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Yes, I decided to move to Typepad.

Blossom Designs

Please come and visit me at Blossom Designs.

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Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #38

Woo Hoo.....it's Friday, which means it is sketch challenge time.

What do you think of my card - it is a little dark for me but I am happy with the end result.

I decided not to use an image on the white cardstock but instead I used a sentiment. I'm a little short on sentiment stamps (at the moment *wink*) so I didn't really have anything that was more than 2 lines which would have fit perfectly. Oh well, I will have to do something about that won't I ?? LOL

Here is Beate's sketch.

Thanks Beate !!

Happy Crafting,
K.



Supplies
Stamps: SU! - Welcoming Words, Papertrey Ink - Faux Ribbon.
Ink: SU! - Bravo Burgundy, Adirondack - Cranberry.
Paper: Basic Grey, SU! - Bravo Burgundy.
Accessories: SU! - Hodgepodge, White Ribbon coloured with Bravo Burgundy Marker.

Faux Tiles

I thought I would give this technique a go !! I kind of succeeded for most of it. I think I need to press harder when scoring the lines to make them deeper and maybe not press so hard when putting stamp to paper. Not bad though for my first attempt. I will give this another go.

Here is a close up of the butterfly. The lighter pink stamp (Pixie Pink) stamped well and didn't go into the score line but the outline stamp (Pink Passion) went into the score line but I doesn't look too bad, does it??

I added some bling with my gems. I wonder if I'd known I was going to use pink this week as I only bought the gems on Saturday.

Happy Crafting,
K.


Supplies
Stamps: SU! - Bold Butterfly, Welcoming Words.
Ink: su1 - Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Tempting Turquoise.
Paper: SU! - Pink Passion, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White.
Accessories: Pink Gems.

Colour Challenge

Our third and last challenge is a colour challenge. We are to use Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss, Cameo Coral, So Saffron and Very Vanilla. OMG!!! What do I do ?? LOL I will be back later to start on this challenge.

Inspiration Card

This card was for our second team challenge. We had to use a particular card as inspiration. It could have been tearing, water colouring or using dimensionals.

I used my SU! Markers to colour in the images. They are actually 3 separate flowers I made to look like one bunch.

I stamped the sentiment in versamark but I didn't press hard enough as the image didn't come out clearly enough so I used my marker to go over the wording.

Happy Crafting,
K.


Supplies
Stamps: SU! - Oh So Lovely, Wonderful Words.
Ink: Black Stazon, SU! Markers - So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Mellow Moss, Pumpkin Pie, Close To Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Brocade Blue.
Paper: SU! - Brocade Blue, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Whisper White.
Accessories: 1/4" Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, Brocade Blue Brads.

Pop Up Card

I participated in a team challenge yesterday and the first challenge was to make a pop up card.

Again, a first for me as I have never made one of these cards before. The instructions were pretty straight forward. Go HERE to Dawn's blog to follow her tutorial.

I thought I would use my 'Bold Butterfly' set as they haven't been out of the box for a while. I also wanted to use some colours I wouldn't normally pick first.

Happy Crafting,
K.


Supplies
Stamps: SU! - Bold Butterfly, Wonderful Words.
Ink: SU! - Really Rust, More Mustard, Versafine - Onyx Black.
Paper: SU! - Really Rust, Whisper White, More Mustard.

Acetate Card

I saw Nichole's acetate matchbook card on her blog HERE and just had to make one. It seems to be the week for first's for me as I have never made a matchbook type card before.

I followed Nichole's tutorial - give it a go.

Can you see (if you look carefully) the scalloped edge of the acetate. The papers are from K&Co Hannah series. I have the 6x6 pad.

Here is view from the top. You can see the white cardstock folded back while it is held in place with 3 brads. I think I will also try to make this with cardstock but using contracting colours instead of the acetate. I'm curious to see what it would look like now.

The 'Happy Birthday' senitment is from Papertrey Ink.

Happy Crafting,

K.

Supplies

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Paper Tray.

Ink: Adirondack - Lettuce

Paper: Acetate, White cardstock, K&CO - Hannah.

Accessories: Olive Organza Ribbon, SU! brads

Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #37

I finally finished my card for Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge !! PHEW !

It is also my very first acetate card - can you believe that !! I also finally got to use my SU! hodgepodge.

Happy Crafting,
K.


Supplies
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Women Of Life.
Ink: SU! - Really Rust.
Paper: SU! DP - Fall Flowers, SU! - Really Rust, Mellow Moss, Whisper White.
Accessories: SU! Hodgepodge.

