Dream Valley Challenges- Getting Ready for Christmas

It's November already, which means that some of us are starting our Christmas preparations. And Dream Valley are helping us to get into the Christmas spirit with a "Getting Ready for Christmas" challenge.

 

I found these lovely white hearts in Hobbycraft and thought they would make some delightful Christmas tree decorations. I had a rummage through my jewellery making stash and put aside a few bits I thought would go nicely with the red roses. After glue-gunning, ribbon and Stickles, I have some Christmas tree decorations completed. (My goodness, note it in the diary......an idea has been formed AND followed through until completion!!!!!)

 

So.....ready, set, go! It's only 7 and a half weeks until Christmas!

 

Dream Valley - Anything But A Card

Good morning! I hope you're having a great week, so far.

 

It's time for a new challenge at Dream Valley and we have the theme "Anything But A Card". I LOVE challenges like this as it gives me a push to try those crafty projects I've been wanting to try..... Or have started but need to finish! (Pinterest has a lot to answer for, I tell you!!)

 

I decided to finish my denim picture. I had made a few denim flowers with circles and bead centres - very therapeutic doing the beads;0) and sewn the background of two scrap strips of denim. I decided to use some scrap chain as the stem and make a couple of leaves, adding more beads for detail. Then it was stretched and stapled onto the canvas. It will be placed in my craft room........unless my daughter steals it as she has a denim 'thing'!

 

So, have a think what you can make that isn't a card. Or browse Pinterest for inspiration: just don't get lost!! And I'll look forward to seeing your creations at Dream Valley.

 

And did you know that we are having a DT call? Details are here. Good luck. x

 

Dream Valley Challenges - Weddings

Hello and happy Monday to you all. Hope you've all had a delightful weekend and that the weather is not being too nasty for you.

 

This fortnight's challenge at Dream Valley is Weddings, so I decided that my Ruby Wedding card order would be perfect! Obviously it's a Ruby theme and I've used a collection of papers, think they might be Papermania ones, and some gingham ribbon that I have in my stash. The hearts have been cut using my Sizzix Hearts Framelits and Bigshot - my always use piece of crafty kit!! And you've got to include some bling, haven't you?!

 

I would also like to enter the following challenges:

Creatalicious Challenges - Monochrome

Natalie and Amy - Die Cuts and Flowers

 

Have a lovely day and happy crafting!

Susie x

 

Second Guest Design Spot for Sarah Hurley

I am so happy to be back as Guest Designer for Sarah Hurley, having more fun with bits and pieces from the A Few of My Favourite Things kits.

After looking at all the items for a while, I decided that the hearts were speaking to me most- must have been because it was my wedding anniversary! I absolutely adore turquoise and teal and I love this zig zag paper with it, especially when you can team it with a matching zigzag heart!

I used my Clearly Besotted sentiment, together with an abundance of cut and positioned hearts, from the A Few of My Favourite Things kits. There was even a sparkly heart button to add to the ensemble!! To complete my card, I added some Stardust Stickles to the zigzag paper and Silver Stickles to the hearts - I love the fact that you can glitter the hearts, or colour them, or keep them simple!

Now, just a wee reminder that your fabulous creations can be added to the Sarah Hurley challenge and the current theme is Celebrations.

Ingredients:

Paper, hearts, sparkly heart button all from A Few of My Favourite Things kits

Sentiment from Clearly Besotted

Happy crafting!

Susie x

 

Dream Valley DT - Buttons

For my Dream Valley DT project this fortnight, I thought I'd use my favourite Sugar Nellie fairies, which I have coloured with promarkers, gloss and Stardust Stickles. I adore these beautiful girls and their little wildlife friends. Their frames have had a few flowers, leaves, butterflies and buttons added....such fun!

I would definitely like to enter the Sugar Bowl challenge - I haven't entered a challenge for ages!

Looking forward to seeing what you make with your buttons for Dream Valley!!

 

Dream Valley DT - For A Child

Are are you all? We're all ok....getting into a new routine with school started again and Euan actually starting school. I'm glad to say that he had a great first week and is rally looking forward to full days next week and having his school dinner each day! I'm looking forward to more of a routine too, although I need to accept that it'll take me a wee while to work out the best one with Buddy and for me:0)

Anyway.....at Dream Valley this fortnight, our challenge is For a Child and we are sponsored by Meljens Designs. I have used Clearly Besotted Twinkle Toes, with some mesh made into a tutu. Her bodice has been formed using my Silver Stickles. I have also used my new Clearly Besotted Basic Alphabet, which is getting LOTS of use!! The papers are Papermania Henbury Lane and there is a Hobbycraft Gem Flourish to complete the card.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you create for the Dream Valley challenge - have fun!

 

A Special Handbag

I was lucky enough to spend Friday night away at a spa and hotel to celebrate a friend's 40th birthday. It was fabulous fun and I loved the opportunity to get dressed up and wear heels!

I wanted to make a special card for her, so made this handbag, with a pocket on the inside for all our little messages to be held. Here is the link for the brilliant instructions. They are fairly easy, but very time-consuming to make, but I really enjoy them. I have the card and paper cut for another two, so will (hopefully) have a couple to add to my Facebook page.

It's been a rather busy week this week..... ..we collected our 17week old Border Collie puppy on Sunday, so it's been a roller coaster ride this week whilst he settles in and we get used to what he needs and likes and how we will all work together. But he's lovely, very clever, affectionate and we are definitely all completely smitten with him!

But this is the reason that I haven't managed to make a Dream Valley DT creation that completely follows the theme of Monochrome.......this handbag MOSTLY follows it but does have some green too. But I will be making a truly monochrome card very soon....honest!

In the meantime, here are the pics of the inside:

I've used part of Krista's Saturated Canary Princess Peanelope, coloured with polychromos, Inkylicious Make A Wish (the dandelion) stamp and Clearly Besotted Butterfly Wishes die.

And here are a few pictures of our Buddy:

 

Folded Flower Embellishment - Dream Valley DT

Well folks, it's time for another challenge at Dream Valley and this time, we want you to show us your Fancy Folds! Now, in the past, I have made a lovely little 3d handbag, but wanted to stretch myself and try something different. I tried a spinner card but couldn't work out how the recipient would display it......I wanted to sew a fabric wallet, but time was way too short.....I've seen a fab upright z fold card and a tent fold card that I'd like to try......but then I saw this folded flower and knew that I had time to make it AND I will be able to use it on one of the bags I will make.

So, I have used red felt, white material (an old school blouse), button, twine and my hot glue gun. I plan to decorate a bag with it.

What will you make for our Fancy Folds challenge? I can't wait to see.

Susie x