Wednesday 29 October 2008

Winter Wonderland

well, that's what it looks like this morning.. I decided I was stopping in bed this morning because it was absolutely f-r-e-e-z-i-n-g!!!!!!!
This is a bit like what it looks like in my garden - however, I'm not spending time outside cos I'm a wuss today.. I really don't mind the cold weather - in fact, I love it, but my wooly pullies have still got to be unpacked ! It's only this last week that my heating's been on all year, so it must be cold.
At least we don't have snow.......................... yet!

Tuesday 28 October 2008

Don't Forget...

Our Forever Friends Challenge blog is up and running - - why not go over and take a looksie.. There are some lovely DT cards on there, just for you to get inspired. See the link on the right side.

Start saving them pennies!



Go here to see what's new... Watch the little clip - don't they look cute?!

I really can't resist cute stamps.. this could be lethal!

Monday 27 October 2008

And finally...

Here are a few photos of the pupsters taken in the last couple of weeks.. Scooby is looking quite like a young gentleman now.. so handsome. Holly is Little Miss Dainty, just as she always has been, and Truly - the bonkers cocker, again, as usual! lol.. She is getting better though.. and looks like a little princess now compared to when she arrived in May.

Mr Scoobster... ''Mummy, I found a twig''..

Little Miss Hollypops ... ''Simon says, put your ears on your head''



Truly Scrumptious - just how big is that tongue??!!!

Five minute chocolate cake!

Blimey - if only I liked Chocolate cake, this would be great... but I can take it or leave it, it doesn't make a difference to me really.. BUT... as Katy sent me the recipe the other day, we just had to try it out.. my daughter being a little Gordon Ramsey and all (in more ways than one!)..

This is the recipe..

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

  • Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.
  • Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
  • Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
  • Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
  • Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1 000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
  • Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
  • EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

    And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Now then.. for proof that we made it, here are some piccies.


The cup that we used is around 7 inches tall..


slightly out of focus photo... but look at this lovely cake!!! Yummy!

Perfect!!!

What a weekend!

I don't know about you, but I had quite a good weekend! I was not working, and although I can't exactly remember what I did on Saturday, other than visiting family to drop off my nephews birthday card, I think it was a good day!

Sunday wasn't too bad.. I began by doing the family run - youngest daughter and friend dropped off at the Dome to go swimming, eldest daughter dropped off at work at the Outlet, then straight onto the Craft Fair at the Deaf School.. Hmmmmm.. what a disappointment! There must have been around 8 stalls at the most, and a handful of people walking around.. the light was so bad (yellow!) inside the hall that I ended up with a migraine! Of the few stalls that were there, there was quite a few nice things, but nothing special. So.. I came home twenty minutes later with nothing to show for my gallavanting!!

Roll on next weekend to the show of shows! It's the Witchcraft show at the Dome.. fantastic every time and never ever a disappointment!

Anyway, now that the infamous birthday card has been delivered, I can now show you all.
The card itself was made into a tri fold card, with scallops around the edge. The papers are Dovecraft mens papers.

Friday 24 October 2008

21 years is not so long.... is it?

It's my anniversary today - did you guess? It's been 21 years today... doesn't time fly?

I've had a creative session in the studio, just enough time to make Paul his card, and by the time I'd finished, I was absolutely freezing!! So now, I'm sat with coffee and laptop, pondering about what to do for these commissions that came in today!! Lots of lovely goodies and as yet, no idea on what to do.. lol..

Anyway, enough waffle, here's my card.

I really like this Forever Friends stamp - the sort of stamp you can use for anything really! I coloured the image with Whispers strokes and aquapainter. The background papers are from Kameocards - they have a beautiful soft gloss, muted effect. I even managed to use outline stickers - now that's a first for a long time!!

Hope you like it!

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Thursday 23 October 2008

By golly.. I did it!

After much deliberating and planning.. it's on the verge of being ready..

I am hoping to have the Design Team in place this next few days, so we should be all ready to go for next Monday.

