Miche's Niche

Happy Birthday Karen!

2012-01-01T13:45:00.000Z

I've wanted to make this 'book card', for my friend Karen's birthday, ever since I saw it in Craft Stamper. It was designed by Debbie Dolphin and I have copied it almost exactly, so I can't take any credit for it. The stamps are by 'Stempelglede' and the papers are 'Pion Design'.

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas,
Happy New Year,

Happy Birthday Anne!

2011-12-03T09:11:00.001Z

I made this card for my friend Anne's birthday. The background is a mix of paints, spray inks and stencils and the stamp is Stampotique's 'Sweet Moves'.

LB Crafts Workshops

2011-11-03T11:17:00.001Z

This time last week, Karen and I were on the first of two workshops at LB Crafts in Olney. The class was entitled 'Street Life', which, as you can see below, involved making a row of little houses using various paint and metal techniques, then adding them to a background made up of torn tissue paper and stamping.
The second class was a 'Pan Pastel' taster day, where we were given free reign to play with the Pan Pastels and make tags. I wasn't very pleased with my results, so there are no pictures. I fully intend to try again with them though, so hopefully I can blog some pictures at a later date.

And My Second.......

2011-09-07T19:24:00.000+01:00

My First Digital Doll

2011-08-29T14:53:00.003+01:00

I have always wanted to have a go at digital art, so I bought myself a Wacom graphics tablet; signed up for a fab course, 'Digital Dreams' on Willowing's blog; opened up photoshop and several days later... ta dah! I'm quite pleased with my first attempt. I've learnt a lot about Photoshop and how to draw faces over the past week, so thank you Tam. I've also signed up to another of her courses, 'Fabulous Faces', which is non digital, so I'm going to dig out a sketch book and pencils and give it a go.

Mojo Monday Week 204

2011-08-21T13:46:00.000+01:00

I have made this card for the Mojo Monday challenge. I have used a Lili of the Valley stamp, which has been coloured with Copics; Memory Box 'Minuet' papers; SU card and ink and the usual mix of punches and nesties.

Ceramic Painting

2011-08-19T18:40:00.000+01:00

I haven't posted anything for a while as I've been having a go at art journalling and have also signed up for a few online painting courses.
One thing that I have done recently, resulting in something to upload, is to attend a ceramic painting class at the Bean and Brush, with my 'partner in crime', Karen. We used special glazes which 'move' into the adjacent glazes and change colour once the object has been fired in the kiln, so what started out as a butterfly painted in stripes of terracotta, white and a reddish colour, ended up totally different when it came out of the kiln. We were both really pleased with the result - mine is the top photo and Karen's is underneath.

Napkin Decoupage

2011-07-17T10:07:00.000+01:00

After trying Decopatch, I thought I'd give Napkin Decoupage a go. I glued a serviette to the MDF blanks, covered with varnish and then edged in gold Krylon.

3 in a row!

2011-07-09T18:30:00.000+01:00

Finally got around to using this gorgeous stamp from Lili of the Valley. She has been coloured using Copics; the paper is Memory Box 'Minuet' and the seam binding is SU.

For the Graduate

2011-07-09T15:05:00.003+01:00

I made this card for our nephew Christopher's graduation later this month. I have used Papertrey's 'For the Graduate' stamps.

Decopatch

2011-07-09T12:18:00.000+01:00

I bought an MDF desk at a craft fair about 10 years ago and it has languished in a cupboard, untouched, ever since. That is, until this week when I decided to try out 'Decopatch' and give it a makeover. I tore the oriental paper into pieces and then glued them in place; painted the edges with gold paint; and then gave it a couple of coats of varnish.
Of course, it will probably end up back in the same cupboard, until I remember what I bought it for in the first place LOL!

3 down, 6 to go!

2011-06-12T17:02:00.000+01:00

Most of our families' birthdays fall during the next couple of weeks and combined with Father's day, plus our neighbour's daughter having her first baby, results in a lot of cards to be made. I've left it a little late - but have made a start...

Take That

2011-06-06T17:21:00.000+01:00

We went to see Take That at the City of Manchester Stadium, last night. We queued from 12 noon till the gates opened just after five and then remained standing until the show finished at 10:30pm! My feet and back were in agony, but boy was it worth it, as we managed to get a spot three rows from the front - almost touching distance!

A Busy Week

2011-05-22T11:29:00.002+01:00

I've actually done some crafting this week! The cards were made using PTI stamps and the usual mix of embossing folders and punches. The anniversary card was inspired by one I saw on someone's blog, which was then adapted after I messed it up and then spent the rest of the afternoon 'faffing' to try and fix it.
The wall hanging was a project I started last year, from Craft Stamper magazine, and have only just got around to finishing. It was made using a Kaisercraft MDF blank; Embelliscrap wooden embellishments and Crafty Individuals stamps.
The other projects were done yesterday, at our crafty get together. The mirror and picture frame are straight copies, lifted from a Kaisercraft magazine. All three projects were made using Kaisercraft's 'Chapter One' papers, flourishes, rub ons and bling.

