LakulCards

Happy Birdie

2012-01-30T16:23:00.001Z

After a morning of ironing and bed stripping, I thought is was about time I updated my blog, which is much more fun.

I love how this card turned out. Black, White with a splash of another colour always looks good.

Materials used - A6 card blank, Cricut plus Storybook, Cuttlebug plus Craft Concepts Woodgrain embossing folder, Black cardstock, We R memory Keepers Travel Light papers, Toga Oiseaux stamps, Papermania Alphaminis foam stickers, Buttons and Twine.

Cuttlebug Spot - Make a Box

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000Z

Anyone that knows me well, knows I'm not a sewer but I really enjoyed making these little lavender bags for our challenge at the Cuttlebug Spot this week - Make a box with a little gift inside. I used some plain fabric which I stamped with the script stamp and then made the paper for the box using white embossing powder and assorted stamps plus a bit of Tim Holtz distress ink. The heart topped box from Tags, Bags Boxes was ideal . It did feel very odd not making a card this week, but we'll be back with a Valentine challenge in 2 weeks time, so definitely a card for that.

Materials used - White card stock, Fabric, Cricut plus Tags, Bags, Boxes, Delish script stamp, Assorted heart stamps, Pink Petticoat sentiment stamp, Memento Rhubarb Stalk ink, Tim Holtz Tattered Rose ink, White embossing powder, Ribbon and Charms.

Cuttlebug Spot - Winter Scene

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000Z

Welcome to our first challenge of 2012. Sorry, but I don't have a card for you this week as I'm skiing in La Rosiere in the French Alps. We last visited 8 years ago, when I had the misfortune of breaking 2 ribs on the 1st of my holiday. I just had to settle the score with that slope and thankfully no mishaps this time. I'm sure you'll agree that these photos make a stunning winter scene. I'll be back for our next challenge.

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T21:06:00.001Z

Happy New Year to you all and I hope that 2012 brings you everything you wish for.

Here's the card I made for my hubby this Christmas. When we sign off texts and emails we always put hugs and kisses at the end, so it seemed apt to make a card with Hugs on it. I cut the letters with my Cricut then mounted them onto chipboard for extra dimension, I'm going to submit my card into this weeks challenge over at Less is More challenge, which is "Just One Word".

Materials used - White square card blank, Cricut plus Plantin Schoolbook, Cuttlebug plus Quickutz Polka Dot embossing folder, EK Success Dotted Wave punch, Heart punch, Free papers from Simply Cards and Papercraft magazine, Chipboard, Twine and Stickles.

Happy Christmas everyone

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000Z

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

All the presents are wrapped, the sprouts are peeled and I'm looking forward to spending the day with my lovely hubby and two boys. Hope you all have a great day too xx

Cuttlebug Spot - Santa

2011-12-13T09:00:00.000Z

Christmas is creeping round fast, but thankfully I only have one present left to buy. I'm going to start my wrapping today as all the presents are over my sons bed. Better clear them off, otherwise he'll have nowhere to sleep when he comes home for Christmas.

Our challenge this week over at the Cuttlebug Spot is Santa. I chose this lovely little stamp from Kars. So easy to use, I decided to paper piece him with some scraps from a previous card plus some added glitter. This will be our last challenge for 2011, see you in 2012 for more great challenges and prizes.

Materials used - White square card blank, Red and white cardstock, Paper scraps, Cricut plus Mini Monograms, Cuttlebug plus Polka Dots embossing folder, Kars Santa Claus stamp, Polkadoodles Christmas stamps, White embossing powder, Ribbon and Stickles.

Matthew and Chantelle

2011-12-05T17:02:00.001Z

What a lovely day. My 2nd cousin Matthew married his beautiful bride on Saturday 3rd December. Chantelle looked stunning and of course the groom looked handsome too. They both wanted a Christmas wedding, so the bridesmaids wore red with white muffs, we sang carols at the service, drank mulled wine and winter Pimms and had a Christmas dinner at the wedding breakfast. Julie, Matthew's mum made a zillion mini Christmas cakes for our favours and the tables were decorated with gold twig trees decorated with baubles. Everyone had worked so hard to create their perfect magical day. The only thing missing was snow :)

Materials used - White cardstock, Cuttlebug plus Budding Vine embossing folder, Martha Stewart Monarch Butterfly punch, Glitter, Ribbon and Half Pearls.

Cuttlebug Spot - Scraps

2011-12-02T09:00:00.000Z

Scraps, scraps, scraps - I'm sure we have loads of them, I know I do. I borrowed Tim Holtz's Tattered Florals die ages ago and cut out loads of flowers and then stuck them in a box and didn't do anything with them. So it was time to make use of them along with some embossed frames that were also in the same box. I attached the layers together with a brad, and screwed the whole thing up to give the flower dimension. Join us at the Cuttlebug Spot and show us what you can do with your scraps.

Materials used - Grey Cardstock, Cuttlebug plus Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die and Divine Swirls embossing folder, Cricut plus Accent Essentials, Basic Grey Ambrosia papers, Woodware Jane's Script stamp, White embossing powder, Butterfly punch and Brad.

Cornwall

2011-11-22T15:28:00.001Z

Cornwall is so lovely. Beautiful countryside, peace and quiet. We spent a few days just outside Liskeard with friends in a log cabin. Nice and rustic with a hot tub for chilling in the evenings all washed down with a glass of wine. We visited Port Issac, Padstow, Polperro and Looe, enjoyed some great lunches, pasties and of course cream teas. Well, I didn't because I don't like clotted cream!!

Cuttlebug Spot - Turkey

2011-11-15T09:00:00.000Z

Thanks Jannie for choosing the theme for this weeks challenge at the Cuttlebug Spot, "Something fun with Turkey". I must admit I struggled with this one, but I came up with this card, I hope you like it. I wish all my American friends a great Thanksgiving on Thursday 24th November.

Materials used - White, yellow, brown and kraft card stock, Cricut plus Create a Critter and Stretch your Imagination, Cuttlebug plus Docrafts Petal Power embossing folder, Echo Park - For the Record papers, Assorted scrap rub-ons, EK Success Open Scallop border punch, Versamagic black chalk ink, Glitter and Fibre.

Great Prizes to be won at the Cuttlebug Spot

2011-11-03T10:00:00.000Z

Don't forget to come over and join us at the relaunched Cuttlebug Spot.

Nilda has some great prizes to giveaway including the Cricut cartridges - Groovy Times and Pack you Bags. Our theme this week is "Anything Goes". So, create whatever you want, post to your blog and add your link to our blog. Three random entries will be chosen to receive one of the prizes. Winners will be posted November 15th. Good luck.

Less is More - Stars

2011-11-02T12:51:00.001Z

Why is it that things happen in 3's. 1) leaky radiator pipe, 2) washing machine wouldn't spin and 3) some shoes I ordered were awful!! Thankfully I have a hubby that's good at fixing things, so everything is working now. But I had to send the shoes back :)

I haven't joined in over at Less is More for ages. The theme this week is stars, so here's my card for the challenge. Checkout the blog to see everyone's fantastic designs.

Materials used - White card stock, Cricut plus George, Echo Park Summer Days paper pad, Onefourzero stamp, Glitter and Star gems.

The Cuttlebug Spot is back

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000Z

I can't believe we've had a 6 month break, but it's great to be back playing along with a my Cuttlebug Spot friends. The challenges will now be every 2 weeks and we're going to add some Cricut and stamping to our projects. For our first card, it's Anything Goes. So with Christmas coming up, I thought I'd share these little cards I made with a cute little stamp I bought from a friend. I was going to paper piece the mouse and bauble, but it was so fiddly, I decided to colour with my Promarkers. At Christmas I have so many cards to make, that I kept the layout the same, but just used whatever papers and ribbon I had to hand.