In the meantime, why not visit Docrafts to have a look at all the fantastic stamps and stickers etc in the Forever Friends range?

Wednesday 22 October 2008

Thank you Val.

I have just recieved this award from Val.. isn't it lovely? I love the colours of it, and I also love the fact that she is a regular visitor on my blog.. Thank you Hun x



Now I need to think who I'm going to pass it onto... will have a think and come back later on x

Puppy love

Hi all..


I can't believe how much I've blogged this week! I seem to have got alot of work done this week, which is a good thing I guess..


Today, I have made two cards.. one I can't show yet, until it reaches its destination. The other one is this little puppy card.
I am currently working on a set of Christmas cards which are going to be used to raise funds for Bernwood Springer Rescue. I was asked if I would do this by a lovely lady called Sally, who is also one of their fosterers down in Lincolnshire.


The stamp I used is one that I bought last weekend, whilst at Samuel Taylors. Isn't it just the cutest??


Would anyone like to buy any of the Christmas cards I have made this week?


Funds are very much needed, especially at this time of the year when we find lots of grown dogs and puppies coming into Rescue. And as you know, my darlings Scooby and Truly came from rescue, and they have made our home complete! Lord knows what would have happened with them both if a Rescue hadn't taken them in.


If you'd like to buy a card, or order a personalised one, please leave me a comment with your pledge / donation, and I'll be in touch. In fact, if anyone would like to make some Christmas cards for the Rescue, and would like to donate them, please contact me and I'll pass them on.


Take care..

Tuesday 21 October 2008

Funked up Christmas..

Hi all..

I'm back again.. this time with my other new snowman stamp. I am loving this set, so I hope you like what I've done with them.

I have had another delve through my drawers (oooooh missus!) and when I got to the bottom of -what seems to be - a very deep one that holds my 12 x 12's, I found these papers. I'm not sure who's they are but they are a lovely citrussy colours.. so I coloured my snowman to match. To colour this attractive gent, I used Distress Inks again (lol) and also some shimmer paints.
The flowers are Papermania and Dunelm. The greetings around the edges are See D christmas greetings. The card shape was achieved using the Eazi Box board.
Thanks for looking!

There's no business, like snow business....

... or should I say, snow people.. ?
I am absolutely in love with this range of stamps .. what cute little snowmen!
They have been in my studio for the last few weeks, unopened. But yesterday, they were crying out to be used!

The papers are from Kelly Panicci, (yep, I was naughty at the weekend and treated myself to some new 12 x 12's... ) The flowers are Papermania, the greeting is a Doodlebug rub on.

The snowman was coloured with Distress inks, and I added some 3D gloss over his boots,buttons, and nose. He is also decoupaged a little bit.. here's a close up.
Now... aren't these stamps just to die for??

Here at last..

As promised, here are a couple of the cards I made for the demo at the weekend. I was at Samuel Taylor in Leeds - what a shop!!! - and was working on behalf of Lili of the Valley.
This was made using the Winter Princess rubber stamp and watercolouring with Whispers Brush Markers.
I used a die cut for this one, and some of the little image stamps to create a chalked background.
For this one, I have used papers and the very cute die cut polar bears - how cute are they??. The words were cut using the Eazi alphabet templates, then paper placed on top. You can also draw the same type of words freehand, to create more loopy writing.
There were lots more samples, but I need to get them off my mobile at some point as they were left at the store.
I hope you like them..

Monday 20 October 2008

For all the dog fosterers out there.

There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.
And just when I thought you'd done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go.
I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know."
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay.
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so, Foster Mum, you know I've moved on.
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I'll never forget what I learned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by.
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You'll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.
- Author Unknown-

Brrrr....

It's a bit on the blustery side here today.. and there's going to be rain! Oh the joys!

I'm just disappearing to take some photos of my latest cards I did for the demo, then I'll be back to upload them..

Saturday 18 October 2008

All girls together..

.. and didn't we have a great time!!

