Claire Ellen Designs

After Dinner mints meet a Passion for Papertrey

2011-04-14T13:25:00.010+01:00

Ok, so it is a VERY long time since my last post, really sorry to have been away from my blog for so long, I have however still been crafting, just not able to blog, but will try to keep back on track again now. I decided to join in with the current challenge over at A Passion for Papertrey where they want you to ' Spring into Spring '. It is one of my friends birthdays this week and a few of ' the girls' are getting together for a takeaway on friday evening, so I have made these for us to have after dinner, I thought the colours and designs were nice and spring like, especially the little bird stamps.

It may be a bit hard to see, but they are Elizabeth Shaw Mints. I have punched and die-cut some flowers ( all PTI ) and stuck them to each sideof the mints, then I stamped some punched cirlces using the PTI Bitty Birthday astamp set for the little birdie mints. To finish off I popped them into a cello bag and die cut a tag to pop on the top. I am sure anyone would be pleased to receive these as a pressie or as an after dinner treat. Catch you again soon with some more nifty makes, Claire xx

Early Easter Cards

2010-02-23T11:18:00.004Z

I thought I would be the early bird when it comes to Easter this year, I always leave my cards until the last minute and end up scrapping around to get them made in time, so this year I have got myself really organised and settled down yesterday to get them all done. The products I have used are all Papertrey ink except for the cute little bunnies, they were from my local craft store but I think they are made by Craft Creations.

The little bunnies are made from wood and have embossed felt over the top, they really are soooooooooo sweet.

The theme over at Die cut Dreams Challenge this week is Easter and so this card fits perfectly and is my entry to win their lovely prize of some Easter stickers.

Hope you are all a bit warmer than me, it is freezing here, can't believe we are not getting any warmer weather yet, roll on spring !

hugs,

Claire xx

Creative Card Crew - Get well Soon

2010-02-16T15:19:00.005Z

Tuesday and time for another Creative Card Crew Challenge and this time it was my choice of theme, and I chose ' Get Well Soon' as so many of my friends and family seem to have colds at the moment. With this in mind I decided to make a little cold cure kit which I first saw done on Rachs blog a few weeks ago. I chose the adorable Nurse Nora stamp and have coloured her with my Copics.

Inside I have put some tissues, throat sweets and a lip balm, all in a little box clipped to the inside of the card. To make the card all I did was added a 2.5cm binding to my card ,rather than just using one crease in the centre I did 2 and made them 2.5cm apart - simple .

The rest of the DT have come up with some amazing cards this time, be sure to check out the blog to see them all, and to see the yummy prize on offer to our winner.

Take care,

hugs,

Claire

Creative Card Crew - Valentine

2010-02-02T09:00:00.000Z

Happy Tuesday to you all ! Time today for another Creative Card Crew Challenge and this fortnight our theme is ' Valentines ' so for my DT project this time I made 2 cards for my children, my husband and I always send a valentine to each of them, so to save any arguments I made them both the same card just in different colourways, and it is surprising just how different they look.

This is the card for Sophie, she loves bright, vibrant colours and so these strong pinks and greens are perfect for her.

All of the products I have used for these cards are from Papertrey ink. I am completly hooked on their range since going to a make and take in november which used only their products.

And this is the card for Alfie, more muted tones but still effective.

As always we have a great prize on offer for the winner, so why not hop on over and join in with us again, we love seeing all your wonderful creations each challenge.

Well I hope you all have a lovely week, I will be back on friday with something a little different to share with you for the Crafty Calendar Challenge DT so be sure to check back and take a peek,

hugs,

Claire xx

Creative Card Crew - Punch it !

2010-01-19T07:18:00.005Z

Good morning to you my bloggy buddies, it seems such a long time since I last did a post that I hope I remember how to post it properly lol ! So nice that all that horrible snow has gone from here now and we can see some colour again.
The card I have got to share with you today is my DT card for this weeks Creative Card Crew where our theme is ' Punch It ' so we would like you to use a border punch or some punched shapes somewhere on your card. I have used this adorable new Miss Rosalie stamp from CC Designs, she is such a beauty, I have coloured her with copics, for got to write down the shades - sorry !

I have used my favourite MS Heart border punch, and have used my sewing machine to stitch round all the pieces of card before matting them together, I have used bazzill cardstock for all the colours on this card. the flowers are prima and the fibres and pearls are from my stash.

I hope you will have time to come and join us this fortnight, as always we have a fabby sponsor and prize for you, up for grabs this time are 3 digi images of your choice from Sunshine Stamps ! we will be round to look at all your lovely entries, looking forward to that.

Have a great week, will catch up again soon,

hugs,

Claire xx

Snow time !

2010-01-06T10:42:00.005Z

Morning all, as I have an unexpected day off work today I thought I would share my snowy pictures with you all, seeing as that is the reason I am at home. I dashed outside to take these a few minuted ago, it doesn't look too bad at the front of the house, but below is the back garden, it looks so pretty so I took this before the children go out and spoil it all !

Then I went back round to the front of the house and took this one of the road, a real Christmas card photo with the old fashioned phone box covered in snow, it was snowing much harder than it was when I took the one of the house, looks like things are going to get worse as this heavy snow is foreacst for us all day today, still, the heat is on, I am warm and the children are happy, that will do for me !

Hope you are all tucked up safe and warm,

hugs,

Claire xx

Crafty Calendar Challenge - Keeping Warm

2010-01-04T07:31:00.003Z

Hello at long last to everyone ! and a Happy New Year to you all. It seems such a long time since I did a post, I hope you are all well and had a fabulous Christmas ? I know we did, it has been wonderful all being together for such a nice amount of time, we have seen so much of family and friends, it has been great.
So, onto todays project, this month over at Crafty Calendar Challenge we would like you to create something using the theme ' keeping warm '. I made this cute little box bag and put some hot chocolate sachets and mini marshmallows in it, a real treat on a cold winters day. You can find a tutorial on how to make the bag Here

I used an adorable CC Designs stamp and coloured her with copic markers. the papers are Crate Paper and I used a MS border punch for the band around the bottom. the flowers are from ebay and the branches are from a Leone Em punch.

Sorry there is only the one photo, I accidentally deleted the others from my PC and have given the bag away now so I can't get any more pics, most annoying !

Be sure to check out the rest of the DT projects for lots of inspiration,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Creative Card Crew DT - Silver or Gold

2009-12-08T17:43:00.004Z

Today over at Creative Card Crew our challenge is to use silver or gold on your project. I have made another of these lovely little easel calendars, I need several for presents for the school teachers and staff so you may see a few more over the next week or so lol !
I have used a stamp from Lili of the Valley and coloured it with my copics. To make the easel I have used a piece of card measuring 12" x 6" and scored it at 3" and 6" along the 12" side.

I have added some stickles to my image for a bit more sparkle and then sewn round the edge with my sewing machine, I have repeated this for the bottom and top matts. The papers are Crate Paper and Imaginesce. The flowers are from my stash and for my ' silver ' to comply with the challenge i have used a sweet little heart charm and hung it from the flowers. The calendar tab I bought from Ebay.

Several of you have contacted me about the last easel card I put on here, so hopefully now that I have put the dimensions on this one it will make it easier for you.

Take care until next time,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Crafty Calendar Challenge - Winter Sparkle

2009-12-04T08:30:00.000Z

Yayy ! It is the first friday of the month and that means time for another Crafty Calendar Challenge this month we would like to see ' Winter Sparkle ' this could be anything from a winter birthday to a Christmas card. I decided to make an alternative advent calendar for my little girl, I thought it was nicer than one full of chocolates, and much better for her teeth lol !
I have used the adorable Swiss Pixies from CC Designs. I have coloured her with my Copics and added some stickles to her wings for some sparkle.

I have used papers from Craft Creations and snowflakes cut with my MS punch. I made the calendar tab with some silver peel off numbers, and then just added a couple of bead spacers with some ribbon to hang it up with.

I hope you find time to add some sparkle to your winter projects this month and join in with our challenge.

catch you all again soon,

Hugs,

Claire xx

So excited I think I'm gonna burst !!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-02T10:17:00.006Z

I have been keeping this to myself for what feels like the longest time ever, but at last I can tell you.............. I have had the honour of being chosen as this months guest Designer at All That Scraps how exciting is that ? this is just a dream come true for me as you all know how much I looooooove the CC Designs stamps. This is my first project for them using the new December Release Stamps I made a lovely little desk calendar, I gave this to the amazing Steph as a little thankyou for her make and take day that I went to.
So, onto the project............ I have stamped onto Bristol Board with Memento ink and coloured my image with Copic markers, then added some stickles for a bit of shimmer, I also added some polka dots to her dress with a gel pen, lastly I cropped the image with my Nesties.

The papers I have used are all MME Laundry Line. I decided to add some stitching round the edges with my sewing machine, trying to get a classier look. The ' dream ' sentiment is some white glitter stickers that I had in my stash, I think they are Papermania. The flowers were from Tabbycrafts as were the pins and the branches are from a Leone Em punch. the little calendar tab was from my local craft store. I have to thank my wonderful friend Susie Sugar for the calendar idea, she has made loads on her lovely blog, so big hugs to you Susie xx.

I hope you have enjoyed my first project, be sure to check out the All that Scraps Blog every monday during December to see what else I have come up with using their newest release stamps.

Take care,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Creative Card Crew meets Papertrey Make and Take

2009-12-01T14:15:00.006Z

It's Tuesday again and time for another Creative Card Crew Challenge This week our theme is Christmas !!!!!!!!! I decided to share a project with you that I made this weekend at an amazing make and take day. The credit for the design of this lovely card and box must go to the amazing Steph it was her make and take day and the design is all her work, I just made the card following her example, so thankyou Steph, not only for a wonderful day, but also for your huge amount of effort and amazing cards. So, back to the challenge, my card is made using all Papertrey Ink products, a first for me, and I have to say, the quality is second to none.

The gift box is one that was made following a Lauren Meader template, again, from Papertrey Ink, and inside is a little choccie bar all wrapped up to match.

Last but not least lol, is a photo of me at the make and take day with the card I had just finished, thankyou to Kate for taking this one. as I said before, the day was just amazing and I met loads of wonderful people, all of which were very inspiring, so thankyou to you all for your company and I hope to catch up with you all again soon.

Hope you have a fabby day,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy - A Christmas card

2009-11-27T18:35:00.000Z

Oh how naughty am I ? I completly forgot to post this weeks Whiff of Joy Challenge card on my blog, I am so very sorry, but here it is, better late than never ! This week our challenge is for you to make a Christmas card, a nice simple challenge as we all have so many cards to make at this time of year, and this will help you tick another one off the list.
I have used the adorable pair of birds again this week, I think they are perfect for sending to couples. I have coloured my image with my Copics as always.

My papers are papermania silk screened and I have matted them onto some irridescent vellum. I have spritzed my flowers with glimmer mist and then edges the bottom flower with stickles.

The greeting is from Card Art. I am sure you will have checked out the other DT's samples by now but if you haven't make sure you take a peek at their blogs to see the amazing cards they have done again this week.

well that is all from me today, I am off to Stephs Make and take tomorrow, soooooooo excited about that, will show you all my creations next week, have a great weekend whatever you are up to,

hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy - A sketch by Gio

2009-11-18T18:44:00.006Z

Happy wednesday to you all. Today over at Whiff of Joy Challenge we have a beautiful sketch for you to follow, so I thought I would take the opportunity to make a Christmas card for my Husband, it is always one I end up leaving to the last minute so thought i would get myself prepared for a change. I have used the adorable little birds stamp and coloured it with my Copics.

