Very Muckyfingers

Paperplay - Autumnal colours

2011-10-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

I think that as autumn seems to have returned (properly this time), this challenge seems most appropriate.
So we are using autumnal colours. Cue diving into stamps and inks and having a blast ;)
If you want to join in with the Paperplay team this week go here with a chance to win a voucher for Simon Says Stamp.
Happy Paperplaying!

PaperPlay - Autumn Leaves

2011-09-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

I have (it has to be said) fallen big time for the new MME Lost an Found 6x6 pads and, ermmmm, I have bought a few (but I'm not saying how many).
It's lovely tho as my local department store (Jarrolds of Norwich) have a great craft department and they stock MME!!!! Instant gratification. Love it :)

Sooooooooo, I made this for PaperPlay this week. Also used a Hero Arts stamp, a Waltzing Mouse stamp and some gorgeous tea dyed ribbon from The Ribbon Girl.

This week's sponsor for the Challenge in Meljens designs, so now you have to join in really....

My Mind's Eye Card Challenge #27

2011-09-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

I hope that this matches the 80% criteria for the challenge. All of the paper is MME so fingers tightly crossed :)

Mouth Cancer Foundation 10k Walk/Run 2011

2011-09-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

Apologies in advance for a photo heavy post. I will keep the text to a minimum as the photos (taken by my husband Raymond and my daughter Rosie) speak for themselves.

What humbled us most was the amount of people with 'Survivor' Sashes on.

Not forgetting why we're here...

... or for whom...

Chief photographer (altho Rosie took quite a few too)

In fact she took this one :)

Ready to go!

And off we all went

Away with the fairies....

It rained a little bit...

Raymond and Rosie kept themselves busy. He took pretty photos....

Rosie sheltered from the rain :)

And very probably sweet talked the squirrels to play

Until Momma came back!

Thank you so much for your support. I have so far raised over £1000 for The Mouth Cancer Foundation due to your generosity

xXx

New Home Card

2011-09-15T13:34:00.001-07:00

I made this at a crop at the weekend which was lovely :) Thanks Sarah xx
I'm hoping that it's recipient doesn't look at my blog.... but I can't imagine he would for a second....

PaperPlay - MultiStamps....

2011-09-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was to use 2 or more stamped images, which I jumped at of course. It was nice to mix them up a bit too, the result was a semi-masculine card.
Pop over to Paperplay to see what the rest of the design team have made and if you join in, you might even win a prize. This week's sponsor is Inky Impressions.

Ready? Go!!

2011-09-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we just need a little challenge to get inspired and that's what I got this week when Kirsty told me to make a card in 30 mins via Facebook. So I did. Admittedly I'd already been playing around with the music stamp and made the main image, but the rest was put together in just 30 mins. Thanks Kirsty :) xx

Card Positioning Systems Sketch #233

2011-08-30T07:58:00.001-07:00

I don't thin I've ever done a CPS sketch before now. I might have done.... but I'm not sure.... where's my brain gone....

Run Muckyfingers, Run!!!!

2011-08-28T00:27:00.001-07:00

On 17th September I will be running (and occasionally walking) the Mouth Cancer Foundation 10k walk at Hyde Park. I'm hoping to raise £500 for them and so far, due to the generosity of so many people, I am already up to £350. The reason I'm doing this isn't just because it's an incredibly supportive charity for those facing head and neck cancer (you can check out their objectives here) and the fact that they provide an online support forum here, but also because my darling sister Steph is living with mouth cancer and through a desperate need to do something and not really being able to do anything other than tell her I love her so many times I bore the pants off her, I thought I'd do this.

If I can raise £500, I could potentially help those in need of support, research, solutions... Steph included.

I understand that not everyone can afford to donate, but if not, if you could share the link, I would be so grateful. Many thanks xoxox

Annette Taylor's Mouth Cancer Foundation - Just Giving Page

PaperPlay - Back to School

2011-08-27T07:25:00.001-07:00

This week's challenge at PaperPlay is themed Back to School and is sponsored by the fab Kenny K Downloads where you can find loads of great digi stamps. Me being an awkward so and so made the card before I knew who the sponsor was, so mine isn't made with a Kenny K image. The other DT members have tho, so head over to the PaperPlay Blog and see what they've made :)

A wedding card commission....

2011-08-19T10:48:00.001-07:00

My favourite cards to make are commissions. Simply because I can create what people want me to create. I take their words, I make a card :)

PaperPlay Make your own DP

2011-08-13T02:14:00.000-07:00

My favourite kind of challenge. I have so much patterned paper I could build a house with it, but it's always good to make your own. I often do this with stamps. The one above is done with a Hero Arts stamp, then I've scrunched the paper and inked it. Very simple but kind of satisfying that it's unique.

