at Fussy and Fancy and this fortnights challenge is "more than words". We want you to use your long sentiments or verses for your projects this time so no "happy birthdays", "get well soons" or "good lucks"!

I've used a sentiment from the talented Barbara Gray's collection at Clarity Stamp and a new fold (tutorial in seperate post) that I learnt at a recent craft retreat, from a demo held by Nat.

Materials used:

Sentiment - Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today
Nestability - large deckled rectangles

Pearlescent card

Backing papers - First Edition - Desert Blooms

Distress ink - antique linen
Ribbon from my stash

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Do You Stack Up - distress
Southern Girls - distress - ends 27th February
City Crafter - it's all natural - ends 27th February
Crazy Challenge - die or punch - ends 26th February
Allsorts - anything goes

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

With All My Heart...

2012-02-10T11:35:00.008Z

Well it's nearly Valentines Day girls!!!!! Have you got your cards ready for your husbands, fiancees, boyfriends or just someone you wish was, tee hee :-)

Over at Fussy and Fancy our challenge for the next 2 weeks is "With All My Heart". I hope you'll join us and share your cards and projects with us and show us some love. I wonder how many hearts we'll see?

Here's the card that I've made my Valentine (Mark) and I've also made a box for it to go into as well, hope he likes it :-) It's been a real struggle trying to hide it from him as he loves looking at my work and when I had a friend over to help her make one for her husband he was banned from the room, bless him!! Hope it's all worth it in the end!!

For more inspiration pop over to the Fussy and Fancy challenge blog and check out what the talented girls on the design team have done.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

I Love Promarkers - love is in the air
Crafters Companion - anything goes
Papertake Weekly - anything goes
Whimsy Stamps - love themed
Little Miss Muffet - valentines and love
Bling It On - love is all around
My Mum's Craft Shop - love is in the air
Outlawz - love - drawn end of February
Joanna Sheen - love is in the air
Dream Valley - valentine

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

All Our Dreams

2012-01-31T11:02:00.003Z

I think I may be seeing spots before my eyes for the next 2 weeks as the challenge over at Fussy and Fancy is "polka dots". So go wild with those spots and go a little bit dotty with those dots and show us what you can do!

Here's my card for inspiration although it's very tame on the old spots, but they are there :-)

Materials used:

Image & sentiment - all our dreams

Coloured with promarkers

Core'dinations card

Distress ink - spun sugar

Nestability - labels 18 & lacey circles

Peel off corners, gems, ribbons, backing paper

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Bunny Zoe's Crafts - photo inspiration
Cutie Pie Challenge - favourite song (Lionel Richie - Stuck On You) - WINNER
I Love Promarkers - pink & purple
Passion For Promarkers - new beginnings
Crafter's Companion - love is in the air
Bling It On - new beginnings
Papertake Weekly - happy highlights
Joanna Sheen - celebrations

Whimsy Stamps - pearls/bling

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

Christmas Dance

2012-01-16T09:37:00.007Z

It's challenge time again over at Fussy and Fancy and this fortnights challenge is "let it snow".

When I saw this challenge I knew exactly what I was going to use as I'd had this LOTV image for a little while and she'd never been inked and also the frostyville border, my new nesties, oh and my new glamour dust!!! What a fab chance to play with my new goodies eh :-)
I definately enjoyed making this card, hope it gives you some inspiration and we look forward to seeing your entries and hope you get to use some of your new goodies too.

Materials used:

Image - christmas dance

Coloured with promarkers

Distress ink - victorian velvet

Nestability - labels 18

Frostyville border

Glamour dust - crystal

Gems, backing paper, sentiment, ribbon from my stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Dream Valley - anything goes

One Stitch At A Time - anything goes

Sparkles Forum - new craft goodies

One Stop Craft - spots & ribbon

Craft Us Crazy - anything new

Lili's Little Fairies - favourite LOTV stamp

I Love Promarkers - cute and cuddly

My Mum's Craft Shop - here come the girls

Passion For Promarkers - song inspiration (waltz of the snowflakes from the nutcracker ballet)

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

Cuddle Cloud Baby Girl

2012-01-04T19:36:00.009Z

One of my colleagues at work has just become the proud Dad to a new baby girl so I was asked if I could make a card for everyone to sign to give to him and his wife when they bought her in to see us all :-)

I think this image is so cute and just perfect for a baby card - hope you like it too?

Materials used:

Image - cuddle cloud baby

Coloured with promarkers

Liquid Pearls - lemon yellow

Core'dinations card

Doodlebug Designs Baby Girl Kit

Nestability - scallop oval small

Distress Ink - spun sugar

Marianne Designs Die

Lace, ribbon, pearls and gems from my stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Freshly Brewed - use something new (die)

Inky Impressions - anything goes

My Mum's Craft Shop - something new (baby & die)

Paper Shelter - anything goes

Whimsy Inspires - new beginnings

Bearly Mine - anything goes

Papertake Weekly - anything goes (new baby & die)

Sassy Cheryl's - new beginnings

Shopping Our Stash - Meljen's image

Stamp N Doodle - anything goes

By The Cute And Girly - new beginnings

Di's Digi Designs - something new (baby)

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

Emma Shoes

2012-01-02T16:23:00.018Z

Happy New Year and I hope you've all enjoyed your celebrations whether you were having a good ol' knees up or a quiet evening in :-) Let's hope that 2012 brings you everything that you wish for and more besides!

It's challenge time again over at Fussy and Fancy and this time we are celebrating our 2nd birthday and are giving you the option of either creating a birthday card or using an animal print on your cards. Here's my card to give you some ideas and why not pop over and have look at the design team's cards for more inspiration too.

Material used:

Image - Emma shoes

Coloured with promarkers

Core'dinations card

Distress ink - vintage photo

Nestability - labels 11

Embossing folder - divine swirl

Liquid Pearls - pastel raspberry

Flowers & buckle - Wild Orchid Crafts

Animal print paper cut from an old gift bag (see I'm a true crafter!)

Ribbon (that tied up the gift bag - see above!)

Sentiment & flower stamp - Jane's script

Lace, pearls & glitter glue from my stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Craft Your Passion - anything goes

Kaboodle Doodles - let's celebrate - TOP 3

Paper Creations Ink - die cuts/punches
Pollycraft - punch it
Stamp And Create - vintage
Stamps R Us - anything goes
Crazy Challenge - party
Cutie Pie Challenge - use a sentiment
Sketch N Stash - sketch
Robyn's Fetish - anything goes
Kenny K - anything goes
Pile It On - anything goes
Sentimental Sundays - anything goes
Sparkles Forum - anything but a Xmas card
Delicious Doodles - anything goes
Really Reasonable Ribbons - sparkle & ribbon
Stampin For The Weekend - anything goes
Aud's Sentiments - anything goes
Joanna Sheen - celebrations
Cupcake Craftroom - anything goes
Digi Doodle Shop's Best - anything goes
Little Miss Muffet - anything goes
Cooking It Up With Katie - anything goes
My Mum's Craft Shop - anything goes
Scrapbook Sisters - anything goes

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

Christmas Cracker

2011-12-08T11:44:00.013Z

I'm back - have you missed me? Don't all shout at once!!!!!

Whoever said that moving house is one of the most stressful things that you can do was certainly correct, I never want to do it again :-(

We've still got things to unpack 6 weeks down the line but at least my new craft room is starting to take shape and there's only a bit more to sort out so at least I can get back to crafting and my design team duties again :-)

The current challenge over at Fussy and Fancy is an inspirational photo, so why not pop over and have a look and also check out the other design team members projects too.

I'll be posting a tutorial for this Christmas cracker shortly so if you're interested in making your own either for decoration or to give a present in please pop back. I will be holding a class on Sunday to make these so don't want to give too much away beforehand ;-) Here's the cracker that I've made:

I'm entering my project into the following challenges:

ABC Christmas Challenge - Y is for Yippee
Cooking It Up With Katie - anything goes
Creative Belli - winter/christmas
Divas By Design - anything goes
Freshly Brewed - christmas
My Mums Craft Shop - traditional christmas
Paper Shelter - it's a celebration
Penny's Paper Crafty - merry christmas
Pixie Cottage - christmas gifts
Paper Variety - christmas song inspiration
City Crafter - home for the holidays
Create Me Pink - christmas colours
Creative Card Crew - 'tis the season
Papertake Weekly - anything goes
Party Time Tuesdays - holiday greeting
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - christmas with pearls
Crafty Boots - anything goes
Cupcake Craft - D.I.Y.
Heart Song Inspirations - christmas
Kaboodle Doodles - christmas colours
Pollycraft - christmas fun
Crazy Challenge - anything goes
Ribbon Girls - jingle all the way
Catch The Bug - anything goes
Just Some Lines - handmade gifts
Outlawz - tree ornament
Joanna Sheen - christmas

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugz xx

Just a quick note

2011-10-30T07:35:00.004Z

For anyone following my blog, or just popping by to have a look, and wondering why I haven't posted recently - it's simple! I've been on holiday and then moved house, but I'll be back in craft and blogland as soon as I can and as soon as I can find the boxes with my craft stuff in :-)

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

Halloween

2011-10-15T17:19:00.005+01:00

Hello crafters, it's time for another challenge over at Fussy and Fancy and this time we asking you to design a card for fall or halloween. So dust off all those pumpkins, witches hats, black cats and broomsticks and show us your projects.

Here's my card for inspiration and had great fun creating this background. Why not pop over to the Fussy and Fancy challenge and have a look what the rest of the design team have created for this challenge too?

Materials used:

Image - Cutie Sitter Witch

Coloured with Promarkers

Nestability - Scallop Oval Small

Distress Ink - Dried Marigold & Antique Linen

Backing papers, ribbons, peel offs and gems from my stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

C.R.A.F.T Challenge - recipe
Charisma Cardz - in stitches
Meljen's Designs - ribbon
Pixie Dust Studio - colour challenge - WINNER
Sarah Hurley Challenge - halloween
Crafting For All Seasons - pumpkins
Crafts And Me - colour challenge
I Love Promarkers - autumnal colours
Papertake Weekly - get in shape
Outlawz - colour challenge

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugz xx

Cuddle Cloud Baby Boy

2011-09-24T15:21:00.009+01:00

Hello crafters and welcome to a new challenge over at Fussy and Fancy.

We think this fortnights challenge will really get your creative juices flowing as we're challenging you to try out a new technique. We all have a list of things that we've wanted to try for ages and never found the time for haven't we? So why not pop on the kettle and make yourself a cuppa, treat yourself to a biscuit and pop over and have a look at the DT's card for inspiration and pick something off your list and enter it into our challenge. You never know you might be in with a chance of winning!!

