Ding Dong Merrily on High!

Evening! Another card to add to my growing Christmas card pile and another card following the always fabby sketches over at Sweet Sketch Wednesday! I've used a Pollycraft image (who have sadly closed their doors again!), coloured with promarkers/spectrum noirs, some freebie papers from last year, a LOTV sentiment stamp, some kraft card and a wooden embellie - all distressed with DI, and this is what I came up with...................

And I'm off to link it up! Sorry for the lack of chit-chat, I'm hoping to be able to change all that in the new year - we'll see. Hope you're all well, anyway and gearing up for Christmas! Bye for now...............xx

The card that almost wasn't!!

Morning! It's time for the reminder post for the current challenge over at the Friday Sketch Challenge and right now, there's a fab sketch and we're sponsored by Stamp Fairy. Here's my card:

I've used Papermania 'Vintage Notes' papers and a Stamp Fairy image, coloured with Speccies, Pro/Flexmarkers. I've edged all the layers with walnut stain distress ink and embellished it with some lace that I picked up at Ally Pally, a wooden heart from Hobbycraft and flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, Woodware and Ally Pally.
This is the card that almost wasn't!! I'd coloured up the image and started layering my card together and then put a big walnut stain thumb print on her face, so then I had to print her out and colour her up again (I layered the face up rather than colouring the whole thing again!) then as a finishing touch, I was going to add some of my new Cosmic Shimmer PVA in dusky pink to the corners but the nozzle was blocked and the whole thing flew off, squirting glue everywhere!!! It was a sheer miracle that none went on this card! (It then took me 30 mins to clear up and then it happened again!! Thankfully on some scrap paper this time - I still wasn't a happy bunny though - and I'm not too impressed with the product!!) Oh well, I got there in the end, eh!?! LOL!
I'm finally all caught up with everything at my end, so I'll get the chance to visit some of you this weekend and hopefully let you know I'm back 'on the scene'. I can't wait to see what you've all been up to!? And don't forget to join in over at the Friday Sketch Challenge!! Bye for now..........xx

Here Come the Boys...

Morning! Here's a card that I wanted to share with you and it's one for the boys - I've also followed the sketch over at the 'Here Come The Boys' challenge - hence the post title (that and the fact I didn't know what else to call it!)

I've used an digital image from Little Miss Muffett stamps, coloured with promarkers, flexmarkers and spectrum noirs, the papers are from a magazine I bought ages ago but they're from Pink Petticoat and I've matted everything on Bazzill Basics kraft card. I've also used a Craftwork Cards sentiment and a couple of die cuts - a border and some stars cut with my MFT dienamics Blueprints 4.
This is a handy one for the stash when one of those awkward boy birthday's come up! Hope you like it - and I hope someone will leave me a comment!
Hugs,

I'm forever blowing bubbles.....

Evening! What did you get up to today? I met up with a friend for coffee in Blackheath village for a few hours, which was lovely cos Sam's gone away with his Nan and Grandad for a week and being a Bank Holiday weekend, I'm feeling a bit billy-no-mates!!
There's a fab sketch over at the Sketch N Stash Challenge blog so I thought I'd join in, here's my card:

I've used a gorgeous image from Time for Tea Designs, which I've coloured with Spectrum Noirs and Promarkers, with chalk and stickles. The papers are Forever Friends Kraft Notes - a mix of the 6 x 6 pad I already had and my bargain 12 x 12 one!! Then I've just added some ribbon and flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts and a couple of pearls from my stash and that's it!
I'm glad to have an extra day off work so that I can catch up with a few things. We're bringing our new puppy home next weekend, so I've booked the first week of September off which will give me even more time - in between cleaning up after the little pup!
I'm also going to enter my card into the following: A Gem of a Challenge 'Anything with a B' (Bubbles!), Inspire Me Friday 'Anything Goes', Sister Act Card Challenge #21 'Anything Goes', Chalk N' Stock 'Anything Goes (with chalk)' which I used all around my image.
Hope you like my card, thanks for popping by and any comment you might leave me. Back soon..............xxx

Bargains!!

Afternoon! Hope you're enjoying your bank holiday weekend? I've just got home from shopping and while I was out I popped into Hobbycraft, where I found these bargains......

