Purple Irises

I know, I know, I am becoming an increasingly bad blogger...I have

so many cards in my 'drafts', and I never seem to catch up. Most of

them have been made for Fat Cats Card Corner, and tonight's 

offering is one of those.

This card was made using a lovely die set by Marianne Creatables Design. It is such

a versatile die set, as you can see in some of my recent posts. The pretty image is

from a sheet of stickers I have had for so many years I had a lovely surprise

when I found them while looking for something else.

I cut two of the sentiment die and adhered them together

so it was a tad more dimensional.

Dies - Marianne Creatables Design Folding Lace Square; Creative Expression Sue Wilson Frames & Tags - Isobel; 

Image - Penny Black Stickeroo

Punch - EK Success Mini Hole

It is now after midnight, so I am off to bed, as I have a very busy week ahead.

Until next time, thank you for visiting,

Hugs,

Jennifer.  xx

Love On A Log

Good evening fellow crafters. 

I usually don't do a mid-challenge post for one one of my design teams,

Words 2 Craft By, but this month is an exception. The current theme is

a lovely one about kindness, and our quote is by A.A. Milne...

"Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind,

"Pooh" he whispered. "Yes, Piglet?"

"Nothing" said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw.

"I just wanted to be sure of you."

I thought this ever so cute image fitted our theme so perfectly, and especially for

this cat-crazy lady. Our remaining kitty is a grey, striped tabby, and our last 

darling boy was white and ginger.

Image - Penny Black Dear Friend (Cling stamp)

Colouring - Promarkers

Dies - Memory Box Madera Corner; Cheery Lynn Lace Light Deco Border

Paper - Imaginisce Fall Flower Girl

Embossing Folder - Couture Creations Tied Together

Flowers are from my junk stash

Challenges I would like to enter

To Be Updated

For a chance to win a great prize, pop over to Words 2 Craft By and enter your own interpretation of our quote for this month.

For ages we have been experiencing BIG problems with the internet, so before it drops out for what feels like the zillionth time today I will bid you all goodnight.

Until next time,

Hugs,

Jennifer.  xx

Hello Handsome

Another annual July event is our wedding anniversary.

This year John and I celebrated our 46th year of wedded bliss.

Normally we like to try different restaurants for special occasions,

but this year we went to the same one as last year, as we enjoyed our 

meal so much. We were not disappointed...delicious!!!

This is the card I made for John. The 'Hello Handsome' stamp

was part of a set that was free in a magazine. It is so appropriate

as I will never forgot how I felt when I entered the church on our

wedding day. I thought John looked so handsome (and still do!).

A closer look at the little Penny Black cutie.

Image - Penny Black

Colouring - Promarkers

Dies - Spellbinders Lacey Circles, Long Classic and Scalloped Rectangles; Crafts4U Stitched Circles; 

Sentiment - Freebie clear stamp set All Occasions with Simply Cards and Papercraft magazine

Paper - Unnamed vellum with gold hearts

Heart brads are from my junk stash

I must be off to bed, so until next time stay cool or warm where ever you live in the world.

Hugs,

Jennifer.  xx

Playful Kitty

Good evening to my crafting buddies. I hope you all had a lovely Easter.

All the regular readers of my blog will know that I LOVE cats. I have been 'owned'

by 25 or 26 of them throughout my life, and I think every one of them have all 

had individual personalities. 

Penny Black kitties are especially cute, and I have  

had this stamp (in a clear set) for 'yonks'.

I bought this gorgeous edging die on sale several months ago, and this  

is the first time I have used it.

A closer look at the happy kitty (coloured with Promarkers), 

playing with his butterfly friends.

Inside my card, which is a 'modified' gatefold card.

