50% Off Sale At Funky Hand!

Good morning!  Quick post to let you know that there is a fab 50% off sale at Funky Hand, starting now until Monday 2 September!  You need a special code to claim the 50% off - please use the code below!

If you click on the image it will take you direct to Funky Hand where you can buy all your stash and some wonderful cd's and downloads!

The Cat's Out Of The Bag!

This is such a fab image!  I got it as a freebie for playing along in the last monthly progressive challenge!  The digi image is From The Heart Stamps and I've made it quite large and coloured it with Promarkers plus watercolour pencils for the sky.

I printed the image with a border as I was being lazy and I've then added a dotted row with a fineliner pen inside the border.  The sentiment came with the image - the one inside says 'The Cat Is Out Of The Bag'.

A dab of glossy accents on the mice noses and the cat too and its complete!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

I Heart Sketches:  Monthly Progressive Challenge
Just Add Ink:  Colouring
Patties Creations:  Anything Goes
CRAFT Challenge:  Congratulations etc

Crimbo Crackers Challenge 48 - Jingle Bells

Apologies for the lateness of this post - I'm having issues with Blogger at the moment and my timing seems to be going awry when I schedule posts - either the times are 12 hours out or it forwards it to 2014!

It's time for a new Crimbo Crackers challenge and the theme for the fortnight is:

Jingle Bells

I've made this fab wordbook with one of the new Christmas downloads from Funky Hand which will be released very soon!  But before it is released there will be a very special 50% off sale starting Saturday 31 August until Monday 2 September!  You will need the special code, so pop back to my blog on Saturday for the code!

Here is the wordbook:

I simply printed all the letters out, printed a paper on the reverse and then assembled!  I've added glitter glue around the edges of the letters and threaded little green bells through each letter with embroidery thread.  So if you're not that fussed about colouring or simply want a project you can make whilst watching the tv, then give the wordbooks a go!

I find it really relaxing to make the wordbooks and all the left over parts are great for other projects too - I hate to throw any bit away!

All the letters in the alphabet are included along with numbers so you can make any word you want (as long as its not too long!)

Good luck with the challenge - for more details and to see the rules, please pop over to Crimbo Crackers!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

As you Like It:  Favourite Shape (word books because they are easy and relaxing to make!)
Aud Sentiments:  Any Sentiment
The House That Stamps Built:  No Squares
Creative Craft:  Not A Square

Just Relax!

Nothing can beat the freedom of being able to walk and slob around your own front room dressed just how you please. And Walter is no exception. After a week of suit and tie wearing, Walter really looks forward to the relaxing weekends where he has the freedom to wear what he likes. And if that means Y-fronts, dressing gowns and comedy monster slippers, then he's all for it!

You can buy your very own Weekend Walter from Dr Digi! I've coloured Walter with Promarkers and added glossy accents for his glasses. The background is from a paint catalogue that I didn't want to throw away - so expect a few other Dr Digi characters to have the same show-house treatment in the near future!

I had to add an extra picture to the wall and a sentiment on the shutters to cover up the references to the paint colours - a small sacrifice for a fab background!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

ABC Challenges: No Flowers
Cards For Men: Funny Birthday
Eclectic Ellapu: Oldies Birthday
Hobby Cutz: Create Your Own Background
Hiding In My Craft Room: Masculine Birthday

Jellypark Challenge - Things That Fly

It's time for a new Jellypark challenge and apologies for the lateness of this post - got a lot going on at the moment and I could seriously work wonders with a few extra hours in the day!

The theme for the fortnight is:

Things That Fly

I've made a quick and easy card - the backing is from a set of downloads from Cuddly Buddly - its all printed on one layer and is made to look like its layered up! I've used a fab image from Jellypark - Cute Fairy With Wand, and she's been coloured with Promarkers and stickles on the wings.

All I've added are some half pearls to each corner and more stickles to the edge of the image.

Good luck with the challenge! The two new release images from Jellypark are also on a things that fly theme - I'll hopefully (if I get time!) will be blogging them over the next few days, along with the two new releases from the last time as I've just realised that I've not blogged them yet!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

In The Pink: KISS
Crafters Cafe: Bling and Sparkle
Paper Pretties: Girly
Cuttin' and Stampin': Monochromatic

Polkadoodle Challenge 34 - All Things Bright and Beautiful

It's time for a new Polkadoodle Challenge! And the theme is:

All Things Bright and Beautiful

I've altered a little canvas and added stamped images from the Studio 12 collection - Dreamy Trees and House of Hearts.  I've coloured everything with Promarkers and added the bunting banner with some offcuts and cocktail sticks!  The heart has been layered with glossy accents but its not shown up too well!