I have distressed the edges with distress inks and added some stickles to the snow and some of the pine needles. The papers are imaginesce and BG. I have used my MS heart border punch and also MS snowflake, I punched them in the same papers but glammed them up with stickles.

The sentiment is from Catslife Press, it is quite large but as this is a bigger card than I normally do it fitted on just fine.

The rest of the DT have some awesome inspiration for you again this week, what a talented bunch they all are.

hugs,

Claire xx

Creative Card Crew - Strings Attached

2009-11-18T18:30:00.005Z

Time for another challenge from Creative Card Crew today, and this week it is ' Strings Attached ' so we would like to see some kind of twine, string or fibres attached to your project. I have made this cute little notebook and added fibres behind the flowers and in with the ribbons down the binding. I also made a card to match and will use them together as a set for one of the children to give as a birthday gift.

The image is CC Designs and is coloured with copic markers and then glittered. I have used DCWV Laundry Line papers.

The flowers are some I have had for ages in my craft box, the larger ones are made from foam and the smallers ones are prima. I have used pearl brads and spacers that were from my stash.

We have another fabby sponsor for our challenge this week, and also some great inspiration form the rest of the DT so be sure to check out their blogs.

Have a great evening,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy - A Colour Combo

2009-11-11T08:55:00.004Z

Yay it's wednesday and time for another Whiff of Joy Challenge this week we have a fab colour combo for you - Brown, Cream and Orange. I decided to give old Herb and inking up as I love him in this soft sepia colour, I have coloured him very lightly with copics, just around the edges of the image and then hilighted some of the details in orange and gone over them with stickles.

I have never distressed paper before but love the look so much I thought I would have a go. I don't have any special tool so just used the edge of a pair of scissors, the result was ok and I will definatly try it again. my papers are Papermania Silk Screened and Bazzill, the punch is MS and the flowers I picked up in my local craft store, there was no make on the bag - sorry.

I am off to take my little Sophie to the doctors this morning, I think she has tonsilitus poor little lamb, just hope she gets better soon as it is her 9th birthday on friday and she is having a disco dance tuition party, i was hoping to learn a few moves myself lol - never mind dancing like your Dad it's dancing like your Mum you need to be afraid of in this house !

Take care peeps and have a great day,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Creative Card Crew meets Sassy Susie- Do a Doodle

2009-11-10T12:00:00.000Z

Another Tuesday morning already ! my, how the time is flying at the moment. Tuesdays means it is time for another Creative Card Crew Challenge C and this week our theme is ' Do a Doodle ' so we would like you to doodle something on your project. my doodle is the pattern on the dress, hat and socks of my cutie little CC Designs Santa Birgitta image.This is a digi image as my stamps have not arrived yet and I couldn't wait to start using them lol. Originally the dress had dots on it but I have made them into bows and then added them to the hat and socks too, although where I have glittered the socks it has covered the pattern slightly.This is also my entry this week for a brand new fortnightly challenge - Susies Sassy Challenge where the theme is Christmas, and also Papertake Weekly Challengewhere the theme is ' Digi Sparkle' so as this is a digi image and there are some sparkly snowflakes on it I guess that counts.

I have coloured my image with my copic markers as always, I have no idea who the paper is by but I bought it on special after last Christmas lol. The snowflakes are all MS punches and I have covered them in stickles and then added a crystal to the centre.

I had got my sewing machine out as I had to mend Alfies trousers, so thought I would add some stitching to my card at the same time, I did change the thread though, Alfie doesn't have pink trousers lol !

Hope you have time to join in again this week, I love visiting you to see what you come up with,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Crafty Calender Challenge #2 - Weather

2009-11-03T13:39:00.006Z

Ok, so it is the first friday in the month and that means it is time for another Crafty Calender Challenge where this month we would like you to use the theme ' Weather ' Well, it seems like it has rained here an awful lot recently and so I opted to go for rain, hoping that it might go away, at least at 8.45am and 3.15pm - you know what I mean ? how us Mums always manage to catch the rain at school drop off and pick up times ?
back to my the challenge - this month we are being sponsored by Bunny Zoe Crafts so be sure to enter as there is an awesome prize to be won - a gift voucher to spend in the craft shop whoop, whoop.

I used the lovely Miss Anya from the rain,snow,shine set for my card and have coloured her with ............ you guessed it - Copic markers lol ! do I ever use anything else ? and added some ' Art' glitter. I have cropped her with my nesties and the distressed all the edges with peeled paint distress inks.

The papers I have used are DCWV Spring glitter stack, and at the side are my faithful QK swirls, I have added some pearls on a string ( pearls are the optional extra on the challenge this month ) and then topped it all off with some flowers from my stash. the sentiment is an epoxy one that I have had for an age.

So, with all this gloomy weather about why not spend some time crafting and show us what you can do ? look forward to seeing your creations again this month, last months were fab, you are all so talented out there.

Have a great friday,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy - A sketch by Jane

2009-11-03T13:35:00.006Z

Oh my, this week is just flying by, another wednesday already which means time for another Whiff of Joy Challenge and this time it is a sketch by the lovely Jane. I decided to ink up another of my Henry Mouse stamps for this one.

I have coloured the image with my copics and have distressed the edges of everything with tea dye and peeled paint distress inks.

The papers are BG, and the sentiment is from Catslife Press, flowers and ribbons are from my stash. Apologies for the short post but the man is coming to fix my boiler any minute - hooray ! hopefully we might get some heat back - again ! seems like things are forever going wrong with our heating at the moment, could be worse though, it could me the middle of winter and really freezing !

have a good day, be sure to check out the rest of the DT blogs for some awesome inspiration,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Creative Card Crew - Ribbons & Gems

2009-11-03T08:30:00.000Z

Timw for this weeks C which is ' Ribbons & Gems ' lovely to put a bit of sparkle on your card because you have to not just because you want to lol ! I have used a pre-printed image for my card this week, not something I have done before, I have matted it up and then added some gems to the straps and to the centre of the flowers.

For my ribbons I have made a couple of bows and then a ribbon flower, which I have put another gem in the centre of. I have used an MS punch for the heart border, and guess what ? ........ No deign papers ! that has to be a miracle lol.

The other DT's have some great inspiration for you again this week, and there is also another fabby prize on offer for the challenge winner,

Have a good day,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy Challenge - A Colour Combo

2009-10-29T07:26:00.005Z

Time for another Whiff of Joy Challenge for you, and this week it is a colour combo - red, cream and one other, I chose green for mine as I thought it went well for this Christmas card. I have coloured my Willow image with Copics and then cut her out by hand. I have 3d'd her onto my matt for a bit of dimension.

I have only used one paper for this card but in 2 layers, it is from Craft Creations. My usual large QK swirls and a prima flower, a few fibres ( a small strand of fancy wool actually ) and a mulberry rose finish the card off, then for a touch more green I added some dried fern leaves, I am quite pleased with the result, might go back to it and add some stickles to the stars on the paper though.

The other Dt's have some fabby inspiration for you this week so please drop by their blogs and check them out.

Sorry for the short post but I have to rush out to work and drop the kids at their grandmas for the day,

Take care,

Hugs,

Claire xx

All that Scraps - How tall can you go ?

2009-10-27T15:35:00.003Z

You know how some days things are just soooooooooooooo peachy ? well the day I found out that there was a new CC designs challenge blog Wednesday Challenge was just one of those days..................... this is my card for their first challenge ' how tall can you go ? ' I don't very often make tall cards so was surprised just how much I enjoyed making this one, a lovely change. I have used the adorable ' Angel Emma ' isn't she just a hunny ? I have coloured her with copic markers and added some sparkle to her wings and halo with some ' Art ' glitter.

The paper is from Craft Creations and the ribbon is from my stash, a sentiment from Catslife press finishes it all off, a simple but effective card.

Make sure you go over and check out the blog for yourselves, there will be a new challenge posted every Wednesday, can't wait !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hugs,

Claire xx

Creative Card Crew - Snowflakes

2009-10-27T08:00:00.000Z

Good Wednesday Morning to you all ! I hope you are enjoying half term and the kids are not running you ragged yet lol. It is time for another Creative Card Crew Challenge and this week we want you to use Snowflakes on your card. I decided to go for something quick, simple and stylish this week to try and help those of you who have huge amounts of cards to make for Christmas like I do. No colouring from me this week which is a first on my blog I think ! I hardly ever make a card without my Copics these days so this was a pleasant change.

I have used the Cuttlebug cut 'n' emboss snowflake, which I have cut in brown glitter card and irridescent gold vellum and layered them on top of each other, matted them onto pearlescent cream card, vellum and then glitter card to make a topper. I have fixed two strips of ribbon from the top of the card and then matted the snowflake topper over them. Lastly I stamped my sentiment straight onto the card. Quick, simple and stylish, I now have another 60 of these to make for my Hubby, lucky me lol !

I hope you like todays different card, and please try to find time to check out the other DT blogs to see their lovely creations. Look forward to visiting you all to see what you come up with this week,
hugs,
Claire xx

Whiff Of Joy - A Sketch for you

2009-10-21T08:00:00.000+01:00

It's wednesday and that means time for another challenge over at Whiff of Joy Challenge and this week we have a lovely sketch for you to follow by our very own Heather. I have soooooooooooo many Christmas cards to do that I have made another one to show you this week.

I have coloured sweet little Henry with my copics, but I am sure you guessed that already lol. No glitter on my image today but I did use some extra glittery red card on the background, Christmas is just not Christams without a bit of glitter.

Well, my house is still not warm yet and it is definatly getting colder, in fact I might have to open the windows to let some heat in before long lol !

The other DT's have some awesome creations to share with you this week so please find time to go and check them all out.

Take care,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Recipie :

Image - WOJ

Papers - Craft Creations

Embellies - Stash

Tools - Nesties, Copics

Creative Card Crew - A childrens card

2009-10-20T11:50:00.004+01:00

This week over at Creative Card Crew we have what can only be described as my perfect challenge this week,- to create a card for a child or baby, pure heaven for me. I bet you can guess what kind of stamp I chose ? - yep you got it - A CC Designs one lol, and this little cutie is one of the new releases for october and her name is Birgitta, oh she is such a sweet girl, and i would even go so far as to say almost my favourite.

I have coloured my image with Copic markers as always.

Sorry it is only a short post today but my fingers are about to drop off, it is sooooooooooo cold in my house, the heating has broken but should be fixed today, i am waiting for the man to arrive any minute, the house still won't be warm though as yesterday a pipe perished on the boiler and a whole lot of heating oil poured out ! so now I have to wait for the boiler man to come and reapir that tomorrow, so hopefully by wednesday night we should be warm again.

Thanks for looking and please remember to check out the other DT blogs, thay are amazing again this week as always,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Card Recipie :

Image - CC Designs

Papers - DCWV Spring Glitter Stack

Embellies - Stash

Tools - Copics, Nesties, Glimmer mist, Leone Em punch

Whiff of Joy Challenge - Use a Diecut

2009-10-14T08:00:00.000+01:00

Morning peeps, hope you are all bright eyed and bushy tailed today ?This week over at Whiff of Joy Challenge we want you to use a Diecut on your card, nice and easy for you, I decided to use my nesties and have used 3 different ones, 2 scalloped circle and one plain circle.
I have used one of my new Christams Henry stamps, oh, they are just sooooooo sweet.