If you want to see what the rest of the PaperPlay DT have created, click here and if you join in you could be in with a chance of winning a set of gorgeous Waltzing Mouse stamps :)

A tad late with my blog post....

2011-08-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

.... for Paperplay. The original post is here and the sponsor this week is the wonderful Whiff of Joy Stamps, so join in and you could win :)

Just a few 'just because' creations....

2011-07-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

Paperplay - Things with wings (a little late)

2011-07-18T13:43:00.001-07:00

This should have been uploaded last Thursday but I've been having problems with my H drive, apparently I should have been using my W drive and now I'm all confoosed cos I need to sync it and it's taking ages so I cheated... a bit ;)

So this is last week's card for Paperplay and is sponsored by Meljen's Designs. Join in and play along :)

Shocking behaviour!!!

2011-07-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have not blogged for a month.... I know that this is shocking behaviour, but I've been so busy that my crafting mojo went walkabout. Since then I've decided to move my craft desk (again) so my stash is flippin everywhere!!!

Anyway, I made something :)

This was made for Paperplay for their Anything but a Card challenge. I found this lovely chipboard shape in my local dept store - Jarrolds. I think it was meant to be an arrow.... but I turned it into a house. If you join in, you could be in with a chance of winning a prize from this week's sponsors: La La Lands Crafts.

Off to Debden House this weekend. Fingers crossed that my crafting mojo comes back....

Chicken Soup Recipe #44

2011-06-05T13:58:00.001-07:00

It's chicken soup time and the image is on the blog so pop over there to see what inspired the card above. And yes, I do very much love my mini tags at the mo :)

Paperplay - Citrus Splash Colour Challenge

2011-06-02T07:53:00.001-07:00

A quick one from me today as I am full of cold and don't want to breathe my germs all over you...

Over at Paperplay this week, the challenge is to have a summery splash of colour and if you enter the challenge, you're in with the chance of winning a $15 gift voucher from Simon Says Stamp, so get out your oranges, yellows and greens and join in :)

Final Twist for me

2011-05-30T13:15:00.001-07:00

This is my final Twist for Twisted Sketches and I am really sad to be leaving. It's been a great gig tho and I thank Anam from the bottom of my heart for letting me join in with the rest of the team. This last sketch had a summer twist and I used scraps and dies from Spellbinders and My Favorite Things. Thanks Anam, it's been a blast xx

Six

2011-05-23T02:57:00.001-07:00

And we love her more and more every day :)

Ribbon Girl Colour Challenge #8 - Pink and Purple

2011-05-21T13:10:00.001-07:00

I find this hobby a real form of therapy sometimes. A chance to escape, or concentrate on an issue. It's something I can't seem to do without for more than about 4 days at a time. I was talking to Raymond about this today and I said 'silly isn't it that I get so much comfort from it', he replied 'not at all silly, it's lovely that you have something like that'. I have to agree...

This card is for the current colour challenge over at The Ribbon Girl's blog which is for pinks and lilacs. This card includes some of their lovely seam binding and button twine.

I might need some more therapy now ;)

Paperplay - Sparkle Galore

2011-05-19T14:08:00.000-07:00

A lovely challenge over at Paperplay this week that could win you a £10 store voucher for Bunny Zoe Crafts. The theme is Sparkle Galore, so get your glitter and bling out and create :)

For Kirsty's Sketch Challenge

2011-05-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

I did this for Kirsty's Wednesday Challenge. I love being the rebel who makes a card instead of a scrapbook layout :) I don't think she minds too much tho xx

Belated Chicken Soup!

2011-05-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

Chicken Soup inspiration and recipe #40 was courtesy of me!! If you check on the Chicken Soup Blog you can see the image that was the inspiration for this card. It works well with both doily die cuts and stamps alike :)

Paperplay - What's your style?

2011-05-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Well as you can see, my style has to be stamping, colouring, paper piecing :) Oh and a little grunging thrown in for fun ;)

The stamp is from Kirsty Wiseman and are lovely designs to work with :)

If you head over to Paperplay, you can see what the other talented ladies have created in their own personal style xx

2 of 2 Twisted :)

2011-04-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

The crafting world is a better place thanks to Twisted Sketches :)

This week's twist and sketch can be found here. The twist was 'shine' and here's my take.

Paper is My Mind's Eye, Stella & Rose along with a bit of Basic Grey and a Bazzill half the edge border. The bloom is Prima with a huge sparkly brad (not sure of the brand) and a Magnolia branch die cut adorned with Prima gems and it's all finished off with a Kim Hughes stamp :)

1 of 2 - Chicken Soup

2011-04-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

Apologies for my tardiness, there's been a lot happening at my house (all good) and I've not had a lot of time to upload this week.