Challenges I would like to enter

Addicted to Stamps and More #237 - 'Make Your Mark'

Crafty Catz #366 - 'Anything Goes with Animals'

Crafty Gals Corner #118 - 'Pastels'

Fairytale #166 - 'More Than One Fold'

In The Pink #117 - 'Pearls'

Fussy and Fancy #185 - 'Fancy Folds or Shaped Cards'

Passion For Promarkers #390 - 'Flower Power'

Penny Black Saturday - 'Spring or Easter'

Shopping Our Stash #298 - 'Punches or Dies' (image, paper, pearls many years old)

Sweet Stampers #6 - 'Animals'

Image - From Penny Black Clear Set Critter Party

Colouring - Promarkers

Paper - Francheville Pastel Basics

Dies - Spellbinder Classic and Scalloped Circles; Sweet Stamps Flutterby #2; Kaisercraft Lace Borders; 

Pearls - (single) Kaisercraft; (string) Maria George

Glitter glue - Stickles Star Dust

Until next time, thank you for visiting, and "Happy Crafting".

Hugs,

Jennifer. x

Ice Dance

Good evening fellow crafters. Can any of you believe it is almost the end of

January already? I can't, nor can most people I know.

We have had an eventful week with John...He is bleeding again, and has another

serious infection, the result of which we have been on the 'doctors and various 

tests rounds', and have more next week.

Onto happier matters. I have managed to make another card, this time for Christmas.

At the speed 2017 appears to be going, I want to be better prepared. Yeah, yeah,

yeah!!!!, I know we all say that, don't we, but this time I mean it (she says with

tongue firmly planted in cheek).

My background paper is a serviette, and like with an earlier card, I have used

the clingwrap/serviette/iron method. When I saw one lonely pack of these serviettes

in the $2 shop, I snaffled it double fast. I had a session last weekend creating a  

bundle of backgrounds, so you will be seeing lots of these on my 

Christmas cards throughout the year.

This cute and clever little puppy dog is a very old Penny Black stamp, which I am 

fairly certain is discontinued. I have not used him for many years (naughty me!!), 

but I will try to remedy that situation this year. He is so easy to colour.

Challenges I would like to enter

Addicted To Stamps #140 - 'Baby It's Cold Outside'

Animal Friends #46 - 'Winter Sports'

Cardz 4 Gals #39 - 'Movie Madness' (Ice Castles 1978)

Cute Card Thursday #462 - 'Something Fun'

Penny Black and More - 'Anything Goes'

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - 'Anything Goes'

Image - Penny Black Ice Dance

Colouring - Promarkers

Dies - Spellbinder Classic Circle, Scalloped Circle; Sue Wilson Winter Trees; Impression Obssession Mini Snowflakes 100F

Paper - Serviette (Un-named brand from $2 shop)
Sentiment Banner - Craft Creations Ltd
Kindyglitz Chrystallina, and Ribbon from my junk stash

Have a happy weekend wherever you are, and until next time, thank you for visiting,

Hugs,
Jennifer xx

More Than One Fold

Hello to all. I hope you are all well and happy. I am in shock to think 

that next week we will be in the second half of the year...do you all 

feel the same way too?

While on the subject of time rushing by, we once again have a new 

challenge for you at Winter Wonderland, and our theme this week is

'MORE THAN ONE FOLD'

Offering a prize of a $12 voucher is our lovely sponsor,

I have made a centre step card for my DT creation.

The holly berries on my design paper were white, so to add a little interest,

I coloured them red with my Promarkers.

I think Snowy, by Penny Black is one of the sweetest snowman images

available. I decided to make him even more irresistible by adhering some 

tiny holly leaves and berries to his hat, as well as glossy accents to

his buttons.

A side-on view.

Inside the card, with more miniature holly leaves and berries.

Challenges I would like to enter

Crafting By Design - 'Get Ready For Christmas'

Fab 'n' Funky #265 - 'Christmas'

Fussy and Fancy #142 - 'Fancy Folds'

Image - Penny Black Snowy

Colouring - Promarkers

Paper - Cre8ive

Dies - Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Rectangles; Memory Box Mini Holly Leaves; Couture Creations Mistletoe

Sentiment - Craftwork Cards

Stickles - Ranger Star Dust

For some inspiration by my talented teamies, pop over to Winter Wonderland and check out their lovely creations, then enter your own Christmas project. 