Materials used - 4" square card blanks, Cuttlebug plus Sizzix Phrases, Wishes & Kisses and Snowflakes texture plates, Sizzix Snowflakes embossing folder, Stampendous Max Bobble stamp, Sizzix Oval die, Assorted Promarkers, Papers and ribbon from my stash, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Woodware Tiny Phrases clear stamp and Glitter.

It's getting chilly

2011-10-18T20:47:00.001+01:00

The mornings are getting a bit chipper here. I cycle to work at 6am, so I've really noticed it. Must get the winter woolly's out to keep my handies warm :)

A little bit of colouring and embossing on my card. Love these stamps, you get 4 elegant ladies to play with.

Materials used - A6 card blank, Black and white card stock, Creative Expressions Elegant Ladies, Hero arts Flourish Background, Woodware Jane's Script, Assorted Promarkers, Versamark ink, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Clear embossing powder, Ribbon,

Joshua's 21st Birthday

2011-10-08T09:00:00.000+01:00

Where did those years go?? I can't believe it's our youngest son's 21st birthday on Saturday. He's off to London to spend a few days with friends and meet up with his brother. I'm sure he'll have a great time.

He's not big on cards, so I went for super simple. There are 21 candles on the card. The rest continue inside.

Materials used - Cream and yellow card stock, Cricut plus George, K & Co Hopscotch papers, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Woodware Flowers and Stems clear stamps, X Cut Candle punch and Versamagic Red brick chalk ink.

Sheryl's 50th Birthday

2011-10-06T12:01:00.001+01:00

Not sure my sister would thank me for telling the blogging world how old she is, but I've gone and done it now :) We had a get-together with family and friends just before she was whisked off to Las Vegas to celebrate her special day. Hope you're having a great time Sheryl.

Here's the card I made for her. I couldn't decide whether to go for a massive unsubtle 50 on the front or go girly. You can see what I went for. The background text comes from the book Breakfast at Tiffany's which was made into the film in 1961. The dress outline comes from a birthday card that my sister-in-law received some time ago. I just loved it, so she kindly scanned it and sent it to me. I just tweaked it on my laptop to remove the colour, creating a digital stamp and then printed it onto some 1960's paper.

Materials used - White and black card stock, Yellow Promarker, Woodware Tiny Phrases clear stamps, Fiskars Sentiment border punch, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Glitter Glue, Ribbon and Half Pearls.

Masked Tree

2011-09-26T16:21:00.001+01:00

Here's my first card in a while, can't believe it's been so long since I posted one. I cut out a tree onto scrap paper using my Cricut, then using the whole where the tree was, I attached it to the card using repositionable tape. I lightly inked with green chalk ink and then stamped with a darker green using a script stamp. I do like this technique as it comes out different every time.

Materials used - Cricut plus Wild Card cartridge, Kaisercraft Script and Happy Birthday stamps, Craft and cream card stock, Fiskars Postage Stamp border punch, Versamagic brown and green chalk inks, Twine and a Button.

Malleyrand, France

2011-09-19T12:13:00.001+01:00

No postings for the last couple of weeks, as I've been in France for my holidays. I spent 10 great days walking and cycling with my hubby and 2 great friends Tina and Martin. One of our neighbours - Marcell the cock, decided to wake us every morning between 4 and 5am with his dawn chorus, had a brief pause and then carried on for most of the morning. He's lost his 2 lady friends, so we think he was searching for a new partner. Martin just wanted to put him is a casserole!!

Another Felt Flower Card

2011-08-31T14:39:00.001+01:00

I've been and bought some more felt so I could make some more of these flowers. They are so easy especially if you have a Cuttlebug or similar, but they are just as easy to do by hand. No die for the leaves, so these are hand cut.

Materials used - A6 card blank, Cuttlebug plus Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die, Echo Park Summer Days paper pad, Kaisercraft Script stamp, Fiskars Bracket border punch, Versamagic white chalk ink, Rub on sentiment, Felt, Button and Twine.

Martins 50th

2011-08-25T16:59:00.001+01:00

Here's a card I made for our friend Martin who's joined the 50 club today. He's not bothered about it at all, but after a bit of persuasion from his wife, we are going to celebrate with him on Saturday. Cheers Martin.

Materials used - Cream cardstock, Cricut plus Plantin Schoolbook, K&Co Hopscotch papers, Chipboard, Assorted Versamagic chalk inks, Button, Twine, Brown gel pen, Star punch and Rub-on sentiment.

4 Hearts

2011-08-23T13:16:00.001+01:00

I've just finished my 1st week at my new job at Waitrose. Everyone is so nice and helpful. The problem is, they sell really yummy food, so I can see my purse will be emptied very quickly. Far to many temptations!!

Plain and simple Anniversary card for today with lots of white space.

Materials used - A6 card blank, Basic Grey Ambrosia papers, Fiskars Sentiment border punch, Dovecraft sentiment stamp, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Heart punch, Gem and Ribbon.

Life's a Picnic

2011-08-18T10:00:00.000+01:00

I made this card for my lovely hubbys birthday, which was a couple of weeks ago now. We had a great day, celebrating with a friends and family. The photo was taken on a recent holiday to France where, you've guessed it, we stopped for a picnic.

Materials used - White square card blank, Black cardstock, Free papers, Toga Alphabet stickers, Fiskars Postage Stamp border punch, Black gel pen, Buttons and Thread.

Less is More - One Layer Ink

2011-08-17T09:47:00.001+01:00

I always find the one layer cards over at Less is More hard to do as I have to hold back the urge to add ribbons, buttons, gems etc. I masked off the edges of the card with torn strips of paper. Then using some scrap sponge I lightly inked the edge inside the border. I stamped some flowers, then using a gel pen I popped some dots in the middle of the flowers and added a sentiment. I think I would make the white border smaller next time. It was a nightmare trying to get a photo of this card as the colours are so soft.

Materials used - White square card bank, Hero Arts Patterned Flowers stamp, Woodware Janes Script stamp, Versamagic assorted chalk inks, Memento Rich Cocoa Ink and Brown gel pen.

It's amazing what's on your doorstop.

2011-08-15T09:13:00.001+01:00

Roger got a great cycle ride book for his birthday. Some we had done before but others are new. The ride we choose yesterday, went right from outside our front door, to West Stoke, Funtington, Westbourne, Emsworth, Bosham and back home. But we got side-tracked. When we got to Prinstead we saw a coastal path that looked interesting, so decided to take a detour. It was just fantastic, we followed the path all the way around the coast to Bosham. We didn't even know this path was there and will definitely ride it again. It was just so lovely, the scenery, the weather and it was so peaceful. But, we still have half of the map to do, as we missed it out completely!!

Summer Days

2011-08-05T08:20:00.001+01:00

Blimey, where did that week go and I haven't posted a thing. The weather here has just been so lovely the last few days, that I've been cycling and pottering in the garden, so not much has happened in the card making department. But yesterday it just bucketed down with rain, so to brighten the day I made this paper pieced card using the summer papers from Echo Park.

Materials used - Square card blank,Cuttlebug plus Oval dies and Quickutz Polka Dot embossing folder, Hero Arts Girls stamps, Echo Park Summer Days paper pad, Woodware Janes Script clear stamp, Promarkers, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and Flower Gems.

Whispers again

2011-07-27T12:58:00.001+01:00

Here's another card I made with the lovely Whispers stamp from Penny Black. I used Promarkers this time instead of paper piecing. I'm not much of a colouring person, but I enjoyed doing this one. I really must use my Promarkers more!

Materials used - Green and cream cardstock, Papermania Hampstead papers, Penny Black Whispers stamp, Woodware Sentiments clear stamp, Promarkers, Fiskars Bracket border punch, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Stickles, Card Candi and Ribbon.

