Krafty Kylie

I Am Moving!

2008-03-23T22:54:00.002Z

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

2008-03-07T20:02:00.002Z

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

2008-03-05T22:05:00.006Z

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

2008-03-05T21:00:00.002Z

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

2008-03-05T20:37:00.004Z

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

2008-03-05T20:18:00.005Z

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

2008-03-05T19:26:00.006Z

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,

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

2008-03-05T18:09:00.004Z

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

2008-03-05T13:34:00.003Z

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

2008-03-04T16:52:00.003Z

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

2008-03-03T13:59:00.003Z

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

2008-02-29T19:08:00.001Z

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!

2008-02-27T21:28:00.008Z

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

2008-02-26T22:54:00.008Z

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

2008-02-26T22:23:00.002Z

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 ??

2008-02-24T11:13:00.007Z

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

2008-02-23T21:04:00.006Z

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

2008-02-22T18:48:00.007Z

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

2008-02-20T13:38:00.008Z

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

2008-02-19T22:15:00.004Z

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

2008-02-19T18:10:00.005Z

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

2008-02-15T19:41:00.006Z

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 !!

2008-02-15T08:16:00.001Z

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

2008-02-14T06:57:00.002Z

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

2008-02-13T20:47:00.002Z

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

2008-02-12T21:32:00.000Z

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 !!

2008-02-10T16:21:00.000Z

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

2008-02-09T20:08:00.000Z

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

2008-02-08T22:09:00.000Z

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

2008-02-06T15:50:00.000Z

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

2008-02-05T11:15:00.000Z

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

2008-02-02T16:34:00.000Z

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

2008-02-01T19:28:00.000Z

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.

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

2008-02-01T13:31:00.000Z

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

2008-01-31T16:30:00.000Z

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

2008-01-30T17:34:00.000Z

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

2008-01-29T22:02:00.000Z

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........

2008-01-29T18:02:00.000Z

.........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

2008-01-26T18:19:00.000Z

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

2008-01-26T12:38:00.000Z

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.

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

2008-01-26T11:58:00.000Z

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

Goodies & DCM Little Extra Challenge

2008-01-24T15:14:00.000Z

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

2008-01-19T15:52:00.000Z

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

2008-01-18T21:14:00.000Z

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.

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

2008-01-18T11:43:00.000Z

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

2008-01-14T15:54:00.000Z

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.

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

2008-01-13T22:02:00.000Z

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

2008-01-10T14:00:00.000Z

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

2008-01-06T22:54:00.000Z

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

2008-01-06T00:30:00.001Z

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.

WSC #29

2008-01-04T23:33:00.000Z

Wow, my second card for today - I'm on a roll !!

This is my very first Sketch Challenge on Beate's blog. I have recently only found her blog and this is her first challenge for a while (she had a short break) and for 2008 so I thought I would have a go.

Hope you like it.

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! - Bold Butterfly, Hero Arts - Happy Everything Greetings.
Ink: SU! - Old Olive, Bashful Blue.
Paper: White, Red, SU! - Bashful Blue.
Accessories: Olive Organza Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Standard & Scalloped Nestabilites dies.

Bold Butterfly

2008-01-04T17:24:00.001Z

I finally got to play with my new stamp set - Bold Butterfly. I had a creative block so I cased this card from the SU!Australian Catalogue. I used different card stock but the layout is the same. I also added the stitching effect.

I used foam pads to raise the butterfly.

Happy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! (Bold Butterfly).
Ink: SU! Perfect Plum.
Paper: SU! - Perfect Plum, Mellow Moss, Apricot Appeal.
Accessories: Gold Brad, Perfect Plum Writer, Black Pen.

Back from Germany

2008-01-02T18:53:00.000Z

I have been M.I.A. but I am back now.

Well, we went to Germany on Saturday to spend New Years with our friends the Watson's - Martin, Jill & Luke.

I haven't made any cards since my last post but I'm hoping to use my christmas goodies so I should have something in the next day or two.

