This 'N' That

Santa Claus is Coming To Town

2010-12-19T14:31:00.003Z

Hi everyone

I hope you are all warm and cosy wherever you are. We got up this morning to a blizzard and by lunch-time we have been treated to another half foot of snow. We've just got rid of the last lot (most of which is now ice) so it looks like the last of the Christmas shopping is on hold. Don't know what we're going to do about the rest of the presents now.

I made this card a while ago but didn't get a chance to enter it into any challenges. Isn't this Santa dead cool?

My recipe:
Image: Santa (another Anita's, I think)
Coloured with Promarkers and loads of Silver Stickles
MME Papers
Coredinations Cardstock
Tools: Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch
Sentiment: Cuddly Buddly
Everythign else from stash

I can enter these challenges:
Fab n Funky - Quick n Easy Does It
Stampin for the Weekend - Christmas
Allsorts - Free and Easy - Anything Goes
Crafty Catz - Your Choice (pick from any of their challenges) Mine is Christmas - number 60. I think this will be a popular choice!

Suzanne has taken wee Steven to a birthday party so I think Jack and I will watch A Nightmare Before Christmas - if I can drag him away from the X Box!

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

White Christmas

2010-12-15T19:41:00.005Z

Hello everyone

I hope you are all well. I've had computer problems this week so Suzanne has been working on reinstalling everything for me. She's very good at stuff like this. It's had a virus, poor thing, but I think it's better now. We'll see how it behaves over the rest of the week.

I called this card "White Christmas" for want of a better name. I used one of my Sarah Kay stamps which I've just dusted off for this Christmas. I've put a little bit of green on it to break the white up a bit. I didn't have any white flowers so they're a kind of creamy colour. I suppose in the end it didn't end up very white.

My recipe:
Image: Sarah Kay - Noel Charity coloured with Distress Inks
Cardstock: Bazill and Coredinations
Flowers - Wild Orchid Crafts
Ribbon, lace, pin and brads from stash
Martha Stewart snowflake punch and glitter card
Leone Em fern punch
Silver Stickles
Sentiment from stash

I would like to enter these challenges:
ABC: J is for Jewels and Gems
Totally Gorjuss: Snow
Creative Inspirations: Anything Goes Christmas
Whoopsi Daisy: Lace and Pins
A Spoonful of Sugar: Christmas Card

That's it. I hope you are all ready for the big man coming. We're all behind because of not being able to get out and our post code is one of the ones the mail order companies won't take orders for any more because they can't guarantee delivery. I'm off after next Monday so I suppose I'll have to do some serious Christmas shopping!

See you soon.

Lynne.x

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

2010-12-08T22:19:00.003Z

Evening all

I feel a bit like poor old Rudolph tonight with his bright red nose. You would not believe how cold it is here. Our council is now considering calling in the army to help clear the snow and ice, we've got so much of it. A white Christmas is nice, as long as it snows on Christmas Eve and then disappears. There are 10 inch icicles on our rabbit hutch - we've just managed to catch him so we can bring him inside.

This is a card I've made with a stamp I've had for a couple of years now. I wasn't sure the card was going to work but I think it looks ok. I've used diamond glaze on Rudolph's nose and bells but you can't see it so well in the photo. It looks dead cool in real life.

My recipe:
Image - I'm sorry I can't tell you who produced this stamp, I've had it for a while. I think it might be Anitas or something.
I used Promarkers to colour it with some Diamond Glaze on his nose and bells
The papers are DCWV and the cardstock is, as usual, Coredinations
The little reindeers are from Hobbycraft
Pin, bells, ribbon and jumprings from stash
Tools: Cuttlebug and round and scalloped Nesties
Sentiment - Cuddly Buddly
Gold Glitter

I can enter the following challenges if I don't freeze to death first:
Fab n Funky - Christmas is for the children
By the Cute and Girly - Children
A Spoonful of Sugar - Christmas Cards
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Christmas

Allsorts - Light up the night (I hope Rudolph's nose counts)

Thanks for looking. Hope you're not too cold where you are.

Lynne.x

Big Present

2010-12-04T09:47:00.009Z

Hello everyone

Oh my, I am a bad blogger. It's been almost 2 weeks since I posted a card - mainly due to the fact that it's so cold in our dining room I can't bear to sit at the p.c. I have made a couple of cards though. This is a birthday card for my nephew, Ryan, who is going to have a birthday in a couple of days. I'm going to enter this card in the Fab n Funky Blog Hop this week. The folk who organise these challenges work so hard and I don't have time to enter many but I'm going to do this one. All you have to do is make a birthday card, follow the blogs to collect the letters, leave a comment and you might get picked for one of the great prizes. Easy peasy, Lionel squezy as they say on the advert (how could he demean himself? It's not like he needs the money!)

Here's the card, then.

And here's my recipe:

Image: Big Present - Lili of the Valley
Coloured with Pro Markers
I used Bazzil and Coredinations Cardstock (blimey, not a bit of designer paper in sight!)
Ribbon, buttons, corner from stash
Ticket: Tim Holtz

I can enter these challenges:
Fab n Funky Blog Hop - Make a Birthday Card. Happy 1st Birthday to you, Fab n Funky
Lili of the Valley - My Favourite Things. I've used one of my favourite stamps (obviously), my Promarkers, a border punch, embellies and nice cardstock. The stamp has a little boy with a present on it. Some my favourite things which I found a bit more challenging on a boy's card
Papertake Weekly: The sketch. A lovely Dawny P one. Thank you.

Shock, gasp, horror!!! This card looks filthy in the corner. Honestly, it's not. I can only imagine it's my manky computer screen I'm looking at or the bit of card in the background where it was being photographed. What a pigging mess, as Dawny P would say!! It's clean in real life, cross my heart! Why oh why don't I check these things before I put them on?

I had hoped to have a wee picture of the snow in our garden to show you but it isn't uploaded yet. I bet you are all sick and tired of snow but since we have been absolutely snowed in here I have to show you our bird box. I'm surprised it's still on the fence it has so much white stuff on top of it. I'll put it on next time. I hope you are all coping with this weather. Our cat has had to revert to a litter tray in the house and the poor dog doesn't know if she's coming or going. I don't think I've ever seen our next door neighbour walking up the street but he can't get the car up so he's on foot! Never mind, it can't last forever. Or can it....

I've picked up a couple of awards (took me ages to pick them up, sorry). Both from Suzanne. I haven't had these before - thank you. I have to think who I can pass them onto now. May take me some time.

Sorry it's such a long post. Must have been in the mood for a bit of a waffle. See you soon.

Lynne.x

Silent Night

2010-11-23T21:28:00.006Z

Hello everyone

It's not long until Christmas now, is it? I thought I was cracking on well with my Christmas cards until Kimberley got rid of most of them at her charity thingumy bob which has left me with a grand total of 6 cards including this one. I can see me having to go out to buy some!

I love this little image. I got it last year and I couldn't possibly not use it again. It's a Penny Black stamp and since the sketch on the Penny Black Saturday Challenge was such a nice one this week I thought I would enter. I've called this card Silent Night but maybe I should have called it Starry Night? Reminds me of the old Don McLean song...

The image is Sweet Nativity by Penny Black which I coloured with Distress Inks
I used Magnolia papers and Coredinations cardstock
The flowers are by Magnolia and from my stash
Lace from stash
Loads of Stickles
Tools: Leone Em branch punch; Fiskars Star Border Punch; Sewing Machine
Sentiment: from stash

I would like to enter these challenges:
Penny Black Saturday Challenge - the lovely sketch
Totally Gorjuss - Not So Traditional Christmas
Die Cut Dreams Christmas Club Challenge - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp - Sparkle
ABC Christmas Challenge Blog - X is for Xmas (with the option of using flowers)

Suzanne has another little Candy on her blog if you would like to enter. It's a lovely Lili of the Valley Christmas stamp to which she will add some stamped images and other little bits and pieces when she draws a winner next week. This is the link if you would like to enter. Well worth a wee look. Good luck!

See you all soon. Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Carol Singing

2010-11-16T22:11:00.010Z

Hello everyone

Goodness me, two cards in one week. I am doing well! Feeling a bit better now but still not managing to produce very much. Anyway, this is a card I've made with another of my new Lili of the Valley stamps.

My card recipe:
Image: Carol Singers - Lili of the Valley
Coloured with Pro Markers
Designer Papers: MME
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers and brad: from the Hobby House and Wild Orchid Crafts
Martha Stewart Snowflake Embossing Border Punch

Gems: Papermania
Sentiment stamps from stash
Tools: Cuttlebug and Nesties
White Flower Soft
Silver, Lace, Gold and Red Stickles
Twinklets

I can enter these challenges:
Allsorts - the sketch
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Sparkle and Shine
Totally Gorjuss - Traditional Christmas
Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
ABC - H is for Holidays

My daughter has a little stamp giveaway on her blog if you are interested in leaving her a comment. You can find it here but it finishes on Friday so be quick. It's a lovely Santa Claus.

That's it then. Thanks for looking and for the lovely comments you leave. I love reading them.

Lynne.x

At Last

2010-11-10T21:47:00.004Z

...I have managed a card. Things have been very hectic round here recently and even this is going to be a very quick post because I don't feel too great and am off to bed early. This is one of my new stamps from the SECC the other week.

I can enter this into the following challenges:

Lily of the Valley - One for the Girls
A Spoonful of Sugar - Snow/Snowflakes
ABC Christmas Challenge - W is for Winter Wonderland
ABC Challenge - H is for Holidays
Crafts and Me - Glitter
Sketch Saturday - Fantastic Sketch by Leonie.

Now, I am off to bed and hopefully will feel better in the morning

Thanks for looking
Lynne.x

Willow with Cookies

2010-10-23T12:55:00.006+01:00

Hi everyone

Goodness me, I'm doing well - two posts in one week!

I'm still camped out in the living room although things are better than they were. The kitchen is not done owing to the painter not finishing. I'm still waiting for him and the carpet fitter to lay the floor covering and then the washing machine and fridge can go back in and we can get the rest of the cupboards filled up. Can't possibly expect them to work on a Saturday morning to complete it, can we? I have to say, I don't know where I'm going to put everything. There is definitely less cupboard space although I was assured it was the same size as the old one. Never mind, it will be lovely when it's finished so I'll just have to down-size and stop complaining.

I'm still working with some of my older stamps. This time it's a WOJ one; Willow with Cookies.

My card recipe:
Image: Willow with Cookie - Whiff of Joy
Coloured with Distress Inks
DP's: I can't find it now but I think it's called Christmas Hearts - Paper Adventures
Cardstock - Coredinations
Gingerbread men and flowers from stash
Platinum and Lace Stickles
Tools: Cuttlebug and Season's Greetings embossing folder
Sentiment: Cuddly Buddly

I can enter the following challenges:
The sketch is from Papertake Weekly
Whiff of Joy is Distressing
Totally Gorjuss is Sparkle
Fussy and Fancy is Winter Wonderland

I hope you like this card. I didn't quite know where I was going with it but here it is, warts and all.

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Just Swinging By

2010-10-19T10:18:00.005+01:00

Good morning everyone

I'm off work this week so I thought I would get a card posted at long last. We've got the men in fitting a new kitchen so I'm sharing the living room with a cooker, washing machine and over-sized fridge/freezer and my bedroom with boxes of kitchen utensils so I thought I'd escape and make a card. Mind you, from the noise they're making you'd think they were building a new house never mind a new kitchen. I feel like we're camping at the moment; I hope it's worth it when they're finished.

This is another of my older Sugar Nellie stamps which I dug out a few weeks ago. A few of their lines are coming to an end. I'm so glad I've got my Maggies and Hamishes, I wouldn't want to have missed them. Maybe they'll become collector's items!

My card recipe:
Image: Rope Swing - Sugar Nellie
Coloured with Distress Inks
Papers: MME - Wild Asparagus (my last bits, sob sob)
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers: Handmade
Brads: Papermania
Tools: Cuttlebug; Petit Ovals Small; Beaded Ovals
Sentiment: a stamp from my stash

I can enter this card for these challenges:
The Sketch is from the Sugar Bowl (what a lot of layers - it took me ages!)
ABC is Flowers this week
Totally Gorjuss is Pink (or predominantly pink)

That's it - thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Princess Tilda

2010-09-30T12:33:00.006+01:00

Good afternoon everyone

It's not often I manage to get to the computer in the afternoon but I've managed to grab half an hour before I go back to work this afternoon. I bought this Tilda a while back and haven't had a chance to use her yet. Isn't she lovely?

My card recipe:
Image: Princess Tilda - Magnolia
Coloured with Distress Inks
Papers: from my scrap box
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers, lace, rub on and bits of embellishments: Wild Orchid Crafts and from stash
Tools: Sewing machine; Leone Em branch punch; Martha Stewart border punch
Silver, Lace and Green Stickles

I can enter these challenges:
Just Magnolia: Dawny P's fabby sketch.
Totally Tilda: Glitter and Sparkle
CRAFT: Fancy Floral
Crazy 4 Challenges: Bling

I'm trying to use all my bits and pieces up that's why all these bits of paper are from my scraps. If you saw the area I work from you wouldn't believe it - I'm such a slob, honestly. My theory is that if I haven't got as much stuff to leave lying around, I can't make as much mess so I'm trying to use the bits and bobs up. Once I've done that I can go out and buy some more stash!

See you next time.

Lynne.x

Sitting Pretty

2010-09-25T11:46:00.007+01:00

Hello everyone

It's been a mad dash to get to the computer first today. Suzanne has moved house and has no internet connection so because she has her D.T. stuff to do, she has first call on my p.c. I say "my" pc, but really everyone in the house uses it and I come a poor 5th or 6th after all the facebooking and everything has been done. I have got a few cards done though so once I get a bit of time on the computer I should get them posted.

This is another of my older Sugar Nellie stamps that I dug out the other week. I love my Nellies and I think it's a real shame when they only get used once or twice and then stuck away. I don't know if Karen will ever beat these little stamps for appeal. Anyway, here is "Baubles" in all her glory.

My card recipe:

Image: Baubles - Sugar Nellie
Coloured with Inktense Pencils
Papers: from my scrap box so I'm sorry I can't tell you what it is
Cardstock: Coredinations
Ribbon, Gems and little gold flower embellishments - from stash
Flowers: handmade
Tools: Cuttlebug and Season's Greetings Embossing Folder
Red and Gold Stickles
Tim Holtz Ticket
Sentiment: I think it's a Hero Arts one

These are the challenges I can enter this card for:
Christmas Stampin All Year Long: Photo Inspiration (I took inspiration from the baubles on the tree and the colours)
Charisma Cardz: Anything Goes
Totally Gorjuss: Christmas
Wild Orchid Crafts: Ribbons and Bows
A Spoonful of Sugar: Anything Goes
The Crafty Pad: Embossing

This was a very easy card to make and I did it all with bits that I had in my boxes so it cost me nothing at all. I hope you like it.

Lynne.x

Dress-Up Maggie

2010-09-15T20:47:00.006+01:00

Hello everyone

I thought I'd dig some of my older stamps out this week. I haven't used Dress Up Maggie for ages. I love this image - she looks like she's all dressed up ready to paint the town all different colours. I should have called this post "Painting the town pink, green, blue and yellow!" I always use green and pink for Maggie; she suits these colours so well. I've given her a bit of bling but I don't think she really needs it. I don't know where my stamping was going on the Happy Birthday. It's like the Burma Road, up and down! Never mind, here she is - all ready to go.

My card recipe:

Image: Dress Up Maggie - Sugar Nellie
Coloured with Promarkers
Designer Papers: Bella Press
Cardstock: Coredinations
Ribbon, buttons and gems from stash
Lavendar Stickles
Tools: Cuttlebug; Nestabilities Labels One; Big Scalloped Circles and Daisies Embossing Folder
Sentiment: Kanban

I can enter these challenges;
The Sugar Bowl: This is the sketch and the optional extra of using buttons
One Stop Craft Challenge: Fashion Through The Years
Fab n Funky: Photo Inspiration. This is a beautiful cake dress which made me think about dressing up.

That's all for now then. The Sugar Bowl have a DT call if you are interested. Hop on over and take a wee look. See you later.

Lynne.x

Willow with Champagne

2010-09-12T10:27:00.005+01:00

Good morning everyone. I hope you are all having a nice Sunday - those of you that don't have to work, that is. The weekend goes by far too quickly, doesn't it? You've no sooner got past Saturday evening and you have to start thinking about work again.

I haven't posted much recently but I've been very busy so I have plenty of cards just waiting to be photographed. Suzanne is going to be involved in a charity Sale of Work in October so there's a lot to do.

This is a card which will probably make it's way onto the "For Sale" table. I bought this image ages ago but I don't think I've inked her up before.

My card recipe:

Image: Willow with Champagne - WOJ
Coloured with Water Colour Pencils
The Designer Papaers are by Imaginisce
Cardstock: Coredinations
Martha Stewart Border Punch
Flowers: A mix from Wild Orchid and from stash
Pin and ribbon: from stash
Pearls: Kanban
Silver Stickles
Glitter Glue

I can enter this card into these challenges:
Sketch and Stash: This is where I got the lovely sketch and I used Willow who was quite neglected
Whiff of Joy: Use layers (at least 2)
Wild Orchid: Pearls and Pins
Die Cut Dreams: Pearls and Pins
Cutie Stamper: Glitter

That's it for just now, then. Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Happy Birthday, Jack

2010-08-29T14:00:00.007+01:00

Hi everyone, I hope you are all having a nice Sunday.

This card is for our Jack. It's his birthday today, he's 11. He couldn't wait because he's wanted a PS3 for ages so he's been "saving up" for one! Every time he's managed to get a bit of money together he spent it on a new football or an X Box game but he should get off to a flying start today with birthday money. We'll see...

I had to make this card in green, white and gold of course because they're Celtic colours. Another Lili of the Valley stamp for this card - I can't resist them. I'm going to have a look tonight and maybe treat myself to another couple. This wee man reminds me of Jack, he might not be the fastest but he's got a lethal right foot. I can just see that ball going right in the top corner!

