scrappyjacky

Cute and layered

2012-01-29T22:25:00.000Z

I felt in need of making something 'cute and layered'......I don't think I've made a cute card since before christmas......I must be suffering from withdrawal symptoms!!
I also must be out of practise with the copics......or need some new card.......as the pens seem to be really 'bleeding' today!

When going through my scrap box looking for pieces for my 'Just one sketch' pages.......I came across all these left over pieces from a digi kit I'd made some cards with ages ago.....and decided to try and use them all up......so expect another couple of cards made with these.....it's all from the digi kit......except for the ribbons and gems.

Nice and bright.....for what is an extremely cold,dull day here.

Some challenges......Cute Card Thursday want 'you're a gem'........'anything goes' for Simon Says and Creative Inspirations........and 'ribbon' for Saturday Challenge

One day I'll be writing a diary......

2012-01-28T11:11:00.000Z

thinks Little A.......or more likely "call this a book....where's the pictures?"
After playing with toys, watching some TV and eating lunch.......she picked up DD2's new diary.......and spent quite some time happily turning over the blank pages. We didn't think DD2 would be very impressed if we gave Little A some pencils to have a go herself!!

I thought the Graphic 45 papers were perfect for this page......though as usual with Graphic 45 I had a lot of trouble actually cutting into them!!!!! They always look to me as if they need framing.....not cutting!

You've been framed

2012-01-26T15:02:00.000Z

I received a photo frame from my MIL last christmas.......and when I say 'last christmas' I [shamefacedly] mean christmas 2010.......I knew immediately what I wanted to do with it......and I'd like to say it was the problem of resizing the photos that caused the inexcusable delay......but no......I did manage to do that months ago......and then it just sat in my 'to do' pile!!!!!!
But this week I've been busy 'doing it'.
I used 5 of the spaces for family photos.....with a photo of each of us......and a central one of the kids taken just after DD2 was born.
The other spaces have been embellished with MME 'Lost and Found' scraps.

So now it's ready to hang up.....except.....I'm now not sure about the one b + w photo......and I'm thinking of changing it.....any opinions?

Just One Sketch - will it work for a card

2012-01-24T16:46:00.000Z

I decided to try making a card with my 'Just one Sketch' design.......and if you've seen my usual layered, over the top cards......you'll be surprised at the clean and simple design.......though I'm sure I could make the other type with this sketch!!

I made a set of cards for my MIL for christmas with these pretty Craftwork Cards papers.......so now I'm trying to use up the scraps.

Just One Sketch - Motorbike love

2012-01-22T15:24:00.001Z

I don't often scrap photos of my late brother.....and I really should.....I love these black + white photos of him with his bike......and he truly loved the bike.....the last and largest one that he owned.
So I've used my sketch designed for the 'Just one Sketch' class to scrap them.....using the sketch a bit more loosely this time......and going monochromatic.
Because most of the papers were scraps......I've layered a few behind the photos......together with some of Tim's wonderful tissue tape......and I like the effect of the eyelets at the bottom.

I love this page.......and I'm really pleased that despite using the same sketch......this page looks so different from my first one.
I'm joining in the Sir Stampalot monochromatic challenge.

Confessions of another stamp hoarder

2012-01-20T20:10:00.000Z

Last week Rinda posted 'Confessions of a stamp hoarder'.......with photos of her vast stamp collection.....she keeps them in drawers......in the bedroom....even in the bathroom......and she admitted to owning over 3000 stamps!!
I was seriously impressed.....and made the mistake of commenting that I'd never counted mine.......but thought I probably had about 100.
Well.....I only have 3 plastic drawers and 1 wicker basket of them [err....it seems there might be a reason for this....something to do with most of them being acrylic stamps.....and me being highly disorganised].
Rinda was highly sceptical......and challenged me to ACTUALLY count them. I should, of course, have pretended I never received her email......as it seems she was quite right!!!

christmas stamps

When I ACTUALLY counted them........the number was 429.......where have they all come from????.......they must be multiplying!!

In mitigation many of them are small.......lots of them were free with magazines......or kits......and there's a whole load of sentiment stamps.....vital to a cardmaker, of course.

Do I need this many stamps? YES

Have I used them all? NO.......but only a few of the free ones haven't been inked yet, any I've bought [apart from my latest must-haves] have been used......and a few I've grown tired of have been re-sold on Ebay.

Do I need more stamps? YES...YES...YES......you can never have too many stamps!!

I mean......with the queen's Golden Jubilee and the London Olympics this year.....how could I possibly not need these latest acquisitions!!!!

What I need is not less stamps....but a better storage system!!!!!

Are you a stamp hoarder.......will you take up Rinda's challenge and actually count them.......[yes, that does mean you, KathyK]

Just One Sketch - I can count

2012-01-19T13:12:00.000Z

I'm joining in Miss Smith's 'Just one Sketch' class......and my last post was about the sketch I've designed to work on through this class.

The first page based on the sketch is made.......Little A was playing on the floor with coasters......she picked them up one at a time......doing that cute 'counting' thing that little ones do in imitation of adults.
"un.....soo.....soo.....soo" she said......saying one word for each coaster as she picked them up.
"she's already learning to count" said DS proudly.

You can see her mouthing the words in the middle photo......Stella,of course, wanted to join in!

Just One Sketch

2012-01-16T19:09:00.002Z

I've joined Miss Smith's 'Just One Sketch' class.......I love working with sketches, the class only cost £5 and all the proceeds go to the Girl Guide Association......so how could I turn that down.
Kirsty began by encouraging us to pick some of our favourite pages and look at what design elements the layouts have in common.......what do we love about them......and then design a sketch based on those elements.

Looking back at some of my favourite layouts of the past year.......I noticed how many of them have a line of 3 or 4 photos across [or down] the page.....layered onto patterned papers......often with a group of embellishments at one edge of the photos......so the sketch I came up with for this class is based on these elements.......and looks something like this!!!!

And let me tell you......it took longer to get the sketch on here than to design it........Word 2010 point blank refused to save it as an image......though it looks pretty much like an image to me......it wouldn't save it into Paint.....it wouldn't even convert to an JPEG when saved as a web page.....so if anyone knows how to convert in Word 2010......please do tell!!!!!

Hopefully.....when my torn out hair has re-grown......a layout based on the sketch will soon appear on here.

I can do it!!

2012-01-15T09:06:00.000Z

Little A came for a few hours on Christmas Day........she had so many presents to open......far too many really......her parents muttered about needing to move home to fit all her toys in!!!!!
She soon got the hang of unwrapping......and was determined to do it herself.....though a few very well wrapped up items did defeat her!!!!

Journal Your Christmas - the completed album

2012-01-13T08:22:00.001Z

My Christmas Journal is complete.....starting at the end of November and finishing at New Year......and with minimal embellishing......it hasn't ended up too fat this year [or should that be last year??].

All put together with rings.......and finished off with some fibres and ribbons.

I have loved doing JYC this [last!] year.....more than in previous years......and I think the reasons for this are
1. Making the basics of all the pages in November made it so much easier to complete each page in
December. The entire preparation took me about 2 hours.......I could easily have spent that amount
of time faffing around choosing supplies each day!!!!
2. Using one set of supplies.....Simple Stories christmas pad.......meant everything co-ordinated and
it was easy to find a small selection of matching embellishments. I ended up using very few
extra embellishments as there were plenty of useful bits left in the pad to add to pages.
3. All the above meant that each page only took about half an hour on average to complete in
December.......time I could easily find.......so no stressing!!
4. This December I had far more than usual going on......this meant I hardly used Shimelle's
prompts.....even though I read them each day.......if I had less going on another year......I'd just
refer to the prompts more.
5. Deciding not to number the pages made it much easier......many of them didn't have to be done in
any particular order.......and I liked just dating those that did occur on a set date.
6. The size worked really well.......7 x 7 using 6 x 6 papers.....small enough to complete the page
quickly........but large enough for more than one photo when I wanted.

I'll definately be doing it this way again next [this] year........thank you all so much for all the lovely comments that have been left throughout my postings.......and I've really enjoyed looking at all your JYC postings as well.

Journal Your Christmas - New Year

2012-01-11T16:48:00.000Z

And so to the last page in 2011's Christmas Journal........this turned out to be a very simple page to make......as I decided the story that I told here of DD2 and the New Year fireworks was a perfect entry.......and a perfect finish to the journal.

I always finish my journal with New Year.....somehow going into January just doesn't seem right for a Christmas journal!!!

And a card to match

2012-01-09T09:18:00.003Z

Having made my 'stitchery' canvas as a birthday gift.......I decided that in the spirit of 'doing' rather than 'leaving til the last minute'........I'd make the card to go with it.

I made it to sort of co-ordinate with the canvas........using up some scraps of Cosmo Cricket 'Material Girl' papers [I'm getting quite into using up scraps.....though the box doesn't seem to go down at all!!]........and as the recipient is very into vintage.....my new Crafty Individuals stamp.....with a bit of distressing.....seemed perfect.
And with gifts received for christmas in mind....there's a few challenges wanting you to use something new this week.......Simon Says......Fab'n'Funky.......Papertake Weekly and Cute Card Thursday.......and The Shabby Tearoom have a photo themed stitchery challenge.

A 'stitched' canvas

2012-01-07T18:40:00.000Z

Back in November I won a canvas kit from the mega-talented Kath........it was a 'spare' from a workshop she'd tutored....and contained everything needed to make this canvas....including the stamps.This was a perfect blog candy prize for me.......to make as a birthday gift for a 'stitchy' friend.

Christmas got in the way a bit.......but now it's finally made.......I followed a lot of Kath's instructions.......but put my own twist on it.