Happy Crafting.

K-xxx

Snappy 2nd Birthday

2007-12-26T17:34:00.000Z

Here is the other card I made for the twins, Dylan and Matthew.

This is the first time I have used this set.

I also got this card from the SCS gallery and changed a couple of things.

I also raised the crab by dimentionals.

The blue is not that dark in real life - sorry about the picture quality.

Happy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! (Crab & Company), Hero Arts (Polka Dot Pattern).
Ink: Stazon Black
Paper: SU! Real Red, White, Brilliant Blue).
Accessories: Navy Organdy Ribbon.

Your Arrr 2

2007-12-26T17:10:00.000Z

My friends Janine & Sheldon's twin boys Dylan and Matthew turn 2 in January. As we are going away for New Years, I won't have time to make these in time to send them to the boys.

I wanted to play with my new stamp sets that Santa gave me *wink* but you cannot really give 2 year old boys butterflies (can you??).

Dylan and Matthew are identical twins and until I get to know them, I am going to have trouble telling them apart !! LOL. I was going to make two of the same card but then thought, why ??? They maybe identical but they are two different people so I made them different.

I saw this card on SCS (Splitcoast Stampers) but changed a few things.

I have raised the ship with dimentionals.

Happy Crafting.

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! (Ahoy, Matey).
Ink: Black Stazon.
Paper: SU! (Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Blush).
Accessories: Photo Corner Punch, Watercolour Pencils, Black Pen, Gold Brads).

Christmas Stash

2007-12-26T14:27:00.000Z

Well, I must have been good this year as look what Santa gave me !! Lots of SU! goodies.

I have had a little play today with my Bold Butterfly set as I really love that one. My friend Karen (using this stamp set) made cards with matching card box - have a look HERE. The colours she used are fab !

My order was not complete as I ordered the Jumbo Spot On Wheel but got this set instead !! I also received the wrong colour ribbon but that is no big deal.

I hope Santa was good to you all and that you had a wonderful day with family or catching up with friends. My little Oliver had a ball and was impressed that Santa drank his whiskey and ate his mince pie !! LOL

Happy Crafting.

K.

2007-12-24T20:26:00.000Z

Do you know, after all the Christmas cards I made, I forgot to make one for my husband.

I had to quickly make this tonight, while I was clearing away all my craft stuff as I use our dining table to craft on.

I hope he likes it !

K.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T10:41:00.000Z

Our little family wanted to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. We hope you enjoy your time with family and friends.

Happy Crafting.

Kylie, Rob & Oliver.

As One Life Ends, A New Life Is Starting

2007-12-21T20:26:00.000Z

My cousin Rodney was killed in a motor bike accident earlier this year - he absolutely loved his bikes. As sad as this was, his daughter Natarsha fell pregnant - the start of a new life began !

Natarsha had a baby girl, Zara. It is very sad that Rodney will not see his grand daughter but I bet he is watching over her.

This is the card I made for the happy occasion. I CASED this card from my friend Karen. I changed a few things but I really liked the colour scheme.

Here is a view of the lion and bird that I raised with 3d foam.
I added some gems to the Giraffes horns (is that what they are called ??)

I just had to take a close up photo of the lion..

Happy crafting.

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! (Wild About You, Riveting) G Studio Clear Stamps, Hero Arts (Polka Dot Pattern..
Ink: SU! (Pretty In Pink, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Close to Cocoa, Barely Banana), Versamark.
Paper: SU! (Pretty In Pink, Pale Plum, Sage Shadow, Barely Banana).
Accessories: Pink Satin Ribbon, Pink Gem Stones, Pink Square Brads.

Oliver's Art

2007-12-21T12:46:00.000Z

I thought I would share some stamping with you.

No, this is not my work but my 3 year old son, Oliver's handy work.

