tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873233118925492024-03-13T11:08:17.569+00:00Stampers BlogCard making, rubber stamping and ATC's.Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-82792149255924077262011-02-27T00:07:00.007+00:002011-02-27T00:23:57.494+00:00My first challenge this year!<div align="center">I was inspired to enter a blog challenge after seeing a sketch on a blog that I subscribe to with email updates. The sketch was for <a href="http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/">Papertake Weekly Challenge</a> and was this:<br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578155242476044594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0ZOhCHGxR8/TWmWo4HEgTI/AAAAAAAAAL8/4B6DEh1uUPk/s320/Papertake%2Bsketch__53.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">I loved the sketch as it was simple with nice clean lines so I set to work and came up with this:</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578155246582889378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 313px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKUseGL7HLM/TWmWpHaN-6I/AAAAAAAAAME/43n6DjLa4gc/s320/PTW%2Bsketch%2B%252353%2Bwm.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> The image I used is a beautiful rubber stamp from Lili Of The Valley and I coloured her with Polycolour pencils. The background papers were in a download kit from Nitwit Collections and the sentiment and "Word Window" punch are from Stampin' Up! The punched border was made with a Martha Stewart border punch called Eyelet Lace.</p><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I really enjoyed the challenge and being in time to enter it too!</div><div align="center">Thanks for dropping by, Claire.</div>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-22313976570844685942011-02-26T23:42:00.002+00:002011-02-26T23:48:52.717+00:00It's been sooooo long...It's been so long since I updated my blog. It's partly because of my M.E./CFS as I live in two-hour time blocks between rests and when I'm feeling really shattered, this is too much effort! It's also partly because I wasn't entering any challenges because of a lack of time and therefore I didn't feel as if anybody would come to my blog so there was little point.<br /><br />Anyway, I have recently started to make cards for my childrens special school. They are sold in the staff room and all of the money goes to the "Friends of" charity that pays for trips, toys and equipment etc. I find it a real honour that people find my cards good enough to buy and am thrilled when I need to make more to stock-up the box!<br /><br />I have got lots of cards to update my blog with so they will start to filter through soon I hope!<br /><br />Thank you for visiting my blog.<br />Claire<br />xClaire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-19082509156256245702010-05-31T18:37:00.006+01:002010-05-31T19:05:32.457+01:00Another birthday...<div align="center">I'm still not getting any free time to make cards for fun yet and still haven't inked up my new Magnolia stamps yet, but I did have to make time to make this birthday card a few days ago: </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477490905754011682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/TAP09THmiCI/AAAAAAAAALc/e09SUH3if5M/s320/HM+donut+card+wm.jpg" border="0" />For this card I followed a sketch from the <a href="http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/">Papertake Weekly</a> Challenge blog:</div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477493788432400162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/TAP3lF7r_yI/AAAAAAAAALk/4S0rMEdANB8/s320/ptw__41a_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">As the image was quite large, I used an 8" x 8" card blank. The image is a House Mouse stamp that I bought from the Big Stamp Show at Alexandra Palace, it was coloured in with Lyra Polycolour Pencils. The papers are all from <a href="http://www.pinkpetticoat.co.uk/boutique_colour_collection.php">Pink Petticoat</a> and I printed them all in the same colour. The blue circles are Card Candy from Craftwork Cards, as is the sentiment.<br /></div>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-31141531524172140082010-05-21T00:16:00.007+01:002010-05-21T00:39:29.125+01:00Lili of the valley challenge!<div><div align="center">I am back with another card as it was my nieces birthday this week. I bought the Lili of the Valley stamp of a horse and girl especially for her card as she loves horses. I decided to follow the sketch of the <a href="http://liliofthevalleythursdaychallenge.blogspot.com/">Lili of the Valley challenge blog</a> to make the card as it saved me having to plan it first! I haven't entered a challenge for a while so it's nice to get the chance.</div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473496944072929442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S_XEeIanMKI/AAAAAAAAALE/h9EFJKmqmnE/s320/LOTV+girl+and+horse+wm.