I started by covering the canvas with old torn up tissue dressmaker's pattern......brushed over with diluted cream paint to tone it down a bit.......and stamped on it with some of the 'stitching' stamps......then added some of Kath's prepared pieces......as well as some extra ones I cut out.

This has definately made me think more about stamping on fabric.......not something I've done much before.......it really worked well.

So thank you very much for this,Kath........I love it.....and hope my friend will as well.

Journal Your Christmas - the day after Christmas

2012-01-06T08:50:00.000Z

Boxing Day was a bit different this year.....usually it's a day when we get together with other members of the family.....but for various reasons we didn't this year.

Boxing Day always used to be a day when the shops were closed......not any more......the sales started in our town centre......so while OH and myself sorted some of the debris left from Christmas Day.....the DDs headed off for a fortifying full English breakfast in Debenhams before hitting the sales.

We were due for lunch at G's at 1.00pm.......so rang them at 12.00 to see how they were getting on

"We'll be home soon" said DD1 "we can't carry anymore!!"

She wasn't joking.......they must have bought up half the town......or at least half of New Look and River Island.

The rest of the day was spent at our friend G's.......eating....drinking.......relaxing.......watching movies.

My Christmas Day 'page' was all photos and no journaling........and the opposite on Boxing Day......no photos at all.......it will probably be the only page with no photos.

One Little Word

2012-01-05T08:40:00.000Z

Last year I chose 'develop' as my one little word to focus on.......and blogged about it here......I don't think I did nearly as well as Cheri and Rinda who managed to really focus on their words and who've blogged about how well they got on with them all year.
I had 4 areas I particularly wanted to develop
1. Creativity........I tried art journaling.....but really didn't feel comfortable with it......I tried mixed media collage through a 'She Art' class and loved it ......and that has been a big creative development for me this year.......and some of the ideas from that have seeped into my cardmaking as well.....so I feel I've had some success in this one.

2. Bravery........I'm not a risk taker.....and I always worry about failing......but wanted to take a chance more often ...... hmmm.....well I have developed a bit more bravery in trying out new things.......and I have started a new job I'm not too sure about......but that's about it on this one!!

3. Digital skills......I wanted to develop my digital skills last year....try to use Photoshop....attempt some hybrid......that would be a resounding 'no' then!!

4. Healthier Lifestyle.......healthier eating.....better portion control....more exercise.......a definate failure there,I'm afraid.

So all in all.......I didn't do too well with focusing on my word last year......but thinking about how I didn't do too well.......gave me the idea for this year's word.......which is going to be

doing

as in 'doing it' rather than 'thinking about it' or 'reading about it' or 'admiring it' or 'planning it' or 'putting it off' or 'pinning it'!!!!

I'm the world's worst procrastinator........I work entirely to deadlines......you can bet if I've got a month to complete something.......I'll be up the night before finishing it.......not anymore......this year I'm just going to get on and 'do it'!!!!!!

[including the healthier lifestyle]

Journal Your Christmas - a last minute gift!!

2012-01-04T07:55:00.000Z

Twas the night before christmas.......and a friend came to visit DD1.......bringing cards and a gift for her......and he also brought a very unexpected gift for us......a Marks & Spencer christmas cake......beautifully decorated......and what caught my eye......yep, those cute felt gingerbread men.....I'm sure they'll be appearing in a craft project sometime soon!!

And the cake was delicious as well!!!!!

Storytelling Sunday [or Monday?] - What fireworks?

2012-01-02T19:36:00.000Z

I didn't have a story on Sunday........now I do!!!!

Most sources seem to agree that the fireworks set off in London on New Years Eve were possibly the most spectacular on the planet.....a quarter of a million people lined the Thames watching them.....even on the TV they looked amazing

How lucky then that DD2 had gone to London with friends to see in the New Year.

She arrived home today......tired and bleary eyed......but having had a great time.

"What did you think of the fireworks" I said

"What fireworks?" she said

"What fireworks!!!!! The ones in London, of course" I said

"I didn't see any fireworks" she said "I was in a club"

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T09:31:00.000Z

We will open the book. The pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. This book is called opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.
-Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Journal Your Christmas - the day itself!!

2011-12-31T16:07:00.000Z

We had a lovely......if rather manic....Christmas Day......9 adults....2 children......and not forgeting the 2 dogs!! Oh......and one cat [who was mainly absent].

This is the one 'page' in the album that has no journaling........I just wanted the photos to 'speak' for the day......I wanted lots of them......and a wide variety.

I ended up using 3 pages.......and it was the only time making this album that I would have liked bigger pages!!

Hopefully it manages to give a flavour of the day.

Journal Your Christmas - a bit of baking

2011-12-30T08:07:00.000Z

DD2 and I spent most of one day with the last minute preparations for christmas.........and a lot of that was baking.

Amongst other things we made stollen for the first time [shhhhhh....we weren't actually too keen on it]........and although we always make semolina biscuits.....this year we made them into a star tree......which went down very well on Christmas Day......along with the mars bar trifle.......with those who don't like christmas pudding.

The christmas cake was iced and decorated.......we had great fun with the edible glitter.

And some greenery was picked from the garden to make some floral decorations.......that I hope will last through to New Year.

Journal Your Christmas - Meeting Santa

2011-12-28T18:06:00.000Z

I couldn't resist adding a page about Little A's first 'official' meeting with Santa........according to her mum......most of the other little ones were very wary of him [DD2 was terrified of Santa as a small child]........but Little A was straight over there and up on his lap.......and seemed completely fascinated by him......and doesn't he just look like the real Santa!!

Though I'm not sure if we should be slightly worried by her being fascinated with strange men!!!!

Little A's Christmas post

2011-12-26T20:00:00.000Z

Oh wow.....is it all for me?

How did Santa know Minnie Mouse is my absolute favourite?

One day I'm going to be famous!!

I think I'm getting the hang of this unwrapping lark.

Thank you so much for my lovely present.

Ok doggie....this is no time for sleeping.

What's in this one dad......and I know this is my new hat.......but why am I wearing it indoors?

At least my hat doesn't look as silly as yours!!

And if these presents just keep coming......we may have to move house.

Which one exactly is the biggest?

It's about time for a cuddle.

Ok.........I'm getting bored now....it might be time to go home.

Hope your Christmas was as much fun as mine.

Happy Christmas

2011-12-24T21:47:00.000Z

Happy Christmas everyone

Countdown to Christmas 23- This brought a tear to my eye

2011-12-23T15:47:00.000Z

It's rare I have a post with no photo.......but I really wanted to share this conversation I had with DD1 yesterday.......it brought a tear to my eye....partly from sadness....and partly from something else entirely.
She came home from work with Christmas cards......and showed me one.
It read......

To Tasha

Have a VERY Happy Christmas

Thank you for being so kind to me.

love J

Now DD1 works in a BUPA Care Home and I assumed it was from one of her clients.

Me "that's nice she appreciates what you do for her"

DD "J's not a client....I work with her......she used to work on the 3rd floor and they were all horrible to her....they didn't talk to her....they laughed at her......they told her she was useless"

Me "why on earth were they like that"

DD "because they're t.....s!"

Me "is there something wrong with her"

DD "NO.....she's a lovely lady....and do you know....she's 75 years old and still working. Now she's working on our floor and A and I have taken her under our wing.......and we make sure she's ok......and chat to her......and include her in everything"

Me "I'm so pleased to hear that"

DD "And it's a good thing A and I were at the Christmas meal.......because otherwise J would have been all on her own......with nobody talking to her. We made her sit with us.....and we made her get up and dance with us. She said she'd had a lovely time.I just don't understand why some people pick on someone and are so horrible"

Neither do I,Tasha......but I'm so glad you're not one of them.

Countdown to Christmas 22 - JYC - Another meal-more goodbyes??

2011-12-22T13:15:00.000Z

Looking at my christmas journal......I realise there's a lot of pre-christmas eating and drinking going on this year.......a lot of christmas socials........far more than usual......my clothes are going to be complaining after Christmas,I'm sure!!
And on Tuesday evening yet another one......a meal out with my close colleagues from our 'Family Learning' team......which included food,drink and a Secret Santa......we had a great evening........and were the last people to leave the restaurant....I think when they started to totally clear the table we realised we might have outstayed our welcome!!

The evening ended with us all agreeing to regularly meet for a meal together.......I do hope it manages to actually happen.

Countdown to Christmas 21- definately the last one this year

2011-12-21T07:52:00.000Z

This is....it really is....the last card I'm making this year!!!!!
And entering the last challenges this year as well.........Crazy Challenge want 'christmas'........ 'last minute cards' for Charisma........'the last christmas card' [very apt] for Papertake Weekly........and 'christmas animals' for Oldie but Goldie

This is also my last day at work this year.......so from tomorrow.......it's time for baking.

Countdown to Christmas 20- A bit last minute!

2011-12-20T10:24:00.000Z

One of my resolutions ~~next~~ this year should be to make a list of everyone I want to send a handmade christmas card to......and do it now.......that would save a last minute panic......I am 2 cards short for a Christmas meal I'm attending.....2 people I definately want handmade cards for......so here's the first one......made slightly quicker than usual!!

And Shimelle's lesson to use patterned papers layered up without mounting on cardstock comes in very useful when you need to be speedy!!

Countdown to Christmas 19- JYC - Favourites

2011-12-19T08:04:00.000Z

There's a few decorations that have to come out each year....in fact, they're usually added to each year.....even though the DDs aren't too keen on them.
I love christmas candles.......cinnamon ones to burn......and 'folksy' ones to save.....I usually find a new one in my christmas stocking each year [thanks,Santa]........and as well as dotting them round the house.......I always have some in the hallway grouped with some other 'folksy' decorations and little lights.
It just wouldn't be christmas without them!!

