Krafty Karen's Blogspot!

My New Love Affair Has Finally Begun….

2012-02-06T23:16:00.001Z

I tried to keep it under wraps for the whole of last year, truly I did… I held off and held off until finally I could no longer keep my passion under control folks.

I feel very proud though, because for the whole of 2011 I simply admired (okay, drooled) from afar. But! Finally, I caved, and now, in February of 2012, my love affair has begun…

But it’s okay – because I have my husband’s blessing. He knows all about it, and he’s okay with IT, honestly he is…. so I’m fine… Phew!! I hear you sigh.. No? Confused? Hehehe…

Okay, I’ll come clean then… It’s my LOTV love affair!!! Smiles! :0)

Seriously I bet I had some of you going there didn’t I?? Hehehe!

I do feel proud though, the whole of last year, I drooled over most of your blogs, I admired your work deeply and with more than a little of the green eyed monster in me I admit, but did I cave? Did I buy one single LOTV stamp to own for myself? To love and to cherish and to ink up with reverence? No, I did not. But now? Well… ahem… I may have started my addiction at long last - after all of that long, lonely sufferance…. I am finally able to succumb with guilt free delight. It’s not done in secret hoping the postie comes when my hubby is out.. (lol you all know who you are.)

And honestly, I haven’t stopped smiling since these stamps arrived – I just can’t believe it’s taken me quite so long to actually get around to inking one of these gorgeous little beauties up!

And who is to blame for the actual start of my newest addiction which I held off for so long? Well I’ll name names if I absolutely must…..

The National Lottery…. there – that’s who! They emailed to say new funds were in my account a few weeks ago, and I was going to pay some extra off the credit card and be all sensible – but it’s our Wedding Anniversary this coming weekend, so my wonderful hubby said why don’t you treat yourself to some of those stamps you’ve been wanting forever? Well of course he didn’t have to say it twice did he? Well you never know, if I’d waited he might have changed his mind! Rofl!! :0)

We didn’t win much, it was four numbers on a busy week, lol - but it was enough for me to get two lovely A5 stamp plates (at full price) & a single stamp (at sale price) and to treat hubby to the F1 Playstation game that’s a lot cheaper now on Amazon than it was just before Christmas. So everyone’s a winner! Smiles.

Anyway! Onto what I have created with my first inking!! :0) :0)

This is what I started out with this evening….

And I cannot tell you how depressed I was when we got this for me at the beginning of last week… this diary symbolises all of what has gone wrong with me in the last 18months guys… right down to not being able to retain anything in my short term memory anymore… everyone finds it either endearing or very, very amusing, and most of the time I can laugh at myself too, but sometimes it’s scary and frustrating too. And this little black diary is meant to be my saviour, it’s where I write down everything that’s important. But the truly hilarious thing? I keep forgetting to take if off the shelf and put it in my bag!!! :0) Are you falling off your chair yet? You should be! Hehehe.

Soooh anyway, I figured if I made it truly mine, something I really like that makes me smile each time I see it, I might just remember to pop it in my bag where I can actually make use of it. Make sense? Well I thought so! Smiles… so tonight once I finally managed to settle a non sleepy 5year old (it ended up being waaay past the little monkey’s bedtime) – I set to work. And this is what I came up with!…..

Ta Da!!

Like it? :0) I do rather. Smiles. I used my LOTV Set 3 – Occasions for both the image and the sentiment. Choosing this image was done rather ‘tongue in cheek’ I guess, because of the ‘Get Well’ theme and the fact that ‘my health’ is the reason I need the diary in the first place. The sentiment I just thought went beautifully with the sweet little image. When you look at it you can just see the love between them both can’t you? Hence my choosing of that particular sentiment over the others in the set. :0)

If you look at the shadow behind my image, you’ll see that I actually decoupaged this stamp. I inked it up and coloured it twice. The top layer is curved slightly to give extra depth too. It looks so very nice in real life.

The Copic shades I used were…

Bear’s Cardigan – YR15. 15. Bear – E35. 33. 53. 50. Wash Cloth & Blending Solution. Plaster – E11. Dress – R22. 20. 11. Shoes – R27. 22. 20. 11. Medicine Spoon – C1 & YR15. Medicine Bottle – Y28. YR31. 15. 20. White Shading – C0. Pillow – Y11. 06. 00. Hair – Y02. 00. YR31. E21. 000. Skin Tones – E00. 000. R20. Grounding – E43. 41.

My ribbon and card candi are from my crafty stash – the candi you can get from the Joanna Sheen website by clicking here.

I stamped onto my Neenah Cardstock with my Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Both are available from Crafter’s Companion by clicking here and here.

I used my Spellbinders Labels 17 for the frame, and stuck everything down with my Collal 3D Glue.

And hey presto! I have a diary that I actually don’t mind having to own so much, and it now has pride of place in my handbag – everyone’s a winner! Hehe.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to proudly enter my non card creation into!! Are…:-

The Cutie Pies – Anything But A Card!

Craft Your Passion – Anything Goes & No Pattern Paper.

House Of Gilli – Love Is In The Air.

Incy Wincy Designs – Love With Pink, White & Black.

Karen’s Doodles – Cute n Cuddly.

Lexi’s Creations – Love.

Stamp With Fun – Love.

Love Is …..

2012-02-05T22:00:00.000Z

… Two Hearts Beating As One. :0)

Now this card just makes me smile – I loved the image as soon as I saw it. I loved that I had the perfect ribbon for it (from my local craft shop – bought before I got this image – now how cool is that?!)
I love the doilies that make this image pop from the card front. :0) I really like my papers (from Echo Park) – in fact I just simply love this card! Smiles. :0)

My card base is an 8” square, and is a pre-scored base originally purchased from Joanna Sheen.

The image is from the very talented Jodi at Bugaboo Stamps and is called Love Blocks – Two Hearts.
My heart doily and my square lace effect doily are both from my crafting stash, but both are cheaply available from Ebay.

This ribbon has a wonderful sheen to it, and as I’ve already said, it is from my crafty stuff too, and was originally picked up from my local craft shop.

Here is a close up of my wonderful backing paper… It’s from Echo Park and is double sided, so both designs you see are all from the one 12 x 12” sheet. The design I have chosen here is from the “Love Notes” set. If you click on the image to supersize it you will see the wonderful “ageing” effect on the page. I just adore this! :0)

When I set out to make my card, I wanted to create something romantic but not “soppy” or too feminine, and I really do feel that I have achieved that here. Thank you Jodie for your wonderful Love Blocks – they’re just so very perfect in every way! :0)
This is my creation this week for our new challenge over at the Make It Monday Challenge Blog where our theme is always Anything Goes! And as you may have already guessed, our wonderful sponsor this week is the very talented Jodie of Bugaboo Stamps! So please be sure to pop over to see our lovely DT’s creations this week, and to take part in our Challenge. :0)
Now – on to the fun part! (Smiles.)
My pick of the week from last week’s amazing entries (and oh boy were there a lot of them!) is this one from Cathy Lee with her Beary Sweet creation… I was in total awe of her colouring here, not to mention her so sweet layout with her wonderful creation. I loved the stitching, her backing paper, and oh! Did I mention her fabby colouring? Hehe. :0)

(I will colour bears like this one day – and with lady’s tips which I have duly copied down, and a lot of practice, I’m hoping it won’t be too far in the future. Lol.)
But congrats Cathy, this card is just beautiful honey!xx

For my own creation I would love to enter it into the following challenges:-
Catch The Bug – February Anything Goes.
Come & Get It Challenges – Love Is In The Air.
Crafty Calendar – February Love and Marriage!
Crafting When We Can – Valentine/Love.
Dream Valley Challenges – Valentine.
Gingerloft – Love Is In The Air.
One Stitch At A Time – With Love.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
Karen.xx

Star Filled Wishes!

2012-02-04T08:00:00.000Z

Now that I’m happily back in blog land, and getting back into card making again, I’m very, very pleased to be able to say that I can now sit down and think about making cards for Send A Smile For Kids again!! Super Huge Smiles at that one!! :0) :0)
I cannot tell you how much I have hated taking this break from card making, and not least because of not being able to send any cards to these wonderful children across the water. I love making and sending them so much, I’ve actually felt like a part of me has been missing while I’ve not been doing this.
My card today is extra special, because it is actually my Guest DT card for the Send A Smile For Kids Challenge Blog! :0) And it has been made using one of the sponsor images this fortnight – the ever talented Karen’s Doodles (whom I adore).

My backing paper is Christmas Wishes from Bearly Mine Designs ( I do so love Donnna’s creations so very much.)

My sentiment is handwritten (I was feeling brave. Lol.) And is sparkled up with my Silver Glitter Spray. The edging is done with my wonky scissors. (Smiles.)

The darling image was brought to life with my Copics (B000. 00. 05 – if memory serves me correctly. I did have it all written house, but we’ve moved house since then and can I find it? Hmmph! Laughing at myself here…) and my White Opaque Pen. And I printed straight onto my Neenah Card Stock.

I rounded the corners with my corner punch and finished off with my Stickles Glitter Glue. I loved this image when I got it, and think it’s just perfect for a winter birthday or a Christmas Card. :0)
Please be sure to pop over to the SAS4KIDS Challenge Blog and take a look at what it’s all about. It’s a really cool thing that they do, and they have some amazing sponsors & prizes too to tempt you in (hehehe) so you may just be very pleased that you did! Not to mention the satisfaction you get knowing you’ve made someone really happy with one of your own fabby creations! You know what they say… the greatest gift of all is that of giving… :0) :0)
Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
Karen.xx
The challenges I would love to enter my card into are the following…
Winter Wonderland Blogspot – Blue and White Challenge.
Christmas Crafting Blogspot – Blue Silver & White.
Jellypark Friends – Winter Wonderland.
Craft Us Crazy – Anything Goes.
Ditzy-Craftymess Challenge Blog – Anything Goes.

Cake Fixes Everything!!

2012-02-03T15:09:00.001Z

(Except maybe your waistline… Rofl…) But it does make you feel better, go on admit it!! Hehehe.. :0)

Sorry for the extra late posting today folks, I had an early docs appt that ran into blood tests, that ran into a trip to the hospital, that ran into going back to the docs afterwards and I’m only just back home now! Phew! So what I thought would have me out of the house until 10am has had me out most of the day… Groans… but I’m home now and just starting to thaw out a little. We’ve even had flurries of snow again here today, and the temperature gage in the car kept telling us minus 0.5.. not nice! Lol..

Anyway!! It’s Friday and as well as having the WHOLE WONDERFUL WEEKEND to look forward to!!! :0) It’s also time for another FABBY CHALLENGE over at The Poodles Parlour – Annnnd it is also a really cool Anything Goes challenge theme this Fortnight too! Now how great is that?! Smiles. ~ Annnd~ even more cool…. we have a really cool sponsor this challenge too – so why not pop over to The Poodles Parlour and take a peek for yourselves?! :0)

My card has been made using Saffi’s super cute image called “Holly Bakes”, and you can find her at The Digi Garden by clicking here.

To bring this super sweet, adorable little girl to life, I used my Prisma pencils and my blending oils, and for the skin tones I used my Copics.

The Copics were E00. 000 & 93. I also used my white opaque pen to highlight the cheeks and eyes.

The Prismas were LF112. LF108. LF115. LF203. LF135 & LF147.

The dies used to frame my image are my Spellbinders Labels 17.

The beautiful backing paper used is from my brand new Joanna Sheen Cd-Rom – Daisy & Friends. I do love this so very and think it can be used for most things. :0)

The large cupcake embellishments are from the same Cd-Rom.

The doily is from my crafty stuff but you can get these very cheaply from ebay. I stuck it down in three layers, but left the top layer loose, a) to add definition to the card front, b) to enable the giver to be add a little treat/gift to the “pocket” created if desired. It works a treat! (If you pardon the pun! Hehehe.) :0)

To get the pocket I simply folded my doily in half, and then half again to get the quarter shape. The very bottom layer is glued down, as is the next layer too. The only layer left unglued is the very top.

As you can see, it gives great definition when the card is standing, but would go perfectly flat in an envelope if needed too. I have a friend who lives in Southampton who I don’t see too often, and I thought I might make a little box for this card, pop a few treats into the pocket, and send it to her. A nice little ‘Smile In A Box!’ Hehehe. :0)

My sentiment is another lovely one from the brilliantly talented Paulette of Create With TLC. If you’re not a follower of hers yet (and I seriously doubt you’re not!) then you just need to click on the link and hit her follow button. If you do that, then please let her know where you’ve come from. :0)

And don’t forget – you have a whole fabby two weeks to come join us over at The Poodles Parlour! So get your thinking caps on, and your creative fingers working, and show us what you’ve got! :0) We also have some very talented new DT members who would love you to come say hello. Smiles.

Have a great weekend.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter my card into are as follows:-

Sparkles Forum – New Crafty Goodies.

One Stitch At A Time - Use A Digi.

Lollipop Crafts – Anything Goes.

Die Cutting Divas – Anything Goes.

Kaboodle Doodles – It’s All About Girls.

The Best Things In Life….

2012-01-31T20:12:00.001Z

Are Free…!

Predictable I know but so very true.. smiles!! :0)

And my card tonight certainly fits with that theme down to a tee! Hehe.

To bring this creation to being I have used one of my all time favourite Sassy Cheryl Images – She is called I Love You This Much – and she is available by clicking here.

To bring her to life I used my Copics in the following shades:-

HAIR – E15. HAT & SKIRT – R32. 20. 11. SHOES – R32. 11. E71. 41. 2 HEARTS – R85. HAT RIBBON & T SHIRT – Y08. 06. 11. GRASS – BG96. G17. 14. YG11. WHITE SOCKS – C0. SKIN TONES – E11. 00. R20.

My wonderful backing papers and heart embellishments are from Joanna Sheen’s brand new Cd-Rom – Daisy & Friends. I have printed the Pink Heart Banners paper onto plain white card, and the Shimmery Large Pink Hearts paper onto Gold Dust Paper to give it that gorgeous sheen. Smiles.

Here is a close up of the hearts, which I printed onto smooth white card and cut out. I curved them slightly before gluing to my card front with Collal 3D glue to add definition.

My wonderful gingham ribbon is from my crafty stuff, but was originally from Crafty Ribbons. This too has the most delicious shimmer to it in real life, I’m hoping that if you click on the image to super size it you’ll be able to see for yourself. My button is from my crafty stuff also, as is the little bit of wool that I tied through it and fluffed up for effect.

Now my little corner decoration here has been done with my X Cut punch, I have a set of these which rarely ever see the light of day. I know it’s shameful really, especially when you see the lovely result that has been achieved here with just the one punch. Looking at this, I really will have to make more of an effort and use these four little punches more often. (Blushing slightly – truly I am.) Ho hum. :0)

For the sentiment on the left I once again turned to the talent of Paulette of Create With TLC… this was a freebie on her blog today, and I loved it on sight.

For the sentiment on the right I created my own worded on my computer. And the backing is left over paper from decorating the front of my card.

I really do like this one, and I think the image is just about good to use for any occasion really. And I thought with Valentine’s coming up, what better time to let my sister know how very much she’s loved? ;0)

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Krafty Karen.xx

The challenges I would like to enter this creation into are the following:-

Sassy Cheryl’s Challenge Blog – 100th challenge celebration!!! – A Punch And Something Shimmery. (Seriously everyone, you have to head on over to Sassy Cheryl’s and take a look – you don’t know what you’re missing out on!!)

Celebrate The Occasion – Thank You (Must Use A Punch.)

Party Time Tuesdays – Anything Goes.

Shopping Our Stash – People Who Need People.

The Stamping Boutique – Valentine’s Week.

Top Tip Tuesday – Valentine’s.

I Wasn’t Quite A Blushing Bride–But Look How Much I Glowed!….

2012-01-29T22:00:00.000Z

Hello everyone at the end of a very wet, dark, freezing cold day… not bad to say that we were forecast sunshine for the whole weekend is it? Lol..!

