My Crafty Desk

Yoo hoo...

2012-02-02T15:11:00.006Z

... still needing a kick up the bum lol. Anyhoo, I've posted about my stitchy sal over at the Christmas all year round and how I didnt complete Januarys - oops!!

I've got a few cards to blog though I'll do this one today -

apologies for the poor photo - the image is a gorgeous digi from Kristas blog - how gorgeous is she - I've coloured her with pro markers and added glitter t the ruffles at the back of her skirt. I have matted her onto Kraft paper with sentiment and flower from my stash and the lovely spotty paper I won from Mina (thank you!).

I would like to enter this into:
One stitch at a time - use a digi
Divas by design - anything goes
The pixie cottage - clean and simple
move along with the times - have a heart
Stamp scrap and doodle saturdays - anything goes

Right need to sort out some fabric to cover a diary for my February make - and then its a family outing to the dentist - I think I may regret eating all the Christmas sweets - cough.

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Struggling...

2012-02-01T19:46:00.002Z

... to get organised at the moment working the extra day has really put me out of kilter, I've failed at getting my first January ornie done, managing to keep up to date with cards for a flurry of birthdays that are coming up in a couple of weeks. Trying to meal plan - which is going ok but not saving any money - trying to bake more but everythings a disaster!!! Bit of a sh*te parents evening so more time needed reading with my youngest.

Oh well could be worse :-)

Anyhoo, hopefully I'll be back with a proper post tomorrow with photo's and a bit more chipper. Apologies if I've not commented on blogs when I normally do but as soon as I get my act together I'll hopefully be back to normal.

Sorry for being a grump :-(

Ali
xx

I've been given an award...

2012-01-25T19:05:00.002Z

... by the totally bonkers Jane :

After receiving the award you then need to:

In the same post, add the Versatile Blogger Award.
In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.
In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself.
In the same post, include this set of rules.
Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs.
ooh and forward it to 15 other bloggers.

Oh lordy I am going to struggle with the pieces of random info about myself erm, well after thanking my mum & dad for having me and Jane can keep her mitts of George Clooney - he's mine - (do you think it is really fair for one man to be that good looking??? -no I dont I think they should clone him - then he would be George Clone-y - ha ha ha - yes - no - TUMBLEWEED!!

Ok changing the subject 7 things:

1) My favourite comedy programme of the moment is Mrs Browns Boys - I think it is hilarious.
2) I hate housework with a passion.
3) I was once a drum beater for a dragonboat team but they finished me after the first training session as they said I had no rythmn and couldnt keep the beat (that is why I also had to give up my step class - lol)
struggling now erm...
4) My favouritist sweet is sports mixture - closely followed by chocolate -not your expensive stuff - galaxy goes down rather nice!!
5) In times of crisis I have the little image from monsters inc. where one monster hits the other saying "keep it together man" - I just keep replaying that in my mind to keep me from losing the plot.
6) 2 boys - 2 births one cesaerean one natural - must say I preferred the cesaerian - never felt a thing - lol!
7) I know I've mentioned this before but I work with my hubbys ex-wife.

Phew....

Okey doke I would like to pass this onto:
Sarah - at Rainmacs place one of the kindest people I haven't met - lol, who makes gorgeous cards
Debbie - at Padsters marmalade mutterings another lovely card maker.
Gemma - at Handmade by Gem - makes lovely jewellrey and cards.
Lynda at Hooking with la la - makes many lovely things and does a lot of bloggy organising.
Lisa at Kandipandi's pad - another crafty lady
Vixx at Vixx Handmade cards - super duper card maker.
Lori at Hippywitch crafts - this lady makes lovely amigurami and cross-stitch among many other stitchy goodies.
June - at Butterfly wings another amazing cross stitcher.
Mouse - at Tales of a stitching mouse - and another v.talented stitcher who has given me some fab stitchy advice.

I know I havent done 15 but can I stop now my fingers are aching lol and there are loads of others I could nominate.

Hope I havent bored you to tears.

Ali
xx

7)

First TUSAL of 2012

2012-01-23T15:58:00.003Z

Well the first new moon is here and here is my Tusal that I joined with Daffycat.

Ali
x

Third post of the day...

2012-01-18T15:27:00.005Z

... well as you can probably tell any housework has gone out of the window - this is my attempt at being more organised if I am to be working more - cough!! So in true organisational style I have made my hubbys valenties card:

I won the whiff of joy stamp last year from Janey, who makes fab cards and writes very funny posts. I have coloured him with promarkers and used echo park papers and used a primitive hearts die that I 'desperately' wanted and then have only used once or twice - oops!!

I would like to enter this into:

Whiff of Joy - Love is in the air
Clearly Inspired Stamps - Valentines day
Crafters companion - love is in the air
Just Tracys Crafts Challenge - love is in the air
I love promarkers - anything goes

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Phew...

2012-01-18T14:08:00.007Z

... my clean and simple card is finished after numerous attempts at colouring her!!!

Apologies for the dark photo - lordy I cant even take photos now!!! To be honest still not entirely happy with the colouring/shading but...

The image was from Saturated Canary coloured with promarkers matted onto pink and orange card from stash together with flowers and brad from my stash.

I would like to enter this into:
Saturated canary challenge blog - c&s
craft room challenge - c&s
Sassy Cheryls- bright & cheery
I love promarkers - anything goes

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Where is the time going...

2012-01-18T10:22:00.004Z

...I cant believe its over a week since I blogged and dont seem to have got much done :-(.

I have got some stitching done - mums angel is finished - but I dont think I have enough material around the stitching to frame it - but I'll get a frame and see how I get on. Note to self measure material without just guessing and going 'ah that looks big enough!!'

I've joined Laineys Christmas Ornie stitchalong and the first item was linked to Santa, so I've made a bit of progress on this:

Thats it on the sewing front not much made on the card making front I am stuck on one image - I can't tell you the number of times I've attempted to colour it and it has ended up in the bin - aargh!!! anyhoo I'm getting there so hopefully get it blogged soon - its supposed to be for a clean & simple challenge but its been anything but simple!!!

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

p.s. news on the holiday front - holiday booked to The Algarve - yay - downside to this, I have offered to work Mondays now to get the extra money to help pay for it - boo!!! I really need to win the lottery :-)

Phew...

2012-01-09T19:49:00.009Z

...I've been trying to get this post done all day - but you know what its like when things keep popping up - anyhoo with one son at scouts, one watching cars 2 and waiting for hubby to come in off his new shifts (boo - family friendly my a***e!!)

I've had a couple of short notice birthday cards to make for some parties that my youngest has been invited to:The papers for this were stamping up with a sentiment and card blank from craftwork cards. The image is a cute freebie from Spyder (thanks Lynn) and he has been coloured with promarkers.

The papers for this card were printed off the digi (will have a look for the link), with a freebie from bugaboo, again coloured with promarkers with the craft paper and hessian from my stash.

I would like to enter this into:
Papertake weekly - anything goes
CES challenges - anything goes
Pile it on - manly cards
Catch the bug - anything goes

One of my best friends has finished her advanced diploma for nursing and has been able to get a job straight away - I am so chuffed for her - she has worked so hard - so this is a card I made for her:

The gingham paper was from a freebie paper stack with a magazine the image is a Heather Ellis that I bought off Etsy coloured with pro-markers and matted onto red card cut (and embossed - yay!!) with some new nesties I got off Santa and the little good luck sentiment was a freebie from Netty (thank you!!).

I would like to enter this into:

Simon says stamp - new something
Crafty Catz - a new beginning
Fab n Funky - something new (nesties)
Crafty Calender - new news

Right off to peruse some travel brochures oh and work out how much I'll need to save!!, we've not had a beach holiday since b.c. (you know...before children!!) and I feel I need a nice sunny break hmm Menorca looks nice - if anybody reading this has any recommendations that would be lovely.

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Hmmmm...

2012-01-02T17:56:00.004Z

.... I seriously need to work on my stitching - I hadn't a clue on how to sew limbs to a body - lol!!! Anyhoo, Annie I hope this is okay - here is my January make:
Et Voila - yes my first sock monkey not perfect by a long shot think I need to change the colour of his button eyes instead of trying to match - something a bit brighter - but he'll be loved!! LOL!!

Thanks for looking (and I really dont mind if you have a little snigger :-) )

Ali
xx

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T20:25:00.003Z

Hope you all had a lovely night last night with not too many hangovers today - lol. Quiet night here a quick visit round the in-laws then home and bed for 11 - hubby was back at work today with new longer shifts being brought it so he doesnt finish until 7.30 now - boo!!

Anyhoo, after todays visit (back to the in-laws - again!!) for lunch - I've managed to get some stitching done - so the first threads have been dropped into the Tusal holder, this is what I am working on:

I am thinking of framing this and giving it to my mum for mothers day (she has a thing about angels) - I may also end up stitching one for myself!!

I've also started to get things ready for my first make that I have signed up with the Annie - I've got my socks ready and downloaded some instructions (oh god I hope they are easy) - to make my first sock monkey - stay tuned to find out how I get on - gulp!!!

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Wishing you all the best for...

2011-12-31T18:44:00.004Z

Hope you all have a lovely night whatever you choose to do.

Ali
xxx

Happy Crimbo Limbo...

2011-12-28T14:34:00.006Z

...yup that bit between Christmas and New Year where you are not sure what to do with yourself (at least I'm not - lol!!). The house is a tip with toys everywhere hmmm not sure who's idea it was to get army sets with sooooo many little soldiers - they turn up everywhere!!

Did you all get lots of nice things for Christmas??? Well last year I dont think I got anything crafty although I did hit the Sizzix sale, this year Santa played a blinder - I was really pleased with what he brought me - would you like to see???

Here goes:3 Sets of Nesties (which thanks to the instructions that are now inside I can emboss as well as cut - yay!!), a new storage box and bobbin winder for my cross stitch, proper fabric scissors - no more hacking away with the kitchen scissors or my other little scissors and a couple of books with things marked to have a go at.

Pro-markers to add to my collection.

More fab books - again with things marked to make - this will really help me particularly after I signed up for the felt fairys make a month (see sidebar) and lastly some polychromos - erm not too sure how to use these with my promarkers so if anyone can advise any links/tutorials that would be great - although I cant get my hands on any Sansodor locally - so it will be back onto the internet for a search.

I have also made a card but cant blog it yet - which reminds me I need to take a photo of it.

Enjoy the rest of the break - back to work for me tomorrow - mind its only half a day - while my oh takes the boys to the local Games Workshop for a fun day - although not my hubbys cup of tea so he uses the term fun loosely - hee hee - pah! am sure he'll enjoy it - snigger.

Thanks for staying with me - hope I havent bored you!!

Ali
xx

Rubbish Blogger...

2011-12-22T07:47:00.004Z

... just popping in early morning before I get ready for work to apologise for being a rubbish blogger and not posting any makes for what seems like ages!!!

Seem to be running around a bit lately PLUS I have to work the holidays my cushy agreement with my old boss where I didnt work school holidays has come crashing to an end under my new boss - boooo - lol.

So incase I dont get chance to post again I just want to :

Hope Santa is good to you and brings lots of crafty goodies and once all the chaos has calmed down - I'll be back posting.

Take care lovelies and have a great time

Ali
xxx

What...

2011-12-10T17:45:00.003Z

...another post - so soon!?! yup just before I go and pick the boys up from their Nannas, I just wanted to blog this card, its another of the lovely images from Saturated Canary:

I have coloured her with pro-markers and distressed the edge of the image with a Tim Holtz pad, I have also distressed the die cut clock which was a recent ebay purchase and used a pearl brad in the centre. The dp is from Basic Grey Max & Whiskers collection, with flowers then added from my stash.

