Turn Loose The Bubbles ..... DP2 Challenge #142

Since its the first DP2 Challenge of the month the theme is ....

"Anything Goes w/Mo Image"

I used Mo Mannings image "Bubbles Girl" with a sentiment from Create with TLC

Close up and naked with a verse inside.

I hope you like and thanks for stopping by x

Swinging By To Say Thanks ..... Sketch Saturday Challenge #201

Guess where we're going today!  In our family everyone gets to choose something they would like to do for their birthday and Fae (DD) who was 25 on Tuesday chose bowling!  This is going to be a first in such a long long time for my Mum, who hasn't played in years.  We do have family dropping like flies though with this  bug that's going around, so there may not be all of us there.  I'm still going to Tena Lady up though cos no doubt there will be a few , especially with me who has no hand eye co-ordination at all 

This weeks Sketch Saturday Challenge is being sponsored by The Craft Barn

... and one lucky winner will receive a generous prize!    To be in with a chance of winning you need to follow this amazing sketch designed by our Jo



Here is what I did ...

I used the fab The Larkins  from Emerald Faeries

... close up and naked on the inside ...

To make this card I used ....
CS ~ Stash
DP's ~ ?
Sentiment ~ Create with TLC
Pearls ~ Stash
Tools ~ Diamond Stickles, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Sewing Machine, X-Cut Border Punch

Swinging By To Say Thanks ....... The Emerald Faerie Garden Challenge #9

(:| ... I've just woken up from a lovely Sunday afternoon sleepy-byes on the sofa ... i'm still wrapped up in my Snuggie Blankie as I type!  I just couldn't keep my eyes open after devouring my lovely roast ~:> Sunday lunch,  having first delivered the "Meals on Wheels" to the oldies!

Dad was up and about yesterday and wanted to help Mum and my sister to pull the garden waste brown bin out so they could fill it up with some branches that DD's BF had cut off the tree last weekend.  They both told him that this wasn't happening which resulted in him spitting his out!  He stomped off and sulked  X(  indoors for a while before my sister went in and told him he could sweep the patio ... this was after she told him he was lucky she wasn't his parent cos he'd have had his legs smacked :| needless to say we had big :D all round once he got the brush in his hands! ... not sure sweeping the patio wouldn't make me :)  

Today he's not a happy bunny and is still in bed after having a really bad night .... he's had some pain again, which we have been told is the chemo attacking the cancer (dunno if that's true). He didn't want his lunch and was pretty I-) but was looking forward to tomorrow when I told him we would be making a nappy cake.  I thought whilst I was lay on his bed with him in the morning I'd make use of the time and start rolling the nappies up ready.

This fortnights Emerald Faeries Challenge is "Pearls"

Dad asked me to make this card ready for his last Chemo session on 13th October.  He wants to give it to the wonderful staff on the unit who have been so kind and provided us with support and entertainment during our long sessions.

I used the adorable Larkins ... 

... and on the inside too ...

To make this card I used :~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Shabby Princess ~ Fall

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls & Flowers ~ Stash

Tools ~ Gold Embroidery Thread, Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Sakura Souffle Pen, Carla Craft Corner Punch


We're having a DT call over at Sketch Saturday check out the blog for more details

Swinging By To Say Hi .... Sketch Saturday #169

Yesterday morning was spent Dad sitting whilst Mum went out to her friend's house for an hour and half for a coffee, natter and some much deserved "ME" time.  She returned relaxed and ready for whatever the rest of the day brought.  Which was a visit from the Occupational Therapist.  She's going to request a few things for us that she thinks will help Dad both in and outside the house.  We've had to make it clear to him that he doesn't have to use anything she brings, or if he tries them and doesn't think they're a help they can be returned.  He's funny when it comes to aids of any sort ... i think he sees them as defeat!  He must be feeling a little better cos he has us all organised with jobs tomorrow.  My sister is changing the bed and cleaning upstairs, Andy is sorting the TV out in the bedroom and plugging the electric bed in (Dad refuses to have it plugged in and use it when he doesn't need it!) and Mum and I have to go shopping for some new jog bottoms for him.  He hates the idea of not getting dressed when he goes downstairs, so i suggested some jog bottoms because they're like PJ's but they're not!  In the meantime, I've taken to comfort cooking and eating ...

