Award!

Whoooo-hoooo! Look what I've just been awarded! Thank you Heather!

Here are the rules for this award:

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.
2. Link to the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you've nominated.
6. Wear a posh frock if you like, lots of bling and make a speech, but - sorry - no red carpet

I'd like to thank all my crafting friends (some listed below) including the Funky Hand Design Team - very inspiring - go and check their blogs - listed at the side somewhere. And The Crafts Forum, cos if it were not for the Forum I don't think I'd be doing all this today! And finally, thanks to my lovely lovely children for getting me up at an unearthly hour (yes, there are 2 5 o'clocks in the day) for the last week so I can do more crafting before I go to work!

Okay-dokey. My nominees are: Swirly, Ethel & Edna, Daisie, Saysie, Anice, Incy Wincy, JB*JB. And I'll visit you all to let you know. Unless I've not quite managed it and you've noticed it first......

Thank You Jozza!

Just a quick post to say a big Thank You to Jozza - I won her blog candy giveaway, and it arrived on Saturday! Not had much chance to have a play with it all yet but managed to make these two cards last night with two of the stamped images included in the package:


The backing paper is from either V Funky or Now That's Funky (sorry, I can't remember - but no doubt someone will confirm which one!) Both cards have grosgrain ribbon towards the spine, the stamped pram is coloured with watercolour pencils and I've added gems for the wheels. Anita's 3d glitter paint adds more bling for baby!

Bold, Bright and Cute Dragon!

Was asked to make a Birthday card for a to be 4 year old who liked wobbly eyed cute dragons and cards that 'did something'. So, this is what I made! The pin wheel sails turn, and the dangly disc with 4 on spins round (it's double sided). The ribbon opens the front part on the card to reveal....
A cute wobbly eyed dragon!! With sequine tummy scales, silver and glitter ears and silver strands for wings.

Thanks Clare!

A is for Apple

Just finished creating these teacher / nursery Thank You toppers and have added them to my website. Mostly inspired by the current PaperCraft Inspirations magazine but some tweaking done by me!

I've recently had a rush on education related toppers so I thought I'd better get some new ones made!

These are the product of two nights work....




In case you are wondering, the two pence coin is for scale, and no, it's not included!

P.S. I could have a big whinge about PaperCraft Inspirations and the latest subscription offer not being available only 2 weeks into a 3 month long promotion and the lousy customer service responses. I really would have liked the Laura Ashley Collection that was on offer but I won't.........!!

Madonna, West Ham & Maroon People Carrier Anniversaries

Recently commissioned Wedding Anniversary cards. The one above was requested by a West Ham supporter and he wanted his wife to be dressed as Madonna wearing the cone bra. Apparently she is a Madonna fan.

And the other, commissioned by Pauline had to feature the couple's son who supported Manchester United and their new maroon people carrier!

I'm Not Going Home - I Want To Stay

.... said Samuel as we were leaving school yesterday following his first visit prior to him commencing in September.

I knew he'd enjoy it, but he was like a dog with two tails - he didn't know what to try or do first! All the tables in the Reception class were laid out with activities and he could do what ever he wanted. The children who currently are in Reception were also there so it was nice to see him playing with other children in their environment. Needless to say, he enjoyed home corner (as it's called at nursery) as it was set up like a castle, complete with dragon and dressing up clothes - so Samuel was a knight and took great delight in 'fighting' with the older girls!!

He also found time to stick a fish. I was also quite impressed with him as he attempted to write his own name on it (but then scribbled over it).

I also bought him some school trousers. Despite being pleased with the fact that they state non iron and crease free, I think they may be a bit big for him unless he has a growth spurt between now and September!

My Little Green Baby!

Look what I've treated myself to! Fed up of trying to eyelet set without the correct tools, I decided enough was enough and treated myself to this little funky green baby! And its very very quiet (apart from me swearing cos I've put the hole in the wrong place!)

Brand new from ebay - a snip at £10 including postage and packing. I did really really want the Crop-a-dile but could not justify spending that much for something I'd use every now and again.....