I have coloured my image with Copic markers, and no glitter ! that makes a change lol. I have used a bit of glimmer mist on the flowers though.

Using Kraft card is new to me and I am quite pleased with the outcome, I thought it mught be a bit dull at first but that is not the case at all, so I hope you like it too ?

Have a good day,

Hugs,

Claire xx

recipie :

Stamp - WOJ

Papers - from stash, all plain no DP ( that is a first ! )

Embellies - from stash

Tools - Fiskars border punch, Leone EM branch punch. glimmer mist

Creative Card Crew DT Card - Scallops

2009-10-13T12:26:00.004+01:00

Oh yay ! I just looooooove these new CC Designs stamps ! right, had to get that out of the way lol ! Hope you lovely people are all ok, sorry for my lack of blogging over the last few days, I have a 'frozen shoulder' and am in agony so crafting has been near on impossible, I have just managed the odd bit when the pain killers have just kicked in, so annoying !
Anyway, onto todays card ,it is for Creative Card Crew where this week we have the theme of ' scallops ' for a change I did not think of my stomach and the gorgeous seafood kind of scallops, I thought of my nesties...........................
I chose this amazing image from the new Angel Emma range of CC Designs, I bought digi images this time and have had real fun with them, I did some larger ones for Sophie to play with and make some window hangings, they will be great.
I coloured Emma with my copics and then added some glitter to the halo and wings. these images are so quick to colour so it was a nice change for me as usually my colouring takes forever.

I used an old sketch that is a firm favourite, most of my Xmas cards this year will be using this sketch. I glimmer misted the flowers before using them to add some more sparkle. please check out the other DT Blogs as they are awesome as always.

take care peeps, will be back tomorrow with a WOJ DT Card.

Hugs,

Claire xx

recipie :

Image - CC Designs

Papers - Craft Creations

Embellies - Stash

Tools - Nesties, Copics, Glimmer mist.

2 Challenges for Little Pippi

2009-10-07T13:13:00.004+01:00

Oh thanks goodness it is a bit brighter today, taking photos in that dull light we have had for the last few days has been driving me wild !
Well today I am back with a card for 2 challenges Die cut Dreams Challenge where there is a lovely sketch to follow ( and also a colour combo - how wicked is that lol ? ) and A Spoon Full of Sugar where this weeks theme is Halloween..........

I just had to get out adorable little Pippi for this one, she is my only Halloween stamp, probably because I love her sooooooooo much that there seems little point in getting any others as they wouldn't get a look in. I have coloured her as always with my Copic markers.

I am putting the recipie at the end for you again as I think it seems better that way. well, I am off to play with all the goodies that dropped through my door this morning ( I would say shhhh don't tell my Hubby, but he already found out lol )

Hugs,

Claire xx

Recipie :

Stamps - CC Designs ( image and sentiments )

Papers - Bo Bunny

Stash - Flowers

Tools - SU Punch, QK swirls, Art glitter, Copic Markers

Creative Card Crew ' Celebrations '

2009-10-06T08:30:00.000+01:00

Happy tuesday to you ! hope you are all having a good week ? well after a very successful blog hop on saturday for WOJ's birthday, today it is time for another challenge over at Creative Card Crew and this week our theme is ' Celebrations ' what sort of celebration is entirely up to you. I decided on Christmas as that is the one I need to make the most cards for lol, so it was a good excuse to add another card to my stock. We are sponsored this week by The Cutting Cafe.

I have coloured my image with my copic markers as always, and have glittered a few places to add a bit of sparkle. I have decided to lay my post out a bit differently today and will put the card recipie at the end of the post rather than as I go along, not sure if you will prefer it that way or not, so please let me know.

I always like to do a pic on the scew whiff like this as I think it shows the dimension off nicely. Have a great day girls and here we go with the recipie :

Stamp - High Hopes

Papers - DCWV Christmas Glitter Stack

Stash - Flowers, foliage, pins and sentiment
Tools - Distress Inks, Art Glitter ( crystal )

hugs,

Claire xx

And the winner of my Candy is ..............

2009-10-05T09:24:00.002+01:00

Thankyou all for your entries, it was so lovely to read all your comments, the response to the hop was amazing, but there can only be one wu=inner of my candy and that is ......................

Sharon

from

Shari - Anne Happy Crafter !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations, please could you contact me with your snail mail details and I will get your prize off to you.
Don't forget to enter the WOJ challenge this week to be in with a chance of winning the big prize.

Catch you all later with a card,

hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy Challenge Anniversary Blog Hop & Candy !

2009-10-03T11:00:00.004+01:00

Whiff of Joy Challenge is 1 year old!! So come on and join in the party !

To celebrate we have a blog hop going on and I have a MINI CANDY for you ( see details below )

It's our birthday week and to celebrate the DT are each giving away a little bit of candy. As well as this, Katharina will be giving away a brand new - yet to be seen - Christmas Stamp Club kit by the fabulously talented Elisabeth Bell!! So, make sure you go to the beginning of the blog hop which is the Whiff of Joy Challenge Blog and hop your way through the DT blogs and enter their candy draws.

If you have not landed on my blog from Bev at All the things I love then go back there and enter that candy draw so you don't miss out!!. The next blog to visit is Debbie at Passion for Crafts.

To be in with a chance of winning the Christmas Stamp Club kit that Katharina is supplying you will need to enter this week's Whiff of Joy challenge which will run until 11th October to give you some extra time. Each member of the DT will pick their favourite card. These will be submitted to Katharina - all will be kept anonymous - and Katharina will pick the winner of the Stamp Club Kit from these favourites. So what are you waiting for, get your card made and entered into the challenge before next Sunday ( 11th October ) evening!!

Hopefully that is all clear for you and so now you know what is happening, there is a photo of the candy that I have on offer above, this includes .............................

A Whiff of Joy Herb snowman stamp

A selection of Ribbon Sliders

A selection of ribbon bows and flowers

A selection of charms

Some spacer beads

Some padded angel wings

To be in with a chance of winning this candy all you need to do is leave me a comment on this post telling me what you think makes Whiff of Joy stamps so special. This candy will close at midnight GMT on Sunday 4th October, when I will pick a winner at random, I will announce the winner on my blog on monday morning ( 5th ) so please check back then to see if you have won. I will post worldwide so this draw is open to everyone. All that is left to say is ' Good Luck ' and happy hopping.

hugs,

Claire xx

Crafty Calender Challenge - Launch Day !

2009-10-02T07:30:00.002+01:00

Yay, it's friday 2nd October which means it is time for the launch of a brand new challenge site Crafty Calender Challenge where I am lucky enough to be on the DT. This is a monthly challenge that will be set on the first friday of every month, and each month we will have a fabby sponser, this month it is ' Sketching Stamper ' who have donated a lovely prize for you. Today we want you to create an Autumn card. To me autumn always means Halloween so that is what I decided on for my card. I am also entering this for the Allsorts Challenge where this week their theme is Autumn too.I have used the adorable ' Pippi ' from CC Designs, I have stamped her with Memento Ink and coloured her with my Copic Markers, I have glittered her wings for a bit of sparkle, I do love my sparkle lol !

The papers I have used are all by BoBunny, they are such bright vibrant colours and fitted perfectly with my colouring. I have used my famous QK swirls again, I do love these, and have also used some cherry blossoms from my stash.

The sentiment is also from CC Designs, I love this saying and will use it alot, even on birthday cards for little girls as I often call my own children ' Pumpkin ' - on their good days anyway lol !

So, I hope you like my post - Oh, I forgot to tell you about the little gift bag, memory like a sieve ! I got the tutorial for this from Here it is so easy to make and I thought it would be lovely to give little Halloween treats in. I used some more of the BoBunny papers and some ribbon from my stash, the label that Pippi is on was cut with my Nesties.

Right, I think I have finished now lol ! I hope you have time to come and join in with us this month, and I really look forward to visiting all your blogs to check out your creations.

Have a wonderful day,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy - A sketch by Rach

2009-09-30T08:00:00.000+01:00

Happy wednesday morning to you, I hope the weather is being kind ? It is time for another Whiff of Joy Challenge and today we have a wonderful sketch by the awesome Rach for you, and boy is it a good one to follow, I loved it and will use it again for sure. I have used the new bird stamp from the Christmas collection, it is just so sweet and perfect for a card to a partner. I have coloured the image with my copics and have added some diamond dust to the snow on the branch and a small amount on the ends of some of the pines, I hope you can see it.

I chose BG Wassail paper for this one and have used both sides of it, the red paper is Imaginesce Go for Baroque, I have distressed the edges of all of the papers with Distress Inks - peeled paint and Tea Dye. In my box of flowers I found these lovely deep red silk ones, they have a tiny feather in them and a couple of pearls, I really thought they set it all off, and to make it even better I had some dried greenery which I added to the edges, I thought it made it look as if part of the tree was hanging around the little love birds.

The sentiment is one I had left in a pack of Craft Bitz and I have just matted it on the same card as the other layers and 3d'd it for a bit more dimension. Hope you have enjoyed your little browse at my card today and I look forward to seeing what you have come up with when I visit your blogs during the week.

Take care crafty gals,

hugs.

Claire xx

Manga Girl meets 2 challenges

2009-09-29T16:10:00.006+01:00

Two posts in one day......... get me ! I am beginning to feel a bit like a bus, none for a few days and then 2 come along both at once lol ! I have had some time to play and complete a card for a couple of challenges today, hooray ........ This one is for Lili of the Valley where they have a fabby sketch for you to follow and Paperplay Challenge where they want you to use spots. I decided to ink up my SN Manga as she was still clean rubber, I have coloured her with my copics and added some glitter to her clothes, hair bow and the tips of her boots.

The paper I chose for this one is DCWV Spring Stack and the grey is from my stash. I have used some lovely big roses that I got from Ebay and have sprayed them with irridescent gold glimmer mist, the sentiment is CC Designs.

I will be back again tomorrow with a WOJ Challenge DT card so hope you will find time to hop over and see me again, enjoy your tuesday evening,

hugs,

Claire xx

Creative Card Crew - All that Sparkles

2009-09-29T09:31:00.005+01:00

Oh we all love a little bit of sparkle don't we ? well that is exactly our challenge this week over at Creative Card Crew ' All that Sparkles' this week our sponser is ' The Crafty Pad ' who have put a lovely stamp up for grabs, so why not come on over and join in the fun ??????????
I decided to go for something different this week and make a little notebook, this one is 6" square. I used the lovely Mermaid Emma from CC designs and coloured her with my copics. For my sparkle I have glittered her body and tail with ultra fine glitter and put some stickles onto her pearls. I have used MME papers but have matted the image on some faux snakeskin paper that has a lovely pearlescent shimmer.

I have used my favourite QK swirls and some cherry blossoms, strands of pearls, tuille and some sparkly fibres, these were all from my stash.

