Thursday 31 July 2008

No I Didn't...

...get to see Anice on telly. I tried to watch it online but for some reason all I got was the tan enhancer and crinkle clothes. And I kept clicking on Create and Craft, not Ideal World but it just would not show me the correct channel....

And to make it worse, Anice wasn't even showing in the 'what's on' listing.......

Ah well, will just have to watch it on Saturday 2 August at 3pm, or Monday 4 August at 7am, or Tuesday 5 August at 3pm, or even Wednesday 6 August at 8am.........

So, to console myself (they were originally bought to celebrate) I've eaten 2 of the 3 of these so far....

The afternoon is still young, and I can hear the one left all on its own in my drawer calling me......

Wednesday 30 July 2008

A Random Tag!

Grateful thanks to Alex for this! A lovely random tag!!


The rules are:

1. Link to the person who “tagged” you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.



1. I've had a painting exhibited

2. I'm a vegetarian but love oxtail soup

3. Both my boys were delivered by the same midwife, in the same hospital room, virtually 2 years apart

4. I've always wanted to fly (is that the right word?) in a hot air balloon

5. I quite fancy having a go at clay pigeon shooting

6. I always have to keep a tissue about my person


And I will tag: Jozza, Heather, Kath, Allison, Enfys and Carol - some of my Funky Hand Gang Members!

Tuesday 29 July 2008

Penny Black Saturday Challenge 7 - Down On The Farm

I promised another challenge and here it is! This time is the Penny Black Saturday Challenge, and the brief is:

Challenge 7 - Down on the Farm!!
this week we would like you to use images of anything you would find down on the farm!
as always its entirely up to you what you make - card, atc, altered art etc.. as long as it features
at least on penny black image.


The image is 'Everest Next' (features little mice trying to climb) and has been coloured with watercolour paints. The background has been cut from brown corrugated card which I thought gave a rustic feel, with the image layered behind. Jute string frames the image with buttons threaded onto the string with a double bow on one corner and a button with ribbon bow on the opposite corner.
See how restrained I've been with the ribbon?!! This was a lovely image to watercolour and really enjoyed the challenge!

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 20 - Things That Grow

I really enjoyed the Cute Card Thursday Challenge last week and decided to go for it again! This week it is:

Things that grow!
The obvious things would be plants etc but really there are lots more things that grow, we look forward to seeing your own interpretations!


I think the image is a Penny Black one which has been coloured with watercolour paints and pencils. The background is paper from the Berry-licious collection from Vicki's blog and the layers are also from Vicki's blog but use two of the Rustic Walk collection papers. Each of the panels have been 'dotted' with 3d gold paint, with the outer edge of the card having the same treatment but with a gold gel pen. And I've hand written the 'for you' sentiment, added some perfectly matching (no way eh??!) silky ribbon.

Monday 28 July 2008

So, what will you be doing at 12noon on 31 July 2008?



Well, I will be watching Anice on telly!! She's on Create and Craft at 12noon on 31 July and will be demonstrating Now That's Funky. You can watch it online too!

And if you hear a scream, it will only be me, recognising one of my cards on telly!! And if they are, it will be blogged!

Daring Cardmakers Challenge - Golden Oldies

I could well be on a bit of a roll this week as I'm going to be attempting 4 different challenges! The first one is completed and is the Daring Cardmakers Challenge - Golden Oldies.

The challenge is:

with so many new things /latest papers/ trendy stuff constantly coming on the market, we thought it would be nice to have a look back, and dig out some of our 'old' papers and embellishments and make a card with our 'preloved' treasures. I think the tendency these days is to get on the 'latest must have' band wagon, sometimes, its nice to recognise what we already have- even if it isn't the 'latest' embellishment/paper.

This was an easy one to a point, but when I started to go through my stash, some of which has not seen the light of day for quite a while, I then could not decide what to use! In the end I went for some ivory lovely hammered card (which I still use!) golden vellum (still use too) and matt gold card both cut with the larger of the three scallop tag Sizzix die. The tiny golden feet I bought ages ago with the idea that they would make lovely birth announcements for when I have another baby (ha - that's not going to be happening!) and a 'congratulations' peel off. And of course some gold organza ribbon.