My card today is another one for Valentine’s weekend and is to celebrate my upcoming 3rd Anniversary. Smiles.
Sometimes it’s hard to believe it’s only been three years (and I do mean that in a nice way. Hehehe.) But we have lived together for a long while I guess. :0)

I have made this WOW card using Krista Smith’s wonderful “Bride” – Available in the Saturated Canary Etsy Store by clicking here. In the store she is called “Wedding Day” but on the download she is called, simply, “Bride.” So I’m a little unsure what to name her here. Smiles. But either way, she is divine, and I absolutely adore her! :0)
I chose dark hair not only for the wonderful contrast against all of the white, but for this reason too…..

I wasn’t exactly blushing but I did have a wonderfully happy glow didn’t I? And do you know something? Most days my husband still manages to give me that same smile still! :0)

To bring this wonderfully gorgeous image to life I used my Copics in the following shades;
Hair – 100. C7.
Eyes – Chocolate Glitter Copic.
Head-Dress Roses – Baby Blue Glitter Copic.
Dress – C1. C0. Clear Glitter Copic (over the white areas.)
Leaves – Mint Glitter Copic.
Fauna – Y000.
Lips – Lipstick Glitter Copic (smudged slightly above the top lip to give her that just kissed look! Hehehe.)
Skin – E11. 00. And R20 for her blushing cheeks. :0)

The wonderful love heart strip I created with my Martha Stewart border punch.
The die shape behind my beautiful bride is my Labels 17, and the love heart embossing is done with my Darice folder.

The fabby sentiment is from the ever talented Paulette of Create With TLC.

The small hearts are the negatives from the Martha Stewart punch, which I glued onto my card front. And the pink love heart and high glitter ribbon are from Crafty Ribbons.

I’ve tried to capture the lusciousness of this ribbon, and it’s delicious sparkle and it’s quality of thickness on this photo, but you really do have to see this for yourself to get the full effect.

The wedding bell is actually from my Christmas crafty stash, and it’s works so perfectly here. Smiles.

And here is a close up of the bride (just for fun and because I can! Hehe.) If you click on the picture, you will be treated to a wonderful view of all of the fabby sparkle and shine. Check out her eyes and lips (with the just kissed look – hahaha!)- and her head-dress and flowers. Even the bottom ruffle glitters and sparkles! Smiles. :0)

And of course to match the rhyme on the front – the insert finishes the whole thing off to perfection! :0)

This is our poem which was read on on the day, and although it’s been a very tough year with it’s ups and downs, we have pulled through and eventually got to the other side. We’re in our new home, starting a fresh new year, and healthwise I’m slowly starting to have a few more good days than bad. I can’t ask for more than that really can I? :0)

I love the pure look to this card. I love the way it shows off the beautiful bride. I like the prettiness without the fussiness. It was a real pleasure to make. :0)

I have opted to make this one also for my return to Make It Monday after being absent last week, due to moving house and getting very ill afterwards… and I’m very pleased to be coming back with this creation! :0)
Our wonderful sponsor this week for our winning commentor is Di’s Digis so be sure to stop by and join in the fun!
Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
Karen.xx
The challenges I would love to enter my card into are;
Saturated Canary – Dies or Punches.
The Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge – Ribbons.
The Crafty Pad – Show Some Valentine/Anniversary Love.
Simon Says Stamp – Anything Goes.
Simon Says Stamp And Show A Song Title (Nice Day For A White Wedding.)

Night Night all.xx

Lucky In Love ….. And I Have A Wonderful Sister Too!! :0)

2012-01-28T23:23:00.001Z

The card I made this evening has brought me so much pleasure – not just because it’s for the coming Valentine’s Day, which see’s my Husband and I celebrate our 3rd Wedding Anniversary. But because I have made it with Crafter’s Companion’s Brand New Strawberry Kisses Range.

And I wasn’t expecting to own this at all.

Yet here I am, showcasing my very first card ever, made with all Crafter’s Companion Products and with the all new Strawberry Kisses Cd-Rom and Stamp Plate. Am I smiling massively here? You bet I am!! :0)

Do you like it? (Hehe!) I LOVE IT!!! :0)

My Sister came for a visit today, and do you know something? Her visits are always extra special because we don’t see each other too often. She lives a very long way away, and my wonderful Sister spent 7hours in the car so that she could see me for 3 and a half hours today. Now how special is that? And she brought with her CC’s newest Strawberry Kisses Range for me. Beside myself with joy? Yes I am! :0)

So this evening, once the little ones were in their beds, this was my “wind down” time. And one of the four cards that I’m making for February 14th. (I have to make two for Hubby – a Valentine one & an Anniversary one. And then I make two for me that he simply writes his message in. LOL.) I know, but me being a card maker, he hates the thought of going to a shop and buying a rubbishy factory printed one. Hehe.

Anyway, back to the card! (I’m getting a little side tracked in my excitement here – blushes!)

The FABULOUS! stamp plate is called Forever Friends – that and the Cd-Rom are available from Crafter’s Companion by clicking right here!

To bring the stamp to life I used my Copics and Glitter Copics in the following shades:-

B000. 00. 02. 05. Baby Blue Glitter Copic. Blossom Glitter Copic. RV000. 02. C1.

For the main shading of the dogs I used C0. And the background is shaded with my pale blue pastel chalks.

I used the Stamping Companions on the Cd-Rom (this is what the wonderful blue frame is) and I printed this sheet straight onto my Neenah cardstock. I then stamped right onto the white insert of the blue frame. The ink I used to stamp with is my Memento Tuxedo Black. And of course I used my trusty old Rock A Blocks to stick my stamps onto. (I swear by these for all of my stamping.)

The “paper clips” are again from the same sheet, which I carefully cut out. They are glued down with both my Collal Photo Glue and my Collal 3D Glue.

I did exactly the same with the “side clips” (love these too! Hehe.) Just look at the sheen and lushious glittery sparkle to that cardstock too!! I adore my core-coutore and can’t get enough of it!! You can get yours by clicking here.

My card base is an 8” Square which I have made up using 300gsm Boxmaker Card.

And my insert (also from the Cd-Rom) is printed onto Centura Pearl Snow White Printing Paper. It truly gives a wonderful finish, and if you haven’t tried this yet then you really need to.

Anyway, that’s my very first Strawberry Kisses card for you! And, would you believe, my very first Crafter’s Companion card of 2012 too! HUGE smiles!! :0)

I hope it makes you smile even half as much as it has me this evening!

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would very proudly like to enter my creation into are the following:-

Crafter’s Companion – Share The Love And Win!

Crafter’s Companion Challenge Blog – Love Is In The Air.

Wags N Whiskers – Valentines/Love.

All Sorts – One Or More Heart.

Just Some Lines – It’s A Dog’s Life.

The Cutie Pie Challenge – Favourite Song. (They Call It Puppy Love! – No I’m not showing my true age, LOL, My Dad made me listen to this one over and over when I was little. Hehehe.)

Card Crafter’s Circle – Friendship. (My Husband is my bestfriend, so I figure this one still applies.)

Penny Black – Love And Hearts (Thank you for the heads up Brenda!)

Night night all.xx

My Home Is Warm & My Friendship’s Free!"

2012-01-26T18:47:00.001Z

It is too you know. Smiles.. and it truly is looking a lot like home right now! Hehehe. :0)

No prizes for guessing what Karen did this afternoon either! Lol….!

The children were collected from school, and dinner was cooked for them elsewhere, and Karen had some quiet time all to herself…. the first time since Christine was born I think. And oh my did I ever know what to do with myself!! Smiles. Out came my Copics and the sheet of Sassy Cheryl images which I printed yesterday, but couldn’t do anything with because I felt too poorly. (I know, do you feel sorry for me?)

And I brought one of these newest one’s to life – she’s called Polly’s Teacup and isn’t she just sooh sweet?! :0) She is of course available from the very talented Sassy Cheryl by clicking here.

The shades I used were:-

HAIR – E49. 47. HAIR DECS – B18. 05. CUP - B32. 000. E49. 47. TEA – E35. TAG – E43. SKIN – E000. 00. 93. GROUNDING – E41. The background is done with my pastel chalks.

The frames I have used to frame this beautiful image with are my Go Kreate Frilly Frames No.7.

I have gone for real definition by adding a second tag from the tea bag, and my own flower over the drawn one. The lines on the teacup are done with my Copic Pens.

The dotty ribbon is from my crafty stuff, as is the main base card – which are two sheets of A4 Brown, 250gsm cardstock – sized and adhered together to make a 7” square.

The Coffee Card Candi is again from my crafty stuff and is available from either Sunrise Crafts or Joanna Sheen.

The sentiment is done in my editing software on my computer.

The flower is from my crafty stuff and is available from Wild Orchid Crafts.

The wonderful backing paper is by Maja Design – But I’m not adding the link here because of the trouble I had with the company I purchased from. Such a shame, and I will be looking around for another supplier of this.

Here is a close up so that you can see the inked edges and also the scroll writing on the paper – it truly is lovely, double sided (it was so hard to decide which side to use. Lol) and very thick too.

I’m adding a note to my insert along with my new address and telephone number, so that I can surprise my old friend. She doesn’t know that I have moved back to the area yet, and I’m dropping this through her door tomorrow. It will be wonderful to be in touch again. Smiles.

And isn’t this Sassy Cheryl image just perfect for the job? Hehe.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter this first creation in my new home into!! … are….!

Sassy Cheryl Challenge Blog – Light Blue and Brown.

Secret Crafter’s Saturday Challenge – Food And Drink.

Digi Doodle Shop’s Best – Anything Goes.

Sisterhood Of Crafters – Striped Paper.

Creative Craft Challenges – The Colour Blue.

My New Crafty Space!

2012-01-25T12:10:00.001Z

… Hello everyone! I’m back…. (I think! Hehe.)

I’m kind of getting there anyway. This morning I cleared off the dining table that was holding the last of the boxes and all of the detritus of “stuff” that we hadn’t found a home for yet. And just look at it now…

All shiny and clean and just ready to be messed up with my crafting things isn’t it?! Smiles… I’m just wondering if I have any craftiness left in me after weeks and weeks of nothing but dejunking, packing, moving and unpacking… I’m sure hoping so.

I’ve been absent so long because my health has taken a massive hit with all that has been going on, and I’m still far from 100% now, but I’m getting there folks, and determined to be back with you all and in fine spirit like before. Smiles.

Downsizing of course, has meant losing my beloved craft room, and I am now using our dining space at the back of the lounge. So off we toddled to Ikea to buy (rather large) shelving space for me. And I do admit to being rather shamefaced when I filled it all up as well as my two pine units too! (Laughing here still.)

And here it is – one whole wall of my lovely new home for my crafty stuff….

Hubby says I could start my own shop but of course that’s a silly thing to say isn’t it? I mean honestly – what on earth would I craft with if I sold it all? Hehehe!…. But really, I’m not buying any more until I have made serious inroads into all of this little lot. I’m truly not……. Ahem!… :0)

Anyway, I’m back, and I’m smiling, because my crafty bits have their new home finally, and my table is actually clean and free of debris, and I’m ready to go…

I was beginning to feel like I would never reach this point – again – Ever!!! So here we are. Super Big Smiles Here. :0)

So Cheryl and everyone else, this is my Show Me Post (sorry it’s late but I’m just happy to have made it.) And Cheryl if you don’t get to comment I of course fully understand that one too.

Everyone else, if you don’t yet know what the SMT post is all about – just click here and have a look. I love them – we all get to be super nosey, and we get a chance to win one of Cheryl’s fabby images into the bargain. What’s better than that? Only one thing really, and that’s actually bringing to life one of Cheryl’s fabby images. Hehehe.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone! (You don’t know happy I am to be typing those words again!!)

Karen.xx

Big Hats Are A Girl’s Best Friend!!

2012-01-08T22:00:00.000Z

Hehehe… Truly – Just you wait and see! Rofl!
Today’s card is quite possibly one of my all time favourites from the realms of “Bugaboo Land” – and I fell in love with this Stella image upon first sight!! :0) And she kind of makes me laugh even more because one of my New Year resolutions ( as well as not spending on crafting) is to shift some of my extra Christmas pounds. Lol…

This particular Stella set is called Stella Red Hat - Big Hats and she is available from the very talented Jodie of Bugaboo Stamps.

To bring the inimitable Stella to life I used my Copics in the following shades:-
SKIN- E02. 00. HAIR- E4. C1. SCARF. RIBBON. SHOES- R27. 17. 14. 11.
I also paper pieced her dress and hat, to match the backing paper on the main card base.

My backing paper is from Joanna Sheen’s - Jane Shasky Cd-Rom, and it is truly beautiful. My insert is made to match too. ( I haven’t shown it here because it will give away to the birthday girl – later in the year - who this is for. LOL.)

My pearls are from my crafty stuff, and the wonderful edging has been achieved with my Spellbinder Edgeabilities – Classic Petal set. (I got them for Christmas from my lovely hubby - Smiles – And this is the first time I have used them! )

The top edging is the negative part that you would normally throw away. I have to say that I love how this whole card turned out. I’m so very pleased with these edgeabilities, and I think that the CAS style really does suit our Stella perfectly! Smiles.

Over on Make It Monday this week it’s time for Challenge no. 71 – and as you may have guessed by now, our fabulous sponsor this week is Jodie from Bugaboo Stamps!!
(Yes I did a little squeal when I found out – I’ve been a fan from the very beginning when Jodie first opened her doors. Smiles. If you haven’t visited Bugaboo yet, then you really must. Grab a cuppa, relax, and get ready to be enthralled.)
My pick of the week from last week’s gorgeous entries was a real toughie to choose indeed – and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for taking part in our challenges. It’s always a real pleasure to visit your blogs to see what you have created each week.
Anyway, without further ado! This is my choice for my Pick Of The Week this week – I would like to introduce you to Jan of Jan Loves To Craft (don’t we all? Smiles.) But honestly, I am always blown away by this lady and her talent…. and this Silver Wedding Card is no exception. Just feast your eyes on this beauty…!!

Are you blown away? I know I am! :0) I think this is just so perfect in every way, and Jan is asking us fellow crafters what we think? I hope I’ve made you smile a little here Jan – this is just superb honey!! And I wouldn’t change anything – seriously! :0)
Anyway, I’m tired, and I still have more packing to do, lol, so it’s back to the grind stone I guess. But Jan, I did enjoy looking at your blog post, and your creation so very much!!

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
Karen.xx

The challenges I would like to enter my own creation into are as follows:-

All Sorts – Paper Piecing.
Crafting When We Can – Resolutions.
Catch The Bug – January Anything Goes.
Dream Valley Challenges – Anything Goes.
Gingerloft – Anything Goes.
Sparkles Forum – Anything But A Christmas Card.

Button Up Challenge and A DT Call Too!!!

2012-01-06T12:54:00.001Z

Hello everyone!
I hope you’re all having a great week so far! It’s very cold here but we’re rejoicing because it’s the first dry day in weeks & weeks. (We’re also praying that it’s an omen – it’s Friday and we move on Friday next week .... lol.)
I have to apologise for a super quick blog post today, but we are up to our necks in packing boxes and goodness knows what else right now.
Today’s card is for The Poodles Parlour and our fabby Button Up Challenge this fortnight.

I have used the wonderful Courtney With Flower from the very talented Saffi of The Digi Garden to make my card.
I coloured her with my Copics, and I went with Yellows and pinks because I was so desperate for a summer feel by now! Lol.

My backing paper is from my scraps box, and my pearls are from my crafty stuff.
My buttons are from stash and my card base is an 8” square made into a gate fold.

The insert is made from my SWALK CD-Rom – available from Crafter’s Companion. As you can see it’s where my scrap paper was originally printed from. Smiles.

For the next 4 weeks The Poodles Parlour is holding a DT call, so be sure to email Jacqui at thepoodledoodle@hotmail.co.uk for a chance to come join our team! :0)
Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
Karen.xx

Challenges I would love to enter are…

I Brake For Challenges – CAS.
Inky Impressions – Anything Goes.
Top Tip Tuesday – Anything Goes.

Sassy New Year! Smiles…!