I would like to enter this into:

Basic Grey Challenge - anything goes
Totally Papercrafts - anything but christmas
Cute Card Thursday - anything goes

Thanks for looking, and enjoy the rest of you weekend.

Ali
xx

Christmas stitching...

2011-12-10T17:26:00.005Z

... well after some super quick making up today I have finished the ornie for Toms teachers christmas present:
front:

back:The pattern was a freebie from hearts desire - called Snowmans quaker Christmas.

It was lovely to stitch and I've managed to invisible stitch the bottom again its not to bad to do once you have the hang of it and if I can do it it must be easy!!! lol.

I've not ented any stitching into challenges before - but here goes:

CYDA - snowmen
Charisma Cardz - no cards
The Stamp Man Challenge - create an ornament

Hope a stitched item is ok for these challenges just let me know if not and I can remove :-)

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Part II...

2011-12-08T18:23:00.004Z

... of the cupcake saga - lol - I will not be beaten (oh ok maybe I will!!). Well I tried again today after Toms lovely singing at school who arent doing a play this year as it is too stressful for the children - WHAT!!!! every other year seem to be doing something and theyve done a performance previous years!!! Anyhoo, thats another story - grr.

Now dont laugh at this :

although I am laughing as they look nothing like the hummingbird picture - I'll blame Tom as he stuck the marshmallows on l0l. I realised I didnt have the right size cake cases - honestly I am hopeless however, I am going to keep practising but maybe next week ;-).

The kids seemed to like them though and they do seem to be going down quite quickly.

Ah well maybe next time theyll be better

Ali
xx

I am officially....

2011-12-07T17:40:00.002Z

... an IDIOT!!!! just popped on to have a rant at myself - I think I've mentioned on here that I am not a confident cook so after my success tonight at my own recipe of chicken, chorizo and sweetcorn (which was going to be a stew) but ended up with pasta (lol) was rather nice and even the kids cleared their plates. I thought I'd finally get round to having a go at cupcakes and then when I came to tidying up after popping them in the oven I realised I had used Cream of Tartar instead of Baking Powder - SCREAM!!!! Then my husband wonders why I dont do more baking - aargh!!

Yoo Hoo...

2011-12-03T15:58:00.004Z

... hows your Saturday going - quiet here the boys are at nannas so we've been pottering around wrapping presents - I feel quite organised....so why do I feel like I've forgotten to buy something or for someone??? I dont think I've ever been ready this early before :-0!!!

Anyhow, I was going through my photo's and thought I'd blog this card that I made for my sister in law back in October, that I never got round to posting before:

I have used one of the pre-coloured squares from LOTV and matted it onto pink card then used freebie papers from a magazine then added a flower charm and flower from my stash.

Nice to post something other than a christmas card lol.

I would like to enter this into :

LOTV - anything but a christmas card
Fab n Funky Challenge - Anything goes

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

p.s. am gutted that Antony got voted out of the jungle last night - I have loved watching him!!!

Ooh new images:

2011-11-30T18:43:00.009Z

I have loved Kristas images from Saturated Canary for ages, but didnt think my colouring was that good and thought I would spoil them. On Monday, there was a discount on Kristas Etsy store so I took advantage and ordered a couple of image, they came yesterday and I've been having a bit practice of my colouring:

I have coloured her with pro-markers and added stickles to the snow and the snowman. I have distressed the edges of the image and of the embossed card behind, then added card candy from Craftwork Cards, that came the other day and the colours match great.

Sorry for the darkness of the photo I hope you can get an idea of it, it's so hard getting decent photos at night.

I would like to enter this into:

Saturated Canary Challenge - anthing goes.
Ladybug - white on white.
Sassy Cheryls - winter
Craft your passion - tis the season
Karens doodles - non traditional colours
Cutie pie - pastel christmas
Simon says stamp - anything goes

I have also been doing some stitching whilst watching I'm a celebrity - I'm currently working on the cake band that came free with a cross sitch magazine - however, my concentration hasn't been up to much - I dont think I've done one reindeer correctly!!!

I did however, get this stitched up for a friends birthday - I can post a pic now as I think she has received it:

Front:

Back:

The pattern was from Daffycat (thank you).

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

2 cards for a couple of challenges...

2011-11-26T13:10:00.004Z

... my card making mojo seems to have returned although I think it could be a bit of panic setting in as I hadn't made my boys Christmas cards and thought I had better get a wiggle on, after downloading a fab freebie from Pollycraft I thought the image would be perfect my my eldests card, this is actually the second card I made for him as I was lucky enough to win the postcard stamp from Bev and thought I could use the image on this card (after pinching the sentiment from my favourite L*K cross stitch chart:

The papers are from ebay last year - so not sure of the make, the image has been coloured with pro-markers with fluffy stuff again added to his hat.

I would like to enter this into:
Pollycraft Challenge - Christmas Fun
Cupcake - Teenage Boys

The next card is for my neice who turns 18 just after New Year:

Apologies for the dodgy photo's its quite grey here today and couldnt get the lighting right - anyhoo the image has been in my stash a while I was sent it when I first started card making - I have coloured her with promarkers. For the 18 I printed the numbers of a colouring page website and cut out and matted onto some freebie papers (added stickles round the edge to disguise my dodgy cutting out!!). The papers I think are dcwv from the lovely Sarah, I have then added pearls, ribbon and star pins from my stash. The card blank is the last of my bigger ones from a pound stall at a craft fair.

I would like to enter this into:
CES Challenge - special milestone birthdays
A gem of a challenge - monochrome (hope this is ok the colours are similar just let me know if not and I can remove it from the challenge)

Phew, are you still with me??? lol

Right off to do some ironing - booo!!!

Thanks for looking
Ali
xx

Those of a nervous disposition...

2011-11-24T16:24:00.004Z

... look away now!!! Lol - not sure when I provided Just Inklined with some inspiration for this image:

But looking quite slinky dont you think!!! ;-)

Aah anyhoo, this is going to be my hubbys christmas card, I think he'll love it- I have coloured her with promarkers and added glossy accents to her boots and glasses, and a little bit of fluffy stuff to her Santa hat. I have matted onto red card, the dp is from ebay last year so not sure of the make and added the two ribbons and ticket sentiment from stash.

I would like to enter this into:
C.R.A.F.T - unusual christmas (not the sort of image normally associated with christmas) lol
Crafty Purple Frog - for someone special
Moving along with the times - ribbon/bows
I love promarkers - anything goes.
Aud Sentiments - Holiday (with sentiment)

Thanks for looking.

Ali
xx

Ooh right while the internet is back on...

2011-11-21T18:19:00.005Z

... I'll just quickly post this. I don't know about you but I love the Coca Cola christmas lorry advert and it was on tv when Ians brother was at our house and I mentioned how it would be great to see it. Paul told us you could as its touring the uk. So of I popped to the website and got details that it would be at Hartlepool on Sunday, so what's a mum to do when you are off to your own mums for dinner but to pop in en-route.

I'd kept it secret thinking the boys would be excited but noooo!!! Whoopi-doo sarcastically from my 8 year old I dont like coke - I know but thats not the point its the christmas lorry - the holidays are coming, Santa, Christmas - no?? Cue much excitement from me - wasted it was - wasted!!! So thats why the faces on the pics look a bit pained - ah well I enjoyed myself - lol

I must admit not quite up to the adverts standard - maybe 'cos it was daytime - but look its number plate is SANTA 1 - eek!!

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas......

Ali
xx

(p.s. have you got that tune in your head now - ;-) lol )

A super quick post...

2011-11-20T08:45:00.004Z

... oh man!! the house is upside down, we are decorating 2 rooms one upstairs and the study/crafty area down stairs so there is no craftin' going on at the moment as there is stuff everywhere!!! I am sure it breeds in cupboards because I had a sort out not so long ago lordy where does it come from???

Anyhoo, I just wanted to post a piccy of a card I made for one of the lovely ladies over at MSE and could enter into the 4 Crafty Chicks - paper piecing challenge:

The image is a pink gem one coloured with pro-markers and paper pieced, aagh cant remember the name of the papers and they are all under a dust sheet - so cant check. The flowers were originally cream so I coloured them with pro-markers to match and added stickles glitter glue to some of the petals, and sentiment from my stash.

Right computer has to go back under dust sheets - cant wait for normal service to resume!!

I would also like to enter it into:
Little red wagon: Paper piecing
OSAAT - Anything goes

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Big Candy...

2011-11-14T08:27:00.002Z

... on offer at the Craft Barn to celebrate 600 followers - pop over to check it out - look whats on offer:

Thanks for looking

Ali
x

Just a little bit chuffed...

2011-11-12T20:04:00.005Z

... that I have finished my ornie and it looks almost professional -lol!!! Yup, after closely following a tutorial from Daffycat (thank you!!!) (oh and with a slight panic about interfacing - cough),

Front:

Back:

Check out this invisible stitching - yay!!!:

(although my start and the end of the row need a bit more practice).

Off to have a glass of wine to celebrate - lol.

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

A quick make..

2011-11-09T16:47:00.007Z

... I've been itching to colour in this gorgeous image from the Stamping boutique, when I saw the challenge for Simon says stamp, I seized the opportunity:

It has been simply coloured with promarkers, matted onto black and red card with ribbon added from my stash. Lastly, a tiny drop of 3d glossy accents to the black centre.

I would like to enter this into Simon Says Stamp - photo challenge
Bows & berries - clean & simple
One stitch at a time - use a digi
Thanks for looking.

Ali
xx

Still here...

2011-11-07T17:14:00.003Z

... yup, still here AND my cross stitch wizard is making a re-appearance!! Everytime I went to start a new project he would get moved aside and look at me as if to say "what about me!!", so I've given in and been proddling away for the last few nights:

However, still not really enjoying it - I feel as if I am stitching and stitching but not really getting anywhere, I've looked back through my blog and the last time the poor chappy was touched was 1st June - shocking!! so a little comparison and he now has his other hand and crystal ball - so I'll keep at it and see if I can make a bit more headway with his cloak.

All birthday cards are up to date, but I should really be making christmas cards -hmm maybe after a couple more nights at this.

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T18:12:00.003Z

Good evening, hope your all having a spooktacular night. Well, just been out with the boys trick or treating early doors as Jack is at scouts later and Tom is not good with Halloween he's not so keen on the scary outfits.

Just a couple of pics of the pumpkins Ian has carved with thanks to the internet for inspiration - he moans about it but is in his element finding and carving pumpkins - lol.

Daylight:

Night:

Enjoy the rest of your night hmmm dont eat tooo many sweeties xxx

A monster make...

2011-10-30T18:23:00.006Z

... its one of Toms friends birthdays tomorrow and for the last couple of years I've made him a halloween themed birthday card, but this year I've tried to be a bit different but still with a monster theme:

then lordy, I must be psychic another perfect challenge popped up, so I would like to enter this into:

Here come the boys - monsters.
Passion for pro-markers - for a child

*oops forgot to say I have coloured the image with promarkers and added 3d accents to the balloon, the image has been matted onto mirricard and the dp from my stash and again matted onto red card*

Erm, what else to share - oh yes I've finished my little owl:

Off to hunt for some backing fabric to make an ornie, and I have made it my goal to definately finish this one!!!

Heres a little spooky vampire shot

After waiting ages for the first tooth to come out the rest are dropping out very quickly - lol (excuse hubbys cycling clothes drying - I should really learn to tidy up before taking photos - cough!!)

Right off to help in the pumpkin carving.

Have a nice night

Ali

xx

A quick break from housework...