 

If you can't see from the picture, I got the Boofle, Forever Friends Kraft Notes and Papermania Pastel Spots and Stripes Capsule Collection - all 12 x 12 - for £5 each!!! I've already got the Kraft Notes in a smaller pad and love the designs and the other two are full of really useful designs - like stripes, spots, hearts, gingham, etc that are always useful!!! Anyway, I thought I'd share cos it might be worth checking out a Hobbycraft near you in case they've got something similar!! And I was feeling rather pleased with myself too ;-) Bye for now...........xx

Fun at the Beach!

Morning! It's time for a reminder of Janine's sketch over at the Friday Sketch Challenge - here's my card:

 

I must admit to being really pleased with the way this one turned out, not only did I have the perfect papers (and matching flower) - Prima by the way - for this super cute image from Pollycraft, which I've coloured with Promarkers and Speccies. I also got to use some of the shells that I collected on the beach earlier on in the year when we went away to the Isle of Sheppey!! I've also added a sentiment from Whimsy Stamps and some webby stuff (don't know the correct name for it!) from Bunny Zoe's. It was one of those cards that just came together! I hope you like it too - and don't forget to join in with the challenge, there's still a week left.

I'm also going to enter my card into the Pinspirational Challenge (photo inspiration), Digi Haven's sea life challenge, and Daring Cardmakers 'Life's a Beach'!

Bye for now..........Mxx

Blue.......again?

Morning! There's a new challenge starting today over at Sunday Sketch and Stamp and this week, I decided to make it a 'Pick a Sketch' week, which means you can use any sketch from our past challenges that you want! I used Sketch #158, which I'd designed but then hadn't got around to working with - here's my card:

I've used the cutest Sylvia Zet Wee Stamps digital image, coloured with Promarkers/Spectrum Noirs. The papers are Maja Design's Vintage Spring Basics - love, love, love these papers!! The sentiment stamp is Whimsy, the smaller blue flowers are Kort and Godt and the rest of the flowers are Wild Orchid Crafts. I've also added lace and pearls from my stash and a bark heart, which I painted with crackle paint, from Live and Love Crafts. And yes, my card's blue again - I can see a bit of a theme developing here!!
I'm also going to enter my card into the Alphabet Challenge - L is for Lace, Card Makin' Mamas - Monochromatic Challenge, Inspire Me Fridays - Anything Goes, Dutch Dare Card Challenge - Floral Frenzy, Crafting for all Seasons - Challenge #56 Bingo (Flowers, Digi Image, Pearls), Deep Ocean Challenge - #56 Blue and I think that's it!
I hope you like my card, thanks for visiting and any comment you might leave - and don't forget to join in over at Sunday Sketch and Stamp!  TTFN................xxx

Beautiful Blue...

Morning! It's Friday and so there's a new sketch over at the Friday Sketch Challenge - this week it's a fab, versatile one by Carole, and here's my take on it:

I've used Digistamp Boutique's Rosie with Flower coloured with Spectrum Noirs and Promarkers. The papers, ribbon and bow are Papermania's capsule collection 'Burleigh Blue' and the Flower Cabochons, which I thought were a nice addition and worked with the sketch - are from My Mum's Craft Shop. I love this beautiful deep royal blue and it's makes a change to make a girly card in blue instead of pink for a change!!
I'm also going to enter my card into Crafty Ribbon's Challenge #53 'Clean and Simple plus ribbon', Digistamp Boutique's Monthly Challenge and My Mum's Craft Shop Challenge #7 'Just for Girls'.
I think that's it! I hope those of you in the UK are coping with this heatwave - I think it's going to be a scorcher today!! Don't forget to join in over at the Friday Sketch Challenge - Bye for now.........xxx

Bloglovin'

I know I've left it pretty late in the day but after all the rumours flying around about Google Reader being retired, I didn't quite believe it until now!! Silly me! I've exported all of the blogs I currently follow into bloglovin' so if I follow you now, I'll continue to do so and I would love it if you would continue to follow me too. I really appreciate each and every one of you and the comments that you leave me. Hope to see you on the other side........ xxxx

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I'm loving a bit of Pollycraft!!