Just need to go and buy some more eyelets! So watch out for lots of creations with eyelets!! You have been warned!

Happy Birthday Lisa!

Happy Birthday Lisa! Hope the hangover has gone by now!

I made this one at the same time as Shaz's card and used the same combination of papers from Funky Hand. The sentiment is also from the Now Thats Funky cd and the Lola Rose image stamp from Pink Petticoat. The ribbon actually looks quite red in the photo but its really very pink!

Go and visit Lisa and I bet you wish your monitor had a smelly on button - her candles are fantastic (I bought some for Christmas pressies but ended up keeping most of them for myself hehehe!)

Another Paper Blossoms

I managed to print off the papers from the Paper Blossoms download a while ago and apart from making the first card from them last week I've not really had the time to sit and faff. Ok, actually, I just keep looking at the papers and thinking that I really cannot cut them up as they look sooooo lovely!!

Anyway, I made this one on Saturday night. I'd just completed a custom card order for a 4 year old and 15 Christening Thank You's, and wanted to be able to do something for me for a change!

The much loved chocolate organza ribbon was used again - tied round the card and then a faux bit added underneath to make it look like I can tie really fab bows! The sentiment and backing flower is also from the Paper Blossoms collection. I softened the white part of the sentiment by layering clear vellum over the top half and securing with a pewter daisy brad.

By being able to create what I want really gives me more inspiration. Just wish it came with more time....!

Stamp Something - Sketch Something Challenge

I've never done a layout challenge before, but thought I'd give it a go! So here is my Stamp Something Sketch Challenge!

This is the challenge

And this is what I've come up with!

The backing paper is from the Paper Blossoms download from Funky Hand with my Catti-tude stamps from Lakeland stamped with copper ink. Light chalking around the edge of the card and stamped area. Added flower brad and lovely chocolate coloured organza ribbon.

Tagged - What Was Happening 10 Years Ago?!

Thanks to Kath for this tag!

What was happening 10 years ago? Well, I was still working for Kwik Save and Somerfield was on the horizon for the take-over, so it was a bit of an unsettled time, but 10 years ago I had no kids so didn't really have any worries!

Name 5 things to do today: Only 5?!! In no particular order: I need to email Lynsey the photos I took at Tara's Birthday Party yesterday; enter the Stamp Something Challenge with a card I whipped up last night; catch the train to Manchester and then back again; remember to eat my dinner (I get so engrossed in what I'm doing that I forget and then I'll be late and miss my train!) and continue to work on a report for work.

Snacks I enjoy: At the moment it is salt and vinegar Pringles straight from the tube with cheese triangles. Yumm!

Things I would do if I was a millionaire: Probably have more kids! But would build our own house with eco things - solar power, wind power etc and have under floor heating, a BIG bathroom and loads of room. Oh, and my own craft room with swish cupboards and drawers to put all my stuff in!

Places I have lived: Not many! I have only lived in 3 houses in my 30 odd years! And the first one was for 21 years! Rochdale, Whitworth (on the outskirts of Rochdale) and where I am now.

I am now supposed to pass this on to 5 others, but I think people are a bit tagged out, so if you fancy doing this one - feel free to!!

Happy Birthday Tara!

Happy Birthday Tara! Incy Wincy button on the pin wheel card.

Paper Blossoms - first attempt!

First card made using the Paper Blossoms download from Funky Hand. I printed the papers off ages ago but have just not had the time to do anything with them (apart from cutting out the flower shapes and sentiments!)

The Westie is from the bottomless die cut box that I have with tiny gem bling collar. The edges of the flower have been dotted with a silver gel pen. 'Woof!' cut using my new Sizzix Round-a-Bout alphabet and also dotted around the edges but with a black felt tip. Ribbon from the 99p bargain bin at The Range.


Edges of the card and dog lightly chalked. Really pleased how the card turned out!