A lot of my early cards looked like this, and it was quite nice to get back to basics!

Sunday 27 July 2008

It's True!! I Am A 'Nana!!




You Are a Banana



You are mellow, easy going, and a total softie on the inside.

People find it really easy to get along with you. You suit most tastes.



And while you're very sweet, you're not boring or ordinary.

You have an attraction to the exotic, and you could show up anywhere... doing almost anything!



You are spirited, energetic, and a total kick to be around.

You're also quite funny. Your sense of humor is on the goofy side, and it fits you well.

Thanks to Samm for the link - hey - we are both banana's!!!

Funky Christmas Time Bauble

Different views of a simple bauble card made using papers from the new Funky Christmas Time from Funky Hand. Four circles (used a compass and pencil) were cut from the papers, each were folded in half and then the halves were glued together to form a bauble. The last two were not glued so that they would sit flat onto the card.

A hole was punched through the top and some stiff gold ribbon tied through. Other co-ordinating papers from the collection were attached to the top of the card and bottom and the sentiment added too - also one of the papers.


I used a gold gel pen to add tiny dots around the edges of the baubles and also down the white sides of the card.


The papers are great aren't they?!

Saturday 26 July 2008

Down On The Farm

I am either a gullible parent or mad, as yesterday I helped out at the boys' nursery as it was the school leavers trip to Farmer Teds. Both boys attended (although Jacob has another 2 years before he goes to school!)

We had a great time despite it being really really hot and humid and saw and did lots of things!

There were horses

And swings
And climbing frames with big green and red tube slides


And mini tractors for the kids to ride on

And big yellow slides for the staff to go on! Yes, Jade, Rachel and Kim!! Nazia and I were far too sensible to participate. Plus, I had to take the photos!

And yes, despite it being 29 degrees, all the kids (14 of them) wore wellies. Why? Because last year when Rachel did the same trip, it was very muddy. At least we were able to spot our kids as they were the only ones wearing shorts, t-shirts and wellies....

There were lots more animals, but the majority of them were either pooing or weeing when I was going to take a photo so I didn't. And I had the task of trying to explain to one child why a cow does not poo on a toilet like good children do....

Lightening Striking Twice?!

They say lightening never strikes twice, well it does! I've been awarded the Brillante Weblog again! Big thank you to Nomei for the award! Go and check out her blog - some beautiful cards she has created!

There are a number of 'rules' to the award, but I'll leave it upto who ever wishes to take the award and pass it on, to do so.

Friday 25 July 2008

Crackers in July!


Another card from the new Funky Christmas Time download from Funky Hand! The cracker is my own template and I've added 3d gold glitter paint to the edges of it and have used some tiny tinsel from last year. Also added, for a bit of depth and interest, are gold seed beads threaded and wrapped with fine gold wire. The edge of the card has been finished off with tiny gold gel pen dots.
Oh, I am loving these papers!! Thank you Anice!

Thursday 24 July 2008

Funky Hand is 2!!

Anice is celebrating Funky Hand's second birthday by offering some serious blog candy!! Not only do you get what is in the picture, but two downloads of your choice and also two backing paper cd's of your choice. Now that is a lot of Funkyness!!

So get yourself over there - closing date 31 July!

And if you are the winner - how on earth are you going to be able to choose which downloads and cd's??!! That is a very difficult choice to be making!!

Penny Black Saturday Challenge 6 - Snow Much Fun


And here is the last challenge I'll be entering for the week! And this one is for the Penny Black Saturday Challenge Number 6!

The challenge is:

Snow Much Fun
We would like you to make a Christmas card what features snow in some way,it can be papers, brads, embossing what ever you like as long as we can see snow and of course
at least one penny black image as always its entirely up to you what you make - card, atc, altered art etc..

I'd been mulling this one over all week as I'd already coloured the image with my watercolours but couldn't get the layout or background right. Anyway, I found the backing paper (which I think is actually posh wrapping paper!) in my stash and decided to use it. Added some little white eyelets through which the fluffy wool was threaded (stuck on the reverse with tape to stop them coming back through) and finally cut the word 'snow' using my Cuttlebug Baby Face alphabet.
I think the card is a bit flat which is a result of my wanting to use that particular image! Ah well, at least I know for next time! Sorry for wonky photo too!

