Life in La La Land

baby cards

2011-09-13T19:20:00.003+01:00

Martin has installed a new hardrive in the computer so i had to back everything up, upon reinstalling everything i came across some Baby cards i had made last year and never got around to sharing them, so no time like the present.
All cards were coloured using promarkers i cant remember papers etc as it was so long ago. I'm not feeling 100% at the minute but ill soon be back to it with more to share.

gone Fishin'

2011-09-08T21:33:00.002+01:00

i coloured this image in ages ago and found it today amongst my images ready to colour draws. i thought it wood go perfect with the October afternoon pages I've had for ages, a lovely woodland theme to the card, this will go in my spares box ready for a last minute card for someone. The image (if i remember rightly) was coloured in promarkers and distress inks.
Ive got a day off tomorrow and i plan to spend it shopping, i have an afternoon hair appointment then im spending the whole evening crafting so i'll have more to share in a few days :)

Lilli of the valley

2011-09-06T17:24:00.004+01:00

Im not doing too bad at this blogging lark! twice in one week, i hope i can keep it up, LOL.
Today i have a card to share, the image is a lilli of the valley stamp and i love this image, its gorgeous to colour in with promarkers or copics, but on this occasion I've coloured it in with Tim Holtz distress inks.
I've stamped it on pearlecent card so it already had a shimmer, the shimmer shows through the colouring too.
It is my mums birthday today so i set about making this at the weekend, and I'm sure I've made a very similar if not the same card in the past, I'll have to have a trawl through my blog and see if i can see it.
Ive had a long day at work today and Martin has a night off to watch the footie, so i think ill lock myself away in my craft area and create, I'm sure Martin will keep me supplied in tea and biscuits.

Another year!

2011-09-04T15:41:00.002+01:00

It seems i'm not so good keeping up with my blog, i was toying with the idea of making it private so i can be my own online diary, but as I'm not a daily writer I've changed my mind I'm keeping it as a place to show and tell (so to speak)
I have still been crafting but I've been too busy (read that to say too lazy) to photograph and upload pics. it wasn't until i got an email asking when i was going to upload more cards that i thought why not, i honestly thought no one bothered to read my blog.
So on to the card, I had a request for a card for a lady who's sister who was off to New York for her birthday so she wanted something related to that, i thought hard and tried a few ideas and eventually came up with said card, i wasn't too sure but the customer loved it and couldn't wait to give it to her sister.
I drew the new york skyline onto an apple shape i had cut from the cricut give a hoot cartridge, the lady figure was an image from computer as were the district signs, i used an awful lot of stickles to add some bling. i hope you like. i will try to be less lazy in future and post more often.

card overload

2010-09-22T18:56:00.004+01:00

oh wow where did the last week and a bit go?
Ive been so busy with work i haven't had much time to update on here, i have still been able to make a few cards in the evening, but i haven't took pics (thats what i find time consuming)
so hence the title card overload. I could of just kept some of them for another time but who knows when that would be?
next week we are having some building work done, a new place for my crafting, a cupboard in the hall way and we are having the boys bedroom partitioned so they have their own spaces we cant afford an extension so this is the only alternative until they fly the nest.
All the cards have been coloured using distress inks, i think I'm addicted everything in sight is getting inked including my hands.

the tilda is coloured with distress inks, the flowers are all from wild orchid crafts, lots of stickles and lots of inking.
here are some more of this weeks creations

the skull has been inked using barn door distress ink, the flowers are a mix of prima and sarahs blooms, the small metal skulls were an ebay purchase a few years ago

Inky fingers

2010-09-06T13:44:00.003+01:00

Ive rediscovered my love for distress inks. Last year i bought some lovely Christmas stamps and i never got around to using them until now, i got myself a tim holtz ink applicator and i spent a couple of days inking everything in sight, i also donned my rubber gloves and made myself a batch of distressed layered flowers which i inked and spritzed till the card went soggy LOL, so im sure you will see one or two on my future creations.
all my above cards were created using distress inks and perfect pearls, the stamps are inkadinkadoo, then just simple layering with mirror card to enhance the shimmer, my favourite is the autumnal thinking of you and blue Christmas one, i like how the stamps are meant for Christmas but ive managed to use it for other occasions as well.

Back to School

2010-09-02T07:56:00.003+01:00

Well thats it, the summer holidays are over 2 of my children return school today (although they are not happy about it)My youngest doesnt go back untill Monday so he is revelling in the fact that he has 2 days longer than the other 2.
Im quite sad that they have gone back i think the time this summer had flown by so fast and as always the weather hasnt been great for them but now its time to go back the sun is out shinning Typical Huh!
The good thing to come out of it is i get to have some routine back and time alone for some undisturbed crafting, i will be able to do dayime crafting instead of only evening crafting Yipee!
Martin has been off all week so he has been catching up on a little DIY i love it when i dont have to get a paint brush in my hand too :)

So onto todays card its a thankyou card, the stamp is hero arts inked with chalk inks, ive random stamped and stickled the background, the paper is MME and layed ribbon a very simple but stylish card, the font is a scriptina, a download from dafont.

a few cards to share

2010-08-31T19:45:00.002+01:00

Ive been working all week long so ive not had time to post on my blog, i have however still had time for a little creating and here are the result of those creative moments.
the christmas card is a mo manning download coloured with promarkers, lots of sparkle with added stickles.
the little boys card is a Lili of the valley stamp again coloured with promarkers, hessian ribbon which was in a kit from ages ago, the sentiment is kanban, i am entering this into this weeks LOTV challenge blog the criteria was dotty about circles, ive incorporated the circle (the image is stamped on it) and the dots are the liquid pearls and gem stones.
i do have more cards to share but i will leave them for another day, my tea is waiting for me.

Christmas in August

2010-08-24T19:30:00.002+01:00

Ive had an early order for Christmas cards, i always tell my customers to get their Christmas orders in nice and early and usually they start to arrive in September but they have started a little earlier this year, i had got some new LOTV (lili of the valley) stamps and picked the carol singers as it suits any age and gender, the papers and elements are all stampin up and ive added stickles in diamond for lots of sparkle.

My First Easel Card...........

2010-08-24T19:21:00.003+01:00

well i think i must be the last card maker on earth who has completed an easel card, but its true i have at last succumbed to the trend of easel cards and this is my first attempt, and if i do say myself i do quite like it. It is my sisters birthday today and up until last night i hadnt made her a card (shock and horror) so i was up until around 12.30 last night making this, and i made one for the kids to send to her.
The image is a Christmas tilda, she had holly in her hair but i just covered it with a bead so it looked like a bobble in her pony tail, the papers were from a book i got in lidl, lots of prima and wild orchid crafts flowers, pins from the haberdashery, stickles and flourishes to complete the look i think the sentiment is one i picked up from the local market it looks like Kanban to me.
Im entering my card into this weeks Wild orchid crafts challenge, the criteria was sparkle and i think this qualifies LOL!

Time for tea?

2010-08-23T20:53:00.004+01:00

Heres a simple card i made for a friend, the image is lili of the valley coloured with promarkers, papers K & Co the bottons are stitched to the ribbon, the tea pot and cup are cut from cricut every day paper dolls again coloured with promarkers, flower is prima.
Ive got a real busy week as ive only got one day off so ill have to do all my crafting in the evening, so if i get to take pics of my finished projects they wont be all that good because of the lighting, just like tonights card (sorry)
Ive just finished 3 christmas cards too, but ill save those for another day.

Are you sick of the weddings yet?

2010-08-20T17:45:00.005+01:00

i know its another wedding card but i couldnt resist colouring the bride and bridesmaid magnolia stamp. This time i used my watercolour pencils for the arch and promarkers for the girls, ive not used my watercolours for around 2 years so i dont think i turned out to bad to say i was out of practice.
Papers are my minds eye, flowers are prima & wild orchid crafts, bird and leaves cut on cricut, lots of stickles for a little sparkle, the bead in the large flower was from a bracelet i bought in the sale in new look just so that i could pull it to bits and use on my cards, sentiment is dovecraft.

Yet another wedding.........