Thanks especially to the adorable Pat Taylor, my fellow Docrafts designer, (and with whom I had a right ol' gossip!) and also to Lyndsy Mason (sp?!) from Personal Impressions,(who makes the most unique cards - and cost me a small fortune in stamps!!) who have made today a right good old laugh!

Also big hugs and thanks to the ladies from Samuel Taylor, who made my day wonderful.

As you may guess, I have been working today in Leeds, doing a combined demo for Samuel Taylor 'Click on Crafts'. The day was really busy all day, and everyone who visited said they were greatly inspired. I was representing Lili of the Valley, and everyone really loved the unique products.. and how can you resist?? They are so cute!

I will upload some photos for everyone who visited me.. but that will be tomorrow..

For now.. goodnight, sleep tight!! I'm off to drink me horlicks!

Thursday 16 October 2008

Catching up..

well, I'm getting there slowly but surely - even though I should be starting dinner for OH!!

Never mind.. blurfing is slightly more important when I've been cleaning all day.. isn't it?? And besides.. guess what I found?? Blog Candy.. it's here.. take a look.. from our lovely Emma!!

1-2-3 Let's go....

This week's challenge over on the LOTV blog has just gone live.. so check it out...


This week the challenge is a bit more Challenging (excuse the Pun)

321

We would like you to use 3 papers, 2 ribbons and 1 button or 1 brad on your creations this week.We can't wait to see what you come up with.Don't forget.... you can use any stamp, or other crafting product, we just love to see different mediums used.


*****SPECIAL OFFERS*****


We have some good news for you this week.

If you have never used Lili of the Valley products or are running low on supplies, they are running a couple of brilliant special offers:Free P&P until 31st October and a Bumper Christmas Stamp Offer - Saving you £7.50!
Get 5 of their Christmas Stamps for just £15! That’s only £3 each.
There are 4 sets of Christmas designs to choose from - Winter Princesses, Christmas Fairies, Reindeer and Polar Bears, and Miki and Kimi.

To go to their website, click here.. .

Now, onto this weeks Challenge.... are you ready?

This week it is another chance to be our Guest DT for 2weeks.

DON'T FORGET YOU ARE NOT RESTRICTED TO LOTV STAMPS OR DIECUTS YOU CAN USE ANY STAMP OR DECOUPAGE ETC.

For my entry for this week, I couldn't decide on my cards, so because I have to make some for a demo at the weekend, I made two! What a swot! Haha. I hope you like them.


This one was made using the die cuts cat. Aren't these just the sweetest - they remind me of a little puss we had a long time ago, called Micky. The papers were put through a ribbler to give them some texture.


For this one, I had a little play with my Stampboard and some new inks I had. I stamped on the little Princess and then went over her with some colour.

Why not click on the sidebar to go over and get more inspiration from the Design Team - there's some brilliant work on there!

Bye for now xx

Woo Hoo!!!!!

Well... what can I say?? This is what I read on Nikki's blog today.. I'm so pleased to have recieved this fantastic comment about my work!! Thank you Nikki, I am looking forward to working with you!

New DT Member..
After a VERY difficult time having to choose one person from a heap of very talented people to become the new DT member for DewDrop Craftz I finally managed it..
Jo Austin has many different styles of stamping and has a very strong passion for using stamping in lots of projects.. and has been chosen as the new DT member to join Adele and Sarah..
You can see some of Jo's work
here...
I would like to welcome Jo to the team and look forward to working with her and the products from DDC..
BUT... that's not all.. the standard of work was so high, that all others that entered will be offered guest designer places in the future..
THANKYOU to everyone who took the time to send in their images..
Many thanks..
Nikki x

Wednesday 15 October 2008

Doodlebugged..

I am absolutely loving the new Doodlebug papers that are out at the moment. I have used the embossed paper to create this card and gift packet.

With this one, I mounted the paper onto a piece of black card for contrast. The paper was coloured over with a black inkpad to highlight the design. I then cut out a flower from the paper and added a rub on to the centre.
This time, I used an olive ink pad, which I think looks slightly better than the black.