My card recipe:
Image: LOTV - Football Crazy, coloured with Promarkers
DP: Bo Bunny - Kiwi Double Dot
Cardstock: WH Smith Gold Metallic Card
Football, Boots and Ribbon from stash
Sentiment: computer generated
Tools: Cuttlebug and Nestabilities Circles

I can enter these challenges:
LOTV: Go Dotty For Circles
CRAFT: Milestones/Birthdays
Totally Papercrafts: Keep it Plain and Simple
Sunday Sketch and Stamp - The Sketch

I'm off to see Jack now. It's birthday cake time. Yummy! Then that's the birthdays for a wee while so it's time for some more Christmas cards. Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

All Wrapped Up

2010-08-24T21:37:00.007+01:00

Hello eveyone

I'm making a good start on my Christmas cards. I'll get them all done and then a new batch of stamps will come out and I'll want them as well - just when I'm forging ahead! It's another blue one I'm afraid. I've promised myself I'm going to make a green and red one next time. No imagination, that's my problem.

Image: All Wrapped Up by Lili of the Valley coloured with Distress Inks.
Sentiment: Lili of the Valley
Papers: Nitwits
Cardstock: Coredinations.
Embellishments: White Flower Soft, Star Dust Stickles, Kanban Pearls, Smirk Ribbon and Flowers by Wild Orchid Crafts
Tools: Cuttlebug, Labels 2, Round and Scalloped Circles and Spellbinders Floral Accents

I'm entering this card for these challenges:
Lili of the Valley: The Sketch
Stamp with Fun: Card for a Girl
Creative Card Crew: Sparkle and Shine
ABC: B is for Blue
Stampavie: Christmas in Summer
Stampin for the Weekend: Anything Goes

We had a wee family challenge for this card. Suzanne says her mojo had gone walkabout and Kim hasn't made a card in long enough so I thought I'd jump start them. We each had the same image and the Lili of the Valley sketch to work to. You can find Suzanne's card here and Kim's here if you would like to have a wee look.

That's all for now. Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

My new Doo Hickey

2010-08-17T21:23:00.007+01:00

Evening all

I hope you are all well and enjoying the bit of sunshine we've been having. I got myself a new Doo Hickey this week. I wondered what on earth it was when I first saw the name. I swithered about buying it for ages because I wasn't quite sure what to do with it and then I bit the bullet and ordered it from the Glitter Pot. I could just go mad in that shop, but I have to say I was very disciplined. A Doo Hickey I was looking for and a Doo Hickey I ordered. It's a die cutting thingy by Magnolia and you can use it in your Cuttlebug (or Wizard or whatever), just in case you didn't already know. It end effect is like a punch isn't it, but I like it because it's much easier to use. I've got rheumatoid arthritis in my hands and I find punches quite hard to use sometimes so this little thingie was ideal. I just ran it through the Bug and Bob's your uncle as they say. Anyway, here's the result. The design is supposed to match some of Tilda's dresses so that's an added bonus.

I've given you a few views of the card so you can see what I've been up to.

My card recipe:

Image: Dancing Tilda by Magnolia
Coloured with Inktense Pencils
DP's: Somebunny Loves You by Magnolia - Vintage Yellow Quilt and Daffodil
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts
Lace, Pins, Leaves and Gems from stash
Gold and Star Dust Stickles
Silver Glitter Glue
Tools: Cuttlebug, Labels Nine and Doo Hickey
Nellie Snellen Floral Punch
Sewing Machine

I can enter this card for the following challenges:
Just Magnolia: The Sketch this week is by Dawny P
Totally Tilda - Use Stitching on your project
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - What Are Little Girls Made Of
Stamp Something - Fairy Tales (what a lot of Tildas!)
Charisma Cardz - Make an Easel Card
The Crafty Pad - Glitz and Glitter

I think that's everything. I thought this card was never going to be finished but I'm quite pleased with the way it turned out. I hope you like it. Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Isn't she lovely?

2010-08-09T19:51:00.007+01:00

Evening everyone

I can't believe it's a week since I posted that last card. My life flashes before my eyes...

This is a card I've made with the beautiful Woodland Fairy from Sugar Nellie stamps. I was lucky enough to win her a couple of weeks ago through one of Karen's blog candies. I think she's absolutely gorgeous and I couldn't wait to make something with her.

My card recipe:
Image: Woodland Fairy by Sugar Nellie
Coloured with Promarkers
DPs: Green At Heart - Basic Grey
Cardstock: Coredinations
Prima Flowers coloured with Promarkers
Pin and Brads from the Hobby House
Adage Ticket by Tim Holtz
Branch Punch and Sewing Machine
Cuttlebug and Labels Nine
Ribbon from stash

I can enter this card for the following challenges:
The Sugar Bowl: Do It Yourself - you can choose from a variety of sketches and any theme you like. I chose sketch number 20 and my theme was obviously Woodland.
Cute Card Thursday: Whateva!
Wild Orchid Crafts: One for the girls
One Stop Craft: Summer Fun
Sir Stampalot: Bring on the Bling

That's it then. Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Little Shepherd Boy

2010-08-02T21:00:00.007+01:00

Hello everyone

I've just gone back to work today after a fortnight off. We didn't go away this time but we've done plenty of castles and beaches and things. The weather wasn't brilliant sunshine but very little rain and it was very warm so we've had picnics every day. Going back to work was a bit of a shock - I'm blooming exhaused!

A couple of weeks ago I treated myself to some of the new Lili of the Valley Christmas stamps. I love these little images. They're just the right size, not muckle great big things and they always stamp perfectly. Look at this little chap looking at the teddy as if to say "there's something not quite right here." And check out those socks! These little images all tell a story - I love them. They remind me so much of when Erin, Kimberley and Jack were in the Nativity plays. It will be Wee Steven's turn soon.

My card recipe:
Image: Little Shepherd Boy - Lili of the Valley
Sentiment: Lili of the Valley Christmas Sentiments
Coloured with Distress Inks
DP: DCWV (from an old Christmas stack)
Cardstock: from stash
Lace: from stash
Poinsettias: Wild Orchid Crafts
Tools: Cuttlebug; Labels One; Stars 5;
EK Success Snowflake Punch
Stickles; Stardust and Gold

I'm going to enter this card for these challenges:
Lili of the Valley - The sketch
Simon Says Stamp - We are all going dotty
Cupcake - Distressing
Charisma Cardz - Something with a tail
Stamp Something - Christmas in July
Wild Orchid Challenges - Lovely Lace

That's all for now. I'm not going to post a blue card for a while. For someone who's favourite colour is green, there have been a lot of blue cards recently. The next one will be completely different colours!

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Christmas Angel

2010-07-22T18:28:00.008+01:00

Hi everyone

I can't believe how long it is since I posted a card. I've been a very bad blogger but here we are with the first Christmas card of the year. We've had some very mixed weather up here and it was quite cold at one point. Some people were even saying they had had their central heating on. It made me think summer doesn't last long and winter will soon be here - better make a start on the Christmas cards. Like I need an excuse! I always enjoy making Christmas cards more than any other type of cards.

For want of a better name, I've called this card Christmas Angel. I know it's a stamp by Nellie Snellen for Kars but once I'd used it I couldn't find it again to check the name. You wouldn't believe the state of the area I work in. No one would believe Suzanne and I are mother and daughter - I drives her nuts. I've never seen a tidier crafter; it's not really normal, whereas I could never enter "What's on your workdesk Wednesday". Folk would think I'd messed things up for a laugh!

I can't believe what a carry on I'm having with Mr Blooming Blogger tonight. I started this post at the back of 6 and I was still trying to upload the first photo at quarter to 11. It's a good job I'm a patient person- not!

Here's the card:

A side view:

My card recipe:
Image: It's by Nellie Snellen for Kars (sorry, the name eludes me)
Coloured with Promarkers, lots of Glammer Dust and some Stickles
DP: The Paper Company - Snowflake Swirl
Cardstock: Stash
Tools: Cuttlebug; Snowflake Diecuts; Plain and Petit Scalloped Ovals; Plain and Scalloped Rounds
EK Success Snowflake Border Punch; Woodware Corner Punch (what a lot of tools!)
Charm, Jumprings, ribbon and selection of brads from stash
Twinklets
Sentiment: Justrite - A Merry Little Christmas Set

I can enter this card for these challenges:
Crafty Cardmakers Spotlight Challenge- Easel Cards
Sketch and Stash - I used the sketch of course and the stamp and paper were unused although I got them last year. I also used my new Snowflake Border Punch. I've bought all these from Craft at Home
Papertake Weekly - Cutie Patootie

That's it, then. Thanks for dropping by. I've got a few birthdays coming up so no doubt I'll be back soon providing Mr Blooming Painful Blogger behaves himself.

Lynne.x

Cappuccino Girl

2010-07-06T18:54:00.006+01:00

Hello everyone

I hope you've been enjoying the nice weather. we've had some sunshine but it's raining again here in Edinburgh. We've had everything this week: howling gales, lashing rain and beautiful blue skies. Can't beat it for variety.

I'm looking forward to the football tonight so nothing will drag me away from the tele!

This card is for my mum for her birthday. She likes girly things and she loves all these little flowers so I hope she's pleased with it.

My recipe:
Image: Cappuccino Girl - Wild Rose Studio
Coloured with Promarkers
Papers: Bella Press
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers: An assortment from Wild Orchid Crafts and from stash
Lace from stash
Martha Stewart Border Punch
Silver Glitter Glue
Lavender Stickles
Pin: Hobby House
Sentiment: Imaginisce

I can enter this card for the following challenges
Charisma Cardz - Metal Mickey (my pin is metal)
Crafty Catz - Distressed
Stampavie - Sparkling
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Nice and Girly
Totally Gorjuss - I used the lovely sketch
Magical Crafts - Flowers

That's all just now. I think I'll join the Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge this week. It's in aid of Michelle Oatman who's had a very nasty accident so hop on over to the Spoon Full challenge blog to have a look.

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.

Wish You Were Here

2010-06-28T21:34:00.006+01:00

Hi Everyone

No I'm not on holiday, as the title might suggest but I couldn't think of a better title for the card. I have been to Scarborough, sunny Scarborough on this occasion but no further afield than that. I have been watching lots of fabulous football though, hence the lack of a card.

I bought this stamp at a recent stamp fair. Whatever happened to unmounted stamps being cheaper? This stamp cost me £8.00. Can you believe that? However, because I absolutely love anything to do with the seaside I had to have it as soon as I saw it. Look at this pair, they look as happy as a couple of little of sandpipers. And another blue and yellow card as well!

I wanted to make this look like they were among the sea and sand but I didn't have a bit of sandpaper for the beach and I think I've overdone the glitz a bit. Never mind, I like it.

My card recipe:
Image: Beach Huts Friends by Stamposaurus (there are two - this is the large image)
Coloured with Promarkers
Papers: Nitwits Collections - Sandcastles
Cardstock: Coredinations
Embellishments: All from stash except the shells which are from the seashore
Gold Glammour Dust
Sentiment: Computer generated

I didn't use any tools or anything on this card but I did layer the image 3 times to give it a bit of depth. I wanted it to look as if they were inside their wee beach hut.

I can enter this card for these challenges:
PaperPlay: It's Sunny Here and you must have a Sun or Sunglasses on your card
Cute Card Thursday: Recyle or reuse something. I've recycled my seashells
Sew Many Cards: Anything Goes
ABC - Xtra Dimension: I've given the hut a lot of 3d. and the embellishments are 3d.

That's it for just now. I hope you like it.

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Red and Black Anya

2010-06-07T21:22:00.008+01:00

Hello everyone

It seems like such a long time since I posted a card. I just don't know where the time goes.

This is a card I've made using an image that was given to Suzanne a long time ago by a lovely lady called Helen. Suzanne shared the images with me and I've used them very sparingly. I really like Anyas but I don't have any of my own so I'm careful what I do with them.

I've made this one to fit quite a few challenges. I wasn't sure how the red and black was going to turn out but I quite like it now it's done.

A wee view of the flowers - black roses?!

My recipe:
Image: Anya -The Greeting Farm (sorry, I don't know which Anya it is)
Coloured with Promarkers
Papers: Bo Bunny
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers and lace: From stash
Gems and Pearls: Kanban
Martha Stewart Punch
Cuttlebug; Petite Scalloped Ovals Small; Petite Ovals Small
Glitter Glue
Sentiment: Dovecraft

I can enter this card for these challenges:

Crafty Catz - Red and Black
Charisma Cardz - Flowers
Cupcake Crafts - Dazzle Us
Anyone For Anya - Hot Hot Hot
PaperPlay Challenges - Flowers and Sparkle

I hope you like it. Have a good week.

Lynne.x

Tweet Talk

2010-05-22T20:04:00.006+01:00

Hi everyone

What glorious weather we are having this weekend. Hope you are all able to make the most of it; the Prophet of Doom Suzanne says its going to rain tomorrow so it's a good job wee Steven got his bar-b-que today.

I ordered this stamp a while ago and then had to wait for delivery so this is the first time she's been inked up. I love her - look at those chubby little legs! I liked the blue and yellow so much on the last card I thought I'd do another one.

My recipe:
Image: Tweet Talk - Penny Black
Coloured with Promarkers
DP's: Blue Jeans Swiss Dot - Doodlebug
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts
Lace from stash
Sentiment: computer generated
Tools: Butterfly punch and sewing machine

I can enter this card for these challenges:
Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Lots of Dots
Die Cut Dreams Challenge - Lace
Papertake Weekly - Say It With Flowers
Charisma Cardz - 3D
Kaboodle Doodles - Monochromatic

I'm off to watch the rest of the Champions League Final now. Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Sending Birthday Wishes

2010-05-18T23:01:00.008+01:00

Hello everyone

I've done a decoupage this time so I can enter it for a challenge which Suzanne has been chosen to be a DT member for. It's a new challenge blog and it's their first week - 3D Cards Challenge. I haven't done a decoupage for ages - the theme is "Pets" and do you think I could find a decoupage with a pet on it anywhere? I had one with a polar bear on it which I was going to make into a Christmas card but Suzanne thought Christmas in May was going a bit far! I've bowed to pressure and done this one instead. It has a wee girl with some wee animals on it so I do hope it counts as pets. I haven't done a decoupage for ages; it took me quite a long time but I like it now it's finished. I really like blue and yellow, bright and breezy as a summer's day. I think it would be a lovely card for someone who's feeling a bit down, it would really cheer them up. You could just change the sentiment.

This is my receipe:
Tina Wenke Decoupage Sheet
DPs: DCWV - A Pocketful of Posies
Cardstock: scraps from stash
Flowers: Prima and Hero Arts -coloured with Promarkers
Pearls, brads, charm, jump rings and ribbon from stash
Tools: Cuttlebug, Big Scalloped Circles; Plain Circles; Ribbon Tags Trio;
Fiskars Border Punch
EK Success Swirl Punch
Sentiment: Hampden Arts

I can enter this card for the following challenges:
3D Cards Challenge Blog which is Pets (hope my little animals count ok)
One Stop Craft Challenge Blog which is Summer Breeze
Allsorts is Birthdays and they are doing a Birthday Bloghop - Happy Birthday to you!
Crafty Catz want Petals and Pearls
Secret Crafter is metal this week
ABC is "U" for Unused Stash. I've used my decoupage sheet which I've had for ages and my Swirl Punch which is much neglected
Cupcake Craft is Blooming Charming (I loved that theme!)

I'll never be the Pile It On Queen but that's not bad for one card.

Thanks for looking. I think I'll be back to my usual stamped image next time. I love colouring in!

Lynne.x

Willow Dressing Up

2010-05-10T21:01:00.011+01:00

Hi everyone

I hope you are all well. I have been trying to get my bedroom decorated so I haven't had much time for card making. Not that I've done much myself; Suzanne has been doing most of it for me with some help from Kim but the house is in such a blooming tip I can't find anything. I'm hoping to get it straightened out over the weekend. That's the football finished until the World Cup starts so I've no excuse - 32 days to go!!

I made this card for Erin for her birthday but I couldn't put it on in case she saw it. It was a coo's tail job as usual - last minute. It was her birthday on Saturday so I had to get up early to make the card. Now, normally I'm late I know, but not that late, so naturally, if anything could go wrong with this card, it did. More haste, less speed. Anyway, here it is. I used the beautiful Willow Dressing Up - it suits Erin perfectly, new shoes and frock and she's in heaven.

My card recipe:
Image: Willow Dressing Up - Whiff of Joy
Coloured with Distress Inks
DP: Once Upon A Dream - Best Creations Inc
Cardstock: Coredinations
Sentiment: Hampton Art
Ribbon: Anitas
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts
Buckle: Paper Mill
Glitter Glue from stash
Tools:
Cuttlebug
Petit Ovals Small
Petit Ovals Scalloped Ovals Small
MS Punch

I can enter this card for these challenges:
Whiff of Joy - The sketch (thanks, it was lovely)
Totally Gorjuss - Green and Pink
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - Weddings/Birthdays
Crafty Pad - Punches
By the Cute and Girly - Celebrations
Crafty Anns Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Painting Rainbows

2010-05-03T22:11:00.005+01:00

Hello everyone

I hope you have all had a nice holiday weekend.

This is a card I have made for the Sugar Bowl Challenge. I love these Sugar Nellie Stamps, they give them such lovely names as well. I thought this image worked quite well with distressing so I tried to keep the bling to a minimum. Quite difficult - I do like my sparkle!

Card Recipe:
Image: Painting Rainbows - Sugar Nellie
Coloured with Distress Inks
DP's: A mixture from my scrap box
Cardstock: Coredinations
Gems: Kanban
Tools: Retro Flower Punches (medium and small)
Sentiment: Hero Arts

I am entering this card for the Sugar Bowl Challenge. You have to follow Tiet's lovely sketch and the optional extra is to use punches.

