30/12/2022

My Favourite 5 Christmas Cards of 2022!

 Good Evening!
I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking towards the New Year! Unfortunately mine hasn't gone to plan this past week as I caught the dreaded lurgy the week leading up to Christmas and ended up with a chest infection from Boxing Day onwards ...
Today's post was supposed to have been wrote and shared days ago but I just didn't feel well enough until now to get it sorted. Here's hoping now that I've got some antibiotics in my system though that I'm on the mend!

First up is a dinky 3x3 Christmas card using one of the designs released this year by LOTV. If any of you watch Create & Craft TV you might've spotted this card along with one of my others on there too!
Another image by LOTV, this time released a few years ago using one of my favourite colour schemes for Christmas, Gold!
Halfway through the year I was transferring all of my Digi's from my old laptop to my current one and this is one of the designs I came across. Unfortunately the company are no longer running, I loved their designs!
Next up is another card using a digi from the same retired company, Mel Jens Designs.
Last up is one of my recent Christmas cards using a classic Penny Black sentiment stamp as the focal point, this time using a darker gold scheme.

I'l be sharing my favourite non Christmas creations from this year with you all in the next day or so, why don't you join in? It's always nice having a look back at the things you've made.
HAPPY CRAFTING!
xxx

07/12/2022

December Challenge - Creative Inspirations!

            Good Morning!
Today's card is for our new challenge over at CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS which is 
'Festive Foliage!' 
This month's challenge is all about the foliage we see at Christmas time so think of Christmas Tree's and Wreath's, Holly, Poinsettia's etc!


INGREDIENTS -
Penny Black Stamps
Frantage Chunky Embossing Powder

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES
STAMPING SENSATIONS - ANYTHING GOES WITH WINTER WONDERLAND

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Crafting!
xxx 

03/12/2022

December Challenge - Penny Black Saturday!

           Good Morning!

Today we have a new challenge over at PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE. 
This month's challenge is 'Anything Goes or Christmas!'
The perfect theme for any of you who still have some Christmas cards left to make, or even start! lol This month I have used a sentiment from one of the T-Sets released a few years ago as my main image and paired it with some Maja Design Papers that I treated myself to a few weeks ago. I simply can't resist their range of papers!

INGREDIENTS -
Penny Black T-Set
Maja Design Papers
Gold Ribbon & Gold Shimmer Dome Stickers by Papermania

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
ABC CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE - X IS FOR 'XTRA SPECIAL'
(to me the colour Gold always makes things extra special!)
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES

 Thanks for stopping by & have a lovely weekend!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX    

05/11/2022

November Challenge - Penny Black Saturday!

           Good Morning!

It's the first Saturday of the month so it's time for a new challenge over at PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE. This months challenge is 
'Anything Goes or Embellish It!'
Every year around this time I always dig this stamp out for C&S Christmas Cards, it's become something of a tradition! I love the simplicity of the card and that all the focus is on the black text, the only colour coming from the added bits of sparkle around it!

INGREDIENTS -
Penny Black Stamp
Pink Shimmer Embellishments by Dovecraft

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
ALLSORTS - SPARKLE & SHINE

 Thanks for stopping by & have a lovely weekend!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX   

02/11/2022

November Challenge - Creative Inspirations!

            Good Morning!
Well I must admit I didn't intend to leave it so long before crafting again, it seemed last month all my spare time was taken up by the allotment! However the weather is changing and the jobs up there are becoming fewer so I'm sure I'l end up spending more time in the craft room over the coming months ...

Today's card is for our new challenge over at CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS which is 
'Sparkle, Sparkle, Sparkle!' 
The card is slightly clean and simple, with some hints of sparkle from the embellishments. Both myself and my DT used a digi from our sponsor this month and isn't he a sweetie?!

INGREDIENTS -
'Santa on a Sled' Digi by The Paper Shelter
Snowflake Die Cut & Sentiment Die Cut
Red Shimmer Dome Stickers by Papermania

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
ALLSORTS - LET'S CELEBRATE!
(Christmas)

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Crafting!
xxx

05/10/2022

October Challenge - Creative Inspirations!