Countdown to Christmas 18-JYC- An unexpected gift

2011-12-18T12:04:00.000Z

On Wednesday evening I met with my friends J and S for our weekly 'crafty' get together. J was adding buttons to her knitted bunting.....S was stitching a stuffed heart garland......and I was altering my box and making cards.....we were crafting and drinking coffee and eating cakes and chatting and laughing......and exchanging christmas gifts.
So getting a gift from S wasn't unexpected.......but her saying "you need to open it now as you might want it before christmas" was.
Inside the pretty paper was a beautiful mixing bowl......and a bag of stollen mix......we both laughed......because we knew why she'd bought it.
The previous evening we'd both been at a christmas quiz.......'what type of food is stollen?' asked one of the questions.......we both thought it was cake.....but another member of our table was very sure it was bread.
Seems like we were right.......and now I'll be able to find out what it tastes like!!

Countdown to Christmas 17- A little bit of altering

2011-12-17T09:17:00.000Z

Back in the summer I made a set of cards with the gorgeous MME Lost and Found papers.......as a christmas present for my non-cardmaking SIL.

I wanted to put them in a box.....but couldn't find a suitable one........then when I was unpacking all our christmas stuff.....I couldn't believe my luck.....I found a box just the right size in a fairly neutral colour. I used some of the paper scraps to do a little bit of altering on the top.

And with the final few pieces made a couple of cards.

I may be very brave and print a greeting directly onto this bottom one

The challenge at TipTopTuesday is 'make a gift'......Charisma Cardz want 'last minute christmas makes'.......and Fairy Tale want 'a gift box'.

Countdown to Christmas 16- JYC - Christmas tree

2011-12-16T07:36:00.000Z

The Christmas tree is one of my favourite 'christmasy' things.......DD2 and I decorated it at the weekend......she was in charge......apparently she has better taste than me.....and certain 'tacky' decorations are not allowed on the tree.....but they're still hiding in the bottom of the box.......waiting their chance in future years!!!
Our ancient lights had given up the ghost......so a new 'multi function' set were purchased.....and for my JYC Journal entry I decided to focus on the lights this year.

sorry for slightly blurry photo

You can tell I'm not a great photographer.....but I still like the effect of the lights against the dark background.

Countdown to Christmas 15 - a family tradition

2011-12-15T08:36:00.000Z

It's a bit of a tradition in our family to go to Christmas fairs.......the children loved them when they were little.....and I like snapping up bargains.......and getting creative ideas.
This year my MIL has moved into a 'care home'.......she really couldn't look after herself and her home properly anymore.....she didn't want to move......but now she's there.....she loves it.....and has made friends with 2 other elderly ladies......they sit together in the lounge putting the world to rights......though the DDs think they look and sound more like a witches coven!!!!!!
Anyway.....on Saturday it was the Home's Christmas Fair....all the money raised provides entertainment for the residents......so our whole family went along to add to the funds.

And who was the star of the show.....Little A.....keeping all the residents amused with her antics!!
She was given far too much chocolate......but managed to eat all of it without getting a trace anywhere.......apparently chocolate is the only thing she eats without plastering it all over herself.....too keen for every morsel to go in her mouth.

We also managed to come home with an enormous hamper of fruit....courtesy of the raffle.

Countdown to Christmas 14- JYC -The end of an era

2011-12-14T07:56:00.000Z

The last 3 months have been a bitter/sweet time at work.......the government funded organisation that I've worked for for the past 10 years closes its doors on December 31st......it would be easy to blame government cutbacks.......but the local education authority had been given the money to fund it......they chose to use it elsewhere.....despite massive protests by the local schools.
Each week there have been less and less people in the office.....as they were redeployed......or found other jobs......it began to look like a ghost town.....and even the furniture and resources began disappearing
On Friday we had our work christmas party.......billed by the organisers as 'The Big One'......because it was the last one.....ever.....and over 100 employees and former employees attended....a grand sending off for an organisation that has changed the lives of many children and their parents locally.
It was also a rather loud and raucous send off......with large quantities of food and alcohol.......the music cranked up.......the games very silly......the laughter and the tears flowing.

And with my JYC page I decided to focus on the debris........possibly the sign of a great party??

Countdown to Christmas 13 - JYC - How do you wrap your presents?

2011-12-13T09:21:00.000Z

Anyone who's seen any of my past Christmas Journals will know I hate wrapping presents........I love making them......buying them......giving them.....receiving them.....I even love seeing beautifully wrapped presents......but I just don't have the patience for it myself!!!!
Then last week I received a gift.....that decided me to make a totally different page this year......no whinging about wrapping.....just admiration for what I'd received.
Because as well as being beautifully wrapped.......this gift came with a unique handmade tag......the most gorgeous knitted holly.

And because the photos printed a bit dark......here's the original.....how cool is that on a tag??

Do you wrap beautifully....or just get it wrapped??

Countdown to Christmas 12 - Afternoon tea anyone??

2011-12-12T14:06:00.000Z

Last Thursday some of the ladies from my W.I. group had a pre-christmas treat of 'afternoon tea' at a local hotel.....the £10 cost seemed a little expensive to me......but boy.......was I wrong......I've never felt so full in my life!!!!!

We had dozens of exquisite little sandwiches in a variety of flavours......hot welsh rarebit........scones with jam and cream.......an assortment of cakes.......and hot mince pies.......all washed down with a never ending supply of tea......and the service was brilliant.

We spent 2 hours eating, drinking,chatting,laughing.....and never felt in the least bit rushed.

And as such great service deserves publicising.......the hotel in question was 'The White Rock' hotel in Hastings......give it a try if you're ever in the area.

This definately had to go in my JYC album.

Countdown to Christmas 11- JYC - guilty pleasures

2011-12-11T11:39:00.000Z

Completely off prompt again.......but I was thinking about one of my ~~guilty pleasures~~ favourite things about this time of year........magazines.......oh yes.......I'm a real magazine addict.......most of the year this addiction is kept under control.......but come Nov/Dec I just can't resist all the 'christmasy' magazines.....be they craft ones, cookery ones, home decor ones......just looking at the covers make me want to buy them......and I spend far too much money buying them at a time of year that I have more important things to buy.......so it's probably a good thing I buy/make most of my christmas gifts before December!!!

Do you have a guilty pleasure at this time of year??

Countdown to Christmas 10- 10 christmas creates on the 10th

2011-12-10T08:46:00.000Z

This is my post for Shimelle's 10 things on the 10th........and as I've heard it's christmas soon.......some christmasy inspiration.....and hopefully clicking on the photo will take you to the link.
1. It has to be Tim's 12 tags of christmas......and one year I'm going to join in this!!

2. This lovely knitted advent calendar.......I'd like to make this for Little A next year.

3. A beautiful mixed media christmas tree collage by Christy Tomlinson........I so love her work......and want to try my own one of these.

4. These stunning patchwork baubles.....can be recycled from old ones.....and there's a tutorial with them.

5. This snowflake made by Sue for her Journal Your Christmas album.....and she has a link to the YouTube video tutorial.

6. A great way to use old newspapers to make a shimmering christmas tree.......from Martha Stewart with a tutorial.

7. Some really cute owl decorations........perfect for making during an evening of TV.....with downloadable patterns.

8. This peppermint bark sounds.......and looks.....like a delicious christmas treat [thanks Margi].......I love anything minty.......so will definately be giving it a try......go check out the recipe.

9. These lovely little crocheted holly leaves by Lucy at Attic 24.........complete with a perfect tutorial/pattern.

10. I love Kath's wonderful,creative and funny blog.....she has a tutorial for this lovely snowflake decoration.

Hope you've enjoyed these 10 christmas ideas........you can find more '10 on the 10th' here.

Countdown to Christmas 9- time for a card

2011-12-09T08:52:00.000Z

It seemed like I'd made a lot of cards this year.......but not quite enough it seems......I have managed one or two more........but time will get the better of me,I'm afraid..........and a few people may have to have shop bought cards.

I've been using up scraps again........and I'm hoping the snowflakes stay on the card.....and don't start falling from the sky.......because the temperature is definately falling here!!!

And a few challenges as I haven't done any for ages........Cute and Girly,Sweet Stampin and Tip Top Tuesday want 'let it snow'......Crazy Challenge and Creative Inspirations want 'snow'......Paperplay want 'snowman'.......Incy Wincy want 'non-traditional colours'.......'anything goes' for PapertakeWeekly and Cute Card Thursday.......'tis the season' for Creative Card Crew

Countdown to Christmas 8- What a difference a year makes!!

2011-12-08T09:21:00.001Z

I was originally going to ignore the JYC weather prompt......I've written about the weather in my 3 previous albums......I was getting bored with it......exactly how much can you write about the weather....even if you live in a country that is obsessed by it!!!!!
But looking at last year's album I saw the photo I'd taken on Dec. 1st ........and realised that I most certainly did want to document the weather....or should I say the difference in the weather.
Why??
Because last year the snow was so deep in my garden it went over the top of my wellies.....poor little white Stella [the vet's pension plan] had to swim through it.......and the country........quite literally.....had ground to a halt.
And this Dec. 1st???
The garden is still full of flowers......I'd yet to de-ice the car in the morning.......and it was warm enough to wander round town without a coat.

What a difference a year makes!!!!!!

Countdown to Christmas 7- JYC- christmas cards

2011-12-07T07:52:00.000Z

Anyone who visits my blog will know how much I love making cards.....and I REALLY love making christmas cards.....I love sending them.....and actually should have made a few more this year.

So my JYC page in response to Shimelle's prompt has a card slipped in next to it.......I do this in the album each year.......it might be interesting to look back at the different styles in years to come!!!!

The page itself has some christmas card verses added and some 'postal stamps' stamped on.