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

April Showers

2010-04-19T12:16:00.006+01:00

Hi everyone

I've been off work for a few days so we've been doing the usual - a bit of shopping and taking in some castles with the kids. I thought I'd get some cards made but I've been a right old couch potato so this is the sum total of everything I've done. One measly card.

I would have liked to have put a charm on this but do you think I had a wellie or an umbrella or anything to do with the rain? No. We even went to Livingston to see if they had one there but there was only a muckle great big thing and that would never do for Tilda. So here's the card, without a charm.

My recipe:
Image: Tilda in Spring Rain by Magnolia
Coloured with Promarkers
Papers: Baby Shower Umbrellas by Probo Craft
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers: Prima
Brad and Twinklets: The Hobby House
Flower Centre: Prima
Ribbon from Stash
Silver Stickles
Tools: Cuttlebug and Bubbles Embossing folder
Sentiment: Computer Generated

I can enter the following challenges with this card:
Fab n Funky which is "No Longer Neglected". You have to use a neglected stamp. I always ask for Magnolias for birthdays and then never get around to using them all.
ABC Challenges which is "S for Sparkle".
Papertake Weekly is Cutie Pie this week.
Truly Scrumptious is the sketch and the optional theme of "April Showers" which I've used as well.

That's it, then. Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.

Tilda with Flowers

2010-04-11T12:26:00.006+01:00

Hello everyone

I hope you are all having a nice weekend and enjoying the sunshine. This card is for my sister who gave me a lovely present recently. She's just moved house so I'll make her a New Home card as well but first things first so this one is to say thank you for the present. We went to our Perth craft shop recently, hadn't been there for ages, and they had got loads of new Magnolia stuff in. Don't you just love these little red flowers - of course we had to have some and all in different colours to match the papers. Delicious!

Card Recipe:
Image: Tilda with Flowers by Magnolia
Coloured with Distress Inks
Papers: Magnolia
Cardstock: Die Cuts with a View
Flowers: Magnolia and Wild Orchid Crafts
Pin: Hobby House
Tools:
Cuttlebug; Labels Nine;
Martha Stewart Punch
Silver Glammer Dust
Sentiment: Hero Arts

I can enter this one for the following challenges:
Allsorts: Petals and Pearls
Charisma Cardz: Thank You card
ABC: R is for Red

That's it. Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Happy Tilda

2010-04-09T10:32:00.009+01:00

Good morning everyone

Not like me to post a card in the morning, but I'm off work today so I thought I would do it while I had the chance. I'm watching wee Steven while Suzanne takes Jack to a hospital appointment and he's hooked on Fireman Sam so I've got five minutes before he demolishes the living room!

I've made this card for Suzanne for her birthday and since it has punches on it, plenty of sparkle and is nearly all shades of blue, I can enter it for the Just Magnolia, PaperPlay and Cute Card Thursday Challenges this week. I love this Tilda - I think she looks like she's running around in her pyjamas.

My card recipe:
Image: Happy Tilda by Magnolia
Coloured with Distress Inks
DP's: Magnolia
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts
Tools:
Cuttlebug and Petite Ovals
Martha Stewart Punch Around the Edge Punch (I only used the border one)
Lots of glitter glue on the flowers and around Tilda's clothes
Sentiment: Kanban
Verse: Internet

I can enter the Just Magnolia Challenge which is Punch It Out , PaperPlay which is Gloss, Shimmer or Sparkle and Cute Card Thursday which is Monochrome Mania.

Hope you like it. Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Easter Bunny

2010-04-06T18:05:00.010+01:00

Hello everyone

I hope you've all had a nice Easter weekend. I expect you're all back at work now - never mind, we've got another long weekend coming up soon.

This is a card I made for Easter. I've seen straighter stamping but I love the image. Another of those gorgeous little Lili of the Valley ones. I treated myself to some at the SECC and I wish I'd bought more. I might go online!

My card recipe:
Image: Lili of the Valley coloured with Distress Inks
Designer Papers: Easter Morning by Reminisce
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers and ribbon: from stash
Happy Joyful Easter Stamp
Frosted Lace Stickles
Tools:
Martha Stewart punch
Cuttlebug and oval Nesties

I did use a sketch from somewhere but it's taken me so long to post the card I can't enter the challenge! I can enter these, though:
Charisma Cardz: Animal Magic
Cute Card Thursday: Easter with optional egg or oval shape on card
Fab n Funky Challenge - Spring is in the Air
Colour Create - Choice of Pastels with optional extra of Easter or Spring theme

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Sitting Pretty

2010-03-21T11:51:00.012Z

Hi everyone

Well, here's the card I said I would post yesterday. Better late than never, eh? I got this stamp for Mother's Day - I think she's gorgeous.

And a side view:

And a bottom view:

What a lot of photos. Excuse the bit of green - it's Suzanne's kitchen wall!

My card recipe:
Image: Magnolia - Dinner Tilda and Dot Muffin
Papers: Imaginisce: All Kinds of Happy - Chatty Cake, Chatty Cake and Pink Frosting with Sprinkles
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts and from stash
Pin and pearls from stash
Silver glitter
Metal Embellishment: Brenda Walton for Kay and Co
Tools: Fiskars Border Punch; Leone Em Fern Punch

I can enter this card for the following challenges:
Just Magnolia is an easel card this week
Cute Card Thursday is Anniversaries or celebrations
Flourishes Timeless Challenges is Borderabilities or Punches

I've put a nice wee round sentiment on the bottom right side since Tilda was photographed. Can you believe I didn't have a suitable "Happy Birthday"? We went to our favourite shop, Craft at Home to buy a wee stamp and ended up buying half the shop! I got a beautiful MS punch - one of those ones that does the edges as well for £22.50. Then we went to Hobbycrap today for a bead box and they wanted £29.99 for the exact same punch. I know they are overpriced but that's ridiculous. Craft at Home is just a wee local busines and Hobbycrap is a nationwide store; they don't need to mark things up as much as that. Beware!

Hope you don't mind me having a moan. Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Lazy days

2010-03-19T18:18:00.011Z

Hello everyone

Thought I better get the finger out and make a card. Mr Mojo had gone walkabout for a while but Suzanne has been chucking stuff on her blog like there's no tomorrow so I thought it was time to do a bit. I've been doing a bit of cleaning as well, mind you. Kim and Aggie have been on and we definitely don't want the house to end up like that, do we! So here it is, then, the effort for this week.

This little guy looks like he's having a suberb day. I can see his fishing rod and picnic lying at the other side waiting for him to wake up. I've been promising myself some Lili of the Valley stamps for ages so I bought some at the SECC last week. This is my first attempt at using them and I love them.

My card recipe:
Image: Lili of the Valley - Lazy Afternoon
Coloured with Distress Inks
Papers: MME - Quite Contrary
Cardstock: Coredinations
Buttons and ribbon from stash
Sentiment: computer generated

I distressed it a bit to try to make it more interesting. I'm sometimes a bit lost with men's cards.

I can enter this for quite a few challenges:
Creative Inspirations is male cards
Cards for Men is birthday cards
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge is Anything Goes
Crazy 4 Challenges is Masculine
Stamp Something is Distressed Somethings.

I'll have another one tomorrow.

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Coffee and Cream

2010-03-08T18:50:00.006Z

Hi everyone

Hope you all had a nice weekend. I've had a really nice one - went to the SECC on Friday to the Hobbycrafts Show. It was my future daughter-in-law's first time and she loved it! Met the fantastic Kath and the equally brilliant Lorraine - can't wait for the next one so we can meet up again! We bought loads of lovely new toys, including the new Tim Holtz Distress Inks which Craft at Home had on special offer. They were £4.75 each which is good value right away but then if you bought 4 you got the 5th one free! How cool is that? I honestly have never known this shop to be over priced. Angela is so fair and they have always been fantastic with the kids. Needless to say I bought loads of new MME papers from Craftwork Cards. I'll look at them for a while before I use them; they're much too nice to cut up. The folk at this stand are always so nice and so generous in showing you how they have made their creations. You can see we had a lovely time!

On Saturday, Jack, Erin and I went to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D. How good is Johnny Depp? It doesn't matter what film he makes, he just seems to get better and better, if that's possible. Kim's 15th birthday was on Saturday as well but she's 15 now so she wanted to disappear with her pals for the day. We all went to Suzanne's for the cake and stuff at tea-time. Beats cooking, doesn't it! Chummed Suzanne to take wee Steven to a fancy dress party on Sunday and Celtic had a nice wee win so all in all, quite a nice weekend. Anyway, enough rambling. Onto the business.

This card is a first for me. I've never made a tent card before. I was just about to attempt one of those easel card thingies (it takes me a while to try anything new!) but then I found the instructions for these tent cards and they were so clear I thought even I couldn't go wrong so I gave it a go. It's for my mother for the big day - I hope she doesn't look at my blog before then!

My card recipe:
Image: Willow with flowers by Whiff of Joy coloured with Distress Inks
Papers: MME - Wild Asparagus; Baby Girl Floral/Coral
Cardstock: Coredinations
Brads: Papermania
Pin: WOJ
Flowers: A mixture from Wild Orchid Crafts, Tabbycrafts and Hobbycraft
Lace and jump rings from stash
Tools: Leone Em Fern Punch; Cuttlebug and Nellie's multi frames
Setiment: computer generated

I can enter this card for the following challenges:
WOJ: Coffee and Cream
Cupcake: Flower power
Stamp Something: Something girly
C.R.A.F.T: Mothers Day/flowers
Simon Says Stamp - Mothers Day/girly
Crafty Cardmakers - A Feminine Celebration

I'm off to catch up on that 5 Days programme that was on last week. I only got to Wednesday and then I missed the rest of it. Our Jack's been staying so we've had football and wrestling all weekend. Great stuff.

See you all soon. Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Pretty in Blue

2010-03-02T18:34:00.006Z

Hello again,

I hope you are all well and braving the cold. It is absolutely freezing up here. The canal has been frozen over for I don't know how long. Don't know how the swans are surviving.

I have another birthday card to make this week. This one is for my granddaughter, Kimberley. She's going to be 15 on Saturday. These are not her usual colours, she's usually pretty in hot pink, but she's growing up a bit too fast for my liking so I'm keeping her young for a bit longer. Tilda always does the trick, doesn't she? I think this particular image is supposed to be part of the Christmas range but it's perfect for a birthday, don't you think.

My card recipe:
Image: Unwrapped Tilda by Magnolia
Coloured with Distress Inks and Water Colour Pencils
Designer papers: Magnolia
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts
Gems: Paper Adventures
Lace, ribbon and glitter from stash

I can enter this card for the following challenges:
Just Magnolia: Birthdays
Lili of the Valley: the beautiful sketch
C.R.A.F.T: Ribbons and Sparkle

I hope you like it. Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Lavender and Lace

2010-02-26T18:46:00.005Z

Hello everyone

Thought I was never going to get this card made. I don't know what's going on at the moment but I don't seem to be able to get anything finished.

Thank you all for your good wishes for Sam. He had a lovely party - up dancing and everything. He told me he's not a hundred, that's much too old for anyone to be. He's starting all over again so he's a week old now!

It's taken me ages to finish this card but here it is.

This is my recipe:
Image: WOJ - Willow Dressing Up
Coloured with Distress Inks
Papers: Sorry, I don't know who makes this but it's called Lavender and Lace something or other
Cardstock: Coredinations
Ribbons, lace, pin and pearls from stash
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts and from stash
Stickles glitter: Silver, Lavendar and Starry Night
Tools: Cuttlebug; Nellie Snellen multi frames; Fiskars punch

I can enter this for the following challenges:
Whiff of Joy - the lovely sketch
ABC Challenges - O is for One Paper
Paper Jewels Challenge - Cute and Girly (this is their first challenge)
A Spoonful of Sugar - Distress Inks, Pearls and Glitter (or I think you can do any one of them if you like. I've done them all)

You're how old?

2010-02-16T19:51:00.007Z

I'm going to a 100th birthday party on Friday night. Sam, the man who is 100, is an amazing person - lives on his own, does all his own shopping, still likes the football and a wee dram. Incredible. Of course, I had to make him a birthday card. This really challenged me. Not only am I not very comfortable making men's cards, I've never made a 100th card before! This one was way, way out of my comfort zone. No Tildas here!

My recipe: Cuttlebug and Spellbinders Nesties Labels One
Cardstock: Coredinations
Ribbon and Gems: from stash
Numbers: Cut by hand and embossed with green sparkle embossing powder and heat embossed
Sentiment: Dovecraft Clear Stamps
Fiskars Threading Water Punch

I'm sorry it looks black but it is green, I promise you. If you click on the picture you can see a bit better that is a nice emerald green. Just right for a football team with Irish roots.

I can enter it for several challenges:

Cards for Men - Green (perfect because Sam is a big Hibs supporter!)
Charisma Cardz - Male
Cupcake Craft Challenge - Keep it Simple (I had real difficulty with this one - it's simple allright)
Paperplay Challenges - Birthday card for Someone Special
Pink Elephant - Use Ribbon
One Stop Craft - The fabby sketch

That's it. It's a bit plain, I know but something different. Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Sending you hugs

2010-02-09T22:09:00.005Z

Hi folks

Here I am, back with my boy's card. I've made this card in response to an appeal for cards to be sent to a wee boy, Daan, who's very unwell. I hope it's suitable for him. You can read about him here and maybe send a card yourself if you feel you want to .

My recipe:
Image: You're My Best by Mo Manning
Coloured with Faber Castelle water colour pencils
DP's: Hot Off The Press - Boys to Men paper pack
Cardstock: Coredinations
Ribbon, Jump Rings and Teddy Charm from stash
Sentiment: Computer generated

I can enter this card for the following challenges:
Cards for Men - The Sketch
PaperPlay Challenges - Love Notes
Allsorts - Distressing (I quite like distressing but you have to get the blooming hoover out every time you use that blessed tool!)
Crafty Cardmakers: Digital Elements - it's a digital image
One Stop Crafts: Colour combo - Apple Green, Chocolate and Clotted Cream

I hope Daan likes his card.

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Tilda in the pink

2010-02-07T19:06:00.008Z

Hello everyone

I hope you've had a nice weekend. I've had quite a lazy time of it - been to Livingston today after watching Celtic win at Dunfermline. At last! Things might be on the up and up now. Bought a couple of nice things at the Papermill shop but I'm trying to keep my pennies for the Hobbycraft Show at the SSSC in March. They'll have quilting stuff there as well so no doubt there will be some things there I will want to buy.

I've called this card "Tilda in the Pink". I don't have a lot of Tilda stamps and this is one of the older ones that I like a lot. I think it actually belongs to Suzanne but she lets me use it.

My card recipe:
Image: Tilda with flower
Coloured with Distress Inks
Designer Papers: Imaginisce - Loves Me/Wild Hearts (I used both sides)
Cardstock: Coredinations
Ribbon from the Papermill shop
Tools: Cuttlebug and Bubbles embossing folder
Flowers - punched
Small roses from Wild Orchid Crafts
Gems - Kanban
Silver Glammer Dust

I can enter this card for quite a few challenges:
Pink Elephant - All About Pink - in honour of Ella
Papertake Weekly - Love Actually
Stamp Something - Love Somethings
Crafty Calendar - Love and Friendship (with the added option of hearts)
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Monochrome Tones of One Colour and White
Charisma Cardz - I Love You
Stampin for the Weekend - Love is in the Air - Valentine themed
Friday Sketchers - The fabby Sketch

That's it. Hope it's not too pink!!

I'll be back during the week with a card for a wee boy - that'll challenge me!

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Karate boy

2010-01-30T17:35:00.004Z

Hello everyone, I hope you are all having a nice weekend. It goes by much too quickly, doesn't it?

This card is for my son who has just been promoted at work. I think I often avoid boy's cards but I really enjoyed making this one. Maybe it had something to do with the great sketch and fabulous image.

I thought I'd have a go at distressing. I bought a new distressing tool a couple of weeks ago and this is the first time I've used it. I can see how you might get a bit carried away!

Anyway, onto the card:

My recipe:

Image: Karate Boy by Mo Manning
Coloured with Pro Markers and a touch of Distress Inks
Papers: Boxer by Basic Grey
Cardstock - Coredinations
Silver paper by Hot off the Press
Image: computer generated
Tools: Cuttlebug and Nestabilities Stars
Deckle edged scissors

The stars look black on the photo but they are silver, I promise!

I can enter this card for 2 challenges:
Mo's Digital Challenge - Shades of Grey
Papertake Weekly - Dawny's great sketch

I hope you like it. Thanks for stopping by.

Lynne.x

Demure

2010-01-25T20:38:00.005Z

Hi folks

Just a quick hello tonight - I'm ready for a wee siesta after a mega plate of haggis, tatties and neeps. I love Burns Night; not that I need an excuse for haggis, I can eat it any time.

Our Jack's gone off to Ben More to school camp for a week. I don't know what I'll do with myself. Mind you, I think his mother will miss him as well!

This is one of the stamps that has been in the sale over at Funky Kits. It's one of the ones I've always liked but never got around to buying so when it appeared in the sale it was too good an opportunity to miss. It's one of Elizabeth Bells' designs (as if you didn't already know!). I love her images. This little lady's called "Demure". I've made this card for a very good friend at work who's just had her gall bladder removed, poor soul.

This is my recipe:

Image: Demure by Elizabeth Bell for Sugar Nellie
Coloured with Distress Inks
Papers: My Minds Eye - Wild Asparagus
Cardstock: Coredinations
Ribbon: Anitas
Pearls: Kanban
Brads: Making Memories
Tools: Cuttlebug and Spellbinders Labels
Fiskers Border Punch: Threading Water
Sentiment: Computer generated

I can enter this card for 2 challenges:
Sketch Saturday - it was a lovely sketch
Simon Says Stamp - use punches

The patter of tiny feet

2010-01-20T19:44:00.007Z

Hi everyone. I hope you are all well. It has been a long time since I posted a card - Mr Mojo had well and truly deserted me then someone asked me to make a couple of cards for them so I thought I better stop being so lazy and get my act together!