I've wanted to have a go at shrink plastic for ages and bought some ages ago, but always put off trying it so thought what better time to give it a go! I did have a few misshapen stars to start off with but I think I mastered it in the end :-)

I'm entering my card into the following challenges:

Delicious Doodles - cute as a button
Jellypark - colour palette (summer refresh)
Sew Many Challenges - ovals
Stampin' For The Weekend - what a cutie
Outlawz - anything goes
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes
Southern Girls - anything goes
Digistamps 4 Joy - anything goes
Paper Shelter - anything goes
Simon Says Stamp - dies/punches
Anything Goes - anything goes
Bearly Mine - button it up
Creative Card Crew - babies
Get Hippity With Ippity - buttons
Ooh La La Creations - punches/dies
Paper Pretties - buttons
There's Magic In The Air - someone special
Card Cupids - anything goes
Corrosive Challenges - punches/dies
Dream Valley - buttons

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

Lily

2011-09-17T14:04:00.013+01:00

It's challenge time again over at Lia Stampz and this time the theme is to create a project with a moving element.

I really struggled with this one and spent sleepless nights wondering what I could do! It wasn't until my partner saw the image that I was working on and said "she looks as though she's sitting on something, why don't you put her on a swing?" Well that's it sorted now, he's my designer now and no more sleepless nights lol :-)

Here's the card that I've created for your inspiration (with the help of my designer) and the image has acetate behind it which has been made into a spring so that the swing goes backwards and forwards. Hope you like it!

Materials used:

Image - Lily from Lia Stampz

Coloured with promarkers

Core'dinations card

Distress ink - tumbled glass

Liquid Pearls - lemon yellow

Birds - cut from birds and flowers set embossing folders

Backing paper - freebie from Papercraft Essentials magazine - Sweet Wishes Paper Stack

Flowers, brads, thread, gems and ladybird from my stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Cardmadfairy's - lots of layers

Crafts 4 Eternity - recipe
Crafty Ann's - out of comfort zone
Stampin' Dragon - 3D
Our Craft Lounge - color challenge
By The Cute & Girly - all things bright & beautiful
4 Crafty Chicks - embossing
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes
Digi Doodle - autumn colours
Little Miss Muffet - things with wings
Some Odd Girl - stitching
Cooking It Up With Katie - recipe
Digistamps 4 Joy - autumn colours
Papertake Weekly - things with wings
Stamping Boutique - recipe - WINNER & TOP 3
Craft Our Passion - "F" word
Happileigh Scrappin' - autumn
Critter Sketch - photo inspiration
Crafty Pad - goodbye summer
One Stitich At A Time - anything goes
Pile It On - layers
Di's Digis - anything goes

London

2011-09-09T08:39:00.009+01:00

It's challenge time again over at Fussy and Fancy and this fortnights theme is "Back to School". I know many of you have had the pleasure (oops did I say that?) of packing your little kiddiwinks back off to school or even taking them there for the first time, but I can safely say that those days are a long and distant memory for me as my daughter is coming up for 21 this year!! Anyway at least with more free time on your hands you can get more crafting done eh?

Here's my card for some inspiration:

Materials used:

Image from Simply Betty Stamps (our sponsor for this challenge) - London

Coloured with Promarkers

Nestability - Scallop Oval Small

Liquid Pearls - Pastel Raspberry

Backing paper - freebie from Papercraft Essentials magazine - Sweet Wishes Paper Stack

Distress Ink - Tumbled Glass & Spun Sugar

Crayons made from cocktail sticks and coloured with promarkers

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Some Odd Girl - stitching

Divas By Design - back to school

Clear It Out - back to school

Creative Card Crew - anything goes

Jen's Digi's - back to school
Papertake Weekly - anything goes
Stamping Boutique - back to school
There's Magic In The Air - back to school
Come And Get It - back to school
Catch The Bug - anything goes
Crazy 4 Challenges - back to school
One Stop Craft - back to school
If The Shoe Fits - back to school
Simply Betty - back to school

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugz xx

White On White Sympathy Card

2011-09-03T11:52:00.011+01:00

It's time for another challenge and unfortunately our last challenge over at:

Now this months challenge - white on white with the addition of a ribbon (which is the only thing that can have colour) - was a real challenge for me and I really struggled, but I got there in the end - see what you think!

Materials used:

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Swiss Dots

Magnolia Doo Hickey Die - Heart Swirl Branch

Marianne Designs Embossing Folder - Swirls

Sentiment - Lily of the Valley set

Nestability - Scallop Oval Small

Butterfly Punch

Ribbon from my stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Art Impressions - lots of dots

Rainbow Lady's - let's emboss it
Crafty Creations - die cuts/punches
My Mum's Craft shop - 1 sentiment, 2 butterflys, 3 dies - WINNER
Paper Shelter - anything goes
Creative Card Crew - anything goes
Daisy Doodles - anything goes
Kaboodle Doodles - easel does it
KB Cute Monday - butterfly
Ooh La La - no backing paper
Quirky Crafts - flourishes & embossing
Crafty Ann's - all white on the night
Jelly Park - punches/die cuts
Crafty Catz - monochromatic
Sweet 'n' Sassy - white on white

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

Milly - Me And My Cat

2011-08-26T18:15:00.012+01:00

This is another of the adorable images from LOTV called "Milly - Me and My Cat" which has been coloured used promarkers.

I've already decided who will be receiving this for their birthday as I've got a good friend who loves cats but her birthday is not until December so will have to store this one away safely until then.

Materials used:

Flowers - Wild Orchid Crafts

Sentiment - Woodware Janes Script

Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Spun Sugar

Nestability - Classic Scallop Circle Small

Magnolia Doo Hickey Die - Heart Swirl Branch

Glitter glue and backing papers from my stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Card Makin' Mamas - pink
The Outlawz - promarkers
Sketches By Carly - sketch

Art Impressions - summertime

Aud's Sentiments - anything goes

Crafts Us Crazy - anything goes

Digi Doodle Shop's Best - anything goes

Hanna & Friends - LOTV

Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes

Crafting For All Seasons - bingo (die cuts / stitching / glitter)

Paper Shelter - die cuts

Sisterhood Of Crafters - flowers

Truly Scrumptious - pink

A Spoonful Of Sugar - happy birthday

Bearly Mine - bring on the bling

Stamping Boutique - stripes and dots

Happileigh Scrappin' - girly

Stamps R Us - anything goes

The Outlawz - anything goes

Victorine Stamps - summer

Birthday Sundaes - colour challenge

Kenny K Krafty Girlz - layers

One Stop Craft - bright and bold

Disco Tween

2011-08-20T09:49:00.014+01:00

It's challenge time again over at the Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge and the theme for this fortnight is to use 3 or more of your favourite embellishments. You have until 25th August to enter and you could be in with a chance of winning either a $10 gift voucher to spend on digis from Digis with Attitude or a stampset from Inspired Stamps.

For my DT card I've used Disco Tween from Digis With Attitude and coloured her with my promarkers.

Materials used:

Embossing folder - birds and flowers set

Classic scallop circle die

Core'dinations card

Sanding block

Distress ink - tattered rose

Flowers

Ribbon, pearls, glitter glue, gems and lace from my stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Card Makin' Mamas - pink

Crafty Ann's - scallops - WINNER

Digis With Attitude - anything goes

Poodles Parlour - anything goes
Simply Create - distress
Stamp Man - anthing goes using summer colours
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes
Paper Play - recipe
Pixie Dust Studio - tween teen's dream
Truly Scrumptious - lace it up
Bearly Mine - bring on the bling
Papertake - bingo (gems, free, lace)
Crafters Companion - glitter and glitz
Desert Islands Crafts - choose 3 (1,2 & 8)
Freshly Brewed - hot colours
Glitter Fairies - pretty in pink
Paper Playtime - anything goes
Pink Elephant - stitching
Pollycraft - distressing
Shabby Tea Room - polka dots
Pixie Dust Paperie - that's my girl

Fussy & Fancy 1000 Followers Celebration

2011-08-19T09:14:00.016+01:00

We have a special announcement today over at the Fussy and Fancy challenge blog - we have reached 1000 followers - yeah!!!!!

We have decided to have an additional challenge to celebrate and have some wonderful sponsors who have given us some fantastic prizes for you to try and win - check out the challenge blog for all of the prizes on offer. Here are the details of how to enter our celebration challenge:

Create a project that celebrates something! It can be a wedding, birthday or any other event that you have need of a card or project for. As an extra fun challenge, use the Fussy and Fancy Friday color scheme
You have until 12 a.m. PST on 16th September to enter your project to make sure you have a chance of winning one of these prizes

Here is the card that I have created for your inspiration: (my tutorial for the exploding box can be found here)

I am entering this into the following challenges:

Allsorts - anything but a card

Outlawz - anything but a card

Craft Your Passion - anything but a card

Happileigh Scrappin' - keep it cool

Karens Doodles - fancy folds

KB Cute Mondays - babies

Paper Playtime - anything goes

Pink Elephant - stitching

Pollycraft - distressing

Stamp-N-Doodle - fancy folds

Crafty Pad - cute 'n' girly - TOP 3

Dream Valley - distressing

Stamptacular Sunday - fancy folds

Craft Us Crazy - anything goes - TOP 3

Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes

Shelley Images - anything goes

Stamp Insanity - anything goes

Anything Goes Challenge - celebration

Creative Craft Challenges - anything but a card

Papertake - bingo (pearls, ribbons, free)

Lia Stampz New Challenge and Blog Hop

2011-08-15T09:49:00.011+01:00

Hi everyone and welcome to a brand new challenge which starts today over at Lia Stampz and to celebrate we're kicking off with a blog hop to introduce you to the design team members who have a few things of their own to give away on your hop to the prize at the end on Lia's blog.

If you didn't start at the beginning you may want to go back to ensure you collect all of the letters.

To join in the hop here are the blogs that you have to visit and the few simple rules that you have to follow to be in with a chance to win the prize and you can get a maximum of 3 entries if you follow all of the rules:

1. Laura

2. Mo

3. Heather

4. Cely

5. Tina

6. Georgia

7. Sally (you are here)

8. Ashley (you need to go here next - good luck)

9. Jennie

10. Lia

1)   Comment on all the blogs along the hop and leave a comment on Lia's blog with the secret word
2)   Post the Lia Stampz blinkie on your sidebar (leave a 2nd comment on Lia's blog)
3)   Follow Lia Stampz on Facebook (leave a 3rd comment on Lia's blog)

****************************************************

The first challenge on Lia Stampz is "add a charm"and here's the card that I've made using one of Lia's stamps which is called June and I've also used the sentiments sheet that goes along with this image.