2010-08-19T23:12:00.002+01:00

Oh what a busy week ive had on wedding cards, here is yet another, i have again used a gorgeous LOTV stamp coloured with pro markers(i just love this image, be prepared to see lots of it LOL!)
the papers are MME, wild asparagus and complete boy, a real clean and simple card.
The sentiments on the card are a new set i picked up today in the range for 3.99 its the anniversary collection by dovecraft, very usefull sentiments that i knpw i will use a lot so a real bargain.

sunshine

2010-08-18T17:48:00.003+01:00

Weve had the sunshine out today so i thought i would use a little sunshine in one of my cards today, i inked up a lili of the valley stamp and coloured her orange, i just so happened to get my delivery from sarahs cards, i had ordered a grab box so it was a mystery as to what was inside and i was hapily pleased, inside was the perfect match paper for my coloured image, the papers i used were american crafts botanique range, the large green flower was also in the pack, the leaves were cut on the cricut winter wonderland cart, roses are from wild orchid crafts, kaisercraft jewels, stickles, tim holtz ticket, charm from my stash and lots of inking finish off this card. Ive left a space in the top right corner for a sentiment i just havnt decided what or who its for yet.
There is some seroius candy up for grabs on tracie's blog go take a look.

Lilli of the valley challenge blog

2010-08-17T23:47:00.003+01:00

I told you i would complete a card tonight, remember i told you i was waiting on the LOTV stamp to complete a wedding card i had to do, well this is it, the request was traditional and cream vintage colours, I'm just waiting on the names of the happy couple and that will go in the bottom right hand corner, (sarah if your reading this, this card is for you, i hope you will like it and the happy couple like it even better)
Im also going to enter this in the LOTV challenge blog the criteria was seasons and although it doesn't depict sun, rain etc i always associate weddings with summer i know silly as people get married all year round but there is nothing better than a summer wedding.

new stamps

2010-08-17T20:26:00.002+01:00

Yey! my lili of the valley stamps arrived today, infact they arrived about 20mins before i had to head out of the door to work so i trimmed them and stamped out a couple of images ready for my return from work.
Whilst i was at work i had a parcel arrive i think it may be from sarahs cards but cant be sure because nobody was in to receive it so its gone back to the sorting office Grrrrrrr! never mind i will go and collect it tomorrow and hopfully it will be the expected parcel. im now going to love you and leave you cos ive got a date with my promarkers, I will return with my creations, adios amigos!

promarker candy

2010-08-17T09:38:00.002+01:00

if you pop on over to bevs blog she has some promarkers up for grabs, not only that but she makes the most gorgeous cards so im sure you will also get lots of inspiration whilst there.

Wild orchid crafts challenge

2010-08-15T23:40:00.003+01:00

ive sat and made a few cards tonight this one is a stamped Forever Friends image coloured with promarkers lots of inking and added flowers, pearls and ribbons, the flowers have been spritzed with glimmer mist the papers are all My Minds Eye, this also qualifies for wild orchid crafts challenge one for the girls, this is the first time ive entered but im sure i will be a frequent participant

The Ribbon Girl Giveaway

2010-08-15T23:00:00.002+01:00

OHHH if you hop on over to The Ribbon Girl they are having a give away with lots of goodies for the lucky winner, youve got to be in it to win it!

2 magnolia wedding cards, same stamp

2010-08-15T22:25:00.004+01:00

i had two orders for wedding cards for next weekend so thought id use the same stamp as they are for different weddings. I like the way they both turned out, i cant pick my favourite i like the colours of the blue one but i love the elegance of the black and red one. When i was first told the theme was black and red i did panic a little because its not the colours you immediately associate with a wedding, but i think I've pulled it off.
The blue one is the magnolia image coloured with promarkers, lots of stickles, the pin is fancy pants, ribbon sliders from ebay, papers were in a pack of scrapbook papers from lidl, im also entering this for the papertake weekly challenge.
The red one is the same magnolia image, coloured with promarkers, the background is inked, the papers are bo bunny from a few years back, flat flowers from sarahs cards again a few years old, the roses are from wild orchid crafts, the organza flower is hand made, pearls, ribbon and heart pearls from ebay and lots of bling to finish it off.
Ive still got another wedding card to make but I'm waiting for some new stamps to arrive from lili of the valley and one i specifically bought for this project so when it arrives and I've made it i will share it here.

End of a very good week

2010-08-13T20:36:00.004+01:00

Ive had a week of work and its been lovely spending it with the kids and not having to have any routine, the added bonus of a sleep in was nice too.
We had a nice day at the Metro centre yesterday but didnt find any crafty stuff apart from some card stock in papermill, i was dissapointed that they have taken the linnen textured card out of the fill your box selection you now have to buy it seperatly so not so much of a bargain.
Today we had another shopping day, i got all of the kids back to school shoes and stationary and popped into hobbycraft where i picked up a few things and also got a few crafty bargains in TKmax. I also had a splurge online and ordered some samps from Lilly of the valley and a grab box from sarahs cards so i will be a happy bunny when they arrive.

Flower Overload

2010-08-11T14:35:00.003+01:00

Today i received my delivery of gorgeous flowers from wild orchid crafts, so you can rest assured that all my cards are going to have flower overload.
I have already completed my first, its strange i don't really like purple but it seems this is not only flower overload but also purple overload.
Lots of inking, glittering, and added pearls and gems on this card, the leaves and flourishes are all cut from the give a hoot cricut cart.
On my second card I've used MME papers and lots of prima flowers with buttons for the centre.
I'm off to the metro centre tomorrow i will be popping into papermill to stock up on some card stock and i will be on the look out for other crafty finds, i think we may visit ikea too so will no doubt pick up some kind of storage too.

2010-08-08T21:14:00.001+01:00

Today sees the start of a week off work for me so to i decided to start the week with a mega crafting session, the kids were occupied so i had nothing to stop me.
I had the cricut set up so decided to make a few cards with one of my new carts Who gives a hoot, this is a lovely cart and has lots of uses, i also stamped and done some colouring with my pro markers, it was hard to get into the swing of colouring at first but after a few images it was like id never been away.
the first card i decided to overload with flowers, ive just orderd more flowers from wild orchid crafts, so i cant wait for them to arrive. the second and 3rd card are all made from the cricut in all i made 8 cards so a productive day. I have orders for 7 christmas cards so will have to get my festive head on next, i think ill go and look at my winter wonderland cart see if it gives me some ideas.

Where has the time gone?

2010-08-05T22:22:00.004+01:00

Can you believe its been over a year since i last blogged, I'm not making any excuses life just got in the way.
i did pack up my craft things for around 10 months i think i sickened myself with all the wedding invites i had to do, i much prefer to make one of a kind cards i find i monotonous making 60 plus of the same design, i had 3 wedding orders in 2 months so there were a lot of cards to be made.
So what have i been up to?
i celebrated my 40th birthday in January, my dream was to go to New York and guess what it came true my hubby took me for 5 days and it was amazing. It was everything and more that i ever imagined it could be.We would love to go again but this time we would like to take the kids with us.
we've had a lovely family wedding and it was some of the prep for this that gave me itchy fingers to get out all my craft stuff again, can you believe i actually got rid of my craft desk and storage so I've had to purchase more, so now I'm all set up again so I've started creating, here are a couple of cards I've finished this week,
the first image is coloured with pro markers and ive added flowers and lots of subtle glitter which doesn't show up very well on the pic, the red flowers are prima, the leaves are cut on the cricut who gives a hoot cartridge, MME papers and the border is a stamping up punch the sentiment is computer generated.

House mouse image again coloured with promarkers, papers are sassafrass lass, lots of inking, sparkle and buttons

For this card I've used a flower soft image and I've added flower soft and glitter, the sentiment is stamping up, sorry im not sure of the papers.

I promise to not leave it so long next time, i will hopefully get back into the swing of things
Karen x

still around

2009-06-05T20:24:00.002+01:00

I'm still around and creating, just not got enough hours in the day to blog. We have also had huge computer problems, lost everything on the computer and even the external hardrive went hay wire. we've gradually been installing all our programmes but not up to full speed yet, so may still be a little while until i can add pictures to my posts.
My last creation was a 12 x 12 wedding page in a frame (shadow box) i made it for a friend to give as a gift to the bride and groom who she was being a bridesmaid for and it was greatly received, i did take a photo of it and will upload it as soon as is possible.
This weekend sees my Mam and Dad celebrating 40 years of marriage (Ruby Wedding) and we are throwing them a surprise party, so the planning is taking a lot of doing to keep it a secret. We were hoping for great weather on Saturday as we hoped to hold it in the garden, but it may be a change of plan and held in doors if the rain doesn't stay away, last weekend would of been perfect and we could of basked in the sun as we enjoyed ourselves.

OMG ive scrapped!