Cards To Post

I have two cards to post which I have just taken photos of but I am having IT problems. Yes, I know my DH is an IT wizard but he is busy at work with their IT problems so he will fix ours when he gets home tonight. I'm afraid that means you will have to wait to see what I have done - my first acetate cards.

Melissa Frances Blog

http://www.melissafrances.typepad.com/ I have just found the Melissa Frances Blog and that would be because it only started last month !!

This is her website http://www.melissafrances.com/.

Happy Crafting,
K.

A Bit Behind

I am running behind on my sketch challenges. I am finding Beate's sketch a little challenging and I only looked at Jen's yesterday, so I will get going on them today. I have just put Oliver down for a sleep. We have been out this morning walking to the doctors as my eye's haven't cleared up fully so I've now got some cream to use. I think the walk wore Oliver out (phew!) so this is giving me some ME time !!
I have made my first acetate card though !! I followed Nichole's tutorial on her blog HERE. I will post it later after I get started on the other two cards.

Happy Crafting,
K.

Welcome Little One

I cased this card from Alisa Tilsner as I LOVED it so much.

Our friends had a baby girl a few weeks ago and I STILL haven't sent them a card. I am really bad aren't I ??

I unfortunately didn't have pink ribbon (gasp!) but I still like it.

Here is a close up of the elephant. Alisa has had many cards published so make sure you check out her blog.

Happy Crafting,
K.

Supplies
Stamps: SU! - Wild About You, Riveting.
Ink: SU! - Pink Passion, Apricot Appeal.
Paper: SU! - Petals & Paisleys, Apricot Appeal, Pink Passion.
Accessories:

Thank You!

Today's card is for the sketch challenge on SCS. I turned it on it's side to fit in with the stamp set.


Another Papertrey Ink stamp set. This one is called "Women Of Life" designed by Melissa Bickford. I fell in love with these stamps as soon as I saw them. Check out Melissa's blog too HERE.

I'm not sure you can see in either photo, but I have dimensional lacquer for the centre of the flowers.

I also got my 'bling' out in green and cystal.

Happy Crafting,
K.

Supplies
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Women Of Life.
Ink: SU! Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Versafine - Onyx Black.
Paper: SU! - Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White.
Accessories: SU! Pumpkin Pie Brad, Bazzil flowers - Orange, Green.

Little One

Okay, I took some more photos and they have turned out better.

I used the 'Polka Dot Basics' and the 'Just Hatched' stamp sets from Papertrey Ink.

You can see the polka dot stamp on the cardstock. The 'Little One' is part of the Just Hatched set.

Hope you like it.

Happy Crafting,
K.

Supplies
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Just Hatched, Polka Dot Basics.
Ink: White Stazon, SU! - Tempting Turquoise.
Paper: SU! - Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, SU! DP - Petals & Paisley.
Accessories: Oval Nestabilities - standard, scalloped.

Wait 'til tomorrow

I've got another card to share but I need to photograph it and it is getting late here. Not helped with Oliver being up and down last night coughing, so I am off for an early night - well, it won't be midnight that's for sure !! LOL

Which Blog ??

Hi everyone,

I have been playing with another blog provider as I wanted to see what else was out there. I know of Wordpress and Typepad and there maybe more. I have found that all 3 have their own unique qualities and are very different to each other. Blogger has the easiest way to customise the look of your blog i.e. change the colours without using HTML.
Using Wordpress was strange but only because it is set up differently and as I was so used to blogger it was just a matter of finding where everything was. Once I did that, Wordpress was fairly easy to use.
Then I decided to try Typepad. I must say, I do like this one. It does have some different features that you cannot get with Blogger or Wordpress (not that I have found anyway). Again it is set out differently to the other two so I had to find my way around. Although, I am having problems posting more than 1 photo and I seem to be only able to do one photo at a time whereas on blogger, I can upload multiple photos. Does anyone who reads this blog have any advice ?? I also need to work out how to change the font and to have my photos line up underneath each other. I press the return button but nothing seems to happen. Apart from these issues with Typepad, I am enjoying using it. Be warned - it is PINK but once I am happy with how it is set up, I will see how I can change the colour. I think this will be have to be done with HTML. Thank goodness my hubby is an it wizard !! Phew ! I used to know the basic HTML but it has been quite some time since I have used it so I will need a refresher lesson. I also blame having a baby as I now have what I call "baby brain". LOL.

Stay tuned to see which one I will keep.

Typepad
Wordpress

Happy Crafting,
K.

Jen's Sketch For You To Try - 23rd Feb 08

Today is another sketch day. It is Jen's Sketch For You To Try.

Here is my take on Jen's sketch. I added some bling !! I used my SU! DP Petals and Paisley and also two shades of Bazzil flowers.