To finish my book off I tied lots of ribbons and fibres to the metal rings that bind it together, I was really pleased with the effect, and so was my friend as she has ordered 7 from me for stocking fillers ! so that made it a very worthwhile project. I hope you have fun getting sparkled up this week, thanks for looking,

hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy - A Recipie for you

2009-09-23T07:22:00.005+01:00

I do love a yummy recipie, and that is exactly what we have for you this week over at Whiff of Joy Challenge , it is 3 papers, 6 brads and 2 flowers, now 6 brads is quite a lot for one card so it will get your creative ideas flowing on where to place them all. I used the lovely Willow from the new fall collection, she is my fave at the moment, but I am sure that will change as soon as my new Henry Mouse stamps arrive lol !
I have coloured Willow with my copics and have added some flowersoft to the leaves she is throwing, I thought it looked quite pretty for a change.

The papers i have used are all DCWV, 2 from the spring glitter stack and the darker blue one is from the Latte collection. The punched leaves are with a woodware punch and the lovely large flowers are from my stash, I think they came from ebay. The little flower brads are from my stash, I hope you can see them all ? a couple are hiding on the punched leaves. I have distressed all of the edges with antique linen distress inks. lastly the sentiment which is..............oh, I have no idea - oops !

A busy day ahead for me, trying to find my lovely hubby a birthday present that won't break the bank - never easy.

Be sure to check out the other DT's blogs to see their stunning work,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Creative Card Crew - Sams Challenge

2009-09-22T09:28:00.008+01:00

It is Tuesday again and time for another Creative Card Crew Challenge , this week it is the turn of the lovely Sam to set the challenge, and she would like you all to decorate the inside of your card, now this is something I always mean to do but never seem to get round to, so it was a good time for me to have a go. Our sponsor this week is the wonderful Whiff of Joy and so I used one of the images from their new fall kit for my card, she is a dream to colour, I have used my copics to do this, ( as always lol ) I have added some of the clear glitter copic over the top of the sash and bow but it doesn't show in the photo, shame as it looks really pretty.

So, now I have teased you with the front of the card and a close up, I will show you the inside ....................... the papers I have used throughout are DCWV luxury pearlised stack and a little bit of BG. The swirls are all from a quickutz, but anyone who follows my blog would know that as I use them all the time, one of my desert island essentials ! the sentiment is from catslife press.

The large roses have been sprayed with irridescent gold glimmer mist and the edges of the card have been distressed with antique linen.

I am sure you will have fun joining in with us this week, and you are sure to see more inside of my cards decorated in the future, it really adds that finishing touch. well peeps, off to catch up on some much needed crafting time,

hugs,

Claire xx

Some exciting news..............

2009-09-17T18:52:00.003+01:00

I have some exciting news to share with you all, I have been chosen to be one of the DT for a new challenge that is starting called Crafty Calender Challenge This challenge blog will launch on 2nd October and is a monthly challenge, it is being run by Georgia, this young lady should be an inspiration to us all, she is only 13 years old but makes beautiful cards and is a real rising star.
I hope that you will be able to take a look and come and join us on the launch date, there will be some great sponsors each month and hopefully a bucket load of inspiration from the DT.
Lastly I just want to say a big congrats to all the other lucky DT's, and a thankyou to Georgia for choosing us,

hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy - A sketch by Heather - Guest DT call entry #2

2009-09-16T17:44:00.006+01:00

Apologies ofr the lateness of this post, i have just got home from work and realised that the schedule did not work, so not sure what I did wrong there, anyway...............
Today over at Whiff of Joy Challenge we have a fabulous sketch for you to follow by our own Heather, it had lots of layers and is a bit more complex than some, but the results are amazing. I chose to matt each layer on mine as i like the outcome much better. I have used the lovely Willow stamo from last years Christmas collection, and have cropped her down with my nesties. I have coloured her with my Copics and have added some Diamond dust to her clothes and the lantern.

The papers I have used are 2 matching ones from craft creations and have matted them on some pale grey cardstock from my stash. The sentiment is a peel off and the red roses are some I have had hanging around for ages. Apologies for the bad photos but the light here yesterday was awful, rain all day and so they are not my best efforts, sorry !

Please try and find the time to visit the other DT blogs as their cards are beautiful as always and are well worth a visit. Also dont forget that Katharina still has the guest DT call on for Whiff of Joy until 18th Sept so you still have time to enter.

Right, must get on, too many things to do and too little tiem, but I guess you all know what that is like lol !

Hugs,

Claire xx

Creative Card Crew - A challenge by ME !

2009-09-15T09:31:00.005+01:00

Morning ! oh what an exciting day, today it is my turn to set the challenge over at Creative Card Crew and I have a recipie for you - 2 papers, 3 flowers, 2 brads, 1 button, 1 ribbon. it is the first time I have set a challenge so I hope you like it and will have time to come and join in, we are sponsored this week by Crafty Addicts who have given us a lovely set of stamps for you to win.
For my card I have used a Sugar Nellie stamp and coloured her with my copics. I have sprayed her with glimmer mist which you can't really see on the photos, I also added some flowersoft to her bouquet. I have used 2 papermania silk screened papers, these have a lovely irridescent sheen to them which works perfectly with the glimmer mist.

The button is from my stash and I have tied a thin brown organza ribbon through the holes, this was also from my stash. The 3 flowers are by Prima and I have added 2 crystal brads which were some i picked up at a craft fair last year.

All the edges of my papers have been distressed with Antique Linen distress inks. Well ladies, I hope I have given you a little inspiration to have a go and try my recipie, I look forward to coming and seeing your yummy creations this week.

hugs,

Claire xx

Create 4 Fun meets ABC

2009-09-10T13:41:00.005+01:00

I have just managed to scrap around and get this card finished in time for the Create for Fun Challenge this week where there is a fabby sketch to follow. I am also entering it for the ABC Challenge where this week it is 'D' for Diecuts, and as i have used my nesties to crop my image then I guess that counts. I have used one of my new stamps from Lili of the Valley, they are soooooooooooo sweet and a dream to colour.

I have coloured my image in with my copics and have distressed the edges with distress inks. The papers are ones that I found in my Christmas box, I think they are DCWV but am not certain. the ribbon is papermania, and the poinsettias are from my stash. when I tidied up yesterday I found sooooooooooooo much stuff that i have vowed to buy no new papers or embellies until my stocks have depleted. wonder how long I will stick to that one for lol !

The greenery behind the flowers is some sort of dried stuff, again, it was in my stash, goodness knows how long it has been there, but it is lovely to use. the tag is a Tim Holtz addage ticket. well, off to do some housework, we have friends for dinner tomorrow so I need to clean............

Take care,

hugs,

Claire xx

What's on your Workdesk ?

2009-09-09T18:07:00.003+01:00

Evening ladies, the lovely Rach found This Blog who are asking what is on your workbench ? well, this was sooooooooooo perfect for me today as i had spent half the afternoon tidying it up as i couldn't find a thing, I was swamped under offcuts and half coloured images, now it is pretty as a picture and all that is left on it is the card I am finishing off for tomorrows post, oh how happy I am to show you the photo beneath of my lovely tidy craft desk, notice that you can't see underneath it as that is still a complete muddle lol !

Enjoy your evening, and if you are feeling it up for it, show us your crafty workbench,
hugs,
Claire xx

Whiff of Joy - Teal and Orange

2009-09-09T10:43:00.005+01:00

Oh what a challenge we have for you over at Whiff of Joy Challenge this week, it is a colour combo - Teal and Orange, that was a really tricky one for me as they are colours that I would shy away from every time, and I struggled like mad going through my papers to find something I could use, so my design had to fit around the only ones i had, no choices for me this week which made it doubly hard. I decided to use Willow with leaves from the new fall collection as I thought the orange would fit nicely with her. I have coloured her with my copics and then used my MS Flourish punch round the edge of the card as none of my nesties were big enough to go round her. All in all I was pleased with the outcome and will use the colours again - shock horror !

The sintiment is one I found hiding in the bottom of my stamp box so don't know where it comes from , sorry ! The papers are papermania silk screened and the swirls are quickutz. the flowers and brads are from my stash.

Hope you have time to come and join us this week, if this colour combo if not one of your faves then please give it a try, as i found out myself this week, it is always good to push your boundaries once in a while, you never know, you might like it.

hugs,

Claire xx

Creative Card Crew - Have a Fairy Nice Day & friday sketchers

2009-09-08T10:02:00.005+01:00

Tuesday is here again so quickly, which means another challenge over at Creative Card Crew this week it is the turn of the lovely Linda to choose our theme, and she has chosen ' Have a fairy nice Day ' so you need to use a fairy somewhere on your card.This card was also made using the sketch over at Friday Sketchers I decided to use one from CC Designs and have stamped her onto a tag cut with my sizzix machine. I have coloured her with my Copics and added some glitter to her wings, the flower centres and her hair bobbles.

I have used Imaginesce papers and the sentiment is SU, the leaves are from a Woodware punch and the cherry blossom and ribbons are from my stash.

The other DT cards are fab so please try and find time to take a peek and to join in with us this week, I look forward to checking out your blogs to see what you come up with.

Thanks for looking peeps and have a great day,

hugs,

Claire xx

Lili of the Valley Challenge

2009-09-07T11:31:00.005+01:00

Good morning peeps, hope you are all well this fine morning ? I had my pre-order of some lovely new stamps drop through my door on Saturday, oh they are just soooooooooooo sweet I had to ink them up straight away. They are from lili of the valley and so I decided to use them and enter the Lili of the Valley Challenge they have a lovely sketch to follow and so this is my attempt at it. I have coloured my image with my copics and cropped it with my nesties.

The papers are from Crafts Creations and the sentiment is by Elzybelles, the buttons and ribbons are from my stash.

Well, I have a heap of stuff to get through today before picking up the children so best get to it, my friend had her baby last night, little Archie so I need to get busy with a card to welcome him into the world. Hope you enjoy whatever you are doing with your day,

hugs,

Claire xx

Penny Black Christmas and First Day Back at School

2009-09-03T16:22:00.005+01:00

Well, today was the day my children went back to school, just a shame that i have had to go to work all day, so no crafting for me, I wanted to share this card with you that I made last night, it is for the Penny Black saturday Challenge where this week it is Christmas............. I just love this image and thought it went well with soft modern Christmas colours. I have used my Copics as per usual, and some stickles on the scarf and hat, and white gel pen to hilight.

The papers are DCWV Luxury Stack - pearlescent. The ' snow ' on the centre strip has been embossed with a cuttlebug folder, and the sweet little sentiment is from Elzybelles. I have finished it off with a few tiny peel-off snowflakes.

Laslty I just wanted to share this picure of my lovely children all ready for ' the off ' this morning, they looked so smart and soooooooooo happy to be going back, such a relief, it brings a tear to my eye every time, how soppy am I lol ?

Hope you have all had a fabby day,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy - A sketch by Bev and a GDT Call

2009-09-02T07:27:00.009+01:00

Here we are another Wednesday already, which means another challenge over at Whiff of Joy Challenge, where this week we have an awesome sketch for you by the amazing Bev, this is my DT card. I have used Henry celebrating mouse, he really is such a sweetie, I have coloured him with my Copics and used white gel pen for hilights. I haven't done any paper piecing for a while so thought I would do some on this card, I stamped his cupcake onto the 2 papers i was using for this card and have paper pieced the icing and the cupcake wrapper, a tad fiddly round his little paws but well worth the effort.

The papers i have used for this project are MME Laundry Line, they both have glitter on which doesn't really show on the photos very well. For my border i have used a fiskars embossing punch and have distressed the edge then added some braid. The flowers are from my stash and the sentiment is SU.

The other DT's have some amazing cards to share with you this week so please be sure to check out their blogs, it will be worth the visits. lastly there is some exciting news for you.........................