A Secret Project

2011-04-17T13:53:00.000+01:00

I was struggling to come up with a project for our monthly get together, so Karen said she'd found a project in Craft Stamper magazine for us to do, but wasn't going to tell me anything about it, apart from a list of things I would need to bring. It turned out to be this cute little note holder, which I love, so thanks Karen, for a great day!

Another Craft Stamper Project

2011-04-01T12:30:00.000+01:00

This box was also designed by Jean Hardy, from Crafty Individuals and featured in the November 2009 issue. I thought it would make a nice gift for Mother's Day. The box was painted with gold Viva Croco Crackle Paint, dried with a heat gun and then over painted with crimson Viva Precious Metal paint, before edging with a Krylon pen. The stampboard was inked with Adirondack inks and then stamped with a Magenta stamp. The result is an aged, distressed box, which is quite different from my normal style, but I thought it worked well for this project.

Craft Stamper Project

2011-03-31T10:15:00.001+01:00

I just had to do this project, designed by Jean Hardy, that was in March's Craft Stamper magazine. Apart from the paper choices, mine is virtually a direct copy, so I can't take any credit for the design, but I loved it so much I thought I'd show you. The frame is made from chipboard, coated in modelling paste and then painted and inked with VersaMagic inks. The heart and rosette are made from clay and the rest of the embellishments are chipboard, which has been painted and foiled. The chipboard shapes, papers and stamps are from Crafty Individuals.
I also thought I'd show you my Mum's Mother's day card (hopefully she's not looking), which has been made using an "Elegant Step Card' from Whichcrafts. The stamps are from LOTV and have been coloured with Copics; the papers are Papermania; the fence die is Magnolia; the flower is a Dienamics die and the butterfly and leaves are Martha Stewart punches.

Sarah's Cards Retreat

2011-03-09T16:07:00.002Z

Just returned from a fab weekend away at the Sarah's Cards Retreat. Nothing better than spending a whole weekend with fellow crafters!
Four out of the six LOs we did are shown below - I still need to finish the others.

A 'Just Because' Card...

2011-02-11T17:17:00.000Z

to use up the scraps from the other card I made today. I've used a Lili of the Valley stamp, coloured with Copics; Crate Paper "Busy Bee' papers; Martha Stewart, SU and EK Success punches and a bit of bling.

Friday Sketchers - Sketch 141

2011-02-11T14:05:00.000Z

I love the sketch over at Friday Sketchers, this week. I have used a Lili of the Valley stamp, coloured with Copics; Crate Paper 'Baby Bee Collection' papers; Martha Stewart border and butterfly punches; SU sentiment stamp and oval punches and a Marianne Creatables die.

Mojo Monday Week 177

2011-02-10T16:32:00.000Z

Fab sketch over at the Mojo Monday blog, this week. I have used SU stamps, PP, card and ink and punches and also some PTI dies.

Color Dare 94

2011-02-01T12:08:00.000Z

The colours for the 'Color Dare' challenge, this week, are Pear Pizzazz, Pretty in Pink and Perfect Plum.
I have stamped a background image, from PTI 'Retro Backgrounds' set, in Perfect Plum; embossed some Pretty in Pink card stock; stamped an image from PTI 'Round and Round' in Pear Pizzazz; matted it using a PTI die and Perfect Plum card stock and stamped a PTI sentiment, which has been punched out with SU punches. The sketch is based on a recent Mojo Monday sketch.

ColourQ 69

2011-01-30T15:21:00.000Z

I have used Hero Arts 'Silhouette Flower', stamped in Rich Razzleberry; frame and sentiment stamps from SU 'Just Believe' set, stamped in Cajun Craze and Rich Razzleberry; Kraft, Cajun Craze, Peach Parfait, Rich Razzleberry and White SU card stock; EK Success border punch and some bling, for the challenge over on the ColourQ blog.

Sketch Saturday 139

2011-01-28T17:21:00.001Z

Thought I'd go a bit 'arty farty' for the sketch over on the Sketch Saturday blog. I have used SU 'Artistic Etchings' stamp set and papers; PTI sentiment stamp; SU 'En Francais' background stamp; Martha Stewart 'Valentine Lace' border punch; Nesties 'Fancy Labels'; a paper shapers photo corner punch and some Tim Holtz distress ink (yes Karen, I've actually inked the edges lol!).

Mojo Monday Week 175

2011-01-27T17:25:00.001Z

I've made this card for the Mojo Monday challenge. I have used a Lily of the Valley stamp, coloured with Copics; Basic Grey 'Cappella' papers and PTI banner die and stamp.

One for Karen and Iola!