Materials used:

Tim Holtz distress ink - dried marigold

Promarkers

Nestability die - lacey circles

Martha Stewart edge punch - doily lace

Cuttlebug embossing folder - swiss dots
Ribbon, charm, gems, papers, card scraps from my stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Sir Stampalot - whatever you fancy

Crafty Pad - cute 'n' girly

Kenny K Krafty Girlz - summer sparkle

Crafty Calendar - hot colours

One Stop Craft - at the beach

Cooking It Up - recipe

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

The Hotspot Challenge - Subrina

2011-08-09T20:29:00.006+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at:

I can't believe another month has just flown past, can you? This month we are going to be using Pantone's top color trends for fall and winter 2011. You can enter your card or project using one, all or any combination of the colors below.

Here's my DT card for some inspiration or why not pop over to the other DT's blogs for even more inspiration.

This challenge is open until the end of the month so why not come and join us?

Material used:

Image - Subrina - McMahon Five Designs

Coloured with promarkers

Martha Stewart around the page corner punch

Tim Holtz distress ink - antique linen

Pearlescent card - PaperMill Direct

Marianne Design Creatables Die - Doily Square

Edged with a quickie glue pen and sprinkled fine glitter

Ribbon, papers, pearls and bow are all from my stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Bling It On - A, B, C (Antique linen, Bow & Circles
Passion For Promarkers - diva's with glam & glitter - TOP 5
Sweet Stamps - bling it up
Cupcake Crafts - sew mad
Incy Wincy Designs - something old (ribbon), something new (image)
Stamp 'n' Doodle - recipe
Corrosive Challenge - earth tones
One Stitch At A Time - use a digi
Stampin Sisters In Christ - forgotten stash (bow & paper)
Catch The Bug - anything goes

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

Ava - Mistletoe Fairy

2011-08-07T19:55:00.013+01:00

It's challenge time again over at the Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge and the theme for this fortnight is Christmas in July, so come on drag out all of those Christmas papers and see what you can create. You have until 11th August to enter and you could be in with a chance of winning either 7 digis from Bugaboo Stamps or a stampset from Inspired Stamps.

For my DT card I've used Ava - Mistletoe Fairy from Bugaboo Stamps and coloured her with my promarkers.

Materials used:

Embossing folder - snowflake

Tim Holtz distress ink - tumbled glass

Quickie glue pen

Ultra fine glitter

Spellbinders Nestabilities - classic scallop circle small

Sentiment and ribbon from my stash

Backing card taken from a flyer I received through the post

(see I'm a crafter through and through)

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Catch The Bug - anything goes

CES Challenges - water it
Little Claires - things with wings
Clearly Inspired - things with wings
The Stamp Man - stitching
Stamp Something - use a digi
Wags 'N' Whiskers - sparkly
Aud's Sentiments - merry christmas
Craft Us Crazy - anything goes
Crafty Sentiments - christmas
Delightful Challenges - stitching
Paper Play - christmas in august
Sassy Studio Designs - use a sentiment
Ambers Crafts - sparkle and shine
Crafts And Me - anything goes
I Love Promarkers - things with wings
Simon Says Stamp - christmas in august
Papertake - anything goes
Passion For Promarkers - hugs and kisses
Crafters Companion - glitter and glitz
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Happileigh Scrappin' - anything goes

Box Card Tutorial

2011-08-05T08:00:00.016+01:00

Here's another tutorial for you all to try and I hope you have fun with it! I would love to see some of your completed cards so please pop back and let me know how you've got on.

This type of card is so versatile and can be used for any occassion especially as you can include a small gift or even make your own bouquet to put in the boxed section of the card.

Materials needed:

5 x A4 sheets of card
Wet glue (for the box assembly)
Double sided tape
Craft knife / guillotine
Pencil
Ruler / Hougie board
Bone folder

Instructions on how to make the basic box card:

1) From your first sheet of card cut a 24cm x 12.5cm rectangle and score at 2cm intervals along the long edge (see diagram 1 below). This will be the top of your box card aperture.

DIAGRAM 1

2) From your second sheet of card cut a 24cm x 12.5cm rectangle and score at 2cm intervals along the long edge (see diagram 1 above). This is not a duplication as you need 2 pieces of the same size. This will be the bottom of your box card aperture.

3) From your third sheet of card cut a 24cm x 14.5cm rectangle and score at 2cm intervals along the long edge (see diagram 2 below). This will be the right hand side of your box card aperture.

DIAGRAM 2

4) From your fourth sheet of card cut a 24cm x 12.5cm rectangle and score at 2cm intervals along the long edge (see diagram 2 above). This is not a duplication as you need 2 pieces of the same size. This will be the left hand side of your box card aperture.

5) Taking these four rectangles zig zag fold to form a concertina (see diagram 3 below) using a bone folder to crease the folds.

DIAGRAM 3

6) At this stage I've used distress inks to emboss the edges of the folds as well as all the way around the end fold (see diagram 4 below) as it is easier to do this before the aperture is assembled.

DIAGRAM 4

7) To form the box aperture take one of the long zig zag folded pieces and, using the wet glue, place a small line of the adhesive along one of the zig zagged edges (see diagram 5 below) avoiding both end folds as one will be your finished edge and the other will be fixed to your base card in a later stage.

DIAGRAM 5

8) Now take one of the shorter zig zag folded pieces and slot them together (see diagram 6 below) alternating the folds in each piece.

DIAGRAM 6

9) Your finished corner should now look like diagram 7 and 8 below.

DIAGRAM 7

DIAGRAM 8

10) Apply the wet glue to the edge of the shorter piece as before (see diagram 5 above) and slot in the other long zig zag folded piece as before (see diagram 6 above).

11) This last piece is a bit tricky as you have to do both ends at the same time. Apply the wet glue to both ends as before (see diagram 5 above) and slot together at both ends as before (see diagram 6 above). The wet glue will give you time to complete both ends before it starts to dry.

12) You should end up with your aperture looking like diagram 9 below.

DIAGRAM 9

13) At this stage I have added peel off corners and faux stitching the both the outside and inside edge of the aperture (see diagram 9 above).

14) From your fifth sheet of card cut a 29.4cm x 15cm rectangle and score at 13.7cm in from both short ends. This should leave you with approximately a 2cm gap in the centre (see diagram 10 below). This will form the spine of your box card.

DIAGRAM 10

15) At this stage I've used distress inks to emboss all the way around the edges of the front, back and spine on the inside and outside of the card and also added faux stitching to all sections apart from the inside section where the aperture will be fixed.

16) The ribbon needs to be fixed to the back section of the card base in the middle ensuring that it will not be seen when the aperture is fitted (see diagram 11 below) .

17) You could also add a sheet of backing paper to the back section of the card so that it is visible through the aperture once fitted ensuring that it is cut slightly smaller than the outside dimensions of the aperture so that it cannot be seen.

18) Apply double sided tape to the aperture and fix to the card base leaving equal distances all the way around (see diagram 11 below).

DIAGRAM 11

19) Now you can decorate the front of your card but please ensure that you fix your other piece of ribbon to the front of the card before applying your your matted decoration (see diagram 12 below). I have used the Christmas tree embossing folder through my Cuttlebug onto Core'dinations card, sanded it back and added glitter to hightlight some of the decorations on the tree.

DIAGRAM 12

20) You have now completed this project. I've added another couple of pictures below to show my finished box card.

Other box card projects can be viewed here and here.

I hope that these instructions, diagrams and pictures have been easy enough to follow and that you enjoyed making your own box card. I would love to hear your comments and see your projects.

Please feel free to reference this tutorial, along with your project, on your blog and any craft sites but PLEASE spare a thought for the time and effort that has gone into producing this and a link to this tutorial would be very much appreciated :-)

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

Flower Tutorials

2011-08-02T06:41:00.003+01:00

Whilst blog hopping recently I came across this fantastic blog (A Wee Bit of CraftyLoops) which contains some fab flower tutorials by the very clever and talented Lee (aka craftyloops). Lee loves to be challenged so if there is anything that you would like to know how to make but either haven't got the time to experiment or don't know where to start why not get in touch with her. Here are some of the tutorials that Lee has on her blog currently, but I'm sure she'll be adding more:

Teeny Tiny Lotus Flower

I've had hours of fun from these tutorials and I'm continuing to perfect the art of flower making. I'm not connected to Lee or her blog in any way but thought that I would share her talents with you in the hope that you get hours of fun from it too :-)

xx Happy crafting and glittery hugs xx

Beach Baby

2011-07-30T10:52:00.010+01:00

Just a reminder that you've only got a few days left to enter the current challenge over at the Hotspot this month and the theme is US vacation spots. You can choose from the bright coloured lights and colours of Las Vegas or from the beautiful beaches in Florida - here's a picture and my card for inspiration.

Materials used:

Image - Beach Baby from McMahon Five Designs

Coloured with promarkers

Sentiment - Dreamy Days circular stamp set - LOTV

Lacey Circles Nestability

Buttons and lace from my stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Cardmadfairy's Digi Days - oh so girly

Crafty Ann's - summer

Frosted Designs - circles - TOP 3

Fairy Tale - summer

If The Shoe Fits - summer

Phindy's Place - die cuts - WINNER

Sew Many Cards - anything goes

Stamp Something - summer fun

The Outlawz - copics/promarkers

Aud's Sentiments - sentiment to make you smile

Crafty Purple Frog - water inspired - WINNER

Delightful Challenges - summer

Digi Doodle Shop's Best - anything goes

Little Miss Muffet - summer

Crafting For All Seasons - beach/ocean

Divas By Design - summer

I Love Promarkers - anything goes

Paper Shelter - anything goes

Craft Room Challenge - summer holidays

Karen's Doodles - anything goes

Crazy Challenges - ribbon

Daisy Doodles - anything goes

Ooh La La Creations - circles

Pink Elephant - fun in the sun

Brooke at the Beach

2011-07-27T20:30:00.009+01:00

This card has been made for the current challenge over at Fussy and Fancy and the theme is "summer". Just to remind us what we are meant to do be doing during the summer here's my card with a beach scene and Brooke in her swimming costume - oh well we can all imagine can't we? What happened to our summer?