This is my first attempt - I've called it "the patter of tiny feet" for want of a better name.

I love this image. It's produced by a company called Dimension Fourth; I'm sure you've heard of them. I've used this stamp over and over and I've never had to stamp it twice, it always comes up really crisp and clear first time. It only cost me about £2.50 so I've had more than my money's worth out of it. Don't you just love that little baby with it's bum sticking up in the air?

I got this sketch from Stampin' for the Weekend and it was such a lovely sketch.

This is my card recipe:

Image: Dimension Fourth - no name on it but it's obviously a baby with balloons
Coloured with Distress Inks
Papers: Lasting Impressions - Petal Pink Plaid (I wish I could have found a challenge for old stuff - I've had these papers for years)
Cardstock - Coredinations
Lace - from stash
Flowers - made up from bits of stash
Pearls - from stash
Sentiment - computer generated
Tools: Cuttlebug and Baby embossing folder

I can enter this card for the following challenges:
Stampin' for the Weekend (the sketch)
Papertake Weekly (Pretty Pink Papertake)
Charisma Cardz Challenges (you can use anything that is new - I've used my new Nesties which I got for Christmas)
Crafty Cardmakers (something new again - the embossing folder is new as well)

That's it. It was a very easy card to make. I hope you like it.

Lynne.x

An Award from Rachel

2009-12-03T19:06:00.003Z

The lovely Rachel has given me another award. Thank you, Rachel. I am so pleased you thought of me and thank you for the lovely things you said on your blog.

I have to do several things now. The first one is to link Rachel in to this post. I've done that - if you click on her name here it will take you to her blog. She makes wonderful cards and the amazing thing is that she is still only 14 years old! Please do go take a look - I am inspired every time I visit her.

The second thing is to tell you 7 "interesting" things about me. Ha - I'm a very boring person!

Here goes:

1. I love football (especially Celtic and Scotland) - it's the passion of my life. I've even been known to refuse to go out if there's an important match on t.v. It drives my daughter nuts.
2. I have 2 very rare, serious illnesses - Addison's Disease and Polycythemia. They're not connected just two rare diseases in the same body. How clever am I - not!
3. I like painting and decorating.
4. I hardly ever visit anyone. My sister is probably the only person I go to see much apart from my children but at Christmas I invite the whole family over.
5. I love the seaside - rock pooling, fish and chips, ice cream, the whole lot. There is an ice cream parlour in Scarborough called the Harbour Bar which has the best ice cream in the world. Sometimes I feel a Knickerbocker Glory coming on and we just have to go for a weekend. All that way just for an ice cream!

Enough rambling. I'm now supposed to pass this on to 7 other people and link them in. That's the hard part because I don't know many people so I'll have to give that some thought but that doesn't make the award any less special. Don't forget to go visit Rachel.

Lynne.x

Joyeux Noel

2009-12-03T09:29:00.006Z

Hello everyone

Suzanne's been chucking stuff on her blog like it's going out of style so I thought I better post another card!

I've had this stamp for a wee while - it was another birthday present from the kids. I really like the image but I found it quite difficult to colour in. I ended up using water colour pencils with a bit of Cosmic Shimmers (or Cosmic Shivvers, as Jack calls them).

I can enter this card for 3 challenges:

Sketch Saturday - what a lovely sketch. I will definitely use this one again
Creative Card Crew - Christmas
A Spoonful of Sugar - Non-traditional Christmas

My card recipe:
Image - Sarah Kay - Joyeux Noel
Coloured with water colour pencils and Cosmic Shimmers
DPs: Snowflake Diamond and Snowflake Snowman by the Paper Company
Cardstock: Coredinations and Silver mirri card
Silver Stickles
Flowers, brads, pearls, chain and charm from stash
Fiskars snowflake punch
Sentiment: Kars

Hope you like it.

Lynne.x

Swing into Christmas

2009-11-30T17:02:00.004Z

Hi everyone

I hope you are all well and have had a good weekend. It seems so long since I posted a card. I had one all ready for last week's Winter Wonderland which was "Don't use a Christmas stamp or backing papers", then I picked up some disgusting throat thing and I've been feeling miserable ever since so I never managed to get it posted. I was lucky enough to win their challenge the week before and I do enjoy taking part. Never mind, that card's for Wee Steven for Christmas so it will be put to good use.

Here's another effort using the other stamp I treated myself to from Penny Black. I love these new releases of older stamps and, even better, they are unmounted. I hope they bring some more out.

My card recipe:
Image: Penny Black
Coloured with Distress Inks and watercolour pencils
Designer Papers: Basic Grey - Eskimo Kisses
Pearls, ribbon, brad, chain and charm from stash
Silver Glammer Dust
Platinum Stickles
Tools: Cuttlebug, Snowflake dies

I can enter this one for 3 challenges:
Paptertake Weekly - this is Christmas Crackers which is a bit of an "open" challenge this week.
Charisma Cards- Anything Christmas.
Creative Card Crew - favourite things.

I used an older sketch that I really like but I can't remember whose it is. Sorry.

That it, I think. I hope you like it.

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.

Unto us a Child is born

2009-11-20T18:44:00.006Z

Hi everyone

It's been pouring down here again today. Hope it's been a bit better where you are - although I think it's been the same over most of the country. Makes you want to hibernate, doesn't it?

I thought I'd treat myself and order a couple of these gorgeous Penny Black stamps from the Glitter Pot. How good is that shop? I ordered them on Wednesday at about half past three and the postie brought them yesterday (Thursday) and only a pound for postage. I think she's the best in the business for delivery; I've never had to wait for anything even at Christmas. They pull all the stops out.

I can enter this card for 2 challenges:

Simon Says Stamp: this is animals. As long as you've got animals somewhere on your card it's fine
Lili of the Valley: this is the sketch and a lovely sketch it was too.

My card recipe:

Image: Penny Black - Sweet Nativity
Coloured with Distress Inks
DPs: Kars Christmas Collection Scrapbook Papers
Cardstock: Coredinations
Lace: from stash
Stars: Basic Grey Holiday Chipboard, glittered with glammer dust
Gems: Kanban
Tools: Cuttlebug; Christmas stars embossing folder; Corner Punch
Platinum Stickles

I know they were very poor but I couldn't resist giving Mary and Joseph a bit of bling! I think they deserve it for producing such a beautiful baby. Isn't he devine!

Hope you like it.

Lynne.x

Ho Ho Ho

2009-11-17T19:19:00.007Z

Hi folks

Hope you are all having a good week. I managed to squeeze this card in last night - stayed up till quarter to one to make sure Donny didn't go out of Dancing with the Stars. Might sound daft but after the shock to my system of Tuffers going out of Strictly and then the fabulous Jamie crashing out of the X Factor, I wanted to make sure things didn't go from bad to worse. I've told Erin I'm not watching the X Factor again. I can't believe Jamie's out and those two little twerps are still in. She says that's no way to talk about Simon and Louis but I say it's all a fix! I'll stick to Strictly from now on.

I can enter this card for 5 challenges:
Allsorts - Something for a child
Charisma Cardz - Merry and Bright
Stamp Something - The sketch
A Spoonful of Sugar - Baby's 1st Christmas or pre-schooler
Cute Card Thursday - Glitter Me Silly

My card recipe:
Image: Stackable Santa - Hi Hopes
Coloured with Promarkers
DP's: MME - The Merry Days of Christmas
Cardstock: Coredinations
Polar White Flower Soft
Silver Glammer Dust
Snowflakes: Kay and Company
Reindeer button: Making Memories
Ribbon from stash
Tools: Cuttlebug; Nestabilities Labels

I really liked this sketch. I think I'll use it again. It had a bit at the bottom but I think these labels are quite big and you couldn't see it so I substituted a bit of paper for a ribbon.

That's it. Hope you like it.

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar

2009-11-11T19:09:00.006Z

Better known as the Three Wise Men. How about these little guys, then? I think they are absolutely fabulous. They have such happy, smiley faces - obviously so pleased to be bringing their gifts to the little King.

I am entering Winter Wonderland this week. I haven't entered it for a couple of weeks but I like this challenge; you can really see the weeks passing to Christmas and my Christmas card box is getting a bit fuller at last. I love the little clock at the side of their blog counting down the days to Christmas - how sad am I! Their challenge is a choice of a sketch or panto or both.

My recipe:
Image: The Three Kings - Hi Hopes
Coloured with a mixture of Faber Castelle and Inktense pencils
DP's: Wassail - Basic Grey
Cardstock: Coredinations
Poinsettias: Hobbyhouse
Tools: Cuttlebug; Nestabilities Labels and Tags
Ribbon from stash
Sentiment: computer generated
Stickles
Glammer Dust
Cosmic Shimmer Mist

Sorry the photo's not the absolute best - there's a bit of glare where the light's hitting the glammer dust but they are such lovely wee men I couldn't not give them a bit of bling. I'm going to buy my own camera and take lessons then I can't blame anyone else when my photos aren't up to scratch!

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

An award

2009-11-10T19:00:00.004Z

Hi folks

A very special young lady called Rachel has given me this award. Rachel is only 14 and she makes terrific cards. She's making 100 cards at the moment and selling them for £1 each for Children in Need. Not a lot of 14 year olds would do that. She has a fantastic blog - I've made a link below if you'd like to have a look.

Thank you so much Rachel. This means a lot to me.

I have to answer a lot of questions now but the catch is I can only use one word. This is going to be quite difficult for me since anyone who knows me knows I'm a bit of a blether. Anyway, here goes.

1. Where is your cell phone? - Pass
2. Hair? - Brown
3. Your mother? - Edinburgh
4. Your father? - Dead
5. Your favourite food? - Indian
6. Your dream last night? - ?
7. Your favourite drink? - Tea
8. Your dream goal? - Celtic's!
9. What room are you in? - Diningroom
10. Your hobby? - Crafting
11. Your fear? - Redundancy
12. Where doyou want to be in 6 years time? - Working
13. Where were you last night? - Home
14. Something you aren't? - Quiet
15. Muffins? - Please
16. Wishlist item? - Promarkers
17. Where did you grow up? - Scarborough
18. Last thing you did? - This
19. What are you wearing? - Clothes
20 - Your T.V? - On
21 - Your pets? - Several
22. Your friends? - Loud
23. Your life? - Quiet
24. Your mood? - Quiet
25. Missing someone? - No
26. Vehicle? - No
27. Something you're not wearing? - Jewellery
28. Your favourite store? - Craft-at-home (I cheated!)
29. Your favourite colour? - Green
30. Last time you laughed? - Today
31. Last time you cried? - Sunday
32. Your best friend? - Loud
33. One place you go over and over - Work
34. One person who e.mails you regularly - Boss
35. Favourite place to eat? - Anywhere
36. Facebook? - No

There. I think you can tell a lot about people by these answers. I am supposed to try to find 5 people to pass this on to. I think I'll find that much more difficult than answering the questions.

If you haven't seen Rachel's blog, you can find it here. She makes gorgeous things and she's a terrific person. Please go and take a look.

Thanks Rachel.

Lynne.x

A Card for Jaimie

2009-11-07T16:38:00.011Z

Hi everyone

Most of you will have seen the Blog Hop that's taking place just now to raise awareness of a young girl called Jaimie who's had a dreadful experience. Jaimie's story is terribly upsetting - but she sounds like an amazing young girl. You can read about her here on the Stamp Something For Jaimie blog.

I think it's a great idea to spread a little love and show support for Jaimie and her dad. Of course, there are lots of ways we can do that but the most obvious one for people who craft is for us to make a little something and send it off to her. Jaimie's favourite colours are hot pink and black - what a fab combo. She's not really a girly girl so I've chosen Little Miss Attitude for a card for her. From what I've heard of Jaimie I think this wee image suits her.

This is for you, Jaimie.

Inside:

If you want to participate in the blog hop you can find details at the bottom of the Spread the Love Blog. However, the link to Katharina Frei's blog is here. It's the first stop on the blog hop but be quick - there's only a couple of days left. Good luck and have fun!

This is my recipe for Jamie's card:

Image: Little Miss Attitude - Sugar Nellie
Coloured with Promarkers
DP's - Craftwork Cards "Enchanted"
Cardstock - Coredinations
Flowers punched with daisy and retro flower punches
Ribbon, small brad and charm from stash
Buckle from the Paper Mill Shop
Gems by Kanban

I'd like to enter this card for the Allsorts Challenge. This week it's "Bring out your bling".

Thanks for stopping by.

Lynne.x

Picking Apples

2009-11-04T08:55:00.006Z

Hi there

Just a very quick post from me this morning before I go out to work so that I can make it in time for the Sugar Bowl Challenge this week. Like I said before, a bit like the coo's tail me, always last!

I know I said I wasn't making any more birthday cards until after Christmas but someone asked me to make a card for a friend so this is it. I'll have one more to do for my nephew in December and the rest will be Christmas cards. I'm not good at boy's cards so no doubt I'll leave it till the last minute again.

I've used the sketch over at the Sugar Bowl this week and the added option is to use lace. This is lacy ribbon so I think it will qualify ok. It was a lovely sketch.

My recipe:

Image: Sugar Nellie - Picking Apples
Coloured with Faber Castelle Water Colour Pencils
DP's: MME - Bloom and Grow
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers: Hero Arts - some coloured, some white which I coloured with Pro Markers to match the papers
Lacy ribbon, charm, spacers and brads from my stash
Tools: Cuttlebug and plain and scalloped circles
Sentiment: computer generated

Sorry the charm isn't hanging straight. Daughter no 2 took the photo for me. I asked her to make sure it was straight but I don't think her heart is really in it - a bit like cooking for me really. Maybe she's getting her own back!

Have a good day.

Lynne.x

I've just been over to the Crafty Creations Challenge Blog and seen details of a very unusual blog hop in aid of a wee girl who's had a terrible experience. Do hop over and have a look.

Lynne.x

Hand-mailed

2009-10-31T13:16:00.004Z

Hi folks

I've got such a small window of opportunity at the moment to make a card so I'm not getting much done at all but I've managed to do a bit of a challenge combo with this one. I think this Penny Black image is beautiful. Another birthday present (I bet you already guessed!) and I've been dying to use it for ages. I made the snowflakes myself with my cuttlebug - a bit fiddly but good fun. I can enter it for the following challenges:

Stamp Something: Cute and Fuzzy
Simon Says Stamp: All That Sparkes
Daring Cardmakers: Punches (this is my first time with this challenge)

My recipe:
Image: Penny Black - Hand Mailed
Coloured with Promarkers
DP: I'm sorry, I don't know what this is, it was a scrap and the name had gone
Cardstock: Coredinations
Tools:
Deckles edged scissors
Cuttlebug
Snowflake dies
Fiskars snowflake punch
Ribbon and brads from stash
Silver Stickles
Glammour Dust

We're off to Suzanne's today for Hallowe'en. The kids will be all dressed up so we'll have great fun waiting for all the little ghosties and ghouls to knock at the door. Then it will be Strictly and the X Factor. Erin and I are having a disagreement about Ricky Whittles. I think he loves himself to bits - if he was chocolate he would eat himself but she loves him. I suppose that's the difference between being 52 and 24. Come on Tuffers!!!

Whatever you do, have a good time.

Lynne.x

He Loves Ewe

2009-10-22T22:47:00.005+01:00

Hi everyone

Hope you are all well. This is a lovely little guy, isn't he? Yet another birthday present from the kids. That's the beauty of having your birthday in the autumn, you can get away with thinking about Christmas and ask everyone for all these yummy stamps for presents.

The Hi Hopes Challenge this week is to keep red and green to a minimum and use non-traditional colours on a Christmas card. I've got a bit of green in here but not in a traditional sense so I'm sure it will be ok. I liked the sketch from the Sugar Bowl so much last week I've used it again. I can see I'm going to use it a lot. I think it looks quite different with a new image and papers.

My card recipe:

Image: Hi Hopes - He Loves Ewe
Sentiments: Just Right Sentiments
Coloured with Faber Castelle Water Colour Pencils
Papers - Signature Christmas by My Minds Eye
Cardstock: Coredinations
Platinum Stickles
Snowflakes: made from white card and acetate and covered with gamour dust and Cosmic Shimmer glitter jewels
Brads from the Hobby House
Tools: Cuttlebug; Nestabilities Snowflakes; plain and scalloped circles; plain and scalloped ovals.
Lace from stash

I really like this image. I hope you like the card as much as I enjoyed making it.

Lynne.x

Mistletoe

2009-10-19T20:24:00.004+01:00

Good evening everyone

What about this little pair then? I think they are just gorgeous. They are another birthday present to me with some of my birthday money. I couldn't resist them!

I've been trying for about a fortnight to make a card. I've had a lot of extra stuff on recently and I haven't seemed to have time for anything much so I was quite pleased when I got this one finished and ready to post. It's my entry for the Sugar Bowl this week which is a lovely sketch by Tiets. You have to make a Christmas card or if you don't celebrate Christmas you can make a winter card. Since Christmas is definitely my most favourite time of year, my entry is a Christmas card.

This is my card recipe:

Image: Sugar Nellie - Mistletoe
Sentiment: Just Right Sentiments
Coloured with Distress Inks
Papers: Basic Grey Wassail
Mirri Card: Tesco
Poinsettias: The Hobby House
Ribbon: Craft at Home
Red and Frosted Lace Stickles - I stickled the little dots on the sentiment. It looks a bit like smudges but it is stickles - honest!

That's it. Hope you like it.

Lynne.x

Baubles

2009-10-02T17:57:00.007+01:00

Hi folks

Well, it's a gey dour day here in Edinburgh and it's supposed to rain all weekend so what better way to brighten it up than with a bit of crafting. I got this stamp with some of the money my mum gave me for my birthday. I think she's a lovely wee thing - I love all her wee baubles!