... apple, sultana's and cinnamon tear and share bread.  We tore it and shared it and now its all gone!


So Good Morning people.  It's time for another challenge to kick start your weekend, and this week we have a new (for us at Sketch Saturday) sponsor!...

"iCopic.com is an online retailer dedicated to providing high quality Copic products backed by superior service and affordable prices. Our huge selection of Copic products and Price Match Guarantee program make us the one stop shop for supplying all your Copic needs. With you in mind, we’ve designed a site that makes shopping a breeze and most orders qualify for Free Shipping!


Along with our extensive Copic Products, we also offer the industries best products in markers and inks including Tsukineko and Tim Holtz products and accessories. Our rubber stamp collection offers a wide range of styles from Greeting Farm, CC Designs, Magnolia and many more including our Exclusive Gorjuss Collection.

With a shared passion for stamping and art, iCopic.com is proud to sponsor Sketch Saturday challenge, where one lucky winner will win our Copic Ciao Marker Kit which includes 8 Ciao Craft Primary colors and 1 multiliner pen. 

Copic Ciao Markers are the perfect choice for beginning artists. These round shaped pens are made specifically for those who want to try markers for the first time. Solid polypropylene body is both smooth and comfortable for a perfect controllable grip. These double ended markers with durable polyester nibs come with a Super Brush and Medium Broad nibs. Ciao markers are refillable and the inscriptions and symbols on the body are wear resistant. Markers are low-odor, blendable, and for use on paper, leather, wood, fabric plastics, faux fur, and more.

They’re also offering all Sketch Saturday subscribers who purchase $75 or more, $5 off and Free Shipping!

Please register and log in and use Coupon code SSS0811 during checkout (Expire 08/31/2011)."

WOW! WOW! WOW!

not only a superb prize for our challenge winner but a very generous offer available to ALL Sketch Saturday challengers!!!

Thank you SO MUCH iCopic.com xx

 here is this weeks sketch...

and my card ...

I'm addicted to these Teddy Bo/Bea images and had to use another one .  This beauty Teddy Bea_014 was used for the card I made to say thank you to our gorgeous friend Paula for putting up with us for our weekend away at her house in London the end of July.

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Pink Petticoat Gingham & Kathryn Balint, Old Time Rendezvous

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls, Ribbons & Flowers ~ Stash

Tools ~ Diamond Stickles, Pencil Crayons, Sansodor, Blending Stumps, Sewing Machine

Sketch Saturday ~ Cazza's Sketch Challenge #145

This week's Sketch Challenge is being hosted by my teamie Cazza, who has designed a fab sketch for us to use!  

Some of you may have seen this weeks sponsor the amazingly talented Lisa Baker of Lisa B Designs demonstrating at the various craft fairs up and down the UK, she's also a regular in Making Cards magazine.

Here's a little bit about her.....

Hi, My name is Lisa Baker and I have always loved playing around 'making things' from a very early age, one of my favourite programmes was 'Blue Peter' and I used to drive my mum mad with boxes of card, toilet rolls holders, tissue paper etc... Over the years I have tried my hands at sooo many different crafts and have found some pleasure in all, my favourites being jewellery making, silversmithing, teddy bear making and of course becoming totally addicted to paper crafting.