As I'm sure you all know, the UK (and possibly the rest of the world) spent yesterday celebrating a wedding, so this week's Chicken Soup recipe had a celebratory feel :) The image that sparked the creativity and the inspiration from the rest of the DT is here Have fun!! xx

Chicken Soup Recipe #38

2011-04-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

I love it when the sun comes out so I can take photos of my cards outside where the light is so much better!

This card is inspired by this week's Chicken Soup recipe which you can find, along with the rest of the DT creations, here :)

Easter Time at Paperplay :)

2011-04-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hop over to Paperplay (I know, I can't carry that off can I?) and see what the other ladies have created, they are eggstraordinary (shoot me now, please) and then join in with us by making an Easter card to be in with a chance of winning xx

Here's a card....

2011-04-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

One I made for a commission I did last month but I'm guessing not as exciting as a man jumping out of an aeroplane (most hits I've ever had in one day on my blog - my cards are obviously rather boring in comparison....) xx

My husband jumped out of an aeroplane.....

2011-04-19T03:11:00.000-07:00

I promise I won't rattle on about this too much, however, all I can say at this moment in time is Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Green Twist

2011-04-17T11:14:00.001-07:00

I honestly cannot remember where I downloaded this paper from but it's lovely paper and years old. The sentiment is from Waltzing Mouse Stamps, the pearls are from Hobbycraft and the leaf die cut is from a Sizzix die. The twist was green (my favourite colour). Here is the Twisted post which has all the other DT's work (which are awesome) xx

Post Number 2 - Papertake - Anything Goes

2011-04-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

I've got to hop that the person this card is meant for doesn't look at this post.... fingers crossed. Anyway, I'm entering this into the PaperTake challenge for this week and the theme is Anything Goes.... so here goes... ;) The optional extra was to use something new. This is the first time I've used this Paper Smooches stamp (I love Kim's stamps, did I say that already....?)

Recipe #36 with a tree

2011-04-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

Love trees on cards. Love the colour teal. Teal and trees = mmmmmmmmm

Don't take my word for it tho, go and look at the inspiration for this week including what the rest of the chefs have made :) Then join in and post your link in the comments. Have a great weekend xx

PaperPlay - Little Critters...

2011-04-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

This was a perfect opportunity to use some of the new Paper Smooches stamps I got last weekend. Combined with MME Stella and Rose & a bit of Basic Grey, some October Afternoon stickers and a Pink Cat Studio digi stamp and I was done.

But don't just look on here, go to the Paperplay blog and see what the other talented ladies have made :)

Twisty Fun

2011-04-03T12:37:00.001-07:00

My first go at an easel card for last Saturday's Twisted Card Sketch. The twist was 'fun' (which was easy to incorporate). I really enjoyed making this - the majority of the paper was Jack and Jill by Prima with Prima gemsand a MFT cloud die cut. The leaf stamp in the background was a tiny stamp from my local craft shop.

Chicken Soup Recipe #35

2011-04-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

Oooo plain and simple isn't like me at all is it? Have a lookee at this week's post over at Chicken Soup and you might get an understanding of my inspiration :) I went for the primary colours and the kind-of 3D effect of the flowers and used butterflies instead!

Waiting for tea to brew

2011-03-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

So I just thought I'd just pop him on here. He is one of 2 identical cards I've made for a friend at work. I've used Mo's Baby Boy from here.

I used SU Spots to paint the image with a few watercolour pencils also. The stamp is an old Kim Hughes one (she has a new store here).

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday xx

Chicken Soup Recipe #34 - Dreamy and Romantic

2011-03-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

Please (I'm almost begging you here) go and look at this week's inspiration. The image is just gorgeous and I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. So easy for an image like this to fuel my creativity, and this is what I made with it :) Chicken Soup are also looking for a Guest DT, so get over there and join in ;)

Have a lovely weekend xXx

Paperplay - Let's distress...

2011-03-24T14:31:00.001-07:00

Rip, tear, ink, smudge.... Oh ok then ;) Love getting inky so I loved this take on the Paperplay Challenges. Come and join us, see the original post HERE

I used scraps of paper, an old book page, Prima pearls and a digi stamp from here.

Feeling blue? Then let's twist.....

2011-03-20T14:18:00.000-07:00

Loved doing this sketch.... I say that every time don't I? Thing is I'm a bit of a sketch junkie and Anam's are the best.

The twist for us this week was to add button(s) and I had some exactly the right colour in my stash (cos it would be wrong to buy more, right?) The papers are Fancy Pants (old ones) and Crate Paper: Restoration (not so old), a Nestie with a Papermania stamp and a trim courtesy or Bazzill Half the Edge. Have a look at the Twsited blog and see the beautiful cards the other ladies have made.....