           Good Morning!
Today's card is for our new challenge over at CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS which is 
'Autumn or Halloween!' 
Today's card could technically be used to celebrate both as I feel that if I'd used a different colour scheme ... such as black, purple and orange for instance ... then the card would've had more of a Halloween feel rather than Autumal :) The stamp is one that I've had in my stash for a while that hasn't been inked up for a couple of years!

INGREDIENTS -
Stamping Bella Stamp
Maja Design Papers
Yellow Dew Drops, Ribbon, Berries & Flowers

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES
STAMPING SENSATIONS - ALL THINGS AUTUMN
WE LOVE STAMPING - AUTUMN COLOURS

ALLSORTS - GARDENERS DELIGHT
I love growing Pumpkins in my garden (well Allotment, unfortunately though I haven't been able to sit on them like the girl in stamped image haha) however here's a little peek of some I grew this year ...

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Crafting!
xxx

01/10/2022

October Challenge - Penny Black Saturday!

          Good Morning!

It's the first Saturday of the month so it's time for a new challenge over at PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE. This months challenge is 
'Anything Goes or Spooky!'
This time I haven't followed the theme which considering I love making Halloween cards is rather unusual for me. However one of my crafty friends was selling a bundle of Penny Black stamps last week which I couldn't resist and today's card is using one of those.

INGREDIENTS -
Penny Black Stamps
Yellow Dew Drops

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES

 Thanks for stopping by & have a lovely weekend!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX   

23/09/2022

Hello Pumpkin Sneak Peak no.2! - Lili of the Valley Design Team

       Good Morning!

As mentioned in my previous post LOTV have some new sets currently on pre-order and one of these is called 'Hello Pumpkin!' The designs in this set are perfect for anyone that loves the season of Autumn and Foxes. They're versatile enough however to be used all year round and today's card is using one of those designs.


INGREDIENTS -

LOTV 'Hello Pumpkin' Stamp Set & LOTV Sentiment
Maja Design Papers
Embellishments from stash, Paper Doily & Orange Ribbon

I'd like to enter the following challenges -
WE LOVE STAMPING - ANYTHING GOES WITH STAMPING
 Thanks for stopping by & have a lovely weekend!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX  

14/09/2022

Hello Pumpkin - Lili of the Valley Design Team!

      Good Morning!
Recently LOTV have been spoiling everyone with new releases and today I'm sharing yet another new design!
Today's card is using a design from a set called 'Hello Pumpkin' which is available to pre-order over on the website as a Polymer stamp set. This design from the set caught my eye straight away, how could anyone resist this little fox sitting on some pumpkins?!


INGREDIENTS -

LOTV 'Hello Pumpkin' Stamp Set & LOTV Sentiment
Maja Design Papers
Flowers, Berries, Paper Doily and Ribbon
Doodlebug Sprinkles

I'd like to enter the following challenges -
WE LOVE STAMPING - ANYTHING GOES WITH STAMPING
SIMON SAYS STAMP - LITTLE CRITTERS

 Thanks for stopping by!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX  

07/09/2022

September Challenge - Creative Inspirations!

          Good Morning!

Today's card is for our new challenge over at CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS which is 
'Spots or Stripes!' 
You actually have the choice of using one of these options or both on your creations, I decided to use both. I also used another Mel Jens digi that I found on my laptop a while back, it's always nice to ink up designs that you haven't used for years!

INGREDIENTS -
Digi Stamp by Mel Jens Designs
Sentiment by LOTV
Snowflake Die & Tree Die
Papermania Shimmer Dome Stickers & Seam Binding Ribbon
Frantage Embossing Powder & Stickles

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Crafting!
xxx

03/09/2022

September's Penny Black Saturday Challenge!

         Good Morning!

It's the first Saturday of the month so it's time for a new challenge over at PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE. This months challenge is 
'Anything Goes or Food/Drink!'
I've created yet another Christmas card this time using a PB stamp that hasn't been inked up for years. After colouring in the wine I decided to stick with the red and keep the colour scheme the same too.

INGREDIENTS -
Penny Black Stamps
Maja Design Papers
Poinsettia Dies from stash
Papermania Shimmer Dome Stickers & Doodlebug Sprinkles
Frantage Embossing Powder

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES

 Thanks for stopping by & have a lovely weekend!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX   

30/08/2022

Reindeer Wreath - Lili of the Valley DT!

     Good Morning!