That's all from me, so until next time, thank you for visiting and "happy crafting".

Hugs

Jennifer. x

Raining Blossoms

Welcome, and thank you to my newest followers...I hope you

enjoy your visits to my blog.

Last month several of my friends celebrated their birthdays, and this is the

card I made for one of them. 

It is a rather simple card, with just a few die-cuts and some tiny pearls

as the embellishments. The card base is made from the most beautiful

butterfly embossed and pearlised cardstock that I have had in my 

collection for several years. 

Isn't this the most adorable little bear, with his friend 

and pretty umbrella.

Inside the card with a large area on which I wrote my personal

message. IRL the green spotted paper is exactly the same 

colour as the umbrella...just a few shades paler, but 

unfortunately it looks different in the photo.

Image - Penny Black Raining Daisies

Colouring - Promarkers

Dies - Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Circles; Cheery Lynn Sentiment Frame #1; Joy Crafts 6002/0356

Paper - Franchville Pastel Basics

Sentiment - Craftwork Cards

Pearls are from my junk stash

I must go to bed and try to sleep as I am on duty at the Fort for the next three days. Tomorrow, Sunday, is one of my usual rostered days, then on Monday it will be one of our four main 'big days' of the year (a public holiday). The Fort is normally closed on Tuesdays, but next Tuesday we will be open because one of Australia's former Prime Ministers will be visiting.

"Happy crafting"

Hugs,

Jennifer. x

Let It Snow

It's time for a new challenge at Winter Wonderland, and this week it's

'LET IT SNOW'

The prize is a ₤10 parcel of goodies, provided by our generous sponsor 

This card could not be more unlike my last card posted...in that it is

only slightly more than a CAS card. 

I had intended to just put a few dots of snow around Snowy's head, but I added 

some extra that made the design look unbalanced, so 'went the whole hog'. 

This ever so cute image is Snowy, by Penny Black. Many people believe him

to no longer be available, but I managed to find him (new) recently on eBay.

This is the first time I have used him, but I think he is going to

become one of my favourite Christmas stamps.

As it always appears white, I usually use Star Dust Stickles to provide sparkle 

on images, but I didn't think I had enough left for this card, so I used Kindyglitz

Crystallina, as I have a large bottle of that. Unfortunately, Crystallina tends to

take on different colours in different lights, and also on different cardstock.

Inside my card is extremely basic, and I did use up my remaining Star Dust

Stickles on the edges of the die-cut. Here you can clearly see the difference

between the Stickles and Kindyglitz.

Challenges I would like to enter

ABC Christmas - G is for Glitter TOP 3

Cardz 4 Guyz #64 - Something Beginning With 'S' (snowman, scarf, smile, sentiment)

Christmas At Sweet Stampin' - 'Blue Christmas'

Moving Along With The Times - 'Birthstone' (December)

Passion For Promarkers #290  - 'Blue Skies' TOP 3

Penny's Paper Crafty #221 - 'Anything Goes'

Image - Penny Black Snowy
Colouring - Promarkers
Dies - Spellbinders Labels One; Tim Holtz Sizzix Alterations Holiday Words Script
Viva Pearlea Pen
Kindyglitz Crystallina, Stickles Star Dust

For a chance to win that lovely prize, pop over to Winter Wonderland, be inspired by my teamies' gorgeous creations, then enter your own gorgeous creation in our 'Let It Snow' challenge.

Remember, your creation must be a Christmas one.

Thank you for visiting, and I would like to wish everyone a very happy and SAFE Easter.
Hugs
Jennifer. x

A Busy Little Mouse

With just a few more days to go before the big fella in the red suit visits,

I still have quite a few cards in my 'drafts' folder, so you may be seeing

Christmas cards into the New Year!

I sent this card to one of my friends and her family.We trained as nurses

in the late 1960s, and she and I, along with another lady, have

remained firm friends all these years.

You will probably recognise this cute little mouse, ever so anxious to deliver

all his parcels. I bought the stamp many years ago, and I love to bring it 

out each year for at least 1 card.

Inside my card.