Good luck with the challenge and don't forget our rules!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Happy Campers: Use A Stamp
Sarah Hurley Challenges: Texture and Dimension
Divas By Design: Twine
Crafty Sentiments: Colourful

Die Cuttin' Diva's Guest Designer - Back To School

I was selected some time ago to be a future Guest Designer on Die Cuttin' Diva's and that time has now come!  The challenge theme is:

Back To School

And here is my sample!  I've used the fab Jellypark image and coloured him with Promarkers.  Jacob wrote the sentiment on the front and the card is for one of his classmates younger brother who starts school in September.

I've used some papers that I found in my stash and then added Sizzix die cut pencils, X cut stars and a Sizzix Girls are Weird die cut letter A.

Some faux stitching around the edges and the card is complete!  Thanks to Die Cuttin' Diva's for asking me to be a Guest Designer!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Melonheadz:  Back To School
Mema's Crafts:  Back To School
Whoopsi Daisy Challenge:  Back To School
Creative Inspirations Paint:  Back To School
One Stitch At A Time:  Back To School

School Holidays

For most teenagers, the long summer school holidays are a chance to catch up with friends whilst catching some sun at the same time. But not for High Score Hugh who would rather be shut inside (with the curtains drawn) playing a frenzied game of Invader Conquest. The hours and days simply whiz by and before he knows it, Hugh is back at school.

High Score Hugh is available to buy in the store for the low price of £1. And the Invader Dots backing paper can be found for just £1 for 5 different shades!

I've coloured Hugh with Promarkers and layered him onto the backing paper. The die cut letters I found in my stash (I must have bought them around 8 years ago before I had my die cutting machine!) and have coloured them with Promarkers. And that's it!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Digi Makeover Challenge: Vintage (space invaders!)
Make It Monday: Anything Goes
Great Impressions: Square Card
Totally Gorjuss: Die Cuts and Punches
Word Play Saturday: Childhood

Fetch A Sketch Challenge 57

It's time for a new Fetch A Sketch challenge and here is the sketch for the fortnight:

And here is my sample:

I've used papers from Polkadoodles - Pretty Sweet cd along with a Time For Tea image called Fall Love - I've coloured it with Promarkers and used some fancy X Cut dies for the shapes along with a Sizzix tag die and ribbon from my stash. The sentiment has been handwritten.

Good luck with the challenge - for more details pop over to Fetch A Sketch!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

613 Avenue Create: Anything Goes - optional twist, stitching
Dream Valley Challenges: Monochrome
Glitter and Sparkle: Anything But Square
Lacy Sunshine: Girls, Girls, Girls

Crimbo Crackers Challenge 48 - It's Snow Business!

It's time for another Crimbo Crackers challenge!  The theme for the fortnight is:

It's Snow Business

So needing to see some snow!  And I'm sponsored by the fab Scribbles Designs!  I've been lucky to work with one of their images and I choose Snow Capped Topiary and coloured it with Promarkers.  I've added faux stitching around the edge of the card and also image plus some pearls from my stash.

The ribbon is also from my stash and the backing paper is from Funky Hand - Retro Fun Wordbook download.  Good luck with the challenge!  For more details, pop over to Crimbo Crackers!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Crafting By Designs:  Anything Goes
Divas By Design:  Christmas
Stamp and Doodle:  Green
Twisted Tuesdays:  Christmas with Clean and Simple

Sorry Ewe Are Leaving!

Flossy is the perfect accompaniment to use on a leaving card (and also with mint and new potatoes!) Here she is bidding a fond farewell to one of my work colleagues:

Get on down to the store to purchase your very own Flossy!

I've coloured Flossy with Promarkers and used a Marianne die for the grass (although its supposed to be an icicle die!) Little tag has been cut with a Sizzix die and everything else is from my stash!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Craft-Dee BowZ: Anything Goes With Handtied Bow
Crafty Boots: Die Cuts
Digi Darla: Fin, Fur or Feathers

Summer Wedding Scraps!

I am not one to throw away any scraps of printed card because I just don't know when I'll need it!  And this bottle is made with such scraps!

I've used an offcut of cardstock for the base which is an X Cut fancy die and then I've used papers from the very fab and versatile Summer Wedding download.  The paper download itself is only £1.99 which is very good value for money! 

I've added some letters from my Girls Are Weird Sizzix alphabet dies and the hearts are also Sizzix die cuts.

The tiny little dots have been added with liquid pearls after the edges were inked with my trusty and faded blank ink pad.  And to finish, I've tied a length of satin ribbon around the main panel.

What you can't see in the photo is the back of the bottle tag which I've cut a circle where the bottle sticks through.

