Lots of pictures and an apology

Ok, I'm rubbish - I am full of good intentions of keeping up to date with my blog on a regular basis, and have failed again - for no other reason that I have been rather busy playing with paper, glue and scissors... in a creative way, obviously :) ...oh, and half term got a little in the way too!

Let me show you some new cards and things:

I love these windmills. The card theme was set by Andrea over at the Sweet Shoppe community (check here for details) - I like the challenges 'cos they often encourage me try new themes or techniques.

My husband was happy to play model for this t-shirt, provided he got to keep it afterwards. I think home-decorated t-shirts make fun presents and party gifts. The transfer papers are readily available, and almost all supermarkets sell inexpensive plain t-shirts in any size now.

This clown card was one of my first for Heather, and involves lots of layering and one of my favourite embellishments: twisted craft wire. I planned this card carefully via Photoshop so that it would fit onto my card blank perfectly, and so that when I printed the various elements I did not waste too much card in the process :)

I'd love to say the jam was home made, but it was a little too early for strawberries to be plentiful or cheap enough when Dani released her 'Fruit Punch' kit, with which I decorated the jar. It's such a summery, and definitely fruity kit! If you do plan to make your own strawberry jam (or lemon curd actually), get this kit!

This was one of the simplest cards to make, and I loved it so much that I took my idea and made more to match!

As you can see, the construction is the same, just with the variation on words and accent colours. I do like my Fiskars border punch - and 3mm wide silk ribbon threads perfectly through the holes for a very feminine finish, don't you agree?

Finally, did you like the tags at the top of this post? All made for and using products available from the ever-wonderful Michelle of Poppicrafts. Did you guess that the heart on the purple tag was made from two petals from a chipboard flower, and that its wings were made from the petals of the blooms in the store? Michelle has some very tempting plans for new products over at Poppicrafts, so remember to keep popping back for a look (better yet, sign up for the newsletter!) - oh, and do check out the gorgeous new patchwork heart ribbons over there too ...they are rather irresistible :)

Fingers crossed for sunshine tomorrow,

Sx

Dotty flower tag

Papers: Pink Petticoat, Dovecraft chalk, chipboard flower and all other embellishments from Poppicrafts
Winged heart tag

Paper: ‘Pink Tongue Twister’ kit by Marcie Reckinger, Rub-ons: Doodlebug Designs, Dovecraft chalk & plain chipboard cut to shape. All other embellishments from Poppicrafts (including heart made by cutting down a chipboard flower).

Felt tag

Seed beads: local craft shop. All other embellishments from Poppicrafts (including the tag itself, made by cutting down scalloped edge of Fancy Pants felt)

Windmill card

All papers: 'Girls and Dolls' kit by Heather Roselli, rub-on alpha and sugar coated brads from Doodlebug Designs, flower button from Poppicrafts, DMC thread, Dovecraft chalks.

T-shirt

All images from Dani Mogstad's 'Tough Guy' kit, HP transfer paper, t-shirt from ASDA

Circus Tent Birthday card

All papers and images from 'Life's a Circus' by Heater Roselli, craft wire, b&w modified border by Lauren Grier, Dovecraft chalks, ink, and the font is '4th July'.

Jam Jar

All images & papers from 'Fruit Punch' by Dani Mogstad, raffia from my local craft shop, and a jar of jam from Sainsburys :)

Sweet card & its variations

All paper and images from 'Sweet Cupcake' by Dani Mogstad, Fiskars Threading Water punch, ink, blooms cut into hearts from Poppicrafts, narrow ribbon from Ribbon Oasis (I think), Ranger Stickles glitter glue.

A new team, two cards and warm water

Back again - finally! We had a lovely week away and then a manic week back home catching up - plus I started my few weeks of work at our son's school (covering medical leave). The pay isn't at all great - but it should help towards my embellishment addiction and maybe a little towards paying for the gym membership I've just taken out!

Let me catch you up with a card or two I've recently made:

There was a recent challenge to make a windmill card over at the Sweet Shoppe (complete with instructions by Andrea), and this was my take. I love the colours I chose - so girly and just right for my niece. I made the challenge extra fiddly for myself by having the bright idea (!) to make mini windmills, rather than one large one, but it has worked beautifully so I will be doing this again 'cos its such a nice idea.

I designed this next card to be a simple one to construct, after assembling all the digital elements in Photoshop and printing out:

I printed the lion banner twice, so that I could select certain areas to layer up (such as the lion's head and the balloons). Inking has yet again added definition, don't you think? As you can see, I printed the image a third time, but at a reduced size, for a quick tag.

All the papers and digi-elements from these cards are from kits by Heather Roselli - who has very kindly invited me to be part of her design team! A very big and excited toot, toot for me :)

I am hoping to make the lion and banner a give-away on Heather's team blog sometime in the near future. I'll let you know....

I can't begin to describe how happy (and constantly surprised!) I am at all the faith in my work shown by these incredibly talented people. Makes me feel very humble - thank you to them all again, and again...