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">The stamp is from Lili of the Valley and it was coloured in with Promarkers. Unfortunately the sketch had an oval image but I wasn't able to get this image into an oval so I hope the rectangle will be okay! I mounted the image onto pink pearlised card cut with a scallop rectangle Nestabilities die. The patterned papers are from a 6"x6" Making Memories pad and the scalloped border was cut with an <a href="http://www.theglitterpot.co.uk/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=17548">X-Cut Border Punch</a>. The flowers are all Prima with a small yellow brad in the middle and the pink dots are Craftwork Cards Card Candy.</p><p align="center">Finally, here is the sketch I (mostly) followed:</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473500785859019602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S_XH9wLyw1I/AAAAAAAAALU/Nbi5NgOfv9o/s320/Bevs-sketch-26-LOTV_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"></p></div>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-64758408734572776772010-05-19T18:14:00.007+01:002010-05-19T18:48:10.194+01:00I do have an excuse...!<div align="center">I am so sorry (again) that it has been far too long since I updated my blog. I have really missed my craft things in the last few weeks and I have several new Magnolia stamps to play with too! I shall share my excuse with you in a minute, but first I have one more card to share from April.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473031724849035618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S_QdWzwR-WI/AAAAAAAAAK0/I_0nY5CU62o/s320/PB+Couple+wm.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">I made this card for my Mum and Dads Anniversary. It was a bit rushed so I kept it quite simple. The stamped image is a Penny Black rubber stamp called <a href="http://www.theglitterpot.co.uk/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=12541">Good Cheer </a>that I bought from <a href="http://www.theglitterpot.co.uk/">The Glitter Pot</a>. I coloured the image with Lyra Pencils and blended the pencil with Zest-it. The lilac and blue cardstock mats are Core'dinations card, the hearts edge was made by a Martha Stewart border punch called Valentine Lace, and the purple dots in the corners are Craftwork Cards Card Candy. The patterned paper is unknown I'm afraid as it came with a scrapbook kit. Finally, the sentiment stamp is also a Penny Black one.</p><br /><p align="center">Now, here is my reason for being so busy lately...</p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473037132290689858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S_QiRkC1i0I/AAAAAAAAAK8/9Xw-c1QBap8/s320/100_8062.JPG" border="0" /><br /></p><p align="center">Meet Harry, our 11 week old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy! He is wonderful but it's like having a toddler, we have to watch what he's up to all of the time! This photo is him eating grass in the garden, usually he tries to eat stones in the garden or dirt. I am from a family of cat lovers so owning a dog is a new experience for me. We looked into different breeds of dogs that could be a companion for our children and were amazed once we found out about Cavaliers, they are so friendly and were bred to be companion dogs so they are perfect!</p>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-20633217669412998502010-04-18T23:37:00.006+01:002010-04-18T23:53:48.081+01:00"Dad" Birthday Card<div align="center">Two weeks ago it was my Dads birthday and I hadn't made the card in advance so I had to make it on the day. There was a bit of pressure as I had to make it by a certain time but I soon decided on the Chef and Cake stamps and they were luckily easy to colour quickly so it wasn't too bad in the end. When I look at the card, I feel as if it's missing something, but then again, my Dad isn't really into pretty things so I couldn't add flowers or too many gems!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461610529028001746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S8uJ1tw_T9I/AAAAAAAAAKs/KEMd2DBdvYs/s320/Dads+Birthday+Card+wm.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">The stamps are Magnolia Chef Edwin and Cake. I stamped them and coloured them with Promarkers before cutting them out. I mounted them with foam tape to a background cut with a Nestabilities die, which I coloured with a blue distress ink pad. The harlequin background is a piece of blue Core'dinations Whitewash cardstock which I embossed with a Sizzix Texturz Plate then sanded to reveal the colour. The mat of blue cardstock under it is Core'dinations. The letters that spell "dad" were cut with a Sizzix Embosslits Pink Lemonade Alphabet die and the sentiment is a Craftwork Cards message. Finally, the glitter dots are from a Papermania pack. </div>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-19881748649185549682010-04-08T17:15:00.005+01:002010-04-08T17:41:58.219+01:00Boys Football Card<div align="center"> Finally for the cards I made in March is one for my nephew who loves football:</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457801479682862946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S74Bh3MZL2I/AAAAAAAAAKk/b20b7qOPgBs/s320/Elzybells+Football+8+card+wm.