Carol's Papercrafts Blog

Cards with Heart

2012-01-27T10:45:00.000Z

I don't usually make circle cards, but couldn't resisit the sketch from Card Patterns this week, and with Valentines just around the corner added some Heart. I just bought some new papers from Crafty Charlie, there's some fab My Minds Eye stock on there, which I'm loving at the mo. I used the Love Me papers for both these cards.

For this card I used the sketch from My Favourite Things.

WMSC80- Happy Anniversary

2012-01-17T16:06:00.000Z

I just managed to take a photo before the Sun went down, today, We have had hazy sunshine today, and if you didn't know it was freezing cold out there you could almost imagine it was Summer(we wish eh!)

I have a couple of Anniversaries coming up soon, I used the sketch from Waltzingmouse Sketch challenge no 80. I used the Stamp set Say it in Style from Waltzingmouse. I'm loving these papers from My Mind's Eye, lost and found 2 collection. this one is Blush.

Pink and Green

2012-01-16T16:36:00.001Z

Pink and Green. I love how beautiful these colours look together. I made a tag and a card. I used papers from Limited Edition: Birdsong and they are so pretty. some with glitter.

I used the sketch from Sweet Sunday 150, and I'm also entering this in the LOTV challenge which is to use your favourite stamp. Mine is Dandelion Clock. she reminds me of Grace learning how to blow and discovering the wonder of nature, in the form of the Dandelion.

Waltzingmouse sketch challenge 79

2012-01-11T13:02:00.000Z

It's ages since I did a challenge, and as Mr Mojo keeps disappearing I needed some inspiration I decided to give the sketch challenge from Waltzingmouse ago. I have used this Season's of Love set from Waltzingmouse such a lot, and I thought it perfect for the sketch this week. The sentiment is from Say it with style set.

Blush

2012-01-06T11:02:00.002Z

Mr Mojo arrived back with the arrival of some new papers by My Mind's Eye, Lost and Found2, Blush, I think you will be seeing lots more of these papers, I love them, I also bought the Rosy papers as well. Beautiful You sentiment is by Verve Stamps.

I used the Blush stamp set for this card which was inspired from a card by Lynn Frederick

Well the wind seems to have stopped blowing a gale and today is blue sky's and sunny, but freezing cold.

Mr Mojo missing.

2012-01-05T12:57:00.000Z

I think Mr Mojo went away at Xmas, and has gone missing. I wanted to start card-making again so used the card idea and free papers, from the Simply Cards and Papercrafts mag.

Desperately in need of Inspiration, don't have much imagination at the best of times, thank goodness for all those wonderful card designer's out there, that share all their wonderful inspirational ideas.

Just for you.

2012-01-01T10:47:00.001Z

Happy New year, hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and a fun New Year's Eve.

Brian is playing golf today and yesterday and the day before, making up for not be able to play last weekend, it being Christmas and all that.
So that means I had a chance to craft, I made a calender for Grace which I forgot to take a photo of, and this card which I will enter in the Papertake Weekly Challenge. The sketch is by Dawny P, I love Dawn's sketch's, not too fancy. I was also inspired by her card.

The image is by Lili of the Valley and the papers were a frebbie in Simply Papercrafts mag.

I Love Waltzingmouse

2011-12-26T21:11:00.001Z

Well how quick did that go! All that waiting and prepping and it's went so quickly. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, we did, Brian and I went to our Daughter's house for Christmas and stayed until Boxing Day. Grace was so excited and enjoyed every minute of it.
So I was a little late checking Claire's blog

I love Waltzingmouse stamps, I have been using Claire's stamps for a quite a while now, and I love them. They are so well designed and such super quality. If you haven't visited them yet hop on over. Claire Brennan such a lovely and talented designer.

I have just won the spot prize on the Tag Challenge, which I am so pleased about. In fact I'm well chuffed.
You can see my tag on the previous post.

Gingerbread cookies

2011-12-19T10:28:00.000Z

I made some gingerbread snowflake cookies at the weekend and took some over for Grace to decorate and put on her tree. Of course as Waltzingmouse have a tag challenge which I just realised ends on the 20th, I thought I would decorate the bag with a tag. I used the gingergirl stamp from the Oven Fresh. Set

Tres Chic

2011-12-18T08:53:00.000Z

Well with all the christmas stash tidied away until next year, thought I would have a play with the £5 Goody Bag that I bought from Craftworks Cards. What a bargain! this will make lots of cards.

All is merry and bright.

2011-12-16T05:18:00.002Z

No card making going on, all the Christmas card making stash has been stashed away until next year.My craft room looks tidy for a change, at least until the next craft frenzy.

The presents are bought and wrapped, the tree and house is decorated, cards all posted, Christmas cake iced but not decorated yet, but nearly there. Just the dreaded last minute food shopping to do.

Some of my favourite decorations.

The mantelpiece is decorated.

12 tags of Christmas Tag 10,11 & 12

2011-12-13T10:11:00.000Z

three in one post today, I managed to complete them all, and I am so chuffed, I nearly fell by the way side a couple of times, but it was so much fun.

Tag 10

Tag 11

Tag 12

12 tags of Christmas Tag 9

2011-12-10T08:57:00.001Z

Tag 9, I can't believe I'm actually doing all these tags, I usually neglect my blog in December. all my Christmas cards are done and dusted and in the Post.

Tag 9 was another challenge, but loved the embossing, didn't have the correct dies thin I might have to buy the foliage tag. so I used the bird from the Caged Bird die and made him into a Robin redbreast. Every year we have the same robin visit our garden and then later in the year they nest. How do I know he is the sme one you might ask, well he has a little white mark on his breast. I try to take a photo but I think he is camera shy.