2011-01-23T16:55:00.000Z

I've been getting a bit of stick off two of my friends, Karen and Iola, as it's been so long since I've posted anything that they said they're getting bored looking at my blog lol! I've got a distinct lack of 'oomph' at the moment and am finding it hard to get motivated to do anything crafty, but thought I'd better make a bit of an effort especially for them :)
I've used SU card and PPs and PTI dies and present stamp.

Just a few....

2010-12-09T12:08:00.000Z

of the 70 Christmas cards I've made this year! I'm waiting for a stamp, that's been on backorder, to arrive and then I can finish another 30. Definitely buying them next year lol!

Clean and simple

2010-11-25T15:41:00.001Z

Very quick and easy Stampin' Up card, using 'Bird on a Branch' stamp set.

Don't faint.....

2010-11-25T13:49:00.001Z

but I've made a card!! Although, to be fair, I have been making plenty of Christmas cards, but not posting them on my blog. The Christmas cards may remain unfinished though, the way things are going. I placed a Papertrey order, this month, that contains the finishing touch for my cards. But rather than winging it's way to me in England, within a few weeks as usual, the tracking shows that it has ended up in Ireland?? Parcelforce have no record of it on their system and the USPS tracking hasn't updated for 3 days - so to say I am frustrated, is a massive understatement!! Anyway fingers crossed that it turns up sooner rather than later.
Back to my card, which is for a friend's daughter's 17th birthday. Everything apart from the bling (Papermania) and the embossing folder (Cuttlebug) is from Papertrey - oh the irony!

ArtsyCrafts Weekend

2010-11-03T12:06:00.002Z

Had a fantastic time at the ArtsyCrafts weekend in Warrington! Lin and Leandra are excellent teachers and the projects are so well thought out and organised, that it is relatively easy to take home something that you are really proud of.
The picture below is the main project of the weekend and my favourite.

A Struggle

2010-10-15T14:45:00.000+01:00

I made this card for my daughter's boyfriend. It took me ages, as I really struggle with men's cards. I've used a digital stamp by Kenny K, which I have coloured with Copics. The card, PP, sentiment stamps and punches are all SU.

Finally....

2010-10-07T12:30:00.002+01:00

got around to uploading a LO and some of the cards I have made recently!

For the LO, I have used Pink Paislee '365 degrees' papers and embellishments.

For the cards, I have used a mixture of 'Papertrey' and 'Stampin' Up' stamps, card, inks a and embellishments.

Good Girl

2010-09-17T12:58:00.000+01:00

I was very proud of myself at the Harrogate show last week, as I bought a grand total of 4 items! For the first time ever, I asked my hubby if he'd like to see what I bought, rather than the usual hiding it all away in the craft room lol!
For this card I have used Papertrey card, PP and 'Flutterby Friend' stamps. The butterfly trail is from SU 'Flight of the Butterfly' set and the sentiment is by Paula Pascual. I have coloured the image using Copics and a white gel pen.

Stamp christening!

2010-09-10T12:54:00.002+01:00

I'm going to the Harrogate craft show tomorrow, so I thought I better use some of my new stash before I add to it! Everything I have used for the first card is from Papertrey.The stamps are from the 'Tea For Two' and 'All Booked Up' sets. For the second card I have used papertrey 'All About You' stamps and Stampin' Up card, inks and ribbon.

'Stampin' Up' this time

2010-09-02T15:33:00.000+01:00

I've had this SU set for a while now and never used it, so I thought I would treat it to an inking! Most of the stamps are from the 'Live your dream' set, apart from the tag stamps which are from the 'Tiny tags' set and the flowers under 'thanks' which are Papertrey. All card, PP, ribbon and inks are SU ('Real Red', 'More Mustard' and 'Old Olive').

And a little bit more

2010-08-27T15:56:00.000+01:00

I'm still experimenting with my new Papertrey stamps. I've used the 'On my couch' and 'On my couch additions' sets, combined with SU card and ink and some Bella Blvd PP.

More Papertrey

2010-08-25T13:59:00.000+01:00

I have used Papertrey Ink stamps from Daily Designs, Daily Designs Sentiments, Friendship Jar and Friendship Jar fillers sets, coloured with Copics and card and ribbon from SU.

Early Start

2010-08-25T09:57:00.000+01:00

Off work this week, but had to be up early to take Natalie to work, so thought I'd do some early (for me) playing. I've used SU card, PPs and ink; Papertrey Ink stamps and mat die and Martha Stewart border punch.

Well done, Steven!

2010-08-23T10:09:00.000+01:00

I made this card for my friend Karen's son, Steven, who got fab AS results. The card, PP, tab punch, window punch and top note die are from SU; the star stamp is Banana Frog; the congratulations stamp is Hero Arts and all other stamps and the ticket die are Papertrey Ink.

Photo-less no more!

2010-08-04T14:32:00.002+01:00

I went to a retreat, held by Sarah's Cards, in March this year and found it really difficult to plan in advance what photos I would need to go with the 'class hints'. So I decided not to take any photos with me and to add them to the LOs at a later date. I didn't think it would be this much later, but I've finally got around to adding photos to a couple of the LOs. The first LO was designed by Rachael Elliot and the second by Lianne Mawer. The tree on Lianne's LO was created by using a stencil and paint.