Katharina is having Whiff of Joy Guest Designer Call. Whiff of Joy are looking for passionate, talented crafters with great colouration skills to complement their Design Team for the next 2.5 months (end September, October, November).
The chosen guest designer will have the following privileges:
You'll get every stamp that is going to be release during the next 2 months
You will get a 10% discount on all your orders from Whiff of Joy Stamps for the period of 1 year.
Important information:
Everybody can enter from anywhere in the world!!
You can submit as many cards as you like.
You have to use at least 1 Whiff of Joy Stamp you card!!!
The Guest Designer Call ends on Saturday, September 19th, 8 pm GMT+1
What do you have to do to enter the Whiff of Joy Guest Designer Call?
create a card, scrapbook page or paper craft project using at least 1 Whiff of Joy Stamp post your creation on your blog (and SCS gallery if you have one) letting people know about the Guest Designer Call
add your name and link to your post to the Mr. Linky Widget on Katharinas Blog.

The DT cards I do are just for the challenge blog, this is the REAL thing ladies, a chance to work on the ' proper ' DT ! Good luck ladies, enjoy making your entries,

hugs,

Claire xx

Creative Card Crew - First DT Card

2009-09-01T09:06:00.004+01:00

Good morning one and all ! well, the day is here where I get to show you all my first DT card as part of the Creative Card Crew Our challenge this week is ' Pink, Black and White ' and we have a lovely sponsor ' Whimsy Stamps' so be sure to go check out the blog and join in. I have used an image from Whimsy Stamps and coloured it with my Copics, I added some art institute glitter for some added bling. The background paper is DCWV and I have used a strip of beautiful black glitter paper, so scrummy I can't bear to use more than a small amount at a time lol ! I have used my MS heart border punch and the swirls are cut with my Quickutz Revo. The cherry blossoms I picked up on Ebay.

I must apologise for the fact that there are only 2 pics but my camera broke for no apparent reason and so I couldn't do a third photo to share. So yesterday I had to go and spend all my hard earned money on a new camera, not what I was planning to use it for but never mind. Now all I need to do is work out how to use the thing lol ! Please go and check out the other DT blogs as they have some stunning creations to share with you this week.

Thanks for looking, have a great day,

hugs,

Claire xx

2 in 1 card and Hooray for Friday

2009-08-28T08:26:00.005+01:00

Yay it's friday and I have a lovely day planned with the kids, we are going for a picnic and then to a ' pond dipping' afternoon at the local nature reserve, they will just love it.

Anyway, back to business, this is my card for 2 challenges today, the Copic Colour Challenge where this week you have to use the colours E47, BG23, and R85 and also the ABC Challenge where the theme is circles. I have used another of my favourite CC Designs stamps for this, she is coloured as alwasy with my copics and to qualify for the challenge i have used E47 for the darkes shading on her hair, BG23 for the dar part of her dress and R85 for the flowers. I have glittered the dress and boots with art institute glitter.

The papers I have used are MME and the little foam flowers I picked up at my local craft store, the brads and spacers are from my stash, as are the fibres, the leaves are cut with a woodware punch.

Well, I better go and get the picnic ready, enjoy your day, hope the weather stays kind to us all,

Hugs,

Claire xx

A lovely sketch at Papertake Weekly

2009-08-27T11:03:00.005+01:00

Oh well, it is thursday already and so far I have managed to keep my promise of a post every day this week, hooray. Todays card is my entry for this weeks Papertake Weekly Challenge where they have a fabby sketch for you to follow. I have used an adorable Swiss Pixie for this one, and seeing as I am sooooooooo much into my Christmas cards at the moment decided to do another one !

I have coloured my image with - you guessed it - Copics ! and have added some art institute glitter to her wings and belt, I have cropped her with my nesties and tried a different finish round the edges, I went round them with the flat end of my markers and then went over them with the blender pen to get them to bleed together, not too bad but I could do better with more practice. The papers are Craft Creations and the glitter paper is from my stash, not sure who makes it, sorry. The snowflakes are cut with shapeabilities and layered with foam pads.

I don't like using peel-off greetings but didn't have a stamp that fitted the space right so have had to go with one on this card, it's not too bad but I would prefer something else really, oh well.

Have a great day girls, I am up to my eyes getting ready for a dreaded boot sale at the weekend, have to make some space in the playroom somehow but I do hate them, perhaps I could persuade hubby to do it on his own...................

hugs,

Claire xx

WOJ Challenge DT card and some Good News

2009-08-26T07:47:00.004+01:00

Good morning ! Oh I hope you are as excited as me when you see this weeks challenge over at Whiff of Joy Challenge ' Use Bling ! ' well, what could be easier, when do I never use bling lol ! For me this was an excuse to get out the glitteriest paper I have and really add some sparkle to a card, and what better season than Christmas to make a blingy card. I have used Herb from WOJ, he is such a lovely stamp, I have all of the designs of him and just love them to pieces. I have coloured him with my copics and added some stickles to the spots on the scarf but they don't really show in the pictures. I have matted him onto the sparkliest glitter paper ever, when you catch this in the light it is stunning.

I have used Silk Screened paper from Papermania and the snowflakes are cut from glitter paper and irridescent vellum with my shapeabilities, I have layered them up with foam pads and added a 'bling' crystal in the centres. The sentiment is from Crafty Bitz and the ribbon is from my stash. The photos really don't show things that well, but he is a truly sparkly, blingy card.

I hope you will all have time to come and join us this week, and please take a minute to check out the other DT blogs as their creations are stunning as always.

Lastly today I want to share some good news with you, I have been asked by the lovely Paula from Creative Card Crew to join the DT on their challenge blog, I am such a lucky girl and have l not stopped smiling since I got the email lol. Of course I accepted her kind offer and I hope you will all drop by my blog and the challenge blog on tuesday to see what we have come up with for you.

Big hugs and thanks for looking,

Claire xx

Penny Black meets Die Cut Dreams

2009-08-25T07:28:00.004+01:00

Well hellooooooo, the sun is shining again this morning and I have a kiddie free day, they are off to the zoo with their Grandparents, time for a bit of me pampering I think...........
This is my entry for 2 challenges today, Penny Black Saturday Challenge where this week they want stitching on your card and Die cut Dreams Challenge where they are asking for hearts and flowers, I thought this Penny Black ' Hugs and Kisses ' stamp was perfect as it has both hearts and flowers on it. I have coloured my image as always with my copic markers, am still deciding whether or not to add a bit of glitter, what do you rekon ? maybe some on the parcels and a bit on the hearts in her pocket ?

I have used my trusty sewing machine around the edges of the image and also around the mat for the sentiment, talking of which, the senitment is from Elzybelles, the papers are BG I think but the bottom was cut off so I can't be sure, the image is of course Penny Black, and the ribbon is from my stash.

Hope you all get a lovely sunny day too, please check back tomorrow when i will have another card for you which is this weeks Whiff of Joy Challenge,

Big hugs,

Claire xx

Simon Says meets Papertake Weekly

2009-08-24T12:36:00.005+01:00

Hello one and all, what a fantastic weekend, the weather was glorious and our family BBQ was just perfect. Well, back down to earth today, and here is my card for 2 challenges Simon Says Stamp Challenge where the theme this week in Christams in August and Papertake Weekly Challenge where you can choose any one of their previous challenges, so I chose ' Bit o bling ' from Dec 2007. I have used Miss Anya Snow for this card and have coloured her with my Copics.

I have added some ' Art ' glitter to her fur, and for my bling there are some gorgeous diamonte snowflakes that I had in my stash, can't believe i had any left as they are soooooooo sparkly, and I do love to use sparkles. The snowflakes on the corner of the card are cut with my shapeabilites and i have added a brad in the centre. the papers are from Craft Creations and the sentiment is from Card Art.

I am trying so hard to be a good blogger this week and to show you a card every day, I can't promise but with so many yummy challenges to choose from I hope I will have the time to join some more this week, take care.

Hugs,

Claire xx

ATSDTC60 All that Scraps challenge - Sketch

2009-08-21T14:43:00.003+01:00

Hi all, 2 posts in one day, well, that is a first for me in a very long time lol ! This is my first time of entering an All that Scraps Challenge so I hope I manage to upload it onto their blog ok........ This is the stunning Mermaid Emma, oooooooooooooh I just looooooooooove her, she is my favourite of all to colour, her lovely hair is just so much fun.

I have coloured my image using my copic markers and have added some ' art ' glitter to her body and tail, i was going to do it to the pears but thought that might be a bit overkill lol ! The papers are DCWV Luxury Stack - pearlised, really scrummy to use, you can't see the sheen on them in the pics but believe me when I say there is a lovely irridescent sheen to them. I have also used some bazzill card, my border is done with a fiskars punch and the sentiment is from Elzybelles. The roses are from my stash and so are the crystals.

All in all not a bad effort I think, and Sophie has already earmarked it for her friends birthday next week, so she must like it !

Right, better go and finish the housework, no excuse now that I have had some craft time today,

big hugs,

Claire xx

Creative card Crew meets Friday Sketchers

2009-08-21T10:39:00.005+01:00

Oh what fun I have had making this card, from the moment I chose this sweet little Swiss Pixie stamp from CC Designs I was having fun,fun,fun. This card is for 2 challenges, Creative Card Crew where the theme is ' Christmas in August ' and I have used the fabby sketch from Friday Sketchers oh this is such an adorable sketch and I will be using it time and time again for sure.

This little stamp is so versatile and I love all of the CC Designs stamps and use them loads. I have coloured her with my Copics and added some Art Glitter to her wings and some white gel pen to hilight. The papers are from Craft Creations, they are such a lovely soft colour and I bought a huge stack so I can use them for all my Xmas cards this year so am sure you will be seeing a lot of them on my blog in the near future. The stars are some die cut ones that I bought from Thailand a couple of years ago, I have added some more glitter to some of them and have layered them up for a bit of depth.

I hope you are all having a good day and are looking forward to another glorious weekend weather wise, we have a big family BBQ going on for my Mums birthday, can't wait !

Catch you all soon,

Big hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy meets Secret Crafter

2009-08-19T07:23:00.005+01:00

Hi Ladies, today over at Whiff of Joy Challenge we have a wonderful sketch for you by our very own mega talented Rach, thankyou hun, a lovely simple sketch to follow, it was so nice to make a ' less is more' card for a change. I have also used this card for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge where the challenge this week is ' fancy corners'.
For my card I have used the charming 'Oakley', oh he is such a cutie, don't you just want to give him a hug and ruffle his hair ?
I have coloured him using my Copics, and cut him out with my nesties, labels 4 I think, never can remember which is which lol.

I am not sure who made the paper, sorry, it is one I picked up in a bargain bundle from my local craft shop and the wording on it matched my stamped sentiment exactly which is why I chose it. The sentiment is from Catslife Press. The corners are cut from a sizzix sizzlit and the ribbons are from my stash.

I do hope you will come and join in with us this week, Rach is worried the number of entries will plummet because of her sketch, now how silly is that lol ! Sorry I have not been round to see all your entries for a couple of weeks but I was away sunning myself, I am now back on track and am looking forward to visiting you all this week.

Big hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy #43 - Colours Pink & Brown

2009-08-12T08:00:00.000+01:00

Ooooh this week over at Whiff of Joy Challenge it was my favourite week so far as we have a colour combo for you - Pink & Brown ! yay my favourite. I got little Celebrating Henry out for this one, he is such a cutie and I just adore colouring him, I have done this with my copics and cropped him with my nesties, and just distressed the edges slightly.