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Hiding In My Craft Room:  Super Scraps
Little Claire's Designs:  Wedding / Anniversary
QKR Stampede:  No Squares
Stampin For The Weekend:  Shape It Up

Papers:  Funky Hand - Summer Wedding download
Dies:  X Cut and Sizzix
Everything else:  My stash

Jellypark Challenge - Cuddly Wuddly

It's time for a new Jellypark challenge!  And the theme for the fortnight is:

Cuddly Wuddly

I made these cards before I made the gift bag that was part of the Stamp Spotlight feature last week, and then I realised I needed to put the cards in something hence the gift bag!  Anyway, the cards came about as one of my friends is due her second baby in a few weeks and I wanted to make her some cards either to use as thank-you's after the baby is born or as birth announcements.  I made a dozen in total although I ended up making 14 as I couldn't count!

I've used a fancy X Cut die to layer the image on, added a line of liquid pearl dots and then the bunting which is made from offcuts of the white linen card and vellum.  Giraffes have been coloured with Promarkers. 

Good luck with the Jellypark challenge!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

House of Gilli:  Bright Colours
Natalie and Amy:  Celebrate
Sparkles Forum Challenge:  Autumn Colours
Crafters Cafe:  Furry Friends

Image:  Jellypark, coloured with Promarkers
Dies:  X Cut
Cardstock:  Papermill shop
Everything else:  My stash

Polkadoodle Challenge 32 - In The Garden

There is a new challenge over at Polkadoodles and the theme for the week is:

In The Garden

I've gone for a monochrome theme as I really like the mono peacock that is contained within the Tail Feather download bundle - the download contains papers, images and all manner of goodness!

I've printed the image directly onto some lovely linen effect white card and then layered it onto black then added it to the card blank which is also linen effect white card. Added some tiny gems here and there and then the black fancy ribbon bow at the top.

It didn't take me long at all to make and I think it makes for a rather striking card! Good luck with the challenge - for more inspiration and our rules, please pop over to the Challenge blog!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Really Reasonable Ribbon: Things With Wings
The Cupboard Trilogy: Monochrome
4 Crafty Chicks: Black and White
Crafty Ribbons: Anything Goes With Ribbon

Image:  Tail Feather download from Polkadoodle
Everything else:  My stash 

Mind The Skirting Boards

Malcolm is a terror. Whizzing down the corridors and popping wheelies in his mobility scooter in the sleepy retirement home in Oswaldtwistle. The Matron is for ever yelling after him to mind the skirting boards.

Not that he hears her - he's as deaf as a post. Mobility Malcolm is available to buy along with the retro Bloomin 70's wallpaper.

I've coloured Malcolm and his transport with Promarkers and added glossy accents over his glasses. Wallpaper is the Bloomin 70's papers which I've turned into wallpaper. Skirting board made by me and the wonderful carpet is actually felt. Pictures I found in my stash.

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Ohh La La: A Step Back In Time (just look at the wallpaper!)
Squigglefly: Masculine
Joanna Sheen: Boys Will Be Boys
Oozak: Anything Funny

Fetch A Sketch Challenge 56

It's time for another Fetch A Sketch challenge! The sketch for the fortnight is:

And here is my sample! We are sponsored by the very lovely Jellypark and two digi's is the prize (sets and charity stamps not included). I've used one of the new release images - Special Couple and I've coloured it with Promarkers. I've used an offcut of baby pink pearlescent card for the base and added a dotted line of liquid pearls around the edge.

Papers are from DCWV - 6x6 The Christmas Stack which have been cut with a Spellbinder die and then layered onto some green card. The ribbons are from Lidl and the large blingy snowflake is a Christmas tree decoration that I bought a few years ago in the January sales - I have a feeling it is from Sainsburys but I could be wrong!

Good luck with the challenge - for more details, pop over to Fetch A Sketch!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

613 Avenue Create: Anything Goes with Sentiment
Great Impressions Stamps: Square Card
A Gem of a Challenge: Anything Pearlescent (backing paper and liquid pearls used)
The Hobby House: Christmas

Snowman Building

Another new release digi from Jellypark! This one is called Kids Building Snowman and its available to buy for just £1.25!  I've coloured it up with Promarkers and added stickles here and there.  I've actually coloured the sky with watercolour pencils for a softer look.

I've used some paper from my stash so couldn't tell you who the manufacturer is as it was from the bottom of the rather large box that I have!  Snowflake has been cut from kraft card and is a Marianne Creatables - I've added tiny gems to the edges and a pearlescent confetti snowflake to the centre.  Ribbon is from my stash.

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Card Crafters Circle:  Dotty for Spots
Creative Corner:  Polka Dots
Christmas at Sweet Stampin:  Snowmen
Little Red Wagon:  Christmas In July
Stampin Royalty:  Christmas In July

Image:  Jellypark, coloured with Promarkers and stickles
Papers:  Unknown
Dies:  Marianne Creatables
Everything else:  My stash

Snowglobe

Here is another of the recent Jellypark new release digi's. This one is called Snow Globe and is available to buy for only £1.25!