2011-10-29T09:42:00.003+01:00

... I really hate housework so any excuse to get sidetracked is great!!! I've just spotted a challenge and thought I would quickly blog this card that I have made for my friends son:

I have coloured a Dustin Pike Freebie with promarkers, matted onto blue card with the sentiment generated on the pooter and matted onto yellow and red card. The DP is from the remains of a 12x12 sheet but not sure of the make.

I would like to enter this into:

Poodles Parlour - for the boys
Sweet stampin - anything goes

Ooh just quickly before I forget I'll just pop this pic up as well of some sweetie cones for my boys for Halloween (one using a freebie stamping boutique image and the other using a meljens designs freebie)

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Using a new stamp!

2011-10-26T17:27:00.007+01:00

When I went to Harrogate earlier in the year, I bought a new Christmas stamp from Little Claires that I had seen last Christmas but never got round to ordering, I've finally inked it up for a no colouring challenge I had spotted - but I should really read the rules first as I found out after I had made the card it wasnt suitable as I wasnt using the correct image - oops.

I have stamped the image with momento cocoa ink pad onto kraft paper and added stickles to the snowy bit and then added gingham ribbon to the side from Hobbycraft. I've made a cheats bow as I still cant get the hang on my ribbon tier thingy - I keep getting a big knot at the back, but if I only tie it once it seems to work loose??? I've followed tutorials on you tube but my bows definately dont look like theirs - lol.

I would like to enter this into:

Little Claires - christmas
Craft your passion - get krafty
Simon says stamp -anything goes
One stop crafts challenge - no dp

An update on my little owl - its coming along nicely although we did nearly have wonky wings its really quick to stitch so might have it finished tonight.

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

I know....

2011-10-24T18:21:00.003+01:00

... I should really finish one thing off before starting another, BUT, I am dying to stitch something from my Just Cross stitch Halloween magazine, so I have chosen this one:

shown next to a freebie that I have just started to back stitch, so I am going to do a little of that one later after I have made a start on my owl ornie!!

I had seen a link on CraftyMoos blog, about a crazy January 2012 challenge (scroll down a bit for the post) where you start 15 different things from Jan 1st - 15th and then finish them through the year. Thought I might sign up for it, but then thought I shouldnt really, as maybe I should start my own challenge where I find 15 things and ACTUALLY finish them through the year lol.

Lets hope I get these finished before 2012.

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Two posts in one day...

2011-10-22T16:35:00.002+01:00

... strange, I know lol, been home alone so been faffing on, on mark two of one of the cards I cocked up earlier in the week:

I know, you'll be thinking how can you cock that up, but I got a bit of glue on one of the leaves and thought I would try and hide it by adding some sakura glitter pen - wht a bl**dy mess, this attempt I was a lot more careful - lol

On my wreath card I have simply used my new MS holly punch and used silicone glue to stick it to the card and added a ribbon at the top.

I would like to enter this into:

One stop craft challenge - no designer paper.
Crafty Anns - C&S
Crazy for Challenges - one layer

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Pastel christmas challenge...

2011-10-22T10:16:00.002+01:00

... I'm a bit pants at blogging at the moment sorry!!, but I have made my mums christmas card and the perfect challenge has popped up so I'll quickly blog it:

The image is a pre-coloured square from LOTV with papers from a pack from a £1 stall at a fair, I have added ribbon, flower (edged with stickles) and a snowflake cut die from my stash.

I would like to enter this into Totally Gorjuss - Pastel Christmas

My week has not gone well lol, we have new computers at work and trying to get used to the new system is a nightmare - aargh!! On thur I decided to make hobnobs except went wrong with the recipe somewhere and the mixture just spread out all over the baking tray and burnt - oops - err what else oh cocked up a couple of cards - because I cant leave them alone and then spoil them - honestly I need to give myself a good slap!!! Anyhoo, nearly the start of Half Term so hopefully all traumas are over and we'll have a nice stress free week - well as much as you can with two boys, who need to go shopping for new clothes and trainers - aargh!!! Do you think I can delegate this job to Dad - lol - nah I dont really think so either.

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Hellooooo...

2011-10-17T16:40:00.003+01:00

... I'm just about to start tea and wanted to quickly blog this card :

Sorry about the dodgy photo - but you get the jist -lol.

I would like to enter this into:

LOTV - Warm & cozy
Little Claires - Christmas
Bah humbug - Christmas Food

I've made a start on my christmas cards - although I got so cross with myself when I had to chuck a card out that I had made that was fine- but noooo I decided to add a little extra and it made it look a mess - grrr - I need to learn to leave things alone.

I willl hopefully be back with some more cards soon.

I managed to get a copy of Just Cross Stitch - the halloween issue that I had been lusting after so many things I want to stitch lol.

Right best go and do the tea!!

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Celebrate...

2011-10-11T20:19:00.003+01:00

... I saw this as a theme for a challenge and had just finished an engagement card and thought that would be ideal for this challenge:

The image is a LOTV that came free with a magazine, I have coloured it with promarkers with little bits of sakura glitter pen added. The ribbon, paper and doily are from my stash with sentiment from Nettys card finished with a little pearl in the centre.

I would like to enter this into:

Creative Craft Challenge - celebrations
One stitch at a time - anything goes.

Oh, I had a read of the crochet book last night - oh my - lol - err when it says simple - I think they should have ran it by me first - it seems very complicated!! It might be easier putting it into practice than reading it - lol

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Finally...

2011-10-10T18:35:00.006+01:00

... I'm pleased with a couple of cards I have made. So I will just do a quick post of one before I take my eldest to scouts.

I've just spotted an ideal challenge for this card, so thought I would pop a pic on here; (updated the challenge I was going to enter the collection was closed - pah!!)

The image was a cutie sent to me by the lovely Sarah - thank you!! I have coloured him with pro-markers. Matted onto blue card - on the other section I have embossed some white card again matted onto blue card then used pink ribbon and flower from my stash to highlight the little pink flower he is carrying. The sentiment was a freebie sentiment from Nettys fab blog.

I would like to enter this into:

One stop Craft Challenge - anything goes.

I've also been naughty again and bought another couple of books (from The Book People - so my excuse was they were quite cheap!!).

Having seen the gorgeous crochet/amigurami on Attic 24's blog and Hippywitch's blogs, I'm determined to have a go - err not quite sure when though as my list of stuff to do just keeps growing and I dont seem to get anything crossed off the list - cough!

Even, my mum has taken up crochet and made be a beautiful blanket - I wouldnt care when I first mentioned I want to learn she said 'why are you thinking of getting a dog and need a blanket!!' - what??? and now she is knocking out blankets left, right & centre!!!

Do you manage your time well??? I seem to flit from one thing to another and never seem to get organised!!!

Anyhoo, thanks for looking.

Ali
xx

Has anyone....

2011-10-06T18:58:00.005+01:00

... seen my mojo/motivation??? Pah I dont know whats the matter with me at the moment, think I need a kick up the bum - again!! Struggling with ideas for card making so I have been surfing the net and looking at fabby blogs for inspiration. Then, I keep making stupid mistakes on my cross stitching - i.e. cutting the material too small or stitching 1 over 1 so it the stitching design ends up tiny - gah!!

Right I'll stop moaning now and post a pic of a card I have made for a relative who is turning one - I have made this in my new crafty area - yes I have moved from a crafty desk to a crafty area of work top and units - I'll post a picture later when it is tidy - as I still have stuff all over. I owe my hubby big time for this (I really don't deserve him)- lol!!! Which makes my lack of mojo even worse :-(

We have a shortage of girls on my hubbys side, so I have feel entitled to have a pink overload - lol. The image is from digi stamp boutique - coloured with pro-markers and then some really fine glitter in the middle of the 1. The paper was in a freebie pack from a magazine, flowers, card candy & sentiment from my stash and then I have printed out Lucys name.

I would like to enter this into:
Aud Sentiments - Happy Birthday
Papercrafting Journey - punch/diecut
Sassy studio - Think Pink.
Crazy Challenge - Think pink

Thanks for looking (and putting up with my little moan - sorry)

Ali
xx

Right,...

2011-09-28T13:58:00.005+01:00

...while I've got 10 mins (just got some veggies roasting to go into a soup!!) - except its mafting here so thinking it might be salad for tea. lol.

I just wanted to quickly post a pic of the nearly finished cross-stitch that is doing my head in. I lurve the pattern but the 22 count is horrible I cant wait to finish it and I am nearly there, however, I seem to speed up when I am nearing the end of something and now making silly mistakes so its taking longer - aargh!!

The pattern is a freebie from Jaunty Fox designs -I'll try and find the link, and pop it on my blog.

Postie has been as well yay!! with a couple of Martha Stewart bargains - yum!!

The book is hardback and only £4.50 from Amazon - I've only had a quick look but seems idiot proof (so I am ok!!! :-)) and some nice things to do (and free cd to copy designs & templates). The holly punch I have been lusting after, after spotting it in a magazine - and a bargain on ebay - so well chuffed. That remind me must go and write my feedback.

Toodles!!

Thanks for looking

Ali
xxx

Yoo Hoo, I'm still here....

2011-09-22T17:52:00.007+01:00

... I know, I know long time no post and long time not many visits to other blogs - sorry!! Just things got a bit mental at home, then a trip to the Papercrafts fair at Harrogate and then we had a long weekend away in London for Toms Birthday and had a brilliant time - except I need another holiday to recover, I am still cream crackered from all the walking and I'm not going to mention the washing and ironing - lol - it was only four days but blooming 'eck how much laundry!!!

I had a lovely surprise when I got home my m-i-l had been and tidied the house - lovely except also rather embarrassing - I bet she thinks I'm a right dirty moo - lol. It was semi(cough) tidy, I just thought I'd do it all properly when I got home ;-).

Anyhoo, best not think about that - here is a photo of my little stash from Harrogate - was quite restrained really:

A box to organise my cross stitch threads, images from lotv, inks, papers, stamp some dst, promarker, ribbon and a lovely little wooden house that was only a couple of pound - not sure what to do with it yet though - but I just liked it.

I am also still doing a bit of cross-stitch but not enjoying it I didnt have any linen left and they didnt have any in the shop I visited but they had 22ct aida, which I thought would be nice and give a similar effect - but I hate stitching on it - aargh - dont know why I just dont like it. I'd already made a mistake on the Lizzie Kate pattern by starting it- getting half way through and then realising I hadnt cut the material big enough - huge aargh!!! so in my strop I chucked it out, therefore reluctant to ditch this one - I will finish it - even though I am hating it - I'll pop a picture up when I am finished.

Lastly a card - yay!! (although I must say since I have made this my mojo has gone awol so if you see it please return to me!!!

We have been invited to christening at the end of October, and this is my card the image was a freebie (and coloured with promarkers) but I cant remember where from if anyone knows please let me know and I'll pop a link up the gingham paper was from a freebie pack from a magazine. I have punched some plain white card and then added gingham ribbon from my stash.

I would like to enter this into:

Truly scrumptious - c&s
Creative Card Crew - babies
Papertake weekly - critters

Thanks for looking (hopefully will be back on track visiting and commenting soon xxx)

Ali
xx
Thank you to Padster here is a link to the freebie image at elephantastic :-)

Toms birthday card...

2011-09-08T17:35:00.005+01:00

... this seems to have come round quite quickly, I can remember working on his last card!! Well, he is still mad on army things, so it is another army themed card. I really struggled to find a suitable image and ended up going for a kidlets one from Bugaboo, just hope its not too babyish for him:

I have used one of the larger card blanks that I got from a £1 stall, where I have distressed the edges. The backing paper was a freebie from here, the Bugaboo image has been coloured with pro-markers and matted onto kraft card. Then I have added some - I keep going to call it rafia but it isnt anyhoo you know what it is - lol, and typed, printed and distressed the edge of the sentiment.