Now must go, Me and some of the other crafty Chicks are hosting a stall at the Watermead Village Hall. today, so if you around in the area come along and say hello.

12 tags of Christmas Tag 8

2011-12-09T12:22:00.000Z

Well tag done and dusted only 4 more to go. Although I didn't have all the elements again, I think it turned out OK.

12 tags of Christmas Tag 5, 6, and 7

2011-12-07T11:40:00.000Z

Wow, I can't believe how quickly the days are going, and I am now up to speed with the tags. At least now I can get that pile of housework done, my Grandaughter is having a sleepover at the weekend so I need to make sure her room is clean and tidy, strange how rooms that don't get used very often still get dirty.

Tag 5

Tag 6

Tag 7

Tags 2,3,4.

2011-12-06T11:11:00.000Z

I had a great time yesterday playing with my tags, I made tags 2,3,and 4, I didn't have all the correct elements, to make them like Tim's but it's all about learning and having fun at the same time.

Tag 2

Tag 3

Tag 4

And now I have to tackle tags 5 and 6 and they don't look easy I might really have to think outside the box here.

Frosty

2011-12-05T09:44:00.000Z

I'm well behind with my Timmie tags so until I have time to get them sorted I thought I would show you some a couple of the cards I made with the £5 Goody Bag I managed to grab from Craftworks Cards

12 tags of Christmas. Tag 1

2011-12-04T12:22:00.000Z

Well I finally got round to making Tag 1 in the Tim Holtz, 12 tags of Christmas 2011 series. and I had so much fun making it. I can't believe how much work Tim puts into the making of this series, he is a super teacher and so Inspirational, and what a super guy, lots of new technique's to be learnt.

My version of Tag 1, didn't have the pinecone die so I used some real ones.

And Tim's super duper one.

Xmas configuration box.

2011-11-29T10:27:00.001Z

All last week I felt so rotten, It started with a sore throat , then the sore throat went and just as thought I was getting better, it turned into a dry tickly cough, then just as I thought I was getting better it turned into a cold. then just as I thought I was getting better it has now tuned into a combination of all three. What's next? I dread to think! Feeling very groggy this morning.
But yesterday was a feeling better sort of day and I made my Xmas Tim Holtz Configuration box, ever since Kath and I went to Tim's workshop way way back in February, I have wanted to make one, and here it is. I looked everywhere for a little Xmas tree to fit but couldn't find one so decided to make my own, from squares of Tim Holtz paper, then glue and lots of sprinkles later. I know it leans, but what the heck, don't all Xmas tree's lean. I'm quite pleased with it anyway.

Babies

2011-11-25T09:49:00.001Z

Yes Babies as in Twins, some of you might remember that late last year my Brother-in-law and his wife Alison sadly lost a baby which was stillborn. I think sometimes these things happen for a reason, what reason I haven't figured out yet. But out of the sad something wonderful happened, Alison has just given birth to healthy twins and both really good weights Lucy 6lb.13oz and Scott 7lb. 5oz. I wish them all well, and can't wait to see them, but it might have to wait a while.

I made a card using some Websters Pages I already had, some lace and ribbon, and pearls from my stash. sorry about the rubbish picture, it was getting a little dark, but I wanted to take a photo of it before it I posted it.

Maybe the last of the Christmas cards

2011-11-22T09:54:00.002Z

I decided enough was enough, and sort out the mess that was my craft room. I decided come the end of November all my Christmas stash was to be put away no more Christmas cards. Well the best laid plans and all that. Whilst I was sorting out I found some papers from last year, these snowflake acetate sheets was just crying out to be used and I couldn't resist just making two more cards. After all it isn't the end of November just yet.

Birthday Wishes

2011-11-14T12:38:00.000Z

We seem to have lots of Birthdays at this time of year, and it is a friend's Birthday this week with a Big Bash at the golf club, on Saturday. I made a card and a tag, the die cut is called snowflake but I don't think it can just be used as a snowflake, as you can see on my card, and a couple of Tim Holzt flowers.

Wedding Card

2011-11-12T07:00:00.001Z

Last weekend we went to Manchester to attend a Wedding, our Niece Rebecca married her long term partner Stuart.
This is the card I made for them and a little pillow box to hold their Prezzie. the paper is Webster pages and heart stamp is Waltzingmouse.

Merry Christmas Banner

2011-11-11T11:50:00.000Z

I hadn't done any crafting for over a week what with wedding's and Birthday's etc. Well I actually got to do some crafting yesterday and I didn't stop until it was finished. I wanted to make a Christmas Banner to hang from my Mantel.
The papers and letters are from MME Lost and Found Christmas.

Of course it is much too early to put it up yet. but who cares I might just leave it there.

It's my turn today to be The Birthday Girl.

2011-11-08T07:05:00.000Z

Sorry I haven't blogged for a while, last week was a busy one with no chance to craft, Hubby worked from home for a few days using MY craft room. On Friday we travelled to Manchester to attend our Niece's wedding. we managed to meet up with my little sister Mandi and her family too. Brian has a huge family and we have about 24 Niece's and Nephew's about 20 (lost count) on his side and Rebecca is the 4th wedding. It was so nice meeting up with everyone, and we had a fab time.

Hubby has taken the day off to help me celebrate my Birthday today. Not sure what we are doing today maybe Lunch out. Then we are going to our daughter Nicola's house for a Birthday Tea. I have had lots of nice smellie's from my son and my sister, think maybe they are trying to tell me something, and lots of beautiful cards. A Fabulous leather handbag and a charm for my Pandora bracelet,from Brian.which is filling up quite nicely now.