This was a fairly quick card to make although it took me a while as I was watching Die Hard on DVD with the hubby. Oliver was sound asleep so I cannot blame him for the interruptions. LOL.

How do you like my bling ?? LOL




Here is Jen's sketch. Go and have a look at her card - I LOVE IT. It is pink and gorgeous.

Happy Crafting,
K.



Supplies
Ink: SU! - Tempting Turquoise.
Paper: SU! - Tempting Turquoise, Bashful Blue SU! DP - Petals & Paisley.
Accessories: SU! - Old Olive Brad, SU! - Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Green & Blue Bazzil Flowers.

Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #36

It's Beate's sketch challenge time. Yay !!

I had so much fun with this one. I think I've got my motivation back. LOL

I used my white gel pen for the stitching effect around the edge. This is the one thing that if your lines are not straight, it doesn't matter - it just adds to the effect.

Did you notice, I have used the same colours as the previous post !!



As you can see I used my Papertrey Ink - Beautiful Blooms stamp set.



Here is Beate's sketch.

Thanks Beate, I love participating in your sketch challenge's.


Happy Crafting,
K.





Supplies:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Beautiful Blooms
Ink: SU! - Summer Sun, Cameo Coral, Ruby Red.
Paper: SU! - Summer Sun, Cameo Coral, Ruby Red.
Accessories: Paper Piercing.

Another Challenge

Here is a card I did for a challenge. It was to use SU! Ruby Red, Cameo Coral and Summer Sun.

What do you think ??

I don't think I would have thought to put these colours together. I'm really impressed though. I think I will be putting these colours together again.

Happy Crafting,
K.


Supplies:
Stamps: SU! Pretty Princess
Ink: Black Stazon, SU! Markers - Summer Sun, Ruby Red, Cameo Coral.
Paper: Summer Sun, Ruby Red, Cameo Coral.
Accessories: SU! Brad - Ruby Red, Circle Nestabilities - standard & scallop.

Jen's Sketch For You To Try - 17th Feb 08

HEALTH WARNING - you may need to put on your sunglasses. LOL


I decided to have a play with PTI stamps, the borders and corners set to use as a background. How did I do ??

Yes, this card is growing on me, maybe it is the brightness ?

The stitching flower effect is actually rub-ons !! Yes, rub-ons. I love my flowers although I didn't use my primas.


Here is Jen's sketch.

Lost My Motivation

It has happened !! I think I need to clean up my desk - it is a mess so I don't really feel like crafting.

Better get my butt into gear !! I've got dinner cooking nicely so while it is simmering away, I will start clearing away.

I did actually make a card on Saturday for Jen's Sketch Challenge but I didn't like it much so I haven't posted it - yet !! It is growing on me as it is sitting right in front of me.

Hope you are all having a good week so far. It is only Tuesday but I keep thinking it is Thursday.

Happy Crafting,
K.

Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #35

It is Friday and that means Beate's Sketch Challenge time. Yay !!

I wanted to use this stamp of 'puppybella'. I wasn't entirely sure what colours to use or even what DP to use. I rummaged through the pile of papers beside me on my table and got some inspiration.

Here is a close up of bella with her dog.

Here is Beate's sketch.

Happy Crafting,
K.




Supplies:
Stamps: Puppybella.
Ink: Stazon - Black SU! Markers - Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Real Red.
Paper: SU! DP - Paisley & Petals.
Accessories: SU! - Real Red Brads, Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon.

Papertrey Ink Release Party !!

Did anyone get to the Papertrey Ink Release Party last night ??? I am up super early this morning to order but the forum seems to have suffered a meltdown !! There is just too many of us PTI fans (stalkers!!) for the server to cope with. LOL Looking at the website, they have released 5 new stamp sets, plus ribbon, paper, ink, a special box and if you register with their forum by the 22nd February, you will be entered into their competition to win ALL the stamps released for the next YEAR !! Yes, a year's worth of free stamps. OMG - how good is that !! If you haven't already, check out Nichole's blog for more information.

Well, I am off to get Oliver ready for nursery.

Happy Crafting,
K.

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope you all have a lovely Valentine's Day with your loved ones.

Thank you to those who have sent me well wishes. My right eye is almost back to normal but it has now spread my left eye !! I thought it might so as soon as I saw the signs, I put my eye drops in and although my eye was stuck shut this morning, it is not as red or sore.

Happy Crafting,
K.

Not Seeing Well

I wanted to do today Sketch Challenge on SCS but I am having trouble seeing properly.