Many years ago I started collecting Artist Mohair Teddy Bears and it wasn't until I bought a teddy bear kit at a bear fair in Holland in 1996 that I had a go at making a teddy bear. I had a lot of fun making it and learnt from it the process of how to make a bear. Now being the typical Gemini that I am was not content with that and decided I would like to make my own teddy bears and critters and started putting pen to paper and designing my own. Hence Huggability Bears was born. www.huggabilitybears.co.uk

I am now a freelance craft designer and demonstrator and run my own classes and because of my love of stamps decided this year to put pen to paper again and recreate some of my bears and critters as stamps to enter the wonderful world of paper crafting. I hope you will like my critters as much as I do and enjoy creating some wonderful projects with them!

Big Hugs

Lisa.B.x

Lisa has very generously donated a prize this week of 4 of her fantastic stamps PLUS a Wild Rose Studio Paper Stack!! 

So here is this weeks Sketch.

and my card

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Raspberry Road Designs ~ Butterfly Collection

Image ~ Penny Black Embrace

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Flowers, Ribbon & Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Nesties, Cuttlebug, Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch, Pencil Crayons, Sansodor, Blending Stumps

Bearly Mine Challenge #3 & Mojo Monday 177

Challenge #3 is "For Men or Boys"  the challenge has been set by Vix and she'd like to see cards made for Men or Boys.

My Dad wants 3 Thank you cards making for the Radiotherapy Dept ready for when he finishes his last treatment on 18th February.  Not all of the staff are women, a large percentage are men, so we didn't want to make girly, girly cards especially as its from a man too!  This is a fab challenge for me and fits in really well with what i need to do!

using the fab sketch from Mojo Monday this is the card i created ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Bearly Mine Freebies

Image ~ RAK from Linda

Sentiment ~ A fab specially created one from Create with TLC

Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Blending Stumps No.0, Sansodor, Pencil Crayons

Sunday Sketch & Stamp ~ Challenge #46 Erin's Sketch

This fortnight's challenge is a sketch created by Erin...

And here is what i did with it ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Summer Driggs

Image ~ Penny Black

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Ribbon, Flower & Pearls ~ Stash
Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Nesties, Cuttlebug, Pencil Crayons, Sansodor, Blending Stumps

This is the first of 3 cards that Dad has asked me to make for the hospital staff at Derby Royal in the Radiotherapy Dept.  They have been wonderful, extremely kind and supportive all through the last 5 weeks of treatment and no doubt will continue to be for the next 2 weeks LOL!

Mo's Dream Team DT Call ...

Mo is looking for a new Dream Team member, or maybe 2 new Dream Team members, so i thought what the heck, let give it a go!  I adore all of Mo's images and love working with them. 

This little beauty has to be one of my favourites at the minute and she ... cos she is a SHE ... reminds me of our cat Peaches (that was).

To make my card I used ....

CS ~ The Paper Cellar

DP's ~ Summer Driggs

Image ~ Fall ~ Mo's Digital Pencil

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Flower ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Glimmer Mist ... that flower was just asking to be sprayed LOL!

Sketch Saturday ~ Sketch Challenge #128

Leonie is hosting this weeks challenge for us at Sketch Saturday and she has  Art Journey as her sponsor.  Art Journey is an online store with amazing products. They also have a regular store in Sleen, the Netherlands which is open three days a week.  Art Journey offers a wide range of goodies for all crafters.  Besides all the common craft products, they also have their own stamps!  The winners of this week's challenge will receive one of three amazing stamp sheets, so there will be three winners this week!   Art Journey thank you so much for your generosity! 

Leonie Sketch ...

... and my card ...

to make this card I used ....

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Raspberry Road Designs ~ Cherry Limeade

Image ~ Magnolia Travelling Tilda

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Flowers ~ Stash

Gems ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Blending Stumps, Pencil Crayons, Sansodor,  Leaf Punch, Nesties

Just Magnolia Week 55 & Papertake Weekly

Just Magnolia's Challenge is "One for the Girls" and is sponsored by Crafty Sentiments. They are offering a £10 voucher to spend in their store.

Papertake Weekly's Challenge is "Say It With Flowers" and that’s because they are sponsored by Wild Orchid Crafts and the fantastic prize is a huge selection of the most beautiful flowers and pins!