I have definitely decided that 4 full time teams is my limit, especially with working (just a little) and the Summer holidays coming up, when crafting time will be rather limited and precious! ...but may be I can wrangle a guest spot in another team now and again. I live for the variety and challenge!

Have you investigated the digi-worlds of scrapping and creating yet? If not, you must!!! Imagine: unlimited access to papers and elements you love, with ideas for what ribbon/ buttons etc will coordinate with the kit. I know I'm part of the team over at Digiscrap Addicts, but honestly, even I am totally in awe of the scale of ideas, suggestions, friendship, coupons and freebies that are on offer there. All you do is register (FREE!), and you can access some beautiful kits and gallery inspiration - but don't forget to check out the general forums too - they are truly multinational and very welcoming :)

Be brave, stick your toe in - the water's fine, trust me!

I promise to be back soon!

Sx

Windmill card:

Made using 'Girls and Dolls' - Heather Roselli (here at Sweet Shoppe Designs)

Sugar coated brads and rub-on alpha - Doodlebug Designs

Dovecraft chalks

Grrreat birthday card:

Made using 'Life's a Circus' - Heather Roselli (here at Sweet Shoppe Designs)

Ricrac - Doodlebug Designs

Ranger Stickles glitter glue, ink, freebie stars

Poppicrafts and a Springy quiz

Hi! I made the above card for Poppicrafts - the last batch, not the one Michelle received this morning. I was really proud of the L, so here it a little closer:

I really like playing with craft wire. I just twirl it around a smooth-sided pen to make the loops and stretch or twist it into the final shape. But it can be a pain to fix in place, unless there is something to anchor it at both ends!

As I mentioned, Michelle received the box of bits and pieces I made this morning, and I can't wait to see them in the Poppicraft gallery. I haven't used so many blooms in my cards this time - at least not whole ones! ...and wait 'till you see how I've used the hinges from my favourite on-line crafty store!

I have another one of those free, daft and anonymous quizzes for you to try. Wouldn't you like to know 'What Part of Spring' you are? This is me:

You Are Chirping Birds

You are a very caring person. You especially feel for innocent beings, like animals and children. You are keyed in to the world and very peaceful. You believe that everyone is connected. You remain focused and in the moment. You are not easily distracted. You have a good memory, especially for things that you hear. You listen carefully.

What Part of Spring Are You?

I'm not sure my family would recognise this description of me - especially where it mentions me not being easily distracted, and as for the good memory - but things I need to remember leak out of my brain all the time (I really need to start using my Brain Training again).

It was my turn to add to the Girl Talk blog this week. My article is here if you'd like to see it - and is about gift tags and wrapping paper :)

We're going on holiday at the weekend, just for a week, to see family. I am having very guilty feelings about taking Alex out of school, but we haven't seen my family (particularly my Mum) since last August, and we all miss them. Soooo, no posts for a week - I'll be back after the 17th - but remember to check out the Sweet Shoppe this Saturday, as all new releases are 20% off, and I have a strange feeling that Dani may have something yummy in store....

Enjoy your week!

Sx

Green flowery paper: Pink Petticoat; Cloud paper: ‘Once Upon a Time’ by Lili & Emily Merritt; Blue sugar coated card: Doodlebug Designs; All other elements: Poppicrafts (including the Fancy Pants felt)

Good Evening! Its been such a lovely day today - and I haven't made the most of the sunshine 'cos I've been sale shopping on line. Today is National Scrappbooking Day in the US, and its a great excuse for lost of digi-shops and designers to have wonderful sales and give away nice things too.

If you are new to the digi-world, or want to sample it for yourself - today is the day to go looking - though most sales and celebrations are actually on all weekend. Digiscrap Addicts is a brilliant place to start your journey - join the 'blog train' and collect almost a dozen freebies and discover lots of different designers en route.

I spent lots in the Sweet Shoppe sale as usual - but there again I've been naughty all week: new printer, camera and a bind-it-all machine. Honestly, it was all in the sale and I did need it all (though maybe not the Bind-it-All... I just really wanted that). I think I have already had this year's birthday and Christmas presents :)

Did you see my article for Girl Talk? Well, I'm showing 2 of the cards from there now - the other, my favourite, I plan to rephoto as the original pic is just so grainy (hence new camera, as my current one is just so unpredicatble).

I love the sunflower card at the top: Quite simplyt print the same flower out twice, chalkt the edges and then layer on top of each other, gently easing the petal ends upwards. I measured my card blank first before printing the larger flower, so that it would fill the card and I think the border finishes it perfectly.

Here's the second - which is a printed out, snipped out, inked and layered card, but it would be really simple (and a lot less intensive!) to make it a purely digi-card, just remember to measure your card base first:

I added a gem for sparkle to the centre of the stylised flower - which you can equally do with a digi-card making it a little more special than simply a flat image.