I have used Imaginesce papers and a lovely ' fat daisy ' which I cut in half ( can't bear to part with these things so this makes them last longer lol ) I have topped it with a prima and then a cherry blossom from Wild orchid Crafts, the swirls are cut from a quickutz revolution die.

Lastly I added a bit of glitter with some stickles and a few crystals. I will be back from my hols tomorrow so will be back to card making as I am sure to have missed it over the last 2 weeks, and I didn't pack any to take with me. Hope you have a great week,

hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy - A sketch by Jacqui

2009-08-05T08:00:00.001+01:00

Good morning to you all, oh I hope this post has published when it should lol, this is my first time of scheduling one so fingers crossed. This week over at Whiff of Joy Challenge we have a fabby sketch for you by our very own Jacqui, and wow was it a pleasure to use, thankyou sweetie. I thought I would get old Herb out for this one and do a Christmas card for you just to tease you all as I am away somewhere nice and hot sunning myself !

I coloured Herb with my copics, I have used all creams and browns as this is my favourite Christmas colour combo. I wish i could tell you what the background paper is but I have no idea and would love you to tell me as I am desperate to get my hands on some more. I have used bazzill for the surround and some goregous gilded vellum for the stripe.

The snowflakes are sut with my new shapeabilites, I looooooooove them, you can make so many combinations as there are 5 designs to layer. I have used some more of the gilded vellum and some brown glitter paper, the brads are MM and the sentiment is a crafty bitz.

I really loved doing this card, hope you like it, please check out the other DT blogs as I know their creations will be stunning. I will be away for another week but have got my DT card scheduled for you to see so TTFN, catch you all in just over a week or so.

hugs,

Claire xx

Do you know what this paper is called please ?

2009-07-29T08:12:00.006+01:00

Hi Girls, PLEASE does anyone know what the name of this paper is and who makes it ?? I really need to get hold of some more and have no idea what it is, I have shown a picture of both sides. The gold on this side is slightly pearlescent. I thought it was Basic Grey but have been told that it isn't

I really hope you can help me out as I am in a real hole with this one, thankyou sooooooooooo much for taking a peek,
Hugs,
Claire xx

Whiff of Joy Challenge - Floral

2009-07-29T06:54:00.005+01:00

Good morning ! Did you all have a good time with the WOJ blog hop on Saturday ? it was great so I hope you will be able to come and join in with us over at Whiff of Joy Challenge this week,we have a theme for you - Floral - what girl wouldn't love to join in with that one ? I decided to use Willow the bride for this card. I have coloured her with my copics and have cut her out using my nesties ( labels 4 I think )

I added some flowersoft to her bouquet and head-dress as this works beautifully with this stamp and is such an easy way of getting a great effect. I used a K&Co background paper and then tinged the edges but you can't pick this up on the photo very well. I have also slightly coloured the edges of the cut out Willow and have then placed it inside a frame cut with the same nestie but out of a different type of card, still white but it just gives a smidge of contrast.

I have used Prima flowers and the ribbon, pearl sprays and brads are from my stash, the paper roses are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Hope you are having a great start to the childrens summer holidays, catch you soon,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy Challenge - A sketch by Donalda

2009-07-22T07:28:00.006+01:00

Oh boy do we have a great sketch for you over at Whiff of Joy Challenge this week, it is one designed by the lovely Donalda and is just fabby to work with. I have thought of late that my cards have been a bit ' samey' and so I decided to do something different this week, I am not sure that I am happy with it but decided to go with it and see what you all thought as it is alwasy good to do something outside of your comfort zone once in a while.

I have used the lovely Oakley as a Groom stamp and have cropped it with my nesties, he doesn't look so weddingy this way so thought the card could be used for an older boys birthday. I have coloured the image with my copics and used a white gel pen for hilighting. The papers are DCWV and I have used a black glossy card for the background. The buttons are cut from velvet paper using a sizzlits die and I have tied them with organza ribbon from my stash.

Laslty I added a few adhesive silver balls and tied some more organza ribbon round the card as it looked a little bare. I hope you have time to come and join in with us this week, catch you son,

hugs,

Claire xx

Die Cut Dreams Guest Designer for the week

2009-07-20T08:33:00.006+01:00

Today I am such a lucky girl, the lovely Susie and Vikki over at Die cut Dreams Challenge have asked me to be their guest designer for this weeks challenge which is Black & White. Now this really was a challenge for me lol, as I do love my pastels ! my first card is made using a Magnolia new years swirl stamp and a die cut butterfly which I have done in velvet paper. Once I had stamped the image I ran it through a cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder, then stuck some wire onto the back of the butterfly for antennae and added a few crystals to make the body. The background paper is DCWV and the sentiment is SU, the flower is prima and I have used a LeoneEm punch for the fern leaves. I am really pleased with this as I think it is very stylish but it was also very quick and easy.

My second card is using papers that I printed from a Pink Petticoat CD and also some DCWV. I have used a sizzlit shoe which is cut in velvet paper and a quickutz revo swirl, a couple of flowers from my stash, a satin ribbon and an epoxy sentiment, again from my stash. the photo doesn't show this card off very well as the textures are a bit lost, sorry.

I hope you find time to check out the Die cut Dreams Challenge blog and look at the other DT cards, which are as always amazing. thankyou again for asking me girls, it was an honour to be on your team this week.

Hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy meets Friday Sketchers

2009-07-15T07:00:00.002+01:00

So sorry I missed you all yesterday, I had some catching up to do behind the scenes as we are going away soon so didn't get to do a post, hopefully this one will make up for it though. Over at Whiff of Joy Challenge blog the challenge we have for you this week is 'piercing' I have cheated a bit on mine and have done it on my sewing machine with no thread in it, I think you get a much neater finish that way rather than doing it all by hand. I have followed the lovely sketch over at Friday Sketchers for this card so am entering it for their challenge too.

I have used the wonderful WOJ Wedding Carriage stamp which was a dream to colour, I have added some flowersoft to the back of it as I think that looks nicer than just the coloured foliage, it ia hard to capture it in a photo, but trust me, it is really nice. I have added a ' best wishes' sentiment on the panel at the back of the carriage as it looked a little plain without it.

I have finished off with some cherry blossoms mounted onto some prima flowers and added my fave quickutz swirls, the ' cherish' and ' forever' sentiments were already printed on the paper so I did not add anything else as I felt it wasn't needed. I think the paper is Craft Creations but I am not positive. I hope this inspires you to join us and have a go a piercing this week, be sure to check out the other DT's blogs as there are some fab designs from them again this week.

hugs,

Claire xx

Waving Emma meets 2 challenges

2009-07-13T17:44:00.007+01:00

I hope you all had a fab weekend ? I have been a busy buny again but have manged to make this card for a friends daughters birthday, it also covers 2 challenges, over at Papertake Weekly you have to use your favourite things, this card has lots of those ! I am totally in love with these CC Designs Emma stamps, this is 'waving Emma ' I adore my new nesties ,this is definatly my favourite of all the ones I own, the polka dot Imaginesce paper which is all furry is another favourite, and lastly the pink cherry blossom flowers are something I can't craft without.

The second challenge I am entering this card for is Creative Card Crew where the theme is ribbons, so I have used a lovely fuschia pink organza and a pale pink satin, two ribbons that I love. I have coloured my stamp with my Copics as always.

Hope to catch you all again tomorrow with another couple of challenges , ironing pile willing lol !

Have a good evening,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Cute Card Thursday

2009-07-10T14:15:00.008+01:00

Oh I am so happy, I spent most of yesterday making thankyou teacher cards , and guess what, over at Cute Card Thursday the challenge this week is ' Thankyou Miss ' so I decided to share these 2 cards with you and also enter the challenge too. they are of course Gorjuss Girls from Sugar Nellie, perfect for teachers I thought, I hope you agree.

I have coloured in with my Copics and cropped with my nesties. The papers I have used for both cards are DCWV Latte, they are such lovely muted colours and work perfectly with the images. I have punched the edge of the centre strip with a fiskars border punch and have added a few cherry blossoms from my stash.

The swirls are cut with a quickutz revolution die and in my ' peel-off ' box I found these great glittery white letters which I have used for the ' thankyou ' message. All in all I was really pleased with how these came out, and so was the lady who ordered them, whew !

Catch you later girls,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Die Cut Dreams meets Spoonfull of Sugar

2009-07-09T17:43:00.006+01:00

Oh I have been making teacher thankyou cards all day, but just managed to fit in this one too, it is my entry for 2 challenges Die cut Dreams Challenge the challenge this week is ' corners & curls ' so my curly corner covered the two things in one, the other challenge is A Spoon Full of Sugar where this week you need to include hearts on your card, so I have used heart paper, there are hearts on the dress and also a heart punched border.

The image is one of my Ketto stamps from Stamping Bella, I have coloured her with my copics and cut her out using my nesties. The paper is Dasy Bucket ' I love you ' and ' first love ' although I promised to try not to use my Martha Stewart heart border punch I just couldn't help it ! The curly xorner is a sizzix sizzlit and I have embellished it with a few fibres and a mulberry paper rose.

I love this colour combination, really bright and yet subtle too, tomorrow I will be up to my ears baking, I have 3 cakes to get ready so might not get a chance to do a card to share with you so I am apologising in advance !

hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy #38 A sketch by Katharina

2009-07-08T07:25:00.001+01:00

Good morning to you all, this is my DT card for the challenge over at Whiff of Joy Challenge , this week there is a lovely sketch to follow by the wonderful Katharina. I thought I would use Willow with her baby again this week as I love this stamp so much. I have coloured her with my copics and cropped the image using my nesties.

The papers I have used are Imaginesce, Craft Creations and Bazzill. the corner is cut with a sizzix sizzlit. I have used an epoxy sentiment from my stash and also some mulberry roses, again from my stash, the edges of the card are stitched with a fine zig-zag on my machine. The border is punched using my Marthat Stewart lace border.

This is quite a simple card but I didn't want to over-complicate it as the image is so pretty. I hope you have time to come over and join us this week it was great visiting all of your blogs last week and seeing your lovely work.

Hugs,

Claire xx

Simon Says Challenge - Colour Combo

2009-07-06T15:50:00.002+01:00

OOOOOh, my second post in one day, how good have I been this morning, beavering away at all those lovely challenges out there. This one is for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge where this week they have given us a colour combo to work with, not surprisingly for me, I chose the apple green and pink colours from the list as these are two of my favourites. I have been looking for a project to use my Ketto stamps from Stamping Bella on, and this was my chance, I think this little fairy is such a cutie.

I have coloured my image with my Copic markers and cut her out using my nesties. I have added some sparkle to her dress but it doesn't show well in the photo. The papers are Kaisercraft and PaperMania, and the little dewdrops are also PaperMania. Yet again I have used my Martha Stewart Lace heart punch, I am loving this new toy, hence why it is on all my cards at the moment, I will try not to use it tomorrow I promise lol ! the bow with the little heart on is from my stash, as was the pink/green card that I used for my mats.

Hugs,

Claire xx

Just Magnolia Wk12 - So Charming

2009-07-06T09:41:00.006+01:00

Hope you have all had a lovely weekend ? Mine has been spent rushing about here there and everywhere after the children as usual, the amount of parties they go to is astonishing. At long last I have managed to spend a bit of time in my craft room, so here is my entry for this weeks challenge over at Just Magnolia this week you have to add a charm to your card, so I have used this pretty little filigree heart hanging from a prima flower.