I feel no shame...

2011-03-19T14:26:00.001-07:00

Today I bought all these beautiful things... and I feel no shame at all {sigh}

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Paper Smooches Birdie...

2011-03-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

So Paper Smooches are looking for some GDT members, so I thought I'd play along :)

I've used one of Kim's digital stamps, some My Mind's Eye paper and some old Making Memories letter stickers.

I think that the paper I stamped onto might be Girl's paperie but it was only a small, left over piece (I can't seem to throw much away I'm afraid).

I coloured in the Little Birdie with my new, Derwent watercolour pencils.

Shades of Green and lots of luck

2011-03-11T15:24:00.001-08:00

Simple but to the point this one. It's for the new challenge up on PaperPlay this week. But don't just look at what I've done, have a look at the rest of the cards made by talented team and make one yourself... :) This week's prize will be a stamp from Whiff of Joy.

Paper Smooches

2011-03-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

The lovely Kim Hughes has a new stamp company called Paper Smooches. Kim has been my favourite stamp designer for a long time so this is the best news to me :)

The blog is: HERE

The store is: HERE

Enjoy ;)

My Mind's Eye card challenge

2011-03-08T09:04:00.001-08:00

I made this using papers from the Lost & Found (not the glittery side - shock!!!) and So Sophie collections. The buttons were also from So Sophie die-cuts. Add a digi sentiment stamp & a tiny bit of ribbon (and a tonne of ink) and i was done :)
I'm entering this for the latest My Mind's Eye sketch challenge.
I'm posting this from a train, on a tablet PC, are you impressed? What do you mean 'no'??????? ;)

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Chicken Soup Recipe #31 - CAKE!!!!

2011-03-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

What better way to end the weekend than with a cake? ;)

Another one of MelJen's digital images for Chicken Soup's recipe #31 with some lovely My Mind's Eye spotty paper behind it.

There's loads more inspiration as well as the original image over on the blog which is HERE

Springy Twist

2011-03-05T07:19:00.001-08:00

I love doing things that I don't usually do (does that make sense?) This card isn't really me at all, but I completely enjoyed making it.

I used old paper (a Basic Grey 6 x 6 - Phoebe I think) for the background, the seemingly die-cut border is from a Prima 6 x 6 (Jack and Jill). The Spring Stamp is from Whimsey Stamps and the butterflies are from Hobbycraft. Inking, cutting, painting; it's all good :) In case you didn't know tho, the twist was Spring ;) The rest of the team created some beautiful work which you can find here :)

Just the Ticket

2011-02-25T13:30:00.001-08:00

I have to say that ever since I bought these MME die cuts I've been looking forward to using them and this week's Chicken Soup recipe was just the right opportunity.

Have a look at what the rest of the chefs created here and have a go yourself :)

Have a lovely weekend everyone x

A new opportunity....

2011-02-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

I love a challenge and I love pretty paper, so when I got the chance to join the PaperPlay Challenges Team, I jumped at the chance. A new challenge is posted every Thursday, each time with a different theme, so come and play along :) The blog is....

Here

So come and join in....

I know I've shouted about Jane before....

2011-02-23T12:59:00.000-08:00

.... but if you've not visited her blog, please go HERE now.... She is one of my favouritest card makers ever :)

Late Twist!

2011-02-22T14:30:00.001-08:00

Apologies for the lateness of this post!!!! This was an easy twist to play with as it was 'Distress' and so I got my ever trusty edge-distresser out and set to work. The stamp is from Purple Onion Designs via 3D Jean and I resist inked it after embossing it with white embossing powder. The flower punches and buttons are ancient (see, I do use old stash) and I think that the paper is Fancy Pants. Lots and lots of inking. But don't loiter here, come over here and see what the other talented ladies created....

Sketches 4 Cards

2011-02-13T01:51:00.001-08:00

I know that some of you already know about the Sketches2Scrapbook app for iPhones and iPads but did you know that Anam has now launched a sketch app for card makers? Anam asked me to design a card for it's release and here it is, but way more importantly than that, here's where you can buy the app... What are you waiting for? Click!!!!! Either that or just search for it on your Apple device. Have fun xx

Chicken Soup Recipe #28

2011-02-13T01:13:00.000-08:00

Pop over to Chicken Soup (if you haven't already done so) to see the image that inspired this card. It was one of those images that I can't resist to be honest.

Again, I've been using up paper scraps (mainly Prima on this one I think) as I seem to have a tonne of them (and yet I still buy more paper, can't quite figure that one out)....

This card was given to my dear work colleague Steve (aka Winnie) who got engaged last week to his lovely lady

Another fab post from the man who makes it human.....