Less is More - Button or Ribbon

2011-07-24T15:52:00.001+01:00

Has anyone been watching the Tour de France. I cycle, but these guys are nuts!! The Alps stages were fantastic, beautiful scenery and awesome riding.

For a less exhausting pastime, the lovely ladies over at Less is More have chosen my 2 favourite embellishments for this weeks challenge - Button or Ribbon. So I have chosen both for my card. I also made the felt flower using my Cuttlebug.

Materials used - White and pink cardstock, Cuttlebug plus Tim Holtz Tattered Flower die and Cuttlebug Scribble Flower die, Woodware Sentiments clear stamps, Fiskars Bracket border punch, Versamagic pink chalk ink, Felt, Ribbon and Button.

Love this stamp

2011-07-23T11:19:00.001+01:00

Quiet week here, but I have been able to play with this lovely stamp from Penny Black, which I bought this week. It's perfect for paper piecing and colouring. I've made a few more using this stamp and I'll post them soon.

Materials used - Black and white cardstock, Penny Black Whispers stamp, Story of Us papers, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Woodware Essential Birthdays stamp, Fiskars scallop border punch, Ribbon and Button.

Less is More - Circles again

2011-07-18T12:46:00.001+01:00

I also made a second card for the challenge, and surprise, surprise, it has buttons on it to.

Materials used - Square card blank, Hobby Art General Greetings stamps, Polkadoodles stamps, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Black gel pen, Buttons and Fibres.

Less is More - Circles

2011-07-18T12:40:00.001+01:00

Why is that something so simple gives me a mental block, Circles, how hard can that be!! I needed a flash of inspiration - and it came in the form of that Cuttlebug folder that I've never used - Rellie Rave. It was just perfect for the challenge over at Less is More this week, plus the addition of a few buttons and some ribbon.

Materials used - A6 card blank, Cuttlebug plus Rellie Rave embossing folder, Echo Park Summer Days papers, Woodware Essential Birthdays stamps, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Versamagic Aqua chalk ink, Ribbon, Buttons and Fibres.

Bicycles

2011-07-14T11:43:00.001+01:00

I'm not a vintage card maker, but a recent article in Simply Cards and Papercraft took me to this fantastic blog - The Graphics Fairy. It's filled with fantastic vintage images, such as advertising pictures, flowers, birds, animals, transport, clothing and so much more and they are all free to download. I downloaded this great image of bicycles, great for a mans card.

Materials used - A6 card blank, Image from The Graphics Fairy, Story of Us papers, Kaisercraft sentiment stamp, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Black gel pen, Circle punches, Buttons and Twine.

Less is More - Something with Legs

2011-07-10T10:10:00.001+01:00

Can't believe I haven't updated my blog for 2 weeks, how time flies and I haven't joined in at Less is More either. Their challenge this week is such fun - a 1 layer card and something with legs. I've just bought this lovely set of stamps from Hero Arts which fitted perfectly. Because it's a 1 layer card and I wanted to do some colouring, I'm having a nightmare finding cardstock, where my Promarkers don't bleed through, so I used my Whispers brush markers instead. They worked OK, but not so good for blending. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

Materials used - A6 white card blank, Hero Arts Girls stamps, Woodware Easy Stitching and Essential Birthday stamps, Whispers brush markers.

Smile

2011-06-26T20:36:00.001+01:00

What a fantastic day, the sun is actually shining after a misty start. Went for a lovely bike ride, Hayling over to Eastney on the ferry and then along Southsea seafront and back to Hayling. Wish I'd remembered the camera!!

I've had these Sizzix paper doll faces for ages and never used them plus the sentiment stamp. Then I realised how well they go together :)

Materials used - A6 card blank, Blue and white card stock, Sizzix Paper Doll stamps, Versamagic green chalk ink, Clear embossing powder and Ribbon.

Tweet Love

2011-06-20T20:08:00.001+01:00

Fed up with the rain already, when will summer arrive?? I made this card for my sisters Wedding Anniversary using those freebie Pink Petticoat stamps again.

Materials used - White square blank, Pink Petticoat stamps, Cosmo Cricket Togetherness papers, Woodware Sentiments clear stamps, Heart punch, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Glitter and Ribbon.

Cute - maybe not the Lizard!

2011-06-17T10:00:00.000+01:00

I haven't got back into my card making stride yet, so here's a couple of pics of some friends we met on holiday.

Fantastic Holiday

2011-06-16T20:16:00.001+01:00

We had a fantastic holiday, cycled all over the place, lovely walks and the weather was fab too. We don't normally have any mishaps on holiday, but I managed to take a single duvet cover instead of a double!! Then tried to undo a lock with the wrong key which jammed tight, thankfully Roger managed to get it out, but not until after I'd managed to ask the neighbour in my limited French for the spare one. Then the battery on the car died - 160€. Plus on the way home, we decided to go cross-country, got stuck behind tractors and lorries, so to make up time, Roger put his foot down, we got stopped by a very jolly policeman - 90€ on the spot fine!!

Here are a few of pics of some of the things saw and got up to.

I can't get away from the washing, even when I'm on holiday. Using the Lavoir at Massignac (for those not familiar with French, it's not a toilet, but where the villagers used to do their washing) .

View from the Resistance Memorial across to Chasseneuil and beyond.

Enjoying a picnic at the Lacs de Haute Charente

Flip Flops

2011-06-10T09:00:00.000+01:00

Ask my hubby how many pairs of flip flips I have and he'll say - far too many!! I just love em. As soon as the sun comes out, they are on my feet. Hubby says, he knows summer has arrived, when he hears the sound of my flip flops. I made this card last year, but never posted it. As I'm currently on holiday in France, it seemed the right time to pop it on my blog.

Materials used - made so long ago I can't remember all the bits I've used :)

Blue Skies

2011-06-06T10:00:00.000+01:00

Went on another cycle ride to West Wittering on Friday (before the weather changed!!), beautiful sunshine but so windy again. When we got there, the cars were queuing out onto the main road to get into the car park. It was fun just to cycle past everyone and straight onto the beach. One place I've never walked around was East Head. It was so peaceful and away from the crowds. We managed to cycle part of the way and then the tyres started sinking in the sand. Time to get off and walk, I thought. I'm amazed the photos are not blurred considering how windy it was.

Less is More - Monochrome

2011-06-05T13:43:00.001+01:00

The lovely weather has disappeared, how can it change so quick. One minute a BBQ outdoors and the next a roast!!. I hope this counts as one of the browns is a bit light. Won't be able to join in next week, as I'm on my hols.

Materials used - Square white card blank, White card stock, Martha Stewart Clear pattern stamp, Woodware Tiny Phrases stamp, Assorted brown inks, Brown gel pen, 1/4" circle punch, Button and Twine.

Stars

2011-06-04T21:32:00.001+01:00

Nice and easy mans card from me today.

I'm off to France for a week on Tuesday for a cycling holiday with my lovely hubby. We are staying lovely area of the Charente at my hubbys cousins place. No internet there,so I'll try and get some posts done before I go. Fingers crossed the weather will be good as cycling in soggy shorts isn't good!!

Materials used - A6 white card blank, Brown cardstock, Papers (can't remember who's), Kaisercraft sentiment stamp, Memento Rich Cocoa ink, Fiskars Postage Stamp border punch, Buttons and Twine.

Less is More - Pick a Square

2011-05-30T13:05:00.001+01:00

I've missed taking part in the Less is More challenges, but the study just had to be decorated. But I'm back in there now, making cards again. I could have worked in the dining room, but then everything migrates and then there's nowhere to eat our dinner!!

It's still amazes me how hard it is not to cover the card with everything I own :) but I do like the clean look. This card uses just 3 elements, stamps, half pearls and ink.