2012-01-01T23:00:00.000Z

Hip Hip Hooray!! It’s finally here everyone! (Just in case you’d slept through it and didn’t realise – rofl) it’s 2012 and the past year is actually behind us! I for one, am celebrating that fact!
In just 12 sleep’s time Hubby and I (and the children of course!!) :0) are moving into our new home, and then we can actually begin our New Year together in earnest. Smiles!
I’m a little sore and tired today, as I have managed to trap a nerve from my neck into my shoulder, and so packing has slowed to a very painful plodding along kind of motion for me. But plodding along I am (diligently) and with just one goal in mind… that not too distant day in the future (12 days in fact) when we can flop down in our new home, look at one another and SMILE! Because it will all be over.
Mind you, our suite isn’t coming with us, and our new one is on order, so we won’t be flopping down as such, we’ll be sitting down – somewhat gingerly - on sun loungers and bean bags. ROFL! :0) :0)
Anyway! Joking aside, the card I bring to you today has been made using one of my most favourite Sassy Cheryl images. (Okay, I know, I know, ALL of Cheryl’s images are my favourite, but this one is a particular favourite of mine. Smiles.)

She is one of the Sassy Sally’s and this one is called Sally’s Letter, and isn’t she just the sweetest thing you ever saw? (Well apart from my own little cutie pies obviously. Hehehe.)

To bring her to life I used my Copics in the following shades:-
HAIR – E37. 35. 31. 000.
SKIN - E11. 00. R20.
SHOES – B39. 29. 28. 24.
DRESS & HAIR CLIPS – B29. 28. 24.
ENVELOPE – B12. 000.
LOVEHEART – B28.
BIRD – B24.
FLOOR – BV31.
The swirls are created with my Marriane D Creatable Dies.

And the buttons are from my crafty stuff (probably cut off from some old clothes. Smiles.)

The backing paper is from Bearly Mine Designs and is the Simply Simply Dotty Collection. To get the shape of the card, and the shape around the image etc, I used my Spellbinders Labels One.
The matt and layer is done with 220gsm smooth white card, navy blue leather effect, 250gsm card, and the main base is 300gsm white hammer card.

I am using this card for our Make It Monday Challenge #70 – Our very first one for the Brand New Year! :0) And to kick start us off we have a Brand New Sponsor too!!
Please meet
The wonderful artist and owner Annie is offering the prize of a $10 gift certificate to spend in the store! And they are in sale at the moment so you may want to pay the store a visit! ;)
For my pick of the week this week, it was – as usual – a very difficult choice from the wealth of fabulous entries that we had.
However, I would like you to say hello to Tilly, of Tilly’s Crafty Corner.

I have chosen this particular creation because it made me laugh out loud the moment I saw it. And Tilly has used some of my favourite papers too! Smiles. I have a weakness for all things Bugaboo, and I just loved the sentiment that Tilly used with this image. :0)
Tilly, thank you for the giggle hun, I’m moving house and you really did make me chuckle at this (sometimes) stressful time. :0)

I love this Sassy Cheryl image a lot, because who really knows what she has in that envelope? :0) Leave the card blank inside, and this is well and truly an “Any Occasion Card” isn’t it? Full of possibilities and New Beginnings for sure. And perfect to start off the New Year with I thought. :0) It’s the first time I have used my new Sally’s Letter digi, but you can be sure she’ll be on a lot of my card fronts this year ahead. Smiles. But anyway, for now, my card is blank inside, and I have simply left this one to be my “New Year’s” card. :0)

The challenges I would like to enter my own creation into are as follows:-
All Sorts Challenge Blog – New Beginnings.
Di’s Digis Designs – Something New.
Delicious Doodles – Anything Goes.
Glitter Geeks – Brand Spanking New.
Jellypark Challenges – Something Old/Something New
I Did It Creations – Anything Goes.
The Squirrel & The Fox – Something New.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
And a very Happy, Healthy, Lucky, 2012.
Krafty Karen.xx

Sugar Nellie Blog Candy!!

2011-12-28T17:44:00.001Z

Hello Everyone!

I hope you all had a fabby Christmas! Smiles.

I’m here to tell you that the wonderful Sugar Nellie are having yet another fantabulous blog candy give away.

But you have to hurry if you want to be in it to win it! Because it ends at 8pm this evening!

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

Wishing You All A Very Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T23:00:00.000Z

… And a Very Happy, Lucky 2012. Smiles.

I have made this card for you using the My Memories Suite Scrapbook Software, and a whole heap of glitter! :0)
I matted my printed and glittered image onto Mirri Card and then mounted onto my base card.

To get the wonderfully sparkly effect I used my PVA glue and my Irridescent Glitter from The Glitter Pot, which I picked up at the NEC in November. I followed the outline of the images, and filled in the images completely with glue. Then I covered totally with my glitter powder and allowed to dry.

The word art is done with my scrap book software also.

As is the matching insert.

The scrap book software is called My Memories Suite – which I was given to download as a free trial. I have to say though, that it will not be replacing my usual Serif Software which I already have installed on my computer. The program is not as easy to use, and there are issues with changing the printer settings too. I emailed the My Memories Suite Customer Service, to ask them for help with resolving these issues, I explained the problem precisely, and stated clearly that I had used the drop down boxes etc etc,, and what response did I get back (after a whole day of waiting?) To simply use the dropdown boxes.. so not funny..
It turns out (which I found out for myself) that if I want to alter my printer settings when using the My Memories Suite software, I have to tell the program I’m changing the printer settings permanently, then save my work, end the program, then re-open the My Memories Suite, reload my saved work, and press print. Sound like a pain in the behind? Yes, well it is. So while they have some quite nice papers on there, I will not be offering the free giveaway and promoting this on my blog.
If I loved it I would endorse it – but I simply don’t. It was a massive disappointment I’m very sorry to say. Serif is the program of my choice which I’m sticking with. I have never had any issues with my Serif Scrapbook program, and there isn’t anything that my Serif cannot do. I love it, and that’s all there is to it. It’s certainly user friendly too. I’m not computer shy, I can find my way around programs easily, but the My Memories Program just did not do it for me I’m afraid.

Anyway, this is the card that I created for our Make It Monday Challenge this week. And our wonderful sponsor we have for you all is the fabby Di’s Digis.

My Pick Of The Week which I chose from all of the amazing entries last week, is this Fantastic Lantern from the very talented Laurel.

Seriously, Loz says that she made mistakes that needed covering up when she made this, but I just think that this is truly amazing. You have got to head on over and leave her lots of love for this wonderful piece of art. (Go on, I’m sure you’ll make her day if you do.) Smiles.
Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone.
And a Very Merry Christmas too!
Karen.xx

Wind Beneath My Wings…

2011-12-23T15:14:00.001Z

Hello Everyone on this very wet, freezing cold December day! Are you all set for Christmas yet? I thought I was, but a few parcels I had ordered online for my eldest haven’t turned up yet, so hubby took me into town today to try to get some alternatives… what an horrendous trip that was! Lol.. never again am I venturing near a town centre this close to Christmas Day.

And I do have to have a little moan and groan here too, because I have come home shocked and disappointed at how very rude and inconsiderate most people seem to be at this particular time of year too. It’s almost like they see someone with a walking stick and think “I’m not waiting behind her, she’ll be far too slow.” So instead, they barge into you rather than use polite words such as “Excuse me please…” But anyway, that’s my little gripe over with, I’m sat drinking a lovely hot drink, nursing all my sore spots, and putting the rather nasty experience behind me!

My card today was made for a rather wonderful person whom I have never met in person. But she has turned into such a truly special friend to me. She has kept me buoyed up on some of my darkest days. Her emails always make me smile, and she is just about the most thoughtful person that I have come across this past year while I have been so ill.

She even offered me a DT spot when my darkest days of boredom were setting in. Lol.

So as soon as our theme of Song Titles was coming up at Poodles Parlour, and I had to think of a card to create, the first song that came to mind of course was “Wind Beneath My Wings.” And the first first image I thought of was Felicity – because she is just so very perfect for this song. And, it stands to reason, the first person I thought of was my DT Boss who saved me from the worst kind of boredom, and who keeps me smiling on almost a daily basis with her lovely emails too. :0)

This is the card that I came up with for our theme. (And which I mailed to my wonderful friend too. Smiles.)

My scallop card is 8” square, and each time I use this particular image, I choose to go CAS because I love the image so much, I think that she warrants her own space to be showcased. :0)

Both the scallop card and card candi can be purchased from Joanna Sheen online.

Felicity is coloured with my Copics and finished with just a hint of Stickles for the tiniest bit of sparkle. She can be purchased from the very talented Saffi at The Digi Garden. (Go on, you know you want to. Lol.)

I love her so very much, she is so very versatile. So far I have used her on Birthday cards, Christmas cards, and even a Good Luck and Get Well card too! Smiles.

My fabulous Ribbon was picked up at the NEC back in November, and I do like this a lot. It sparkles so much when the light hits it.

The glitter card I have used for my matt & layer is from my crafty stuff, but is available from almost anywhere. To stop it malting I sprayed liberally with my varnish spray before using.

Our wonderful sponsor for this fortnight is

And I would so love to see what you all come up for the fab, fun theme! So please pop over to The Poodles Parlour and join us for our challenge this fortnight.

I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas, and a happy, lucky 2012.

Hugs & Happy Crafting to you all,

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter my card into are the following:-

Charisma Cardz – Anything Goes.

Cooking It Up With Katie – Anything Goes.

Crafty Creations – Gratitude.

Digi Doodles Shops Best – Anything Goes

Dutch Dare Card Challenge – Make It Shimmer.

Little Miss Muffet Challenges – Anything Goes.

My Mum’s Craft Shop – Anything Goes.

Pixie Cottage – Sketch And/Or Someone Special.

A Purrrfect Christmas! Smiles….

2011-12-18T23:00:00.000Z

Well we can all live in hope can’t we? As I sit here sneezing my head off and aching all over. Lol…
It’s been such a hectic, stressful few weeks, it’s no small wonder that I’m starting to feel really poorly, and all there is for it now is to sit with my fingers & toes crossed that I wake up in the morning feeling much brighter than I am right now.
It doesn’t help that I started packing all of my crafty stuff away, and I have now lost even that little bit of pleasurable wind down time. (Sob sob sob… hehe) But never mind, it does mean that I have dusted off some of my books (the ones that I haven’t yet packed – lol) and also, hubby and I are actually getting some extra quality time together. As he isn’t on the playstation while I spend time at my craft table. So there are some plus points! Smiles.
Anyway! I’m waffling and I should be getting on with my blog post shouldn’t I? Okay.. here it is then.. Sighs… :0) :0)
My card this week which I’ve made for my Make It Monday Blog Post is one that I am VERY VERY VERY proud of.. (did you catch the emotion in those words? I hope you did! Lol.)

I have made this card using my Glynn Williams – Times Gone By Cd-Rom, available from Joanna Sheen. This really is a superb Cd, jam packed with the most wonderful artwork and imagery you could imagine.
For my card front I embossed a cross shape directly on to the main card, then I printed the topper onto acetate, and also onto gold dust paper. I then sprayed the gold dust paper with Irridescent Spray & Sparkle Glitter Spray before layering the acetate over the top. Then I mounted this onto Silver Mirri Card (also available from Joanna Sheen) and then layered this onto Snow White Centura Pearlescent card Stock. Next I layered all of this onto more Silver Mirri card, and then placed the whole lot onto my main card front.
My small sentiment topper is also from the Cd-Rom, and one of the things I love about all Joanna Sheen Cd-Roms, is that you can personalise your sentiments to match whatever project you are creating. The sentiment topper is also matted and layered with Centura Pearlescent card stock and Silver Mirri.
I have finished off both the card front and the sentiment with my silver outline stickers.

For the inside of my card, I have used more A3 Centura Pearlescent card stock, which I have scored into 4 panels. In the centre of the two “middle” panels, I have used my Crafter’s Companion Embossing Board, to achieve the Arch Shape. The cats again are more toppers from the Cd-Rom, and the Spellbinders I have used are my Petite Scalloped Circles Large.
I have embossed and glued two separate panels to the inside of the card for extra effect.

Here is a close up of the image which I placed on the inside of my card, before I stuck down the inside folding panels. I decorated with Stickles Glitter glue to enhance. And again, I finished with my silver outline stickers for effect.

This whole card really does shimmer, sparkle & shine when the light hits it. And the weight of it too! Lol.. I wish you could see this in real life.. It’s one of my proudest creations (if that makes sense.)
It’s certainly been one of the most difficult cards for me to part with that I have ever created. Smiles.

I saw a card very similar to this a very long time ago on one of Joanna’s Create & Craft shows on TV.. it must have been 14months ago or longer now. And I was determined to give this a try. I set to work with no instructions to follow, and I am so very, very pleased with how it turned out. :0)
For my card of the week this week, chosen from last week’s entries on the MIM blog, I would like to showcase this one from Julia.

I have chosen Julia’s creation to showcase as my pick of the week, because I love the shape of this so very much! And I was bowled over by her sheer creativity too! Smiles. It’s not always easy to come up with an awesome male card, but I feel that Julia has done just that with this creation. So please pop on over to her blog and leave her some love.
Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone.
Karen.xx

The challenges I would like to very proudly enter my own creation into are the following:-
Joanna Sheen’s – Christmas Wishes.
The Squirrel & The Fox – Christmas.
Bunny Zoe's – Fancy Folds/Shaped Cards.
Crafty Calendar – December Cold & Frosty.
Creative Inspirations Paint – Inspired By The Holidays.
Dream Valley Challenges – Christmas.
DYSU – Winter.
Gingerloft – Winter or Christmas.
Tiddly Inks – White Christmas.

Thank You so much for stopping by everyone.xx

White On White Blizzard & A Cool Party Girl!

2011-12-18T16:37:00.001Z

I know, I’m tired and running out ideas for cool blog titles. Lol..

But it does kinda suit the card… hehehe.

And if you could have seen the size of the snowflakes coming down outside this morning (well they wouldn’t be coming down inside would they? Rofl) you’d be calling it a white on white blizzard too. No kidding, those snowflakes were as big as my fist. And the kidlets were stood at our patio doors in rapture. Bless their hearts.

It didn’t lay though, as we’ve had so much torrential rain lately, the ground was just too wet.

My card today was made with two main challenge blogs in mind, namely because this is my very last creation of 2011. (Quietly sobbing. Hehehe.) I know, but we are moving in the New Year and busy dejunking and packing up, and the craft stuff has to be boxed up too. You all know the one. But what better way to see out the year than to end with a fabulous Sassy Cheryl Image? My sentiments exactly! Smiles.

(Mind – it won’t be the last thing I’m blogging this year, as I’ve been busy this past few weeks with my DT cards – so I’m not deserting you all quite just yet. :0) )

The fabulous image I have used for my card is Cheryl’s newest release, and she is called “Let’s Party – Sassy Sally.” I was lucky enough to receive a Gift Certificate from a Secret Santa yesterday, and of course this gorgeous little sweetie dropped straight into my basket. So “Secret Santa” if you happen to be reading this blog post at all – please accept my deepest, sincerest thanks. I love this image with a passion, and you have finished off my year in the best way possible. :0)

To bring Let’s Party Sassy Sally to life, I have used both Prismas and Copics in the following shades:-

Copics – E00. 000. 93.

Primas – LF133-Blue. LF287-Pale Blue. LF118-Orange. LF146-Dark Brown.

White Opaque Pen for Highlights.

The embossing behind the image is done with my Daisy & Swirls embossing folder, and the image is framed with my Labels 17 spellbinder dies.

The snowflake die is a Marriane D Creatable which I originally purchased from Joanna Sheen, and the glitter card I have used is from my Crafty Stuff.

The wonderfully wide ribbon with that gorgeous sheen is, would you believe? My florist ribbon. Smiles.

The pearls are from my crafty stuff, and were originally purchased from Meiflower. And the scallop edged card is available from Joanna Sheen. You can get these in packs of 25, complete with envelopes and they really are superb value.

I love this image so much, because it can be for a party invite, a celebration, for Christmas, for the New Year, a Birthday. Pretty much anything really. For my card I have chosen to use her for a Birthday. It’s Sue’s birthday on Boxing Day, and I thought she was just perfect for her. I’m adding an insert inside which simply says “Hip Hip Hooray! It’s Your Birthday!”