How attractive !!! It all started yesterday when it felt like I had something in my eye - kind of scratching. During the evening it got worse. When I woke this morning, my eye was glued shut and swollen. Oh dear!! Unfortunately here in the UK you HAVE to make an appointment to see your doctor which can take days to get one (they make exceptions for children though). So guess what, no doctor available today !!! Off I trot to the hospital with Oliver and luckily Rob came home from work and collected Oliver from the hospital. I was there for 4 hours - can you imagine a 3 year old sitting still and quiet for 4 hours !! Not Oliver !!! Anyway, I finally get my eye drops from the doctor and boy, does my eye fell so much better already.

I will try to do the sketch challenge tomorrow as I will have the house to myself - Oliver is at his grandparents.

Happy Crafting,
K.

Celebrate Today Mother

Today's challenge over at SCS is 'Colour Combination'. The colours we were to use: SU! - Tempting Turquoise, Kraft & Green Galore.

I wanted to use my Papertrey Ink stamps as each month they release new stamps and you can enter their competition to be one of their 'Guest Star Stamper'. The message stamps was one of last months release so I thought I would give the competition a go. I also used the lovely Spiral Bouquet set.

I am really really happy with how this card turned out. Better than I had imagined. I think I might give this to Rob to give to his mother for mother's day here in the UK.

Happy Crafting,
K.

Supplies:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Spiral Bouquet, Mixed Messages.
Ink: SU! - Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Versamark.
Paper: SU! - Kraft, Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore, Basic Black.
Accessories: SU! - 1/4" Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon, Brads.

I've Got An Award - Yipee !!

Oh wow. Look what I received from my blogging friend Kylie (yes, another Kylie !!). She has recently become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator in Australia and she also started her blog in October 2007.

How sweet of her to send me this award. Thank you very much and I'm glad you like my blog and it inspires you.

I am supposed to pass this onto 10 people. This was harder than it looked. I only named 6 people who as far as I could see, hadn't had the award on their blog.

Jayne Mercer
Stamping Caz
Charmaine Ikach
Frances Byrne
Jen Del Muro
Bethany Paull

There were more blogs I could have chosen but I don't necessarily leave comments so if I emailed them to say here is your award because your blog is fantastic, they would be wondering who on earth I was. LOL

Happy Crafting.

K.

Jen's Sketch For You To Try - 9th Feb 08

Another day, another card !! Today is Jen's Sketch For You To Try (SFYTT).

I must say, this turned out better than expected. I stamped the bouquet yesterday but I didn't use it so I thought I would use it in today's card.

Both stamps are from Hero Arts Clear Design stamps. They are the K & M letter sets.

I used the small flower stamp in the K set to stamp the background.

EDITED: I realised after posting this that I hadn't taken a photo of the completed card (the two bits on the right hand side are missing. Once my camera is charged up, I will update with finished card - oooops !!

Here is Jen's sketch. She added the heart embellishment to coincide with Valentines Day but I didn't want to use it this time.

Happy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: Hero Arts.
Ink: Versafine - Onyx Black, SU! - Gable Green.
Paper: SU! - Gable Green, Basic Black, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, SU! DP - Petals & Paisley.
Accessories: SU! - Brads, SU! - Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon.

Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #34

It is Friday again and that means Sketch Challenge time.

I thought I would use my Bella stamps today.

I am pleased with the result - it is nice and bright and happy.

Here are the "Javabella" girls. Aren't they great !

This is Beate's sketch.

Happy Crafting.

Supplies:
Stamps: Javabella.
Ink: Brilliance Black Stazon, SU! Markers - Blush Blossom, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Regal Rose, Bashful Blue.
Paper: SU! - Tempting Turquoise, Regal Rose, Whisper White SU! DP - Petals & Paisley.
Accessories: White Satin Ribbon, Rectangle Nestabilities.

Finally..........some crafting

I have been into central London today to the Australian High Commission as I need to replace my NSW driver's license in readyness for my return (our move) back to Australia. Can you believe that I can change my maiden name to my married name on my passport with just our marriage certificate but I need a specific certificate from Births, Deaths & Marriages (in NSW) to be able to change my name on my driver's license !!! How bizzare is that.

Anyway, back to crafting.

Here is todays sketch on Splitcoast Stampers (SCS). If you haven't already looked at SCS, please do. You can brouse the resource area for tutorials on just about anything you can think of or have a look at the gallery for inspiration. The people there are very friendly too.

I am also using this card for Tuesday's Colour Combination on SCS which is to use Real Red, Apricot Appeal & Ballet Blue.

Here is my card.

I don't have any DP in similar colours so I used my Cuttlebug Bloom Dots embossing folder on the Apricot Appeal cardstock and added some red gems.