Back soon, thanks for visiting... xx

Raindrops keep falling on my...

..... web... lol..

This was taken yesterday morning whilst it was raining.. I love looking at raindrops on webs, they just make them look so magical. The beauty of Nature eh??

I just think it's a shame that there wasn't a spider in the middle.. Mind you, I'd have run a mile!!

Tuesday 14 October 2008

Knickers!

Ooooh lala... cheeky!

I am not sure if I've ever shown you these designs I did for the packaging of some new templates. They are Diamond Card Craft design templates. You get the bums and boobies.. how cute!
Here's what I did with my ones. Hope you like them.




Monday 13 October 2008

How funny...

Just having a bit of a blog surf this morning and I came across this.. so funny...

As you can see, you take a photo of yourself and make your yearbook.. lol.. Here are mine!



Now you know the real scary thing??? I can remember having my hair like numbers three and five!!! LOL..
Leave me a link to yours so I can come and see your schoolbook.

Sunday 12 October 2008

Ohhhhh I say!

Well I say.. did you know that the Elusive Images Design Team have a blog all of their own?? They have a bit of blog candy too if you'd like to take part.. I must say, their stamps are amongst some of my favourite brands out there.

So.. go on..what are you waiting for.. go and take a look!

Thursday 9 October 2008

A Cheery-uppy card..

This card is winging its way to someone today - so I'm not revealing who.. but I just hope that the person who gets it, likes it very much!

It's not for anything special - just a little cheery-uppy card.

Anyway.. enough talk.. here it is.

The main image is one very cute little teddy, also known as the famous Forever Friends.. I have now aquired quite a collection of these little guys.. they're so cute!
The background papers are Basic Grey Sugared - a lovely pack with rich warm colours in there. The little round stamp at the bottom is also Papermania ornate stamp and the 'best friends' in the middle is a snap.. Here are a couple of close ups..
This is the snap and stamped bit..

And this is little Ted. He has been coloured with Whispers brush markers and had little gems added in the flowers.. now isn't this cute!

Lili of the Valley Challenge...

I can't believe we're on week 3 already!

The theme this week is Enchantment, and here are my offerings for this weeks challenge...


For my projects, I used the cute little dragon from Lili of the Valley which I think is rather cutesy! Isn't he adorable?

I used the bookatrix board for the base of the card and LOTV papers for the top layer. The dragon was coloured with prisma's and a little bit of sparkle added to him with some pearlescent covering. The shape around him was cut by drawing around the small round Papermania shape cutter and cutting out with scalloped scissors.

The candle was made by stamping and colouring the image with Whispers brush markers.

This week over on our challenge blog we are onto week 3, and the chance to win a couple of Moggy stamps....these are cutey cutey.. I love them! You don't have to use the LOTV stamps and images for now, so there is no reason why you can't go over and enter.. we'd love to see your images..

Back soon...

Wednesday 8 October 2008

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas.... an appeal

la la la la la...

This is just what it looked like in my house yesterday..

I can hear you all gasping... and asking why I have so many prezzies already..

Well, as you know, I'm area coordinator for the SOS - Support our soldiers - charity. Link to the right ------------------------------------------------------------------------->

And yesterday, I collected all of these wonderful donations of shoe boxes, for our christmas appeal 2008. There are a total of 63 boxes piled up here, which have all been donated by the kind people at Milton Court, Doncaster.. a very very big Thankyou to these folks. Every bit of the donations will be used and appreciated by all the British soldiers around the world to whom these will be sent.

If you are wanting to put a box together for the charity, then please visit the site for more information on what you can/can't put in. You can also find there your local area representatives who can arrange to collect the parcels. All information is on the web site.

If you think you would or could help out in other crafty ways, then please get in touch. We are generally always on the lookout for cards for all occasions. I have personally collected cards for Christmas and get well cards for the troops in hospital, just for that bit of support. You can also make a small donation which enables us to support the soldiers in other ways.

Emma at elf creations (will upload the link later)has done a fantastic job on her blog, collecting in Christmas cards this year.. and a brilliant response there was too.