I would like to enter this into:

CRAFT - children
Charisma - inspired by a son (In the army now - status quo)
Papertake weekly - anything goes.
Stamp something - use a digi
Creative stamp friends - card for a man
One stitch at a time - use a digi
Crafting for all seasons - birthday

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

A few more things off my to do list...

2011-09-04T15:06:00.007+01:00

... yup, still ticking things off my list - the chicken has (finally) been made into a cushion:

I had plenty of stripey material left over so that is what is on the reverse of the cushion. Even hubby is starting to get into the swing of things - with the spare material I suggested re-covering the dining room chairs - he did one last night, hope to get the other 3 done over the next couple of nights when he has finished work - yay!!! (However, can I just say I did suggest doing this years ago - but he said it wouldnt work - erm???)

A frame was purchased this morning:

I know its not framed right no pinning, stretching etc - just a bit of pulling and a bit of ds tape - but it seems to do the trick ;-) - hmm just thinking whether to stick some things around the edge of the frame to take the plainless off - but worried I'll end up spoiling it??

At last, a card:

I must admit this was made the othe week, just didnt get round to bloggin it. The image was stamped by one of the lovely ladies over at MSE and coloured with promarkers. I have used freebie papers from a magazine, with flowers, sentiment and buttons from my stash. I lurve this image - she just looks lovely.

I would like to enter this into:

Always something creative - pink & brown
Emerald Faerie Garden - buttons
Aud Sentiments - for a girl
Charisma cardz- anything goes
Passion for promarkers - anything goes

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

p.s. no extra threads today???

A mixed post...

2011-09-03T14:33:00.007+01:00

... a little bit of everything today (well, except a card - which may be later). Okey doke, where shall I start - I finished my little Barbara Ana design the other night:

I am really pleased with it (I've missed off the bottom row of some squares- as I liked it like this) just need to get it framed now - and after giving myself a kick up the bum to actually get stuff finished I'll be off to get a frame tomorrow and have a go at doing it myself.

I've actually started & finished covering the foam for my pew - err how many months has that taken??? lol - see what you think:
It was hard sewing and reading the intruction manual to the sewing machine - oops its only its second outing since my hubby bought it for me last Christmas!! Can you spot my new oil cloth - just a little bit CKish - doesnt go with the peach walls though hmm how can I break it to hubby he's going to need to decorate - hee hee.

Have you heard the song Jar of Hearts - well here is my Jar of Tarts:

My mum gave me the jar (I think its just an old coffee one), I have filled with Yankee Candle tarts added ribbon, painted a little wood heart and written on tarts - et voila!

Are you still with me - not bored you to tears yet???

Just a couple more pics honest!!

Right, I need new magazines, like I need a hole in the head -BUT - have you seen the freebies at the moment, I got my subs. copy of cross-stitcher yesterday and I have read the print off it already and what about this for a fab freebie kit - I cant wait to start it:

Or how about a cute Margaret Sherry one in World of Cross Stitch, stitching not your thing?? There are some soooo cute Humphreys Corner Christmas stamps in Papercraft essentials???

Right just off to hide one of the mags before hubby comes home!!

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

p.s. A bit of Sewing Machine help please when I have been stitching and finishing off when I go to snip the cotton and the cotton from the bobbin I have been getting 3 threads to snip instead of just 2??? Nothing in the manual??? Can anyone throw any light on this - I am wondering if it is because I am stitching quite slowly???
Thank you!!

New stitching..

2011-08-29T17:22:00.002+01:00

... yup I've started another new stitchy project. I know, I know, I should finish off some of my other projects - well I am waiting for my hubby to cut me some mount card for my little welcome stitchy - so thats my excuse and I am sticking to it - lol!!

Here is my new project:

This is a cute Barbara Ana design that I originally saw on Craftymoos blog and fell in love with it as I thought it summed me up on a morning - when it is finished it will say 'hand over the coffee and no one gets hurt!' - lol. Loving the colours.

Right, I need to ask any super stitchy ladies out there - how do you store yours??? Your threads that is - do you store them in numerical order or the order of colours on the dmc chart?? Mine are alway in a right pickle and I cant seem to find a way to keep them organised. I've now got a list of dmc colours (taken from an old cross stitch magazine) with the numbers ticked off so I know which ones I have, but then trying to find them - aargh!!.

I took some photos last night of my desk, and my little sewing area around the chair where I sit on a night - but having just looked at them again now - I am ashamed to put them on here - good grief I am untidy!!! No wonder my kids are messy - oops!!

Right I can smell burning best go and check the tea :-). Thanks for looking and any advice on storage would be great.

Ali
xx

Hoping this works...

2011-08-28T13:06:00.004+01:00

... hmm been having trouble with either blogger or my pooter not sure which, I can see only so many blogs on my dashboard and when I try to link to them nothings happening - so hopefully this post will work.

Been out and about with hubby & the kids the last few days so not getting a lot of time for crafting but I did manage to make this just to have a card for a man handy incase I forget anyone.

Another photo to try and show the 3d golf balls:

The image is a cute penny black one that I got in a bundle of stamped images from ebay coloured with promarkers. The papers came with a magazine and then I have stamped some golf ball images (the stamp was a bargain from Hobbycraft - probably the only one!!!) then punched them out and 3d sticky squared them onto the image. The green card was in my stash from the Papermill.

I would like to enter this into:

DYSU (Do you stack up)- Boy or Man
Forever Friends - 3d
Papercrafting journey - anything goes.
2 sisters - boys and their toys
Challenge up your life - for men
Crazy for challenges - male themed

Right going to hit the settee now - been swimming with the family for the first time in ages and now all I want to do is curl up and chill out - how lazy is that!!!

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Morning...

2011-08-22T11:37:00.005+01:00

... all hope you are all well. I'm not sure how it happened but I was talked into having another sleepover last night - but THAT IS IT!!! No more it was only one boy but it was worse than having the two that I had last time - lol. I am not used to late nights.

So before I chill out with a nice cuppa I just wanted to blog this card. I dont think I'll send it but you know when you see an image that you just want to use:

The image is another cute freebie from the lovely Spyder - thank you. It will only be there another couple of days so pop over to her super blog soon to grab it.

I have coloured him with promarkers and then added sakura glitter pen to moleys fur. He is matted onto alphabet paper that I had printed off ages ago really sorry cant post a link but if it rings any bells with anyone please let me know and I'll pop a link up. Then just used red card that I have punched along the edge and blue card with die cut letters stuck on.

I would like to enter this into:

2 sisters - back to school
paper creators - red and blue (hmm might be tenuous with the image- but just let me know and I can remove it)
Fairytale - back to school
Creative inspirations - back to school

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Another post...

2011-08-20T17:49:00.002+01:00

...just before I pick up the boys from their nannas.

I had coloured this image the other night and had a go at decoupage with my new silicone glue - hmm not sure if I've got it right - think I need a bit more practice:

I have only decoupaged the balloons and then added 3d glossy accents. The whimsy doodles image is coloured with pro-markers and then matted onto some American Crafts paper and patterned paper from Echo Park - and that bl**dy guillotine is def. NOT cutting straight!!! I have the paper flush along the top so I dont think its user error.

I would like to enter this into:

Aud Sentiments: anything goes
Cupcakes - sketch
One stop Craft Challenge - Bold & bright

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Playing with colouring in...

2011-08-20T16:43:00.006+01:00

...again, yup having a bit colour of another of the lovely images Claire sent me. When I started off it wasnt going to be a get well card but sometimes things just go off on a tangent - lol. What a trauma I had with the cutting and gluing aargh!! thought I was going to have to chuck it but managed to rescue it and I am sure my x-cut guillotine doesn't cut straight!!!

Anyhoo, here is my card:

I have coloured him with pro-markers and added sakura glitter pen to the raindrops and puddle although not sure it shows in the photo. Matted onto purple card and then Basic Grey Eerie paper printed off the sentiment (since our other motherboard or something went in the other pooter I've lost loads of lovely fonts and now cant remember what to do!!- doh) with ribbon from my stash.

I would like to enter this into:
Basic Grey -anything goes.
Aud Sentiments - anything goes.
Stamp scrap & doodle - sympathy/get well
Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Isn't it spooky...

2011-08-16T19:36:00.004+01:00

... when you have an idea in your head and then the perfect challenge comes up. Well, that is what happened with this card - I'd had the image for ages that one of the girls (sorry cant remember who - oops!!) from MSE had sent me. I also had the map image downloaded for a while and while I was sorting through my images had the idea of putting them together, but wasnt sure how it would work out from my brain to paper - iykwim!! because sometimes things get lost along the way - lol.

Not sure if I have over done it with the distress inks??? The card blank is an 8x8 from a £1 stall at the pins & needles fair. The brilliant treasure map was from Spyders blog (thank you) with ribbon from my stash - the image has been coloured with promarkers and a little silver pen on the knife blade and buckles - he has been 3d sticky squared on so he stands proud of the map a little bit - doesnt show too well in the photo.

I am really pleased with how it has turned out - now my son wants a treasure map printing - hmm wonder where he is going to find the gold - aaaarrrr - sorry couldnt resist - lol.

I would like to enter this into:
Creative craft world - for a child
passion for promarkers - a pirates life.
Cards for men - anything goes (not sure if you are allowed 2 entries so I can easily remove it if not)

Thanks for looking.

Ali
xx

Just a quickie..

2011-08-15T16:32:00.002+01:00

.. hoping it might kick start my mojo as I am all up date with birthdays and wondering what to do - keep looking at stuff but nothing is jumping out at me.

This is just a quick card I made for a friends son :

The image is from pollycraft - coloured with pro markers and 3d glossy accents added to the balloons. This was matted onto red, yellow and orange card - and used some more of the 12x12 sheet from my stash. Another freebie ticket sentiment altered to include the birthday boys name.

I would like to enter this into:

Cards for Men - anything goes.

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

By gum...

2011-08-11T16:22:00.005+01:00

... I'm getting a few posts in at the moment!!! Just about to start making a shepherds pie, but before I do just wanted to blog a couple of makes:

This is for Ians dad whose birthday is in a couple of weeks:

Quite plain and simple and pre-coloured LOTV square put onto kraft card, some of my new paper from Echo park, then added twine and a button.

I would like to enter this into:
4 crafty chicks - twine
cute card thursday - c&s
Pixie dust - boys will be boys.
Freshly brewed - c&s (less than 3 embelishments)

Next card is a bit different for me trying to get adventurous with my colouring again!! erm... see what you think...

She is coloured with promarkers and matted onto black card and striped paper - then I have die cut a circle from some flocked card I had - then added ribbon and flower and card candy from my stash.

I would like to enter this into

Crafty Sentiments - punches/diecuts.
Craft us crazy - anything goes
Meljens designs - use black

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Bloomin' weather...

2011-08-10T09:22:00.010+01:00

... well we were supposed to be meeting friends and going to climb Roseberry Topping, but the wind and rain has put a stop to that - mind you I think the boys breathed a sigh of relief - but there is always next week mwah ha ha!!!

So a sneeky bit of craftin has been done and then I really must step away from the pooter and do some much neglected housework.

Here is my first Christmas Card of 2011, I saw a challenge on a gem of a challenge and thought that was quite different and fancied a go - popped to the Pink Gem shop and spotted a super cute image and knew what I wanted to do - yay I was finally going to get to use my fluffy stuff and heat gun (which hubby bought me last christmas and I've only just took it out of the packaging!!)

It was quite tricky to get a decent photo but I hope you get the idea:

I have used my fluffy stuff on the bear and promarkers on his scarf then Sakura gitter pen on the star. I have matted the image onto embossed paper and then distressed/glittered around the edges (not sure if that shows) added white organza ribbon from stash, punched some snowflakes and again used sakura pen on them and that is it.