I loved Amy's page here.......and her journaling about the meaning of sending christmas cards.......and the connections they solidify.......my feelings about them are very similar.
Thanks to all for the numbering suggestions.......and I've decided to date the pages that are about a particular event.....and the more 'generally christmasy' ones......like this page....won't be numbered at all.

Countdown to Christmas 6- Gift cards

2011-12-06T07:57:00.000Z

I like giving 'real' gifts.......and I avoid giving cash as a gift whenever possible....but sometimes....especially for older teenagers and 20 somethings.....choosing the right gift can be really difficult......so then I do sometimes resort to a gift card......for use in a favourite shop. I know my nieces love shopping at New Look and my nephews always need 'car bits' from Car Crazy....much better that they choose what they really want....than have to return my 'wrong' choice!!!!

But I do like to make a gift card holder to pop it inside......just a bit more personal. The top one just flips open for the gift card to sit inside.

These two are more 'girly'........and open up like a card. The cupcakes were a free download.

Inside they just need a pocket to tuck the gift card into......mine match the papers used on the outside

And if it's a voucher......rather than a card........a longer version........with a long pocket inside.

I'm hoping they'll like them......I'm pretty sure they'll like what's inside them!!!!

Countdown to Christmas 5- Journal Your Christmas first page

2011-12-05T08:26:00.000Z

I'm not particularly following the prompts on JYC this year....though I'm reading them and getting inspiration from them.
I want to mainly record 'our family' happenings......rather than more general 'christmasy' things.....though one or two of them will undoubtedly sneak in.....and I don't want a page every day either.
But this does mean that my journal has started before December.
Every year [for the last 20 odd years!!] we get together with a group of friends for a pre-christmas meal.......usually at the end of November......before the manic season starts.....not everybody can make it each year....so the participants vary....and some come quite a long distance.
It's a time for catching up, gossiping,photo sharing,laughing......and generally having a good time.....and it is truly the start of our christmas.

I want to add some sort of numbering.......but not quite sure what yet........dates perhaps ......suggestions gratefully received.

Countdown to Christmas 4- Storytelling Sunday.

2011-12-04T09:15:00.000Z

Christmas 2003 should have been a very sad one.....my mum had been diagnosed with a terminal illness....and we knew it would be her last one.......but in many ways it was the exact opposite.

There were 14 of us for Christmas Day....my brother and his family joined us for the first time in many years......mum had all her grandchildren around her.......and she had a wonderful time......and so did we.

Strangely it was a good thing we knew it would be our last one together as it meant it turned into a celebration.

Christmas truly weaved its magic.

This is my post for Sian's Storytelling Sunday....see the others here.

Countdown to Christmas 3- Clean and Simple

2011-12-03T12:41:00.000Z

Now here's a surprise.....because CAS isn't really me at all.......messy and overloaded is probably a more apt description!!!!
But I saw this card on Pinterest.......and really liked it.......and thought I'd have go......and despite the fact that simple always seems to turn into 'a lot more complicated' whenever I do try it [why is that???]......I'm quite pleased with the end result.

Which made me decide to make something fairly similar......though I'm not so happy with how the sentiment has stamped on this second one......which is why I rarely stamp directly onto cards!!!

But I'm liking kraft more and more.

Countdown to Christmas 2- Christmas mail art??

2011-12-02T08:36:00.000Z

I've loved being part of Ginger's mail art exchange this year.......it's been great fun decorating envelopes to post across the world......and just as much fun receiving them......so sending christmas cards in plain white envelopes seemed a tad boring in comparison.
But.....and it's a big but.......I send a lot of cards......and I don't have time to highly decorate them all.....so could I find a simple solution......well.....I thought I had......but as you may have noticed.....with me......simple doesn't tend to be quite as simple as I'd envisaged!!!!!

I began by spraying a whole group of envelopes at once......so far,so good.....these were all left to dry for a couple of hours.

I then stenciled snowflakes on each envelope using a brass stencil and a white paste.......slight 'slowing down' problem quickly became apparent.......after about 4 cards.....the stencil began to ooze a bit......so washing it off was needed.......but not too big a problem.

I had, of course, forgotten that once the paste dampened the spray paint, it would mix the colours slightly.....but never mind.......the effect was still there.

And I do think they make a change from white envelopes......and they were still fairly quick to make.

But then our mail was delivered in the pouring rain today......and some of it was wet......and I now have visions of postmen with blue stained hands.......and christmas cards with blue streaks.......and the Post Office 'heavies' banging on my door demanding compensation.....and the recipients sending me their dry cleaning bills......hmmmm......p'raps I better not post them at all....or pray for dry weather [throughout the world]!!!!!!

Countdown to Christmas 1- Journal Your Christmas

2011-12-01T10:41:00.000Z

Welcome to December.....I love this month....and I'm going to try and do a 'Countdown to Christmas' post every day.....no promises mind!!!!
Today has to be about the start of Shimelle's 'Journal Your Christmas' class.....it's not too late to join this inspiring class.....an email prompt every day into January.....full of inspiring ideas.....a very friendly forum.....and once you join you're in it forever......and you end up with a wonderful record of your christmas each year.
This is my fourth year of making the journal.......I won't be following all the prompts....or making a page every day......but my journal [amazingly enough] is made and ready to start.

And,of course, today is the start of Tim's '12 Tags of Christmas'.......a must for any Timmie fans.....and though I probably won't be making them.......I'll be following what Tim makes......the first one is already here.......and I'll watching how Kath [the biggest non-grungy Tim fan] interprets them!!

Christmas begins now!!!!

A weekend away

2011-11-29T23:24:00.000Z

OH and myself have had a long weekend away.
We left early Sunday morning.......and as for once the M25 seemed to realise it was a road,not a car park.....we arrived at RHS Wisley just as The Contemporary Craft Fair was about to open. It was full of the most wonderful handmade items.....most beyond our means......but OH did buy my christmas present.....a small picture by mixed media artist Arleen Wild .....which I can't show you yet....as it has been put away til christmas!!

We then traveled to the Cotswolds to visit my aunt and uncle.....before arriving at our hotel.......an internet special deal. A stunning hotel in the village of Painswick.......with some wonderful little touches.......I could definately get used to having my bed turned down each evening with the addition of some 'sweet dreams' confectionery left on the pillow!

My favourite part was this balcony.......with wonderful views.....and a tree that had been trained to grow through the bars!

'Fine dining' was part of the experience.....the food was delicious......but we would have prefered it to be a little less decorative....and a bit more substantial!! The buffet breakfasts were definately more to our taste......and the homemade fruit compote with yoghurt served in mini kilner jars were a highlight.

Monday saw us off to Bath Christmas Market.....I've wanted to go to a christmas market for ages.......and it didn't disappoint......about 100 little chalets filled with every delight possible.....many of them in the shadow of the Abbey.....and having learned from the previous evening....we had a substantial lunch as well!!

Many of the shops were decorated as well.......and we managed quite a bit of christmas present shopping......plus a few christmas 'treats' found their way into our bags.

Tuesday morning saw us off to Gloucester.....and a visit to the Designer Outlet there......some final christmas shopping......and a quick visit to Hobbycraft.......before a rather wet journey home......all in all....a very enjoyable 'weekend'.

Stack it up

2011-11-26T15:57:00.000Z

Shimelle's 'Pretty Paper Party' class has finished........but I'm definately not finished.........I'm partying on.......I've still got so much more to create from this inspiring class.......including this card created in response to the 'stack it up' prompt........lots of papers stacked up under the picture......a great way to use up scraps......or pieces you're not so keen on any more.

A lovely,simple technique........lots of squares of paper with a LOTV bear balanced on top.....finished off with some punched snowflakes, glitter and a sentiment.

Lots of xmas challenges are around now......EverybodyArt, Totally Papercrafts,Pollycraft want 'christmas'....... Polka Doodles want 'Italian christmas' [think red,white and green]........Papertake Weekly want 'festive'.....Charisma Cards want 'snowflakes'......'anything goes' for LOTV.....and Totally Gorjuss want 'sparkle'

And OH and myself are now off for a weekend jaunt!!!

A New Home card....or maybe an obsession?

2011-11-24T17:41:00.000Z

You know you must be getting obsessed when you use the same papers for almost every card.!!! I just couldn't resist using more of the MME 'Sunshine' scraps when I made this New Home card.

The house and roof were made with some 'recycled' corrugated card........some additional stamping........and fabric flowers.......though I wasn't so happy with how they turned out......a bit difficult to get them twisting properly on such a small scale........so more practise needed there!!
This paper really is nearly finished now....only a few scraps left....but at least I've got my money's worth out of it!!

Catching up on cards

2011-11-22T14:33:00.000Z

It's lucky I'd made so many of my christmas cards in September/October......because due to Shimelle's wonderful 'Pretty Paper Party' class.......I've been so busy scrapping in November.......that I've made almost none......I do have a very few more to make.....so here's another of my freebie Milton images.....paired up with some Authentique papers.

The flowers on the printed image were white......so I coloured them red to match the added poinsettia.....and distressed it all a little.
Not many more to go now......but I can hardly believe that some of them actually have to be posted next week!!

I think this one fits in with Pollycraft's 'christmas fun' challenge.

A patchwork page

2011-11-20T14:28:00.000Z

One of Shimelle's prompts was inspired by stitching......patchwork to be exact......some of the inspiration pages looked gorgeous......but a bit complicated to me.....so I've gone for something simple.....but I think it's still quite effective.......to document the visit of my brother and niece earlier this year.

I found lots of scraps of blue and orange seaside related papers and patchworked squares round the edge of the page.....it was a great way of using up small scraps......I'll definately use this technique again.