Evening peeps! I'm a bit late with my posts today cos it's the end of my first week back at work and so I need to get myself into a routine of getting my posts scheduled for during the day, now I'm not around all the time to do them as and when! After my hard week at work (!?!), I'm dedicating this weekend to what I love to do most in this world - crafting, blogging and catching up with my commenting!!
But first, here's the card that I'm going to enter into the Pollycraft DT call - for those of you that don't already know, Pollycraft has recently reopened following a bit of a break and I, for one, am totes thrilled!!! I'd just got into Pollycraft digis and I'd been entering the Pollycraft challenge for a while and had just been placed in the top 3, then I won and then Paula made the sad decision to close the store. So - I bought out all of her images in the closing down sale and I've been gradually working my way through them but there's nothing like a new release, eh!!??

I've used the Pollycraft image 'Luna Bitterfrost - Steampuck Rocks' which I've coloured with promarkers and spectrum noirs. The papers are Papermania's Chronology, which I love for steampunk or men's cards. I've used a Kraft card blank and kraft card to mat some of the layers and I've embellished it with Tim Holtz Metal flowers and a hinge clip. Then I've added a rub on sentiment and some pearls from my stash.
I'm also going to enter my card into the following challenges:

• Cards Galore - May Challenge 'Tim Holtz homage'.
• Delicious Doodles - Challenge #37 Steampunk.
• The Kraft Journal - Anything Goes with Kraft.
• Incy Wincy Challenges - Metal Mania.
• The Stamping Chef - Metal Challenge.

Right, I think that's it. I hope you like it and wish me luck! I'll be keeping everything crossed cos it would be a dream to be on a team working with Paula's images but lots of people have put their name forward - lots of talented people too, I might add - but then, you'll never know if you don't try, eh?! TTFN.........xx

The Conductor

Evening! I hope you've all had a good weekend?! I went to the cinema yesterday with my Dad and Sam to see the latest Star Trek film - I loved it but then I am a bit of a trekkie (yes, I'm sad, I know!!) Today, I went and did a Home Check for a lovely couple who are wanting to adopt a dog - I've been doing homechecks as a volunteer for a few months now. Oh, and of course, I've been doing a bit of card making! It's been a beautiful day today - which is just as well cos I've got no heating and hot water at the moment. I think the thermostat on my central heating went a bit haywire yesterday morning because even though I'd turned it right down, it was like a green house in here. It was soooooo hot, it was ridiculous. I'm surprised we didn't have a police raid on suspicion of having a cannabis factory ha, ha!!! In the end, I rang the emergency number and they told me to switch the boiler off but true to form, I couldn't book an appointment til Monday morning so god only knows when it'll end up getting fixed. Anyway, enough about me! What have you been up to?
Here's a card I made to enter the latest Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge -

I've used an image from Tiddly Inks called 'The Conductor' (which seems like such a serious name for such a little cutie!!!!), I've coloured him and his train in with promarkers and spectrum noirs. The papers are My Mind's Eye and I've added a wooden train from Hobbycraft and a button from my stash. All the edges have been inked with Tea Dye distress ink. As soon as I saw this image, I knew exactly what papers I wanted to use! I had been planning to send this to my cousin's little boy who'll be 2 in a week or so but do you think the colours are a bit too 'old' for him??
I'm also going to enter my card into the following challenges:

• A Little Bit Crazy - Kraft It!
• Timeless Tuesday - Challenge #220 Blue and Green.
• Lady Anne's Challenges - Anything Goes.
• Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes.
• Nutcrafters - Challenge #43 Use some Kraft.
• Crafty Creations - Challenge #222 Keep it Simple.
• My Heart Pieces - Anything Goes.

 Well, I think that's it, I must go and make myself a cuppa! Bye for now.............xxx

Really exciting news!!!!!!