Materials used:

Images - Beach Umbrealla and Brooke at the Beach from Meljen's Designs

Coloured with Promarkers

Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Dried Marigold

Flowers, button, brad, ribbon and paper from my stash

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Crazy Challenge - ribbons

Daisy Doodles - anything goes

Hooked on Crafts - cute and cuddly
Kaboodle Doodle - stitching
Karens Doodles - bingo (button, ribbon, flower)
Lawnscaping Challenge - stamp a scene
Oh La La Creations - circles
Paper Playtime - summer
Pink Elephant - fun in the sun
Crafty Pad - embossing
Lollipop Crafts - anything goes
2 Sisters - anything goes
Craft Your Days Away - summertime
Crafty Emma - funny/humour
ECP Challenges - summer
Sweet Stop - sketch
Crafty Ann's - embossing
Digi's With Attitude - anything goes
Fairy Fun Fridays - on holiday
Fairy Fun - summer sun
Floweret - on vacation
Off The Wall Craftiness - beach
Paper Cutz - anything goes
Wags 'n' Whiskers - buttons & bows

Exploding Box Tutorial

2011-07-16T17:35:00.001+01:00

At least there's one plus side to a rainy day as it's given me a chance to sit down and get this tutorial pulled together as I know there are a couple of you who have shown interst in seeing it and giving it a go yourself :-)

Materials needed:

3 x sheets of A3 or 4 x 12" square card
Corner punch
Double sided tape
Wet glue (for the box lid)
Craft knife / guillotine
Pencil
Ruler or Hougie board

Instructions on how to make the box:

1) From your first sheet of card cut a 27cm x 27cm square and mark at 9cm and 18cm along all edges (see diagram 1 below)

DIAGRAM 1

2) Cut away the four corner squares leaving a cross shape (see diagram 1 above)

3) Score along the lines of the internal square (see diagram 2 below)

DIAGRAM 2

4) From your second sheet of card cut a 25cm x 25cm square and mark at 8cm and 17cm along all edges (see diagram 3 below)

DIAGRAM 3

5) Cut away the four corner squares leaving a cross shape (see diagram 3 above)

6) Score along the lines of the internal square (see diagram 2 above)

7) From your third sheet of card cut a 23cm x 23cm square and mark at 7cm and 16cm along all edges (see diagram 4 below)

DIAGRAM 4

8) Cut away the four corner squares leaving a cross shape (see diagram 4 above)

9) Score along the lines of the internal square (see diagram 2 above)

10) Using your corner punch round all the corners (see diagram 5 below)

DIAGRAM 5

11) Take the largest "cross" shape and put double sided tape (or wet glue) in the centre square ONLY. Lay the middle sized "cross" shape onto top of this ensuring that the sides are level. Repeat with the last, and smallest, "cross" shape. Your base should now look like the picture below but obviously without the decoration.

12) Decorate the internal sides of the box (ensuring that it still allows the sides to fold up to form the box shape). Decorate the outside of the largest shape so that this is visible when the box is folded up - see picture below.

Instructions on how to make the box lid:

13) If you are using A3 sized card you should have a large enough piece of card left, alternatively if you are using 12" square card you will have to use another piece of card. Cut a 17.5cm x 17.5cm square and follow diagram 6 below for the measurements for the folds.

DIAGRAM 6

14) To make it easier when folding your box lid you will need to reduce the amount of card that goes into the corner folds. Following diagram 7 below cut off the excess pieces.

DIAGRAM 7

15) Fold along all the scored lines forming the shape of the box lid. If you use wet glue at this stage it will allow you more time to get this stage correct whereas double sided tape only gives you one chance. You now have your finished lid which, once the sides are gathered up, will fit on top of your exploding box.

16) You can adapt the depth of overhang the lid has over the box sides by adjusting the measurements. For this box I've used 2cm, but you can reduce or increase this amount to suit.

Instructions on how to make the cake:

17) You should be able to use the offcuts of card from the box and lid for the cake tiers. For the largest tier cut a 15cm x 15cm square and follow diagram 8 below for the measurements for the folds.

DIAGRAM 8

18) For the middle tier cut a 12cm x 12cm square and follow diagram 9 below for the measurements for the folds.

DIAGRAM 9

19) For the smallest tier cut a 9cm x 9cm square and follow diagram 10 below for the measurements for the folds.

DIAGRAM 10

20) Fold along all the scored lines forming the shape of each cake tier. The outside fold will not be tucked inside as it was for the box lid as these will form the tabs to secure the tiers to the box base and the other tiers (only after they have been decorated though). If you use wet glue at this stage it will allow you more time to get it correct whereas double sided tape only gives you one chance. You now have your finished cake tiers which can be decorated BEFORE fixing them to the box base. Unlike the box lid overhang there is not as much allowance for the size of the cake side as this needs to fit inside the box to enable the lid to fit. You could reduce the cake to only 2 tiers which means that you could increase the size of the sides (sorry if that sounds confusing). Your cake tiers should look something like this once they have been decorated.

Here are some more pictures of my finished project.

I hope that these instructions, diagrams and pictures have been easy enough to follow and that you enjoy making your own exploding boxes. I would love to hear your comments.

Please feel free to reference this tutorial, along with your project, on your blog and any craft sites but PLEASE spare a thought for the time and effort that has gone into producing this and a link to this tutorial would be very much appreciated :-)

Papertake Weekly - Hot, Hot, Hot Challenge

2011-07-12T20:09:00.017+01:00

This is the second card made for my guest design slot over at the Papertake Weekly challenge for the month of July. The theme for this weeks challenge is hot, hot, hot (supposedly what summer is meant to be!!!!!) not in the UK it isn't :-( This weks theme gives you a chance to use all those hot colours such as reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, so some on have a go and show us what you can make - here's my card for inspiration.

The sponsor for this weeks challenge is the Ribbon Girl and you could be in with a chance to win one of their mini kits which contains: 1 metre each of: satin, gingham, saddlestitch, sheer ruffle, soft sheer, microdot, flat lace; 5 metres of seam binding, one pack of 10 small polka dot buttons and a pack of 5 pink hat pins - wow what a great prize eh!!!!

Materials used:

Image - Aspect of Design - Design 57 Funky Frames

Coloured with promarkers

Sentiment - LOTV - dreamy days circular sentiments set

Core'dinations card

Papermania Capsule mini polka dot buttons

Cuttlebug embossing folder - stylized flowers

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Craft Your Passion - just for you
Crazy Challenge - summertime
Creative Stamp Friends - summer
DDH Challenges - summer
Daisy Doodles - summer
Hooked On Crafts - with love
Karens Doodles - summer fun
Paper Playtime - summer
Pollycraft - the great outdoors
Stamps R Us - through the garden gate
The Outlawz - things in the garden
Dream Valley - summer
I Did It Creations - flowers
Kenny K's Krafty Girlz - anything goes
Lollipop Crafts - anything goes
One Stitch At A Time - anything goes
Scrappy Frogs - summer flowers
2 Sisters - summer fun
Catch The Bug - clean and simple
Crazy 4 challenges - summer
Drunken Stampers - fruity summer cocktails
One Stop Craft - summer time
Paper Creators Crafts - special occasion
Totally Gorjuss - summer time
Card Makin' Mamas - summer time
Phindy's Place - use buttons
Wags n Whiskers - birthdays
Auds Sentiments - sentiments
Charisma Cardz - flowers
Crafty Purple Frog - summer fun
Dutch Dare - summer fun

Brittany

2011-07-08T08:41:00.013+01:00

Lady luck seems to be with me at the moment, although I may have just jinxed it by saying that! Maybe I should think about buying a lottery ticket - what do you think?

I've been asked to join the girls over on the design team at the Fussy and Fancy Friday challenge - what an honour!!!! Their challenge this week is to create a card with this sketch as inspiration to be in with a chance of winning 6 digi's (yes 6) from the Simply Betty Stamps new line called Jude and the Rockers. They are super cute to work with and I was spoilt for choice.

Here's the card I've created using the Brittany image.

I'm emtering this card into the following challenges:

Divas By Design - dies/punches
Freshly Brewed - 2 embellishments, 2 papers & 2 shapes
I Love Promarkers - clean and simple
Paper Shelter - lots of dots
Penny's Paper Crafty - happy birthday
Simon Says Stamp - stitching
Color Throwdown - colour inspiration
Craft Room Challenge - summer birthdays
Everybody Art - use shapes
Ladybug Crafts Ink - summer birthday
Partytime Tuesdays - square cards
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Creative Stamp Friends - dots
KB Cute Mondays - anything goes
Stamps R Us - there was a little girl
The Outlawz - anything goes
Dream Valley - ribbon
One Stitch At A Time - use a digi
Sentimental Sundays - anything goes
Catch The Bug - anything goes
One Stop Craft - tag your it
Art Impressions - use something from your stash
Aud Sentiments - sentiment with 2 words
Stamp Insanity - anything goes
CASE Study - inspirational photo
For Your Inspiration - inspirational photo

Red, White & Blue Exploding Box

2011-07-06T17:33:00.023+01:00

I've been wanting to try and make an exploding box for ages so decided to sit down and try one. I've also added a 3 tier cake for the inside which could easily be adapted for any occassion i.e wedding, anniversary etc.

The tutorial for this project can be found here.

Material used:

Flowers - Wild Orchid Crafts

Promarkers - to colour the flowers

Nestabilities - Labels 11

Magnolia Doo Hickey Die - Heart Swirl Branch

Lily of the Valley - For You circular sentiment

Tim Holtz Distress Ink - weathered wood

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Die Cut Dreams - recipe
Kaboodle Doodles - celebrations
KB Cute Mondays - anything goes
Paper Creations Ink - red,white & blue
Pink Elephant - red, white & blue - WINNER
Pollycraft - celebration
Shabby Tea Room - photo inspiration - TOP 3
Come And Get It Challenges - patriotic theme
Corrosive Challenge - red & white
Creative Inspirations - red, white & blue - TOP 3
Dream Valley - ribbon
I Did It Creations - patriotic
Sentimental Sundays - anthing goes
Cupcake Inspirations - photo inspiration
Catch The Bug - anything goes
Ellephantastic - celebrations
Our Creative Corner - seassonal celebration
Paper Creators Crafts - special occassion
Card Makin' Mamas - red, white & blue
Fairy Knoll - red, white & blue
Fairy Tale - America
Off The Wall Craftiness - red, white & blue
Patties Creations - flag colours - TOP 3
Craft Us Crazy - red, white & blue - TOP 3
Delightful Challenges - red, white & blue
Do You Stack Up? - sqaures
Pixie Dust Studio - red, white & blue
The Rubber Cafe - red, white & blue
Anything Goes - letter "D" (Doohickey die)
Use It Tuesday - red, white & blue

Milly - Me And My Dog

2011-07-05T12:22:00.013+01:00

Imagine my delight when I was asked to be guest designer over at Papertake Weekly for the month of July - I was so excited and couldn't wait to get started so here's my first card.

This card is for their current challenge and the theme is "Anything Goes - with the option of an additional button" which is sponsored by LOTV. I have used one of their new images which is called "Milly - me and my dog" which has been coloured with my promarkers.