Tilda & Co Challenge 29 'It's A Bugs Life!'

I promised some more challenge entries earlier in the week, and this post is the first of two. I now have some Tilda stamped images and after watching Samuel painting with his watercolours on Sunday, I thought 'I can do that'!! So I dug out my trusty watercolour set (last used when at college in errr, cough, 1990) and got going!!

So, the challenge is:

"bugs"
Please show us in your work insects, ants, ladybugs, you name it if its a little creepy bug then show it off this week!

I was really pleased with how this image turned out, and then decided to try and find some backing paper to go with it. Fortunately, I already had printed this one from Vicki's blog - from the Berri-licious collection, teamed it with a paper from the Dovecraft Charcoal Prints Paper pack and I had some left over laminated sheets which I trimmed, rounded the edges and also used.

The dragonfly brads are from Lakeland and hide the glue marks well (I was a bit cack handed with it!) and the perfectly matching gems also hide them at the bottom! Ribbon - 10p bargain bundle from Blackburn market!

Wednesday 23 July 2008

Christmas is Coming to Funky Hand!

Two new Christmas downloads are now available from Funky Hand!! And here is a sneak preview of some of the papers (which are, as you'd expect, totally fantastic!)

The first card is made using the Funky Little Christmas download which is more contemporary - with pinks, browns and greens. The trees are actual toppers which I have simply cut out and attached to the card with strips of acetate,

so the trees look wobbly! I've added some snowflake punches and gems and some green grosgrain ribbon.

I am quite a fan of stripy paper! The letters have all been cut using the Round-a-bout alphabet from Sizzix with 'crimbo' cut from matt gold card.

The second collection - Funky Christmas Time has a more traditional colour pallet with deep reds, greens, ivory and golds. Some of the patterns are modern but with a traditional feel. I'm working on a further two samples from the Funky Christmas Time collection, so watch out for those later this week!

Go on - go and buy and get making Christmas cards in July!!

Tuesday 22 July 2008

My Little Karate Kid!

Doesn't he look cute?!! Samuel had his Tiny Tiger (Karate) orange belt grading last weekend (13 July) but we don't get to find out if he passed or not until he has his lesson, which is on a Friday. So look what he came home with on Friday!!

He was so chuffed with himself that he wanted me to take some photos of him doing his 'moves', so I obliged!


Jacob was a bit on the grumpy side (in the middle of a really bad cold which is affecting his hearing) and didn't want his photo taking with the old yellow belt. But he still managed to get his fat head in the way! Samuel looks a bit manic on this photo, but he usually looks more sane!

He's done really well as he's only been doing it just 12 months and has gone from white belt to purple, to yellow and now orange and he only has 1 lesson a week. He has a mean punch and a bone crunching kick for an almost 5 year old!!

Monday 21 July 2008

Cute Card Thursday - Challenge 19

Not done a challenge for a few weeks and as I've been doing some blog hopping over the weekend, I thought I'd attempt the Cute Card Thursday Challenge! Plus my stamp collection has grown some what (and a little bit more after my bargain visit to The Range on Saturday!) and I thought I'd better be using them!

So Challenge 19 is:

Animals Only - No People Allowed
The challenge this week is to make a card using animal images only -
NO PEOPLE OR CHARACTERS AT ALL!!
So this is my entry! The backing paper is a download from Vicki's Blog (sorry, can't remember which collection!) and I really liked the old gold look of it. The cat and sentiment stamp is from the Catt-itude set from Lakeland and they have been stamped with gold ink. The sentiment is edged with gold gel pen dots and has two gold eyelets through which gold edged organza ribbon has been threaded. And that was another Saturday bargain buy - the ribbon was 54p for around 3 metres (Blackburn market). Can't really remember where the gold corrugated card came from but I found it in my stash!
Sorry for the slightly wonky photo - I think I was blinded by the bright sunshine early this morning!
I have a few more design challenges on the go at the moment, so will be adding those over the week!!

Sunday 20 July 2008

Graduation Congratulations!