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

I hope you’re all staying snuggly & warm. Smiles.

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter my WOW card into are as follows:-

Sassy Cheryl’s – White On White Blizzard.

The Craft Pad’s – Anything But Christmas.

Delightful Challenges – Anything Goes.

Glitter Geeks – Anything Goes.

Meljen’s - NO Rectangle Cards. (Must be square, round, shaped etc.)

One Stitch At A Time – Anything Goes.

Saturday’s Secret Crafter – New Year/Celebration.

Sparkles Forum – Anything BUT A Christmas Card.

Final Preparations For Christmas…

2011-12-15T16:18:00.001Z

…and a little panic setting in too.. Lol! :0)

This is my craft desk recently - not a card in sight I’m afraid – just hand made gift boxes and bows! Rofl.

We are moving house in the New Year (I know, we’re crazy to even contemplate it. But we don’t actually have a lot of choice in the matter.) And this last two weeks has been one hospital appointment after another too. So my Christmas Gifts have been kind of bottom of the list. And now we are only ten days away I’m into full blown panic mode. Hehehe.

So my trusty old ‘glue-less’ boxes have come to the rescue, and these are the bows that I was sat making last night to put on the top of them. Smiles.

I have made these with florist ribbon and some florist tape, oh and a little DST too. :0) Hope you like them!

This is my Show Me Thursday Post for Sassy Cheryl – it’s where we all get to be a little nosey and see what everyone else is up to. I love it to be honest. And why do we do it? Well to be in with a chance to win one of Cheryl’s fantabulous images of course! Hehehe. And I’m extra happy to be sitting here typing this post as I’ve had to miss the last few SMT challenges due to bad health and house hunting. So being able to take part in this one makes me extra happy! Smiles.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone.

Karen.xx

Bowled Over By Your Kindness…

2011-12-11T23:00:00.000Z

Hello everyone on this wet, cold, miserable weekend. You wouldn’t think Christmas was right around the corner with the weather we’re having lately. Not a sign of the white stuff, just more grey, dreary, wet stuff I’m afraid. And freezing cold to boot! But we’ve been keeping warm today with all the clearing out and packing of boxes we’ve been doing. Lol. :0)
Ah well.. the kidlets are getting excited and that’s the main thing. Super BIG Smiles. :0) :0)

Today’s card is another ‘Thank You’ card that I bring to you all. We don’t seem to be having a run of much good luck lately. Our washing machine has packed up on us now, and it seems that we’re going to be without a working machine until into the New Year. (Big Ouchies!!) The repair people (who it’s under extended warranty with) don’t know if it will be replaced or repaired, the fault is so bad. And we have to wait two weeks for a decision. And then if it’s a repair, the part needs to be ordered, then a repair booked in.
If it’s a replacement (which is doubtful apparently) we have to go through the form filling and still have to wait around 3 – 4 weeks for the new one after that. Our wonderful friend has stepped in to help out with extra laundry, as she knows how very difficult (okay, nigh on impossible) it is for us to get to a laundrette with it all. I’m trying to imagine me with my two walking sticks and a basket full of washing, trying to manage it, but I just end up laughing. (Better than crying isn’t it folks?!) Hehe.
So this is what I made for her the other day. :0) Inside it simply states “Bowled Over By Your Kindness.” The card was accompanied by a box of choccies too. Smiles.

The fabby image is from the very talented Saffi of The Digi Garden – and she is called Christie In A Dress. I love this image, and I think she’s just perfect for saying thank you. :0)
She is coloured with my Copics and my White Opaque Pen for the highlights on the cheeks.

The rocker card base was made with my Grand Circle Spellbinder Dies, and my Crafty Sentiments Designs Dies – their new Fancy Hearts design.

Here is a close up of the gorgeous die.

My lovely flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts - with a teeny amount of glossy accents added for effect.

And my sweet, dotty papers are from our wonderful sponsor this week – Cupcake Cards & Crafts. From the Contemporary Christmas Collection.

My card this week is for Make It Monday’s Challenge #67 – and as I’ve just said our fabby sponsor is Cupcake Cards & Crafts, who are offering a CD with the winner's choice of 4 collections! Totally amazing isn’t it?! Smiles.
My pick of the week from last week’s fantastic entries (and all of them were) is Lori’s Snowflake, I love this completely and you can guess what’s going to be adorning our tree next year. Smiles. I love that these are things I can make with my girls. :0)

She has given excellent instructions too, so please stop by and leave Lori some love on her blog.
Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
Karen.xx
The challenges I would like to enter my own creation into are as follows:-
Crafty Catz – Anything Goes.
Cute Card Thursday – Anything Goes.
One Stitch At A Time – Use A Digi.
Marks Finest Papers – A Thank You Card.
Totally Papercrafts – Anything But Christmas. (I’m smiling at that one.)

Wishing all of you a wonderful week. I’m off to bake butterfly buns now, it’s Albie’s Christmas party at school tomorrow. Hugs.xx

A Very Special Thank You

2011-12-09T13:09:00.001Z

Wow! It’s beyond freezing cold today! I can barely type my hands are so stiff here this morning. Ouchies!! The heating is turned way up too.. So not funny! (Haha.) :0)

My card today is an extra, extra special one. It’s a thank you card for a super special person…. my sister!!

She is the most wonderful person in the whole wide world. I don’t get to see her nearly enough, but she means the world to me. And I just hope that she knows that. I’m sure she does, but I guess sometimes we just don’t say the words we should enough do we?

My card has been made using this fabulous Bugaboo image – they are our wonderful sponsors this week over on The Poodles Parlour Challenge Blog. The very Generous Jodie is offering our winner 7 Yes I did say 7 ..digis of their choice !!! Wow Fabulous ..Thank You Jodie. Our theme this fortnight is Thank You...So it’s a chance to make some lovely ‘Thank You’ cards – maybe for all those lovely Christmas Gifts you receive. Smiles. :0)

For my image I have used my Copics in B000 and B05. I chose to go for a watercolour effect with just the two colours and I really do love how it turned out. :0)

I matted and layered with my Snow White Centura Pearlescent Card Stock and my backing paper. (Free from one of my magazines.)

Card Candi is from my crafty stuff but is available from Joanna Sheen or Sunrise Crafts. (My two favourite places to purchase the candi from. Smiles.)

My scalloped card base I picked up at the NEC at the beginning of November, but you can get some wonderful scalloped edged card packs from the Joanna Sheen website. They’re lovely and fantastic value for money.

It’s a really easy and fun challenge to join in with this fortnight. And the prizes are always fabby. Smiles. So please come join us over at The Poodles Parlour.

Hugs & Happy Crafting!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter my card into are:-

Digi Doodle Shop’s Best – Nature.

Papertake Weekly – Anything Goes.

I Did It Creations – Flowers.

One Stitch At A Time – Be Square.

Angel Wings & Pretty Things!

2011-12-05T12:02:00.001Z

Hello again on this ffffreeezzzing cccold Monday Morning…. hehehe.. sorry everyone, I think my fingers are so cold and stiff they’re stammering… lol..

Honestly I’m sat here so very cold I can barely type properly. I’ve just been to make a hot drink and I’ve wrapped my hands around my mug before starting this blog post!! Rofl.

Well it’s Monday and it’s the second week of our Stamp Fairy Challenge. And this is my card that I created for our second week.

I went with this same fold as before, as I think it’s just perfect for the sketch that has been set – but more so for this week, because we are all using the same Molly Peeker image. And when you open the card out, it makes think of her as spreading her wings.. look! (Smiles.)

Cool isn’t it?! Hehehe. :0) That was my thinking when I created this on anyway! Smiles. The Molly Peeker image isn’t going to be available in the store. However, if you take part in the birthday blog hop, you’ll be able to own this wonderfully sweet image for yourself! The hop runs until December 31st, so you have lots of time to take part too.

I created my Christmas Card from an A3 sheet of White Pearlescent Centura Card Stock. Which I scored at 5.5” intervals and cut down to measure the same from the top. My diagonal cuts are made 1” from the top on each side and 1” in from each bottom edge.

The die I have used for the image and sentiment is my beaded circles spellbinders die. And my edging die is from Crafty Sentiments Designs – it’s the Fancy Floral one.

I did this well known verse on my computer and added my stickles glitter glue all around to add the sparkle.

The image is coloured purely with stickles too, and I love how this turned out. In real life this whole thing really lifts “off the page” when the light hits it, and it’s truly amazing. A lovely little Christmas Angel. Smiles.

The mouth was added with my Copic Fine Liner.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter this creation into are..

Incy Wincy Designs – Non Traditional Christmas Colours.

Prairy Fairy Fridays – Beat The Winter Blues.

Come And Get It Challenges – Anything Christmas.

Pile It On – Bling It Up!

2Sisters – Punches/Or Dies.

Digi Doodles Shop – Lots Of Sparkle.

Rosie’s Blog Debut!!! Super Huge Smiles!

2011-12-04T23:00:00.000Z

Hello everyone! It’s that time again when Make It Monday have their new challenge – and for this week I wanted to show off this absolutely fabulous creation….
I’m so very proud, and not because it’s something I did myself, because it’s something my 9 year old daughter Rosie created!! Smiles!

I did the cutting out for her on the main card base, mainly because I’m not ready to let her loose with my sharp Swann Morton craft knife just yet!! Lol… But mostly this card has been created by my little girl. And didn’t she do well?! (I’m beaming here – so much!! Hehehe.)
The template for the card base is from Debbi Moore’s new “Glitter Girls Collection – The Essentials Template Cd Rom.” The white pearlescent topper has been embossed using the brand new Glitter Girls Art Deco Bookatrix Embossing Board. (I love this so very much – and so does my daughter. Lol.)
The main topper is from Debbi Moore’s new “Glitter Girls Collection – Art Deco Bookatrix Cd Rom.” It’s truly amazing, the artwork is divine, and the toppers are designed to fit within the designs on the new embossing board. So cool!!! Smiles!
Rosie and I were in heaven just looking through this Cd-Rom, choosing which design she wanted to use. :0)

The silver edging is done with silver peel offs, and the blue pearls with my blue pearl pen. I used my white pearl pen to go over the pearl necklace (Rosie wasn’t brave enough to try making the pearls that small, bless her heart.) And then Rosie went over the rest of the topper with Crystal Ice Stickles Glitter Glue to achieve that gorgeous sparkle, glitter and shine. (She takes after me, she loves her sparkle! Yippee!) :0)

Rosie did the embossing on the white pearlescent card stock. She cut it out. Rosie hit print on the topper sheet that she chose, and then she cut out the image. She edged with the silver peel offs, and glittered up with the glitter glue, and then she finished off with the pearl pen.
And this coming Tuesday she will very proudly be presenting this to her Grandparents as their Christmas card… And I can’t wait to see their faces when she says that she made this for them.. Smiles..
I love that she chose which design she wanted, and which topper. And even which colour scheme. It seems she has watched me, and learned well.. Hehehe.

My Pick Of The Week this week from last week’s fabulous entries on Make It Monday is from Doctor Sonia SV – she simply amazes me with her creations this lady. She is so very resourceful and talented. And this week’s creation is no exception – just take a look at this beauty everyone!…

Please pop on over to her blog and leave her some love – this creation needs to be viewed in full to be truly appreciated – and it deserves a whole lot of love! Smiles.
Our lovely sponsor this week on Make It Monday is the wonderful

And the Prize is a very generous - £10 Gift Voucher to the lucky commenter who is chosen this week! So be sure to join us for a fun week won’t you?!
Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
Karen.xx

The challenges Rosie would love to enter her Card into are:-
Christmas Inspirations – must be christmas – Unusual Folds.
Come And Get It Challenges – Anything Christmas.
Dream Valley Challenges – Sparkle.
Gingerloft – Winter or Christmas.
Kenny K Krafty Girlz – Add Some Texture.
Have a fabby week everyone and thank you so much for stopping by. (Rosie is so very excited to have made her “bloggy debut” Smiles..)xx

A Very Special Look To My Year Ahead…

2011-12-03T03:00:00.000Z

With something new to make me smile each and every month that I turn a new page! :0)
I designed a twisted easel base with a concertintered top, so that I could make an actual card front type calendar page for each and every month. It was quite a task, which took me almost 3weeks to complete in the end, but oh boy did I feel proud once it was complete!! :0)

This extra special project has been created for Stamp Fairy’s First Birthday, and this very special post in honour of that. Smiles.

Gerda has released two very special collections showcasing two of her delightful characters. These collections showcase the characters in 12 monthly themes throughout the year and the Stampfairies have each created a Calendar using some or all of the images.
I chose to showcase Molly in all of her glory – and I also opted to make the whole 12 months of my calendar. Smiles.
The front of my calendar is using the Freebie sentiment (which I edited to say Year instead of Birthday) and the Molly Peeker image.

My January Page is using the same peeker image and sentiment too. Smiles.
February is possibly one of my most favourites from all of the months!
I think this one is just so very adorable – I loved colouring the jeans on this one and adding the highlights to the chocolate box. :0)

March is looking cold but hopeful of a warm spring! And April, well I know my own children are always full of chocolate and very happy for it! Lol.

(Isn’t she just so very sweet, cuddling her Easter Bunny?)

May is another of my favourites – but then again I got to use some of my lovely wild orchid flowers. Smiles.
The floral pathway I have used here is from Make It Crafty – and I thought it was perfect, with those little blooms just poking through. :0)
June and July are two of my favourite months in real life, as here in the UK they tend to be our driest. (If we’re lucky!!) Lol..
Oh yes and July because it’s my birthday – although I turn the big four-oh this year so I may decide to ignore the whole thing altogether.. Rofl!!! :0)

Mmmm yummy ice-cream!!

August for me is done very “tongue in cheek” because I had the bank holiday in mind… it almost always rains for that – so this was my thinking here when I designed this one! Smiles.

This one I had a giggle also drawing her mouth into a grimace, as my kiddies always complain when their summer holidays are over, and it is time for school again!! Hahahaha.

Ahhh kicking through the autumn leaves!! :0) :0) Now who doesn’t like doing this??!! Go on admit it!! Smiling big time here.. who still does it?! Hehehehe..

November is always freezing cold here – hence the little “oh” shape I gave my winter molly here for her mouth.. (Hehehe) but even with that snow all around she is still sitting on the fence… maybe she is waiting for her beau? Or is she looking out for an early Santa? She’s still got a bit of a wait! Lol..

And this one is of course the happiest Molly of all – she is sat warm and cosy, in her best dress, surrounded by presents!! Smiles. All glittering and sparkling and ready for a wonderful day with her family I’d say. :0)

Most of my calendar images have been from this wonderful release here. It’s called Molly Through The Year and it has some truly fabulous images as you can see from what I have created here. If you click on the link you will also find the FREE download for the calendar template that I have used too. Now how cool is that?! :0)
My other images are from the Winter Molly Collection, again there are some really wonderful images here, which you will have seen on many of my recent cards as well as my calendar here on this post.
The best is yet to come.. It is December 2011 and it is time for the annual December Sale at Stampfairy. All prices have been cut and you can save amazing 50% throughout December and the new releases are included in the Sale!!!

Gerda and the Stampfairies are hosting a blog hop with a difference for this very special first birthday - EVERYONE who completes the hop will win a prize.
To take part in the hop, just ensure you that you leave a comment on each teamie's blog and collect a letter from each teamie along the trip. The letters are randomly placed but will spell a short phrase. Once you have completed the hop, left your comments and collected your letters, work out the phrase and email it to Gerda (webmaster@stampfairy.com). This will get you a Freebie image. Yes that is right, a Freebie image for everyone who completes the hop and emails the correct phrase. And let me tell you a secret: the image you will receive is ADORABLE !!
So, lets get on with the hop.
If you've arrived here from Chris’ blog, then you're in the right place. Otherwise, please pop back to the Stampfairy Blog to start at the beginning and ensure you don't miss anyone.
The next stop along the hop is Chrissy , but before you disappear, note down this letter Now hop on over to the next teamie, and don't forget to leave me a comment to ensure you qualify for your freebie.
Thanks for stopping by and reading to the bottom of this post everyone!! :0) The blog hop ends on Dec 31 so get hopping before the deadline. If you get lost along the way, hop back to the main blog where there is a list of the full hop links.
Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
Karen.xx

The challenges I would like to very proudly enter my calendar into are:-

Crafter’s Companion – New Beginnings (A new year… smiles.)
Cooking It Up With Katie – Anything Goes.
Fab n Funky – Anything Goes.
Lia Stampz – Fancy Folds.
Papercrafting Journey – Anything Goes.
Sundays With Crissy – Anything Goes.
Some Odd Girl – Show Us Your Easels.
Shopping Our Stash – Digi Images/and or Sentiments/or recycle a greetings card for your creation…. I think I’ve done a little of all of this for my calendar – especially on the Easter/April page… smiles.