Image - Penny Black Gifts Sedan

Colouring - Promarkers

Dies - Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Rectangles, and Circles

Punch - Making Memories Corner Rounder

Paper - Not sure, I think it is from a Cre8tive stack

Star peel-off stickers are from my junk stash

Challenges

ABC - 'Z is For Zany'

A Crafty Mess #2 - 'Anything Goes/Traditional Christmas Colours'

Animal Friends #21 - 'Anything Goes (with an animal)'

I Love Promarkers #250 - 'Anything Goes'

Penny Black and More - 'Special Occasions'

The Dream Factory #15 - 'A Christmas Carol' (Driving Home For Christmas-Chris Rea)

I'm off to hang some washing on the line...it will probably dry in a few minutes, as it is a 'stinker' of a day again. Oh, how I long for winter!!!!

Until next time, thank you for visiting,

Hugs, 

Jennifer. x

Craft Show Goodies

Last month, I travelled by train to Sydney to visit a huge annual Craft Show.

For most of the trip there, I kept telling myself I was not to buy any new junk stash,

as my craft cupboards are groaning at their doors.....but....did I listen to myself????

No, of course not!!! Come on, now be honest, you've all 'been there', haven't you.

The 3 small dies were all 50% off, the nesting dies were $5, and the embossing folder 

was only $2! I have used the Spellbinder Tool-In-One, and it is brilliant. A few months 

ago, I fell in love with the Sweet Lullaby die set when I saw some cards made with it 

on a blog. I have not used it yet, nor have I used the flower-shaping tool kit.

Like all of us, I love a bargain...the Penny Black and Kanban stamps were 

reduced by 50%. One stand had some beautiful cards on display using the

toppers, and although I have rarely used toppers, I thought they would

be handy for some quick cards.

Some pretty papers, ribbons, vintage toppers, and 'berries', completed my

purchases. Although my paper collection could rival any craft store's, I just

could not resist the stunning Wild Rose Studio pad...The only problem I had, 

and believe me it was a problem...was choosing only one. At one stage 

I had about 6 in my hands, and played 'Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Mo!

In addition to all the above goodies, I succumbed to temptation last week, and bought

quite a few Lili of the Valley stamps while they were 'On Sale'. They all arrived 

yesterday, so I can't wait to have a 'crafty play'.

Now I have confessed my naughty crime of 'splurging' to you all, I had better trot

off to the kitchen, and finish preparing dinner. 

Until next time,

Hugs, Jennifer. x

"Surprise!"

Today, in New Zealand and here in Australia, it was ANZAC Day, when we remember all the brave men and women who have given their lives in war time so we can enjoy our wonderful freedom and lifestyle.

'LEST WE FORGET'

As many of you know, I am a volunteer guide at Fort Scratchley, in Newcastle, and yesterday I was at the Fort all day. We were incredibly busy (it is school holidays and also a long weekend), and I only managed to sit down for about 6 seconds! The Fort is almost 1 1/2 hours drive from home, so the 2 or 3 days I volunteer are very long. I didn't get home until 6.30pm last night, then this morning I had to get up at 2am so I could drive down to the Fort to attend our Anzac Day Dawn Service (and then volunteer all day). It is always so moving, especially when the Last Post is played, and the hymn, 'God of Our Fathers' is sung...I have to confess I get a lump in my throat and a bit misty-eyed. Of course we are also extremely busy on Anzac Day, and today was no exception, with hundreds of visitors to the Fort.

As I write this, I have been awake now for 20 hours, and only managed to sit for about 1 hour in total all day. My feet are aching more than I can describe, so I will get on with showing you the card I made for our new challenge at Crafty Little Fairies. I am very naughty, because the challenge began last night, so I am a day late...however, I think (or hope) you will forgive me.

Our new challenge theme is one I know you will all love -:

'FURRY FRIENDS'

Don't forget, that as from next week, the Crafty Little Fairies challenge
will be a monthly challenge, beginning on the first Thursday of each month.

This cute image is one of the 1st rubber stamps I ever bought. I often use

it either on a Christmas card, or a birthday card, such as this one.