I can enter her for the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp - Green and red. My favourite Christmas colours; I've got a bit of gold in here as well but I think that will be ok.
Creative Card Crew - All that sparkles.
A Spoonful of Sugar - Christmas
One Stop Crafts - Die Cuts

My card recipe:

Image: Baubles by Sugar Nellie
Sentiment: Just Right Sentiments
Coloured with Promarkers
DPs: Paper Adventures Holiday Joy Multi Stripes and Red Swirls from an old QVC pack
Cardstock: Coredinations
Flowers: Hero Arts and punched - coloured with Promarkers
Brads: Papermania and from stash
Spacers: Eggstravaganza
Ribbon and gold cord: from stash
Tools: Cuttlebug
Swiss dots embossing folder
Spellbinders Labels
Nestabilities plain and scalloped circles
Fiskars snowflake punch
Stickles: Red, green and gold
Diamond glaze - I've put it on the baubles to make them look glassy. Hope you can see it.
Cosmic Shimmer Mist: Rich Gold - sprayed on flowers

We had a wee trip up to Perth last week to what used to be one of the craft shops we visited regularly. I say "used to be" because we won't be going back. I bought a punch there some time ago which cost quite a lot of money and I didn't think it worked very well. When I phoned about it, she advised me to stand on it! When we were there on Saturday, a woman had bought a MS punch which was obviously broken and she was trying to return it - trying being the appropriate word. The woman who owns the shop had a go at it and when it wouldn't cut properly she had a pokey tool and some scissors at the punch and paper and then proceeded to tell the customer it was fine! Isn't the punch supposed to cut the paper itself? Is it only me who thinks punches are seriously over-priced in the first place, without buying ones that don't work? Not only that, when the customer had gone, she proceeded to whisper to her colleague about her, in front of us. Needless to say, we won't be going back - not even for a sheet of paper. I'll take my custom somewhere where they know how to treat people who are spending good money.

That's my rant for the week. No Strictly tonight - what a disappointment. I wish they'd make their blooming minds up but there's a new series of CSI so that will do nicely. Have a good weekend.

Lynne.x

Sarah Kay - Noel Charity

2009-09-20T12:43:00.008+01:00

Hi everyone

I feel like it's such a long time since I posted a card. We've been back a few days from our break in Scarborough but it's taken me a while to get organised and I've been busy entering the Passion for Promarkers Blog Hop. Great fun! We had a lovely time in Scarborough, we were so lucky with the weather again. We visited York, which we love. They have the most fantastic museums there. Of course, the kids had to go to Flamingoland. Some of those rides would give you nightmares, wouldn't they? You would have to be off your head to even think about going on them. Erin, Kim and Jack went on everything - several times. Suzanne and I had to walk away! Says it all about my family really, doesn't it?

This stamp is one of my presents from the kids for my birthday. It's one of the new Sarah Kay designs. I think she's lovely.

Card Recipe:

Image: Sarah Kay - Noel Charity
Coloured with Faber Castelle water colour pencils
DPs: Rayher (no name)
Cardstock: Coredinations
Snowflakes: Kay and Company
Hatpin, beads, ribbon, star brads and charm from stash
Stickles: silver, red and gold
Leone Em branch punch
Medium retro flower punch
Tools: Cuttlebug and snowflakes embossing folder

I can enter this card for several challenges:

Allsorts: snowflakes this week - lots of snowflakes on this one. The paper, card, image and embellies are all "snowflaked"
Sketch and Stash - I used the sketch and all the stuff is new except the snowflakes and star brads which I bought last year
Papertake Weekly: fake. I've got fake snowflakes and I made my own flowers so I hope this qualifies as fake
Charisma Challenges: flowers - my favourite embellies
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge: One for the girls. This is definitely a girl's card. I don't think I'd get away with giving this to a boy.

Hope you like it. Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Holiday Cheer!

2009-09-08T17:27:00.006+01:00

Hi everyone

I'm getting into some serious Christmas card making here, now. I've realised I've only got 6 or 7 cards in my box and I wanted to have about a dozen by now so I've done away with making cards for other occasions and I'm concentraing on Christmas cards.

This is my first post for several days. One of our young rabbits had to be put to sleep and I just haven't felt much like making a card. It's funny how it affects you, isn't it? I know it's only a rabbit but I fed it every day and talked to it every time I went into the garden and now it's just not there. Seems to me that everywhere I look there are rabbits, and I don't know where that stupid saying "I'm not a happy bunny" came from but if I've heard it once I'm sick of hearing it.

Anyway, enough of me being a miserable old bat. Here's the card.

I really like these snowflakes but they never look as nice on the photo as they do in real life. They are much more sparkly than they look here.

Here's my recipe:

Image: I think this is an Elzybells image but I don't know the name
Coloured with Distress Inks
Designer Papers: Imaginisce - Snowy Jo. Love this paper
Cardstock: Coredinations
Snowflakes: Kay and Company
Stickles: Diamond Black, Frosted Lace, Christmas Red
Cream Flower Soft on her hood and cuffs
Ribbon: Anitas
Sentiment: Hero Arts

I can enter this card for 2 challenges:
Crafty Cardmakers which is a sketch. I moved things around a bit - hope this is ok
Stamp Something which is your favourite stamp. I can't chose a favourite. There are so many beautiful stamps how could I choose but this is certainly one of them.

I hope you like the card. I'm a bit disappointed with it but I think that's just the way I'm feeling. It's my birthday on Thursday - another year older but I'll probably get some lovely cards and nice presents so that will make me feel better and then we're off to Scarborough on Friday for a few days so see you all next week.

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Bev's blog candy

2009-09-03T13:04:00.004+01:00

Bev has a lovely Sarah Kay stamp she is giving away. Click the link to go to her blog.

Christmas Popcorn

2009-08-31T22:03:00.008+01:00

Good evening everyone

Just a very quick post tonight. This card has been a bit of a disaster since the start. It's had 3 lots of stickles because they kept getting smudged and 2 attempts to colour the image. It did have a Christmas Tree charm hanging from the ribbon but goodness only knows where that's disappeared to. I wanted to put some sewing on it but the plug for the sewing machine's disappeared and then when I went to put a few little snowflakes on, that box has gone walk about as well! Has anybody else got a house like ours? Since I'm definitely a more is more kind of person when it comes to embellies, I feel like it's only half done.

I've made this card with Popcorn the Bear for 3 challenges:

Papertake Weekly: Dawny P's sketch. I love her sketches; they're fabulous aren't they? You can do what you like with them and she doesn't mind.
One Stop Craft: Cute and Cuddly. Popcorn should be cuddly enough for this one.
Stamp Something: They want animals this week. I hope a teddy qualifies.

This is my card recipe:
Image: Christmas Popcorn the Bear by Crafter's Companion
Coloured with Distress Inks
DPs: Crafts House: Winter Wonderland - Winter Words
Cardstock: Cordinations
Ribbon - Anitas
Stickles: Red, Green, Baby Blue and a bit of Diamond Black on the notes but I don't think you can see it on the picture
Tools: Cuttlebug; Snowflakes emblossing folder

I think that's about it.

Suzanne has given me the Kreativ Blogger Award as well. Thank you. I don't know if I'll be able to think of 7 more "interesting" things to tell you about myself! I'll have to have a think and see what I come up with.

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Frillie Millie and an award

2009-08-29T18:28:00.014+01:00

Hi everyone

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend. It's our Jack's birthday today so we've had a nice tea party and a visit to the pictures to see G Force. Very over the top but funny. I didn't think Jack was ever going to stop chortling.

I've received a lovely award from our Kim - thank you. I've already agreed with her that I don't have to pass this on to 7 other people but the deal was that I do have to tell you 7 things about myself and she says I have to be truthful!

1. I love sport but football is my number one passion in life. I will argue with anyone about it and regularly do, especially where Celtic are concerned!
2. I love wildlife but especially birds. I adore birds of prey.
3. I can't abide back-stabbers, liars, cheats or people who feel big about making other people feel small.
4. I'm a terrible bookworm. I'm really into fantasy stuff but I absolutely love Harry Potter. I could almost live in that world, I get so lost in it (I think that's probably 2).
5. I can't swim or drive. I have tried to swim and I have sat behind a wheel once or twice but it didn't really work. To be honest, I couldn't safely drive a pig with a stick!
6. Although I have lived in Scotland nearly all my life and I am extremely patriotic (I'm a Scot through and through), I was actually born in the beautiful seaside town of Scarborough.
7. I am very interested in history - everything pre-dating the Victorians.

So, that's quite enough of the boring stuff. Onto the interesting bit - the card.

I was dying to use this little lady. She's Frillie Millie and she's a new download from Pink Petticoat. Isn't she just the bee's knees? And that little poodle! I haven't had time to do the inside of the card yet but I've got plenty of paper left so I'll do it later.

I can enter this card for the following challenges:
Passion for Promarkers: A Passion for Purple. I used all the colours this week.
Sketch and Stash: Sketch and new, unused or neglected stash. I used the sketch and my new piece of stash is my image and my neglected stash are the papers which I've had for about 7 or 8 years (I kid you not!).
C.R.A.F.T: which is embossing.
Allsorts: Digital - my image is a digi download.

This is my card recipe:
Image: Frillie Millie from Pink Petticoat
DP: Paper al fresco - French Heather by Paper Adventures
I'm not sure who makes the patterned one - it hasn't got a name on it
Cardstock: from stash
Coloured with Promarkers:
Lilac
Lavendar
Amethyst
Aubergine (wee touches on the bows)
Pastel Pink
Ivory
Coral
Flowers: Hero Arts, coloured with Promarkers
Buckle: Paper Mill Shop
Glamour Dust - I've given Fifi a big of bling as well. I think you can just see it.
Gems: Kanban Bling
Brads and ribbon from stash
Sentiment: Computer Generated
Tools: Cuttlebug and D'vine Swirls Embossing Folder

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Hawaiian Tilda

2009-08-20T20:16:00.011+01:00

Hello everyone

Jack and I have just watched Usain Bolt smash the 200 metres world record. How fantastic is that guy? I love watching sports people. I can't believe how much effort they put in - they are absolutely amazing and they give me so much pleasure.

This card is for my sister, Susan, for her birthday on Saturday. I'm going to tell her to stay off my blog until I've given her the card but I don't know if she'll be able to do it. When we were young she was the one that was always up at 4.00 am on Christmas Eve to see if Santa had been. All the presents were opened and then we would get back to bed for a couple of hours until she was up again! Although she's quite patient now, I don't think she's ever really been able to contain her curiosity. She's planning a Bar-B-Que for her birthday. It will probably pour down but she's got a big gazebo thingie in the garden that we can all hide under so it will be fine.

I can enter this card for 7 challenges:
C.R.A.F.T: Summer theme
Cute Card Thursday: Lazy Days
Crafty Cardmakers Challenge Blog: Blossoms (This is a brand new blog and the first ever challenge so check it out)
Lily of the Valley: Charms. It's the first time I've done this one.
A Spoonful of Sugar: Travel
Papertake Weekly: I've chosen Summer from their recent Seasons Challenge. You can choose anything you like from all their challenges ever because it's their birthday and they are celebrating so get yourself on over there. It's great.
Pink Elephant: Summer. It's my first time for this one as well.

I'm quite pleased with this one and I think Susan will like it. She loves hand-crafted cards and she's kept every card we've ever made her in a box.

This is my card:

Inside:

My card recipe:
Image: Magnolia Hawaiian Tilda and Palm Tree
Coloured with Faber Castell Water Colour Pencils with Distress Inks for Tilda's face
DP's: Black Market Paper Society - Little Miss Smitten Lucky 'n Love
Coredinations Cardstock: Aqua and Cappucino
Flip Flop & Heart Charm, chain, brads, spacer and ribbon from stash
There's a little pin in the ribbon but I don't know if you can see it
Flowers: some punched from the same card and papers, some from stash
Cuttlebug and Labels 2

Hope you like it. Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Winter Wonderland - Twas the Night Before Christmas

2009-08-17T21:29:00.006+01:00

Evening all

Hope you are all well and had a good weekend. Just a quick post from me tonight. This is my entry for this week's Winter Wonderland for which the theme is "Home for the Holidays". This has been one of those cards! I had to do a long card for this one, which I'm not comfortable with but I like the wee mouse in his "house" and I didn't like the image on a square card. Then I wanted to put a charm on and I couldn't find the jump rings. Now it's photographed, I think it looks like it's missing something on the front. Perhaps it's just a sentiment or maybe it needs another flower?

Inside:

My recipe:

Images: Elzybells - Don't know the wee mouse's name - sorry
Elzybells - The Night Before Christmas Sentiment
Coloured with Inktense and Watercolour pencils
D.Ps: K & Company - Green Starlight Printed Flat Paper
Green and Red Cardstock: QVC - from an old Christmas pack
Hero Arts Flowers
Red Promarker
Brads - Papermania
Spacers - stash
Ribbon - Anitas
Gems - Paper Adventures
Silver Glammer Dust

Hope you like my little mouse in his home - snug as a bug in a rug. According to Winter Wonderland, it's only 18 weeks to Christmas. I've only got 5 Christmas cards in my box so even if I make a card a week, I'll be nowhere near the number I wanted to be at. So much for the good resolutions, eh?

See you next time.

Lynne.x

Lizzie with Muff for 4 challenges

2009-08-15T16:40:00.007+01:00

Hi folks,

Hope you are all well. I'm having a good day. First of all it's the start of the new football season, wayhay!!! Thank goodness - I don't know what to do with myself at the weekends when there's no football on. I think I drive Suzanne nuts! We had a good win up at Aberdeen (don't suppose the Aberdonians will be pleased) so I'm delighted after the dismal performance by Scotland midweek. Then, it's wee Steven's 3rd birthday so we've been to his tea party. Don't know why Suzanne bothered doing the dreaded h*******k before everyone arrived; she just had it all to do again when they all left. Anyway, the wee one had a great time. I think he's got more toys than the Disney Store but he's a happy bunny so that's all that matters.

Onto the card. You will all be familiar with Lizzie with Muff. I've made this card for a friend's grand-daughter who's birthday is in the winter. I like to be organised! I think I can enter Lizzie for 4 challenges:

Passion for Promarkers which is Cocoa and Rose Pink
Whiff of Joy is Brown and Pink so that's handy
Stamp with Fun is Birthdays this week
Papertake Weekly which is a fabulous Dawny P sketch

By the way, it's birthday week over at Papertake Weekly next week and they are having a celebration so be sure to check them out. Their new challenge starts on Tuesday but you've still got time for this week's one as well.

Recipe:

Image: Lizzie with Muff - WOJ
Coloured with Promarkers:
Cocoa
Cinnamon
Rose Pink
Blossom
Ivory
Satin
Blush Pink
DP's: Basic Grey - Sultry
Cardstock - Coredinations
Glamour Dust
Pink Gems - Kanban
Pink ribbon from stash (Woolworths!)
Brown ribbon/flowers/leaves - Hobbycraft
Tools:
Cuttlebug
Ribbons Tags 2
Message - computer generated

I'm watching Steven and Jack now so I'm off to make the tea while they're occupied playing with wee Steven's new toys. Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

What a bad blogger!

2009-08-09T10:43:00.009+01:00

Hi everyone. I feel like I haven't been around for such a long time - what a bad blogger I am. I've been visiting your blogs and having a good look around but I haven't had time to make anything myself, we've been so busy visiting old castles and such like. We've even been camping this week - I haven't done that since I was in the girl guides! We've had a very nice week. The sun has been blazing down and we've been out and about every day and not getting in until late in the evening. Debbi (have a look at her blog - her stuff's lovely) gave me a tip to visit Dunnottar castle in Stonehaven. Well, our Jack's eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw it. It looks like it's on a cliff in the middle of the sea but actually you have to go down 180 steps (believe me, I counted on the way back!) along a path and then up some more steps at the other side to get into it. The only other entrance is from the sea so it was a real fortress. The weather was great and the view from the castle was absolutely incredible - the sea was so clear. Who needs to go abroad when we've got places like this on our own doorstep? Jack asked the guy at the desk whether he had to climb up and down all those steps every day to get to his work! We've done loads of castles and stuff this last fortnight and the staff have been brilliant with the kids, the man at Blackness Castle was absolutely fabulous with Jack and Steven. Back to the grindstone tomorrow but I'm off again in September. We're off to Scarborough for a few days then and that's it until Christmas.

Onto the card. I'm not sure about this one, there seems to be something not quite right about it and I may have to change something before I part with it. I had done the pirate card for our Jack for his birthday but in his usual inimitable fashion, he "just happened to come across it, Gran", so I've had to make another one. I would have liked to have put the image on a mount but the horse is huge so I've cut it out instead and used foam pads to make it stand out. I found Charlie didn't look right when I masked him so I lopped his leg off and stuck him on the horse. Hope it doesn't just look like he's a bit legless! I can enter this for 3 challenges:

Papertake Weekly: Seasons - anything to do with seasons, colours, reminders etc. My favourite autumn colours are in here, reds and golds and browns, so that should be fine.
Allsorts: Vintage - I'm not sure if this qualifies but it's a medieval theme and it is "all sorts" so I'm going to stick it in and see what they say.
Crafty Challenges: Buttons - it definitely qualifies for this because the little castle and dragon are buttons

I wanted to enter the Whiff of Joy challenge because they are both WOJ stamps but I couldn't follow the sketch, the horse is too big. Never mind.

Recipe:
Images: WOJ - Horse and Knight Charlie
DPs: DCWV - Once Upon A Time - I cut an extra bit of edging and put it on foam pads to make it stand out
Coloured with Water Colour Pencils
Stickles: Silver and Frosted Lace
Corner from stash - embossed with gold embossing powder
Buttons: Craft-time - Dragons

That's it. Don't know how it took me so long!

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.

An Award!

2009-07-31T16:48:00.004+01:00

Lorraine has given me this lovely award. Thank you, Lorraine. I appreciate you thinking of me very much. I think I should be passing this on to some other people - this is the bit I have difficulty with because I don't know that many people so for now I'm just going to enjoy it. I hope that's ok.