I would like to enter this into:

A gem of a challenge - white on white
Paperplay challenge - christmas in August
Simon says stamp - all white
Ooh la la - christmas
Craft room Challenge - white on white
Fab & funky - christmas
Thanks for looking.

Ali
xx

A little stitchy update...

2011-08-08T16:26:00.006+01:00

... nearly finished my little welcome sign - I have had to adapt the pattern as I was pushing it with my little bit of linen. Just some bees and odd little stiches here & there still to do. Hopefully I've left enough to cover some mount card:

Would anybody like a copy of Issue 25 of Do Crafts Creativity magazine, my mum bought me a copy reduced in the Range but I already have it - it comes with free cupcake stamps.

Just leave me a comment.

Dont go yet...

I have a couple of cross stitch patterns that I know I will never do - would they be any good for anyone:

If you just leave a comment and what magazine/pattern you would be interested in - I'll just do it on a first come first served basis - hope this is ok.

Thanks for looking.

Ali
xx

Just before I...

2011-08-07T19:43:00.003+01:00

... settle down for a dvd night with the family, I just want to quickly blog this card. Its quite a different image for me - its one that Claire sent me ages ago and to be honest was a bit scared of it - only because I didnt think I would be able to colour it nicely iykwim!! Anyhoo, I finally bit the bullet and coloured it and am really pleased with how it turned out:

I did nearly ruin it when trimming the image down, but thats another story - lol. Okey doke the image was coloured with promarkers and sakura glitter pen on little bits of her. The papers are Basic Grey and the image and sentiment is matted onto mirri-card. The butterfly was one that Gem kindly sent me.

I would like to enter this into:

Creative Craft World - Birthdays
Ai Factory - anything goes
CYDA - Birthday Celebrations

Right Diary of a Wimpy kid & popcorn are calling - catch you all later.

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

(p.s. thank you for your kind comments on Toms card - he was dead chuffed!!)

Another anniversary card...

2011-08-06T07:51:00.004+01:00

... morning all, just a quick post - falling behind on blogging, keeping up, housework etc... and I've only done a day and a half at work!!

Just wanted to blog the card I made for hubby for our anniversary:

This was another freebie lotv image with a magazine coloured with promarkers - I really struggled trying to find papers that werent too girly found this heart paper and tried to butch it up a bit by matting the image and papers onto black - not sure if it worked?? I printed and die cut a sentiment for the inside of the card - which I think came from Nettys blog - who has some lovely sentiments that she shares - pop over and check her lovely blog out.

I would like to enter this into:

CRAFT - anniversary.

Right off to get some housework out of the way before I take my eldest to see Harry Potter (at last!!)

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx
`

A post on behalf of Tom...

2011-08-03T16:36:00.006+01:00

... well those immortal words have been issued "mmuuuummm I'm bored!!" - followed by can I play with your posh felt tips - so after I managed to control my breathing I replied "Of course you can hun", followed by and your cards and pictures and glue- omg - the wine was cracked open and I let him free on my crafty desk - not a lot of space as its very messy again - oops - but here he is with his card:

He was well chuffed with it and it is going to be for a friend (erm, not sure who yet lol) and I've told him he can enter it in a challenge:

Simon Says Stamp Summer Holiday Challenge - anything goes.
Stitchy Bear Kids Challenge - anything goes

Good Luck Tom x

Squeezing another post in...

2011-08-02T15:15:00.013+01:00

... been to Whitby today with a friend and her boys we both forgot change for the car park so couldnt stay as long as we wanted - DOH!!! Remembered the camera and forgot to take photos - DOUBLE DOH!!!

Any hoo, home now and psyching myself up to start the ironing but this is far more important - lol just a couple of cards to blog and enter into challenges:

The first for one of the young men we were out with today - little Leo who is a cutie:

The backing paper could be Basic Grey??? The image was a free Molly Bloom Stamp with a magazine which has been coloured with pro-markers I added his age to the balloon and then 3d clear gloss finished it - then punched some circles and used alphabet stickers for his name.

I would like to enter this into:

The stamping boutique - for a young male
Cupcake - how old?
I love promarkers - anything goes

My next card - grr - I got the LOTV image with a magazine and I love, love, love this image and coloured it not badly I though until I did the dog and didnt like the colour and thought oh if I use the blender it might lighten it a bit gah!!! it bled terribly so to try and rescue it I cut the image out - anyhoo see what you think about how I have tried to salvage it:

The paper is Basic Grey, I then die cut the centre out which I then stuck to the back inside of the card, the image was coloured with promarkers. I have then added peach flowers and cream flowers which I again used my promarkers on to match her apron and then pearls from my stash to hide a little mark from where I had removed a sentiment that I had put on and then didnt like - honestly sometimes I dont know when to leave things alone!!!

I would like to enter this into:

I love promarkers - anything goes
Allsorts - free & easy
Papertake Weekly - anything goes

hmm do you think this could be classed as monochromatic???

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Week 2 in the big brother house....

2011-08-01T16:20:00.006+01:00

... and the children are still getting on - wow - no arguments/whinging lets hope it continues for the rest of the holidays :-) .

Hope you are all well, and those off with the kids are surviving!!!

Right what have I managed to squeeze in:

Well I won a couple of candys huge thanks to Rain mac & Janey xxx

A little bit of retail therapy at Kandipandis folk sy store. With one of the super kits to start patchwork that I'd admired before but as soon as they are in the store they are whipped up straight away:

The kit is amazing value with everything you need to get started, full instructions and the sweetest little sewing kit - erm I just need to get my bum in gear and have a go - so at the moment it is on my to do pile but I keep getting it out and having a little stroke - lol.

Check out Kandis store there are some gorgeous things there.

What else, oh yes eldest son went to scout camp and had a fab time which left some time for youngest to have some one to one time with his dad and then me when I wasnt at work - so we got the train to York to go to the railway museum (Tom was in charge of the camera so here are a couple of his pics. from the hundreds he took - lol and I'm gutted to say he is a better photographer than me!!)
Oh I'd love to have lived in that era. (I would of had to have been rich though!)

And of course the Minster:

A quick nip into York for lunch and then supposedly a mooch round the shops him Disney store - me Cath Kidston/crafty shop - but strangely his tummy started to hurt after the Disney store so I never got to CK hmmm me thinks his dad has been giving him lessons - his back used to start hurting whenever we went shopping ;-) . Oh well maybe next time.

Right, I am nearly done honestly!!

A quick pic of a card I have made for a party that Tom is going to soon:

It is a LOTV square cut image (pre coloured) matted onto gingham paper and plain blue card - it doesnt show to well on the photo but the blue card is raised up on 3d sticky squares.

I would like to enter this into:

Cards for Men - clean & simple

Phew, got the post done before hubby comes in - right best make a start on the tea and look like I have been busy.

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Just a quick...

2011-07-26T09:29:00.008+01:00

... post before I pop out with the boys to meet some friends for a woodland walk with a play area - think it might be more play area than walking!!!

Just wanted to blog a quick anniversary card (Paul if you are reading this look away now!!)

Made with all freebies - lol - papers from a magazine, image from here (I think). Coloured with promarkers, and cut with my b.s. (it is actually layered rather than cut from the patterned paper - iykwim) and another ticket stamp freebie from Caz.

I would like to enter this into:

Totally Gorjuss - punch or diecut.
Diecut dreams - animal antics.
Creative Craft world - anything but birthdays.
Forever Friends challenge blog - pastel colours.
Passion for promarkers - animal crackers

Also, I have started more stitching:

This is a lovely freebie patttern - cant find the link to the blog at the moment but on the pattern I've printed off it is Bee Welcome - copyright Abi Gurden if that helps. I have followed the pattern but seem to have gotten an extra stitch on my bee hive (ooh theres nothing worse - lol) and I cant see how I've done it??? I just needed to add an extra square to the door and think I've got away with it.

However, I feel I am really pushing my luck with doing it on this scrap of linen - not sure if it will all fit on and be able to make it into something - not sure I'll have a lot left to play with so may need to adjust accordingly - we'll see though.

Right best link up these posts and rally up the troops.

Catch you later.

Thanks for looking.

Ali
xx

I should really...

2011-07-23T11:05:00.010+01:00

... be doing housework - but its coffee time so I thought I'd quickly nip on here and post a couple of pics of cards I've recently (and not so recently made!!). Its' been a bit mental here with end of term activities and Jack saying goodbye to Primary school forever - sob!!

So I wont be waffling too much as I REALLY need to mop the kitchen floor!! (yup I know such a glamourous life!!!)

This is the other thank you card I made for Jacks teacher, I showed Jack some cute images (like the one I did for Toms teacher) but it was nah!! So I let him look through my images and this is what he chose:

I have coloured the image which was a freebie from here and coloured it with promarkers and then added 3d glossy accents to the whole of the motorbike. Then die cut some stars - leaving it quite clean and simple - the sentiment was just typed and printed out.

I would like to enter this into:

C.R.A.F.T - thank you teacher.

This is a card I've had made for a while that was given to one of Toms friends:

The paper is possibly smirk?? The image is a cutie ready coloured square from LOTV matted onto black card. The sentiment was a freebie from Caz's blog and the little ref's whistle was from a pack of puffy stickers from accessorize.

I would like to enter this into:

LOTV: Fun & Games

Phew, lastly a card recently made for my friends son:

The image and papers are basic grey (I've had the papers for ages but not wanted to use them - too cute!!) I have inked the edge of the image as well and then justed matted onto black card and added black card candy.

I would like to enter this into:

Totally papercrafts - for a boy.
My mums craft shop - card for a teen

Okey doke the mop is shouting tea break over - boo!!

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Chick, chick...

2011-07-20T16:34:00.003+01:00

....chicken!!! yay - I've finished my chicken with a few ickle mistakes - err I mean a bit of artistic licence - lol:

I must admit, though it was nice and easy and not too much stitching - and I do feel I've finally got the hang of stitching on linen/eavenweave - now is the pesky task of making it into a cushion- uh oh I have the feeling that it might go on my to do pile which is getting bigger - I really need to stop starting new projects and properly finish what I have.

I have had the foam for the seating on my pew for over a fortnight and I've had the material to have a go at covering it for weeks as well but the two have never been introduced - is anyone else like that??? I really need a kick up the bum to finish stuff.

Ooh, I know I had a question as well - would you put any interfacing on the back of the sewing??? and will I be alright just making the cushion as is or would you do anything to prevent further fraying of the edges??? (the cutting to size will get rid of the current raggedyness - is that even a word??)

Lastly, I've only got a thin piece of linen left that I bought from a quilting/xstitch show at Harrogate can anyone recommend any good/cheap online suppliers I've used sew & so before but not for fabric.

Thanks for any advice & thanks for looking :-)

Ali
xx

An early morning post...

2011-07-17T08:14:00.004+01:00

... blah!! up this early on a Sunday - hubby has gone to work and he is soooo noisy so we are all up, ah well can get the grocery shop out of the way as soon as Mr A opens and then seen what the boys want to do today (although I've noticed its starting to rain again!!)

I just wanted to quickly blog my brothers birthday card:

The image and sentiment are Bugaboo and is very apt for my brother (he is totally bonkers!!). I have coloured it with promarkers and added glossy accents to his glasses. The dp is cut from 12 x 12 American Crafts sheet then I have added ribbon and plain red and blue card from my stash.

I would like to enter this into:

Crafty Creations - boyz to men
Totally Gorjuss - All about boys
Sweet Stampin' challenge - one for the boys
Allsorts - Free & Easy

Thanks for looking

Ali
x

(p.s. thanks for your kind comments re my colouring - while the boys are having their xbox time today I'm going to be checking out some tutorials and having a little practice :-) ) xx

A bit more pink...

