COUGHS, CHALKS & A CARD

This idea came to me whilst I was kept awake by my cough, wheeze, cough, routine. I kept thinking of a childhood toy I had, I am sure you can still get them and many of you have had them.


One of those plastic puzzles made up of sliding tile pieces that fit into a kind of tray. Do you remember them?


Well this card is based on that. I used my Stampin' Pastels with this card and adopted the Poppin' Pastel technique. I stamped my image with Versa Mark ink and then used cotton wool balls to "pounce" the various pastel colours (Bold Brights) over my image. There are many, many ways in which to use your Pastels but this is by far my favourite!

Click on the image for a closer look.

Note to self; change your trimmer blade!!

Cardstock: Yoyo Yellow, Basic Black, Whisper White and Only Orange

Ink: Versa Mark and Basic Black

Stamp sets: Sincere Salutations and Its Beautiful Wheel

Accessories: Whisper White 1/4" Grosgain Ribbon 

Non Stampin' Up!: Button

Ta Ta for now

-X-

PAPER FLOWERS

Gosh, this card took a bit longer than usual; working with tissue paper takes a gentle touch and I am known for having the exact opposite!


I took inspiration from two of my fellow Demo's Loraine and Vicky and set about creating a card with flowers as the main theme. 

Click in the photo for a loser look.

I had fun with the inked flowers that make up the background of this card. I punched my flower from some scrap card an used the punched area as a kind of stencil. You can see a an other example of this over on Loraine's blog. You can really achieve great results with this technique. As you can see, I have varied the amount of ink applied to different areas to get lighter and darker shades. I also combined two colours on some areas to get a two toned finish.


For the small circles I wanted a faded finish so I stamped my image twice on scrap paper and then stamped on to my card background.

Cardstock: Going Grey and Whisper White

Ink:Green Galore, Basic Grey and Pixie Pink

Stamp Sets: A beautiful Thing (small circles) and Sincere Salutations

Accessories: 5 Petal flower punch

Non Stampin' Up!: Tissue paper, buttons

Ta Ta for now


-X-

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR.

I almost didn't make it on today folks, I am still quite ill. Break out the violins!


Whilst baby Ava was napping I sat in bed (a total rarity) trawling the many crafty blog's I follow; and was inspired once again by my fellow "Pink Lady" Vicky, I thought I would set to work making a masculine card of my own.


Thank goodness for her hints and tips! I always seem to find cards for men difficult and these seem to have helped me along the way. 

Cardstock: Going Gray, More Mustard, Old Olive (textured) and Kraft

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Circle Circus and Fun and Fast Notes (sentiment)

Accessories: Dimensionals and a hole punch

Ta Ta for now


-X-

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Another three posts in one day!


I have had my Spiral punch for a few weeks now and I can't say that I have used it much. Punches are my absolute favourite Stampin' Up! toys (I have my eye one to order as we speak) but I was at a loss as to what to do with this one really. 


So, I sat for a bit, had a play and came up with this.

Now the card itself is called a Side Step card, isn't it cute? A great way to show off those yummy stamps I think! Its been around for a while now, I wish I knew who thought it up originally. If your reading, many thanks!


The idea was inspired by my kiddies; Cameron and Ava. I am always taking photos or making movies with them as the stars. Something to embarrass them with when they get older!

I have stuck the first "valley" together as you can see above, this made the first film strip pop up a bit more.

Cardstock: Glorious Green, Yoyo Yellow, Basic Black and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Stamp Sets: All in the Family and A Beautiful Thing

Accessories: Silver Brads, Spiral Punch

Ta Ta for now.

-X-

THE "JOY" OF IT ALL

Here is the original project I set out to create this morning, a Joy fold card. I decided not to use any new bits of cardstock or designer series paper and go for what I have collected in my "scraps" box. The colours work well together don't you think?

I've propped these scalloped bits of cardstock on two dimensionals. This keeps the card closed.

Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White and Lovely Lilac

Ink: Versa Mark and Brilliant Blue

Stamp Sets: A Beautiful thing and  Sincere Salutations.

Accessories: Corner rounder, Scallop Circle Punch

Ta Ta for now


-X-

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Yes, you read it write...Merry Christmas! Well not really but here it is, my very first Christmas card for the year. 


