Friday 30 August 2013

Good Cheer!

Aft,noon peeps!
Are you looking forward to the weekend?
Today I would like to show you a card I based on retrosketches #78


And here it is...




What you need...

Patterned paper: Colorful Christmas Merry Dots - My Mind's Eye
Chipboard tree: Colorful Christmas Glittered Chipboard Sheet - My Mind's Eye
Stamps: Christmas Sampler - Paper Smooches
Dies: Framelits Ovals - Sizzix
Ink pad: Raspberry - VersaColor
Glitter dots
Adhesives

What you do...

Cut eight strips of Merry Dots paper 2cm x 8.5cm. Use both patterned sides, arrange and stick down the centre of an A6 top fold blank.

Stamp the sentiment onto white card and die cut into an oval. Die cut a slightly larger oval in the reverse side of Merry Dots. Adhere to the lower right of the blank.

Attach the tree motif to the left of the oval. Finish with a few glitter dots.

There we have it, a quick and simple Christmas card. Why not check out the RetroSketches blog for more ideas and inspiration?

Enjoy your evening and I'll be back soon with another Christmas card

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Tuesday 27 August 2013

Win a Cricut Mini!

Good Heevnin' folks!

I was recently asked by Cricut EU (via Ranieri Communications) to design a baby grow with the new Cricut Iron-On.

To celebrate the arrival of Prince George, they thought it would be good to come up with a design inspired by the Royal birth. So myself and three other talented designers/bloggers have each come up with a design.

What do you need to do to win? Easy! Go onto Cricut EU on Facebook, and vote for your favourite design. The competition closes on the 6th September and the lucky winner of a Cricut Mini will be picked at random from those who voted.



Of course I would be most grateful, delighted, happy and honoured if you would vote for my design - number 2!

Here is a piccy of my entry...


The Cricut Iron-On is so easy to work with. The instructions are clear and simple and it was easy to iron onto the baby grow. The possibilities are endless for revamping and decorating clothes, furnishings, bags, accessories etc.

So, hop on over to Facebook and vote. You might be playing with your very own Cricut Mini soon!
Good luck!

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Friday 23 August 2013

Winter Wonderland - Cricut Mini Project

Hello me lovely peeps!

It's Friday! Yay!

I would like to show you, if I may, my first Christmas card of the year (I know, I have been making Christmas cards for the magazines since about May - doesn't count). Yes! I have finally started on my own personal stash.

I decided to make one with the Cricut Mini and I used the Winter Frolics cartridge. This is jam packed with really cute, whimsical characters and motifs. I liked the idea of having a wintry, snowy scene with a bit of sparkle, so out came the glitter card!

Winter Frolic - Cricut





What you need...
Die cutting machine: Cricut Mini
Cartridge: Winter Frolic
Card stock: grey, black, greens, white glitter, aqua glitter
Glitter gems
Adhesives
What you do...
Adhere a die cut oval in aqua glitter card onto a landscape A6 blank. The images you need to select and the colour card to cut are:
North Pole - grey
North Pole shadow - black
North Pole border - white glitter
North Pole border tree layer - lime green
Tree 1 - two shades of green, white glitter
Winter Wonderland phrase - white glitter
Winter Wonderland phrase shadow - black
You will need to re-size the tree image three times for each tree to give you the layers. Assemble all the pieces and mat onto the card, as shown. Finish with a few glitter gems.
I've got all my Christmassy craft papers, stamps, embellishments etc. to hand, so I can now get cracking on some more. I print out the piccies of my makes and stick them in a journal, that way I can remake them following the original sketch. It's nice to do a favourite layout but use different papers and embellishments.
So, that's me for now. I'll be back more often now I've started the Christmas stuff. See you soon! xx

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Sunday 18 August 2013

Starry Congrats! - Cricut Mini Project

Well hello there friends!
Hope you are all enjoying the weekend.
I mentioned in my last post that I would show you another card created using the Cricut Mini. I have indeed created a card and I used the Beyond Birthdays digital cartridge.

Beyond Birthdays - Cricut
This is a lovely cartridge filled with phrases, words and images to suit all occasions. I chose the 'Congrats' which has a quirky star motif on it. If you click on the 'Show Shift/Lock Images' tab there is also a separate star motif you can use.
So, here is what I came up with...




What you need...