This Thursday, It's All About………Challenge #1

Oh no! I do one challenge and think it's a one-off, and look what happens! Here is another I'm trying! This one is from This Thursday Challenge Blog. Basically, a new challenge is set every Thursday - easy enough to remember! And this is the first one! The brief is:

FRESH. Whether you use the word, the definition, fresh colours, fresh products, or fresh techniques. However the word Fresh inspires you, and whatever it inspires you to create we want to see it.

This is not a new creation (for those eagle-eyed blog viewers!) but it makes me think 'fresh' when I see it.

Made with Shabby Saturday backing papers from Funky Hand, printed onto both card and vellum, along with the printed sentiment. I've added silver 3d paint as tiny dots around the edges of the vellum and handmade the silver wire swirls to complement the centre of the flowers. The ribbon holds the vellum in place via punched holes.

I won!

I won Jozza's blog candy for her 5,000 posts! And I am so surprised and chuffed!


Lets hope my numbers come up on the lottery tomorrow!

Bad Wife Alert!

30 As a 1930s wife, I am Poor Take the test!

Ha! Some of the questions are hilarious! Have a go yourself!

Funky Fairys Challenge #25

I enjoyed last weeks so much, I'm doing another! My response to Funky Fairy's Blog Challenge #25. The brief this week is

".. to use something edible on your project this can be a stamp, sticker, paper with images of food/ drinks etc... The reason being is all I seemed to do on holiday was eat and drink so I thought this was quite fitting."

Backing paper is from a download from Mad About Cards. And I've made the chocolates myself from funky foam and 3d paint.

Thank You Daisie!

I was Daisie Davies blog candy winner a week ago (see here for my total surprise at winning!) And this is what was waiting for me when I got home from work last night!

How nicely wrapped is this?!
OOhhhhhh!!! Looks interesting!

Look at the ATC! I've never had one of these before, nor made one, so quite chuffed I have my first one! Its a little tiny square of knitting attached to the card by a little heart. The card has a stamped and hand coloured border.

The little purse is fab! Look at the detail on the back - lots of bling going on there!

And this is the inside - all lined and snug!

Great isn't it??!! Really chuffed with my first blog candy winnings - and a big thank you to Daisie too for making it!!

Mingos, Pogs and Mats

We had a trip to Chester Zoo on Sunday. We are members and go fairly often, but with one thing and another, its been a while since we've been. The weather was not too bad - a little light rain but it didn't stop us! The boys love sitting on the cast iron lizard (or is it a gecko?!) and this time there was no fight as to who sat upfront!


We saw the rhinos too. "Why is that one dead Mummy?" asked Samuel in a nice loud voice, much to the amusement of the other parents. We told him it was just sleeping, but I don't think he believed us!
We also saw one of the tigers supplement its diet with a pigeon! I won't go into the gory details but the little bird didn't stand a chance! Fortunately, I think we were the only ones to see it happen and the kids were too busy running towards the tunnels......

These tunnels run under the Marmot enclosure with domes where you can stand up and view them in the middle of their territory. Of course the boys were more interested in running through the tunnels and screaming!

Or skidding!

So why Mingos, Pogs and Mats? Flamingos, Frogs and Bats. Don't ask......!!

Happy Birthday Shaz!

Made this Birthday Card especially for Crafts Forum member Shaz (Focus On Life). I don't know how I managed to keep it a secret and not tell her! She's blogged it too and you can see it here.

Backing paper from Funky Hand (where else!) including the vellum flowers. The camper van was one of a number of die cuts in my never ending box.

Happy Birthday Shaz!!

Happy Fathers Day!

And here are some I made earlier! Commissions for Fathers Day. Have a guess which football teams they are from.......

The red one is actually a rugby team, if it makes it any easier!

I actually quite enjoy making these and probably can do any team!

Baby Lilly

And here is Lilly's card who arrived yesterday at 5am. Little fimo feet inside the envelope just as Matthew's card. And of course Anita's 3d glitter paint around the edges.

Friday the 13th!

Not got anything particularly crafty to say today, so I thought I'd point out the obvious and let you know that it is Friday The 13th!!