Materials used:

Papers - Wild Rose Studio "in love with Japan" papers

Pearlised card - Papermill Shop

Time Holtz Distress Ink - spun sugar

Sentiment - Woodware Janes script

Nestability Die - scalloped oval

I've entered this card into the following challenges:

Paper Sundaes - stitching
Catch The Bug - anything goes
Secret Crafter - here comes summer
Bling It On - anything goes
Lily Of The Valley - celebrate
Clearly Inspired - dies/punches
Crafty Ann's - just because
Digis With Attitude - anything goes
Wags 'n' Whiskers - summertime
4 Crafty Chicks - stitching

The Hotspot Challenge - Vacation Spots in the US

2011-07-03T11:13:00.013+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at:

This month we're focusing on vacation spots in the US (Florida, California and Las Vegas) so it's a good chance to use all of those bright and colourful papers we've got girls (ooops and not forgetting those male crafters out there of course). Here's a collage of pictures to give you some ideas.

Here's the card that I've created with the inspiration from all the colourful lights of Las Vegas using the Swan Princess image from McMahon Five Designs digital stamps which has been coloured with Promarkers.

I've entered this card into the following challenges:

Creative Belli - letter "G" (girl & grass)
Divas By Design - dies/punches
I Love Promarkers - flowers
Little Darlings - favourite colour combo
My Mums Craft Shop - something old (DP), something new (image)
Paper Shelter - anything goes
The Pixie Cottage - strawberries and cream
Ruby's Rainbow - flowers
Scrapbook Sisters - summer fun
Anything Goes - letter "D" (dreaming)
Bearly Mine - summer time
Deep Ocean Challenge - flowers
Digital Tuesday - flower power
Craft Your Passion - seeing red
Hooked On Crafts - flowers
House Of Gilli - ribbons and bows
KB Cute Monday - flowers
Ooh La La Creations - summer flowers
Shabby Tea Room - may favourite things
Stamps R Us - there was a little girl who
4 Crafty Chicks - stitching
Charisma Cardz - ice cream colours (strawberry, banana & mint)
Digi Doodle Shop's Best - anything goes
Little Miss Muffet - red, orange & yellow
Moving Along With The Times - here comes the summer sun
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes
Some Odd Girl - bright colours
Catch The Bug - anything goes
Secret Crafter - here comes summer

Wedding with Bling

2011-06-23T19:12:00.013+01:00

I couldn't resist using a side stepper card again - I think you may have guessed that I'm enjoying these at the moment eh?

This card is for a work colleague who is getting married at the end of July.

Materials used:

Pearlised cardstock - Papermill Shop

Heart Swirl Branch Die - Magnolia DooHickey

Flowers - Wild Orchid Crafts

Ribbon, gems & pearls - from my stash

Cuttlebug embossing folder - D'vine Swirl

"For You" circular sentiments - Lily of the Valley

Lacey Circles die - Spellbinders

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

A Spoonfull of Sugar - ribbons and bows

Crafty Creations - let it shine
Creative Belli - letter "G"
Everybody Art - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - paper piecing
Crazy challenge - weddings

Digi Design House - pearls and lace - WINNER
Hooked On Crafts - anything goes
House Of Gilli - ribbons and bows
Karens Doodles - flower power
Corrosive Challenge - ribbons and bows
Etsy Inspired - weddings
Totally Gorjuss - pearls and swirls
Crafts 4 Eternity - embellishment "R"
Crafty Catz - fancy folds
Prairie Fairy - weddings
Fairy Knoll - sparkle
Totally Papercrafts - die cuts & punches

Anyone for cricket?

2011-06-17T17:01:00.009+01:00

This is another Fathers Day card on a double side stepper but this time it's on a sporty theme. The template for this can be found on my Dads Shed card post.

I've taken the cricket score board and entered relevant numbers - top line: date of birth, middle line: age & surname, bottom line: date of birth of his grandson and son - I wonder if he'll work this out?

My wonderful OH has used his woodwork skills to make the cricket bat - isn't he clever? The stumps and bails were made from cocktail sticks wrapped with card and then coloured with promarkers.

I've entered this card into the following challenges:

Ai Factory - summer fun
CRAFT Challenge - stitching
Craft Us Crazy - fathers day
Crafty Sentiments - fathers day
Dutch Dare - for the boys
Shelleys Images - masculine
Little Red Wagon - for dad
Sisterhood of Crafters - masculine
Partytime Tuesday - fathers day
The Stamping Boutique - men only
Bows and Berries - masculine
Cupcake Crafts - boy, oh boy, oh boy
Daisy Doodles - fathers day
Hooked On Crafts - anything goes
Incy Wincy Designs - fathers day
Ooh La La Creations - fathers day
Stamp n Doodle - fathers day
Creative Inspirations - fathers day
Dream Valley - fathers day
Sentimental Sundays - fathers day
Sparkles Forum - fathers day
Stampin' Sisters in Christ - fathers day
Crazy 4 Challenges - masculine
Little Claires - masculine
One Stop Craft - fathers day

Lia Stampz - DT Call

2011-06-16T20:44:00.014+01:00

There's a DT call over at Lia Stampz where they're going to be starting a brand new challenge soon using her digi designs - why not pop over and have a look? Sooooooooo I thought I'd give it a go and see how I get on - fingers crossed :-)

To apply you're given a quirky image called kiki and asked to design a card. I decided to add some feathers (courtesy of the birds who left them in my garden), decoupage the eyes and add some leaves to give the image a bit of depth. Hope they like it :-)

I've entered this card into the following challenges:

Paper Shelter - punches/dies
Sisterhood of Crafters - masculine
Karens Doodles - stamp/digi
Paper Take Weekly - dads & lads
Partytime Tuesday - fathers day
Stamping Boutique - men only
Bows and Berries - masculine
Cheerful Stamp Pad - things with wings
Cupcake Craft Challenge - boy oh boy oh boy
Daisy Doodles - fathers day
Happileigh Scrappin' - embossing
Incy Wincy Designs - fathrs day
Ooh La La Creations - fathers day
Stamp n Doodle - fathers day
Stamping Scrapping Challenge Central - embossing
The Outlawz - fathers day
Sketch n Stash - sketch
Card Cupids - animals
Creative Inspirations - fathers day
Dream Valley - fathers day
I Did It Creations - birds
Sentimental Sundays - fathers day
Sparkles Forum - fathers day
Stampin' Sisters in Christ - fathers day
Crafty Emma - inspired by a movie (The Birds)
Crazy 4 Challenges - masculine
Little Claires - masculine
One Stop Craft - fathers day
Stamp,Scrap & Doodle - fathers day

Hedgehog Get Well Wishes

2011-06-14T19:08:00.006+01:00

Well the sun is shining, I've finished work for the day and I've just heard that a friend has been admitted to hospital again. So I thought I would make her a nice cheery card to try and brighten her day :-)

Materials used on this card:

Pearlised card - PaperMill Shop

Window stamp - Art Impressions

Hedgehog stamp - free with craft magazine

Martha Stewart around the page punch

Flowers - Wild Orchid Crafts

Promarkers and fine liner (used for the brickwork)

Ribbon (coloured with Promarkers), glitter glue & acetate (for the window panes) from my stash

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Karens Doodles - frame it - 2nd PLACE

Pollycraft - ribbons & flowers

There's Magic in the Air - pick two

Sketch N Stash - sketch

Card Cupids - animals

Kenny K's Krafty Girlz - favourite colour

Crafty Ann's - more than one image

Shelley's Images - anything goes

Crafts and Me - stamp something

My Mum's Craft Shop - punch it

JCB Birthday

2011-06-12T19:44:00.018+01:00

I seem to be inundated with mens and boys cards at the moment and I find them sooooooooooooooo difficult as I know a lot of us crafters do. Fortunately I was told that Harvey loves JCB's and being a 4 year old I had to give the card a bit of interest too, so I've made the bucket arm at the back move up and down by creating a joint using a brad and putting the number 4 on acetate so that it springs.

I've enterd this card into the following challenges:

Aly's Sunday challenge - all about kids
Creative Inspirations - fun folds
Sentimental Sundays - masculine
Crazy 4 Challenges - masculine
Little Claires - cards for men
Secret Crafter - masculine
Frosted Designs - stitching
Fussy and Fancy - male cards
Stamp Man - boys and men
Wags 'n' Whiskers - one for the boys
Charisma Cardz - how old? - TOP 3
Craft Us Crazy - masculine
Do You Stack Up Challenges - birthday
Little Miss Muffet - use numbers
Paper Play - masculine
Some Odd Girl - masculine
Stamp Insanity - masculine
Amber's Crafts - special man
Sisterhood of Crafters - masculine
The Paper Variety - for the guys
Scrap Creations - birthday
Stamping Boutique - men only
Bows and Berries - masculine
Ooh La La Creations - birthday
There's Magic in the Air - masculine
Woodware USA - masculine

A Helping Hand

2011-06-10T17:05:00.015+01:00

The image on this card is a digi from the Praerie Fairy and is called "A Helping Hand" which was chosen from their store after being picked as one of their top 3 with my Dad's Shed card. I thought the image was quite appropriate as we all need a helping hand from time to time, don't we?

Materials used:

White card - PaperMill Shop

Olive card - Core'dinations

Spellbinders Nestabilities - lacey circle

Time Holtz distress ink - shabby shutters

Flowers

Promarkers

Sentiment - Lily of the Valley - dreamy days circular sentiments

Glitter glue, button, ribbon, border strip - stash

I've entered this card into the following challenges:

Crafty Sentiments - sparkle
Lily of the Valley - anything goes
Colour throwdown
Divas By Design - florals
My Mums Craft Shop - punch it
Penny's Paper Crafty - best friends
A Spoonful of Sugar - here comes summer
Bearly Mine - anything goes
Craft Room Challenge - anything goes
Everybody Art - distressing
Papertake - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
House of Gilli - buttons
Incy Wincy Designs - tic, tac, toe (flowers, ribbon & tag)
Catch the Bug - anything goes

Snooker Loopy

2011-06-02T19:26:00.014+01:00

This card is for my father in law who loves his sport be it football, rugby, cricket, motor racing, snooker - it's seems as though there's nothing he doesn't like!!!! Well that gave me quite a bit of scope as to ideas for his fathers day card. I think this one's a bit different and loved the inspiration from one of of my magazines. Here's my take on their idea.