Preparing to document Christmas

2011-11-18T21:40:00.000Z

I pondered on whether to make a December Daily.....or a Journal your Christmas....or a combination of the two.....but then I realised that actually I don't want to document every day................and I want to start it in November......as we have a couple of christmasy events this month.......so JYC it is.
As I've taken part in this class for the past 3 years.....I won't be following all the prompts.....but I will be reading them....as they're always inspirational......and I'll definately be joining in on the forum.
Choosing what to make the album with was easy......I saw the Simple Stories pad at Ally Pally......and knew it would be perfect.....but as part of the pad is journaling spot,tags and embellishments.......I added some Authentique papers to complete the backgrounds.

The papers are 6 x 6......so I've used 7 x 7 backing card.......and the entire album is now made......which is a first for me......making the pages before choosing the photos!!

The front cover is completed.......and some of the pages even have journaling spots and embellishments added before I have any idea about the photos or memorabilia.....that's pretty scary for me!!!!

I've been through my christmas stash and chosen some bits and pieces as a basic embellishments kit.....so now I'm good to go!!!!!

Going digi?????

2011-11-15T15:02:00.000Z

One of Shimelle's prompts was all about using digital elements on your projects.......now digital scrapbooking is beyond me......much as I admire others' digital pages........and I love playing with paper too much.......but printing and using digi stuff is something I do......especially in cardmaking.

I have an enormous file on the computer full of digi downloads....a few of them have been purchased.....but mainly they're freebies......and there's some great free stuff out there....including some wonderful kits which are meant for digital scrapbooking.......though for me they're meant for printing out and making cards with!!!!

What I really love about them is that........unlike 'real' supplies.......they can be resized......and printed on a variety of paper or card.......so can be modified for any sized/type of project.

This was one of the first digi cards I made.....everything except the Tilda was from a seaside kit [sorry I can't remember where it came from].....and I hope my colouring's improved a bit since then!!!

This one has just been made.......and apart from the LOTV image.....everything is from a free winter kit from Summertime Designs.......who's blog is full of wonderful free kits. She has a 'fall' one at the moment.

If you haven't used digi elements yet.......take a look out there......you'll find some that are just perfect for you.

Blogging Friends.......and meeting KathyK

2011-11-14T15:28:00.001Z

I realised when I had no computer.....how much I missed my blogging friends.....reading all your blogs.....seeing what you were doing and making.....reading your comments on my own blog.

This summer I was lucky enough to meet up with 2 of my bloggy friends......I've already blogged about my fun meeting with Rinda........and during my holiday I also managed to meet up with the lovely KathyK.......so I'm really pleased to have a 'Kathy' page for my holiday album.

It was cold and blowing a gale......in a little town that certainly didn't live up to expectations.....with a craft shop that even 2 avid crafters found difficult to find anything to buy in!!!!! But we still had a lovely afternoon chatting and eating cake......when we weren't being blown away!!!!

Another page using only patterned paper.......this is something I never did before Shimelle's class.......and I'm so pleased to be using up this K & Co paper......I've used a lot of it in this album.......and I'd previously found it difficult to use......even though I still like it.

Isn't technology wonderful!!!! And a visit to Bath

2011-11-13T15:26:00.000Z

It is when it's working!!!!! And over a week without a computer shows me just how much I depend on it.....for work and pleasure......and wouldn't it just happen in the middle of this wonderful class......which is now almost finished.......and they're not even sure if they've fixed it!!!!

I haven't been idle though.....more pages done for my holiday album.

Shimelle suggested finding one of your own layouts that you love.......and use it as inspiration to make a new one........I really love this one of DS.......and looking back at recent LOs I notice I've made quite a few based on having a series of photos across the centre of the page......and really like this format.

So I decided to use it for a layout of our holiday visit to Bath........it doesn't work quite as well on an 11 x 8.5 page.....but I still like it.....and enjoyed using the border punch again.

As I'm making mainly double page layouts for this album......I made a second Bath page...... and used some digi downloads for the journaling spots.

I've almost completed the album.......thanks to this inspiring class.Now need to catch up on a bit of blog reading!!

Over and Out!!!

2011-11-05T19:52:00.000Z

For the moment......due to crashed computer being 'hospitalised'......normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

Kraft cards.....using up the scraps.

2011-11-02T12:57:00.000Z

Shimelle's encouraging us to use up our scraps of patterned paper.......so I'm doing just that.......making 2 cards with the bits left over from the 'use kraft plus one colour' prompt that I scrapped here.......slightly different to my usual cards.....but that's all good.......I just added ribbon to one......and ribbon and flowers to the other.

The colour is a lot more red than the photos suggest.

In another prompt Shimelle asked us to use our stamps........I use mine a great deal........but I rarely stamp a sentiment direct onto a card.........much too scared of ruining it.......but overcame the fear and stamped onto both of these.....and really like the effect.....need to be brave more often!!

Happy,Happy Mail.....all in one day!!!

2011-11-01T16:53:00.000Z

When the postman rings the doorbell......it usually means something won't fit through the letterbox.......and that's often something exciting.......but when he gave me the pile of mail on Saturday.......there were 2 packages!!
One had come all the way from Canada........I had to open that first......a gift from Nadine......for taking part in her '30 days of creativity' challenge.
It came with a beautiful card......and packaged in a decorated bag........which contained....

these beautiful papers.......to just look at and drool over......and the biggest problem is.......they are just as beautiful on the other side......how I am ever going to decide which sides to use.....I just don't know!!

The next package was from the mega talented Kath.........I won her blog giveaway of a 'leftover' kit from one of her classes........it contains everything [including canvas and stamps] to make up the stitchery canvas.......all I need are inks.......can't wait to start.

And when I was going through the rest of the mail.....I came upon a rather thick little envelope.......and inside was this cute little fellow [sorry,Sian, I promise I won't use him on your xmas card!!]......which I'd won on The Wild Rose Studio blog hop.

It's not often.....actually it's not ever......I get a mail day as good as this one.....thank you all so much, ladies.

And a good time was had by all!!

2011-10-31T14:46:00.000Z

If you've been looking at my holiday pages.......you might have realised the weather was not good to us.......one of the risks of holidaying in the UK.......even in July......but we found a great local hostelry to cheer us up.......where we spent a few evenings.......the fish bowl cocktails may have been a major attraction......but they also served great food.......and had some varied entertainment......we saw a comedian......and Pink and Amy Winehouse tribute acts.......all excellent.

Both pages were made with my colour palette kit........and sticking with the patterned paper theme.......very little plain card was used!!

They'll go in the album as a double page spread.

Scrapping with spots and stripes

2011-10-30T16:25:00.000Z

I must love spots and stripes......I have a lot of papers with them on......and managed to find lots of scraps to use......and I like Shimelle's idea of mixing them together.....I do do this already......but probably not quite as much as on this layout!

It's another one for the holiday scrapbook........taken on one of our nights out at a local hostelry.......I usually hate any photos of myself........but this one with OH.....while not wonderful....... turned out better than most......must have been all the alcohol!!!!

Going back in time to a Victorian Pier

2011-10-29T17:03:00.000+01:00

Shimelle's 10th prompt was all about stamping........now I do a lot of stamping......but nearly all of it is for cards or on canvases.......very rarely for scrapbook pages.......and I admit to having a few stamps that have never been used......so out came one little set for their first inking.......to go on a holiday scrapbook page.

Some little shell stamps.......stamped onto the same K & Co papers and card that had been used on this page......they seemed to match well with the seaside theme......sadly it wasn't really a 'seasidey' day when we visited the old Victorian pier at Clevedon........an interesting structure......I'm sure it would have been lovely on a warm, sunny day......but despite it being July.......we were freezing.....and didn't stay too long!!!!!

But we couldn't resist a quick photo in something so typically British seaside!!!!

Anyone for a bath bun?

2011-10-28T19:53:00.000+01:00

Shimelle's Prompt 9 was to use kraft and one other colour on your project.......I've made another holiday album page.......but went for a change from green......and chose red as my additional colour.

When we were in Bath we visited the Sally Lunn tea rooms.......intending to have one of her famous buns........that is until we saw the price.......the tea rooms were crowded.......we decided it must be with the very rich......or foreign tourists.......most Brits certainly wouldn't pay those prices!!! We took the photo opportunity.......and then retired to a nearby tea room.......for a delicious bun and tea.......at less than half the price!!!!

Today......on the other hand......has been very expensive......a visit to the vet.......due to our oldest dog deciding to go to war with a badger......bad decision......resulting in badly clawed eye......but if you had heard the fight you might have expected a worse outcome......so I was pretty relieved when he survived in almost one piece.

Using just 3 colours on a scrapbook page

2011-10-27T08:15:00.000+01:00

Shimelle's 8th prompt is to pick 2 colours and 1 neutral to scrap with.......so 2 more pages for my holiday album.

Because the photos have a lot of green and grey in them......I decided to use green and yellow as my 2 colours.....and grey as the neutral.......this turned out to be easier said than done.......as I soon discovered just how few yellows I have!!

I took a lot of photos of Cheddar Gorge.......and as the album is not that large......11 x 8.5......I printed them out smaller to fit a few on the 2 pages.

The titles were just about 'squeezed' out of a pack of old....and well used....stickers.

Although I like how the pages turned out......I'm not sure about the grey......I think perhaps it's a bit dark......and might go for a slightly lighter shade if I did this again.What do you think?

And thanks for yesterday's sympathy for DD1......she's fine.....just feeling rather sorry for herself.......and in need of TV and painkillers.......not to mention the vampire novels......she bought a set of 5 last week....and has now read 3 of them!!

More bravery with patterned paper......for a card!

2011-10-26T08:36:00.001+01:00

Shimelle's been encouraging us to use our patterned papers......sometimes on their own.......without any cardstock at all.......not something I usually do.......and certainly not with cards......where I usually layer them with lots of plain cardstock........so jumping out of my comfort zone again......to give it a go.