Last Squeeze!

2010-08-02T16:10:00.000+01:00

I managed to squeeze one more LO from the Bo Bunny 'Flutter Butter' kit. I've added a few American Crafts rub ons, some Jenni Bowlin alpha stickers and a few Martha Stewart butterflies.

A lift

2010-07-31T17:58:00.003+01:00

This is almost a total lift of a LO I saw on a blog last year - I think it was Wendy, from the Papermaze blog. I ordered the papers, Fancy Pants 'Kraft Kuts', straight away and there they have sat, buried under my pile of kits, for the past 12 months! It feels so good to finally have an empty shelf!

Final Kit!

2010-07-31T14:50:00.000+01:00

This is the final kit that I have left, but the most difficult to use. The papers are Prima 'Blooming Retro' and I really struggled to use them. In the end I cut the flowers from one paper, the central border from another and then layered them onto a third paper. The rub ons are Crate Paper and the alphabet is from Pink Paislee.

Mmm...

2010-07-30T14:49:00.001+01:00

I think I've found my scrapbooking mojo again - I'm really enjoying doing LOs at the moment. I've finished the Bo Bunny 'Flutter Butter' kit and added a few bits of American Craft chipboard and some Martha Stewart punched borders. Off to open the next kit now...

A Confession

2010-07-29T16:24:00.001+01:00

Whilst still being a good girl and trying to use up my backlog of kits, I have a confession to make... I have resubscribed to Sarah's Cards kit! I only managed to go without 2 kits, before the withdrawal symptoms kicked in and I just wasn't strong enough to fight them lol!
Anyway, back to the backlog - I have used January's kit - Bo Bunny 'Flutter Butter'. The alphabets are Thickers and American Crafts Remarks; the trees are My Mind's Eye 'Abbey Road; and the border punch is EK Success.

A bit more...

2010-07-21T22:08:00.000+01:00

Lily Bee 'Vintage Poppy', in fact probably the last bit, as I don't think I can face anymore lol! Only 2 kits left now!

I think....

2010-07-21T15:35:00.000+01:00

blogger will be going into shock with all the posts I'm making at the moment! Lily Bee 'Vintage Poppy' papers again, although I've used a few more than I did on the last LO. The photo was taken on the British Pullman, en route to the Orient Express, en route to Venice, in 2006.

And another one!

2010-07-20T08:52:00.001+01:00

February's kit this time. Lily Bee 'Vintage Poppy' papers - although I've used so little, that it's hardly made a dent in the kit; Prima alphabet and some bling. I'm hating this dull weather - can't get a decent photo of the LO.

Another kit....

2010-07-18T19:55:00.001+01:00

another LO. Sarah's Cards April kit, this time. The papers are GCD 'Ava'; the bling bracket came with the kit; I think the journalling stamp is Basic Grey and the border punch is Martha Stewart. (apologies for the terrible photo - will try and improve it in better light tomorrow)

Play Date Cafe Challenge 38

2010-07-18T13:52:00.003+01:00

Sarah has chosen the colours for this week's Play Date Cafe challenge. I have used Making Memories 'Boho' paper; All Night Media sentiment stamp; SU and Martha Stewart punches and S.E.I 'Jolie Chocolat' epoxy stickers.

Not a LO but.....

2010-07-16T10:32:00.002+01:00

at least I've used up some more of the kit! I've used Fancy Pants 'Roadshow' papers, as before; Buzzcraft Fairy Doodle stamp, coloured with Copics; Nesties frame; Hero Arts sentiment; Stickles on the wings and some bling, coloured with Copics to match the papers.

LO No: 2

2010-07-15T17:26:00.001+01:00

Tempted to say I'm on a roll now - but think this will be the last one for a day or two. It takes me so long to produce each LO (spend too much time deliberating) that I'm all scrapped out for now. Anyway 2 LOs are better than 0 LOs!
Same kit as before, with a bit of bling thrown in.

On a mission

2010-07-15T12:48:00.001+01:00

I've decided I need to get my act together and try to clear my backlog of scrapbooking kits. Nothing beats the feeling of getting a monthly pizza box of goodies through the post, but if you don't use it straight away it can quickly lead to feelings of being overwhelmed by the mounting pile of boxes. I've been very good and cancelled my subscription until I have used the last piece of the last kit!
The papers are Fancy Pants 'Roadshow' and they, along with the heart doily, Thickers and design inspiration, came from Sarah's Cards May kit. The butterfly was made using Martha Stewart punches and a Maya Road heart pin. The photo is of our wedding in 1989. I really must take some more up to date photos LOL!