  Today myself and the rest of the LOTV DT are able to start sharing sneak peeks from the next release by LOTV!
We have some more Christmassy designs coming out soon and I 've made another small card using the design Reindeer Wreath! I have created another small C&S card and if you look closely you'll see that I added some glossy accents to emphasise Rudolph's red nose!


INGREDIENTS -
LOTV 'Wreaths' Stamp sheet
Papermania Shimmer Dome Stickers & 3D Glossy Accents

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
ALLSORTS - ANYTHING GOES
ABC CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE - R IS FOR REINDEER
SIMON SAYS STAMP - SHIMMER & SHINE
WINTER WONDERLAND - REINDEER

 Thanks for stopping by!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX  

14/08/2022

Polar Bears - Lili of the Valley DT!

    Good Morning!
  Recently I've been sharing some creations from the latest release by LOTV well I'm pleased to say that these are now available over on the website to buy so please check them out!
Today's card is using one of the designs from the Polar Bears stamp sheet, isn't it sweet? I decided to go all traditional and used a gold colour scheme with hints of silver, finished off with a bit of extra sparkle by using stickles for the tinsel on the stamped image. The sentiment is also from the new release, they're actually 2 separate stamps combined to make design.


INGREDIENTS -
LOTV 'Polar Bears' & 'Christmas Greetings' Stamp Sheets
Poinsettia Dies
Dovecraft Papers
Doodlebug Sprinkles, Clear Dew Drops, Ribbon & Stickles 'Platinum'
Frantage White Embossing Powder

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
ALLSORTS - ANYTHING GOES

 Thanks for stopping by!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX  

06/08/2022

August Challenge - Penny Black Saturday Challenge!

         Good Morning!

It's the first Saturday of the month so it's time for a new challenge over at PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE. This months challenge is 
'Anything Goes or Music!'
I kept my card simple this month and decided not to opt for the theme. I dug out my Distress Markers and coloured up this lovely winter design keeping in the main focus of the card.

INGREDIENTS -
Penny Black Stamps
Doodlebug Sprinkles

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
ABC CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE - NEW OR OLD 
(OLD - I have had the stamp for a few years)

 Thanks for stopping by & have a lovely weekend!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX   

05/08/2022

Pumpkin Season!

           Good Morning!
Today's card is one that I made yesterday afternoon as I had a little bit of time on my hands thanks to covid lol I spotted this stamp sitting on one of my shelves and realised that although I've used the sentiment before I'd never actually inked up the pumpkins! There is actually 3 separate pumpkin stamps in this set but for today's card I've only used 2 of them.
Again I kept the card rather simple due to not feeling well enough to sit and create something in my usual fussy style if I'm honest.

INGREDIENTS -
'Set of Pumpkins' stamp set by Stamping Bella
Maja Design Paper offcuts
Doodlebug Sprinkles

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Crafting!
xxx

03/08/2022

August Challenge - Creative Inspirations!

         Good Morning!

Today's card is for our new challenge over at CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS which is 
'Anything Goes!' 
This month we are joined by a long term sponsor who kindly let myself and the DT use their images on our creations this month. Instead of creating a card I decided to make a tag for a change, perfect for adding a personal touch to a gift.

INGREDIENTS -
Sunflower Digi by All Dressed Up
Paper Doily, Doodlebug Sprinkles & Seam Binding Ribbon

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Crafting!
xxx

30/07/2022

Christmas Launch Sneak Peek no.2 - Lili of the Valley DT!

                 Good Afternoon!
I'm a little late in posting this, yesterday I had a migraine and then this morning I tested positive for Covid so it's safe to say I haven't felt my best recently lol  

As I mentioned in my previous post, next Tuesday at 12 noon LOTV will be showing their new Christmas launch over on Create & Craft TV! The collection includes 6 A5 Stamp sheets and today's card is using one of the designs from the Christmas Gnomes sheet.
Don't worry though they will be available over on their etsy store the week after on the 9th of August, however these designs will only be released as stamp sheets, not digi's.

Today's card is showcasing another of the designs, this time from the Penguins sheet. This time I have used a non traditional colour scheme of sage green and purple, I think it works!
Really annoyingly though I realised just after photographing the card that I'd forgotten to add the frantage to my image for the snow effect lol

INGREDIENTS -
LOTV '002 Snow Cute' Stamp Sheet
Tim Holtz Sentiments Dies
Maja Design Paper
Doodlebug Sequin

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP  - ANYTHING GOES
ABC CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE - N IS FOR NEW

 Thanks for stopping by!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX  

28/07/2022

New Christmas Launch Sneak Peek - Lili of the Valley DT!