Most of my stamps stand vertically and only a few stand horizontally so I was limited to what I could use - I might have to invest in some more stamps - oh shame !! LOL

Happy Crafting,

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! - Wild About You.
Ink: SU! - Ballet Blue, Versamark.
Paper: SU! - Ballet Blue, Apricot Appeal, Real Red, Whisper White.
Accessories: Red Gems, Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Googly Eyes (love these), Photo Corner Punch.

Papertrey Ink Apprentice

I'm sure most of you know Papertrey Ink and the fabulous stamps they release each month. Nichole Heady, one of the ladies behind Papertrey Ink has a blog in which she gives us great sneak peaks of the new sets from the 10th of each month up until release day (15th). Nichole also has some great tutorials so go and check out her blog. You won't regret it.

A couple of days ago, Nichole posted THIS - a contest for a Papertrey Apprentice:

---> The winner will get to assist me in designing a stamp set which will be released during our April 15th, 2008 debut. We will have a concept meeting via phone or email, to discuss what types of things you would like included in the set, the theme of the images, or even any fonts you would like to see used.
---> I will then design the set according to your specifications. You will be the FIRST to see the rough drafts & final copies! You will be involved in every step of the process!
--->Your name will be included in the promotion & packaging of the stamp set!
--->You will receive the first copy of the set, hot off the presses, before anyone else!
Leave a comment on today's post welcoming the new girls and you will be eligible to win!
The contest will close at 12pm (EST) on Monday (02/04/08)
and the winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator. I will announce the winner here on Monday night. Best of luck to all! I am looking forward to collaborating with one of you very soon!

Guess what ??.......... I WON !!! OMG, I won something. See Nichole's post HERE. I am so excited and very nervous as I do not know what is in store for me. It can only make me a better crafter, right ?? I know that Nichole will be doing most of the work and I guess I will have my input but my name will be associated with this stamp set. I am on cloud 9. Even better, the stamps will be released in April - just days before my birthday. Who could have asked for a better birthday present - not me !! LOL

Thank you again Nichole, Julie & Jane for a fantastic opportunity.

Happy Crafting,
K.

Jen's Sketch For You To Try - 2nd Feb 08

Here is Jen's sketch.........

......and here is my card. You might need your sunglasses though. LOL

I do love my 'Bundle Of Joy' set for baby cards, especially new born cards. I was trying to match the cardstock to the DP - Fall Flowers. I could have used Bashful Blue but I don't yet have the matching grosgrain ribbon (things have to match !!) LOL

Ohhh, isn't he cute !! I also used my cuttlebug baby embossing folder for the background.

I thought I would add this photo as well because my little boy, Oliver wanted to be in on the photo. He is holding onto the easel and instead of smiling nicely, he is squinting (a lot lately for photos) so he does look funny. LOL

Happy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! - Bundle Of Joy.
Ink: Tempting Turquoise. Always Artichoke Marker.
Paper: Temping Turquoise, Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand.
Accessories: 1/4" Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon, Tempting Turquoise Brads, Cuttlebug- Baby Embossing Folder.

Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #33

Not long after my last post, I checked Beate's blog and there was her sketch. Brilliant, I thought, I'm on a roll here.

I cannot take credit for the idea of the film strip - it came from Jayne Mercer. Check out her blog.

I used my nestabilities to cut and emboss the square shapes. If you take a closer look I think you can see the embossing. I used a post-it note to mask the bottom of the square so the image didn't go over the embossed area.

I really should have made the black strip a little bit wider or I could have cut the Old Olive square's smaller but I couldn't be bothered as I know I would not have gotten all the squares the exact same size (I'm very particular with things matching and a perfectionist).

I decided to use my SU! round tab punch for the sentiment with a lovely gem brad. I put a foam pad underneath to hold it in place and also to give it a lift.

This is Beate's sketch - how did I do ???

Happy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:

Stamps: SU! - Oh, So Lovely.

Ink: SU! - Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive.

Paper: SU! DP - Fall Flowers, Old Olive, Basic Black

Accessories: SU! - 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, Round Tab Punch, Papermania Green Gem Brads.

DCM Challenge - Red & White

It is Friday again and that means challenge day. There are two today - DCM and Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge. Beate hasn't uploaded her sketch yet so I made a start on the DCM challenge.

This week's and next week's dare are team dares - and we've decided to go nice and easy on you guys, as the past few dares have been pretty tricky ! This week, we decided on a colour combination for a change. We want you to design a card using only RED AND WHITE on your cards- it doesn't have to be a Valentine themed card - it can be any theme- as long as use incorporate RED and WHITE on it. So there you go ! Not too bad really eh?

I really like how this turned out. It is not something I would normally put together just by themselves but I LIKE it. It is bright and fresh and the sun is shinning here in the SE of England at the moment which makes me happy and cheerful.