Die cutting machine: Cricut Mini
Cartridges: Beyond Birthdays
Card stock: cream, aqua, pink, lime, orange
Baker's twine: aqua, pink, lime, orange
Buttons: aqua, pink, lime, orange
Adhesives
What you do...
Cut out the congrats phrase in cream card, the shadow in lime, the blackout layer in pink and the star in aqua. Re-size and cut out three stars in cream card and the shadow layer in pink, lime and orange.
Assemble all the layers and mount the congrats onto a 13.5cm  x 14.5cm top fold cream blank. Thread buttons with baker's twine and glue one to each star. Wrap a length of baker's twine in each colour around the bottom of the blank and tie in a knot at the right.
This cartridge also has card blanks with the phrases cut out as an aperture, plus there are round and rectangular frames to choose from too. Don't forget, you can use the Cricut cartridges with any of the Cricut electronic die cutting machines. For more information, ideas, inspiration and projects visit http://uk.cricut.com/home/
I have an exciting Cricut project I'm working on which I will show you later in the week. Plus there will be details on how you have to the chance to win your very own Cricut Mini! So watch this space :o)
That's me for the nonce. Thanks for dropping in and I'll be back soon. xxx

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Saturday 17 August 2013

PaperCrafter Issue 64

Aft'noon chums!

Are you enjoying the weekend so far? I've spent the morning faffing about - being busy but not really achieving anything. Up until now :o)

Yesterday saw the new issue of PaperCrafter go on sale. It's a fantastic magazine which includes everything you need to make loads of brilliant projects; from card making right through to home décor.

I'd like to show you a peek at my projects in this issue...

 
Front cover! The tree motif was cut out of the kit's backboard to create a shaped blank. You can find this project and more) with full instructions on pages 42/43 of the magazine.

 
 
 
The kit this month has a hint of Christmas (I still haven't started my Christmas cards yet). It has elegant images and a subtle colour theme. The kit is packed with card blanks, envelopes, patterned papers, embellishments, a stencil, doilies, chipboard die cuts and images ready for you to cut out on the back board and much more. Plus of course you get the fab magazine - all for just £7.99!
 
The magazine has lots of inspiring projects and this month focuses on origami. A lovely and ancient paper crafting technique. There are lots of hints, tips, information, what's new and giveaways.
 
Don't forget to check out the PaperCrafter website www.papercraftermagazine.co.uk for more projects and inspiration.
 
That's it from me for now. I'll be back later with my latest Cricut make. Thanks for popping by.
 
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Friday 16 August 2013

Crafts Beautiful October Issue 2013

Hi there lovely peeps!
Are you looking forward to the weekend? I've just finished a commission (quite a biggy) for PaperCrafter and I thought I would pop and say hello.
Hello.
I would like to give you a sneaky peek at the new Crafts Beautiful (out now). It's had a fab new make over and looks great. I think it's more fun and quirky with a fifties feel to it.


Isn't it bright and cheery?

Now for a my makes....




Focusing on stamping and dry embossing, I did two silly snowman cards; one includes a four stage photo instruction (not my hands in the photo) for the 'Dude...Chill' card. The second card 'Christmas Wishes' is a lot quicker to make, great if you want to get a batch of Christmas cards done fast.

I apologise if the above images aren't great, magazines never seem to scan very well :o(

As usual, the magazine is packed with loads of other great projects, ideas, hints, tips etc. In the giveaway section one lucky reader will be able to grab themselves a fantastic Cricut Mini with cartridge and tool kit worth £189.97! Check out page 40!

Don't forget, for more crafting ideas visit www.craftsbeautiful.com. The website also has a great forum, you can download the templates used in the magazine and also download free papers.

I just remembered that I didn't show you my robot makes from last issue. I'll get that sorted and post some piccies.

I'll sign off for now, but I'll be back soon with my makes from the current issue (64) of  PaperCrafter and another Cricut project. 

Have a great evening - toodle-pip!

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Thursday 8 August 2013

Happy Christening Day! - Cricut Mini Project

Good aft'noon me ol' luvvies!

I'm back with the card I've conjured up for Simon & I to give to Martha. I haven't had much time to have a play with my Cricut Mini whilst Emily was here, so I couldn't wait to have a mess about.

For this project I used the Pop-up Neighborhood cartridge and the Wild Card 2 digital cartridge. The Pop-up Neighborhood is sadly no longer available (you may be lucky to find one on ebay or Amazon), but there is a similar little church in the Wedding digital cartridge.

Pop-up Neighborhood - Cricut

Wedding - Cricut

Wild Card 2

Wild Card 2
Without further ado, here is my masterpiece....




What you need...

Die cutting machine: Cricut Mini
Cartridges: Pop-up Neighborhood, Wedding, Wild Card 2
Punches: Pointed Butterfly 3/8", Daisy 3/8" - X-Cut; small hole
Card stock: white, black, lime, turquoise, bright pink, yellows
Adhesive gems: clear, black
Adhesives
What you do...
Die cut the layers of the church image in white, black and pink card, assemble and add a large black gem in the round window and a small black gem at the top of the spire and one on the door. Next, die cut the sun in shades of yellow and two clouds in white (I flipped and re-sized the smaller cloud) and assemble.
Hand cut scallops along the top edge of a piece of turquoise card 10cm x 13.5cm and adhere centrally to the bottom of an A6 top fold blank. Cut out a large circle in lime to make a hill and stick over the bottom of the turquoise card, trim any excess.
Attach the church to the top of the hill, tuck the sun just behind the scalloped edge on the right and attach the clouds with foam pads.
Create a sentiment and stick to the lower left corner. Make five daisies from white and yellow card, adhere to the blank with a  hand cut path in black card.
Punch three butterflies in pink, yellow and lime card and fix to the blank with clear gems to finish.
This is a little bit different for a Christening card. I wanted it in my usual style of bright, fun and quirky. I just adore the whimsical look of it - perfect for a little girl!
Well, I hope you have enjoyed my offerings today. I'm going to have another play on my Mini and will be back soon to show you what has been created.
Thanks for looking - ta ta for now xxxx
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Martha Rose