This card came about purely by accident. I was playing about trying to make a Joy fold card (watch this space) and it ended up a bit cock eyed, so with a bit of clever snipping here and there I came up with this instead. Not a traditional card granted but a bit of fun none the less!


There was no green in the original design so I added that also, HO, HO, HO! 

A bit if SNAIL adhesive on show here!

I used my Stampin' Up! corner rounder to achieve this scallop edge. I removed the paper guard and I  butted the card right in. I then began to punch, overlapping the punched spaces slightly. I hope I've explained that well enough.

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White and Glorious Green

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Glorious Green

Stamp Sets: A Beautiful Thing, Fun and Fast Notes and Sincere Salutations

Accessories: Designer Series Paper and Corner Rounder

TA TA for now.

-X-

HOORAH!

It was touch and go for while there folks; I almost deleted the entire thing and walked away for good. But with a bit of swatting up on all things, well bloggy; my little bit of the web has been re-designed and I am here to blog another day! 


What do you think? I am very pleased with it if I do say so myself, it was well worth the stress, time and effort.


All being well, I should be back to crafting tomorrow. Oh how I have missed it, LOL! 


Ta Ta for now.


-X-

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

What a day, is all I can say!


I had quite forgotten how worked up I had become the last time I tried to fiddle with my blog. I am bit of a perfectionist/Drama Queen and if I can't get things just so, I tend to off the deep end! 


Needless, to say my blog is undergoing some changes at the minute. Please bare with me, I will try to get a bit of crafting in but if not the "technicolour" treatment I am subjecting my blog to will surely entertain you!


Who knows, I might even end up staying with my old design!

A BIRTHDAY TREAT

This idea came to me whilst scoffing a rather large ice-cream courtesy of Mr Whippy; I had forgotten just how utterly tasty they were. I haven't had one since I was a wee girl and as the sun is shining and the temperature seems to be creeping into the dizzy heights I thought I would treat myself and Cameron to two of the biggest I have ever seen complete with chocolate sauce!


Anyhoo, here it is, a "birthday treat" or whatever treat you like. There are so may fabulous stamp sets to choose from you can tailor this project to any occasion!

Click on the photos for a closer look.

As you can see there is room for both a card and a gift card (just my Tesco club card here, nothing too exciting). I have been looking at ways in which to combine the two ideas.


For posting, you may want to use ribbon for the handle instead of cardstock. 

Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White and Kraft

Ink: Real Red

Stamp Sets: Fun and Fast Notes, Cheers and Wishes

Accessories: Scallop circle punch, Eyelet border punch, Designer series paper, paper piercing tool and Hodgepodge hardware

Non Stampin' Up: Red Ribbon

WALLPAPER

That's what this card reminds me of. 

Usually , I have some kind of vision when I begin to make something. It wasn't always that way but I find I am less likely to "waste" bits from my stash if I have some kind of idea about what I want to achieve. 

I might think of a colour scheme, a vague shape for the card or where I want the sentiment to be. This time there was none of that, I just sat and came up with this. 

Very simple elements and very time friendly too! If you are familiar with the Stampin' Up! jumbo wheels then you will know that to create such a background took a minute or two tops! If you are not so familiar I urge you to place your order for one sharpish and see exactly what I am on about, tee hee!

Cardstock: Orchid Opulence

Ink: Pixie Pink

Stamp Sets: Sincere Salutations and Its Beautiful Jumbo Wheel

Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware (Love it)

GOODBYE CIRCLE PUNCH

Well, this project proved to be somewhat stressful. Halfway through my beloved 1 1/4" circle punch gave up the ghost and ended up ripping my cardstock chronically. For some reason it jams whenever I put anything it in! I 


Fear not, Stampin' Up! came to the rescue. After one email from me and a friendly phone call from Chris, all is well in my crafty world once again.

Click on the photos for a closer look.

Cardstock: Whisper White and Basic Black

Ink: Basic Black,StazOn White ink

Stamp Sets: Sincere Salutations and Circle Circus

Accessories: 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch

GET WELL SOON ALEX

I am trying desperately to stay positive but I am so ill its unreal. I still have this nasty chest infection so I am coughing my little heart out! Its giving me an awesome tummy ache and headache. My throat is so sore and I have even picked up a bout of conjunctivitis!