Hello to all the new people that have been reading my blog over the past few days. Allison of Stampin' When I Can advertised my blog on Wednesday 30th January 2008 (you have to scroll down to find it) along with some others in the "newly discovered" section. She has different section posts each day - a great way to find new blogs to read and inspire you. Check it out. Thank you Allison.

Happy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! - Blooming With Happiness.
Ink: SU! - Real Red.
Paper: SU! - Real Red, Whisper White.
Accessories: 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (from John Lewis), Bazzil Flowers, White Buttons Stickles - Diamond.

Thank You

I did it !! I resisted for so long but I have now bought a few Bella Stamps and here is one - Stampingbella.

I cannot tell you who I made this for just in case they read my blog (not sure if they do).

It is a little plain jane for me (I would have preferred a nice DP for the background but I haven't got one to match. I like everything to coordinate.

Here is Stampingbella up close. I do need to practise my colouring in. I used my SU! markers but I cannot wait to get the crayons. I have just realised that I haven't coloured in whaterver bella is in holding in her hand. Opps. I will have to do that in a minute.

I wanted to do something different with the writing so I coloured over the letters with my water colour brush and my markers.

Happy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! - Wonderful Words, Stampingbella.
Ink: Black Stazon, SU! Markers - Brocade Blue, Pretty In Pink, Blush Blossom, Close To Cocoa, Basic Black.
Paper: SU! - Brocade Blue, Close to Cocoa, Pixie Pink, Whisper White.
Accessories: White Organza Ribbon, Rectangle Nestabilities, White Gel Pen.

SCS Sketch Card Challenge

Splitcoast Stampers have weekly challenges - one for each day (except Sunday). Just look at the right hand column for them. I mentioned in yesterday's post about the colour challenge. Why have I not tried these before ???? I wasn't good enough to be brutally honest. I looked at all the 'most recent gallery additions' and just thought - I wish that card was mine. I can also honestly say that my style has changed (for the better) which Nichole Heady of Papertrey Ink has influenced this. I sooooo love her style. The sketch challenges I am trying each week are also helping me in the way I lay out my cards.

Wednesday's challenge is Sketch Card. I have to follow the sketch that is posted.

This is what I came up with. I seem to favouring Pumpkin Pie cardstock at the moment and Old Olive too. They just go so well together.

I also got to use my new SU! DP - Fall Flowers and my Prima flowers too.

I stamped "Cherish" on the band as it needed something else to kind of even things out.

Happy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! - Welcoming Words.
Ink: Versafine - Onyx Black.
Paper: SU! - Whisper White, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, DP - Fall Flowers.
Accessories: SU! - Brads (More Mustard, Old Olive), Prima Flowers.

My Little Helper

I just thought I would post some photos of my little boy, Oliver.

He loves my Big Shot machine and if he sees me using it, he has to help me. He just loves turning the handle and watching the plates go through.

This is Oliver painting - I didn't get to take a photo of him painting the canvas so I took one of him just painting. Do you think he is having fun ??

If you don't look at my other blog (it is about Oliver and our family life), you would not have seen Oliver's "Canvas". Isn't it beautiful !! LOL He just told us what colour he wanted to paint with and we opened up the very small pots (you can just see them in the photo above).

This is the easel and canvas (sold together) I bought from Hobby Craft.

Happy Crafting.

K.

Have I Toad You Lately........

.........That I Love You ?

I was going to have a go at Tuesday Colour Combination on SCS but I did not have 'Going Gray' (I'm not sure if the UK have 'going gray' well, I didn't see it in the catalogue) but I might use basic black instead.

Anyway, I decided to have a play with my Unfrogettable stamp set. I also used my new cuttlebug heart block embossing folder that I bought last week on my day out.

I rubbed my ink pads (pumpkin pie, old olive) over the embossed cardstock. Can you see the googly eyes ???

Happy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! - Unfrogettable.
Ink: SU! - Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Versamark, SU! Marker - Real Red.
Paper: SU! - Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive.
Accessories: 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, Circle Nestabilities - scalloped and plain, Googly eyes, Cuttlebug - Heart Blocks Embossing Folder.

Jen's Sketch For You To Try - 26th Jan 08

Here is Jen's sketch for this week. If you haven't already, go and check out her BLOG. This past week, she had been posting "Anything But A Card". There have been some great ideas and projects. I expecially LOVE the luggage tags.


Here is my take on the sketch. The recipient is an adult who loves sports. I bought this paper yesterday too.

I used my new chocolate chip 5/8" grosgrain ribbon and tied brown organza ribbon to look like the knot.