Materials used - Square white card blank, Rhonna Farrer Swirls stamps, Woodware Tiny Phrases stamp, Memento Tuxedo black ink and Half Pearls.

Blowing a Hooley

2011-05-23T16:31:00.001+01:00

Not much crafting getting done as my crafty area is being redecorated, hopefully I'll be back in on Friday. I've started running again and I'd forgotten how jelly like, my legs feel afterwards and my breathing is all over the place. I keep telling myself it will get easier the more I do it!! I'm determined to run at least 3 day a week. Plus, we've been out for lots of cycle rides. We popped down to West Wittering yesterday. I couldn't believe how windy it was, thought I was going to take off :)

Yummy

2011-05-13T20:02:00.001+01:00

I made these little cupcakes ages ago and have just got round to putting them on a card. I really wanted the little cherries on top, but didn't have any half-pearls in the right colour. So, I embossed some myself with red glitter embossing powder. Had to be careful I didn't burn my fingers!!

Materials used - White square card blank, Cuttlebug plus Polka Dots embossing folder, October Afternoon Ducks in a Row papers, Papermania Cupcake stamps, Toga alphabet stickers, Half Pearls, Red embossing powder, Stickles and Ribbon.

Less is More - White on White

2011-05-11T17:54:00.001+01:00

Yes, I know it's only May but I couldn't resist making a Christmas Card for the challenge over at Less is More this week. At least it's one less to make nearer the time. It's really hard to get a good photo of just white cards, more practice needed I think. The cards, as ever, are amazing this week, pop over and check them out.

Materials used - A6 card blank, White cardstock, Cuttlebug plus Snowflake die and Quickutz Polka Dot embossing folder and X Cut Rome alphabet die, White shimmer thread, Buttons and Stickles.

Happy Birthday Mum

2011-05-06T20:30:00.001+01:00

We took my Mum and Dad for a lovely birthday lunch today, food was lovely and beautifully presented. Here's the card I made for my Mum using this lovely stamp from Creative Expressions. Called Elegant Ladies, there are 4 lovely ladies in the set to choose from plus sentiments too. Don't forget to buy some EZ Mount foam, luckily I just had enough for this stamp!!

Materials used - Square scallop card blank, Echo Park - For the Record papers, Creative Expressions U-Mount Rubber Stamps - Elegant Ladies, Hero Arts Flourish background stamp, Kaisercraft sentiment stamp, Clear and white embossing powders, Versamark Watermark ink, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Promarkers, Fiskars scallop border punch and Ribbon.

Only meant to fill a crack.....

2011-05-02T20:31:00.001+01:00

in Darrel's bedroom wall, but we've ended redecorating the whole room!!! He's coming home on Saturday, so we've been on a mission to get it finished. Only one side of a door and the windowsill to do. So, not much has happened in the crafty department apart from another card using those free Pink Petticoat stamps.

Materials used - White square card blank, Pink petticoat stamps, Red card stock, Cosmo Cricket Togetherness papers, Fiskars Scallop border punch, Memento Tuxedo Black ink and Ribbon.

2011-04-26T09:00:00.000+01:00

It's so nice to get a free gift with a magazine that you fall in love with and I just love the free Pink Petticoat stamps that came with Simply Cards and Papercraft recently. I've done some paper piecing on this card... probably my favourite technique with stamps... off to make another.

Materials used - A6 White card blank, Pink petticoat stamps, Cosmo Cricket Togetherness papers, EK Success Postage Stamp border punch, Memento Tuxedo Black ink and Versamagic yellow chalk ink.

Less is More - Off Centre

2011-04-23T14:55:00.001+01:00

With decorating, cleaning carpets and buffing and polishing the suite, I haven't been able to join in at Less is More for the last couple of weeks, but I was determined to join in today. I used a lovely stamp that I bought in France made by Artemio. I think you can buy their stuff here, but if you're ever over there, pop into Cultura for a nosy around.

Materials used - White square card blank, White cardstock, Artemio Rounds stamps, Kaisercraft Birthday sentiment stamp, Stampin Up paper piercing kit, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Black gel pen and Gem.

WOYWW - Will I ever make a card again!!!

2011-04-20T11:27:00.001+01:00

Seems a long time ago I made a card, but at last the dining room is finished, but carpets and the suite needed to be cleaned. I managed to clean the lounge, dining room, Joshua's bedroom (which was pretty dirty but came up a treat), the study and the suite and thankfully we chose 2 glorious days to get it done. I hired a Rug Doctor from Tesco and I was really impressed with it, just wish it went right up to the edges. I promise it will be a crafty desk next week :)

WOYWW - Painting

2011-04-13T17:23:00.001+01:00

Stating the obvious, it's not card making for me today, but painting. Still trying to get the dining room finished, but we are nearly there. Just the window sill to do again... why is it, that as soon as you start to gloss, the paint attracts every bit of dust in the house!! As you can see, I like to paint my hands too :)

Sunny April Day

2011-04-10T20:37:00.001+01:00

Wow, hasn't the weather been just fantastic. I'm meant to be finishing painting the dining room, but there's no way I'm staying inside when the sun is shining. You never know how long it will last.

I saw a technique online where you ink up an acrylic block, spritz with water and stamp onto cardstock. Took a bit of practice but eventually found it worked better with watercolour paper. I then masked off the edges and stamped over the top with a script stamp and then a Penny Black floral stamp. I really like soft layered look.

Materials used - Cream A6 card blank, Watercolour paper, K & Co Hannah paper pad, Kaisercraft Script and Birthday stamps, Penny Black Painters Vase stamp, Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Tattered Rose and Old Paper, Memento Tuxedo Black ink and Ribbon.

Less is More - A Touch of Red

2011-04-08T13:00:00.001+01:00

Just came back from a lovely trip to France. We stayed with my husbands cousin near to Angouleme. The weather was fantastic (33 degrees on Wednesday), the food and wine were great, peaceful countryside, what more can you ask for. Lovely.

The challenge over at Less is More this week is a touch of red. I got this little stamp free with Simply Cards and Papercraft and I thought this little creature was so cute, just look at those eyelashes.

Materials used - White square card blank, Pink Petticoat free stamps, Woodware Flowers and Stems stamps, Memento Tuxedo Black ink and a Red brushmarker.

Less is More - Sketch Challenge

2011-04-01T11:46:00.001+01:00

I can't remember how I came across the Less is More blog, but I love it and just had to join in. This weeks challenge is a simple sketch and trying to follow the rules I had to restrain myself from adding anything else, ribbon, inking edges etc etc. Plus DL is not the size card I usually work with and it seemed enormous to me. Super simple but I like the way it turned out.

Materials used - White and pink cardstock, Memento Rich Cocoa ink, Studio G DCRS88 clear stamp, Fiskars scallop edge punch, Heart punch, Brown gel pen and Stickles.

Versatile Blogger - Thank You Kate x

2011-03-30T22:04:00.001+01:00

I got a lovely surprise this week from Crafty Kate - The Versatile Blogger Award. Thanks Kate, I'm really chuffed.

To receive this award, I just need to do the following:-

Thank the person who sent it to you
Tell Us 7 things about yourself
Send/Reward this to 15 bloggers

So here's some trivia about me -

I've been married to my lovely hubby for 25 years.
I can't stand peas.
I love France and visit whenever I can and hope to live their one day.
I love to ski but wish I could go a bit faster.
I'd hate to be without my laptop.
I love fresh cut flowers.
Love to cycle but not with cars and lorries whizzing past.

I'm going to give the award to are my fantastic teamies at the Cuttlebug Spot. They have been a fab source of inspiration for the last 6 months. Thanks everyone. Hope you don't mind but there's only 14.