I let him loose with 2 stamps and a black ink pad. He had a ball. I rolled up his sleeves and put his painting apron on as I knew he would get messy (and he DID!). Once I showed him how to ink up his stamps he was off and running. He even stamped the other side of the paper but he wasn't too happy that he had to stop when my dinner was ready.

4 days 'till Santa comes !! Are you ready for it??

Nestabilities in the UK

2007-12-19T11:48:00.000Z

If you are wanting to buy the Nestabilities here in the UK, the Glitter Pot are selling them. They are also selling the Tan Polymer Mat you need to emboss.

The scalloped dies come in two sizes - petite and classic and the standard dies also come in two sized - small and large. There are circle, square, oval and rectangle dies in each of the scalloped and standard dies.

I don't have many hand held punches so when I saw the nestabilites, I had to have them. They hardly take up any space (a crafter's dream) and are so easy to use. You just need a die-cut machine - I have the bigshot but I have seen people using their cuttlebug and other die-cut machines on the market.

Happy crafting.
K.

Post Time

2007-12-18T20:29:00.000Z

I have had all these cards arrive in the post in the past week and I thought I would share them with you.

This card is from Paula (check out her blog) - I have attended one of Paula's classes. Thanks Paula !

Jayne (check out her blog) made this card for us. It has come all the way from Australia !! Thanks Jayne. Jayne will be my upline when I join Stampin' Up! in Australia.

My friend Sally made this card for Oliver. How sweet - his very own Christmas Card.

Sally made this card for us. Thanks Sally !

K.

Christmas Treat Box

2007-12-17T19:45:00.000Z

I did a treat box a while ago and thought it would be nice to do a Christmas one. I again used my Basic Grey papers - how I love BG.

This is the view from above - now all I have to do is fill it up with goodies.

Here is the side view and I added some Bazzil flowers and white eyelets. I don't think I will do anymore to it other wise the wonderful paper will be lost. I had to get the tree in the back ground.

K.

8 more sleeps to go !! Jingle bells, jingle bells.......

Card in the post

2007-12-13T18:14:00.000Z

I opened up my post today and this beautiful handmade card from my friend Karen in Queensland arrived - Thank you Karen. What a lovely bright & cheery christmas card to receive. It certainly makes the day brighter considering it gets dark by 4pm here in the UK.

I hope Karen receives my card very soon.

K.

Here It Is!

2007-12-13T15:26:00.000Z

How do you like my new card holder ?!?!?! I bought it from Lakeland a few weeks ago when I went shopping. (Nicole O, does it look familiar - didn't you buy one when you were in London 2 years ago ???)

Here is my Christmas card and envelope. I hope you can see the red glitter on the retro snowflake on the card. I stamped it in black in first then I decided to add the glitter. It does look better in the flesh than on here.
Here is a closer view.

I hope family and friends like it when it arrives in the post.

K.

Supplies:
Stamps: Stampendous (Retro Border), Crafter's Companion (Merry Christmas Words)
Ink: Versafine (Onyx Black)
Paper: Bazzill cardstock, Basic Grey (Fruitcake - Nutcracker/Pine).
Accessories: Red Organza Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Red Glitter, Nestabilities.

DCM Challenge - Christmas Little Extra

2007-12-11T21:47:00.001Z

I haven't done a mid week challenge in a while with Daring Card Makers but I thought I would have a go at today's challenge.

"By now you've probably finished making you cards, so for a change we thought we'd get you making some gift tags. However, if you've still got cards to make, then you can always use tags on cards instead.It's up to you, as long as there's a tag involved it's fine by us!"

I actually made these tags last year and naturally made toooo many, so I am going to attach them to some presents this year !

Hope you like it.

K.

Christmas Cards Are On Their Way

2007-12-07T11:32:00.000Z

YAY !!!! After all the rain the UK has had this week, today the sun is out and after dropping Oliver off at nursery, I finally got to send ALL my christmas cards. I have 6 countries to send to - Australia (naturally), UK, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico & Germany. Now all I have to do it hand deliver a few to neighbours and friends. Next thing on my list is present shopping - no I haven't done that yet !! OMG! I am meeting a friend next Tuesday to do some shopping. I am hoping to get it done in ONE day - wish me luck.