Made especially for Donna at my boys' nursery as she graduated this week. I even researched the gown colours to make it authentic! Letters cut from some beautiful shiny-but-not-pinky coloured card from Lynsey's recent de-stash, and the backing paper is from a download from Vicki's blog.

And only two gems for bling - and NO RIBBON!!!


Saturday 19 July 2008

And the winner is......

Congratulations to
You have won my blog candy!!
Thank you to all who entered - there were a total of 68 entries as some people got 2 due to blog links and some were discounted as didn't want more stuff (Swirly!) or were just generally waving knickers, hoping to distract me!! I am quite stunned as to the number of entries - thank you all for visiting!!
And now the technical bit: The random generator gave me the number 28. Leanne was number 28 and 29.
Leanne - I will leave a message on your blog with the good news - please can you contact me with your address so I can get all the candy off to you!

Friday 18 July 2008

I Did Some Ironing!

But only in the name of crafting!! I printed quite a few of the Paper Blossoms backing papers a while ago and thought that I'd be good and start to use up what I already have before printing more..... easier said than done!

Anyway, this backing was printed onto vellum and I'd already cut out the sentiment. And because the boys had been waking up at stupid times this week (4am was the earliest) I thought I'd use my time wisely and get some crafting done. Now at that time I can't really think straight, but after 2 cups of tea I was beginning to wake up a little. The design still needed to be simple so I came up with this.
Eyelets used (from Kath) with the ribbon (recycled from a pack of card blanks - funny how I seem to be drawn to the ones with the ribbon tied round them........) and a few gems added on the sentiment for a bit of bling.
So why did I need to iron? The ribbon was suffering from knot fatigue and it needed ironing out! I very rarely iron - as long as the clothes go in the drier or on the line quickly after the washing machine then they don't really need ironing. However, I have been known to go to work (a number of years ago) wearing a blouse that desperately needed ironing, but I was either too lazy or running late (in the days that I left the house at 6am) so just thought I could keep my jacket on and be ok. But the day was a scorcher and I sweated like a pig but did not dare take my jacket off. Learnt my lesson!!

Wednesday 16 July 2008

Expecting

Ha ha! Not me! Here is a little something I created over the weekend. Backing paper from my recent candy win from Jozza, slightly chalked around the edges. And would you believe it, I had some ribbon that matched exactly! The tape around the ribbon said 54p and I think there was just short of 3 meters of it. Bargain eh?!

The stamped image is my recent 'is this 99p too' find from The Paper Mill Shop - I've been after a pregnant stamp for a while, and could not believe my luck when I found this! Its coloured with watercolour pencils and the edge has tiny gold metallic gel dots, as does the layered bit behind - just does not show up too well on the photo (for which I blame the lousy weather).



And because I was so pleased with the card, I did another exactly the same, but as a brunette.

PS Entered into the This Thursday, It's All About..... challenge 8

Maria's Cards - Blog Candy!!

Just been doing a bit of blog hopping at found some more candy on offer - go and have a visit to Maria's Cards as its open until 19 July at midday. And it looks fab too!!

Tuesday 15 July 2008

A Quick 10 Minutes

This is what I made this morning before I went to work. One of the members of staff in Jacob's room at nursery is 24 today (I can just about remember that far back!) and I'd forgotten to make her a card. So at 6:30am I rustled this one up!

Backing paper and sentiment from the Paper Blossoms download by Funky Hand with buttons and ribbon from my stash.

Hope she likes it!

Monday 14 July 2008

My stamp collection has grown!

Simple card made with backing paper from a wonderful freebie blog that I have recently discovered - Vicki's Blog. I can't remember which collection the backing paper is from but the downloads are primarily designed for digital scrapbooking but I've reduced the file size and printed them - they all print square.

Green ribbon from Hobbycraft bargain bin (it was wired but took that out!). Welcome house stamp another bargain from The Range - 99p and coloured with watercolour pencils and a bit of chalking around the edge. Sentiment from (wait for it!) the mini alphabet stamps for 99p at The Range - I think Dovecraft.

The sentiment was not supposed to be so wonky - I held all the stamps together to form the word and obviously did not hold them quite as straight as I thought but I think it turned out ok!!

I'm quite liking stamping at the moment - made some other cards but not photographed them yet - so they will be later in the week!