Don't you just love those cute faces!!

Inside my card matches the front.

Challenges

Incy Wincy - 'Furry Friends'

Penny Black - 'Cats and Dogs' WINNER

Image - Penny Black Funny Present
Colouring - Promarkers
Paper - Prima Meadow Lark
Greeting - Stampworld
Dies - Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Ovals; QuicKutz Lace
Gems and flowers from my junk stash

For a chance to win a lovely prize, why not visit us at Crafty Little Fairies, and enter our 'Furry Friends' challenge. Don't forget, you must use a stamped or digi image on your creation.

I'm off to bed, so until next time "Happy Crafting",
Hugs,
Jennifer. x

Hedgy in a Hurry!

Good morning, all my crafting friends. I know I have been fairly 'light' with my posts in the last 2 weeks,

but I do have a good excuse. I have been on holidays in beautiful New Zealand. John and I are sitting

in the departure lounge at Auckland airport, waiting for our flight to be called. I guess by this time 

tomorrow our wonderful holiday will just be a very happy memory...clothes washing, cooking, and

house cleaning will take care of that.

 While we were in New Zealand, one of my Crafty Little Fairy design team mates, Lisa (who lives in

England) celebrated her birthday. It was my turn to send her a card, so this is what I made for her.

I used one of my all time favourite Penny Black images. Sorry I can't tell you the name of it, but

of course I didn't bring my stamps with me (although John said I brought enough "junk" with me).

Edited Thank you Pauline...it is Hedgehog Bouquet.

A closer look at the little hedgy, coloured with Promarkers.

The inside of my card is very simple. I bought the gorgeous set of ivy dies for my birthday

a few weeks ago. I used the larger one in the set for the inside of my card, and the smaller 

one for the front. It was love at first sight, as I always love trailing ivy, and my beloved

grandmother's name was Ivy. Once again, I cannot remember the brand, so I will update

my products list when we get home. Edited Marianne Ivy Corners.

Challenges

Animal Friends #10 - 'Punches/Dies'

Crafting For All Seasons - 'For The Girls'

Passion For Promarkers #231 - 'Ribbon, Lace, or Twine'

Penny Black - 'New'

Sentimental Sundays #190 - 'More Than 3 Layers'

Stampin' For The Weekend - 'Happy Birthday'

The Crafter's Cafe - 'Funny or Whimsical'

Image -Penny Black Hedgehog Bouquet

Colouring - Promarkers

Sentiment - Penny Black

Paper - First Edition Blank Canvass

Dies - Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Circles, and Rectangles; Marianne Ivy Corners; Cheery Lynn Butterfly Trio

Stickles - Star Dust

Ribbon and lace, from my junk stash 

As you can imagine, we took lots of photos during our holiday. When I sort them all out, 

I will post a few of my favourites, so until then..."Happy Crafting".

Hugs,

Jennifer. x

Don't Want To be Late!

Wow, two posts in one evening...that must be a first for me.

This one will be brief.

I used this darling little image for several of my cards last year, but couldn't resist

using it again. You will probably see it next year too, as I love it so much.

The reason the first three photos are darker than the last one, is that I had  

a visitor while I was photographing my card, and the daylight had changed

dramatically while she was here (I had photographed the mittens below, first).

The large area inside my card, on which I wrote a personal message.

Unbelievably, the matting cardstock above is from the same sheet of

bright red cardstock as the mittens below.

Inside my card on the left-hand side. I should have adhered a thicker layer

of Flower Soft to the cuffs.

Image - Penny Black Gifts Sedan

Colouring - Promarkers

Paper - Kaisercraft

Sentiment - Lili Of The Valley

Dies - Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Circles, Memory Box Mittens

Punch - Martha Stewart Corner Punch Snowflakes

Flower Soft - White 

It is 11.30pm, and still extremely hot, so I am off to have a cold shower, and hopefully get some sleep, as I have a 'full' day tomorrow in the awful heat.

Until tomorrow night...
Hugs,
Jennifer. x