Mewnin' chums!
Hope you are fit and well. Today I would like to show you a card that some friends commissioned me to make to give to their daughter Martha Rose for her Christening.




What you need...

Dies: Labels Eight - Spellbinders; Chinese Roses, English Roses - Marianne Design Creatables
Punches: Pointed Butterflies 3/8", 5/8", 1" - X-Cut
Card stock: white, lime, pink (pale/mid/dark)
Ink pad: Orchid - Versacolor
Seam binding: white
Decorative pin: white
Crystal: clear
Adhesives
Computer & printer
Font: Italiano

What you do...

Print the sentiment onto white card. Die cut a large label in pale pink and the sentiment with a smaller label. Mount onto the lower left of an A5 landscape blank.

Die cut three leaves from the English Roses set in lime card, a large Chinese rose in dark pink and one in mid pink and a small rose in white. Ink the edges of the small rose with Orchid ink. Scrunch up the leaves and roses and assemble. Arrange and stick to the lower left of the sentiment panel.

Make a bow using two lengths of seam binding, push a pin through the knot and glue to the top of the roses.

Punch two large, one medium and two small butterflies in white card, repeat with shades of pink. Fold back the wings of the pink butterflies and attach to the white ones so the wings stand up. Adhere to the blank. Embellish with a few crystals to finish.

I wanted to keep the card simple, clean and elegant, using only a few colours. I think it looks really fresh and pretty. Martha's parents love it (phew).

I'm in the process of making our card to give to Martha, so I'll be back later to show you.
Thanks for popping by xxx

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Tuesday 6 August 2013

August Blog Candy!

Hello peepsicles!
 
I have returned, as promised with the August candy giveaway. I gave a little hint in my last post that this candy has a Christmas theme...and it has.
 
Some of you, like me, want to get started on all those Christmas cards (it doesn't matter how early I start, I never seem to make enough) so this candy is just perfect to get your Christmas cards on the go.

 
This lovely little bundle has...
 
45 x assorted 12 x 12 and 6 x 6 Christmas papers (including American Crafts, K and Company, Kaisercraft and Bo Bunny)
1 x Bo Bunny 'Father Christmas' 12 x 12 self adhesive chipboard sheet
3 x Personal Impressions Christmas 'Tinchies' clear stamp sets (Sweet Christmas, All Wrapped Up, Merry Mitmas)
16 x assorted card blanks and envelopes (not shown)
 
Now the technical stuff...

To have a chance of winning this fab candy:-

1. Be a follower either through, Bloglovin, Google, Facebook, Twitter or email (see sidebar)
2. Post a piccy of the candy with a link to this post in your sidebar (if you have a blog)
3. Leave me a comment (with your blog address if you have one) ta da! You are entered!

If you do have a blog, it will be great to have a look and see what you are up to :)

This candy will close on 31st August 2013, I will then use RANDOM.ORG to choose the winner!

The candy is open to all, nationally, internationally, those in outer space and previous winners. However, anyone who has a blog that does not show or appear to have any crafty makes, will not be entered.

Good luck everyone!



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July Blog Candy Winner!

Good mornin' my lovely peeps!

I'm back. My niece Emily has now gone home :o( but I can now catch up on my blog :o) and crafty stuff :oD

Important things first, the July candy winner. As I always do, I gave a number to everyone who left a comment, and used Random.Org to pick the winning number. Here is the list of entries and a snapshot of the winning number.

1 Sindhu
2 Divya
3 Elly
4 Jayvalikka
5 UT
6 Asia
7 Nikki
8 Ayushi
9 Iris
10 Glo
11 Heaney
12 Paperkate
13 Fit Kitty
14 Catherine
15 Lucretia
16 Jessie
17 Roudi
18 Dr Sonia
19 Martona
20 Ardilla
21 Bhawana

The number picked for the July candy was..... #20 Ardilla!!! Round of applause for Ardilla please. If you email with your address Ardilla, I'll get your goodies posted to you.

I'd like to say a big hello to my new followers (I will now have time to have a look and follow your blogs) and a big thank you to all who entered the candy.
 
Don't be too downhearted for not being picked this time; I give a candy away every month and I will be back later with the candy for August (hint.....Christmas).
 
Until then....ta ta! xx

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