Morning! I've got some really exciting news to share with you today.....for those of you that don't know, I had to give up work in 2006 after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer - of course, every cloud has a silver lining because it was through being ill that I discovered my love of crafting!! Before giving up work, I worked for an advertising agency in central London and last week, someone I used to work with (who I've stayed in touch with), sent me an email asking how I was doing and if I would be interested in going back to work. So - I went for an informal chat and realised that despite my ongoing health problems, there was a possibility that I might be able to make it work. Then I had an interview last week with the two Directors of the company and yesterday, I was offered the job!! From next week, I'll be working at Dawson Walker Communications, who are a PR/Marketing/Advertising agency in London. Obviously I won't know until I try whether it really will work out for me, health wise but they've agreed hours to suit me - I'll be working from home, 2 days a week and from 10am to 3pm in the office, 3 days a week. I'm really excited, but a bit nervous so keep your fingers crossed for me!! My first day is on Tuesday!
Anyway, enough waffling about what's going on in my life. It's the second week of the challenge over at the Friday Sketch Challenge, so here's my reminder card:

I've used a Saturated Canary image, coloured with promarkers and spectrum noirs and I've used Docrafts Kraft Note papers. The shape in the middle and the corner, were both cut with my Slice, I used a Memory Box die to cut out the butterfly and a Marianne Design die for the flowers, then added some twine, a charm and buttons from my stash. I hope you like it - I do love the colours in these papers.

If you've made it this far, thanks so much for sharing my good news! Sending hugs............xx

Abi and her Flowers

Evening ladies (and gentlemen, of course!) I'm back to share a card I made to enter into the Sweet Sketch Wednesday Challenge #205 (I've rotated the sketch) and Digistamp Boutique's Monthly Challenge, here it is....

Grrrrr.....it keeps uploading it 'on the wonk' again!! I thought I'd cracked this problem because usually when it happens I save it rotated 90 degrees so that when it appears it's the right way up again but for some reason tonight, it's rotating the pic that's the right way up and posting the one I've rotated exactly as it's been saved!!! Does this happen to anyone else?
To make my card, I've used Digistamp Boutique's Abi with Flowers and coloured the image with Spectrum Noirs and Promarkers and I've used some freebie papers from a magazine with some flat blooms from Wild Orchid Crafts, Ribbon from Hobbycraft, a sentiment from Craftwork Cards and some pearls from my stash which I coloured with my pens. I hope ya like it! It's nice and bright - unlike the weather we're having right now!! And it's another card to add to my 'flat' collection that's more suitable for posting!
I hope you're all having a good week - I've put tomorrow aside to come round and catch up on my visiting, so I'll 'see' you all tomorrow! Lots of hugs..........xxx

Party Time Freya

Afternoon! Have you had a nice long Bank Holiday weekend? Mine's been nice and relaxing and I've actually got a fair bit of cardmaking done - whoop, whoop!!! Sam went to his friend's birthday party on Saturday from early evening until late and then by the time we got up on Sunday morning, he got dressed, had his breakfast and was off back to his friend's to stay the night and I've not gotta pick him up til 7pm. The weather's been gorge today!! Me and my Mum and Aunt went and did a little bit of shopping - I stocked up in the £ shop and I needed some printer paper cos I was down to my last few sheets. While I was in Staples, I got a Desk Tidy (the Martha Stewart collaboration range) to match my other craft desk bits for 40% off, so I saved nearly £6 - and it's a luverly Duck Egg Blue colour to match the Matthew Williamson wallpaper in my front room!!!
Anyhoo, here's one of the cards I made - to enter into Digistamp Boutique's Monthly Comp:

I've used 'Party Time Freya' from Digistamp Boutique coloured with Speccies and Promarkers with some stickles and glossy accents, Imaginisce papers and Chipboard Sentiment, MFT Open Scallop Border Die, Memory Box Bow Corner Die topped with some ribbon and gems from my stash.
I need to try and make some 'flat' cards a bit more often cos they're much better for posting! Hope ya like it! Enjoy your evening............xx

Where Flowers Bloom..........