Wish Upon A Star For A Magical Year….

2011-11-29T10:49:00.001Z

I think that truly is my wish for this year too – a magical year where I enjoy my family… is that asking too much do you think?

It may seem a strange thing to most of you, but I feel like I missed out on so much this last two years, and this last 12 months especially, I didn’t get any days out with my children at all, not even to go to the park, you know? So if I had just one wish, that would be it I guess… to be fit and well enough to take my children to the park, and to have days out at the beach with them this coming summer…

Now that for me, would truly be a magical year…

But anyway…. enough of my ramblings… (smiles) and onto my magical little card that I have created for you all! :0)

This perfectly purple creation has been made using my Centura Pearlescent Cardstock – available from Crafter’s Companion. I cut it to measure 7” square. I use this particular card because of the sheer quality of it I guess.. .. It’s a fabulous 300gsm thickness, and the sheer shimmery sheen to it is just divine I tell you!! (Hehehe.)

My delightful little sweetie is called Wish Upon A Star and she is a Sugar Nellie creation, available from Funky Kits – The home of all things Sugar Nellie.

To bring her to life I used my Prisma Pencils in Purple Hue and Blue Silver with my blending oil. I also used my Copics in E00. 000 and 93. And my Purple Stickles Glitter Glue. Snow is done with Blue Silver prisma too.

The spellbinder die is my labels 17.

And the sentiment die is my beaded circles. The sentiment itself is a freebie from Stamp Fairy.. I opened it in my editing software and changed the bottom word to read “year” instead of day.

Again, I used my Purple Stickles Glitter Glue around the circles. The stars are coloured with my Purple Hue prisma pencil.

My ribbon is from my crafty stuff and the pearls are from Meiflower.

My beautiful, beautiful papers are from Bearly Mine Designs – and they are the Christmas Delights Collection.

And to finish, I placed a scalloped insert with my own verse (produced on my computer.) The font I used has it’s own little starbursts which I thought was perfect for this particular card. :0)

I wanted to try something a little different on my card, so I placed the ribbon behind the backing paper, but my ribbon bow on top of the paper. I also hand tied the bow so that the “tie offs” of tails were front and back… I like the effect that has been given from doing both of these things. Smiles.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would like to proudly enter my card into are the following:-

The Squirrel & The Fox – Jacaranda.

Bearly Mine Challenges – All My Favourite Things.. (Glitter, Pearls – BM Papers of course!! Smiles… )

Cutie Pie Challenge – Pastel Christmas.

Craft Your Days Away – Buttons or Bows.

Drunken Stampers – Monochromatic.

Gingerloft – Christmas or Winter.

One Stop Craft – Christmas Fairies.

The Sugar Bowl – Sketch - With optional theme of ice and snow. (My tiny bit of snow is at her feet.. lol.)

Truly Scrumptious – Christmas With Pearls.

2Sisters – Holiday.

Oh and of course – the BIGGEST challenge of all I have to add – when I started to prepare everything to make this card, I had all of the above challenge requirements already written down.. (I swear I did. HONEST! Smiles.) So I made sure it fit all of the above.. now hard was that do you think? Wink wink?! :0) :0)

Have a great day everyone! Smiles.xx

You’re So Sweet!

2011-11-28T10:59:00.001Z

And little Clementime Christmas certainly is!! Smiles..

She is available from Stamp Fairy in the Christmas/Winter Section of the store.

It’s a brand new Monday and time for an all new challenge over on the Stamp Fairy Blog this fortnight! Smiles.

Our theme this week is for a sketch and to decorate the inside of our card too. I loved doing this one… (especially as I always do the insides of my cards anyway.. hehehe.)

For my card, as you can see, I have gone with the non traditional colours of pink and white and doesn’t it look prettyful? Smiles.

The sketch we have been set is fabby as it gives so much room for creativity (as you will see from the wonderful DT entries on the blog.)

And below are the inside views of my card…

For my card i chose to do a three panel cut opening card, rather than piecing papers to make up the sketch… and I feel really pleased with how it turned out.

To get the card base I started out with an A3 sheet and scored it at 5.5” intervals. So the main (middle) panel measures 5.5” square. The backing paper is from my scraps box and the nestie is my Spellbinders Labels 17.

The high glitter card is from my craft stuff, and the nestie is my spellbinders scallop circles (small).

The image is coloured with my Copics and my Glitter Copics to get the wonderful sparkle. And the Candy Cane is finished with my Crystal Ice Stickles Glitter Glue. (I know I just can’t seem to leave it alone, it’s used on most of my cards.. Lol.)

My wonderful border die is the latest edging die to be released from Crafty Sentiments Designs and is called Fancy Heart.

My sentiment is from my crafty stuff but is originally from Hunky Dory and my pearls are from Meiflower. (Who incidentally never did send that extra bow ribbon after promising via email. Hey Ho.)

But just look at all that sparkle…. how can I be glum for long? It kind of pales the missing bow ribbon into insignificance doesn’t it? Lol.. I love this card with a passion – and I’m going to miss it once it’s gone.. Smiles.. But I made this with a special person (or persons in mind) and it’s heading out of the country very soon.

SAS4Kids are in serious need of our help everyone – so if you have any spare holiday/Christmas at home, or you think you could make some this week and get them posted out for early December.. then could you please do so?

These kids could really make use of your wonderful creations and it would mean so much! My envelope is leaving this week again as it takes a while to arrive from the UK.. and they really do appreciate each and every one that we send.. Even one card makes all the difference. (Thank you!)

Anyway, please come join the challenge over at Stamp Fairy this fortnight – it’s a fab, fun sketch and theme.. And I’m sitting here thinking why not combine the two things… make a fun card for our challenge and join in the SAS4Kids challenge too? But you have to be quick as their Happy Holidays For Kids Challenge ends in 4 days… (No pressure then.. lol.) That way you can get your cards done in plenty of time! Smiles!! :0)

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would like to enter my card into are the following:-

SAS4Kids – Happy Holiday Wishes For Kids.

Craft Your Passion – ‘Tis The Season.

Karen’s Doodles – Non Traditional Christmas Colours.

The Cutie Pie Challenge Blog – Pastel Christmas.

Hooked On Crafts – Winter Wonderland. (Just found this blog via Mandy’s blog and I LOVE it!!! And yes I’m following.. Smiles.)

A Little Bit Of Retro And A Lot Of Sparkle & Shine!…

2011-11-27T23:00:00.000Z

Huge smiles at that one! :0) Hehehe…
Give a girl the chance to glitter up and what’s she gonna do? Sparkle of course! Lol..

I just adore this card so very much! Beyond words in fact! Smiles!
This has been created using my Debbi Moore “The Glitter Girls Collection – The Essentials Template Cd-Rom” and my brand new Glitter Girls Art Deco Bookatrix Embossing Board… and I’m telling you this is absolutely superb!!

I pre-ordered my board at the NEC at the beginning of November, and the Glitter Girls sent it out when it went on general release on the 18th of November. It arrived last week, and I had my first play on Friday. Crafting heaven? You bet! Smiles!! :0)

My fabulous (to squeal over) image is one of Krista Smith’s newest Sassy rubber stamps – brought to us by Sugar Nellie – She is called Domestic Goddess and is available from Funky Kits, the home of all things Sugar Nellie.
To bring her to life I used my Copics in the following shades:-
Eyes – G05.
Clothes - R11. 20. 22. G02. YG41.
Hair – E21. 41. 71. Y21. 28. Blender.
Skin – R20. E11. 00. 000.
Pie – E31. 43. 11. 00. 000.
Eucalyptus Stickles on dress and border green panels (which are from my scrap card box.)
The white border panel is my Centura Pearlescent available from CC – I simply adore this for it’s divine shimmery 300gsm quality thickness. Just perfect for embossing on to! The wonderful pink pearls have been done with my Pearl Pen.

For my main card base I used white hammer card, 300gsm thickness, and I first edited the template on the cd-rom in my photo suite, to reduce the opacity to barely visible. Then I printed it out on to the front of the card.
Then I put the card back into the printer, and printed this wonderfully perfect backing paper – from our lovely sponsor this week – onto my card front also. It worked a treat! :0)

For my inside I decided to go with humorous so I chose this rather chuckle worthy sentiment from Bugaboo stamps – as soon as I first laid eyes on Domestic Goddess on the Sugar Nellie blog hop on the 18th November, I had already decided then that this was the sentiment I was going to use with her. Smiles.
The nesties I have used to frame the sentiment are my Labels 17.

I have made this card for Make It Monday’s Challenge #65 and the backing paper I have used on it is from our lovely sponsor this week as I have already mentioned -

The wonderful prize this week for the winning commenter is a CD with the winner's choice of 4 collections! Totally fantastic or what?! (That’s what I thought too! Smiles.)
The backing paper that I used is from a lovely set called Pretty Papers. And it truly does have some pretty papers in the set too! :0)

For my card of the week this week I would like to showcase Irene from All Occasions, Papers and More with this card…

I have chosen this for a number of reasons – not least of which because it just grabbed me the moment I saw it! Smiles.
I love the cleanness of this card. I love the perfect colouring, the utter perfection of that matching paper. I adore the whole embossing thing and the effect it has on the rest of the card… can you tell how much I like this? Hehehe.
Honestly, it’s just so very nice! :0)
So please pop over to Irene’s Blog and leave her some much deserved love!

The challenges I would like to proudly enter my own creation into are the following:-
Saturated Canary – Anything Goes! (So of course I went with sparkle and bling!! – And a little retro thrown in.. lol.)
Dream Valley Challenges – Sparkle.
I Did It Creations – Eat Drink and Be Merry.
Little Claire’s – Shaped Cards.
Sisterhood Of Crafters – Polka Dots.
Digital Tuesday – Sparkle & Shine.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
Karen.xx

Yip Yip Yoray!! Hahaha!

2011-11-27T08:44:00.001Z

Yes they were my five year old’s words – not mine.. lol.. And his next words after our little busy-ness yesterday afternoon were “Is it going to snow now?” – Oh to be that young again?! Smiles.

This is what all the fuss is about….

We put out tree together! :0) I’ve been getting pestered by the little-lies for a while now, and as it’s the final weekend before the 1st of December (when we traditionally put the tree up in our house) and I knew I would have many, many helping hands to do it, I thought why not??

And these are the very happy faces at the end of it the hard work…

Now don’t they just make it worth while? To see sparkles in their eyes like this I would put the tree up every weekend. Smiles.

Now we came downstairs this morning, and little Albie went running to the patio door curtains behind the tree – and the first words from his mouth….???

“Has is snowed now Mam?” Hahahah – gotta love him haven’t you? So I told him “No honey it hasn’t, but you never know it might in time for Christmas.”

So, being the ever resourceful little boy that he is, little Albs goes running from the room (still smiling – deflated, not defeated. Hehe.) And he comes back with The Snowman. “I know,” he says, “We can watch this and it might make it snow.”

I’m laughing my head off at this point.

We have watched it twice so far – complete with snowman teddies on the tv shelf – but still no sign of snow yet… I will do all that I can to keep that magic alight in his eyes though! :0) :0)

So! This is my weekend, and a little look in to our lives here.. I hope that I’ve brought you all a little smile this morning.

This is my Show Me Thursday Post (yes I know – better late than never… lol.) for our wonderful Cheryl – it’s our weekly get together where all of us Sassy Girls get to be gorgeously nosey and I love it. And the best part? Well, normally we get to be with in the chance to win a fabby image from Cheryl’s Store. But this week is truly something special (a little like that magical sparkle in Albie’s eyes) as it’s Chery'l’s first anniversary of doing these wonderful show me challenges. Now how lovely is that? ~We can’t believe a whole year is passed already – Cheryl thank you honey for a fabulously fun year sweetie! :0)

Anyway, this week Cheryl is offering one lucky person (or is that one nosey person – hehehe) a $10 Gift Certificate from her store. And there are so many amazing images to choose from, you’ll be hard pushed not spending over that I’ll warn you now! Lol.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

Entering this into Sassy Cheryl’s Show Me Challenge.

All Wrapped Up! :0)

2011-11-25T12:17:00.001Z

Yup – Christmas is fast aproaching and it’s that time of the year when I’m super busy trying to make sure all of my stocking fillers are done and dusted.. hehe… are they? Of course they’re not! Lol.. and I’m getting into panic mode.. Lol..

This is just one of them, smiles, and it’s full of delicious delights! :0)

It’s also my creation for Poodles Parlour this is for our challenge this fortnight – a lovely festive one that you can all play along with…. Christmas! Smiles.

My image is courtesy of the very talented Saffi from The Digi Garden – and she is called Fairy 002. She can be found in the “Things With Wings” Section of the store.

I know you wouldn’t normally put a fairy with an envelope on a Christmas Gift Box.. but my thinking was Fairies and Wishes.. to Christmas Wishes… follow my theme here? Lol.. :0)

I think she looks lovel anyway! A perfect Christmas Angel really. Hehehe.

My backing paper which I printed directly onto my two sheets of A4 smooth white card, is from my SWALK Winter Cheer Cd-Rom (my most used cd this year I think.) Such beautiful papers on there.

The tutorial on how to make this glueless box can be found here on my blog by the way – if you’re interested.. it’s really super easy once you know how, and these little beauties don’t take long at all. Smiles.

If you click the link you will find I’ve done a really easy to follow step by step, with clear photos. And you can’t go wrong.

To add extra sparkle to the wings I used my stickles glitter glue – and the image itself has been brought to life using my Copics.

The text was done on my computer and shaped in my editing software.

The ribbon is from my crafty stuff, and this is the finished box – complete with shredded tissue paper, and delicious treats inside! Smiles.

Remember you have two whole weeks to come join in the fun! And everybody that joined us for our last challenge got a free digi – now how cool is that?! :0)

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter my Gift Box into are as follows:-

Aud Sentiments – Any Winter Holiday Sentiments.

CRAFT Challenge – Unusual Christmas.

Crafty Purple Frog – For Someone Special.

MAWT – Ribbons And Bows.

Paper Crafting Journey – Anything Goes.

Freedom!!

2011-11-21T21:40:00.001Z

Smiles – this one really does make me chuckle lots too! :0) As soon as I first saw this image, I had this sentiment in my mind, and I knew that this was the card I was going to make with it! :0)

I won this image from Karen’s Doodles at the beginning of November, and I’m so happy to have brought it to life finally.

I made her come alive with a mixture of Copics and Glitter Copics in the following shades:-

100. C5. C0 – Hair.

Black & Silver GC – Phone & Cherry.

Red GC – Lipstick.

Gold GC – Drink & Earring.

BG01. BG000 – Housecoat & Slippers.

C0 – Glass.

B000 – Bubbles.

C5. C1 – Tap.

R59. R46. R37 – Tumbler.

G07 – Tumbler.

Silver GC – Fork.

E53. E51 – Bowl.

B02 – Eyeshadow.

W1 – Floor.

G00. G000. C3. C0 – Kitchen Unit & Sink Surround.

E02. E00. E000 – Skin Tones.

And to add that perfect 3D sparkly finishing touch…. my Crystal Ice Stickles Glitter Glue to the bubbles (told you I was addicted to my Stickles – lol.)

My base card is 2 A4 sheets of white hammer card (3oogsm) made to measure 8inches square.

I have hand drawn my border with my Copic fine liner. (This is only the second time I have tried this technique and I still felt a little nervous – but I do so love the outcome when it’s done!) Smiles.

My tags too are hand done with my fine liner. It isn’t often I “write” or draw on my cards, I’m not confident that way. So I’m extra pleased with how this has turned out.