I've made a card base with a fancy X Cut die and used papers from my stash - the edges have been glittered and I ran the paper through my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder too.

I've used Promarkers for colouring and added some more glitter glue to the snowflakes.  The charm is from The Bead and Button Company and I've added some ribbon and embroidery thread from my stash.  Quite a cutie isn't it?!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Just For Fun:  Anything Goes
Live and Love Crafts:  Warm or Cool Colours
365 Day Cards: Day 214 - Rounding The Corners
Creative Corner:  Polkadots
Christmas at Sweet Stampin':  Snowmen

Image:  Jellypark, coloured with Promarkers and stickles
Dies:  X Cut fancy one
Charm:  The Bead and Button Company
Embossing:  Cuttlebug Swiss Dots
Everything else:  My stash

Jellypark Stamp Spotlight - Giraffe

The Jellypark Stamp Spotlight feature this week is a real cute one and also is one of my favourites!  It's called Toy Giraffe and can be bought from the store for only £1.25!

I've printed mine onto linen effect white card from Papermill Direct and then coloured it with Promarkers.  I've used an X Cut die for the oval and then added dots of liquid pearls around the edge.

The kraft bag is from a pack of 10 that I bought from the pound shop for, yes, £1!!  I've also made some cards to go inside but those will be shown next week as its my DT sample!!

Don't forget - if you've made something with the Stamp Spotlight digi then head over to the Jellypark blog and link up your creation!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Hanna and Friends:  Anything Goes
Southern Girls Challenge:  Animal Antics
Whimsical Designs:  Bug or Animal
Creative Moments:  Anything But A Card
The Stampin Chef:  No Cards Allowed

Image:  Jellypark, coloured with Promarkers
Dies:  X Cut
Kraft bag:  Poundshop
Everything else:  My stash

Simply Create Too Challenge 43 - Photo Inspiration

It's time for a new Simply Create Too challenge and this fortnight we have a lovely photo inspiration theme for you to follow!  The photo is on the challenge blog.

And here is my interpretation of it:

I've used a rather old sheet of 12x12 card from The Papermill (it was an impulse purchase to take me to the free postage and packing threshold!) to layer the stamped image on.  I've used a Rainbow Studios stamp which, sadly, are no longer trading, and I've used watercolours to colour it.  Quite unusual for me to actually use a physical stamp rather than a digi!

The sentiment also came with the stamp and I've added some nautical themed bakers twine.  Nice and simple to make!

Good luck with the challenge - for more details and inspiration, pop over to Simply Create Too!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Paula Holifield Crafts: Summer Sun
Heck of a Challenge:  Summer Holidays
QKR Challenge:  Summer Fun
Sassy Studio Design:  Travel / Vacation

Card:  Papermill Shop
Image and sentiment: Rainbow Studios - no longer trading, coloured with watercolours
Everything else:  My stash

Crimbo Crackers Challenge 47 - Nativity

I honestly thought it was Wednesday today and not Thursday so I thought I was ok to leave the writing of the Crimbo Crackers new challenge post until I got home from work.  And then I realised that it is actually Thursday.  And I'm late!

Anyway, better late than never!  The theme of the challenge is:

Nativity

And here is my sample!  I've used another of the topper decoupage sets I bought quite some time ago from La Pashe - so long ago that they don't sell them any more!  They are quite large and almost fill this 13cm square card so I thought I'd keep it nice and simple!

Kraft card blank then some red and black card from my stash.  Some gold rope ribbon that I've had for longer than I care to remember and faux stitching around the edges and its done!

Good luck with the Crimbo Crackers challenge!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Craftin' Boutique:  Anything Goes
Hanna and Friends:  Anything Goes
Crafting For All Seasons:  Christmas In July
Little Red Wagon:  Christmas in July

Image:  La Pashe - no longer available
Everything else:  My stash

Christmas Window

Here is one of the new release digi's from Jellypark - this one is called Christmas Window Scene.  I've kept the image quite large so it fills the card (there is a sentiment which comes with it but I ran out of room!)

I've added some ribbon that I got a few years ago from Tesco in the January sale plus some gold stuff that was from some long gone packaging.

The icicles are from a Marianne Creatables die (and not used as grass for a change!)  I've added liquid pearls to the snow flakes and stickles to the snow drifts on the window and ledge.

More new releases to follow! I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Die Cuttin' Diva's:  Anything Goes
Tip Top Tuesday:  Spooled Items
C is for Challenge: Fresh and Bright


Image:  Jellypark, coloured with Promarkers, stickles and liquid pearls
Dies:  Marianne Creatables
Ribbon:  Tesco and my stash
Everything else:  My stash