                Good Morning!

Next Tuesday at 12 noon LOTV will be showing their new Christmas launch over on Create & Craft TV! The collection includes 6 A5 Stamp sheets and today's card is using one of the designs from the Christmas Gnomes sheet.
Don't worry though they will be available over on their etsy store the week after on the 9th of August, however these designs will only be released as stamp sheets, not digi's.

INGREDIENTS -
LOTV '001 Christmas Gnomes' Stamp Sheet
Tim Holtz Sentiments Dies
Papermania Shimmer Dome Sticker & Frantage Embossing Powder

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP  - ANYTHING GOES
ABC CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE - N IS FOR NEW
WINTER WONDERLAND - FROM OUR GNOME TO YOURS

 Thanks for stopping by!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX  

18/07/2022

Winter Wonderland

          Good Morning!
We're in the middle of a heatwave right now in the UK and how did I spend it yesterday? Making a Christmas card obviously! I'm really not a fan of hot weather as it causes pressure headaches and migraines so I spent yesterday afternoon hiding in the craft room. I won't lie I can't wait for Wednesday to arrive when this heatwave should be over lol 

Today's card is using another design by Mel Jens Designs that I came across whilst transferring my digi's, yet again I've embraced the Clean & Simple style!

INGREDIENTS -
Penguin Digi Stamp by Mel Jens Designs
Christmas Words by Tim Holtz Sizzix
Tree Digi by Magnolia
Doodlebug Sprinkles, Frantage Embossing Powder & White Glitter

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
ALLSORTS - CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Crafting!
xxx

09/07/2022

A Happy Panda!

         Good Morning!
I hope you all have a lovely weekend planned, it's set to be a scorcher where we are in the UK! I'm not the biggest fan of heat so after pottering around at either the allotment or in the garden early this morning and probably tomorrow I'l more than likely be sheltering from the heat the rest of the day lol

In my previous post I mentioned that I'd been transferring all of my Digi's across to my laptop, well today's card is using one of the designs that I came across which I hadn't seen for years! In fact I don't even think the digi company are still going which is sad :( So this card was simply made for fun!

INGREDIENTS -
Panda Digi Stamp by Mel Jens Designs
Leaf Die from my stash
Doodlebug Sprinkes

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
ALLSORTS - ALLSORTS OF ANIMALS

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Crafting!
xxx

06/07/2022

July Challenge - Creative Inspirations!

        Good Morning!

Today's card is for our new challenge over at CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS which is 'Summer Sun!' 
Last week I finally got around to transferring all of my Digital Stamps across from my old laptop to my current one which meant I had also a bit of a stroll down memory lane whilst looking at the designs. I was quite surprised to see so many names of companies that are no longer with us anymore :( 
However I did come across this Sunflower digi which I bought a year or so ago and couldn't wait to ink it up!

INGREDIENTS -
Sunflower Digi by Power Poppy
Embellishments and Ribbon from stash

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES
ALLSORTS - FLORA & FAUNA / ANYTHING GOES

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Crafting!
xxx

02/07/2022

July Challenge - Penny Black Saturday Challenge!

        Good Morning!

It's the first Saturday of the month so it's time for a new challenge over at PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE. This months challenge is 
'Anything Goes or Spots and/or Stripes!'
I played along with the Spots aspect of the challenge as you can see that there are some amongst the design paper design, stamped image (the pooch) and of course by adding a single embellishment in the top left corner. I have used one of my wooden PB Stamps that I don't think has seen ink in over 10 years! In fact I think it was one of the first that I bought when I first started cardmaking.

INGREDIENTS -
Penny Black Stamps
Magnolia Papers
Star Embellishment from Prima & Ribbon from stash
Gold Doodlebug Sprinkles

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES
SPARKLES CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE - STARS
ALLSORTS - FLORA & FAUNA / ANYTHING GOES

 Thanks for stopping by & have a lovely weekend!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX   

23/06/2022

Inky Butterflies

                Good Morning!