I wish I knew how to take care of myself. The trouble is I can't bare a messy house, got to make sure these kiddies have something decent to eat and baby Ava still needs her mummy. So, in order to cheer myself up I have made myself this get well soon card, hoorah!

Click on the photos for a closer look.

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Kraft and Green Galore

Ink: Pumpkin Pie and Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Sincere Salutations and A Good Egg

Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Designer series Paper

Non Stampin' Up!: Ribbon, brads

AND FINALLY...

Third blog and final entry for the day, I think it's safe to say that I am thoroughly addicted to all this! 

The children are in bed, the house is nice and tidy and instead of watching television I am in the kitchen tinkering away.

Isn't this Easel card the cutest? I love the colours and it was super quick and easy to put together. Unfortunately, the stamp set I got the circles (frames) from is now retired but I adore it, so couldn't resist.

Click on the picture for a closer look.

Cardstock: Pixie Pink and Lovely Lilac

Ink: Basic Grey, Pixie Pink and Brilliant Blue

Stamp Sets: Cheers and Wishes (sentiment) and Vintage Labels (retired)

Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch

Non Stampin' Up!: Button

Night, Night!

SURPRISE!

This is the second time today I have had the chance to craft and blog. I seem to be doing this a heck of a lot lately. I love it, crafting is so relaxing and thank God my children are both well behaved and one of them is just as interested in "Inkin' it Up!" (as Cameron calls it) as me. 


You Tube is fabulous! Am I allowed to mention them? If not, I am sure someone will let me know. I have a lot to thank them for; if it were not for them I would never have found Stampin' Up!


It was Dawn Griffith who I began to follow those 8 months ago and she sparked my interest in paper crafting! I just love her work and enthusiasm and as far as I am concerned she is my Stampin' Up! idol.


So, my next project is her original idea, a Surprise Pop Up card. Pop, (yep, pun intended) on over to You Tube and type that in, you should find the video.

Click on the picture for a close look.

Cardstock: Pixie Pink, Whisper White and Basic Black

Ink: Pixie Pink and Basic Grey

Stamp Sets: Fun and Fast Notes and Sincere Salutations

Accessories: Scallop Edge Circle Punch

Non Stampin' Up!: Colouring pencils, ribbon

PRETTY IN PINK

Cameron is back at school and the house is finally back to its former glory! Oh how I have missed my finger print free television (during the day anyway) and biscuit-less carpet!


It's lovely outside and with the sun streaming through the kitchen windows and Ava gurgling sweetly but loudly next to me I put this cute little card together.

Click on the picture for a closer look.

A Pop Up card!

Who knew there were so many great card ideas out there? This card folds flat, the recipient will really get quite a treat when they open the envelope! 

Cardstock:Ruby Red, Whisper White, and Cameo Coral

Ink: Pumpkin Pie (love it) and Basic Grey

Stamp sets: Fun and Fast notes and All in the Family

Accessories: 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Uni Ball Gel Pen

Non Stampin' Up!: Colouring Pencils

DIORAMA DRAMA

I thought I'd give you the picture first today as I think this card or box as its called is pretty special. Its called a Diorama box and I saw a few of them on a very well known video website and so I thought I'd try to make my own. 

I kept my design quite simple as I am cream crackered this evening but you really could go to town with this project by cutting out your stamped images and sticking them to the front using dimensionals, colouring your images; the possibilities really are endless!

As you can see I have used two different circle punches here, my own spin on the project. 

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White and Green Garden 

Ink: Versa Mark, Pumpkin Pie and More Mustard

Stamp Sets: Sincere Salutations and A Beautiful Thing

Accessories: 1 1/4" Circle Punch and 1 3/8 Circle Punch

AN ENVELOPE OR TWO

1:35 AM, no sleep again tonight and so its another late night crafting session for me. I did say I might be back later. Its just as well really, I think I will be busy this week sleeping my days away! Cameron is back at school which means Ava will get her uninterrupted naps again and I can nap with her and try to get myself well.


I have been wanting to do a bit more scrapbooking for a while but wasn't sure how or what I wanted to achieve. Its funny how ideas will just pop into your head when you least expect them. I have a stack of envelopes that no longer have their cards. I was thinking about how I could use them and then the idea came to me....An envelope scrapbook! 