2011-02-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

A beautifully respectful way of looking at life.... Read it here

Twisty Twisty

2011-02-07T13:44:00.001-08:00

Have to say that I absolutely loved making this card, it was mainly made with scraps, so I'm not sure of the makes of the paper etc but the stamps are Waltzing Mouse and Stampin Up and the twine comes from The Ribbon Girl.

Go to Twisted Sketches for the original sketch and twist and get an eyeful of what the rest of the team came up with....

Crafting mojo returns in full force :) With a little help from some chicken Soup

2011-02-05T13:27:00.001-08:00

Ahhhhhhh and relax. Of course once it comes back there's just no stopping it but dastardly work gets right in the way!

Still, I had a day off this week and got 2 cards made. This one was for Chicken Soup for the Poorly Mojo This week we welcome a new DT member Alana Harrod, her blog is here. If you want to see the inspiration image and our interpretations for this week, head over to Chicken Soup :)

Post Flu Crafting Blues

2011-01-31T13:01:00.001-08:00

I've had flu (boohoo). First time ever, properly, but I'm healthy again now. Thing is, the nasty little bug(ger) stole my crafting mojo and I've spent a great deal of the last week throwing naff cards I've made on the fire...

But some inspiration from my sister Soo who was in turn inspired by Lucy and I had what I needed to make a card I wouldn't burn :)

Here it is.....

Bo Bunny papers, EK Success punch and a Kim Hughes stamp...

Waltzing Mouse January Blog Waltz

2011-01-17T00:27:00.001-08:00

It's the January blog waltz for Waltzing Mouse, come over to Claire's blog and see what her amazing DT have created with the theme of Valentines. Then pop over to the shop, cos their stamps are beautifully designed and stamp like a dream. I used 2 sets: Fancy Phrases and Sewing Box Hugs and here's what I made with them.... There's also a competition element to the waltz, which makes it all the more exciting :)

Here's mine :)

Chicken Soup Recipe #024

2011-01-14T13:09:00.001-08:00

Can't stop making cards. It takes me a while as I only have about an hour a day to create stuff but I make sure I use that hour wisely ;)

This one if for the wonderful Chicken Soup Inspiration Blog and the image we took our inspiration from this week is at the top of todays post. A lovely image easily translated as you can see by the other chef's work.... Go on, join in ;)

First Twisted of the Year

2011-01-08T09:35:00.001-08:00

I seem a bit obsessed with the colour blue at the moment in varying lighter shades :) The card above is for Twisted Sketches and this week's twist was ribbon. Can you see mine? Letter stickers are both Websters Pages and October Afternoon. Papers are various My Mind's Eye. Simple card but lots of lovely cats eye ink to liven it up.

Went back to week this work... yeah, you read it right ;)

New Year Productiveness

2011-01-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

A new year and my mojo is awake and kicking. Now I just need the rest of me to catch up ;)

Here's the first Chicken Soup recipe for the new year and my take on it. Loved the colours so I focussed on them... Check out the blog and if you're inspired, add your link :) Have a lovely weekend xx

A non Christmassy Christmas Twist

2010-12-26T03:02:00.000-08:00

The twist this week at Twisted Sketches was Faith. Head over there to check out what the other talented ladies have created.

The branch is a Sizzix sizzlet and I printed out the main part of the greeting.

I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas Day. Mine was quiet, laid-back and warm. As the last 3 months has been a bit hectic, one day of beautiful peace was welcomed enormously. I hope you have some well-earned holiday and get to chill out xXx

Shiny Twist

2010-12-11T13:17:00.001-08:00

I literally took delivery of this stamp and die from Verve on Friday and yes, you've guessed it, they were used on Friday night. I did have something completely different planned for this week's sketch over at Twisted Sketches, but when I saw my new stash, it all changed :) The twist was Shine, pop over to the blog to see what the other ladies have made xx

My Christmas Soup....

2010-12-05T13:40:00.001-08:00

Here are my two Chicken Soup pieces for the current run of Advent inspiration. But go over to the Chicken Soup Blog to see more work and the images that inspired us....

The 12 Days of Chicken Soup

2010-12-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

Have you been keeping up with the Christmas inspiration over at Chicken Soup? We're slowly working through 12 days of Christmas.... Go check it out xx

Quick Twist

2010-11-28T12:39:00.001-08:00

Just a quick one this evening as I've been up since 5am and travelling for most of the day and I'm fit to drop!

The twist this week over at Twisted Sketches was 'Layer' and I love layers so I was in my element :) My main image was not a stamp but the stencil of a diecut that kind of went wrong but a wet-wipe turned it into a happy mistake :) I love the greetings stamp but for the life of me can no longer remember the manufacturer. The button is an old Basic Grey and the fab twine is from the Ribbon Girl. Night night zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Have some Chicken Soup.....