Do you like my new easel ?? I bought it from Hobby Craft. It came with a canvas too (7" x 5") which my little Oliver painted today. He had an absolute ball. Anyway, now I have something to sit my cards on to display.

Just a close up shot of the ribbon and the paper.

Happy Crafting.

K.












Supplies:
Stamps: QVC UK stamp).
Ink: SU! - Chocolate Chip.
Paper: Karen Foster Design - Boy Playtime, SU! - Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, White.
Accessories: SU! - Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon.

Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #32

This is Beate's sketch for this week.

Here is the card I made using Beate's sketch. I made the image smaller and added some buttons as I think it needed something at the top of the card.

I bought the paper yesterday while out with my friend Sally.

I am so grateful for these sketches. I must admit, I do have trouble with men's cards. I have a few male birthday's coming up so you will probably recognise some of the sketches. The recipient is under 10 years old.

Here is a close up of the DP. Very boyish with the fire truck and plane.

I hope he likes it.

Happy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:

Stamps: Hero Arts Clear Design - B & H, English Stamp Company - Car.

Ink: Versafine - Onyx Black, SU! - Old Olive.

Paper: SU! - Mellow Moss, Karen Foster Design - Oh Boy Stripes.

Accessories: Brads, Buttons, Ribbon.

Australia Day 2008

Happy Australia Day to all Australian's wherever you may be in the world.

K.

Goodies & DCM Little Extra Challenge

The sun is shining today (yippee!) - I was getting a bit sick of all the rain we have had (and our roof is leaking !!). Oliver is with his grand parents today, I've been out exercising this morning then went to a craft shop and bought these goodies.

Look at these beautiful flowers !! Can you believe I was never one for flowers - I just couldn't see what people were talking about when they went on about 'Prima' or any other brand. How stupid was I ?? No need to answer that question by the way. LOL

I also bought these lovely papers and some 'bling' bazzil.

Daring Cardmakers have their usual Friday challenge but they also have a mid week one(Tuesday for them) called 'Little Extra'.

Here is my card for the Little Extra. This will be my valentines day card for my husband. I was really after blue colours but everything in the shop was red and pink. Oh well. I think the black 'bling' bazzil makes it a bit more manly rather than girly - do you think so??


You can see the heart button which I didn't even know I had until I took a closer look at my button box.

Happy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: Hero Arts - From The Heart Greetings.
Ink: Versafine - Onyx Black.
Paper: Bazzill cardstock, KI Memories - Wild Thing Multi Stripe (the two rose strips), KI Memories - Wild Thing Stripe.
Accessories: Bazzill Wings (Bitty Blossoms Flowers -Pink), Prima Floral Embellishment (large pale pink flower).

Jen's Sketch For You To Try

Today is Jen's Sketch For You To Try.

I decided to make a male card as I have some male birthday's coming up.

I wasn't sure if I was happy with how it turned out but it is growing on me !!

Here is a close up of the buttons - just in case you couldn't see them !! LOL


The warm wishes stamp is by Hero Arts. It is a set of 6 greetings.

Here is Jen's sketch.

Happy Crafting.

K.







Supplies:
Stamps: Hero Arts - Happy Everything Greetings, The English Stamp Company - Car.
Ink: SU! - Old Olive, SU! Marker - Night of Navy.
Paper: White, Orange, Bazzil - Blue, Green.
Accessories: Blue Buttons, White Satin Ribbon, Green Brads.

Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #31

Another of Beate's fabulous challenges.

I decided to go BRIGHT this time !!!

I used the Blooming with Happiness stamp set from SU! I have not used them before and have sooooo wanted to. A friend of mine is having a birthday at the end of this month so I will give this to her. I hope she likes it.

I am trying to find a solution to my lighting problem. Arrrhhh.

Happy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:

Stamps: SU! - Blooming With Happiness.

Ink: Versafine Black Onyx. SU! Markers - So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise, Pink Passion.

Paper: SU! - So Saffron, Pixie Pink, Pink Passion, Tempting Turquoise.

Accessories: Pink Organza Ribbon, Bazzil Wings Bitty Blossoms (pink & blue).

DCM Challenge - Hide & Seek

This weeks challenge for Daring Cardmakers is - Hide & Seek.

Okay, for my dare we're heading to the playground for a game of Hide & Seek.
I'd like you to make a card which has a hidden component of some sort. The hidden part could be a tag, a concealed photo, message or something along those lines, maybe a pull-out or pop-up. Anything goes as long as there's something extra for the recipient to find on your card that's not immediately visible when they open the envelope.

I loved Kathy's idea of a tag card so I decided to do the same thing (never done one before !!)

I used my lovely basic grey paper.