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I used a 6x6" square card and used an Elzybells rubber stamp for the footballer, which I coloured in with Copics. I matted the image onto red and black pearlised paper which I embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder. I used a Martha Stewart rings border punch to cut a decorative strip for the middle of the card, which I wrapped striped ribbon around. I used a football sheet of 12x12" paper (cut to size!) for the background but this is quite old so I don't know who made it! I then finished the card with an "8" candle cut with a Quickutz Die, corners cut with an EK Success punch and a Craftwork Cards "Oh my Words" Sentiment.</div>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-74916753234034397312010-04-08T11:42:00.006+01:002010-04-08T16:27:47.472+01:00I'm back with a catch-up for March!<div align="center">I have been a bad blogger, sorry! March flew by quickly, the I had an operation last week so have been recovering. Anyway, I thought I would post the cards that I made in March first to catch up... </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457715521513903346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S72zWcD41PI/AAAAAAAAAKU/ClZ3jWc_bnY/s320/Do+Crafts+Charity+Cards+1%2B2+wm.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">It's not a great photo I'm afraid but it's the only one I took. I made some cards for the Do-Crafts cards for Cancer Research UK. I tried to make fairly quick and simple cards as they are being sold for £1 so I didn't want to use very expensive embellishments. On the pink card I used a Penny Black rubber stamp and a Craftwork Cards sentiment. On the lilac card I used an Anya stamp from The Greeting Farm and a Craftwork Cards sentiment for speed. </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457785302728503922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S73y0PV68nI/AAAAAAAAAKc/PlVVwGdmYdc/s320/Do+Crafts+Charity+Cards+3%2B4+wm.jpg" border="0" /><br />These two cards were also put into the Do-Crafts charity bags and taken to my local Cancer Research shop. The brown squares card was from a Papermania boxed set of cards. I used a Funstamps rubber stamp for the bear and coloured it in with Copics and the sentiment was a rubber stamp too. On the blue card, the image is from an Elzybells rubber stamp, coloured with Koh-i-noor pencils, and the border is cut with a Martha Stewart Deep Edger Punch.</p>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-75015578209729011032010-04-08T11:27:00.009+01:002010-04-08T16:55:08.859+01:00Mothers Day Card<div align="center">For the second part of the March catch-up, here is the Mothers Day card I made for my Mum:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457712384195290402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S72wf0o15SI/AAAAAAAAAKE/53mgRv8vJCc/s320/Mothers+Day+Card+wm.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> I started off with a large 8" x 8" square card from Craftwork Cards. The image is a Lili of the Valley rubber stamp, it was coloured with Lyra Polycolour Pencils and was cut with an Oval Nestabilities Die. I then cut a mat for it with a Scalloped Oval Nestabilities Die. The pattered paper is from the Forever Friends Pink Parfait pad and the card is Bazzill Dotted Swiss and textured. The pearls are Prima e.line and the flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts (they were white and I coloured them to match the card).<br /></p>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-5753074185676783962010-02-28T12:24:00.003+00:002010-02-28T13:00:53.581+00:00What a week!<div align="center">Again it feels like I've neglected my blog but I just haven't had the time to craft! We had a hectic week as we had a Tribunal this week against the education department to get a place for our son at a special school in another county. It went really well and we won!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I couldn't even get near my workspace as it was too untidy but last night I spent a few hours re-organising my craft cupboard so everything would fit in and be easy to grab too. So now I should be able to squeeze in a bit more craft time in between sorting out the house and changing furniture! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Anyway, to give me a head-start, here is a card that I made last week:</div><div align="right"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443269487986794834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S4pgwngs4VI/AAAAAAAAAJY/1onTA01Asfk/s320/CCD+Pixie+wm.jpg" border="0" /></div><p align="center">The card is a 5x5" size and had to be made as once I mounted this cute stamp, I had to stamp it and colour in the image! The image is C.C. Designs Swiss Pixie called "Miss Rosalie with Roses" from <a href="http://www.quixoticpaperie.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12_88_90&products_id=1388">Quixotic Paperie</a>. I coloured it in with Promarkers which is a change for me and added some stickles glitter glue to the roses which doesn't really show here. I used a Martha Stewart edger punch called Hydrangeas to edge the card and brushed a little Distress Ink on the sides. The sentiment stamped on the tag is from Whimsy Stamps, also from Quixotic Paperie.</p>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-12070214452052372792010-02-17T20:40:00.003+00:002010-02-17T20:55:32.571+00:00Valentines Bag<div align="center">I am a bit late for this post, I made a Valentines Bag a week ago for the Elzybells challenge to create a Valentines treat/gift but I have been neglecting my blog a bit as there's still so much to do in our new home!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439316263310975234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S3xVUp-n4QI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/A85WVPdBU-U/s320/Valentines+Bag.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">I made the bag using two nestabilities scalloped hearts. I cut a strip of card and scored a line along each side before folding it into a v-shape. I then added double sided tape along the scored edges and attached the hearts. I then used my Martha Stewart punch to make the handle and finally cut a Nestabilities heart for the front of the bag.</p><p align="center">I used all <a href="http://www.elzybells.co.uk/">Elzybells</a> stamps on this; the <a href="http://www.elzybells.co.uk/ShowDetails.asp?id=684">Mini Tags</a> clear set for the tag and sentiment; the heart was from the <a href="http://www.elzybells.co.uk/ShowDetails.asp?id=676">Hey Cupcake</a> clear set; and the flowers are the very cute <a href="http://www.elzybells.co.uk/ShowDetails.asp?id=339">Mini Daisy Trio</a>.<br /></p>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-10243738537818261822010-02-07T19:32:00.009+00:002010-02-07T21:53:54.182+00:00Valentines!<div align="center">I made this card yesterday but added a touch more colour to the image today as it looked a bit lost on such a bright card! It is a Valentines card, but the "Happy Valentines Day" sentiment is on the inside as I had to use the sentiment on the front that worked well with the image.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435621030003872834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S280hxMGFEI/AAAAAAAAAJI/_To7fZRwVrw/s320/PB+Sweet+v2+wm.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The Stamps are all Penny Black. The main image is from a new Penny Black clear set called "Piece of My Heart" from <a href="http://www.theglitterpot.co.uk/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=16078">The Glitter Pot</a> and is coloured in with Lyra Polycolour Pencils. I used a 6x6" card and used a mat of black smooth cardstock with some <a href="http://www.whoopsadaisy.biz/karen-foster-heart-12x12-paper-p-1056.html">Karen Foster "My Heart"</a> 12x12" paper from Whoops a Daisy. I then used some more Bazzill 12x12" smooth card in red and black which was just 35p, again from my local craft shop called <a href="http://www.whoopsadaisy.biz/">Whoops a daisy</a>.</div><br /><div align="center">The mat for the image was cut with a circle Nellies Multi-Frame Die and the heart borders were cut with a Martha Stewart Valentine Lace Border Punch. I added Prima e.line pearls in red and black and a heart pin from my blog friend Jane (thank you Jane!) that is threaded through hearts which are cut with a Martha Stewart Scalloped Heart Punch.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">This card hopefully qualifies for two blog challenges this week (I am on a roll for me!!)... First of all, the challenge this week on <a href="http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/">Penny Black Saturday Challenge</a> is to use "Pins and Pearls". Secondly, on the <a href="http://liliofthevalleythursdaychallenge.blogspot.com/">Lily of the Valley Challenge Blog</a>, the theme is Valentines, unfortunately I didn't own a LOTV stamp that was suitable for my husbands Valentines card, but luckily it's not essential.</div>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-65382508892195289442010-02-05T18:43:00.007+00:002010-02-05T19:00:44.231+00:00Whiff of Joy Baby Love<div align="center">Here is the card I made yesterday. This week on the <a href="http://wojmondaychallenge.blogspot.com/">Whiff of Joy Challenge Blog</a> the theme is "Love" and I thought this stamp shows so much motherly love (the most important kind!), hopefully it will still count so I can enter.