2010-11-21T05:30:00.000-08:00

I am having way too much fun with Clever Cut's masks and this snowflake is one of them :)

Used on this card for the Chicken Soup recipe #21 I outlined the stencilling with stickles. Really simple and very satisfying. So much so that I'm now making a set of gift tags in the same way :)

Sometimes you just have to craft for no reason but the fact that you love it....

2010-11-17T14:07:00.000-08:00

So I did.......

Christmassy Twist!

2010-11-13T12:49:00.000-08:00

I really have got in the swing of making Christmas cards now. This one is for Twisted Sketches and was a joy to make (excuse the pun). The big tag is Echo Park, the brads (which was the Twist this week) are Papermania, the snowflakes (inked to within an inch of their lives) were from the lovely lady on the previous post and the cardstock is Bazzill Swiss Dot. The stamp is from a Crafters Companion set.

Head over to the Twisted blog for a whole load more inspiration.....

Snowflakes.....

2010-11-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

If you like perfect white snowflakes but don't want to buy a die/punch.... Click on this Don't say I never give you anything ;)

Gilttery Twist

2010-10-31T14:12:00.001-07:00

I absolutely loved making this card, it was satisfying not only as I made it mainly with scraps, but also because I dug older stash out of the pits of my craft supplies and used them too.

I love the sketches at Twisted and you should see what the other ladies have created too :)

My supplies were mainly tiny pieces of paper (which I probably should have thrown away ages ago) made into bunting with a gorgeous die from My Favourite Things, some lovely cream heart brads (I have no idea where I got these from) and a Making Memories journaling tag (cut down) with some MM glitter stickers. Happy Creating :)

Chicken Soup Recipe #18

2010-10-29T13:45:00.001-07:00

This was a lovely recipe to work to.... Pop over to The Chicken Soup Blog to see the original inspiration. I took the layers approach to it and cut the backing from Spellbinders Labels 8 and the stuck various scraps to it (great way to use up scraps - I wonder if one day there will just be empty bags where the scraps were and lots of unused sheets of 12x12..... Nahhhh) Then I played with an old Autumn Leaves stamp set, ran some vellum through the Cuttlebug with a polka dot embossing folder and cut is with the next smallest Labels 8 die and added a tag (die: Spellbinders, stamps: Waltzing Mouse) and some American Crafts Thickers which were severely inked. Tadaaaah :)

Chicken Soup Recipe #17

2010-10-22T13:45:00.001-07:00

Eclectic is the only way to describe this. The inspiration is here and it inspired me to go collecting those embellishments that kind of go together but aren't from the same set.

Once again my PP was from a 6x6 Basic Grey Capella book and the embellishments were from all over the place including a mini tag from the post office! The clock stamp is from Clever Cuts - Stamps Away (altho they don't have that one anymore, I don't think) and the greeting was from Waltzing Mouse.

The twine (isn't it lovely) was from the Ribbon Girl.

Isn't Friday lovely? Have a great weekend everyone xx

Twisted Sketch #029

2010-10-17T01:54:00.001-07:00

What a great sketch and twist to mix the old with the new. This week's twist was jewel and I used a new brad in the flower (Papermania) and some Basic Grey jewels around the greeting (had them sitting in my stash for an age).

The paper frame is My Mind's Eye and again, I've had it sitting in my stash for ages as with the huge Prima flower (I think the little one on top is Petaloo). With some brand new 6x6 Basic Grey Capella in the background, some American Crafts Thickers and a Kim Hughes stamp, t'is done :)

Pop over to the Twisted Sketches blog and see what the other DT members have done, then join in :) Have a great Sunday xx

Sketch Saturday #124

2010-10-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

This is a commission I've made for a friend at work but fitted in with the wonky theme that is this week's sketch at Sketch Saturday rather nicely :) The foreground stamp was from the Greeting's Farm Digital Set and the background stamp was temporarily nicked from my sister Soo ;) I used Nesties to cut and pearls from Hobby House to decorate and the background paper is Pizzazzill (which I was once told looked old fashioned.... whatever...). My daughter saw it when she came downstairs this morning and promptly told me it's the coolest card I've ever made - bless her ;)

Shall I post again? Yes, why not....

2010-10-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

It's new DT time at Twisted and I was lucky enough to get a second innings (thanks Anam) so here is the first sketch with the twist of Friend. Pop over to the blog for the sketch and more inspiration from the rest of the new team :)

I used Making Memories paper and Waltzing Mouse stamps with some pretty flowers, a 7 Gypsies sticker and some gorgeous twine from the Ribbon Girl.