Here is the sleeve and the tag together. The sleeve needs something else but I just don't know what - yet !!

Anyway, hope you like it.

Happy Crafting.

K.





Supplies:
Stamps: Anita's Butterfly, SU! - Welcoming Words, Hero Arts - Happy Everything Greetings.
Ink: Versafine Vintage Sepia.
Paper: Bazzill cardstock, Basic Grey (Urban Couture).
Accessories: Bazzill Wings (Bitty Blossoms Flowers (Green & Brown), Tan Brad, Sticker Circle Scalloped Nestabilities.

Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #30

This is Beate's sketch for this weekend's challenge.


Here is my card. It has taken me nearly all day to complete. This wasn't helped by having a 3 year old under my feet (who is now having a sleep !) and clearing out the spare room for Oliver to use. Then there was the decision of what stamps to use.

Anyway, I decided on using Papertrey Ink - Piece Of Cake set. I also used the same Basic Grey paper I used in Jen's sketch challenge and my Nestabilities (where would I be without them ???).

Hope you like it.

Hapy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Piece Of Cake.

Ink: SU! - Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Adirondack - Denim.

Paper: White, SU! - Night of Navy, Basic Grey - Skate Shoppe, Bazzil Cardstock.

Accessories: White Gel Pen, Clear Gems, Circle Nestabilities.

Jen's Sketch For You To Try

I have finally been able to complete at least one of the challenges this weekend. Not because I haven't had time, but I am STILL getting over my illness - boy, this is taking forever. Thanks Kylie for your well wishes.

Anyway, here is my card for Jen's Sketch For You To Try.

I decided to go through my papers to see what I had stashed away. As I love Basic Grey and I haven't used them in a while, I thought it was about time this paper saw the light of day !!

The stamp in from Papertrey Ink - Spiral Bouquet set. I used my nestabilities and if you look closely, I also embossed the white card with the stamped image.

I hope you like it.

Happy Crafting.
K.

Supplies:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink -Spiral Bouquet.
Ink: SU! - Certainly Celery, Old Olive.
Paper: Bazzill cardstock, Basic Grey -Skate Shoppe.
Accessories: Certainly Celery Organdy Ribbon, Square Nestabilities

Out of Action

Sorry for not posting anything this week. I have been in bed for the past 4 days with pharyngitis. If you don't know what that is, it is all the symptoms of tonsillitis without the tonsil's. I had my tonsil's taken out about 8 years ago and since then, I have only had pharyngitis 2 or 3 times and never this bad. In the past week and a half I have had it twice and this one is the worst of all. Swallowing is painful. My In-laws have been looking after Oliver for me and Rob worked from home yesterday so I didn't have to look after him. Thank goodness as I've been able to rest and sleep during the day which is helping. I am feeling better today and by Friday I am hoping to be back to my old self. Just in time to do my weekend sketch challenges.

Baby Alice Lowe/ DCM Challenge

My ex-boss (Dan) and his wife (Sally) had a baby girl, Alice Marie on Thursday 3rd January. Congratulations guys !

This is the card I have made for them. I do love SU! Bundle of Joy stamp set especially for new born cards.

I seem to be making girl cards lately and I have two more friends having babies so it might be a good idea to make girl cards first.

I decided to use this card for the Daring Cardmakers friday challenge 'NEW'.

Lynne says: For this weeks dare, I would like our cards to celebrate'New'.
So not only New Year, but maybe New Home, New Baby, New Job or maybe a card for someone who is starting a new chapter in their life.

Here is a close up of the cute giraffe.

The paper is from Bohemia and the letters are Basic Grey.

Happy Crafting.

K.




Supplies:
Stamps: SU! - Bundle of Joy, Welcoming Words.
Ink: SU! - Pretty in Pink, Pick Passion.
Paper: SU! - Pretty in Pink, Pink Passion, White, Bohemia - Blossom Dots.
Accessories: Pink Satin Ribbon., Oval Nestabilities, Basic Grey - Gypsy Letters.

Jen's Sketch For You To Try

Gosh it is 12:30am, and I am now posting my card for Jen del Muro's Sketch Challenge. I am really going to try to attempt these challenges this year.

As I have been able to use my Bold Butterfly stamps, I really wanted to use my other stamp set Santa gave me - Mixed Bouquet.

I must say the card does look better in real life - sorry about the photo.

Here is a close up of the glittery rose. I used my stickles in diamond.

Happy Crafting
K.



Supplies:
Stamps: SU! - Mixed Bouquet, Welcoming Words.
Ink: SU! - Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Versamark).
Paper: SU! - Real Red, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive.
Accessories: Blue Gems, Diamond Stickles, Blue Organza Ribbon.