Sunday 13 July 2008

Team Work!

This card is made with team work!!

Paisley backing paper from the recent blog candy win from Jozza, eyelets from a swop by Kath and perfectly paisley Cuttlebug embossing folder from the generous Enfys!

Ribbon my own and the die cut I bought from ebay a while ago which I've been looking at and putting away as I didn't know how to use it!!

I think it works very well together!

Saturday 12 July 2008

Root Beer!!

Look what was waiting for me when I got home from work yesterday! All wrapped up in pink packaging (I knew it was you JB*JB as soon as I saw it!) Jellybelly*Jellybrain took pity on me after my recent rant of no Root Beer flavoured Jelly Beans, and as a fellow lover of said Root Beer, this is what she sent me!!

Along with two baby embellishments she made on her whizzy sewing machine. Isn't she clever?


Root Beer beans - yes they exist!!!

I munched my way through most of them last night once the kids were in bed, and looking forward to completing the bag tonight. Yum yum yum!!! And for once, no-one else will eat them as they don't like them. Heheheheh!!

So, big thank you JB*JB - really appreciated!!


Friday 11 July 2008

Lazy Town with Diamonds

The title was a poor attempt at a recreation of a Beatles song. Didn't really work did it?! Anyway, two recently commissioned cards for Pauline's Daughter and Granddaughter, personalised to their interests!


The detail on Joanne's card is shown as its hard to see it on the other picture - stamped with silver ink from a clear Studio G stamp.

Both my boys were particularly impressed with the Lazy Town card and wanted one!!

The little characters will be available to buy from my website in August.

Thursday 10 July 2008

This is fab!

I like nice surprises! And this was in with the alphabet die set I recently bought from JB*JB. I think it is wonderful and trying to think of what I can use it on!


Isn't she talented!

Wednesday 9 July 2008

It's Blog Candy Time!!!!

This little blog has reached 100 posts!! And to celebrate, I thought I'd do the blog candy thing - I enjoy it when I win so thought I'd spread the good feeling and give some away!!

All you need to do is leave a comment on this post and if you do a link back to me from your blog that will give you two chances to win. Closing date for comments will be Friday 18 July at 12noon BST and the lucky winner will be announced the day after.

Some super sized scallop tags cut from pearlescent thick paper, baby booties, 4 acrylic dummies (can't really see them in the pic), some fancy hats, gold champagne glass die cuts, mulberry sunflowers, Christmas stocking die cuts (you can never start too early for Christmas!) and pretty shoe die cuts.
Three sheets of high gloss red card slightly larger than A4, two sheets of ribbed /corrugated slightly mottled white card, 3 sheets of lightly textured bright yellow card, slightly larger than A4 and 3 sheets of the same card but in bright pink.

Mixed sheets from three different collections of 6x6 coated paper

And finally, a rub-on set, dried flowers, tiny alphabet wooden stamp set, clear stamp set, harvest coloured daisy brads and three rolls of ribbon - 2 are not really traditional ribbon but are like a very thick paper but still work the same!

So, what are you waiting for??!! Leave me a comment!

Good luck!

Tuesday 8 July 2008

Spreading the Love!

Lynsey sent me an email to let me know that along with Cuteable, Kath and Jozza, this little blog has been featured on Stampinwhenican as a newly discovered blog!!!! How fab is that??!!

And its our Wedding Anniversary today - 8 years. Awww!!

But the day has started badly - my car (only just 3 years old) would not open nor start, so AA called out, and I am now £76.50 lighter as the robust package I thought we bought (covers breakdowns on the moon) does not cover home start. So had to add the home start bit on plus got stung for the fact that I need to call them out.

Daylight robbery - I'll be watching to see if the patrol man (due in about 20 mins) wears a mask.

Needless to say, will not be renewing with the AA in February.

Monday 7 July 2008

Craft Fair - Lancaster - 13 July 2008

I'm busy preparing for my second craft fair of the year! I'm madly trying to make enough stock to take with me (toppers, die cuts, embellishments and cards) as I've had a lot of orders lately and stocks are a little depleted! Still, keeps me out of mischief....