Be Good

2011-10-31T08:43:00.000Z

Every Christmas we buy Grace a new ornament for her tree, it has become a little tradition which we love, I love choosing a new tree ornament every year for her. I'm so early this year but when I saw this little robin I just couldn't resist it. I found this site called Designs on Pine via Pinterest. I decorated a box with this fab stamp from a Waltzingmouse set called.Around Christmas time, which is great for tags and things too.

Waltzingmouse Christmas

2011-10-29T10:50:00.000+01:00

I made a couple of more Christmas cards using my new stamps from Waltzingmouse, 2011 Holiday Ornaments and Seasonal Remedies.

Felt Flower

2011-10-24T14:56:00.000+01:00

We are going to wedding in 2 weeks times and I was looking for a brooch to wear with the Bolero that I bought, could I find one? No way, so the way to go was make my own, I used the tattered florals die by Tim.

Waltzingmouse challenge 70

2011-10-22T19:19:00.000+01:00

Waltzingmouse does some fab stamps and I just got the latest set just yesterday and couldn't wait to have a play, I used the sketch from the challenge blog for this card.

Halloween

2011-10-22T10:37:00.001+01:00

My granddaughter Grace loves dressing up for Halloween, they decorate the house and go trick or treating, Grace lives in a street where lots of the neighbours love Halloween too, and dress up their house some of them are quite scary. I found this set of printables on Pinterest and Grace made a banner too.You can find the free printable Here

LOTV challenge 116

2011-10-15T09:57:00.000+01:00

I haven't made a challenge card for ages, but as I'm stuck in Christmas mode at the moment thought I would have a go at the challenge over on the LOTV challenge blog,the theme which is Warm and Cosy, and the little chap and his doggie certainly look warm and cosy to me.

Inspired by Kath

2011-10-11T18:29:00.000+01:00

This card was inspired by the very special and very talented Kath, I love Kath's cards and can recognise one straight away even if its only a sneaky peek. Very Tim Holtz using the die Winter Wonder didn't have the picket fence die so used the houses. I know Kath won't mind me CASEing her design. so hop on over and check her blog out , she updates it every day, with a little help from her Buddy.

LOTV Christmas Cards

2011-10-10T05:56:00.000+01:00

A couple of LOTV Christmas cards I made last week, with some of that ribbon from Costco. I do love easel cards, but worry that the people I send them too, don't know how to display them.

I'm trying to blog a little more often than I have been doing lately, I always take photos of my cards but don't always post them on my blog so I'm trying to post more often. I have so much on the go, knitting, I've just started to knit an aran cardi for Brian, can't remember the last time I knitted anything for him, and if he doesn't wear it, it will be the last. Sewing, I have a BOM patchwork block of the Month to make haven't done September's yet. We have a family wedding soon, and need to make a wedding card, also I'm spending too much time sitting down so need to move more, all that weight I lost is starting to creep back on, and the dress I bought for the wedding will be too tight. I spend too much time surfing the web, just wish that burnt some calories, and the trouble is you can snack at the same time. all my hobbies seem to involve sitting down.

Inspired by Pinterest

2011-10-08T21:56:00.000+01:00

I tried to resist but there is so much inspiration here and such talent on Pinterest and if you haven't tried it out yet you can click on the link on my side bar, just be warned it is addictive.I loved this snowman and as I already had this Sissix die, I just had to make it. Here is my version. the original is Here

Birthday tag

2011-10-07T22:03:00.000+01:00

I'm such a bad blogger so thought I would show you the gift tag I made to add to my friend Sarah's 40th birthday present, which was a large box of Hotel Chocolat choccies, the reasoning behind the choccies was that we weren't sure whether we could go or not, and we would have then eaten them ourselves, well we did go and it was worth the sacrifice to see Sarah.

I did make a beautiful card too, but alas forgot to take a photo of it before rushing off to pop it in the post.

Autumn Wreath

2011-10-04T09:31:00.001+01:00

I decorated the wreath which lives in my garden all year round, with Autumn leaves and a hydranga flower. I think it looks so pretty but it seems a little out of place with the beautiful weather we have been having lately, but it is a little cloudy here today, so I think this might be the last of it. Then who know's they are predicting a harsh winter with snow before the end of October.

Inspired by.....

2011-10-03T12:59:00.001+01:00

I was inspired by the christmas cards in the November issue of Cardmaking and papercraft mag, as I just bought the spellbinder die Holly Motif and I also had the Poinsettia die, and wasn't sure how to make the best use of them, love how they look a bit like snowflakes.

My New Knit

2011-09-28T14:33:00.001+01:00

I've just finished knitting this and I love it, just the thing for Autumn, although with this fabulous weather here I might have to wait a little longer to wear it. It only took me just over a week to knit it.
Wool is Sirdar Demin Ultra Chunky in shade 507 Starling which is cream with a brown and grey fleck.

More christmas LOTV

2011-09-21T07:37:00.001+01:00

Two more cards for the christmas box, using images from LOTV, these are so handy for a quick card and don't want to buy the stamp, and at just £1 a sheet are great value.

Autumn is here.

2011-09-18T09:42:00.000+01:00

Well I think Autumn is nearly here, there is a nip in the air, although we are still having a few sunny days. The leaves on the trees are turning to all the wonderful shades of orange red and brown.
I hade a little trip to Hobbycraft yesterday(yes again, can't stay away since the new store opened) and was inspired to buy some goodies to make this wreath. The ribbon is from my stash.

More LOTV Xmas Cards

2011-09-16T09:22:00.001+01:00

Here's two more cards using Stamps from Lili of the Valley stamps, how cute are these, and I dug out these papers from last years Nitwits collection. Ribbon from Costco.