There's still lots of layering here.......but a sort of 'flat' layering.....which I think will still count for the 'layers' challenge at Totally Papercrafts!! Lots of patterned papers....though all from the same 'Love Letters' pad......and no plains in sight....apart from the stamped image.....which I think might have looked a bit odd on patterned paper.

I was a bit surprised that I actually like the effect......and it's a lot quicker to complete......so I'll be coming back to this,I think.
Am off on a jaunt today....with MIL and SIL......to The Old Loom Mill......a wharehouse full of wool and fabrics.....maybe a visit to The Range.......to see their crafty stuff......and lunch out.....which DD1 did not want to hear about.....as her treat for today is having a wisdom tooth out!!

Playing with borders....a bit distressing!!

2011-10-25T14:02:00.000+01:00

Shimelle's 5th prompt was all about distressing and border punches. I often use torn paper and distress ink on my pages......I like the slightly distressed look......so using torn papers and adding some ink wasn't too difficult.

But border punches......I rarely use them in scrapbooking.......only in cardmaking.......but as Shimelle had suggested we went a bit overboard with them.......I cut lots of strips [from my 'kit']......border punched a few of them [with an SU punch].....and used them all over the place.....though not particularly as borders!

More pages for my holiday album......this was the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge as we entered Bristol....on a page like this I often like to put a bit of factual info......from guide books or the internet......which I might forget....and will be interesting to read later.

I also wrote on some of the strips.....not something I usually do.

The 2nd page also uses my kit papers........but a little bit of plain cardstock.....though as I did add some plain to the kit.......I'm happy with that.....there's no way I could make a whole album without using any plain card!

Scrapping holiday pages using my colour palette kit

2011-10-22T13:58:00.000+01:00

Following the 3rd prompt in the class I made up my paper kit here.....without choosing any photos.....pretty difficult for me. I wanted to start my holiday album......so kit in hand.....I started choosing photos from my holiday stack.

The album I'm using is 11 x 8.5.......a size I love for scrapping short holidays.......still lots of room for photos.....but much quicker to make than 12 x 12.

These are the first two pages made.

We found a small craft village.....where the artists were creating and selling in their studios....it was wonderful to watch them......and we bought a lovely spotted pottery vase.

During a shopping day at Bristol.....we had lunch at Bella Italia......a sort of belated birthday meal......and it was delicious.

This is definately the first time I've ever made pages entirely of patterned paper....no plain cardstock at all.......and probably the first time I've chosen the papers before the photos.......so am pleased with how this worked out.....despite my 'twitchiness' about it!!

Rinda has no problem at all with making pages this way......she frequently makes the whole page up before choosing the photos.....and has a great post on how she does it here.

Pretty Paper Party 3- choosing your papers

2011-10-20T17:49:00.000+01:00

Prompt 3 in this class takes me way out of my comfort zone.......Shimelle suggests choosing a colour palette......then choosing 10-12 patterned papers in that palette......basically building up your own kit.....but without knowing what photos you're going to use.

I NEVER EVER choose papers first....I always choose the photos first and then find papers to match....occasionally I have a photo with really clashing colours......change it to black and white....and then I can choose any colour papers I want.......but this is rare.

Even worse......she suggests making up the pages before you choose the photos......this is a step too far for me this early in the class......so I'm starting gently with the colour palette!!!!!

Not being great at choosing colour palettes either......I spent an enjoyable hour on Design Seeds browsing theirs.....and came up with this one.

Now this was a little bit of a cheat........I'm hoping to get some of my holiday photos scrapped during this class.......and there must be green ones among them!!!!!!

Sooooo.........to choosing the papers........which took me ages......I'm definately lacking in brown patterned papers........and there's slightly more than 12.....the colours are also brighter than they look in the photos.

Shimelle only specified patterned papers.......but I'm afraid I had to add some plains as well!!

And then a look through my stash threw up some embellishments, alphabets, journaling boxes and words.......that may or may not be used.....but gives me a kit as a jumping off point.

I'm all ready to start scrapping........please may I choose the photos now??

Making a card with scrappy strips

2011-10-19T11:35:00.000+01:00

One of the things I'm loving about the 'Pretty Paper Party' class is that there's inspiration for cards as well as layouts......I have loads of little scraps from cardmaking.......and while my scrapbooking scraps are all in one box.....the cardmaking scraps are all kept with the paper pad they came from......I do mix and match papers....but using from one pad does mean it all co-ordinates.
I've very little left in my 'Lost and Found' pad.....so this was a perfect way to use up the scrappy strips.

The addition of a felt flower and button........and it's finished........super quick as well.

If you like the idea of 'strip' cards there's also a couple of gorgeous ones to inspire on Deb's blog.

Pretty Paper Party 2- using patterned backgrounds

2011-10-18T19:21:00.000+01:00

This prompt was a bit of a twitchy one for me......although I'm not a great user of 'white space'.....I do always start with a plain card stock background......so using a patterned background was a bit of a challenge......but Shimelle broke us in gently.......we only needed to use a lightly patterned paper.....and mine is very definately only lightly patterned.......at first glance you might think it's plain card.......I promise it isn't!!
I knew I wanted to scrap DD1's photo shoot photo.......and am pleased at how well it works with stripes.

The horizontally striped paper was one of those I've 'gone off' and nearly got rid of....so saved by the skin of its teeth here.....but works ok with the Graphic 45 stripes.....and some Bo Bunny stickers, I think.

Pretty Paper Party 1- Scrapping with strips

2011-10-18T08:13:00.000+01:00

Shimelle's 'Pretty Paper Party' class has started......and has already inspired me to scrap a photo of little A that's been sitting there just waiting......the first prompt was to use strips......and I have plenty of those in my scrap box!! Apart from the larger pink piece that backs the photo......and was a very old piece that needed using up......and had the perfect sentiments on it........all the other pieces were already in strips!

I must admit I didn't use any of the sketches in the prompt.......but instead based the layout on Shimelle's Starting Point challenge.......which I loved this week.
And I just couldn't resist some lyrics from an old Beatles song as the title.....they just seemed perfect.....I can hear Ringo singing this in my head.
DD1 drives a very old [but very reliable] Vauxhall Astra.......and the journaling was her comment on first seeing this photo!!

Bonfire Parade

2011-10-17T14:31:00.000+01:00

Sussex has a tradition of Bonfire Societies......they hold a series of Bonfire Parades throughout September and October.......culminating in the vast one at Lewes on November 5th.....the celebrations mark both Guy Fawkes Night.....and the burning of 17 Protestant martyrs in Lewes High Street in the 1500s. All the societies take part in torchlit processions in each town......followed by fireworks and the burning of an effigy......at the same time thousands of pounds are raised for local charities.
This Saturday was the turn of our town.

Note the unpopularity of politicians and bankers.....they went up in flames this year!!!

This year's parade had perfect weather........clear and not too cold.......and was massive.....I've never seen so many people in town.......we were in danger of being crushed a few times......and I didn't manage to get photos of the fireworks.......but it was a great evening......and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Another little Milton Bear....and a new Shimelle class!!

2011-10-14T15:15:00.000+01:00

I think these little freebie Milton bears are going to make quite a few of my christmas cards........and when I can pair him with some very old........unloved and forgotten.......... embellishments and papers from the scrap box.....to make a cute card......that I think will be suitable for a male or female recipient.....I'm very pleased.

And it seems to be a good thing I've been so busy making cards.........because on Monday a new Shimelle class begins.......called 'Pretty Paper Party'......which sounds right up my street.....and means I may be too busy scrapbooking to make any more cards......especially as I have also signed up for the She Art 2 class......so I may be too busy 'multi-media-ing' to make any more cards......and I have a crazy work schedule in November......meaning that I shouldn't have really signed up for any classes....but just couldn't resist either of these!!!!!!

Do take a look at them......you might want to join me.

Happy,Happy Mail.....look what I got!

2011-10-13T12:28:00.000+01:00

I'm really enjoying being a part of Ginger's mail art exchange.......it's great sending and receiving happy mail....instead of junk mail......or bill mail.......and a couple of weeks ago.....in the space of a few days....I received some lovely mail.
First from Amanda.....beautifully decorated.......and I love the sentiment.

and then from Amy........which included a poem......and I love that stamp on the back of the envelope....I want one!!!

And then a package arrived........all the way from the USA from my blog friend Margi.......a papercrafting magazine and a scrapbooking one......I've loved reading these.......and have got loads of ideas from them already.

Thank you so much to all three of you.

Wild Rose Studio Festive Frolics

2011-10-12T11:36:00.000+01:00

Wild Rose Studio have just released some new christmas stamps.....and are having a blog hop to celebrate......they have a christmas card challenge with a super duper prize......so I couldn't resist that......this cute Milton Bear is another image from a magazine Wild Rose freebie papers pack....and he works really well with some very,very old DCWV kit papers and card.

Some snowflake brads.......ribbon.......and Stickles.......finish him off nicely.

'Anything goes' for OneStopCrafts and ThePaperShelter want 'animals'

A day out.....and some altering

2011-10-10T14:29:00.000+01:00

Last week DD1 wanted to go shopping in Maidstone......and invited me along.......we had a lovely day wandering round the shops in the sun........we tried on lots of clothes......she bought a lot of them......I just bought 2 tops......we both bought some christmas presents.....we had lunch in Nandos.......and then in Wilkinsons I found some treasures......including these little sets of drawers......in the reduced section.......£2 each

I knew immediately that they would be perfect for storing my newly rediscovered button collection......which might get used more often if sorted properly.

The top and sides were fine in yellow........the front of the drawers were lovely and bright......meant for a child's room.......but I wanted something a bit more muted. So off to get out the remnants of my MME Lost and Found papers.