Cards are wanted generally all year round. It is a wonderful thing to send on packs of cards to the troops, which they can then send home for birthdays, congratulations, other occasions.

So... if you want to help.. you know where I am..

Feeling old...

Doesn't time just fly?? **Emma.. if you're reading this, treasure every single second**

I have decided against my better judgement (LOL) to upload some photos of my family. I don't often do this, as they deserve their privacy, but I couldn't resist these ones. Why? Well, because my daughter turned 18 last Saturday! It doesn't seem two minutes since she was born, but I'm sure that everyone says that!

To celebrate her birthday, she went out with friends - a few days on the trot! A friend of hers is leaving to go into the RAF next week, so some of it was a farewell too.


Here are the pics.


Blimey 'eck... I feel even older now! This lovely photo is of my son, Leyton, who is 20 in April.. (**faint**) and his 'ickle sister Carley, who's 18. Believe it or not, she does actually have legs - those that know her, know it is generally unheard of for her to not be wearing jeans.. but she melted my heart in this lovely dress. What a stunner.


Leyton also looks pretty dapper. In fact, he is usually in jeans too.. but was wearing some really lovely trousers and this great shirt.. Swoon.. I'm so proud of my children!


Ahhh this photo is sweet too.. This is Carley and her boyfriend Nick. He's a lovely lad and they are so alike in their nature - I think I may have to buy a hat!haha

Now then.. this little charmer is my daughter Martina. She's 12 with attitude!!! Sure you know what I mean !! She had been baking a little earlier and was just having a tea break when I pointed the camera at her to take a piccie - screwed up nose and funny face prevailed.. I love this piccie.. so funny!

Back later..

Sunday 5 October 2008

My owl card..

Hi... I just thought I would drop a quick note on here to show my owl card, which was loved by everyone yesterday at Hall's Stationery, Skegness, when I went to do my demo.. I will be back later to update you all on the fun and games there!!!!!

Here's the card, and here are the instructions and templates

Thursday 2 October 2008

Spooky!!!!

I have had a small pack of Doodlebug papers sat in my drawer for about two or three years now.. so I thought I would chop into them this afternoon and have a dabble.. this is what I came up with!

For Halloween, when all the little children - and adults - come knocking on my door, I always think its slightly healthier to have sweets and treats put into little boxes or bags of some description. It saves having mucky hands in a tub of sweets - yuck!!!. So this year I think it's going to have to be these little boxes.

Firstly, I made a little triangle gift box. I found the pattern somewhere out there in blogland but can't remember where.. if anyone knows, please send me the link.. you know what its like - you go from one blog to another and can't remember where you've been!

The top folds into the top to close the box. The ribbon helps to pull it open. Papers are Doodlebug and the images are Penny Black Stickeroos.


This card was made using the same products so that it matches the little box.

Hope you like them. Happy Haunting!

On yer bike!


Not quite a full week off, but there are so many blogs out there that I love to keep up with, I decided I might as well be blogging! I've also been offered a few demonstrations over the last few days, so I am busy preparing for these too.

I had started off this week by deciding I was having a week off crafting to regain my mojo.. well, at the least, sort out my studio.. which I have done - partially.

One of the nicest things I have seen pop up this week, apart from the beloved LOTV blog challenges, was the High Hopes challenge blog. As I love the cuteness of these stamps too, I thought I would have a go.... here's my card.



The image is from High Hopes and I coloured it using distress inks and H2O's. The background papers are Basic Grey Sugared... there are some beautiful papers in this pack it must be my favourite! The flowers and brads are Papermania and ribbon is from my stash. The little greeting is a HOTP rub on which I've had for a while and discovered the other day.

hahaha.. this is so me!




What Joanne Means



You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.

You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.

You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice.



You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.

You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.

At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.



You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic “Type A” personality.



You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.

You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.

You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.



You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

Well rounded? me?? blimey.. they got that right!
Animated Social Gadget - Blogger And Wordpress Tips