So, onto my card...

For this card i used:~

• CS ~ The Paper Cellar
• DP's ~ Pink Petticoat Gingham Papers & Kathryn Balint ~ Fresh Picked Strawberries
• Images ~ Magnolia Jam Jar (stamped, scanned and resized) & Oops Tilda
• Sentiment ~ Create with TlC ~ Strawberry & Cream Day
• Flowers ~ TabbyCrafts
• Pearls ~ Quixotic Paperie
• Leaves ~ Stash (cut off some old silk flowers)
• Tools ~ Martha Stewart Border Punch, Sansodor, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps No.0, Sewing Machine.

A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge #99 .... sort of ...

Nikki has created this weeks sketch ...

... and is also sponsoring the challenge with her stamp company Wags 'n Whisker Rubber Stamps which she co-owns with her friend Lacey. They are excited to announce that the 1st and 2nd release of Wags 'n Whiskers stamps are now also available in Digi format as well as rubber :-)

• CS ~ Paper Cellar
• DP's ~ Bohemian Summer ~ Little Dreamer Designs
• Image ~ RAK from the fantastic Linda ... thanks x
• Sentiment ~ "I can't believe I ate the whole thing!" ~ Create with TLC ~ here
• Button & Raffia ~ Stash
• Dewdrops ~ TabbyCrafts
• Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps No.0, Odourless White Spirits, Woodware Border Punch

A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge #76 & Colour Create Challenge #31

For our A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge this week there is a fab sketch created by Sonja.

The colour combination at Colour Create this week has been picked by Karen and is BLUE, WHITE & SILVER.

And my card ...

CS ~ Stash

Mirri Board ~ Crafts Central (before they closed lol)

DP's ~ Raspberry Road Designs ~ Shabby Tots

Image ~ Hanglar Stanglar RAK from ages ago

Flowers, Beadcaps, Charm & Gems ~ Stash

Tulle ~ TabbyCrafts

Pin ~ TabbyCrafts

Tools ~ Whisper Strokes, Tombo Blender Pen, Nesties, Silver Sakura Stardust Pen, Sewing Machine, Woodware Leaf Punch

Create 4 Fun ~ Week 44

This weeks challenge is fab sketch designed by Bev. The prize is a Nestabilities Set of Octagons.
CS ~ Papermill
DP's ~ Think Spring free download
Image ~ RAK from ages ago ... thanks to who-ever sent it me x
Ribbon, Flowers, Brads, Beadcaps ~ Stash
Sentiment ~ PC Generated
Tools ~ Woodware Leaf Punch, Sewing Machine, Watercolour Pencils, Tombo Blender Pen, Oval and Round Nesties, Glamour Dust.

Just to let you know that there are a lot of wedding photos on my Facebook if you fancy having a butchers at them.

Are you in need of new stamps but right now cannot afford them - check out

THE AUCTION ROOM

You can swap stamps and rejuvinate your collection! plus its free - no money changes hands!There are currently 5 fab stamps up for swaps!

Friday Sketchers #76 & Stampin' for the Weekend #22

Aud from Norway is this weeks Friday Sketchers host, and it's her very first time on the FS blog. The sponsor for this weeks challenge is Sassy Studio Designs.

Stampin' for the Weekend have a fantastic challenge entitled "Back to the 80's" intriguing eh?! They'd like to see us use the following Colour Combination on our cards and projects this week!

AND
Use one of the following Song Titles from the 80s for inspiration
Girls on Film - Duran Duran
Dirty Laundry - Don Henley
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper

Obviously, I've chose Dirty Laundry by Don Henley (whoever he is ... i'm an 80's child ... being a teenager during those years and i ain't never heard of that one)

CS ~ Stash
DP's ~ Shabby Princess Splendid Papers
Image ~ RAK from Diane .... mwah honey x
Flowers, Ribbon, Eyelet, Beads, Peel-Offs & Gems ~ Stash
Mesh Stuff ~ My Stampin' for the Weekend Monthly Prize
Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Eyelet Setter, Woodware Leaf Punch, Whisper Strokes, Tombo Blender Pen.