The papers were layered onto yellow card.......but as I wanted them to be very practical.....I only added a few embellishments.......stamped and distressed some 'tickets' for labeling.

Now I just need to sort the buttons.....and then label the drawers.......and wish I'd bought more of the drawers!!

Teddy Bear flowers

2011-10-07T15:51:00.000+01:00

This little bear was part of a magazine freebie pack of papers from Wild Rose Studios........I wasn't too sure about the papers........but love the bears.........I distressed the background a bit......and coloured the flowers red.....and he's a perfect match for these Authentique christmas papers.

He's been layered and Stickled........some paper flowers and card candi added.....and popped in the christmas box.

He may be christmassy......but he's still an 'animal' for the challenge at Totally Papercrafts......and in real life he definately 'sparkles' for Simon Says.

Our weather has now returned to seasonally autumnal........it must be 15 degrees lower than Monday.........the leaves are falling everywhere......and sadly my jacket is back out of the wardrobe!

Some more of the same!

2011-10-05T07:58:00.000+01:00

Sticking with the same colour combo......and the same Basic Grey papers.......am starting to quite like these colours for christmas.......and love the way the little deer are almost watching her skating!!

I followed the sketch on Pollycraft Monday.........Paper Sundaes want 'lots of layers'......Anything Goes Challenge want 'die cuts and punches' ........and 'anything goes' for Crafty Cardmakers and Papertake Weekly
And our bizarre weather continues........it's been hotter than at any time during the summer.......the hottest ever October temperature in the UK was recorded at the weekend.........2 weeks ago we were pulling out the winter coats.....and now it's back to shorts [well, not personally!].......and it'll probably snow next week.....so we're making the most of it while we can.......off out for the day with DD1......I'll take an umbrella just in case!!!

Yet another colour combo

2011-10-03T15:14:00.000+01:00

I've had a part used Basic Grey 'Eskimo Kisses' pad in my xmas stash for a couple of years......it's very pretty papers......but lots of them have little pictures, rather than patterns on them......which I find a bit hard to use.......and the main colours are pink and aqua. Are those colours christmassy? They don't really say 'christmas' to me. But I don't want to waste paper......and I thought maybe they'd be ok for some 'girly' cards.
I think p'raps they do look quite pretty.What do you think?

I used my favourite christmas sentiment..........stamped.......and shrunk.

Crafty Cardmakers, Simon Says and Pretty Little Ribbons want 'anything goes'.......CES want 'pretty girls'

Storytelling Sunday - The Tale of the Killer Frogs

2011-10-02T08:00:00.000+01:00

Buddha sits peacefully at the bottom of our garden.....he used to sit overlooking the pond........now he looks onto a filled in pile of rubble where the pond used to be.

The pond was hurriedly built by the previous occupant.......badly built......lopsided.......uneven slabs around it......loose slabs......under deciduous trees......with frequently manky water.....but that's not why it had to go.

The pond was full of wildlife.......water snails crept around.......families of newts sunbathed......and toads.....dozens of them......possibly 100s.......in fact they populated our entire garden......congregating round the water butts.......huddling behind plant pots......shading themselves under plants.......chattering by the shed......and eating slugs by the score.

I liked them.....but here lies the story.......DD2 did not.....apparently DD2 has a phobia about frogs.....and doesn't differentiate for toads......a phobia so bad she becomes totally hysterical if one comes near her.......I didn't recall this phobia......she always used to like frogs I thought.......I mentioned this fact to her.

DD2 "That was before they attacked me"

Me "Frogs attacked you!!.....in the garden!!" [cue raised eyebrows]

DD2 "No.....when I was walking home at night"

Me [cue lightbulb moment] "Ah....you mean when you'd been out drinking??

DD2 "NO....I was just walking home in the dark through the grass and 2 of them attacked me.....they leapt at me and scared me to death"

Me "You had probably scared them and they were jumping away"

DD2 "No they weren't....they were leaping at my throat!"

Me "Frogs don't go for your throat"

DD2 "Oh yes they do.....I had to run for my life" [cue hysterical laughter from DD1]

And no amount of logical argument could persuade her otherwise......it was her or the toads.......so the pond had to go.....and sadly with it the wildlife.......so now the slugs reign supreme.......and we don't see toads anymore.......well......just occasionally the odd one or two......but they don't seem to be of the killer variety!!!!

This story was brought to you courtesy of Sian's Storytelling Sunday........read the other stories here.

World Cardmaking Day

2011-10-01T09:08:00.000+01:00

Today is World Cardmaking Day......so I had to make one, of course!
Sticking with the red and green theme......but adding some buttons........for LOTV's challenge this week......I've an assortment of buttons......and rarely think to use them......going through them today reminded me of my grandma's button box......we always loved playing with it as children.....and it could keep us amused for hours.

Used one of LOTV' christmas squares......Forever Friends papers.....and assorted buttons.
There's fun and games on the LOTV blog today....and prizes to be won.

Pass the book winner

2011-09-30T14:50:00.000+01:00

13 ladies left comments on the 'pass the book' post......3 didn't want to go in the draw.......so 10 went into random organiser.......and out popped no. 2 [one day I'll work out how to put the result on my blog!!!!]........the second commentator who wanted the book was..........CHERI.......many congrats.....I have your address....so it will soon be winging its way across the Atlantic.

Having a play with some crafty buys

2011-09-28T11:16:00.001+01:00

I couldn't resist having a play with some of my weekend 'buys'........the stamps,papers and twine are all from Ally Pally.....and, not surprisingly, I couldn't resist a lot of layering either.

I really can't decide whether my favourite Christmas colours this year are red and green......or red,aqua and white!! What colours are your favourites?

A few challenges......The Ribbon Girl and Craft-Room Challenge want 'xmas'.......Scrap Creations want 'girly'.......and Sweet Stampin and Simon Says want 'anything'.

If you'd like to join in with 'pass the book'.....and have chance of getting 'The Cardmakers Sketchbook'......look here.....open til Friday.

Pass the Book - The Cardmakers Sketchbook

2011-09-26T18:13:00.000+01:00

I received this book as part of Sian's wonderful 'Pass the Book' scheme....full details here.
As a cardmaker who loves sketches......I was delighted to receive 'Cardmaker's Sketchbook' [and I hope I've actually manged to link the picture to Amazon]!!!!

The book is full of sketches.......and each sketch has a variety of cards made from it......in fact it was looking at all the cards that I enjoyed most about the book.

There's about 45 different sketches in the book.......most of them fairly simple ones......which makes this book suitable for a beginner as well as the more experienced cardmaker.......so if you've never made a card......here's your chance to have a go.

Those of you who frequent my blog.......know what a problem I have with 'clean and simple'......and I really do try........but much as I admire other people's cards made in this style......I can never resist adding more layers or embellishments!!!!

So this one......based on a sketch in the book......is about as simple as I get!!!!

If you'd like to receive this book....please leave a comment on this post by Friday 30th September......and then courtesy of random organiser........it will be winging its way to a new 'borrower'.

The Big Stamp + Scrapbooking Show

2011-09-25T22:43:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we had a wonderful......and exhausting......day at Alexandra Palace......sadly we had to leave too early to take up Shimelle's very kind offer to join her for 'cupcakes and craftiness' when the show closed......I'm sure everyone who did manage to join her had a great time......the weather was perfect for a picnic on the grass.
The show was busy......but not quite as crowded as usual......and there was plenty to see....and drool over......and buy!!
I'm afraid I overspent as usual!!!!!

Starting with some stamps.......card candy........and twine......for cardmaking.......plus a mini album.

Graphic 45 is always irresistible........and I've seen lots on blogs about 'Simple Stories'.......but never seen it in real life.......and loved it......I think the christmas pad could be the basis of my 'Journal Your Christmas' album this year.

The only things I really needed........and actually intended to buy.......were for my art canvases.......so some stamps for backgrounds.......a mask......white distress stain.......a pack of tiny keys.......and some Tim Holtz tissue tape.

And finally.......some decopatch papers.......to alter a wooden moneybox.......a Christmas present for Little A.

I think my purse now needs to have a very long lie down in a darkened room.

Scavenger Hunt mini album- completed- almost!

2011-09-22T22:37:00.003+01:00

This summer I've joined in Rinda's photography Scavenger Hunt........it's been great fun.......I've made a mini album of all my photos......but I've failed to complete it........sigh.....3 photos short......I could have 'cheated' and photographed pictures in books......but decided to leave the pages blank.......and add the photos when I do eventually find the items!!

the album cover

1. a self portrait

2. a museum

3. a fire in a fireplace

4. a protest

5. a hand written sign selling something

6. a pirate

7.a decorated mail box [or for non-US residents a garden sculpture]....I really did try to find a decorated mail box.....but couldn't even find a graffiti decorated one!!!!

8. your country's flag

9. a festival or fair

10. a wooden bridge

11. a forest

13.a cemetery of historical significance.......this one holds great historical significance to me......as my mum, grandparents and aunt are buried there.

14. a castle.......our castle is in ruins......but it is there....up on the cliffs......above the ruined looking building!

15. graffiti art....overseen by Rinda herself......is there extra points for capturing Rinda?????

16. a building made of metal or glass.......a bit of a cheat.....but our conservatory is definately made of glass

17. rain......not hard to find in the UK!!!!!

20. a handmade roadside memorial..........this is a c**p photo because I felt very awkward taking it.....I'm still not sure it's an appropriate thing to photograph....even though it is public

20. a rooster.......very cute tins......I might have bought one...if the price hadn't made me flinch!!

And the ones I've missed.......a unicycle......a bee hive......and a person sketching outside.

Thanks for organising the hunt,Rinda......it was a great project for the summer.