Just playing

2010-07-13T20:01:00.000+01:00

I got a new Sizzix die today (Frame Back, Ornate 3), so thought I'd try it out. I stamped flowers from SU's 'Greenhouse Garden' stamp set onto the die cut and then edged it with some bling. The sentiment stamp is Penny Black and the papers are Kaiser 'Devonshire'

Play Date Cafe Challenge 37

2010-07-12T18:15:00.000+01:00

There's a wide choice of colours for this week's Play Date Cafe challenge. As long as the colour appears in the above picture it is ok.

I have coloured Tilda with Copics and then added some flowersoft to the bouquet of flowers - I've never used it before and am really pleased with the effect. The papers are Basic Grey 'Cappella''; the border punch and butterflies are Martha Stewart and the sentiment stamp and punches are SU.

Friday Sketchers - Sketch 110

2010-07-10T15:09:00.001+01:00

I have used this fab sketch from Friday Sketchers to make my nephew's birthday card. I have used a Papermania stamp, coloured with Copics; Scenic Route 'North Shore' papers; Whimsy Stamps ticket stamp; Tim Holtz ticket strip die; Nesties and SU punches.

Testing

2010-07-08T11:35:00.001+01:00

Haven't made this card for any particular reason or challenge, but wanted to upload it to test out my new signature.
I have coloured the Magnolia image with Copics; the papers are K&Co; the corner punch is EK Success; the frames are Nesties and the flower and bling is Prima.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 35

2010-06-24T14:46:00.000+01:00

Sarah's turn to choose the colours, this week, at the Play Date Cafe. I thought I would do a LO for a change, as it's been so long since I've done any scrapbooking. I have used Cherry Arte 'Morocco' papers, Basic Grey 'Marrakech' chipboard, a K&Co 'Que Sera Sera' brad, Making Memories puffy alphabet and some Prima bling - a real eclectic mix this week!

Play Date Cafe Challenge 34

2010-06-17T12:01:00.002+01:00

I haven't done any challenges for a while - my mojo took a couple of weeks holiday, but unfortunately it didn't ask me along too LOL! This week's Play Date Cafe colours are black, white and a hint of blue and were chosen by Julie. I have used a Hero Arts frame stamp, Penny Black 'Brushed Lily', "Insects' and 'Happiness' stamps and 'Sailboat Blue' Adirondack ink.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 30

2010-05-20T12:26:00.000+01:00

Beautiful pastel pink, yellow and green, are Mona's choice of colours over at the Play Date Cafe. I have coloured the background using Shell Pink Adirondack ink and then stamped Hero Arts 'Heart Flourish' over the top. The main image is Hero Arts 'Posy Sketch' and has been coloured using Copics. The border punch is Martha Stewart; the corners are Cuttlebug dies and the bling has been coloured using Copics.

My Latest Phase.......

2010-05-16T16:18:00.000+01:00

..is covering wooden blanks. Although time consuming, I find it very therapeutic and I've already got a wish list for some more! The green drawers are from Kaiser Craft and have been decorated with their 'Devonshire' papers and Olive paint. The smaller organiser is also Kaiser Craft and has been decorated with their 'Gypsy Sisters' papers, Magenta paint and wooden flourish. The taller organiser is from Kars.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 29

2010-05-13T16:09:00.000+01:00

Sarah's colour choice, this week, at the Play Date Cafe. I finally got around to using the huge Elusive Images butterfly, from their 'Patchwork Butterfly' plate, that I bought several months ago. I coloured the butterfly with Derwent Colour Soft pencils and then cut it out - I can't believe I didn't snip the antennae off! The background was creating using Adirondack Citrus ink and then various stamps from Laxmi Designs. The leaf around the edge is also from Laxmi. The sentiment stamp was from the same Elusive Images plate as the butterfly.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 28

2010-05-07T17:54:00.001+01:00

Gorgeous combination of colours, this week, from Julie over at the Play Date Cafe. I have used SU 'Polka Dot' background stamp; Hero Arts 'Collage Friend' stamp and an Inkadinkado butterfly from the 'Gemstone Insects' plate. I cut a Spellbinder's 'Fancy Tag' die cut in half to make the scrolled edge and used some silver bling and a silver ribbon buckle from SU. The black and white ribbon has been lurking in my stash for ages.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 27

2010-04-30T16:35:00.000+01:00

Beautiful colours, this week, from Mona over at the Play Date Cafe blog. She has chosen light blue, light green and off white. I have used 'Shabby Shutters' and 'Tumbled Glass' distress inks; SU 'Polka Dot' background stamp; Darkroom Door flower and sentiment stamps; Martha Stewart butterfly punches and EK Success corner punch.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 26

2010-04-22T22:25:00.001+01:00

After about 5 attempts I have finally got a card that I'm more or less happy with! I found it really hard to use this week's colours, but that's why I like the Play Date Cafe challenges - they give my brain a good workout!