2011-07-16T09:00:00.004+01:00

...yup, it's pink overload lol, here is a card for Ians neice (July is a busy birthday month!) - I've used my new Nikki stamp that I got in the sale at Angel crafts:

The image is again coloured with promarkers, matted onto pink card cut with my nesties. The papers are SU (again!) as is the ribbon. The sentiment and little gems are from my stash.

I would like to enter this into:

Ladybug Challenge - Summer Birthdays.

Thanks for looking

Ali
x

A bit of pink...

2011-07-15T21:08:00.008+01:00

... or a lot of pink really!! The last couple of cards I've made I seem to be o.d.ing in pink - lol. So I will blog one now and one later:

This is a card for Ian's cousin who is turning thirty in a couple of weeks. The image is a LOTV freebie that came with a magazine. I have coloured it with promarkers and added some sakura glitter pen to her wings and some of the flowers. The papers are SU and the pearls are from my stash.

I would like to enter this into:

Simon says stamp challenge - anything goes.
MSE challenge - Things with wings.
Paperplay- Things with wings
Totally papercraft - Girly Girly.
Pixie Dust - Girly Girly.

Now I need to some advice or pointing in the right direction. Now I know my colouring isnt brilliant compared to some of the beauties I see on blogs - but I am going to show you a picture - quite scary picture actually of horrendous colouring - I have had a Kraftin Kimmie stamp for ages not inked up anyhoo, decided to use it this week and tried to colour it OMG what a nightmare - I dont know if it was because I was trying to do it with dark colours but:

So I did it with shale, 2 shades of grey and aubergine but I just couldn't get it to look blended properly I even used the blender pen to see if that would help but it just seemed to make it bleed can anyone give me any tips.

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

Ali
x

By Jove...

2011-07-10T17:52:00.007+01:00

...I think she's got it!!! Now I know by typing this I am tempting fate and will probably make a right pigs ear of it but this stitching on linen malarky IS getting easier (although I have cocked up on the pattern a few times - although I think I've gotten away with it!!) I'm not sure if it shows on the photo but the the last few rows I have stitched are a lot neater than my earlier rows - yay!!

My chicken now has a tail and a leg!!! By gum I'll be having a go at those biscornu's before you know it - especially as I have printed off loads of cute freebies.

However, I must confess to have my next project lined up after seeing this on CraftyMoo's blog
it really appealed to my sense of humour:

yup my first Lizzie*Kate - I lurve these designs and finally got round to getting one it kept my order of gold plated needles company - lol!! I've also downloaded a Barbara Ana one (after I emailed the wrong person off the wrong blog to see where I could get the pattern - doh!!!) Now though, evenweave or aida??? decisions, decisions!!!

Poor hubby if I'm not sat sticking I'm sat stitching - well at least I'm quiet!!

Thanks for looking and listening!!

Ali
xx

Riding along...

2011-07-10T13:16:00.005+01:00

... hmm the name of the blog post might give this away, but just wanted to blog my nephews birthday card, he is a keen cyclist and currently in France doing one of the stages of the Tour de France that they leave open for the amateurs once the professionals have been. Hope he is having a great time and is careful on his bike (I think he paid more for his bike than I did my car!!!).

Anyhoo, enough waffling :

The image is a colouring book page that I googled and downloaded and coloured with promarkers - I have matted it onto yellow & red card and used possibly papermania dp. Finally added sentiment and coloured card candy from my stash to match.

I would like to enter this into:

A gem of a challenge - lets hear it for the boys
Here come the boys - sporty
I love promarkers - CAS
Crafters Companion - one for the boys
One stitch at a time- anything goes
Papercrafting journey - for him

Thanks for looking
Ali
xx

One down, one to go...

2011-07-06T12:46:00.005+01:00

... yup its that time of year for teachers thank you cards (and lots of grumbling from hubby!!), so with July being a busy month I've got Toms teachers card done and I have started work on Jacks.

So here is Mrs Todds card:

I've had the image a while it was a freebie but I cant remember where possibly whimsie doodles??? If anyone knows please let me know and I'll amend my blog. I have coloured the image with pro-markers and glossy accented the apple and given the worm googly eyes, much to Toms pleasure - lol. I have added stickles around the edge. The papers are SU the sentiment ticket was a freebie as well and just added some garden twine, to finish it off.

I would like to enter this into:

Creative Craft World - card for teacher.
My time to craft - A la carte.
Thanks for looking.

Ali
xx

Another card for Jacks friend.

2011-07-03T11:22:00.002+01:00

Ooh well it is a beautiful day here, sun shining, paddling pool inflated just ready to be filled, so while that is making a start I will just quickly blog this make:

Its for one of Jacks friend who will be turning eleven, much to his mums horror after receiving guitar lessons has decided he is growing his hair and joining a rock band - lol!!!

The image is a freebie from Bugaboo, coloured with promarkers matted onto red card and I've added red stars edged with stickles, sorry not sure which paper it is??

I would like to enter this into:

Catch the bug - anything goes
Cards for men - stars

Thanks for looking

Ali
xx

Pull up a pew ;-) its a long one!!

2011-07-02T11:52:00.008+01:00

Ooh I seem to have lost a couple of weeks - erm not sure how - lol. Right what to catch up on??? Well Jack made it safely home from France - eventually - after numerous road closures and detours they made it home for 9pm on the Friday. I think he had a good time - apart from the food!!! Plus I cant believe the tat he bought, the market stall holders must have been rubbing their hands right heres another coach full of kids with money burning a hole in their pockets :-). So all the washing up todate it was straight into new secondary school visits and meetings, rehersals for the leavers production and getting ready for sports days.

While he is dashing around we have done a bit of sanding and painting - we bought an old church pew from ebay and have been sorting that out, not sure if I have mentioned it here but we live in a modern house but I lurve shabby chic so stealth like little bits of CK & Laura Ashley pop in - except couldnt really sneek this in but hubby was quite keen on the idea.(When we win the lottery and buy an old farmhouse it will fit right in - lol) So thats sorted - nearly - I think I have bitten off more than I can chew in that I am going to have a go at making a long cushion for it - so I will be blowing the dust off my sewing machine - plus the kitchen now needs redecorating so it will match the colours of fabric I have chosen - oops - never thought about that!!

I've also started a chicken for a cushion to go on the pew:

I have used more of my linen oh but flippin' heck I have nearly thrown it out of the window numerous times - I seem to do a couple of good rows and think I've got it and then cock it up on the next couple of rows - grr - however, I will not be beaten and the last couple of nights stitching have improved. Following a recommendation I got some gold plated needles (size 24) but I'm not sure if I need something sharper/thinner???

I've also had a few card making makes as well - a couple of party invites for Jack (quite short notice too), and a couple of makes for friends I wont blog them all now but here are a couple:

This is for Jacks friend Sam.

I would like to enter this into:

Card making mamas - red white and blue
Fairy Knoll - red white and blue
Craft u Crazy - red white and blue
Pixie Dust Studios - red white and blue

This is for a friend of the family who is turning 80:

I would like to enter this into:

Lili of the Vally - celebrate

Thanks for looking

Ali xx

How quick!!

2011-06-15T19:25:00.003+01:00

Wow!! I dont think I've ever finished anything so quick!!! (well apart from some little beads) oh and the little task of turning it into something - so many things to choose from though!! Here is my finished stitching:

Tah Dah!!Quite pleased with it although I dont think its perfect for a first attempt its ok.

Ooh just to let you know Jack and his year arrived safely in France and from the few photos on the school website they have had good weather and there seemed to be lots of smiley faces - although I cant spot Jack on any of them :-( , the school have a policy of no phone contact while they are away so we are assuming no news is good news as the info seems a bit less than I had hoped for - pah! no pleasing some parents lol!!

Thanks for looking

Ali
x

Trying something new...

2011-06-13T14:43:00.010+01:00

...I have finally got round to having a go on my evenweave (or linen) not sure which it is (lol), however I really should finish my other projects first. I was itching to have a go though I got some great advice from mouse, who sews some gorgeous things!!

So here is a pic of how its going, I have even attempted to adapt a pattern out of this months Cross Stitch Crazy magazine:

I must admit I am finding it quite tricky compared to aida, but I wont give in - just yet anyway!!

I have also made my fathers day cards, one for Ian off the boys and one for my father in law - its my second year without my dad - but smiling as I type this because I know he's with me :-).

Ok, here's my father in laws:

He loves his garden and thought this image was great for him, it has been colourerd with promarkers and I have distressed the edge of the image with Tim Holtz inks. The papers are Basic Grey and the erm not sure what it is called but the string type ribbon is from my stash.

I would like to enter this into:
Cupcake Craft Challenge: boy oh boy oh boy
Crazy 4 challenges: masculine.
Stamptacular - dads/grads
Little Claires - Cards for men

Here is Ians:

I would like to enter this into:

LOTV - anything goes

The image is a pre coloured one from LOTV, again onto Basic Grey Papers, I have die cut the letters and added card candy from my stash.

Lastly, my eldest has gone to France with the School today for a week, I dont think I've looked at the clock so much wondering where they are - they are due to go on Eurostar at 4.30 and thats the only bit I'm worried about!! I'm not worried about anything else as I know he will have a fab time he was sooooo excited to be going, infact he couldn't wait to go - no cuddles though before boarding the bus they had to be obtained at home prior to leaving - lol - that wouldnt be cool!!! He was slightly worried I would cry - but I held it together!!!

Thanks for looking (and reading my waffling!!)

Ali
x

Flitting again...

2011-06-01T17:32:00.005+01:00

...yup flitting from card making to cross-stitch - I am still plodding away with the wizard although not sure why after darling son no.1. said 'well I dont really want it - I never asked you to do it'- fair do's he didnt but I thought it would be nice in his room - pah he's still getting it any way - I love his attitude NOT - I'm really looking forward to the teenage years if this is a taster - lol!!!

I do keep getting a bit bored with it though so I have been making up some of the freebie kits that come with magazines and a little kit I got at Newcastle:

I had a couple of others however they seem to have disappeared into the abyss that is my youngests bedroom. I am currently working on the one on the left which is a footballing bear with this months cross stitch crazy magazine - do you know I would be quite rich if I could stop buying magazines!!!

Oh I made the other birthday card that I needed to make quickly wrote it, sealed it and then realised I'd forgotten to take a photo - DOH!!!

I have a couple of lovely xstitch patterns to be cracking on with and I've got some linen (I think) from Harrogate possibly 28 count however, I've never stitched on it before only aida - do I need to bear anything in mind while stitching on this or just crack on as I normally would???

Thanks for looking xx

I dont think...

2011-05-30T14:00:00.003+01:00

... the glue is dry on this one yet. Realised it is my best friends daughters birthdays soon they are 16 & 17 the day after each other, so one down one to go. My friend lives about half an hour away so we dont get to see each other as often as we like with work and one thing and another but we are meeting next week at her gym but the only things that get excercised are our jaws - lol. Anyhoo, here is Alice's card:

The image is one I recieved from Laura and have had it coloured for ages, so having a mooch through my papers spotted (excuse the pun!) and thought it looked good I have coloured the image with promarkers and matted it onto some pink card and then cut out some swirls from part of a sizzix set that I got in the January sales and not used yet - cough!

I would like to enter this into:

Totally Papercrafts: pink & girly.

Thanks for looking xx

And another one...

2011-05-29T11:00:00.003+01:00

... yup another post and another 30th Birthday card and there'll be anothe later in the year must have been a baby boom!!

This is for a Sarah who is a lovely member of our family (married to Ians {other) nephew), she turned 30 the day before I had my birthday and I made this for her:

I love this ladybug image and imagine it to be me reclining with a martini - however I could never be that sophisticated in my fleecy dressing gown curled up in my chair and any drink will do - preferably rose but depending on how the day/kids have been - it could be stonger - lol.