2009-05-04T19:21:00.004+01:00

I cant beleive it after about 2 years ive scrapped several 12 x 12 pages today. As many of you who read my blog (if there are any of you, LOL) will know i look after my cousins little boy Dylan. It just happens to be his first birthday next Sunday so as tradition goes with all my nieces and nephews they get a scrapbook of their first year, i have made the odd mini book etc but its been an age since i done this size. After my first page i was back into the swing of things and i got 5 pages finished, im just waiting on his mum to bring me a few more pictures and them hopefully i should get it finished by Sunday. I also had a few card orders to complete so they are done as well. So all in all a good productive weekend, and its all thanks to craft day on QVC as i was feeling mojo less untill i sat and watched a few hours, then it gave me the ispiration to have a sort out of my supplies and rearange a few things, and thus my pages and cards were created.
Here are the other 2 cards ive made

the rock chick card has a guitar pluck covered in glossy accents, it wasnt quite dry when i took this pic so it looks a bit milky but now its fully dried and fully cleared and glossy.

Ive also got a little more news i got myself a part time job 16 hours a week in between looking after Dylan, ive always worked so when im not i get a little house bound after a while so i feel the need to get out and work, im working in greggs at our local town centre, no hassles no stress just go to work come home no worries and a decent weekly pay packet to spend on lovelies.

blog candy

2009-04-22T20:53:00.001+01:00

You need to go and check out Bevs blog candy here but be quick it is drawn tomorrow

Wedding Day

2009-04-22T12:21:00.003+01:00

Ive a couple of pictures to share of the wedding on Saturday Chris (martins son and Zara were married at Preston Hall Museum they have a recreated old fashioned street which is where most of the pictures were taken, of course these are not the professional pictures, we've not got them yet, these are from our little camera which our eldest son Jonathan was using. We haven't got any of martin and myself with Chris and Zara, but we do have some on the real photo shoot. (i have blanked out some faces as i havnt got permission from everyone yet to show them.)
It was a fantastic day everyone enjoyed themselves. They are now off to Alnwick to live in married quarters so we cannot see Charlie as often as we would like, still at least its not too far away and we can visit them on weekends.

Back again

2009-04-11T09:49:00.003+01:00

Ive not stopped these past two weeks so I'm sorry for my lack of posts or indeed lack of creations.
The time has just whizzed past in the blink of an eye, I've been busy with wedding shopping, and just general life. The wedding is next Saturday so i cant see me getting creative in the next week, we shall see i might just get some time in the evenings if i haven't flaked out. Ive had all good intentions to craft in the evening after the hectic days Ive had but the sofa has grabbed me and i ended up falling asleep for an hour or so, then i have to wake up to all the washing up and general tidying up of the living room, i wouldn't care but i had a back up or card orders to get out.
Since it was Good Friday yesterday i didn't have Dylan to look after as his Mum and Dad were off work so i got my weekly shop done at Asda then came home and set about getting my orders completed and the above cards are what I've got finished so far, round 2 today. If you want info regarding supplies just give me a shout.

This ones for Susan

2009-03-30T18:10:00.003+01:00

Hi Susan I know you will be reading so this one is for you!
Susan runs a local craft stall on our market called suzicraft and she got a delivery of gorgeous flowers most of it in pretty packaging, She called round yesterday with all the flowers and i couldnt resist a purchase. Thanks susan.
The above card is what ive made using just 3 of the flowers and the handbag card was a bargain i got a pack of 8 with envelopes for only 89p from home bargains they also had star and flower shaped cards in for the same price.
The other picture is of the flowers i bought.

just sharing

2009-03-26T14:43:00.003Z

ive not got much to share today, my lif must be so boring LOL so her are some cards ive made, i can share them!

card crazy

2009-03-25T13:57:00.002Z

Ive had an influx of orders all at once so I've been on what i can describe as a card making frenzy, well thats what it felt like anyway, ive only been making a few cards in the last 2 weeks as ive felt so Yuk, but i had to catch up on all my orders and have had to make 10 since Monday, not easy work with a 10 month old running round, ive had to leave it until the evening then ive stayed up late resulting in being tired the next day (Doh!)
Oh well hare are some of the cards for you to see, im not upto a run down of what ive used, just give me a shout if you want any other info.

Its been a while

2009-03-23T11:19:00.004Z

I'm sorry its been a while, Ive been a naughty blogger. Last week i didn't really surf much. i felt Yuk all week so couldn't be bothered doing much, i still managed to make a card or two in between naps and 40 winks, ive been so tired and weak of late so i took a trip to the doctors who have taken blood tests for anemia and under active thyroid, so fingers crossed i get an answer to why im feeling so worn out.
Enough about me onto the cards
The first is a precious moments image, the papers are making memories note worthy, I've added a fancy pants pin, ribbons, prima flowers and pearls for embellishment, the flourish down the side is a magenta stamp.

Next is an aeroplane plane card i was asked to make its from 2 little boys to their dad and the brief was a child like plane so i hope this fits the bill.
I have hand drawn the plane then cut it from different coloured bazzill, then its mounted on bazzil which has been inked to look like sky, the birds are from a cricut cart and then liquid pearls added to finish.

The 3rd card is made using K & Co wedding papers, ive just cut different papers and mounted them together, the butterflies are cut on the cricut (home accents cart), prima flowers, stickles and pearls, liquid pearls and rhinestones have been added for embellishment.

The last card is for someone who's just found out they are having twins, the papers are all Die cuts with a view, the image is a download from charmed cards called girls about town coloured with pro markers. Ive then added prima flowers, rhinestones, ribbon, liquid pearls, heart pearls and flourishes to embellish.

Wedding, precious moments

2009-03-14T18:21:00.003Z

Martins son is getting married in 4 weeks time so in preperation ive made the wedding card because i know as the time gets closer i will be busy with brides maid dress fittings, flowers, outfits etc.
I had this cute precious moments image that i had already coloured so thought it would be perfect. The card is very 3D so i am going to have to make a box for the card to go into.
The paterned paper is My minds eye, (yes i do love this manufacturer, i would normally stash all this collection away and never cut into it, but as i got it in sarahs cards sale for only 20p per sheet i can bring myself to cut into it)
Prima flowers, swirls are cut on the cricut, Love tag is Tim Holtz, lots of inking and diamonte gems.
Here is the side view so you can see how bulky it is.

spring is just around the corner

2009-03-13T12:05:00.004Z

As it is almost spring i have made a card fitting the occassion. I was sorting through some of my scrap papers and there was a pack of K&Co grand adhesions amongst them, so it inspired me to make the card above, the papers are My Minds Eye, K & Co daffodills grand adhesions, ribbon and pearls and the sentiment is stampin up.
Not much else to say today, ive not been feeling 100% but dont want to bore you with it on here

Thank heavens for my cricut

2009-03-13T12:01:00.003Z

I was asked to make a 40th card for a man with either a plane or a pilot on it, i was stumped for a while i thought ill have to rack my brains, but then i realised i had borrowed the going places cart of a friend and had cut an aeroplane on the cricut so it came to the rescue and made it real easy to complete the card. the card stock is crate paper, the birthday sentiment is Stampin up, and the flying high sentiment is all star font on the computer.

Mothers Day is on its way

2009-03-12T16:00:00.004Z

With mothers day getting closer and closer ive been asked for lots of cards, here is one of my favourites, ive used a precious moments image which i got from a friend i do wish you could buy these as stamps but they stopped making them.
The background has been embossed with the cuttlebug swiss dots folder, the hearts are MME papers and were cut with the cricut, ive used the fiskars apron lace punch and the image was coloured with pro markers, the sentiment is computer generated and ive added ribbon and lots of liquid pearls to finish.
The following card is very similar to the 50 card i made the other day, designed on the cricut DS, MME papers, ribbon, diamond gems and lots of liquid pearls.

Weekend of trouble

2009-03-09T18:08:00.003Z

I had the weekend from hell, it all started so lovely on friday evening i downloaded the trial version of Design Studio for the cricut what i didnt realise was i could use my printer lead and actually start cutting as well. Brilliant i had all day on saturday to make cards i created a few files ready to cut after my shopping trip on saturday, only when i got back Martin had downloaded some new software and the computer crashed. He worked on it all afternoon and evening, he managed to restore it only for it to crash again, and again. On susnday morning we had a power cut for 3 hours, Martin was going out to watch the boro match so still no computer, so i resorted to install the cricut software on the laptop, (im not fussed on using the laptop it makes my eyes go blurry) yipee it worked so eventually i managed to start making cricut DS cut cards on sunday evening.
Today martin has eventually fixed the big computer, thank god for the external hard drive or i would of lost everything.
So at last i can upload my photos again, here are a few of the cards i cut on the DS on Sunday.

for the card above ive used My Minds Eye papers, added ribbon, prima flowers, rhinestones and lots of liquid pearls.