Cuttlebug Spot - Oh so Soft - Felt

2011-03-29T09:00:00.001+01:00

My card this week is entirely made from felt, except for the card blank, had a try, but it wouldn't stand up - only kidding :) Everything was either cut using my Cuttlebug or by hand. I was limited by the colours of felt I had and the letters were a challenge as they kept falling to bits, but I wasn't giving up and got there in the end.
Sadly the Cuttlebug Spot is going to take a break for a while. But Nilda and her team will be back soon with a new look blog and more fun challenges. I'll keep you posted.

Materials used - Blue cardstock, Cuttlebug plus House and Spring Floral die and XCut Rome alphabet die, Versamagic blue chalk ink and Black cotton.

Earth Hour 2011

2011-03-27T15:14:00.001+01:00

I'd never heard Earth Hour before until I saw an ad on TV late Friday night, but it's been going since 2007. Earth Hour was started by the WWF to highlight climate change. Companies and individuals around the world were asked to switch off their lights for 1 hour at 8:30pm on Saturday 26th March. Being a person that has candles coming out of their ears, I thought what a lovely thing to do. My Mum and Dad came for dinner last night, so I pre-warned them that we might be eating by candlelight :)

WOYWW - Allsorts

2011-03-23T12:16:00.001Z

My little workspace is covered with allsorts of bits and pieces. I've just got some Tim Holtz distress inks which are great, just wish the lids would stay on better. I've stamped some watercolour style images which you can see in the top left and bottom right of the photo, just need to mount them onto cards. And for a completely different style, I've just found this fab blog Clean and Simple Stamping, with card layout PDF's which you can download. I've used a couple of the layouts to make Anniversary cards. I love the simplicity of the layouts and with minimal supplies and a little stamping you can make great cards. I still have a hard time choosing papers though, does anyone else have this problem? Pop on over to WOYWW to see what other fun things are on desks this week.

Materials used - A6 card blank, Black cardstock, Basic Grey Ambrosia papers, Woodware Flowers and Stems stamps, Dovecraft Sent with Love stamps, EK Success Open Scallop border punch, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Versamagic Pumpkin chalk ink, Heart gems and Ribbon.

Cuttlebug Spot - Buttons and more Buttons

2011-03-22T09:00:00.000Z

It's my niece and her hubbies 1st Anniversary on the 9th April, I can't believe they've been married nearly a year already. Most Anniversary cards are pink or red, but I decided to go for orange. Not traditional I know, but wanted to go for something different, bright and cheerful. This week on the Cuttlebug Spot we are focusing on buttons on our projects, so I made the heart completely out of buttons and stamped the flowers with a script stamp.

Materials used - White square scallop card blank, Orange and white cardstock, Cricut plus Storybook, Cuttlebug plus Spring Floral die and Sizzix Crush on You Texture Plate, Kaisercraft Script stamp, Hobby Art General Greetings clear stamp, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Versamagic Pumpkin Spice chalk ink, Prima flower, Fabric flower, White gel pen, Buttons and Ribbon.

WOYWW - Fabric Flowers

2011-03-16T09:32:00.001Z

I saw an article recently about stamping on fabric, so I had a little play on some scraps I had. I loved the effect, so I cut the fabric on my Cuttlebug and made them into flowers. I've also been playing with felt and made some little houses for a new home card.You can just make out the script stamp I bought which I used on the fabric. It's by Kaisercraft.

Cuttlebug Spot - All Tied Up.....Twine or String

2011-03-15T09:00:00.000Z

Our eldest son (3rd right) came to visit at the weekend as it was his birthday. It's so great to see him, but time flies by far to quickly and he's back in London already. Can't believe he's 23! Here's a pic of the 4 of us. This was the best photo taken, but I was obviously talking when the button was pressed. Josh (in the grey top) was pulling silly faces in the other photos!!

Continuing our month of using embellishments on your projects, it's twine or string this week. I used my homemade leaf texture plate (must make more of these) and my favourite leaf dies again. Hope you can make out the inside out embossing. I used string to make a mat, by cutting a square of cardstock and gluing string to it and popping some die cut leaves on top. Pop over to the Cuttlebug Spot to check out all the other fab designs.

Materials used - American Crafts and Bazzill card stock, Homemade Leaf texture plate, Cuttlebug plus Leaf dies, XCut Rome alphabet die and Craft Concepts Woodgrain embossing folder, Versamagic green and brown chalk ink, String and a Button.

Fancy a Chat

2011-03-14T12:45:00.001Z

My online friend Liz has set up a great forum for us crafters to chat about all things Cricut, Card Making, Scrapbooking etc plus anything else you fancy talking about. We are a friendly bunch and would love you to join us at Cricutolics. There are monthly card/project challenges just for fun, stamp swaps, tips and hints for your Gypsy, Imagine, Cricut, Cuttlebug, Design software, Stamping etc, plus items for sale or wanted and Guest Designers. Signing up is easy, so come on over and join in, we would love to see you there.

The lounge is finished.......

2011-03-12T21:16:00.001Z

....at last. After spending over 4 weeks rubbing down and filling holes, the lounge is at last painted and we are back in. But we've started the dining room now, so more dust, rubbing down and filling holes!!

Oh well, I've still managed to squeeze in making some cards. I've been trying to make more male cards and here's one I came up with.

Materials used - White square card blank, White and brown cardstock, Cuttlebug plus star die and Sizzix Plaid embossing folder, Paper Cellar Checks paper packs, Happy Birthday stamp, White embossing powder, White gel pen, Buttons and Twine.

Cuttlebug Spot - Charms

2011-03-08T09:00:00.000Z

Wow, another week has flown by, where does it go. Our theme of embellishments continues with charms. Again, I chose to make my own, so popped down to my local craft store to buy some findings and beads. So easy to do, just need a pair of pliers to round the top of the Head Pin to hold the beads in place. I used a template from Creativity magazine for the teapot, with a ribbon around the top to hang my charm.

Materials used - White square scallop card blank, Cuttlebug plus Craft Concepts In Stitches embossing folder and Fruits and Tags die, I think the paper is Hot off the Press - had it for ages, Molly Bloom sentiment stamp, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Versamagic blue chalk ink, Teapot template, EK Success Open Scallop border punch, Beads, Findings, Ribbon, Button and Half Pearls

Masked Butterfly

2011-03-05T19:52:00.001Z

The lounge is nearly decorated and looks really nice and fresh. Just a few finishing touches to go. It was badly in need of some TLC and I don't think it's been touched for about 10 years. Dining room next!!

Managed to squeeze in some card making though and really enjoyed making this card. Lots of masking and stamping. Unusual colours for me, but I was pleased how it turned out.

Materials used - Yellow and white cardstock, Cricut plus Accent Essentials, Cuttlebug plus Divine Swirls embossing folder, Hero Arts Flourish background stamp ,Papermania Doodles stamps, Kaisercraft Script and Birthday sentiment stamps, Versamagic assorted chalk inks, Memento Rich Cocoa ink and Half pearls.

WOYWW - Masking

2011-03-02T10:49:00.001Z

Another new technique for me, masking. Had a go at a simple flower and leaves card. Great fun, so I'm definitely going to make more of these. I've had a good rummage through my stamps and picked out ones that would work. Ignore the mess in the top right, I always seem to end up with a pile of s(crap) after I make stuff :)

Cuttlebug Spot - Ouch!! Hat Pins

2011-03-01T09:00:00.000Z

I love being on the Cuttlebug Spot design team, you get taken right out of your comfort zone. March will be no exception. Accessories and Embellishments are the theme and to start off, we have been asked to make a project using Hat Pins. I managed to find some at my local craft store, but they just had a pearl on the top. So I've added some beads glued on with clear gloss. And to stop anyone stabbing themselves, I popped a little pearl bead on the point. Doilies are also very popular at the moment so used my Cricut to create my own.