I did these tags to match the sketch that has been set over at Saturday’s Secret Crafter this week. I love this sketch because while it looks like a simple sketch, it does really make you sit and think about what you’re going to do… you want to follow the sketch, but really make something special at the same time. :0)

Here is the sketch that was set (as you can see I played around with it a little.) But my squares are there, and my bling, and my sentiment. Smiles.

But isn’t it a fun sketch that gets the mind working overtime?! :0)

Here is a close up of the sentiment that I created to go with the wonderful Freedom Image. I can think of a few people this would suit this Christmas time, not least of all myself. Rofl.

I’ve tried to show some idea of the subtle sparkle on this card in my pictures, but I’m not quite sure that I’ve pulled it off to be honest. Where it’s stood on my craft table, the light in the room just bounces off it perfectly, and it looks so lovely. Especially with the cascading, sparkling bubbles from the sink! :0) But trying to take the pictures I’m really not seeing it here.

But I still love the card. :0) :0)

I hope it makes you smile as much as it does me!

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone.

Karen.xx

The challenges I would like to proudly enter my card into are the following:-

The Secret Crafter’s Saturday Challenge – Sketch (as shown above.)

Christmas Card Challenges – Colour Combo – Black & White.

Crazy 4 Challenges – Black, White, and WOW. (One other colour. I’m hoping my mostly blue on the image counts here.) Smiles.

Paper Creations Ink – Christmas Theme.

Pollycraft – Christmas Fun!

2Sisters – Let It Sparkle.

I Remember When…..

2011-11-21T18:38:00.000Z

I was small and you were silly.. (in fact you still are! Rofl!!)
I made this card at the end of last month, for Rosie to give to somebody very special who had his birthday at the beginning of this month. Smiles.. I was waiting to blog it until after his birthday had passed, and then it was my London hospital appointment, and then the NEC, and then I …. well… simply forgot!… Hahaha.. But here it is now…! Smiles..

For this card I used my Pretty Sweet CD-Rom by Polka Doodles. That’s the digi image and the papers – how cool is that?! Smiles. I do love this newest creation from them – it’s just so – well… SWEET! Hehehe.

To bring my image to life I used my copics in the following shades:-
Hair – YR23. Y28. 21. E51. 50.
Top – R20. 22. Y08.
Dungarees – B99. 97. 93.
Skin Tones – E02. 00. 93.
The circles are cut with my Grand Circle Spellbinders Dies. And the sentiment (also from the Cd) has been glittered up with my Spray & Sparkle Iridescent Glitter Spray – available from Crafter’s Companion.

My card base is made from A3 black card stock, and I have made it to measure 8inch square.

My insert I have made from the backing papers on the CD-Rom, and I stuck plain white paper on the top with my poem printed on the top.

As soon as I saw this image on the Cd I knew it was perfect for the poem I had in mind. Smiles. The poem is my own, and if you would like to use it then feel free, but please do give credit to me and link back to this blog.. it’s my own creation and remains my own intellectual property.

My black matt & layer card is from my scraps box, and my ribbon is from my crafty stuff.

This is my card for the MAKE IT MONDAY CHALLENGE # 64 this week – where the theme is always Anything Goes. :0)
Our sponsor this week is

Emma is offering a £10 voucher to her store to the lucky commenter that is picked this week. So get commenting on the other entries – and remember to say that you are visiting from Make It Monday, to be in with a chance to win our wonderful Sponsor’s Prize.
My card of the week this is week is Julie’s card from her Inky Finger Zone Blog.

I love this creation for many reasons – not least of which is the sheer amount of time she has put into it!
I love the tatty button tree, and the ruched ribbon. I adore the wonderful colour scheme and the way the whole card pops at you from the computer screen. :0)
I think this is such an elegant Christmas creation and I loved it on sight! Thank you Julie for sharing this wonderful creation with us. (My apologies for my incomplete blog post until 8am this morning UK time, blogger was playing up massively. For some reason it published my part saved draft and not my full scheduled post.. And I have spent an hour this morning trying to rectify only to get a blogger error code, even through my trusty live writer!)

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter my card into are as follows:-
Cardmadfairy’s Digi Days – Texture.
Crafty Ann’s – Sketch or Monochromatic or Both.
Delicious Doodles – Remembrance.
Kenny K’s Krafty Girlz – Kids Rule.
One Stitch At A Time – Anything Goes.
Sweet Stamin’ – A Birthday Something.

One Frosty Christmas Night…

2011-11-21T12:06:00.001Z

Hello everyone!

It’s certainly cold enough today for me to imagine snow coming! Lol.

My card today is made with the new Tommy Here Comes Santa Set – available from Stamp Fairy. And if you click the link, you’ll be able to grab yourselves an amazing little santa hat freebie too.

Today marks the start of the second week of our Glitter Challenge over on our Challenge Blog. There are some lovely entries so far, and it’s great fun! Remember, if you come join us, and use a Stamp Fairy Image, you can win 3 wonderful images from the Stamp Fairy Store.

To create my frosty card I used my cricut for my snowflakes, and my Grand Labels One for the layers and the card base. I have printed my image onto Neenah card and the white glitter card is from my crafty stuff.

The base card is of course my usual Centura Pearlescent (loved for it’s wonderful sheen. Smiles.)

I do hope you’ll come join us for the second week of our challenge.

Hugs & Happy Crafting everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter my card into are the following:-

Crafty Calendar – November Winter Wardrobe.

Crafty Emma – Snowflakes.

Lollipop Crafts – Anything Goes.

One Stitch At A Time – Anything Goes.

Panpastel UK – Frosty & Bright.

Quirky Crafts – CAS.

2Sisters – Let It Sparkle.

Oh Sweet Baby…!

2011-11-18T14:50:00.001Z

Hello everyone,
Guess what? It’s FRIDAY!!! :0) :0)

My card today is yet another one I have been slow to blog. (Oops! ) Actually this card is a double oops – lol – If you look at the pictures you’ll see one of the feet is a little skew-iff.. it slipped while I was taking piccies.. heehee.. I put it right and allowed the whole thing to dry (in position!! Smiles) before posting to my friend, don’t worry! :0) :0)

To make this cute little card I dug out my old, neglected, but much loved Popcorn Platinum CD-rom – available from Crafter’s Companion.
The backing paper is from the same CD.

My wonderful ribbon and nappy patch, as well as my gorgeous little feet charms are from Meiflower. And aren’t they just perfect?! Smiles.

The gorgeous little nappy pin is from Crafty Ribbons – I loved this on sight! Smiles. I picked it up at the NEC (in fact I picked up both pink and blue just in case. Lol.)

The wonderful card is my Core-Dinations - Tim Holtz Distress Collection – available from Crafter’s Companion. I sanded it down with my sanding block and weathered the edges with my distressing tool, to give the whole thing a slightly distressed look (you know, the way most brand new parents seem to look. Sweet yet slightly frayed around the edges. Rofl.)

Just look at the dimension I’ve acheived with the decoupage from the CD and a little curve added with my embossing tool. Smiles.

The insert is also from the Platinum CD-Rom and I resized it to match my card base.

It’s such a sweet little card – I was almost sad to part with it. Lol… (Only kidding Wendy, it was a joy to make for you hun.)

My actual base card is my usual Centura Pearlescent Snow White – I use this for it’s luxuriant Sheen. Just love it! Smiles.

Thank you so much for stopping by today.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter this card into are the following:-
Bearly Mine – One For The Boys.
Cutie Pie Challenge Blog – Bears.
Divas by Design - Monochromatic.
Freshley Brewed Monthly Challenge – Anything Goes.
Forever Friends – (Must Use An Animal) Something Old Something New.

A whole lot of WOW and little “Winter’s Tale” for you! Smiles…

2011-11-16T10:55:00.001Z

…. I’m smiling here – straight from a summer creation and I come back to blogging a winter’s card.. lol… I actually posted this on the Crafter’s Companion Facebook Page on Sunday Night so you can forgive me a little. Hehehe.. I’m just late blogging it here. Smiles.

To create this awesome icicle I used my Centura Pearlescent A4 cardstock in Snow White (available from Crafter’s Companion.) And my high glitter card in white (had it for ages in my crafty stuff.) To get the glitter to stay put and not malt all over the place, I first sprayed it with my spray and shine varnish (again available from CC.)

The fabby die is a Cheery Lynn one, and it’s the Canadian Kaleidascope one which I picked up from the Joanna Sheen stall at the NEC this month. I just love it so much! Smiles.

The wonderfully sweet little image (with that amazing bit of glitz!) is from CC and is from the Winter’s Tale Beatrix Potter Kit that I purchased last year (it’s still available to buy now) I used so much from the kit but would you believe I still had the wonderful stickers and these delicious gems left to play with? And just look at what I created with them? :0)

My circle card base I made with my spellbinders circle die which I scored and folded in half.

The inside I decorated to match with another of the stickers from the pack. This really is an amazing kit that seems to be never ending. I’ve had this since last year and I’m still using it now. Superb.

Just look at the divine shimmer of this card… I was in crafting heaven putting this one together and choosing my card stock to make it all. :0) To get the 3D effect, I placed one sticker over another to get the frilly edge, then I glued them both onto Centura card, and carefully cut around so that all you could see was the sticker top and not the card beneath.

To 3D the snowflake I cut two of them, and carefully layered together with my 3D collal glue. A little tricky but worth the effort when you see the end result. :0)

The girls on Facebook were asking about the die so at least now there is a direct link on my blog to it. Smiles. (I got around to it in the end.. lol.)

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would very proudly like to enter this card into are the following:-

Crafter’s Companion Monthly Challenge – Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow.

Forever Friends (must use an animal) – Christmas Is Coming.

Heartsong Inspirations – Gold OR Glitter.

Lexi’s Creations – No Straight Edges.

Little Claire’s – Shaped Cards.

Penny Black – All Creatures Great and Small.

Sweet Stamps Blog – Non Traditional Christmas Colours.

Tuesday Throwdown – Lots of Circles.

What’s Up Buttercup?!

2011-11-15T20:03:00.001Z

Hello (again so soon? Hahahaha!)

I know but after this I have the kids to bath and get ready for their beds and then I have the online shop to sort out, and then I have to think about falling into my own bed I think! Rofl. :0)

This latest creation is a new favourite of mine I think. Probably because I’ve made so many wintery ones lately and this one is so summer like – and reminds me instantly of warmer times! Smiles.

To create this card I used Buttercup Suzie from the very talented Sassy Cheryl – I printed her onto Neenah Solar Crest Card 216gsm (available from Crafter’s Companion.)

To bring Buttercup Suzie to life I used my Copics in the following shades:-

Hair – 100. C7. 5.

Bows – YR07. 04. 02. White Opaque Pen.

Eye – G05. 07.

Buttercup – Y02. 06. 08.

Stem/Leaf – G28. 94.

Dress – YR000. 02. 04.

Knickerbockers – G21.

Socks – YR31.

Shoes – YR07. 04. 15. 02. (04.) 07.

Skin Tones – E21. 00. 000. R20.

Ground – W1. 3.

White Opaque Pen for highlights on dress, nose and shoes.

The backing paper is from the Sugar & Spice Pack from Dovecraft. (I originally won this from Little Claire Designs but I don’t think they stock this anymore. As I couldn’t find it to link to on the site.) The matt & layer card is my Centura Pearlescent (Pastels) A4 card.

The card base that I cut down and shaped, is A4 White Hammer Card – 300gsm.

My gorgeous green buttons are what I picked up at the NEC and are French Twist. I just adore these so very much! :0)

The beautiful, beautiful flowers are Fairy Tale Roses and again are from Little Claire Designs. (I won these much earlier in the year – along with the paper pad, so again, I don’t know if these are still available as they are currently updating their page.)

I do adore this Buttercup Suzie image so very much – it’s a favourite with my daughter Rosie (age 9) too – she has coloured this particular one in lots of times. (She loves Sassy Cheryl more than anything else.... she has great taste already! Smiles.)

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter my card into are the following:-

Sassy Cheryl’s – Stump The Boss (Anything Goes Challenge) – You have to check this one out – truly it’s so much fun!! :0)

Little Claire’s – Shaped Cards.

Paper Sundaes – Digital Images.

My Partner In Crafting Crime – Use Something That You Got For Free/Or Recycle Something From Your Home…

Simon Says Stamp – Some Women Only.

The Squirrel & The Fox – Summer.

The Secret Crafter – Spots & Stripes (Smiles, I did a little happy dance when I chose my paper for this one! I know, I think I may need help really. Rofl.)xx

Show Me Thursday….

2011-11-15T17:45:00.001Z

On a Tuesday… Rofl… I know, I know, but at least I’ve done one this week… hahahaha!

And what a Tuesday this turned into too! Phew! If I don’t sleep tonight I give up – honestly!! :0)

As many of you know, I’m not sleeping too great at the moment, and I did that awful thing where you fall asleep about 20 minutes before the alarm is due to go off this morning…. and you can probably guess the rest.. lol..

Yup! The whole household was up an hour late (cursing me silently no doubt! Haha) so there we were rushing round like mad people, which never is a good way to start the day is it? Oops! :0)

And then James (my eldest boy) was all quiet and pale and telling me his stomach was hurting worse than yesterday… and we’re not talking normal tummy ache here. An awful sharp pain that was worse on standing and stretching, and he yelped when I pressed his abdomen. Of course that feeling of dread washed over me. Soooh I telephoned the docs and got me, him and Christine down there ( after I’d packed the others off to school, and Hubby off to work for the day.)

A little prodding and poking later, and a chat that went way back when to his summer Cadets camp, and “we” think it is either a small hernia or a severely pulled muscle that isn’t healing.. so we are now armed with a fair few pain killers, and he has been laid up resting most of the day. Poor lad. And of course I am just relieved there is no immediate danger like appendix etc.. But still worrying over hernias etc… as mother’s do.

And our little three year old has been a handful – because she wasn’t getting all of Mummy’s attention – you know the one… so by the time 3pm ticked around and I had to go collect my middle two I was feeling rather washed out and frazzled, and silently mourning my lost day of catching up on laundry and hoovering and (SNEAKILY) fitting in my Sassy Cheryl’s challenge card.. rofl… (I’m kidding here of course – I trust you all know that! Hahahaha.)

Anyway, home again, and bless Rosie’s heart – off she toots upstairs with Cranky Christine in tow – when a wonderfully peaceful fifteen minutes later (in which I have started to craft as ‘the boys’ are now ‘busy’ together too.) I get a call to “come see quick!” I’m thinking to myself “Oh no what now!” but I didn’t have to worry at all – because look at this…. Smiles..

Christine playing happily in her Brand New ‘Space Rocket’ that her wonderful big sister had just made for her…. isn’t that just so sweet?! :0) :0) :0)

So I come back downstairs for my camera – and Albs follows me back up to the girls room…. now he has never been one to be outdone or left out (what five year old boys ever are? Lol.) So he charges downstairs and starts pestering poor James – and the next thing I know – we have the next Hamilton in our front room….

Hmmmm – not sure about his racing helmet – hehehe – but well, he’s happy, and my two little-lies are now very happy and playing very nicely. Sooooh – it’s time for me to get busy with my challenge card again!!! (I know – I just couldn’t help myself! James was now happily sitting at the computer playing games, the pills were doing they’re job I think! So what was a girl to do? Really?!)

And finally this is a snapshot of my workspace this afternoon – now, if you pay very close attention – you will see a sneak peek of the card I’m going to post on my blog in a day or two.. also the card I just finished today for my Sassy Cheryl challenge (although it’s almost covered over in the picture… laughing here.) And you can also see the back of a top secret project I’m working on, that won’t be hitting my blog until the 3rd of December… so mark that one in your diaries folks!! (And that is the only clue you’re getting. Hehehe.)

Anyway, this is my Show Me Thursday post – where we all get to be nosey for a day ( or the week if I’m completely correct!) over at Sassy Cheryl’s – and it’s great fun – and it’s all so that we can be in with a chance of winning a fabby image from the wonderful Sassy Cheryl herself! :0)

I hope at least some of this lengthy post has left you smiling!