The card above is bazzill cardstock, MME papers, the butterfly and flourish is from the home accents cart and the flowers are a mixture of sarahs blooms and prima.

this is a close up of the feature picture again it is MME papers, Sarah Kay image coloured with pro markers, Prima flowers with Zoomz in the centre, ribbon, Rhinestones around the heart, mini pearls around the border and ive used my new Fiskers apron lace edging punch along the side of the image.

Ive been tagged

2009-03-09T16:42:00.004Z

Ive been tagged by Tracy I need to show the 4th phot on one of my picture files and then explain it, i then have to go on and tag 5 more people.
here is my picture

It was taken on 11th May 08 and it shows My Mam visiting her nieces first born baby boy (Dylan) in hospital.
Im Tagging 3 people and if anyone reading this blog wants to take part consider yourself tagged.
Caz
Sarita
bev

come on Boro!

2009-03-06T23:16:00.003Z

Well thats what the middlesbrough football fans say. I was asked to make a card and the brief was 40 years old and a middlesbrough football theme, so im hoping this will fit the bill.

Craft Day

2009-03-06T11:15:00.003Z

I don't have to look after Dylan today so instead im having a day to myself making cards, DH has had strict instructions not to disturb me, I cant remember when i last had a day all to myself, isn't it nice once in a while?
So already I've made the 2 cards shown here and i know i will get lots more done.
They are both images from girls around town from charmed crafts coloured with promarkers. I have used my new punch on both cards its called Apron Lace and is made by Fiskars i bought it from a friend Tracy as she had a duplicate, go and check her blog, she's used it and her card is gorgeous. here is a close up of one of the above cards

Shop till you drop

2009-03-04T18:53:00.003Z

First off ive had a great day with Dylan hes still not too well but he hasn't been whingey, we went for a very (very)long walk to blow away the cobwebs, so that also means im refreshed too.
Thats all good news as it means i feel more up to crafting this evening and I've just finished this card, i know the pictures not too good as the light has now faded, the colours are a bit muted and its got a little blur to it.
The image is again girls around town download, coloured in pro markers. papers are MME, the blue flower is actually ribbon wound into loops to look like a flower, the red flower is by prima, ive added a button lots of stickles, rhinestones and bazzill card stock, the word 'shop' is DCWV letters.

Girls about town

2009-03-03T21:54:00.003Z

Im loving the new Girls about town downloads from charmed crafts as mentioned in my earlier post, The card above is one of the images as is the sentiment, ive just changed the format of it in word. ive done this for the inspire me challenge over on dotties world
I decided to take the spot pattern as inspiration.
The image is coloured with promarkers, the papers are My Minds Eye which i just received today from Sarahs cards they were a bargain in their sale at only 20p per sheet, they are double sided card stock weight, i only wish i had ordered more.. I didnt have any ribbon to match so i took a piece of organza fabric that i had, and ruched it up and added 2 buttons in the centre. ive also added lace, rhinestones and a charm.
Im feeling really tired this week as Dylan who i look after during the day is not too well so he's very clingy and whingey (bless him) so it is very draining and tiring so i have been getting a few early nights ready to cope with him the next day. You forget how demanding a 10 month old can be. Still when he is his usual self he is the most cutest gorgeous pleasant little boy so that outweighs the bad times.

It was a success

2009-03-01T14:09:00.003Z

So Ashleighs girly party night was a great success, all the girls had their nails painted and had foils and diamonds added, their eyes were all sparkly and then to end it all facials and facemasks. They had chinese to eat and all other kinds candy, nibbles and treats, several DVD's were watched and songs sung so all in all a good night.
One things for sure i will be having a nap sometime this afternoon as it was turned 2am when there was finally silence then they awoke again at 8.30 singing happy birthday to Ash.
we gave her some of her pressies but she had to wait for her brothers to come home before she could open her main pressie, We had bought her her first Diamond, on a necklace chain with a little dragon fly and also a diamond on a little locket charm. We got them as an absolute bargain , but more about that later. Imagine being 12 and having a diamond, i was 23 before i got one and that was my engagement ring.
Now for the card i made her, i can finally share it.
It was made using a download from charmed crafts the collection is called girls about town, its a great set as well as the girls you even get backgrounds and sentiments.go check it out here.
here is a close up.

Girls and charms

2009-02-27T16:27:00.003Z

I received some charms that i had bought of ebay last week and have just got around to using some so be prepared to see them on almost everything LOL
Ive got a final shopping trip for party things tomorrow so wont have time to craft at all over the weekend.
I got a great bargain today for Ashleighs birthday gift but I'll spill the beans on my next post just in case she reads this again.
here's a few cards for today, i will list everything in my next post, as I'm real busy right now.

Yummy, Yummy cakes

2009-02-26T22:09:00.005Z

Its Ashleighs birthday sleepover party on Saturday night and she brought me a picture of some cup cakes she wanted me to make, (like i have all the time in the world!)so i decided to have a practice of decorating some cakes for her, (i cheated and bought shop made plain cakes) she hates butter icing so they were decorated using dream topping, and they were a success she loved them (the taste and the look)The decorations were from Asda and the little tiny marshmallows were just the cutest thing ive ever seen, i mean ive seen the tiny ones for cooking but these were even smaller and the tiny hearts were just the sweetest. Because they turned out great ive decided to buy shop bought again and just decorate them myself, it saves all that time measuring ingredients and cooking when in reality we could be shopping or decorating the living room with all the pink bunting and helium balloons we've got.
Its not her 12th birthday until Sunday and i cant believe where the last 11 years have gone, Shes getting so grown up. Ive made her a lovely card but i cant share it yet as she sometimes reads my blog.
Im also making a plea to some kind soul who reads my blog and may be able to help me out im after a stempelglede stamp like this one used by Rach on her blog please if anyone can help could you get in touch with me.

I must be feeling beeter

2009-02-24T17:47:00.004Z

I started to make a card this afternoon, because the customer needed it for Thursday so i thought id better make a start, one thing lead to another and i ended up making several cards so i think I'm feeling a little better, I'm still really cold and the occasional dizziness but it is getting easier.
the first card is the request for Thursday its a leaving card for a Mum to be.
the Image is a Bella stamp, the papers are mix of K&co and crate paper. lots of inking and the baby is cut on the cricut, paper dolls cart. The greeting was printed on the computer.
the second card for a New Home, the request was a blossom tree and a house, i didnt have anything for a blossom tree so before i attempted to hand draw it i found an alternative on the home accents cart. The house is hand cut and greeting again was done on the computer.
and then also a get well card (a bit ironic at the moment) no i didnt make it me, although i do feel sorry enough for myself at the moment.

all my plans went right out of the window.

2009-02-24T11:10:00.002Z

Oh dear all my plans i had of having a craft day went right out of the window, ive been poorly with some kind of a bug (well i hope its a bug and not long lasting) its left me feeling light headed, dizzy, cold, nauseous, and tired so i haven't been functioning too well, some of the symptoms are easing today a little so i hope im on the mend, i will be back with more cards (when i get to make some, that is)

lots to share

2009-02-22T13:05:00.002Z

I've lots of cards to share today, i was going to leave them and only show one a day but I'm planning a craft session today and all day tomorrow so i may get overwhelmed with images and forget to share some of them.
I'm not going to share all the details , i was out last night with some friends so i think i have a slight hangover. if there is anything you want to know about papers, supplies etc.don't hesitate to get in touch

Portrait or Landscape?

2009-02-20T10:20:00.005Z

For these two cards I've used the same papers (DCWV)but in a different colourway, I've cut out the same 3 flowers on the cricut (george cart)and the same butterfly (home accent cart) I've made one of the card landscape and one portrait yet they both look quite different, as I've said before its rare that i make the same card twice, but i just might do this a bit more often and what is good about it is this card took literally minutes to make, this style would certainly fill up my card baskets.
Off to the barbers today with the 2 boys and apart from that there is nothing much going on around here today.

where have the days gone?

2009-02-19T18:46:00.002Z

This half term has gone ever so fast, i dont know where the days have gone, Ive hardly been at home, if ive not been out with the kids ive been visiting family and off course getting my daily cuddles from baby Cally.
I havnt had a moment to craft so ive got nothing to share from this week, i only have the 2 cards above that were made at the weekend. the house card was a request from somebody for a new home card so i got out the cricut and going places cart and home accents and came up with this, the other card was inspired by Tracy's card but as you can see mine isnt a patch on hers but thanks any way tracy for the idea, you must check out her blog she has some amazing cards on there.
for my card i have used george card and the flourish is from home accents, the letters are DCWV

Feeling Blue!