Morning! It's time for the reminder post over at the Friday Sketch Challenge, so you've got one more week to get those entries in! Here's my attempt at the sketch:

I used a Lili of the Valley image coloured with Promarkers, Spectrum Noirs and stickled wings, the papers are the very lush First Edition Floral Pavilion and I've added a sentiment which was a magazine freebie, some Wild Orchid flowers, a Magnolia Doohickey die-cut fence and Metal Butterfly from my stash - both of which got the crackle paint treatment all topped off with some pearls!
Hope ya like it and I hope you're all well. Don't forget to join in with the Friday Sketch Challenge, it's a great one to work with! Bye for now........xx

Back from my Blogging Break xx

Morning Everyone. I hope I've still got some people visiting me. It's been a while since my last post (I'm beginning to sound like I'm in confession!) My aunt has been very ill for a long time with emphysema and heart failure and she was in hospital for a prelonged period of time - she sadly passed away on the 12th April and we've got the funeral next Tuesday. I've also been having a nightmare with Sam (my son) - he's 12 now and whether it's being a teenager or what, I just don't know but sometimes he stresses me out so much, it takes me ages to chill out once he's gone to bed!! Anyone else got teenage sons like this? Any advice!!?? So basically - to cut a long story short, I've had so much going on and whereas crafting in the past has been a refuge, this time around I just couldn't get my head into it, so I was sitting down to make a card and just shuffling papers for an hour!! But - my mojo seems to have made a return in recent days which I hope is a sign that things are getting back to normal.
For my first card of my return, I've followed Sketch no. 68 from Papertake Weekly's 'Sketchie Free for All' - and here's my card:

I've used a Time for Tea image (swiftly becoming one of my faves!) coloured with promarkers and spectrum noirs and some older My Mind's Eye papers and I've added some lace and flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts with a Craftwork Cards sentiment. Topped off with a little ladybird sticker from my stash!
I hope you like it and I hope I get around to visit you all soon - I'd love to know how you all are and if there's anyone out there still talking to me ;-) Bye for now...........xxx

Because she's gorgeous!

Evening folks! I always like the sketches over at Sweet Sketch Wednesday and so I try to join in whenever I can - here's a card I whipped up for this week's challenge:

I've used a Gorjuss Girl image coloured with Spectrum Noirs and Promarkers, my fave papers of the moment - Kraft Notes, a Craftwork Cards sentiment and ribbon, gems and flowers from my stash and that's about it! Hope you like it and you're keeping warm, wherever you are! TTFN Marie x

If in doubt, Accessorize!

Evening! Here's a card I made using one of the stamps from the latest Sugar Nellie release 'Bags of Fashion' - believe it or not, I think this is the fastest 'through the door' to card, card that I've ever made!

Ingredients:

Image - Sugar Nellie coloured with Pro/Flex-markers and Speccies.

Papers - Cosmo Cricket 'Upcycle'.

Sentiment - Craftwork Cards.

Other - MS 'Cherish' border punch, Grey Bazzill Basics card, Twine and Pearls from stash.

The hair on these images is just amazing!! I'm not sure I've done her justice (you can have a closer look by clicking on the card to enlarge it) but hey, I tried! As soon as I'd inked up this little cutie, I knew exactly what papers to use - I love these Cosmo Cricket ones with handbags all over 'em! And the sentiment from Craftwork Cards seemed like the icing on the cake! Hope ya like it!

I'm going to enter my card into the following challenges:

• Stamptacular Sunday - Challenge #205 Sketch. 
• The Sugar Bowl - Challenge #101 Anything Goes.
• The Pink Elephant Challenge - TPE #189 Inspiration Photo (Yellow and Grey).
• Make It Monday - Anything Goes.
• Passion for Promarkers - Week 188 'One for the Ladies'.
• Loves Rubber Stamps - Week 42 Anything Goes.
• Crazy Amigo Challenge - Women.
• Dutch Dare - Challenge #207 Girls Rule.
• Vickie's Challenges - Challenge #4 Anything Goes.

Phew! I think that's about it! Have a wonderful Mother's Day tomorrow to all you mum's out there. I hope you're all thoroughly spoilt and have a nice relaxing day. Sending hugs.....xx

Lilac and Lemon

Evening Everyone! I've got a very summery card to share with you tonight - which is quite at odds with the weather we're having outside but it made me look forward to the warmer weather and reminded me how much I love this colour combo too!! Here it is:

Ingredients:

Image - Digistamp Boutique coloured with Speccies and Pro/Flex-markers.

Papers - Prima.

Sentiment - Elzybells.

Flowers - Wild Orchid Crafts.