Cuttle bug embossing folder - swiss dots used on:

Core'dinations card - vanilla cream

Tim Holtz distressing ink - barn door

The snooker cue was made from 2 x cocktail sticks stuck end to end and rolling card

around them and colouring with promarkers using the odd gold fine line peel off to finish off

Snooker triangle - brown funky foam

Snooker balls were made from on old Xmas holly decoration

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

Ladybug Crafts Ink - make your own embellishments - TOP 3
Cheerful Stamp Pad - a special reason
Craft Your Passion - what a guy
Karens Doodles - fathers day
Lexi's Creations - fathers day
Here Come The Boys - fathers day
Craft Your Days Away - fathers day
Easy Craft Projects - for dad
Aud Sentiments Challenge - male card - WINNER
Passion For Promarkers - sporting marvels
Tuesday Throwdown - DIY embellishments
Cards For Men - no paper - TOP 3
Catch The Bug - bright colours
Challenge Up Your Life - recycling - TOP 3
Crafts 4 Eternity - alter something
Sew Many Cards - circles
Simply Create - special day/event
Crafting For All Seaons - fathers day
Freshly Brewed - it's a guy thing
Paper Shelter - father
Scrapbook Sisters - a mans world
Simon Says Stamp - masculine

The Hotspot Challenge - Laser Cut Details

2011-06-01T12:08:00.008+01:00

Well here we're at the beginning of yet another month, isn't this year passing so quickly?

It's time for another challenge over at:

This month the focus is on a trend in fashion - laser cut details.

We are finding this detail in our accessories, our footwear and our clothing so I'm sure with all of those dies and punches out there you can all come up with something fabulous! Hope you have fun with this one and we look forward to seeing your entry.

Here's the card that I have created using one of the McMahon Five Designs digital stamps from their Wedding Collection which has been coloured using Promarkers.

I've used one of the Martha Stewart "punch around" punches highlighting with a small flower stamp, threaded ribbon through finishing off with a bow in each corner. The sentiment is from the Lily of the Valley "for you" circular sentiments set.

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

Bearly Mine - die cuts and lace
Paperminutes - quartet
Party Time Tuesday - anything goes
Top Tip Tuesday - wrap it up with ribbon
Cheerful Stamp Pad - a special reason
Crafty Cardmakers - love, the lasting kind
Paper Playtime - wedding or love theme - WINNER
Card Cupids - ribbon
Paper Sundaes - vintage or shabby chic
Secret Crafter - clean and simple

Dad's Shed with added instructions on how to make one

2011-05-31T19:03:00.016+01:00

With Father's Day looming I thought I'd put my thinking cap on and come up with something ultra special this year. See what you think...

My Dad suffered a heart attack a couple of weeks ago and, as he is a really fit and active 72 year old, it hit me like a tonne of bricks. He was only hanging wallpaper for me the week before - how could it be him?!?!?!? He's now back home and recuperating from having a stent fitted into his main artery and annoying my mum because he's having to sit around and rest! He's so stubborn, but thankfully on the road to recovery.

Instructions

Take an A4 piece of card (I've used a green card as my base) and cut to 28cm in length. The measurements for the cutting and scoring are shown on the diagram below:

Your basic double stepper card should look like this:

On the diagram below it gives the measurements for the shed, the hinges, the picket fence and the topiary flowers. The flower pot is a stamp from Art Impressions and I've used 1cm diameter flowers to form the flower ring.

I've entered this card into the following challenges, let's hope Dad will bring me some luck:

Cheerful Stamp Pad - a special reason
Craft Your Passion - what a guy
Happileigh Scrappin' - lots and lots of embellishments
House of Gilli - flowers
Karens Doodles - fathers day
Lexi's Creations - fathers day
Stamp With Fun - in the garden
Stamping Scrapping Challenge Central - masculine - TOP 3
The Outlawz - anything goes with a sentiment
Dream Valley - stamp something - TOP 3
Here Come The Boys - fathers day
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - boys
2 Sisters - anything goes
Craft Your Days Away - fathers day - TOP 3
Easy Craft Projects - for dad
Just Us Girls - fathers day 3d project
Little Claire's - shaped cards
Prairie Fairy - more than one fold - TOP 3
Aud Sentiments Challenge - male card
Charisma Cardz - boy oh boy
Crafty Sentiments - special occasions
Digi Doodle Shop's Best - anything goes
Meljens Designs - fathers day

Butterflys & Flowers

2011-05-30T18:18:00.006+01:00

A colleague commissioned this card for a friend that has just been diagnosed with heart problems and is currently undergoing tests - hopefully this card will raise her spirits.

This photo doesn't show the cards true colours unfortunately as it's such a miserable rainy day outside today and I've had to turn the lights on in my craft room - the backing paper is actually lilac and not blue!

Butterfly punch - Tonic

Flowers, gems, pearls, lace, glitter glue and peel off corners are all from my stash

Paper - Doddlebug Design's baby girl kit - forget-me-not daisies

Tim Holtz Distress Ink - dusty concord

Magnolia Doo Hickey Die - Heart Swirl Branch Die

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Bling It On - photo inspiration
Kenny K's Krafty Girlz - fabulous florals
2 Sisters - anything goes
Allsorts Challenge - things with wings
Phindy's Place - summer living
Crafty Purple Frog - things of beauty
Digi Doodle Shops Best - anything goes
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes
Paper Play Challenge - blossoms and blooms
Crafty Creations - get well

Mrs & Mrs

2011-05-19T17:58:00.028+01:00

Same sex marriages are getting more and more popular aren't they? This just gives us crafters such an opportunity to bling our cards up even more doesn't it? Double the bling - yeah :-) Congratulations to the happy couple "Gemma & Angela" for their forthcoming wedding in July, hope they like my card and that they don't see it on here beforehand.

Where do I begin to tell you about this one?

Pearlised cardstock - Papermill Shop

Heart Swirl Branch Die - Magnolia DooHickey

Flower embellishment - taken from the wedding invitation

Ribbons, gems & buckle - from my stash

Cuttlebug embossing folder - D'vine Swirl & Swiss Dots

I have entered this card into the following challenges:

Divas By Design - one for the girls

Paper Pretties - flowers

Penny's Paper Crafty - anything goes

Simon Says Stamp - sparkle & shine

The Sisterhood of Crafters -let it shine - TOP 3

Truly Scrumptious - anything goes

Anything Challenge - bingo board (paper piecing, flowers & gems)

Use It Tuesday - bling

Ooh La La Creations - fancy folds - TOP 3

The Shabby Tea Room - monochromatic - HONOURABLE MENTION

There's Magic in the Air - embossing

Creatalicious Challenge - flourishes

Desert Island Crafters - 3 or more from the list

Card Cupids - no patterned paper

Creative Inspirations - glitzy & bling - TOP 3

Scrappy Frog - anything goes

Sparkles Forum - recipe - WINNER

Easy Craft Projects - pastels

Little Claire's Designs - sparkle

Our Creative Corner - natural with a twist

Shannon's Sentiments - flowers and no dp
The Outlawz - wedding

A Day On The Farm

2011-05-18T18:39:00.008+01:00

This is the second card I've been asked to make for Father's Day and it's for a colleague's son to give his Grandad on Fathers Day and I've used an easel card for this one.

The backing for this image has been made from tearing strips of papers from the Serif "Picnic in the Park" papers free with this months Simply Cards and Papercraft magazine and then using several Art Impressions stamps - teeny tiny grass, small grass clump & tiny stones - I have created a field upon which to place the tractor. The paper has been edged with distress ink - peeled paint, the clouds were created using a masking technique and distress ink - tumbled glass. The sun and birds were added using a Whispers pens.

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

ABC Challenge - unusual folds
Digistamps 4 Joy - boys, boys, boys
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge - anything goes
Truly Scrumptious - anything goes
Your Next Stamp Challenge - pop it up
The Paper Shelter - distress to impress
Bearly Mine - vintage easel card
Creative Craft Challenge - distressed / vintage
Cards for Men - someone special
Oh La La Creations - fancy folds
There's Magic In The Air - embossing
Come and Get It - colour challenge - TOP 3
Dream Valley - dig out the old (stamps) to use with the new (dp's)

Grandad's Tool Set

2011-05-17T20:44:00.012+01:00

This is the first card I've been asked to make for Father's Day and it's for a colleague's son to give his Grandad on Fathers Day.

The tools for this card were a free download from the Papercraft Inspirations magazine issue 87 where they have got a complete tool box project. The tools have been decoupaged and had Amazing Glaze added to them before mounting them onto a Spellbinders Nestability - labels 11, distressing the edges with Tim Holtz Distressing Ink - weathered wood - and adding brads.

The backing paper was made using the same download as above and I have created my own paper. This has been mounted onto a darker blue paper, distressing the edges as before, then using my Crop a Dile to put eyelets in each corner and adding faux stitching around the outside edge.

The sentiment has been generated using the PC.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Cards 4 Men - for someone special
Crafty Cardmakers - embossing
Happileigh Scrappin' - stitching
Stamp R Us - going digital
There's Magic In The Air - embossing
Cooking It Up With Katie - stamp me a letter with brads
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge - anything goes
Sew Many Cards - anything goes

Young Lovers

2011-05-14T17:16:00.010+01:00

Have you been along to the Hotspot Challenge for this months challenge yet?

Why not pop along and have a look at this months challenge which is called "case a cake" and we're being tasked to design with the inspiration from all of those yummy wedding cakes. From ribbons, to colour, from flowers to embellishments - surely you can come up with some inspiration! We would love to see what you come up with and the challenge is open until 31st May so you've still got time.

Here's the card I've made as a reminder and I've used one of the images from McMahon Five Designs called Young Lovers. The image has been coloured using Promarkers and decoupaged onto a Spellbinders Nestability Fleur des Lis square, gold fine line peel offs and gems were added for extra effect.

The sentiment is from the Lily of theValley "For You" circular sentiments stamp set which fits perfectly into a Spellbinders Nestability "lacey circle" with gems added to the centre of the flowers in the sentiment.

The card and ribbon were from my stash.

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

Papertake - fancy a punches
Tuesday Throwdown - die cuts
Use It Tuesday - use your bling
Crazy Challenge - anything goes
Digi Design House - bling
Woodware USA - Wedding/Anniversary
Catered Crop - recipe (brown ink, ribbon & die cuts)
Creative Cowgirls - anything goes
Creative Inspriations - glitzy & bling
Scrappy Frogs - anything goes
Sentimental Sundays - anything goes
Sparkles Forum - recipe
Stampin' Sisters in Christ - all thing beautiful
Catch The Bug - anything goes
Secret Crafter - dust off your stash

Fairytale Tilda

2011-05-10T17:48:00.017+01:00

The sketch used for this card is from "A Gem of a Challenge".

The image used for this one is "Fairytale Tilda" from Magnolia. Isn't she cute? She has been coloured using Promarkers and the wings have had glitter glue added to make them really sparkle although the photo doesn't really show this very well :-( I've used my scalloped nestability to frame the image and whilst leaving the die in place as a mask have used distress ink "antique linen" around the edges.