K.

Pirate Oliver

2007-12-05T21:34:00.000Z

Sometimes I am so stupid......Trajan Monogram and Ambassador Monogram are Papertrey Inks stamps of the month. They also have a special Borders & Corners set too but I already have the original set.

Yes, I have made another box as I love these. Quick and easy to make. You could make one for each child as a party bag with each child's initial - I have stamped "O" for my little boy Oliver.

This was a bit of fun for me to make. Even Oliver had a go at stamping which luckily you cannot see as it is under the scalloped edge of the flap.

Supplies:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Trajan Monogram, Borders & Corners - Oval), SU! (Ahoy Matey), SU! (Mateys Map - Jumbo Wheel).
Ink: SU! Certainly Celery, Only Orange, Glorious Green, Close to Cocoa,.
Paper: Bazzill cardstock, White cardstock.
Accessories: Orange Organza Ribbon.

K.

3D Snowflake Tutorial

2007-12-05T20:31:00.000Z

Go to Stamping The Details by Heather. Heather's link will take you straight to a fantastic video on You Tube to create a 3D Snowflake. It is amazing and I might have to give it a go and let Oliver put it together (OMG !!!). He is learning to use scissors with his Grandma so I need to go and buy some child friendly ones for him to use at home.

K.

My To-Do List

2007-12-04T15:28:00.000Z

I have been wanting to make myself a "To-Do List" for a while now but just haven't been able to find the time. I also wanted to use my Big Deal alphabet set from SU!

Can you tell I like PINK !?!?!?

Here is a close up of the lovely Spiral Bouquet stamps from Papertrey Ink. You know how much I love them !

I stamped in each bottom corner in Pretty In Pink (SU!) for a sublte look and this way you will be able to see what you have written.

I decided to attach a few ribbons (too many??? - some would say 'no'!). I only have organza ribbon but alas after taking this photo I found more ribbon from papermania.

Hope you like it.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! Big Deal Alphabet, Papertrey Ink (Spiral Bouquet)
Ink: All SU! Pretty In Pink, Real Red, Lovely Lilac, Temptin Truquoise, Green Galore & Only Orange.
Paper: White paper.
Accessories: Organza Ribbon, Rik Rak, Satin Ribbon.

I printed the pink colulmns on the PC and while I stamped on the same paper (photocopy), I will stamp again on heavy cardstock cut to 8 1/4" x 1 3/4" and leave this on top. This way, I will only have to stamp my template once then every page underneath will just have the columns. With each of the column pages I will perferate 1 3/4" from the top so I can easily tear the page once my list is complete.

K.

The Finishing Touches

2007-12-02T20:12:00.000Z

I am busy today finishing off my christmas cards. I decided I would stamp the envelopes so after completing the inserts, that is exactly what I did. I only have about 1/3 to go and then I can send out my cards. Yipppeeee !!

I will take a photo of the completed card and envelope and post it after the cards have been sent - I know, you want to see now !! Sorry.

K.

Card for my Boy!

2007-11-30T22:49:00.000Z

I made this card for Oliver for his 3rd Birthday. There will be a theme for his birthday and his card is a big give away.

Check out my other blog Kylie for photos of Oliver's party.

K.

...yet another box

2007-11-30T22:14:00.000Z

Papertry Ink release new stamps on the 15th of every month. Then they give you the opportunity to be the 'Guest Star Stamper' for a month (until the next release).

Anyway, this is my effort using their "Sprial Bouquet" set. The stamps in this set are absolutley gorgeous.

Hope you like it.

K.

Christmas Gifts

2007-11-29T21:00:00.000Z

I have been busy today making more boxes!!

Oliver is going to give them to the ladies at his nursery once I fill them with chocolates of course. The yellow one is for Vanessa, the manager for his room as she will be going on maternity leave Christmas Eve. I haven't thought about what to put in the box yet - will go and have a look at the shops.