Lynne.x

Chasing Snowflakes - Another Combi

2009-07-29T17:42:00.003+01:00

Well, we've had a lovely day out at Blackness Castle. For once, the weather held up - a bit blowy but a nice day nonetheless. I feel so blessed!!! I'm into old castles and churches in a big way and our Jack is fast following suit, I'm glad to say. Mind you, I have to admit to feeling a bit like an old ruin myself at the moment. Women of my age will understand, the dreaded hot flushes have struck. Now, these I can contend with but all of a sudden my legs appear to want to go walk about just when I go to bed at night. I've just settled down and all I want to do is sleep but my legs and feet have other ideas. They behave as if they would rather be out and about with someone else - preferably at a disco, I think. I believe it's referred to as "restless leg syndrome". It's driving me blooming bananas, I can tell you. Is there a cure apart from chopping them off?

These images are part of my new stash from my outing to my fav craft place on Saturday. I think they are dead cute. This is my entry for the Passion for Promarkers Challenge this week which is Pastel Pink and Cool Aqua. You have also to use the sketch and a very nice sketch it was too. I am also entering this card for the Little Yellow Challenge which is Lace and Pearls. You can have a punched edge for the lace bit so I've got that and I've got pearls on their wee coats. I coloured the wee boy's coat with my cocoa promarker. I've been taking note of the tutorials! Stamp with Fun is also pearls this week so it qualifies for that as well and Creative Inspirations is bling. I've stamped lots of little snowflakes and "stickled" each oned individually - took me ages! I also put Glamour Dust on their pompoms. I think that should qualify for a bit of bling. Last but certainly not least, One Stop Craft is Christmas in July. Since Christmas is my favourite time of year and this is a Christmas card, we qualify for that one as well.

This is my recipe:

Images: Kars - Cold Christmas by Nellie Snellen
DP: Crafts House - Winter Wonderland Winter Words
Pink, Aqua and Cocoa Cardstock - Coredinations
Coloured with Promarkers:
Pastel Pink
Cool Aqua
Satin
Blush
Cocoa
Ice Grey 1 & 2
Saffron and Gold
Stickles: Frosted Lace
Pearls - Kanban
Tools: Fiskars Snowflake Punch
RicRac (how do you spell that?) from stash

If I had to choose a name for this card, I'd call it "Chasing Snowflakes". Don't they look happy?

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

My Sweet Lili

2009-07-26T23:14:00.009+01:00

Oh my, am I late with this card. I've managed to squeeze a combi in here but I haven't been feeling too good at all so I'm very late meeting the deadline for the Passion for Promarkers Challenge and A Spoonful of Sugar this week. I love doing the PfP Challenge and the colours are so nice - Rose Pink and Lime - I didn't want to miss it. Also, I can enter this for Papertake Weekly which is a colour combi. I really like their sketches, but this week the challenge is colours. You can use any colours you like from pink, green, black, white, yellow, grey and lilac. The C.R.A.F.T. Challenge is also pink and green this week - handy, eh? A Spoonful of Sugar is swirls and since the paper has swirls on it, I think it meets that challenge as well. That's 4 challenges so that's not bad for one card, I think. I didn't have time to rummage around for a sketch by the time I surfaced from the couch yesterday so I just made up one of my own. Hope it's ok.

This is My Sweet Lili by Sarah Kay. She belongs to Suzanne. I haven't used her before but I think she's absolutely lovely and I've just been waiting for the right time. She's so nice, it's a shame to put ink on her! The card was a doddle to make, the colours just go so well together but it must have taken me about 2 hours to get these ruddy flowers to stick to the paper. To coin a Scottish colloquialism, they were absolutely daeing ma heid in. I eventually got them cemented down with diamond glaze of all things. I'll be scared to give the thing to anyone now in case they come off in the envelope.

This is my recipe:
Image: Sarah Kay - My Sweet Lili (doesn't she just love that teddy?)
DP: Imaginisce - Loves Me (just one DP this time - the last card broke my heart!)
Coloured with ProMarkers:
Rose Pink
Lime and Apple
Spice, Cocoa and Coral
Satin and Blush Pink
The dreaded flowers and ribbon: Hobbycraft - I'm starting to loathe that shop
Green Glimmer Mist
Charm from my stash

That's it - no tools or anything else. Just a simple card.

Next time I'll try to make something with my new Martha Stewart punch (ooooh, fancy!) that I bought on Saturday at my favourite shop, Craft at Home. We had a lovely time, ladies. It's like visiting a long-lost family.

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.x

Simon Says and Little Yellow Challenge

2009-07-24T23:08:00.014+01:00

Bet you all thought I was joking when I said every time I'm off work we get the monsoon season. Well, true to form we've had thunder and lightning and torrential rain here again. It's been nice today but it's to rain again tomorrow. You could almost put a month's wages on it. Never mind, it's nice not to have to think about work for a couple of weeks, isn't it.

I've used a new Dawny P sketch for this card. She's a guest designer for Simon Says Stamp and this sketch is really nice. I can also enter it for the Little Yellow Challenge this week. I saw this one on Lorraine's blog. You don't have to use their images this week and the challenge is to make a male card so it qualifies for that as well. I had to cut three new 12 x 12 papers for this - I came out in a cold sweat, I can tell you!

Inside:

I love pirates and knights and boy's stuff in general so I had a lot of fun making this card. I might keep it for our Jack for his birthday in August if he doesn't spot it first. He's going to be 10 and he loves pirates and adventure stories so I don't think he's too old for it. He doesn't mind a bit of ribbon; he sticks plenty of mine on when he's making a card himself so I'm assuming he's not averse to it!

This is my recipe:
Images: Sugar Nellie Pirate; Dimension Fourth Treasure Map and Treasure Chest
Pirate coloured with Distress Inks
Map on inside washed with Walnut Stain Distress Ink
Treasure Chest on inside coloured with Water Colour Pencils
DP: Karen Foster - Buried Treasure, Treasure Map and Pirate Scarf
Images mounted on Gold Mirri Card
Ribbon - Hobbycraft
Skull and Crossbones and Treasure Chest Embellies: Jolee's Boutique
Sentiment: Computer Generated
Tools: Fiskars Punch - Threading Water

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.x

Winter Wonderland Altered Paper Bag

2009-07-21T19:58:00.012+01:00

Hi folks.

Hope you are all doing ok. I've got my entry for Winter Wonderland all lined up for this week because I've been waiting for Santa to come up! I knew they wouldn't be able to wait long to spotlight the old boy (who would?) so I've been thinking about this project for a while. It's an altered paper bag which I'm going to use to fill with little bits and pieces for a Christmas present when the time comes. It's the first time I've done anything like this and I really enjoyed making it.

I'm absolutely crazy for Christmas, it's my favourite time of year - much better than holidays and even birthdays when you're just another year older! All those gorgeous Christmas cards and beautifully wrapped presents, lovely smells and different things to eat. I start preparing in about September! As you can imagine, it's never a problem to make a Christmas project.

I thought a paper bag would make a wee change and you can do anything you want for this challenge, it doesn't have to be a card.

Inside:

Back:

This is my recipe:

Image: Santa with tree by Sugar Nellie
Coloured with Promarker Pens and Glamour Dust
A paper bag which I cut to size and left a bit on the side for the clip
A clip such as you would find on an office file (they are called 2 piece filing clips)
DP: Paper Adventures Holiday Joy Multi Stripes
Cardstock: QVC from a Christmas pack
Green, red and white velvet paper for the flowers
Various stamps, brads, snowflake charm, stickers and ribbons from stash
Silver Stickles
Christmas stickers from PSX
Computer generated sentiments on back
Verse inside "borrowed" from a piece of scrapbooking paper with no name on it, sorry
Tools: Cuttlebug; Oval Nesties; Leone Em Branch Punch; Small and Medium retro flower punches (they've disappeared from my Wish List!)

The stamping inside isn't the best because of the glitter paper but I think it adds to the distressed look and I quite like it.

Thanks for looking- hope you like it.

Lynne.

Challenge combo

2009-07-18T16:02:00.013+01:00

Well, I hope your week's been as good as mine. I don't think we've ever had a time when we've been so lucky - I even won £10.00 on the lottery on Wednesday! Now I know it's not exactly the jackpot - won't pay many mortgages off with that - but it's better than a smack in the face with a wet fish, agreed? It's always nice when something unexpected and pleasant comes your way so I was pleased. I don't think it matters what you win, it's always a nice feeling.

I thought I'd try my hand at combining a couple of challenges, after what I thought was a bit of a disaster last time. The colour combination for Passion for Promarkers this week is Helen's choice of Ruby and Gold with the option of jewels and gems. Very opulent, I thought to myself - these are my favourite Christmas colours, so this Christmas card is my attempt at the challenge. I was really looking forward to doing this card, especially since the weather here is frightful (no pun intended!) but I always seem to have a right palava with this particular Tilda's tights. This was my fourth attempt so I'm afraid it will have to do as it is now. I had a good look around for a sketch; I always work better to a nice sketch and I thought this one was just the ticket. It's the new one this week for Stamp Something and it was perfect. At first I thought I might rotate it but actually it was just right as it was so I left well alone. Stamp with Fun this week is Shapes or Punches and since I've used my Nestie Labels I think I qualify for this challenge as well. Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge is Spots and Dots and Tilda is sitting on a background of Swiss Dots run through the Cuttlebug. I hoped it looked like snow. Finally, Cute Card Thursday is Christmas in July and this is definitely for Christmas so in it goes.

I can't quite believe I've managed 5 challenges in 1 (I hope I'm sticking to the rules for all these) but it all just kind of came together this morning when I was looking at the challenge blogs.

This is my recipe:

Image: Christmas Tilda by Magnolia
Coloured with Promarkers:
Ruby; Gold; Ice Grey 1,2 and 3; Moss Green; Ivory; Satin; Blush Pink
Papers: Imaginesce - it's called Snowy Joe and Cup o' Cheer (I used both sides)
Cardstock: Gold - Coredinations; Red - Bazzil
Stickles: Gold and Red
Gems: Paper Adventures Jewels
Ribbon: Hobbycraft
Sentiment: Hero Arts

Hope you like it.

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.

What a time!

2009-07-16T13:11:00.003+01:00

What a time I'm having. Not content with winning my very cute little Quentin - it's the first time he's been on a card and he won first prize on last week's Passion for Promarkers Challenge. I'm so pleased, I'm grinning like a Cheshire cat and really getting up everyone's nose! I can't believe I was chosen for the top 5 last week and I've won top slot this week - maybe my cards aren't so bad after all! Thank you so much for choosing me, girls. It's been such fun to see my card on the side of your blog.

We went to see the new Harry Potter film last night. Magical or what. I find myself living in that world, I absolutely love it. They've changed things a bit from the book which I don't really like but the film's still great and the special effects are amazing. Suzanne wept buckets! If you're a Harry P fan like us, you've got a real treat in store.

Well, I'm working on an altered paper bag at the moment but I'll have to save it for when there's a Christmas challenge to fit. Then the next PfP challenge is the lovely Helen's colours of Ruby and Gold. They speak to me of Christmas....

See you all soon.

Lynne.x

Passion for Promparkers Challenge

2009-07-13T14:40:00.009+01:00

Good evening everyone

Hope you've all spotted my wee blinkie on the sidebar! I was awarded this for having my card chosen by Caryn as one of her top 5 in last week's PfP Challenge. I was so chuffed, I can tell you. I've never shut up. This is just as good as winning the prize!

I know I'm a bit like the coo's tail - always last, hence I'm rather late with this challenge again. This is my entry for this week's Passion for Promarkers Challenge, which is cocoa and cornflower blue with the added option of using the sketch. It was a bit hard fitting the image on because he's quite big but I've managed it. I've been waiting all week for this wee chap to come through my letterbox - I thought he would be ideal for this week's colours. He is my prize from the Charisma Cards Craft Challenge. He's a little cutie and he arrived just in time for me to get the card made. I can see we are going to get along together very well!

Enough blethering then - here's my card before it's too late:

And my recipe:

Image - Quentin by Little Lovins (Rubber Necker Stamp Company)

Papers: Basic Grey - I liked the paper at the back because it looked like little lassoos!

Card: Coredinations which I've distressed a bit
Promarkers:
Cocoa and Cinnamon
Cornflower Blue and Blue Pearl
Moss Green
Satin, Blush and Dusky Pink
Gold and Saffron
Brown ribbon: Hobbycraft

Sentiment: computer generated
Tools: Cuttlebug and Tiny Bubbles embossing folder.

I tried very hard to get a little cowboy hat - even visited Hobbycraft - but to no avail. Plenty of bags, tutus and sparkly shoes but very little boys' stuff. Never mind, hope you like it.

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.

Winter Wonderland

2009-07-07T20:46:00.010+01:00

Hi folks

Just been watching the Michael Jackson Memorial Service on tele. Oh my, how sad was that? I don't know why I put myself through these things - I've been weeping buckets. I can't bear watching people being upset. How brave was Jermaine? And that poor wee Paris obviously loved her dad to bits. He was the same age as me - I feel like I've grown up with people like him and Donny Osmond and David Cassidy. I can't get my head around the fact that he's actually dead. I know we still have his music but there was much more to him than that, although he made fabulous music and I loved it. Most people don't know about all the other things he did. I feel so sad and boy, am I going to miss that smile.

Goodness only knows what happened to my last challenge - I thought I could enter it for three challenges but where I got the idea I could enter it for A Spoonful of Sugar I don't know. I thought it was summer but it turned out to be something like ribbons and bows! I think I've got a void where there's supposed to be a brain. Never mind, I enjoyed making the card and my mother liked it well enough.

This is my entry for this week's Winter Wonderland which is Christmas Past - I know 'cos I've double checked. I love this image; my daughter bought me it a couple of years ago and it's exactly my idea of what Santa should look like - all olde worlde, kind and smiley. I love the way he peers over his glasses and his eyes twinkle. This challenge is your own idea of Christmas Past or nostaliga, so I can't really go wrong this time, can I? I know I'm definitely a more is more kind of person when it comes to embellishments but I've kept this card quite plain because I wanted Santa to stand out. I've put some diamond glaze on his specs to make them look real - I think you might just be able to see it in the photo.

Hope you like him.

Card Recipe:

Image: Rubber Stampede (I don't think it has a name)
Coloured with Water colour pencils and loads of stickles
Paper: Crafts House Plum Pudding - Marzipan
Card: QVC Christmas pack
Gold mirri card: Tesco, kids section
Brad: Dovecraft
Ribbon, Gems and Charm: Stash
Stickles: Frosted lace and red
Diamond glaze
Tools: Cuttlebug, Swiss dots embossing folder

Off to watch some more Michael. Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.

Challenge combo

2009-07-05T13:48:00.010+01:00

Well, I've had quite a quiet weekend. Had to have a sickie on Friday - had an awful headache all night, didn't get much sleep and wasn't worth a sook in the morning. I'm feeling better now but just took it easy for a couple of days. We went to Dunfermline on Saturday but it was very hot which doesn't help the old head so we didn't stay long. It's such a beautiful town. If you ever get the chance to visit do try the Abbot's House for tea and cakes. It's near the Abbey (obviously - being the Abbot's House!), a wee pink house at the back of the high street. It's a suntrap and when you have your tea outside in the gardens all the wee birds come down and hop around. It's absolutely gorgeous. We didn't go yesterday, I was so disappointed so we'll go back just for the cakes.

I've made this card for my mum's birthday on Monday. I can enter it for 3 challenges:
A Spoonful of Sugar which is "summer" and I've got my Sugar Nellie image on there. Passion for Promarkers which is Poppy and Moss Green this week and the optional is something yummy. I've got apples here so I think that qualifies for the optional bit as well. I hope I'm not too late for this one - it changes tomorrow. I've used the sketch from Truly Scrumptious this time. It was a lovely sketch, all the elements fitted together really well. I added an extra flower; hope that's ok! I've done the optional bit here as well which is to use your neglected stash. I've got so much of this, it's not a problem. My papers are so old I can't remember where they came from. I seem to think they might be from a QVC Christmas pack but there is no clue on the back so my mind's a bit of a blank (nothing new there!) Suzanne got the flowers last Christmas; they are by Bo Bunny and she didn't like them so she shared them with me. I think now she sees them on a card she might like them more. Also, I used my little label Nesties for the sentiment which I've had for a while but never used. Finally, the cardstock is from a QVC pack from almost 3 years ago. I think that all qualifies for neglected stash.

Inside:

Here's my card recipe:

Image: Sugar Nellie - Picking Apples
Coloured with Pro Markers:
Skin: blush/satin;
Clothes, apples, hat, grass/moss/apple/poppy;
Flowers: blue pearl/cornflower;
Hair: gold/pastel yellow
Basket: spice/coral
Papers: Sorry - they are so neglected I've no idea where they are from
Cardstock: QVC
Flowers: Bo Bunny and from stash
Charm/Spacer/Brads/Chain: From stash
Ribbon: Dovecraft
Sentiment: Computer generated
Tools: Cuttlebug and Swiss dots folder
That horrible Fiskars punch that's supposed to emboss as well.

That's about it, I think.

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.

Guess what? I've won!

2009-07-04T16:35:00.004+01:00

I couldn't believe it yesterday when I was looking at the comments on my blog. The girls at Charisma Cards had left me a message to let me know I was a winner on their last challenge. Just after I wrote in my last post that the only thing I've ever won is a bottle of vodka, the very next day I get a message to say I've won something else. How cool is that? I knew those little elephants were going to be lucky!

My prize is any stamp or stamp set from the Rubbernecker stamp company. Of course, I couldn't make my mind up - I was on the website for about 3 hours before I finally decided on a little cowboy - Quentin. We don't have many boy stamps so I'm looking forward to him coming to live at our house.

Thanks to the Charisma girls for running the challenge and to Rubbernecker for the prize.

See you all soon with a card, got a bit more time now that I'm not watching so much tennis - boo hoo.

Lynne.