2009-02-17T08:03:00.004Z

No not me, this hanglar & Stanglar image, ive used all shades of blue to create this cards, as mentioed the image is Hanglar & Stanglar coloured with pro markers matted on making memories noteworthy paper and inked bazzill carstock, the ribbon is east of india, and stickles have been added to finish.
Well image my suprise, i thought it was craft day on QVC this week but after looking at the guide its not till next week, the kids will be back at school, so i might get to see some of it after all.
I had a quiet night last night for the first time in my life all 3 of my kids slept out at the same time, Martin was at work (on Nights)so i pampered my self and made a few cards up, but it was earlily quiet. i was just in a deep slumber when martin woke me coming home at 4.30, he had forgotten his key so i had to get up to let him in, after that my sleep was disturbed so i could drift of to sleep, i cant tell you what i called him, it would crash teh computer LOL.

swirls, swirls and more swirls

2009-02-15T15:21:00.003Z

wow blogging twice in one day!
I've just finished this Sarah Kay card (well i coloured it in a few days ago, but put it together today) and its full of swirls.
I borrowed the home accents cart of my crafting friend Susan (thanks Susan)and i just love it i haven't put it down since, I've got a bag full of swirls and butterflies ready to adorn every card and scrapbook page.
This card was made using a Sarah Kay image coloured with pro markers, the card stock is bazzill, (not a patterned paper in sight) I've added the swirly butterfly and flourishes some I've inked using hero art inks, some are left plain, I've added pearls, rhinestones and stickles for a little bling.
here is a close up

half term

2009-02-15T12:56:00.004Z

Its half term this week so who knows what crafting ill get to do. I'm hoping I'm still going to get time to make a few cards, but i always try to do things with the kids when they are off school so the boredom doesn't set in, we may go for a game of bowls, and a cinema trip but that will be all as it costs so much these days, so the rest of the time we will be baking etc, that's until they get bored, then i can craft Ha,Ha,Ha.
I'm also hoping to get some time to watch craft day on QVC this week, you never know they may have some good things, i wonder what the TSV will be.
ive got a couple of cards to share, i think i have already shared the train one over on UKScrappers, but thought id show it here for those of you who don't read UKS.
the train was cut on the cricut, going places cart. I've chalked and inked it and matted it on crate paper, the baby girl again was cut on the cricut George cart, making memories paper and not much else, this is a real easy card to make.
then finally i have an invite to show you, Its my Daughters birthday on the 1st March and she wants a sleep over so we made these last night, the butterfly is cut on the cricut, home accents cart, the dragonflies were a find in the local craft store(boyes for local readers), the details were printed on pearlescent card., ive blacked out personal details, it not like that IRL.
Cally is still doing well she is good as gold, i will have some more pics to share later.

Meet Cally

2009-02-12T18:44:00.003Z

here are the pics of Cally, ive been round today armed with the camera so there are a couple of pics from yesterday and 1 from today, everyone cant believe how she's not all wrinkled like most new babies are, she doesnt look brand new, the first 2 pics she is around 12 hours old and the other she is 36 hours old. I took the kids to see her today and they adored her, today ive been out and bought her some more new clothes, shes already got me wrapped around her little finger, ive spoilt her already, but then thats what aunties are for.
I may be back later with a card or 2, i didnt make any yesterday as i was too shattered, and today ive been out most of the day but i need to make a 21st card for martins son its his birthday tomorrow

Its a Girl

2009-02-11T17:03:00.002Z

At 1.45 this morning i was privileged to be at the birth of my new baby niece Cally Grace, I've not had any sleep since, i think i must be running on adrenalin both mum, dad and baby are doing well and are now home with their bundle of pink. i will blog more about it later and include pics later as i desperately need some sleep.

something for the little man in your life

2009-02-10T09:59:00.003Z

Looking back on my blog i realised i don't share many cards for the men, i always seem to upload the cutsie, girly ones. Well today I'm going to share this one for the little man in your life, its still cutsie but its for a guy. The image is precious moments, the papers are SEI and 3 bugs in a rug, I've added ribbons and the sentiment is HOTP. Liquid pearls and stickles to finish. Ive been asked the same questions a few times which is about the size of cards i mostly use, the answer is 5" x 7" but i also love 5 1/2" square cards, they are a great size to work with.
This other card is a real simple one Making memories noteworthy papers, the sentiment is typed on the computer on white paper and then inked, the swirl is cut on the cricut and the butterfly is K&Co chipboard.

I thought i would be hospital time for bev last night she had been getting pains throughout the day and at teatime they were every 6-7 minutes but were not very strong, great i thought but then at around 8pm she rang and said they'd gone off, so before i went to bed i made the children's packed lunches for the following morning (which i usually do on the morning) just in case we were in hospital and i wouldn't be there to make them, i was convinced id get a phone call in the middle of the night but no such luck, i think the babys waiting until we get a warmer day before it will come out,LOL

Just one more

2009-02-09T16:54:00.003Z

OK i couldn't keep this one till tomorrow so thought i would post it now, i love the colours and the richness of it again it is a hanglar & Stanglar image coloured with pro markers, the edges were inked with 3 shades,I'm sorry but i cant remember what they papers are they were in my scrap box, the flourish was cut on the cricut and rhinestones were added for a little bling,the charm and pin are from my stash flowers are primas with zoomz in the centre, the satin ribbon is from the local haberdashery, the sentiment is Making Memories classically defined stickers.
Here is a close up.

Hanglar & stanglar

2009-02-09T10:53:00.002Z

we are still playing the waiting game so my card making continues,I was card making last night whilst watching the devil wears prada, i have seen the film before so it was just playing in the background, I then went to bed but couldnt sleep properly incase i got a call during the night from bev telling me its time. The baby had better come soon before im totally sleep deprived LOL.
So any way onto one of the card its a Hanglar & Stanglar image coloured with pro markers, the papers are a free download from shabby princess, ive added lace rhinestones and a charm from my stash, the ticket is tim holtz adage, the flowers are prima,and as always stickes for sparkle. Ive added lots of inking to the edges of this card just to help it all pop from the page. I hope you like it, i may be back later to share some more of my creations whilst palying this waiting game.

still no show

2009-02-08T16:39:00.003Z

well still no show of the baby yet, so were still sat waiting. So what better to do than make cards, i got all the house work done so i can relax and create.
the first card is a forever friends again, i love these images because they are so quick to colour 3-4 coloured pens and its done.
pro markers as usual, east of India ribbon, lots od hero arts inks bazzill cardstock and flowers cut from the cricut paper dolls cart. Charm from my stash and stickles to finish.
the second is a girly card for for a princess, the crown was cut on the cricut paper dolls cart, ive added bellas baubles, and gems,the card and papers are bazzill, DCVW and sasafras lass, the sentiment was printed on the computer and the princess letters are DCWV.

Lime green!

2009-02-06T08:48:00.003Z

i don't know why but i made these 2 cards at different times and picked up the same colours for them both, i must be having a lime green moment.
The second is a forever friends image again using pro markers to colour, the same ribbon as above, K&CO papers bazzill card stock and a charm & pin from my stash, liquid pearls and stickles to finish.
The second is a penny black image coloured with pro markers matted onto K&CO papers and bazzill card stock, the ribbon is Gisela Graham and the robins nest baubles, and the obligatory stickes for sparkle.

There is still no sign of the baby, the midwife reassured her all was well and that everything is in the right place for an imminent birth, so looks like I'm on alert all weekend as I've also got the privilege of being with her as well as her hubby, i was with her when she had her last one and i wouldn't miss it again for the world, so i was made up when she asked me again.
Want a bargain ?
Crafts u Love have a sale on and free shipping untill monday Check it out and Sarahs cards also have a sale, there are some lovely papers reduced, be quick they are going fast.

Snowing again, while im cozy and warm making cards

2009-02-05T12:37:00.004Z

BBRrrrrrrrrrr, is so cold today and the snow has returned so ive stayed indoors and made a few cards, i coloured in the images last night, so whilst Dylan is sleeping I've made a start on using them.
the first is another Sarah Kay, the same image as the blue card i showed a few days ago, this time I've coloured her in red tones, i really live this card, i think its the placement of the matting.

Ive coloured her with pro markers, although I've noticed they have bled over the outline a little, its not really noticeable close up. The paper is sassafras lass, I've added a little K&Co ladybird, Robins nest baubles, prima flowers and heart pearls, and always stickles for a little sparkle.
This next card is a Hanglar & stanglar image again coloured with pro markers,a very simple card in terms of embellishments I've only added 4 brads and a flourish cut with the cricut.