Our gorgeous friend Paula has requested this card for the staff that have looked after her during her stay in Guy's Hospital. Yes folks .... she's been released ... God help us LOL! She asked me to make a couple of cards for her yesterday ... which has since increased to 3 PMSL! I liked the image cos during our phone conversation Paula said she wanted a card that said "Thanks for everything you've done and for your continuing support" what could be better support than a bra?!

Now hopefully Paula will continue to do well as long as she doesn't have or has very few "Peter Pan" moments ... eh Paula?! LOL! I know you'll read this ... so behave yourself or you'll get the lecture, keep doing whatever it is your doing and for God's sake rest ... no decorating that bedroom till next year!!!! Love ya lots like Haribo's LOL!

Another Thank You

Our gorgeous friend Paula has been staying with us for the past few days ... although by the time you read this she'll have gone home ... yayyyy lol! Oh did i say that out loud? pmsl! Whilst she's been here she's taken full advantage of my card making skills and forced me to make cards for her! .... OK i don't need much persuasion! She's stood at the side of me now digging a huge hole for herself .... let's just pass her a shovel!

So, this card is for one of her friends. I'm trying to work my way through some of my digi papers. I have so many on my hard drive and generally tend to stick the same ones. I don't even think I've used the one below before .... goodness knows why not, cos its gorgeous! CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Raspberry Road Designs ~ Rose Manor

Image ~ RAK from Tab, thanks honey x. Coloured with Whisper Strokes

Ribbon, Flower, Beadcap, Pearl Brad ~ Stash

Sentiment ~ one of those foam ones

Pins ~ from HERE

Tools ~ Martha Stewart Flourish Punch, Woodware Leaf Punch, Sewing Machine

Double Dutch #22 ~ Sketch It!

This is my first time at the Double Dutch Challenge. For this challenge, they would like us to make a card with the sketch provided. You may turn the sketch, mirror it or use it on a rectangular card, as long as they can see that you've worked with this sketch.

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Freebie download called Polka Treat and a couple of left overs from another project

Image ~ RAK from Tab (thanks mwah's) coloured with Whisper Strokes and watercolour pencils

Sentiment ~ one of those foam ones

Gems ~ Stash

Eyelets ~ Poppicrafts

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Martha Stewart Flourish Punch

Hmmm, thought i'd have a go at delaying this post until Wednesday ... purely cos my blog is generally inactive between Mon - Thurs. Thought it might be nice to have something to show on a day when i perhaps wont get much done ... lets see if it works for me lol!

Just Magnolia Week 13

Flippin' heck ... i was gonna leave this card and post it tomorrow rather than doing them all at once and then having nothing to show for about a week lol! ... but then i realised that it had to be done tonight or not at all!!!!

This week/last week's challenge is a sketch created by Mina.

I created this card for Tilda's Mum ... Ev ... if you happen to be looking ... Hi Ev x ! Just to say thank you from all of us for taking and fetching Ellie from the airport. I threw a little basket together as well for good measure.

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Freebie Download ... Happy Summer

Image ~ RAK from my little poppet Tab ... thanks honey x ... coloured with Whisper Strokes

Gems and Ribbon ~ stash

Sentiment ~ old foam thingy

Gorgeous Lace ~ available from HERE at the most fantastic price and with express, cheap delivery!

Tools ~ Woodware Leaf Punch, Dovecraft medium and small daisy, Nesties, Sewing Machine

The inside is decorated with the paper that was left.


The candle was made in the usual way lol!

And the whole thing put together. The basket included ...

1 x Candle
1 x Luxury Chocolate Chip Muffin
1 x Cup containing one cup drinks Sachets
1 x Box of Belgium Chocolate Truffles
1 x Box of Strawberry and Cream Luxury Shortbread Biscuits