I have used Stampin' Up pp and sentiment stamp; Inkadinkado dress stamp, coloured with Copics; Hero Arts text stamp and Martha Stewart and EK Success punches.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 25

2010-04-15T15:28:00.000+01:00

Black, white and orange are this week's Play Date Cafe colours. I have used a Hero Arts background stamp; Inkadinkado image/sentiment stamp and Nesties for the frames.

Happy Birthday

2010-04-11T13:05:00.000+01:00

Hubby's off playing golf, so I decided to make an easel card for my friend's birthday. He can't believe his luck at the moment, cos I keep suggesting he plays golf so I can sneak into my craft room for a play lol!
The bird punch, papers, card and ink are SU; the border punch is Martha Stewart and the circles are Nesties.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 24

2010-04-08T14:58:00.001+01:00

I struggled to pick the right shades for this week's Play Date Cafe colours. The colours are plum, lavender and cream, so I figured if I used SU card and inks in 'Perfect Plum and Lavender lace' I should be ok. I have also used Hero Arts 'Antique Flowers' background stamp, Justrite stampers border stamp, SU sentiment stamp, Martha Stewart border punch and Nesties.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 23

2010-04-01T12:09:00.000+01:00

Blues and white/cream, are the colours that Sarah has chosen, for this week's Play Date Cafe challenge. I have used a sketch from Mojo Monday; Papermania 'Persimmon Collection' papers; Waltzing Mouse and American Crafts stamps and some Nesties.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 22

2010-03-25T11:36:00.000Z

The colours that Julie chose this week, for the Play Date Cafe, were the same as my old school uniform. So, after resisting the temptation just to post a picture of me in said uniform, I made a card instead lol!
I have used a Gina K stamp, coloured with Copics and then cut out using Nesties Labels 1 die. The background is embossed with a 'Crafts too' embossing folder and a Scor-pal. The sentiments are both from SU, as is the 'window' punch; the border punch is from Martha Stewart and the bling is from The Hobby House.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 21

2010-03-18T15:27:00.001Z

Mona's turn to choose the colours this week, at the Play Date Cafe. I decided to make an accordion box file, using a template from Papertrey Ink. I have used SU papers and card; Bazzill card; and Spellbinders 'Flower Creations' die, for the flowers.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 20

2010-03-12T17:41:00.004Z

Julie Campbell has picked the colours for her last challenge as a Play Date Cafe designer. I have used the sketch from this week's Friday Sketchers challenge. The image is Lili of the Valley, coloured with Copics; the papers are from Crafty Individuals and the sentiment stamp, punch, ribbon and flowers are from SU. Apologies for the poor lighting of the photo.

2 hours later.......

2010-03-12T13:14:00.001Z

I've cut all the tied ribbons and decided to sew the box together instead! My perfectionist streak costs me so many hours, but at last I'm finally happy with the box. (the colour is much better in this light too). Just hope Mum likes it!

Friday Sketchers - No: 92

2010-03-11T20:24:00.004Z

Used this week's sketch from Friday Sketchers to make my Mum's Mother's Day card. Things were going well until I decided to make her a matching box. All of a sudden the day had gone, and I was STILL trying to lace the box together without it collapsing! Anyway, I got there eventually LOL! I used American Craft's Letterbox papers; Gina K and SU stamp on the box and Lili of the Valley stamp (Thanks Iola!), coloured with Copics, on the card ; roses from Wild Orchid Crafts; rose leaf stamp from Wendy Vecchi and the usual assortment of Nesties and punches. Not forgetting lots of SU ribbon!!

Play Date Cafe Challenge 19

2010-03-04T19:17:00.001Z

Lovely, sunny, yellows for this week's Play Date Cafe colour scheme. I have made a box to hold thank you cards. I've used American Crafts 'Letterbox' paper; SU sentiment and punches; Justrite stamp, coloured with Copics, some bling and a bit of ribbon.

Friday Sketchers - No: 91

2010-02-26T14:05:00.001Z

For this week's sketch, from Friday Sketchers, I have used a Lili of the Valley stamp, coloured with Copics. I have also used Crate Paper 'Sweet Branch Collection' and Scenic Route 'Ashville' papers; EK Success border punch; Nesties; SU window punch; Woodware 'Ash' punch; Hero Arts sentiment and a rose from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 18

2010-02-25T19:38:00.002Z

Black, white and a hint of teal are the colours for this week's Play Date Cafe challenge. I have used Hero Arts 'Antique Flower Background' and 'Chandelier' stamps, Nesties, SU border punch, Quickutz embossing folder and some Stickles and bling to add the hint of teal.

Mojo Monday Week 127

2010-02-25T13:54:00.001Z

You could follow the square, round, or both, sketches over at Mojo Monday, this week. I chose the first option and that took me long enough LOL! I used Hero Arts 'Girl with Gift' stamp, which I coloured with Copics. I have also used American Crafts 'I Do' papers; SU sentiment stamp, oval and border punches; Nellie Snellen square die and a Martha Stewart Butterfly punch.