Here is a close up of the image.

I'm sure Dylan will be waking soon so i will have to make the rest tonight.

It's a waiting game

2009-02-04T11:45:00.003Z

My sister is due her baby in 6 days, well that's her due date but you just never know when its going to make its arrival. She was getting some pretty strong twinges yesterday, so last night i thought id better make the card ready, as im going into the labour room with her i wouldn't have time to make one, as i cant be in 2 places at once. She doesn't know what she is having so i have made a pink one and a blue one.
Both are similar and very easy cards, the image is forever friends, coloured in pro markers, the papers are DCWV bazzill card stock and dovecraft chipboard, Making memories rhinestone brads and i added stickles for added sparkle.

sweet little girl

2009-02-03T16:45:00.003Z

i made 2 cards last night with the cricut. One is for sams friend at school, I used the paper dolls cart she is a lovely litttle girl so im sure she will like it, the other card is to go in the general box for those last minute cards, its so hard making boy cards, well not really hard but they arnt nearly as cute as girly ones.
I will be back later with an award that i have been kindly given by Tracey please do take a look at her blog she has some pretty amazing layouts and cards.

more from sarah kay

2009-02-02T20:34:00.003Z

I just couldnt resist colouring in another Sarah Kay so here it is, again coloured with pro markers ribbon gisela graham, bazill cardstock and papers DCWV

Sarah Kay

2009-02-02T14:08:00.004Z

I love the way the colouring of this image turned out it looks very soft and delicate (well i think it does anyway) I used pro markers the card is Bazill the paterned papers are sandylion, flowers are prima, the charm and diamonds from my stash and the pins are just from a haberdashery shop 40 different colurs for around 1.50. The title was cut on the cricut. Here is the close up

I also made 2 cards using the exact same papers and words but to differnt looks the papers are Making memories noteworthy and the words were cut on the cricut, before i get lots of complains about the word MAM, i know it should be MUM but around here we hate the word MUM so everyone is a MAM.

Im Lovin it!

2009-02-01T18:18:00.004Z

MY cricut that is, I'm lovin it.
I made the mistake of not getting the design studio at the same time and now ive not got enough pennies for it for another week or so, i can see the potential of the cartridges with the DS, but heyho its still fab (fab does anyone still use that word?) with out the DS. with my first couple of cards i just jumped straight in and made a card, i didn't practice or anything, that's how easy it is to use they are really basic but practice makes perfect. On Saturday i met a friend Susan and borrowed a couple of cartridges off her My World and paper dolls, (i must say i love the paper dolls, not so much for the dolls but for the accessories there is everything from dinosaurs to wedding cakes, this is a very versatile cartridge)
Because its new i can see lots of my cards having all things cricut on them but i will calm down and start mixing and matching stamps and cricut, and when i get my DS i can also make shaped cards like the wonderful Tracy
Her are the cricut cards to date, there would of been more but last night we were at a family 18th birthday party so the afternoon saw me at the hairdressers getting my hair cut really short and some red put in the front and the evening i was booging away on the dance floor, this morning i was a little worse for wear, but nothing a couple of paracetamol didnt cure.
this card was inspired by tracys ampersand card

the following was the very first card i made

the following was a quick makes for my nephew Jaccob

a wedding one

finally a floral one

I've also included this card because i didn't want my promarkers to feel left out so i had to colour an image and made this simple wedding card. image forever friens, papers K&Co, ribbon and charm from stash, prima flowers, liquid pearls.

Cricut is in transit

2009-01-28T19:40:00.003Z

Wow, wow, wow, can you tell I'm a little excited, this morning i ordered my cricut from sir stampalot for a brilliant price of 149.99 and after a lovely call from Mrs stampalot i was informed its been picked up from the shop by courier so should be here with me tomorrow. I really cant wait, I've wanted one for ages but bills or unexpected things always got in the way, so after my eBay sales i was able to buy one with out having to dip into any other money, I am also going to borrow some cartridges from my friend Susan then i can decide which i like best before committing to buy them, i will either be very quiet for a few days whilst practicing with it, or you will be inundated with loads of new creations.
Untill then i will leave you with the above card, the papers and butterfly are K&Co, prima flowers, pearls and diamonds from my stash, and the ticket is Tim Holtz.

Lets go shopping.

2009-01-27T15:02:00.002Z

Today ive made a card for a young lady whos hobby is shopping, and from all accounts she loves shoes, so there was no better stamp than this bella.
Ive coloured it with pro markers, added a papermania brad and chipboard embellishment, hero arts sentiment, liquid pearls, and bazill carstock.
We have also decided today to start and play the postcode lottery after a family friend won 25,000 so wish us luck, it may be me shopping till i drop soon. LOL

A New Look

2009-01-26T12:33:00.004Z

I decided last night to play around with my blog and give it a new look, Do you Like?
Ive also added a new feature 'Become a follower', if you decide to follow this blog it then helps me too, as it gives me the opportunity to browse your blog too. There are so many blogs out there that i can miss some really good ones because i haven't enough time in the world look for them.
Here is one of the cards i made the other night,I've decided instead of showing them all at once i will try and post one a day then when I've not made cards for a few days i still have some to share with you,(IYKWIM)

Here is a close up of the card, The image is a sarah Kay and is coloured with pro markers, DCWV card stock, Swirls cut with the cricut and the buttons are K&Co chipboard, the ribbon is Gisela Graham and the sentiment was printed on the computer.

doodle backgrounds

2009-01-25T15:24:00.005Z

Here is another of the cards i made last night, when i placed the image on the spotty background i didnt want to add any more pattrn to the card, then when i added it to the card base it looked nice crisp and clean but i felt it needed a little something more so i doodled some flowers and swirls for the background, im not too sure i like it but its done now so i will leave it at that. Ive also decided to try show my cards in more detail, i love looking at Rach's blog her cards are shown in so much detail (although mine will never be that good).
Its something ive wanted to do for a while but didnt want to be accused of being a copy cat, Rachs blog gives me so much inspiration and if just one person gets any inspiration from my blog it will make me happy.

Love is in the air

2009-01-25T09:55:00.003Z

Now that all of the invites have been completed and delivered i can get on with card making for me for fun, so i coloured a magnolia image and made a card for valentines day. I also made a few more but will share them later.
Image is coloured with pro markers, papers are cloud 9, bazill card stock stamped with swirls, love tag is Tim Holtz adage ticket, ribbon from stash pearl hearts from ebay.

Nothing much to share

2009-01-23T19:45:00.002Z

I'm sorry Ive not got much to share today, the last few days i have been finishing the mountain of invites so they are now ready to go, I've had another inquiry about an outlet to sell some of my cards so i sure am going to be busy on my time off when I'm not looking after Dylan, but heyho i don't mind as its something i love to do. The ebay sales are going so well i will have my cricut in no time its amazing what you have lying around that you never use, the stamps I've sold and are selling I've never used in ages and some never at all, so seamed good sense in selling them to buy something i know i will use almost every day.
Martin has had a few days off and he's been decorating, so ive now got a lovely newly decorated bedroom, i just need to pick an accent colour for the accessories then it will be all finished.

handbag card

2009-01-18T20:14:00.002Z

Ive made a handbag card for a commission and had to had cut it from my own pattern as i don't have a cricut (yet) and no template.
I like the way it turned out and so did the customer i was asked for trendy , me to you bears and pink, i think it fits the bill.
The papers are my minds eye, pearls along the top and me to you stickers the handle was wrapped in ribbons.
If anybody is interested or even reads my blog i am selling a few crafty bits to finance my cricut, Ive decided I'm going to try and upgrade to the expression so am selling a few things on ebay to try and raise the funds otherwise it will be another month and i cant wait that long,(LOL) any way here is a link to my ebay page

bookmarks

2009-01-17T16:44:00.004Z

Ashleigh came home from school yesterday and asked if she could make bookmarks to sell at school so today Ashleigh and her friend were let loose on my stash and they have been making bookmarks all afternoon and the above are some of their creations.
Since they have raided my stash I'm running low on card stock so Ive just placed an order with papermaze for some stash, at the moment they have 20% off so that makes the bazzill at only 32p per sheet, go check it out the sale ends soon.