Other - WRMK Ticket Stub Corner Chomper, Tonic Butterfly Punch, Wooden Butterfly, Ribbon and Pearls from stash.

I'm going to enter my card into the following challenges:

• Sweet Sketch Wednesday - Sketch 194-5.
• Nutcrafters - Challenge #37 Lilac and Lemon.
• Bloggers Challenge - Friendship.
• Digistamp Boutique - February Customer Competition.
• Digi Sketch Challenge - Theme 'Dear Friend'.

Right, I think that's it! I'm sorry I've not been very good with visiting you all lately, I don't seem to have had much time but then I couldn't tell you what I've been busy doing if you know what I mean?!? But - I've not got anything planned over the next couple of days, so I'll be spending those catching up!
I went to the cinema earlier with my bestie - we saw 'I Give It A Year' and it was hilarious!!! A few times, I was laughing so much, I couldn't breathe!! Good job there was only about 5 of us at the screening. I highly recommend it, if you fancy a laugh (and you don't mind a bit of 'crudity'!!) Bye for now then...............xx

A Dog in a Tutu!

Hello! It's an odd name for a post and I must admit, I'm starting to struggle a bit with what to call them lately! But when you see my card, all will become clear! It's Friday and so it's time for a new sketch over at the Friday Sketch Challenge and it's a fab one by Christine. We've also got a fab sponsor this fortnight, in the shape of 2 Cute 2 Ink, who supplied the DT with some gorge images to work with, as well as donating the prize. Here's my card:

Ingredients:

Image - 2 Cute 2 Ink coloured with Spectrum Noirs and Pro/Flexmarkers.

Papers - My Mind's Eye.

Sentiment - Magazine Freebie.

Other - Pink Card - Papermania, Gems and Pearls from stash.

Do any of you have problems posting pics onto your blog? When I upload them, they appear sideways, it doesn't always happen, only sometimes but I do the same things with my pics all the time, so I can't make it out. I've worked out a way round it now though, so it's not a major problem, I just wandered if it happened to anyone else?!
I love this cute 'Dog in a Tutu'.....see, I told ya!! And as soon as I saw him, I knew I had the perfect paper to go with him. It's just a shame I've got no-one to send my valentine to, so it's gone in the box with all my other cards!
Right, I think that's enough waffle for one day - please hop over and check out my teamie's fab cards and don't forget to join in with the challenge. TTFN......................xx

Spring Louie

Evening Everyone!
Here's a card I've made using one of the new images from Digistamp Boutique - if you've not seen them yet, I'd recommend a looksie cos there are some fab ones, including this one:

Ingredients:

Image - Digistamp Boutique coloured with promarkers and flexmarkers

Papers - First Edition 'Spring Feast'

Other - Ladybird Button from the Hobby House, other Buttons, Ribbon and Daffodils from stash.

So - what do you think of how I've coloured Louie the Bear? It was kind of an experiment with my new flexmarkers but I was pretty pleased with how he turned out.
I'm also entering my card into Sweet Sketch Wednesday, as I've followed Sketch 192, MarkerPOP's 'Texturizing' challenge and the monthly challenge at Digistamp Boutique and I think that's it.
You know I've just been watching a TV programme called 'Taboo: Ugly' about so called ugly people - or society's perception of 'ugly' and there's a little 8 year old boy on there from America called Nathaniel who's got Treacher Collins syndrome, which causes facial deformity and my heart is literally breaking for him because of how cruel people can be to such a lovely little boy, just because of the way he looks. I think it's the people that are cruel to him and those that judge others for what's on the outside instead of the inside, that are the ugly ones!!! I'd love to give Nathaniel a big hug and tell him how brave and wonderful he is! With that said, I'm off to visit you all now! TTFN.........x

Cute Baby Fairy!

Evening! How's your week going so far? It's turned super cold here in London again but I've finally managed to get my winter coat that I've been searching for since Christmas! Every time I found one I liked, it had either sold out or they didn't have it in my size, so I'm so happy I've finally got one - and it's sooooo lovely and cosy, now I'm 'snug as a bug in a rug' LOL!!
Here's a card I made a week or so ago using a sketch from Sweet Sketch Wednesday but I'm only just getting round to posting it.....