I hope you're all enjoying the sunny weather this week, it's flipping hot! It's my week off work next week and you can guarantee it'l end up raining no doubt now lol

Today I've got something a little different to share. I never seem to get around to using my Tim Holtz products so last weekend after making my previous card I decided it was time to get inky! I inked up my favourite stamp of his released years ago with a selection of distress inks and dug out some old dew drops from my stash in similar colours for a finishing touch.


INGREDIENTS -
Tim Holtz Stamp
Assorted Dew Drops

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - CLEAN & SIMPLE

 Thanks for stopping by!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX  

20/06/2022

The Biggest Cake - Lili of the Valley DT!

               Good Morning!

We have a brand new launch coming soon at LOTV and I must admit this is my favourite design. Cake and some super cute bunnies what more could you want?! lol I paired it up with some design papers featuring tea pots, there's nothing better than tea and cake!

INGREDIENTS -
LOTV 'The Biggest Cake' Digi Stamp & LOTV Sentiment
Maja Design Papers
Flowers, Paper Doily, Ribbon & Doodlebug Sprinkles

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ADD A SENTIMENT
ALLSORTS - SUMMER FLOWERS

 Thanks for stopping by!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX  

08/06/2022

Twinkly Christmas - Lili of the Valley DT

               Good Evening!

Nope you're eyes are not deceiving you, you read the title of this post right! The weather might be bright sunshine outside and 20c but today I'm sharing with you my first Christmas card of 2022! I was scrolling through my LOTV digi collection and ended up getting the urge to make a Christmas card so that's exactly what I did! This is an older digi but I haven't used him for ages, isn't he a sweet Polar Bear!

INGREDIENTS -
LOTV 'Polar' Digi Stamp & Sentiment Stamp
Maja Design Papers
Penny Black Die
Doodlebug Sequins & Frantage Embossing Powder

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
ABC CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE - L IS FOR LITTLE 
(Little Polar Bear)

 Thanks for stopping by!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX  

04/06/2022

June Challenge - Penny Black Saturday Challenge!

       Good Morning!

It's the first Saturday of the month so it's time for a new challenge over at PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE. This months challenge is 'Anything Goes or Transport!'
I decided not to play along with the optional theme this month for a change and instead created a card using one of the sweet older bunny stamps. I also thought I'd use a floral die instead of paper flowers for a change, it felt so strange! lol

INGREDIENTS -
Penny Black Stamps
Maja Design Papers
Unknown floral Die from stash
Doodlebug Sprinkles

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - LITTLE CRITTERS

 Thanks for stopping by & have a lovely weekend!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX   

01/06/2022

June Challenge - Creative Inspirations

       Good Morning!
Today's card is for our new challenge over at CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS which is 'Masculine!' 
The perfect theme considering its Father's Day in the UK in the next few weeks.
This month we are also joined by a brand new sponsor, a lovely lady who designs her own digi sets. Both myself and the DT have used the same set to show how versatile it is.

INGREDIENTS -
Motorbike Set by Creative Smiles
Doodlebug Sprinkles

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Crafting!
xxx

17/05/2022

The Happy Couple - Lili of the Valley DT

              Good Morning!
This month at LOTV we are celebrating their 18th birthday! I can't believe it's been that many years since the company began and it's been a joy to design for them over the last few years. One of the most iconic stamps by them was of a cute little couple getting married and this month both myself and the DT are all making a card each using an updated version of this to celebrate!

This one is called 'The Happy Couple' and isn't it sweet?!

INGREDIENTS -
LOTV 'The Happy Couple' Digi Stamp & Sentiment Stamp
Maja Design Papers
Ribbon, Paper Doily, Doodlebug Sprinkles & Sequins, Flowers & Paper Doily

 Thanks for stopping by!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX  

11/05/2022

Balloon & Gift - Lili of the Valley DT

              Good Morning!
We have a brand new launch over at LOTV tomorrow of a gorgeous selection of Wedding & Anniversary themed images! I have put a little twist on one of them however and used it to create a Birthday card. This one is called 'Balloon & Gift' and I added some Glossy Accents to the actual balloon past to give it a little extra 3D touch! 

INGREDIENTS -
LOTV 'Balloon & Gift' Digi Stamp & LOTV Sentiment
Maja Design Papers
Ribbon & Doodlebug Sprinkles

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - FEMININE

 Thanks for stopping by!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX  

07/05/2022

May Challenge - Penny Black Saturday Challenge!