look what the postie brought me

2009-01-14T16:46:00.003Z

I ordered a cute teddy bear die from ebay and the postman delivered it today, i couldn't wait to try it out so whilst Dylan was asleep i made this quick card, chalked and inked the teddy bears matted them, added ribbons and heart pearls, the finished result is one cute card,i think it turned out just sweet.
On another note my sister is due her baby in a couple of weeks and we don't know the sex yet so im going to have to make a card of each colour and make the baby's first album in neutral colours just ready to add the first baby pics and a few coloured embellishments (when we know whether it will be a pink one or a blue one)

Washing Day

2009-01-13T22:43:00.002Z

Here is a card I've made tonight in between tying(yet)more bows, I've not put a greeting on it yet because i think I'm going to keep it for mothers day for my Mam, so will type up a greeting and add it at a later date.
The image is hanglar & stanglar coloured with pro markets the papers are a download from shabby princess and I've added primas and heart shaped pearls for the flower centres.

cards to share

2009-01-13T19:50:00.002Z

here are the cards i said i would share yesterday but forgot, i was up until the wee hours of the morning tying the bows on the wedding invites, if i never tie a bow again it will be too soon LOL.

wedding cards coming out of my ears

2009-01-12T16:35:00.003Z

Today i made a start on the many black & white wedding invites ive got to make and im sick already, i hate repertition. Ive left them till the last minute so i must get them done (like ASAP), i only wish all those weeks ago i had made a few a day, they would of been done by now. On top of that i had some samples to do in another colour gold and ivory and because ive got so bored they are a simple style, so im going to hang on a little while before sending them to the bride to be, to give me chance to recharge my batteries and and be a bit more inventive may be using a cricut machine (more on that later)
I also made a few general cards last night these wernt orders they are just to go in my basket for when i need a card in a hurry.will post pics of these later.
Ive been toying with the idea of getting a cricut machine and have decided to go for it so on my next pay day (14 days and counting) i will be able to get the cricut and design studio im so excited, ive never used one before but i just know i will love it.
I know you cant see the print too well on the gold cards but believe me they are just fine in real life.

more cards to share

2009-01-08T20:22:00.002Z

I normally look after Dylan on a Friday but tomorrow hes not coming, so in preparation of my day off i started to tidy my craft area in readiness for a day of card making tomorrow, Well i got carried away and made 5 cards so that's a good start for tomorrow.
They are all made with either Die cuts with a view Nana's nursery or K&Co wedding collection, various stamps, stickers and stickles glue, and the occasional use of the cuttlebug.
Tomorrow I've got to get a start on some wedding invites too and some samples for another lady so I'm sure i will be busy all weekend.
well until next time, enjoy!

Birthday Boy

2009-01-06T18:28:00.003Z

my little boy complete with a pizza encrusted face.
I know im a day late but hey better late than never, yesterday was my little boys birthday he was 6, and he's told me he's not my little boy any more hes a big boy, oh no, hankies to the ready next he will be telling me he's got a girlfriend, going to uni and leaving home (where does the time go?)
we just had a small tea party with his brother sister and cousins.
there was a kind of rocket theme going on when i asked him on Sunday what cake he would like i expected him to say Ben 10 or some other character but oh no he came out with a rocket cake, I've never seen one of these in a shop so i had to improvise, i bought a very big swiss roll and attempted to turn it into a rocket, 2 big bars of milky bar and food colouring later and it kind of resembles a rocket. Sam loved it so that's all that maters, so that set the theme for the day i made him a rocket card and a rocket badge and his presents were wrapped in rocket paper.

Party in the new year

2009-01-05T12:03:00.003Z

I hope you all had a great New Year and saw the old year out and the new year in with friends and family, we did and we had a great night. We had great fun and lit nine Chinese lanterns through the duration of the night to symbolise the nine new years since the millennium, i didn't think the lanterns were as big as they were the are so pretty and amazing watching them drift into the night sky and watching them until they look like nothing more than a twinkling star in the sky, we made many wishes with each one that we let go, we also bagged some of the 2009 glasses from the pound shop supposedly for the children, but you know adults when they have had a few too many as you can see from the pics.
January 2nd saw me celebrating my birthday (next year is the big 40, oh my god where does the time go?)so we were out on Saturday with friends for a meal and not to much alcohol i had enough on new years eve.
Today is my youngest sons birthday, Sam is 6 today, i cant believe how big he is getting i want him to stay my little boy for ever, (if only) it wont be long before its not cool to cuddle and give smooshy kisses to mam anymore.
I will be back later tonight (or knowing me next week sometime)with pics of his cake and little tea party.
I have however made a few more cards pastel colours again it makes so much change from the Christmas colours of the last couple of months, and i also got my sewing machine out for them. Don't the cup cakes look delish?

Happy New Year (well nearly)

2008-12-31T13:20:00.008Z

Edited as blogger is being a pain in the ass and wont upload the pics.where i want them so they are all at the top

I know I've been a very bad blogger over Christmas but I've been very busy and haven't had a moment to myself, It seems like ages ago that we were at the school nativity play but here is a picture of my Sam (the sheep) and my nephew Evan (the Shepherd)

the rush even saw me card making and gift box making on Christmas eve, but these last few days I've had a little time to myself. What a good job it was too i called in my card boxes from a couple of outlets and they were almost empty so i spent Monday and Tuesday making up a few cards well 21 to be exact nothing too fancy just enough to fill them out a bit until i get back into a normal crafting routine again.
We had a fantastic Christmas, the kids loved everything they got, the whole family was together and we were all happy, because we have had to really cut back this year the kids got everything they wanted but it meant i couldn't get my dream machine cricut that Ive been after so i will just have to save hard so i can get it, hopefully with some money i get for my birthday on Friday i wont have to much saving to do.
Here are some of the cards i made the last 2 days

We have also had some very sad news today, a very close family friend died sudenly this morning aged 66 his birthday was christmas eve so its a very sad time and my heart goes out to his immediate family RIP Alan.
Tonight the whole family are meeting in my aunty's house for the new years celebrations so I'm sure it will be a good night to remember the old and in with the new and we will raise a glass to remember friends old and new it will be a great night and a very merry one at that. so on that note i will leave you wishing you a happy new year for tomorrow.

more cards and inspiration

2008-12-02T18:07:00.003Z

First of all the inspiration, there is a great new blog that Helena has set up where there are lots of inspiration for all advent/Christmas related goodies, if your stuck for ideas or just want to see all the fab creations check this out, also if you've got something to share give her a shout and it may be placed on the blog.

The cards I've made are for martins work colleagues, he took one in for his mate and then i received an influx of orders, and i thought i was going to be able to start my own personal cards, i can see me making mine on Christmas eve at this rate.

Ive got many more to share too, i will blog again tomorrow after my shopping trip, i need to catch up on all my Christmas shopping and hopefully i will finish it on Saturday when I'm at Leeds for the day. That means i can then concentrate on the wrapping and the food shop nearer the time without having to look for last minute pressies.

Updated advent calendar and Paper decorations

2008-11-29T08:19:00.003Z

Here is a glimpse of the revamped advent calendar, i was having real difficulty in opening the drawers, i didn't get back to the shops for more boxes so decided to take them out and be a little different from all the rest, i painted the inside of the cases and this is where the little sweets will fit (on this occasion mingles) As it was for Dylan i decided to make it more child like as it will be his first Christmas so i added little Santa's etc. i have painted the numbers and wording as after i added the embellishments there was no room for rub ons or stickers so a little on the wobbly side but hey so what, I'm sure he wont mind or criticize. sorry there's not too many pics.

Then last night i had my 2 nephews staying over as their Dad is now home from hospital but he needs lots of rest so i volunteered for a overnights stay at my house for them. We had such fun making paper decorations and it kept them occupied for hours, the pictures show how my floral twigs took shape into a make shift Christmas tree as the glitter and glue dried, we made baubles and trees and even had a go at the large snowflake (which Evan has said its a star and he wants it for the top of his tree at home) and the paper cine tree. I can recommend doing this with your kids as i know we had so much fun, ready for round 2 today.

Advent calendar - half finished.

2008-11-25T21:58:00.004Z

After seeing many of these advent calendars on various blogs i decided to give it a go myself, i painted and papered it all but after assembling it realised because of the coats of paints the inner matchboxes are too tight a fit to open freely, I wonder if anyone else has had this problem?

so i will pop down to the shops tomorrow and purchase another 24 boxes of matches only this time im only going to coat the front of the inner matchbox then it should be a perfect fit, whilst im waiting for the paint to dry i will add a topper and various otheer items and post the totally revamped finished item here tomorrow.