No time for crafting today, I'm waiting for the engineer to come to fix my washing machine, then a quick trip to Tesco and this afternoon off to pick Grace up from school, Grace fractured her arm at Gymnastics on Sat, bless her, and then dinner at my daughters house, I love not having to cook. don't get me wrong I like cooking but hate the day to day thinking up meals etc. If you ask them what would you like for dinner the answer is nearly always anything. If they made anything in Tins, Fresh or Frozen it would sell a bomb, anything for dinner every night, how much easier would life be then. supermarket shopping done in a flash.

LOTV Christmas

2011-09-11T07:52:00.001+01:00

Christmas is a lot nearer than you think, well it is if you have lots of cards to make and here are 3 more for the box. I Love these new stamps from LOTV. I used the new Poinsettia shapabilites from Spellbinders. and the silver lace ribbon from Costco.

The Bird house isn't a new stamp but i have had my eye on it for awhile, I love love it think I will noe have to buy the other three in the series.

Ribbons

2011-09-09T09:10:00.001+01:00

Just wanted to share this with you if you live near a Costco get yourself some of these fabulous ribbons, I think they will sell out fast. Brian asked me if I really needed more ribbon, he just doesn't understand this need for more ribbons. Just look at all the yumminess, Red Velvet, Silver Lace, White Velvet, Red and white glitzy cord, snow ball ribbon, Red and silver velvet, snow flakes and red and white cord, and 10yds of each, for only about £15.

Tilda Snowman

2011-09-04T12:31:00.001+01:00

Since the new hobbycraft store opened in Aylesbury I have visited at least once a week, after being deprived of a local craft store it is heaven and I'm afraid I have given the old bank card a bashing, all in the name of crafting. I bought this Tilda book last week.
And I just couldn't resist making this cute snowman. He was so easy to make I'm going to make more. I added some sparkle but it doesn't really show in the photo.

BOM Month 3

2011-08-31T11:02:00.000+01:00

This is my Block Of the Month 3, only 9 more to go. I love doing this quilt and though I can't wait to finish it, it is nice to take it easy and it leaves me lots of time to do my other crafts, I'm one of those people that wants everything yesterday and I love starting new things and if they take a long time I loose interest, but now every month I get a new block to do, which are quick and easy to do.

Hoot Hoot

2011-08-26T07:32:00.000+01:00

Just loving this little owl, thanks to Jessica, this little owl is so easy and fun to make, even little Grace made one. You can find a PDF pattern HERE If the kids aren't into sewing they could even make one from some coloured card.

Card patterns 129, with Warren.

2011-08-24T21:52:00.001+01:00

Another card challenge again today, so glad I'm back in the swing again with my card making and I've made loads of cards with Warren, no he's not my new boyfriend, shame because he is so cute. Warren is the cute bunny by Craftworks cards. so cute I didn't know whether to make him Christmassy or not so did both using the sketch by Card patterns.

BOM Month 2

2011-08-23T12:28:00.000+01:00

Remember the Block of the Month kit? HERE well this is block 2, I recceived Month 3 a while ago and then realised I hadn't shown you month 2 yet.

The weather here today is awful, yesterday it was really hot 30c and today it is raining, how can we go from summer to winter in one day. well whatever! We will have weather, whether or not.

Card Patterns Sketch 128

2011-08-17T06:16:00.001+01:00

I haven't done a challenge card for ages, been busy knitting and sewing. I'm in the middle of making a school bag for a friends daughter so must finish that before she goes back to school, but managed to get some of Tim Holtz Kraft resist paper, and had a little play, and came up with this. The daisy is a sissix die that I got from Stampin Up.
Card Patterns is one of my favourite challenge blogs, and I love this sketch.

Also I have my son Stephen and his wife Rhiannon are coming down on Friday for a long weekend, and my grandson Rhys is bringing his new girlfriend, so that will be nice to see them both. Lots of cleaning and cooking to do. Also I'm looking after Grace tonight and tomorrow, maybe I can get her to make some cakes,

Loopy scarf

2011-08-16T07:30:00.001+01:00

I couldn't believe how quick and easy this was to knit, it took less than a day, I love it infact my friend Sally loved it so much she wanted it for herself so this I had to make another one. wonder how long this one will last. I edited my mug shot because I didn't think you would want to see me, not a pretty sight this early in the morning.

It takes two cushion cover.

2011-08-15T09:46:00.000+01:00

I had a lot of scraps left after making my it takes two quilt.(see the last post) and this time I am very pleased with the result, but then a cushion is more in my league.

I've also been busy knitting so again, so pop back tomorrow to see the loopy scarf I made in less than a day.

My Very first Quilt.

2011-08-07T12:43:00.000+01:00

Something that I have always wanted to do was make a Patchwork quilt and when I started sewing again a while back I thought why not have ago. Now I know it wasn't going to be easy and this quilt is for beginners and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it was going to be. The really difficult bit was the actual quilting bit. I decided to go with quick easy, well maybe easy for some, and did it on my machine. Boy was it a task and I did mess up in parts,and I only did sewing in the ditch, but I don't mind, and if I don't mind it doesn't matter, and I know I will hopefully do a better job next time.

The kit is called It Takes Two and is designed by Camille it was on Sale at the Fat Quarter Shop

It was featured in the Dec 10 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting.

I also decided that I want to learn to crochet, I can knit but not crochet and that's the next thing to learn to do. I think this is becoming a bit of a bucket list.

My New Scarf

2011-07-31T11:53:00.001+01:00

I can hardly believe that this is only the fourth time I have blogged this month, what a bad blogger I am.