Two Firsts

2009-07-01T22:01:00.008+01:00

Hello, all you good people. I expect you have all got sunshine whereveryou are. In true Scottish style, we've had thunder and torrential rain here today. Mind, it's got to be better than the damp, hangy, foggy stuff we've had for about the last week. Didn't seem to be able to make up it's mind what it wanted to do at all until it poured down but we've had a bit of everything, except sunshine that is!

I think I've just about recovered from 8 hours on my feet at the Take That concert last week and then another 6 hours tramping about at the Royal Highland Show on Sunday. I have to say, I'd stand for 80 hours for Gary and the boys but I'm definitely getting a bit old for this lark. Next time, I'm sitting! The Highland Show was good but it's a bit of a tramp. By the time we got back to the car, I had to ask if someone would like to drag my other leg in for me. I didn't think it was going to make it - it was dead on the end of my body!

I've done this card for a friend at work who's in-laws are celebrating 40 years of marriage. It's a bit weddingy (if there's such a word) but I quite like it. If she doesn't like it, she doesn't have to give them it. It can go in for Papertake Weekly which is Dawny P's sketch. I love her blog, she's dead funny and so down to earth and her sketches are absolutely fab. I've been using them a lot but this is the first time I've entered the challenge. It can also go in for Stamp Something which is embellishments this week. I quite like embellies, in case you hadn't noticed. This card has ribbon, lace, flowers and pearls on it and just for good measure I used glittered paper as well. I've never entered Stamp Something before, either so 2 new challenges for me this time.

Suzanne gave me the image. She won it in a challenge and I had my eye on it. Since I've never won anything in my life apart from a bottle of vodka (which went down very well), I think she took pity on me and gave me it.

Inside:

The other side is just an oval nestie cut with green and cream cardstock with Happy Anniversary on it.

Here's my recipe:
The image is a Miss Anya but I don't know which one, sorry
Coloured with Watercolour pencils
Kay and Company Wedding Romance Glitter Paper
Coredinations Cardstock
Lawrence Llewelyn Bowen Renaissance Collection Lace
Kanban Pearls
Flowers and ribbon from Hobbycraft - I curled the wee stalk thingies around a pencil

Tools: Cuttlebug; Swirls Embossing Folder
Computer generated sentiment - French Script font
Fiskars Threading Water Punch

I hope it's not too weddingy.

Will try to get something done tomorrow because I definitely won't get much done on Friday since I will be watching the tennis. C'mon Andy!!!

Lynne.

New Baby Card

2009-06-26T22:15:00.013+01:00

Ha, a different title! Hope I find you all well. I can't believe it's been over a week since I made a card. I've been a bit tired this week so I haven't been doing much, just coming in and doing the dreaded h*******k, watching the football when it's been on and a bit of tennis. Couldn't really be bothered doing much else but I have been having a good trawl through all your blogs and admiring all your fabby creations.

I don't get a chance to make a new baby card very often, but can you believe we've had 2 new baby boys, both born during June to people at work. They're like buses, you don't get one for ages and then 2 come together!

Here's my effort. I can enter this for Sketch and Stash which I'm really enjoying. I really like the sketches and you're supposed to use a bit of your neglected stash so it makes you use stuff you've had stuck away for ages. I bought this stamp at a craft fair last year and I think it's lovely but it's never been used. The option this time is to use animal stuff. When I did a lot of scrapbooking I bought loads of these little corners and never used them but I think they look really nice on cards as well. I've gone back to my Distress Inks for this one for a change because I haven't used them for a while either. I've just bought the flowers and ribbon so they're my new bit.

I'm going to enter this one into Charisma Challenges as well. I saw this when I was doing a bit of a blog hop earlier on. There isn't a theme this time, so unless I'm missing the point you just seem to do what you like, as long as you use a stamped image.

In case you can't see it clearly the message on the front reads; "and then... there were three" and inside: "Congratulations on your new arrival". Sorry, it's not very clear.

And the inside (sorry about the photo, Suzanne really does need to improve her photographic skills!):

This is my card recipe:
Image: Little Claire's clear stamp "Are We There Yet?"
Papers: Nitwits Collection - Little Boy Joy
Backing paper: Craftwork Cards paper strips
Distress Inks: Weathered Wood, Spiced Marmalade, Pine Needles
Greeting: Computer generated
Lace Corners: Dress It Up Memory Mates
Pearls: Kanban
Ribbon: Hobbycraft
Flowers: Craft at Home and punched
Brads: Making Memories

Tools: Daisy punch

Think it's going to be wet here this weekend so nothing new there then. Seems like the west coast is getting the best of the weather. Won't bother me - can't be bothered doing much anyway so I'm going to continue to be a right old misery!

Have a good one.

Lynne.

Three Challenge Card

2009-06-19T13:17:00.007+01:00

Hi folks

I really must think of a different title! Hope you are all well. Haven't managed to do an awful lot this week, despite being off work. That's what happens when you spend the time in crafts shops and not crafting.

I've made this card for three challenges: Whiff of Joy, Winter Wonderland and Sketch and Stash. WOJ is paper piecing (I haven't done this before), Winter Wonderland is Snow (I absolutely love Christmas so snow should be easy enough) and Sketch and Stash which is to use the sketch and a piece of new stash (I used my new water colour pencils - I'm adding to my collection bit by bit) and although the swirly ribbon isn't just bought, I've never used it before. The sketch was a dream to work with, by the way. I really liked it.

Card Recipe:
Image: Herb by WOJ coloured with watercolour pencils
Papers: Paper Adventures - Holiday Joy Blue Swirl
Small piece of velum with snowflake paper behind (sorry, you can't see the snowflakes on the photo)
Blue cardstock: Coredinations
Silver mirri card from the kids section at Tesco
Swirly Ribbon: Papermania
Gems: Kanban
Snowflakes: Kay and Company
Silver Stickles
Tools: Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots Folder (for the vellum)

I haven't managed to do the inside yet because I finished this at 1.20 am this morning so I wasn't going to start on the inside at that time. I wanted to get the card done to meet the challenge deadlines and I might not get time tomorrow since we're visiting some boys called Take That - just in case I haven't told you all 50 times already! Am I excited like a kid or what?

In case you are interested in some new images you might not already have, my daughter, Suzanne, is giving away a lovely image folder, packed with images. You can find her blog here if you want to enter.

Thanks for dropping by and for all the lovely comments you've been leaving.

Lynne.x

Three Challenge Card

2009-06-16T23:19:00.011+01:00

Hi everyone

You wouldn't believe the fuss in our house this week. The Take That tickets hadn't arrived and the concert's this Saturday. I was getting a bit paranoid because Sarah's tickets are here; she's standing but we have to sit because Jack is too young to go on the pitch area. I can't believe Tickemaster leave it so late. Anyway, they came this morning (I nearly kissed the postman, poor soul) so all's well, I suppose. I am annoyed though because all this stress can be avoided. I even had to make a card to aleviate the anxiety!

This my entry for the Penny Black Birthday Challenge and also for Friday Sketchers Wk 56. I think I can also enter it for the Simon Says Challenge for their birthday. I don't think I've done Friday Sketchers before but I thought this sketch was a lovely one to work with. They've got an archive of past sketches for inspiration so I'm going to have a look.

Card Recipe:
Image: Penny Black
Tiny butterfly: Whiff of Joy
Both images coloured with Water Colour Pencils
Greeting: Pixie Curlz Alphabet Set
Coredinations Cardstock
Kay and Company Brenda Walton Papers: Antique Floral Vines and Emma Floral Pattern

Flowers punched with medium and small daisy punches with paper strips from Craftwork Cards
Brads and antique lace from stash
I used my new fern punch behind the flowers - I can take it off my wish list now although it's not punching very well
Fiskars Daisy Punch (it's supposed to emboss as well but it's rubbish so you can't see it)
Oval Nesties cut in the Cuttlebug

I did a bit to the inside but it's quite plain - I was having a bit of a faff with the Cuttlebug so I kind of gave up in the end.

It's still raining here by the way. Supposed to be drier for a day and then raining again. Bet it pours down on Saturday.

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.

2 in 1 Challenge

2009-06-13T15:52:00.014+01:00

Hi folks

Hope you are all well. It's miserable here - hope the weather's a bit better where you are. We were taking the kids fishing yesterday. They needed new nets so off we went to the shops. Out they came with their nets and down came the rain! You should have seen the wee one's face. How do you explain to a 2 year old that immediately granny gets some time off you can expect the monsoon season? He demanded soft play instead so away they went. I don't do soft play so I came home to finish my card. We tried the fishing again today and the sun was blazing down, then came home late afternoon to thunderstorms!

I haven't managed to make many cards this week; we've been really busy at work and I've been a bit bushed by the time I get in. Then there's been Springwatch to keep up with so I haven't had a lot of time. However, I'm off next week and if the weekend's weather is anything to go by, I won't get out much so I might get a bit more done.

This is a 2 in 1 challenge. I thought I was dead clever getting 2 or 3 challenges out of each card; I haven't really got time to make a separate card for each challenge I would like to enter. Then Suzanne saw someone who did a 10 in 1. Honestly, 10 in 1! I don't know how they get their heads around them when there's that much to think about. Anymore than 3 and my head's mince!

This card's for this week's Passion for Promarker Challenge which is a Pumpkin and Cinnamon colour combo and I can combine it with this week's C.R.A.F.T. Challenge which is a recipe: 3 flowers, 2 papers and 1 ribbon. It's the first time I've done a recipe and I really enjoyed it. I didn't think I would be able to stick to three flowers but I managed it fine in the end.

I edged the image with distress ink. It's the first time I've done this and although I can see it's far from perfect yet, I'll persevere because it's a technique I'm definitely going to use again. I used a tutorial from the Just Magnolia Challenge Blog which Kim kindly provided. Thank you Kim. The instructions were very clear and helpful. If you haven't seen Kim's work, please take a look; it's beautiful.

Here's my card:

Card Recipe:
Farmer Tilda by Magnolia. The fence is from a farmyard set by Kars (Ollyfant stamps)
Promarkers:
Saffron & Pumpkin - Scarf
Blush & Satin - Skin
Safron - Wings
Spice, Coral, touch of Cinnamon- Hair
Pumpkin - Blouse
Cinnamon and Spice - Dungaree straps and bottoms
Saffron/Pumpkin - Dungaree pocket
Cinnamon - Dungarees
Coral & Spice - Boots
Apple and Limegreen - Grass
Touches of Spice, Coral, Cinnamon and Pumpkin - Fence
White Sakura Gellyrol pen for highlights
Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink
Papers - My Minds Eye Bloom and Grow
Coredinations Cardstock
Selection of brads, flowers, spacers, charm, pin and curly thingie from stash
Ribbon from Hobbycraft (it's dark brown, honest, not black)
Inside: Fiskers Border Punch
Oval Nesties cut on Cuttlebug

What a long list - must be all those Promarkers! I've never used a Promarker blending pen but I saw the great tutorial and now that I can see what to do with it, I might buy one to try it out.

Inside:

That's it for now. Thanks for dropping by. I'm having a bit of a blog hop this week. I've been keeping my eye on what you've all been up to but hoping I'll be able to get around to leaving some more comments.

Lynne.

New WOJ/Elisabeth Bell Wedding and Baby Collection

2009-06-13T09:18:00.002+01:00

I have just popped on to tell you about these gorgeous new stamps which are being released on 14/06. If you visit the DT members then you can see some lovely cards made with them. Also, if you pop over to Katharina's blog then you have the chance to win somke of them and also see the whole collection.

There is a link in my side bar to take you straight to the store to buy these or any of the other gorgeous stamps by this company. Or, click HERE!

I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Lynne.

C.R.A.F.T. & Creative Inspirations Challenges

2009-06-07T21:10:00.010+01:00

Well, I was pleasantly surprised at the Artstamps for Scotland Exhibition. Last year was a dead loss but this year was a dramatic improvement. There wasn't an awful lot we hadn't seen before but it's nice to actually see things before you buy them and it makes a change to buying things off the internet all the time. Mind you, I don't think you can beat Once Upon A Stamp for Nesties. We get all ours from them. No p & p costs either - I ordered new ones on Wednesday and they came on Saturday which isn't bad considering I ordered one unmounted stamp from another very well known stamp company at the same time and paid £1.95 p & p (for one very small stamp!) and both packages were delivered at exactly the same time.

I had to make a boy's card this week for my nephew's birthday. This was a double challenge for me since I don't have a happy time with male cards and it was the wrong shape into the bargain. I got this image from Kerry's blog. She does really different stuff and she has some great images which she doesn't mind you downloading, providing you link back to her blog. Thanks, Kerry. I think this guy's dead cool (check out his legs!). Our Kim used him for a card before and I was dying to try him out. The challenges I'm entering are both to use blue and brown which I thought was good for male cards and I've had this little scrap of striped paper for about 6 or 7 years (no kidding, that's how mean I am - I don't chuck anything out!)) so away I went. I coloured it with my Promarkers. I'm trying to get plenty of practice in because I love using the pens but I'm not that experienced with them yet. I'm a bit annoyed with myself because I've missed the Passion for Promarkers Challenge this week, but I'm in plenty of time for the new one. I'm entering this card for the C.R.A.F.T. Challenge which I've entered before (blue and brown male card) and the Creative Inspirations Challenge (brown and blue) which is a new one for me.

Card Recipe:
Image: Digi Download from Kerry
I'm sorry I've had the paper so long, I've no idea what make it is.
The cardstock is Coredinations: Brown and 2 shades of blue
Message: Computer Generated - "Hey Dude - Have a Super Cool Birthday"
Musical Notes: Made with Cuttlebug with gold mirri card
Promarkers and white gel pen
Fiskars Threading Water Punch
Deckle Edged Scissors
Woodware Corner Rounder Punch

Inside:

Hope you like it.

Lynne.

An Award!

2009-06-07T19:33:00.004+01:00

I've received an award from my bloggy friend, the lovely Helen. Thank you so much, Helen. I love your blog and I'm very proud to pick up this award.

Lynne

Secret Crafter Challenge

2009-06-04T19:39:00.006+01:00

Hi everyone

Been a bit lazy this week - too much time in front of the telly watching the birdies on Springwatch. Everything's happening out there in the garden. The starlings and sparrows are bringing their fledglings to get fed, they're eating me out of house and home. It doesn't matter how many times I see it, I always love watching them.

This is the first card I've made since Sunday. I thought I would have a go at the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge which is pink, turquoise and a hint of brown. Got quite a lot of brown in here but I think it might be ok. Also I think it should be alright for Allsorts Challenge Blog Wk 3 which is Curly Swirly since my paper is all swirly. I did some stamped swirls on the inside but when I put the nesties oval on, it's ended up looking like some kind of strange winged animal thingie! Never mind, it's a swirl.

Inside:

Card Recipe:

Image: Sarah Kay - My Sweet Lili
Coloured with watercolour pencils
Papers: Basic Grey Eva
Cardstock Papermania
Flowers punched with Daisy Punch
Brads from stash
Anitas ribbon

Tools:
Cuttlebug
Oval nesties
Inkadinkadoo flourish stamps
Fiskars Threading Water punch

I'm off to the Artstamps show on Saturday. Hope it's a sight better than last year, otherwise I'll be looking for a refund on the entry money!

Don't think I'll get another one made before the weekend, so have a good one.

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.

I am editing this post because I can't believe that I forgot to enter this card for the challenge over at Sketch Saturday Challenge Blog. It's their birthday this week and all the DT are giving away a fab candy as well as the usual Saturday Challenge prize. It was another of Jo's fab sketches. So, please excuse my being so silly. I would blame it on getting older and being more tired but I think it's more to do with my daughter rushing me when she's helping me with the posting!

Lynne.

Promarker Challenge Blog Wk 1

2009-05-31T10:30:00.008+01:00

I know I have a passion for paper and glue. Any normal person can understand that. Daughter No 2, Erin, has a passion for shoes. She came in on Friday night having been shopping with the last of her birthday money. I don't know quite how far she thinks this birthday money stretches but she's managed to buy quite a lot with it! In she came with a pair of black thingies with platform soles and 5" heels. I have to say, they're quite amazing. I was frightened to ask how much they cost. How she's going to manage to walk in them I don't know. Considering the fact that she's already nearly 5' 10 and a 1/2", I had to point out they will make her over 6'3. She just nodded. When she meets Mr Right (or Mr Alright as cynical old me calls him), he'll have to be blooming tall!

This is my entry for the new Promarker Challenge. I'm still getting used to the pens but I enjoyed having a shot and I'm quite pleased with the end result. We really like these Miss Anya stamps but we don't have any yet so our lovely bloggy friend Helen sent my daughter, Suzanne, some stamped images and Suzanne gave me a couple. I'm a bit like a wee squirrel for hoarding so I've been hiding them away for a special occasion and none better than this since Helen, clever girl that she is, has been chosen for the design team for the new Promarker challenge blog. Suzanne and I are so proud of her. You can see Helen's work here. Do give her a visit - her work is ab. fab.

I used Basic Grey Sultry papers and Sweet Pea Sprout Cardstock
Plain white cardstock for mounting
Promarkers:
Apple, Limegreen
Coral, Spice
Blossom, Pastel Pink, Blush Pink, Ivory
Gems are Kanban
Lace from Hobbycraft
Tools: Cuttlebug and Oval Nesties
Fiskars Punch

Inside:

I haven't put a sentiment on yet because I might keep it for my friend, Teresa's birthday, so I'll personalise it. She's a real shopaholic so it will suit her nicely.

I quite liked the lace until our Jack asked me if it was knicker elastic!!!

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.

Just Magnolia Challenge Week 4 - Lets Get In Shape

2009-05-26T21:27:00.009+01:00

Hi everyone. Hope you are all well. I'm doing a late post tonight as I've been so engrossed in Springwatch. Peace and quiet for my family - I won't budge off the couch for the next 3 weeks!