Materials used - White square scallop card blank, Cricut plus Storybook, Cuttlebug plus Sizzix Texture Plate - Spring Vine and Sizzix Hearts & Paisley die, Woodware Tiny Phrases clear stamps, Versamagic pink chalk ink, Butterfly punch, Hat Pin, Beads, Button, Ribbon, Thread and Half Pearls.

Moxie Fab World - Paper Piecing

2011-02-28T19:53:00.001Z

I went to Make-It at Farnborough on Friday with my mum and had a great day - apart from the banging headache I had when I got home. But I bought some goodies - clear stamp sets, brads, buttons and paper packs for £1 each, plus some vintage stamps which are just lovely.

I love paper piecing, so when I saw this challenge over at Moxie Fab World, I just had to join in. What's great about this technique, is it's perfect for using up scraps of paper.

Materials used - Cream square card blank, Molly Bloom stamps (no idea of the name as they came free with Simply Cards and Papercraft), Basic Grey Archaic papers, EK Success Postage Stamp border punch, Memento Tuxedo Black ink and String.

WOYWW - Cupcakes

2011-02-23T10:30:00.001Z

No tray to work on this week, I've managed to make room in the study. It's so lovely to have some space again. I found these really cute Papermania cupcake stamps yesterday. They really are small, only about 2cm square. Thought I'd have a go at some paper piecing with them. I wanted to pop a red cherry on the top but didn't have any half pearls in the right colour, so I've embossed some white ones with red glitter embossing powder. Just need to make them into a card now.

Cuttlebug Spot - Pop-up Cards

2011-02-22T09:00:00.000Z

Another different card style this week - pop-up cards. I saw this lovely pop-up flower tutorial online. I thought it was so pretty, I had to make one for the middle of my card. One tip, don't use thick card as I found it doesn't open up as well as thinner paper. Don't forget to pop over to the Cuttlebug Spot to see all the amazing designs this week and if you join in with us you could win a prize.

I've made my own texture plate for my card. I've been wanting to have a go at making one of these for ages. All you need is some chipboard (mine was quite thick) your Cuttlebug and some glue. Just cut a piece of chipboard the size of a texture plate or embossing folder. Cut out some chipboard shapes using your favourite dies or by hand, I used the Scribble flower. Glue them to the piece of chipboard you cut out earlier, allow to dry and then play :) I was really pleased with the result, so I've made a leaf one too.

Materials used - White card blank, Cuttlebug plus homemade texture plate and tag die, Cricut plus Storybook, Polkadoodles clear stamp, Making Memories Chloe's Closet papers, My Minds Eye Bloom and Grow papers, Versamagic chalk inks - Green Tea and Pumpkin, Buttons and Ribbon.

Feeling Ruff

2011-02-20T21:36:00.001Z

Having a lazy Sunday after a great meal last night with my Mum, Dad, sisters and their hubbies. My mum cooked a massive piece of beef, so yummy. I think the little dog would have liked some too.

Here's a quick card get well card I made using the fab Create a Critter cartridge.

Materials used - Square card blank, Cricut plus Create a Critter, Assorted card stock and papers, Toga alphabet stickers, Brown gel pen and a Button.

WOYWW - It's a Tray!!

2011-02-16T08:51:00.001Z

This is my current workdesk - a tray!! All our dining room furniture - table included has been relegated to our sons room and our lounge furniture has been squeezed into the dining room. Why - because we are decorating the lounge. We've spent over a week filling and rubbing down cracked walls and what a boring job it is!! But it's the dust, it get's into every nook and cranny even though we've kept the doors shut.

I've been having a go at making my own backgrounds using stamps. I had masked off the area I wanted play with, but when I pulled off the masking tape, I pulled off some the card front as well, so I'm in the middle of rescuing it!!

Here's the rescued card :)

Cuttlebug Spot - Gatefold Card

2011-02-15T09:00:00.000Z

Continuing our theme of different card bases, this week we are featuring Gatefold cards. I've loads of these in my cupboard and never use them!! These papers from Cosmo Cricket are just great and I've teamed them up with this awesome stamp from Tim Holtz. I know I'll be buying more of his stamps, they are just awesome.

Materials used - Gatefold card, Cuttlebug plus In Stitches embossing folder and Sizzix Buttons die, Tim Holtz Vogue stamp, Cosmo Cricut Material Girl papers, Memento Tuxedo black ink, Versamagic red chalk ink, Kraft cardstock and String.

Let's Recycle

2011-02-12T13:43:00.001Z

I always amazes me the amount of magazines, cardboard, plastics, metal, newspapers etc that goes into the recycling bin. So it got me thinking - what cards can I make with all this free stuff? These old boxes were just about to be recycled, when I realised how pretty they were, so here's what a made with them. Everything is recycled apart from the card blank. The ribbon is from a toiletry gift set I got for Christmas and the button is from an old shirt.

Materials used - White square card blank, Cricut plus Create a Critter, Old gift boxes, Butterfly punch, Black pen, Ribbon and Button.

Cuttlebug Spot - Side Step Card

2011-02-08T09:00:00.000Z

Continuing our theme of different card styles, this week it's a side step card. I've used another new embossing folder and my favourite leaf dies. Here's the tutorial if you fancy having a go and don't forget to check out what the other Cuttlebug teamies have come up with this week.

Materials used - White, brown and green cardstock, Cuttlebug plus Woodgrain embossing folder, Leaf, Spring Floral and Olivia dies, Woodware sent with Love clear stamps, Versamagic green and brown chalk ink, String and Button.

Be my... Valentine

2011-02-04T21:52:00.001Z

A simple Valentine card made with scraps from the Basic Grey Sugared paper pack. I'm determined not to buy any more paper packs until I've used some of the lovely papers I have. I have bought some new toys though - Stampin Ups Paper Piercing Mat Pack, which I've used on this card, X Cut Rome alphabet die, a Sizzix photo corner die and some mini Tim Holtz stamps. I'll be making and posting some cards soon, using my new goodies

Materials used - White square card blank, Basic Grey Sugared papers, Stampin Up paper piercing mat pack, Pandoro heart punch, Versamagic pink chalk ink, Making Memories rub-on and Ribbon.

Cuttlebug Spot - Valentine Tri-fold Card

2011-02-01T09:00:00.000Z

Another first for me, a tri-fold card. So easy to make. Here' the tutorial, give it a go. Our theme was Valentine's Day so I used the lovely Cherub papers from Basic Grey plus one of my new embossing folders.

Materials used - White and red card stock, Cuttlebug plus Sizzix Scallops and Lines embossing folder and Sizzix oval dies, Basic Grey Sugared papers, Hero Arts Hearts Trio stamps, Dovecraft clear stamps - set DCRS88, Heart punch, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, White gel pen, Half pearls and Ribbon.

Cuttlebug Spot - Inspired by a magazine advert

2011-01-25T09:00:00.000Z

Hum, not a good start when you don't buy a magazine except for one card making magazine. So I asked my sister (who buys Hello) what sort of ads are in there - perfume, clothes, food, handbags etc. Oh a handbag for me, so then it was on the web to find some Christian Dior handbag ads. Wow, they are pricey but so gorgeous. Here's my take on their handbags and much cheaper too. But, I'd got so carried away with stitching and sewing on beads, that I'd forgotten to use my Cuttlebug!! So there is only a little bit on the bag, hope you forgive me.

Materials used - Brown cardstock, Paper (can't remember where I got it from), Cricut plus Tags, Bags, Boxes, Cuttlebug plus Flower die and Dots Border embossing folder, Fiskars Sentiment border punch, Woodware Jane's Script clear stamps, White embossing powder, Eyelets, Thread, Wire, Ribbon, Beads and a Charm.