Can I also take the opportunity to wish my dear nephew Daniel a fantastic 17th birthday. 17? How on earth did that happen so fast!!!! Have a great evening Dan, love you xoxoxox

Chicken Soup Recipe #15

2010-10-09T04:01:00.000-07:00

Here's my first piece of work for the Chicken Soup Design Team. Take a look at last night's post for the initial inspiration and join in to be in with a chance of winning a fantastic prize :)

If you've not already joined the Facebook Page, it's here xx

Just a quick one.....

2010-10-05T14:11:00.001-07:00

Very briefly as I am rather tired with an achey back tonight. This card was done for Twisted Sketches and the twist this week was Love

I used Basic Grey papers, a Stampin Up script stamp, Nesties and my trusty Cuttlebug (I faked the stiching ;)) and some very old Making Memories alpha stickers.

Rightieho, I'm off to bed xx

Chicken Soup Recipe #12 and some news.....

2010-10-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

Was there ever a luckier person? That's me and 3 other lovely ladies who have just won the opportunity to be on the Chicken Soup Inspiration Blog. Such an amazing bunch of talented women!

Above is my interpretation of Recipe #12 I turned it into a Halloween card with some scraps of paper to make up the border. I think the paper I stamped onto was Bo Bunny, the sparkly black letters are of course AC Thickers, the border at the bottom is MME and a sheet ripped from an old dictionary :)

Me, a chef on Chicken Soup, who'da thunk it!!!

Twisty Circles.....

2010-09-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

And this is the other christening card I made :) This one was for Twisted where this week's twist was Circles and I had 3 of them.

The paper is My Mind's Eye, The stamps are Kim Hughes and a a free font with pearls from Hobby House Crafts.

I've just got back from a day at Alexandra Palace buying more supplies that I desperately need ;) having a wonderful day with Soo and Sarah.... So I shall slink off now xx

The People at work are lovely :)

2010-09-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

I am frequently getting commissions nowadays to make cards for people at work and I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't open a Folksy shop. But I don't want to get too big for my boots... Generally I get asked to make very bespoke cards but recently I was asked to make 2 'boy' christening cards, this is the first one and the second will be posted tomorrow...

The stamps are Kim Hughes from the now closed Cornish Heritage Farms (sob!) and I think that the paper was from my local craft shop :)

Ribbon Girl Colour Challenge #1

2010-09-20T12:44:00.001-07:00

Did you know that over at the Ribbon Girl they have their first challenge?

It's a colour challenge; the colours being being orange, black and white. Great colours for this time of the year now that the seasons (and the leaves) are turning.

I made this card for my brother in law who's birthday is tomorrow (so I'd better get it in the post pretty swiftish).

The gems are Prima, the font is by Kim Hughes, the orage paper is Fancy Pants and I think the black and white paper is Tinkering Ink (but I'm not sure as it's been in my scraps bag for ages). The ribbon was not from the Ribbon Girl (my package from there is arriving later in the week...) but cut from clothes I was throwing out - we like recycling in our house ;)

Tiny, twisty and quick

2010-09-12T00:25:00.000-07:00

Describes this post, the card I made for this week's Twisted sketch and the detail within :) This week's sketch was to incorporate 'tiny' any how, any way so I went for a tiny spot patterned paper by K & Co. The embellished chipboard was painted and glitzed many moons ago and I have no idea how I did it! The stamp is Hero Arts - such a beautifully defined image from these stamps (which are the clings range). It took no time at all to put together, a bit like this post ;) Laters xx

Chicken Soup Recipe #10

2010-09-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm still not sure what I think of my card for this one but this is how the recipe for week #10 spoke to me. Papers are Crate Paper, stamps are SU and Hero Arts. It's nice and standy-outy.....

Don't shout at me.....

2010-08-31T11:25:00.001-07:00

but I made Christmas cards.....

It's literally taken me about 5 goes to upload this, I think Blogger doesn't like me at the mo cos I've posted much more than I would normally....

Anyway, like I said, don't be too cross with me!

I'm doing it again....

2010-08-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

I'm posting twice in a day again. Don't worry, I'm back to work FT again on Weds so I shall possibly go back to posting once a week at the most :)

I've made another card, this time it's a Chicken Soup (recipe #9) card. The colour combo chosen by Clare was exactly the colours I love so I literally dived right in. Wanted to make a 'clean' card this time and it was almost alien to me not to grunge stuff up...

Edgy Twist.....

2010-08-29T01:50:00.000-07:00

The twist @ Twisted this week was EDGE so I cut the edge of the card to make a pretty one :) The papers are My Minds Eye. Just recently I use MME or Bo Bunny over anything else, it's a bit of a love affair I have. Pearls and gems are Prima and the velvet ribbon was cut with my Papertrey Ink eyelet die. The 8teen is of course American Crafts Thickers :)

By the skin of my teeth...