I did this card a couple of days ago for the Just Magnolia Challenge. I found it quite difficult - way out of my comfort zone which is the usual square card. However, I did stick with it until I'd produced something different. I didn't have a template big enough for an actual card, so I had to use a piece of an old card to draw around for the frame. Hope it looks ok.

Card Recipe:
The image is Magnolia Patch Tilda
I coloured her with Promarkers
The cardstock is Papermill with some Coredinations to back Tilda onto
The flowers are Prima from a Christmas bauble
Lavendar Stickles
Papermania ribbon and brad
Kanban self adhesive gems

I didn't really mean to make a brown and lavendar card when I started out, it just kind of ended up that way. At least it's not square! The flower and butterflies are more sparkly and glitzy than they look on the photo but that's photos for you.

I didn't do an inside to this card because I had such a job with the front I was a bit sick of it to be honest. I'm not really that enamoured with it. I can see I'll have to get a lot more practice in with different shaped cards.

Thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.

Two Challenge Baby Card

2009-05-25T19:13:00.008+01:00

Just back from our weekly jaunt to Tesco. I don't know where the best part of a hundred quid goes but I seem to be able to spend it alright. I must have been having a right old nark because my daughter promptly told me that if I'd spent it in the craft shop I wouldn't be moaning! I thought I'd better give it a rest.

I've made this card for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge which is New Beginnings and also for C.R.A.F.T. Challenge #1 which is something new. A girl at work is expecting a baby boy so it was an ideal opportunity to get on with her card. I've also made her some thank you cards as a wee present but I haven't photographed them yet.

The inside is quite plain:

The image is by Dimension Fourth
I coloured it with Distress Inks
Papers are PSX and Cardstock is Coredinations
I punched the flowers with the Daisy Punches
Ribbon, brads, pram charm and jump rings are from my stash
Sentiment is computer generated

Thanks for looking.

Lynne.

3 Challenge Combo Card

2009-05-20T21:24:00.009+01:00

Hi everyone

I hope everyone is having a good week. If you are anything like me most of it is taken up with work but the weekend is not too far away now. It has been raining here again but today is nicer and it is supposed to be drier at the weekend. Well, we'll see...it is Scotland after all!

Got myself in a bit of a tizz with this card. I got the finishing dates mixed up and then thought I still had a couple of days left. Then the camera wouldn't work so I ended up short of time after all. Never mind, it's done now so here it is. I'm entering this card for 3 challenges: Just Magnolia week 5 - A Little Sketch which is a lovely sketch by Naoual. Thank you, Naoual. I can also enter it for A Spoonful of Sugar which is any kind of celebration card and Secret Crafter which is glitter.

The image is a Magnola Tilda Christmas image but I just lopped the ivy off her hair. She is holding a Christmas heart ornament but I quite like that so I just usually leave it on. It doesn't look very Christmassy.

Recipe:
Magnolia Christmas Tilda
Coloured with Distress Inks, Stickles and a touch of Cosmic Simmers
The papers are The Paper Company Spring range glitter papers
Coredinations Cardstock
The flowers are Impex
Sentiment is Hampton Art - Creative Cafe
Gems from stash

Inside:

Same papers and cardstock as front of card with a stamped flourish.

Tools:
Cuttlebug; Labels One;
Flourish stamp
EK Success Flourish Punch

I really enjoyed these challenges so I hope you like the card. Thanks for looking.

Lynne.

New Challenge Blog - The Next Level

2009-05-18T20:26:00.003+01:00

Evening everyone

I just wanted to let you all know about a new challenge blog that is starting called The Next Level. You don't have to use any particular brands for these challenges and it's being set up as an informative type of blog so crafters can learn from each other. It will have a small design team to start with but the creators will be asking other people to join in as guest designers along the way. I think it sounds like a great idea and there's some great candy on offer too.

The only other thing is that you need to become a follower of the new blog to qualify to win the candy. Easy peasy!

Lynne.

The Sugar Bowl Challenge Blog - A Sketch by Marlene

2009-05-17T15:44:00.006+01:00

Hi everyone

Hope you are all well and having a nice weekend. It's been a bit of a mixed bag here in terms of the weather. Nice one minute, pouring down the next. The computer's still playing up, despite having a fair amount of money spent on it so I hope it holds up long enough for me to post this card for the Sugar Bowl Challenge. I liked this sketch by Marlene a lot. I thought there was enough on it already by the time I had the buttons on so I didn't put anything else on except the spacer, brad and charm on the flower.

I've had this stamp for a wee while. I got a few stamps bought for me at the one time and I haven't had a chance to use her before today. I really like her so I hope it won't be too long before she's out of the box again.

I have done the inside but it's quite plain because there wasn't much paper left and it's a bit glary on the photo so I haven't bothered to show it this time.

Card Recipe:

Stamp: Sugar Nellie - Rope Swing
Coloured with Distress Inks and Cosmic Shimmers
Papers are Basic Grey and Card is Coredinations
Flower, Spacer, Charm from Stash (flower is Painterly Petals, if that helps)
Buttons are Making Memories
Brad is Papermania
Lace from Hobbycraft
Tools: Cuttlebug; Swiss Dots embossing folder; Woodware corner punch

That's about it.

Can't combine this with any other challenges so I'm off to do my Just Magnolia Challenge card and have a bit of a blog hop. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks for dropping by.

Lynne.

Just Magnolia Challenge Week 4 - In Stitches

2009-05-11T21:06:00.007+01:00

Evening all,

Hope you are all ok. Haven't managed to post anything for a couple of days, unfortunately. Have been having a very silly time with the computer again. Every time I go on the blogs the blooming thing won't load up. I don't seem to have this problem on other sites, just on the blogs. It driving me nuts.

Anyway, we've been a bit worried about our dog and we've had to take her to the vet so this is the first chance I've had to put anything on. I made this card last night for the Just Magnolia challenge. It's only the second time I've sewn a card and I'm still not that great at it. I had a couple of goes at this one; it's not bad but could have been better, I think. Sewing a card is not easy, is it? The overall effect seems to be ok, though. Tilda is looking as pretty as ever isn't she and that's the main thing.

The inside photo is a bit far away but this is it anyway:

Card Recipe:

Stamp: Patch Tilda and Bench - I stamped Tilda and then masked her and stamped the Bench
Papers: Nitwits Collections and Coredinations cardstock
Tilda is coloured with Promarkers
Sentiment - Creative Cafe from Hampton Art
Buttons from stash
Fiskars punch

Thanks for dropping by and for all the lovely comments you have all been leaving. I really appreciate them all.

Lynne.x

3 Challenge Combo Card

2009-05-07T21:06:00.010+01:00

Good evening everyone. Hope you've all had a good few days. The weather's been pretty bleak here. The wind's blowing a gale and it's really quite chilly. Now to cap it call, it's started to pour down. Haven't been feeling that great the last couple of days so it's been a while since I've posted anything. I've tried to combine a few challenges with this new card but I must admit I find that a bit of a challenge in itself!

It's my younger daughter Erin's birthday tomorrow. She's a very good card maker herself, so I have to make a decent job of her birthday card. I bought this stamp a while ago with her birthday in mind - it's Claudia from Sugar Nellie. I think she's devine - so slim and elegant. She reminded me immediately of my daughter.

I think I can enter this card for 3 challenges: Colour Create which is Red, Cream and Chocolate; A Spoonful of Sugar which is Touchy Feely - I've got velvet flowers and that funny ribbony stuff across the middle and silky satin on my other ribbon. I hope that's enough touchy feely. I think I can also enter Secret Crafter Saturday which is flowers. I've got flowers inside and on the front of the card. I hope this all counts!

This is Claudia:

Card Recipe:
Inktense Watercolour Pencils to colour Claudia
Cosmic Shimmers for her scarf and jewellery.
Nestabilities Labels One run through the Cuttlebug to mount image
Ribbon, pin, brads and gems from stash
I don't know what that stuff across the middle is called - I got it from Hobbycraft
The flowers were puched with my daisy punches again
The sentiment is a Hampton Art clear stamp from a sentiment set
The red paper is Basic Grey and the brown paper is Fancy Pants Antique - I used the back of this for the flowers as well since they were quite dark being red and brown
Cardstock is Coredinations

Inside:

I hope you like my card. Thanks for taking the time to look.

Lynne.

Just Magnolia Challenge Week 3 - A sketch for you

2009-05-03T21:00:00.007+01:00

This week the Just Magnolia Challenge is a sketch by the delightfully talented Bev. I'm a great fan, so I was really excited when she started producing sketches. Thank you Bev, this was a great sketch to work with; I just hope I've done it justice!

The papers look quite pale on the photograph. They are very pink and girly but do show up a bit better on the actual card.

And the inside:

Card Recipe:

Image - Tilda with flower
I used Distress Inks to colour
The papers are Nitwits Collection - Cotton Candy Kisses
The flowers are punched from velvet paper and from stash
Papermania brads, spacers, dangly, corner and pearls from stash
Swirls in corners were made in the cuttlebug

Tools:
Cuttlebug
Fiskars daisy embossing punch

Hope you like it.

Lynne.

Whiff of Joy Challenge 28 - Stars & Stripes

2009-05-01T21:59:00.000+01:00

Whiff of Joy Challenge 28 - Stars & Stripes

Well, I've made my card in plenty of time for this week's Whiff of Joy Challenge. Didn't want to be late again! I've had a busy few days at work, mind you we're always busy so not much change there then. Then my son phoned to ask if I would try to get tickets for Take That for his fiancee. Needless to say when I got Sarah's tickets I ended up getting tickets for everyone - I can't wait!!!

Anyway, this is Oakley sitting on his treestump. I've tried this wee chap a few times before with distress inks and I didn't think they worked although I really love colouring with them. So, this time I used the Pro Markers which I'm still experimenting with and I think they work a lot better on this image. I'm not great at boys cards but I like them to have a bit of glitz because their papers are often quite dark so I dabbed some stickles on the stars to liven it up a bit.

This is one side of the inside but no matter how many times we tried it just wasn't possible to get a decent picture of the other side so I haven't bothered to show it. It was stripes with some stars and spots. with a space for a greeting. Quite nice really but not photogenic!

This is the card recipe:

Whiff of Joy Willow with Oakley and Whiff of Joy Sentiment
Papermania Papers
Cardstock from stash
Gold Stickles
Threading Water punch from Fiskars
Pro Markers:
Saffron; Coral; Pastel Yellow; Cornflower; Blue Pearl; Spice; Cinnamon; Cool Aqua; Lime Green;
Peach watercolour pencil for skin.

It's been raining here in Edinburgh today but it's supposed to cheer up tomorrow. I'll be watching my beloved Celtic so whatever you're doing I hope you have a great Saturday. I'll be doing my usual rounds looking for all your lovely cards.

Lynne.x

Cute Card Thursday

2009-04-29T18:40:00.000+01:00

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 57 - Getting Edgy

I had intended to enter the Whiff of Joy Challenge again this week but I was too late. I think I've spent too much time walking along the canal looking at the Moorhen chicks. They are lovely but the time passes so quickly when you are having fun!

Anyway, this card will do very niceley for Cute Card Thursday which I was intending to enter anyway. It asks for distressed, sanded or sewn edges. I've never sewn a card before so this is new for me.

The image is Willow with basket of flowers by Whiff of Joy
I used Distress Inks to colour with a touch of gel pen for the flowers
The DPs are Blue Awning by Kay & Company
I made the flowers from felt with the Cuttlebug
Brads and ribbon are from stash

The picture of the inside wasn't very good so I haven't bothered to show it this time.

Hope I'm a bit more organised next week so I can enter this challenge and the Whiff of Joy!

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has left such lovely comments on my blog. I've been delighted. Kim - I haven't forgotten about my award and I will be passing it on to 8 more people.

Lynne.

Just Magnolia Challenge Week 2

2009-04-26T18:17:00.000+01:00

I enjoyed the Just Magnolia Challenge so much last week, I thought I’d have another go this week...green and pink, I thought, my favourite colour combo. Well, what a palaver! I did it very late last night when I was awful tired and because I was looking at 2 or 3 challenges at the same time, I got myself completely mixed up. I ended up putting the Just Magnolia Challenge, which is to use a Magnolia stamp with a green and pink colour combo, on the Whiff of Joy sketch! What a numpty...that will teach me to read the instructions properly next time.

Never mind. I liked doing these 2 challenges so much last time it looks like I’ll be entering them again this week using the same sketch for both. Hey ho, I don’t suppose it will matter too much.

This is my Just Magnolia entry then.

The inside:

I think this stamp is called Waiting Tilda
I’ve used Distress Inks to colour the image:
Tattered rose for face and hands
Worn Lipstick for clothes
Fired Brick for hearts
Antique Linen and Frayed Burlap for hair
Frayed Burlap for shoes
A mixture of Mustard Seed and Pine Needles for hat
The plain pink paper and green card is from my stash (I think the paper is Bo Bunny)
The DPs are Basic Grey Sultry
Pink flowers from Hobbycraft
Green and pink ribbon and pink pearl from stash

For the inside I used the same papers and card as the front with a smaller image of Tilda and a wee space for a greeting.

Voila!

Lynne.

My First Award

2009-04-25T10:25:00.000+01:00

Ooooh...Kimmi has given me an award! Thanks so much, Kim - I'm delighted.

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award"

I have to pass this award to 8 people. I'll need to have a wee think about this so I'll do another post again later with 8 names of people I admire.

Thanks again, Kim.

Stamp Something Challenge - Yellow, Green and Blue

2009-04-23T20:03:00.000+01:00

I thought I would have a shot at the Stamp Something Challenge which is a colour challenge using yellow, green and blue. I used "Dress Up Maggie" from Sugar Nellie and I coloured her with Pro Markers. I haven't used Pro Markers before so I had to have a bit of pracice but I think it turned out ok. Having said that, I had about 6 attempts!

I used Basic Grey Lily Kate papers and yellow and blue cardstock on the front. It looks a bit purple on the photo but it is blue. I made the flowers using a daisy punch with jewellery spacers and Papermania brads in the middle. I added adhesive gems and lace from my stash along the bottom and a punched a swirl at the side. I put the "Party" sentiment on since Maggie is all dressed up ready to hit the town!

The inside is simple with a wee cut out Maggie and some of the same Lily Kate papers to finish off. Job done.

Lynne.

Penny Black Saturday Challenge #45 - A Sketch

2009-04-21T20:57:00.000+01:00

Oh, my goodness. This is a bit bright, isn't it! I don't think I've made a card as bright as this before - we certainly won't lose this one in the pile. This card is my entry to the Penny Black Saturday Challenge -week 45 - a sketch by Nat. This was a great sketch to follow, I love to use lots of layers.

I bought these papers from Stampaholics in Perth when we visited on Saturday and I was dying to use them. I got the stamps from the Paper Mill shop; they were my bargain (being a canny Scot I've got to have one of those).

I thought there was quite enough going on here without any flowers or ribbons, thanks very much so I just left it quite plain and followed the sketch. I left the inside quite plain as well since the paper is so loud.

Here's the recipe:

Penny Black Garden Friends Clear Stamps
My Minds Eye Bloom and Grow Papers
Orange and Green card from my stash
The sentiment is from the same stamps as is the little butterfly
Distress Inks:
Peeled Paint
Scattered Straw
Spiced Marmalade
Mustard Seed
Tattered Rose

Inside I used the Fiskars Threading Water Punch with the Penny Black ladybird stamp in the corner and a flower from my stash on the other side to finish it off.

Hope you like it.

Lynne.

Just Magnolia! Week 1 - A Sketch For You

2009-04-19T19:15:00.000+01:00

I was really looking forward to posting this card yesterday morning. I had my granddaughter all lined up to help me with the techanical side of things but when we went to log onto the pc, it decided to completely die on us!

I can't believe that after all these weeks of my family nagging me to set up my own blog, the dratted thing decides it doesn't want to do it after all. Here I am then, with my daughter's laptop and let me tell you, me and laptops don't get on. I did wonder what was the matter when I was trying to type the recipe in and nothing was happening. I asked Kimmie what was the matter and she told me I had to use the keyboard for the laptop, not the old pc. D'oh!!! It doesn't help when the laptop is sitting on top of the pc table and we have all this technology all over the place. Anyway, here's the card and the recipe. I really enjoyed making this:

and the inside....

Recipe: Magnolia Tilda with Hearts (coloured with Distress Inks)
Tattered Rose for skin
Worn Lipstick for pinny, socks and ribbon
Antique Linen and Frayed Burlap for dress and shoes
Antique Linen for basket and hair (with Frayed Burlap highlights)

Frosted Lace Stickles for Tilda's wings
Ruby Red Cosmic Shimers for her little hearts
White gelly roll pen for highlights here and there
I used Basic Grey Porcelain papers and the circle at the back was done in the Cuttlebug.
I've had the flowers, brads, lace and the sentiment rub on for a while.

I always decorate the inside of my cards so I just did another little picture of Tilda on a different shape to make it interesting, with a little punched strip at the bottom. I got this hearts punch from Hobbycraft (it was dead cheap; I like to feel I've had value for money!) The other side is a punched strip with the EK Succsss Swirls punch at the top.

I hope you like this card as much as I enjoyed making it.

Lynne.

First post and first ever challenge entry - WOJ Challenge #26

2009-04-17T21:25:00.000+01:00

I don't suppose I am going to be any good at this blogging stuff but, my daughter says that I need my own blog to show my cards off. So, here goes...

This card is my entry to the WOJ challenge this week which is 'Black, White and a splash of one colour accent'. I have used Willow with Umberella coloured with watercoour pencils, Cosmic Shimmers and a white gel pen for highlights. The DP's are ones that I've had for a few years and thought I would never use. I can't remember the name of them now. The flowers are punched from black and lilac velvet paper and the brad in the centre is Papermania. The black ribbon is from my stash as are the silver and purple pins in the ribbon, the jewels round the corner of image and the CS.

I carried the papers over to the inside of the card and edged them with the Flourish punch by EK Success which I got from the Hobby House. Another punched velvet flower and a swirl behind the CS.

Thanks for looking.

Lynne