I love this image, so adorable and I've watercoloured it with Distress Inks. All the papers and Chipboard flowers/sentiment, etc are from Imaginisce 'All Kinds of Happy' with a few embellies from my stash and that's about it!
I'm entering my card over at The Sugar Bowl, who from now on are running a monthly 'Anything Goes' challenge.
BTW - in case you've just noticed my Sunday Sketch and Stamp post has just magically appeared, it's cos I'd left it scheduled but hadn't realised it wasn't live until I went to post this one, doh!!
Right, I'm off to get Sam's dinner out the oven and then I'll be hopping round to see you. Stay warm (if it's cold where you are obvs!)....................xx

In the Pink

Morning! There's a new challenge starting today over at Sunday Sketch and Stamp and this week, it's a great sketch by Francesca - here's my card (and if you don't like pink, look away now LOL!)

Ingredients:

Image - Magnolia Tilda watercoloured with Distress Inks.

Papers - Magnolia and DCWV cardstock.

Flowers - Wild Orchid Crafts.

Sentiment - Craftwork Cards.

Other - Rub-on Lettering from DCWV, Crafts Too Hearts Embossing Folder, Pearl Hearts from My Crafty Heart, WRMK Distressing Tool and Gems from stash.

What do you think of my watercolouring with Distress Inks? I've been practising, so expect to see more images coloured this way - I actually love sitting colouring in this way, I find it really relaxing but it takes such a long time - or it does me anyway!! I've coloured Tilda with one of my newest coloured 'Picked Raspberry' and think it's lush!!

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

• In the Pink - Challenge #12 Distressed.
• Crafty Calendar - Love and Marriage.
• 2 Sisters Challenge - Challenge #129 White and Red and/or Pink.
• Creative Corner - Challenge 5 Love and Hearts.
• Card Makin' Mamas - Love.
• Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Love is all around.
• My Time to Craft - Challenge #207 'Love is in the Air'.
• Inspire Me Fridays - Always Anything Goes.

Don't forget to hop over to Sunday Sketch and Stamp and check out my teamies amazing cards and join in with the challenge, of course - I can't wait to see your take on the sketch! Bye for now..............xx

'A creative mess is better than idle tidiness'!!

Hi Everyone! It's Friday which means there's a new sketch over at the Friday Sketch Challenge and this week, it's one by Janine. Here's my card:

Ingredients:

Image - Inky Impressions coloured with spectrum noirs and promarkers.

Papers - Freebies from a magazine by Lilly Bimble.

Die Cuts - Magnolia Doohickey Doily, Marianne Designs Hearts, Spellbinders Nestie Circle.

Other - Sentiment from Elzybells, Glossy Accents (on ruler), WRMK corner chomper and gems from stash.

The papers I've used were free with this month's Quick Cards magazine but were so lush I had to go and check out Lilly Bimble and when I saw that you could get 50% off by using coupon code BIMBLE50, I couldn't help it when a few digi paper downloads slipped into my basket!! Go and have a looksy!

I'm also entering my card into the following challenges:

• Papercrafting Journey - For a Girl.
• Creative Belli - Challenge #162 Rhinestones.
• Nutcrafters - Challenge #35 Cute and Girly.
• Paper Pretties - PWC243 Square Cards.
• Penny's Paper Crafty Challenges - Challenge 112 One for the Girls.
• The Sisterhood of Crafters - Use at least one heart on your project.
• Inky Impressions - Challenge #95 Bingo (Pink/Sentiment/Die)
• Creative Card Crew - Challenge #28 Girly.
• Die Cuttin Divas - Challenge #100 Anything Goes.

I think that's about it! I'd love to hear what you think of my card and please hop over and check out my wonderful teamie's creations over at the Friday Sketch Challenge and I hope you'll join in! We've got two wonderful sponsors this week - Inky Impressions (whose image I've worked with) and The Digi Garden (who the other half of the team worked with). I don't know if you've heard the terribly sad news about Jacqui from The Digi Garden - she has passed away this week. Such shocking news as although she'd been ill for some time, she'd still managed to keep the store going and hadn't let it hold her back. It's so hard to find the right words at times like this but my thoughts are with Jacqui's friends and family and she will be missed in the crafting community...............xx