A bit more vintage style

2011-09-21T18:48:00.000+01:00

Now I've actually managed to start cutting the Graphic 45 papers........instead of stroking them......I'm really enjoying making these vintage style cards.....so many lovely images to choose from.......another 2 cards today.

And again used the lovely vintage tickets from Miss Cutiepie........and just a couple of embellishments....they hardly really need any.
This weekend sees The Big Stamp and Scrapbooking Show at Alexandra Palace in London.....the biggest papercrafting show in the UK.....and the only one in the South East....at least 60 exhibitors.......loads of demos.......all the new products......far too many people......but you can't have everything!!!!
I'll be there on Saturday.....with my shopping list......can't wait.

Cutting into the Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium

2011-09-20T17:12:00.000+01:00

I finally managed to cut into my new Graphic 45 xmas pad.......after looking at it in awe for far too long........an antidote to the sweet and cute cards.......some lovely vintage images........and retro decorative papers.......though the layering is still very much in evidence!!

The papers all come from the wonderful pad........and how do I decide which side to use and which side to smear glue all over......how I hate double sided papers!!

The plain card is Cart-Us......and the ticket is from a brilliant free vintage tickets download on Miss Cutiepie here.

I think you'll be seeing more from this collection......and from the tickets as well!
The challenges.....Scrap-Creations and Creatalicious want 'anything'.....and Kaboodle Doodles want 'layers' [think I can manage that!]

A bit of a bargain - some altering

2011-09-19T20:52:00.000+01:00

I popped into Robert Dyas for some batteries......and saw these packs of ready to assemble gift boxes.........it was the red that caught my eye.......they must be useful for christmas I thought.....so I bought 2 packs.

And they were.......4 boxes in each pack......I used some aqua card.......and the last 3 pieces of my Bo Bunny 'tis the season' papers.......sigh......I love this paper.......why don't they still make it??

An assortment of my little bargain Tesco 'embellishments'.......stuck on with a glue gun.......some aqua and red ribbons.......and voila.......some little christmas boxes that just need a small gift popped inside.......and some ribbon to tie them at the top.

I just wish I'd bought more.......when I returned today........all sold.

A bit more christmas

2011-09-18T15:49:00.000+01:00

OH had to work today.....it looked like it was going to be sunny......but then turned to rain......so I've got a few more christmas projects under way......including this card. One of my favourite christmas Tildas.......in very traditional colours........based on the inspiration photo at Christmas Stampin. The snowflakes were punched.....and then finished off with some christmassy card candy.

Winter wonderland and One Stop Craft Challenge both want 'girly'.........'anything goes' for Cute Card Thursday and Crafty Ribbons.........and Paperplay want 'die cuts and punches'

Little A's birthday......scrapped

2011-09-16T14:03:00.000+01:00

In the paper sense, of course!! I used some pretty old squares of decorative papers and loved the way I could cut into the flower to make it overlap the bottom right hand photo.
The balloons were die cut........and just seemed perfect for the journaling on a little one's birthday.

And if you look at the bottom 2 photos.......you'll see her favourite thing.......the big pink bag that the presents came in, of course!!! She spent most of the time putting toys in and out of it....and even trying to get into it herself......a good lesson for that day......don't spend money on expensive toys for little people........boxes and bags will always be more fun for them!

Time to put the cards in a box

2011-09-15T17:42:00.000+01:00

The 'Breeze' set of cards are now in a box........which once contained some Neal's Yard potions.......the lid was the perfect background colour.......and the box is kraft........so that needed no decorating at all.......just a bit of altering on the top and sides of the lid.....using leftover scraps......and a few letter stickers.
Please excuse the awful colours of the photos!!!!

This is the set of cards.

The decorated box lid....the butterfly was stamped,cut out and stuck on....but I didn't want too much 3D stuff that could get ruined in use....practicality rules!!!

The cards popped into the box........you can see it's not full.......I may make a couple more.

As it's going to be a gift.......I thought maybe I should work out approximate costs.

The paper pack was £5.45 and I used about 3/4 of it plus a couple of A4 pieces of card that cost about 3p each........a small amount of glue,ink,ribbon and double sided tape.......the A5 card blanks were given to me....and as I rarely use that size it's a good way of using them up. Total cost approximately £4.50....not bad.

This doesn't,of course, factor in the cost of 'equipment'.......but because I used the paper pack.....even that was pretty minimal........trimmer, circle punches and 2 stamp sets.

MME Lost and Found 'Breeze' set - part 2

2011-09-14T14:20:00.000+01:00

I used the 'Breeze' papers to make some 'horizontal' cards as part of the set as well.....I think these are definately more masculine.......so hopefully the complete set has a wide range of uses.

The bird was stamped onto the card and kraft.......and then layered up....as I knew there was no way I could cut out his legs!!!! The sentiment was stamped on as well.

I didn't like the bare left hand corner of this one.......the postal stamp seems to just balance it out.

I really do now need to use up the scraps to make a couple of boxes for these two sets to complete them.

MME Lost and Found 'Breeze' set - part 1

2011-09-13T15:12:00.000+01:00

I've been playing with the Lost and Found again......making another gift set.......this time with 'Breeze'......although I love the papers.........I found these harder to work with......they have a male theme to them.......but are quite ornate.......more so than I'd usually use on male cards......so I think these are a bit of a mixture.
Here are the 'vertical' ones.

I don't usually stamp directly onto cards.......too scared of ruining them.......but having seen some gorgeous overstamping on some of Karen's cards.....decided to risk it on one or two.......the little birds just finish it off I think.

The butterfly was stamped onto a scrap piece.....and then layered on.......and fits into Papertake Weekly Challenge 'things with wings'

I think this one probably needs a sentiment stamped on to it.

The sentiment on the last one was stamped on....and it doesn't look so bare!

And many thanks for the lovely comments yesterday on DD1's photo........and shoes!! She doesn't often wear those shoes........at 5' 10"......she really doesn't need the extra height!!

Doesn't she look beautiful?

2011-09-12T16:29:00.000+01:00

DD1.......framed!!

My Minds Eye Challenge

2011-09-10T10:30:00.001+01:00

I've only recently discovered the MME blog.......surprising considering how much I love their products......full of projects and inspiration........and they even have challenges there........for cardmakers and scrapbookers........so this month's card challenge is this sketch and the theme of friendship.

out came the Lost and Found 'Sunshine' pad to make this.......and I really must use kraft card more often.

And today we're off to Little A's first birthday party........so I better go and re-charge the camera batteries!!

It's beginning to feel a lot like.......autumn

2011-09-08T11:07:00.001+01:00

Well.....it certainly seems to be creeping in round here.....the nights are drawing in.......and decidedly chilly evenings........the apples are all ripe on our trees......blackberry and apple crumbles are being made and frozen....along with apple tray bake [recipe here].
Much as I love the summer for the sun and the flowers......I love the autumn for it's wonderful colours and the beauty of the leaves.......it's the best time of year in the park......don't you just love scrunching through the leaves.......and picking up cones,acorns and conkers?
So a card with an autumnal feel to it......though I'm hoping that the sun hasn't quite emigrated yet!

Managed to squeeze a few more pieces out of my 'Material Girl' papers.....and brought an Anya stamp out of retirement.....finished off with some very layered flowers!

And autumn must be creeping in.....because the autumn challenges are starting.
CraftuCrazy want 'autumn colours and fave embellishments' [definately card candy]........Saturday Challenge,Everybody Art Challenge and Stamp with Fun want 'autumn'.....Craft your Passions want 'flowers'......and Southern Girls want 'layers'.

A very, very special birthday

2011-09-07T13:08:00.000+01:00

Today is Little A's first birthday........how did that happen........how can she already be a year old......how has she gone from this tiny baby

to this cute little girl already..........where on earth has all that time gone??????

Lots of presents.......and, of course, a card

Happy Birthday........lovely little girl.

Some more Tilda

2011-09-06T16:39:00.002+01:00

Another Magnolia Tilda xmas card.......before they disappear back into the box. This time using some very old Daisy D scraps......I love the slightly distressed look of these papers.

And that lovely little stuffed felt reindeer came from Paperchase.......a box of christmas confetti.......meant to be thrown over the table.......too good for that I think!!

'Anything goes' on Just Magnolia, Papertake Weekly and Creative Card Crew.........and Oldie but Goldie and Crafty Ribbons want 'christmas'
I'm trying to join in with Nadine's '30 Days of Creativity' challenge.......you can find the details here........though whether I'll actually manage 30 pieces of creativity in a month is highly unlikely!!!!

But tomorrow is a very special day.......so I'm off to make a very special card.......while the wind and rain do their worst outdoors.

Scavenger Hunt self portrait!!!!

2011-09-05T13:07:00.000+01:00

I don't like being photographed.......I tend to avoid it......I rarely like photos of me......but since my mum passed away I realise how pleased I am that she had loads of photos taken of her.......so I do try and have the occasional photo taken......for posterity!!!!!
And Rinda's scavenger hunt insists on one......so it's not exactly a self portrait......but was taken with OH on holiday this year......and surprisingly........I quite like it.......I may even scrap page it.

And have managed to take a few more photos for the scavenger hunt.......though I'm doubtful of finding them all!!

Some lovely rooster tins in a shop that was full of gorgeous items [21].

A good natured protest by UNISON in the town centre on Saturday about the government's pension proposals [4].

And a wooden bridge in the park [10].

MME Lost and Found 'Sunshine' set - part 2

2011-09-02T12:53:00.000+01:00

I've made a set of 6 cards with these beautiful papers........3 vertical ones here.......and these are the 3 'horizontal' ones......together they're going to make a gift set.....so a box will probably need to be altered as well!!

Only one of the six cards has 'Happy Birthday' on it........so I think they'd be useful for all sorts of occasions......maybe even notelets........I just need to decide who to give them to!