I thought using the envelopes would allow me to create little pockets with a nifty snip or two. I have put inserts in to each one, marked with a page divider-is that what they are called? 


Now, I'm not sure how this will all look in the cold light of day but right now, I a pretty pleased with my efforts. If you look closely in one of the following pictures you will see the absolute carnage that will greet me in the morning...I am a heck of a messy crafter! 

Should have rotated this...

and this.

This too!

Eurgh, if Cameron were not in cute in this picture I would have accidentally lost it.

I was very overweight back then!

Cardstock: All from the Earth Element Colour Family

Ink: More Mustard, Brilliant Blue. 

Stamp Sets: Circle Circus

Accessories: 1 1/4 circle punch, Scallop circle punch, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgain Ribbon, corner rounder

Non Stampin' Up!: Felt tip pens

3X3 CARD HOLDER

Hello again! 

The sun has got me in the mood to get cracking on another project. As a new crafter, there is so much for me to learn and try and as the sun is out I thought taking a few bits into the garden with me would do me the world of good. 


Who knows, I may be back on later! 

Cardstock: Lovely Lilac, Regal Rose and Whisper White

In: Pixie Pink, 

Stamp Sets: Fun and Fast Notes and A Beautiful Thing

Accessories: 1/4" Whisper White Grosgain Ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch, Scallop Circle Punch

Non Stampin' Up!: Buttons

BIRTHDAY BALLOONS

Cadbury Caramel and a cup of tea for brekky, what a fabulous way to start the day! I feel dreadful and so I thought I would treat myself and while baby Ava is napping and Cameron is watching some noisy kids show in the living room; I thought I'd buckle down to a bit of card making.


Its lovely and sunny outside and so I thought a bright and cheery card would go down quite well. 

Click on the pictures for a closer look

Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Yoyo Yellow, Tempting Turquoise, Brilliant Blue and Green Galore

Ink: Green Galore, Basic Grey, Brilliant Blue

Stamp Set: All in the Family and Sincere Salutations

Accessories: Corner rounder, 1 1/4" circle punch

Non Stampin' Up!: Silver gel pen, colouring pencils

 

FLOWER POWER

No point going to bed as this hacking cough keeps me wide awake and each one causes my tummy muscles to do things that should only be done in the gym!


So, I am now in the kitchen doing a bit of crafting, hoorah! 

Click on the picture for a closer look.

Cardstock: Yoyo Yellow, Pink Passion, Whisper White and Only Orange

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip and Pixie Pink

Stamp Set: Fun and Fast Notes (sentiment)

Accessories: Designer series paper, scallop circle punch and 5-petal flower

Non Stampin Up!: Buttons

 

PATCHWORK QUILT

Cough, splutter, cough! Here we go again; I have picked up yet another chest infection. I can just about speak and the children seem to think this is the funniest thing they have ever seen. I have had to cancel my workshop (turns out my lady was going to cancel anyway though) and for a while I was seriously down in the dumps about it.Oh well, such is life and I am sure another one is just around the corner.


Now to today's project, a patchwork quilt card! 

Click on the picture for a closer look

I have seen variations of this here and there and so I thought I'd give it a go. I am quite pleased with how it turned out. Just love the Hodgepodge accessory!!!

This would make an adorable new baby card...Think Bashful blue or Pixie Pink designer series paper. 

Cardstock: Whisper White, Close to Cocoa

Ink: Pumpkin Pie

Stamp set: ( Retired) Vintage Labels

Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, Paper piercing tool and Designer series paper

Non Stampin' Up!: Brown Felt tip pen for faux stitch effect.

  

THINKING OF YOU

I am relatively new to crafting and so I tend to keep things quite save. I began with cards but after finding Stampin' Up! I am making an attempt to venture out of my comfort zone and make things that challenge me and if they go wrong, what do we say? "There are no mistakes in crafting"! LOL!


This evening I thought I would have a go at an explosion card. Not a new idea or my own for that matter but its a classic and I think its great! Its a wonderful way to display photo's (a kind of scrapbook in a box) or add a simple sentiment and turn it into a clever card! 

Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White and Basic Black

Ink: Real Red

Stamp Sets: Circle Circus and Sincere Salutations

Accessories: 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain ribbon, Designer Series Paper