So far, nothing bad has befallen me - usual issues with public transport (trains) in trying to get back to work and all the trains I could catch being delayed or deciding not to stop when I want to get off, and buying a hot chocolate and burning my mouth and tongue on it........

Just a normal Friday for me then!!

Oh, and the little baby girl (see this post to see what I'm talking about) arrived in the early hours of this morning!! More on Lilly when I've completed her card!

Subsequent note: Just realised that this is post 66!!!! At least its not 666!

Funky Fairys Challenge # 24

Well, to say I'm new at the Challenge Blog things, here is another one! This time it's for Funky Fairys Challenge # 24, and the brief is:

Tri, Tri and Tri again!!!No...it's not a typo!! ^.^ This weeks challenge is dominated by 'threes'...TRIple, TRIangles, TRIcolour... TRIanything you like :0)

Quickly rustled this one up as I thought the opportunity was too good to miss!

Backing paper is Pink Petticoat Big Dots and also Pink Petticoat for the sentiment, which has been glitter glued for bling. The sentiment is layered onto matt silver card, and the red grossgrain ribbon is from good old Blackburn market!

And Again!!

Featured on Scrap Scene and I didn't even know! Here is a link to the page if you want to look in more depth! It came via my Flickr photos.

Fab eh?!!

The Fimo Disaster!

Ok, I'll share The Fimo Disaster with you! I decided to make some little tiny baby feet from flesh coloured fimo - no mixing involved as I bought the correct skin tone, and thought that I'd make a right pigs ear of mixing anyway.

I'd read the instructions at least 5 times on how to 'cook' the fimo and had done some research on t'internet. So I thought I was totally prepared. Made the little feet and was chuffed how well they looked. Then did the oven thing.

I'm not in the least bit domesticated - I very rarely do any cooking (except tea on a Saturday but that's with a wok and I can see what's happening!) but I thought I'd be ok this time as I'd done my research.

I got a little worried when I could smell something strange. Checked on the fimo and this is what I found.......
The fimo had been over cooked!! Husband thought it very funny and said the oven was too hot as it was a fan oven...... Some of the little feet had bubbled and were hollow on the reverse ......

Anyway, I did the process again the following evening and voila!! It all worked!!

Used fimo quite a few times and never burnt it since!!

Chocolate Box!

Can you see it?!! My chocolate box is the bottom of the three images (incidentally, top one is by JBJB) as featured on Crafts Blog.

I answered a plea to write a tutorial, with photographs, on how I've changed a blank wooden box and I could do what ever I wanted with it, and I got to keep the box afterwards!


If you look closely, the box has been covered with Funky Hand backing paper! There have been a number of the boxes altered by Crafts Forum members and some of them are already on the website. Go and have a look as there are some fantastic designs!

The tutorial is a little picture heavy but will add it over the next few days probably in two parts. So be warned!

New Baby!

A friend has just had a baby boy so I made this card especially for him! Baby Matthew arrived on Sunday 8 June at 2:40pm and he weighed an impressive 9 pound 9 oz!!


Petal envelope cut from baby blue vellum and tied with blue satin edged organza ribbon. Edges of the card glittered using the Anita's 3d paint (again!) and his name cut from pearlescent baby blue card using the Cuttlebug Baby Face alphabet.


And when the ribbon is undone, it reveals two little baby feet made from fimo (by me!) One day I'll share my first fimo disaster with you!!


I'm doing one for a baby girl due any time - just waiting for the name!!


The baby feet are available to buy!

Jozza is 5,000!

Hits on her blog that is!! Have a look at Jozza's blog - a fellow Funky Hand Design Gang member extraordinaire!!

And the blog candy looks delicious and so much of it! If you leave a comment on the post, tell her I sent you!

Blue Pin Wheel Card & Incy Wincy Stitches Button

A blue pin wheel card this time and also using an Incy Wincy Stitches button. The sentiment and tips of the wheel have been sparkled using Anita's 3d glitter paint. Blue satin edged organza ribbon from the USA.