Well I'm all set for the winter with my new scarf which I made from some left over wool. I just knitted until I ran out of wool, I would have liked it to be a little longer but its fine.. I looked after Grace on Thursday and thought I would teach her to knit, one thing you do need when teaching kids to knit is lots of patience. It's seems so easy when you have been knitting a lifetime but not so easy when first learning.But we will get there I'm sure. I'm determined not to give up. My daughter never did learn. But I think it is so rewarding to make something even so simple as a scarf.

Stampin Up! Christmas in July

2011-07-24T10:33:00.000+01:00

We had a super day yesterday at Putnoe Heights with the lovely Carol as host. we managed to get loads done, and lots of chat with all the lovely ladies there.

Advent Calendar a bit fiddly with all those little boxes but a lovely idea, I must admit that this is the class sample as I didn't finish mine.

Some of the lovely cards we made.

And a box to keep them all in.

And a gorgeous wreath. the original one was so much neater than mine, but then I think it all depended how tight your curling was.

I do love Stampin Up products the inks are brilliant and the card and paper is such great quality.

Ruby wedding

2011-07-14T18:59:00.002+01:00

It is my cousin Len and his wife Viv's ruby wedding anniversary at the end of the month and they are having a little party to celebrate. don't you just love these sort of get together's, even managed to get Brian to cancel his game of golf on the day. They didn't want presents so I thought I would make them a mirror as a little keepsake.

It's very Kath inspired don't you think. With a few Timme goodies too. it was very difficult trying to photograph a mirror with getting me in the shot.

Sunkissed table runner and table mat

2011-07-09T11:59:00.001+01:00

I'm coming to the end of My sunkissed fabric and made this table runner and mat to use up the last few bits. although I love this fabric so much I might have to buy more.

I even appliqued a flower on my mat which is also a first for me.

At last we have a new Hobbycraft store in Aylesbury, hurrah and I,ve already been this morning and spent some money. We have waited so very long for a decent hobby craft shop, and now there is one on my doorstop, well only a short bus ride away anyway, hope it dosen't hurt hubby's wallet too much.

My sewing organiser

2011-06-30T14:03:00.001+01:00

I bought this kit a while ago from Sweetwater esty shop, isn't it neat, then I made a pincushion from the scraps.

Block of the Month

2011-06-29T07:30:00.002+01:00

I've never made a quilt before but have always wanted to so went for it when I saw the kit from Fatquarters shop in the US and every month you get a different block. and here is the first one I made. Only 11 more to go.

My First Block

Our Holiday in Scotland

2011-06-28T13:26:00.001+01:00

Holyrood Palace

John Knox House

Edinburgh Castle

Thirlestane Castle, Lauder, Berwickshire.
The 16th century home of the Maitlands. seat of the Earls and Duke of Lauderdale

North Berwick

The Glen golf course at North Berwick

Scottish Parliment

Ardoe House Hotel near Aberdeen

Back in action

2011-06-27T16:33:00.002+01:00

Well at last I'm back in Action, my laptop came back from repair at Lunch Time today and so I thought I would post to let you know what I've been up to.

We visited Scotland last week and had a wonderful time, I will post some photo's later. We also met up with the lovely Kath who took a day out of her busy day to take me to 2 of her favourite crafty places Rustique and Simply Create.

I have also started making a quilt, the kit came just before I went away, from Fat quarter shop. I will be posting updates. never made a patchwork quilt before so it a bit of an adventure. though it is too hot to be up in my craft room today, I've also got a ton of ironing waiting but it is defiantly too hot for that.

Out of Service

2011-06-12T10:06:00.000+01:00

Just in case you missed me. Sorry i haven'y blogged in such a long time.
My Laptop is out of service. anyway it is getting picked up on Tuesday for repair, so hopefully I will be back in action soon. Bet they try to deliver it whilst I am away. We are going up to Scotland next week. A few days in Edinburgh then a quick visit to see my favourite bloggy and Timmie friend Kath. Can't wait to see her again and hopefully meet Buddy.

My Reversible Bucket Bag and The Bag Making Bible.

2011-05-26T17:20:00.000+01:00

The weather today is awful it is cold and windy and the rain has lashed it down all day, so an afternoon sewing was on the cards, well not quite on the cards as I haven't made a card for ages. I loved this fabric as soon as i saw it on the web, I bought it from J B Quilting Fabrics and was so impressed with the speedy delivery.the fabric is call Maison de Garance by Moda fabric.

I think I like the red side better. The button flower I made into a brooch so I can pin it to the reverse side when I fancy a change.

This bag is so useful, it has about six patterns and lots of tutorials and tips.

Sunkissed messanger bag

2011-05-20T19:09:00.001+01:00

Sorry I,ve been a bad blogger lately unlike some, I don't have a Golden Doggy Blogger Buddy. Buddy really is the most amazing dog in the world. When his Mum Kath is busy he writes her blog diary for her, he know's how much Kath's many followers miss her so much if she misses a day. In fact we all worry if she does miss a day,which is hardly ever.

I'm nearly at the end of my sunkissed fabric, just a few scraps left which I don't think is bad considering what I've made with just 1/2metre of each, and a jelly roll. I love this summery fabric so think I will have to order more. I found a pattern in a quilt mag, and think I will be making more in lots of different fabrics just need lots of different fabric.

It is Brian's captain's day tomorrow at the golf club so we have been busy organising that it will be a great day with a BBQ in the evening, just hope the weather is fine. The forcast here is the south sounds promising.

My Sunkissed set

2011-05-14T22:00:00.000+01:00

More of my sunkissed sewing project a Pocketed Tote Bag and make-up bag and a loyalty card wallet and a water bottle carrier. I even made a key ring holder which I stitched inside of the bag.