It will be from 12 noon to 4 pm on Sunday 13 July at Slyne with Hest Memorial Hall, Hest Bank, Lancaster. If you're in the area pop in and see me! More details are on my website.

Update on Lynsey - she's back home as nothing untoward was found but she's to get back to the hospital if she's in that much pain again. Glad you're home!!

Sunday 6 July 2008

What???? No Root Beer??

I am most disgruntled, appalled and shocked.

McDonalds, years ago stopped selling Root Beer in the UK (I remember it well) so I have to do without the beautiful refreshing flavour. I had resigned to the fact I'd have to wait a long time before I drank the stuff again. Or so I thought. I spied a tube of Jelly Beans on the very top shelf in the sweet section in Asda the other day and safe in the knowledge that they included Root Beer flavour, I just simply had to have them.

I managed to abstain until around 2:30pm. Once I'd managed to get the tape off the top of the tube and pick the split beans up (was a bit too eager to get to them) I was horrified to realise that there WAS NO ROOT BEER flavoured ones............

How totally horrible and unfair!


And the tube proudly states 'now with 36 flavours'. Well, get shut of cinnamon (oh my word, I though my mouth was on fire!) and put Root Beer back. It even deserves capitalisation on the packaging.

Sorry. Had to have a rant. You do understand, don't you?!!

Despite all that, I did eat the whole tube and almost thoroughly enjoyed it. Didn't eat the packaging, just in case you thought I did. I'm not that mad. Yet.

P.S. The last one I had was cinnamon which is quite vile, and with not having any other beans left to take away the nasty flavour, I had to console myself with a mars bar. Hehehehe.

Saturday 5 July 2008

Space Saving Dino!

Made this dinosaur card last night as part of my demonstration cards for It's Funky Too. Had been working the idea through in my head for a while but not really found the right backing paper to do it. Then I found this little gem on the cd!! The template is hand drawn and it fits neatly over a 15cm square blank card - I just trimmed the excess off around the edges - the bend is at the top of the card.

The head and tail are attached with eyelets and brads so they move about.

And so that they can fold into themselves to fit into the envelope. Although it does look a bit like the dinosaur is sniffing its bottom!


The only extra bits on the card are a few age spots cut from the same card and with black fine marker circles, and the same black marker around the edges of the dinosaur. I showed it to the boys this morning and they loved it!
Will make a few more of these and see if they sell at the Craft Fair next weekend!

Warrington & Minnie

Was asked to make a card for a 30th Wedding Anniversary. My brief was that they both supported Warrington Rugby League, loved Disneyland and she liked flowers. The backing vellum paper I bought on a whim ages ago from here, knowing that I'd be able to use it at some point!


As it was a Pearl Wedding Anniversary, I've used fake pearls strung onto wire and threaded through the organza ribbon. And I've used an eyelet too!

Friday 4 July 2008

Bargain Ribbon!

Look what I got earlier this week!! All these bundles of ribbon for £1!! 10p a bundle!! And some of them are around 4 or 5 metres long. From the lovely market stall in Blackburn.

Ribbon and bargains - what more could a girl want??!!

Thursday 3 July 2008

It's not crafty!

This is not a crafty post! I used to do a lot of gardening before I had the boys, and grew nearly everything from either seed or cuttings. But, time is tighter these days, I just don't do as much gardening as I would like. So Simon does most of it - well, grass cutting and pulling the big weeds out and mulching.

Even though the summer this year has not got going properly, my gardens are looking quite good! The clematis which I nearly killed last year (bad combination of greenfly and forgetting to water it as its in a big pot) is thriving and has masses of flowers!

I love red hot pokers and have big clumps of the in the front and back. I grew these from tiny little plants the summer after we moved to the house, so they are 8 years old now. Last year something munched all the flowers and I had nothing to show, but this year is very different! I'm now thinking of attempting to grow some that are not traditional in colour...

Last night (before it chucked it down) the boys played on the trampoline. We bought the trampoline a month ago from Netto as it was a bargain - costing less for the whole thing than B&Q were charging just for the net enclosure!



It's quite huge - 10 foot diameter! And they love it as you can see!! For some reason, they insist on having a football with them!


And because I had the camera out, they wanted a photo of themselves!