Hugs & Happy Crafting!

Karen.xx

My Favourite Little Molly Again… Smiles.

2011-11-14T11:11:00.001Z

(FOR MIM POST CLICK ON “OLDER POST” AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS ONE…” Thank you.xx)

Hello again on this wet, cold Monday…

I have hubby home with me until Midday – and we have just been out to buy me some supplements to try combat some of the worst symptoms of this Chronic Fybromylagia that I have been diagnosed with… So right now I am armed with Gingko Biloba – St John’s Wort and Chamomile Tea… I am also taking multivitamins that don’t contain silenium and I’m cutting yeast from my diet… so we’ll see how I go! Phew! Quite a journey I’m embarking on…. lol.

Anyway, it’s Monday and it’s that time again when we start our new challenge over at the Stamp Fairy Challenge Blog. Our challenge this fortnight is Glitter! That’s it – nice and simple isn’t it? Something all of us can do easily and most of us simply adore.. Smiles. And you have a whole two weeks to come join us too! I can’t wait to see what you all come up with.

For my card I used Winter Molly – one of the newest characters available from The Stamp Fairy Store. I also used the accessories (available from the same set) and merged them in my editing software to make this little scene for my twisted easel card.

To bring Molly to life I used my Copics in the following shades:-

Hair – E71. 43. 41. 40. 21. 00 000. 51.

Headband. Scarf. Boots – R59. 46.

Shading of Dress – C1.

Lamp Post – C1. 100. W5.

Skin Tones – R20. E21. 00.

100 for the mouth. (Image comes without.)

For the fence I used my Derwent Pencil in Copper Beech shade.

Lamp Glow (inside lamp) Y000. 00. 11. 15. 38.

Lamp Glow (outer) Pastel Yellow chalk.

Red Glitter Copic was added to Headband, Scarf, and Dress Trim.

Her tights were coloured with my Clear Glitter Copic.

Yellow Glitter Copic was added to the inner glow of the Lamp.

The snow is shaded with C1 Copic and glittered up with my Crystal Ice Stickles glitter glue.

The ribbon bow is hand done by me, and the ribbon is from Meiflower. I discovered this company at the NEC – and have since ordered from their website. I have to say that I am very impressed with them indeed. Very quick to dispatch. Excellent on price. An all round great customer service. :0)

Just look at the sheen to the ribbon – isn’t it divine? I’m sad though, because I picked this up for a very good price at the NEC, and I cannot find it on their website anywhere. I think it must have been clearance or something.. quietly sobbing here. Lol. (EDIT ADDED – Meiflower have emailed me to say that the ribbon bow is stocked but not on the website – if you email them you can order it!! Yay! I’m a happy bunny!! Hehehe. Thank you so much Meiflower!)

The pearls are from my crafty stuff, as is the contrast card. The glitter swirl at the bottom is done with more of my Stickles glitter glue. (I honestly think I have an addiction to these. I use them on almost every card I make. Rofl.)

The sentiment is computer generated and the pearls I have used here are from Meiflower too – from their Christmas selection pack.

The card peices here are all from my scraps box. (Yay! Hehe.)

The wavy edged trim is acheived using my 5 in 1 Clevercut paper trimmer from Crafter’s Companion.

Remember – you have two whole weeks to come join in the fun! And as always Gerda is offering 3 Gorgeous Digis to the lucky winner! Smiles.

Gerda has also got the most adorable new release in the store today! Pop over and take a look for yourselves. :0)

The Challenges I would love to enter my creation into are as follows:-

Christmas Inspirations – (must be Christmas) - Bows.

Make It Colourful – Lantern/Candlelight.

Paper Sundaes – Digital Images.

2Sisters – Anything Goes.

Send A Smile 4 Kids – Early Holiday Cards. (Start yours now for them please – they really do need all the support they can get.)

Hugs & Happy Crafting!

Karen.xx

Make It Monday Challenge #63

2011-11-13T23:00:00.000Z

Hello everyone!!
Are we all ready for the start of yet another week? Lol!!
I’m feeling as tired after this weekend as I was at the end of last week… Rofl.. :0)

Today is special for me – because for once, I’m not entering my cards into the Make It Monday “Anything Goes” challenge – I have actually joined their DTeamies!! Super HUGE smiles at that one!! :0)
It’s time for our Challenge no. 63 and… This week we are sponsored by the wonderful Emma who owns Pollycrafts, the home of fun, original hand drawn images for use in your crafting projects!

The winner gets to choose 5 single digis of their choice! Now how cool is that?! :0)
And this is the card that I made with my Pollycraft image.

To make this card I used Summer Things – Cake – I have had this image for an absolute age, and it’s my most used from the Pollycraft images I own.
To get the cupcake shape I used the Celebrations embossing board that fits onto my Ulitmate Pro – both available from Crafter’s Companion.

The cherries were also embossed from the Celebrations board too. I embossed straight onto white card, coloured in with my Copic markers, and then sprayed with my Spray & Sparkle glitter spray for the added sparkle and shine. Smiles.

The card I have chosen as my Pick Of The Week this week, from all of last week’s fabulous entries (I was blown away by so many) is this wonderful Parchment Craft Card by Dr. Sonia – I chose this not only because I loved the card, but for the wonderful tutorial that was provided too. :0)

This truly is a wonderful tutorial – and even if you have never tried this wonderful craft before, I urge you all to pop across and leave our lovely Dr Sonia some love.
I do hope you will pop over and join us at Make It Monday – Remember, our challenges are always Anything Goes – and if you comment on the other entries - you are in with a chance to win the fabby Sponsor’s Prize. Smiles.
Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone.
Karen.xx

The Snow Is Falling … All Around Me…. La la la..

2011-11-11T15:37:00.000Z

… I can’t remember the rest of the words… hahaha… and if I put a Christmas cd on now my family will truly think I’ve lost the plot!! But honestly that song is my inspiration for this latest card. :0) But truly the real sentiment here is “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow”, and you’ll see that when you get to my insert especially! Smiles.

I absolutely adore how this has turned out!! Can you have a card that is cute and cuddly?? I didn’t think so until I made this one!! Laughing… but honestly that’s the way I would describe this!! Hehehe.
Isn’t it just so … well…. cute and cuddly looking?~!!! :0)

And the best thing? I finally got around to using some of my brand new goodies from the NEC!!! Yippee!! Smiles.
Okay – the goodies used are the teeny tiny pink pearls (aren’t they lovely?!) And the fabby buttons oh and that delicious, wonderful pom pom ribbon thing at the bottom of my card! (I love that stuff!!)

The cute, adorable Humphrey decoupage is from my Reddy die cut kit, available from Crafter’s Companion – as is the smaller backing paper directly behind the image.
The main backing is from my SWALK Winter Cheer Cd-Rom – and I love that it’s a perfect match for the things from the die cut kit! :0) (I used the colouriser on the Cd to get the colour I wanted – it worked a treat!)

The wonderful pink contrast card that I have used is actually my Core-Dinations Distress card (I know, it’s criminal to use it and not actually distress it but you know – it matched perfectly – what was a girl to do?!)

My insert is also from my SWALK Winter Cheer Cd-Rom, the same as the main backing paper. The verse I created myself – if you would like to use it – please feel free. But if you blog it at all – please give credit where it’s due.

I’m so happy with how everything matches perfectly! That’s what I love about Crafter’s Companion. You can buy any of the products – and you know that they will all just blend and come together nicely! I’m smiling so much here because I’m in crafting heaven.. hehe.

And here is a close up for you – aren’t the colours just lovely? So bright and vibrant. I wish you could see the quality of the die cut decoupage, and the paper that comes with the kit… it’s all just brilliant. I loved using it.
Oh I almost forgot! My tiny sweet little doily behind my image and paper layer is just from my crafty stuff, but originally I purchased it as a set very cheaply from Ebay. Well worth searching out, and much less expensive than in the shops.

And here is the flat view – so that you can (hopefully – lol) see the curve that I gave to the decoupage layers before gluing them in place. Smiles.

I know the card is much more pink than I usually make, I guess I was just in a rather pink mood. :0) I picked up these rather girly bits n pieces at the NEC and I kept thinking of this particular image in the Reddy Die Cut set, and today the card was just waiting to come together. I think this one will have to go away for little Christine. I’m sure she’ll enjoy playing with all of the pom poms on the front. Big Smiles! :0)
Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
Karen.xx

Crafter’s Companion Items Used:-
Reddy Die Cut Decoupage – Humphrey’s Corner.
SWALK Winter Cheer Cd-Rom.
Distress Core-Dinations Cardstock.
Centura Pearlescent 14 x 14”.
5 in 1 Clevercut Paper Trimmer (this is amazing I love it!!)
Collal Photo Glue.
Collol 3D Glue.

The challenges I would love to very proudly enter this cute and cuddly (smiles) creation into are the following:-

Crafter’s Companion Monthly Challenge Blog – Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It snow!
Charisma Cardz – Cutesy Project.
C.R.A.F.T. – Cute!
Delightful Challenges – Snowflakes.
Do You Stack Up – Inspired By A song.
Forever Friends – Must Include An Animal – Something Old Something New. (New is the stuff from the NEC. Old is the Reddy Decoupage I’ve had it a fair while now.)
Rainbow Lady’s Challenge Blog - Inspired by a Princettia (Include Pink and/or Green.)
Shelly’s Images – It’s The Inside That Counts.
Southern Girls – Inspired By A Song.

Thank you so much for stopping by everyone – I’m smiling so much here – why??? It’s almost the weekend!!! YAY!! Hahahaha! :0) xx

When I Get Big – I’ll Get Even! … Rofl!!

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000Z

Lol – I really do like this sentiment from Paulette of Create With TLC and it suits this fantastic image from Saffi of The Digi Garden perfectly!!!

The image is called (Super Hero) Micky and I figured he was just perfect for this fortnight’s challenge over at The Poodles Parlour Challenge Blog – Which is “When I Grow Up”. Smiles.

To bring this wonderfully sweet little boy to life I used my Copics in the following shades:-
Hair – 100. C3.
Fine Line Copic for the Outline of the S on the T Shirt.
T-Shirt – Y17. R17. B28. 29.
Cape – R59. 17. 14.
Shorts – B29. 28. 24.
Shoes – R59. 17. B29. 28. 24.
Socks – B32.
Skin Tones – E02. 00. 000. 93.

I decided to try something a little different with this card – instead of the usual matting and layering – took my main contrast card piece, and cut it into an actual frame. So the white you see in the middle, is actually my main card base beneath. Cool isn’t it? Well I thought so! Smiles! :0)
The red card is from my crafty stuff as is the card base. The pearlescent card was originally purchased from Crafter’s Companion and is the Cenutura Pearlescent in Snow White.

The card candi is from my crafty stuff also.

The sentiment on the insert is computer generated, using one of the fonts in my Craft Artist software.

As always, there is some wonderful inspirations from the rest of the DT over at The Poodles Parlour, and Jacqui is offering some fabulous prizes. So pop on over and take a look.
You have an amazing two weeks to come up with something too – and I’d love to see be stopping by your blog to leave you a comment too! Smiles.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter my card into are as follows:-
Bows And Berries – CAS.
Crafts And Me – Birthdays.
Digital Tuesday – Anything Goes.
Sassy Studio Designs – Kids Cards.
Squigglefly – No Patterned Paper.
Stamps R Us – Masculine Theme.

ABC Christmas Challenge – W is for Winter Sports..!

2011-11-09T09:49:00.001Z

Hello everyone on yet another dreary wet and cold morning!! I for one would love to see some white stuff right now instead of all of this grey, damp, horrible wetness. Lol.

Over on the ABC Christmas Challenge Blog this week, they are running a super cool theme of W is for Winter Sports, and Stamp Fairy are one of their wonderful sponsor. As Stamp Fairy DT I had the amazing chance to Guest DT over at the ABC challenge blog for this challenge. And, knowing how great the talent is over there – I jumped at the chance to join in the fun! Smiles.

For my image I used one of the fabulous Lenny Winter images which can be found in the Stamp Fairy Store.

The frame is my Labels 17 (my most used – lol.)

The gorgeous ribbon that you see is from Crafty Ribbons and it’s their newest Contemporary Christmas Bag that I was lucky enough to win on their last challenge over on their blog. Super big smiles. I’m telling you – this ribbon pack is sooh divine!!! Hehehe.

(I met a couple of the gang at the NEC on Sunday and they’re just as nice and friendly in person too. Smiles.)

To bring him to life I used my Derwent Pencils and my Blending Oil. The blue outer border is done with my pastel chalk, and the snow is done with my Crystal Ice stickles Glitter Glue.

Instead of making a card for the Winter Sports theme, I went with my Glue-less Box again. Because I love making these so much, and I do have a fair few of these to make and fill before Christmas actually arrives. :0) If you still need the tutorial on how to do these – you can find it by clicking on the tutorial tab to the right on my sidebar – or – by clicking here. (Smiles.)

I promise you – everyone who has followed my tutorial and made these boxes so far, has been amazed at how quick and easy they are – so don’t be afraid – give it a try.. they are quick and easy but very, very effective. And they make the most perfect little gifts when they’re complete. :0)

I’ve filled some of these with chocolates, some with jewellery – all sorts so far. Each with different coloured shredded tissue paper – or layered tissue paper, and it changes the whole look too.

So give it a go – you’ll be hooked too. Hehehe.

Anyway! Head on over to the ABC Christmas Challenge Blog – they not only have the Fabulous Gerda of Stamp Fairy sponsoring them for this challenge but also Simon Says Stamp too! It’s really cool and you just have to see the super fabby amazing wonderful – out of this world inspiration over there on the Challenge Blog!! I’m wowed by it! :0) :0) Hehehe. Go on pop over and take a look for yourself! See you there.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter my gift box into are the following:-

Delightful Challenges – A Very Sparkly Christmas.

A Gem Of A Challenge – Cold And Frosty.

Forever Friends – (Must include an animal) Bling Bling.

Papertake Weekly – Christmas.

Partytime Tuesdays – Bling It On (Anything Sparkly.)

Stamps & Fun Creativity – Winter.

Top Tip Tuesday – Anything Goes Christmas.

Tuesday Throwdown – Your Favourite Colour Combo (Turquoise and White.)

Winter Wonderland – Make Your Cards Sparkle.

Thank you so much for stopping by today.xx

A Narnian Christmas! Smiles….

2011-11-07T10:53:00.001Z

Hello Everyone on this wet, dreary, cold, dark, horrible day… But you know something? I’m smiling MASSIVELY here.. because I’ve just had the BEST weekend ever!! :0)

I finally met my forum buddies (and the fabby CC team) after two whole years. And it was just so wonderful – a feeling beyond words really. Smiles!

Anyway – to brighten this horrid, wet, grey day we have today I bring you some truly wonderful artwork that puts me in mind of Narnia. (Well the way I’ve set the scene on my card does at the very least. Hehehe.)

These are all images from the newest Winter Molly Set – available from Stamp Fairy. And I just adore them – totally!! They are my absolute favourites from all of the wonderfully amazing images that Gerda produces. Smiles. I have combined three images to set this scene, using Molly, and two accessories that you can purchase too – which include the fence, and the lamp post. (I merged them in my scrapbook editing program. But you can do this in any of your image editing software.)

To bring sweet little Molly to life I used my Copics in the following shades:-

Hair – 100. C1.

Clothes – Y08. 06. 02. 00. 000. B00.

Scarf – B000.

Lamp Post & Flame – 100. C3. W5. Y38. 35. 15. 02. The glow around the lamp is done with my pastel chalk.

Skin Tones – E13. 11. 02. 00. R20.

Fence – Derwent Pencil in Coper Beech.

All of the snow is accentuated with my Derwent Pencil in Silver Grey.

The misty snow filled background is done with my pastel chalks.

Derwent Pencils and Copics were originally purchased from Crafter’s Companion too.

Don’t forget that it’s our second week of the Sketch Challenge over on the Stamp Fairy Challenge Blog – and we have some wonderful entries so far. :0) We would love for you to come join in the fun too!

The snowflakes are done with my Cricut Machine, and the ribbon is from my crafty stuff. The black card is from my scraps box.