Play Date Cafe Challenge 17

2010-02-22T19:03:00.004Z

Gorgeous colour combination, this week, from Julie at the Play Date Cafe. I used Antique Linen distress ink to colour the card, stamped 'Cozy Lady' from Hampton Arts in Black Cherry StazOn, masked the image and then stamped Tim Holtz flourishes and Hero Arts 'Style is Eternal' in Timber Brown StazOn. The papers are Graphic 45 'Fashionista', the border punch is Martha Stewart and the sentiment frame is a Nestability.

Friday Sketchers - No: 89

2010-02-18T17:47:00.001Z

For this week's sketch from Friday Sketchers, I have used Papermania 'Blueberry Hill' papers; Nesties; Martha Stewart border punch; McGill branch punch and a rose from Wild Orchid Crafts. The image stamp is by Lili of the Valley, which was coloured with Copics, and the sentiment stamp is SU.

Playdate Cafe Challenge 16

2010-02-14T10:23:00.001Z

Another challenging colour scheme, red, Lavender and silver, from the team at Playdate Cafe. I have used SU 'Real Red' and 'Lavender Lace' inks and card stock; SU punches and stamps, except from the 'Circle Lace' stamp, which is Hero Arts, and some silver bling.

Stampotique Designers Challenge No:1

2010-02-12T12:25:00.001Z

Found a new challenge over at the Stampotique Designer's Challenge Blog, which is perfect for me to try out my new Stampotique stamps with! The theme, this week, is love. I have used 'Girl with Heart Purse' and have coloured her with distress inks. The papers are Basic Grey 'Boxer'; the sentiment is Penny Black; the border punch is Martha Stewart and the photo corners are Sizzix.

Friday Sketchers - No: 88

2010-02-11T15:45:00.001Z

Mojo slowly coming back, so had a go at the Friday Sketchers challenge. I have used American Crafts 'Letterbox' papers, Nesties, Hero Arts sentiment stamp and EK success and SU punches. The image is Penny Black 'Buzz in the Air', which has been coloured with Copics.

No Mojo

2010-02-11T11:47:00.001Z

Can't seem to get going with any challenges today, so thought I'd upload this LO, which I did last week, in the hope that it will give me the kick start I need.
Everything, apart from the bling and Sizzix cut title, was from Sarah's Cards January Kit, which I absolutely love. The papers are Bo Bunny 'Flutter Butter' and the transparency is by Fancy Pants.

SU Challenge

2010-02-05T19:00:00.003Z

Decided to go through my SU stamp sets and try and create something from each one. This card is made using the 'Office Accoutrement' and 'Happy Everything' sets. I have also used the 'Spiral' and 'Round Tab' punches, Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Pie inks/card and 'Sweet Always' PP.

Playdate Cafe Challenge 15

2010-02-04T19:18:00.005Z

Really tricky colour combination, this week, from Sandi at the Play Date Cafe. After lots of ripped up pieces of paper I finally settled on this card. I have used 'Flying Stars' stamp from Penny Black, which I stamped onto a background, coloured with green and brown inks. I added some blue bling and also stamped the SU sentiment in blue and finished it off with a dark brown border punched with a Martha Stewart punch.

Sketch Saturday - Week 88

2010-02-04T14:13:00.001Z

My Sister-in-law has been of work for ages with a bad back, so I thought I would use the sketch from Sketch Saturday, to make her a card. I have coloured the Lili of the Valley stamp with Copics; the papers are Crate Paper 'Lillian Collection'; the flowers are from Petaloo and the sentiment is Justrite Stampers.

Mojo Monday Week 124

2010-02-04T11:51:00.001Z

I have made my Dad's birthday card for this week's challenge at Mojo Monday. I have used a Lili of the Valley stamp, coloured with Copics; Piggy Tales 'Little Boy Blue Collection' papers; EK Success border punch; Technique Tuesday ' Broadway' alphabet stamps and my new Justrite stamps for the sentiment and border.

Playdate Cafe Challenge 14

2010-01-30T15:34:00.001Z

Sarah's colour scheme this week at the Play Date Cafe. I have used a Sweet Pea stamp called 'Ching-Chou Kulk's Come Softly', which I have coloured with Copics and Inktense pencils and then over-stamped with a text stamp from 'Laxmi Designs'. The sentiment stamp is from Rachelle Anne Miller, the background paper is by Crafty Individuals and the corner flourish is a Cuttlebug die.

Well there goes the shopping!

2010-01-25T21:26:00.003Z

Tonight was going to be spent online shopping with my partner in crime, Karen, until that is, Natalie informed me that rather than going to see her friend's new baby next week, she was going tomorrow and could I possibly make her a card! Anyway, 3 hours and a trashed craft room later, I made this easel card. I have used Whiff of Joy 'Willow and Baby' stamp, coloured with Copics; SU paper and sentiment punch; Whiff of Joy sentiment stamps; Martha Stewart border punch; flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts and Nesties. (Poor photo again, the paper is actually pale pink rather than the peachy colour of the photo!)