The Tilda image is one of the first Magnolia I bought and I still love her. I have coloured in using my copics and a white gel pen for hilights. The papers are Imaginesce and I have added a strip of bazzill bling which I edged using my Martha Stewart heart lace punch. As I said before, the flowers are prima, and the ribbon is from my stash.

I have another busy day ahead, crafting all day which is my favourite kind of busy ! Will be back later with another post for you I hope, take care,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Spoonfull of Sugar - Summertime

2009-07-02T11:58:00.002+01:00

Over at Spoonful of Sugar the challenge this week is ' Summertime ' quite apt as I spent all day wednesday at the beach with the whole of Sophies/Alfies school, 200 children and nearly as many adults, we took over half the beach and had a fantastic day, paddling, making sand castles, playing cricket, it really was such fun, we do this trip with the school every year and each time they just get better. This little ' surfer Emma ' from CC Designs is sooooooooo summery it was perfect for this challenge.

I have coloured the image with my copics and have given Emma a bit of a suntan, not intentional but my E00 had run out ! The papers I have used are K&Co, the plain card i used for matting was eun through a cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder before being distressed. The flowers are Prima and the ribbon and brads are from my stash.

I found a great little ice-cream sundae button at the bottom of my tin and luckily the colours matched my card perfectly, lastly I added a few crystals.
Catch you all tomorrow,
Hugs,
Claire xx

Whiff of Joy - can't believe I made the DT !!!!!!

2009-07-01T17:13:00.003+01:00

Oh how much of a lucky girl am I ? I have been so honoured to be chosen as one of the new DT members over at Whiff of Joy Challenge Blog whoop, whoop, did you hear my screams of excitement ? The girls have all been so welcoming that I have felt at home straight away. So, on with the business, this is my first card as part of the DT, this week the challenge is a recipie, 3 papers, 3 flowers and 1 ribbon. I have used the lovely Willow with her baby stamp from the new collection, a real dream to colour, I have done this with my copics as always. I nearly had a blue fit as my E00 had run out and I didn't have a refil, just managed to eek it out for this image though, and as you can see, I had the old sewing machine out again.

The 3 papers I have used are two by Craft Creations and one from Bazzil. I have layered 2 flowers together for the main embelishment and just used a single small one to complete my 3. A few fibres under the spacer and a pearl brad finish the job nicely. The swirls are cut with a quickutz flourish die, The last part of the recipie was the ribbon, I thought the sentiment on this one said it all ' Simpy Adorable '

I added a few little crystals for a bit of sparkle, I do like a bit of sparkle lol ! I found a brad that said ' Its a Boy ' and thought that added the finishing touch. Hope you like what I have done, and I look forward to seeing you over on the challenge blog.

Hugs,

Claire xx

Die Cut Dreams Challenge

2009-06-30T16:23:00.006+01:00

Hi,
Over at Die cut Dreams Challenge this week the challenge is ' Anything but a card ' so I have made this little notebook. I bought a few of these books a couple of weeks ago as they were ideal for decorating up, they are 6"x6" square, ring bound and have lined paper inside. The little dog on the front is one I made form a custom die that I have for a bear, I added an eye patch and some sizzix doll feet for ears, the dogs feet are a quickutz die. Before piecing him all together I shaded the parts using pigment inkpads.

I have cut the mats with my nesties and ran the green card through a cuttlebug swiss dots folder to get some texture, I have distressed the edges with a white inkpad. The sentiment is from Catslife press, the ribbon and dog paw brads are from my stash.

Alfie is going to a party at the weekend and I thought this would make a lovely little top up present to go with the obligatory ' Ben10 ' present that everyone seems to want this year ! Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine, will catch you tomorrow as I have another card ready to show you,

hugs,

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy - Can't believe I made the DT !!!!!

2009-06-29T20:59:00.010+01:00

Hugs,

Claire xx

Just Magnolia Week11 Bevs Sketch

2009-06-29T20:35:00.009+01:00

Evening ladies, this is my entry to the Just Magnolia challenge, this week there is the most amazing sketch from Bev, just lovely to work with and one I know I will use over and over again. I love this little Tilda image, it is coloured with my usual copics.

I have used Bazzill card and the paper is Imaginesce, I went to my local craft shop today and they had a whole new rack of Imaginesce that they bought from a closing shop and were selling it all off at 40p per sheet for the lovely textured double sided ones, I couldn't believe my luck so snapped up lots of lovely designs, my basket was rather heavy at the end !

The punch I have used is a Fiskars, and the cherry blossoms are from my stash, I use these a lot on cards now as I find them sweeter than the mulberry roses, I am always swapping about though so will go back to the roses again I am sure. Just off to sit and enjoy the Tennis.

Chat again soon,

Hugs,

Claire xx

I am soooooooooo lucky

2009-06-28T22:10:00.004+01:00

Just a quick note, I am so lucky to have won the High Hopes Challenge this week and have 3 lovely stamps winging their way to me. It was the first time I had entered this challenge so can't believe my luck !
Have been working really hard crafting with Sophie most of the day today, should have some new cards to share with you tomorrow.
Hope you have all had a great weekend and enjoyed the sunshine,

hugs,

Claire xx

2 in 1 card - Friday Sketchers meets Color Chef

2009-06-27T08:17:00.006+01:00

Goodness it seems like ages since I did my last post, I have had so much going on I must apologise for my lack of crafting. This is my entry for 2 challenges today, Friday Sketchers where the is the most fabulous sketch to follow, and Color Chef where the colours this week are Tan, White and Bamboo, a great combination and one I had loads of fun with.

I have used Willow holding her baby from the new WOJ collection and have coloured her with my copics as usual. All of the papers are Bazzil and I have added prima flowers and a couple of mulberry roses.

Lastly I finished off with a few fibres, some pearls and the swirls which are quickutz. Such a soft serene combination of colours, this may even rival my favourite pink/green lol. Just need someone to have a baby now so I can give them the card. I think it could benefit from a sentiment on it somewhere but i will add that later .

Hope you are all well and enjoying good weather,

Hugs,

Claire xx

High Hopes challenge #36

2009-06-23T11:52:00.005+01:00

What a goregeous day it is here, hope you are all getting this lovely weather too ? Hope it doesn't get any hotter or poor Sophie will flag at her sports day this afternoon poor little little things, they will be melting !
Well, the challenge over at High Hopes this week is ' use your scraps' the most difficult part of this challenge for me was to choose which scraps to use as I have sooooooooo many lol !

I went for this Monkey Mike image as it was already stamped and sitting on my desk, Alfie and I made some finger puppets from it last week and this one must have been left over, I have coloured it using my copics. The paper is DCVW Latte ( I think ) and the trusty sewing machine came in handy again for the edges. The leaves and buttons were cut from scraps of card using sizzlits dies, and I just distressed the edges to give a more 3d effect.

I finished off with a couple of epoxy stickers and bobs your uncle, a simple card but quite effective I think, will definatly use those leaves again with this image, and I know a lot of little monkeys who I could give this card to.........

Hugs,

Claire xx

The Sugarbowl challenge

2009-06-22T12:41:00.005+01:00

Oh I am having such a lovely day, the sun is shining and I have the whole day to craft whooppeee ! I have made this card for the challenge over at The Sugarbowl it is such a lovely sketch to use and the please include option this week was cream and brown. My gorjuss girl is coloured with my copic markers, I made use of the sewing machine being out again and added a bit more texture with some stitching around the mats, I also added a few small paper flowers around the bottom of the ' wall ' area to help tie all the colours together.

I have used Kaiserkraft paper and some cherry blossoms which seem to be a staple part of most of my cards at the moment lol, and have added a few cream punched leaves and a small epoxy sentiment to finish it off.

Sorry the photos are not the best, I really MUST work on those, I think I am just too keen to get on with the cards that taking the pics is a necessary evil for me, oh well, c'est la vie !

Hugs

Claire xx

Whiff of Joy meets Die Cut Dreams

2009-06-22T09:44:00.006+01:00

Oh Wow I enjoyed making this card, it is my entry into the Whiff of Joy challenge this week which is ' paper piecing ' I was so excited when my new parcel of Whiff of Joy stamps arrived this week that I didn't know which one to use first ! Seeing as this is the fella that I have wanted for the longest time I decided to use him. I have paper pieced the huge cupcake that he is carrying, it was slightly fiddley cutting round the little paws but well worth the effort. I am also entering this card for the new Die cut Dreams Challenge where the theme this week is 'polka dots & spots'

I had my sewing machine out this weekend making a Viking outfit for Sophie to wear at their history day at school, so thought I would do a little stitching on a couple of cards too, it gives a lovely effect and adds another texture which is always good.

I have coloured Henry Mouse with my Copics, and the papers I have used are K&Co for the cupcake and mount, and Imaginesce for the spotty background, this paper is covered in fluffy dots, wish you could feel it, it is delish.........

I have used some ribbon from my stash and a few cherry blossoms that I picked up from Ebay to complete the look, the fern leaves are done using a LeoneEm punch. Oh, and I added a few funky fibres under the blossoms, again for a bit more texture.

hugs,

Claire xx

Another award !!!!!!!!!

2009-06-21T20:11:00.009+01:00

I have been given this award by the lovely Vikki thankyou so much hun, it means so much to get an award and I am very grateful. the rules of this award are that I must thank the person who sent it to me, tell you 7 honest things about myself and pass this award on, so here we go................. 7 honest things about me.......

1. I am a total crafting addict and always want to be the best I can.

2. My children and my Husband are the most important things in my life.

3. I buy things and then make out I have had them for ages ( naughty I know but I bet I am not the only one who does it lol )

4. I have a NOT very secret obsession with David Beckham

5. I am a compulsive buyer of all things Radley

6. I hate feet

7. I just HAVE to have my nails done, can't bear to be without my fibreglass lol !

These things make me sound rather strange I think, but, it was all about being honest so now I am totally exposed to you all, and I hope you have mercy on my weirdness lol. Well, I would like to pass this award on to a couple of people who have made my entry into the blogging world so painless, thankyou ladies for your warmth, friendliness and encouragement, it is much appreciated.

Vicky - Cuddly Cards
Sarah - fluffs creations

I hope you enjoy what is left of your weekend and I will see you all tomorrow with some new posts as there are so many lovely challenges out there at the moment.
Hugs,
Claire xx

My first blog awards - yippee !

2009-06-19T18:55:00.016+01:00

I feel so honoured today, I have been given 2 blog awards by the wonderful Susie at Sassy designs by Susie Thankyou soooooooooooooooo much for these, they mean the world to me, I am so glad that my little blog brings you happiness to your day. If you haven't been over to Susies blog you really should pay her a visit, she has so many creative ideas to share with us all and is a wonderful friend who means so much to me, so thankyou again hun.