2010-08-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

I wasn't going to do this one, then I looked at the box FULL of thickers and other such sticky alphas.... So here is Chicken Soup recipe #8. Looking forward to seeing what the recipe is tonight :)

Two posts in One DAY!!!!

2010-08-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the excitement but sometimes it takes me an age just to get one post out in a week, but 2 in one day - it has to be holiday time yes?

Anyway, please go to this lady's etsy shop... Lucy makes the most beautiful things and shouldn't be missed..... xx

Another Waltzing Mouse Competition

2010-08-26T05:10:00.000-07:00

Claire is giving away some new September sets to a random winner of their latest challenge. Don't know if you've played with Waltzing Mouse Stamps but they stamp so beautifully and the designs are really gorgeous. Can't wait to see what she's got for the September sets :)

Thanks Ginge :)

2010-08-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Ginge has given me a blog award, i lubs her :)

I'm going to pass it on also and here's the people I'm passing it on to:

and my lovely sister Soo (who already has one from Ginge, but she'd kill me if I didn't ;))

Have a lovely week xx

Chicken Souping my mojo Recipe #7

2010-08-19T14:02:00.001-07:00

Are you inspired by the recipes on the Chicken Soup Blog? I loved recipe #7 and made this card with it :) I went for the layers and soft colours and used scraps - always good.....

Stretching the Twist...

2010-08-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm, the twist for Sketch #020 was fabric and the brad has a fabric covering but then it's covered in some plastic stuff so I think I got it through by the skin of my teeth!

The paper is Daisy Bucket, flowers are a varied collection and I think the sentiment stickers were My Little Bicycle. Very into blue at the mo so lots of my cards have something with this lighter blue on them :)

Waltzing Mouse Challenge

2010-08-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

Hi :) I did this for a challenge on the Waltzing Mouse blog. It's to use one of their free templates and some of their stamps. As I'm addicted to using their stamps at the mo, it was no great hardship ;) Rumour has it that they have some new stamps being released on the 1st Sept too....

Saturday Sketch 31st July

2010-08-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

{Insert big grin here} I bought 2 sets of Waltzing Mouse stamps (as said in earlier post) and I've not really put them down since :) They are addictive and these ones are great for layering, so I started with velvet paper... as you do ;)

I'm putting this one forward for this week's Sketch Saturday....

Twisty Time again Sketch #018

2010-08-01T12:23:00.001-07:00

I love playing with sketches like this one over at Twisted and ironically it was Anam who gave me the newspaper print flowers many moons ago.

I have a new addiction, it's called Waltzing Mouse Stamps. I know that they've been about for a while, but I've only just found them and goodness me they are a ting of beauty. Been playing with them this weekend and will update later in the week to show what I've been up to :)

Metal Guru with a twist....

2010-07-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

I know it looks like I only post when I've got a twisty sketch to show you but life's a bit hectic at the moment but there is some relaxation time ahead as I'm off quite a bit in the school holidays. I'm working 3 days a week for 4 of the weeks which might not sound like much but it's a lot for me. Juggling childcare over holidays when you both work full time is an expensive nightmare so I've saved a bit of holiday time from work to lessen the burden and get some time off with my girl too :)

This is a photo I've bandied about all over the place at the mo. I bought a lens (with some help from my friend Jeremy) for Raymond for his birthday present and have since used it more than he has (sorry Raymond my love). But it's great and so easy to take good photos with it too....

I took this one of Rosie and Raymond on his birthday. They are gamers now. I live in a world of my own with Rosie occasionally getting a bit bored and wanted to come and cut and stick with me....

Speaking of RosieToes she got a cracking school report for her first year and my two favourite lines from it were as follows....

'Rosie should be very proud of her academic achievements this year'

and.....

'Rosie likes most arts and crafts especially cutting and sticking'

That's my girl ;)

Anyway, I made a card didn't I.... The twist for this week's sketch was metal, so here's my interpretation with a metal charm watering can :) Thanks to the Twisted Team for another great sketch to work to xXx

Twisty with Gold for Sketch #014

2010-07-03T13:56:00.001-07:00

Such a lovely sketch over at Twisted for this week and the twist was 'gold'. Not sure if you can see it that well but I've used gold Stickles on my card. I got to use my Papertrey embossing plate which is fab, that was definitely an investment not an expense ;) I also used a Verve and an old Autumn Leaves stamps, the Labels Number 8 Nesties, Bo Bunny patterned paper and a flower that Jo sent me which is a dismantled necklace.

And for Sketch Saturday...

2010-06-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

I made this one of course :)

Mostly made with supplies from Jarrolds which is Norwich's department store.