The papers are from Doodlebug Designs baby girl kit and are called "pastel candy dots" and "lovely lime pinstripes" and I've distressed the edge of the pinstripe paper with Tim Holtz distress ink - shabby shutters.

The sentiment is from the Lily of the Valley "Dreamy Days" sentiment set. The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the ribbon and lace are from my stash.

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

A Gem of a Challenge - sketch
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - lace
Digi Design House - bling
Die Cut Dreams - princess birthday
Happileigh Scrapin' - green - WINNER
Karen's Doodles - pastels
Card Cupids - flowers
Cheerful Stamp Pad - girls with curls
Come and Get It - happy birthday
Crafty Pad - spots & dots
Creative Cowgirls - anything goes
Creative Inspirations - glitzy & bling
Dream Valley - flowers
Emerald Faerie Garden - anything goes
Stamping Sisters in Christ - all things beautiful
Ellephantastic - birthday party
One Stop Crafts - birthdays
Secret Crafter - dust off your stash
Sweet Stampin' - childhood memories
Bah! Humbug! - recycling/green
Crafty Ann's - happy birthday
Crafty Catz - quote/sentiment
Praerie Fairy - here come the girls
If The Shoe Fits - green
Just Magnolia - anything goes
Totally Papercrafts - recipe
Art Impressions Stamps - bling, glitter & sparkle

Love Antennae

2011-05-07T12:16:00.007+01:00

I've used a sketch again for this card which is from Sketchy Colours. The image that I've used is from Penny Black and called "Love Antennae". She has been coloured with Promarkers and had glitter glue added to her wings to make her twinkle. I've raised the image using silicone glue and mounted her onto scalloped oval nestabilities.

The red gingham paper was from the Homespun Christams Collection which came free with my Simply Cards & Papercraft magazine and the ribbon, buckles and sentiment were from my stash.

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

Sketchy Colours - sketch
Crafty Ann's - happy birthday
Totally Papercrafts - recipe
Little Miss Muffet - diecuts or punches
Rainbow Lady's - lady in red
Shelley's Images - sugar and spice
Southern Girls - let's hear it for the girls
I Love Promarkers - song title (lady in red)
My Mum's Craft Shop - cute and girly
The Paper Shelter - bling it up
Ladybug Crafts - going dotty
Magical Monday - sketch

Wedding Couple

2011-05-06T18:41:00.008+01:00

One of my colleagues at work has asked me to do this card for their friends who are getting married in June - hope they like it!

I've gone back to one of my favourite stamp designers and that's Lily of the Valley and this one is called Wedding Couple. The image has been coloured with Promarkers and highlighted with gems and glitter glue. The sentiment is also LOTV and from the "For You" collection.

The pink backing paper is from the Papermania Honey 'n' Hugs collection which came free in one of my craft magazines. The white card was embossed with the Cuttlebug "D'vine Swirls" embossing folder, all pieces were edged with Tim Holtz Distress Ink - victorian velvet - and faux stitching added.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the beads and ribbon are from my stash.

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

Digistamps 4 Joy - it's a celebration
Divas By Design - anything goes
I Love Promarkers - song title (bridal march)
A Spoonful of Sugar - white + one colour
Papertake - anything goes with option of something round
Passion for Promarkers - fit for a princess
Top Tip Tuesday - anything goes
Digi Design House - paper piecing
Die Cut Dreams - wedding
Get HippityWith Ippity - flowers
House of Gilli - layers and stitching
Incy Wincy Designs - I do
Make it Monday - anything goes
Desert Island Crafts - recipe (distressing, sparkle & words)
Emerald Faerie Garden - anything goes

50th Wedding Anniversary

2011-05-05T16:11:00.003+01:00

I can't believe it's my Mum and Dad's 50th wedding anniversay this year - doesn't time fly? They have arranged to go away on a cruise to celebrate and I'm going to see if I can arrange for them to have a meal at the captains table by way of a celebration. I've just got to try and get the details from them without them suspecting anything!

I've made this card in a red, white and blue theme as blue is my Mums favourite colour and you can't have roses without them being red, can you?

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

Creative Craft World - a right royal challenge
Karen's Doodles - red, white and blue
Quirky Crafts - a right royal affair
Easy Craft Projects - royal wedding inspiration
Daring Cardmakers - by royal appointment

The Hotspot Challenge - Case a Cake

2011-05-04T19:13:00.007+01:00

It's that time again and we have a new monthly challenge over at:

This month it's "case a cake" and there are loads of pictures to give you inspiration on design, colours, patterns etc. It doesn't have to be a cake, it can be a wedding theme or any other celebration using the pictures for ideas. I've gone for ribbons and bows and a brown and cream theme. The image I've used is from McMahon Five Designs and is called Young Lovers and the image has been decoupaged.

Why not pop on over and have a look for yourself we'd love to see what you come up with.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Die Cut Dreams - wedding
Emerald Faerie Garden - anything goes
Easy Craft Projects - wedding
Cardmadfairy Challenge - wedding
Crafts 4 Eternity - anything goes
Phindy's Place - glitter, glamour and glitz
Totally Papercrafts - glitter
AiFactory Challenge - anything goes
Digi Doodle - anything goes

Updated with winner - Blog Candy

2011-05-01T20:00:00.001+01:00

And the winner is.......

No 3: Jules

Congratulations Jules

If you could send me your home address to sally-annhanes@hotmail.co.uk I'll get your voucher sent off to you

Thanks to everyone that took part :-)

*********************

Here's the blog candy that I promised you all when I came back off holiday.

This post will stay at the top of my blog until the 30th April. For all other posts please continue scrolling down.

The lucky winner will be able to spend £10 from the Sir Stampalot online store or, if you are lucky enough to live close enough, in their actual store in Peterborough!

All you have to do to qualify is:

Become a follower - if you're not one already

Post my candy on your sidebar with a link back to my blog

Only 1 entry per person allowed

This will remain open until Saturday 30th April and the lucky winner will be announced on Sunday 1st May

What could be easier?

Please add your name by clicking on the blue frog below for a chance to win.

Heloise Garden Gal

2011-04-30T11:44:00.009+01:00

The inspiration for this layout came from the sketch over at I{Heart}2 Stamp along with the colours from In Style Stamps.

The image I've used is from the Robyn's Fetish and is called Heloise the Garden Gal and has been coloured using Promarkers. I thought this image was quite apt for this time of year when we are all out in the garden planting our bedding plants and enjoying outside life. The only problem with the good weather is that it takes me away from my card making - if only we could move our craft rooms outside eh?

The papers used on this card were out of my scrap box so unfortunately I dont know where they came from. They have all been edged with Tim Holtz distress inks - peeled paint - and faux stitching added using a Marvy le Plume brown pen.

The buttons are from the Papermania capsule collection mini buttons - sunshine.

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

I{heart}2stamp - sketch
In Style Stamps - colour palette
Bling It On - use a digi
By The Cute & Girly - cute and girly
Creative Inspirations - use a digi
Craft Your Passion - show us your layers
Crazy Challenge - 3 different papers
Get Hippity with Ippity - spring/summer
House of Gilli - layers and stitching
Ambers Crafts - use a digi

I'm so excited - breaking news!!!!

2011-04-17T20:08:00.010+01:00

At last I can say something, I've had to keep this quiet for the last couple of weeks and it has been soooooooo difficult as all I've wanted to do is shout it from the roof tops. I've been asked to be on the Design Team for The Hotspot Challenge :-)

The Hotspot Challenge sets monthly challenges around what’s “hot”, trendy, popular or in style at the moment or sometimes they’ll go retro and visit trends from the past and challenge you to use that as inspiration! For us crafters this shouldn't be too difficult as we are always using our creativeness to design our cards, so why not have a go - I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

April's challenge is to create something from your trash (rubbish), recycle something that you would normally throw away. I've chosen to recycle an empty tissue box and have used the card to cut out lily pads to go along with my image - Vertie's Bath. You've still got until 30th April to enter so hopefully see you over at the Hotspot Challenge.

As well as being a monthly challenge blog they also have an online store (which is where my image came from for this card) so why not go along and have a look although I can't accept any blame if you're tempted to buy :-)

I've entered this card into the following challenges:

2 Sisters - bingo (die cut, glitter & flowers)

Etsy Inspired - creating is fun - WINNER
Little Claire's - animals
Card Makin' Mamas - spring colours
Digi's With Attitude! - spring has sprung
Frosted Desgins - handmade embellishement
AiFactory - party animal
Rainbow Lady's - springtime
Crafty Creations - paper piecing
Creative Card Crew - spring
A Spoonfull of Sugar - all creatures great and small
Passion for Promarkers - make your own embellishments - TOP 5 PASSIONISTA
Top Tip Tuesday - spring has sprung
My Partner in Crafting Crime - layer it up

Heidi

2011-04-15T17:25:00.006+01:00

I've based this card around the sketch from Totally Papercrafts, it's a different one for me but I think I like it!

The image is from Victoria Case Art Designs and she's called Heidi. She's been coloured with Promarkers, matte and layered onto scalloped, oval die cuts with a bit of faux stitching around the edge.

The sentiment has been hand written onto a die cut scalloped oval and finished off with the same faux stitching as the image.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the lace, pearls and backing paper are all from my stash.

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

Totally Papercrafts - sketch
Crafty Ann's - raise a smile
Tellens Place - sparkle and lace
Catch The Bug - 4 or more layers
I Did It Creations - sing a song
Crafty Creations - paper piecing
Fab 'n' funky - spotty and dotty

Dreaming of You

2011-04-14T17:37:00.005+01:00

The inspiration for this card came from the sketch at The Sweet Stop - why not pop over and have a go yourself?

This image is called Daisy and she's from Elisabeth Bell Designs and has been lovingly coloured with my Promarkers. The centre of the flowers in her hair have been finished with Liquid Pearls - lemon yellow - and then matted onto a doily which has been edged with Tim Holtz Distress Inks - shabby shutters.

The backing papers are from the Papermania "Honey 'n' Hugs" collection which came free with my Papercraft Essentials magazine this month. They have all been edged with Tim Holtz distress ink - weathered wood - and had faux stitching added.

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the sentiment is from the Lily of the Valley "Dreamy Days" set.

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

The Sweet Stop - sketch
Ladybug Crafts - celebration
Papertake - dimensional
Top Tip Tuesday - spring has sprung
Digi Design House - stitches
Incy Wincy Designs - flower frenzy
The Shabby Tea Room - Doilies and Lace
The Crafty Pad - spring is in the air
2 Sisters - spring
Catch the Bug - four or more layers
Little Claire's - spring celebration
If The Shoe Fits - spring is in the air

Sailing Boat

2011-04-13T19:32:00.007+01:00

This card has been made with inspiration from the sketch at "moving along with the times" challenge blog.