       Good Morning!

It's the first Saturday of the month so it's time for a new challenge over at PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE. This months challenge is 'Anything Goes or Nature!'
Of course I love my floral stamps so I had to play along with the theme. I've kept the card simple so that all the focus is on the stamped image this time.

INGREDIENTS -
Penny Black Stamps
Ribbon  & Doodlebug Sprinkles

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - FEMININE
STAMPING SENSATIONS - ANYTHING STAMPED + OPTION OF FLORAL/FAUNA

 Thanks for stopping by & have a lovely weekend!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX   

04/05/2022

May Challenge - Creative Inspirations

       Good Morning!

I'm back with something to share with you all today, finally! Thank you for your patience with me, gardening tends to take over a bit! lol Today's card is for our new challenge over at CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS which is 'A Sketch!  

It's been a year or so since I last set one as a challenge so I thought it would be nice to bring it back this month, hopefully people will want to play along! Both myself and the DT have been lucky enough to use an image provided by the sponsor this month.

 

INGREDIENTS -
'A Well Kept Garden' The Paper Shelter Digi Image
Maja Design Papers
Buttons & Doodlebug Sprinkles

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES
STAMPING SENSATIONS - ANYTHING STAMPED + OPTION OF FLORAL/FAUNA
AS YOU LIKE IT - FAVOURITE SKETCH / LAYOUT

(I created this sketch a few years ago and is one that I like to base my cards on a lot, sometimes angles the layers on an angle)


Thanks for stopping by and I hope some of you play along!
Happy Crafting!
xxx

23/04/2022

Apologies ...

 Good Evening!

I just wanted to pop on and apologise for why I haven't had anything to share for a couple of weeks. 
As I mentioned in a previous post I've recently started a new job, after working in retail for so many years I decided it was time for a change and find something with better hours. Working a mix of either 6a-2pm or 1:30pm-9:30pm each week with never more than 1 day off in a row was taking it's toll on myself and my home life. I'm now working as a Receptionist in a Doctor's Surgery and whilst it's a little overwhelming at times with how much you need to know I am thoroughly enjoying it. Plus I get weekends off which is a strange sensation!

Over the last few weekends all my time has been taken up by the garden, some of you may already know I'm an avid gardener! After moving into a New Build last year we've finally been able to get started on the garden and started putting plants into the ground. After renting for almost 10 years the majority of my plants were in pots and it feels so good planting some of those 'babies' I've had for years into a permanent home.
So far we've put some Hawthorn whips in to form a hedge over the coming years infront of the fence, created a little patio area and most recently we dug up some of the turf, worked in some well rotted manure and created a large border. There's a sneaky peek below. It's still a work in progress as I still need to pop in some Foxgloves that I've grown from seed and the spent Spring bulbs that I've had on display. Once the plants have established themselves and spread it should look a lot better!
We're planning on doing something similar on the opposite side as it seems such a waste just leaving all the space to turf! lol

So as you can see I've been a bit limited for time to craft but next week I'm planning on getting something made, so don't worry I'l be back with something soon.
 I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekends!
xxx

06/04/2022

April Challenge - Creative Inspirations

     Good Morning!

Today I'm back with a bright and cheery card ready for our new challenge over at CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS which is called 'Hoppy Easter / Animals!  

I know that not everyone enjoys making Easter cards so I thought I'd add a little option for those that don't.  On my card I've used an older digi that I've coloured up by LOTV. I think it's versatile enough to be used for both Easter and non-Easter cards so you're not stuck only being able to use it once in a blue moon!


 INGREDIENTS -
LOTV 'Cartfull of Sunshine' Digi Stamp
Maja Design Papers 
Ribbon, Paper Doily, Doodlebug Sprinkles & Flowers  
 
  I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES
STAMPING SENSATIONS - I LOVE ... (LOTV)
 
 Thanks for stopping by!
HAPPY CRAFTING! XXX

04/04/2022

Hanglar & Stanglar Strawberry Girl!