Out of the woods

2008-11-23T20:38:00.003Z

Its good news Craig was taken off the ventilator yesterday afternoon as he regained conciousness and is now doing really well, he will still be in hospital for a while for treatment of pneumonia, other infection and stabilising his diabetes but we know he will now make a full recovery (inserts a big sigh of relief). now im in a better frame of mind i will be able to make a few cards in between the hospital visits and childminding.
i will leave you with a few cards i made last week before the drama.

Not good news

2008-11-20T18:12:00.002Z

Its not good news regarding my post on Tuesday, they have tried several times to wake craig but each time he is not responding so we are awaiting more tests to see what or where the problem lies.
My time is tied at the moment taking care of my sisters children so appologies for not sharing more cards, i hope to have a more positive post in a couple of days. please keep us in your thoughts.

back to the oldies

2008-11-18T22:32:00.002Z

Whilst having a friend round on monday to do a little crafting i got a few of my older stamps out and came up with the above creations, (except for the Forever friends) Whilst buying new stash my older stuff always gets neglected so it was good to have a rummage through everything and use some of the oldies for a change.

There has also been a drama in the family, my sister (who is 6 1/2 months pregnant) has a partner who is diabetic and he felt unwell yeaterday and went to the doctors had blood tests and was told to return on wednesday, only he didnt make it till wednesday as this morning he was rushed to hospital and is now in intensive care in an induced coma as he has had a very severe case of keto acidosis and was lucky to of got him in hospital when we did other wise this post might of been a different story all together, so lots of prayers and get well wishes goes out to craig, and i know my sister needs extra care from us all as this stress is taking its toll on her.

Wedding vows

2008-11-17T21:37:00.005Z

I was aked to make a card for a couple renewing their wedding vows and the customer loved it, but of course all of us in the crafting world knows what a simple card this is, its only the cloud 9 paper thats makes it look so lovely.

And of course more christmas cards.

Productive weekend

2008-11-16T17:03:00.003Z

Ive had a great crafting weekend, I've managed to get no fewer than 21 cards completed although i wont share them all here all at once, ill save some for those days when i manage to create nothing. LOL.

A few of them are very simple quick but elegant looking, slight variations on each one as i hate making 2 cards the same.

Ive also been using my versamark with mica powders a lot, Ive had these powders for around 4 years but have hardly used them so i decided to experiment again and i love the dazzling, shimmering effect you get when it hits the lights, i know it doesn't show up very well for the camera but you know what i mean.

The 3 cards below i have used mica on the snowflake back ground and the black one has the tree stamped in silver mica.

Tomorrow I'm having another crafting day as i don't look after Dylan on a Monday I'm also having a friend round (Hi Susan if you re reading this) to share some stamping and card making tips and techniques, I'm really looking forward to crafting with another like minded friend.

Must go martin is calling me for a game of tennis on the Wii

magnolia cards

2008-11-14T18:35:00.004Z

ive a couple of cards to share with you tonight, these wre made using the new magnolia christmas stamps and coloured with promarkers, the black background card was stamped with gold snowflakes and covered in lots of stickles, the circle one was cut using nestabilities in the cuttlebug, again coloured with pro markers and lots of bling added with stickles.

Christmas Shopping

2008-11-12T17:33:00.004Z

Time is ticking by and the way the months are flying past i thought i'd better get started on my christmas shopping, so ive had a successful couple of days, a few bargains and not much more to buy now. So as i was in a festive mood i made a few more christmas cards up, i am slowly working my way through my order list, i want everything completed by the end of november so i can then concentrate on my own cards and craft items.

this card is a hanglar & Stanglar image coloured in promarkers the swirl was a gift from a friend Tracy (link in my side bar) flowers are prima, and the cards stock and circle snow village are embossed with the cuttlebug.

snowman stamp by Judi kins, paper was last years so cant remember (sorry), cuttle bug embossing and lots of stickles.

Stamp same as above this time it has been covered in dazzling diamonds by stamping up. snowflakes are prima, paper id DCWV since taking this picture ive also added a heart button in the bottom left corner and added bling around the sentiment.

Ive Cheated a little on this card, the santa is a 3D gift tag from the pound shop, ive covered the To and From with liquid pearls. you get around 7 or 8 images on one sheet so for only a pound they are a bargain and make very quick cards.

Ugly Sisters!

2008-11-08T17:47:00.003Z

Ive got no news to share, just lots of creations. I had a very odd request this week somebody asked for a picture of the ugly sisters with the greeting saying "Merry christmas Sis' from the better looking one" i searched the internet and couldnt find anything suitable so i drew my own ugly sisters, i hope she likes it.

Christmas part 2

2008-11-04T14:08:00.002Z

more christmas cards to show you today, and another christening card. (sorry for the blurry pics)

The lilac button tree card looks very flat and boring on the pic but IRL its very 3D and blinging.

Ive just had an order for 22 christmas cards, thats on top of what i already had to do so will be burried in cardstock and glitter for the next couple of weeks its a good job im able to stay at home during the day and get some crafting done else i would be up until 2am each evening.

I forgot to mention My days at home are not boring i am kept very busy with my Cousins 5 month old Baby, Dylan. His Mum has returned to work so i have become a childminder but its not like a job because i love him to pieces and dont mind looking after him one bit, in fact when im not looking after him i usually call her to ask if she wants me to mind him while she goes out shopping or spends a little time on her own.

karen x

Christmas cards

2008-11-02T15:34:00.002Z

Just a short post to show some christmas cards

Karen x

Where has the time gone?

2008-11-02T13:42:00.004Z

First i must appologise for being a very bad blogger, my life has been so busy, i havnt had a moment to spare, well i have but a girl has to sleep too you know.

Ive had a lot of invites to make, over a hundred wedding invites and 70 Christening invites

The wedding invites were for 2 different weddings but both on the black and white theme, and the christening ones i havnt got a pic of, sorry, just to busy to get the camera out.

On top of all the invites ive had my normal stock of cards to make as well as a couple of gift basket parties ive done, and requests for commisioned cards, now i can breath a sigh of relief as everything is completed and caught up.

I went to Durham a few weeks back and went to the Scrapbook Shop and bought lots of new stash and i havnt even had a chance to use any of it yet, so over the next few weeks i will be able to complete my christmas cards and make a few projects at a more leisurely pace.

The christening card was a commision i was asked to do,so thought i would share it with you.

I promise i wont leave it so long to blog next time.

karen x

Its Been a While

2008-09-22T20:42:00.002+01:00

i hadn't realised how long its been since i updated my blog, I've been unbelievably busy and i haven't made any cards for about 2 weeks well i have made a couple of commissions but forgot to take pics. The reason I've been so busy is because i have been making a lot of gift baskets and makeup baskets ready for a party i am hostessing, so all my spare time has been spent sourcing, wholesale accounts and merchandise, and if all goes well this will be my new source of income, as i have resigned from my job, you can only work with a bunch of *ankers for so long (but that's another story, too long winded for on here)

Today i managed to get a few cards made ready for Christmas. Just a quick peak here i will go into more detail later. The other pick is a couple of goodies I've made for the gift party, all together I've made over 60 baskets ranging from luxury down to little sweetie gifts (as shown in the pic)

I hope it wont be too long until my next post.

Something different

2008-09-05T17:55:00.004+01:00

Lately ive been making a lot of cutie cards with cute images, so for the last 2 cards i had to make something different, no characters and no cutie elements.

My mind when blank for a moment, then i just started adding bits to the card and came up with the above card, its for a 60th birthday and i was told she likes traditional, so it had to be flowers.

the stamp is magenta, coloured in h2o's.

the circles were cut with a cuttlebug and nestabilities, I embossed one of them with swiss dots folder. The swirl was cut on the cricut by a dear friend Tracey, the flowers are primas and zooms were added along with lots of stickles.

I will share the other cards later, im a bit tired at the moment as im feeling sorry for myself and am full of cold.

Bright & Breezy start to the morning

2008-09-02T09:12:00.003+01:00

I was up real early this morning as it is Ashleighs first morning at secondary school, we have been having a sleep in all of the holidays so this morning made a change, before waking her i started housework so after she left for school all that remained to do was wash her breakfast plates.

Her brothers are still in bed and as its their last days off they can sleep in. Its so nice having the house all peace full but i know i will miss them like crazy when they are all at school i will be wishing for the next holidays. so as the house is so quiet i decided to make a quick card and the above card is what I've came up with.

Its a Sarah Kay coloured with pro markers lots of inking around the edges using hero arts inks.

The papers are a download from Summer Driggs, zooms and ribbon as embellishments.

I wonder if i can get another couple of cards done before the boys wake up!