WOYWW

2011-01-19T08:28:00.001Z

Yes, I know it's not crafty, but this is what's on my workdesk today. I don't have any scissors, paper, glue etc with me to play with, just mountains and snow.

Cuttlebug Spot - Inspired by a Children's Game

2011-01-18T09:00:00.000Z

I know there is a children's version of this game but it had to be grown-up Scrabble for me. I play this all the time, online on Facebook with my mum and sisters. It's great fun (my hubby would disagree), but we love it. Very competitive with a few expletives coming out when one of us gets a 7 letter word!!

Materials used - White square card blank, Kraft, pink and blue cardstock, Cricut plus George, Cuttlebug plus Swiss Dots embossing folder and Present die, Papermania papers, Alphabet peel-offs, Black Sharpie, Black gel pen and Glitter.

Skiing in Meribel Mottaret

2011-01-15T20:42:00.000Z

We are having a fab time, the sun has been shining the whole time. It is so beautiful to see crisp white snow on a blue sky background and only a clouds in the sky. But the slopes really need to see some snowfall to freshen them up. Here are just a few photos of us having fun in the snow.

Cuttlebug Spot - Inspired by a Song

2011-01-11T09:00:00.000Z

This blog post is winging it's way from the alps. We are currently in Meribel Mottaret having a great time.

Love, love Reggae and Ska music, so I choose the song Cherry Oh Baby by UB40 - you can watch it here. Hope you like my take on the challenge.

Materials used - White square card blank, October Afternoon Ducks in a Row paper, Kraft, red and green cardstock, Cuttlebug plus Fruit and tags dies, Toga alphabet stickers, Versamagic blue, pink and green chalk ink, Fiskars Sentiment border punch, White gel pen, Ribbon and Brad.

Happy Heart

2011-01-08T19:07:00.001Z

I'm still in love with the Create a Critter cart, there are so many cute things to discover. I wanted to make a non-traditional Valentines card and this is what I came up with. No pink or red to be seen anywhere. Off to France, skiing tomorrow - yippee. Hope to post a few photos, if the internet is kind.

Materials used - White square card blank, Brown and blue cardstock, Cricut plus Create a Critter, Cuttlebug plus Quickutz Polka Dots embossing folder, Assorted patterned papers, Papermania alphabet stamps, Memento Rich Cocoa ink, Versamagic yellow and blue chalk ink, Ric Rac, Heart punch, Brown gel pen, String and Staples.

Cuttlebug Spot - Inspired by a Book

2011-01-04T09:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year to you all, hope you saw the New Year in, in style. We spent the evening with friends and just chatted and chatted. It was lovely and relaxing after a busy Christmas.

Welcome back to the Cuttlebug Spot and to our new challenges for 2011. This month you will see projects inspired by books, games, songs and adverts. This week, it's a book. I found this hard, because even though I read, I love supernatural and horror stories, which don't always make a nice cards!! So I went for James Bond and Diamonds are Forever. This was one of the 1st films I ever saw at the cinema along with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I translated the book into a wedding card for my 2nd cousin who is getting married later this year.

Materials used - White A6 card blank, Cricut plus Wild Card, Cuttlebug plus Sizzix Lovely Flourish embossing plate, White, silver and gold cardstock, Yellow patterned paper, Ribbon, Gems, Making Memories rub-ons and Glitter.

Happy Christmas everyone

2010-12-25T09:00:00.000Z

A very Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you all have a great day with your families and Santa is good to you. I'm spending Christmas with my lovely hubby and 2 boys. Boxing Day with my sister-in-law and her family. Then Monday I have all my family coming over. It's going to be a busy one.

I made this card for my husband, he loves, loves, loves skiing. Tried to match what he wears as closely as possible and yes, he really does have a hat with woolly plaits. We are off skiing in January (away for my birthday again), how fantastic.

Materials used - Blue cardstock, Cricut plus Everyday Paper Dolls, Assorted card and paper, Sizzix rub-on faces, Papermania snowflake stamp, White embossing powder, Versamagic black chalk ink, Alphabet stamps, Wool, Stickles and Felt.

Cuttlebug Spot - Happy New Year

2010-12-14T09:00:00.000Z

Is it really, nearly 2011 and how the year has flown. This week over at the Cuttlebug Spot, we could make any New Year project. We always have fireworks at New Years and they have to be the loudest and biggest ones we can find. One year my hubby managed to blow a hole in the bottom of a bucket because the firework looked the same, whichever way up you looked at it. Guess what, we chose the wrong end!!

The Cuttlebug Spot will be taking a break until the New Year, when we will be back with new projects and challenges. Have a great Christmas and a happy New Year.

Materials used - A6 white card blank, Cricut plus Wild Card, Cuttlebug plus Swiss Dots, Tiny Bubbles, Candy Cane and Forest Branches embossing folders, Cosmo Cricket paper, Woodware Must Have Christmas sentiments, White cardstock, Number stickers, Star punch, Black thread and Glitter glue.

Quick Male Card

2010-12-12T22:57:00.001Z

Can't believe that Christmas is only just around the corner but I've done most of my shopping and the cards are all done. Here's a quick card I made for a male birthday. Why are they so hard to do!!

Materials used - A6 white card blank, Kraft card, Cosmo Cricket papers, Papermania clear stamps, Dovecraft sentiment stamps, Versamagic brown chalk ink, Toga alphabet stickers, Staples and String.

Cuttlebug Spot - Christmas Card

2010-12-07T09:00:00.000Z

Not much has happened here, just been trying to get my Christmas cards done. And talking of Christmas it's coming up really fast. Still got loads of shopping and wrapping to do. I don't seem to be so organised this year. Anyway, Nilda's challenge at The Cuttlebug Spot was to create a Christmas card using your favourite embossing technique. I don't have a particular favourite, but I do love to emboss straight onto the card blank, which I've done here. Aren't these reindeer so cute. Come on over and join in, you could win a $20 Custom Crops voucher.

Materials used - White square card blank, Cricut plus Create a Critter, Cuttlebug plus Quickutz Polka Dots embossing folder and Cuttlebug Snowflake die, Assorted card and paper, Glitter, White and brown gel pens, Versamagic brown chalk ink, Papermania Christmas clear stamp, Buttons and Twine.

Our 25th Wedding Anniversary

2010-11-29T17:02:00.001Z

We've just got back from a fantastic week in France celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We stayed in a fantastic gite, complete with a much appreciated wood burner, just north of Angouleme with fantastic view over the countryside. We weren't expecting a heat wave, but we didn't expect to have everything from rain, sun, frost, sleet to snow. Here are a few photos. We've decided that we don't take a good photo and this is the best we could come up with!!! We had just visited a very soggy and cold Confolens, so weren't at our best!

Cuttlebug Spot - Thank You Card

2010-11-16T09:00:00.000Z

I picked up this lovely paper pack in TKMax. I love rummaging through their clearance items, as you never know what bargains you might find.

It's so lovely to thank your hostess for a great evening or say thank you for a special gift, so I've chosen to make an everyday thank you card that you could use for any occasion. Check out the great designs the team have come up with at the Cuttlebug Spot. We are taking a break for a couple of weeks as some of us are on holiday and our American teamies are celebrating Thanksgiving.

Materials used - White square card blank, Cuttlebug plus With Love border embossing folder and Flowers#1 die set, Making Memories Chloe's Closet papers, Dimensions Crafts Thanks stamp, White cardstock, Versamagic orange and green chalk inks, Ribbon, Half Pearls and a Button.

Cuttlebug Spot – Hippity Blog Hop

2010-11-12T19:29:00.001Z

I must read emails properly I was meant to get this to Nilda earlier this week , so it could be added to the blog, that’s why it’s a bit late. Sorry folks.