The image has been coloured with promarkers, the papers where free with a magazine the ribbon, numbers, flower, pearl and pearl brad(ebay) all from my stash.

I would like to enter this into:

Crafty Sentiments: Special Occassion
I love promarkers: - pearls

Thanks for looking xx

30th birthday card.

2011-05-29T10:02:00.005+01:00

Ooh another post this is going to be a quickie though as hubby is hovering to be on the pooter!! I just wanted to blog this card that I made for Ian's nephew who is going to be 30 soon:

Chris lives in Leeds now and we dont really see a lot of him so dont really know what his interests are I had recently purchsed this digi image and thought that would be useful I'm sure all men are interested in beer!! I have coloured the image with promarkers and added some stickles and glossy accents to the froth and the glass. Matted onto some SU card & paper added some twine and then squashed a bottle cap in the Big Shot added 30 and then glossy accented that as well.

I would like to enter this into:

CYDA - Fathers day/speical man (gone for the special man - nephew).
Charisma Cards - boy oh boy
Do it with digis- its all about the boys
Samuel Taylors - males

Thanks for looking xx

I just want...

2011-05-29T09:54:00.004+01:00

.... to say a huge thankyou!! to Tina at Scratchy Cat Crafter. I was really lucky to win here recent giveaway and postie delivered it yesterday, the items were wrapped individually in tissue paper and the funkiest sellotape that you might be able to see on the photo:

The packages contained some gorgeous goodies, such as homemade goodies, card crafty things funky paper, dinky notepad and and a sew & save book which looks like will make for interesting reading - I think it calls for a glass of wine and an early night to night to have a bit read.

If you have chance pop over to Tinas blog she makes some fabby things, gives inspired ideas and helpful tutorials.

Thanks again xx

3 posts in one day...

2011-05-23T16:36:00.005+01:00

... is this the real Ali or have aliens taken over??? I am striking while the iron is hot 'cos I know when I get back to work (tomorrow) things might go back to a go slow!!

Here is a card I have made for my aunty (not a real aunty but you know friends of your parents that you seem to call aunty?)

Another card without dp's, I love this image I think it is my last one from the lovely Sarah I have coloured her with pro markers, matted onto yellow card and added some ribbon which I think came from this months Simply Homemade magazine (I think thats the title). I am really pleased with the simple, clean layout of this.

I would like to enter this into:

Alphabet Challenge - Clean & simple
Crafty Catz - anything goes
If the shoe fits... - Clean & Simple
Ribbon Carousel - Clean & Simple

Thanks for looking xx

A Quick make:

2011-05-23T15:13:00.003+01:00

Here is a card I've had a photo of for a while but not blogged it and when I saw the challenge at Cards for Men I thought I could enter it:

I haven't used any dp's on this just matted a lotv image onto some mirror card and and turquoisey pearl card with some alien ribbon at the bottom and sentiment from my stash.

I would like to enter this into cards for men - No Paper.

Thanks for looking xx

Back...

2011-05-23T12:55:00.005+01:00

... from our little jaunt down to Henley - for the boys to hit the Theme Parks. I'll be awfully sad when they dont want to go to Legoland as the rides will be too tame for them. I think my eldest is already there but bless doesn't say anything but you can see he is itching to get to Thorpe Park or Chessington to hit the big rides. With hubby still having a pot on I was relieved that he was tall enough to go on the scary rides by himself - I used to love them, not now.... slightest bit spinny and I get a splitting headache within seconds - I have even tried using his seabands but that doesnt help. I was a bit gutted not to get into central London but was still able to have a mooch around Windsor and Henley - I love it down there - guess where I'll be off to when we win the lottery :-).

Also, check this out the Royal Wedding out of Lego!!! - Brilliant!!! (click on the pic for a bigger pic)

The queen magnificent in Yellow!!

We are going to try to get to London in September to get to the places we missed i.e. The British Museum for me & Hamleys for the boys!!

Right off to batten down the hatches its blowing a hooley and pouring down here now - I will hopefully be back later with some makes.

XXX

Poor postie...

2011-05-08T17:36:00.007+01:00

... has been laiden down this week with deliveries of beautiful birthday cards from my lovely cyberfriends from the MSE forum:

These were from, top row: Caroline, Toni, Margaret & Jo
Bottom row: Tina, Dawn, Debbie & Jenny

Top Row: Sarah & Karen
Bottom Row: Susan

Thank you girls - they are beautiful xxxx

Good Evening...

2011-05-05T21:32:00.007+01:00

... ooh its a bit late for me to make a posting and I've had a glass and a half of wine so please excuse any spelling mistakes - hic!!.

Well, I forgot to mention on my last post the sleepover went well, no noise after 12.20, footsteps to the loo at 5.30 but no more talking/giggling until 6.30 - not bad I thought - AND - hubby didnt get sent to his mums - lol!! My only trauma was the 2 boys who were to sleepover were invited from 7.30pm so I thought they would have had their tea and only had snacky things in - popcorn, doritos etc and they hadn't had any tea - aargh!! So a quick raid of the freezer and they were sorted - was I wrong to assume they would of had their tea???

Anyhoo, I just wanted to post this card I have made for my best mate:

I finally inked up my new LOTV stamp that I got in Harrogate - (what a nightmare I am having with my Memento inkpad - don't know what I am doing wrong!!), I have coloured with promarkers and added glossy accents to the cherries. I have also used some Laura Ashley paper with to be honest not sure how to describe the frosted type paper I have matted the image onto - I dont think its vellum - but you might be able to get an idea from the picture. The flower is a lovely deep purple from my stash as is the brad (from ebay) and charm.

I would like to enter this into:

LOTV Challenge - Animal Antics.
I love promarkers - song title. (If I knew you were coming I'd have baked a cake)
Papertake weekly - Anything goes
Craft your passion - Anything goes
Hope you are having a nice night - right I think the wines gone to my head - hmm is it too early for bed??

Thanks for looking xx

Something new...

2011-05-02T09:54:00.003+01:00

... one of the lovely ladies at MSE (thank you Debbie), kindly sent me some Whiff of Joy images and I finally got round to colouring one in -

I have followed the sketch on the Whiff of Joy challenge blog - the image has been coloured with promarkers and little touches of Sakura glitter glue, the papers, die cut, pearls & Craftwork Cards sentiment all from my stash.

I would like to enter it into the following challenge:
Whiff of Joy challenge - sketch.

Thank you for looking xx

A quick post...

2011-04-30T18:48:00.007+01:00

... to say thank you to Mrs A from Its an Alien Life for the beautiful brooches. I was one of her winners recently and you could choose anything - it was really hard to choose but I had a very plain grey dress that needed something so I asked for a brooch but instead of one I got loads!!!! I think some will be getting used on jackets and bags - yay!!!

Why not pop over to her blog and have a look at the fabby things Mrs A makes!!!

Also, I succumbed to my eldests wish for a sleep over and 2 boys are arriving in half an hour. It was supposed to be when my hubby would have been on nights so he would be oblivious to whatever shenanigans would have been going on but with his injury he's home and he's not good with kids running wild - so I've told him I'll take him to his mums if he moans - lol!!

So to calm my nerves I've quickly made a card for the challenge over on MSE:

The paper was free from a magazine. The image another freebie from Bugaboo that I have coloured with pro-markers and added some sakura glitter pen to the centre of the flowers. The sentiment is from craftwork cards and ribbon recycled from stash.

I'll pop off to see if there are any other challenges I can enter it into:

Crafts 4eternity - anything goes
Prairie Fairy - April showers bring May flowers
Papercutz - anything goes
Digi doodle - anything goes
CES - photo inspiration

Wish me luck for tonight - gulp!!!

Thanks for looking xx

Oh man...

2011-04-21T18:47:00.006+01:00

... you know when you are just plodding on nicely, getting back on track with things and then out of the blue it all goes a bit Pete Tong.
Well thats what happened here - lol - nothing too serious but a week today my hubby dislocated his foot at work I wish I could say it was something heroic like fighting a big fire or rescuing someone but no it was in p.e. time playing volleyball. He has some lovely photos of his foot on his phone that he is showing to anyone and everyone - bleurgh - so after spending from Thur to Mon in hospital he is home - thank goodness for the lovely weather to be out a little bit. He's still a bit of a grump at times with the pain - aargh 6 weeks of this!!!!
Anyhoo, I just wanted to pop on to say thank you to Justine at Emma Bear Forever, I was one of the lucky winners of her Blighty giveaway and I received it yesterday so sweetly wrapped and an added little extra that is too nice to use:
Thanks again Justine - it was just what the doctor ordered (to cheer me up anyway :-) )

Right off for a last ditch attempt to get my last couple of easter cards made.

Hope you all have a lovely easter xxx

On a roll...

2011-04-13T11:39:00.005+01:00

.... another easter card made:

Another freebie image from bee crafty - duly amended thanks Sarah :-) -coloured with pro-markers and a little bit of Sakura glitter pen on the rabbits tummy. I have matted this onto some handmade lemon paper (not by my hand though!) and backed it onto some more papers from Sarah tied with some lemon ribbon from my stash and a freebie sentiment ticket. (I do buy some things honest :-) I just seem to be using freebies at the moment!!

I would like to enter this into:

A spoonfull of sugar - all creatures great and small
Die cut dreams - easter
Ooh La La - happy easter
Pollycraft- easter
Creative Inspirations - easter
IDIC - sing a song (Tie a Yellow Ribbon )
Bee Crafty - easter
Thanks for looking xx

Another one off the list....

2011-04-12T10:11:00.002+01:00

... of easter cards to do. This one was going to be for my youngest but I realised he was watching over me as I was putting it together, "not to worry mum just make me another one & give that to Jack!" - result!!

This is quite a frugal card - the dotty paper is actually from packaging of some Easter stickers I bought last year in a sale and had forgotten about. The image is another freebie download but I've had it ages and cant remember where from - sorry - the images have been coloured with pro-markers and some glossy accents added to his nose.

I would like to enter this into:

Cards for Men - Easter
Kaboodle Doodle - Cute & cuddly animals
Sparkles Forum - Easter.

Thanks for looking xx

First Easter card made...

2011-04-11T15:02:00.005+01:00

... one down still a few to go. Just a quick post as the kids time on the x-box is nearly up, just wanted to blog the first easter card, I've made this for my mum:

The paper was one sent from Sarah when I first started making cards, the image is a Meljens freebie coloured with promarkers and I've been very technical and changed the colour of the sentiment which was also a freebie from Nettys - not sure how I did this or if I could do it again though - lol.

I would like to enter this into:

The Wife's MSE challenge
Meljens - Easter.
Digis with attitude - easter
Phindys place - easter time

Thank you for looking xxx

Anyone still there???

2011-04-10T11:16:00.013+01:00

I'm still here , just been a really bad blogger (although tried to keep up with your blogs and the MSE Forum :-( )
It all started when I was totally knocked for six when my lovely neighbour died very suddenly. Then on a brighter note we had a wedding in the family - just what I needed to cheer me up.

Next my 7 year old finally lost a tooth - quite a big deal - poor kid he desperately wanted to lose one and for the tooth fairy to come - lol and it finally happened on his brothers birthday:

My lovely Jack turned 11 - where have the years gone - so we had a bit of cake:

Then dad and son had some serious male bonding at Go Ape - Dalby Forest and they had a great time - I have no bottle for things like that so I was just a spectator!!