Sketch Saturday - Week 87

2010-01-25T18:01:00.003Z

For this week's Sketch Saturday challenge I have used a digital stamp called 'Wings of Hope'. This is a special limited edition digital image, designed by Crissy Armstrong for Whimsy Stamps. All proceeds (minus any Paypal fees) from the sale of this image will be sent to the American Red Cross disaster relief for Haiti.
I have used K&Co 'Bella Sola' and Sei 'Hippie Chick' papers; Whiff of Joy sentiment stamp; SU punches and Sizzix photo corners. I've added some sparkle to the wings with Stickles. Apologies for the poor photo - I'm struggling to take any decent photos at the moment as the light levels don't seem to get above 'dusk'!

Friday Sketchers - Sketch 86

2010-01-22T17:04:00.001Z

Decided to try out my new stamp for this week's sketch from Friday's Sketchers. The stamp is from The Greeting Farm (I think he is called Max) and has been coloured using Copics. The papers are Piggy Tales 'Hansel Collection'; the scallop is from Sizzix and the stars and star punch are from SU.

Sketch Saturday - Week 86

2010-01-22T11:18:00.001Z

Fab sketch from Emma over at the Sketch Saturday Blog. I have used Penny Black 'guess?' stamp, which I have coloured with Copics. The papers are Crate Paper 'Season' collection; the sentiment is by SU; the fan punch is Martha Stewart; the flower and swirl are EK Success; the photo corners are Cuttlebug and the frame is a Sizzix die.

Play Date Cafe Challenge No:13

2010-01-21T13:36:00.002Z

Decided to do something other than my usual card for this week's Play Date Cafe challenge, so out came my much neglected Bind-it-all and I made a note book. The stamps are from Wendy Vecchi, the frame is a Sizzix die and the inks are a mixture of distress ink and Adirondack. I added a bit of bling and some Thickers and then bound it all together. (Apologies for another poor photo, there's not enough daylight about and the 'blue' looks a bit green)

First LO of 2010

2010-01-19T18:55:00.002Z

Had a purge of my stash at the weekend and gave away a huge chunk of my papers. I was finding that each time I came to do a card or LO, there was so many papers to choose from that I was totally overwhelmed! I also whittled my stack of unopened scrapbook kits down to 4 and was determined to start using them. Well, so far so good, my first LO in ages! The kit is from Sarah's Cards and contains Crate Paper 'Season Collection' papers. The embellishments were also part of the kit; the alphabet is from Thickers and the border punch is Martha Stewart.

Mojo Monday Week 122

2010-01-18T20:03:00.001Z

For this week's sketch from Mojo Monday I have used an Inkadinkado stamp, October Afternoon 'County Fair' papers, SU border punch, Nesties and an 'Inca' sentiment stamp.

Playdate Cafe Challenge 12

2010-01-15T14:34:00.001Z

Hating this weather! The novelty of the 'lovely white snow' quickly wore off last week when we awoke, on Thursday morning, to temperatures of minus 17 and frozen pipes. The frozen pipe then became a burst pipe, spurting boiling water all over the kitchen! The 'emergency' plumber couldn't fix them until Sunday afternoon, so we were without water and heating for 4 days! I will never again take running water, heating and flushing toilets for granted! Today the rain has arrived, which is floating on top of the frozen snow and has turned our road into an ice rink. I managed to walk four paces up the road with Daisy, before falling over. I'm now feeling very sorry for myself, nursing a bruised arm and hip!
Of course, that hasn't stopped me making a card for the Playdate Cafe challenge - there's no better therapy than crafting (except for shopping LOL!). This week's colour scheme was chosen by Alison.

I have used Basic Grey 'Aviary' stamps; sentiment stamp, French Filagree stamp and punch from SU; Nesties; and roses from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Playdate Cafe Challenge 11

2010-01-12T15:01:00.000Z

Had to think hard about how to combine Sandi's colours for this week's Playdate Cafe challenge. I have used silver and gold alcohol inks for the background; silver and gold card from the DCWV 'metallics' pack; Hero Arts 'Fancy Hearts' stamp, which has been embossed in silver and coloured with a gold gel pen, and a SU sentiment from the 'A Beautiful Thing' set. (Apologies for the poor lighting)

My Westiepoodle

2010-01-05T15:40:00.002Z

Couldn't resist showing this photo of Daisy after she'd ventured out on to the patio this morning! She loves the snow, but has spent most of today fast asleep after the trauma of being 'de-snowballed' LOL!

Play Date Cafe Challenge No:10

2010-01-05T15:12:00.001Z

The snow has created some time for me to do Sarah's colour challenge at the Playdate Cafe.

I have used Making Memories 'Noteworthy' papers, SU sentiment punch, blooms from Sarah's Cards and a bit of bling to finish off.