I used Papertry Inks Snowflake Serenade stamps. I used my versamark ink and clear embossing powder.

This is the one for Vanessa. The clothes line stamp is SU! Wash Day jumbo wheel.

I again used Papertrey Ink Snowflake Serenade along with my nestabilities.

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Snowflake Serenade), HOTP (Swirls), SU! (Wash Day Jumbo Wheel). Paper: Bazzill cardstock, SU! Certainly Celery. Accessories: Organza Ribbon, Satin Ribbon, Nestabilities (circle).

K.

2-5-7-10 Box

2007-11-28T22:08:00.000Z

I thought to try the 2-5-7-10 box which you can find the tutorial on SCS. Give it a go - it was easy to do.

I got to use my circle nestabilities. How I love them.

Supplies: Stamps: SU! (Riveting). Ink: Versamark. Paper: Bazzill cardstock, SU! (Real Red). Accessories: Clear Embossing powder, SU! Navy Organdy Ribbon.

Binder Journal - Tutorial

2007-11-21T13:51:00.000Z

Okay, so here is the tutorial for the Binder Journal.

Materials needed:
12" x 12" Card stock
12" x 12" Patterned Paper
Ribbon (other embellishments if required)
4 Ring Binder
A4 Page Protectors
Paper Trimmer
Eyelets (I used 16)
Crop-a-dile
Die Cutting Machine
Index Tab Die
Double-Sided Adhesive

TIP: If you are going to use varnish on your chipboard letters, I suggest you do this first to allow drying time.

Step 1:

Cut your patterned paper to 12" x 6".

Step 2:
Cut your card stock to 12" x 4 1/2".

Step 3:

Stick the two sheet together. I allowed the extra 1/2" on the card stock to apply the tape and placed the patterned paper over the top of the card stock.

Step 4:

You should have already varnished your chipboard letters (optional). Stick your letters to the card stock - I used silicone glue for this and then place a heavy object on top of the letter to hold them down.

Step 5:
Next, I cut the blue card stock to fit the spine of the folder to 12" x x1 1/2". I printed the letters H O M E on the PC in blue on white card. I then cut each letter out and glued it to the blue card stock.

Step 6:

Here is the finished spine.

Step 7:

I cut cream card stock to us as the dividers for the inside of the folder. I didn't get to finish this off completely as I do not have a "index tab" die - need to get one fast!! LOL

I put all our take-out menus in the folder in one tabbed section along with emergency numbers in another tabbed section. If your child has food allergies you could leave any important information in the folder for the baby sitter. The possibilities are endless and it could keep that messy "THE DRAWER" neat and tidy.

See what you can come with - enjoy!

K.

New Project - Binder Journal

2007-11-21T13:27:00.000Z

Here is the start of my new project. I got the idea from Step by Step Projects - Decorative Journals by Donna Downey. I bought it from amazon UK.

Donna uses a 3 ring binder in her book but I thought a 4 ring binder was better for me. I decided to use my Paper Salon paper with Bazzil blue cardstock. The letters are chipboard which I have coloured with SU! Chocolate Chip and the other 'home' in blue was done on the PC. I will use this on the spine of the folder.

I will post the finished project later today (hopefully!) and post a tutorial on it. It is pretty simple. I did not do it EXACTLY the same as Donna did - I didn't have all the products she used handy.

Sneaky Peak

2007-11-20T13:13:00.000Z

Here is a sneak peak at my Christmas cards. Last year I made about 6 different styles and about 5 of each style. This year I made them all the same.

If you look closely enough, you can see the top of the card inside the envelope.

Stampin' Up! has come to the UK

2007-11-15T13:36:00.000Z

Yippeeeee !! You can have a look at the UK catalogue HERE. It is smaller than the Australian one but it has some new items that the Aussie on doesn't have. The Crop-a-dile is one of them. The new Australian catalogue is out I think in April and I'm sure it will be twice as big then it's current one. Lots more goodies to buy !!