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434833660908063410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 315px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S2xoa2vCyrI/AAAAAAAAAJA/D0UhIo1mfrY/s320/WOJ+Baby+wm.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">The image is from a Whiff of Joy Stamp called <a href="http://www.shop.whiffofjoy.com/product_info.php?info=p118_Willow-holding-Baby.html&XTCsid=65259e6e2677148b106b1885aa1bf746">Willow Holding Baby</a>. I think the image is so pretty and elegant. I coloured the image in with Copics and mounted it onto a pink mat from a Making Memories 6x6" pad that co-ordinates with the background. I cut a lattice border with a Martha Stewart String Lattice Edger Punch and added some Making Memories ribbon. Finally I added some Prima Flowers called Painterly Petals and some Prima e.line pearls.</div>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-79445959115181178372010-02-02T23:42:00.003+00:002010-02-04T19:41:18.004+00:00Fairy Happy Birthday!<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S2i4jCJhKxI/AAAAAAAAAI4/0QMtxcDwPhg/s1600-h/TGF+Fairy+wm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433795862434229010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S2i4jCJhKxI/AAAAAAAAAI4/0QMtxcDwPhg/s320/TGF+Fairy+wm.jpg" border="0" /></a> After making the monochrome card, I went for a cute one. The stamped fairy is a stamp by The Greeting Farm called Fairy Chloe. I cut it out with a Circle Nestabilities die and mounted it onto lilac card cut with a Scalloped Circle Nestabilities Die. The background papers are from a Making Memories 6x6" pad, the gemstones are from <a href="http://www.thehobbyhouse.co.uk/customer/home.php">The Hobby House </a>and the sentiment is from a <a href="http://www.shop.whiffofjoy.com/product_info.php?info=p72_Fairy-Useful-Sayings---set-of-6.html&XTCsid=3fcac55f1735a6675ad2b9a2c97fcb86">Whiff of Joy set </a>called Fairy Useful Sayings.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now I'm up to date with last weeks cards, I will have to take a photo of the card I made yesterday and bring my blog right up to date. Maybe I'll try and squeeze in another card tonight too!<br /><br /><br /></div>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-85056862897900459522010-02-02T23:30:00.008+00:002010-02-04T19:12:01.733+00:00Monochrome<div align="center">I received my order of some new Quickutz Dies recently so I decided to try out a card with the Ballerina. I didn't have anyone specific in mind for this die but I'd liked it for ages so thought I should make a card with it soon to warrant the purchase! </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433792901970715314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S2i12tkA4rI/AAAAAAAAAIw/fg-40wNOoBk/s320/QK+Ballerina+wm.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">I cut it out on some Papermania adhesive velvet to make the silhouette so then went with a monochrome theme. I used a 6x6" card and some Pink Petticoat papers (so it didn't look too messy, I actually lined up the swirls on the black and white papers). I then added Prima pearls and gems, black cord, 2 white bows (thank you Jane!), and a Craftwork Cards sentiment.</div>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-28470437691130839522010-02-02T23:21:00.003+00:002010-02-02T23:25:53.407+00:00New Baby Card<div align="center">First of all, I have a baby card to share with you. Our neighbours had a baby girl almost two weeks ago and this is the card I made for them. Sorry I'm so late posting it! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433790649421390338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 313px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S2izzmKZ4gI/AAAAAAAAAIo/0Kq6Bd1af_M/s320/FF+Baby+girl+card+wm.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br />I used a Forever Friends baby stamp, I think this was coloured with Derwent Coloursoft pencils (I cheated and used one from my box of images coloured in!). I mounted it onto Craftwork Cards pearlescent papers which are then on a 6x6" card with pink pearlescent paper with a panel of DCWV baby cardstock and a border of pink cardstock cut with a Fiskars "Threading Water" border punch. I finished the card with four pink pearls on the image and three flowers in the corner which were from a cheap pack in The Range with a couple of leaves punched with an EK Success punch.</p>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-61185888513756347572010-01-24T13:09:00.011+00:002010-01-24T13:51:59.935+00:00Time for a catch-up!<div align="center">It's been far too long since my last post, I am so sorry! We moved house 10 days before Christmas and there has been so much to do and being so busy really took it's toll on my M.E. and I've been exhausted. Anyway, a few days ago I finally got round to making my first card in our new house and it was so good to be back!