And this time the card was for me to send! William is one - well, he was on Saturday and I'd not got myself sufficiently organised to get it to him in time. So Happy Birthday William and I hope the chicken pox clears up soon!

The card is available to buy in kit form.

Whoooo! Blog candy winner alert!

Yes! I am a winner!!! Daisie Davies did a giveaway on her blog and I was the winner!!!!

Good start to the week eh? Especially as I'm faced with train delays today as I have to go to the Manchester office for meetings and there are signalling problems at Piccadilly.......

Stamp Something "In the Wild Somethings"

I've never really done any challenges, but quite fancied doing this one from Stamp Something.

"The challenge for this week is "In the Wild Somethings," show us your wild side! Make a project using natural materials, images of nature, or anything that you can think of that has to do with wildlife."

The elephant is cut from light corrugated grey card with added Anita's 3d paint glitter on the tail tip and trunk tip and to highlight the ear. A wobbly eye has been added and natural jute string tied in a bow - to remember something - on the trunk and also at the top of the tag. Tag, elephant and grass cuts using Sizzix dies. The small flowers are punchies, with the larger one from Shabby Saturday download by Funky Hand. The super scallop tag is cut from silver pearlescent vellum which has a lovely sheen and tiny silver dots have been added to the edges too. The card edges have been lightly chalked. The 'oops' (stamped double and offset in 2 places) is the See D's kids lowercase alphabet, and the cute mousey friend stamp is part of the Catti-tude stamp set from Lakeland.

The Me Mosaic via Flickr

Thanks to Jellybelly*Jellybrain for this one! I liked it and thus copied it!!

Basically, type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search, and then using only the first page of search results pick an image. Finally, copy and paste each of the URL's for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

The Questions

1. What is your first name? Ruth
2. What is your favorite food? Cheese
3. What high school did you go to? Oulder Hill
4. What is your favorite color? Blue
5. Who is your celebrity crush? Will Smith
6. Favorite drink? Coke
7. Dream vacation? Australia
8. Favorite dessert? Sticky Toffee Pudding
9. What you want to be when you grow up? Happy
10. What do you love most in life? Waking Up
11. One Word to describe you. Creative
12. Your flickr name. Tiptoptoppersbyruth

1. Wint-O-Green -- Homage To Ruth Bernhard, 2. geese on the new moon, 3. Parallel, 4. Just hanging around, 5. Photowalking 7, 6. Refresco, 7. 'So what are you doing this Australia Day ?', 8. Sticky Toffee Pudding, 9. A perfect weekend watching Tom & Jerry on tv and laughing..., 10. Ducks in the Mail: At the Post Office, 11. Sunbathing…!!! / Bain de soleil!!! :))), 12. pin wheel card
Looks quite good doesn't it??!!

This or That Tag

It seems that I don't get tagged when I'm sort of things to blog about!! Just when I'm building up a nice little reserve of things to blog, I get tagged!! Not that I am complaining as I like doing these! Especially when they are this easy!!

This or That Tag from Anice

Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate but if its got mint chips in all the better!
Big Mac or Whopper: Never had either
Coke or Pepsi: Coke full fat - would not touch Pepsi with a barge pole
Beer or Wine: Wine
Coffee or Tea: Tea and trying to reduce the number of sugars I have - currently at 1.5!!
Apple Juice or O.J.: Orange Juice
Facebook or MySpace: Facebook but don't get on as often as I would like so always playing catch up with all the requests!
Summer or Winter: I like both!
Windows or Mac: Windows
Cats or Dogs: Cats

And now to pass it on to 3 others - ok Peggyprints, Swirly and Candles-by-Lisa

Tiny Tiger Birthday!

One of Samuel's little friends from Tiny Tigers (Karate for kids) is having a Birthday Party today. So, as Michael is now an orange belt, I decided to do him in his uniform with the orange theme. The gold star brad looks like its coming out of his hair, well its not, its holding the large scallop tag to the card!

I showed the card to Samuel and asked him who it was - good lad said "Michael"!