The image used is Sailing Boat from Lily of the Valley and has been coloured with Promarkers before matting and layering onto the navy backing paper. The background effect on the image has been created using Tim Holtz distress ink - tumbled glass, and then adding faux stitching with a Marvy Le Plume pen.

The backing papers are from a scrapbook set that I won in the raffle at a craft retreat I went to in February and this is the first time I have used them. The ribbon, buttons and embroidery thread are all from my stash.

I have entered this card into the following challenges:

Moving Along With The Times - sketch
I Love Promarkers - sketch
My Partner in Crafting Crime - layer it up
Paper Sundaes - childhood memories
Card Ideas - kidding around
Little Claires - spring colours
Fussy and Fancy - card for a child
Delightful Challenges - sun, sea and sand

Divas by Design - DT Call & Blog Candy - updated 15th April

2011-04-11T18:45:00.001+01:00

Update: Unfortunately I didn't get a place on their design team :-( but I still get to enter their challenges :-)

http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/04/follower-candy-and-dt-call.html

Divas by Design is a new challenge blog who will be opening their "online" doors with a bi-weekly challenge blog on Wednesday 4th May at 09.00 GMT. I'm sure you will want to join in the fun so why not pop along to their website (see above) and take part. We all want freedom in our creations so this challenge blog is ideal as they don't mind if you use digi stamps, rubber stamps or no stamps at all as long as you follow their theme and of course have fun at the same time - simples!

Divas by Design also have some blog candy on offer so there's another reason to pop along to their challenge blog straight away for a chance of winning all of these lovely craft bits and bobs.

Thats not all folks! They are also looking for 5 new DT members so I've decided to apply and see if I'm one of the lucky ones :-) Here are my 3 favourite cards to highlight to them what I'm capable of and also show different techniques. Oh well here goes, fingers crossed, wish me luck and as the saying goes "break a leg"....

The first card I've chosen is my heart shaped easel card

It was my first card to win a challenge and I was so proud :-)

The second card I've chosen is my daisy box card

I'd learnt this new technique at a craft retreat and this was my first attempt at making one - I don't think I did too badly, did I?

My third and final card is my yacht twisted easel card.

Male cards are the hardest thing that I have to make and I was pleased to get the inspiration for this one.

It may look simple but the sails are handmade and were very fiddly.

I hope you think that this selection is worthy of one of the DT slots, but if not would welcome any feedback that you can give.

Sunshine & Smiles

2011-04-10T21:04:00.007+01:00

This card has been made for the Bearly Mine challenge who have a sketch to follow - I hope you like my interpretation of it!

The green backing paper is from the Nancy Watt collection and came free with a Making Cards magazine last year sometime and has been edged with Tim Holt distress ink - worn lipstick. The flowered paper was also a free paper from a craft magazine, but not sure which one has been layered onto white card.

The image has been coloured with promarkers and finished off with a gem in the centre of the bow. The edge of the image has been finished off with Tim Holtz distress ink - shabby shutters - and faux stitching with a gem swirl to complete.

I've used a Martha Stewart punch and an eyelet punch to make the border, coloured a piece of white ribbon with a promarker, threaded it through and finished off with a double bow. The edges have been finished with Tim Holtz distress ink - worn lipstick.

The sentiment is from the Lily of the Valley "dreamy days" set, the flowers have been coloured using promarkers and Tim Holtz distress ink - shabby shutters - has been used around the outside.

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

Bearly Mine - sketch
Amber's Crafts - try a new technique
Freshly Brewed - flowers
The Pixie Cottage - paper piecing - WINNER
Simon Says Stamp - spring colours
Craft Us Crazy - spring
Dutch Dare Cards - spring has sprung
Little Miss Muffet - stitching
Pixie Dust Studio - lace it up
Just Add Ink - inspiration challenge

Get Well Soon

2011-04-02T17:47:00.013+01:00

This card has been made for a friend of mine who lives in Toronto and is recovering from a heart attack which happened last week. Needless to say I was shocked when I heard the news as she is only a few years older than me! You just never know when/if something like this is going to happen do you? I hope this card will cheer her up though :-)

The image used on this card is from the Aspects of Design #57 stamp sheet and has been coloured with Promarkers. I've also used liquid pearls on the tiny dots underneath the leaves just to highlight them.

The backing papers came with one of my craft magazines and have been finished off with faux stitching around the outside. The ric rac, ribbon, buttons and pearls were from my stash.

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

Throwback Thursday - sketch
Desert Island Crafts - recipe
Wags 'n' Whiskers - ribbons and pearls
4 Crafty Chicks - recipe - WINNER
Crafty Purple Frog - anything but square
Delightful Challenges - flowers
Amber's Crafts - flowers
Tuesday Throwdown - flowers
My Partner in Crafting Crime - 3 or more buttons

Cute Love Birds

2011-03-30T17:11:00.014+01:00

Well I've managed to survive the last 2 weeks without any card making or blogging, so I had to get my fix of it today - despite all of my holiday washing and ironing!

This card has been made for a colleague who works in our office in Sydney and has recently got engaged - congratulations Mim and Ali.

The large flowered paper is from the Forever Friends "Pink Parfait" collection and the smaller flowered paper came from one of my craft magazines. They have both been edged with Tim Holtz distress ink - shabby shutters.

The image is a digi from Digi Stamp Boutique called Cute Love Birds and has been coloured with Promarkers. The ribbon is from my stash and makes a really good frame for it too. In each corner of the frame I have placed a die cut from a Sizzix die "flowers & branch" and used Liquid Pearls "lemon yellow" for it's centre.

The sentiment has been created using instructions from Karen at "a lil' bit of redrottiness" and has been mounted onto a scalloped circle with leaves from Wild Orchid Crafts to complete the card.

I have entered this card into the following challenges:

The Shabby Tea Room - photo inspiration
Incy Wincy Designs - sparkle & shine - TOP 3
Tuesday Throwdown - florals
There's Magic in the Air - colour challenge
Sentimental Sundays - cute & cuddly
A Gem of a Challenge - anything but square
Crafty Calendar Challenge - spring

50th Birthday Card

2011-03-29T09:00:00.001+01:00

As I am going to be away on holiday I thought I would leave daily posts of either a favourite card that I have made in the past or a tutorial. I hope you will pop back each day to have a look.

When I get back there will be blog candy up for grabs so don't miss your chance crafters!

This card was made for my brother in law who teaches people how to play the guitar and also plays in several bands. He's very good and has even taught his 2 sons to play as well and now they run their own band. What a talented family eh?

I'll be back tomorrow, so hopefully I will get chance to make a card in between all the washing and ironing :-)

Happy crafting xx

Shoe and Belt 60th Card

2011-03-28T09:00:00.001+01:00

Pop back tomorrow for another golden oldie....

Happy crafting xx

Hearts and Flowers

2011-03-27T09:00:00.005+01:00

As I am going to be away on holiday I thought I would leave daily posts of either a favourite card that I have made in the past or a tutorial. I hope you will pop back each day to have a look.

When I get back there will be blog candy up for grabs so don't miss your chance crafters!

This card is another example of an easel card which was made for a friend to give to his wife for Valentines Day - she loved it! It's always nice to get feedback isn't it?

Pop back tomorrow for another golden oldie....

Happy crafting xx

70th Wedding Anniversary

2011-03-26T09:00:00.014Z

As I am going to be away on holiday I thought I would leave daily posts of either a favourite card that I have made in the past or a tutorial. I hope you will pop back each day to have a look.

When I get back there will be blog candy up for grabs so don't miss your chance crafters!

This card was made for a work colleague for her friends 70th wedding anniversary. Wow what an achievement - they must have been very young when they got married.

Pop back tomorrow for another golden oldie....

Happy crafting xx

Ruby Wedding

2011-03-25T09:00:00.004Z

As I am going to be away on holiday I thought I would leave daily posts of either a favourite card that I have made in the past or a tutorial. I hope you will pop back each day to have a look.

When I get back there will be blog candy up for grabs so don't miss your chance crafters!

This cardwas made for my Mum and Dad's ruby wedding anniversary. My Mum shed a few tears of joy when she saw it so for once in my life I guess I did something right - tee hee :-)

Pop back tomorrow for another golden oldie....

Happy crafting xx

Single Easel Card Tutorial

2011-03-24T09:00:00.001Z

As I am going to be away on holiday I thought I would leave daily posts of either a favourite card that I have made in the past or a tutorial. I hope you will pop back each day to have a look.

When I get back there will be blog candy up for grabs so don't miss your chance crafters!

Here's a tutorial on how to make a single easel card:

1) Take an A4 piece of card and measure a 29.4cm x 14.7cm rectangle from it, score and fold in half along the short edges to form a 14.7 square card.

2) Determine the centre position between one of the short edges and the centre fold, score and fold to form the easel.

3) Using the piece of card that you cut from the original piece of A4 card, measure a 14.7cm length and use to rest the easel against. I use double sided pads to raise mine up. You could use flowers, a bow, a button or anything similar as an alternate at this stage.

4) Cut another piece of card measuring 14.7cm x 14.7cm which will be placed onto the easel shape. You could use any shaped card at this stage i.e. circle, heart, smaller square, rectangle.

5) Decorate your card.

I hope you have been able to follow this tutorial and can now use this for your own creations.

Happy crafting xx

Fairy Wishes

2011-03-23T09:00:00.004Z

As I am going to be away on holiday I thought I would leave daily posts of either a favourite card that I have made in the past or a tutorial. I hope you will pop back each day to have a look.

When I get back there will be blog candy up for grabs so don't miss your chance crafters!

This card is another card made with my favourite Lily of the Valley stamps - she's sooooooo cute!

Pop back tomorrow for another golden oldie.

Happy crafting xx

Box in a Card

2011-03-22T09:00:00.003Z

As I am going to be away on holiday I thought I would leave daily posts of either a favourite card that I have made in the past or a tutorial. I hope you will pop back each day to have a look.

When I get back there will be blog candy up for grabs so don't miss your chance crafters!

This was another of the demos at the craft retreat (see my post entitled my first attempt at a box card). As you can see we great some great ideas to take away with us, don't we? My thanks to Nat for this one :-)

Pop back tomorrow for another golden oldie.

Happy crafting xx

Ballerina Tilda

2011-03-21T09:00:00.002Z

As I am going to be away on holiday I thought I would leave daily posts of either a favourite card that I have made in the past or a tutorial. I hope you will pop back each day to have a look.

When I get back there will be blog candy up for grabs so don't miss your chance crafters!

I have been quite fortunate as I've been able to sell my cards in the restaurant at work which sell really well and I even get some commission work from it as well.

Pop back tomorrow for another golden oldie.

Happy crafting xx