Sunkissed

2011-05-10T08:50:00.000+01:00

No it's not me who been sunkissed, can't get a tan to save my life, the fabric by Sweetwater is call Sunkissed and I love it. A little snack sack made with some of the leftover coated fabric from the last one, and a little canvas gift bag although I think this would make a nice little gift on it's own.

More Little Bags, some things come in three's.

2011-05-08T11:59:00.000+01:00

Some things come in three's like these little bags that I made from a pack of 2 honey buns from JB Quilting Here Honey bun rolls are rolls of fabric very neatly cut 1.1/2 inches wide.

Other things that come in three's are minor mishaps, when I broke my glass milk frother jug yesterday i thought what else, these things come in 3's well i managed to get though the rest of the day, made a drink went up to bed jumped in, maybe I shouldn't have jumped, and crack! I broke the bed so we had to get out, take the mattress off and noticed a bid of wood that holds the slats up had cracked so Brian had to go and get his drill and managed to fix it. Good job I had lost all that weight or it might have been worse. anyway by now Brian's drink was cold so I went down to the kitchen and put his drink in the microwave for a minute, when I took it out the microwave went dead, thought it might just be the fuse, changed the fuse but no, it is has completely died, so now we have to go out and buy a new one. Hope I can get through today without any mishaps.

Lunch Sack

2011-05-05T08:00:00.004+01:00

Whilst blog hopping, (which I do a lot of) I came across Sweetwater, and I just love the fabric called Sunkissed and these little Lunch sacks. So I visited there Esty shop and puchased the pattern and the fabric kit. I ordered it on the 22nd and it came on Tuesday, i was very impressed it came so quick, seeing as it came from the US and dispite all the holidays. Anyway couldn't wait to make it, the floral fabric is coated, I've never sewn with coated fabric before which is Ok if you sew on the reverse but it sticks like hell to the sewing foot on the right side. I didn't have a choice with the fabric, but very happy with what came.

Phoebe Bag

2011-05-04T09:32:00.004+01:00

It seems that the old card-making has taken a back seat at the moment, I'm really into sewing at the moment, which isn't a bad thing, but I don't want the sewing to take over from the card-making but I just haven't got any Mojo for it at the moment.
I have lots of projects in mind and will share them as and when I make them. Here is the bag I made yesterday it is called Phoebe, don't ask me why, I found the pattern here at Rebeka Lamberts blog where there is a few free patterns. The fabric is Amy Butler from the Love collection.

Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T12:36:00.001+01:00

Well they tied the knot at last and didn't Kate and William look so happy and so in love, I loved Kate's dress so beautiful and so elegant, so like Kate herself. So very much in love and I wish them well.

What a wonderful spectacle even the sun came out. Nobody does pomp and pagentry quite like us Brits.

My Kindle

2011-04-28T16:57:00.000+01:00

I've been wanting a Kindle for ages and when I found Tesco was selling them I decided to use my Tesco Points Voucher to buy it. After getting my Kindle for free I didn't want to pay silly money for a case to protect it, so decided to make my own from some scraps of fabric left over from making my bag.

You can find the pattern Here

VLVAPR2011, week 4 Flying High.

2011-04-27T18:22:00.000+01:00

Just about managed the 4 weeks of the Viva La Verve April Challenge, Haven't done much in the way of card-making lately what with all the holidays and Brian being at home.

I thought the sketch was a little difficult at first, but love the way it all came together, and as I had my sewing machine out even did some stitching, not just any old stitching, but some fancy stitiching, to tell the truth I forgot it did fancy stitching.
Papers: October Afternoon. Stamp , freebie

Happy Easter --My Pink Tote Bag

2011-04-23T10:09:00.001+01:00

Hope you are all having a lovely Easter Break. Sorry I haven't had much to post this week, what with Brian working from home, and the beautiful weather here, 25degrees, haven't been up in my craft room lately, so thought I would show another of the bags I made, this time in a super bright pink.

Dashing through the snow- VLVApr2011 week 3

2011-04-18T14:53:00.000+01:00

The weather here lately has been so lovely. Hope you are enjoying the lovely spring weather too. My

My friend Sally and I went walking this morning, and it was wonderful with all the Bluebells out in the woods.No connection with this card LOL. Can't believe it is week 3 of VLV already and here my take on it. I used papers from MME O'christmas tree. label stamp from Waltzingmouse and Christmas sentiment stamp from Verve Stamps.

Great Friend-VLVAPR2011

2011-04-17T10:00:00.001+01:00

week 2 sketch at VLV had me stumped for a while, and yet it is so simple, then my new stamps from LOTV arrived on Saturday, and the little backgroun stamp was just the right size. I inked the papers with TH spun sugar distress ink. The sentiment and flower is Great Friend from Verve Stamps

Edited to add: I was also going enter this in the CR84FN colour challenge but forgot and now have missed the boat, story of my life, but I think the forgetfullness is an age thing.

On Your Anniversary- Mojo Monday

2011-04-16T20:36:00.000+01:00

I have a few personal cards to make this month, May is going to e a very usy month, but when i sat down to craft this morning I'd lost my Mojo so thought maye the Mojo Monday challenge might work, and it did. I used some Craftworkcards paper and an image from LOTV the sentiment stamp and the ribbon stamp are also LOTV.