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">First of all though, it's time for a catch-up with the Christmas cards, so here goes...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430298399951308290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S1xLn7F4RgI/AAAAAAAAAIg/vBpzrygfhos/s320/Mistletoe+Tilda+wm.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">First of all, this is the Christmas card I made for my husband. I loved this stamp so I bought it especially for this card. I might just have to use it for several years to make it worthwhile though!! The image is a Magnolia stamp and I bought the matching Magnolia Mistletoe paper to go with it. I used an A5 card blank as I like this size and a little green glitter paper to break up the background. The image was coloured with Lyra pencils and I used a Penny Black "Merry Christmas" stamp for the sentiment. The flowers are Prima flowers and the hearts border was made with a Martha Stewart "Valentine Lace" edger punch.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430294369058625714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S1xH9S2LGLI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/hRRj_mfaoh0/s320/Sleeping+Xmas+Fairy+wm.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Next, I made this Christmas card for my daughter. She loves lilac and sparkly things so it had to have glitter card and lots of lilac. The image is an Elzybells rubber stamp that has been coloured in with Copics. I went around it with a blue chalk pencil afterwards. The sentiment is also from Elzybells. The tree border along the bottom is white glitter paper cut with an EK Success slim edger border punch.<br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430295766425088434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/S1xJOocTMbI/AAAAAAAAAIY/buDGbov8S_4/s320/LOTV+Xmas+Teddy+wm.jpg" border="0" /><br />Finally,this card I made for my son at Christmas. The image is from a Lili Of The Valley rubber stamp. I *Love* this stamp! It had sold out when I first tried to buy it so I was really pleased to get it in the end. I coloured it with my Lyra pencils and blended it with Zest-It which has now replaced my Sansodor as I found that the bottle can get a bit messy. The green paper was from a Papermania pack I bought the year before, it's so handy as I feel that I don't need a sentiment stamp when using that. I felt that the card turned out a bit too grown-up but in the end didn't have time to make a new one from scratch so had to give it to my son.</p>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-45766355884453050802009-11-22T15:26:00.005+00:002009-11-22T15:42:47.729+00:00<div align="center"><div align="center">I found out four days ago that we are moving house in three weeks time! Plus on top of that the whole house needs re-decorating and carpeting before we move in. Therefore I have been flat out trying to organise things and today I'm concentrating on Christmas! I need to get all my Christmas cards done in the next few days and get presents wrapped then packed for moving. I made these cards a few days ago:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406950978260497266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/SwlZRHkq83I/AAAAAAAAAH4/xEoQqgLSHyk/s320/Elzybells+Eskimo+Blue+wm.jpg" border="0" /><br />For this card I used the Eskimo and wording stamps from <a href="http://www.elzybells.co.uk/">Elzybells</a>. I coloured the Eskimo image with Lyra Polycolour Pencils. The papers are from a Papermania 8x8" paper pack from last year and the snowflakes were punched with a Martha Stewart punch.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406950986877834178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/SwlZRnrNE8I/AAAAAAAAAIA/L7kO3VbRiLs/s320/WOJ+Xmas+Mouse+wm.jpg" border="0" /><br />For this card, I used a Whiff Of Joy stamp of Henry Mouse, coloured with Copics. The wording stamp is Magnolia. The papers are from Daisy & Dandelion.</div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406950989168251474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/SwlZRwNSElI/AAAAAAAAAII/GlWZ_FSSbh0/s320/Elzybells+Angel+wm.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">This stamp is from Elzybells and is so sweet! I coloured her with Copics ans used a blue chalk pencil around her to add a bit of sky. I added some Snowflakes punched from Glitter Card using a Martha Stewart Punch and then for speed, used a die-cut greeting from a Daisy & Dandelion paper pack.<br /></div><div align="center"></div>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-55352005119420737552009-11-21T23:03:00.003+00:002009-11-21T23:10:50.991+00:00November ATC's<div align="center">The Theme for Novembers ATC swap on <a href="http://addictedtoatcs.blogspot.com/">Addicted to ATC's </a>is "Spooky". I did mine in good time this month while I could still be in the mood for Halloween before tackling my Christmas cards!