As we are still living in the UK, I thought it might be good to register with SU! UK - do my time while here and then re-register in Australia when we move over. I didn't know what the procedure would be so I contacted SU! My concern was, I would have to buy both starter kits (a lot of money to fork out) which I didn't really want to do. Anyway, yes that is exactly what will happen. I just thought it would be good to get some experience here in the UK, then I could hit the ground running upon our arrival in Australia. Oh well. We will not be here in the UK for too much longer so I will wait until we move..... but I can still buy SU! products (smile).

K

SCS Treat Box

2007-11-14T23:19:00.000Z

SCS have a great tutorial for this treat box. While the turtorial used 2 patterned papers, I only used 1 and on the blank side on the outside, I used my Papertrey Ink Beautiful Blooms stamps (how I love these). Check out Papertrey Ink HERE.

I did not have any idea where I was going with this project but I knew I just had to use the Basic Grey paper.

I am really pleased with the end result.

Now to fill it with CHOCOLATES !!! There goes my diet ! LOL

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Beautiful Blooms). Ink: SU! (Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, Old Olive). Paper: Bazzill cardstock, Basic Grey (Urban Couture). Accessories: Yellow Satin Ribbin, Yellow Eyelets.

K.

Box

2007-11-14T21:40:00.000Z

For those of you that don't know or have never heard of Papertrey Ink's Nichole Heady - where have you been!! Check out her blog HERE. I highly recommend you do. She is a very talented lady !! Anyway, this project is from Nichole's blog. I first made this box without any embelishments and boy was it boring !! I decided to use my corner rounder punch to make the

scalloped edge at the top of the box and also for the handle. I punched two holes to feed the ribbon throught and tie at the sides.

I stamped the flower twice, once on the cream card and again on orange card and cut it out. I put 3D foam on the back and placed in on top of the original image.

Here you can see the 3D image.

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Beautiful Blooms, Borders & Corners {square}). Ink: SU! (Creamy Caramel, Really Rust), Adirondak (Cranberry). Paper: Bazzill cardstock. Accessories: Gold Brad.

K.

One More

2007-11-12T11:57:00.000Z

Here is another sample. I got the sketch from Amy Westerman (check out her blog). I changed the sketch slightly and only added the sentiment and not the image, mainly because I am on my out the door to my keep fit class and my christmas stamps haven't come out of their box yet. I will grab some when I get home tonight and hopefully post another sample.

Supplies: Stamps: Crafter's Companion. Ink: Versafine (Black). Paper: Bazzill cardstock, Basic Grey (Fruitcake). Accessories: Red Organza Ribbon, Rectangle Nestabilities, White Gel Pen.

Another Christmas Card

2007-11-12T11:42:00.000Z

Ignore the eyelet at the top left corner, I was trying something and didn't like it but I cannot take out the eyelet now it has been set. The white border around the 'merry chrismas' sentiment is a white gel pen. I wanted to use my Papertrey Ink Borders & Corners stamp but they weren't big enough - I could have played a bit more but as it was after 11pm, I was too tired.

Supplies: Stamps: Crafter's Companion, Stampendous - Perfectly Clear Stamps (Retro Border). Ink: Versafine (Black). Paper: Bazzill cardstock, Basic Grey (Fruitcake). Accessories: Red Organza Ribbon, Red Gem Stones, White Gel Pen, Square Nestabilities.

Christmas Cards

2007-11-12T11:25:00.000Z

I started on some Christmas cards last night using my nestabilities (first time I have used them). I wanted to create a couple of designs to see which one I like the best and then start on making them up to send out this year.

Pretty Princess

2007-11-07T11:13:00.000Z

One of Oliver's friends is having a birthday in a few weeks time so I decided to use my Pretty Princess stamp set from SU! How cute is this little princess!!
I got the sketch of this card from the Australian SU! catalogue but changed a couple of things.