It's my Party.- The Sweet Stop 103

2011-04-14T07:00:00.001+01:00

This little image is reminds me of Grace's party last month, she got a little upset that she didn't win at the party games until her grandad had a little word with her, then she got on with enjoying her Birthday party.I think this happens at lots of parties.
I used the Desert Blooms papers which is from the same pack as yesterday's post.
Stamp: It's My Party, LOTV
I used the sketch from The Sweet Stop

Dad's 70th.-Sweet Sunday 112

2011-04-12T19:46:00.001+01:00

I made this card for a neighbour whose Dad is turning 70 soon, it is always difficult making a male card let alone a commissioned card, but my neighbour was really pleased with it so that was ok. I used Dessert Blooms papers. and the image is Lazy afternoon and the sentiment are both by LOTV and the banners are Waltzingmouse stamped with TH distress ink. I used the sketch from Sweet Sunday sketch challenge

My Pleated Tote Bag

2011-04-07T19:39:00.000+01:00

I haven't done much in the way of sewing lately, except for some Roman Blinds. When the kids were little I used to make all their clothes, and when my daughter got marrieed I made her bridesmaids dresses. When I went to the NEC a couple of weeks ago I saw some amazing fabrics and when I hopped over to the Cotton Patch website I fell in love with fabulous Amy Butler fabrics, if fact it took me a couple of days to decide which ones to choose. I found a free pattern from Rebeka Lambert and the pattern for the flower brooch which I made from the remnants, is by Carina Gardner.

I will probably have to make another one for my daughter Nicola when she see's this.

Viva La Verve and CR84FN22

2011-04-07T07:00:00.002+01:00

I've combined two challenge today Viva La Verve sketch challenge which is by Amber and CR84FN which means create for fun,at Cupcake's Creations I love the colours pallet in the photos this week.

Papers: October Afternoon. Fly a Kite

Stamps: Verve Stamps: Great Friend

Card patterns 109- Wedding Day

2011-04-06T08:47:00.000+01:00

Don't you just love Weddings, and with the spring and summer looming the wedding season is nearly upon us, i bought some very pretty flowers from QVC by Petaloo the other day and had to use one straight away, with the sparky jewel which I bought at The Hobby House, at the NEC. I used the challenge sketch at Card Patterns. Papers are by K & Co.

Waltzingmouse challenge 41

2011-04-05T12:45:00.001+01:00

The challenge at Waltzingmouse Makes this week is to make some little bitty cards, and I must admit I made these a while a go, hence the christmas theme, some are Waltzingmouse stamps and some are Stampin Up.
Hope the pictures show up as Mr bloggy has been messing around the last few days. and I have had to reload some.

More Warren Cards

2011-04-02T10:26:00.001+01:00

Here are a couple more cards I made with the lovely Warren from Craftworks Cards. Hubby is playing golf today and we are babysitting tonight, so have some time today to hopefully do a little crafting, although as brian pointed out my Craft room is a tip. I know it is but I told him there is an artist at work. Not really just me. But it does need a tidy up, there are a pile of mags and papers need sorting, but the trouble is I go in there to tidy up and just end up crafting, so the tip just gets worse. Oh well life is too short to do the housework. It's April already and I can feel a new blogheader coming on.

Lazy Afternoon.

2011-03-31T13:41:00.000+01:00

Don't you wish we could all spend our aternoons like this, snoozing.....

I used the stamp by LOTV which I bought at the NEC last week. I thought it might be suitable maybe for father's day, which I know isn't until June

I used the sketch by Bev for the Wild orchid sketch challenge and the ribbon girl challenge which is to use yellow and green. Yellow and Green are not colours i usually go for, so was a bit of a challenge all round, but then that is what the challenges are all about.

Warren and Card Patterns 108

2011-03-28T15:28:00.001+01:00

I used the new design from Craftworks Cards, this cute bunny called Warren, I used the coloured image. The sketch is from Card Patterns

My NEC Stash

2011-03-27T20:10:00.000+01:00

I had a great time at he NEC hobbycraft show on Saturday, My daughter- in -law Rhiannon came with me, and we booked a workshop with the lovely Kath, she did a great job of demoing, even though her she was loosing her voice. we made a card using lots of Fiskers tools. Had a little spend , some Tim Holtz goodies and some LOTV stamps, a new heat mat, some new cutting plates for my Big Shot, and a Scor Buddy, some pearl brads and some gemstone brads and some charms, and some mulberry roses etc.

VLVMAR2011- Week 4

2011-03-24T21:26:00.000Z

I have a big box of K & Co papers which I havn't used for ages and found these, really pleased with the way this one turned out and the sketch is super this week on the Viva La Verve sketch challenge, there are 5 sketches this month, so there is one more to complete the month.

Stamps Verve, Beautiful You and Fluttering By

Hip Hip Hooray-WMSC39

2011-03-24T07:52:00.000Z

My new stamps came just in time for the Waltzingmouse challenge and I'm loving these stamps, Bitty Banners,
banners seem every where at the moment, and I think this card card would be suitable for a male.
One of the best thing about Claire's stamps at Waltzingmouse is that they are only in Ireland so I didn't have to wait weeks for them to be delivered. So hop over to Waltzingmouse and have a look around and don't forget the gallery for tons of Inspiration.

Mirror Mirror

2011-03-22T21:25:00.001Z

We went to Ikea on Sunday, don't you love that place? Found this mirror for the pricey sum of £1.22. and decorated it Tim Holtz style. It's not perfect but that's OK it's all about having fun.

Card Patterns 107

2011-03-20T10:13:00.000Z

Another of those dreaded male Birthdays is looming soon so thought I would use the Card Patterns sketch amd the Waltzingmouse stamp and some tim Holtz distress powders to make a star. The sentiment stamp is from LOTV. Papers are Desert Blooms by Trimcraft.

It's the most Wondeful time of the year.

2011-03-17T10:10:00.000Z

No your eyes aren't deceiving you, it is another Christmas Card. It is week 3 on the forum at Viva La Verve Challenge.
Stamp Set: Verve, Christmas is in the Air.
Papers: MME, O' Christmas Tree.