  Good Morning!
Today I've got a card to share with you all that I made simply for fun over the weekend. Whilst organising my craft room I came across lot's of stuff that I hadn't set eyes up on for years, including my selection of Hanglar & Stanglar stamped images. Today's card is using one of them, I don't know for sure what her name is but I'm calling her 'Strawberry Girl' lol

INGREDIENTS -
Hanglar & Stanglar Stamped Image
Maja Design Papers
Ribbon, Paper Doily, Doodlebug Sprinkles & Flowers

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES
STAMPING SENSATIONS - I LOVE ... (using Stamped images, Design Papers, Distressing)

 Thanks for stopping by! I hope you all have a nice day planned.
Today will be my first day at a new job, after 7+ years working in a local shop I decided it was time for a change. Today I will be starting at one of our local Doctors as a Receptionist, wish me luck!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX  

02/04/2022

April Challenge - PBSC

       Good Morning!

As promised I'm back with a card to share with you all today, this one is for the new challenge over at PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE. 
This months challenge is 'Anything Goes or Easter!'

Before I get onto that though I have a little bit to add to yesterday's post. Me being me I couldn't resist having a bit of a tinker with the craft room after sorting it out and I ended up moving the punches and putting all of my Tim Holtz products onto the dresser instead. Luckily only 7 of the stains were no longer usable due to changing colour, but the paints seemed to be fine!

You will be surprised to see that I haven't used any flowers on today's card AT ALL. Trust me I even surprised myself with this! lol I just felt that it didn't need any due to extra butterflies from the die cut. By the way if any of you know the make of this die please let me know, I was given some folders of Dies before Christmas and apart from Nesties I'm struggling to identify what is what! lol

INGREDIENTS -
Penny Black 'Butterfly Bunny' Wooden Stamp
DCWV Design Papers
Border Die - unknown
Seam Binding Ribbon & Doodlebug Sprinkles

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES
ALLSORTS - ANY 'REAL' ANIMALS

 Thanks for stopping by & have a lovely weekend!
HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX    

01/04/2022

My Craft Room!

Good Morning!
Today I thought I'd share with you a little look around my craft room as yesterday was the day that I finally got around to sorting everything out after moving into my new home 10 months ago!
I literally had about 10 large boxes of mixed craft stuff stashed behind the door comprising of old items that I haven't used for years that I'd put off sorting as I knew it would takes ages to do so. In fact it took me just over 8 hours to sort everything out yesterday! I think the main thing that pushed me to finally sort everything was that my other half managed to find a pine dresser for free last week so I had no excuses not to get on with it now haha

First up as mentioned is the dresser we got for free last week. This is now sat behind the door as you walk into the Craft Room. On top you can see a box of Tim Holtz products which does need going through still as from the looks of things quite a lot of the Distress Paints have dried up. I'm also going to stack my tubs of Distress Glitter next to where you can see my Distress Ink Pads are lower down.
The box beneath that is excess stuff that I'm either trying to sell or will be used as prizes over on the Challenge blog that I run. The first shelf as you can see is full of Punches, the lowest shelf is home to my Die Cutting machine. Inside the cupboard doors are all my Dies, an Express Big Shot and excess Embellishments that don't get used often.

Just to the side of the dresser is a bookcase holding all of my Wooden, Rubber and Clear Stamps. Heck knows how many there actually is! On top I've arranged 5 of my favourite cards that I've made.
To the right is a corner unit that my Dad made for me almost 20 years ago, it does take up a fair bit of space but I can't bear to get rid of it. I'm using it to store my Flowers, Ribbons and Embellishments that I use the most.

Moving round to the opposite side of the room is a cupboard storing non-craft things such as paperwork and my pet snake in the tank above. Don't worry if you're not a fan of snakes, you can't see her in the photograph. The bookcase (starting from the top) is holding 2 boxes of cards on the top that I've made, the top one is everyday and occasional, the lower one is Christmas cards. On the top shelf are boxes full of stamped images and coloured toppers, the next two are Design Papers and the other two are card blanks, envelopes which are followed by sheets of card.

Coming back around is the last part of the room, the desk! As you can see I've got another drawer set this time full of art supplies such as watercolours for if and when I ever get the chance to take up painting again and odd bits and bobs. 


I hope you enjoyed a little look around my Craft Room, apologies for the 10 month wait! lol
It was nice to look through all my old craft stuff though, it's definitely given me the motivation to craft a bit more!
I'l be back tomorrow with a card to share with you all.

Happy Crafting!
xxx