The wonderful glitter edging is achieved with my black glitter outline stickers. And the backing paper is from my SWALK Winter Cheer CD-Rom, available from Crafter’s Companion.

I have printed my Digi Image onto Neenah Crest Solar White – also available from Crafter’s Companion.

The base card is Centura Pearlescent Snow White – Also from Crafter’s Companion, it’s CC’s brand new 16 x 16 size, and is cut & folded to make it 8 inches square.

The Card Candi is from my crafty stuff.

Anyway, I’m away to edit yesterday’s NEC photos. SMILES!

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter my card into are the following:-

Crafter’s Companion – Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow.

Catch The Bug – November Anything Goes.

Christmas Inspirations – Bows.

Creative Inspirations Paint – Anything Goes.

A Gem Of A Challenge – Cold And Frosty.

I Did It Creations – Christmas/Winter.

One Stitch At A Time – Use A Digi.

Paper Creations Ink – Holiday Wishes For Kids (Linking with SAS4Kids Challenge)

Send A Smile4Kids – Holiday Wishes And A Card Drive (PLEASE PLEASE HELP AND DONATE AS MANY CARDS AS YOU CAN TO THIS CAUSE..)

My Sweet Angels Sleep Here!

2011-11-04T22:12:00.001Z

Hello Everyone!

I am so late with this post – and my only excuse is that I was in Guys yesterday all day for tests and the travelling and the testing all wore me out completely.

But! I’m here now with this extra post – and just wait until you see what I created!! Smiles.

Gerda over at The Stamp Fairy Store has created something wonderful for you all this week, with her gorgeous Barry Angel Set. And as soon as I saw the new images, I thought of my sweet little ones and how much they would adore it if I made this cute little doorhanger for them. :0)

The base card is white glitter card from my crafty stuff. And the card i printed onto is my Neenah Crest Solar White.

I used my Prisma Pencils and my Blending oil. And the cloud that Barry is sitting on is my Viva Decor Pearl pen (doesn’t it look great?! Hehe.)

Barry’s wings are left white with just a hint of Crystal Ice Stickles glitter glue – as is his halo too. Smiles.

The star is a freebie and the word Angel is on it already. I used my editing software to add the My and the ‘S’ and Sleep Here… I love how this turned out! Smiles!

I would love to enter my bookmark into the following challenges..

Cooking It Up With Katie – Anything But A Card.

Crafty Purple Frog – Sparkle.

Crafting For All Seasons – Texture.

Freshly Brewed – November Anything Goes.

Little Darlings Challenges – Not Square.

Make It Monday #61 – Always Anything Goes!

Hugs and Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

Good Times Are Here.... Smiles.

2011-11-01T20:08:00.001Z

Hello everyone on this rather warm Tuesday evening. I honestly would not believe it’s November at all today. Lol.

I’ve been a little busy today working on something extra special! Smiles.

I have joined forces with the very talented Saffi of The Digi Garden – and started working with her fabulous images for some of my Digi Kits!

I lovingly brought these gorgeous girls to life first with my Copics – and then I turned them into coloured digitals to make my digi kit.

The gorgeous papers I have used for this card/kit are from Bearly Mine Designs – and the wonderful gals are available as digi stamps from The Digi Garden.

My sentiment is my own – I created it in my scrapbook software and imported it into my editing software to add to my kit/card.

I have left the insert blank so that this can be an any occasion card. I just love the shape of this card – and know that I’ll be making more of these! Smiles.

Here’s the full view of the card that I have created.

Isn’t it just a darling little card? So sweet! Smiles. I can think of a few friends that I could send this one to. :0) Smiles.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to enter this one into are as follows:-

Crafty Pad – Friendship!

Come And Get It Challenges – Anything Goes.

Deep Ocean Challenge – Sweet!

Jen’s Digi Stamps – Polka Dots.

Make It Monday #61 – Always Anything Goes.

Paper Playtime – Anything Goes.

Pollycraft – Anything Goes.

Try It On Tuesday – Unusual Shaped Card.

Oh My GOSH!!! I Made The SASSY SPOTLIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-01T09:03:00.000Z

I know! Pick me up and dust me back down girls!!! :0) :0) I’m still getting over the shock – and I couldn’t be more proud!! (~Smiles doesn’t quite seem an adequate word here!)
If you head on over to the Sassy Blog you can see what cards they snagged from my blog (I haven’t even seen them myself yet!! Rofl!) And have a little read of the fun Q & A that I did! Smiles – again! Hehehe.
Anyway! This is the brand new card that I created especially for the Sassy Spotlight this fine and fabby Tuesday (I’m grinning so MASSIVELY here – wish you could all see!)

I went with Retail Therapy for my Stamp/Image simply because A) I love her to bits and B) I’ve owned this stamp for an absolute age and just haven’t got around to inking her up yet. (I know, I’m hanging my head in shame. Lol.) But I’ve made up for it now. Smiling. But honestly, how many of us (if we tell the truth) have stamps in our stash that have never seen the light of day? I’ll bet too many of us to count!! Hahaha!

My backing papers are from my Polka Doodles Pretty Sweet Cd-Rom. My lovely hubby got me this as a surprise gift for being brave, when I had the Epidural in my neck a couple of weeks ago. Six needles and I’m still not feeling the relief from it! Ho hum! But hey, the cd-rom has made me smile! :0)

To bring Retail Therapy to life I used my Copics in the following shades:-
B000. 00. C1 – Scarf/ Gloves/ Ear Muffs.
RV13. 10. Copic Fine Liner – Shoes.
100. W7. 5. RV14.10 – Jacket/ Skirt. (It’s actually the very first time I’ve tried to shade a whole outfit black in this way, using my greys as well. And I’m feeling quite pleased with how this has turned out. Smiles.
Clear Glitter Copic. 100. C1. Handbag.
Baby Pink and Pink Glitter Copic – Shopping Bag.
E41. 31 – Shopping Bag.
R32 – Lipstick.
E29 – Eyes.
E93. R00. R20. R37. E41 – Hair.
E02. 00. 93 - Skin Tones.
W0. 1. Y00 – Ground.

The wonderful glittery edging is achieved with my black glitter peel off stickers. The buttons are just spares that I cut off from Rosie’s old school trousers. :0)

My gorgeous flower was originally purchased from Wild Orchid Crafts when they were having a clearance sale, and the lovely dotty ribbon is from my crafty stuff.

The perfectly matched sentiment is from the ever talented Paulette of Create With TLC – and I chose it to go with my computer generated insert (below.)

To make it match my card front I simply trimmed down my plain white paper, and stuck it onto the matching backing paper. Then I scored a sheet of plain white paper, stuck this to the backing paper, and made the whole thing sit nicely inside the card, so that both panels were covered.

If you would love to own Retail Therapy for yourselves, she is available from Funky Kits – The home of all things Sugar Nellie! :0)
I still can’t believe that I’ve been spotlighted for the Sassy Blog – I keep thinking that when I come to hit publish I’ll find that this was all just a fantastical dream. Rofl!
Somebody come pinch me! Hehehe. :0)

Well, that’s it! That’s my Sassy Spotlight Card! (Shy Smiles.) I did feel quite nervous putting this one together – which is silly I know. I blog cards all of the time and why should this one be any different? But somehow, it just was. You know? :0)

The challenges I would like to enter this quietly shy one into are as follows:-
Craft Your Passion – Bingo Board. (I’ve gone for the middle line. Smiles.)

House Of Gilli – Recycle And Texture.
Make It Monday #61 – Always Anything Goes!
Paper Playtime – Anything Goes.
Pollycraft Challenges – Anything Goes!
The Lily Pad – Texture.

Thank you so very much for stopping by today and sharing in my excitement with me! Smiles.
Hugs & Happy Crafting!
Karen.xx

We Wish You A Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year!

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000Z

I know I’m going Christmas crazy at the moment and it’s not quite November yet! Lol.. Wait til next month and it will all be Valentines cards you’re seeing. Hehehe.

This wonderful card is for our latest challenge over at The Stamp Fairy Challenge Blog. Our theme this week is to follow a Sketch – and below is the sketch that we have been set to follow.

As you can see the only thing on my card I played around with from the sketch is my card candi – as I placed them at the top of the card and not the bottom. Smiles.

The image I have used for my card is called Christmas Kids 1 – 5 and it can be found here – in the Stamp Fairy Store.
To bring these lovely singing girls to life I used my Copics, my white highlighter pen – and my polar white flowersoft for the fluffy bits on their hats. Smiles! :0)

The Ho Ho HO is a wonderful FREEBIE provided by Gerda – and you can pick this up from the same place as the fabby image above. :0)

The card candi is from my crafty stuff, and the fabby papers are from Bearly Mine Designs – and the set I used is called Christmas Frolics.

The ribbon I have used is from my stash too – and the smooth white card also. The die cut I have used is my Grand Circles put through my Callibur. (Still with the top roller not working. Sob sob sob.) Lol.

The insert I created with the Bearly Mine papers and the Stamp Fairy image, and the sentiment is computer generated.

As usual – our challenge runs for a whole two weeks, so you have lots of time to come join in the fun. There is some amazing inspiration from the rest of the Design Team, and of course wonderful prizes up for grabs, so please stop by and join us.

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!
Karen.xx

The Challenges I would like to enter my creation into are the following:-
Come and Get It Challenges – Anything Goes.
Dream Valley Challenges – Anything Goes.
Make It Monday #61 – Always Anything Goes.
One Stitch At A Time – Christmas.
The Ribbon Girl – Jingle All Way To Christmas.

Mr & Mrs Merry (And It Made Me Smile Too!)

2011-10-30T12:48:00.001Z

Happy Sunday Eveyone!

Are you feeling Christmassy yet? I know I am! Hehehe. And I’m feeling even more so after I had a chance to sit down and design this card kit last night. Smiles.

I have been without my computer for far too long – and it’s a real pleasure to have it back and be designing again! :0) And this is the kit (and the card!) that I came up with from my playtime last night (and this morning.) Smiles.

The kit I designed last night – and the card I put together this morning. And I love it! I think it’s so pretty and cheerful and sweet! Hehehe.

The wonderful pearls around the scallop edging I have added with my Viva Decor Pearl Pen – which is available from The Craft Barn.

The flower I used the two extra layers provided in the kit, and I gently curled them in my hands first, then I sprayed them with my Iridescent Spray & Sparkle Glitter Spray – available from Crafter’s Companion – before sticking them to my card front with my 3D Collal glue.

I gave the same treatment to my sentiment strip – via my Spray & Sparkle.

This is the matching insert that I created – and the bauble I also used on the back of the card ( below.)

If you look closely you’ll see the ‘frill’ where the card front wraps onto the back of the card – as I have designed this 6 x 6 to wrap around onto the back of the card in this way. Smiles.

And below is both the front of the card and back view when it’s opened out.

I think this one is one of my favourites from the few kits/cards I have designed so far. I love the colours as well as the sweet couple. And I do adore the back of the card as much as the front! Hehe.

I’ve decided that even though the card is pink – I’m putting it away for my hubby – rofl!! :0) Well the sentiment & the image kinda fit don’t they?!

Hehehe. :0)

If you look at Mrs Merry’s Spectacles you can see where I’ve added 3D Glossy Accents to add some extra shine. It works a treat and adds just a little extra touch to the card. Smiles.

The papers are from Nitwits and aren’t they just divine? :0) I’m going to be using these a lot I think! Smiles.

This newest card kit is available to purchase right here. (Go on click the link – you know you want to! Hehehe.)

Hugs & Happy Crafting Everyone!

Karen.xx

The challenges I would love to very proudly enter my card into are as follows:-

Charisma Cardz – Anything Goes.

Crafty Hazlenuts Christmas – For Someone Special – JFF.

Crimbo Crackers – (Must Be Christmas) Anything Goes.

Inspire Me Fridays – Anything Goes.

Our Craft Lounge – Going Pink.

Partytime Tuesdays – Anything Goes.

Sew Many Cards – Two Different Types Of Background Papers.

Thank you so much for stopping by – I love to read your comments – always.xx

A WOW Card With A Copic Addict That Pops! :0)

2011-10-28T22:57:00.001+01:00

…. And looking at how many Copics she has in her pocket, she’s definitely a girl after my own heart! Hehehe. :0)

This White On White card was made with a lot of love too – it’s for one of my crafty friends who has a birthday coming up soon. And she’s like me – she loves to colour! Smiles.

I used to be absolutely petrified at the thought of making these WOW cards but now I kinda like them! :0) They make me really think about what I’m using – and I do like a challenge – Lol.

This particular card was a real challenge too – because I decided to combine it to meet no less than three different challenge themes when I started it. Smiles.

The first challenge theme was Saturated Canary’s 123 Recipe of 1 Image, 2 Papers, and 3 Embellishments. Hence my gorgeous ribbon from Crafty Ribbons, my wonderful tiny pearls, and my lovely white flowers.

The second challenge was Cuddly Buddly’s WOW (White On White) Challenge.

And the third challenge was Crafty Ribbon’s Bingo Board, set by the talented Mandy. The three squares I chose from the board are Flowers, Ribbon, and Punches/Dies. And phew! I managed all of them for all three of the combined challenges! Hehehe. No mean feat on such a small 5 3/4 inch card base I can tell you. Smiles.

My gorgeous, gorgeous girl is called (very aptly!) Copica!! :0) And I just adore her to bits!! She is my absolute favourite (okay I admit I have a few where Krista Smith is concerned!!) She is available from Saturated Canary’s Etsy Shop – and to bring her to life I used my own Copics in the following shades:- (There are a few pens in her pocket I haven’t listed – I forgot to write them all down. Oops.)

C3 – Pen Bodies.

RV42 – Lips.

YR23. Y28. Y21. E51. E50 – Hair.

G07 – Eyes.

V04. 06. Purple Dress.

RV43. V000 – Bottom Skirt.

RV43. 42 – Pink Dress.

RV43. 42. V01. 000 – Apron.

V06. 04 – Tights.

E21. 00. 000. R20 – Skin Tones.

White Opaque Pen for highlights.

My nesties used are my Spellbinders Labels 17 (my most used I can safely say. I really most branch out a little. Lol.) The white glitter card behind for my matt is from my crafty stuff.

The first of my backing papers is my lace effect – I just love this so very much. But if I had to tell you where it came from, I’m afraid I really couldn’t. It’s one of those things I’ve had on my external hard drive for an absolute age, and I honestly don’t know where I got it. From a free scrapbook site somewhere. All I can do is apologise massively here. It isn’t often that I cannot account for something’s origins.

My tiny adhesive pearls are from my crafty stuff, and my gorgeous birthday sentiment ribbon is from Crafty Ribbons. I love this so much – the sheen to it is just so luxurious and the quality superb. Smiles.

My three, layered up flowers are from a very lovely, talented crafting friend, and I feel so happy to be using them on my card today. :0) :0)

The second of my backing papers is the wonderful white swirl effect that I have placed behind my image and matt on the main card piece. They’re very subtle and you may have to click on the ribbon pic to see the swirls properly. These gorgeous papers are part of a set called Renee Heather Jolly – Black & White. And they can be found from Sunshynehs Blog. She truly is very talented.

The insert I have placed inside is plain white – as I felt it matched the theme of the card better than a patterned insert. Plus it gave me more scope to add a much more personal message.It really was a pleasure to sit and make this one – the image was a true dream to work with, and I’ll definitely be bringing her to life again and again. Super huge smiles. :0)

Night night all.

I’m off to dream of more Krista Smith images. Lol.

Hugs & Happy Crafting.

Karen.xx

The challenges I am proudly entering my card into are the following:-

Crafty Ribbons – Bingo Board (Flowers, Ribbon, Punches/Dies.)

Cuddly Buddly Crafts – White On White.

Saturated Canary – 123 Recipe (1 Image, 2 Papers, 3 Embellishments.)

Crafty Purple Frog – Sparkle.

Digi Doodle Shop Challenge – Anything Goes.

Dutch Dare Card Challenge – Pearls & Swirls.

Hanna & Friends – Glitter.

Make It Monday #60 – Always Anything Goes.

Thank you so much for stopping by everyone.

I always read all of your comments – they all make me smile!xx