Happy St Patricks Day

Snowflakes

2011-03-16T08:20:00.001Z

I know that some places in the UK have had Snow, mainly Scotland I think, although here it has been sunny of late.

I bought this stamp set from Verve Stamps late last year, too late to make my Christmas cards, but when I saw this sketch from Card Patterns I wanted to use the garland stamp. The set is called Christmas in the air, and at the moment Verve Stamps has a bit of a sale on.
At least I will have a head start on Christmas.

Off to Weight Watchers soon to get my Gold Award, the leader Jo wasn't well last week so I had to wait untill this week hope I havn't put it back on, she might not let me have it, I have been a little naughty this week, kind of celebrateing with cake, choclate and wine. Well sometimes a girl just has to have these things, as well as new clothes etc. because nothing fits. haha.

Sew Configuration Box

2011-03-14T09:19:00.000Z

When I hopped over Lin's blog I was inspired to make my second box which is 6 x 6. It is amazing what you can find at home. I am really pleased with the way this has turned out, and it was so much fun to make.

Some beads which I attached to a Tim Holtz key, and a little bundle of felt, tied with ribbon.

Some tiny seed pearls, and sewing theme brooch which I found in a bag of old jewelry.

An old thimble and some buttons.

The mannequin I cut from metal with my new Tim Holtz die Sewing Room. Which I then embossed and them coloured with white paint and then some drops of ink.

the future

2011-03-11T16:55:00.000Z

I had a little play with my new Paperartisy Stamp set yesterday that I bought when we went to the Tim Holtz workshop and this is what I came up with. I cut the card plaque with the Tim Holtz border die and used Tim Holtz papers. My Daughter went for an interview yesterday within the firm she is alrady working for, and was told later the job was her's and that inspired me to make this.

Bird Cage Card-Sweet Sunday Sketch 107, and some news

2011-03-09T14:17:00.000Z

Before I tell you about my card today I just wanted to let you know my news, well actually I want to shout it from the roof tops. As last I have reached my goal weight at Weight Watchers, it has been a long hard slow journey but I finally did it, and I feel great. Now all I have tio do is maintain it, but it has been so hard to lose it I really don't intend to put it all back on.

Now to my card, I turned the sketch from sweet Sunday and turned it. I embossed the card and distressed it with a Tim Holtz ink pad,
I then decorated the inches with Tim Holtz papers and stamped with inchie stamps. then used distress stickles in Rock Candy and spritzed it with Gold spritzer. I then made the flower with the tim Holtz tattered florals die.

Just Because-VLVMAR2011-Week 2

2011-03-08T18:53:00.000Z

It has been a lovely sunny day here, sunny but cold, it was very frosty -6C first thing this morning. Not that I ventured out spent the day in my craft room. Here is my card for week 2 of Viva la Verve and wasn't sure what to make of the sketch this week. I used some Melissa Frances papers that I've had for a while and the lovely stamp by Verve Stamps.

Stylish blogger Award

2011-03-07T18:03:00.001Z

Thank you Sasha for this Stylish blogger award, I should have posted this a while ago but I'm afraid I couldn't possibly decide which 8 stylish bloggers to send it too. So if you are visiting here please feel free to grab it.
The rules for accepting the award are...

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave it to you - Thank you so much Sasha

2. Share 8 things about myself.

3. Choose 8 bloggers to share it with.

4. Contact the bloggers to let them know.

Here we go - eight things about me...

1. I was married at 16.

2. I became a Grandma at 38.

3. I am a Scorpio

4. I have been married 40yrs to Brian.

5. I have met Tim Holtz.

6. I love blog hopping and sometimes spend too much time here.

7. I can't drive and don't want to learn.

8. I sometimes break the rules.

Memories to Cherish

2011-03-06T19:01:00.001Z

It's been a lovely sunny day here today, but very cold, hubby is away on a golfing weekend so had some fun in my craft room. I used this image from LOTV and had a little difficulty matching the papers, then I remembered these stampin up papers I bought last year.
flowers, pearls and vintage seam binding from Wild Orchid Crafts.
I used the sketch from The Sweet Stop.

Viva La Verve- It's the most wonderful time....

2011-03-05T11:15:00.001Z

I'm afraid there has been a bit of a drought around here since our big adventure last week, think I was all crafted out for a while there. but have recharged myself craftwise that is.
No you are not seeing things, it is a christmas card and it the first of many.
I used stamps by Verve and papers by MME O' christmas tree. I made a flower out of the snowflake stamp and glittered it.
It was super sketch by Amber for week 1 of the VLV march challenge.
The sun is just emerging here at last and I'm off to grace's 6th birthday party soon, she is having a hollywood theme so it should be fun.

What we made next.

2011-02-28T07:30:00.001Z

We spent 4 hours crafting with tim and then After lunch we spent 3 hours crafting with lin and leandra, and this is what we made, not sure what it is, a house sort of thingy, but it is very arty and was great fun to make

What we did with Timmee

2011-02-26T13:35:00.004Z

Kath was blown away by Timmee, she was looking for a bin for our coffe cups, and look what she found.
Even after lots of days of hard work he still had a big smile for us, and was happy to sign autographs and have his photo taken over and over again. He is just a really nice guy

Edited to add: That's better, Kath emailed me this one.

And this is what we made, isn't it cool, bags of trinkets and a Ranger goodie bag. I have never made anything like this before, but it won't be the last one. We had 4hours with Tim and it was absolutly fantastic and I enjoyed every minute.

Tim is such a good teacher he made it seem so simple, the doll is called Charlotte don't know why, but she is a bit spooky.