I now have to pass this award on to 10 people who I think deserve it, so I am sending it to people who have inspired me over the past months and whose work is in my opinion, just awesome !

thanks again Susie, love ya,

Claire xx

So, here are the ladies who I give these wonderful awards to :

1. Jeanette at Happy Thoughts & Inkspots

2. Tab atTabby Craft Designs

3. Jannie atMy Little Pieces of Art

4. Kim atCards by Kim

5. Bev atAll the things I love
6. Rach at Papercrafts by Rach
7. Kim atKraftin Kimmies Korner
8. Sue at McMahon Five Designs
9. Camilla atCamillas Blog
10. Suzanne at Scrap Bitz

A Spoonfull of Sugar #56

2009-06-19T13:38:00.004+01:00

My second post for today, whooppee ! over at A Spoonfull of Sugar challenge there is a great sketch to follow this week, really enjoyed using it and know I will use it again. I have used another of the lovely Swiss Pixies from CC Designs and a sentiment from Elzybelles.

The papers are from K&Co and I have used a few other bits from my stash, flowers, ribbons, pearl sprays and a few sparkles.

I colourd her in using my copics as usual, think I need to add some glitter to her wings though, what do you think ?

well, off to school now to the friday assembly then little Alfie has a party to go to, so catch you later,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Simon says Stamp challenge

2009-06-19T13:15:00.011+01:00

Hello at very long last ! After a couple of days stuck in the kitchen cooking Wedding cakes I finally managed to break free and get some crafting done.................... This is my card for the Simon says Stamp challenge, this week we have to make a card to celebrate their blogs birthday, I thought this little fella fitted the bill, I know I have used him a lot recently but awwwwwww, he is so cute don't ya think ?

So, now I am off to carry on my very enjoyable day crafting, boy I miss it when I have other things to do.

Catch you later,

Hugs,

Claire xx

A card for a girly girl

2009-06-17T17:43:00.005+01:00

I thought I would share this card with you all even though it is not for a challenge. My parcel of the new CC Designs stamps came a day or two ago, and inside was this adorable image, she is one of the new Swiss Pixies, I had to do a card for a very girly 7 year old and thought she would be perfect.

I have of course coloured her with my Copic markers, I have added some art glitter to her wings for a bit of extra sparkle. The papers are DCWV and the ribbon is some I picked up from a shop called ' The Range ' I have used a fiskars border punch and some peel off corners. The cherry blossoms I got from Ebay.

The fern leaves are cut with a Leone Em punch and the sentiment is from Elzybelles, gosh that was a lot of things !

Hope you like her and I will be back with a challenge card tomorrow.

Hugs,

Claire xx

Die Cut Dreams first challenge

2009-06-15T10:48:00.010+01:00

Morning to you all, this is my entry for the brand new Die cut Dreams Challenge blog, the topic this week is ' green fingers' so i got my die cutting machine out ofr an airing and came up with this card. I have used a mixture of custom dies and some quickutz and Go Kreate too.

I shaded all of the die cuts before putting them together to give things a more rounded appearance. the paper is one I have had since the year dot and the flowers are from my stash.

I have loads to get on with as I am so behind after a weekend of socialising ! and the postie has just bought me a parcel of new stamps to play with........................

hugs,

Claire

Just Magnolia week 9 - paper piecing

2009-06-13T10:07:00.009+01:00

Hi ladies, well after a lovely lunch out yesterday I have loads of catching up to do ! The first challenge card I decided to do was the one for the Just Magnolia challenge, this week we have to include paper piecing on our card, this is the first time I have tried it and am quite happy with the result, it wasn't as fiddley as I thought.

This was the first Magnolia stamp that I bought and I still think she is soooooooo sweet. I used Bazzil Swiss Dots card and some Basic Grey to stamp and paper piece Tildas apron with, I did distress the edges a bit before I stuck the apron down

I added some dried flowers for the greenery, a little funky fibre and some mulberry roses to finish it all off, also some lovely braid that I picked up at my local craft shop last week. Well, I better go and get on with the next one lol, after I have made some muffins with the children, I have been promising all morning......... and last evening, yes, definatly time to go do some baking,

hugs,

Claire xx

PENNY BLACK CHALLENEGE#52 - BLOOMING GORGEOUS

2009-06-11T15:59:00.009+01:00

Another first for me - The Penny Black challenge - and again, not a difficult decision stamp wise as I only have 3 of their stamps, I really must build my collection up, but I am new to this stamping lark so give me some time............
The challenege was ' blooming gorgeous ' and I thought this little cutie fitted the bill nicely with her blooms on her dress and bags, and of course I had to add some more to go with them lol ! A girly card just has to have flowers don't you think ?

Coloured with my copics of course and jazzed up with some art glitter. I have no idea where the paper is from as I seem to have cut off the bit with the name on, oops, the flowers are prima and the lovely little flower charm I picked up off of ebay.

I am being a ' lady wot lunches ' tomorrow so won't have a card ready to show you, it is my friend Lisa's 40th, and this card will be for her, she is a real shopper so hope she likes it. Right, i have a house full of kids so better go and get them fed and watered,

catch you all soon,

hugs,

Claire xx

WHIFF OF JOY CHALLENGE #34

2009-06-11T15:36:00.007+01:00

Well ladies, this is my first try at the Whiff of Joy challenge, it wasn't hard for me to choose which stamo to use as this is the only one I have lol ! I am waiting for more to arrive any day, and will of course be ordering the new sets when they are released on 14th June.

It was nice to do a boys card for a change, I always struggle with boys card normally, but this image os so cute that I really had fun with it.

The papers I used are K&Co and the sentiment is from Catslife Press, the ribbon is from my stash and the button.............. well, the button was from a pair of my trousers lol, i didn't have any the right colour so I had to raid my wardrobe, just hope I remember to put a different one on before i wear them again, wouldn't want them to fall down !

Thanks for taking time out to have a peek,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Simon Says Stamp Challenge by Rach

2009-06-10T14:24:00.007+01:00

Hi,

this weeks challenge over at Simon Says Stamp Stamp is set by the mega talented Rach, you have to make a card using the colours brown and pink, my favourite colour combo ! I have used another cute stamp by Lelo-Design, the papers are from Kaisercraft and all the other embellishments are from my stash.

A close up of the coloured image, done with my trusty Copics:

Hope you guys are all having a great day,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Friday Sketchers #55 & A Spoonfull of Sugar #45

2009-06-09T12:04:00.008+01:00

I am using this card to complete two challenges today. Over at Friday Sketchers they have set this lovely sketch for us to use this week, I have really enjoyed this one, I am also using this card to enter the challenge over at A Spoonfull of Sugar ,the challenge there is to use butterflies somewhere on your card, so I hope this little card does the trick.

I have used a 150mm square card, the papers are DCWV and the lovely little dog is by Lelo Designs, it is just a lovely image to colour, I have done this using my Copics as usual.

I hope you manage to find time to pop over to the challenge blogs and join in with these ones.

Have a great day,

hugs,

Claire xx

Sugarbowl Challenge #12

2009-06-08T13:44:00.015+01:00

This is my entry for the challenge over at The Sugarbowl this week. The challenge is to make a card using blue and green, and you must use a SugarNellie stamp.

The papers I have used are Imaginesce, I have embossed the card using cuttlebug embossing borders and have distressed the edges. The flower is a Prima Iced Lime and the brad is from my stash.
A close up of the front :

Hope you like it,

Hugs,

Claire xx

Roses on Paper Challenge #13 - A colour challenge

2009-06-08T09:38:00.014+01:00

Over at Roses on Paper they have a colour challenge, to create a card using pink, yellow and green, so this is my entry using a Greeting Farm stamp. They are also calling for some guest DT members at their new challenge site - Belles & Whistles Blog so why not go and take a look and try your luck, it is a 2 month post and sounds great fun.

I coloured the image with my copics and added some ' Art Glitter ' to sparkle things up a bit, this really is a sweet image to colour.

I don't usually use yellow on cards so this was a real challenge for me, I used a couple of lemon coloured prima flowers and a sweet yellow brad in a pink/green flower and also a few yellow fibres, it is difficult to see but the little flowers around the bottom of the image are coloured in yellow too.

My card from another angle :

I really enjoyed this challenge and am now off to find another one to enter. Catch you all soon,

hugs,

Claire xx

New die Cut Dreams Challenge blog, and they have Candy.....

2009-06-07T18:33:00.011+01:00

Check out this new blog ! Die cut Dreams Challenge it will be starting on 15th June and will be a weekly challenge. Susie is giving away this great candy to celebrate the launch.
Good luck with the blog to Susie and her DT member Vikki, I will be back to enter the challenge as soon as it launches.

Hugs,

Claire xx

JUST MAGNOLIA CHALLENGE #8

2009-06-06T12:43:00.004+01:00

Well, this is the first ever challenge that I have entered, it is the just magnolia Challenge #8. I needed to make a Wedding card so thought this would be just the job. The image is of course magnolia, I have used DCWV Latte papers and some Bazzil swiss dots, a quickutz flourish, some primas and the sentiment is Autumn leaves

Another angle :

I hope you like it,

hugs,

Claire xx

Fairy lovely letters

2009-06-05T13:19:00.005+01:00

Hello All,
Not a card today I am afraid, but I thought I would share these with you, the letters are made from MDF and are 15-20cm high and 18mm thick, i have painted them with acrylic paints and added some crystals and glitter, then finished them off with a beautiful little fairy made from Fimo.

I use them as party gifts for little girls and have also done them for new born babies. Hope you like them, I will try and do a card for tomorrow,

Have a great weekend,

hugs

Claire xx

Something different ?

2009-06-04T18:35:00.010+01:00

While I have been visiting all of your lovely blogs I noticed that several of you have made 'post it' note holders, I think they are lovely and so have had a go myself, what do you think ?

The papers are K&Co and I have used the lovely Polka Dot Emma stamp again, can't get enough of this one at the moment.

This is the inside :

I used a smaller section of the stamp for the inside cover, and have used my Bind it All machine to put it all together

I enjoyed making it so much that I made a couple as thankyou presents for Sophies teachers :

I think these are great for end of term presents for the teachers and they are sooooooo easy to make, I think these could end up being what I make for the classes Christmas presents, what do you think ?

Take care all,

Claire xx

Sugarplum Love

2009-06-03T11:13:00.004+01:00

A couple of days ago this lovely stamp dropped through my letterbox, it is one of the CC Designs Sugarplums - Polka Dot Emma, she is just a dream to colour, I have of course used my copics, the papers I have used are imaginesce, prima iced flowers and brads from my stash, finished off with a Tim Holtz addage ticket.

A close up of the coloured image :

I hope you like her as much as I do.

I would like to say how much fun I am having blog hopping, you have all been so friendly in the last few days and it has really made me feel welcome, I just hope that my things bring some inspiration to someone like all of your things have inspired me.

Hugs,

Claire xx

Pretty in Pink Birthday card

2009-06-01T10:10:00.004+01:00

This is another card using one of the Gorjuss Girls stamps, I have coloured this one using my copics, something I have only recently started to use and I loooooooooove them. The paper is by Sandylion and the ribbons, flowers and brad are all from my stash. This card is for my Gorjuss little girl Sophie to give to her friend.

Have a great day and take care,

Claire xx

A Gorjuss card just for fun

2009-06-01T09:58:00.003+01:00

Good morning ! and welcome to my blog. This is my very first post and I would never have been able to do it without the help of a very dear friend, so a HUGE thankyou to you - Susie - you are just the best person on the planet and I love you dearly.

This card is one of the Gorjuss girl images coloured with copics. The papers are from DaisyBucket and the flowers, brads and spacers are from my stash. Sorry about the quality of my photos, that is something I will have to work on. I hope you like my card and look forward to having you follow my blog.

Until next time,

Claire xx