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406697256149951858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/SwhygjDlpXI/AAAAAAAAAHw/cp7CvAuT7OQ/s320/November+ATC%27s.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">I used the Elzybells clear halloween stamp set for the vampire, bats and sentiment. The spiders web was a Magnolia stamp which I then added stickles glitter glue to. The image was coloured in with Lyra Polycolour pencils and I used chalk around it to darken the background.<br /></p>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-81133515708389873872009-11-21T12:48:00.003+00:002009-11-21T12:53:49.353+00:00October ATC's<div align="center">These are the ATC's I made for the <a href="http://addictedtoatcs.blogspot.com/">Addicted to ATC's</a> October Swap. The theme was "Harvest" so I went for an image from The Greetings Farm which I thought could be used as a basket of harvested vegetables.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406538609546911778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 161px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/SwfiOGZ6YCI/AAAAAAAAAHo/QTYVBOQTM-0/s320/October+ATC%27s.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">The background paper was from a 6x6" pack of MME Bloom & Grow. The wheat was from a Jolee's By You pack and the stamp was The Greetings Farm. I used a paper punch for the leaves and drew the pumpkins on card before cutting them out.</p><p> </p>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-26591465629719675222009-11-16T19:42:00.007+00:002009-11-16T23:28:27.674+00:00Two Awards!<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tbody><p>I feel so bad, three weeks ago, the lovely Jane left me an award on her <a href="http://milliesmarvels.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-first-award.html">blog</a> and I kept forgetting to put it on my blog, sorry Jane. I was so pleased too as it's my first. So long overdue, here it is:<br /><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404843883735640658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/SwHc4EyBalI/AAAAAAAAAHA/yKeqTeun2Zc/s320/spyder_award.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>I now have to write 5 things about myself and then pass it on to 5 more people so that we are spreading the smiles.</p><p>1 - I am a chocoholic (anything Cadburys is great and Hotel Chocolat "Salted Caramel Puddles" are heavenly)</p><p>2 - I am getting a BigShot Express for Christmas!!</p><p>3 - I have been a surrogate mum by carrying my friends babies</p><p>4 - I *love* the band Keane and have met two of the members of the band!</p><p>5 - My two children are home educated at the moment</p><p>Phew! That was hard! Now, I have been lucky enough to get two awards, so I will put the 'Famous Five' after the next award so you can pick which award you would like...<br /></p><p><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404821064239900034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 193px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/SwHIHziRZYI/AAAAAAAAAG4/0UgL7zxlgg4/s320/overthetopaward%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><tr><td valign="top">I received this award from <a href="http://craftyblogocks.blogspot.com/">Paul </a> last week and have been a bit slow to update my blog. Thank you for the award Paul, it is very kind of you seeing as you must visit lots of blogs!<br /><br />The award comes with a few with rules, which are:<br />Pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know you left this award, and then answer a list of questions in ONE word.<br /><br />1. Where is your cell phone? Handbag<br />2. Your hair? Brown<br />3. Your mother? Babysitting (not for me)<br />4. Your father? Busy<br />5. Your favorite food? Chocolate<br />6. Your dream last night? Ants!<br />7. Your favorite drink? Diet Coke<br />8. Your dream/goal? Happiness<br />9. What room are you in? Lounge<br />10. Your hobby? Craft<br />11. Your fear? (large) Spiders<br />12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Healthy<br />13. Where were you last night? Home<br />14. Something that you aren't? Selfish<br />15. Muffins? Yum!<br />16. Wish list item? Ferrari (for my son!)<br />17. Where did you grow up? Ipswich<br />18. Last thing you did? Ate dinner<br />19. What are you wearing? Jeans<br />20. Your TV? Corrie<br />21. Your Pets? Cute<br />22. Friends? Few<br />23. Your life? Stressful<br />24. Your mood? Tired<br />25. Missing Someone? Keane!<br />26. Vehicle? Mazda<br />27. Something you're not wearing? Slippers<br />28. Your favorite store? The Glitter Pot<br />29. Your favorite colour? Purple<br />30. When was the last time you laughed? Yesterday<br />31. Last time you cried? Unsure<br />32. Your best friend? Husband<br />33. One place that I go to over and over? Sainsburys!