Supplies: Stamps: SU! Pretty Princess. Ink: Black Stazon, So Saffron, Pink Passion, Lavender lace, Old Olive, Blush Blossom, Barley Banana, Elegant Eggplant. Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Lavender Lace, White. Accessories: Papermania Ribbon Collection (Pink), White Gel Pen.

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T18:52:00.000Z

I really have to get a new light to take photos with!! Anyway, this is my little fun card for Halloween. We don't really celebrate it here in the UK but I am sure that the children in our street will be out and about tonight. As I do not have any Halloween stamps (I might have to buy some from Papertrey Ink), I got on the computer and used some from clipart.

My bat is flying but you can not see it from the top photo. Hope you have a great Halloween (if you celebrate it).

Another take on the Criss Cross Card

2007-10-28T17:55:00.000Z

I was asked to make 10 of these thank you cards for Ruth and Henry for their daughter Daisy's Christening this weekend. I made almost exactly the same card last month but this time I used the organza ribbon. I took all (well almost all) of the things I needed to make these but I left the thank you stamp in the UK so I finished these off today using my stamp-a-ma-jig.

Supplies: Stamps: HOTP (QVC UK kit). Ink: Brilliance (Pearlescent Coral). Paper: Bazzill cardstock, Basic Grey (Blush), MME (Bohemia). Accessories: Bazzill Wings (Bitty Blossoms Flowers (Pink & Brown).

Baby Girl Card

2007-10-23T12:16:00.000+01:00

I had to quickly whip up this baby girl card for Karen as I couldn't really use the blue card (I will save it for another baby boy).

I also cut a magnetic strip and placed in on the back so Karen could put it on the fridge.

Supplies: Stamps: SU! Bundle of Joy, Wash DayJumbo Wheel, Hero Arts (It's a Girl). Ink: Pink Passion, Cartain Celery. Paper: SU! Pretty in Pink, Certain Celery, Blush Blossom. Accessories: Pale Pink ribbon from local craft shop.

Baby Boy Card

2007-10-20T18:05:00.000+01:00

I made this boy card a couple of weeks ago while in Australia for my friend Karen as we thought she was having a boy - no, she had a girl !

Supplies: Stamps: SU! Bundle of Joy, SU! Riveting. Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue. Paper: SU! Bashful Blue, Barely Banana, Certainly Clelery. Accessories: Pale Blue ribbon from local craft shop.

DCM Challenge - Vrooooooom

2007-09-25T22:58:00.001+01:00

Today's mid-week challenge is:-

Cars, Boats, Trains & Planesis the theme for our Little Extra challenge this week. A good chance to stock up on kids cards and make a few of those poor, unloved "cards for men", maybe? How about "congratulations on Passing your Driving test" or "Got your Wings" for newly qualified pilots? - ok so we may be reaching a bit far with that one, but you never know! Basically, what we'd like you to do is put some transport on your cards this week, how you do it is up to you!

DCM Challenge - In A Word

2007-09-14T22:51:00.000+01:00

This week's DCM Challenge is:-

This week I dare you to use a Word as the main focal point to your card. It can be a name, a greeting or just a word that inspires you. You can use other text but only one word as a main embellishment. So dig out your dictionaries, die cutters, alphabet stamps, rubons or download a funky font and show us what you can do! The design team have come up with some fabulous creations to inpsire you.

Wedding

2007-09-14T12:19:00.000+01:00

Our friends Roger and Wendy are getting married tomorrow in Manchester and this is the card I made for them.

We are driving up early tomorrow then we will get ready at the hotel where the ceremony will take place.

Supplies: Stamp: Anita's Bride & Groom. Ink: Brilliance Dew Drop (Pearlescent Lavender). Accessories: Papermania White flower, Lilac Organza Ribbon, Holographic Embossing Powder, Lilac Watercolour Pencil.