Everything seemed to happen at once and I didnt seem organised - I am sure I used to be quite organised bc (before children) but lately its all been going a bit chaotic. So determined to get my act together I have made my hubbys card for the end of May:

Here it is:

I saw the image on another blog and now I cant remember which one I'm sure I know - so I'll double check and post a link - when I saw the image I just thought of my hubby straight away - dont know why??? lol (edit here it is Janeys cards)

I bought the image from Just Inklined, coloured it with promarkers, used I think its a Basic Grey paper and my new embossing happy birthday folder. Now I just need to see if there are any challenges I can enter it in.

I would like to enter it into:

Secret Crafter - our feathered friends
Crafty Anns - raise a smile
Papertake weekly - anything goes and something new ( new image and new embossing folder from Harrogate).
Cards for men - embossing

Thanks for looking - and I promise to be a better blogger!!

Hugs xxx

Another boy card

2011-03-21T20:00:00.004Z

Yet another party for Jack this time a sleepover -nightmare - I only really have kids to play for a couple of hours so I hope Jack wont be wanting a sleepover for his birthday - aargh!!! He'll be disappointed :-).

Anyhoo, I thought I cant use that Mo Manning image again (can I????). No, try a different image, so went for one of the Greetings Farms ones that Laura kindly stamped for me, here it is:

Sorry about the wonky photo - shouldnt try and take pics with one hand!!

The image has been coloured with promarkers and used papers out of a magazine - the little stars have been saved from when I used a Martha Stewart punch.

I would like to enter this into:

Cards for Men - sketch. (realised I've missed the sentiment off - if you need one on please let me know and I'll add it and take a fresh photo - sorry)
I love promarkers - cards for men.

Right best get a wiggle on and make a start on Jacks Birthday card - something cricket related I think so will try and google some images that are suitable for boys lots of mens images or insects - hmm not quite what I had in mind - lol

Thanks for looking xx

Little treats...

2011-03-20T11:31:00.004Z

...morning all, just a flying post as I've got loads of housework & ironing to catch up on - boo!!! Maybe if I hadnt gone to the GNPE at Harrogate yesterday I wouldnt be so far behind - lol.

It was soooo busy there yesterday in the 2 years I have been going I've not known it that busy -normally you cant get close to LOTV & Craftwork cards but this year it seemed all stalls were mega busy.
Anyhoo, here is a little pic of my new stash (I was quite restrained this time!!)

I did manage to get one of the new mice baking LOTV stamps, some papers, twine, embossing folder and a couple of pro-markers (except I've boobed with one of the colours - not to worry at least I haven't doubled up), and a few other bits and pieces.

I also got 3 magazines for a fiver on the way out and in the bag they had put in some free stamps, now I already have these stamps:

So if anybody would like them just leave a comment and a way to get in touch to get your address and I'll pop them in the post.

I will just do it on a first come first served basis - hope this is ok.

Right off to do some hoovering and then out to mums for lunch - yum - before I face a mountain of ironing xx

New Doilies.

2011-03-15T19:30:00.003Z

Theres a new designer in town, have you seen her lovely creations and she shares them as well - no you havent been yet - well pop here and check out her gorgeous designs.

This is a card I made with one of Cathys earlier designs and new what I wanted to do but I didnt have any doilies so ebay came to the rescue and this is my finished card:

I have coloured the image with pro-markers and added glossy accents and stickles to the flowers, matted this onto red card and then used a red gingham download that Bev has kindly shared (thank you). Lastly the sentiment is one from Craftwork Cards.

I would like to enter this into:

Creative Craft Challenge: Lace
Lollipop - Lets make it with Lace
(hope the doilies are ok - if not just let me know)

Thanks for looking xx

Back again...

2011-03-14T18:09:00.004Z

... with a boy card. Jack has been invited to ANOTHER paintball party this is his third in a quick succession!! So here goes:

I love this Mo Manning image - its perfect for boys (and men!) as this seems to be all they talk about - bloomin' xbox - lol - Jack talks to me about it but its like a foreign language - I haven't got a clue, to be honest I don't even know how to turn it on!!

Enough of my waffling, the backing paper is just graph paper, the image is coloured with pro-markers and then just used some card, candy and erm... not sure what it is hessian type stuff??? from my stash.

I would like to enter this into:

Pollycraft - Teens.
Ooh La La - A man thing.
Incy Wincy - For the boys.
Kaboodle Doodle - Happy Birthday.
Alys Sunday challenge - Anything goes.
Crafty Emmas - Men only.

Thanks for looking xx

A Crafty Weekend.

2011-03-14T13:14:00.002Z

Yoo hoo, hope the sun is shining where you are - its lovely here (for a change) and have actually got some washing pegged out.
Well, I don't know what came over me at the weekend but had an urge to 'do' things - not like me - I often 'think' I want to do things but then don't actually get anything done. This weekend was different so after some baking:

Brownies, ginger snaps and cinnamon scones (recipe from green rabbit designs). All delish and nearly all gone!!

Next my Aunty Kitty had sent through some material that she no longer needs and thought I'd have another bash with my sewing machine - so here's a pic of a half finished bag - (because of the colours thought of a trick or treat bag) just needs the handles and motif on - so as soon as I've got something suitable I'll post a finished pic.

I know it's basic - but quite chuffed with it. Don't know if I am getting a bit above myself but my eldest is going to France with the school and doesnt have a wash bag and I cant seem to find anything suitable so am wondering if I'd be able to use a similar design and make him one???

Last photo for now (honest :-) ) A painted pot - I saw this post at Postcards from the P.P. and thought what an easy fab idea - I loved the zingy colours used but they wouldnt have gone with my existing pots so went for something a bit tamer and then decided to add spots:

It looks great - just need to do a few more now!!

I'll be glad to get to work for a rest - lol. Hopefully, I'll be back later with a couple of card makes.

Hope I haven't bored you to tears!!!

Thanks for looking xx

80th Birthday Card.

2011-03-10T16:53:00.004Z

Cor blimey how windy outside!!! So after a busy morning at work I thought I'd have a little faff around - my mum reminded me it was my Aunty Joans 80th in July and I thought I'd get it made now rather than leave it to the last minute and have a panic if it didnt come together. So here it is:

I love the image this is another LOTV square that Marg sent to me in a stash swap (thanks again!!), I have used the gorgeous Basic Grey papers that I have had ages but didn't want to use as they were soooo gorgeous but as it was a special occassion I thought I would part with them - sniff. Lastly the pearls, flowers and 80 are from my stash.

I would like to enter this into:

LOTV - Say it with Flowers.
Simon Says Stamp - Anything goes.
Bunny Zoes - Flowers everywhere.
ABC challenge - P is for pearls.

Thanks for looking xxx

One down, one to go.

2011-03-05T12:42:00.002Z

A little bit more cross stitch - sorry!! Just there have been some lovely images in the cross stitcher magazine - and loved the little collection they put together for Mothers Day. So I cracked on with this one for my m-i-l:

I have added a little heart button (taken from a per una top) and added some little leaves from fabric in my little (no I mean tiny) fabric stash. Ooh which reminds me I need to ask something - at the end of the post. Sorry, I digress - lol, the lemon paper is handmade that I received from the lovely Linda at Pink Lilacs. The other patterned paper and sentiment is from my stash.

I would like to enter this into:

The latest MSE challenge - for mothers day card.
Totally Ladybug Challenge - stitching
4Crafty chicks - stitching
C.R.A.F.T - mothers day.

Thanks for looking xx

(oops nearly forgot - I am thinking of going to the Pins & Needles Show at the Newcastle Metro Arena - wondering if anyone has been and if its worth the trip up?? Thanks folks)

Fanfare please....

2011-03-02T19:47:00.004Z

... lol, the sewing machine has had its first outing. I know, I know - shocking :-)!!! I've been cross-stitching a well I'm not sure what but he has the name of ninja panda - it is out of a cross stitching magazine as soon as my youngest saw him he asked me to make it for him so with a little bit of stuffing and a bit of felt and a key ring chain pinched from somewhere here he is:

Now I know he's not perfect but for a first attempt - lol. I did make a bit of a pigs ear of it in that I thought it would be easier to turn inside out from the side than the bottom, but then made the opening to small so had to unpick some and then I've stitched it by hand (not too neatly - oops!!) but its a learning curve - so I know for next time.

He's now safely on Tom's bookbag and can you see his little cross stitched dinosaur button and a badge from when we went to see Sarah Millican - we did get two badges but didnt think the school would think to highly of me considering it says gobsh*te - lol.

Any hints/tips greatly received. Now then what to do, what to do!!

Thanks for looking xx

Rock on!!

2011-03-02T17:37:00.003Z

Yoo hoo, just time for a quick post before I make tea. This is a card I've made for Ians son who is in a band and has performed in quite a few gigs (and appeared at The Apollo - but not with Michael McIntyre - lol) - not my type of music though too loud and screamy - lol.

So here it is:

Cant remember the make of the paper but I know it was from the Glitterpot. The image was a freebie from Bugaboo that I have coloured with pro-markers and added 3d glossy accents to the guitar. I have then die cut stars and added a little ticket image and just to take the plainness off the corners added some triangles. Although it doesnt show to well in the photo I have put the stars flat to the paper but raised the guitarist image with sticky pads.

I would like to enter this into:

Creative Craft World - card for a Male
KB Cute Monday - Anything goes using a digi
IDIC - Use dies/punches.

Thanks for looking xx

Oh am sure my mum wont mind...

2011-02-25T17:26:00.005Z

... me blogging about her age on her upcoming birthday!!! Not long until my mums birthday so thought I had better get cracking with her card. Well, dont know if you spotted the link at the side to Wee Stamps which is a new digi image site and I was lucky enough to get a freebie -it was such a cutie and thought my mum would love it. I've made it totally girly, but I love it and hope mum will too - see what you think:

Papers were a freebie from a recent magazine that I have distressed the edges (and the card and the image - oops think gone a bit distressing mad!). The numbers were from hobbycraft and flowers from my stash (I think from the Hobbycraft sale - wish I had gotten more now - doh!)

The image has been coloured with promarkers and paper pieced her dress. I have also added stickles to the flowers and glossy accented the ladybug. (sorry for the dark pic - with the flash on it was to bright - iykwim)

I would like to enter this into:

Digi Doodle - spots & dots.
DYSU - Anything goes.
Paper Romance - anything goes.
Samuel Taylor - use promarkers or copics.
Totally Papercrafts - paper piecing.

Thanks for looking xx

Get well soon Rach!

2011-02-24T10:13:00.006Z

Ooh nightmare, my hubbys cousin was rushed into hospital - but after an op she is on the mend thank god, so I needed to get a card made pretty quick for her - thank goodness for a LOTV square that the lovely Marg from MSE sent me in a swap:

I have backed this onto red card (to bring out the red of the cross), with some lovely lilacy/blue gingham paper that I was lucky to receive from Mina then lastly just tied a small piece of gingham ribbon into a knot (as it wasnt long enough to make a bow - oops!!) just wait for the glue to dry then get it delivered.

I would like to enter this into:

Creative Craft Challenge- Use a Square
Fresh Brewed - Ribbons & bows

Thanks for looking xx

Revamped Shopping List Book.

2011-02-21T15:21:00.003Z

At the weekend I came to the end of a rather boring shopping list book, and had a spare in the drawer, (cheepo from Wilkinsons) - but I didn't want just another boring one - so thought I would vamp this one up:
I have used a sheet of 8x8 smirk paper and trimmed it to the desired pattern and also layered up the pile of presents (although it hasnt photographed too well), added candy at the top and lastly ribbon (which was saved from a box of choccies) to make the pencil holder at the side.

A quick, easy and cheap update that will look rather snazzy round Asda. (By I know how to live life - lol).

I would like to enter this into:

Stamp Insanity - Anything but a card
C.R.A.F.T challenge - Not a card.

Thanks for looking xx