<br />34. Facebook? No<br />35. Favorite place to eat? Home<br /><br />Now for the hard bit! I have to pass this on to five people. Well, I should go with my favourite blogs; <a href="http://milliesmarvels.blogspot.com/">Jane</a>, <a href="http://craftyblogocks.blogspot.com/">Paul</a>, <a href="http://pinkpiggywiggy.blogspot.com/">Dawny P</a>, <a href="http://marceascraftingcorner.blogspot.com/">Marcea</a>, and <a href="http://bevscrafts.blogspot.com/">Bev</a>.<br /><br /><br />It's funny as I get email updates of blog posts from Dawny P, Marcea and Bev so I haven't actually been on their blogs for a while, so this is a good excuse for me to post a comment to tell them how good they are!<br /></td></tr><p></p></tbody></table>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-6537131704402150502009-11-09T16:48:00.003+00:002009-11-09T17:17:51.656+00:00Boys Birthday Card..<div align="center">I was forced into cardmaking a few days ago (thank goodness!) to make a card for my nephews 7th birthday. He likes football so I used an Elzybells Stamp as I don't have many boy-ish stamps!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402150072663385794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/SvhK3ohzpsI/AAAAAAAAAGo/WyD1HSMVLJc/s320/Elzybells+Football+wm.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">This stamp is very handy as it's good for young or old. I also used the football stamp as an embellishment as I didn't think I'd be able to get away with ribbon, gems or pearls! I used a 6x6" card and the paper was Karen Foster Designs called "Soccer Ball Collage". I used an EK Success punch to break up the background and a Personal Impressions clear stamp for the sentiment.</div>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-77097050515223902172009-11-09T16:35:00.004+00:002009-11-09T16:47:43.031+00:00A bit of a late post...<div align="center">I'm sorry I am being a bit of a bad blogger, I've been pretty exhausted so haven't had much time for crafting or blogging. This card I made a few weeks ago but had forgotten to put it on my blog!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402144768113569138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/SvhGC3ik7XI/AAAAAAAAAGg/JKoKrdlfeBY/s320/Tilda+with+lilacs+wm.jpg" border="0" /></div><p align="center">The stamp is from Magnolia and is called "Tilda with Lilacs" and was coloured it in with Lyra pencils. The backing paper was from Pink Petticoat called washed damask. The punch used at the side is from Martha Stewart and called Doily Lace. I then used some small Pearls bought from Quixotic Paperie on the main image and in the centre of the punched flowers. The sentiment is a Craftwork Cards "Oh My Words" Birthday Circle.</p>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-16477010938447752512009-10-30T18:11:00.002+00:002009-10-30T18:15:38.639+00:00Pink Piggy Blog Candy!Dawny P's Blog "Pink Piggy" has some amazing blog candy up for grabs that even includes a Martha Stewart Punch, stamps and loads of embellishments. You can find the Pink Piggy blog here <a href="http://pinkpiggywiggy.blogspot.com/2009/10/blog-candy-4u-x.html">http://pinkpiggywiggy.blogspot.com/2009/10/blog-candy-4u-x.html</a> Just follow the instructions to be in with a chance of winning!Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587323311892549.post-38047953733473768152009-10-24T20:57:00.005+01:002009-10-24T21:18:40.845+01:00Twins 1st Birthday Cards<div align="center">Today I had to make 1st Birthday cards for twins, a boy and a girl. I was stuck at first and wasted £12.99 on a Giraffe die as I thought I could use a giraffe but I then thought it would be too plain. I went through my stamps and found two Elzybells stamps that I thought would be perfect as they both had two bears on which could each resemble the twins.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396260343584613122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/SuNeMR7jYwI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/88tMAfWj3QY/s320/Abigails+Card+wm.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396260350055592882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_znneBjU7VEM/SuNeMqCWs7I/AAAAAAAAAGY/vtIloWN-CsY/s320/Joshuas+Card+wm.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">I used large 8"x8" square cards so I had lots of room as the images are quite big. Both images are from Elzybells and have been coloured with Lyra Rembrandt Polycolour Pencils, blended with Sansodor. The wording was done on the computer so I could personalise it. The patterned cardstock is DCWV from an 8x8" glittered mat stack. I used a Quickutz Die for the photo corners on the top card and added Papermania gems/dots to the cards too.</p>Claire Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13579264503295379969noreply@blogger.com3