Happy Birthday

2007-09-13T10:11:00.000+01:00

I have so wanted to make one of these Criss Cross Cards and wasn't sure I would be able to before we leave for our holiday. I MADE TIME!!! I am so pleased with the result. I love the apple green it is so calming to me.

Supplies: Stamps: HOTP (QVC UK kit), Anita's scribble flower. Ink: Vaersafine (Vintage Sepia), Brilliance Dew Drop (Coffee Bean). Paper: Bazzill cardstock, Wild Asparagus (Adorable Stripe/Light Blue). Accessories: Light Yellow Organza Ribbon.

DCM Challenge - Big & Little

2007-09-12T21:55:00.000+01:00

Today's DCM challenge is 'big and little'.

Straight on to our Little Extra challenge for this week then:
Big & Little We'd like you to use items in pairs of Big and Little - so you need to have both sizes on your card ie big & little buttons, big & little die cuts, big & little hearts, big & little circles etc The theme of your card can be whatever you like this time, so that's nice of us, isn't it?

I used big and little pearl brads on this challenge.

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey Ink: (Borders & Corners - OVAL). Ink: Versafine (Vintage Sepia). Paper: Bazzill, Basic Grey (Urban Coture). Accessories: Bazzill Wings Bitty Blossoms (flowers) in Teal OP & Apple Green, Papermania Pearl Brads (Green), Papermania button (yellow).

80th

2007-09-05T19:22:00.000+01:00

My friend Alison asked me to make a card for her as it is her mum's 8oth birthday soon. She wanted me to use a photo of herself and her twin sister Tracy.

This is my first use of my new Papertrey Ink stamps and even though the photo takes up most of the card, you can still see how beautiful the flowers look.

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey Ink 'Beautiful Blooms', 'Borders & Corners (Rectangle). Ink: VersaMagic Dew Drop (Agean Blue), Versafine (Vitnage Sepia). Accessories: Photo, Light Blue Organza Ribbon.

Celebrate

2007-09-05T10:12:00.000+01:00

Our friend Katie and her boyfriend Marcus, got engaged over the weekend, so I made this card for them using Papertrey's Beautiful Blooms stamps.

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey Ink 'Beautiful Blooms', 'Borders & Corners (Oval)'. Ink: Brilliance Dew Drops (Coffee Bean), Versamark, Versafine (Vintage Sepia). Accessories: Chocolate Brown Organza Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder.

Wedding

2007-08-30T19:02:00.000+01:00

A good friend is getting married in a couple of weeks time and I am heading to Scotland for Sarah's Hen Weekend. As we are not attending their wedding, I thought it best to take the card with me to give to her.

Supples: Stamps: HOTP(swirl), See-D's "On Your Wedding Day" (Springtime Swirls). Ink: Versamark. Accessories: Silver Twinkle Embossing Powder, Doodlebug cardstock (lilac - both shades and white), Wedding Cake brass stencil I bought from a local craft shop, Lilac Organza Robbon, Silver Brads.

Thank You!

2007-08-09T11:27:00.000+01:00

We are going to our friend's house in Cornwall (UK) for the weekend and I wanted to give them a card to say thanks for having us. I used the left over 'Basic Gery' paper and Bazzill cardstock.

Supples: Stamps: HOTP. Ink: Adirondak (Denim). Paper: Bazzil cardstock, Blue Mirri Card, Basic Grey. Accessories: Circle Punch, Square Punch, Flower Punch, Blue Organza Ribbon, Blue Button.

DCM Challenge - Time

2007-08-04T18:23:00.000+01:00

DCM (Daring Cardmakers) challenge today is:-

Kath from DCM says:
"OK, Absolutely anything goes this week as long as it's on the theme of TIME."It's About Time" So you can use clocks, calendars, quotes, sayings, pictures, nursery rhymes, or altered art-type stuff, whatever takes your fancy - just take some time out to play and have some fun; remember, time flies when you're having fun!"

Birthday

2007-07-21T21:46:00.000+01:00

This is the first time I've used guilding flakes and I had great fun doing it.