Join us at The Cuttlebug Spot for a recipe blog hop. There are 5 blogs to visit – Please start at Sassy Lil Sketches to get the sketch for your project and then hop to get the further elements. Once you have completed your project which can be a card, altered project, layout etc, you can enter your project at any of the blogs to win some fantastic prizes. Have fun.

Here’s my project. It’s our 25th Anniversary in a couple of weeks, so I choose this as the theme for my card.

Materials used – White square card blank, Cricut plus George, Cuttlebug plus Swiss Dots and Tim Holtz Notebook embossing folders, Olivia alphabet and heart dies, White card stock, October Afternoon Ducks in a Row papers, Versamagic blue and yellow chalk ink, Memento Rich Cocoa ink, Sentiment stamp, Heart punch, Lace, Fibre and Buttons.

Make and Takes

2010-11-11T20:58:00.001Z

We are having a Make and Take day in December where I work, and I’ve been asked to create some things to make. I’ve only used items that we sell in the shop and I set myself a challenge only to use one type of patterned paper – Crate Paper North Pole Pine. I made 4 items, 3 are below, including a Christmas card, Hot chocolate pouch, a bow and a card with chocolate figures in a pocket on the front. I made the chocolate figure cards last year and they were really popular and great fun for children. The pouch would be ideal for stocking fillers or for a small gift.

Materials used – Crate Paper North Pole Pine paper, Woodware Christmas Rounds clear stamps, Versamagic brown, green and red chalk ink, Watermark ink, Clear and white embossing powder, Brown gel pen, Stickles, Ribbon, Buttons, Twine and yummy chocolate.

Cuttlebug Spot – Table Decorations

2010-11-09T09:00:00.000Z

It’s lovely to have a glass of wine at Christmas, so I’ve made a wine cooler to put it in. Just realised I’ve popped in a mulled wine, which is normally served hot, so I’ll need to pop in a Rosé or white once it’s been drunk

Materials used – Kraft, white, black and red cardstock, Cricut plus Doodlecharms, Cuttlebug plus Swiss Dots, Divine Swirls and Candy Cane embossing folders, Quickutz Polka Dots embossing folder, Olivia alphabet dies,Polkadoodles Christmas stamps, Hero Arts Polka Dot background stamp, White embossing powder, Stickles, Ribbon, Brad, Cotton wool and a bottle of wine.

Cuttlebug Spot – Invites

2010-11-02T09:00:00.000Z

As we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here in the UK I’ve made invites for a Christmas party. This week, I’ve used Sizzix texture plates instead of the Cuttlebug embossing folders. I did have problems getting them through my Cuttlebug though. Not enough shims and you can’t see the embossing, to many and it popped the top and side of my Cuttlebug. I really thought I’d broken it, but my darling hubby managed to put it back together. Think I’ve managed to get it right now as the card on the left shows.

Materials used – Kraft, white and red cardstock, Cuttlebug plus Sizzix Texture plate – Stars and Swirls, Sizzix Christmas Tree and Cuttlebug Ice Crystal snowflake, Cosmo Cricket papers, EK Success Notebook border punch, Making Memories Rub-ons, Toga alphabet stickers, Versamagic red, green and brown chalk inks, Glitter, Ribbon, Button, Gems and String.

Jo and Alex’s New Home

2010-10-31T18:32:00.001Z

My niece got married in April and with her lovely hubby Alex, they have just bought their first home together. This is the card I made for them.

Materials used – White square card blank, Cricut plus Create a Critter, Cuttlebug plus Spring Floral die, October Afternoon Ducks in a Row papers, Making Memories Chloe's Closet papers, Woodware Home Sweet Home clear stamps, Butterfly punch, Brown gel pen, Button and Fibres.

Cuttlebug Spot – Fall

2010-10-25T09:00:00.000+01:00

Not much has happened here this week but I really am trying hard not to buy anything crafty with Christmas coming up, but there are lots of things on my wish list. I’d love some more stamps, especially Hero Arts. They are just great to use.

Here’s my Fall card for this weeks Cuttlebug challenge. I love these little leaves so I’ve used them again this week. Check out the other great designs at the Cuttlebug Spot and it would be great to see what you come up with.

Materials used – White square card blank, Assorted cardstock and paper, Cricut plus Create a Critter and Mini Monograms, Cuttlebug plus Swiss Dots, Spots and Dots Embossing Folders and Spring Floral die, Hobby Arts General Greetings, Versamagic blue and pumpkin chalk ink, Memento Rich Cocoa ink, Fiskars Sentiment border punch, Brown pen, Ribbon, Button and Twine.

Cuttlebug Spot – Boo

2010-10-18T09:00:00.000+01:00

Can’t believe we are on week 3 already. Nildas challenge this week is to create a Halloween project or card. Now Halloween is not my thing at all so to create 2 Halloween projects in 2 weeks is a lot for me. I’ve used quite a few folders and dies on my card and you can see the embossing this week :)

Materials used – Black square card blank, White, black, green, orange and brown card stock, Cricut plus Create a Critter and Paper Doll Dress Up, Cuttlebug plus Swiss Dots, Forest Branches, Distressed Stripes embossing folders and Olivia Alphabet and Spring Floral dies, Quickutz Polka Dots embossing folder, Sizzix Dress-up Faces rub-ons, Versamagic black chalk ink and a Black pen.

Joshua's 20th Birthday

2010-10-15T10:00:00.000+01:00

Joshua isn’t into cards, but of course, you have to make a card for your son’s birthday. Keeping it simple, I just went for his name in fun colours. I cut out the letters using chipboard first and then patterned paper. I glued them together and then mounted them onto the card blank using foam pads.

Materials used – Cream, red, blue, green and yellow cardstock, Cricut plus Plantin Schoolbook and George and Basic Shapes,Cosmo Cricket Togetherness paper pad, Dovecraft Sent with Love sentiment stamps, chipboard, Star punch, Brown pen, Buttons and String.

What’s on your Workdesk Wednesday

2010-10-13T09:47:00.001+01:00

The aftermath of making my Cuttlebug Spot card which you can see on Monday 18th. I just love love love my Cuttlebug and it’s great that it’s getting more use. Don’t you just love those cute rub-on faces. I bought them to use with the Paper Doll carts but I’ve used one on my Cuttlebug Spot card too. Have a good Wednesday.

Cuttlebug Spot – Halloween Treat Box

2010-10-11T10:00:00.000+01:00

My week at work didn’t get off to a good start – I managed to delete all the products from the website for the shop where I work. A website without things to buy, is not good. What a nightmare!! Thank goodness for backups, so all is now restored.

Here’s my treat box for the Cuttlebug Spot, but it doesn’t look as though I’ve used the Cuttlebug at all, but I have - honest. Black cardstock is not easy to photograph but it has been embossed with the Forest Branches folder to make the container have a tree bark effect with the web on top. I also embossed the web with the Swiss Dots folder.The spiders have been embossed too. I’ll keep things lighter for my next project.

Materials used – Black, orange and purple cardstock, Cricut plus Tags, Bags, Boxes and More and Doodlecharms, Cuttlebug plus Forest Branches and Swiss Dots embossing folders, Googly eyes, Wire, Fibres, Versamagic black chalk ink and Yummy sweets.

Three Daisies

2010-10-09T20:08:00.001+01:00

Another “using up what I have” card. Marthas daisies have been laying in a drawer for a while, so I dragged them out and used them to make this card. The petals look so realistic and add a ray of sunshine to an October day.

Materials used – A6 white card blank, White and blue cardstock, Cosmo Cricket Togetherness paper pad, Hero Arts Border stamps, Dovecraft Sent with Love sentiment stamps, Martha Stewart Daisies, Versamagic brown chalk ink, Button and Fibre.