On Tuesday, I will be posting a new package of cards and thingummys to Michelle at Poppicrafts - but I have had some trouble with a card I wanted to make. I know it will work eventually, but after two attempts I am going to leave it for another day. Thankfully I had a couple of alternate design ideas in reserve - but I am still determined to make my original plan work some how. I'm being a bit cryptic I know, but when it works, it'll look great - hopefully!

Finally, I'm doing another blog article for Girl Talk on Tuesday (still no thumbs up on the freebie I want to share, but I think Dani's planning a big release of lots of yummy new things soon), so hopefully I'll see you there (sort of!).

Enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend...

Sx

PS Anyone else re-reading the Twilight books?


All papers are from Dani Mogstad's 'Pop Goes the World' kit
Doodle borders adapted from Lauren Grier's 'Border Line'
Craft wire, Dovecraft chalks, ink, gem all from local craft store

This card was made using a kit by Heather Roselli called 'Big Spender'. The kit, I think, was partly intended to reflect the current economic climate, but I couldn't resist 'filling' the bag element with gifts and other goodies. I made the tags below using the same kit, and I think I'll make another tag to match the card sometime in the future too - the bag would lend itself to this perfectly, don't you think?

This Thursday will be 'Card Day' over on the Girl Talk blog (Dani Mogstad's team blog). This month I am showing off 3 new cards - and if I get the thumbs up from Dani, a little freebie too... so fingers crossed for a 'yes' :)

I am also doing another article for that blog on the 5th May - 'cos someone else beat me to the card day slot for next month - humph ;)

You know, I never thought I get frustrated being on a design team - but I do, 'cos when you make something you want to show off immediately to everyone, you inevitably have to wait to pop it on the team blog first! Still, I wouldn't stop doing what I do for the world, and as long as the teams want me, I'm theirs - believe me, I know how lucky I am, and constantly wonder just how it happened?

Sx

Other elements used in the cards & tag design:

All blooms & most ribbon: Poppicrafts

Green ribbon on card: freebie snipped from a top I bought (the ultimate in recycling!)

Heart sequin, sugar coated card & rub-on alpha: Doodlebug Designs

Dovecraft chalks & flower brads

Ranger stickles glitter glue

Raffia, ink, craft wire, gems & seed beed: local carft shop

Staples

Fonts: 'Born to' is in Gorillaz1 and 'Everyone needs a little' is in Cupcake

Feeling Springy

The sun is shining, for once I'm organised enough that my washing line is full of clothes blowing in the breeze and I'm feeling quite content with the world... it must be Spring!

I love my little dragonfly on the card above. He's based on a template by MissTiina, but I made his wings out of petals from paper blooms. I think they worked beautifully :)

I was feeling soooo pleased with the result that I made the hanging decorations below for my Easter tree - but they would make a perfect mobile addition too (hummm, I think that may be a near-future project!):

I made the decorations a little more robust by laminating them.

I'm off to sit in the sun and read the final book of the Twilight series - I just couldn't resist the hype about them...

Sx

PS Don't forget to check out the latest challenge at Poppicrafts! Its all about using skinny/ thin ribbon and you could earn yourself £20 vouchers - just think of all the dragonfly wings that would make...

Dragonfly template: MissTiina (at Funky Playground Designs)
Blooms: Poppicrafts
B&W border, flower paper and alpha background paper: Pink Petticoat
Blue spotty paper: ‘Flip’ kit from TADA
Acrylic alpha: Shawna Clingerman (at Sweet Shoppe Designs)
Pink gem & rub-ons: Doodlebug Designs

Chocolate and orange

I've another (belated) daft quiz for you this evening: 'What Easter Candy Are You' - feel free to substitute 'sweetie' for 'candy' if you're feeling very British today :)
This was my result:

You Are a Chocolate Bunny

A traditionalist, you secretly want to dress up like a bunny. And not just on Easter.

What Easter Candy Are You?

Its fun, free and doesn't require knowing who you are, so why not have a play?

I just finished this digital layout using a free template from the Sweet Shoppe community forum, and I love the colours I used (I've been using a lot of blue recently for some reason) - in fact I'm wearing a matching t-shirt right now (the shade of orange that nearly makes your eyes water). Its true what they say about colours affecting your mood, 'cos I'm feeling quite chirpy even though Alex and I have butted heads quite a lot today (its still half term!):

I've made some lovely cards recently (I think!?) that I will be able to share with you here after tomorrow when the first issue of the e-magazine of the new DSA site is available. Do you remember me mentioning it?

Do go and have a peek even if you favour paper and glue to the digital world - there is so much to see, try and take inspiration from. Take from it only what you want and then simply enjoy the community spirit. I dare you :)

Sx

Credits for the LO:'Please Refrigerate' kit by Lauren Grier & Mikkel Paige; 'Button it' by Lauren Grier; 'Give me more Arrows' by Shawna Clingerman and the font is DJB RachelM by Darcy Baldwin. All from SSD.